#i wore out the spine on my book of greek mythology

[dinosaurtsukki]

across the sea | a bokuaka fanfic (act. III)

inspired by the movie ‘portrait of a lady on fire’ by celine sciamma which is sad and lesbian

pairing: bokuto koutarou x akaashi keiji

word count: 21.8k words

contains: historical setting (actually the setting is vague bec if i tried to describe it more it would take 5 extra pages), heavy angst, slight fluff, greek mythology references, implied smut

summary: when Bokuto accepted a portrait commission for the young, engaged Akaashi Keiji, he never expected him to be so beautiful. he knows it's a mistake to be attached, a mistake for them to fall in love in a time when they know it's impossible for them to be together.

a/n: i’m a sad gay who loves sad lesbian movies and portait of a lady on fire is peak film. a lot of the things here are based on the film so i suggest you check out this beautiful movie, but i added a few tweaks here and there to make it my own.

chapters: act. I, act. II., act. III

Bokuto only saw Akaashi two more times since he last left the Elysium Manor. The first time was three years after that unforgettable summer in a secluded house. Thanks to finishing the portrait commission that pleased Mikoto, a woman of relatively high social standing, Bokuto gained a bit more status within the artist circles. Rich nobles commissioned him for portraits, scholars and other writers and artists commissioned him to create paintings of fantastical scenes, and almost any painting that he made was guaranteed a spot in a museum. Bokuto was invited to join the upper social circles at their dinners and luncheons or visits to the opera, but he would politely decline. He couldn’t imagine himself being a part of that social circle and let them paint a picture of mystery around him.

Instead, he decided to teach. He used his money to open a studio for young artists and taught them the basics of sketching and painting with different mediums, instructing them the way his master did. Bokuto had his own studio situated on the floor above where he would teach that came with a bedroom. At night, he’d open the windows for the smell of turpentine and oil to air out, but he’d keep the windows closed, the lights off, and the backdoor open for Kuroo to come in.

He was a male model, one quite famous with fellow artists for being a good one. There were probably a number of sculptures in the nearby museum, Asphodel, based on his physique. He didn’t discriminate when it came to preferring the company of men and women and hit his preferences just as well as Bokuto did. Kuroo was a nice man, a kind one, and Bokuto knew that maybe the dark-haired model had feelings for him. And yet, he never crossed that line. Most likely, Kuroo could see that faraway look in Bokuto’s eyes when he woke up in the morning, his eyes searching for the sea and whatever was across it.

The first time he saw Akaashi was in Asphodel. Bokuto had recently finished a painting that was going to be a centerpiece in their main gallery. On that day, he wore his best shirt and tried to wet his hair and comb it down but to no avail. ‘It’s alright. You’re known for your skills. Not your looks,’ he told himself before putting on a coat and heading out to leave.

The museum was already packed when he arrived with a good number of people circled around his painting. Bokuto pushed his way through the crowd, muttering ‘Excuse me’ along the way, until he was standing near it with his back to the wall. He was aware that he was drawing attention to himself looking like a sentinel instead of the painter but he couldn’t help but wonder about the things people would say. One of the viewers, a young couple, were in conversation as they scanned the painting.

“It’s that Greek legend, isn’t it? The one with Orpheus.”

“Yes. And his wife Eurydice. He traveled to the Underworld after she died with the hope of being able to bring her to life again.”

“I remember! But then there was a condition, right? He couldn’t turn around.”

“That’s right. Although… most painters and writers depict Eurydice already just as Orpheus turned around. In this one, it’s as if he turned around just in time to see her fall.”

“Kind of like he expected it?”

“Maybe. It’s quite an interesting take, if you ask me.”

“Indeed, it is.”

Bokuto smiled to himself, satisfied at the exchange generated by his painting. It was all about the exchanges, the different conversations that his art generated. He stayed by his painting for a few more minutes, listening to conversations, before deciding to stroll through the museum and peruse the other collections. His best sources of inspiration were other artists, but during this visit, it wasn’t just inspiration he found.

It was another portrait of Akaashi Keiji.

It hung in one of the museum wings that they dedicated to portraits. Bokuto rarely needed inspiration for those but something about that day pulled him into the wing to view the collections until he caught a familiar painted face. ‘Is it really him?’ he wondered, eyes flying to the placard to the right that confirmed his suspicions: Portrait of Akaashi Keiji, oil on canvas. It was him. In the portrait, Akaashi was sitting on a chair, elbows on a desk, hands holding up a book. His posture was impeccable as always but his face was completely absorbed in what he was reading. But it was him: same high cheekbones, same curly brown hair, same delicate fingers, same emerald eyes.

Bokuto didn’t know how long he stood there just drinking in the portrait and attempted to memorize every detail when he came to the book in Akaashi’s hands. The worn spine, the burgundy leather jacket, even the size of it: it was his book on Greek Mythology. The book was angled just so, enough for the viewer to see the top corner of the righthand page. “Page 57,” Bokuto whispered, overcome with sheer sadness and joy at the encounter, “You remember.”

The second and last time Bokuto saw Akaashi happened two years later at the Museum Greek History, this time in a different city. Bokuto was there working on a commission for a noblewoman who wanted portraits of each of her children. It was a lot of work, but the money was good and he got to see much of the city. Bokuto decided to explore the museum during a day off. His favorite part was the collection of ancient texts and scrolls that were each displayed in a glass case. He couldn’t read anything that was written, but he liked knowing that they had such a collection. ‘Maybe this time they won’t keep the homosexual subtext out of translation,’ he thought with a smile. He still held out hope that maybe someday, people would accept that Achilles and Patroclus were lovers.

With that thought in mind, Bokuto decided he was done looking around for the day and get ready for the amount of work he would have to do on the way back home. He was walking down the flights of stairs, deep in thought, when a voice shook him out of his thoughts.

“Bokuto-san.”

He had to hold onto the railing to keep himself from falling. It was just like that time he saw Akaashi’s portrait two years ago. Nobody else said his name like that: all crisp syllables and with more than a little warmth in the tone. Bokuto remembered the last time he actually saw Akaashi back at Elysium Manor, and turned around.

There he was, standing at the top of the staircase. He looked as if five years had barely laid a finger on him and looked just as surprised as Bokuto did. Akaashi took a hesitant step forward and walked down two steps. Bokuto felt as if he was back in Elysium Manor as their surroundings fell away.

“It’s you.”

“It’s me.”

“H-how… how have you been?” Bokuto stammered. So many questions overwhelmed his mind and yet he could only pick out that one. An inkling of a smile appeared on Akaashi’s face as he nodded his head in understanding. ‘Even now, we still have this connection,’ Bokuto thought.

“I’m alright. Married. We live in a nice house. My wife is kind, beautiful, friendly. Sometimes we play card games at night,” he enumerated, tapping absentmindedly at the railing of the stairway. “A good life actually.” He looked back at Bokuto. ‘But you’re not in it,’ he seemed to say. “How about you?”

“I could say the same,” Bokuto managed a smile. “My paintings have been pretty famous. I get commissioned often. I teach young artists. I make enough to keep my studio and do some traveling here and there.”

“Sounds like a good life.”

“It does.” But it was just that: good. Bokuto opened his mouth to say something when a child came running down the staircase from above.

“Father!” he exclaimed, barreling into Akaashi’s side. ‘Father,’ Bokuto echoed in his mind. The little boy looked to be about five or four years old. He mostly took after his mother as he had fair hair and fair skins, but when Bokuto looked at closer, he could tell that the boy had his father’s eyes.

“Hiro. Please don’t run down the stairs, you could slip,” Akaashi gently scolded him, leaning down a bit to fix his tie. It was such a small gesture but it made Bokuto’s heart ache just to watch.

“I saw this really cool looking spear in the Weapons Wing. It looked just like the one in the book you read to me!” the young boy exclaimed excitedly.

“Is that so? I hope you remember it well then,” Akaashi fondly patted his son’s head before turning to Bokuto. “Hiro, this is one of my… good friends, Bokuto. Bokuto, this is Hiro. My son.”

“Nice to meet you,” Bokuto smiled down at him. Hiro cocked his head and waved shyly, making Bokuto chuckle. “He has your eyes, Akaashi.” During the past five years, Bokuto had held out hope that maybe he and Akaashi would cross paths again, that maybe they could run away like what Akaashi dreamed of. But now, he knew that he was too late. Ever since he left Elysium Manor, it was all too late for that.

“It was great seeing you again, Akaashi,” Bokuto cleared his throat and feigned a smile. “I… I have to take my leave now.” He didn’t want to leave. With every fiber of his being, he didn’t want to leave. He would hold this encounter in his heart for the rest of his life but nothing good would come out of him speaking his mind.

“Alright, say goodbye, Hiro,” Akaashi said, tight-lipped. ‘You know it too,’ Bokuto thought.

“Bye,” Hiro waved shyly. Just as Bokuto was about to turn and leave, Akaashi quickly ran down the rest of the steps and wrapped both of his arms around him before he could say anything. Bokuto held his arms awkwardly at his sides before wrapping them around Akaashi’s waist. He wondered how much Akaashi had tried to hold himself back from doing this.

“Koutarou,” he whispered. “Until now, do you…?”

“I do. I think of you every single day,” Bokuto whispered back. “I still love you, Keiji.”

“I’m glad,” Akaashi swallowed and pulled back, leaving the feeling of that loss of warmth that Bokuto would carry with him for the rest of his life. And with that, he nodded once, and left.

Five more years passed. Bokuto had begun to grow tired of the fame and attention and decided to move to a provincial town along the coast. He left his studio to one of his young apprentices, packed up his materials, and bought a small house with a garden that sat near a cliff, overlooking the sea. He still painted, it was something he never grew tired of, but he chose to paint nature or the people at the countryside instead of the portraits of noblemen and fantastical scenes. He liked getting to know his neighbors, going to the festivals held at the town square, and looking out of his window to see the birds that chirped on the trees or dove into the sea for food. He was sitting on his chair outside, trying to sketch the charming woodpecker he saw that morning from memory, when Kageyama came.

“If it isn’t Elysium Manor’s most loyal butler,” Bokuto grinned at him as he saw the familiar head of black hair approach his porch. He looked different from the last time Bokuto saw him. His arms were thicker and his complexion was slightly tanned. But it was still him.

“It took a while for me to find you, Bokuto,” he returned the smile.

“Find me?” Bokuto said, puzzled. “Did you suddenly become a fan of my paintings?”

“No, it’s…” Kageyama paused and exhaled, the look on his face somber. “Can we talk inside?” Bokuto felt his stomach drop. He knew he wasn’t going to like whatever it is Kageyama was going to say.

“Sure. I’ll make tea.”

Once they were sitting at the table with two mugs of tea between them, Kageyama broke the news.

“Akaashi-san passed away last winter.”

The news hit Bokuto like cold water to the face. Akaashi Keiji. The man that Bokuto had loved ten summers ago. The man he just saw five years ago. The one that haunted him at midnight, tossing and turning and longing for that touch and wondering about all the what-could-have-been’s. His Akaashi Keiji. His Akaashi Keiji whose sketch Bokuto still kept in a small pocketbook close to his heart. Who grew up a lonely, sickly boy in a house full of books. His Akaashi Keiji, who would mumble ‘Koutarou’ every time they woke up together during those numbered mornings. His Akaashi Keiji.

“I’m sorry, Bokuto. I truly am,” Kageyama sighed, reaching out to touch his fingertips.

“How—how did you know?” he stammered.

“I received a letter,” he said. “It said that he contracted tuberculosis from a trip abroad and, well you know how sickly he is. He wasn’t able to survive it.”

“God…” Bokuto rubbed a hand over his eyes. “I… I didn’t think… of all things…”

“I know,” Kageyama nodded. “The letter said that I was mentioned in Akaashi-san’s will. He entrusted two items to me to deliver to you.” With that, he pulled a package wrapped in brown paper and tied with twin from his satchel and placed it on the table. Bokuto made no move to accept it. All he wanted was Akaashi back. He didn’t care if had to take ten, twenty more years for them to meet again. He just wanted to know he was alive somewhere and still thinking of him.

“I…I think I know why he had these sent to me instead of having them delivered directly to you,” Kageyama cleared his throat. “Akaashi-san cared about you, and yes, I know he cared about you in that way. I could see it in the way he looked at you. I was skeptical at first of your relationship but ten years after, the moments I witnessed of the two you stand out starkly.”

At this, Bokuto could feel himself collapse with his head on the table, the dam of tears finally breaking as he sobbed into his arms. “It’s true. We did love each other.”

“I know he thought of you in those last moments,” Kageyama consoled him. “You were too important for him to think of breaking the news to you through just a letter.”

Bokuto didn’t know how long he had cried there on the table for. He could hear Kageyama busying himself in the kitchen and the smell of dinner being cooked, as if they were both back at Elysium Manor. Finally, when his tears had all run out, he sat up to open the package that Akaashi had entrusted to Kageyama. Inside, there were two books: the Greek Mythology book that Akaashi loved so much, much worn down than the last time Bokuto had used it to sketch a portrait of himself, and a soft, leather-bound notebook.

It was late so Kageyama stayed the night and slept on a roll-out cot beside Bokuto’s bed before he left the next morning. “It’s a nice place,” he told him, as they stood at the cliffside overlooking the sea. “I could see why you chose to be here.”

The next few months after that was the longest that Bokuto spent without painting. Every time he tried to pick up a brush or a piece of drawing charcoal, his hands shook and all he could see in front of him was the half-finished portrait of Akaashi, and Akaashi himself posing in the distance. And at night, he’d find himself looking over his shoulder more than once to see that vision of his beloved, pale as a ghost.

Finally, he picked up the leather notebook that Akaashi left for him. He had expected it to be a diary but it ended up being slightly more than that. It was a story: about a lonely boy who spent his days reading books in an empty house and the beautiful painter who entered his life and made it worth living. ‘He came on a little lifeboat from across the sea,’ it began. Bokuto found himself tearing up again at the sight of Akaashi’s handwriting.

Every day, little by little, he read a bit more of the story, mostly while he was sitting on a chair near the cliffside. He relived everything: the time Akaashi drank the sea from his cupped hands, the look on his face when he saw the ruined portrait, Akaashi dancing around the maypole with his crown of chrysanthemums, the summer night kiss, the feeling of their bodies pressed together, the sound of his voice when he read out loud, Akaashi’s emerald green suit in the portrait, their last night together, the morning after and the sketches to remember each other by, Akaashi illuminated by a single shaft of light in the middle of the floor, the portrait of him hanging in the museum with the pages of his book turned to the 57th page, the last time Bokuto heard Akaashi say his name.

At the very last page of the notebook was a note, directly addressed to him: I know for a fact that there are others like us, Koutarou. Afraid of the punishment, afraid of the scorn. I don’t think I’ve ever cared about what people would think of me once I died, but if there is one thing I want people to remember about me, its that I was yours, always yours. Maybe someday there will be a place for people like us, a better place. And I want them to know that we’ve always been around. We’ve hid. We’ve suffered. We’ve lost. But we’ve also loved.

“We have loved, haven’t we Akaashi?” Bokuto whispered, closing the notebook. He knew that he was going to finally pick up his charcoals and later on, his brush. He remembered what Akaashi said about how texts were continuously misinterpreted to remove the homoerotic subtext and as much as he knew it would be difficult to do so with Akaashi’s journal, Bokuto wanted to further ensure how history would remember them. He would sketch and paint everything he could possibly remember. But for now, he wanted to finish his day staring out across the sea.

Kageyama knew why Bokuto purposely chose to make his home here. The town and house he lived in was just on the other side of the sea, across where Elysium Manor still reportedly stood. Nobody went there and it was still Akaashi’s name, but the land and the manor would eventually be donated to the nearby town. Under the condition that Akaashi Keiji’s final resting place wouldn’t be disturbed.

“That clause in his will was only allowed for me to hear,” Kageyama had said a few months ago before he left. “That small plot of land next to where Akaashi-san is buried is entrusted to me to be passed on to you. Bokuto-san, I will ensure that that will be your final resting place. And if I pass on before you, I will entrust the task to my nephew. I can promise you that.”

“You do love your Greek myths, don’t you Akaashi?” Bokuto smiled to himself. He could almost hear his laugh in the back of his mind. As he looked out to the sea, he could just barely make out what lay across it. It made Bokuto remember how Orpheus and Eurydice’s tale truly ended. After losing his wife a second time, Orpheus wandered the Earth, lost and mourning, until he was torn apart and killed by Maenads, Dionysus’ traveling followers. When Orpheus soul traveled down to the Underworld, Eurydice was there, standing on the banks of the River Styx, arms outstretched to her lover who finally came home.

[amarabliss]

All hail the new queen... - 2 (Original Hades Story)

I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m bored, dealing with a lot and this seems to be interesting at the moment. If people like it maybe an occasional thing here and there.

You fought your way through the maze of the underworld to make a deal with the King…intrigued the lonely king listens…

Part One

gif credit https://homdor.com/momoi-good-ol-mouth-kiss/dazzlingthornyarcticduck/detail

“First…” He stood up taking your hands in his helping you up, “how did this happen?”

You looked down to where is eyes lingered. The blood dripping down your arm, seeping into the plaid shirt you wore, “Centaur with a bow.”

“Did you retaliate?” He pushed up your sleeve to get a better look.

You hesitated before answering, “I…may have pushed a statue toward them to get away.”

He glanced up at your face before gripping the wound tightly making your hiss, “Well, I’m sure your family would not want to see you injured. Nor do I like having blood dripping all over my floors.”

Your hand gripped over his as he pressed further into your arm, “Th-that hurts!”

“It should, it’s a brand.” He told you releasing your arm finally as you clutched your arm, “The wound is healed and you’ll be able to come back and forth from the mortal realm and here more freely. Though I have a few other ideas to help with that as well.”

You stared up at him confused for a moment before looking at your arm seeing a purple hand print glowing slightly, “You could have warned me…”

“I’ll keep that in mind for the future.” He told you briskly before turning from you, “It’s time for you to return home. See that our deal is completed. I’ll reach out to you in a moment and let you know when you’re expected to return.”

“Sir…I…” As you began to speak he turned to you putting a hand to your mouth preventing you to speak.

“The door is over there.” He nodded behind you, “I’ll see you soon.”

You nodded slowly before turning from him. The fog moved around you as you reached the door. You glanced back at the lonely figure. His silhouette pungent against the blue aura the fog created. Taking a deep breath before you step through the door you felt a rushing sensation.

Your eyes sprung open as hot bile rushed up your throat. You rolled to your side releasing the contents of the ritual drink onto the ground of the hospital boiler room. Shaking you sat up to your knees before wiping your mouth.

You look over at the book you’d found the spell in. Everything had worked. You couldn’t believe it. You’d half thought that everything might have been some hallucinatory dream from the tea you had to ingest.

Your eyes widened as you looked at your arm pulling up your sleeve. There wasn’t a blood stain, or a wound, or even the handprint. Maybe it was all a dream…

“Shit…” You sighed hanging your head. You were insane to think your hobby would be something that could actually help you. Mythology was just that…myth.

You grabbed everything hastily and threw it in your bag. How long were you out? Your mother and aunts would be furious if they found Jonah alone.

You stormed the staircase like your life depended on. A burning sensation filled your chest as you hit the fifth floor. You took a few deep breaths before exiting the stair well. You didn’t want to start a fight when your brother needed peace.

As you walked forward you saw the door to your brother’s room open, your cousins standing outside, “What’s going on?”

The oldest looked at you smiling, “It’s a miracle, Y/N.”

You looked into the room seeing a doctor with his back to you, “Jonah please wiggle your toes.”

You pushed past everyone watching as Jonah smiled wiggling his toes. The doctor asked him to bend each leg which he did so easily. Your brother looked happier then he’d been in the last six months.

His eyes landed on you, “Lígo, look! It’s a miracle.”

“Megálo…” Hearing your brother use your nickname brought tears to your eyes instantly. You stepped up to the end of the bed, “How…”

You stopped when you looked at the doctor writing things down on a chart. He had the same demeanor as before, but instead of being dressed in dark sweeping shadows he wore a doctor’s coat. His eyes swept up looking to you, sending chills up your spine, a pale blue seeking you out. Your arm started to burn.

“Dr. Aides…he said he had an idea and it worked.” Jonah smiled up the man.

“I see…” You nodded slowly before forcing a smile, “that’s wonderful. How long before he can go home?”

“A few days. We need to run a few more test. Then we can set up physical therapy.” Dr. Aides clicked the pen closed putting it in his pocket, “I’ll let you all have a moment before the nurse comes in to take you for an MRI and X-Ray. Excuse me.”

You watched him moved past all of your family easily. You looked at your mother quickly. She was fawning over your brother who looked healthy and happy. Just what you asked for. You quietly faded toward the door, something you were good at now.

When you stepped into the hall you saw him standing with a nurse. They looked enthralled as he spoke handing the clipboard over to them. They nodded and walked away obediently as you approached.

He turned to you putting his hands in the pockets of the doctor coat, “He’s doing well and the scans should indicate that.”

“I didn’t…I thought I might’ve been high. That all really happened?” You whispered pulling your bag closer to your side.

He smirked a little before he spoke, “Yes, the ritual you used to reach the underworld is not my favorite door, but it is effective and leaves you with a bit of a hangover.”

You stood there staring up at him for a long time. He looked as if he was studying you. Finally, you spoke up, “So…now what?”

“Yes, forgive me. I forget that mortality is rushed being it’s so short.” He cleared his throat reaching into his coat producing a dark card, “Come to this address in a week, that should be enough time for you to gather anything you need to bring and finish any business you have.”

“Business…I’m college student…to withdraw is not hard…and since I probably won’t ever get to go back not showing up three times is enough to do it informally.” You took in a deep breath, “As for things…everything I need is right here in this bag, unless you don’t intend on having clothes available…unless that’s your thing…”

He let out a soft chuckled when you made a face at the notion of nudity, “It depends on the day… I meant any personal effects. Everything else will be provided for you, but it will be home. Despite how you got it, you should be comfortable there.”

“…” Your eyes narrowed on him conflicted, “A week?”

“No longer then that…you’re welcome to come sooner, but once you’re there…” Hades told you stepping close to you, “the deal will be set.”

Your cheeks flushed when his fingers lifted your chin. If he wasn’t so damn attractive it wouldn’t be so hard to resist. He was a god, you supposed it was inevitable that he was alluring.

“I suggest you use your time wisely.” He leaned down kissing your cheek, “See you soon, Lígo.”

Your cheek burned cold as he moved away as his smile engraved its way into your mind. The great King of the Underworld was not what you expected, and you wondered exactly what he was going to expect of you.

“Lígo!” You jumped hearing your aunt behind you, “did you find that doctor? Are you seeing him? Is that why he helped your brother?”

“Auntie…” You sighed looking at her glancing back to the empty hall where your…god? Is that what he was now? Regardless…where Hades once stood, “Dr. Aides is an acquaintance…he offered to help when I spoke to him the other day.”

“He’s handsome…and looks Greek…your giagiá would be proud.” Your aunt poked you in the arm.

“Yes, I’m sure gigi would…be very proud.” You sighed walking her back into the room. You were pretty sure your grandmother would actually be terrified knowing you bound yourself to Hades, but also proud that you set your aspirations high nabbing a god in a way.

Thank Hades you couldn’t tell anyone you actually made a deal with the devil.

[pocket-luv101]

The Forest of Ash || Ch. 2

Fandom: Servamp Characters: Mahiru, Kuro, Licht, Hyde Pairings: KuroMahi (main), LawLicht (side)

Summary: To stop the never ending winter the gods created, Mahiru entered the Forest of Ash to steal fire and gift it to the humans. When he was caught, he thought that he would be put to death. But Kuro was far from the God of the Dead that he heard stories about. He decided to stay in the Forest of Ash with him. {KuroMahi//Greek Mythology AU}

FFNet || AO3

Ch.1 || (Ch.2) || Ch.3 || Ch.4 || Ch.5 || Ch.6 || Ch.7 || Ch.8 || Ch.9 || Ch.10 || Ch.11 || Ch.12 || Ch.13 || Ch.14 || Ch.15 || Ch.16 || Ch.17 || Ch.18 || Ch.19 || Ch.20

Mahiru woke up to something tickling his nose. He tried to brush it away but he felt something soft press against his hand. Opening his eyes, he found a cat sitting next to him and rubbing its head against his fingers. He sat up and it took a moment for him to recognize the room he was in. He remembered the previous night and the weight of the situation finally fell on him.

He was married to Sleepy Ash, the God of the Dead.

It still seemed surreal to him. He looked at his hand and saw a fire tattoo circling his wrist. Kuro said that he absorbed the flame into his body but he didn’t feel any differently from before. Mahiru shook his head and decided that it was better to face his new life than to stay in bed worrying. He stood up and walked to the wardrobe. Opening it, he found that it was filled with fine robes. Mahiru didn’t feel comfortable taking the silk garments so he wore the simple chiton he found.

Mahiru walked out of the room and looked down the hall. It was quiet aside from his footsteps echoing through the halls. The cat danced around his legs as he walked and he tried not to accidentally step on it. It affectionately nudged his leg and Mahiru knelt to pet it. He remembered the hounds that chased him but the cat was surprisingly docile now. It was hard to believe that the two were one in the same.

“Kuro called you Black Cat, didn’t he? And he says that the name I gave him was uncreative.” Mahiru gently scratched its chin and it purred. This black cat was the dangerous servant of Sleepy Ash? “I got up pretty late so your master is probably in the kitchen and eating breakfast already. How about we join him? Can you take me to Kuro?”

The cat nodded and Mahiru thought that it was going to simply lead him to the kitchen. Instead, it turned into black smoke and Mahiru took a sharp step back from it instinctively. The smoke gathered around his feet and then he felt himself being lifted. Mahiru found himself on a black lion’s back and he clutched onto its fur to keep himself from falling off as it moved forward. “Wait, Black Cat, stop!”

It didn’t follow his command as it bounded onward. Black Cat trotted down the hall despite how Mahiru tried to make it stop. When he saw it run towards a door, he buried his face into its fur. He heard something break and hoped that it wasn’t anything important to Kuro. The lion came to a sharp stop and Mahiru looked up cautiously. He scanned the dark room and his eyes widened.

“Look at the mess in this room!” The door was broken by Black Cat forcing his way through and the wood pieces littered the ground. Among the splintered wood were countless books and scrolls and Mahiru worried that the beast had destroyed Kuro’s study. He turned back to the lion and lightly lectured it. “Bad cat! Transform back and help me clean this mess you made. Kuro’s going to be mad.”

“Well, aren’t you two getting along just fine.” Mahiru winced when he heard the lazy drawl. Then he realized that the voice seemed to come from beneath the lion and he climbed onto its head. He leaned over and saw Kuro laying on the ground, trapped beneath the lion. He was being licked by the beast and Kuro looked less than happy but Mahiru had to note that he gave the lion a kind pat. “If you two want to play, do it outside. I was sleeping.”

“You’re sleeping at this hour?” He screamed and Kuro groaned in response. It didn’t seem like he was the least bit guilty for sleeping in as he merely pulled a blanket over his face, muttering something about it being too bright. Mahiru leaned over the lion’s head and tried to take the blanket from him. “It’s time to wake up! You can’t sleep in and waste the day away when you have a job to do.”

“Man, you two are heavy. Black Cat, transform back.” Kuro ordered and it readily turned into smoke. Mahiru, who was still on the lion’s head, began to panic as he started to fall. He closed his eyes but then he felt a hand on his cheek and he stopped falling. He opened his eyes and blushed when he saw how close they were. Kuro sat up, keeping his hand on his cheek, and their noses brushed for a moment.

Suddenly, Kuro took his hand back with a light curse. Without his powers keeping him afloat, Mahiru crashed into his chest. He groaned at the slight pain he felt and rubbed his head. As he sat up, he noticed Kuro looking down at his burned hand. Quickly, Mahiru took his hand. “Wait, did I do this? I’m so sorry. Does it hurt? We need to get something to treat this. I’ll get a cool towel for you.”

“It’s really nothing,” Kuro stopped him. He had to question why he didn’t take his hand back from Mahiru immediately. Even though his skin burned him earlier, now his touch eased that pain a little. He didn’t know what caused Mahiru’s power to suddenly activate and burn him but he hoped that it wasn’t fear. Mahiru looked genuinely remorseful so he reassured him. “I’m an Olympian so it’s going to take a lot more than that to hurt me.”

Kuro stood and placed his hand behind his back. He was grateful when Black Cat knocked off several books from his desk, distracting them. Mahiru hurriedly scooped the cat into his arms before it could make a larger mess. He was certain that there were more books on the floor than on the shelf. “You should really keep your study more organized. If you want, I can help you put away these books.”

“Don’t touch them. This is my room and what I do with it is my business. It doesn’t affect you if it’s a mess or not. We’re married in name only.” Kuro’s voice became sharp and Mahiru flinched back from him for the first time since they met. Seeing that, Kuro turned away from him. He should’ve been used to people looking at him with horror but seeing his expression still hurt him.

“This is your room? You don’t even have a bed in here. Were you sleeping on the ground?” The only furniture in the room were shelves and a small desk. But Kuro seemed to forgo using the desk. He was laying on the ground when Black Cat stormed into the room. At the time, Mahiru thought that it was because the lion knocked him over. “You’re going to ruin your back sleeping on the ground! No wonder you’re always slouching. Even if you don’t want me touching your books, I think they’re a tripping hazard. Thinking simply, you need to clean this mess.”

Kuro honestly didn’t know how to react to his reprimanding for a minute. Just a moment ago, Mahiru appeared scared but he didn’t hesitate to chastise him now. He looked down at the ground and the books. With a simple wave of his hand, they arranged themselves in the bookshelf. “I’m going to have to take them out later and it’s just going to end up becoming another mess, you know? Can’t deal.”

“I didn’t take you for a reader.” Mahiru looked over the books lining the wall but they didn’t have any title on the spines, only the author’s name. “You know, I can help you make a system for all these books. Thinking simply, if it’s organized, you’ll know where each book is and you won’t make a mess when you go to read one. Maybe we can sort them by genre—”

“Mahiru, those aren’t normal books. They’re the lives of the dead.” At his words, Mahiru sharply stepped away from the books. Kuro continued in a small voice. “Each one contains a record of someone’s life before they died, their virtues and sins. I need to read each human’s story and decide their fate; if they go to Elysium, stay in the Forest of Ash or be given a punishment for their sins. Slow and troublesome process really. Not to mention that work has been piling up because of Tsubaki’s winter.”

Mahiru turned to Kuro with wide eyes. He could understand why Kuro didn’t want him to touch the books. There were so many books and Mahiru couldn’t imagine having to read each human’s life and be responsible for their afterlife. “You agreed to help me but you never told me why. Is it because I said I wanted to help the humans with fire. It would lead to a lot less death.”

“Death is something you can’t avoid.” Kuro brushed aside his assumption. He was far from willing to tell him the truth but he didn’t want Mahiru to think that he was a better person than he was. Like Mahiru, he had his own regrets. Kuro ungracefully changed the topic by gesturing to Black Cat. “I’m going to feed him. We don’t need to eat but he does. Breakfast time, Black Cat.”

The cat excitedly jumped out of Mahiru’s arms and ran to his side, unaware of the tension in the room. Mahiru watched him leave without a word because he felt like Kuro was suddenly putting walls between them. They only knew each other for a night so he understood the distance. But, considering their situation, it would be simpler if they could be friends.

With that thought, Mahiru ran after him and caught his cloak. Kuro looked over his shoulder and Mahiru started cautiously. “How about the three of us have breakfast together? You, me and Black Cat. My friend Licht always says that your day can’t start without light and fluffy tagenites. Gods won’t die from hunger but we still need to eat for energy. I’m a good cook so I can make you anything you want.”

“… Black Cat filled the kitchen with food so you can make whatever you want. Do you know where the kitchen is?” Mahiru nodded. “Can you bring breakfast out to the garden? This little troublemaker usually has his breakfast outside and I need to watch over him while he’s eating in the garden.”

“What does Black Cat eat? I’ll make something for him as well.” He leaned forward and lightly scratched its ear. The cat enjoyed having two people’s attention on him so it took Mahiru’s hand in its paws and placed his hand on its head. Kuro was already petting his head so their hands brushed when it did so. Mahiru blushed and moved his hand away. “I don’t think he can eat tagenites.”

“He eats the foolish souls that try to escape the forest.” Kuro answered him, deadpanned. He couldn’t maintain his uninterested expression when he saw Mahiru’s eyes widen and Kuro burst out into laughter. “It’s a joke. He eats the fruits in the garden but certain leaves can make him sick. This curious cat will put anything in his mouth if you don’t keep an eye on him.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being curious.” Mahiru relaxed when he heard Kuro’s deep laugh. His expression was much softer now as he petted the cat in his arms. With all the horrifying tales about the man, he didn’t think he would be one for jokes or animals. He smiled up at him and said, “I’ll make breakfast for us and meet you in the garden.”

“Hurry it up, Shit Rat! How long are you going to make me wait on this stupid island?” Licht kicked Hyde to knock him out of his chair. It irritated him to no bounds that the man took him to Crete instead of the Forest of Ash. He should’ve never trusted the Olympian to begin with. He didn’t know why he did either. Licht considered shoving him into the Labyrinth and be forever rid of him but he still needed his help to find the Forest of Ash.

“Now, just be more patient, Lichtan.” Hyde skilfully dodged his next kick with a confident grin that only irritated Licht more. Even though his quick temper was amusing to Hyde, he was cautious of it as well. While Licht claimed to be an angel, he was a demigod with the strength of a god and the stubbornness of a human. The two things were a dangerous combination. “We’re just here to pick something up and then we’ll go to save your friend.”

“You brought me to this island for a fucking errand?” Licht grabbed his shirt and shook him violently. Any other person would’ve stopped but Hyde goaded him further. He controlled Licht’s chlamys and lifted it over his face. As Licht struggled with the short cloak, Hyde slipped out of his hold. He laughed all the while and dodged the attacks Licht made blindly.

“Don’t be so angry, Angel Cakes. I’m getting something for you.” Hyde noticed someone enter the room from the corner of his eyes. He nimbly took Licht’s cloak off his shoulders and threw it aside. Licht’s eyes flashed as he turned to kick him but Hyde merely floated into the air, out of his reach.

“Get down here! If my wings had grown properly, you wouldn’t be able to run away from me so easily!” Licht went to pick up his chlamys but Hyde grabbed it before he could. Tired with his games, he turned to leave. Searching for the Forest of Ash blindly would be faster and less tedious than relying on the god. It was a wonder that he even followed him to the island.

“Don’t leave before I can give you your present.” Something fell over his head and Licht groaned. He pulled it off and saw that it was a short cloak with feathered wings sewn onto it. Hyde landed in front of him and took the cloak from his hands. “I asked Daedalus to make this for you a while ago as a gift but I didn’t know if you would accept it. I think you will now.”

“Why would I accept it now?” Licht challenged and tilted a glare up at him.

“Well, we can reach the Forest of Ash faster if we can both fly.” Hyde wrapped the cloak around Licht’s shoulders and tied it securely. Licht was a little confused by his words so he didn’t fight him even though he was still wary of the mischievous god. Taking advantage of that, Hyde leaned down and slyly kissed his cheek. At the same time, feathers burst into the air and circled around them.

“How dare you?” He screamed and pushed Hyde away. The god showed no shame as he flew into the air again. Licht rubbed his cheek and glared up at him. He took a vase and hurled it at Hyde but he merely caught it. “I’m going to kill you once you get down here! You can’t float up there forever.”

“If you want to punish me for stealing a kiss, just fly up here.” Hyde prompted. At first, Licht thought he was mocking the fact that he couldn’t fly despite being an angel. Then, he gestured to the cloak he gave him. “Look at your back.”

Cautiously, Licht glanced over his shoulder. His eyes widened when he saw that the wings on the cloak had come to life. He reached behind him to touch the tiny wings and the soft feathers were surprisingly warm. The awe in Licht’s eyes made Hyde smile because the almost childish expression softened his hard features. Since he discovered that he was one of the Eight Olympians, Licht would only give him a scowl.

“Do you like them?” Hyde asked, hope and nervousness made his voice a little unsteady. He flew closer to him when he was certain that Licht wouldn’t kick him. “I blessed the cloak so you can fly as long as you’re wearing it. They’re an extension of you like your arms are but it might take a little practise for you to get used to them. Try moving them slowly.”

Licht flapped the small wings a few times and his feet lifted off the ground a few inches. He couldn’t keep his balance in the air very well so Hyde controlled a breeze to help him. A smile spread onto Licht’s face as he flew higher. “I can really fly?”

“I’m the God of the Sky so what I say goes. As long as you’re wearing that cloak, you have free passage through my skies. You can keep it after we save your friend as long as you promise to visit me with them.” Hyde winked at him while Licht rolled his eyes at his words. With a powerful flap of his wings, he was in front of Hyde in moments and he kicked him into the wall.

“Looks like you can’t use your flight to run away from me anymore.” Licht grinned, immensely satisfied with his new gift. He flew in a languid circle, quickly becoming accustomed to the wings. Even Hyde was impressed with how quickly he mastered flight. Then he landed in front of Hyde and grabbed his shirt. He dragged him out of the window. “Now, take me to the Forest of Ash or else I’ll drop you to your death.”

“I can fly too, remember Licht?” Hyde laughed and took his hands as they flew out the window. He turned in the air until they were facing again. “We’re going to cross the ocean to return to Athens and then I’ll take you to the Forest of Ash. But you need to be careful of fire and water damaging your wings when you fly. Fire will make the wax melt and water will clot the feathers. Promise me that you’ll be careful.”

“Fine, I’ll be careful but an angel doesn’t need a god to watch over him.” Licht couldn’t remember seeing Hyde so serious before and nodded. Relief appeared on Hyde’s face and he nodded. His carefree expression quickly returned and Licht wondered how much he should read into the concern he saw a moment earlier. The Eight Olympians treated him and others like toys so he knew he shouldn’t trust him.

“Why did you give me wings? You said that you had your friend make this for me awhile ago but you never gave it to me until now.” Licht had to ask as he flew next to Hyde. “You’re annoying but you’re not stupid. With them, I can fight you in the air and you won’t be able to run away from me easily anymore.”

“I just felt like giving you wings.” Hyde shrugged off his question but from Licht’s expression he knew that he wasn’t satisfied with his answer. “It’s for saving me. I owe you my life but it’s embarrassing for an Olympian to be in debt to a delusional demigod. With those wings, we’re even now.”

“How dare you suggest that we’re similar in any way? I’m an angel!” Licht kicked him and then flew ahead of Hyde. He should’ve guessed that the god was only thinking of himself in the end. Still, Licht whispered to Hyde as he flew past him. “Thank you.”

“Kuro, when are you going to teach me how to use the fire?” Mahiru asked as they ate in the garden. Black Cat was excitedly playing in the garden but Kuro was lazing in a chair. It was surprisingly bright in the garden and it was almost as if they were above ground. But he could see the cold cave walls past the trees and flowers, reminding him that he was underground. The garden was beautiful but the walls were stifling.

“Whenever you want but let’s wait until after we finish eating.” Kuro answered with a shrug as he finished off his plate. He set it aside and Mahiru was glad that he seemed to enjoy the simple meal. He was a little worried that an Olympian wouldn’t like something so modest. But the small smile Kuro had while he ate assured him otherwise.

“Is fire hard to control? I’m the Deity of Noon so I don’t do much but help guide the sun in that hour and clear the clouds. Honestly, he does it so often that he doesn’t need our help anymore.” Mahiru sighed and hugged his knees to his chest. He wanted to help the humans but he understood that his power had its limit. Kuro saw his frustrated expression and moved from his chair to sit next to Mahiru.

“Fire is very different from clouds. It’s much more dangerous and harder to control. Lose control of it and it will consume you.” Kuro warned. Mahiru looked at the tattoo on his wrist and remembered how the fire protected him in the river. It didn’t feel as treacherous as Kuro was describing it. In fact, it was warm and comforting. Kuro poked his chest and added. “But it can be swayed like clouds.”

“Well, the fire did choose me as its host so this might be easier than I first thought.” Mahiru jumped to his feet and pulled Kuro out of his chair as well. “You’re finished eating so we can start now. Every day we waste is a day where more humans die. So, what should I learn first?”

“Troublesome.” Kuro groaned but reluctantly followed his lead. He took Mahiru to the fountain in the center of the garden. The fire chose Mahiru but Kuro thought that it was better to be cautious of such a dangerous element. He didn’t know how well he could train Mahiru either. “I guess the first thing we should work on is summoning fire.”

“Okay.” He nodded and sat on the edge of the fountain. Mahiru cupped his hands and tried to draw the fire into his palm, similar to how he controlled the clouds. His brows furrowed when not even a spark appeared in his hands. He could barely feel the fire within him so he didn’t know how he could sway it to appear before him. “I don’t know why it’s not responding to me.”

“How about you think of something specific you want to use your fire for.” Kuro suggested and placed his hands around Mahiru’s. “Fire is passion and life so try to relate to those things. Close your eyes and think of something you want.”

Mahiru closed his eyes with a deep breath. He could feel Kuro’s warm hands around his and they were similar to the fire. Once again, he tried to call upon the fire. He pictured his friends and the humans, braving the winter storm. He wanted to ease their lives after everything that happened. “The flame’s pretty small but I guess it’s a start.”

At his words, Mahiru opened his eyes and saw a small, flickering flame in his hands. Kuro had let go of his hands and the warmth he felt was from the fire now. The flame was tiny but it made a bright and proud grin appear on his face. Even though Kuro already commented on the fire, Mahiru excitedly held out his hands to him. “Look, Kuro!”

“I am looking,” Kuro muttered even as he turned away. He didn’t know if it was the fire making his skin seemingly glow or if it was something else. He wasn’t used to seeing something as bright as Mahiru’s eyes because he lived in the constant bleakness of his forest. Looking at his smile, Kuro was certain that it was the closest thing to the sun in the Forest of Ash. Beneath his breath, he muttered. “Too bright.”

“I’m sorry, that was short-sighted of me to put the flame so close to you.” Mahiru thought that he was referring to the fire. He took his hands back and looked down at the dwindling flame. It was too small to be used effectively and he wondered if he could draw out more. He tried to make the flame larger yet it stayed the same.

“Don’t force it.” Kuro saw his frustration and placed his hand over his again. He meant to stifle the small flame but it burst to life between them instead. They both struggled to contain the fire and Kuro groaned. “Looks like we need to work on controlling it next.”

Black Cat, thinking that they were in danger, panicked and pushed them into the fountain. Water splashed around them and Kuro swore as he pushed his wet hair out of his face. Mahiru coughed out some water beside him but he didn’t appear to be hurt. Once he caught his breath, Mahiru found himself laughing at their situation. “You look like a wet cat, Kuro.”

“You’re making fun of me when you don’t look much better than me?” Kuro countered and splashed water at him. He stepped out of the fountain and held out his hand to help Mahiru out as well.

“I’ll dry us off. I can’t control fire very well yet but I’ve mastered clouds.” He made a warm cloud surround them to dry their clothes. Kuro took off his heavy cloak and shook out the water. His tunic was soaked through and clung to his skin. Mahiru quickly turned away for modesty sake. The cloud around them became hotter in time with his blush.

“Hey, are you trying to steam us in here?” Kuro dispersed the cloud around them.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw an image ripple in the fountain. Dipping his hand in the water, the scene became clearer. His eyes narrowed when he saw the image of someone being guided into the forest. Kuro sighed, “I need to go. The ferry is bringing a soul to be punished. From his book, he’s probably going to be troublesome. Stay here while I deal with him. Black Cat, protect Mahiru.”

The cat nodded and climbed onto Mahiru’s shoulder. He looked down at the scene in the fountain and saw the soul fighting the ferryman. He worried about Kuro facing that man without his loyal beast but Mahiru doubted he would let him go with him.

“Umm, Kuro.” Mahiru said as he started to leave. “Be careful.”

“I’m an Olympian so you don’t need to worry about me. I’ll be back soon and help you train more.” Kuro ruffled his hair before walking away.

This is going to be a very KuroMahi filled week XD I didn’t know if I should wait to post this because I already have a lot of KuroMahi stuff queued for KuroMahiWeek. I told myself that you’re used to me spamming the tags so here’s the next chapter.