Lashes flutter and separate, revealing the purple and blue eyes they were hiding away. He hadn’t imagined he’d get pulled away like that. In fact, he wasn’t even trying to much less wanting to. There’s a strange sense of comfort despite the situation. If only because he knows Daichi won’t try to kill him.
Yet.
A groan slips out as he pushes himself up. Crossed-legged and stiff, he glances about the room. There’s noise in the distance— maybe in the hall. Suddenly he doesn’t feel like himself. Normally he’d be up and hurrying to figure out what’s going on— answers, theories, clues, questions.
Now, he’s just alone. It’s a cold sensation that passes through him.
This feels so wrong and empty. It’s not what he’s good at— lying his way through to end this conflict. Part of it, at least. He doesn’t know if he can do it. Regrets are starting to fester up along with the tightness in his chest.
The second he thinks about getting up, the door creaks open. Daichi practically bounds into the room with a smile plastered across his face at seeing Zye. He crosses the room and then plops onto the edge of the bed.
Daichi reaches out, flicking his fingers through Zye’s fringe. “How are you feeling, handsome?”
Zye pulls away from Daichi’s hand. “Just woke up…fine, I guess.”
“Well, I have good news. But only because I care so much.” He leans on his hand, getting closer to Zye. “I got in touch with Callua and she should be here any time.”
Daichi goes to reach for him and Zye instinctively flinches away. He doesn’t even realize he’s done it until Daichi’s eyebrows raise. There’s concern mixing with his previously joyful expression as he stands.
He knows Daichi does care in his own way.
Perhaps that’s why it only makes this worse.
“Zye, are you alright?”
“I…I think…” he starts through gritted teeth, “…fine.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
He’s already moving to sit on the bed once more. It’s the opposite of what Zye wants. Zye manages a smile up at him in hopes of disarming Daichi. “N-no, just some more rest maybe.”
Daichi hums to himself before moving away, sitting forgotten. “I’ll increase the perimeter and those stationed there. I can’t have that damned Celestial thinking he can waltz in here to get you back.” He starts for the door. “I’ll tell her to hurry. Maybe she can help with her power.”
Zye watches him leave. He wants to at least thank him before the door closes yet the words burn up in his throat. There’s a part of him that wants to try and talk to Daichi. Then again, that didn’t go very well the last few times he tried. Especially not with how it ended that night before Daichi left.
His fist slams against the mattress as he shoves himself up. Like hell he’s just going to lay here. If Callua is going to be here, then he’s going to figure this place out. Zye marches over to where his coat is.
The outside is still slick from the rain. However, everything else feels fine. Not that he cares to wear it. Having to makes this all the worse. So many layers of clothing is not his favorite.
Regardless, he slips out of the room rather easily as he pulls it on. No one is posted on guard in the hallway or anywhere close that he can see. The boards beneath his feet creak now and then as he makes his way back the way he came.
It’s about the only thing he can manage. There are no voices that he can follow or meandering Stars to ask. Just when he’s sure he’s lost, he comes to a room with ample seating and a large stage off in the distance.
There have to at least be a dozen people scattered through the seats. However, it’s the two near the stage that capture his attention. The same two that were previously guarding the entrance. If there’s any place to start, it’s with them.
After all, he really hasn’t gotten to talk to anyone outside of the hierarchy. It’s either been stashed away or trapped in Noctis away from anyone else.
Zye heads straight for them. The only problem is trying to ignore the looks and low grumbles he hears on his way down one of the aisles. He’s used to this treatment from school to daily life. It’s not worth reacting, he knows all too well. It takes quite a bit of restraint to make it to where Livi is perched on the edge of the stage.
Beside her, leaning with arms folded onto it, the person beside her grins back at him. “Hey, newbie, come here.”
“What is it?”
He tries not to get too close. Better safe than sorry, after all.
“I wanna know what you got. Being Daichi’s partner means you got something good right?”
“We aren’t…haa…I have a sword.”
There’s no sense in correcting them, not when he has a role to play. His response, however, has the shorter person laughing and pulling away from the stage. They lean their back against it instead while nudging their arm against Livi’s leg.
“Hey, Livi! It’s just a sword. I told you it wasn’t anything cool like my ax.”
“Caz, quiet. Don’t talk to him or Daichi will get pissed.”
“Don’t talk like he owns me. I can do what I want.”
Caz raises an eyebrow at that. Arms cross over their chest. “That so? Wasn’t expecting that. You sure you don’t need him to hold your hand?”
“Pretty damn sure. Not that y’all are much better. Why follow him or anyone for that matter?”
Livi glares at him. If looks could kill, he’s sure he’d be dead. Regardless, her lips are sealed and she refuses to answer.
Caz, on the other hand, huffs. “Not like there were any better options.”
“Caz, shut it.”
He wants to ask what the big deal is— even if he already knows. The more he can get these two talking the better. No one else seemed interested in doing so.
Livi keeps her eyes on the spot over Zye’s shoulder. As much as he wants to turn around and figure out why, he doesn’t need to. The next second his skin is crawling.
“Zye! Why are you out here, hon?”
Taking a deep breath, he does well not to flinch when Daichi’s arm wraps around his waist. Not to mention the tail that’s curling around his leg. The hand pressed to his lower back is the final piece locking him into where he stands.
“Just got bored and wanted to stretch my legs.”
Livi’s face becomes expressionless as she leans back on her palms, enjoying the show. “Don’t worry, boss, we were keeping an eye on him.”
Daichi smiles up at her and then to Zye. “Were you getting along? If so, I’ll make sure these two guard you if you like them.”
“Uh, yeah. They’re cool. So, why are you looking for me?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? You weren’t in our room when I came to get you.” Daichi tilts his head to look up at Zye, both green and blue eyes glittering in the dusty light. “Callua is here, aren’t you happy?”
He guides Zye to turn around. Once he has, Zye can see at the beginning of the aisle is Callua with Jace standing behind her. She’s hurrying towards the two of them in the next second— practically flying down the stairs.
Stopping at the edge of the last seat allows Zye to pull away from Daichi without the man making too much of a fuss. He’s more than happy to open his arms and allow Callua to meet him halfway. She crashes up against his chest and wraps her arms tightly around his waist.
Trying to keep his voice quiet, he hugs her back. “I’m fine.”
Her fingers curl into the back of his jacket. There’s a fear in the way she doesn’t want to let go. A desperate need to hold on lest something bad happen again. He knows what she’s thinking. If he could reassure her further, he would.
Daichi strides up to them at about the same time Jace is meandering over to stay near Callua. At least, once she lets go of Zye. Save for the hand she clasps to his and tugs him over to them, back up the stairs. “I’m going to take a look at him. Is that fine?”
The man’s smile nearly falters. It twitches as he tries to keep it in place. “If that’s what Zye wants. How are you feeling?”
“Uh…okay. But I think Cal is right. I’ve been away from that place for a while.”
“Well, alright. Go back and I’ll be there to check on you after plans are made for the night.”
As he says this, he leans over and pats Zye on the ass. The way he intends to lift up on his tip-toes tells Zye all he needs to know to avoid the kiss. He lets Callua begin urging him away, anything to dodge the intimacy.
Except Jace is already turning on his heel and heading back up the aisle with fists clenched at his sides. The cloak flutters behind him as he leaves. It has Daichi’s pout turning into a scoff.
“What’s his problem?”
“Beats me. I’ll let you know what I find out. Come on, Zye.”
“Fine. Tell me what you need when you’re done. I’ll make it happen. Are you staying afterward?”
“I have prior engagements, sorry.”
“Oh, what a pity. I just know how much he’d love to have you here.”
“He’s a big boy, he can take care of himself without me hanging all over him.”
The two share a glare that has Zye rolling his eyes. This is not what needs to be happening. A yank on her hand has Callua walking once more. He takes the lead to where the room is. A decently short walk now that he knows where he’s going. Before entering, she scours up and down the corridor for ways out.
It’s not until the door shuts that she’s huffing. “I’ll have to look, but I think there’s a way out down there.” She watches as Zye moves to sit on the edge of the bed. “Are you sure about this?”
“It’s only for a hot minute.”
“Zye, I’m serious. Tell me you’re not fine and we leave right now. Aster can handle this with the other Stars.”
“No. We need to give Jace time to get people out of here. No one else needs to end up hurt over all of this. The more we save, the better.”
“But…”
“What?”
“I don’t trust him.”
Zye shrugs and leans back. The soft laugh isn’t as joyful as she wishes it could be. “Look, it’ll be alright. I’ll be fine as long as you two hurry up.”
“Agh…this sucks. But if it’s what you want, okay. I have a couple of vials since it’s rainy and dark here. Too much for us…”
She’s about to reach into the hidden pocket in her skirt when the door practically flies open. Callua steps out of the way to not be run over by Daichi parading himself inside.
“Hey there, handsome. Emergency calls so we’re going to get some more of our friends that won’t follow Soren’s ass.”
He struts over to stand before Zye, his hand landing on Zye’s shoulder. “And you’re staying here. As much as I’d love to look at your ass. I can’t look after it at the same time.”
“I’m not useless. I just didn’t feel well when I woke up.”
“That desperate for my attention, huh?”
Daichi leans down faster than Zye can react. It doesn’t help that there’s a hand grabbing at the back of his neck. It holds him still as the kiss is forced onto his lips. The least he can do is keep his mouth closed— keep it from going further.
Regardless, it pleases Daichi well enough. He stands up with a grin on his countenance. One that has Zye shivering from head to toe.
“That should satisfy my kitten till I get back. Just don’t get lost if you wander around.” He turns, a smirk flashing at Callua as he does. “If you don’t mind babysitting, I’d make it worth your while.”
“Get lost already and do your stupid mission.”
A shrug towards her, a wink back at Zye, and he’s hurrying back out the door. Of course, not before giving a wave prior to the door shutting. The second it does, Zye is rubbing at his mouth with the sleeve of his jacket.
“Stupid fucking prick…”
Callua sighs and retrieves the vials. She steps up to him and hands them over. “You haven’t told Jay about it have you?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You should. He needs to know if you’re going to keep dating him.”
Zye pops the lid off of one and downs it. The burn has him tearing up. It’s nothing he can’t ignore. It’s a far better feeling than the one he just had to suffer through with Daichi. The second is easier to get down and leaves nothing but a pleasant burn through his body.
Handing the empty containers back, he huffs. “Look. I’ll tell him…eventually. It’s not like he’ll do anything that reminds me of it.”
“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk.”
“After we get out, sure. Right now I should be focusing on what I’m doing.”
Callua places one hand on her hip while her mouth pinches up on one side. “Really? And what’s that, hm?”
They stare at each other until he sulks down, shoulders slumping and muttering in reply. “I have no fucking idea. What should I be doing?”
Callua reaches out, patting him on the head. “Come on, relax. I’ll get with Jay and by morning we’ll have a plan on moving forward. Okay?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m going to go figure out if there are any other back doors we can use. Maybe talk to that Livi girl Jace mentioned.”
Zye smiles up at her as best he can. He even stands and walks her to the door. It’s anything he can do to project an air of positivity and strength.
He can do this. He doesn’t have a choice. For them, he’ll make this work. He won’t make her worry because that won’t do any of them any good.
“Let me know what you find out.”
Callua steps over the threshold and turns back. Skirt and hair sweep around her as she does. The expression on her face when she looks back up at him is enough to have him wanting to crack. She’s so worried already.
“Go. I’ll be fine. I am fine. I’ll just pick up this shitty room and wander around until I lay down.”
She doesn’t say another word. Merely steps back and begins down the hall opposite of the way she came. Slowly, Zye shuts the door and puts his back against it.
“Maybe this was a mistake…” he mutters to himself.
________________________
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuAKWYX6sX
The outside air isn’t all that inviting if Jace is to be honest. Then again, it’s better than watching Daichi and his wandering hands. He’s not a jealous person, not really. However, it’s the uncomfortable glance he got from Zye that had him wanting to set those hands on fire.
Against one of the front doors, he’s safe from the torrential downpour happening before him. It’s soothing if nothing else. It also helps him think and that’s what he needs to do the most. He wants this to be over with sooner rather than later.
This is a situation primed for disaster the second he allows Aster to break the doors down.
Of which, the door he isn’t leaning against, opens. From it comes Livi. She glances down at him while shaking a slim, rolled paper out of a black, leather pack. They’re much like the ones he’s seen Hax smoke.
“Want one?”
Jace holds out his hand. He’s curious, to say the least. While he doesn’t intend to smoke it, he does watch her movements. Specifically with how she can’t get her lighter to work.
“Dammit.” She glances at him once more. “Got a light?”
He doesn’t. Instead, he holds out one finger with a bit of fire brimming at the tip. From there she bends and lights the end of the rolled paper. She gives a nod before taking a long drag. After an exhale, she chuckles.
“So…I take it you don’t like the guy either.”
Jace knows more about Daichi than he cares to. At least, the parts that have led him to where he is now. “I feel sorry for him, that’s all.”
“You can still dislike him at the same time.”
He waits for her to take another puff. The smoky circles she blows out vanish nearly instantly. “How fast can you mobilize.”
“Hah, funny you ask. Right now if you want. There’s a back entrance Caz made accidentally. We’ll slip out through there with the other dozen. Why, what happened?”
“Just curious.”
The quick reply has a searching look directed at him. “Liar.”
“Perhaps.”
“If it’s him related, I get it. He’s an acquired taste. Caz messed up real bad one time and he nearly beat the shit out of them. I thought I was going to leave right then and there. But…this place was the only safe place. And before that, you were either with Soren or dead if you said no to him.”
“I can promise you a better haven than this. I have quite a few set up across a few worlds. Until we settle things in Solis at least.”
“Hmm…I know I say we can take care of ourselves but…that might not be such a bad offer.”
“Then I’ll make sure you’re welcomed. My friend will come pick you up.”
“Appreciate it. So…any hints as to why he irritates you?”
Jace twirls the rolled, flimsy tube between his fingers. “He can’t take no for an answer.”
“I get it. Well, I should head in and report to him that you’re not doing anything fishy.”
He tries his best to give her a smile followed by, “Thanks.”
She nods and throws the stub of her remaining smoke to the ground. Her shoe grinds against it before she slips inside. Left alone, Jace stares down at the one she gave him.
It looks like the ones Hax used if not slightly different. In fact, if he gives it a sniff it doesn’t smell much different than what his grandmother used to smoke.
The familiarity has him tempted. He lifts it to his lips and lights the end. A small drag follows. One that has him pulling it away and letting out a small cough. He certainly didn’t expect such strength from something so small.
As he does, Callua manages to slip outside. “So that’s where you’ve been.”
“Do you need me?”
“No—wait. Since when do you smoke?”
“First—”
Callua snatches it from his fingers and glares. “You don’t even know what it is. Just because you’re good looking and get handouts doesn’t mean you should try it every time you get one. It could be dangerous.”
“That’s ridiculous. My people weren’t against such things and it smells the same as it. It’s fine.”
“As long as it’s not what I’m used to smelling that’s fine. Cause I’d rather you not smell like tobacco. I couldn’t stand the stuff.”
Jace smiles softly at her in return. “You’re my mother now, hm?”
“You’re my partner, stupid, and I like how you smell without the smoke. Well…other smoke. You already kind of smell like a campfire.”
He can’t help himself and dares to poke the bear. “You do? I’m glad you don’t mind that then.”
Callua flushes and swats at his arm. “I swear! I hate you…those two boys taught you to be way too mouthy.” She opens a portal at the end of the first step to not get wet. “I’m leaving, stay in range for Zye, or let the pop idol know.”
“Pop…idol?”
“Aster,” she replies in his mind.
“Ah, sorry. Be safe. I think we’ll be done by tomorrow sometime. I need to get in touch with Gray and the…pop idol…and we’ll be good to go.”
“Then be careful.”
He waits for her to leave before turning on his heel. He stubs the toe of his boot against the still-burning paper. Heading back inside, he doesn’t expect to see Daichi rushing up to him.
“Got a job for you.”
“What is it?”
“I’m going with a small team to pick up some more friends. I need you here running perimeter to make sure this place stays safe.”
“I’ll guard it with my life.”
“Good.” Daichi closes the distance between them. “Any harm comes to him and I’ll have your head.”
Jace doesn’t flinch. Daichi isn’t intimidating in the least. Certainly not when he has to look up at him either with an angry tail swishing against the ground behind him.
“No one will get hurt on my watch.”
Daichi huffs and turns. “Whatever, report to Livi if you find anything.”
Jace watches him leave. It’s harder than he’d think to not glare holes into the man’s back. However, left alone in the hideout with Daichi long gone for at least an hour or so…he’s not sure what to do first.
There’s plenty to get ready. The first thing he needs to do is get to Livi once Daichi has left. Except the only things he wants to do he can’t. He passes by the hallway that would take him to Zye.
It’s too dangerous.
He’ll have to keep his distance for now.
Or, that’s what he should do.
Jace slips back outside. There’s no need to find Livi now.
Instead, he pulls the hood up and proceeds to do as he’s demanded. Two passes around the building later and sensing nothing, Jace waits at the back of it. Enough time has passed that Daichi should have been able to gather everyone he needs and leave.
Closing his eyes, he sends Zye a message. “Are you alone?”
“Yeah?”
He opens a portal almost instantly and steps through it. Wet boots thud over the scratched and marred hardwood floor. Away from the rain, Jace pushes the hood back.
Except Zye is both happy and not to see him. He snaps upright from where he was bent over, folding clothes and stacking them. “Th-the hell? Why are you here? Are we leaving?”
“No. I was worried. Daichi isn’t here so I thought I’d check up on you.”
“Idiot, be quiet for a second.” Zye drops what he was folding and rushes to the door. He opens it a crack, looks out, closes it, and huffs. “At least make sure I don’t have someone hanging around there first.”
“Sorry.”
Zye walks past him once more and lightly punches his arm. “Don’t be.”
Jace waits a moment before taking the cloak from his shoulders. He drapes it over the chair near the door before striding to the bed. “Come over here then.”
“Why?”
Zye grumbles when he doesn’t get an answer. Only a smile that encourages him to do as he’s told. About to sit down, Jace shoos him further away. Miffed but allowing it, Zye sits. The amount of space between them is irritating.
He doesn’t understand why until Jace reaches over and guides him down onto his back. Zye’s head ends up on Jace’s lap, staring up into a soft silver gaze.
“Aren’t you afraid to get caught?”
Jace lets out an amused huff. “No. Now rest.”
“Like hell I’m going to sleep when I can spend time with you.”
“I didn’t say sleep,” Jace speaks softly. He runs his fingers through Zye’s fringe, pushing it all back away from his face. “Just rest. I’ve made progress. It’ll be in motion tomorrow and we can leave.”
“That’s good. Is it because he’s getting more people.”
“Correct. The more that are willing before anything happens, the better. Less work for Aster in the long run.”
Zye reaches up and takes the fingers twirling through his hair. Lacing their fingers together, he closes his eyes. Each caress of his thumb over Jace’s hand he tries to soak in— remember the feeling of thick knuckles, calloused fingers, and how warm he is.
“Are there a lot of them?”
“The girl, Livi, is Daichi’s most trusted at the moment. She’s eager to walk away from it all with more than half of everyone here.”
Opening his eyes, he watches Jace’s face. “And Daichi?”
“It’s your call. I can handle him either way.”
“It’d be nice if he backed down and let us send him on before he can hurt more people.”
“Then that’s what we’ll aim for.”
Jace lifts their interlocked hands so that he can dust his lips over Zye’s knuckles. Slowly, he lets their hands rest back on Zye’s chest. He watches as those long lashes droop a bit.
He’s about to drift off to sleep.
Not wanting to rob him of it, Jace keeps talking to lull him into resting.
“Maybe once this is over we can find a world that has one of these places still in working order. If we can’t blend in with the people, we can always sneak in and watch a show. Callua was telling me she’s been to a lot of them and she almost loves them more than horror movies.”
“Mm…that’d be nice. Nothing scary though…”
“Something to laugh along with would be good then. We’ll have to see who else wants to go with us. I’m sure if we offer, Celeste would love to try getting out again.”
Jace smiles at the closed eyes. Yet he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he sends Livi a quick question through the link they formed. Once she tells him Daichi is back, he’ll leave. Until then, staying here isn’t going to hurt anything.
ns 15.158.61.12da2
