The Twin Thrones

The back rest was cushioned and soft and Kato shifted his small rear back and forth, easing down and backward, until he was comfortable. Cupping the cool edge of the boat with his right hand and his arm rest with this left, Kato let his head drop back. Dark-colored birds dotted the pale blue skies. Kato breathed in the cooling scent of salt from the nearby ocean, enjoying the strong sensation of air caressing his face and running down his thin torso. It was so strong it curled inside his button down shirt and billowed out along his arms. He closed his eyes and felt happy.

Shinko surprised him.

He expected to be riding in some large monstrosity with an extravagant canopy, filled with soft, fluffy pillows, much like the tent they used when the older man took him fishing. He didn’t expect to be sitting in a small speed boat, whipping around a large lake as Shinko tried to pass the speed of light.

Kato wanted to use this opportunity to convince Shinko the rewards for sharing the throne were worth all of the obstacles they would face, through the language he knew the man understood. Sex. He planned to seduce Shinko, but Kato wasn't an exhibitionist and he felt exposed on the water. He'd have to settle for talking to the man. There would be time to use other forms of persuasion later.

Either the man could read Kato far too easily and didn't want to talk or there was more to Shinko than Kato had been shown. Maybe this is just how the man relieved stress? Kato wiggled his naked toes. He could do this again. He opened his eyes, just a little, and turned his head to watch Shinko.

The man's hair was loose. Dark locks whipped around as the boat dipped sharply to the right, digging into the dark churning waters below them. Kato felt cool drops splatter across his arms and face. The engine grew louder and Kato turned, blinking as cool, dark water covered the tips of the fingers of his right hand.

“Are you trying to drown me?” Kato shouted over the roar of the engine.

Although this was Kato’s first time in a boat like this, he was pretty certain being able to dip his fingers in the cool water was a bad thing. Kato was beginning to wonder if taking off the life preserver was a good idea. Noberu would kill him if he managed to drown himself. When Shinko still hadn’t answered him, he turned to face the man.

It was a wonderful smile, crinkling the thin skin around Shinko’s bright eyes and easing the tight muscles along his jaw. Without taking his eyes off Kato, the tall man shifted gear and the boat broke free of the small whirlpool he’d created.

Kato's rode each rise and fall of the boat and jerked backward as the engine woke. They hopped and jumped and then skimmed the surface of each wave the boat created the first time across the lake. It reminded Kato of riding a horse. He spread his legs, bracing himself. He was probably going to regret this.

“Can you go faster?” Kato shouted and smiled when Shinko’s lips curled into something almost obscene.

The sound of the engine rose and Kato could feel the vibrations of the boat below him. He sat straighter and gripped both armrests. His head whipped back and a scream broke from him when the boat jumped rising above the water, simply skimming the surface, gaining speed rapidly.

This was better than flying. Gravity dampeners were used with all vessels for safety. Even rough landings felt like nothing. There was a reason this boat looked so different than anything Kato had ever seen. It was different. It was old. Very old. Where in the hell did Shinko find it?

The boat was sleek, built for speed. It was cherry red and chrome. The creme-colored seats and interior were made of soft leather. It growled and hummed like a living beast, finally freed after years of captivity. Kato could feel the movement of the water below them through every surface of his body that touched the monster below him. The strength of the wind was unbelievable. Cold lashed against his hand, streaks of wetness stained his sleeve.

Kato gripped his arm rests tighter. The feeling of weightlessness grew between each bounce of the boat. He felt the tip of the boat start to rise. They were going to be airborne soon if the man didn’t throttle back.

“Shinko,” Kato yelled, his voice tinny and small against the crash of water beating the hull and the strength of the engine. “Shinko!” Kato turned to look at Shinko.

He swallowed staring at man’s lean figure. Shinko’s long sleeve shirt caught the wind and three buttons tore loose, freeing perfect abs and lightly tanned skin. His hair streamed behind him and his eyes were bright. Kato's eyes wandered down the strong lines of the man's body. Kato's eyes stopped at Shinko's feet. The man wasn't wearing any shoes. It was an odd observation, but when he thought of Shinko, he always imagined the man half naked, hair loose and wind blown, barefoot and smiling. Just like now.

Shinko looked happy and energized and Kato wondered if life with Shinko would feel like he felt right now: body tight, tingling along his arms and legs while stomach did somersaults. He couldn't do this everyday.

His feet slid a little and Kato knew he made a poor choice not wearing his life preserver. His guard and Shinko's guard were spread out on the edge of the water in space vessels, hovering just above the surface of the lake. Noberu didn't blink when he ordered Kato's guard to take up flanking positions around the lake. It was surprising that Shinko's guard needed convincing. Of course, they had watched Shinko grow into the tall, lean man he was today. This reckless behavior was fun, but stupid.

Kato shouted twice more, but Shinko didn't sound like he heard anything. The boat wasn't slowing and he needed to get the man's attention. Kato carefully leaned over and let his hand slide into Shinko’s lap. He felt Shinko start and the man's head turned sharply to him. Shinko dropped the boat into a lower gear. The boat slowed considerably as the engine purred softly.

Kato moved to the edge of his seat and leaned in towards Shinko. He had his attention. "I want to drive your," Kato glanced into the man's lap, cupped Shinko’s cock and gave it a squeeze. "Boat," Kato choked when Shinko’s cock jerked against his hand.

He was perfectly aware that it is silly. Having a dick of his own, he knew that stimulation, especially something warm, felt good. He shouldn't have reacted like that. Any minute now the man was going to laugh at him. Kato steeled himself and tried not to be embarrassed. Until he lightly touched Noberu's engorged member, untangling it from his pajamas, Kato had never touched another man's cock. It was different. He was hesitant to raise his eyes, expecting a leer from Shinko. He never expected to see the light dusting of a blush on the man's cheeks.

It gave Kato courage.

He actually surprised the man. He doubted many people had ever surprised Shinko. Kato didn't have the courage to stick his hand down the man's pants like Shinko had done to him under that large canopy, away from prying eyes. He leaned closer to the man, nearly out of his seat now.

Kato felt his face warm and a naughty smile twisted the corners of his mouth. "I can use your...stick," his wet whisper warmed the man's tan ear. Now he felt stupid, "I just need a little instruction."

He was really subtle, right? Except, he actually wanted to drive this boat. He didn't need instruction, but he did need to spend time with Shinko. Besides, how hard could it be to drive a boat? Could it be that much different than a shuttle?

He felt a moment of vertigo before Shinko dropped him onto his lap, facing the wheel. If he had been holding the man's dick, they'd be on their way to medical now. He shivered when Shinko whispered against his neck, "Is this, what you had in mind?"

It was but in his head he was the aggressor, not the one sitting on Shinko's lap. It did make this a little easier. Kato nodded and felt the man's hands tickling along his thighs.

Kato didn't recognize any of the instruments except the wheel, though oddly shaped. It was actually round. A long chrome shaft rose from a panel to the left. He assumed that was for thrust. Several round dials indicated fuel, speed and something Kato couldn't quite make out.

He turned slightly in Shinko's lap and pursed his lips when he felt the man's hardened length against his rear. Kato opened his mouth and closed it as the boat rose and fell with each wave, pushing Kato against the man's twitching length.

This was definitely not what he had in mind. What the hell was he was thinking? There was no way he could seduce the playboy. Still, he wanted to drive the boat. Who knew if he'd ever get another chance?

"Here," Shinko said against the back of Kato's neck. He felt the man's larger hands cover his own and draw them to the steering wheel. "I'll help you."

He'd never admit it, but it kind of felt nice. It was a tight fit, but he could still steer. Kato wrapped his hands around the wheel. He tightened his fingers around the pale warm leather, liking the way the leather bunched up between his fingers.

"There are no breaks," Shinko explained. Kato saw him touch the throttle. The man shifted it down until the engine was nearly silent. He shifted it further down and the boat started to grind the waters in reverse. Kato glanced backwards feeling the slight difference. "To stop either wait for the boat to slow or put it into reverse. It takes planning. "

Shinko helped him steer the boat until it was facing the longest, widest shot across the lake. He let Kato shift until they were merely riding the waves, continuing to be carried backwards.

"Turning too quickly may capsize us," Shinko said and Kato nodded. "I'll help you. It's a straight shot."

Kato shifted the throttle forward. The engine warmed and they started to move forward. Shinko shifted his legs and let Kato settled against his lap a little more firmly. Kato didn't wait for more directions. He pushed the throttle up several gears.

It was like being directly connected to the engine. He could feel it purring, moving to a growl, and they started to gain speed. As the boat caught the top of each wave, Shinko wrap an arm around Kato's tummy. He felt the man bracing them.

Riding in the passenger seat was great. Riding over water, feeling it sprinkle against his skin while the wind explored his face and arms was thrilling. Feeling the strength of the engine in his hands, controlling the direction they went was almost better than sex.

Out of the corner of his eye, Kato saw a shock of white. Large Twin cranes caught the wind, extending wide wings and gliding just above the surface, mirroring their craft. Their movements were slow and measured. Kato closed his eyes for a moment, relaxing against Shinko's strong, lean arms and knew freedom. He opened his eyes as the smaller fowl slowly broke away. Kato watched it rise and slowly fade away in the clear blue of the skies.

"Start turning," Shinko shouted and Kato nearly jumped. Shinko shifted the engine into a lower gear.

It seemed too early to him but he followed Shinko's instructions. The man showed him how quickly to turn and he was surprised at how wide they were turning. Shinko's maneuver was much sharper earlier today, nearly tilting them into water. He'd have to ask the man why it was different now.

This morning was perfect. He didn't want it to end. He knew he wouldn't be allowed to do this when he was pregnant. He enjoyed the wheel trembling against his hands, the spray from the lake and didn't mind the erection pressing against his ass.

Kato lost track of time.

Shinko dropped the boat into the lowest gear. "We're nearly out of fuel," Shinko explained when Kato started to protest. "We've got a little time before lunch," The tall man groaned, gripping Kato's hips, stilling them.

The man's erection never waned during Kato's lesson. It must have been a bitch to sport an erection for so long without hope of any relief. And yet the man did it without complaint. The tall man surprised Kato. Shinko was capable of absolute control. Kato felt his dick fill, fattening quickly. That kind of control was apealing, sexy.

Gasping, Kato did something he hoped he wouldn't regret. He shook the man's hands off and awkwardly turned in his lap. He straddled the dark-haired man. The erection beneath him twitched and Shinko gasped.

The man's eyes were almost black. Kato thrust his hand into the man's loose locks. He didn't expect them to be so soft. He gripped them and pulled the man's head back. Shinko gasped and his adam's apple was thrust out. Kato latched onto the lightly-tanned throat and started to nibble and suck while grinding his pelvis down so hard it hurt.

Shinko's breathing was loud and quickly increasing. Kato's gasped, his heart racing. He felt his small globes squeezed almost viciously and he loved it. He bit down without drawing blood and was rewarded with a deep groan. He smiled into the next nip and attached himself to Shinko's dusty peach nipple. Kato sucked hard, knowing this was probably more pain than pleasure.

The man underneath him didn't complain. He groaned, encouraging Kato to suck harder. It wasn't enough.

Kato explored the man's ribs and eased his hand down. His fingers ran over skin with a different texture. Kato never stopped rocking against Shinko. He leaned back a little and watched his fingers dig into the tight muscle wrapped around bone. Shinko's skin was pale in places. Kato remembered the wound that Fusako gave him ran from one shoulder, diagonally down his torso and stopped at his hip. The blade must have bitten deep for the nanites to leave light scars in places. The man had nearly died.

He shuddered, not wanting to remember Shinko on his knees, his dark clothing glistening with sweat and blood, gasping in pain while he waited for the final thrust.

Kato attacked Shinko's nipple, thankful the man was still with him. He used his other hand and pinched Shinko's other nipple until it pebbled. The man beneath him groaned. Kato's heart beat against his ribs with brusing strength. His balls hurt, his cock was trapped and the friction wasn't good enough. Kato matched Shinko, thrust for thrust, bruising and tight.

It wasn't enough. Kato bit into the meat of the man's breast and tasted warm blood.

The man was beneath him, helpless between his teeth and it turned Kato on more than he'd care to admit. The man arched against him, his eyes fluttering before they rolled back. He pulled the man's head back even further, feeling Shinko's spine bow beneath him. Shinko went rigid beneath him, gasping as his body pulsed. They breathed as one, harsh, forcing the boat to create waves to mirror their pleasure.

It felt good knowing he did that to Shinko. Kato felt his own body tighten. It was almost painful this time, as if he'd been kept hoovering on the edge for hours. Kato thrust one final time, as he released the man's nipple with a popping sound. He felt the familar pleasure, laced with pain, pulse through him as his seed soaked his pants. He collapsed against Shinko's chest, breathing roughly. His fingers were tangled in the man's long locks.

"Oh god, Kato," the man whispered breathlessly, "I can't wait to be inside you." The man's adams apple bobbed with each word. He panted. "I could die a happy man," Shinko breathed in one long sigh.

Kato rolled his eyes, trust the man to say just the perfect thing. He groaned, "I can't believe we just did that."

Shinko chuckled. Kato carefully wiggled his hand loose. He buried his head against the man's chest. His fingers traced the edge of the man's loose shirt, moving to the man's ribs, focusing on solid, trim muscle. Shinko spent way too much time on the water. He smelled clean like the earth after a cleansing rain. Breathing Shinko in, Kato smiled.

Shaking his head, Kato realized he made a mistake. He did this backwards. He was supposed to talk to the man first, get him to see the benefits of sharing the throne with Seshimora and then share an incredible orgasm with him. He should be mortified, but he couldn't get his mind or body to agree. He felt loose, boneless. Sated. He'd worry about the wet spot later.

Who knew driving an old boat around a big lake was a huge aphrodisiac?

Kato felt Shinko's long arms wrap around him. The man's thin fingers threaded through his curling locks. His head was gently eased back so he could look into the other man's eyes. Kato's eyes stopped on the man's swollen nipples. The right one had a pefect ring, an indention of his teeth, surrounding the nipple.

"I'm sorry about that," Kato murmured. The man frowned so Kato ran his fingers over the man's poor nipple. Shinko grimaced. "Who knew your were so delicious?" Kato tried for nonchalance, but he gave the man a nervous smile and words far too soft.

Shinko's eyes fluttered and a slow grin were followed by, "Is this where you try to convince me Ascension is wrong?"

Easing himself back further, Kato searched the man's face. Of course he saw right through Kato. It didn't change anything. Kato hadn't planned on having this conversation stained with cum, but what the hell.

"You and Seshimora compliment each other. You need to make more public appearances. Be the face the public everywhere will adore. Seshimora will gladly facilitate and govern the military and planetary defense."

Shinko frowned.

The man seemed to be listening. "My father will hate you," Kato said as kindly as he could. Shinko looked unhappy, but he didn't argue. "You're everything he has worked hard not to be. He'll fight you on everything. Seshimora could get my father to concede on important matters. Hell, they'll even like each other."

The man growled at him. "You don't understand, Kato. We can't change after two thousand years just because you don't like it." The man sound angry. He gripped Kato's hips and started to lift him off of his lap. Kato dug his feet into the man's thighs. He gripped the man's long arms.

"Don't lie to me," Kato hissed, shaking his head. "You don't believe in Ascension. You didn't spout the same crap Seshimora and Fusako did. Is this about your father?"

Seshimora seemed to have a father complex. Hell, so did Kato. King Yoshi enjoyed annoying Shinko. He certainly didn't try to hide the fact that he wanted his favorite to Ascend.

Shinko's lips thinned. Kato knew he hit a nerve.

"You father appreciates Seshimora because he is the man your father wants to be. He sees too much of himself in you."

Shinko's face was stone. "We're done now." Kato struggled to stay on the man's lap. He wasn’t done yet.

"Listen to me. Dammit! I know how much it hurt you to take Fusako's life. How are you going to watch our children destroy each other?" Kato closed his eyes. He stopped struggling. "Being King should mean something. Make it mean something, Shinko," he whispered. He dropped his hands and struggled to plant his feet to move off the man's lap.

Warm hands stopped him. Shinko looked at him sadly. "You make it sound so easy," the tall man beneath Kato murmured. He wrapped his arms around Kato, resting them against Kato's bottom.

"You and Seshimora have a chance. Together-" Kato said as he was interrupted by Shinko.

"The strongest, the fittest isn't found by chance. Compromise weakens all of us. Your King, your people weaken the Kitsurin Throne by excluding women from it," Shinko said firmly. His eyes clouded for a moment. "You ask too much, Kato."

"Excluding women from either throne is wrong," Kato agreed, keeping his voice light. "Fusako taught me that. There is a better way. Please." Kato put what he felt into his eyes. His voice dropped low, "Help me."

Shinko shook his head. "I can't," Shinko said, without emotion, his face closed off. The man's arms returned to his sides.

Kato struggled to his feet, avoiding the steering wheel and Shinko's long legs. He took a breath, "Then she died for nothing." He sat quietly. He thought Shinko would be the easier man to convince. He should have expected this resistance. Shinko watched him, saying nothing, giving nothing away.

The anger rose, filling his eyes and making his entire body tense. "Damn you," Kato said evenly, through gritted teeth. He thrust his chin out pugnaciously. He wanted to strike the man. "You're a coward. She offered you her life because she loved you," Kato wiped his eyes, angier now that he felt tears slowly filling his eyes. He took a shaky breath and hissed, "You're right. We're done here."

And he meant it. Every. Damn. Word. Maybe later, after he had cooled off, Kato would regret speaking his mind. Right now, he just wanted to hurt the man.

Fusako was screwed up thinking that love made her weak. She could have fled, started her life somewhere else, but she believed the strength of her planet started on the throne: Challenge and Ascension were the best way to find the fittest monarch. It burned Kato knowing she died thinking she was a failure.

Takimore. Fusako. How many have fallen, offering their lives so a loved one could live?

Kitsurins celebrated the stuggle to survive and rewarded ruthlessness, not courage. They benefited from the sacrifices love made but didn't understand it. They didn't compromise. His children would be raised here. They would think and act like Kitsurins. That took Kato's breath away. His children wouldn't simply feel obligated out of duty to follow Ascension, they might actually believe that crap. It never occurred to Kato that his children might seek to destroy each other because they believed it was the right thing to do.

All of the anger drained out Kato, leaving him feeling sick. He wrapped his arms around himself and shivered. Shinko and Seshimora had different reasons for answering Challenge. In the end it didn't matter; they murdered someone they loved. Kato couldn't overcome that kind of grief and guilt. Only time could heal those wounds and they didn't have it.

Slouching in his chair, Kato rested his hands flat against his tummy. Could he just sit back and watch his children murder each other? How did King Yoshi do it? Kato wanted to vomit, feeling something hot and scading climb the back of his throat. He forced it down and rubbed his belly.

Maybe there was another answer. Only male children would compete for the throne. What if he only had one male child? Marriage would be the instrument to strengthen the throne instead of Ascension. Kato nodded to himself. There was nothing he could do for Shinko or Seshimora if they wouldn't help themselves. There was hope for his children. He just had to manipulate his physician without his father’s knowledge.

Kato blinked when something caressed his hand and then tickled the short, fine hairs along his arm. Kato turned to look at Shinko and met an unhappy look.

"You don't understand, Kato," Shinko murmured, shaking his head.

Kato paused. "Then explain it to me."

Shinko closed his eyes. The silence grew and Kato was convinced the man was ignoring him. He twitched when the older man started talking again. "I entered Challenge to offer her my life, but I...I couldn't do it," Shinko's voice broke. "I loved her and I killed her," Shinko whispered, eyes searching Kato's face.

Kato had no idea what Shinko felt, but he remembered the guilt. He was mad at Fusako, glad she was dead and not Shinko. At the time, he didn't understand what else he felt. He never expected to be disappointed in Shinko, but he wanted the man who would sacrifice himself for someone he loved.

"I thought it was enough," Shinko said dully, "But it wasn't. When she stood over me and hesitated before her final stroke, I realized I wanted to live more than I loved her." Shinko took a trembling breath. "It's been hard to admit I am not the man I thought I was."

He wanted to offer comfort. He wanted to ease the guilt Shinko felt. Kato didn't think before he spoke, "She told me if she could not take your life, she didn't deserve the throne."

Shinko's chuckle was bitter. "That sounds like her." And then more quietly he said, "She took the lives of a brother and a sister." Shinko shook his head. "She never hesitated."

"Until you," Kato murmured. "She loved you."

"I made her weak."

Kato nodded, thinking without blinders this time. "She told me she thought you would make a poor King: you're ruled by your heart." Shinko blinked. "She was wrong, wasn't she?"

It was clear to Kato now. Fusako obtained a rare toxin to kill Shinko and couldn't do it. He wondered how many times she plotted and failed. She lived for duty and sacrifice, just like Seshimora. By hesitating, by not making that final sword thrust, she mocked the very foundations of everything she thought she valued. She valued Shinko more than the throne, more than her people, her father. More than her own life.

When Shinko forced his blade into her flesh that last time, did Fusako find relief? Did she find value in Shinko then or did she feel the same disappointment Kato felt?

Rubbing the back of his neck, Kato turned to Shinko. "She was a romantic. All of those books...It's ironic, isn't it? She gave her life for someone she loved."

Shinko's face crumbled.

Kato wasn't being cruel on purpose, but he wouldn't make this easier for Shinko. The man was a survivor and Kato realized he had a shot at the Kitsurin Throne. If he couldn't face Seshimora in Challenge, he would find another way.

Struggling to control the pain in his face, Shinko agreed. "I am not the man I thought I was."

Kato was reminded of a conversation he had with Noberu, ages ago. "So be the man you want to be. I know you don't believe in Ascension. Change it. Make her death matter."

"That's why I can't, Kato."

"That," Kato frowned. Frustration bled into his voice,"That doesn't make any sense."

"I have to be the man she wanted me to be," Shinko said as Kato's jaw dropped. "I owe her that."

Kato shook his head. This was all wrong. That was stupid. "She gave you the chance to choose for yourself," Kato said in disbelief. He dropped his hands into this thick hair, snaring handfuls and stared at Shinko. "And you're choosing something she didn't even want for herself? Shinko please, that's....No." Maybe if he shook some sense into the man?

Shinko face grew still, his features smoothed out until Kato couldn't see pain anymore. He took a deep breath. "She believed in Ascension even if I do not. You ask too much."

"She wanted to have children. She wanted to fall in love."

"Then she would have chosen that," Shinko said flatly. "She did not."

They were drifting to close to shore. Shinko pushed the throttle forward and gently guided them away. His lips had thinned. His body language told Kato everything he needed to know. The man's shoulders were tight, hands gripping the wheel too tightly.

Kato realized he wasn 't going to get anywhere with Shinko. His shoulders slumped. The man wouldn't change his mind. He had a lifetime of guilt to carry. Kato wanted to weep. Even if he could convince Seshimora Ascension was wrong, the big man carried the same guilt Shinko did now. He didn't have much of a chance with either Kitsurin.

"Like I said," Kato said dully. "We're done. Take me back."

The water lapped at the boat. The engine was lulling him. Easing himself back into the seat, Kato closed his eyes, his shoulders loosening. He felt drained and just wanted to sleep. He was tired already and still had some stupid ceremony or benefit to attend.

Smoothing his damp pants, Kato told himself it was good to figure this out before he made an even bigger ass of himself. Kato opened his eyes and searched for Noberu. The man's posture told him nothing. Kato wasn't close enough to make out more detaills than that. Noberu must have seen him rocking against Shinko. He was looking forward to that conversation, too.

"I would do anything else for you, Kato," Shinko told him, not even bothering to look over at him.

"Just not protect our children," Kato said tiredly. "That's all I want."

"I would die for you," Shinko said quietly. The silence was filled up by the soft lap of water against the hull.

Kato thought about it. "It's not enough," Kato told him harshly. "Let's go home," Kato said more gently this time.

He didn't look at the man. Kato couldn't remember ever being this disappointed in someone, except his father, but he couldn't bring himself to dislike Shinko. The man was as much a prisoner of his traditions as Kato.

"Kato..." Shinko said and Kato shook his head. Shinko sighed and steered towards the pier.

Looking down at his pants, Kato groaned miserably. He felt like a fool. Why did he think he could influence Shinko through sex? Sure it felt great, but once the glow wore off, he just felt cheap.

"I'll need to change again," Kato murmured. He caught the sharp look Shinko gave him and chose to ignore it.

"If you'll let me, I still want to accompany you tonight. "

The man was unbelievable.

Kato shook his head. "You think you can share?" Kato offered with a smirk, not really trying to bait the man. Shinko made his opinion clear. He cared for Kato but not enough to break Kitsurin's practice of sanctioned murder. Kato could not forgive this. Shinko would never love him enough to sacrifice what he valued the most.

Shinko slowly turned his head and considered Kato for a few minutes. Finally, he shook his head. "I don't share well."

Kato gave the man a half-hearted chuckle. "I know," he said sadly in a long sigh.

____________________________________________________________________

Kato pulled the loose, fluffy robe around himself as he exited the steam-filled bathroom. Two showers in one day before lunch was a record he hoped not to top. It had been humilitating climbing out of the boat, walking down the pier and entering his own shuttle. Everyone could see the wet spot. Who has sex on a lake surrounded by men? He did apparently. Kato's blush never abated. His head hurt now.

Stopping in the middle of the room, Kato hesitated. He glanced at Noberu and wished the robe didn't stop at his thighs. Summer robes were stupid.

Noberu was shockingly silent, but the vein in his forehead pulsed when he looked at Kato. The man wasn't fooling anyone. Noberu's eyes brushed past Kato to Basang. He gestured to the door and the big, wide man nodded.

Basang wore a perpetual grin. It might have been infectious but somehow Basang made it insulting and obscene. Shit, Kato nearly groaned. Basang had been part of his detail out on the lake. The man had an eyefull, too. He breathed a sigh of relief when the man gave Kato one last look and left without rude or embarrassing comments.

The door to his closet opened silently when Kato stopped in front of it. Kato entered and overhead and accent lighting blinked to life. The room was three times the size of his own closet on Radekoun. It was ridiculous a room this size could be devoted to his clothing and shoes.

If Kato was the kind of person who loved clothing, pretty things and looking at his own reflection in perfect light, he would be in heaven. But he wasn't, so he didn't notice that the entire room had been created for him and his future burgeoning figure. Kato only noted that the north and east walls were bare; his maternity clothing had yet to be measured and made. He shuddered.

Kato opened a door and drew out a pair of underwear. The draw below held socks. He tossed a pair of gray ones onto a small, satin covered bench behind him. He loosened his robe enough to pull on his underwear.

Kato moved to the west wall and lightly pressed the touch pad. It glowed and a flat white wall panel clicked, moving out of sight. A long compartment was revealed. There were hanging shirts in different styles and colors, starting with long-sleeved shirts in red, moving through the rainbow, were bright in contrast to the white walls, floor and ceiling.

He pressed the pad again and a whirling sound indicated his hand was too close to the compartment. He dropped it and watched the bar holding his shirts move, rotating downward in an arc moving slowly out of sight while a row of short-sleeved shirts replaced it.

Pulling out a shirt with a low neck, Kato moved to the full-length mirror and set the shirt on the hook for the hologram program. He stood on the platform, facing the mirror, and watched as the mirror-like surface blinked opaque and slowly changed to a clear image of himself wearing the pale blue shirt.

Normally Kato wouldn't bother. He would just grab stuff that sort of matched and dress quickly, but he knew Noberu wanted to talk to him without an audience. Kato opened the compartment that held slacks. He pulled out a dark grey pair and pulled them on quickly. He heard Noberu shuffling behind him.

The big man wasn't fooling him. The walk back to his rooms was quiet and uncomfortable. The big man's face had been calm, but Noberu was walking so quickly he had to stop twice and wait for Kato to catch up. The man's throbbing vein mirrored Kato's pounding headache. The waiting was killing him.

He would have warned Noberu if he could. Kato planned on using guilt and appealing to the Kitsurins' sense of fairness to plant the seeds of altering Ascension. The two oldest brothers didn't appear to particularly like each other, so Kato assumed he'd end of marrying one and burying the other. Especially now. Kato was more concerned about the fate of his children.

Seshimora's suggestion to share was shocking and for a brief moment he wanted to flee, but Kato pushed the uncertainty down and thought about it. The Kitsurin brothers had strengths and weaknesses that complimented each other.

He could imagine Seshimora strengthening the combined military on the twin planets, making all meetings and fostering goodwill with countless of planets. The big man could do it with ease. Seshimora would get on well with his father and he could see them compromising on important issues.

He knew Shinko's ability to charm and lure others into adoring him, despite his obvious flaws, would assist the UP in convincing planets that old animosities were forgotten and the future held the promise of abundance and prosperity. Shinko was the handsome face the public would get to know while others worked silently in the background.

Where Seshimora was comfort and safety, Shinko was hunger and heat. Where Seshimora's footsteps thundered spreading fear to their enemies, Shinko's contagious nature promised prosperity to every friend of the Twin Throne. Where Seshimora was driven by duty, Shinko never forgot the importance of enjoying the pleasures that made life something to be treasured.

Together they made the perfect husband. Sharing didn't seem like such an awful idea.

"That's your idea? They share the throne?" Noberu's voice surprised Kato and he glanced at the big man.

What? No comments about the his semen soaked pants? Nothing about him rutting like a bitch in heat with an audience? Kato wasn't sure if he was relieved or not. He gave him a quick nod as he replaced the light blue shirt and pulled down a long light grey button up.

"You do realize that means they share you, too?" Noberu's voice had a weird lilt at the end. He didn't sound amused.

Freezing, Kato took a deep breath and turned to face his lover. He gave the man a slow, deliberate nod.

"You want both of them in your bed," Noberu's voice was harsh.

"Want? NO!" Kato chocked out. “I need them both to…” Kato trailed off as a slow blush filled his cheeks and an image floated to the surface of his mind. He saw his spine arc painfully; loud groans shook him as a second cock breached him. His stomach dropped. He knew that's what Noberu was seeing in his head right now because he did not think of stuff like that! Kato shuddered and then looked sharply at Noberu. "Not at the same time!"

The big man's eyebrow twitched, just a little. Kato glared balefully. He turned his back on Noberu. He put the shirt back into his compartment. He grabbed a black tunic with a low rounded collar. He stripped out of the robe, tossing it to the bench with his socks. He pulled the tunic over his cooling flesh. He smoothed the shirt down, turned to the pad, and tapped the pad twice and closed it. With a stiff back, he leaned over and looked through several styles of leather sandals.

"What if...what if that's what they want?"

There was something strange about the big man's voice. Kato froze and turned his head, frowning. The corner of Noberu’s mouth was twisted and his eyes were filled with amusement.

Noberu thought this was funny? He sounded mad a few minutes ago.

"Donnn't be ssstupid," Kato cursed the stutter and the heat in his face. He straightened and leaned against the closet doors. "Don't say stuff like that..." Kato trailed off as Noberu's lips curved into a grin, warm and playful.

The man was handsome like that. Honest amusement pushing back the calculated or blank expression Noberu usually wore. Kato stared. If he wasn't feeling so inadequate and stupid, he may have allowed himself to join in with that warm feeling, even if it was at his expense.

The man's head tilted to the side and Kato knew the pervert was thinking about a Kato sandwich. And now Kato was thinking about it, too. Damn him! Kato's face burned so hot he had to leave before he said something really stupid. He moved quickly to the door, bent on putting some distance between him and that ass. Kato stopped in the doorway when he heard a low chuckle from behind. He turned back to face the big man and glared.

His caveman was laughing at him!

"Stop it," Kato murmured and watched the man's eyes widen before the low rumble moved to a roar. "Stop laughing at me!"

Kato didn’t think. Before he realized it, he stood before Noberu and punched the big man in the gut. The ass must have been expecting it. He winced but kept laughing. Kato punched him harder, putting his weight into it this time, and was rewarded by a grunt.

Noberu wiped his eyes and looked down at Kato. “Kid, you are adorable.” He cupped Kato’s face with both of his big hands. Kato frowned. “I don’t want you to get hurt,” the big man murmured.

Kato nodded and cleared his throat. “I know." He reached forward and placed his hands over Noberu’s much larger ones. His face felt very warm. Maybe he didn’t have a right to ask, but he needed Noberu, too. He needed at least one person who would put him first. One person he could trust. He believed that person was Noberu. "I know the odds...now. I have to try.”

Noberu nodded, not looking terribly happy now.

“I need you to support me,” Kato whispered. You know what I have to do, he pleaded with his eyes. He dropped his hands and waited.

His face was tilted up and he watched the man’s face close the distance from his own. The big man kissed him lightly and Kato closed his eyes. He felt Noberu’s warm breath against his ear and shivered.

“I would bleed for you, Kato.”

The thought of something bad happening to Noberu made Kato feel nervous and sick. He opened his eyes and knew the big man could feel him trembling. He tried to shake off this feeling and failed. Noberu was his bodyguard. The man was his human shield. Noberu might do more than bleed for him.

Kato looked at the big man's strong jaw and then up to his eyes. He couldn't even manage a forced smile to comfort his lover. Noberu looked at him sadly. Kato felt himself being enveloped in strong arms. He breathed Noberu in and rubbed his face against the big man’s firm chest.

This was definitely one memory Kato would cherish; Noberu holding him like he was something precious. Kato wouldn't change the big man even if he could be an ass.

He didn't know what would happen tomorrow or the day after. He promised himself he would do what he had to do. He would love who he wanted to love. He took a deep breath and he let the fear go as he breathed out, “I know.”

____________________________________________________________________

Noberu needed a break. He couldn't be around the Kitsurin brother's again so soon, especially not after watching Kato and Shinko on the water. Basang offered to lead the detail on his own, but Noberu didn't feel right with Kato exposed like that. He had to stay. He would never forgive himself if something happened to Kato again.

He knew the kid was fine but he coudn't help himself. He wore the shades that were actually speciality binoculars. He was pissed when Kato took off the preserver. He trusted the kid on the water without him nearby. The least the kid could have done was follow his instructions. Shinko was a bad influence on the kid.

He almost reacted when Shinko lifted the kid and placed him in his lap. After he realized Kato was going to drive the boat, he nearly called his men in. Shinko appeared to give the kid good instructions, helping him navigate around the large lake without any issues. Noberu was forced to keep watching.

When Kato turned to face the man, straddling his lap, Noberu felt his stomach drop. Kato was putting his plan into action now? Here? He tried to keep his jaw from dropping after the kid twisted his fingers in Shinko's locks, pulling his head back while he attacked the man's throat.

He expected to feel jealous. It shocked him to realize his dick was filling. He should have not been turned on watching the kid with someone else. He was. He was aroused! He had no idea Kato could be so strong or forceful. His cock jumped when the kid drew blood, Shinko's spine bowed and the man's body pulsed.

Fuck. That was hot.

Kato's orgasm must have been painful. His body was tight, he grimaced and shook with each jerk of his cock. His mouth was smeared with blood when he drew back before burying his face against Shinko's heaving chest.

When the hell did the kid grow into a man? Standing up for himself? Taking what he wanted? Honest in his desires?

Dominant.

Where was this part of Kato when he was spread out on Noberu's lap this morning? Noberu's mind filled with too many images of Kato and himself. The kid had used his teeth on Noberu but not like that. Damn he wanted that too. He could show Kato so many things. It had been hard controlling his breathing.

Noberu had studied his men as Kato made his way to the shuttle. They all looked like they were effected. A few were red-faced and shifting on their feet. Most were looking at the kid differently when Kato reached his shuttle. Several openly appraised Kato. He expected that from Basang, but not the veterans he chose.

He was going to have to break a few heads. Signing on to this kind of detail would put all of them into situations that were delicate. This wasn't the first time and it wouldn't the last. After the kid was pregnant, things would be more complicated. He'd be damned if his people would treat the kid differently.

No one else was allowed to embarrass or harrass the kid.

Most of the team left for some down time before tonight. A few others would provide security for the the kid through lunch. Rato took that team and Kato. The kid left frowning. He and Basang moved their things to the conference room. He needed time to go over security for the university function tonight. They spent the first hour reading reports. They were nearly ready to start prepping the structure to identify weak security points and exits. Basang needed to set up the program.

"I see him now," Basang said, absently tapping the program to life.

The black glass table was a screen. The entire surface blinked to life and a three dimensional image of the of the university building rose from the surface. Basang had created a subroutine, an addition to the existing program, allowing them to use their fingers to peel layers of the building away and manipulate the skeleton and internal parts of the building.

"Who?" Noberu murmured distracted.

Noberu finished looking through reports his people had put together regarding all of the guests for this evening. So far he'd found nothing that caught his eye. It appeared to be what it was. The Kitsurin crown had financed this building for the university at Fusako's request. She loved the place. The university was renaming the building in Fusako's memory.

Fusako originally agreed to speak, announcing the crown's approval of the new direction the university was taking, studying cultures on other planets. The birth of the wormhole inspired the little Kitsurin royal to learn more about the lives of people on other planets. After returning from the lake, Shinko agreed to take Seshimora's place as speaker. Noberu was curious how the man would handle himself.

"The kid," Basang said, pulling the report from Noberu's hands. He set it on the chair next to him. "What's up with you?"

"I'm here," Noberu shrugged. "You're talking about Kato?"

Noberu arranged the rest of the reports neatly beside him. He had a few more related reports to get through. He wanted to know more about the security staff assigned by the palace for the event.

"I see what you see in him," Basang dropped his hands away from the three dimensional image. "He's incredible. When he bit the playboy...fuck! I get it now. I don't swing that way but at that moment?" Basang shrugged, his eyes bright.

"He's off limits," Noberu said too sharply. He winced.

"Rato told me," Basang nodded, his voice low. "I wondering why the hell he had to?" Noberu groaned. "How long have you been fucking the kid?"

Noberu held his hands up. "No penetration," he said as if that made it better, "I'm not stupid."

Basang shook his head. He started to rub his temples. "I'd expect this of me, but you? Your all about rules and regulations. What the hell is wrong with you?" Basang's eyes narrowed and then a look of pure anguish was swallowed by frustration. "You love him. Oh," Basang groaned into his hands, "We're fucked."

Shaking his head, Noberu tried to make himself sound like he believed every word he said. "It's not that bad. I'll be careful. I can handle this." Noberu waived him off with a wide sweep of his large hand.

Chuckling, Basang leaned back in his chair, slouching. "That's how it starts," he said in a conversational tone. Noberu frowned wondering where Basang was going with this. "That's why the cow made sense. Then I thought I could do damage control when the whore started poking holes in you. I thought I could fix it all even when I was stuck in a fucking shit hole of a jail, facing a life wasting away while you and Rato were left with the consequences. You can't control it. Trust me on this."

He believed every word, but it didn't matter. He made a promise. Noberu wanted to explain why this had to be different. Loud voices outside of the conference room got his attention. He moved back from the table in case he needed to stand quickly.

King Yoshi yelled at his detail until they allowed him to shut the door without a single member inside the room with him.

"King Miyazaki told me to speak to you about Prince Kato," the man growled. "He seems to think you have the most influence over him."

Basang went still beside him. He watched Noberu out of the corner of his eyes. Noberu studied Yoshi carefully instead.

The man was dressed casually. His hair was pulled into a pony tail, tight small braids were arranged randomly through the dark strands. Yoshi was a big man, naturally without having to work for it. Consistent time in a gym conditioned the man to have hard, sleak muscles. He wasn't as big as his son, Seshimora, but he was close.

"What can I do for you," Noberu asked easily. He eased back in the chair enough to appear casual.

"Your boy is trying to convince my sons to share him and the throne. He's already turned Fusako into a weakling," the man said as the muscles in his jaw churned. "He will stop now," the man finished in a emphasizing the final word by breathing it out through clenched teeth.

"He finds Ascension to be barbaric and wrong. Like you, he's looking out for his children." Noberu's tone was respectful, but it was ruined by the flat look in his eyes.

King Yoshi gripped the back of the chair in front of him. The leather popped and the chair creaked under the pressure. The muscles in his arms twitched. His nostrils flared.

"You will control him," King Yoshi commanded in a voice accustomed to immediate and absolute obedience. "He is interfering in Ascension. I will not allow it."

"He's stubborn," Noberu agreed with a nod. "I doubt anything short of his death will convince him his children are not worth it," Noberu drawled.

It wasn't a particularly smart thing to say, but it was the absolute truth. He already knew he couldn't convince Kato Ascension and Challenge were useful and helped create a powerful and stable government. He honestly had no idea why it had worked so well through the past two thousand years.

Noberu didn't like the way the man's jaw was set or how much darker the man's eyes were now. Yoshi's face grew cold. "You going to harm the mother of your grandchildren before you have a single heir," Noberu asked harshly. He stood and was around the table in seconds. Basang was standing now, face strained.

It was unsettling how quickly Yoshi calmed. He faced Noberu as if they were taking a stroll through a pleasant garden at sunset. "Very well, clearly your relationship with the boy has robbed you of your ability to make reasonable decisions. There are other ways." And the man left as he came, yelling at his detail outside of the conference room.

Basang let out explosive breath before he hissed "What the fuck was that about? What? You couldn't just tell him you'd talk to the kid?"

Noberu shrugged. What was the point?

"You're going to get us all killed," Basang said angrily, his teeth flashing. "Damn you."

____________________________________________________________________

It was amazing how angry King Yoshi was at lunch. The man somehow found out about Kato's suggestion to the Kitsurin brothers. The big man warned him in the past about not interfering in Ascension. This time he threatened Kato. He wasn't surprised Shinko came to his defense. He was shocked Seshimora reprimanded his father and made it clear how he much he disapproved of Yoshi's bully-like behavior.

It made Kato feel warm all over.

Kato shocked himself when he laughed at King Yoshi, reminding the angry man he couldn't do crap to him because he needed grandchildren. Both planets needed him and he was fine with giving them as many children as he could, but he would not condone nor accept Ascension.

His jaw dropped when King Yoshi stood and left the room without another word. Kato watched the Kitsurin brothers for the rest of the meal. If Yoshi was really that worried that Kato could convince his children to turn from two thousand years of tradition, he might have a shot at changing their minds. He smiled through the rest of the meal, while the Kitsurin brothers cast suspicious glances at him.

Now he was seated in between the bulking figures of King Yoshi and Prince Seshimora, feeling small and uncomfortable. When did he agree to come to this event? Dedication ceremonies were really not his thing. Sure he was present at many on Radekoun, but that was different. That was his responsibility when he was heir to the Radekoun throne. He didn't have that responsibility anymore.

King Yoshi shifted in his seat. Kato stared at him apprehensively. A strange thought distracted him. How in the hell could men get this damn big? It wasn't normal. Did they start out that way? Kato felt his eyes grow wide. Damn. Was Seshimora a big infant. Did his mother curse their father's size the last two months while she was so big death seemed like a good idea.

Kato stared at Seshimora as a woman's voice droned on. Seshimora was dressed in finely-tailored dark clothing. His suit jacket hung open to reveal a blood red button up shirt for this event. Kato wondered why they weren't wearing something traditional, like what they wore at the celebration for the Kitsurin holiday?

His eyes passed over the large crowd gathered nearby. He didn't recognize anyone. This crowd was much smaller, only four or five hundred people. There were over a hundred seats open. Kato wondered if the crowd was kept smaller for security or if these were the only people interested in this dedication.

They were using a large lecture room. They were at the lowest part of the room. Behind and above them was a flat white surface. The floor gently sloped up before stadium seating and stairs allowed all guests to be comfortably seated. A long wall of a transparent substance separated the seating area from the lecture area. It didn't reach the ceiling, stopping at eight feet. The rest of the room was covered in shades of gray. The popcorn ceiling and walls were sound-proof and allowed the best acoustic sound possible for such a large space.

The floor below them was a flat dark gray. Kato assumed this space may act like a halogram deck. It must be for an advanced class of some kind. He looked around the room. He turned to search for Noberu, making certain the man was behind him. The man's eyes flickered to Kato before returning to the movement around him.

He and the Kitsurin royalty were given seats opposite the crowd. They sat in oversized chairs quite a few feet from the podium. The security detail of each royal member stood along the walls of the lecture area.

The other side of the podium held what Kato assumed were about twenty university staff members. Kato expected more. They nodded to each other and spoke behind raised hands. They pointed out people in the crowd. Kato felt eyes staring periodically. He ignored it, he was pretty used to it now.

He wasn't certain how long the voice droned on. Wasn't Shinko supposed to speak too? Kato twitched his feet nervously. This was the worst kind of bordem, being observed, filmed so he couldn't just relax and take a nap. Napping sounded pretty good. Kato jerked when Seshimora joined in the applause. He struck his hands together a few times and turned to the podium. They all stood, waiting.

Shinko entered through a small door to Kato's left. He stood for a moment, searching the crowd. He crossed the floor and flashed Kato a warm smile before he made his way to the podium. Kato watched three of the man's detail take up positions nearby.

The tall monarch gripped the edges of the podium, leaned forward and his entire face warmed. He was dressed much like Seshimora. He wore black and a silver shirt that had shiny and dull threads worked through it. His hair was loosely tied back. Shinko had a tall, lanky figure. His handsome face was warm and open, eyes bright.

Kato blinked. This man exuded confidence and warmth. He was so different from the man Kato saw earlier today. Had it all been a dream?

Shinko cleared his voice and the applause quieted. He smoothed his hands along the podium, resting them in front of himself.

"I'd like to thank all of you for coming to acknowledge Fusako's contribution to the university and the people of Kitsu-"

When Kato saw a flash of bright light, he instinctively raised his arms, protecting his face as his body was pushed backwards by a burst of incredible heat. He put his arms out on either side of his body to cushion his fall. His elbows went numb after they struck the cold surface below him. Air was forced painfully from his lungs seconds later.

The smoke was thick and gray, slowingly darkening. It burned his nose.

He sat up slowly and had to close his eyes, struggling with dizziness. He knew better than to shake his head. He felt...wet. Kato opened his eyes slowly, not sure what he expected to see. He stared at his lap. His cool gray slacks were speckled with black. He picked up a small pebble and stared at it.

Kato's eyes followed the pattern of dark liquid and small clumps of smoking raw meat. Glass sparkled around him. Kato wormed a thin finger into a hole in his slacks. He touched his leg and was surprised it hurt. He drew his finger out. A small smear of blood covered the tip. He flicked the pebble away from himself.

Commotion on his left caught his attention. Men dressed in fatigues were rounding people up and moving them from the room. Others with red bands on their arms were struggling with people strewn around. The smoke was growing denser and Kato coughed, trying to clear it from his lungs. It still burned, so he covered his mouth with his long sleeve.

His mind was clearing. A blinding light. Heat, fire and smoke. Glass everywhere, pieces of the stone and granite around them. Bodies strewn about. Too much blood. Search teams, medical response teams among the bodies. Panic. Kato blinked.

A bomb was detonated.

Kato wasn’t certain what he should do, where he was supposed to go. There was too much confusion. It was getting harder to see clearly. What was on fire? He had to move. He searched around him. Where was Seshimora? King Yoshi? Kato stood and felt his ankles wobble. He locked his legs wide, and searched the crowd for Noberu. The man should be here. If he wasn’t….

Adjusting his sleeve, Kato shook that thought off. The big man was here, he just couldn’t see him. Noberu would be by him unless he was down, needing help. He made his way through the crowd, turning when he heard his name being shouted.

It was Noberu.

Kato felt relief so strong his eyes grew wet. Kato tried to shout to his lover, but nothing came out, his ribs hurt and it sucked his breath away. Noberu was running now, pumping his legs, darting between people and rubble, trying to reach Kato. He was close now. His face was red, eyes were wide in panic, while his mouth moved as if speaking. He was gesturing frantically with his hand.

Why was the big man so afraid?

Kato shook his head. He was getting frustrated. It wasn’t safe here. He started towards Noberu ignoring movements around him.

A light flashed again and he felt a tremor under his feet. Kato wobbled. His breath hitched when bodies landed a few feet from him, like bags of wet cement. He didn’t have time to get any further away before another flash made him flinch. His face felt hot.

The sensation of floating was strange. And unwelcome.

Something long and heavy blanketed his body. He was mildly surprised. The huge shape arched violently against Kato as they fell with such force his head bounced twice. He could feel his arms and legs tighten before they froze.

He lost track of time.

Kato was drowning in the acrid smoke and the growing stench of raw, warm meat. It clung to him and he gagged. He was being crushed. He didn’t know what fell on him. Kato felt around and recognized an arm, a hip and he froze when he felt the holster inside the man’s jacket. Cold seeped into him, a growing horror dawned.

He couldn’t stop sobbing, drowning on his tears. He tried to rouse the man above him. It couldn’t be Noberu. He promised he would stay with him.

HE PROMISED.

The man’s words replayed in Kato’s head: “I’d bleed for you, Kato.”

Screaming Noberu’s name, Kato shook the man, barely causing more than a slight tremor above him. Something blanketed his face and he froze smelling rain. He blinked the tears out of his eyes.

Noberu always smelled of heat and oil. Not rain. Kato search his mind. Only one man smelled of rain.

Shinko.

His throat felt tight. This wasn’t Shinko. The man wasn’t even near him earlier. Better yet - this was a nightmare. He was dreaming again. He had nightmares lately, ever since his kidnapping. He tried to convince himself, but the biting coldness of the stone beneath him and the warmth and weight of the body above were too real.

Kato felt for a pulse. His hand brushed against something that made him freeze. His hand shook. He lifted it. Kato stared blankly as blackness coated his hand, hot liquid ran in long streaks down to his wrist, soaking his cuff and staining it bright pink.

Searching frantically for a pulse, Kato called for help. His voice sounded tinny and strange to his ears. He forced his voice higher, louder, nearly keening like a wounded animal.

The man twitched above him and Kato grew quiet. He could feel the larger man's diaphragm moving and it took a moment before Kato realized the man was talking. Faint tremors shook the body above Kato.

He felt the weight against him lesson as Shinko's shaking eased as he released a sigh of warm breath against Kato's cheek.

Someone was tugging on his arm. He tried to shake it off. He turned to see Noberu's face, covered in blood and grime. He couldn't tell whose blood the man wore.

“Help him,” Kato croaked.

Noberu shook his head, sadness clouding his eyes, but he gently pulled Shinko off of Kato, turned the man and settled him next to Kato. Kato ignored the pain growing in the back of his head, a shock of white filled his vision, but he sat up.

He met Shinko's pain-filled eyes. An unbearable coldness filled his chest like sharp icicles, making long blood-filled trails that slowly bled into his numb limbs.

“Shinko,” Kato breathed. Tears reached his chin and fell in large drops onto Shinko's throat, pooling at the base of his neck, a small alcove filling with grief. Kato watched it pulse with each ragged breath. With his next breath the liquid slowly ran in rivulets down either side of Shinko's throat. Kato's finger traced his tears down the man's face to his neck. "Why?"

Shinko's lips moved, but Kato couldn't make out what the man was saying. He placed his ear against Shinko's speckled lips, but that meant he couldn't see the man's face. He wanted to see his face.

Wet breath moistened his cheek and Kato leaned closer, the sounds of pain and panic around him forgotten. The faint smell of rain filled his nose, not quite masking the burning stink of smoke and singed meat. Kato felt his stomach vibrate as Shinko coughed roughly, his body shaking. He had so much he wanted to tell the man. Shinko's breathing was ragged after his coughing fit passed. His lips moved and he gestured Kato closer with his eyes.

Kato nestled his face against Shinko, feeling his hair brushed aside by each word, “....told you..I'd die for you." Something wet and hot speckled Kato's naked ear.

Kato trembled. He drew back and stared into the fearless eyes of his prince. "It's enough," he whispered, brokenly. Kato's trembling hand caressed the man's blood splattered face. Shinko's eyes flickered before they closed.

"Beautiful,” Shinko breathed as his chest sank lower and lower.

And then he died.