Chapter Text
Three days until Yoshihide's return.
Everybody was counting down the days until the mission, the one thing that the apprentices had been preparing for ever since they had been entangled in this web. The web that continues to ensnare it's victims regardless of status and humanity.
It's how it's always been. That's what Ren told himself every time.
He tucks the blanket around his master, her body curled up as she hugs the covers tight. Poor thing tuckered herself out again… She always gets like this around moments when it comes to Yoshihide, a bitter longing ache that never went away. The apprentice laid his back against the wall, his hand in his master's as a silent reminder that he has not strayed far from her side. A quiet sigh escaping his lungs as he hums a gentle lullaby, fingers stroking her knuckle in a soothing rhythm that went along with the melody.
Somebody had to do it. Someone had to take care of her. Even if it was her own apprentice.
Ren often took comfort in it for a while, caring for his master each and every day, eagerly awaiting the days where she was mentally strong enough to teach him more. Where he could take her title as Dihui Star and perhaps free her from this place himself. Though, the nagging ache in his own chest was growing much too prominent to avoid. No one had exactly been there for him, not until now. Suddenly, simple requests for himself felt much too selfish.
Each move of the blade, each breath he took… He did it for his master and now he continued to for his lover. Everything he should do with his limited time needed to be spent on those who were much better than his lowly self.
His master's body relaxes underneath the covers, melting into the cushion of the futon; her grip slipping away from his. Ren dips his head a tad out of respect, whispering one last good night before he quietly rose up and stepped away. Before he even opens the screen door, he turns back one last time to make sure his master still laid asleep. Once that was confirmed, he made his way outside.
Perhaps tomorrow, he will be greeted by a Dihui Star who would be able to teach him a new technique. Though, the chances were rather slim considering the circumstances. Wherever his master will be, wherever the cruelty of time leads her... Ren would remain by her side in this hellish place.
Wandering around outside, his ink black eyes gazed up at the glimmering stars; the tranquil winds brushing past his cheeks. It was enough to relax his waning heart despite the exhaustion he was battling from the errands and training of today. Though, he pricks up the moment he hears the rustling of bushes and grass, his hand immediately on the hilt of his blade.
"Whoever is out here, reveal yourself," He calls out calmly, his tone calm yet stern. The order quite clear. "…If it is the apprentice of the Middle, please exit this place silently, I am much too busy to read whateve-"
Ren cuts himself off the moment he realizes who it is, those silvery gray locks were always recognizable. But, never around this time at night. Lucio wasn't one to sneak out. His body softens as he approaches his boyfriend, greeting him with a warm embrace. Ren never saw himself as touchy, but, he could never control himself around his lover. His hands practically had minds of their own when it came to Lucio. "…Forgive my lowly self, I had assumed you were an intruder"
Lucio's body felt stiff in his arms, his usual replies nowhere to be seen. That's odd… He would have retorted by now, possibly some quip about how Kira shouldn't be considered an intruder. But, for now, he remained unusually quiet.
Tilting his head a tad, Ren was perplexed, waving a hand in front of his face just to see if he was cognitive. Lucio batted at it for a moment, struggling not to upturn his lips in an amused grin. "Oh, so I presume this little game of yours is the silent treatment?"
He shakes his head swiftly, the long ponytail cascading down his back swaying with the movement. A stifled squeak leaving him suddenly.
"Not the silent treatment? Lucio, this is very unlike you…" Ren whispers with a teasing coo, his hand atop the other man's hip now. He kneads a tad, as if trying to get a good grip. His lover's only weakness: his touch.
"Come now, whatever it may be… My humble self shall find a solution" He continues, his fingertips ghosting past his side, sliding back down to rest on his hip. It was exhilarating enough for Lucio to finally break, another sudden sound escaping his lips.
Hic!
Almost immediately, Lucio's face turns a bright scarlet; forcing his usual neutrality onto his expression as his violet eyes darted to the right. He barely had the dignity right now to look at his boyfriend straight in the eyes. This was humiliating enough… On the other hand, Ren could not contain his laughter; the sound a harmonic symphony to his boyfriend.
"Really now? A case of the hiccups? You could have just told me, Lucio…"
"I…" Lucio struggles to get the words out, another hiccup causing him to jump. "That is the issue… I cannot- Hic! Stop-"
He nods, eyes still crinkled from trying not to laugh at the noises leaving his boyfriend's mouth. "Not to worry, I know many methods to cure these." Ren states, his wording shifting to calm almost instinctively. He can remember moments where his master was much too young to grasp the concept of something as simple and juvenile as the hiccups, all he could do was simply remain calm and help her through it.
Clearing his throat, Ren attempted to startle him. Scaring often worked in situations like this. He exclaimed suddenly, just a yelp that was much louder than he anticipated. Ren was tempted to turn back and check on his master to see if she had awoken, but, he stayed put. Lucio had barely reacted, standing there with a blank expression. Ren supposed that he just did not scare easily…
It was silent in the clearing they were in. Until…
Hiccup!
"My, are you quite sure you have not drunken anything from your master, Lucio?"
"Now is not the time for your damn torment…?!"
Another laugh escapes the apprentice of the Pinky, unable to resist. He scratches around his scalp, entertained by Lucio's struggles to resist the playful touch. The hiccups rendering him rather helpless at this point. "Goodness, perhaps my humble self shall leave you like this…" It's obviously not a real threatening suggesting, but it still startled Lucio just a tad.
"No? You should not." He manages to say between stammering and squeaks, gripping his lover's shoulder to keep himself from falling over. His stomach now having a dull ache after all the hiccuping. Ren nodded, his smirk fading into a smile as he lead Lucio inside; being diligent as to not be too loud and disturbing his master.
Ren's hand is in Lucio's as they stifled each step to Ren's quarters, the man plopping Lucio down on his futon with a sigh. "Alright, now. Allow me to try a couple more things."
For the next few minutes, Ren tried a series of possible cures. Partly because he just wanted to continue teasing more cute reactions from his lover, but mainly because he did genuinely wanted to help him. Lucio held his breath, nothing. He attempted to take deep breaths, the spasms interrupted every other one. Ren had attempted to make him laugh though none of his jokes made him laugh hard enough to stop.
Eventually, at their wits end, Ren had gotten him a cup of water. Lucio raised a brow out of concern, nothing else had worked. What made him think this would? He held out the glass towards him, Ren's gaze still gentle despite the constant trial and error.
"Drink this as quick as possible. It's the only method we have not tried…"
It seemed silly… But, Lucio did as he was told; chugging the water practically. A hint of blush and shame dusted his cheeks. He probably looked like Valencina during this… Though, despite his disbelief, finally he was cured. "Phew…" He sighs of relief, falling flat on his back against Ren's bed as his chest heaved a little. "…Thank you, Ren"
"You're welcome," He replies, remaining by Lucio's side. Though, much to his surprise, Lucio had suddenly pulled him into his arms; draping the blanket over their bodies. He does not resist, melting into the clingy bliss. "…Needy thing." He chides with an affectionate tone, letting him nestle closer to his chest. Lucio mumbles into his clothes, the words incoherent.
Though, he came up for air for now, pressing his ear against Ren's chest to hear his heartbeat ring through his ears. Relief filling his body as it felt heavy and exhausted. "…Apologies for burdening you with something as childish as that." Lucio whispers, the humiliation still rather fresh in his mind. Though, Ren shushed him, pressing a kiss atop his head and smoothing down his hair with his hand.
"No need," He softly murmurs into his ear, his breath gently tickling enough for Lucio to instinctively slightly swat at the side of his head. Ren chuckles a bit at the reaction before continuing. "I am used to such things, it's trivial to apologize" Lucio huffs at the statement, sleepily muttering into Ren's chest some more.
"You should care for…yourself more."
"You'll burn yourself out at this rate…"
Lucio leans his head up to pepper a couple desperate kisses along Ren's collarbone, nuzzling into the side of his neck as if holding onto Ren was his lifeline. He refused to let go, regardless of what fate was set in stone for the both of them. No matter what happens during Yoshihide's return. He found himself climbing atop Ren, straddling the man down on futon as if it were his order. He wanted to kiss him deeply, leave him breathless and drunk on his affection and devotion.
His grip tightened, not rough and cruel like his master's, but protective; almost warm. His yearning growing as he gazed down at Ren, expecting a frightened look. He was coming on much too strong at the moment, wasn't he? His grip lightens, his sudden initiative spiraling downwards as the blush catches back up on his cheeks. "…I have no clue what has come over me, forgive me, Re-" Lucio stops his own apology, now seeing that Ren's expression wasn't disgusted or fearful. His pale skin now a bright flush that complemented his, a rare occasion that he had caught Ren off-guard.
Suddenly, he felt the urge to keep going, to push his luck. His lover's enjoyment was more than obvious. His grip tightens again, his words shifting more into affectionate ribbing and playful scolding. "Your form is slightly off, that is unlike you," He states like a teacher correcting their student. Lucio adjusts Ren beneath him, his hand against the small of his back as his legs pressing against the other's mans hips.
"There we are… Slightly better, though, I suppose I could correct it more."
"You should know better then to leave yourself open…" Murmurs Lucio, leaning in to press his mouth against Ren's. Their lips reuniting as Ren graciously and blissfully pushes against the kiss, deepening it further. Their tongues moving in a waltz-like spar, desperate to slow time just to extend this moment and remain in it forever.
Suddenly, Lucio felt tugging on his ponytail, feeling Ren pull him even closer. The sensation was welcome, not minding the silent demand for more. For once, Ren felt as if he was being cared for, that he does not have to be everything for everyone. He would not have to raise and care for himself by himself. He has Lucio by his side… His Lucio.
Though, everything must come to an unfortunate end… Lucio pulled away for breath, each gasp gaining back every breath his lover stole away from him. A faint string of saliva stretching out and fading away once their lips separated ways. His hair was a mess from Ren's insisting pulls, both of their uniforms a mess.
Neither of them could care at the moment. All that mattered…was this. Regardless of what was approaching.
"You are…astounding," Ren says, reaching his hand up to cup his cheek. The way Lucio shines in the moonlight… Gods would envy the way his beauty shimmers. "Everything my lowly self does not deserve to covet…"
"Yet, you're forever mine… My Lucio."
His name on Ren's tongue softened any last remaining bit of his usual stoic nature Lucio nestled back down towards him; leaving kisses that lingered on his skin. He would follow this man into hell, he would remain in those trenches with him. Anything for the man who had taught him what living could be. Lucio would endure hundred, thousands of orders if it meant that he could return each time and earn just a glance from him.
"I'll remain by your side forever…"
"Even if we fade away together."