The Sixth God (Arc 1: From The Pale Ashes) [BL]

Chapter 13

The sound of the barn door creaking woke Shida up. His blurry eyes looked out the window, the darkness disorientating.

"Shida." A familiar voice whispered.

Shida stifled his groan as he turned over to look at Ina, both of their silver eyes burning in the darkness. Ina carried a lantern, holding it high.

He eyes Shida's surroundings with an increasing look of pity.

With a shuddering laugh, Ina said, "I remember I used to be jealous of you, living on your own. Remember I complained to you about it once? You just..." Ina's face contorted for a moment. "Just smiled that-that horrible smile you always do and said nothing."

Ina roamed around the barn silently, before swerving back to Shida who simply watched in silence. "Look at this place. It's not fit for even a dog to live in, I mean, the cow died in here, right? Gray and Milly, they lie, right?" Ina clutched his chest, eyes turning bloodshot under strain. "They lie. Always, always and I believed them. Was there ever a time they told the truth about you?"

Ina searched Shida's eyes, trailing down the bruised and battered body. He gritted his teeth, clutching tighter at his chest as he doubled over. "I'm such an idiot!" Ina shouted, pulling at his hair. "I thought, I started to guess but-" Tears fell from Ina's eyes.

"Ina?" Shida whispered in shock, momentarily forgetting the fear of calling his name.

"I'm sorry." Ina croaked, throwing his arms around Shida, sobbing into his shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

Shida froze, the wet feeling falling into his armpit. "Ina?"

"I failed." Ina sniffed, rubbing his head into Shida's neck. "I promised to protect you and I didn't. I didn't know-they told me-" Ina choked. "I'm so sorry Shida."

Shida stiffened in his embrace. He pushed Ina away.

"Why are you here? I thought you didn't want to see me again?" Shida croaked.

"I lied!" Ina fumbled for Shida's hand, desperately. "I just wanted Auntie to stop bullying you."

"Bullying?" Shida smirked.

"Beating." Ina corrected, tears rising again. "Beating-oh-Shida." He tried to hug Shida again but Shida fought him off.

Silver eyes focused on the bag bathed in the darkness behind Ina. "Why are you here?" He repeated.

"We are going to run away!" Ina announced, suddenly lowering his voice. "Milly's money stash was empty so I brought clothes, food, and her jewelry. I left a note saying I would pay her back."

Hearing Ina, bitter giggles escape Shida's throat. "We don't owe her anything."

Ina nodded at Shida's words obediently.

Shida shook his head at Ina's naïve face, then sobered. "Are we really escaping? Me and you?"

"Yep!" Ina replied heartfully. "I like Shida the most. Wherever Shida goes, I go."

Hearing those words brought a joyful glow into Shida's eyes. He smiled, bright and pure, radiating happiness.

Ina's face suddenly blanked at the sight. His eyes were wide with awe. "I haven't seen you smile like that in forever. I'd do anything for that smile."

As the words left his lips, Shida stopped smiling, hands covering his mouth.

Ina's face paled, panic making his hands act without thinking. He grabbed Shida's wrists, pulling Shida close.