Back To Darkness

Chapter 5: Bad Dreams

Akito smiled sweetly, causing Yuki to balk. He had been escorted into Akito's spacious bedroom on the Friday evening, after being picked up from Shigure's house. Before leaving he had forced himself to eat a sandwich, unsure when or if Akito would provide sustenace. Now however, as his stomach churned queasily, he almost wished he hadn't. His surly, silent escorts left and and once more he was alone with his God. Akito sprawled elegantly, almost impassivly, across the rich, red velvet throw on his bed. It was a very regal-looking bed; a magnificent mahogany four-poster. Yuki remembred how impressed he'd been by it when he first came to live with Akito. Foolish, naive boy, he thought bitterly. On the days he didn't displease Akito he was allowed to sleep in his room, in this bed. Consequently, Yuki had spent approximately half the nights of his childhood in Akito's room, and half in his special room. He shuddered. Akito raised himself slightly, the awful, sweet smile just playing at the corners of his mouth. He drummed his fingers lightly on the velvet, his dark eyes never leaving Yuki's ashen face. Yuki knew Akito rarely slept with the garish throw; usually he tossed and twisted most of the covers in his sleep, opting only for the light cotton sheet, except when he was poorly in which case he would be swadled in layers. Yuki gazed intently at Akito's slender, dancing fingers, focusing on their movements, rhythm, willing himself to conceal his fear. Abruptly, they stopped. Yuki froze.

"Yuki my dear", Akito murmered softly "Come." Yuki obediently crept over, head bowed low. For a moment he hoped Akito was feeling merciful. Then Akito rose, arm outstretched. Resigned, knowing there was no option, Yuki took Akito's hand and let himself be led into the adjoining room. His special room.

Akito traced his spidery fingers lightly over the wounds of last week's punishment. Yuki remained still and silent, his eyes on his discarded shirt. He was hyper-aware of every beat of his heart, every twitch of his fingers, every bead of anxious perspirstion. Hence when Akito gently kissed his back, the shock seemed to radiate through his entire being. The warm electricity spread as Akito kissed each wound once, and then again, gently caressing Yuki's shoulders. He laid his chin on a shoulder and wound his arms round Yuki's slender waist. They stayed that way for an immeasurable amount of time. Akito closed his eyes and smiled slightly. Yuki kept his wide open. He wondered how it was possible to feel such burning heat in his skin simultaneous to such suffocating cold in his chest. Eventually Akito released him. He clasped Yuki's chin softly, gazing into the boy's wide, unblinking eyes.

"You know, I love you the most Yuki dear. More than anyone ever will. More than they ever could." He tenderly kissed Yuki's forehead, and left.

That night, the nightmares came to Yuki. With nothing to occupy his mind, the darkness choked his thoughts. He tried focusing on other things, planning essays in his mind and attempting imaginary mathematical problems. Nothing helped. When he closed his eyes he saw Akito's smiling face looming through the darkness. As the long, still night wore on he began to see the same when his eyes were open. Not knowing if he was dreaming or hallucinating, or if Akito was really there, Yuki clutched his head tightly in his hands and squeezed his eyes shut. He wished for the comforting darkness and peace of a dreamless sleep. The next thing he was aware of was circles, soft, rhythmic circles on his cheek. He struggled to open his eyes, then flinched away when Akito's face came into focus, mere inches from his own.

"Yuki my dear. It seemed as though you were having a bad dream?" Akito purred "Let me protect you from the monsters, pet."

Yuki started. Usually he awoke at the opening of the door. The sudden close proximity to Akito made him uneasy. Akito seemed to be waiting for an answer. Yuki swalled.

"I was. Master," he manged to rasp. His throat was painfully dry. This seemed to satisfy Akito, who sat back with a thoughtful look.

"Care to share, dear?" Yuki hesitated then shook his head, lowering his eyes reverently. He fiercely hoped Akito would be appeased. It seemed this time he was. He withdrew his hand from Yuki's cheek, looking thoughtful. Slowly he rose, and stood over him. Yuki felt very vulnerable, curled in upon himself, his bare back exposed to the God's scrutiny. Silenty Akito left. Yuki released the breath he hadn't known he was holding. He gazed about the room. Weak yellow light was leeching in from the small solitary window, set too high to see out of. Yuki watched dust motes dance in the light, envying their freedom. He endevoured not to think of Akito, the looming face from his nightmares. It proved difficult.