The Secrets of His Blood (Yaoi/Mpreg)

20. Freedom, a Very Rare Gift

Although Raiah didn't directly agree with Takaki's request, he had been appearing in the latter's room for five nights now. 

At times, Takaki would strike a conversation with him, more of a monologue though, but occasionally, he would just wait until Raiah came then peacefully went to sleep.

Just like tonight.

When Raiah stepped inside through the window, he saw Takaki sitting on the bed, already wearing his pajamas. The latter just smiled as he saw the former came and silently laid on his bed. Not long after, he already fell into deep sleep.

"He's lucky he's already this tall. With how hard he works every day, he might not grow an inch anymore." He pulled Takaki's gaming chair and found a comfortable position to sleep with.

"I'm starting to think I've given you a wrong mission."

"Rijan." He closed his eyes to acknowledge his older brother's desire to communicate with him. Among all of Rijan's talents and skills, telepathy was one of the strongest. He could sense the latter teasing him and with great relief, there was no trace of anger nor disappointment at all. "What is it?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to personally check on my brother."

"I haven't forgotten my mission."

Rijan laughed. "I know. But I'm not in your mind right now because of that."

"What is it?"

"I'm pulling you out of the mission." He casually dropped it like it was nothing of importance.

For the first time in their very long lives, Raiah was mummed for quite some time before he finally found the words to say. "May I know the reason?"

"Emotional involvement in a mission can put you at high risk." This was common sense to all of them so when Rijan mentioned it, it was the same as saying he should evaluate the situation more carefully and act accordingly. The former was never the kind of person who would directly point out another's mistake or shortcoming.

"I'm not, in any way, involved with the Yanagi."

It was quiet on Rijan's side. The latter seemed to be waiting for Raiah to continue. There was just no way that he meant Aki and they both have a tacit understanding about this.

"...I need more time."

"I'm not asking you to come back. I will only send another person to finish the task. You can stay if you want, but not in the premise of this mission."

"And if I insist on continuing with it, will you let me?"

He knew that his older brother already found out about what he did today and the other things that pointed to his 'involvement' with Takaki. What he couldn't understand was why he was being removed from the mission but was allowed to stay.

Was he being tested?

"Raiah, you and I, we've been living... how should I call it? Solitary lives? Lonely lives?" He laughed mocking at himself for the things that he was about to say. Both of them were not used to talking about emotional nor very personal things about themselves. "I found someone who changed that for me. But even if I didn't, I still wouldn't stand on your way."

"The mission, I can still do it."

"I think you don't understand what I'm trying to say." Rijan chuckled. His younger brother was really stubborn at times, and always resistant to failure and the possibility of making others disappointed. "What I'm trying to say is, you're free now, Raiah. Protect the one you want to protect. Live the way you want to spend your years."