Corrupted Dreams

Confrontation

Throughout the night and the morning, some hours seemed to fly with the wind, while others dragged their feet stubbornly. Cas didn't talk to me much, but ever so often I could catch him with his eyes on me, unsure whether or not to approach. I shuffled around that morning with thoughts bogging my mind, and when rayshift came, I wasn't sure what to do.

Cas and I made eye contact as Fujimaru communed with Mash. I gave him a sorry look, and that's when he broke the gaze, setting his lost eyes on the ground. Finally, I moved closer to him, whispering beside his ear. "Come with me to the library after rayshift, we need to talk." Cas' eyes came back to caress me after I spoke, then we both vanished, materializing in Chaldea right after.

I led the caster away into the solitude of the library, pursing my lips as I readied my thoughts for speaking. "Look, I'm sorry about yesterday. I don't think you're a burden, and I do care for you and always will. Don't be afraid to come to me, because I'll be here to help you with whatever you need." I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him against me into a hug. "You going to speak?" His silence was making me nervous.

"Mm," he squeezed me back. "I know."

"Good." I gave him one more squeeze before letting go. "Now, shall we go find Setanta?"

Cas' lips went tight, eyes trailing off. "I suppose if we have to."

***

I hummed into my knuckles as I stared at the two battleship plains in front of me, then to the blond boy on the other side of the table. Fujimaru had stolen away my boyfriend, brother, bartender, and friends all away on the same mission, and it didn't take long for boredom to set in. Little Gil had been persistent in getting me to play battleship with him all week, this morning, I finally gave in.

The young version of Gilgamesh denied being like that of his older self, and never failed to put up his facade for master. But I could see the devil behind that innocent little face. I refused to fall into the trap of his games, yet somehow I found myself here.

Glancing down, I eyed my crescent necklace sitting at the side of the table. Other than my earrings, it was the last piece of jewelry I still had, the rest was currently stowed away in Gil's pant pockets. It was the last chip I was willing to bet to get the rest of my stash back. The boy had an odd fascination with collecting shiny and or expensive things and had dubbed me as his next target. I hate the fact I let myself fall into this position, but I'd win the brat one way or another.

My eyes went back to my boards, an ill omen swirling in my stomach. The board that marked his ships was full of white with only five red dots declaring one sunken ship. The board for my ships, sadly, looked much the opposite. "Mmm..." I examined my options and struck in a fairly blank space. "F 8."

His cocky little expression didn't even tremble, eyes locked on mine. "Splash." With tight lips, I begrudgingly drilled a white piece that marked "F 8".

Casting a casual glance to his board, he spoke, "C 5." My eyebrows narrowed as I traced the grid lines. Chewing around the word, I finally spit it out. "Hit." After he took out this ship, I'd only have one left.

"Hmph," a smirk came to his lips as he placed his red piece. "You might as well surrender."

"We're not done yet kid, don't get too cocky." Tapping the table, I clicked my tongue looking forward pretending to be contemplating my next move. My mind was actually latching itself on Shirou. I don't know how I ever got so lovesick over someone, but I missed him. Thankfully I got word from Mash that they'd be arriving soon, but to keep myself from counting the minutes, I played battleship.

My eyes narrowed down on a very suspicious-looking spot on the bottom right corner. "J 10."

"Splash."