Tough Love

Chapter 18

As Ban watched Shido accept a kiss on the cheek so easily by Monica, he was hit with a sudden pain in his heart, so hard that he held his hand to his chest. Paul saw this but didn't say anything, while Ban stood up and went to the room located above the shop, slamming the door behind him. Paul sighed and shook his head as he went about cleaning the rest of the café. About ten minutes or so went by when Shido finally snapped back into reality. As Shdio turned to face Paul he noticed how quiet it was around the shop.

"Ah...I see you have decided to join us again Shido."

Paul said as he glared at him, then continued his cleaning. Shido shivered from the cold stare he received and went to talk to Ban, which he noticed was nowhere in sight. He turned back to Paul to ask where Ban was but beat him to it, by pointing to the door that lead to the upstairs to the guest room. Shido nodded his thanks and started to go up but as he took a couple of steps Paul's voice stopped him.

"Shido...I don't know if Ban is in a talking or even a listening mood now but...J-just don't say or do anything stupid all right. I don't want to see him heartbroken again."

Shido was speechless for a minute, as he took in what Paul said, sighed, nodded his head, and continued his journey upstairs. As he arrived at the door he tried the knob, found it wasn't locked, and slowly left himself in. When he stepped into the room he saw Ban laying on the bed in a ball. The beast master's heart tightened at the sight of his lover in pain once more...because...of...him. He then slowly and quietly made his way to the side of the bed, where Ban's back was facing him, he placed a hand on his shoulder, but the sudden contact was ignored as Ban quickly moved away and got further away from him.

"Ban please look at me..."

Shido received silence for his answer. He tried once more to get a response, but the silence continued. As Ban kept moving closer and closer to the edge of the bed, Shido just shook his head and stood up to leave. He walked over to the door and was about to open it, when a soft, pain filled voice filled the room.

"W-Why...why d-did y-you alow her to kiss you so easily..."

"She was just being nice Ban that is all it was."

"She has feelings for you I know it...WHY CAN'T YOU SEE WHAT SHE IS TRYING TO DO!"

Ban yelled as he was suddenly sitting up and glaring at the beast master. Shido wanted to say something but stopped as Ban continued on his rant.

"PLUS YOU DON'T NEED TO GO AND COLLECT YOUR ANIMALS ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS WHISTLE!"

"B-Ban I know b-ut..."

"BUT NOTHING!"

Ban then turned his back to Shido and looked at the wall. The beast master gulped, and slowly walked over to the bed once more. When he wasn't yelled at, he sat on the edge of the bed and spoke softly.

"Ban...I know you think I have feelings for her but like I told you before. I only have feelings and eyes for you."

Ban rolled his eyes at that and continued to look at the wall. as he spoke under his breath.

"You have a stupid ass way of showing it then."

Shido heard this and decided he had enough. He stood up, walked over to the other side of the bed, took Ban's face in his grasp, looked into his angry, sad, violet eyes, and told him in a clear and demanding voice.

"I am being completely serious here Ban, I do love you I have told you that many times before. But I guess that just isn't enough for you. I ment what I told you at the beach, I truly want you to come live with me, but I guess you didn't really want that."