Familiar Stranger: CH 18

Chapter 18: Heal

 

He couldn't fall asleep that night. No matter how hard he tried sleep just wouldn't come. His mind kept replaying what he saw back then like a broken record.

Or at least, what he thought he had seen.

It was obvious to him that that was Mikage's memories, his point of trauma. By some way or another his father end up turning into a Horror and had -

A shock of panic runs through him, sharp pain seized his chest knocking the wind out of him.

It had hit a little too close to home. He almost drowned under the pressure. He draws in a shuddering breath, and slowly breathes out.

Rinse, repeat.

 

"..Does the pain ever goes away?"

 

No. It simply recedes to the back of your mind.

Accepting that does makes it more...bearable.

There's a reason why the black armor gave him flight.

 

That night..what had really happened? A Knight don't simply get himself possessed by Horror without a strong enough reason.

Something doesn't feel right.

 

(Long time no see.)

 

There's a sharp, cold ringing in his ears; metallic, like the sound of blades grinding against each other.

It can't be-

 

"-What're you doing?"

His train of thoughts stopped at that. He can feel arms slowly coming around his waist from behind. Mikage rests his head on Ryuga's shoulder, chest flushed against his back, long legs encasing him from the side. He sounds rather clear despite the apparent lateness of the time.

"Can't sleep?"

"..Yes. Just can't seem to. You too?"

A small nod, "Mm."

Right, he saw that. A small part of him is thankful he didn't saw a different part of his memory. Didn't saw him.

 

Let him remain only in his memories.

 

The room is silent safe for the sound of their breathing.

Mikage is warm.

He let his head fall back on Mikage's shoulder, leaning against him. The other man took the chance to press a light kiss on his neck. Ryuga closes his eyes, relishing in the comfort and warmth. Mikage's hands trails down his naked skin in a gentle caress.

He lets out a soft laugh in response, stalling the other's movement.

"What's so amusing?"

"Nothing - just, I can tell it's you even with my eyes closed."

Mikage stiffens slightly, shifting to bury his face in the curve of Ryuga's neck. "..You really can say that kind of embarrassing things."

It's endearing just how abashed he sounds.

"It's the truth." He can feel the other man's cheeks heat up just a little bit more.

It is, though. And he's eternally grateful for that.

"..I think I’ve felt something similar too."

"How?"

A short pause. "It feels brighter when you're around." The sentence came out hushed, meant only for him to hear.

It tugged at his heart.

"Is that so?"

Another nod. The hands returned to their original position, pulling him closer.

To shine in the dark.

"I'm glad."