| Bathing Seduction |
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Kyo had completely lost track of time, while he drifted in and out of sleep for days... or was it just hours? He really couldn't tell. Sometimes his whole body hurt and he felt like he was on fire. And in the flames that slowly consumed him he saw the shadow of contorted, twisted faces staring at him, their mouths opening and moving like they wanted to devour him. He guessed that he had a fever and hallucinated the flames, but still he felt like he was burning. Then sometimes nothing hurt at all, because he was wrapped up in soft clouds that pleasantly muffled everything, rocking him gently. Drugs. They'd given him some drugs again. //That fucking priest...// He was there whenever Kyo was clear enough to get a brief impression of his surroundings. Then the purple haired man would put a steaming mug against his dry lips, his hooded, slanted eyes observing him while he greedily drank the warm, smooth liquid. During his fever fits he sometimes heard his calm voice speaking softly... to him or to someone else. He couldn't tell, neither could he make out the words, just the calm, even rhythm... that gently rocked the clouds he was drifting on... drifting lightly up and up, breaking free of the permanently overcast sky with its sluggishly rolling, oily billows. His own soft, fluffy cloud was much lighter, soaring high up above the sea of the heavy, dark sky into bright blinding light that filled him with a pleasant dizzy feeling. Kyo blinked dazed and stared up at the beautiful, golden haired man standing on the cart that was drawn by two white horses. The proud, young man seemed to gaze down at him, to beckon him with his bright blue eyes. //Is he talking to me? With a calm, commanding voice?// He wondered in his pain and drug filled sleep, then sneered huskily. //A painting. Yes, a painting, one of those the Uptowners have on their ceilings. A painting of a blue sky and a golden, shining man.// How could they paint it in a way that it looked so real? Like a real sky and a real cart soaring high above him? Damn manipulating bastards! Did they want to make him think he had some visions of that fucking Sun God? So that he believed he was a bloody Saint, a fucking Ray sent from the great sun? Damn them! They wouldn't be able to screw with him like that. He wasn't going to play their fucking game. That cursed, beautiful face beneath the heavy, golden locks falling over that proud brow. He wanted to hit it hard, to smash it and break that straight, perfect nose. Kyo tossed and groaned in his fever dreams. //Fuck their visions!// --------- Kaoru leaned back with a soft sigh and rubbed his temples to soothe the slight ache behind them. The last two weeks had been very taxing. He had insisted on staying in charge of this new saint and spent most of his time keeping watch over him, feeding him and cleaning him. It had been exhausting just to watch the young man's struggle for his life. But now the fever was going down and he'd mostly slept a deep healthy sleep for the last two days. Kaoru reckoned that he'd regain his strength soon enough and the various injuries were healing up well too. So it was time now to think about a way to convince the boy that he needed to stay here at the temple and to make him accept his role as a Saint. For with his health surely his stubborn defiance would return in full force again. Even in his fever and drug filled ravings he sometimes cursed the Temple, the Sun God and 'that fucking priest', which - he assumed with a sardonic smile - was himself. His gaze ran over the Saint's small form that lay still now beneath the cover, the boy was sound asleep. Deep even breaths spilled over the parted cupid lips and the dark lashes rested calmly against pale skin. The shock of ruffled, ashen hair fell into the young man's forehead and he had tugged a hand under one cheek, the very picture of sweet sleep. Kaoru-san was strongly reminded of a dormant cupid. Then a wry smile crossed the priest's lips and he shook his head. What a deceptive image. //A scruffy cupid with a likewise dirty language and an aggressive attitude. How am I going to make this little hell-cat into a Saint?// Thoughtfully Kaoru steepled his fingers and then suddenly grinned. //First of all a bath!// And then it had to be seen, if the luxury of his own chambers, beautiful clothes and plenty to eat and drink wouldn't work on that little street rat like it had worked on all the others. And should that fail... Kaoru raised an eyebrow, his eyes lingering on the young man, a hidden fire smoldering in their hooded depths. --------- Kyo eyed the big bath with suspicion. It was a beautiful room, filled with dim light and specks of vibrant color whirring through the warm, moist air, reflecting on the smooth expanse of clear, hot water. The child of the slums couldn't help but marvel at the elegant globes of colored glass around the oil lamps that caused the mystic, dancing light in the cavern like room. The enchanted atmosphere was further aided by the tiles covering the floor and the walls and even the vaulted ceiling. Small red, blue, and gold ceramic pieces were arranged in an artful mosaic with small shards of mirrors placed between them to catch the colored light thus giving the walls an unreal, changing quality creating a feeling of being under water. The octagonal pool in the center of the room was surrounded by a few marble statues of mermen forever caught in elegantly, flowing motions. One of them held a plate with a sponge and another a bowl filled with an oily liquid on which floated flower petals. A sweet and yet stimulating smell hung in the air and the soothing babble of a small, trickling fountain added to the relaxing ambiance of the room. Still Kyo frowned and grew rather tense in this alien surrounding. He didn't like the idea of getting into the pool. It seemed pretty deep to him and the smooth steps descending into it from one side looked rather treacherous and slippery. Since he couldn't swim, he was not in favor of walking down those steps into the pool. Moreover his experiences with water hitherto had all been rather unpleasant. It was cold and wet and dirty; so best keep away of it if possible. You got soaked far too often anyway in the dreadful downpours that set the slums under water on a regular basis. Though Kyo had to admit that the water in this pool couldn't be objected to on account of its coldness, rather on the contrary it seemed to be very warm. And it wasn't dirty either. He lowered his head towards his chest and sniffed, making a face. The only thing that was dirty and stinking was he. That had never been a problem for the smell had blended with the ever-present stench of the slums. But here in these clean surroundings with the expensive scents wafting in the air Kyo grew strongly aware of how dirty and smelly he was. Still... the water looked damn wet. He pulled the robe he'd been given more tightly around himself. It was somewhat too big for him, the wide sleeves hanging past his fingertips and the hem almost trailing on the floor. Kaoru-san couldn't help a small smile at the dirty, young man wearing an oversized robe and an expression of pure distrust and suspicion as he observed the bathroom. Sensing the priest's silent amusement Kyo gave him an annoyed glare. //Bloody fuckin' priest!// With that calm voice of his he'd persuaded Kyo to take a trip to the bath. Kyo couldn't quite remember how the priest had managed to make him cooperate; his head still felt a little fuzzy. But at least he'd been able to walk all the way down the long, empty corridor and stairs by himself even though his knees felt weak and a little wobbly now. //Not quite well enough to run and climb and escape from this freaky, goddamn temple... but soon...// "You don't seem pleased with our bathroom, Ray of the Sun." The purple haired priest commented calmly. He had a way of taunting Kyo without really doing anything that the younger man could point a finger on and accuse him. It infuriated Kyo. //That smug, calm bastard!!!// He gritted his teeth around the curse and instead took a step closer towards the pool, determined not to let his uncertainty about the bath show. The soft, whispering sound of robes told him that the priest had followed him. Alerted Kyo whirled around, trying to keep an eye on Kaoru and on the pool at the same time. Kaoru-san lifted his hands in a sedative gesture. "I don't intend to push you in." he appeased the jumpy, young man. "Just take your time. Though I can assure you that a soak in the warm water would feel very pleasant. And it would be good for your bruises as well. Should I help you disrobe?" Kyo snarled. "I can do that myself!" His gaze wandered back to the calm water in the pool and he suppressed a shudder. The silently waiting presence of the priest felt like a challenge, like he waited to be proved right that a dirty street rat like himself wouldn't dare to get into that pool. //Well... screw it!// Angrily Kyo clenched his hands into the robe and with a brisk motion jerked it off, throwing it carelessly to the floor. Then he hesitated, suddenly feeling uncomfortable at being completely naked in front of the priest. Certainly, the man had already seen anything there was to see and he must have grown rather familiar with his body while he'd been nursing him. But luckily Kyo couldn't remember a lot about that, for he'd been too out of it most of the time. Firmly he put any of these embarrassing thoughts out of his mind and turned his attention to the problem at hand. After a secret, deep intake of breath he took a careful step towards the pool and stopped at its smooth rim. Suspiciously he gazed at the slightly steaming water and then decided impatiently that it wouldn't get better by looking at it. Thus he carefully made his way down the stairs into the wide basin. The water that washed against his feet was so nicely warm it tore a surprised gasp from the boy. Hesitantly he moved on, his eyes wide as the water splashed against his legs and thighs. It didn't feel as bad as getting soaked in the rain, he had to concede reluctantly. Fascinated Kaoru watched how the young man slowly got accustomed to the idea of submerging into the warm water. You could see the change in the tense set of his shoulders and back as they gradually relaxed and the sharp outlines of the lean muscles smoothened. Kaoru's gaze caressed the boy's backside, absently lingering on the firm curve of his buttocks as the waves lapped against them, until they went under the waterline. The play of the waves, which the Saint caused by his shy movements in the water, distorted the image Kaoru had been staring at. He drew his gaze up and slightly shook his head at his own indecent stare. Perhaps he'd leave the boy alone for his bath and send some of the servants to tend to him, and to see to it that he got scrubbed thoroughly. He could do with a little rest himself. And he should associate with some of the other priests and Saints again. He'd let himself get rather absorbed by that little bugger. //And I still don't even know his name.// Kaoru hesitated, considering to ask the young man again. Kyo was keeping close to the rim of the pool, but still he was up to his chin in the warm steaming water. "It's a bit deep." He remarked pointedly, his hand clenching, in a tight hold, at the rim. Kaoru's lips twitched into a lopsided smile. "That's cause you're a bit small." The remark got him an annoyed glower from the young man. "Yeah, screw ya!" Kyo murmured beneath his breath. People always thought they could take advantage of him because he was small, but he'd proven to quite a few big bullies that you could make up for size with ferocity. Though up to his chin in treacherous water he decided not to make any wild movements, less he'd be drowned by the resulting waves. So he just settled for an annoyed glare, which intensified as he saw - or more sensed - the priest's silent amusement about his expression. Part of his annoyance, Kaoru guessed, was also due to the boy being somewhat at a loss of how to go on with his bath, for his dark gaze then turned to the sponge and the bowl with the bathing oil. "I'll send you someone to help you wash." Kaoru told him, getting treated to another dose of defiant anger from the boy's shiny, black eyes. "I don't need no help." Kyo rejected the offer aggressively. Carefully the small Saint edged along the rim of the pool and took a grab at the sponge, snatching it out of the marble statue's hands. "If you insist, Ray of the Sun." Kaoru gave in, deciding that he still could send for some servants if the new Saint hadn't managed to clean himself thoroughly. Perhaps it would help him to relax if he had some privacy for some time. Then he should surely succumb more easily to the luxury surrounding him. Kaoru-san supposed it would be safe to leave him alone for a while. He wasn't that weak any more that he'd pass out and drown, but not yet strong enough to try an escape... and succeed. So Kaoru bowed, making his retreat. "I'll leave you to yourself then, Ray of the Sun." "Kyo." The young man suddenly said gruffly. Confused Kaoru looked back at the young man in the pool. "Nan desu?" "My name. It's Kyo." Kyo explained impatiently to the uncomprehending priest. "So stop that fuckin' sun ray and saint stuff!" A smile slowly spread on Kaoru's lips and the hooded eyes sparkled as they rested on the boy. "If you wish for it, Kyo-sama." Kyo rolled his eyes and made a disdainful face, but it was partly to cover a surge of uncomfortable insecurity. That priest's polite and reverent way of treating him freaked him out. He felt taunted by it for he couldn't tell if the purple head meant what he said or if he was trying to mock him. It was all just too ridiculous and kind of unreal. For now Kyo just kept his mouth shut, hoping the priest would finally leave him alone. He needed to think and to get a grip on the situation. His memories of the last week-or weeks-were just too fuzzy and juggled up. He needed to sort out what had really happened and what he'd just dreamed or imagined. As the cleric finally left the room, Kyo felt a mixing of pure releif, and an unsettling and increasing unease. Suspiciously Kyo waited for some moments to see if the priest would come back, then he heaved a sigh, which sounded annoyingly close to a confused sob. Well then, he'd wash - without any fucking servants or patronizing, smug priests. Fiercely he plunged the sponge into the bowl with scented oil and petals and then started to rub off his shoulders and arms, trying to get rid of the smell of sickness that clung to him. A smell that was the harbinger of death, at least in the slums. In the slums sickness almost certainly was followed by death. Even though he didn't like to admit it, he guessed that he owed his live to that priest Kaoru. On his own in the slums he wouldn't have survived a fever like the one he'd had. He waded back to the steps and sat down on one where the water level just reached up to his chest. There he carefully surveyed his injuries. Some bruises in yellowish fading shades still covered his ribs, which gave a dull ache when he twisted around too much. On the way to the bath Kyo had already found out that his right ankle couldn't yet support his full weight and that he thus tended to limp slightly. The various scratches all over his body had almost healed and faded though, only the bite mark at his calf still looked a little bit sickly. //Damn rat!// But all in all it wasn't too bad, the young man judged critically. He still was weak but at least he didn't feel like throwing up every time he made a quick move anymore. His throat stopped hurting either even if his voice still sounded a little rough. Thoughtfully Kyo slid the sponge over his legs, absently marveling at its softness. //Those damn bastards of the gang. They'd meant to beat me senseless and that ugly son of a bitch, Jenai, sure as hell couldn't wait to use the opportunity to fuck me.// Kyo gave a disgusted, retching sound at the thought. It had been damn bad luck that cursed-Jenai had found out about the bit of money he had intended to keep for himself. Kyo had thought noone of is gang had noticed as he had walked off with that masked guy and given him a blowjob in some dark corner. There were always some of those, stupid incognito Hightowner, who came looking for some excitement at one of the covered marketplaces at the border to the slums. At least they paid. And it had been so tempting to keep the two copper pieces for himself. But Jenai had found out somehow. Someone must have been spying and telling on him; telling on violent little Kyo so they'd get in with Jenai. //Screw them all!// Kyo glared around the luxurious room. And now he was in that fucking Hightown Temple with its sneaky priests who kept telling their deceitful stories about the Sun God. //I've never seen no bright sun in the sky. I'm no bloody saint!// the young man sneered to himself. Though... he remembered uncertainly how he'd done something. He'd screamed and the others had died, died by his screams. He'd killed them with some freaky power he'd never known he possessed. He couldn't really tell how he'd done it. He just screamed with all he had, cause he would not die. Kyo hit the water with his fist. "Fuck it!" Not that he particularly regretted their death; he didn't really feel anything about it. Unconsciously Kyo slid deeper into the water, letting its warmth soak into him. He had joined the gang because you didn't survive long in the slums if you were on your own. But you had to continually fight for your place in the gang, if you didn't want to end up as the toy and whipping boy for all the other members. And you didn't keep things for yourself. The gang leader could pick the goodies from what was obtained by hustling or errands and by pick pocketing. The rest was shared according to the place you had in the gang. Tiredly Kyo slid down of the stairs, so he was completely submerged in the water again and leaned his head back against the rim of the pool. With that strange power he could perhaps keep to himself now and needn't join a gang anymore, so he needn't submit to its pressure and to the whims of any fucking bully any longer. If that scream hadn't been a one time thing and if he worked out how he'd actually done it. He didn't really feel different, nor did he sense any weird powers ... Kyo gave a soft sigh as he felt his muscles relax and he grew too lazy to think. He had to concede that this bath was quite nice. It made him so comfortably tired and warm ... Gently the young man dozed for some time, the vapors raising from the water caressing his face with its warm, moist touch, making the skin and short, ruffled hair grow damp, so some strands got stuck to Kyo's cheeks and forehead.Please continue with Part 2 here ! |
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