Smothered in Ashes -laz-

The voice jarred in her head like an untamed buzz and all sanity grew dark for a split moment. It’s not the first time she’s been haunted by onerous whispers filtering her ears, but this one she’s unsure of. What happened last night? Moreover, what happened a few minutes ago? Straight from a vending machine down the hall, Holland troddens to the poolroom. Her sense of tranquility prefers a wide space with absolutely no soul accompanying her. She’d engender a new definition of lonesome, but she walks as if she’s expecting someone. Her edgy, suspicious mien bounces with her every step and springs in her scope. Those bright blue eyes couldn’t pin on one object for a second’s length; as if the thought of a shadow trekking behind her wasn’t too far. She has every right for being so jumpy. After a month and a half of being engaged outside of school, and by some mean waking up in a dust-swallowed room one dry dim autumn morning, anyone would be in a puzzle. As astonishing as the morning was, she rolled out of bed, and to teem more confusion, her occult was gone. She didn’t feel the callous drive ready to explode from her finger tips, nor that undying power pervading her veins. Her aura was dehydrated.

Surely she tried to summon it, clenching her fists for at least a squeeze, a display of the wild blue embodiment circling her entire being. Not even a shock surged through her. All was empty, all was human and real. She wanted to jump for joy, but what was she to be happy for? A few hours of peace? A night free from Ira’s blood thirst? It’s a hiatus, it’ll be over soon- she thought. But her everlasting pale complexion died out. Her skin absorbed her rich bright radiant tan color. The continuous use of her aura made her skin faint, though this is all too gifting, and all too sudden. Last night, Ira had had to have an internal meltdown. There was never a time Holland was given a full hour to herself. If Holland was given the chance to bring a blade to her neck, she’ll certainly take it. She’s been through it all for the past few weeks, and suicide was a gateway to a lifetime of happiness. Assuming Ira would possess her soon, Holland had to think quick. A volunteered kill isn’t possible; if Ira was sleeping, she could sense the sharp piercing point of a blade as soon as Holland picks the weapon up. A fast gunshot was far from reach-- With no route to take, she ran in the brink of midnight in a city Ira dragged her to. Sable and foggy, the pathway was vague. The hollowness consuming her discloses not a heart beat but her own pumped-- the city’s a ghost town. Walking in darkness where not even the street lights could pave your way to shelter rung a sound of alarm in Holland’s consciousness. The coolness and stiffness of the rotting air continued to cave in inside her, until her lungs swelled up. Breathe..breathe… then an abrupt stop.


The tenseness in her muscles leaped as she recollects the events last night. She can still remember those grey eyes penetrating through the foggy sheet. They made her cautious steps halt before the line of the pool. Nervously uncapping the bottle, she takes a light sip of cool water for her itching throat still tinted with a stranger’s crimson. The water came down with a bitter taste that her buds refused, fighting the urge to spew last night’s dinner. The ill disgusted look soon vanished from her face, and with a heave of her chest, she darts her eyes to the bleachers. The flashback takes her in once more, feeding her tremor. The man still as the air was hooded and dressed from head to toe in black. A threat, she thought, but he attempted to prove otherwise. A simple read of the frighten girl’s face told him to stand ground. Any sudden movement can break the already rigid encounter. Yet, he made a gentle step, offered his hand, and she exchanged with a step back, ever so struck with a fever of dread. His offer made her stomach sink and her muscles contract. A danger with a soft, familiar tone wasn’t hesitant to submit, “Let me free you.”

There was no time to mull, though she would sum, ‘been there, done that.’ Jurn was the first with a string attached with the deal. She learned contracts are the worst. That particular one actually started the beginning of the end for her. Like Jurn, it fell romantic. The gesture to make a run for it wasn’t at his favor, pulling Holland before her direction could make a turn. It was less of a yank, and more of a yearning reach to bring her into his arms for a short kiss, a kiss that felt like a sleeping spell. Her wake in her dorm room must chain to that strange night. Whoever he is, he must know enough about Holland to know where she lives. The fact that the lack of light shielded his face pounds her eagerness to match his face with memory, but at the same time, she doubts she knows him. The voice… so familiar..-- perhaps she can recall, or the heady scent of blood still tacked to her skin is making her delusional. Even a hot shower couldn’t wash away Ira’s sins. Her Thanksgiving feast is like no other. A night’s run for human flesh that’d pop the top button of her pants is head on the list. It’s been two days since, and she can still taste pure wicked.

She rather not think of it. Her eyes fall on the paper band around her wrist inked with digits. From the way it’s written, her best bet is that it’s a phone number. Whose was the question. A deep sigh steams her lips, and that strong abhorrent scent wafts under her nose again sending another jolt through her body. That striking bolt of electric mass overweighs her, continually reminding her of her affairs. Ira was surely role playing vampire--all of a sudden she acquired a taste that always sends Holland’s stomach in a roller coaster. Why now? As if her hour glass is running short on sand-- every night has been a calling for flesh. Holland should have never--

She’d beat herself until drowned in utter sorrow. How pathetic and desperate she was; it makes her weep inside just thinking about it. Now she regrets ever accepting, ever signing that contract. She knew better; one deal went sour, and then she had the steel guts to go tie another deal. A champagne glass bubbling blue like water mixed with alka-seltzer drawn to her lips begins a sore relationship between roommates. Back at the dance, the free night that should have been more promising, the riot knot broke loose. La dernière danse, the only dance Mrs. Mozart waltzed was undeniably her last that night. After a breaking halt, shattered glass clashing against the gymnasium floor, and a weary trek to her room, everything was clear. A graven picture of her purpose was drawn, and Ira made sure Holland got the whole message. She is a portal from her realm to the Earthrealm, a link to both. Ira’s dying to see her father, an assassin far more callous and malevolent than she is. She was executed because of betrayal, and only servitude and acts of loyalty can bring her back. Ira would become reborn in Holland since the underground catacombs are too well deep and packed to search for her remains. They don’t provide a proper burial for traitors. Without a doubt, her father fought for his daughter, but he had limits. He couldn’t pass the bridge of authority or he would be forced to follow his daughter’s path.

Not a dreg of sympathy was left for Holland. She was subjugated entirely. Ira stored much of Holland’s emotions to channel power and harnessed enough of her body after Jurn’s spell wore off. To put her in place, she decided to pay Schyler a little visit, a visit of both preplanned murder and seduction. The wooing blazing night was too much for her legs to handle as she felt them quake and weaken. Every enticing trance she whispered in his ear, every gentle touch she traced on his soft skin raced in her head. Her bewitching siren voice, her cherry rose tender lips were all venom waiting to sink into his skin. To make matters worse, Holland liked it. For years she waited to get that close to Cky, but it was bittersweet. Ira charmed him so well only to kill him later. She was playing with him, trying to make Holland jealous so she can feed on that raw jealously burning inside of her. Too bad it didn’t work. She was too wet between her legs, and way too sunk in ecstasy to think about jealousy. She could feel the whole exchange of heat despite Ira was calling all the shots. Her palpitation couldn’t stop when his tongue was deep in her cleft, and it can’t cease now as she relives the whole thing in her mind. Why was she so turned on? Was it the huge age difference? Did it make the affair seem more dangerous and taboo? She tried to draw the curtains to a close in her head, shutting her eyes and pressing them tight, but the scene continued to play--the hot tub.

Boy, she have to go to confession soon. Tears finally burst. She was waiting to cry for so long, but she’s crying because of how immortal and pleasurable the feeling is between her thighs. It’s driving her crazy. A tug of her short navy plaid skirt can’t hide the torrent riding her. “Oh God…” She mewls lowly in her vibrating voice while she sniffled and heaved. Her guardian was murdered and all she could think about is the taste of lust. FUCK! Scream it until your throat’s sore, but even alone she couldn’t. Rip your hair out, let out the anger dying to erupt.. Every plunge boiled her chest- his gasps for air, mercy crawling on his face! Hell is too good for that bitch! She wanted to tear her apart, wrench her, beat her until her own blood suffocates her lungs. Holland couldn’t bare it anymore, jerking away from the pool as soon as her eyes snapped open. The sight of water curls her spine. In storing so much abhorrence, she forgot she was holding her breath. Gasping for air, she tries to find her parterre, her tranquil garden. But it’s all too much. Revenge…she wants revenge…the slaughter house kind. Pretty damn brutal for an innocuous girl to be thinking about- ‘grab a butcher knife and let’s dance.’ If they weren’t connected, she would have tackled her a long time ago. Forget about the sweet innocent Holland; Ira already ruined her name so many times there was no point in hanging onto the dry faith she had before: maybe this will all end one day. Though, Holland is NOTHING like Ira. Anyone would think so being around her for that long, some characteristics would rub on her. Not a bit.
(con)

SIA 2, not a double post >.<)
Temper, she finally revealed temper. It takes a lot to get her upset, primarily because anger is her weak spot and a strong advantage for Ira. She doesn’t have to worry about the little maleficent devil for now. Relaxed, muscles loose, she felt the aftermath of her explosion. Pang hit her hard. She retreats to the bleachers, clinging her grey legwarmers together and setting her tote bag by her side. Think, think-- she needs to think of her next action. She’s still so restless and terrified, and excited and angry all at once. But excited about what? Certainly not being here. Anything could happen. She’s not stable. Perhaps she’s happy about something else, or someone. Maybe the likelihood of bumping into ’him.’ Oh, but she feels so damn guilty and ashamed. Cky was a crush until she met ‘him‘, but recently the relationship was pulled into more than that, even if it was brief. She actually thought, for a second, it meant something. It felt so real-- “NO.” She refuses to walk on that road. Her tears now swept, she looked around, getting a good view of the place once more before dropping back in place. “No one would remember me…” Out for almost two months, who would? She wasn’t much when she was around, what would make her suddenly noticeable now? The fact that her hair’s longer? Or maybe her new attitude? Yeah, she’s still shy, but after all the hell she’s been through, she’s more open and rebellious than shy. And it’s hardly referred to as shy anymore, it’s ‘concealed’ and ‘closed.’

My, wouldn’t it be something if she did? What would she say, if she could part those lips and say anything at all? She’d be too stunned, gawking at him until her cheeks grow strawberry red. Being so much of a coward half of the time, she’d probably run away. She could hear her inner voice teasing her now- ‘I’m not worthy to be with you! I’m a demon! I am a wicked spawn of the devil. I’m afraid I might hurt you!’ Bullshit. But no kidding. She’s overprotective of him so much so she’d stay away to keep him safe. She’d sacrifice their relationship to keep him breathing. If she did meet him and couldn’t get out of it, then she’d play it like they were friends. He probably has a girl now. She doesn’t want history knocking on his door. She’s not desperate, oh hell, who is she kidding? Now more than ever she’s dying to wrap her arms around him. After Schyler died, there’s no one by her side. It’s empty, and the emptiness, the void place in her crux is eating her bit by bit. She WANTS him. She NEEDS him. He is keeping her from leaving. Screw it! Forget about what might or might not happen, the chance of getting her heart broken, the risk Ira might pop her ugly head in. She needs to see him. It’s a yearn that needs to be fed. At the same time, knowing he’s the only one she could hang onto is scary. What if, heaven forbid, something happens to him? Who would she have then? She loves him so much that she’d die for him. Oh, that was almost executed. And he doted his love for her too. Maybe nothing has changed… The uncertainty is ailing her.

She’d love to drift back to that sea of memories…to denude those unforgettable moments with him. Her body craves his kisses, his caresses, his tenderness and warmth-- he owned cordial. Aoshi was a great lover: she felt like royalty around him. He made her feel special, unique, priceless-- after years of being told she’s not, and being treated like a slave, he was a remedy for her. What was stopping her from searching for him then? Sigh, she sighed heavily conning on the wristband. Only the next step can direct her. It’s now or never. Capping the bottle, she sets it aside and reaches for her cell phone in her tote. 806- 4---, pause, her fingers stop momentarily before hitting send. Two rings, then a third. Maybe he’s not available-

The beeping ceased, yet no voice was heard. She waits two seconds before sucking in her nervous breath and exhaling a, “Hello?”
“--Holland…” Fright effaced from her expression. The voice was familiar, calm yet flat, and familiar… but her relax soon quelled. He was the guy from last night. The bowels of her stomach raged and her entire body hot from the astonishment.
Without hesitation, she questions, and plans on questioning until she understands the whole package he’s offering because apparently he’s on her side. But she’s learned to never go ahead of any assumptions. It all made sense now; the encounter, her being here, the number. He must know a lot about her, what a distorted way of stalking someone. If he knows so much, why doesn’t he pounce already? What could he want? Meekness in her tone gone, she adds, “Who are you?”
“We met last night.”
“I need a name.” Her tone reinforced her demand.
“Not now. I’m glad you’re still with us. Keep it that way or he’ll be our first target.”
“Who?” She paused, “Who’s he?”
“You’ll know soon enough.”
“I- I don’t understand. What do you-” Call ended. “No..” Her voice quivered as she redialed, but she got voicemail.

Confused, she gave up easily. There’s no point in trying to call again. She sits there musing on what he meant. Who’s the target? She worries more about the target than this random guy now settled in her life. If could open up a whole new chapter, and she definitely doesn’t want to get involved. Why bother, she thought. If this is as big as she thinks it is, then he’ll call. She does have a sense that he threatened her. ‘Stay alive or he’ll die.’ Shaking her head, the giddy settles in her head again. She pulls Cky’s Jack Skellington hoodie from her tote and sinks the opening over her head. She has became questionably cold blooded, always equip with a sweater or a jacket. It’s probably the change or something more, either way, she just has to learn to live with it. Her head resting on her crossed arms over her knees, she ponders on her next move. Blank. What should she do? As if there’s enough motivation to go anywhere in the first place.

Since he has nothing else for him to do today for class or at the RA Office, he thinks that a nice walk to the poolroom would be a good idea for him. Besides, he needs something for him to get his mind off of. That, and go for a nice swim. As Aoshi walk down the hallway with both of his hands inside his pants pockets. His hand starts to tremble from inside that pocket as if something bad is about to happen, and yet his heart yearns for something. Something that he wants to hold on to in his arms and never let go till he says that he'll leave her side again till they are a couple once more. Yet again, it'll never happen. Why am I trembling for no reason? He wondered as he comes into a complete stop. Because you are afraid... Afraid of moving on like everyone else, but nooo. You still kept that promise to her that she loves you. He tilts his head down to the floor as his dirty blonde locks would cover his light brown eyes.

Move on! She's using you! Don't you want to be happy!?

Those were the words that he would hear time after time again from his little inner voice. His teeth gritted as he feels that he should move on, but couldn't... I wonder if I'll ever going to see her again... I missed her so much. I wished that I could hear her voice, caress her cheek, and hold her in my arms. Telling her how much I love her and missed her He asked himself this as he knows that he really missed her. He has missed her smile, her face, and her cuteness. He tilts his head forward as both of his eyes starts to close as a small smile starts to curl up on his lips. He thinks that it'll all be alright, and he should enjoy this day. Everything will be as it should be, but will it? That's for him to find out. As he'd walk through the boys’ locker room, he stops for a moment to rest. His wear is his short-sleeve orange shirt that he likes to wear to hide his medium built chest. Blue jeans that hang down to his ankles with a black leather belt around his waist to hold up his pants.

Underneath his pants is a pair of his swimming trunks just in case that he wants to get into the pool for a good swim. White socks and blue Nike shoes on both of his feet. His hand approach to the door, he pushed it open to see the view of a nice cool swimming pool in front of him that wills a smile to his face. He takes his first step inside the poolroom. Until his light brown hues will fall upon a familiar person, well almost familiar. She is sitting there on the bleachers. His eyes would grow wide as his mouth is slightly ajar, "No..." He shakes his head from side to side, "Can it be?" His voice is lowered as his hand would slide out of his pants pocket. A single tear would flow from his eye as a smile would break out as if it is really her. "Hol-" Then, out of the blue, the inner voice inside him interrupts, Hold it you arrogant fool! That’s not really her. Look a good at her. That's definite NOT her.

“Huh?” He moves both of his hands over his eyes to rub them gently. Then he moves them away from his eyes, while he slowly walks over to where she is at. As he walks around the pool, his heart starts to skip a beat. There is something familiar about her and he can’t quite put his finger on it, but what? Once he has reached his destination. Aoshi takes a good look at her, and realize that it is really not her, the love of his life. A depress sigh escapes from his lips, see I told you... The voice speaks to him. Your right, but I cannot leave her like this. I’ve got to help her. He makes a slight nod at that as he turns his gaze towards her, “I’m sorry to bother you at a time like this.” He kneels down with one knee planted to the floor. A smile curls up on his lips as both of his eyes are closed briefly, “Do I know you? You look familiar. It just that..” Then, he turns his gaze from her, “There this promise that I have kept for months now. The promise that she loves me, but now I wonder if she did love me or not.” He speaks as a nervous chuckle escapes from his lips as he turns his gaze towards her, “Haha. Listen to me babble. Like I said, I’m sorry to bother you. Well anyway, what are doing here?” He rubs the back of his neck gently with his hand. Then, he makes the attempt to place his hand on her shoulder for comfort as he is trying to be friendly to her.

Noontide ultimately hovered over the warm-paletted sky, enriched by the autumn breeze. A wonderful day to spend an hour or two outside can well be what she needs right now, but given a decision to stay indoors or out, she’d gladly stay hidden where people are less sited. There doesn’t seem to be much going on in the building already, so the students must be out. The whole building to herself… should she ferret now or not? Sitting here going back and forth about it is a waste; she’s ready to go, but her feet won't shift. The ‘what if’ questions are a bother; they only scold her and push her deeper in dirt. They keep her immobile. It would be a heart breaker if she finds out he did listen to her. It would scar the very vicinity of her soul and stop the beat of her heart. There’s no point in living alone a stranger to a populace that doesn’t even know you exist, let alone a lover. The common immobility that she escaped came to haunt her back. Ever since her guardian died, she’s been in that hell pit, the same one she was in when she was a young servant in the mist of the insane. The experience recurs, flourishes, and feeds on her pint sized spirit everyday.

Every time she deems on her past, and how it’s a mirror of her present, she’d try to relegate herself from that jolt of pain. A little seraph whose wings have been cut, and who’s forever plagued with the soul of a demon child. She can’t pin the blame on God, and wouldn’t dare to. Nor the devil has a card being played in her disaster, nor bad luck. Something of great power… a mysterious phenomenon called her to the ring with a hundred hungry lions ready to devour her. Perhaps it was fate, but she can’t fight the feeling that her misery is her fault. If she obeyed her mother and didn’t cross the borderline of their terrain, then she wouldn’t have met the specter. She now recalls, she can see the picture vivid in her head; that tender young child chasing after her ball which followed a wind pattern of another kind. The air was still, unmoving, and yet that ball tracked the crunchy grass down into the grove. She was gullible back then. Any child would do the same. Who knew such a simple lure would cause such misfortune.

Strange how she suddenly found the light into the depths of her memory. The surprise did leave her briefly empty minded, jerking her head back up, then she wondered what followed. The plot was annulled again, as if her remembrance refused to inform her. Fully quelled, there was nothing left to do but drop curiosity. Disappointed and unsatisfied, she sighs clicking her skimmer shoes together and resting her head on the weight of her arms. Another wave of the unpleasant massacre streamed through her conscience until sense interrupted. A new scent enters the room, but meshed with that of her own, it‘s hard to tell where it‘s coming from. Her keenness of sensation dissipated before she finally linked the scent to memory. With a sharp spasm, her head jerks up, and to her astonishment those oceans unmasked her immortal beloved.

Before her he stood, greeted with a jump and a low gasp. Her hand clenching her chest, that sudden thunderbolt still vibrates inside her and the wild rapturous feeling holds her prisoner. Breath held back, she sucks in air iced through her lungs, and it escapes out her lips hot as ever. She’s scared and delighted to see him all at once. What an impression she gave him; she looked more scared than content. Wiping that bewildered frightened look on her face, the quake and taut clench in her muscles begin to loosen. Speechless, her lips remain parted as if she eagerly wanted to say something, but couldn’t. She’s choking on so many emotions flowing through her head she could barely keep herself from trembling. Ache, she was aching to say something, but couldn't speak a word. At least blink-- she did finally, battering her eyes as if she’s trying to clear them up. A part of her wants to take him, embrace him tightly-- that drive that could well lead her next action, but she's restricted. Run! But running doesn’t solve anything now does it? She doesn’t want to give him the impression that she doesn’t want to be near him. Why doesn’t she just reach in and--

Oh my God! This isn’t happening, not now... She blushes involuntarily, smiling by the force of her natural impulse. She actually reclaimed her innate innocence in that adorable attraction. All worries flew out the window for a brief trance; she is mesmerized by his presence, eyes locked on his-- she is miles away from misery serving, swept by his sweet glow. Enchanted as if she's falling in love with him all over again, and --‘Do I know you?’ Bombshell! Her face sunk with ill discomfort and a missile exploded in her very crux. The boisterous butterflies in her stomach was just hit with a raging snow storm, and-- oh no! The splendor left. Don’t cry. Crying will only make things worse. But the tears are longing to burst. She bites her bottom lip to stop it from quivering and darts her eyes away from him to recollect herself. He doesn‘t remember me!. I’m just a familiar face…

‘There this promise that I have kept for months now. The promise that she loves me, but now I wonder if she did love me or not.’ Who is she? What’s her name? Come on, you know it. Please tell me you know my name… She smiled at his light laughter to cover her gloom. Anger was undiscovered, and at the time unnecessary. There’s no reason to get angry at him; as if she could ever blaze at him anyway. Why don’t you just steak me! Don’t turn this encounter into a show; she wanted to shout out her disappointment and rush out the door, but that would be too wussy. Heartbroken, she needs a way out and thinks of one quick. As said before she’s a great actress when she wants to be, though acting now might be a little hard to pull off. It wouldn’t be the first time she has to hide her feelings, but from him? Maybe he can see right through her act. Or maybe he just needs little reminders. “Aoshi…” With a tilt of her head and smile that ratifies her mien, those zealous fingers stroke his warm cheeks as another spasm treads in her. A temptation too hot to deny, but she must. She knows how excited she gets when she doesn’t put limitations ahead of time, especially with this guy. Maybe a touch was enough.

Withdrawing her hand gently, she leans her torso forward focused in his sparkling brown beauties to better put him at ease-so close, he might mistake her gesture as a prep for a kiss, but she only answers his question, “I came here to muse.” The sight of those juicy lips made her stomach contract. He could tell she wants them, craves for a taste, but she’d be a step ahead of herself if she gave in. Her eyes slowly seize his once more, this time absorbing his features up close, feeling again restricted. She must wait for the giddy inside her to leave or until Aoshi remembers.

His light brown hues start to blink once then twice, while he continues to look upon Holland. From the looks of things, she was scared and yet delighted to see Aoshi. When her head is tilted up to see him, Aoshi’s gaze turns to Holland’s gaze. His heart start to race and then skip a beat as both of his hands starts to tremble and shake. He remembers this feeling from a girl that he once remembered. Oh! How time flies. He still remembers these blissful and wonderful times with her. From their first encounter at the soccer field to their picnic date at the park, Aoshi still kept those times in memory. He retreats his trembling hand from her shoulder as he watch her battering her eyes. She must’ve had something in her eyes or something. That face... He turns his gaze from her as starts to take a deep breath and exhales a puff of warm air from his lips. Every time I look at her face, or even her eyes. My hands start to tremble, my heart races. Do I know her? Of course he does! Think! Think back to the past! Think back to the part where you first met her.

The times that make his heart skip a beat, the times where he embraces her in his arms and tells her how much he loves her so. The times where each kiss is as romantic as the next. He moves his trembling hand up to look at it, and he encloses it into a fist as the trembling has ceased. His heart starts returning to normal as his light brown hues would take a glance towards Holland. Then, out of nowhere, she speaks, ‘Aoshi…’ That beautiful voice that was the voice of a siren. It made a smile curls up on his lips as he looks at her smile. She has a nice smile. Oh what a lovely smile that she has. When her fingers touched his warm cheeks, and stroking them, he cannot help but wonder. Her touch feels soft and nice like a gentle little kitten. Slowly, he’s starting to fall in love with her all over again. “You have such a lovely smile…” He speaks to her in a mellow tone of voice. When she withdraws her hand from his cheek, she leans her torso forward as if she is prepping for a kiss.

However, she spoke, ‘I came here to muse.’ A nervous chuckle escapes from his lips as he moves his hand to the back of his neck, rubbing it gently. “To muse? Well, that's nice.. Wonderful in fact.” He looks at her soft lips as his lips starts to quiver as if they want to touch hers. He can tell that she wants to kiss those lips of his for so long. To taste those juicy lips is like tasting a rather forbidden fruit. Then, it hits him like a glass shattered right before his eyes. From that touch to the look at her soft lips, his mind slowly remembers to the time that they last met at the RA Office. Where they exchanged their farewells, he remembers those words, the words that it repeats from time to time at the back of his mind.

‘I love you… Promise me that, you will take care of yourself.’

With that, his mouth is slightly ajar for a lowly gasp as his heart starts to race. He starts to become speechless as tears form from both of his eyes slowly falling down to his cheeks. He remembers! He finally remembers! He closes both of his eyes as his hand would wipe his tears away. Then, he opens them to get a good look at her as a smile is made on his lips, “Is it…is it really you? Holland?” He says to her as his hand moves to her hoodie as he tries to grab it with his hand, thereby trying moving it back to get a really good look at her face.

“Holland… It’s you! Its really you!?” His hand would let go of her hoodie and tries to rest the palm of his hand against her cheek. "I'm glad to see you again, my fair maiden." Tears would start to flow down from his eyes once more as a smile curls up on his lips. Its her! Its really really her. The one that she made a promise to. The promise that she’ll love her. If it alright with Holland, then his thumb would make small circles against her cheek as his light brown eyes stare at her bright blue eyes. He wanted touch her warm cheeks, to caress her soft skin A charming smile from this cavalier curls up on his lips, “My fair maiden. Its-“Moving his hand from her cheek, he can try to wrap his arms around her torso to give her a nice gentle hug, if that is alright with her. Both of his eyes are slowly closing as his head would rest against her should, if that’s okay. “Its been months since we last meet. I missed you. I missed you so much..” He moves his head from her shoulder as both of his hands tries to place them against her shoulders. Opening both of his light brown hues to stare of her own hues, “Holland, my fair maiden…” His head leans over to hers as his lips would quiver as it reach to her soft lips. He gets his other knee down to the floor as his torso would reach in to her. One touch. One touch from her fair maiden lips would be ever so romantic.

His eyes are slowly closing as he say those three words, the words that Holland wanted to hear from him for so long in a nice soft whisper, “I love you…” His lips are pressed against her lips in full contact for a gentle kiss, if she allows. His lips would move up to her upper lip to try to give it a nice kiss before giving it a gentle tug, if that is okay. Then, he tears the kiss kindly to give her a breather before his lips would try to reach in and press them once more. He slightly tilts his head to the side to make the kiss passionate and deep, that if it’s okay. There, he shyly attempts to invite his tongue inside her mouth as he’d try to swirl around her tongue as their saliva mingles with one another. Slowly and surely both of his hands would try to slide down from her shoulders until his fingers would touch her side of her waistline. While one hand is rested on her side, his other hand moves to her light brown hair. His fingers would try to touch her locks of soft hair, stroking it up and down. Aoshi is happy, no delighted to have her back safe and sound. It has been so long, but he is glad to have met her once again.

Maybe he will remember her name; there isn’t much of a change in her appearance: the hue of her iris is only mildly lighter, and the same goes for her longer tresses that now appear more orange than auburn. She likes to think nothing internally changed. What could be blocking his memory? In another perspective, perhaps it’s best that he doesn’t know. He’d be trapped in a web of uncertainty again because she'll react to feeling guilty, and Aoshi would always wonder why she acts so. She is untangled in distrust at this very moment, unsure when her impure other will rein. When memory serves her favor, what then? He probably won’t have any room for her in his life. She’s for certain he’s drifted away from her shore a long time ago. What girl couldn’t resist Aoshi? He has all the qualities girls like in a guy, making her feel even more unworthy. The best she could do is smile while he vaunts his new lover, and make her feel like an old magazine issue. She’d be happy he took her advice, but saddened that he moved on with ease, and did it so quickly.

She’d have to tell him, reengaged with him or not, yet she steamed at the idea, abandon it every time she’d crawl closer. It’s to settle fairness on both sides, but she knows what’ll happen if she did. No one liked her in the asylum, and they hated her even more when they discovered her secret. 'The imp should hide in a dark corner where she belongs.’ ‘Banish her to hell!’ Sure, and the insane haven was hell in it‘s own little ways, at least for Holland who‘s now battling with her value. She can’t let happiness cloak her from the consequences in either decision she makes. Whether she stays with him or not, she’ll always have a glut of desolation and discomfort. She has always been optimistic and can’t disregard the risky factors that are far more than lethal for him. No, she thought, setting her anxiety on fire. There’s no rush. As a matter a fact, she feels fine. Why can’t she just harness her gold and make this work for them both? She hasn’t been happy in such a long time that she forgot how to live without consternation on her right side, and dissolution on her other.

A sign of remembrance blended in Aoshi's expression filled her with glee. And surprisingly her emotion was consistent, never trailing off bliss for even a brief moment. His gentle caress along her blush took her heart for a waltz, all that she needed to bowdlerize the pillars of misery. It’s strange, and to her sometimes bewildering how she can easily fall for him, but at the moment she was swept and couldn’t think of anything more than his warmth against her thrilled spirit. She embraced with an unequal exchange of bodily fervor; he was hot, hotter than her. Her cold blood seized by his heat is another remedy. She couldn’t believe how cold she was; when you live in a body adapt to an ice age, you get used to it. Lost in the luxury of warmth, she doesn’t realize him parting until she notices her hands clenching on his shirt. A soft inward gasp executed then she releases before her cheeks grow redder as he closed in. Then that mesmerizing whisper, an undertone sheathing such allure engraved in his voice generated her most vibrant exhale. It poured on his lips, smothering him with a gentle puff of hot air before they locked.

Berserk butterflies charmed her with a case of nervousness and signified internal paradise. The way he landed and executed-- she forgot how voluptuous his kisses are, bolting herself in a caged fight with his tongue and even before then, following the torrid cycle of his venture. Her tautness finally abandoned her, free to entwine with this duo of attraction and temptation. While he journeys her graceful silhouette, she feels ever so enthralled to do pull him closer. As he once saw, she could be aggressive despite her petite size. A first course, a simple gesture can lead a major magnetic force. That she did, sliding a sly hand between his grip to touch his nape, and listening to her inclinations, slithers her pink tips down the side of his neck to it’s pit. Ardor grips his shirt tight, not yet tugging him but feeling compelled to and finding herself taking another short break from his lips. He could effortlessly tell she loosened up as soon as her eyes slowly snapped open halfway. Those luminous hues were dreamy, romantic, moonstruck; his vigor sown in his touches, the way his fingers flirted with her hair sent her to a grappling overdrive. Her tongue entices his bottom lip with a wet invite before slipping in his slim ajar again, this round a little more forceful. A part of her wanted to lean back, watch him crawl on top of her and, by the power of lust and desire, let all promises fall, giving the crown to her animalistic wants. Enriched intoxication? He didn’t need to do much to get her in the mood. She yanks him with more zeal, her touches more erotic, trailing her fingers downward and underneath his shirt. And she’ll continue coursing on every smooth muscle, feeling every detail in his built, until--

“NO!” She shouted, withdrawing from him completely with such fright in her exclamation. Her gesture was too abrupt, sitting with a distance between them and the most bewildered and paralyzed look on her face. After pushing him away, one would think she’d have a quick explanation, but she was blank. He could read in her eyes that there’s something she’s hiding. She broke because the thought of Cky filled her head, and how his death started a similar way; lure...seduction? What the hell was she thinking? Yet her kisses are associated with fatality, a lead for those who are weakened by its power. Her unease with starting over was also a piece of it. She’s guilt of something, and needs to get off her chest, now or never. Even redder from embarrassment, she lowers her head slightly pressing a finger to the corner of her lips. Oh no.. What’s wrong with me?! Stupid guilt crashes. Why now?! Calm down, I just have to come up with an excuse. Ugh, I caught a cold and I‘ll hate myself if I gave it to you? What kind of an excuse it that?! I don’t want to lie to him. But I can‘t… he‘ll hate me. I do… I do owe him an explanation… I can't hide anymore... “Wait,” She sighs, “I have a confession to make.”

“It’s time I told you the truth, and-” She paused, hiding her face with her palms and trying to wipe away tension. Breathe, suck all the courage she could, and rip. Lowering her hands, she continues, “I don’t know how to tell you… I’m not- normal. I’m a holder of a demon spirit.” Crash and burn! Her stomach sunk after that line. “Just before you came in here, I remembered how it started. I was young, around six or seven when I met her ghost in the woods just at the borderline of my parent’s backyard. It wasn’t a mistake; my toy ball led me to her. It didn’t occur to me that the ball didn’t stop rolling. All I knew was that I wanted it, and followed until it struck a tree stump. On top of it, her ghost waiting to breathe her immortal soul into my body. Everything went dark after I met her. It must have been fast and easy if I couldn’t remember what happened next. I don’t know how she did it, where I went and ended up, all that I know is that I was sent to my uncle’s house. He wasn’t the greatest guardian, and my demon Ira picked up on that faster than I did. She killed him, but it looked like I did. She can’t leave my body, not until what she pursues is acquired. With no where to go, I had to live in the streets. It didn’t take long for someone to take me in. I was saved from the cold winter season only to be frozen wholly in Wismond, an insane asylum. I was a servant and was treated like a barrel for scorn and ridicule. I was beaten, and scarred with the tales of murderous men. I was caged up in their cell, not only to listen to their stories like a doctor trying to solve the patient’s problems, but I was focused to -- submit several times… but nothing too extreme I couldn’t handle, until Ford came along. I was scared… and I don’t know if it was for defense, or if it was out of hate, but Ira killed him, slaughtered him beyond what I can describe to you. For a young girl, it was hard to watch. I screamed, and it woke the doctors to the chamber. The following morning I was to be sent out, someone even told me killed, but Schyler saved me from my prison. He took care of me for four years…and just a few weeks ago-”

A brief pause, she catches her breath and swallows hard, yet the tightness in her throat needs tending to. Tears stream down her cheeks, wiping them right away with her sleeves as she tries to find her ground. “I killed him. No- she killed him. She kills anyone who gets too close to me. She killed my uncle, Robert Ford, Schyler, and possibly my parents. I didn’t want her to kill you, that’s why I broke up with you. I’d get intense migraines strong enough to make me faint, which means she’s dying to come out, and she’ll do so when my emotions are high. I can never be too excited or happy, I can never be depressed or angry. She’ll store the energy she gets from my emotions and emerge when she wants to. And I receive total happiness from you. I can’t get too close, and when I do, I'm taking a risk. She tried to kill you back in the RA room Aoshi. I almost lost you. I don’t know what I’d do if you had died. I tried my best to stop her, which was barely enough even though you left that room alive.

“I didn’t want to tell you sooner. I wanted a chance to be with you before you left me. Now I feel bad that I didn’t tell you sooner. It would have saved you a lot of trouble dealing with me.” She slides down a few inches for her tote bag and gets on her feet ready to exit. Her conscious is cleared, a percentage is anyway, though she has to deal with the aftermath. Swinging the strap over her shoulder, she gives him a quick glance before taking a step back, “I know what you’re thinking. What am I doing here… now after being gone for weeks? No, I didn’t come back to cause havoc, I didn’t want to come back here at all, but surprisingly, I woke up this morning in my dorm. I don’t know how, and am probably better off not knowing. I don’t want this life anymore. I’m cursed, and am forever this half human, half demon until…” She stops, looking at him thoroughly, trying to read him in some way. She’s searching for feedback, possibly rejection. “I said too much. Please don’t tell, Aoshi.” She was begging for her life. That’s a surprise judging how much she hates it. By now, he’d have to be overwhelmed with all this truth, and she doesn’t hold him against being afraid of her. A smooth way out would be nice though.

I’ve missed her so much. Her touch, her soft lips, and her smile that I always love. I missed her. I missed her so much. His hand would try to continue to stroke her hair gently. His manly, yet soft fingers would move through her soft lush auburn hair, as his other hand is still holding her side of her waist. His lips would continue attempting to press her lips as their tongue would mingle along with her own. It has been so long that he has last seen her, because he hasn’t been able to move on. If he did move on and found himself with another, then she’ll be happy, yet sad. All he wants is just a couple of minutes with her, a chance to be worthy for her love. She is definitely worthy for him, and he’ll be with her for as long as he can. Yet, he has to tell her about his little secret. Sooner or later, he has to tell her about everything. His second personality, who is actually an evil spirit that inhabits him since childhood, and how he has a curse that he couldn’t remember what happened, only his second personality knows. Maybe, just maybe when they are alone in his or her dorm room just to tell her how much he loves her. He felt her hands on his nape, as his head is tilted to the side as his lips tries to give her bottom lip a good tug before he kissed it, if that is okay.

Moving both of his hands from her hair and her side as they both reach to both of her cheeks, as he makes the attempt to touch them with his hands. As she breaks the kiss a smile is made across his lips. Move one of his hands from her cheeks as he tries to rest his hand on her side once more. When he looks at her, he can tell that she loosened up. It has been a while since they have kissed each other. Each kiss is a romantic as the next as he loves the way that he kisses her, the way that he pampers her like any maiden. His hand would make the attempt to stroke her cheek gently while his thumb would move in small circles for comfort, if she allows. He opens his hues as he looks down at his shirt as cannot help but smile because Holland is gripping his shirt tight. Turning his gaze towards her hues, he felt her enticing tongue on his bottom lip before she slips to his juicy lips. He closes both of his eyes as he moves in and kneads her lips with tenderness, but a little forceful, if that is alright with her. Something in him wants to crawl on top of her, and have a hot sex on the bleachers. However, he restricts his movements as he simply waits until she is really ready for this.

And then, in the instant, he gets yanked with such effort from her part. Forcing himself over to her, his kiss becoming more erotic by a second. His hands makes the attempt to slide his hand underneath her jacket to feel her soft lush skin, in she allows. He can feel her hand touching every smooth muscle of his medium-built figure. His other hand would slide down to the side of her neck, in an attempt. There was a shout from her as she broke the kiss from completely. Quickly he opens both of his eyes to see what’s happening, but he was shoved by her, forcing him to sway back before regaining his composure. His light brown hues stares at her, “If you want to stop, then just say so.” He speaks as he gets up on one knee, then he stands up straight and firm. He moves both of his hands to his blue jeans to dust it off completely. From the look of her eyes, she holds a secret. She is hiding something from him. Thinking back, he remembers back at the office that she has almost killed him, with a knife no less. “Holland?” He spoke in a caring manner. “What’s going on?” Watching her head lowering slightly, he feels that he should sit next to her and comfort her; after all he still cares for her and loves her. Just before that he is about to sit down, ‘Wait, I have a confession to make.’

She says as Aoshi sits himself down next her as he try to place his hand on top of her for comfort. “Whatever you are hidings. I’ll let you know that I’ll support you.” He makes a nod at that as a small smile curls up on his lips. ‘I’m not- normal. I’m a holder of a demon spirit.’ “What!?” He shouts just a bit, as his turns his gaze away from her. His other hand starts to tremble and shake; she is almost like me. I, too, hold an evil spirit inside me… He takes a deep breath and exhales softly as he turns his gaze to her as he would listens to her story about how she became a holder of a demon spirit. While listening to her story, he feels so much pain, anger, torment, suffering, and anguish from her. However, he tries to remain calm as it would awaken his other personality inside him. So, she was the once that is trying to kill me back at the office. I’m almost lost my life if it weren’t for her. She can never be sad or happy. I feel so sorry for her. Both of his hands clench into fists as anger is swelling up inside, wanting, needing to unleash his other personality from all this anger inside him. After her story is finished, Aoshi stands himself up as he moves his hand from top of her as he moves over to almost over at the edge of the pool with his hands still clenching to fists at his fists starts to tremble.

His gaze looks away from her as it was a little too much for him to bare. His teeth is gritted, all he can feel is anger and afraid, angry that she has to live as a cold-hearted, angry that she’d have to reject her so she can be happy, afraid that if he ever get close to her, her demon might come out and try to kill him once more, and then— “…” His hands stops trembling as he is a little calm from this as his hands starts to relax. He takes a deep breath and exhales softly, “If I were to reject you. Will that make you happy?” There was a few moments of silence before he speaks in a bit louder tone. “Answer me!” He turns himself around as his head is lowered, “If I were to say, ‘Holland. I’m dumping you,’ will it make you happy!? Huh!?” So much anger, so much pain and suffering swells up inside. So much that it starts to get himself a headache, so he place his hand over his eye to try to calm himself down. He takes His teeth start to grit as his inner voice speaks, Yes! Give into your anger! Show her the reason that you want to dump her for good. He shakes his head from side to side, No! I won’t! I won’t show it to her… I care too much for her. Just then his anger that is swelling up inside slowly subsiding as he takes a couple of deep breaths before his final one. Then, he moves his hand over his eye which is now the color of the crimson red. “I can’t… I can’t do it. I cannot do it to you.”

He turns his gaze to her as she can see a light brown in one eye, and crimson red in the other eye. His tone is of a serious tone, “When we broke up… You broke my heart, and I forgive you for that. You are wondering about my eye, I will tell you about it.” He closes both of his eyes as he sighs some, “When you left me for the second time, my heart feels empty. Broken. Truth is…” He opens both of his eyes to turn his gaze to her, “I wanted to reject you because of this. I wanted to move on with my life and find another one that I can fall for the same way that I fell for you.” Slightly shaking his head, “As much as I tried, I cannot do that. You know why?” He slowly moves closer to her, “Why I couldn’t move on? Why I cannot possibly reject you, shun you like the rest! Huh!?” Once he is within range, his fingers would try to rest against her cheek, “Because I still care about you. I still love you… Holland.” With that he moves his hand from her cheek, “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” A sigh escapes from his lips, “I’m sorry for your losses. I didn’t know what you have been through. You had been through so much pain and misery for these years.”

A small smile curls up on his lips, “I envy you, because you went through thick and thin. Yet, I don’t know, maybe we were or weren’t destined to be in love. Fate can be a cruel mistress.” His smile has ceased, “I was born an orphan with no parents. Me and my brother were born in a village. A once peaceful village. My brother and I lived through this village with the help from other village with food, clothing, shelter… Then, it happened. On my 10th birthday, the village priest took me away from my brother to the church. The priest dragged me like a dog. I tried to struggle, but it was no use. Once I was inside there was several other priest standing around the pentagram of some kind. In the middle was a naked woman. I wanted to get out of there, so I tried to struggle and eventually I have gotten free from his grip. I dart towards the door, but there he was standing there. And then…. He punched me in the stomach, and I was knocked out conscious… I was out cold. They tied me up and blindfold me. I couldn’t see anything. I don’t know what they are trying to do, but it was bad news for me. Then, I hear screaming from male and female alike, and then when my brother rush in to save me. He took off my blindfold, and all I see was blood everywhere and all the priests were dead. I was scared. I didn’t know what was happening to me, or why because I was covered in their blood. I was exiled because of it, a crime that I didn’t do. My brother went along with me anyway, and we went overseas to Japan. Me and my brother went to school there, and its was fun. I love to play basketball, and I was a great player. Then, I had a dream. At first it was a normal dream, buy far hidden from the shadows was eyes there were the color of a crimson red, like the one I have.” Pointing to the one that has the crimson red color.

“Whoever it was, it spoke to me as I stood there paralyzed. ‘Greetings mortal. I have been waiting for you. From the moment you are born, I was inside you to use as a vessel. Hate, anger, disgust, jealousy, and most of all lust. I feel that we can work well together. Soon, our souls will merge into one and there is nothing you can do to stop it.’ With those words, tendrils emerged from behind the shadows grabbing my arms and legs, and then I woke up from that loud yell. You see.” He places his hand against his chest, “I, too, inhabit an evil spirit inside me. I, too, am not a normal person. I get headaches or chest pains probably major or regular whenever my other personality tries to take over my mind and body. My eyes will become a crimson red color, and I will be a completely different person. Dark and Mischievous. That’s basically the truth about me.” He shrugs his shoulders as his gaze is locked to her, “Holland. I promise I won’t tell anyone about this. However,” He tries to place both of his hands against her shoulders as his hues stares at her own, “Don’t you never ever say that again!? ‘I’m cursed, and forever this half human, half demon until…; Until what? you expire!? Bullshit!” He gives her a little shake with both of his hands, “Listen Holland! You the girl that I fell for! Remember what back at the pool room. You told me that you don't know how to swim, so I gave you a couple of lessons. Then, when I said that I love you. I fallen in love with you. I mean it!" He closes both of his eyes as tears starts to swell, "I don’t want to lose you. Right now I’m overwhelmed with all this truth, but I’m not afraid... I’m not.” He turns his gaze from her, “I’m not afraid of her. If I’m meant to die, then it is fate that I die. If she kills me, then she kills me. If I die, she’ll win but you will be sad. You will be all alone. If I were to reject you, she’ll kill me. End of story.” Then, his light brown hues would stare at her, "Fight this! Its your body! Its your life! You are meant to have emotions, like happiness, sadness, angry, and sorrow. Don't be cold-hearted. Laugh when you find something funny. Cry when you find something sad. Schyler wouldn't want to see you like this. Schyler would want you to live your life as you see fit. For four years, he took care of you. Acting like a big brother to you! When he died, he must've know that it was his time, and he had no regrets. He would've tell you that it is not your fault!"

He moves his hands from her shoulders as Aoshi embraces her, if she allows. “Holland. Live. I know that my love is not strong enough to go up against her, but I am happy when I’m with you. So, don’t throw your life away. Cherish it. Holland." A sigh escapes from his lips as he continues to speak, “You still have me, and you have friends that will take care of you. Friends that’ll help you get through this. I will help you get through this, because I love you.” He bends his knees, so he can see her, eye to eye. “Listen, I’m sorry that I didn’t take you to the dance. You were unavailable at that time, but there this dance coming up and I want to take you as my date. Maybe you make friends there.” He moves himself from her as he takes a single step back and attempts to place both of his hands on her shoulders, “Holland, will you be my date for the dance? Its called Night of Illusions.”

Her tale discontinued, his reaction was calmer than she suspected. She sought furiousness she cannot bare, a veil for his uncontrollable panic inside. Standing there, taut and cautious, she watches him, her eyes never darting off him. Those bellicose eyes she bears are false notations of hostility, and they look as fierce blue as every bloodlust shock Ira would have. Yet, as she continues to watch, the heavy blue hue in her eyes would fade without her knowledge, and with another blink it’s gone. His hysteria unleashed with a sudden pang that forced her to become more aware and attentive. His anger caught her off guard; the first he ever elevated his tone in front of her, let alone at her. She jumps, her grip on her tote’s strap loose. What could she say? Does it even matter if she answers that question? It’s pretty damn obvious she would say no. She’d be anything but blissful and cheery. She’s speechless, unable to cope with his fury, feeling her legs growing numb and her heart skippping a beat at his tone. A trickle of blood slithers down the corner of her lips; to her amazement, she couldn’t believe she’d actually have to smear blood off her face; she’s usually good at keeping it inside. She would sleeve it off quickly before Aoshi jerks his head back up. Sooner than her lips tremble, she’s slowly retreating in sheer paranoia from the sight of his red. A color that she must adapt to, since she’ll be seeing a lot of it in the near future. Already Ira has made her fear that color, but coming from Aoshi-- that’s a mind-throbbing surprise.

Now she’s past nervous; not only is she in a tight spot with Aoshi, she can’t escape spewing, nor does she know why she’s ejecting in the first place. The last thing she’d want is for him to see it; she’d have to explain the other half of her story. Breathing became harder by the minute. She was never good with umbrage, whether it’s she executing it or someone else. Trying to keep the tears from falling distracted her from his words, but barely, catching a few that immediately stole her attention. ‘I wanted to reject you because of this. I wanted to move on with my life and find another one that I can fall for the same way that I fell for you.’ Reject me… Her face flush red, dodging the sight of him quickly before he caught her crying. -MY GOD HOLLAND! Show some muscle!- Her inner voice exclaimed persuading her to wipe those tears from her face, and in the momentary silence between Aoshi’s words, a sniffle. On her part it would be too emotional for her to take, confused about exactly what he’s angry about; her being a demon, or the actual break up. Maybe the break up’s hiding the fear of who she really is, or, perhaps something else… In the mist of it all, she really couldn’t tell, feeling him closing in on her and taking another step back, striking the bleacher with the back of her shoe. She’s trapped.

She wouldn't try to defend herself against Aoshi, no matter how threatening he might pose, and at his touch, her chest heaved and eyes arrested his. Calm down, don’t break. He wouldn’t… The contact stimulated her demands again, and without thought she reacts, lifting her arm to clasp his hand, to slake her undying thirst but his hand parted and in the same gesture his thumb was out of reach. His movement as well as her miss snapped her out of that faze she was sucked into, battering her eyes in bafflement. Confused, she looks up to him slowly bringing her arm by her side. She doesn’t question it, only sighing inwardly at his now relaxed demeanor. Her evanescent terror was soon replaced after those three promising words left his lips. Nevertheless, it didn’t take long before her soft smile ebbed. His secret enervated her; he’s unfortunately the same. She was hoping he can be her forte, her foundation and support, but a part of her feels obligated to protect him now that she knows he's like her. No clue why- maybe because Cky was there to protect her, and make sure Ira was distant. He can still be her shield, and she will no doubt be the same if she could. Dark and mischievous doesn’t sound as pestilential as murderous and satanic. It’s interesting how they’re similar yet so different…

Astonished, but to an extent. With what she's been through, there’s nothing to be paranoid about. He’s controlled, as far as she can tell, and the last he was unleashed was a few years ago. It’s crazy how he can hide this all so well! What other things could he be hiding-- not that she’s pondering. She still has a few skeletons in her closet that Aoshi doesn’t know about…more like corpses… Her mind was finally put to rest when he ensured he wouldn’t tell, granting him with a smile until his command shook her. Don’t say what? That she’s forever plagued, banished, hell stricken, possessed, cursed- the list can go on. Her cheeks heated rose when he cussed as she tried to hide her giggle. That was also new, and humorous at the time, especially after she’s been hit by a huge emotional wave she‘s been surfing on ever since she got here.

‘I don’t want to lose you. Right now I’m overwhelmed with all this truth, but I’m not afraid... I’m not. I’m not afraid of her. If I’m meant to die, then it is fate that I die. If she kills me, then she kills me.’ Aoshi.. She frowned, If only you knew…if only you saw her in the true light of mayhem, you would fear her. You would fear me… I can change your fate with a twirl of my finger, I can bend blood with a single curve of my wrist. Blood? She repeated falling a bit faint, almost releasing her entire weight in his embrace as she quickly clenches onto his back. ‘Holland. Live. I know that my love is not strong enough to go up..agansstt,,’ “Aoshi…” A sudden shutdown of her senses and the red purified room started to dance and swerve in the illusion her eyes want her to believe. Feeling weak and weary, she nestles her head on his chest, pulling herself closer to him. Not now…please not now… She shuts her eyes tight, praying the image clears up, I’m ok. It’s just last night. I’ll be fine… She giggles with that wicked undertone, “Schyler’s dead…” Everything went silent from there on. She wasn’t listening, just really famished. She’d stretch, tip toeing to met her lips with his neck, and with a hot breath bathed his jugular. She whispered, “Flesh..” A steam, a puff, and a scent of blood in her breath, hence she withdrew from the trance, catching what she said before, feeling sick inside. There, she finally got it. She was submitting to Ira’s thrust, which must mean she’s not alone… oh hell-

Realizing she’s still demonized, she froze still, planting her feet flat on the floor, and thanking herself passively for noticing her action before she executed. ‘Listen, I’m sorry that I didn’t take you to the dance. You were unavailable at that time, but there this dance coming up and I want to take you as my date. Maybe you make friends there.’ By now, she receded gently, faking a smile the best she could. She’s still inside me, but how is she controlling me without overpowering me first? She’s suppose to be inactive… this doesn’t make any se-- ‘Holland, will you be my date for the dance? Its called Night of Illusions.’ “Aoshi I-” I forgot to tell you I’m a blood demon and pardon me if I suddenly feel a bit thirsty and sink my undeveloped fangs into your neck?! Holland, think! No, I can’t. I can’t tell him. There’s no way he’ll stay with me if I did. I can be wrong, right? It’s the after effects. I’ll be fine soon. I just need some rest.

“I’d love to go to the dance with you, but-” She sidesteps slowly, speeding up gradually and hesitantly still eyes on Aoshi, “I, I have to get something done asap. We can talk about it more tonight, if you’re not busy…I mean, if that’s ok. Your room, tonight-” She confirmed, continuing to walk towards the front door backwards, “I’ll be there.” She smiled, leaving him a bit puzzled. But doesn’t she always? “Love you.” She blows a kiss and heads for the door. Door shut behind her out of his sight, she gathers her strength, catches her breath, and takes a step forward. Coughing intentionally, she again emits, dashing off at the sight of red. There generated a phobia of cannibalism and the sight of a bodily fluid she can’t suppress.

Taking a deep and calm breath and exhaling softly, he moves both of his hands from her shoulders. He makes the attempt to place his hand against her cheek gently. A charming smile curls up on his lips, “Don’t worry. We’ll have a good time. I can promise you that.” He says in a nice subtle tone, “My fair maiden. I missed you, and I took good care of myself as promised.” If that is alright with her, he can softly caress her warm flushed cheek with his thumb. Even though he told her about his secret about his second personality, he can be her shield. He wants to support her, because he in love with her. Whenever he tells a girl that he loves her, he means it! He can feel the flames of passion burning inside. Still, he didn’t really tell her the rest of the story; like, his second personality is an evil vengeful spirit that craves blood and lust. He doesn’t know the reason that he didn’t tell her this, but sooner or later; he’ll have to tell her.

He has been keeping it in control for years, but the way that he vent that anger to her meaning that it won’t be long until it is unleashed. I must keep it in control. I don’t know how long it takes. Taking another deep breath, Aoshi wonders what other secrets that Holland is hiding, but he doesn’t want to dwell too much about it. As his hand would continue to caress her cheek, he leans over to her forehead. He slowly closes both of his light brown hues to try to press his lips right on his forehead to give it a nice soft kiss against it. Retreating it kindly from her forehead, “I wanted to protect you. I know that I’m not strong enough, but I promise that I’ll protect you...Through thick and through thin.” He opens both of his eyes as a smile curls up with his lips.

His hand gently caressing against her cheek before he moves his hand from her cheek. Aoshi feels slight relieved about this, but the truth that she is half-human, half-demon still overwhelm him. That and the possibility that ‘she’ might come out and whack him again. Now, more than ever, he has to be ready for that. If not, then he’ll be crossing over to the other side. “Now about the dance.” ‘I’d love you to go to the dance with you, but-‘ “Huh?” He simply watch her sidestep slowly as if she wants to leave for some reason. ‘I, I have to get something done asap. We can talk about it more tonight, if you’re not busy…I mean, if that’s ok. Your room, tonight-‘ “Um. Its okay. Really...”

He moves his head to the side of his head as he scratches it gently with his index finger. “S-sure. My room. Tonight. We’ll talk more.” He tries his best to smile at her while he watches her walking towards the front door. Well that does leave him with that puzzled look on his face right after he says, “Love you too.” He gives her a light wave with his hand from side to side til she is no where in sight. As the door is shut closed, he turns his head to the side with that puzzled look on his face, Okay... What was that about? He wonders as he crosses his arms in front of his chest. Pondering a bit on what just happened. He closes both of his light brown hues as he just shrugs his shoulders. “Eh… Maybe she needs time to prepare for something...” He shakes his head from side to side, "Fair Holland. Welcome back." Then, he fell on his knee as he starting to feel a little weak as sweat starts to form on his forehead. Puffs of warm air starting to exhale from his lips.

I feel fine. Just a little weak from controlling it. I don’t know how long I can contain it. He stands himself up as he continues to pant, “Schyler. I know that I didn’t know or see you long enough, but I promise that I’ll take good care of her. I’ll be her shield, her foundation, her support, and a shoulder to lean on.” He takes a deep breath as he doesn’t want to go for the swim today. His pant has slow down as he has plenty of time before they meet at his room. He unfolds his arms from his chest as he looks at his hand. “If everything happens to me, then its fate…” Let’s just hope that he has prepared for the worst outcome. He doesn’t want to live through that episode back at the RA office. With a sigh escapes from his lips as Aoshi walks over to the front door as he places his hand on the door. He pushed them open as he moves through it and walks out of the pool room.