Blood Roses
Part Three: Confessions

BTW, the italics show a memory/flashback. This part of the story is just what happened right before part one, to explain the series more clearly. Gomen ne if it sucks, but I'm having fun writing it and I think that's all that really matters ^_^
If you would like to send me comments on the Blood Roses series, tell me how you like it, go for it!!! I don't even mind flames. It means people are actually paying attention. >_<

It's closing time. Ken and Yohji had disappeared, quite conveniently, several minutes ago. I sweep the floor while Aya organizes the flowers and waters the plants. I'm pushing the broom around when I hear him curse.

I run over to him, concerned. He holds his hand, watching blood pour from his palm. I kneel on the floor next to him, carefully avoiding the bouquet of white roses. They are dotted with his blood.

Thankful that he isn't hurt any worse, I pull his hand closer to my face with both of my hands, examining the cut. A sharp, curved thorn is imbedded in the palm of his hand. His skin is stained crimson, as are the roses at his feet.

Slowly, carefully, I pull the thorn out of his hand. He makes no noise besides a hiss of pain as I extract the thorn from his palm.

Kneeling on the floor with Aya, I realize how beautiful he is. How delicate. It takes all my strength not to brush my lips across his palm and kiss the wound. I struggle to keep myself from kissing his rosy lips, from stroking the red hair.

And I realize....that I love him.
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Later that night I walk silently into Aya's room. It just can't wait any longer. I have to tell him. He is laying on the bed, his back to the door, and I can't tell if he is awake or asleep. I make my way to the other side of the room and look down at the man on the bed. He's asleep. One of his eartails has fallen across his face and I brush it away. I gaze at him lovingly. /He looks so sweet when he's asleep,/ I think to myself. /And yet so sad and alone./

My gentle touch has stirred him from his sleep. Aya's expressive amethyst eyes open slowly. "Omi...?" he whispers.

"Hai..."

Aya sits up. "I had another nightmare. About Aya-chan..." he whispers, his voice cracking with emotion.
         
I put my arms around him. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault."

My hold on him tightens. I press my head to his chest and listen to his steady heartbeat. His head rests on my shoulder. I stroke his hair softly, comfortingly. His body starts to shudder. I pull away suddenly, not knowing what is happening.  I look at his face, trying to search his eyes for an answer. But I can't. His eyes are closed. Tears shimmer on his eyelashes, pour down his cheeks. He's crying.

I bring my hand to his face, gently wiping away the tears. I cup his chin in my hand and raise his face to mine. His eyes stay closed tightly, as if he is afraid to see my reaction to his uncharacteristic display of emotion.

I press my lips to his, kissing him. I'm not sure I will be able to kiss away his tears. But I will try.

His response startles me. He deepens the kiss at first, but then he pushes me away suddenly, as if he has been caught doing something he isn't supposed to do. His push catches me off balance and I fall backwards, onto the floor.

"A-aya?" I whisper, tears gathering in the corners of my own eyes. "Na-"

"I can't deal with this," he hisses, cutting me off. "I should have known you were up to something when you held me like that. Get out." His tapered, delicate finger directs me toward the closed door. I can tell from his raspy voice that he is holding back tears.

"But I-"

"OUT!" 

I stand up quickly and run from the room, ashamed. /What have I done?/ His taste lingers in my mouth. He had tasted so sweet. But he had spoken so bitterly. /Why did he pull away like that?/ I wonder.  /I know he felt something for me, at least for a second./