Corrupted Dreams

Unsolved Problems

"I'm going up with you."

"No, get some sleep—"

"We're going back to Chaldea tomorrow." I tightened my lips, knowing where this was going. "I'm coming to the roof with you."

"Fine." The word took an effort to pull out, and with a sigh, I moved from the doorway so he could leave the room.

Cas followed me up the stairs and out the roof door. The cool breeze woke me up a little, the air definitely feeling less dense than before. I went and sat criss cross a couple feet from the edge, staring off into the horizon as Cas sat beside me. It was quiet for a long moment, both of us understanding something had to be said, but both of us unsure of what to say. I felt Cas' stare against the side of my face. Closing my eyes, I finally just said it. "Cas, no more. Whatever it is that's been going on ends tonight."

He stayed silent. "Say something Cas." I finally looked over at him. Honestly, I was expecting concern, guilt, or pain to be on his face, but nothing but a thoughtful expression was held there.

"I understand, you're worried about hindering your relationship with Setanta." Cas turned his body to face me, leaning in, one of his hands behind me. "So, I have a proposition."

"What?" I pulled away a little, but Cas just seemed to close the space again right after.

His eyes traced my figure as if they were hands, then set his gaze on mine, a low red glow burning there. "Let me deal with Setanta, I'll take the blame and he won't be angry with you."

"What do you mean— ? Cas stop!" His hand was on my chest as he crawled onto my lap. My own hand went to his chest to hold him back. Cas gripped my wrist.

"Oh Shirou~ calm down a little, would ya?" He guided that hand from his chest, raising it to his mouth. "I told you I'd take the blame." His breath puffed onto the skin of my palm, tingling the surface with warmth. "All you have to do is relax." Next came his lips, kissing the inside of my hand.

"Hey, stop it!" I yanked my hand from him, falling backwards a little. Cas took advantage of my unbalanced position, shoving me down the rest of the way to the rooftop floor. He leaned down, cupping my cheek.

"Look, just tell Setanta I forced myself on you or something. I'll let you make me the villain, but please, just give me this." I stayed silent and unmoving, simply staring up at him. Slow and gentle, he came in closer, pressing his forehead against mine, nudging softly. I closed my eyes, nuzzling him back a little, till I caught myself and turned away with a sigh.

"No, I won't lie. I'm going to tell Setanta the truth about the things that happened between us"

"Mmm," his hands moved, traveling up my arms. "Well, if you won't lie," Cas stroked my wrists. "We could always make it the truth."

"What do you—?" That's when I felt a tightening on my wrists. Looking over, I saw the dark branches breaking from the cement to wrap themselves around my arms. "No, don't do this Cas!" If it were just my wrists, my tugging might have done some good, but it felt useless with my forearms pinned down as well.

"Relax, it's not like I'm going to do anything horrible to you, I'm just making you an honest man." He stroked my cheek lovingly.

"Do you really want to do this, Cas?" I kept my voice stern and eyebrows drawn. "What about—"

"Shhh," he brushed his hands over my eyes covering them, and the world went black because of it. "Don't worry yourself Shirou, it's just me. It's your Cu." Cas whispered down beside my ear. I'd be lying if I said the words didn't make my heart thud, my fingers curling in, needing his skin, but settling for that of my palm. Warm lips caressed my forehead, lingering there, and I found myself hanging on the moment.