Disclaimer: I own none of the characters.

Whoo...So here's my chapter finally. I apologize for the long wait and the short chapter. I've been so busy that I keep trying to fit in time and it never works out. I have my school schedule finally sorted out so I'll be able to start writing full blast once that starts.

Enjoy this chapter. Short, but more Suzaku.

(Unbetaed for the moment...or day).

Chapter Eight

Crimson met gold and something challenged between them. Rei stared up at the face that was hidden behind the mask. The skin was taunt and flawless, yet pale compared to the civilians of the city. Straight features stood out strongly along with addition shadows which Rei guessed could be tattoos. The worst part was the eyes that stare down at him. They were malicious and filled with hate and judgment. Eyes that he knew had judged him before he even existed. The pale lips twitched before they moved smoothly. Rei stared at them as the deep voice filled his ears.

“Now…what brought you into my arena, let alone my newly acclaimed city mortal?” Suzaku asked chillingly, eyes gleaming at the flicker of fear that shone in the eyes below.

“I asked you a question. Are you as deaf as you are stupid?” Suzaku commented coldly as Rei didn’t answer immediately. The tension between the two froze him in his place. Even in their close distance Rei could feel the chill from the god’s body which sent shivers through his own.

“I-I’m just traveling through. I wasn’t planning on staying long if that is your problem.” Rei answered pretending that he was just a random traveler. Suzaku tilted his head a bit, taking in Rei’s figure and presentation.

“You don’t look like a traveler; A bit more than that. Your hair has just been cut, maybe in attempts to blend in or stay unnoticed; my guess is that it was quite long recently. You are somewhat exotic compared to the people around here. Eye and skin colour are too refined for the scum lurking around these lands, unless you’re living here under special circumstances. I could certainly see Volkoff spending time on you in making you look presentable. Is that it? You’re rebelling, got caught and now are making a run from it with Giancarlo here as your accomplice?” Suzaku said, spinning a tale from dust and using it to push Rei into talking. A small smirk made its way across his face.

“You’re really imaginative Suzaku. You should try selling that bullshit sometime.” Giancarlo mocked as he received a glare from the god over Rei’s head.

“I’m not a slave. Definitely not a pleasure slave or whatever it is you have concocted up in that ungodly mind of yours.” Rei’s voice said sternly, breaking the tension that had been growing between the other two. Suzaku moved his attention back to the neko-jin who had spoke out against him. Looking down he noticed the golden eyes were staring up at him with fear and uncertainty, but also with strength that showed he was not going to back down easily.

“Hmm. I think you just proved you’re definitely not from around here since you’re speaking to me like that.” Suzaku said changing the weight to his other leg and leaning back a bit. The others in the tunnel shifted a bit too in fear as they thought that the god may attack.

“Why would you think that I’m with Volkoff?” Rei asked which caused Suzaku to raise an eye brow in curiosity. This mortal was asking him questions already. Suzaku let out a faint sigh in annoyance. Guess he could humour him.

“I saw you sitting with Volkoff. He only brings toys to that box. You must have caught his eye quickly.”

“I just met him a few minutes before. I figured he would be able to get me into the arena so I could look for Giancarlo.” Rei answered unsure of what was going on now. Giancarlo had remained silent and Rei figured it was a good sign at the moment.

“Now why would someone like you be looking for shit like this?” Suzaku questioned, nudging his head in the blond’s direction. Rei could feel the glare that the blond directed at the god without even looking. Instead he concentrated on the figure before him.

“Personal reasons.” Rei said simply.

“Personal reasons always have baggage. I’m sure it’s something worthwhile or utterly redundant if you’re looking to Giancarlo for help.” The fallen god said watching the emotions coming over Rei’s face.

Rei on the other hand was easily becoming annoyed with Suzaku’s attitude. He had dealt with all sorts of people before. Olivier had told him of other gods too in stories. Johnny had mentioned that the god in his deal in Renormi couldn’t interfere with the wager. Suzaku should be no different. Scoffing loudly he straightened up.

“One would think that by your display back in the arena you have a lot of baggage because of your issues with Volkoff.”

“Rei!” Giancarlo shouted grabbing the younger man’s wrist and tugging the lithe body closer to him in fear that the god would take a sudden swipe at him.

“I meant what I said.” Rei argued pushing the blond’s shoulder away from him so he could stand up and face Suzaku. The god on the other hand did not make any sudden movements; he didn’t show anything at all. It was as if time had frozen from the god’s will and time when caution was the best direction. Silence situated itself in the tunnel, the random clap of waves lapping at the side of duct.

As the moments passed a small smile crept onto Suzaku’s lips, sinister in nature. A harsh chuckle crackled through the small space sending chills and turns through everyone’s body. Rei swallowed his breath, but still remained facing the god. He didn’t think hiding would help him after what he had said, but he still didn’t defer from what he said.

“You are interesting…..Rei.” Suzaku finally replied the sound of the neko-jin’s name on his tongue foreign and stirring something deep inside of Rei. “But you are outside your boundaries. I don’t know what you are doing here, but from what I can see you are not someone who I trust in my city.” Suzaku continued as his voice took a darker and deeper tone.

“I-I don’t know either, but I don’t care. I trust Olivier’s judgment more than yours…I trust people, who I have just met, more than I trust you at the moment. And from what I know and am told, I know that I can trust them with more than my life.” Rei replied honestly. Suzaku didn’t acknowledge Olivier’s name which pushed Rei’s mind to think that maybe they were not acquainted. The dual haired god scoffed quietly and turned his attention to the blond whose tanned hand was still wrapped around Rei’s wrist. Giancarlo looked at the god before rolling his eyes and took a step backwards pulling Rei as well.

“He’s talking about Johnny if you are that curious and I’m not letting you take him to interrogate him any longer. I’m taking Rei away from the arena cause I’m assuming that pirate wants him kept unharmed and away from Volkoff. Now go be a spoiled little god elsewhere and have your murderous fun there.” Giancarlo said walking away from the god as he pulled Rei. The neko-jin looked over his shoulder and watched as the god stared at the group before shaking his head in some sort of twisted amused way before turning and disappearing into the shadows as well. Suzaku turned the situation over in his mind. There had to be an ulterior motive for Giancarlo to be so…restrained and helpful towards Rei. There had to be.

“Gian—“

“Rei, you are so fucking lucky right now to be in one piece. Just keep that fucking horseshoe up your ass and be quiet till I say you can talk.” Giancarlo said sternly tightening his grip on the dark haired man. A look of guilt and confusion appeared on Rei’s face as he complied with what the rich man was saying.

They traveled down another tunnel for a period of time before they turned and were welcomed by light. Rei squinted at the brightness, shielding his eyes as his entered wherever he was. The sound of a door closing behind him was heard while another one was opening. This room was dimmer and smelled of spices. Rei opened his eyes and looked upon the faces that stared back at him. Smirking from the other side of the room was Johnny who was surrounded by newly acquired treasure.

Giancarlo released Rei’s arm and moved forward collapsing into a cushioned chair, where a maid quickly arrived with a glass of wine which the blond eagerly took. Johnny raised an eyebrow at the motion.

“I’m surprised Enrique. You didn’t even take your shoes off before taking that drink. Tough day at the arena? A little god crazy maybe?” Johnny mocked laughing at the end as the blond threw a dirty look at him.

“Your pretty, but annoying friend over there is one of the causes of this. He seems to find trouble very easily.” Giancarlo said pointed his glass in Rei’s direction. The neko-jin glared at him from where he stood still.

“Yeah, I’ve noticed that. Must be the haircut.” Johnny joked and threw a smirk towards Rei’s direction as well.

“Whatever it is, he’s attracted Suzaku’s attention from appearing to be Volkoff’s new toy.” Giancarlo said causing the pirate captain’s face to fall still. He starred at Rei before huffing and pulling a golden jeweled crown into his lap from the pile on the ground.

“Not my place to say who you get involved with. I just thought I warned you enough.”

“You did…it’s just…you know what? I don’t even know anymore what’s going on. You have no idea what I’m going through. One day I’m living my life on the streets, surviving for another day, and next I’m with you guys who have no care in the world especially towards others. You take everything not caring if it’s important and you discard all feelings of others. You’re almost like them.” Rei said his words shouts by the end. The room quieted after as the pirate and rich man starred at him.

“Rei…you have no idea of anything around you. You are in a situation that not many have to experience. No one can understand or help you in the way that you want. If you start listening to what everyone has been trying to tell you, you’d realize we’re trying to help you in ways that will get you through this alive…through our homes alive. Now take a fucking seat before you lose yourself.” Johnny explained to him evenly, his slate eyes drilling into the neko-jin’s eyes. Rei hesitated for a moment, but sat down on a pile of soft cushions wordlessly. Giancarlo watched as well before sighing and sinking further into his seat.

“Well…now that you’ve managed to stir things up quite a bit, I think we’ll be expecting another visit from Suzaku very soon.” The blond said offhandedly. “We need to talk and figure out what you’re doing here before we send you on your way.” Taking another sip from his glass he shot a glance over to the neko-jin. “Maybe you’ll do us a favour as well and get rid of a few pests that have been lingering in our city for a long time.”

Hopefully that satisfied you, or made you want more. LOL.

As always please review, and not just favourite or alert. I can't stop you, but it's good to know what people think.

DevlinnReiko