Title: Tenshi no Uta (Angel's song) Author: Cali-chan! Self-proclaimed Queen of Misspelled Words! ^.~ E-mail: silver_elf@edsamail.com.ph Rating: Are... I think it's PG13... I _think_ mind you. Pairing: Ahahaha! I have decided! AyaxOmi, NagixOmi, FarfelloxNagi, BradxShulderich, YoujixKen, BotanxManx <--- OMG! A straight couple! O_o Keywords: Omi, Aya, Nagi, castrati, composers, Rome, 17th century Third chapter minna-san, and the wait for the next one will be long I'm afraid. ^^* I've got exams this week than articles for school to write... *Sighs* Blah. Me hate school >.<-Doh! Mucho's gracias to Wiggle-san who went through all the trouble of pre-reading this and showing what a big hunk of bad meat the unedited one was. With her help I added the necessary seasoning... it's edible now. :3 She also showed me all sorts of new stuff. I've learned comma's are not to be taken too lightly or they'll jump up and bit your- Nagi: Quite delaying and get on with it. Hai hai! Thanks to the ml for all the musical knowledge! The information on castrati helped... but I will _not_ make Omi big, long legged and with arms that reach to his knee's... nonononono. He's.. uhhh... a special breed of castrati. I'm sure not all of them were like that. O_O<-- in denial. Ummm... On to the fic! :3 Next chapter which I just finished will be out by this October. ^_^ Tenshi no Uta Chapter 3: ~A Song of Infant Emotions~ "No.", Aya whispered, slowly walking onto the stage and leisurely crossing his arms, "This song is to be sung softly and with emotion. You are not dedicating it drunkards who cannot tell one note from another!" Watching the redhead berate his lover with lazy green eyes, Youji silently pondered on how an ode to drunkards would sound perchance. The deadly gaze directed at Ken obviously made it hard for the boy to summon up his usual spirit. Youji's lips turned up at one corner. His lover was irresistible when he wore that guilty expression on his face. The urge to reach out and take the boy in his arms for a quick kiss was strong, but it outweighed the consequences he would have to face under Aya. The cold cretin would probably order him to remain after practices and work as he had done before. [1] Ken lowered his eyes. "So-sorry!" "I have no use for words Ken. Actions are what I will have. Practice that in your spare time. Aphrodite, start act three.", Aya also refused to call them anything but their stage names while they were practicing. Omi nodded, gazing adoringly at his maestro. The boy had been wearing feminine clothing more frequently. Youji noted it had started when Aya had commented that he should try to delve more into his role as a woman. Aya's pleasure obviously came first in the boy's mind. Youji's thoughts were on the boy as his hauntingly tender song filled the room, blue eyes half-mast as sheer music ran from parted lips. His little white hands clutched the front of his dress as if singing the very music brought pain. Reaching a particularly high note, he tilted his head and took full control of it, stretching the sound until is slowly faded. Then moving to the front of the stage he launched into another composition, his voice filled with so much longing Youji's heart ached. How could Aya not claim such beauty when it was offered to him? Omi would do anything to his pleasure. Youji didn't discourage the cross dressing though. Omi looked simply edible. With a slice of Ken pie [2], what a feast he would have the honor of- "Ares. You missed your cue." Youji blinked down at the glowering composer before muttering an apology. He set his expression into a mask of anger and began to sing, low alto voice echoing strongly through the room. "Dearest angel of white winged hue! Wilst thou give me your whole heart or none? The other half I must have, a cripple will never be my rival!" Omi glided forward, eyes narrow and filled with cruelty, expression seductive. His pink roughed lips were tilted up into a half-smile as he slowly rotated inwards in a circular orbit, nearing the tall singer. Youji thanked whatever god there was he wore lose pants, "Be happy with the gifts I allow you to take. This or nothing is what I offer. Mechaus is my husband and so he must own a part of my love. Lover, harbinger of death, take me now or to him I return." [3] Youji allowed himself his own cruel smile. "I will not allow it." Swiftly he breached the distance and grabbed Omi's wrists, drawing him closer. Almost immediately Omi pulled away, anger filling his features. "Let me go." The boy swiftly glided towards the haven of the exit, but Youji's body moved in front of it. Youji gathered the small boy up in his strong arms and kissed the moist parted lips, drawing the sweet breath from the boys mouth. Omi sighed, reluctantly giving himself up. He pressed himself against the older man's chest, hands clutching at the front of Youji's shirt. Then Youji sank to the floor, small boy beneath him. He was suspended in time, nothing mattered but the warm plaint body beneath him. Omi lay limp under his weight, head turned to the side exposing that long elegant neck. His eyes were pools of seduction; Youji would gladly drown in such beauty. "Curtains down!" Damn. Youji was extremely reluctant to stand and free the youth beneath him. Omi smiled innocently as he caught Youji's eye, unfazed by the fact that the older man's weight was pinning him to the floor. Who could stop here?! And judging from the way he kissed, Omi was obviously not innocent in certain areas. It was often that way with Key Castrati. Being extremely solitary Youji knew they would take whatever attention their keepers gave them. Ken stalked forward, a faint blush decorating his glowering face, "You could look a little less enthusiastic about it!" "You shouldn't talk dear." Youji helped Omi up. "You certainly looked like you were enjoying it in your scene." "Yet-", before he could finish Youji walked forward and kissed him roughly, parting Ken's lips as his long fingered hands cupped his lover's cheeks. Ken's breath rushed into Youji's as he sighed, melting in his beloved's arms. From the corner of his eye he saw Omi blush and look away, longing upon his face as his eyes discreetly fell on Aya who had turned away to pick up his script. Youji broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against Ken's. Damn cold redhead _cretin_. As if hearing Youji's thoughts, Aya turned and focused his iris glare on him. What?! What had he done wrong now?!, "I'm giving you three hours' rest period. Practice resumes at 3:00.", Aya turned to Omi, "The carriage is waiting to take you to our home if you wish." "Thank you.", Youji noted the 'our home'. He reluctantly realized if there was anyone more intent on keeping Omi well cared for and safe it was Aya. Maybe the composer wasn't as terrible as he surmised. But he was so blind! Omi's voice was hopeful as he nervously took his belongings into his thin frail arms, "Will you be coming with me?" Aya's gaze met Omi's, "I have more important things to do.", he turned away, "Be sure to be back on time." Sadness filling his features, Omi merely left with a wave and a smile for them, not bothering to change his clothing. Still dressed in his hugging white dress, a blue sash tied around his waist, it was no surprise that many thought he was female. Especially deceiving was the tightness of the clothing around the chest which gave a hint of a small cleavage. Manx's talent was unbelievable, Youji thought, as he watched the willowy boy disappear. Ken suddenly grabbed his arm and gazed up with pitiful eyes, "I'm hungry, Yo-tan." Youji smiled, all attention once more focused on the man he loved, "Time to try once again to fill up that bottomless pit of yours hmm?" Ken sighed dejectedly and shook his head, "You're cruel, have I told you that?" Youji laughed and took Ken into his arms. ~*~*~*~*~* This was the place. Nagi stood nervously before the large house, tightly clutching the white roses Shuldrich had insisted he take. Brad had made it clear that Takatori allowed him to come and go as he pleased, the old bastard knew he wasn't going anywhere. His memories of Omi were what helped him go through the ordeal of slowly getting accustomed to his new life as a castrati. For an unfathomable reason he couldn't grasp, he could not forget her. Getting accustomed to his new lifestyle meant getting accustomed to the two men who now played the part of family. Shuldrich. The German utterly frustrated him! He constantly demanded Nagi listen to the perverse details of how Brad pleasured him the night before, insisting teasingly he should take notes. [4] Yet with his combined charm and wit, none could deny him what he wanted. He constantly used this to get his lover and Nagi to do what he wanted. Brad. Cold as he was, the man showed concerned for his well being. He constantly asked Nagi if he was well or had a need for anything, forever keeping in mind his safety. But Nagi guessed it was due to the fact he was his assigned guardian. He hadn't seen Takatori since the night they castrated him. Nagi painfully missed his mother, his little brother Makoto. Perhaps even Farfello, the strange Irishman his mother had hired to protect him. But Farfello hadn't been there... on that night. He had ordered the one-eyed man to punish another young man for slandering his mother. That's when Takatori had taken his chance. A voice rang out behind him, interrupting his reverie. "Excuse me? May I help his lordship?" It was a young lady in the attire of the Fujimiya household, arms filled with her purchases from the market. Nagi's courage suddenly failed him. What was he doing here? He knew her name but nothing else, a chance meeting that had somehow gave way to an obsession. She was a noble. As a castrati what could he offer her? His past life as a Naoe had to be forgotten as his new position in society meant changes. He could no longer seduce young ladies at whim, due now to his lack of status. "It is nothing. I apologize." He turned to leave but a familiar musical voice rang out and caused him to stop. "Nagi?", Omi glided out of the carriage which just rolled up. Nagi's chocolate eyes instantly focused on her. She was dressed in a billowy white silk dress, tight at the waist and shoulders to accentuate her hips and tiny bosom. The skirt flared perfectly, seeming to pour in waves to the dusty ground. Beneath the hem, tiny white slippers peeked daintily out. A sash tied at her waist, the same color as her eyes was the only splash of color. "Nagi! You visited!" Nagi's heart leapt as Omi's entire demeanor brightened, her eyes only on him. Her face was alight as she moved gracefully towards him, coming to a stop by his side. "I-I got this for you!", Nervously Nagi handed her the roses. Their fingers brushed as she took it, his heart jumping at the slight contact. "I thank you.." She held them close to her face, sighing softly at their fragrance. She tilted her head, her lips slowly curving into a pleased smile, "I love white roses." Suddenly the silence was broken as Omi's hunger made itself known. "I suggest they not be eaten.", Nagi stated dryly. Her laugh reminded Nagi of tiny bells, light and soft, "Come in and join me? I'm afraid I can't stay out in the sun long, my skin is easily burnt." It was then Nagi took notice of her unnatural whiteness. It was as if she hadn't touched the sun's rays in years. Her hand suddenly clasping firmly on his sleeve gave him no choice. Atleast that was what the reason the young man found. ~*~*~*~* Omi was beside himself with happiness. It was the first time anyone had paid him a visit. This was not surprising since he was unusually shy around others, keeping silent and only speaking is addressed to. So far the only close acquaintances he had were Youji, Botan, Ken and Manx, and this was due to the close proximity needed between themselves. He kept his distance from everyone else. One reason being he was content with the friends that he had, another being Aya had warned him that most of the people would likely take advantage of his inexperience in social matters. He was so shy, only leaving his home if Aya needed him, that Youji had cheerfully dubbed him Aya's shadow. His thoughts turned to his guest. He had only met Nagi once before, but the boy wasn't very easy to forget. He was beautiful in Omi's eyes, his youth giving him an air of innocence but his manner being of a man. He was the first person ever to approach him in an attempt at friendship. Omi would never forget him for that. The other boy walked half a step behind him, dark eyes brooding as he was led through the large house. The long unkept chocolate bangs tumbled about, framing dark eyes and high cheekbones. A small frown was on his lips. His being dressed entirely in a suit of black seemed to heighten the somber attitude he had picked up upon entering Aya's home. Unnerved by Nagi's sudden change of mood, Omi timidly reached out and affectionately brushed wayward hair out of the boy's eyes before flashing a smile. He turned and led the way into his suites. Behind him Nagi fingered the spot where Omi's hand had touched, eyes wistful. Nagi's eyes widened at the lavish surroundings. The room was filled with symbols of wealth, a wide canopied bed, a tiny sitting room, soft Persian carpets. Something soft rubbed against his leg making him jump slightly. "Tot!", Omi called. It was a snow white Persian, it's bright green eyes half mast as Omi lovingly ran his hands through her soft fur. Nagi reached down to stroke her head as well. "She's beautiful." Omi was pleased, "She is most precious to me."[5] Once Nagi had taken a seat, Tot having once more falling asleep upon one of the carpets, Omi leaned down so that they were nearly eye level, "Would you like something to drink?" Nagi gaze roamed down to Omi's chest, a slight flush gracing his cheeks, "I-I've already eaten..." "A-alright.", Omi smiled nervously. He was at a loss. He had never entertained guests in the past. He sat down on the chair beside Nagi's, head lowered. Uncomfortable silence ensued. "You can talk, you know.", Nagi murmured in amusement. "A-alright.", Omi's hands clutched at his chair's armrests . Suddenly one of Nagi's own covered his right. The warmth was pleasing. Familiar. Omi didn't pull away. Nagi leaned close smiling, "So, it seems you are a princess. Such rich surroundings her highness has!" Omi's eyes widened as he shook his head, sending golden locks tumbling about his face, "Not at all! I'm just staying over for Maestro Aya's play.", he was taken aback by the sudden happiness that filled the other boys face. The hand on his own tightened considerably. "I see.", Nagi moved his chair closer, "So, is Aya your lover?" Omi blushed, the mention of being his Maestro's lover and Nagi's thumb proceeding to rub the back of his hand unnerving him, "No-not at all." "So. Who _is_ your lover?", Nagi moved their entwined hands to Omi's thigh. The older boys head lowered, recognizing the familiar dance of soft touches and words. His former masters had done it often enough. Yet Omi couldn't find the heart to push the boy away. There was something in the boy's eyes, an emotion that begged to be allowed to make itself known. The very emotion Omi had caught in his own eyes when gazing at the mirror, Aya watching him as he paraded Manx's dresses. "I have none.", his voice came out as a whisper. He knew what Nagi wanted. The very thing Aya refused him. ~*~*~*~* Nagi proceeded with great caution, yet uncertain of the allowance she gave him. He stood and pulled her up, drawing her warmth close to himself. She fit so perfectly, his arms wrapping around her slim waist. His heart tightened at their close proximity. The scent of roses that drifted from her washed over him. Nagi pressed his lips down on her shoulder, tongue flicking out to taste her skin. Tenderly he moved his mouth to the slim elegant neck, nibbling slightly. She tasted of sweetness, innocence. "Na-Nagi...", He silenced her by covering her lips with his. They were soft, a hint of strawberries on them [6]. Hands moving from her waist to her neck, he tilted her head to gain better access. Slowly he coaxed her mouth open, tasting every part of her warm mouth, taking her breath into himself and returning it. This, Nagi decided, was heaven itself. Omi was pliant in his arms as he crushed her against him, hand reaching for the ribbon on her breast. She pulled away at the touch but Nagi reached out and caught her, pressing her down on the nearby bed. When she started to whimper he rained soothing kisses on her face, running his hands through her hair. "Shhhh... it's all right.", she quieted in his arms, her little white hands reaching to clutch the front of his shirt, "Just trust me." Nagi pressed warm lips against her ear, "I think I love you..." Omi's eyes were filled with indecision, which Nagi quickly brushed away with his lips. He would have her. He had countless lovers in the past, yet he had never felt such craving. Completion was fulfilled when he was in her presence. This was love. He finally ran his hand under her skirt, searching for the small mouth. What he encountered instead, made him pull them away as if they had been burned. He cupped her, no. _His_ face and tilted it up to meet his stunned eyes, "Yo-you're not a woman.." Omi blinked up at him, confusion clouded his features, "You... you had no knowledge of it?" Nagi shook his head,his expression dumbfounded. Omi laughed bitterly as he slipped away from him, standing up to slowly brush the creases from his skirt. "I...", Nagi reached for him, taking his hand, "Who are you?" Omi's voice was so soft Nagi had to strain to hear it, a whisper of words hesitantly given, "I... I am Aya's Key castrati...." Nagi's mind was a haze of indecision. The beautiful young girl was a boy, a fellow castrati. It was not that he had never slept with another man in the past. He often allowed other young lords to seduce him, enjoying the dominance grown men exerted over him and equally enjoyed gaining control over them in return. Infact, gender never really mattered. But Omi had utterly fooled him in this illusion of a woman. Yet somehow, the new revelation seemed not to dull any of his emotions towards the boy. It was exactly the opposite. The lust, urge and love he felt towards Omi grew as he saw him in this new light. They were the same, perfectly the same. Men adored for their voices. Loved for their songs they sung and the pleasure they gave through that act. Nothing else would make them amount to anything but the music they created. Just as any man or woman would not trully be able to understand them. Half-men... But they could understand each other. Omi moved to glide away but Nagi's grip on his hand refused to lighten. He looked down at it, a hint of panic rising "Na-nagi?" "Don't go... Omi." Omi looked away, "Why?" The younger of the pair suddenly fell silent. What could he say to compensate for this mistake? Foolishly he had though he was a woman. Omi must think now that he had discovered otherwise, Nagi would have lost interest in himself. What could he say? Words that would make what he truly felt known... Omi stood waiting, eyes slightly cold and impatient. Nagi's voice came out hoarse, frustrated with his own ineloquence, "I meant everything I said a moment ago. I love you." he kissed Omi's fingers. "Please... stay." A subtle tilting of lips, the smile he had nearly lost reappearing. Its beauty took his breath away. He reached out and stroked Nagi's hair, "Alright." Nagi closed the distance between them, his fingers nervously pulling at the strings on Omi's dress. Omi aided him, leading Nagi's hands towards the clasps and various complications in a woman's clothing. When it finally slipped to the floor, chocolate eyes roamed over the little body, marveling at perfection. Not a single blemish or mark marred Omi's cream colored skin. Nagi lay him on the bed and settled atop of the older castrati, their eyes meeting. Lowering his head, their gazes never breaking contact, his lips once more moved down to taste him. His skin was sweet and cool to his tongue. Breath catching, Omi buried his hands into Nagi's dark hair, pulling them both closer. His soft sighs urged Nagi forward. Never. Never had Nagi felt such happiness. Such tender emotions wrenched from his heart. The boy in his arms suddenly was the only that mattered. Omi was everything. Nagi knew he loved him. [7] ~*~*~*~* Aya walked briskly up the stairs to his home, iris eyes alight. Clutched in his hands was a small package, carefully and lovingly wrapped in brown paper and pink ribbons. A present, for the boy who had been working the hardest of all to make sure their play came out as no less than perfect. He had felt terrible to have to refuse Omi his company during the rehearsal, but he had wanted to have this done with by today. Or he would never again be able to make himself summon the courage. Guilt had ridden Aya's conscience during the last few weeks. He had blatantly refused the Omi, denying the castrati the affection and love he himself wanted to give. His walls would crack at the sadness on the little one's face. But he had done nothing. Aya didn't want to be hurt. He had learned loving led to pain. But not loving brought it's own pain, and none of the momentary happiness. Aya had finally accepted the growing feelings he had for the castrati. Omi clearly reminded him of his sister. The sheer innocence, the beauty. They were both always filled with wonder and love. And they had both touched his heart as none else could. He would take Omi's love and give his own in return. Aya decided would be able to better protect this innocence if he loved him. As he climbed the steps to Omi's room, the melody of young voices floated to Aya's ears, enfolding him. The music was utterly exquisite, young voices in such perfect union they seemed but one. Listening closely he could make out Omi's sweet light soprano, but another voice, stronger but less in skill, joined with his. Aya moved quickly. Who was with Omi? Who owned this beautiful voice? He must rewrite the play to include this one. He had never heard such perfection. Never in his life- Upon slamming the door to Omi's quarters open, the music broke. As did the happiness that had filled him. Omi was sitting up in his bed, his blanket to his waist, but Aya could tell he was in a state of undress. Beside his castrati, gently stroking the golden brown locks was another boy. He was beautiful, slim and light skinned, long lashed almond eyes lovingly gazing down on the castrati. Omi's head was on his shoulder and around them was an air of contentment. The fury rose within upon seeing the other's boys similar state of undress. Lovers?! Aya's voice came out cold and scathing, barely contained anger seeping into his words, "May I ask _what_ has occurred here?" Glancing up in surprise, Aya watched dispassionately as Omi's face paled, "Maestro! I-" The fiery haired man stalked towards them, his deadly gaze falling on the strange boy, "Get out." Omi tightened his hold on the other youth's waist, the other boy's arms pulling him close. This only fueled the composer's anger, "Maestro! Nagi-" "Nagi is it?", he ignored the sullen glare the boy flashed, "I never want to see you again near this household, or near Omi for that matter." "Maestro!", Omi's expression was one of desperate sadness. Why? Why was this the only emotion he could give the boy?! "Do you forget?", Aya's tone caused Omi to fall silent, "Do you forget who owns you here?!", his eyes moved once more to Nagi, "Leave." The boy reluctantly pulled away from Omi's hold and quickly slipped on his clothing. When finished and nearing the door he caught Omi's eye, his own filled with pregnant meaning. Then slowly he slipped outside. The look of happiness on Omi's face brought Aya pain, "You disappoint me." "Maestro...", Omi's voice was pleading. "Here I strive to keep your innocence safe, to protect you. Yet you throw yourself around!", Aya heart clenched. Omi had betrayed him. The innocence he had so cherished, given away so freely... Omi looked broken as he reached out to touch Aya's sleeve, "That is not true! You know I never slept with anyone else but him while I was here! I _never_ threw myself at him! He asked for my affection... he said he loved me!" Aya pulled away in disgust, "You are a slut."[8] Omi's face paled, then suddenly Aya watched in morbid fascination as a strange change undertook within the small boy. Innocence and desperation shifted to fury and hate, Omi stood and wrapped the blanket tightly around himself. Then moving so swiftly Aya froze at his disappearance, the castrati grabbed a nearby vase and hurled at the space between Aya's feet. As the redhead watched in stunned silence, Omi pressed himself against one of the room's corners, eyes narrowing. "You want to save my innocence?! Then where were you nine years ago?! Where were you when my first maestro took me in my own bed, my wounds barely healed?! Where were you when they locked me up?!" Tears started to stream down the boys cheeks that were flushed red in anger, "Where were you when they beat me to let me do what they would?! Protect me? You're too late!", Omi buried his face in his hands, "You condemn me for Nagi, the comfort I find in his love! The comfort you would never give me... You wish protect me?!", Omi's broken eyes met his, voice fading into a whisper, "You can't even bear to touch me...", the castrati hurriedly put on his clothes and moved to rush out the door, tears spilling freely. Aya's emotions took hold, breaking from within their cage. He knew he was losing the boy. He had been _so_ foolish! Already a wall was forming between them, slowly growing thicker each second that passed in Omi's growing fury and his own waning anger. He was losing him as he had lost his sister. Reaching out swiftly he snatched the boy into his arms and held him close, pressing Omi's face to his chest. "Let me go!", Omi began to struggle but Aya held his small warm bundle fast, his face buried in the soft downy hair. Omi smelled so sweet... "I hate you! Let me go! Maestro please! Let me-" "No.", Omi's struggles ceased at the strength and devotion weighed upon that single word, "Never.", he slowly pulled away to meet Omi's stunned expression, his voice breaking, "I will never let you go..." A single tear fell. Omi stared at it in wonder, small delicate fingers reaching out to wipe it from his face. Then slowly, almost timidly, he placed his head beneath Aya's chin and listened to the strong beat of his maestro's heart. Aya wondered if he could hear it breaking. [9] ~*~*~*~* [1] Work? hihi... what sort of work? >:3 fufufufufu... Youji: Shut up. -.- [2] mmmmm... Ken pie. *Drool* Mom: Not on the carpet! >:[ [3]Frankly I can't imagine Yo-tan singing _that_. But Wiggle-san said opera's were sung then. ^.^ [4]I wish Shu would let _me_ take notes. ;p [5]Cali-chan _loves_ neko's. Hell, she is one! ^_-_^<-Cali neko's-> :3 [6]Cali likes strawberries. And so Omi must taste delicious because- *mindless rambling cut off for your sanity* [7] Cali promises Lemon. As soon as she learns to write them. ^.^* [8] 'Aya the Prick' strikes again. ;p [9] Awwww... 'Aya the Prick' redeems himself. Now he's a semi-prick. Aya: Hnn. *Pokes her with his sheathed Katana* Oww! Fine. Kinda Pr- Aya: *draws sword* O.o ... Aya is wonderful! ^__^;;;; Omi: -.-