Chapter Text
Shu and Mysta had spent the better part of the day together, Vox having been busy out of the house with the others. Though Mysta was beginning to fare better without his presence nearby, Shu still watches as he becomes antsy after a few hours pass. This was one of his worse moments. Mysta sits on the couch bouncing his leg uncontrollably and continuously checking his phone for the time and a message. As much as Shu loves him, and understands why he’s so anxious, it’s beginning to drive him a bit crazy.
We already played video games… that was a very temporary distraction. He’s not focusing on the movie. What else could we do?
Shu peeks at Mysta’s phone as he, once again, checks the time. It’s decided. “Eey, Mysta.”
“Huh? What?” Mysta asks, a bit dazed at being addressed.
“Want to help me make dinner?”
“Oh, um… sure.” Mysta agrees before a disappointed look dawns over his face. “Actually… I’m banned from the kitchen… Remember?”
I remember…
“Well… the pan was on fire… so…”
“It’s not like I meant to! I was just hungry… It was supposed to be an easy recipe.”
“I still don’t know what you were trying to make…”
“I don’t want to talk about it…”
“The offer still stands though. You’ll be supervised so no one will be… too worried.” Mysta seems to think about it for a minute before nodding.
“What were you thinking about making?”
“A stir fry. I'll have you peel, not cut, the vegetables.”
“Why can’t I cut them?”
“Mysta… Just… no…”
The two of them make their way to the kitchen and Shu begins to pull the ingredients out. He cleans the rice and puts it in the cooker, beginning to heat it. He then hands the vegetables to Mysta, instructing him to wash the ones that won’t be peeled. Mysta does his job diligently.
Maybe the fire was just a hiccup. He was improving before that happened. I know it’s just vegetables, but at least they’re being washed correctly now.
“Shu, I have a question?”
“What’s up?”
“When it’s your turn to cook, can I help more of’en?” Mysta asks, turning to look at Shu.
“Sure! May I ask why?”
“It’s just… I want to get be’er at cooking. I want to be able to make dinner too. Without everyone being scared to eat it!” Mysta adds the last part quickly.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind that… Is Vox part of that reason?” Mysta just turns away from him with a red face, indirectly answering Shu’s question. “Is there anything specific you want to learn to cook?”
“Not really. As long as I can make it and it can at least taste decent, I’ll be happy. Once I’m able to at least make food without a disaster happening, it should be easier for me to improve. Right?”
“Well… no one’s a lost cause.” Shu says.
Hopefully I don’t regret those words…
“Thanks, Shu.” Mysta says with soft sincerity. It sounds like he’s actually trying to make an effort.
“It’s no problem, Mysta. I’m glad I can help.” Shu smiles at him. Mysta returns the smile and separates the vegetables by if they need to be peeled or not. He grabs the peeler and starts peeling them while Shu returns his attention to his station, confident that Mysta has his part covered.
After Shu finishes preparing everything he turns back to Mysta. He looks focused. He peels the last vegetable and they meet each other's eyes. “If you promise to cut them normally, I might just let you.” Mysta laughs at him.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Evenly!” Shu reminds.
“I know… I’ll… try.” Mysta promises. Shu turns to check on him every so often. Though the food isn’t cut perfectly even, he can see that an effort is being made. It makes Shu smile. Once Mysta finishes, Shu pulls him over to help cook and season the meat. Shu can tell he’s surprised, but he intently listens to everything Shu directs him to do.
“And done!” Mysta cheers, turning and giving Shu a big smile.
“Ready to try it?” Shu asks and Mysta gives a nervous nod. They both get a fork and put a little bit of everything on it. Mysta watches Shu take a bite without hesitation, quickly doing the same. Shu’s filled with delight at the taste. “You did a good job!” Shu praises while Mysta blushes.
“I was just listening to what you told me to do.” Mysta brushes off the compliment.
“Yes, but that doesn’t change the fact you made a lot of the food yourself, correctly. Eventually you’ll be able to do this yourself… without supervision.” Shu says, refusing to let Mysta ignore his accomplishments.
“I guess so…” Mysta responds, trying to hide his smile. Shu pats his back and leaves him to decorate the plates with the food. Shu knows that Mysta can present it nicely. He sets the silverware out and hears the front door unlock.
“What is Mysta doing in the kitchen?” Luca’s, extremely, worried voice rings out. Shu looks over at him and smiles.
“Dinner’s ready.” Shu says calmly. Ike and Luca look at each other nervously while Vox keeps a relatively neutral expression, though Shu can see a bit of concern in his eyes.
“Welcome home!” Mysta calls out, bringing two plates to the table and setting them down. Shu can see him hold himself back from going to Vox, turning and going to grab the next few plates. Shu follows him to help, taking two and leaving Mysta with one. As soon as they get the plates set on the table, Mysta makes his way to Vox, hugging him tightly. They give each other a quick kiss, just a greeting, and Mysta leads him to the table. Everyone sits down and waits, not wanting to be the first one to take a bite. Shu can see Mysta staring at Vox expectantly, who nervously brings a bite to his lips. All eyes stare in anticipation as he takes his first bite.
“Oh, this is really good. Thanks Mysta.” Vox praises. Shu swears he can see Mysta’s eyes sparkle, his face a bit red.
“Shu made most of it.”
“No. I didn’t. I just started the rice and made sure the meat was fully cooked and seasoned. You did everything else.” Shu says. Everyone else takes up their forks, Luca seeming the most nervous. His nervousness subsides when he finally eats some.
Dinner’s a success. Mysta was successfully distracted from his thoughts, he learned some things and everyone’s enjoying dinner. Perfect outcome!
“I’ll do dishes!” Mysta declares when everyone finishes, surprising everyone again. It was something he’d usually procrastinate about.
“I’ll put the food away.” Shu says, helping Mysta collect the dishes.
“You both already cooked, let us do it.” Ike offers.
“We got it.” Shu assures him, brushing him off. Hesitantly, the others split off to do their own thing, Luca and Vox going to the living room while Ike goes upstairs. Shu’s grabbing tupperware when he speaks to Mysta. “You can hang out with Vox if you want to, I can handle this.”
“No, I want to help. Besides, you helped me cook, successfully. Thank you again.”
“Anything to help.” Shu smiles. He puts the leftovers in the fridge and moves to help Mysta with the dishes. “I’ll rinse.”
“Oh, thanks.” They fall into a quiet rhythm, Mysta washing each thing and Shu rinsing it, and making sure it’s completely clean.
He’s been improving in a lot of things lately, which has been making him happier too… Maybe I was a bit harsh about the soul bond… they’re both so happy…
“Ow!” Mysta yelps when Shu hears something shatter. He immediately pulls Mysta’s hands from the reddening water and runs it under fresh water. Mysta winces and Shu turns the water off to inspect the wound. A large, deep cut is bleeding heavily on the palm of his right hand, cut by a plate that he dropped in the sink. Shu wraps his hands around Mysta’s, applying pressure.
He’s bleeding a lot, Luca will be able to patch him up. Mysta… Mysta’s blood… his blood… my blood..?
The possessive thought sends a pleasant spark through Shu’s body. He feels frozen, feeling Mysta’s blood seep through his closed fingers and drip down his arms. Shu feels disconnected from himself, yet he can feel himself grow warm and begin to drool.
“Mysta! Are you okay?” Luca asks, running up to them. He’s in boss mode instantly, pulling Mysta away to the bathroom. Shu lets him, staring at the blood covering his hands. He feels bitter when he sees a drop hit the floor. Quickly, as not to let any more go to waste, he licks up his arm, starting near the elbow and up to his hand. It reminds him of a fine wine. He repeats it on the other arm, refusing to let anymore go to waste.
It’s… so… good… My Mysta’s blood is so good…
Shu’s disappointed when his hands are nearly clean. “Shu?” At the call of his name, Shu harshly crashes back into reality. It feels like falling from a great height directly onto concrete. Shu’s face is stricken with fear as his head snaps to meet Vox’s gaze.
“I-I-I-I-” Shu repeats, unsure of what to say. He feels hollow. Disgusted. Unlike himself.
“Shu. Quiet.” Vox commands and Shu’s voice immediately fails him. “Are you back to yourself?” Shu shakily nods and Vox begins to approach. Shu closes his eyes, trying to pull himself together. He feels nothing and everything all at once.
What is wrong with me? How… how could I do such a thing? Why… why would I think something like that? I… I… I did something..? Did I do something similar before?
Shu can feel his breathing become harsh, as if he’s never taken a breath in his life. Hands softly grab his own, leading him to the sink and they wash his hands and arms. It feels as if the sin is being washed down the drain, leaving behind nothing but the guilt of it. Shu peeks his eyes open and catches his reflection in the window above the sink. Blood covers his mouth. As quickly as he processes it, Vox is washing it off with a damp washcloth. He still can’t speak, though he knows he can fight it if he wants to.
Do I want to fight for control right now? I obviously can’t control myself… I should just let Vox help.
“Do you feel better?” Vox asks. Shu shrugs, truly unsure of the answer. Vox sighs. “Follow me.”
Without a choice, Shu walks behind Vox, following him up the stairs. He’s led to his bedroom, where Vox shuts and locks the door behind them. “Why..? Why did I do that?” As soon as the question leaves his lips, images flash out to him, as if answering. He cries out when he sees a dark void, stars, and a bloody, scared Mysta. Shu grabs his head as if he’s trying to shelter himself.
“Shu. Stop remembering.” Vox commands. The images stop in an instant, which Shu is both terrified and grateful for.
“What did I do..?” Shu asks in a panic.
“It doesn’t matter what you did.” Vox answers, pulling Shu’s hands away from his head. He tilts Shu’s head up so that their eyes meet. “All that matters is everyone is safe now. You asked to forget. Don’t remember if you aren’t ready to.”
I… I don’t want to remember… it… hurts…
Shu closes his eyes and takes a few deep breaths. Vox pulls him in for a hug, which he quickly returns. Vox brings him over to his bed, laying him down. He joins Shu, pulling the blanket over them both. Shu can’t stop the tears from forming, quickly turning into sobs. “Vox, Mysta’s been waiting for you all day…”
“As much as I’d love to go to him, you’re my main concern at the moment. Luca has him, I have you. He can have me later.” Vox answers. Shu feels Vox shuffle around, pulling something out of his pocket. He doesn’t bother opening his eyes, knowing he’s texting someone due to the motion of his arm. He feels Vox set his phone down and grab something else. A comb is gently brushed through Shu’s hair, sending tingles up his spine.
“I’m so sorry for doing what I did in the kitchen…”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. You didn’t cause Mysta to get hurt and you weren’t in control of yourself. Now, quit worrying. It will just stress you out.” The command makes Shu’s mind feel blank and empty. An odd thing for him to experience. It makes his sobs slowly subside.
I kinda like being thoughtless… Is this how Mysta feels sometimes?
Shu tenses when Vox’s phone beeps, signaling a message. Vox senses that it startled him. “Relax.” He commands, which Shu involuntarily does. It feels pleasant. Vox checks the message and sets the phone back down. “Just sleep. I’ll be right here when you wake up and everything will be back to normal.” Shu feels himself melting into a deep, dreamless sleep. Vox whispering commands he can't comprehend.
There’s something wrong with me… but for now… I think everything’s okay…