Chapter 21: Relax

At the rate it was going, the raven-haired reaper may have needed to be checked for bruises; what with the constant flailing of the small child's arms. After Omega had gotten up, his first reaction was to jump the blonde, despite his currently small stature. Jayden's snickering didn't quite help either.

"Let go!" the once white-haired teen shouted, squirming about as Runihura took a seat.

"Sir, you have to relax," the reaper replied after a small fist hit him in the eye.

Sitting in a white, high backed chair, the newer soul continued his laughing as he heard the smallest of the trio grunt in frustration. Omega was lethal enough as a teenager, but, not being any taller than a five year old; Jayden found the little personified Death to be quite hilarious as well as adorable.

"Go on and let him go," the blonde laughed, waving at the fidgeting head of Central. "He's all cute like this."

"Don't you dare call me cute!"

"Sir-" Runi stopped as a small hand caught him in the mouth. "Sir," he began again, grabbing both of the smaller raven's hands, "you have to calm down." One visible eye glared up at the man. "You're going to tire yourself out…again."

"Runihura…"

Said person merely gave a slight smile though it faltered as the boy wiggled. "Jayden," the larger raven said, hold never faltering as he stared at the chuckling newcomer, "you really should stop laughing."

"What's he possibly going to do?"

"Let. Me. Go." Brown eyes dropped down to see a single violet eye glaring back. "That's an order," Omega growled.

"Sir-"

"Runihura!"

The raven merely sighed before turning his attention to his new partner. "You might want to go wait in the other room."

"Ya gonna' tuck the little guy in for a nap?" Jayden questioned, pointing at Omega.

Let go!" the child ordered, thrashing about.

"Please leave." The blonde continued to laugh even after the small raven glowered at him. "Jay-Sir, hold on!"

Laughter stopped.

"You open your mouth to anyone about this and I shall gut you like a fish," the small child hissed, pressing a smaller blade to the blonde's throat as he straddled the soul's lap. The man gulped, all amusement lost, as the cold metal nicked his chin. "From the top of your neck, down the middle, and to your waist." The weapon trailed down slowly though Omega's visible eye never broke the intense eye contact. "Is that understood, Mr. Gwennette?"

The green-eyed man gave a quick nod, exhaling heavily once Runihura pulled the child away. He then flinched as the reaper's hold faltered on the boy once the blade sliced his cheek.

"Sir."

The violet gaze shifted upwards to see a red ribbon adding more color to the larger raven's face. When Runihura didn't flinch, Jayden got the impression that this was the norm between the two; no matter how odd and somewhat scary it might have been.

"Runihura."

Said person gave a small smile towards the one in his lap before pressing his fingers to the bleeding wound. Pulling them away, mocha-colored eyes viewed the coated digits as their owner rubbed them together. Returning his attention to the smaller raven, Runihura set his hand down.

"Jayden, go wait in the other room."

"But-"

Runi glanced towards him. "Now, Jayden."

Spinning around in a swivel chair, the blonde's focus was tuned into the white ceiling. On occasion, he caught the sound of footsteps moving about the other room or muffled words that permeated the wooden barrier separating the quarters. Tempted a few times by the silence that came between sounds, Jayden willed himself to stay put, despite his constant urge to move about and question the hell out of the teen-turned-child.

He jumped at that idea when he heard the door open. As he turned, mouth opened to begin his question, the man closed it as he noticed the square patch placed on the reaper's cheek. Furthermore, he noted the more placid child, clinging to the taller raven's back with his face buried in the crook of the man's neck.

A grin split the soul's features soon after at the thought of Omega actually becoming docile, though it soon faltered as Runi shook his head.

"Sir."

The child placed a small hand on the bandage before pinning the newcomer with a cold stare. With his head up, Runihura walked over to child's desk and pulled him off, setting him down on the edge. Taking a step back, the man waited for a subtle nod before walking over to take a seat beside his now quiet partner.

Content with the silence, Omega inhaled deeply, closing his eye, as he swung his small legs to and fro, earning another grin from the blonde.

"Don't," Runi breathed, eyes remaining on the kid. "Just be quiet." His eyes slid over to view the other before returning to the one seated on the desk. "Ok?" The blonde remained silent. "Alright?" the man asked, looking at the other.

"You just told me to be quiet," Jayden countered.

Slapping a hand to his face, the larger raven sighed prior to facing forward. That action earned him a chuckle though a clearing of the child's throat had them both seeing that Omega was staring. From the corner of his eye, Jayden watched as his new associate tensed slightly in his chair as the violet-eyed boy hopped down from the desktop.

His tiny hands were placed in the pockets of his white shorts as he strolled over confidently, doing what he could to ignore the slight pull at the corner of the blonde's mouth. His current black hair was a bit shorter than the white and the bottom half of his eye patch could be seen as the tresses bounced with each step. When he had finally stopped, the smallest of the trio turned his attention towards the reaper.

"Are you ok?" A gracious smile flitted across the man's face as he gave a slight nod. With that in mind, Omega looked towards his new partner, pinning him with a scowl. "You even smile at me and I will cut your lips off."

That slight pull at the blonde's mouth fell and he averted his eyes quickly. Content with the other's more subservient attitude for the time being, Omega looked towards the larger raven.

"Sir?" Runi questioned as the one aforementioned walked over and took a seat on his knee. Smiling at the action, the reaper ran his fingers through the feathery hair, only stopping when a violet eye came into view. "What is it?" The child maintained eye contact before allowing his attention to fall upon the patch. "Oh, it's nothing, sir."

"Be quiet, Runihura," Omega chided, placing his hand to the man's injured cheek.

The man went silent, avoiding anymore eye contact once his boss looked at him. Frowning a bit, Jayden placed a hand on his chest, wincing slightly, as he watched the child continue with whatever he was doing. Seeing Runi go quiet as such didn't quite help either.

"Hey."

"Be quiet, Mr. Gwennette."

The blonde went silent as well as rigid when the boy's single eye affixed itself onto his person. The gaze held its resolve until the soul let out a frustrated sigh.

"You know," he began, "you really are a brat."

Runi's head slowly turned to stare at Jayden, brown eyes wide. "Jay-wait, Sir!"

Even for a reaper, the man moved a bit too slowly to restrain the infuriated head of Central. He did not dare to leave his seat as a curved blade pressed itself against the soul's windpipe, both Jayden and Omega on the floor due to the chair falling back.

"What was that, Mr. Gwennette?"

Emerald eyes stared at the amethyst one that was glaring back. "You. Are. A. Brat." The child clenched his jaw as he held his weapon tighter. "You cutting me will just reinforce my claim. You're a brat."

"Hold your tongue, Mr. Gwennette," Omega ordered, using the blade to tilt the other's head back.

"Sir, you have to relax," Runi said, definitely not liking the outcome. His attention then went to the cheeky smile on the blonde's face. "Stop that!"

"Why?" Jayden asked. "I'm telling the t-" He stopped at the feeling of something warm running down the underside of his chin. "See? Nothing but a brat! You're quick-tempered, violent, and you even managed to injure Runihura!"

"You're brash, irritating, and talk incessantly," Omega countered, raising the sharpened blade. "We need to fix that."

Boldness faltered as Jayden eyed the weapon. Perhaps he should've thought about what he had said when he had no weapon to defend himself. The black-haired child was prone to engaging him and he seemed to take great pleasure in making the blonde go wide-eyed in doing so. When the other allowed the cutting edge to fall, the man flinched considerably though his attention then drifted towards the larger raven that had gotten in the way.

"Sir," Runihura murmured crestfallenly, as he stared at his bleeding forearm, "you have to relax." Pulling the blade out, he tossed the weapon aside before picking up the slightly stunned child. "You're going to tire yourself," he added as his blood began to stain Omega's shirt, "and, besides, you'll just make a mess in your nice clean office." The smaller one just averted his eyes as if to sulk before placing both small hands on the man's wound. "It's fine, s-"

"Just be quiet, Runihura."

Picking himself up, Jayden wiped his bleeding chin with the back of his hand before picking the chair back up and taking a seat. He watched the child warily, averting his eyes as the reaper glanced at him.

"Adio." The blonde looked towards the raven who had spoken to see that Omega was looking at him as well. "Are you ok?" he asked.

"Did you just call him 'Adio'?" the violet-eyed boy asked, something in his voice piquing the curiosity of the green-eyed soul. Runi looked elsewhere, head bowing somewhat. "You did, didn't you?"

"What does that even mean?" Jayden asked. The kid looked towards him, eyebrow arched. "And why the hell are you so short?"

Head down and eyes glued to the floor, the blonde remained silent for a change as he trailed behind his partner. He looked up on occasion to see Runi eyeing his forearm or touching the patch on his cheek though he never bothered to glance over his shoulder until they reached the hall leading to his room.

"…sorry about…your clothes," Runihura murmured, glancing at the tattered tank and jacket the soul had been wearing.

"It's fine," Jayden grumbled under his breath. 'Lil' brat didn't have to go that far.' He rubbed the back of his neck before heaving a sigh. 'Just wanted to know why he's so freaking tiny!'

Frowning just a bit, the raven turned to walk to his quarters. "I'll…bring you some more," he said as he walked down the darkening corridor. "Just wait…there."

"If you don't mind, I'll come along." The reaper stopped to look over his shoulder. "I…rather not run into Sairix for a while," the soul muttered before looking up. "He's kind of an ass."

"Oh, uh…" The other just stood a bit speechless, taking in the words spoken before smiling. "Very well then."

Taking a deep breath, Jayden hurried after the brown-eyed man, eyes glued to the floor as the area continued to get darker. Slowing his pace for the other, Runi watched the blonde from the corner of his eye, smiling inwardly after seeing the man's hands balled up tightly at his sides.

"Jayden." Dark eyes watched as the fists relaxed. "If you want, I can walk you back to the lit area," Runihura offered.

"I'm…fine."

"Hmm?"

"Don't start that," Jayden murmured, picking up his pace.

Coming to a complete stop, the raven watched as the green-eyed man continued down the hall, hands in fists again. Cocking his head to the side a bit, Runi took a moment to observe the ruined clothes the other sported.

The ends to the jacket had been cut into jagged pieces, a few slits running the sides of the long sleeves. From what could be seen, the ends of his pant legs had obtained a few gashes as well though the lack of light could've just been messing with his eyes.

When the blonde came to a stop, a slight tremor showing, Runihura commenced walking until he was close enough to place a hand to the man's back. He offered a smile when Jayden glanced up at him, green eyes steely yet underlined with faint hints of uncertainty.

"You're doing fine," he said reassuringly. "Just a little bit more, alright?"

With a nod, Runi gently nudged Jayden forward, maintaining eye contact along the way. He only nudged every now and then to goad the other to continue as the hall became almost pitch black. Just before reaching the door, the man removed his hand, smiling warmly at the noticeable shiver the other had.

"We're here," the raven said, placing a hand to the wall. He took a slight step back as a light flickered in between the seams before turning his attention the door sliding open. "I'll get you something to wear," he added, gesturing the other to enter.

A quick glance back at the darkening hall had the blonde hurrying in side, trying to make himself look completely fine, while Runi walked in behind him.

Closing his door, the raven walked towards the other one as Jayden took a seat in the chair at his desk. Turning the knob, the reaper walked in, having a look around though he poked his head out to eye the blonde sitting rather quietly.

"What?" Jayden asked, folding his arms, smirk ticking at the corner of his mouth. "See something ya like?"

Runihura snorted. "Cocky I see, Adio."

"Hey, what does that mean?" The brown-eyed man bowed his head slightly. "Omega didn't answer me…" the blonde groused. 'He was more enthusiastic on hacking me to bits!'

"It's…nothing."

Dark green eyes shifted to stare at the man that had leaned against the closet's doorframe. A slight tremor shook the man's frame while a hand gripped at his shirt. Feeling eyes watching him, Runihura managed to throw a smile at his partner though it was evident that Jayden wasn't buying it. The arched brow was a dead giveaway.

"Ru…"

The man merely smiled before heading back into the closet. "So," he began, going through the clothes, "I think its safe to say that my clothes may be a bit loose on you."

Making his way over, Jayden stood in the entrance, watching as the raven pulled down a pair of black jeans. "Runihura." The other hummed his acknowledgement. "Adio." The reaper glanced at the blonde prior to holding out the article of clothing in his hands. "What does it mean?"

Turning his attention to the rack of clothes, Runi fished out a t-shirt and held it out. "Here you go."

Narrowing his eyes, the blonde took the shirt. "Adio." He watched as the reaper flinched. "What's it mean?"

"Nothing," Runihura replied, walking past his partner and out the closet.

"Then why are you acting so weird?"

Throwing a look over his shoulder, brown eyes regarded the green-eyed soul standing there before looking away altogether. "Your weird is my normal then," the reaper stated before closing the door.

Huffing at the crappy answer, Jayden bundled the clothes in his arms prior to walking out. He would've asked the man sitting at the desk to explain himself yet the dejected look upon the raven's face had him thinking otherwise. Closing the door quietly behind him, the blonde took a few hesitant steps towards his partner, stopping only when mocha eyes drifted in his directions.

"What's wrong with you?" Runi asked. "Are you sick?"

"Me?"

The reaper nodded. "You're holding your chest."

Dropping his gaze downwards, the soul took note of how tight he was holding the front of his shirt. Furrowing his brow, he turned away and walked back over to the only door that wasn't the exit. Twisting the knob so that the room would be the bathroom, Jayden glanced back to see Runi had decided to look at his lap instead.

"Runihura," he sighed, earning said person's attention, "what's the matter with you?"

The raven chewed his bottom lip then smiled. "Nothing."

Not buying that, Jayden pushed the bathroom door open. "Liar," he stated before walking in and closing the door behind him.

"You ok?"

The blonde looked elsewhere as his hand gripped the warm, yet loose white fabric of the t-shirt he was given. When the sounds of the others footsteps stopped, green eyes looked around before their owner looked over his shoulder, eyebrow quirked.

"Are you ok?" Runihura asked quietly.

"What or who is Adio?" the blonde asked.

"It's…nothing."

"Then I'm fine," Jayden replied, clutching the shirt tighter as he continued to walk.

Averting his eyes, the reaper followed along at a slower pace as he bit a fingernail. Listening to the echoing sounds of their steps, Runi looked ahead to see his partner doubled over by a wall, his head down. Picking up the pace, the raven knelt before the fair-haired soul to get a better look of his face.

"Are-"

"What…or who is Adio?"

"…someone…" the reaper replied, standing as he tilted his partner's head up.

"Who?" the blonde questioned, holding his chest tighter.

"I…can't say."

"You can't?" Jayden swatted the man's hand away. "Or you won't?"

"Sorry…"

"Just shut up."

Pushing past the raven, the green-eyed soul walked away aimlessly. His hand remained at his chest, knowing that his alleged partner would be behind him so getting lost was the furthest thing on his mind.

"A-Jay-"

"Shut up," Jayden murmured, leaning against the wall.

"I'm s-"

"Shut. Up."

Chewing his lower lip, Runi kept quiet, watching the agitated blonde. When green eyes locked with his darker ones, the man looked away, hearing an exasperated sigh.

Jayden…

'Damn,' said person thought bitterly as he sank down to his knees, looking up at the bright ceiling .

I wish you would wake up soon.

"…Aiden…"

"Come on." Sliding his gaze over, Jayden watched as Runihura knelt down to be at his side. "We need to keep moving," he said, resting a hand on the other's shoulder.

Pinning the hand with a cold glare, the blonde watched the man withdraw it. "Don't…touch me."

Wake up…

'I hate this.'

A caress to his cheek had the soul staring blankly at the wall before him. Closing his eyes to each loving touch, he sighed contently, ignoring how tight his hold was on his front. He could care less at the time. All that mattered was that his beau had paid him a visit.

Love you.

"…love you too," Jayden murmured, tilting his head at a slight angle.

He smiled at the small kiss to his forehead and even thought the bangs in front of his face moved at a subtle touch. There was a pull in his chest yet his hand slipped away as he felt a kiss to his cheek.

"Adio."

I'm sorry I didn't visit for awhile…

'It was just a few days…a week at the most…' the blonde thought. 'Its ok though. You came to visit me.'

…but I have to go for now…

'It's ok- wait…what?'

Love you, Jay.

A light kiss on the lips had the soul lean forward before the smaller caresses ceased altogether.

Bye, babe.

"Wait," Jayden murmured brokenly, "don't…go." He furrowed his brow when he heard nothing else. "A…Aiden?"

When nothing came, the man acknowledged the pain in his chest before hanging his head. Rocking onto his knees, the blonde pressed both hands to the cold tile to brace his trembling form. He wasn't quite sure when he had started to shake, but he did nothing to stop it.

"Jayden…"

The aforementioned balled his hands into fists, too many emotions running through him to pick just one to show. His eyes trembled too much though the tears threatening to come could've been from anger, sadness, or even happiness, yet he was unsure.

Aiden had come and then he was gone once more.

"Jayden," Runihura murmured, placing a hand lightly on the other's shoulder. "Come on." His partner shuddered. "Please, I-"

"Shut up," the blonde murmured, shrugging away the raven's touch.

"Jayden," the man said softly, moving to kneel in front if his partner, "I need you to listen to me." The other simply leaned back to avoid contact. "Hey, you'll get to see him again."

"Shut. Up." The green-eyed soul propped himself up against the wall, head down as he stared at his lap. 'Why did you go…?' Both of his trembling hands scrubbed his face before dropping back down to ball into fists. 'Where are you going?'

"Adio," Runi whispered, extending a hand to brush away the dark blonde hair that was in the way of his associate's face.

"Shut up!" Jayden hissed, smacking the hand away. "Don't touch me!"

Rubbing his hand, the raven took a moment to look over the blonde before sighing. "Relax," he said, noticing the sudden twitch the blonde had once he patted his knee.

"Don't. Touch. Me," the soul ordered, holding his chest tighter while his other hand hit the offending hand away.

"But-"

"It hurts when you touch me!" The soul stood up to peg his stunned partner with a cold glare. "Don't you ever touch me again!"

"A-"

"And don't call me 'Adio' either!" Jayden hissed. "I don't know if your memory is bad due to you being so damn ancient, but don't call me that if you're not going to tell me who they were! My name is Jayden!"

"I-I'm sorry," Runihura murmured, turning his gaze elsewhere to avoid the man's stare. "I-"

"Just. Shut. Up!"

Chewing his lower lip, the reaper hardly moved as he stared at the floor. Noting the slight stagger of the fuming blonde's shadow, the raven looked to see Jayden leaning against the wall, shirt slack. A low series of pants had the one on the floor tilt his head to view the hand that had loosened prior to falling to his side.

"Jay-"

"Shut up," the blonde breathed, squeezing his eyes shut. "Leave me alone…I hate you!"

The reaper frowned though he never looked away. He watched his partner tremble right before the blonde's hand clutched at the shirt he was lent. Pulling himself up, Runihura clenched his left hand into a fist before allowing it to relax.

"Take…a deep breath," the brown-eyed man said, placing his hand along the one at the other's chest.

"Don't touch me," the soul ordered between each breath, pushing the other away. "You're the reason I'm in this place! I hate you. I do…I do…"

Clenching both hands this time, Runi inhaled deeply before taking a step forward to close the distance between the two of them. "You need to relax," he said, pulling the blonde's hand from his chest.

"Stop touching me!" Jayden shouted, pulling to get his one hand while the other grabbed at his hurting chest. "Stop, stop, stop, st-"

"You're so much like him," the reaper murmured to himself as he tightened his hold. "Worked up so easily." A swift pull had the blonde stumbling forward though his partner was more than ready to catch him if needed. "I need you to relax," he said aloud.

"Let me go!"

"Not until you relax," Runi stated, ignoring the hit to his chest. Another had him grabbing his partner's free hand. "Jayden."

"Let go!" the blonde shouted, stamping on the other's foot.

The initial shock had the man release the blonde before he watched him run down the hall. Putting his own mild pain behind him, the reaper hurried after the stumbling soul that had clutched at his chest again. He picked up the pace soon after the other leaned against the wall prior to falling to his knees.

"Adi-"

"Don't…" Jayden said almost in a whine. "Don't call…me that." Dropping down to be at his level, Runi placed a hand on the man's forehead though it was knocked away. "Stop…touching me."

"Relax," Runi ordered as he pressed his hand to the man's brow. "You'll tire yourself out and I'm not carrying you!"

"Then stop touching me!" the blonde hissed, pushing the other's hand away.

He flinched as his partner grabbed his wrist. The one with green eyes gasped when he was pulled forward. A whine nearly escaped him as the raven wrapped his arms around his shaking frame.

"Wh-what are y-you-"

"Relax," Runihura murmured, holding the other tight enough so that he would not be pushed away. "A-Jayden, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I am, but you have to calm down." The blonde wiggled about, fingers clawing at the man's shirt. "If this hurts, I'm sorry." The soul stopped as the ache in his chest began to dull. "If you hate me, I'm sorry."

"…want to go home."

"You will," the raven replied softly, "I promise."

Jayden rested his head on the other's shoulder as he tried to steady his breath. "…hurts."

"Deep breaths," the reaper whispered, rubbing the other's back slowly.

"Where…are we going?" Jayden asked, stumbling just a bit.

Runihura slid his gaze down towards the blonde, his arm tightening around the man's slim waist to keep him up, before looking ahead as they made a left. His brown eyes peered at the white walls as the pair passed by several ornate doors.

"Ru."

Said person looked towards his partner as he felt him sink down. Coming to a stop, the raven carefully set Jayden down and tapped him on the cheek.

"Hey," Runi said in a quiet tone, "wake up." He tapped the other's cheek a bit harder to see two glassy, green eyes open. "Jayden, wake up." The blonde blinked slowly before closing his eyes. "Wake up," the reaper pressed, shaking him lightly. "Come on."

"Runi…" the soul grumbled groggily.

"We have to keep moving," the brown-eyed man said, helping the other to his feet. "Come on. We're almost there." A groan from the faint pang in the blonde's chest had the reaper slowing his pace. "I'm sorry."

"Where are…we going?" Jayden questioned, moving a hand up to hold his chest again.

"Almost there."

Dark eyes looked around carefully, counting off the doors before the duo finally came to a stop. Holding his head up, green eyes got a somewhat blurred view of a pair of thin, paper like doors. No handles were seen so the soul wonder just how the raven would open such a thing. Feeling the arm at his waist shift a bit, Jayden glanced down at it before looking up at its owner.

Chocolate eyes locked with the sleepy, emerald ones before giving his attention to the doors ahead.

"I'm going…to need my arm back," Runihura said. "Can you stand?"

"Y-yeah," the blonde said as he stood straight.

Glancing at his partner, the raven then looked ahead as he pressed an index finger to the fragile surface. He grunted quietly to himself and focused on the blonde that had seemingly resorted to leaning against him; despite his words of being able to support himself. Not exactly left-handed, Runihura sighed to himself as he ran his finger slowly along the door.

Cracking his eyes open, Jayden watched as each stroke left a thin, black line, others connecting to make a rather intricate symbol. Feeling the arm he was on shift, the soul grunted.

"Sorry," Runi said as he stilled his hand. "Are you ok?"

He felt the soul give a subtle nod before continuing his previous activity. Taking a small step back to inspect his work, the reaper left it as it was, guessing it would no better with his more dominant hand incapacitated. With that in mind, Runihura pressed his palm to the mark he had placed prior to sliding his hand to the side.

Blinking to refocus his sight, Jayden watched as the written character began to blur. It then faded before the screen slid over. Standing on his own, the blonde leaned in. Tired from the earlier fiasco, he tottered once he bent forward too much. His gaze shifted to his left when he didn't hit the door face first.

"Don't push yourself," Runihura murmured, pulling the other back up.

Looking down at the arm snaked around his waist, Jayden mumbled a few incoherent words though the other concluded them to be a word of thanks. Once he was sure the blonde was ok enough to move, the raven took a step forward, watching as his partner did the same. Pulling the green-eyed soul a bit closer, Runi continued, only to stop once in awhile when the other seemed to droop.

"Come on," the man whispered, helping the other up. "We're almost there."

Raising his head, the blonde stared at the hazy, white expanse that appeared to stretch endlessly ahead and around them. It was somewhat more comforting than the black that had enveloped the surrounding area of Vitae and left the soul mildly content as he began to sink down again. Something cold tickled his nose and him opened his eyes to slits to see the white haze swirling daintily around them. Raising his head a bit, the blonde found his footing while Runi offered additional support.

"We're here," he said, adjusting his hold on the green-eyed soul.

"Where are…we?" Jayden asked, crossing his eyes to view the small snowflake that had settled upon his nose.

Managing a smile, the raven continued the move the pair across the snowy land. "We're in a place that'll help you relax."