Time Limit (2)

TOH

'I already knew I was out of time. Even though I haven't been participating in the organisation activities much, I can feel the growing unrest when I walk on the streets. I can see more of the organisation members freely lurking around.'

Lucifer never explained why he suddenly decided to speed up his plans. 

'And I didn't think to question it either.' Why would he? Ever since Lucifer rescued him from the streets, he has never thought to argue against him.

'He saved my life. If I continued living that way for a few more years or even days, I would have died. I owe him, a debt that is far too large to repay.'

"Mm Toh?" Sumire stirred in his arms. "I feel bad."

Toh extended his hand out and frowned once he felt a burning sensation on his palm. Why is she this warm? She was fine earlier. Did her wounds reopen? Toh examines the bandages only to find them perfectly in place, no sign of blood-as he thought that. Sumire started coughing and blood came out. But instead of red, it was black.

He felt his heart beat increase.

Throwing up black blood? This is exactly like the boss.

"Ki!" Mamoru exclaimed.

Sumire continues coughing and Toh curses. "Beautiful, can you hear me?"

"So bad." Sumire mumbled. "I feel so bad, but you're here with me Toh. I-I will be-"

She coughs again. Toh placed his hand on her neck, her pulse has gotten weaker.

Incoming call: Boss

'Damn it, really now?'

Mamoru must have seen since he took Sumire from him. The girl reluctantly left. Toh exhales deeply.

"Boss, not right now. I'm occupied with-"

"No matter what you do, do not leave her side right now. Stay with her at all costs."

Toh blinked.

"What do you mean by that?" Toh questioned.

Lucifer exhaled deeply and suddenly coughed. The sound was awfully similar to Sumire's coughing just now. 

"Boss?"

"We can speak about this in more detail later. But for now, do not leave Sumire's side."

At those words, Toh felt his heart would stop on the spot. It's not like he didn't know. Didn't he want confirmation? He didn't want it to be like this. He didn't need Lucifer to admit it directly.

"Understood." Toh said and Lucifer told him what to do. The entire time, Toh felt the weight of his heart grow heavier.

Mamoru turned to him. "What did he say? He did this, didn't he? It happens once in a while, I-I don't know what to do other than stay with her till it passes." Mamoru's tone is frantic.

Toh takes Sumire back from him. "Beautiful? Can you move?"

"A-a little-" Sumire stammered. "Oh--is Ru here?"

Mamoru grabbed Sumire's hand. "Right here."

Sumire laughs weakly. "You're looking better than you have been the last few months. I guess this time your little adventure was worth while."

"Ki, you-"

"I'll be okay, you know? It hurts, but Toh is here."

'I wonder since when? When did she start believing in me this much?'

Toh pulls Sumire closer to him. "Beautiful, drink from me."

Sumire's cheeks colour. "O-h? I-I guess it makes sense since I'm losing blood but---"

"Not the small bites you've been doing."

'She has to drink from you for hours. She may drain you, but you should have more blood than the average human.'

"T-that-" Sumire stammered. "I-"

"Do what Mashima says, Ki." Mamoru said. "I'll stay in the guest room. If you need me, I'll be there."

"There's food in the fridge." Toh said. "You should eat."

Mamoru laughs. "I got it, boss."

Once Tsueno left, Toh turned to the flustered but pale girl in his arms. "You trust me don't you beautiful?

"I-I do-" Sumire looked at him hesitantly. "But, will you be okay Toh? Won't this hurt you?"

Toh leans forward and kisses her, getting a taste of the girl's blood in the process. He is no hanyou, but he can tell there is something special about her blood. She really is the one the boss has been looking for this entire time.

'I thought I understood what that would mean, but it seems I underestimated the situation.'

"I want your lips on my neck already beautiful."

At those words Sumire lunged for him, her beautiful amethyst coloured eyes flashed red. Despite her weakened state, one word of provocation led to her pinning him down.

"Toh, I've lost a lot of blood." Sumire mumbled against his neck.

"I'm aware beautiful. It was a painful sight."

Sumire laughs weakly. "You know this isn't the first time."

"Tsueno told me how he would take advantage and hug you."

Sumire rolls her eyes. "Oh please, have you realized even when Ru hugs me, he makes sure were not touching?"

Toh chuckled. "I'm aware beautiful." 

Tsueno is the last person he has to worry about competing with her affections. 'While I acknowledge that Tsueno will always have a crucial part of her heart. I understand that the one I should be wary of is someone else.'

Terashima Yuhi.

'I feel like the day we come face to face is increasing, especially with the dangers around Star town increasing due to Lucifer's attacks. Last I heard Terashima Yuhi was taking long gaps between his jobs for personal business.'

Does Sumire know? 

She must do.

There are times these days where her emotions seem unsettled. It must be taking all her control, not to seek out Terashima when he is putting himself in danger for her. His thoughts break off when he felt a sharp pain in his neck. Despite her bold action of pinning him down, Toh noticed her body was trembling. He runs his hands down her back.

'It's alright beautiful. Do what you must.'

'I might hurt you.'

'I'm prepared.'

If it's her, he doesn't mind being hurt. Since it's her, she can do whatever she wants with him and he won't complain. Because it's her, and only her- he will accept everything.