A Particular Day in Autumn

"Mars!" he exclaimed, rushing after him. "Mars! You saw what I can do--would anyone but God himself give a mere man that power? I have rosaries and crucifixes in my house and on my person at all times, you join me in some of my daily prayers--how am I a faker? I am as true to who I am and God as I can be! How can you call yourself a member of the faith if you won't even hear out your spiritual leaders?"

Mars ignored him as he walked into his room. He tore his clothed down from the closet, throwing them onto his bed. He found a box and began to shove them inside.

"You're disgusting." He growled insistently. "Not only are you a homosexual, but you're the most reprehensible kind! The kind that prays on the young; you're a pedophile."

He grabbed the picture frame from beside his bed to pack as well, but then he hesitated.

His family stared up at him, everyone looked so happy. He had almost forgotten why he was even with Priestly. He had lost sight of his true goal. He wasn't there to idolize someone. He was there to gain his powers so he could avenge his family. That demon was going to come after him again, and he didn't want to be unprepared.

He slowly put the picture back onto the endtable.

Priestly stared at the floor, his hands folded in his lap.

"...That really wasn't what I meant at all. Just give me a chance to explain--I had a good reason, I promise. We're still friends, aren't we, Mars?"

He sighed heavily, hanging his head. He had to stay. There was no other option for him. If he left, he would die. Whether it was due to starvation, the cold weather or the demon. That was the simple truth. He had to stay.

"...Of course we're still friends." He said, lying through his teeth. He still couldn't face Priestly, however.

Priestly smiled slightly, straightening his posture. He held his arms wide.

"Come here, Mars. It's okay...I'll explain everything. We'll have cake and presents and you'll have a good birthday."

Mars knew it was just a lie, though. There was no way he could have a good birthday anymore. Not after everything that had happened. He wiped his eyes, just in case there were any traces of tears, then turned around.

His expression was unusually solemn as he couldn't bring himself to smile, even fakely. He didn't know what to say, so he quietly walked past Priestly and down to the kitchen.

Priestly followed him, looking concerned. Surely he couldn't have managed to screw up in such a small span of time? Had he misread the signs?

He sat down at the counter, frowning deeply.

"Mars. Perhaps I should have explained first...do you have any idea why that happened? The kiss, I mean."

Mars sat in a chair, pulling his knees up to his chest.

He just gave Priestly a look which clearly said that he really didn't know why it happened, but he definitely didn't enjoy it in the slightest. Nope, not at all.

Glaring, he shook his head.

He smiled shyly.

"...I did it to show I love you, and I appreciate you. And I enjoy having you here, with me. To sexually harass you was not my intention, I can assure you...even I have more morals." He waggled his eyebrows, laughing. "If you didn't enjoy it, we don't have to do it again. Though, if you did, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it..."

"Of course I didn't enjoy it!" He snapped angrily, still glaring at Priestly. "Don't you dare do it again."

He buried his head into his knees, still weary of Priestly.

He licked his lips seductively. Though he leaned against the counter in a suggestive manner, he didn't say a single come-on. It was all he could do to keep his eyebrows from waggling, after all.

"Ah, I understand fully. I've felt the exact same way before...it's awkward when you like someone hot but their hair is too short for your taste."

He blinked, confused. Confused more at why his stomach was doing flips than what Priestly had actually said.

"What are you talking about?" He demanded irritably, trying to avoid any sort of eye contact.

"Oh, nothing," he said nonchalantly, toying with his dyed hair. "I just know how you feel, that's all. I've been in the same situation--luckily, in my experience it always turns out just fine."

He leaned closer, watching Mars's expression with satisfaction.

"So, Marsy--who wants cake?"

"...I highly doubt you've been in the same situation." He mumbled. Louder he said, "Yes, I want cake."

He laughed, shaking his head. He went to the fridge to fetch the cake, placing it neatly on the counter and grabbing a knife. Some of the frosting got on his finger as he cut it; he licked it off as suggestively as possible.

"Of course I've felt like this, Mars--I think everyone has, at some point. It's not uncommon. In fact, it'll probably pass, your entire problem. I wouldn't worry, if I were you...I'd just embrace it."

"I have no idea what you're insinuating." He barked. "I didn't enjoy the stupid kiss and I don't think of you like that, so whatever you're trying to say I suggest you stop."

"Me?" he said coyly, batting his eyelashes. "I'm not saying anything. Why, what do you think I'm saying?~"

He glared intensely at him.

"Give me my cake." He demanded.

"Eat it off my body," he replied jokingly. Well, mostly jokingly.

Mars just gave him the dirtiest look he could possibly muster up.

"If you're going to keep making remarks like that..." He threatened.

"What? You'll give in?" he purred eagerly.

Mars felt his face turn red at the mere suggestion. As a response, he stood up.

"I'm going back to my room." He said grumpily.

"Nonsense, nonsense," he said, blocking his path. "Cake first. Though I suppose you should actually have dinner...but I'll make an exception for the birthday boy."

He put a candle into Mars's neat slice, sliding it toward him.

"Don't eat yet, I'll get a match~"

Defiantly, Mars picked up his nearby for and took a bite. Yeah, that'd show stupid Priestly. Almost immediately he realized the cake was more delicious than he had expected. He had to resist taking another bite, because he didn't want to be that mean.

Priestly giggled, ruffling Mars's hair.

"You're such a naughty boy! Don't make me punish you, not on your sixteenth birthday. Now come on, make a wiiiiiish~"