bottomless depth
Already at work by the time Barry made himself comfortable over Yamato, the eldest Hotsuin son spared his cousin a glance and a following sigh as the only reply. Tilting his head skyward, Yamato explained that Barry was more than free to do what he liked so long as he wasn’t a direct opposition. That spoken agreement between the two applied to several aspects of their furthered interactions — from personal dealings to business dealings, it was the same. Which entirely wasn’t as picture-esque as it may have been painted. A short sigh followed and Yamato returned to his work a breath later, not shrugging off or attempting to remove Barry’s affectionate arms.
"Should I bother to ask how long you intend to stay here?"
Though he asked, he didn’t expect a favorable answer and this continued for all of ten minutes or even less than that as Barry had stated, he would have gotten bored if not for Yamato. Ignoring did little to placate him though it was hardly as if Yamato intended to entertain his elder cousin in the first place. It was something he had to do however if he intended to get anything done. Shifting around in his seat, he swiveled the chair around to directly face Barry and promptly removed his cousin’s arms with the same apathetic expression he always seemed to hold.
He thought it best to ask and the sooner that Barry was amused, the less he would bother him. Though the fact that he didn’t have a subordinate on hand to pass his cousin off to as he would have liked, he supposed working in the field could be something he could practice for now, anyway. Meeting his cousin’s gaze then, Yamato only asked this once with no intention of repeating himself.
"What do you want to do?"
Of course, their agreements were something he'd honor on his own. For the most part, anyway. If he were to go against his cousin's wishes it would be for his own pleasures and done in secret so Yamato wouldn't know.. Never in a way that would actually be a nuisance for Yamato. Rather, it was normally beneficial for the both of them if he felt like being generous to his younger cousin.. Not that the other accepted his aid so willingly. Nevertheless, unless irritated, Barry rarely got directly involved in the other's business.. It was dangerous at times if there was any reason for him to, after all. Not for himself. Or Yamato.
But for whoever managed to irritate him.
His reply was only to agree, of course.. He'd do what he liked. Come and go as he pleased.. But it was always nicer to be invited, wasn't it? If invited, he could do what he pleased for certain.
❝ For as long as I like. Is that he answer you might expect? ❞
Barry was far to used to getting his way... Persistent as always, there were times when he'd even when battles against Yamato Hotsuin in order to get what he wanted. These battles were namely for his cousin's attention.. And winning such a prize was always most enjoyable.. Having the other look at only him.. Speak only to him.. Their time together was always treasured. It was rare that the other succeeded in ignoring him completely. It was even more rare that he lost any battle..
Losing...?
「 Do not equally be yoked together with unbelievers. 」
Removing his arms from around the younger as he turned, Barry crossed his arms with a hum.
「 For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? 」
❝ What do I want to do? You're being awfully generous, Yamato. I'm happy... But it would have been nice if you'd pushed me away a little more.. So you could see just how I've been longing for your time. ❞
Likely meaning he wouldn't have taken no for an answer either way. Leaning forward once more, Barry placed his hands on Yamato's shoulders.
「 And what communication has light with darkness? 」
Despite the more pleasant situation, Barry found himself growing rather agitated... Something was eating at him. Some reminder... A moment he felt so.. Weak. He couldn't fully recall but it was a moment more infuriating, wasn't it? But when would something like that have happened..? He had been in power for some time..
「 And what accord has Christ with..-- 」
Leaning closer still, Barry couldn't help but purr as he moved one hand to tilt the other's chin up a bit..
❝ I wonder.. Just what would entertain me for awhile, hm?-- Nng-- ❞
"ＢＥＬＩＡＬ"
It was then, without warning, that his somewhat gentle actions had become strangely violent. The hand that had been previously tilting the younger's chin up was gripping at Yamato's throat instead.. His expression had changed from it's normal calm to one more.. Desperate. This lasted a few moments... Minutes, perhaps.. His grip had gotten stronger as he recalled a man saying a name all too familiar to him... No. Not a man. A merechild. As he was now, this frustrated him. Infuriated him.. And his expression twisted with this in mind...
He remembered it clearly...
Losing his power...
Being in a position most odd to him...
❝ Addie...-- A-Ah.. ❞
This wasn't Addie in his grip. Nor was it that child... Once he realized and tried to collect himself, Barry released his hold on Yamato. Backing off a step or two, he took a moment to regain composure.. Pushing his hair back behind his ear, avoiding eye contact.. He took a breath.. And his smile returned once more...
❝ Yamato... ❞
Again, he closed the distance between them.. This time kneeling before him to reach up and hold the other's face in his hands. Still acting rather odd compared to how he normally was, the smile on his expression seemed more forced. Still, he studied the other's expressions.. His neck...
❝ Did that hurt..? It shouldn't have hurt you... ❞
Keep calm.. Right now, he still held power. Whatever that was.. It wasn't real. Not right now... He was still powerful even in this form.. What could that mean? Nevertheless, he was untouchable like this, wasn't he? In this world..
And there was no one who could take this power from him.
