Nothing is True. Everything is Permitted.

Zane groaned, "Great, more idiots I have to look after. Assassin dies, somehow it becomes my fault..." he mumbled. A woman stopped to admire him and he glared at her, "What do I look like, an object for hire?" The woman blushed and continued on. Zane shook his head, "Doesn't the Merichi have guards of his own?"

 

Mya nodded. Yes he does, but some of them are disguised as Templars. It's hard to tell. We'll have to wait tomorrow since he's coming on Sunday. Let's find an inn to stay at.

 

Zane drummed his fingers against the hilt of his sword, "Sure, an inn, sounds fine." His mind wandered back to what they'd said and wondered if others had said the same about his father.

 

Mya nodded and walked towards the nearest inn. She placed some gold coins on the counter and took a key.

 

Zane, still lost in thought, followed her. It hadn't dawned on him to get his own room to keep up their game. His father rode front and center in his thoughts, leaving very little room for anything else.

 

Mya opened the door to her room and mentioned Zane to come in. You don't mind if we share rooms? It has two beds anyways.

 

He blinked slowly, only half listening, "It's fine." He walked in and sat on a bed. Later he'd think himself to be a zombie the way he didn't react. Zane pulled off his shirt and laid back on the bed. He closed his eyes and crossed his arms behind his head, thinking how could they think I was sadistic. If I'm remembering correctly, that's what most conspirators said about my father...am I really that bad? Is there something in my blood or genes that gives me the ability to be sadistic without even knowing it?

 

Mya walked over to Zane's bed and leaned over. What's wrong? You've been looking down and plain today. She sat down on the bed he was on.

 

Zane opened one eye and watched her, "Nothin', I just have a lot on my mind today, that's all." He moved his hands onto his bare chest and fixed his gray eyes on the ceiling.

 

Mya unfolded one of his hands and held it. You shouldn't keep secrets from me. I wantto know what's bothering you. What is it?

 

Zane snapped to real life when Mya touched him. He sighed, "Well, what Japaco said about me being sadistic made me think about my father's style of assassinations. He was rather sadistic if you think about it. I was just thinking that if I'm labeled sadistic, then...could it be that I inherited that from my father? Could all of my tactics be traced back to that man?"

 

Mya pressed his hand with hers and then on her face. I don't know. It could be a yes. It could be a no. All that I know is that he is wrong. You're not sadistic. You're the person that I rely on and care for.

 

Zane gave her a doubtful look and pulled away from her. Pacing the lenght of the room, he scolded himself, "This is why I don't sleep with other assassins. Especially younger ones. Don't you get it? I could die tomorrow. That's the way of the assassin. Our life expectancy is only a short amount of time. I'm surprised I lived this long. One of these days, I won't be able to bounce back from some attack and I'll die. What would you do? If you care about me..." he trailed off and leaned his head against the wall, still mumbling incoherent words.

 

Mya sighed and jumped on her bed. Why are you talking like I'm some sort of stragner? I'm not. I'm your friend. You think all I can do is watch thing happen? I don't care what you think, but I'm sticking with you the whole way. She walked over to Zane and put a hand on his shoulder. Please Zane, understand me.

 

Zane put his own hand over hers and mumbled, "I understand perfectly. But there's one thing you don't understand about me. I don't do relationships, I don't do friendships. It's why I only have one night stands. It's better that way. No one gets hurt, no one feels guilty the other didn't write or call on them again the next day. But you..." he turned and took her face between his hands, "You insist I'm your friend, you watched me kill those two guys from the bar, even if I can't really remember it, I remember you crying. I'm sorry Mya, but you've chosen the worst possible friend ever."

 

Mya shook her head. Is that what you think? A worst friend? I think of it as hope. For years, I've been looking for someone to understand me, to care for me, to comfort me. She walked close up to him and placed her forehead to his and closing her eyes. Why can't you see I want you to me more than just my friend?

 

Zane's breath caught in his throat and he tucked her under his chin, close to his heart. "Somedays I wish I'd never stepped into that practice room, but things like this make me glad I did. You moved like a cat back then and nothing's changed. You and your damned cat-like cutness has wormed it's way into my life and my heart. I've avoided being anyone's anything for my entire life. To be asked to be more than a friend...it's unbelievable and...enjoyable." He lowered his face to her and softly touched his lips to hers.

 

I'm glad you enjoy it. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck.

 

Zane gently picked her up and carried her to one of the beds. He set her down on the bed and followed. Running his hands through her hair he whispered, "What time are the other assassins going to be here tomorrow?"

 

Mya really didn't care to answer his question, but did anyways. If memory serves right, around 8 in the morning, just when the Merichi arrives.