Written for the fuda_100 challenge of "panic." Betaed by Eliza.

Oriya's grace is that negative emotion makes him more refined. Anger brings the calm of a summer's day, fear the serenity of a frozen pond. It's cruel of Muraki to keep pushing to free the roiling water beneath, but he takes Oriya's aplomb as a challenge.

He hints at his violations, his murders. Oriya offers him tea. He brings Tsuzuki to Ko Kaku Rou. Oriya informs him that men are not sold there.

Then, triumphant, he gives Oriya the keycards to his lab, says, "I may die."

Finally, the ice cracks, and the dark water churns up to engulf him.

~END~