Daou was not a man to be trifled with. Known for his cold efficiency and unyielding stance, he had built an empire on the backs of those who dared to owe him. Yet, when he walked into Offroad's apartment without knocking, there was something almost... gentle in his demeanor.

"You don't have to worry anymore," Daou said, his voice cutting through the silence. Offroad looked up, hope and dread mingling in his eyes.

"P' Daou, what have you done?" Offroad's voice was hoarse, a raw whisper that scraped against the walls of his desperation.

Daou stepped closer, his boots echoing on the cold linoleum. "It's taken care of," he said, his tone so calm it was eerie. "Your sister is safe."

The words hit Offroad like a sledgehammer, and he stumbled back, trying to catch his breath. The debt, paid in full? It was more than he could fathom. The relief was palpable, but so was the guilt. He felt like he had just signed his soul away.

Daou's gaze was unwavering. "I'm not looking for thanks. I'm looking for you to realize what this means. You're free. You can start over. Don't waste this chance."

Offroad's eyes searched the floor, his thoughts tangled in a web of doubt and fear. What did Daou expect from him now? What kind of leash had he just been handed? The silence grew thick, until it was all he could hear, the pounding of his own heart in his ears.

Finally, he spoke, his voice cracking with the strain of his emotions. "What do you want from me P'...?"

Daou leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. "I don't want anything from you. I did this because I could see that you're not like the others. You are allowed to have chances at good life, Offroad. Don't throw it away."

The words hung in the air, and Offroad felt a lump form in his throat. He had been living in the shadows for so long that the thought of a second chance was almost too much to bear. But as he looked up at Daou, the reality of his situation began to sink in. He had been given a gift that could not be repaid in money or words.

"You... care?" Offroad's voice was barely audible, his eyes searching for any hint of deception in Daou's gaze.

Daou nodded, his expression serious. "I do. And I won't let you destroy yourself trying to repay me. Your debt is gone. It's just... gone."

The weight of the world lifted from Offroad's shoulders, but the burden of his own pride remained. He knew he had to do something to prove that he wasn't just a charity case. That he had value beyond his ability to pay back what was owed.

That night, Offroad went to Daou's apartment with a newfound determination. He had to show Daou that he wasn't just taking; he could give too. He had to give something of himself that wasn't tainted by obligation or debt.

Daou was surprised to see him, but the tension in Offroad's posture was unmistakable. Offroad stepped closer, his eyes filled with a desperate need for redemption. He reached for Daou's face, his thumb brushing against his cheek, his breath hot and erratic.

Daou caught his wrist, his eyes searching Offroad's face. "What are you doing?"

But Offroad didn't answer. Instead, he leaned in, his mouth capturing Daou's in a fierce, possessive kiss. It was a declaration, a silent vow that he would pay back every single penny, in every way he could. His hands trembled as he pulled at Daou's shirt, trying to get closer, trying to give him everything he had.

Daou's initial shock gave way to understanding, and his arms wrapped around Offroad, pulling him in tight. The kiss deepened, a dance of tongues that spoke of passion and pain, of the unspoken bond that had formed between them.

Offroad's hands roamed over Daou's body, desperate to show his appreciation, to give him something of value. He reached for the button of Daou's pants, his breath hitching in his throat. He needed to do this, to make this right.

But Daou's hand stopped him, gently but firmly. He broke the kiss, his eyes searching Offroad's. "This isn't about the debt. It's never been about that."

The words hit Offroad like a slap. His eyes filled with tears, his whole body trembling. He had been so focused on his own guilt, he hadn't seen the truth right in front of him.

Daou took a deep breath, his voice low and steady. "I want you, Offroad. But not like this. Not because you think you owe me something. I want you because of who you are. Because you're strong and kind, and you've been through hell and back. Because you fight for what's right, even when it's hard. That's what I want from you. Just... you."

The realization hit Offroad like a freight train. He didn't need to sell himself to pay a debt that had already been erased. He didn't need to prove his worth in such a degrading way.

With trembling hands, he cupped Daou's face, his eyes searching for the truth in the depths of those piercing blue eyes. And he found it. Daou's gaze was full of warmth and affection, with not a hint of the cold, calculating man he had feared.

Slowly, tentatively, Offroad leaned in for another kiss, this one filled with hope and tenderness. He could feel the beginnings of something more than just obligation or desperation. Something real and pure.

Daou responded in kind, his hands moving to cradle Offroad's face, his thumbs brushing away the tears that spilled over. "I'm here for you," he murmured against his lips. "Not because of a debt, but because I care. Just let me in, let me show you that you're more than just a man who owes someone something. You're a man who deserves to be loved for who he is, not what he can give or do."

Offroad's breath hitched, the truth of those words resonating deep within him. He leaned into the warmth of Daou's embrace, letting the walls he had built around his heart crumble. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he allowed himself to be vulnerable, to accept that maybe, just maybe, he was worthy of love without strings attached.

Their kiss grew softer, more intimate, as Offroad's hands stopped their frantic movements. He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching Daou's face for any sign of regret or rejection. But all he found was a gentle smile, the kind that promised understanding and acceptance.

"I'm sorry, P' Ou.." Offroad whispered, the words sticking in his throat. "I didn't know what else to do. I just... I didn't want to be a burden anymore."

Daou's thumbs wiped away the last of his tears, his voice a soothing balm. "You could never be a burden to me, Offroad. You're more than that. So much more."

With those words, the last of Offroad's defenses shattered. He collapsed into Daou's arms, sobs wracking his body as the weight of his fear and guilt finally lifted. The warmth of Daou's embrace enveloped him, offering comfort and solace in a world that had been cold and unforgiving for so long.

They stood there for what felt like hours, just holding each other. The room was filled with the sound of Offroad's sobs slowly fading into quiet sniffs, until finally, there was only the steady beat of their hearts and the gentle strokes of Daou's hand on his back.