Hello again. I have a new, non-sexy fic for you.( Had to put the Non-Sexy in there for those who were getting all excited.) If you liked Animal and Comfort then I suggest you give this a try. I wanted to bring all four characters together and expand on their relationship. I hope you enjoy it.

Clamp are the lawful owners of Legal Drug.

BAD DAY

He knew Kazahaya could be weird but today the boy was completely in another world. It was mid-morning and the only thing he'd said to Rikuo had been 'morning.' Rikuo stared at the boy; he was methodically stocking the shelves. Kazahaya would bend down, take out the product and place it on the shelf. He didn't look around, didn't make eye contact with anyone. The world seemed to consist of nothing but the box, the product and the shelf.

Rikuo checked out a customer and again looked for Kazahaya when the man left. He'd finished the current box and had gone back for another. Rikuo wondered if Kazahaya had had a nightmare. The two of them tended to get them from time to time but if he had, he hadn't yelled out. When Rikuo woke this morning all seemed normal. He'd gotten up and took his shower and then went to wake Kazahaya, for the boy always over slept. Only he wasn't sleeping. As soon as he'd gotten close, Kazahaya had opened his eyes and looked directly at him. Rikuo had been about to make a smart remark when he'd really looked into his eyes; they were tortured – full of pain. Before he could ask what was wrong, Kazahaya blinked and sat up quickly. Hardly loud enough to be heard, he'd said morning. Rikuo figured he'd only heard it because the boy was right next to him when he spoke.

At breakfast he'd never looked up and he hardly ate, both extremely unusual for Kazahaya. Most days he ate enough for two and was up beat. This quiet, almost sullen person was not the guy he knew.

Kakei came into the store and looked around. Rikuo had mentioned Kudo-kun's strange attitude, plus the boy had gone straight to work without a word to anyone. Finding Kazahaya he stared at him as well. He'd moved on to stocking the soft drinks. He'd had no visions about this day or Kazahaya; for once he was as much in the dark as everyone else. Sighing he turned to go back to his office when he saw Rikuo go over to Kazahaya. Kakei paused to see what would happen.

Rikuo stopped right beside him but Kazahaya didn't even notice. "Kazahaya. Kazahaya?" Finally the boy jumped looked quickly at him then away. "What's going on? Are you sick? Was it…a bad dream?" Rikuo asked quietly. He didn't want to admit it but Kazahaya's behavior had him worried.

He didn't want to think. Didn't want to talk. If it wasn't something his body didn't do on its own, he wouldn't breathe. Dead, yeah that seemed right. He should be dead. But Rikuo had saved him. Tortured eyes once again found Rikuo's, his breathing sped up and he felt tears well up. "I… I…" Kazahaya didn't get to finish.

An elderly couple had come in the store unnoticed by the boys and now the old man had raised his hand and called out for some help. Rikuo saw the tears and felt his heart jerk in his chest. What in the world was wrong? He started to say something when the man called out again. A frustrated sigh left his lips and he placed a hand on Kazahaya's shoulder and squeezed before leaving to go help the customer.

One single tear escaped then two, more slid soundlessly down his face. He'd only been touched briefly but the feeling of being alone in the world disappeared for a few seconds. Kazahaya raised his eyes to the ceiling and tried to get his emotions under control. Work, if he just focused on work maybe he wouldn't lose it.

Kakei and Saiga had both watched the little scene and couldn't help be touched by it. Kazahaya used both hands to wipe away his tears, calmed his breathing and went back to stocking the shelves. There was a tremor in his hands as he worked.

"What the hell is wrong with the kid? He didn't speak at all this morning, just nodded, put on his apron and got to work. Have you seen anything? Is something about to happen?" Saiga was fond of the kid and seeing him like this was depressing.

Kakei leaned back against Saiga's chest and sighed. "No, not a thing. I've seen nothing as to why Kudo-kun is in such a mood. And from what we just saw, Rikuo doesn't have a clue either. Maybe it's just one of those days when nothing goes right or maybe this is an important day from Kudo-kun's past and he's having trouble dealing. Let's just leave him be and maybe he'll snap out of it on his own."

Kazahaya avoided them all. He wouldn't eat lunch, just kept working. Working in order not to think. Once they realized he wouldn't talk they left himalone but he could feel their eyes on him and knew they had questions. Kazahaya had questions too but no answers. Would there ever be any answers? He moved to open the next box and hissed as he cut his hand. Blood. There was blood, a lot of it and all he could do was stare at it. Oozing, flowing and now dripping to the floor. Again death popped into his mind. If he didn't stop the blood, maybe he would just bleed to death. No worries after death, right? No problems that needed answers that he couldn't find. All of a sudden someone grabbed his hand and wrapped it up, Rikuo but then there was Saiga and Kakei too. They had come to help him, to save his life, again. His vision blurred and it was a moment before he was aware he was crying again.

"Damn, Kazahaya!" Rikuo's voice was gruff as he held the towel to the cut, seeing it become saturated.

Saiga hustled over to the medical supplies and gathered what was necessary. "Bring him to the back Rikuo!"

Kakei took a moment to lift Kazahaya's chin and wipe some of the tears away gently. "It's going to be okay Kudo-kun." Even as he said the words, more tears covered his fingers. "Go, let Saiga fix him up." What was bothering the boy so? Turning Kakei went to help the customers and reassure them that all was well.

Kazahaya sat silently, eyes closed, head back against the couch and still tears rained down. Rikuo was beside him watching Saiga take care of the cut. It was deep but didn't need stitches. There was pain but he deserved it, didn't he? With each beat of his heart, his hand throbbed pumping blood through the cut. He should speak, tell Saiga to stop, tell Rikuo to take him outside and leave him. Death would come quickly this time.

"Stupid. Stupid idiot." Rikuo looked back at Kazahaya. He was a sight. He felt both pity and anger. Taking a tissue he wiped away some of the tears and the runny nose. His hand brushed away the hair on his forehead and rested there a moment. "Well you don't have a fever. Guess he's not sick." Rikuo offered to the room at large. He sat back and crossed his arms, one hand gripping Kazahaya's arm maintaining contact with the boy.

Again a simple touch offered comfort and Kazahaya began to cry in earnest, hiding his face against Rikuo's shoulder.

Rikuo and Saiga stared at each other. That was the scene Kakei walked in on. He'd taken care of the customers and locked the door. No way could he think of business when Kazahaya was like this. "How bad is it?" The towel was almost completely red.

"Actually it's not as bad as it looks, thank goodness. I used butterfly bandages to hold the cut closed. It should heal okay but he won't be able to use that hand for a while." Saiga shook his head at all the blood on his hands and stood. "We can't ever let him get really hurt, the boy's a bleeder. Damn, almost stopped my heart when I saw it."

"Kudo-kun, Kudo-kun, look at me." Kakei made his voice hard. Saiga raised his eyebrows; even Rikuo threw him a questioning look. "Look at me now." He wanted to break the spell Kazahaya seemed to be under.

Kazahaya jumped and warily turned heavy eyes his way. Was Kakei going to throw him out? Was he tired of him? He hadn't been a very good worker today. Limbs still trembling, Kazahaya sat up a bit and resigned himself to hear the words that could truly end his life because if he left here, he knew he would die.

The sun disappeared. Just a moment ago the room had been bright, now there were shadows. Kazahaya watched as a shadow seemed to slither closer and closer to him. It touched his foot. Had it come to take him? To pull him down, beneath the earth where light was only a memory? Inch by inch it crept up his leg, now both legs were covered. His good hand latched onto Rikuo's leg and held on for dear life. The shadow had come for him! He just knew it! Kazahaya's eyes widened as he pushed back into the seat trying to gain more time. Death had heard him and now it was coming to take him!

It was happening! He'd had a vision the night before, it just came from nowhere. Kazahaya had no idea what had triggered it. There was a darkness slowly surrounding him – a total absence of light. Then Kei calling, screaming for him to help her but the darkness cut him off from her, had taken away his senses, his voice, and his life.

They stared fascinated at Kazahaya. He looked as if something horrible was coming after him. It was only a shadow but what was it to Kazahaya? He saw many things with his gift; just what was he seeing now?

Rikuo couldn't believe what was happening. Kazahaya was now hyperventilating as the shadow moved up his chest. The hand on his leg was white, the grip was so tight and his other hand, unable to close – clenched and unclenched rapidly.

Kazahaya knew he should die. So why was he fighting it? He was so scared. Dying was scary. Did he really want this?

The curtain lifted high, the breeze was so strong and the cloud that had hid the sun, moved on. The shadow was gone. Time moved forward and life continued.

Kazahaya froze. He was alive! Death had set him free! Disbelieving he slumped boneless, head cocked to one side, mouth open, and eyes seeing nothing.

"Jesus! Kid! Kid!" Saiga leaned forward and grasped the thin shoulders, shaking the boy. He stopped only when a raspy breath escaped the now moving chest.

They laid him down and wiped him down. He'd been covered in a cold sweat. It was silent as they sat and watched him. Kazahaya was breathing normally now but was he all right?

Kakei was still at a loss; his own gift had told him nothing of Kazahaya's troubles. The boy had scared him so badly, scared them all with that business of the shadow. He was just about to suggest taking him to the hospital when Rikuo spoke.

"Kazahaya!" His eyes had opened. "Hey, you okay?" Rikuo hovered close wondering if he would be recognized.

"Rikuo." More tears, for better or worse he was alive. "I…I…" He didn't have words.

They got some water in him and sat him up again. "Sorry. I'm…sorry."

Saiga had to leave the room. That kid was tearing him up. Using the excuse to wash his hands he left the room but returned quickly with some energy bars. "Eat. You haven't had much food today."

His head moved from side to side. No food, didn't want food. But Kakei had other plans. Taking the bars from Saiga he sat before Kazahaya and forced open his mouth. Sticking a piece in his mouth he said with a hard voice, "Chew."

He chewed and swallowed until two bars were gone. Kakei's face was a mask and Kazahaya was again afraid of what the man would do. Looking at them all he saw they were worn out. It was if they'd all had a hectic day in the store but Kazahaya knew he was the cause. It was because he was here, causing problems and making things difficult for them.

"I…can leave," he whispered. "I can leave today. Just need to…get my stuff." Kazahaya felt a bittersweet smile touch his face before it disappeared again. He actually did have a few things now. When he came to the store, he'd had nothing but the clothes he wore. Now at least he'd have something to remind him of the time he'd spent at Green Drugstore.

Confused looks passed between the three of them. What was he talking about? Kakei was still seated in front of Kazahaya. Reaching out he raised the boy's chin. There was such sadness on his face that it made Kakei pull him forward into an awkward hug. Kazahaya was still trembling which only made Kakei hold him tighter.

He shouldn't accept the hug, he wasn't worthy of Kakei's affection but it eased the pain in his heart. Kazahaya scooted forward trying to get closer to rid his body of the chill that had seemed to plague him this day.

Rikuo looked away blinking. Kazahaya was so fragile right now and he needed to be strong so he could help him. For whatever reason, Kazahaya was on the brink, on the edge and they had to work together to bring him back. He wanted back that goofy boy he was used to. Kazahaya, like him had problems. They'd never really talked about what the other was going through but just having him around and the hope that at some point he would help and he knew Kazahaya would, made a big difference in his life.

They were different people but both had ended up here in need of help. Kazahaya couldn't ignore other people's problems, always tried to help in any way he could but he wouldn't discuss his own.

Rikuo didn't know what he could do to help Kazahaya especially right now but he'd try even if all he could do was offer a shoulder for him to cry on.

Saiga moved to sit on Kazahaya's other side. He picked up the injured hand and began cleaning the wound again. Kazahaya had reopened the cut and itwas bleeding again. After wrapping it, he held on to the slight hand, cradling the arm against him. The kid was going to need all their support right now.

Finally Kakei pushed away so he could once again see Kazahaya's face. It was time to find out the problem or at least find a way to reassure him that he indeed have a place here with them, that he was accepted.

Kazahaya sat back. He was worried, confused, anxious and weary. If he was going to leave, he should get going before night fell. A shudder racked his body at the thought of being alone in the dark. Death could come again; there would be no sun to chase it away. He cleared his throat but still his voice only came out in a whisper.

"I…I want to thank…you," briefly his eyes touched them all. "For taking me in, letting me live…and work here. You guys saved…me." More tears made tracks down his cheeks. "…Even if I didn't deserve it. "I'll go now." Kazahaya hiccupped and tried to stand.

"Sit down!" Kakei and Rikuo said as one. Rikuo wrapped an arm around his shoulders and held him close, while Kakei pushed on thighs. Saiga still had a hold of his arm.

"You're not leaving Kazahaya, not now, not today. Maybe when you have resolved things and are able to stand on your own two feet but for now you're staying here." Kakei sat back and crossed his arms.

"But I…"

"But nothing Kid. First, we need you in the store. Second, who'll help Rikuo on all the little side jobs Kakei has. And most of all, we like having you around." Saiga grinned at him. "You're great fun to tease. Come on kid, we want you to stay. Why do you want to leave?"

Disbelief crossed Kazahaya's face. They couldn't be serious! He tried to sit forward but Rikuo's arm stopped him. "I should leave! I don't do anything right! Rikuo doesn't need me! I get on his nerves and he stays angry all the time. I don't understand half of what's going on around me! And, and look!" Kazahaya tried to raise his injured hand but Saiga had a tight grip on his arm. "I get hurt and you have to take care of me or Rikuo has to save me because I wasn't paying attention on a job!" He fell gently back against Rikuo's side. "I'm…too much…trouble." Kazahaya finished silently.

Saiga looked to Kakei; he wasn't sure what to say. A lot of what Kazahaya said was true but he didn't want him gone. Things were more interesting – fun with him around but Saiga decided to let Kakei handle this.

Rikuo felt anger – anger at himself. He did get angry but it wasn't always Kazahaya's fault although he did take it out on the boy from time to time. But…he'd thought that by now he and Kazahaya were friends. Looking to Kakei, his face was filled with doubt. Was it his fault that Kazahaya acting this way? Had he done something to make him want to leave?

This was hard. He wished he'd foreseen this then maybe he'd have been prepared, had the right arguments ready for Kudo to assure the boy of his self-worth. Kakei sighed and now Rikuo was having doubts about himself, this kind of behavior was self-destructive and he'd have to tread carefully.

Kakei straightened his back. Okay, time to resolve this matter and get the boy back to his normal self. "Kazahaya, look at who's beside you. Saiga and Rikuo, both of them are there next to you, holding you, comforting you. If Rikuo was angry with you, do you think he'd be here at all? It was he who first got to you after you cut your hand. Rikuo stopped the bleeding and before that, he asked you what was wrong. He wanted to help you. Would he do that if he didn't care?"

"And Saiga, the mother hen of us all. You scared him. How can you scare someone that badly if he didn't care? It's not that easy to shake up Saiga, you know what a jokester he is." As he spoke he watched Kazahaya but the boy's head remained down, tucked against his chest. "Kudo-kun, you frightened me as well. First when you cut your hand then just a moment ago with…that shadow. We care when your hurt. We don't like seeing you upset. Won't you tell us what's happening to you?"

Kazahaya was shaking his head. "Don't you see I'm a liability? The things I do, frighten you. I don't want to worry you! I'm a misfit; I'm always going to be getting into trouble! You can't tell me you want me around so you can always bail me out of trouble. I don't do anything well. Things would be better…much better if I wasn't…here. Better for me to leave…to disappear." A whisper came, and they all strained to hear it. "Maybe disappear from the world."

Slap! Kakei's hand made contact with Kazahaya's face. Shocked eyes rose to meet his. He blinked several times then tried to pull away from Rikuo and Saiga but they held him tight. Slap! That one made him sit still.

"Don't ever say that or anything like that again!" Kakei rarely got really mad but he was now. "And don't try to get us to believe that you're not worth caring about! We, the three of us have chosen to care about you. I've made you my responsibility and I will not let you go!" He rose and began to pace.

Kakei whipped around to face him again. "So you make Rikuo angry? So do I, so does Saiga but we aren't trying to leave. You cut your hand. Big deal, it was a mistake. Mistakes happen. And as for not doing things well, you have successfully completed every job I given to you."

"But Rikuo…"

"Rikuo couldn't have done the jobs without you. Your talent, your gift helped each and every time. In time it will help Rikuo with his problems and help you to solve your own."

Kazahaya had been ready to protest when Kakei's words registered. He'd been avoiding looking at Rikuo but now looked up at him. Surprised flowed through Kazahaya, he'd expected to see anger on Rikuo's face or at least disappointment but hope shone from those eyes. He blinked and blinked again, finding it hard to believe.

"If you stay, you can help me. You know Kakei has visions of the future. He's seen that you will help me and yourself. I don't know or understand what happened to you today but I do know if you leave, you'll damn us both. Stay Kazahaya, please." Rikou's hand rubbed his back then curved back over his shoulder to tuck him in closer.

"I've been with Kakei a long time." Saiga decided to add his two cents. "His visions are hardly ever wrong. If he says you'll help Rikuo then you will. How will you live with yourself if you leave and do nothing to help Rikuo? Will you leave him with unanswered questions? It could be that you'll need him as well to resolve whatever made you come here in the first place." Saiga had been looking down at he hand he held and started stroking the tense muscles trying to get them relax. "We have no idea what you just saw to scare you so much but if you're here with us – we can help. Keep away the darkness." Finally he turned to look at the boy. "You need to stay; we want you to stay Kudo Kazahaya."

Air escaped him as he stared at the man. Even with shades on Kazahaya knew Saiga meant every word he'd said and he'd said his name. Kazahaya didn't think Saiga had ever said his name before. That simple statement touched his heart.

They want me to stay. I mess up so often, get things confused and I know I can get on their nerves but they want me to stay. Kazahaya's tears started up again and he felt Rikuo squeeze his shoulder, Saiga stroking his injured hand. He was surrounded by friends offering him comfort and support.

Kakei watched the men in front of him and felt some of the urgency leave him. Maybe this day had been necessary for all of them. They sat close together, connected – a unit. We belong together, the four of us, at least until Rikuo and Kudo-kun's problems were resolved and even after all was right again with them, the bond they'd formed here couldn't be broken. Yes this little episode of Kudo-kun's had happened for this very reason, Kakei believed.

Moving forward and sitting once again in front of Kazahaya, Kakei placed a hand on his leg. "So Kudo Kazahaya, will you stay and continue to help us and find a way to solve the problems you left behind you or will you go and abandon us?"

Kazahaya looked up at Kakei; his face had lost all trace of the hardness that was there previously. The anger was gone to bereplaced with a smile. "I don't understand." His words were whispered. "I don't understand why you want me. I don't understand why you like me. I know what I am, how I am and how awful I can be. But…" Kazahaya looked from Kakei to Saiga and finally at Rikuo. "But I want to stay. I don't want to leave!" His breathing became labored. "I – I can't explain what happened today, not right now. Just…you should know – I. Thank you."

Only Kazahaya's sniffs interrupted the silence. Hearts returned to their normal beats, muscles became loose even the air seemed less heavy as whatever had brought Kazahaya down dissolved and disappeared. Darkness faded away leaving only light.

He was so tired, so very tired. Little sleep, little food and an emotional rollercoaster had taken it's toll on Kazahaya. He needed to sleep but didn't want to move. His friends were here, next to him and the last thing he wanted to do was move. Again he looked at them all and with a shy smile, "Thank you for putting up with me, for…believing in me. I hope…I hope I can help. I want to help, to be helpful. I'll try hard not to be a burden."

Kakei reached out and gathered more tears. "You've had one hell of a bad day but it stops now. Stop thinking negative thoughts and looking down on yourself. The Kudo Kazahaya who first came here and sits before us now is the person we care about." Kakei laughed lightly. "Silly quirks, that precious naïveté, the ability to put people at ease and to be a friend, that's the Kudo Kazahaya we know and love. Don't ever change." Kakei tapped his chin lightly.

"Whew!" Saiga drew a hand against his brow. "Glad that's over. Kid when you have a bad day, you really have a bad day. That's it right, no more bad days for the rest of the year okay? I don't think my heart could take it." His smile was back, that teasing smile that often tormented Kazahaya, yet it gave him a really warm feeling this time.

"Leave it you to bring the world to a stop when you're having a bad day. Only an idiot can pull that off." Rikuo's words were snide, said with disdain.

Kazahaya's heart skipped a beat as he turned to look at Rikuo and did a double take. Rikuo was grinning. The words weren't meant to hurt but to tease. A hand threaded itself through his hair and gently rubbed his scalp. "Rikuo, I promise…I promise to use my gift to help you find her. Whatever it takes, I'll do whatever it takes to help you." It was a solemn promise.

Rikuo stared him. He looked terrible - red, wet, and tired eyes and a runny nose. "Such a child," it was said with affection. "Yeah, I know you will. And you can count on me to be by your side when you need me. Come here." He had to wipe Kazahaya's nose, that snot was getting to him.

"There now, one big happy family again." Kakei stood and stretched. "I don't know when I've been so tired." He checked his watch and blinked. "We've been back here longer than I thought. Guess we'll just stay closed since it's so late. Kudo-kun," Kakei said in a sing-song voice. "You're going to owe me big time for this. Let's see for the next two jobs, you'll work without pay. Deal?" Kakei too was back to normal.

Kazahaya chuckled, "Yeah okay but how about if I get to keep my clothes on and no dresses?" He was tired but not tired enough to blindly agree to Kakei's deal.

"Oh-ho, he may finally be learning, Kakei! Good going kid!" Saiga laughed.

"Moron, even if he agrees it doesn't mean something embarrassing or weird won't happen! You know not to trust Kakei when it comes to those jobs." Rikuo grumbled.

"Yeah, I know but if I can keep my clothes on and stay out of women's clothing then that's a plus." Kazahaya grinned.

"And, Rikuo that means if I need either of those done, then it will be up to you." Kakei was laughing now too.

"Hey wait a minute! I should get to keep my clothes on too! Besides Kazahaya looks much better in women's clothes than I do." Rikuo leaned forward trying to convince Kakei.

Saiga rubbed his nails against his blazer. "Don't worry Rikuo, if you have to wear a dress, I'll make sure you look good." Totally enjoying this Saiga grinned.

"Aww man!" Rikuo slapped one hand against his forehead.

Kazahaya began to laugh and they all stared for a moment glad he was back to normal before joining him. It felt good, really good. All the sadness and tension was gone. They were four friends enjoying each others company.

Kakei watched as Kazahaya laid his head back against Rikuo and sleepily closed his eyes still smiling. "How about I order some take-out? We'll have dinner together then let a certainsomeone get some sleep. Okay?"

"Yeah, sounds good." Saiga gently put Kazahaya's arm in the boy's lap. "Crazy kid." He whispered as he stood for Kazahaya was already asleep.

"We'll let him sleep and wake him when dinner arrives. You okay with that?" Kakei asked Rikuo for the boy had all but crawled into Rikuo's lap.

"Sure, I'll stay with him." Rikuo hadn't thought to move. Kazahaya needed him, needed to be held and Rikuo admitted to himself that it helped him to hold Kazahaya.

Saiga wrapped his arms around Kakei's waist. "We're going to have to be more careful from now on aren't we? Whatever freaked him out could happen again."

"I know." Kakei placed his hands over Saiga's and held on. "And my gift doesn't allow me to see what he sees. I wonder what happened to make him fear that shadow." Kakei shuddered as he remembered Kazahaya's reactions. "It could be his power is changing, growing – something else I didn't see coming." He was silent as he contemplated the consequences of that.

As they watched Kazahaya seemed to feel their stares and opened his eyes briefly, a slight smile still on his face. He took a deep breath and went back to sleep feeling safe knowing they were watching over him.

"He really has no idea how important he is to the people around him. Our Kudo-kun is such a simple soul." Kakei turned to give Saiga a hug. "We'll protect him and provide him a safe haven." He pulled back to look up at Saiga then Rikuo with a mock horrified face. "And make sure he has no more bad days!"

"Amen to that!" From Saiga.

"You got that right!" Said Rikuo.

So how'd I do? I'd appreciate any and all reviews sountil next time.

...Too much Legal Drug can be wonderful for the imagination...