A/N: I know I'm seriously deviating from the canon relations (biologically speaking) from the manga, but in this AU with no magic. I had to take some liberties to make things work with the whole immortal thing not in play. Hopefully you lot find it acceptable. Also, I hope it's not too choppy. I actually bit off more than I could chew with this chapter and there are a lot of scene changes and I have yet to learn how to stick to one perspective :( But please still R&R!
UQ SUMMER
By. Amnesty
Touta was, by nature a very optimistic person. Of course he has had his own share of down days like everyone else, but for the most part he always envisioned the best possible outcomes where the skies are always sunny and everyone are the best of friends. He envisioned today being just that as he attempted to pull Kuroumaru into his group of close friends. This morning, when he texted everyone to meet at the park they initially seemed excited to finally meet the Kuroumaru he had been going on about for almost the full month since they've started dating.
So when he and Kuroumaru got to the basketball court in the park he was surprised by his friends' reactions. His friends were quiet and gave Kuroumaru suspicious glances during the initial introductions. The then quickly excused themselves and walked away to hold a private meeting on the other side of the court. Touta and Kuroumaru shared confused glances while Touta's friends conversed adamantly between each other.
"Come one guys. What are you doing?" Touta yelled over.
"One second," Kashu yelled back.
Touta turned to Kuroumaru who was standing beside him, obviously uncomfortable with the cold reception he received. He was already apprehensive about meeting new people and Touta felt guilty for that bad impression that his friends were giving. Definitely not how he expected it to go at all. It didn't help that Kuroumaru was already apprehensive about meeting new people. Though... it was hard to really focus on that when he also couldn't help but admire how cute Kuroumaru looked in more casual clothing.
Before they left this morning he found out that Kuroumaru didn't seem to have brought much clothes with him and what he did have were all way too formal... and all the same exact thing. Nothing suitable for going to the park so he loaned him a faded graphic t-shirt and a pair of denim cargo shorts. They were a little big but not enough to where it was falling off him. Now there was a clear view of Kuroumaru's killer legs. They were well toned but not too muscular. Contrary, they looked like they would be very smooth and very very touchable.
"I'm sorry Touta," Kuroumaru suddenly said as he tightly crossed his arms and looked down.
"Huh? For what," he asked, he would have to focus on checking him out later.
"Your friends don't seem to like me very much. I knew I would mess this up."
"Don't be stupid. You didn't mess anything up. Hang tight, I'm going to go see what those idiots are up to."
Before Kuroumaru could protest Touta jogged over to his friends who were still conversing with each other secretly. Sakka noticed Touta approaching and signaled the others.
"What are you guys doing," Touta sighed. "You're making me look bad in front of Kuroumaru."
"Is this a prank," Shouku asked as he pushed up his glasses. "It's not funny."
"What are you talking about," Touta asked with a sigh.
"How much are you paying her to do this?"
"Do what?"
"We're not stupid Touta. We're not falling for it," Kashu insisted.
"Fall for what," Touta nearly shouted. This was all getting ridiculous.
"That, right there," Kashu clarified as he pointed in Kuroumaru's direction who was shyly standing on the side of the court. "No way that is a boy. He's way too… wow!"
"Seriously? That's why you guys are acting like asses? Because Kuroumaru's hot? I already told you that he was."
"Not just hot," Nikumaru corrected. "Uncomfortably smoking hot."
"Yeah, well he's taken so back off," Touta deadpanned. "And are we going to play or what? Or do you want to just stand around and talk about your confused boners all day?"
This seemed to quickly work on his friends as they begrudgingly nodded and made their way back to where Kuroumaru was waiting. After a quick apology to Kuroumaru for their rudeness the boys separated out into two teams. Touta obviously brought Kuroumaru to his side and was also joined by Sakka. Sakka honestly wasn't much of a sports person but Touta was confident he was good enough to make the difference. He wasn't sure how well Kuroumaru would be but they were just playing for fun anyway so it didn't really matter.
They started up and after playing for a while Touta was thrilled to see how well he and Kuroumaru worked together as a team. Kuroumaru was very athletic, like him, and they were also able to read each other's movements like they had been playing together forever. Sakka mostly stayed to the back as Touta and Kuroumaru passed the ball to and from each other while maneuvering around the other team, scoring points. It didn't take the two long to reach the agreed twenty baskets and win the game. Touta hollered as he celebrated the win and ran to Kuroumaru for a high five.
"Dang it," Kashu yelled in frustration. "I can't believe we lost!"
"Ah, I need some water. I'm dying," Nikumaru groaned as he dragged his way to the sideline.
"Yeah, me too," Touta agreed as everyone went to sit down for a water break.
After going to his bag and rummaging around for a bit he pulled out two water bottles and with a flirtatious wink gave one to Kuroumaru, who accepted it with a blush and a shy smile. Everyone sat down in the grass in an oblong circle while they rested.
"Ugh... It's too hot for basketball," Shouku grumbled. "Bad idea Touta. Why couldn't we have gone to the arcade instead?"
"C'mon, it's not that bad," Touta said with a sympathetic smile.
"I'm good for another game," Kashu exclaimed. "You'll be on my team this time, right Kuroumaru?"
"Me? Oh... I suppose I could..."
"You're really good. Do you play often?"
"Not really... I was just copying Touta mostly."
"A natural," Touta said, patting Kuroumaru's back playfully. "We decimated you and you and you," Touta bragged as he pointed to each of his friends.
"I was on your team," Sakka stated, matter-of-fact, as Touta pointed his gloating finger at him as well.
"Just you wait. With Kuroumaru on my team we're going to grind you to the ground?"
"Um... Kashu? You mean you want me to play against Touta?"
"Precisely! I'll wipe that smug grin off his face."
"I'm sorry, then I humbly decline your request. I can't play against Touta."
"Hah," Touta exclaimed. "Loyalty."
"Come on Kuroumaru. I'm good but I can only carry the team so much."
"What does that mean," Shouku asked in annoyance.
"I'm just saying that you guys aren't where you need to be athletically wise."
"We played just fine," Nikumaru defended.
"Seriously? You can barely keep up, Shouku couldn't shoot a basket if his life depended on it, and Sakka just stood doing nothing to help."
"I wasn't on your team though..."
"If we lost for any reason it's because you don't know how to pass a ball," Shouku shouted.
"Why? So you can miss? You shoot like a girl!"
"Um..." Kuroumaru said in concern as Shouku tackled Kashu and they began to scuffle.
Nikumaru tried to intervene but ended up just getting in the way and getting elbowed in the face and getting wrapped up in the fight as well. Sakka sat and drank his water as he watched the other three roll around on the ground shouting.
"So," Touta began as he slyly put an arm around Kuroumaru's shoulders as his friends fought. "Wanna ditch these idiots?"
"Touta… I thought they were your friends? You shouldn't call them 'idiots'."
"Ah, it's fine. We always talk to each other like that. Now come on," he said as he stood and began to sprint full speed down the path that led around the nearby pond.
"H-hey! Touta," Kuroumaru called as he quickly took off after him.
The two raced down the path around the pond. Eventually darting down a hiking trail that led into the wooded area where the joggers and hikers frequented. The increasingly difficult terrain was nothing for them as they easily jumped over large tree roots, up inclines, and around winding paths. Touta kept the lead before slowing to a stop as he reached a wooden bridge that ran over a small stream. He leaned his head on the railing as he raggedly tried to catch his breath. Soon Kuroumaru caught up with him and was also breathing heavily.
"Wow, you're really fast Touta," Kuroumaru said as he bent over with his hands on his knees, gulping in air.
"Thanks... My heart… is pounding so fast. I think it's about to explode."
Kuroumaru tried to chuckle but found it too difficult at the moment. On shaky legs he moved over to the railing where Touta was and leaned against it. Glancing over Touta saw that Kuroumaru was holding his side and he had a flash of memory of Kuroumaru saying that he was hurt the other night.
"You okay, Kuroumaru," Touta asked as he motioned to the boy's side.
"I'm fine. I just shouldn't have pushed myself so hard. It's just a little sore."
"Here, let me see," Touta said as he pulled at the hem of his t-shirt.
"No you cannot," Kuroumaru shouted as he pushed at Touta's hand that was working its way up.
"C'mon, you're obviously hurt. Just let me see."
"Touta, please stop. I've already taken care of it. It's fine!"
"Fine," Touta said as he dropped his hand. "But you need to speak up if it starts bothering you."
"Okay, I will," Kuroumaru conceded as he turned and looked a number of geese swimming in the stream. Kuroumaru smiled and leaned a bit over the railing. "Look at all the geese. There sure is a lot of them."
"There'll be even more in a couple of months. Pretty soon you won't be able to move without stepping in bird crap."
Kuroumaru rolled his eyes and gave a quick laugh.
"Look," Touta said was he pointed off into the stream. "Baby turtle."
"Where," Kuroumaru asked, perking up.
"Over there, on the log."
"...I don't see it."
"There. Where I'm pointing. Tiny dot with the head. On the log."
"Oh! I see it now. Aw, look at it. It's so cute."
Touta smiled as he watched Kuroumaru admire the scenery. It was almost childlike in the way his focus went from the geese, to the turtle, to the fish, and back to the turtle. He really was beautiful to look at but it wasn't just that that drew him to him. He believed fate had brought them together. Just thinking about him made him so happy and being with him felt almost unreal, especially when they were alone like this.
Touta watched as Kuroumaru glanced at him and work his way through fifty shades of red.
"I-is something wrong Touta?"
Touta shook his head and assured everything was fine before pushing away from the railing.
"We better get going. We'll walk from here on out. I don't want your side to hurt you," Touta said.
Kuroumaru nodded as he followed Touta further down the path. After a small way there was a decent spot under a large tree that provided good shade. Touta wasn't tired but he always liked stopping here for a bit and take everything it. He sat down and Kuroumaru followed suite and sat down beside him.
"It really is peaceful here. It's very... calming," Kuroumaru commented.
"Are there any parks like this in the city?"
"Of course. I haven't been to any since I was little, but I live only a few blocks away from the Yoyogi park which is popular... Though my family's estate has a nice garden that I enjoy very much. Some nights when I can't sleep I sneak outside and just sit for hours and hours."
"Man, a family estate with a garden? Your family must be loaded."
"Yes, I suppose we are. It's not like I have any access to any of it though."
"So what exactly is your family's business again? You always dodged the question when I asked on the phone."
Kuroumaru sighed and brought his knees to his chest. "I guess you could say we are contractual businessmen. My brother makes contracts with buyers and then the rest of us complete whatever tasks we are given."
"That's awfully vague. What kind of jobs?"
"It… varies. We all are trained in different specialties so we can take on a multitude of different contracts."
"What's your 'specialty' then."
Kuroumaru frowned and turned forward. "Mostly I deal with clients that try and back out of an arrangement. I'm either sending a message in an attempt to retain a deal or go to them directly to... sever ties."
"I see… Are you any good at it?"
Kuroumaru shrugged.
"I take it you don't like your job."
"No, I hate it. But I have no choice."
"Have you told your brother? Maybe he just doesn't realize and can have you do something else."
"It doesn't work that way. Besides even if it did my brother would never allow it. He's very particular."
"Do you and your brother not get along or something?"
Kuroumaru shrugged again. "He takes care of me. Honestly it's my own fault. I'm not a very good little brother. I try hard to do as he tells me but I'm always messing something up."
"Sorry to tell you but your brother doesn't sound like that great of a guy. I think the problems with him, not with you."
"T-that's not true. He works hard to take care of my family. I'm in the wrong for disrespecting him like this. He's done so much for me and I should be more grateful... When I go home I... I-I," Kuroumaru stammered as he began to tug at his hair, looking shaken.
"Don't go home," Touta interjected. "Just stay with us."
Kuroumaru looked at him in surprise and blushed before looking down sadly.
"It's not that simple. You can't just leave my family. They would never allow it…."
"Well, isn't that why you ran away though?"
Kuroumaru turned to Touta in surprise.
"You… you know?"
"Of course I know. I'm not stupid Kuroumaru."
Kuroumaru took a nervous breath and lowered his gaze. "Does Eva know?"
"Probably."
Kuroumaru groaned and buried his face in his hands.
"I'm so stupid... W-what's going to happen now?"
"Well, personally I'm going to enjoy every moment with you and focus on things that make you smile. I love your smile. And probably flirt with you until you go mad... Steal kisses when no ones looking," Touta trailed as he turned and looked off into the woods ahead. "And don't worry about Eva. She's seems pretty rough but... No, she's pretty rough but she'll take care of you so don't worry about her."
Nervousness budded in Kuroumaru's stomach as he watched Touta. His stomachs always did flips when they were together and being alone with him like this made him feel… weird. It was frightening how safe he felt with Touta. 'Safe' wasn't something he was used to feeling. Everything he said sounded so wonderful, but he didn't know the whole story. He didn't know the truth of anything. If he did he just knew Touta would reject him. He knew there was no way for this to last forever but he could just pretend a little bit longer, couldn't he?
Kuroumaru took a steadying breath and after closing his eyes leaned slightly closer towards Touta. He felt instant regret over the stupidity of his action. How was Touta supposed to know what he was doing? He wasn't even sure what he was doing! He hadn't said anything and Touta wasn't even looking in his direction. Maybe if he pulled away quietly Touta wouldn't notice how stupid he was being-
His eyes popped opened as he suddenly felt Touta's warm lips press gently against his. After the shock passed he slowly lowered his eyes as he allowed himself to enjoy the kiss. He knew it was disgusting and unnatural but he couldn't help but love kissing him. His heart was beating so fast it felt like it was about to leap out of his chest. After a few seconds of innocent kissing Kuroumaru was caught off guard as he felt Touta's tongue press into his mouth. He pushed away and covered his mouth in shock.
"Sorry! I'm sorry. Too much?"
"No! It's okay. I just wasn't expecting… that."
"I can stop if you want."
"I-it's fine. You don't have to stop," Kuroumaru continued, beginning to mumble.
Touta smiled, finding Kuroumaru's shyness cute. He slowly raised his hand to Kuroumaru's face and brushed away the long bangs that covered his left eye and tucked it behind his ear.
"You have the most amazing eyes," Touta commented as he cupped Kuroumaru's red cheeks.
"You have amazing eyes too. Amazing... everything. You're really really amazing," Kuroumaru said before wincing. "I'm so bad at this!"
"You're fine," Touta said while leaning forward and kissing Kuroumaru again.
Touta wrapped his arms around Kuroumaru's waist and urged him slightly closer. Kuroumaru, not knowing what to do with his hands bunched Touta's shirt at his shoulders. Soon Touta tried to deepen again and this time Kuroumaru didn't pull away. Their pulses began to spiral out of control as the clung tightly together. Kuroumaru's stomach tightened and breathing became more difficult. Touta moved one hand to Kuroumaru's outer thigh and slowly creeped his hand further and further up.
"I-I lied," Kuroumaru yelled and shoved Touta so hard it sent him flying. Followed by him covering his face in embarrassment. "I can't do this!"
Touta held up a thumbs up from his prone position. "Yeah... okay."
As the door opened Eva glanced up from her seat on the couch to see Touta and Kuroumaru enter.
"It's about time you kids got back," Eva said as she put down her whiskey. "Have fun?"
"We had a great time. We killed at basketball. Kuroumaru's super good. Then we took walk a walk around the pond and- "
"That's very nice Touta. Now go take the trash to the curb for me."
"What? Right now?"
"Yes, right now. And check the mail while you're out too."
"Fine," Touta said with a roll of his eyes as started heading toward the garage.
Kuroumaru didn't miss a beat and was right on Touta's heels to go with him.
"You can stay Kuroumaru. We haven't really had a chance to chat yet. Just you and me."
"Oh… yes, of course," Kuroumaru quietly said as he obediently walked over and sat at the far end of the couch, away from Eva.
"Did you have a smooth trip here? It's quite a drive from Tokyo."
"It was fine."
"And do you like your room?"
"It's lovely. Thank you for the accommodations."
"You know; I'm surprised your elder brother is fine with you staying so far away with a family he's never met."
Kuroumaru looked down guiltily.
"Touta tells me your family is highly traditional. Is this true?"
Kuroumaru nodded.
"So, is he aware of the type of relationship you and Touta have."
"No… he isn't."
"Well that's troublesome, isn't it? And how long will you be staying with us?"
"Oh… Um… A week or so," Kuroumaru answered as he began to fidget with his hands.
"A week or so? Well maybe I should have a talk with your brother. It's important that we are on the same page. What's your home number?"
"I-it won't be easy," Kuroumaru said quickly. "My brother is a very busy man, you see, and it will be difficult to reach him."
"Kuroumaru," Eva said sternly.
"Y-yes?"
"Don't insult me."
"I- I wasn't trying to- "
"I know you've been twisting the truth ever since you got here. You're a horrible liar." Eva sighed and took a drink. "You're still a minor. If someone finds out I'm abiding a runaway I could face legal problems."
"I-I'm sorry. I'm not trying to get you in trouble. I promise I won't stay for long. I just... I needed a break. I promise I won't stay long."
"The only reason I've let you stay this long is because how much Touta cares for you." Eva sighed and rubbed at her temples.
"I'm sorry. I'll go pack my things now," Kuroumaru said as he stood up.
"And if you did leave where would you go?"
Kuroumaru looked down and crossed his arms tightly. "I'll go home. I have nowhere else."
"... Does your brother or anyone else hurt you? You can tell me."
Kuroumaru silently looked away.
"Kuroumaru?"
"No," Kuroumaru said firmly.
Eva deeply sighed as she leaned back on the couch. "You can stay here."
"R-really?"
"At least for now, I can't promise for how long."
"Yes, I understand. Thank you. Thank you so much."
"Finished," Touta chimed as he walked through the front door. He looked between Eva and Kuroumaru and sensed the tension. "Did I miss something?"
"No, we're finished here," Eva said as she stood from her seat. "I'm going to go work in my office for a while. Don't disturb me," she said as she stood and walked away towards her room.
"Hey," Touta said as he placed a hand on Kuroumaru's shoulder. "You okay?"
Kuroumaru moaned as he laid his head on Touta's shoulder.
"Yeah, she can have that effect," Touta said as he wrapped an arm around Kuroumaru's waist.
A Few Days Later
Eva loaded the last dish to the dishwasher and after adding the detergent closed the door and started the machine. She quickly washed her hands and began to pat them on her legs to dry as she walked out of the kitchen into the front room. Walking in she saw Kuroumaru peeking out the window's curtains nervously.
He had been a bit on the edgy side today, even more so than normal. It was hard not to notice how Kuroumaru always seemed to be walking around on eggshells, especially when she was around. Now she had to admit she liked being feared. She liked it lot actually. But she didn't want Kuroumaru to fear her in that way she recognized all too well.
Apparently Kuroumaru had heard her as he quickly dropped the curtain and went back to the chore she had given him earlier of dusting. Eva rolled her eyes and continued her way to the laundry room that was blaring music so loud it began to hurt her ears as she got closer. She walked through the open door and saw Touta working on folding a mountain of clothes. Reaching over she turned off the wireless speakers.
"Hey," Touta complained as he placed a folded shirt in his basket.
"You're going to ruin your ears," Eva chided.
"You worry too much. It was fine."
Eva looked in her basket and frowned before pulling out a number of frilly multi colored items.
"What is this?"
Touta glanced up and frowned.
"What?"
"These are expensive silks. You can't just crumple them up. Fold them properly."
"I'm not folding your underwear!"
"Don't be such a child. They're just panties," Eva said as she began to fold the delicate items.
Touta blushed and folded a pair of his jeans.
"School starts next month. I haven't seen you do your workbook lately."
"I've done a bit. I've just been busy lately."
"Playing video games all day with Kuroumaru isn't busy. As your teacher it would be an embarrassment to my skills if you came back to the school year with a mushy brain. I don't want to have to police you but I will if I have to."
"Fine, I'll do more of that stupid book."
"Thank you," Eva said as she grabbed a shirt and began folding.
"Hey Eva?"
"Hm?"
"Could I borrow the car tonight?"
Eva paused momentarily before continuing.
"Why?"
"Well... Kuroumaru's been kind of down today and I was hoping a date might cheer him up."
"If you two want to go out I can take you."
"No, you'd just ruin it. I want to take him out. C'mon, what's the point of having a driver's license if I don't get to go anywhere."
"I don't know... Everything's in walking distance for the most park so you don't really have a lot of experience. Where are you wanting to go that you need the car?"
"I want to go to that sea food place in the town over. I'll be fine. I'll stay under the speed limit, check all my mirrors regularly and whatnot."
"Fine fine, but you better be back by nine."
Touta smiled triumphantly. "Done."
"And make sure your phone is charged. I'm sick of paying all this money every month for you to carry around a dead phone."
"I can do that. Thanks Eva. I'm going to tell Kuroumaru," Touta said before giving Eva a quick passing peck on the cheek.
Touta spotted Kuroumaru standing next to a shelf that held all the photos they had displayed. He was examining a photo with him and his parents that was taken about a year before the accident that took their lives. Touta walked up and Kuroumaru quickly cast a glance at Touta before looking back to the picture.
"They're very pretty." Kuroumaru noted.
"They were, weren't they," Touta agreed as he looked at the two smiling women with a happy boy who shared his face. "I wish I could remember them…"
"You look happy."
"I was happy. Eva said I was one of the happiest kids she'd ever met. One of the most annoying too."
"It's strange though... I can't help but feel I've seen them somewhere before."
"Really?"
Kuroumaru nodded. "I can't place it. Maybe I'm just imagining things."
"Oh! You know I've heard stories of people meeting in their childhood before coming together later on in life. We lived in Tokyo. Maybe we rode the same train when we were kids or something."
Kuroumaru looked at him and smiled sweetly. "Maybe."
"Or maybe you saw them on TV or something. Konoka was a popular Minister of State in her time."
"That makes more sense. So… And I hope this isn't too personal, but who's your father?"
"It's fine, I understand why you'd be curious. Truthfully, I actually never had one. I'm a test tube baby. My parent's friend, a man named Negi Springfield, helped them in making me. That's him there," Touta said as he pointed to a photo with a young man surrounded with a large group of beautiful woman. Touta's moms were standing next to him, along with Eva.
"Ooo he's very handsome. I see the resemblance."
"I've met him a few times. He keeps pretty busy with his work. We might be blood related but I never saw him as one of my parents or anything."
"I see," Kuroumaru said as he looked back to the family portrait with Touta and his moms before furrowing his brows.
"What was that look for," Touta asked with a chuckle.
"Oh! Sorry, it's just that… Well, in my family homosexuality is considered unnatural and shameful. Two woman getting married is just... not acceptable."
Touta cocked an eyebrow. "Seriously? What's wrong with two people loving each other?"
"I don't know... It's just what I've been told."
"So what do you think about us then?"
"Well... um," Kuroumaru mumbled as he looked away in shame.
"Ouch, no chill from Kuroumaru."
"I'm sorry! I-I shouldn't have said anything," Kuroumaru moaned loudly as he began to flail about in a comedic panic.
"Geez Kuroumaru, calm down," Touta laughed as he reached and arm around his shoulder to get him to stop. "I get it. I don't agree but I'll just have to work on changing your perspective and I have the perfect idea to do just that."
"Oh," Kuroumaru said as he tried to calm his nerves from just making a fool of himself.
"Yeah, let's go out tonight. Just you and me."
"Go... out? Like a. Um... Like a-"
"Date? Yeah, there's a restaurant that has awesome seafood. Eva's letting me have the car so we can go."
Kuroumaru couldn't seem to get a response out as his mouth opened and shut uselessly. Eventually he gave a hard nod to show his desire to go on the proposed date.
"Great! I'm going to go change. You already look perfect. Just give me a few minutes to grab a shirt that doesn't have holes in it," Touta said as he took off for his bedroom.
Kuroumaru was left standing in the living room trying to regain his composure. He brought his hands to his red cheeks and shook his head feverishly. There was something about Touta that just made his circuits misfire, leaving him feeling dazed.
A date? He wanted to go on a date. He'd never been on a date before and panic was setting in. It was honestly an accomplishment to even be able to go as far as he's had with Touta. He silently prayed that he wouldn't find some way to ruin it.
Deciding that he needed to freshen up as well Kuroumaru rushed to the bathroom and grabbed his hair brush from the counter. Undoing the hair tie his long raven hair cascaded down his back. He quickly began to run the brush through the strands in attempt to make it look silkier. While brushing he examined his face, wishing he was prettier. He was too pale, too small looking, just all around not attractive. Why Touta liked him he had no idea. He didn't even have a good personality to make the gap. But Touta still wanted to go out on a date with him so he had to try and do his best with what he had.
Grabbing his hair tie he pulled his long hair into his signature side ponytail and began to secure it in place. In his rush he must have been pulling too tight and soon the tie burst and his hair fell around his shoulder and back.
"Oh no," Kuroumaru exclaimed in anguish. "This is the only one I have! What do I do now? I can't go out like this. This is already a disaster!"
"Is everything alright?"
Kuroumaru looked to the door and saw Eva standing with a white bucket in her arms. He helplessly held up his hair tie towards her with a defeated expression.
"Really, is that what all the fuss is about? Follow me," Eva said as she continued back down the hallway.
Kuroumaru hesitated before following after her down the hall. Soon he found himself standing awkwardly in Eva's bedroom. He wasn't sure what he expected the aloof and confident Eva's room to look like but this… was not it. The furniture looked to be from the Victorian era. The most modern thing was her work desk that was situated in a large alcove. Her bed was a pale pink with white frills and he couldn't begin to guess how many stuffed animals where crammed on the bed and hid along her bookshelf.
Eva put her folded clothes at the foot of her bed and walked to her vanity table. Opening a drawer she pulled out a hair tie and held it up for Kuroumaru.
"Here you go; you can keep it. I have a million."
"Thank you," Kuroumaru said as he took the hair tie.
"Though you should leave it down. It looks nice like that."
"You… think?"
"It's unusual for boys to have such long hair nowadays."
"It's- "
"Traditional, I know."
"Well… I have let it get a bit longer than it's supposed to be. I should cut it soon. It just grows so fast," Kuroumaru said as he fidgeted with the hair tie.
"Nervous," Eva asked with a side smirk.
Kuroumaru blushed and nodded silently.
"Just relax. Touta will make sure you have a good time."
Kuroumaru silently began to pull his hair up.
"Why not try something different?"
"What do you mean," Kuroumaru asked, pausing.
"This is a special night for the two of you. Why don't you try something new with your hair?"
Kuroumaru looked down at his hair tie as he pondered the options. He moved his hair to the other side of his shoulder and began to tie it up in the same style side ponytail, only on the opposite side.
"That's not what I meant," Eva snapped in annoyance. "Sit down Kuroumaru," she ordered and pointed to the seat in front of her vanity mirror. Kuroumaru shuffled over and sat as he was told.
Eva grabbed her vintage comb and began comb through his hair. Kuroumaru couldn't remember the last time anyone had combed through his hair. It felt… nice.
"What about this," Eva asked with a mischievous smile as she pulled Kuroumaru's hair into high pigtails. Kuroumaru gasped and frowned in horror.
"No, that's a girl's hairstyle!"
"It's almost the exact same as what you wear every day though," Eva defended with a laugh before letting his hair fall back down. He began running her fingers through it as she thought of what to do.
"It's not the same. Please don't make me look like a girl."
"I'll try," Eva said as she continued to work at his hair for a few minutes. "Is this better?"
Kuroumaru turned his head as he examined his new hairstyle for the night. She had looped the hair that he typically kept down with the ends joining together with the bun on the back of his head. Keeping the ponytail theme, he had access hair poking out of the middle that still managed to fall between his shoulder blades.
"Well… I do like it."
"Perfect, I'm glad."
"Thank you so much," Kuroumaru said as he stood from the chair and headed towards the door. "This was… nice."
As soon as he stepped back into the hallways Touta rounded the corner. He looked shocked and confused to see him leaving Eva's room but quickly turned it into a smile.
"There you are. I've been looking all over for you. Are you ready?"
"I-I am," Kuroumaru answered as he closed the gap between them.
"Great, I love your hair by the way. It looks super cute."
"Cute!?"
"Definitely, now come on."
"Not one scratch Touta Konoe. I mean it," Eva called after them as they quickly walked away.
At the restaurant
Touta watched as Kuroumaru stirred his water with his straw while watching him from across the table. He didn't know why it got so quiet all of a sudden. They had a good time on the drive here. Even after almost killing them when he accidentally treated a stop light as a stop sign. An instance he stressed stayed between them. No need telling Eva when nothing came of it. Touta smiled at Kuroumaru who returned a sweet smile of his own.
"How do you like the food?"
"It's nice. I like seafood."
"Me too. Nikumaru's uncle owns this chain. We came here for his birthday and I've been wanting to come back."
"Though it's a little too big. The table I mean," Kuroumaru commented, noting the tall table that came up to his chest. "It makes me feel like I'm a child."
"Hey, you're right. They need to get some taller booths or something. It's kind of ridiculous."
"You feel... kind of far away."
Touta cocked his head as he thought for a second as an idea came to him. He smirked as he stood up and went over to Kuroumaru's side. Kuroumaru smiled as he slid farther in and allowed Touta to sit next to him.
"Better?"
"Yes, much."
"Besides, it's easier to do this now," Touta commented as he slid his hand into Kuroumaru's under the table.
Kuroumaru smiled as their fingers laced together. This was apparently all they needed as the dialogue wall crumbled and the fell into casual and light conversation. After they were done eating the waiter came and placed the check on the table. Touta pulled out his wallet to get his debit card while Kuroumaru started pulling cash out from his.
"What are you doing," Touta asked.
"I'm getting my money out," Kuroumaru stated obviously.
"Don't worry about it. This is my treat."
"You just can't pay for everything. This place is kind of expensive. Plus, you paid for everything at the festival. I owe you anyways."
"I'm not keeping a tab. And I asked you out so It's my duty to pay for the date."
"Stop it Touta. I know what you're doing. You're treating me like a girl again," Kuroumaru huffed as he crossed his arms in annoyance.
"What? No I'm not."
"Yes you are. I hate it."
"Look, if it upsets you this much how about this. I pay for your dinner," Touta held up a hand to keep Kuroumaru from interrupting with his protests. "And you can pay for mine. Sound fair?"
Kuroumaru mulled it over in his head before nodding in agreement.
"That sounds fair."
"Great. It can even be our little thing or something."
"I'd… I'd like that," Kuroumaru said as he tried to hold back a blush.
"Hey, before we head home can we go somewhere?"
"Where?"
"There a small flower field just around the block of this place. We could go and sit for a while before it gets dark."
"Okay, it sounds like fun."
"Great, c'mon," he said as he helped pull Kuroumaru out from the far side of the booth.
It was a short walk to where Touta was talking about. It looked like it used to be a building lot as it was tightly nestled between two buildings. It was like a simple garden with only a few trees and bushes but the ground was covered with small wildflowers that covered the ground like a blanket.
"It's beautiful Touta," Kuroumaru said with a smile.
"So you like it then?"
"I love it."
They both headed toward a patch that was fairly clear of other people and sat down, trying to avoid sitting on the bright flowers, though it was difficult to do so. After a few minutes of silently enjoying the scenery Touta took the opportunity and made himself comfortable by lying back and plopping his head on Kuroumaru's lap.
"What are you doing," Kuroumaru yelled under his breath, casting panic glances at the people around them. "Get off."
"Your lap is so soft though. Super comfy."
"Well... Maybe just for a little bit," Kuroumaru conceded with a deep blush.
Touta smiled and closed his eyes as he began to sink into relaxation. He wasn't lying about how comfortable this was and realized how easily it could be to fall asleep right where he was. Serene thoughts were jarred as he felt delicate fingers graze across the side of his face. He opened his eyes and saw an embarrassed Kuroumaru looking down at him.
"S-sorry," he said as he quickly retracted his hand. "I don't know why I did that."
"It's okay. I liked it actually. You don't have to stop."
Kuroumaru slowly brought his hand back to Touta's face and cupped his cheek, running his thumb across his skin. Touta closed his eyes and went back to relaxing, though it was now a bit more difficult now that his stomach was fluttering and his chest tightening the way it was. He felt as Kuroumaru began to run his hand slowly though his hair. Eventually he made it back to the gentle stroking of his face. No longer able to contain himself Touta reached up and grasped Kuroumaru's hand and placed a soft kiss on his palm. Above him he heard a reactionary gasp from Kuroumaru. Not wanting to stop there he continued to trail of slow and gentle kisses up Kuroumaru's wrist. He listened as Kuroumaru's breath became slightly more ragged. Before Touta had a chance to go too far up Kuroumaru yanked his hand back to cover his beat red face.
"I can't..."
Looking around to try and find something to distract himself with Kuroumaru decidedly began picking a few flowers and began twisting the vines together frantically. Soon a line of full flowers began to form as Kuroumaru steadily added to it.
"What are you making?"
"I'm making a flower crown," Kuroumaru said as he placed a few flowers on Touta's chest as a makeshift table. "My mom taught me how to make these when I was little. I haven't made one in years but I always found it therapeutic."
"Oh really? That's sweet."
"Mmhm…. She probably regretted teaching me though because the moment she went inside I think I plucked every flower in her garden to make more. I wanted one for everyone in the house and by the end of the day all these serious looking guys were walking around with big flower crowns on their heads. I didn't know how much work my mom put into her flowers until after. She was so mad."
"That's such a cute story. It makes me think that's it one of those stories parents have where they were angry in the moment but later on they look back to it being one for their fondest memories."
"… I hope so."
"This kind of reminds me of a field we have nearby my school. A couple of years back I would pick flowers for Eva almost every day."
Kuroumaru furrowed his eyebrows and slowed his work. "What?"
"Oh," Touta said with a blush. "It's a bit embarrassing to admit but when I a couple of years ago I had the biggest crush on her. I wasn't shy about it either."
"You had a crush on Eva," Kuroumaru repeated with concern.
"Yeah… It really was pathetic. I'd try everything to get her to like me back but it was all useless. She had to sit me down and explain that nothing was ever EVER going to happen and to move on."
"Do feelings like that just go away though? I mean… do you still like her?"
"Well… I still think she's attractive but that's just not how our relationship is."
Kuroumaru hands shook as he fumbled with the stems of the flowers he was twisting. His mind started racing with worrisome doubts.
"He loves Eva? Romantically? Of course he would, who wouldn't fall in love with her? She may not share those feelings now but what if things changed when Touta got older? Surely he would only become more handsome with age. What if she starting reciprocating his feelings? There's no way I would stand a chance if that happened."
"Hey," Touta said as he grasped Kuroumaru's had and gave a slight squeeze. Kuroumaru released the breath he was holding in surprise and looked at Touta. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Kuroumaru responded a bit too quickly.
"Oh really," Touta responded with a smug smirk. "Cuz you just seem just a tad bit jealous."
"I'm not jealous," Kuroumaru snapped back.
"Are too! You should see yourself. You're fuming, it's actually adorable."
"Shut up Touta. You are infuriating sometimes; you know that?"
"Well, I just want you to know you have nothing to be worried about. Ever. You have my word. I'm with you to the end."
Kuroumaru blushed at his words while connecting the ends of the crown. After securing it he plopped it on Touta's head. He smiled in appreciation and adjusted it so that it would fit better.
"You look ridiculous," Kuroumaru dead panned.
"Really? I like it though. Thank you."
Touta stood up and patted his shorts to get the grass off.
"It's about time we start heading back," he said as he held out a hand to help Kuroumaru to his feet.
"Okay," Kuroumaru said as he stood with the offered hand.
The two fell into step as the headed back towards where Touta parked the car. The sun was starting to set so a lot of the crowd had already fanned out. Soon it was just the two of them and a small group of suspicious looking men. Touta tried to give them a wide girth but they purposefully made themselves unavoidable.
"Wallet, both of you," the lead demanded. He pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at Touta.
"Yeah, okay. No problem," Touta shakily assured as he and Kuroumaru reached in their pockets for their wallets.
He couldn't believe this was happening. Touta thought as he pulled out his wallet. Everything was going so well and they were almost home. Why were they getting robbed? If this was the city he wouldn't have been so surprised but this was supposed to be a peaceful town. Where'd he even get a gun? Aren't the supposed to be banned in Japan? He passed over his wallet along with Kuroumaru. One of the other men took it and quickly pocketed it.
"Phones too," the gun wielding man said.
Touta reached back into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. Irrationally a quick thought of Eva getting mad at him for losing it passed through his head. It was quickly snatched from his hand. The gun was then pointed over to Kuroumaru who was looking ridiculously calm considering the situation. The panging fear in his stomach intensified.
"Don't point your gun at Kuroumaru. Just keep it on me," Touta pleaded.
"Phone," he said, ignoring Touta's protest.
"I don't have one," Kuroumaru answered coolly.
The man silently studied Kuroumaru momentarily.
"You're awfully pretty. How 'bout you come with us and I show you how to have a real good time."
"Leave him alone. You have your wallets so just leave."
"Him? No way, I'm going to have to see some proof of that."
"Let's go man, we're going to get caught," one of his accomplices said.
"In a minute," he bit back.
He stepped closer to Kuroumaru while lowering his gun hand. With his free hand he reached for the top of Kuroumaru's shirt, loosening his tie and perversely running his hand to pop off his top button. Touta hated the way he was looking at Kuroumaru. It was making him sick and soon his instincts just took over.
"I said leave him alone," Touta shouted as he stepped forward and slammed his fist across the larger man's face.
The thug growled as he was forced back and grabbed his cheek.
"You've just made the worst mistake of your life," he said as he stepped threating towards Touta.
In that split second Kuroumaru was on him and with a quick punch to the side he was sent sliding against the pavement. With a curse another assailant lunged at Kuroumaru. Kuroumaru easily evaded him and pivoted around him while quickly pulling his tie off from around his neck. In quick succession he forced the tie around the man's head and pushed his leg against his back, tightening and making it into a noose. The man grasped at his neck in a panic as he fell his knees, pathetically trying to free himself as he tried to gasp for breath.
The third and fourth man tried rushing them together. Using his smaller frame Kuroumaru rushed towards them as well before sliding between the legs of the closest one, taking him down by hitting his leg. Quickly regaining himself Kuroumaru bolted over the fallen man, flipping once in the air before wrapping his legs around the other man and using the momentum to take him down and slamming his face into the pavement.
"Oh shit," both Touta and the gun wielding thief shouted in unison as the stood off to the side.
Being the only one left the man lifted his gun towards Kuroumaru but with seemingly little effort Kuroumaru grabbed his wrist and twisted it behind him, making him fall to the ground. Kuroumaru took the gun and pointed it towards the back of the scared man's head.
"No, Kuroumaru don't!"
Kuroumaru quickly fired the weapon three times. The sound of empty clicks was barely audible of the sound of the man's panicked screams. Kuroumaru's eyes widened as realization fell over him. He loosened his grip on the man's arm which he pulled away before crawling then scrambling to his feet. The man took this opportunity to run away as fast as he can in the direction he saw his cohorts already taken.
Kuroumaru slowly fell to his knees. Arms going limp beside him and gun falling to the side. Touta quickly made his way over and fell to his boyfriend's side.
"Oh my god. Are you okay? Please tell me you're okay," he pleaded as he looked him over.
Kuroumaru didn't reply as he stared into the pavement with a blank expression.
"Come one, please say something. Shit, you're bleeding," Touta noted as he saw the red spreading across Kuroumaru's side. He quickly pulled at the bottom of Kuroumaru's shirt and began to pull it up so he could take a closer look.
"No," Kuroumaru shouted and defensively wrapped his arms around his chest.
"It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. I just need to check your wound. You're bleeding," Touta said as gently as he could as he once again tried lifting the shirt.
This time Touta was allowed access and was able to pull up Kuroumaru's shirt enough to find the blood soaked bandages. Touta couldn't help but take a quick glance around to Kuroumaru's front and saw that along with his injury they also served to tightly press down his breasts. Heat rose to Touta's face but quickly decided that it wasn't important at the moment and went back to inspecting Kuroumaru's side. He pulled at the bandages and saw a gash that ran along his side. A part of it was scabbed and he could make out where it pulled away from the poorly done stitches.
"Okay, looks like your cut reopened. And… And I have no clue what I'm doing so I'm just going to lower these bandages."
Touta pulled off his shirt and folded it before placing it over the wound.
"Keep your hand here for me," Touta said as he pulled Kuroumaru's hand and had him press down.
When Touta released the other boy's hand Kuroumaru slowly let it drift down with the shirt in hand.
"Just press right here," Touta repeated as he repositioned Kuroumaru's hand. This time Kuroumaru's hand stayed in place. "There we go,"
Touta reached for his phone and cursed as he remembered that he gave it over during the mugging.
"Okay, we need to get back to the car. Can you stand," he asked as he gently tried to help Kuroumaru to his feet. Kuroumaru didn't budge and continued to stare quietly down. "That's okay… I'll just carry you."
He wrapped his arms around Kuroumaru and tried to pull him up but it was proving to be harder than he though.
"Can you help me out just a little bit?... No? That's okay, I got this."
It took him a couple of tries but he was finally able to work Kuroumaru into a bridal carry. He didn't realize how hard it was to pick up a person who wasn't cooperating with you. But they were moving now and that was what mattered. He quickly carried him off and away from the scene of the attack.
"Eva," Touta shouted as he carried Kuroumaru into the house. "I need your help, Kuroumaru's hurt!"
Touta rushed over to the couch and gently
"Eva!"
"What is it? What the hell happened," Eva asked as she rushed out of the hallway into the living room.
"We were mugged," Touta quickly said as he moved so Eva could examine Kuroumaru.
"Was he stabbed? Why didn't you call me? Why didn't you take him to a hospital?"
"He wasn't stabbed. It's his wound from earlier this week. They stole my phone. And I tried taking him to the hospital but he grabbed the steering wheel and almost killed us when I brought it up."
Eva pulled open Kuroumaru's shirt. She didn't even blink an eyelash at Kuroumaru's bound chest. Touta though went immediately beat red and turned away.
"Stop standing around Touta. Get me my phone. It's on the counter in the kitchen."
"Right," Touta said as he rushed off to the kitchen.
Eva grabbed a pair of scissors that were conveniently left on the coffee table and swiftly cut the bandages loose. She inspected it quickly and looked up and Kuroumaru who hadn't uttered a word since arriving.
"It's not as bad as it looks. You're going to be fine… Kuroumaru?"
Eva glanced up at Kuroumaru's unresponsive face momentarily before letting out a sigh. Touta ran back into the front room with Eva's cell phone in hand. She quickly took the phone, unlocked it, and called a number in her contact list. While listening to the phone ring she glanced up at Touta who was looking at Kuroumaru with concern and guilt. She couldn't help with that right now but she could at least try and give him a job to keep him busy.
"Touta, I need a bowl of cool, not cold, water. Get the medicine kit while you're at it."
Touta nodded and quickly went to do as he was told. About that time a chipper voice came from the other end of the phone.
"Hey… Yes yes, it's been too long. I need you to get to my house as quick as you can. It's an emergency."
"How is she," Eva whispered as she entered Kuroumaru's bedroom before closing the door behind her.
Inside her school friend, Ako Izumi, was pulling blankets over an unconscious Kuroumaru. Ako looked up at Eva and sighed.
"I gave her something to sleep. She should be out for the night and most of tomorrow. I'm also going to get you some antibiotics that I want her to take. Honestly, I'm surprised that it wasn't already infected. And no more binding. She's compressing the blood vessels and slowing the healing process."
Ako began to clear up her medical equipment and gave out a troubled sigh.
"… You know, I'm not certain what I find more disturbing. A fifteen-year-old girl with a badly self-done stitching job for a gunshot wound. Thank god it was just a graze… Or am I more disturbed that this isn't the first time she's been shot. And that's not all! She's literally been stabbed in the back. Seven times."
"I saw that."
"Where on earth did you find this girl?"
"Touta found her. I swear that kid attracts trouble like a moth to a flame. He's just like his parents. All of them, but he cares about her so I'll make sure she's taken care of."
"My my Eva. I can't believe parenthood has turned you into such a softie," Ako teased as she closed her medical bag and headed for the door.
"Do you want to leave this house in one piece," Eva said with a frown as she flicked of the light.
Ako giggled quietly as she reached Eva. "Call me if something happens but medically she's good to go. I'll see myself out. Good night."
"Good night," Eva said she opened the door and followed Ako out.
Touta was waiting just outside, fiddling the flower crown Kuroumaru had given him earlier. He politely wished Ako goodnight as she passed and looked at Eva.
"How is he? Can I see him now?"
"She's sleeping," Eva said firmly. "And she's sedated so she'll be out for a while."
"I'll be quiet. I just want to see him."
"It's late Touta. You can see her tomorrow. Just go to bed for now."
"But,"
"Honestly, don't fight me on this. Go to bed. You've had a rough night yourself."
Touta let out an exasperated breath but could tell it wasn't going anywhere. He conceded at turned to his bedroom and went inside. Once Touta was gone Eva let out her millionth sigh and went to her bedroom. She went to her work desk and sat down tiredly. Mentally she decided she was getting too old for this. Unlocking her desk, she opened the drawer and pulled out and a couple of ever growing files. She snapped her fingers and got to work.
Touta couldn't sleep. He was exhausted but every time he closed his eyes the night just played over and over in his head. He didn't think the fear he felt when he saw that guy point that gun at Kuroumaru would ever go away. Even knowing now that it was empty the whole time didn't do anything from making him feel less sick to the stomach. He felt so guilty for letting that happen. It all was just too fast for him. And Kuroumaru fighting all those guys. What was that? It looked like something out of an action movie. He'd never seen anyone move like that. And of course he couldn't wrap his mind about finding out that Kuroumaru's a girl. He knew he was ultra-feminine but he had been so adamant about being a guy…
Touta tossed and turned for a few more hours before deciding that he couldn't sleep with all these annoying thoughts running through his head. Pulling himself out of his bed he headed out of his room and walked toward the living room. He'd just watch TV for a while. That would hopefully take his mind off things.
Entering the living room, he saw a familiar dark headed figure sitting alone in the dark room. Happiness swelled in him as he realized just how badly he wanted to see him. Kuroumaru's hair was down and all over the place. Even though Touta was a good way in Kuroumaru didn't seem to notice his presence, or possibly was just not acknowledging him.
"Kuroumaru," Touta said as he came closer.
Kuroumaru jumped at Touta's voice and looked at him with wide eyes. He had apparently surprised him. Kuroumaru didn't say anything as Touta sat done closely beside him.
"What are you doing up? I expected you to be out all night. Though I have to admit I'm happy to see you."
Kuroumaru didn't respond as he sadly looked down into his lap.
"Kuroumaru I'm really sorry… I wanted tonight to go well and it ended up the way it did. I swear that next time it will go better."
"Next time," questioned Kuroumaru quietly.
"Yeah, as soon as you're feeling better we'll go on another date."
"Why would you want to go on another date with me?"
"Because you're my boy… friend," Touta said, hesitating a bit on the verbiage. "And up until then I was having the best time."
"But you saw what happened... I almost killed him."
"Yeah… So, what was that anyway?"
"It's what I am: a monster."
"You are not a monster," Touta said with certainty. "Come on, there's more to it than that. Please tell me. I can't help you if you don't tell me."
"I don't want your help," Kuroumaru snapped back before sighing and continuing in a softer tone. "I don't want you to have any part of it."
"Well, that's too bad. Because if you're a part of it than so am I. That's just how it is now."
"T-touta- "
"Just spill the beans already Kuroumaru," Touta said in annoyance before quickly changing his tone and placing his hand over Kuroumaru's. "Please let me be here for you."
They stared into each other before Kuroumaru finally broke the gaze and looked down at Touta's hand. After a few seconds he gave the small hand a small squeeze in attempt to urge him on. A few more minutes passed and Touta was about to resign that Kuroumaru still wasn't ready to talk about it.
"It's my family," Kuroumaru said quietly.
Touta figured that much but kept to himself as he allowed Kuroumaru to continue.
"Remember when I told you about what my family does?
"Yeah, the contract thing."
"Well… It's more complicated than that. I-I'm not even sure where to begin. Have you ever heard of the Yatagarasu?"
"That bad ass yakuza clan? Yeah, who hasn't? Wait… Don't tell me you family does contracts for them. Those people are seriously bad news."
"No," Kuroumaru said as he sighed. "We don't do contracts for them because we… kind of… are them."
"Oh," Touta said as he let it sink in. "Oh…"
"Well, I mean we're just a branch but… yeah. That's who we are. And I," Kuroumaru sighed. "I do very bad things."
"What kind of things," Touta asked, a little afraid of the answer.
"I take people out," Kuroumaru said quietly.
"And by take out you mean…?"
"… I kill them."
Touta closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. That wasn't what he wanted to hear, but he knew it was going to be bad. Not Yakuza assassination bad though. Kuroumaru withdrew his hand and wrapped his arms around his chest.
"The day I came here. I had just finished a job. I… I don't even know who it was. It's easier not knowing. He had a lot of guards. I wasn't told there was going to be so many guards. My escort was shot. There was nothing I could do for him."
"Your side," Touta couldn't help but ask.
"Yes, I didn't even notice until I was standing alone among a room full of the people I had just killed. I picked up my escort's phone to call my brother for an extraction but… I don't know how but my fingers just dialed you instead," Kuroumaru blinked away a few tears.
" I-I don't want to do it! I have to… I'll get in trouble if I don't. I don't want to be in trouble Touta," Kuroumaru said as he became more and more emotional. He was terrified.
Touta hurt seeing Kuroumaru like this but he didn't know what to do. How do you even begin to respond to news like this? He found himself completely unequipped. Doing the only think he could think of he pulled Kuroumaru towards him and a tight embrace. He heard Kuroumaru let out a shaking sob.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to involve you; I'm just so tired. I'm tired of all the killing and death. I'm tired of being hurt. I'm so sorry. Please don't hate me!"
"Hey, hey. Kuroumaru," Touta said as he demanded Kuroumaru to look at him in the face. "I could never hate you. I'm glad that you called me. More than anything. And I promise that you will never go back to that life. I'm with you as long as you'll have me."
"I love you."
As soon as the words left his mouth Touta could see the instant regret as Kuroumaru covered his mouth in shock and looked at him with uncertain eyes. The outburst was obviously unplanned but Touta still beamed at the sudden confession. Kuroumaru somehow brought him from the depths of a shared despair to soaring above the clouds with three words.
"I love you too," Touta easily said back.
Kuroumaru sighed in relief as he leaned back into Touta who hugged him tightly in return. Right now that was what both needed the most. The two teenager stayed tightly wrapped together for what Touta thought was not long enough when Kuroumaru reluctantly pulled away.
"I'm really tired," he admitted through hazy eyes. "I'm mean, I about to pass out tired. I'm… going to bed now."
Kuroumaru slowly pushed himself off the couch and took a wobbly step before falling back on the couch.
"Wow, what did that woman give me? I-I can't feel my legs."
"I'm amazed you even made it out this far," Touta laughed before grabbing the blanket that lined the top of the couch. "Let's just sleep here tonight."
"Here? T-together," Kuroumaru said with an embarrassed blush.
"Yes, here. It will be fun," he said, using his 'it will be an adventure' voice.
Touta leaned back onto the couch and held out his arm to Kuroumaru. Hesitantly Kuroumaru followed suit and leaned onto Touta's chest. Once situated Touta threw the blanket over them and wrapped his arms around a stiff Kuroumaru.
"Are you comfortable," Touta questioned nervously. He felt Kuroumaru nod 'yes'. "Okay, good."
Touta stared up at the ceiling as he silently started to regret his spur of the moment decision. It hadn't even been a minute and he could feel his body react to Kuroumaru on top of him. He felt so warm and soft. And boobs! Dear lord Kuroumaru had boobs and he could feel them. He wasn't sure if he could sleep like this! But at the same time it felt so nice…
"Um… Kuroumaru? Are you asleep," he asked as he glanced down to the top of the raven colored hair. He lifted Kuroumaru's arm with no resistance and dropped in back down.
"Yup, you're out. Man, I wished they could have drugged me too," Touta admitted as he laid his head back down and tried to focus on something other than Kuroumaru pressed up so snugly against him.
A/N:
Happy fun times are almost over. Next chapter things get real! I hope I did okay with the fight scene. I kind of ripped it off the Black Widow from the Avengers as that's kind of how I picture Kuroumaru's skills. Minus all the gadgets.
Honestly I was on the fence about making Kuroumaru a girl or a boy. Canon wise I want him to be a girl because I feel that's what he really wants. In this story, when I started it, the gender wouldn't have mattered either way but I decided that I could really screw with him more emotionally if he's a girl. It actually makes the rest of the story fall together more smoothly.
I hope that I made it clear that Touta's pansexual and that in the end he doesn't care what gender Kuroumaru is. It may be stressed more next chapter though.