Disclaimer: Nuramago belongs to Shiibashi-sensei! Luna only play with the characters… swear!
Warning: oOC-ness, language, yaoincest (for this chapter only, I should increase the rating… nothing too graphic, but it's still Riku-cest smex after all T_T. So… for being safe, I increase the rating into M), mistypes (unchecked as always … TT_TT)
A/N: Um… yeah, you read that right. Increase of the rating for this chapter… I got carried away in making the fan service. Sorry…, but I don't want to edit it into T-rated again because their conversation there and the scene itself are important… (for me at least). Anyway, just… please just skip the… well, you-know-what scene, if you're uncomfortable with it. Other than that… I guess only Inu/Tama's relationship is the only disturbing thing here. Enjoy!
Chapter 9: Major Life Decision! For Him and For Him Only
Rikuo got his hand on the phone by borrowing the thing from the convenient store nearby in the area.
"Thank you. I'll pay for it later," Rikuo smiled at the store clerk, a handsome young man in early twenties (probably) and the black haired man just smiled friendlily at the boy.
"Sure, kid. Make sure your family knows you're okay," he said with a carefree look.
Rikuo smiled at him and turned around to use the phone, giving his back to the clerk as he dialed the main house number. He waited until the call connected and someone picked up the phone.
"Nura's Residence here, may I help you?"
Rikuo knew that voice. It was Kejourou. "Kino-san? It's Rikuo," he said urgently.
"Waka? What's wrong? Your sound upset,"
"Um, I need to talk to Sandaime Rikuou. Is he around?" Rikuo spoke again, trying to stay quiet and not to panic, but he didn't answer Kino's question as well because there was no time to waste.
"Y-yes, I'll connect you to him immediately,"
Kino sounded confused and concerned, but Rikuo could only hear her steps as she seemed hurrying finding Rikuou while bringing the wireless. Rikuou should really consider having a cell phone, so did everyone in Nura Gumi and Rikuo himself so they could easily be contacted if an emergency came up, like right then.
A minute or two later, another person answered the phone, and of course Rikuo was familiar enough with his voice. "Hello," Rikuou's tone a little hesitant and cautious, probably because yesterday, Rikuo was being so harsh to his half brother.
Well, Rikuo felt kind of bad, but he had to forget about that problem first because this was more important. "Rikuou, there's something urgent I have to tell you," Rikuo didn't waste time by having small talk and chose to go to the point. "I'm in the first district of Ukiyoe now, and something happened to Hihi-jisan," he whispered the last part of his line because of habit. He didn't really want their conversation to be overheard by anyone after all.
"Hihi?" Rikuou's doubtful tone was gone instantly as he seemed knowing how important and urgent this situation. "What happened?"
"I'm not really sure, but it seemed Hihi-jisan was attacked. He was stabbed and lost a lot of blood…," Rikuo informed tensely, very worried as well.
"What—!" Rikuo sounded shocked at the news. "Hihi-jisan was attacked? Moreover, stabbed?"
"Yeah, I didn't know who stabbed him, but he was attacked in public place just in time when people are going home from school. Whoever did it isn't scared of being seen at all," Rikuo said, biting his lower lip.
"Who the hell would do something like that to my family's Alliance? What the FUCK!" Rikuou sounded angry now, probably more furious at the thought that someone actually had the guts enough to attack one of his allies in his own main territory.
The words 'an attack to Nura Gumi' was on the tip of Rikuo's tongue, but he thought better of that. It was still a speculation… and so quick after the incident with Gyuuki. That could raise question to Rikuou's capability in protecting Nura Gumi's area. He had to get more proofs before announcing it was indeed a special message for Nura Gumi.
"I'm more concerned about Hihi-jisan. I hope he can make it…!" Rikuo said feeling really distressed now. Despite his worry that this was an attack to Nura Gumi, he was also sadder that Hihi was hurt. Shouhei would be really upset if he heard about this as well.
"Right… where's he brought into?" Rikuou sounded somber now, seeming totally understand about Rikuo's discontented feelings after seeing something like that.
"I don't know…. I haven't got any more time to ask the detail. I'm with a friend right now, so I can't move freely. The first district is Ryouta-san's territory, right?" Rikuo asked carefully.
"Yeah, but he's in Shikoku right now. I believe Saburo is in charge when he's away. I'll contact him as soon as possible after this to investigate it further," Rikuou sighed long now, sounding like he was resigned.
Rikuo knew why though. After all, Sandaime would be the one responsible to inform Shouhei (and the rest of Hihi's family) about this incident. "Do you want me to tell Shouhei-kun?" Rikuo offered. As much as he hated the job, it wasn't fair if Rikuou had to bear all of the difficult tasks. Telling Shouhei would be very tough, especially for Nura brothers… because something similar happened to their father.
Nura Rihan was murdered. The details of the incident was hid pretty well even within the family and only stated as accident, only the selected ones knew about that, including Rikuou and Rikuo. Actually, the brothers were the witness of that horrid episode. However, because of the shock of losing someone very dear to them, they themselves didn't really remember the detail of it.
Even though both Rikuo and Rkuou were trained to be observant about the things around them, the image of Rihan bleeding on the ground dying was enough to shut down their common sense. They couldn't even make out the face of their father's murderer, heck they didn't even know if it was done by a man or a woman. Even until now, that moment would always be nightmare for Rikuo and Rikuou.
Anyway, back to the topic. Rikuo was willing to help the Sandaime if it was too hard for him. After all, Rikuo knew that his half brother was sometimes unstable. He was worried if this incident might bring back some of his bad traits in dealing with strong emotions.
"I'll be okay. Riku, just be careful. We don't know who did it. It could be from one of our rival families," Rikuou's voice sound totally serious when he said that, his face probably looking grim as well right now. Seemed Rikuou wasn't as dense as Rikuo thought he would be. He was getting there in the right direction with his suspicion.
"Okay…,"Rikuo nodded as he responded to Sandaime's order. He was still worried that the attack to Hihi was indeed a message to Nura Gumi. Hihi Clan was strong, almost as strong as Gyuuki, might be more if only they were fighting seriously. Defeating Hihi wouldn't be easy even for a trained martial artist. Unless, Hihi was caught off guard by a surprise attack.
Rikuo made his mind as he thought about the dishonor of cheating. He felt furious so suddenly. "I'm so going to find more information about this on my own," Rikuo compromised while gripping he phone handle hard.
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before "Alright…, just promise me that you won't overdo it," Rikuou warned and asked his half brother with voice and tone sounding suspiciously like a plea.
"Got it," Rikuo nodded again before he hung up. He clenched his fists and tensely bit his lower lip again, still feeling angry that something like this happened to his family. Now he understood why Rikuou was very mad at Gyuuki and wanted to kill him for abducting Rikuo. If he felt this furious over Hihi, he couldn't imagine what he would do if it was Rikuou who was attacked and hurt like that.
That anger he felt inside him was alien enough to freak Rikuo a little. It seemed… after spending so much time with Nura Gumi, he had been completely tied to the family emotionally. Forget the civilian life, he couldn't even think of himself as an individual being anymore without tying himself with the Yakuza Family.
"Problem?"
Rikuo was startled as that voice came from behind him. He turned around immediately to face who spoke to him. It was the store clerk. The man looked slightly concerned, probably because Rikuo wore that tense and grave expression on his face.
"Ah, no… I'm fine," Rikuo sighed slowly, trying not to panic. The clerk probably had watched him, but he didn't know if the clerk heard anything of his words. Rikuo was sure that he didn't say anything suspicious or worth checking out.
"You look so pale. Are you really okay?" It seemed the clerk wasn't the type to just leave his customer alone if they looked distressed.
Rikuo was silent for a moment, trying to think of something to say, but he decided to settle with the truth. "Actually… one of my relative got hurt and he's kind of in critical condition right now. I'm just worried I guess…," Rikuo closed his eyes dejectedly.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Do you want to sit down?" the clerk touched Rikuo's shoulder gently, probably trying to direct him to sit down on the counter, but Rikuo shook his head lightly.
"I have a friend waiting for me. I should go," Rikuo thanked him though, for his hospitality. "Oh, how much should I pay for using your phone?" he didn't forget to ask as he was about to get out.
"Don't worry about that. Just keep coming to buy in this store?" the dark haired clerk said with a grin and Rikuo smiled as he saw it.
"Thank you… um…,"
"Ryuuji," the man provided Rikuo with his name immediately as Rikuo didn't know how to call him. He even showed his name tag so Rikuo could read it with the right letters.
"Oh, right, thank you, Ryuuji-san. I'm Rikuo, Nura Rikuo," Rikuo offered his hand and he noticed the pregnant pause Ryuuji gave him before the older man accepted the handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Rikuou-kun. I hope your relative can make it," Ryuuji said with a soft smile.
"Thanks, I hope so too," Rikuo smiled back before releasing the handshake and got out of the store, no longer looking back, so he didn't realize that Ryuuji was still looking at him from inside the store.
"You heard that? His name is Nura Rikuou," the black eyed store clerk said again after Rikuo was no longer in hearing range. He stroked his black hair back before putting his palm on his cheek. "Sounds familiar don't you think, Mamiru-kun?" he smirked as another young man, with reddish brown hair and dark grey eyes wearing a white Gakuran, stepped out of behind one of the shelves.
"Nura Rikuou is the Third Head of Nura Gumi Alliance. But…, the appearance is different," the boy spoke slowly, with cold almost expressionless face as he approached Ryuuji.
"Well, no one has actually seen the head of the Yakuza Alliances in the Central. He's like a ghost. Who knows if the rumor of Silver Haired Demon is a hoax after all, to cover the truth, that the real appearance of Nura Rikuou is… very plain and ordinary? Just like… typical of the next-door type of a boy…," Ryuuji chuckled lightly.
Mamiru didn't say anything to that, just staring blankly through the window as well when they saw that Rikuo had already met his 'friend' again.
"Foolish girl…, my cute dense little sister seems getting duped by our enemy," Ryuuji snorted as he saw Yura talk to Rikuo with excited look. "Sometimes I wonder why Gramps allows her to go out of town to test her ability. She's totally still immature," he humped and turned back to his post as a clerk when another customer opened the door of the store.
"Welcome to Yorokonde (1) Store. May I help you?" Ryuuji smiled friendlily again as he faced his customer.
Mamiru didn't release his gaze from the two people, talking to each other while walking away.
0oo—Rikuou x Rikuo—oo0
"Rikuo-kun, where have ya been? I was looking for ya everywhere," Yura looked worried as she ran up to him after he got out of the convenient store.
"Yeah… sorry, I need to stay a bit away… to do something, so I went to the convenient store there," Rikuo lied by omission, but the part he went to convenient store was true, so he hoped Yura guessed the rest by herself, and hoped that she guessed what he wanted her to guess.
"Oh…," Yura looked sympathetic. It seemed his trick was successful. This girl was really gullible. Would she really be okay when she got the job as a detective in the future?
"So… how's the investigation?" Rikuo tried to distract her from guessing too much, and it seemed she was excited enough to talk about the assault.
"Yeah, according to the officer and some passersby, the one getting attacked was a part of a very big gangster, so they thought this was some kind of gangster war…, but I think they're jumping into conclusion," Yura said with a huff, seeming a bit annoyed that the authorized figure in this town didn't take the case a bit more seriously.
"What do you mean?" Rikuo asked, wanting to know more.
"It's true that the attack seems related to Yakuza matters, but the work is too clean. If it was a turf war, the attack wouldn't be in a broad day light because it would be too risky. The perpetrator could endanger his own family if his action was seen by witnesses. The aim seems pretty straight forward as well. You also notice that no one else got hurt in the process, right? Just that middle aged man?" Yura tried to explain and Rikuo nodded, answering her question. "Right, it indicates that the attack was premeditated. That man… was indeed the sole target from the very beginning."
A sole target…, for what, killing?—Rikuo couldn't help feeling even more worried at the mention.
"Do you think it's personal?" Rikuo asked the girl with wavering tone, but Yura seemed not noticing that as she kept talking while walking together with him.
"I don't know. If I can talk with the victim family, I may know if he has enemy. But, since he's in the Yakuza… I think there are a lot of people wanting that man's death," she shrugged and sighed long.
Wrong…, Hihi-jisan loves peaceful life. Despite being strong, he's the warmest person in the General Meeting. He's a kind person who never makes anyone even the civilian fear him. Heck, if you ask around, Hihi-jisan is probably more popular than the Sandaime among the town's people. Unlike Rikuo, Hihi-jisan is active in helping the civilian communities in town. Despite everyone knowing and fearing Rikuou's name, they never actually face Rikuou in person. They didn't know what kind of person Rikuou is. But Hihi? They know him like an old friend.
No one wanted Hihi dead, even rival families. On the contrary, they really wanted Hihi in their group because he could be a very valuable liaison with other families and civilians. Targeting Hihi was a stupid move if they wanted him to join them, so there must have been some kind of other objectives.
But really…, who's done something like this…?—Rikuo bit his lower lip again worriedly. He felt even more anxious by the second.
"Rikuo-kun?" Yura called him while waving in front of his face, surprising Rikuo out of his reverie.
"Oh, sorry… just thinking…," Rikuo chuckled sheepishly. "But, Yura-san is great, huh? You can notice something like that just by listening to people's testimony and observing the crime scene," he was a bit impressed at the observation his friend had performed in the short time.
"Well, it's nothing, heheh," Yura grinned sheepishly as well. "I also noticed that this couldn't be done by the Yakuza around here. It's not their signature after all," she added.
"Eh?" Rikuo was intrigued as he heard that. "How do you know?" he asked curiously.
"The knife. They found a lot of knifes in the crime scene," Yura said.
"Knifes…?" Rikuo tilted his head aside.
"It's a specific signature left by a killer from a certain family. Unfortunately, no one could tie the murders with the said family back then," Yura sighed long at that, looking disappointed.
"Wait, you said this has ever happened before?" Rikuo widened his eyes in surprise.
"Yeah, but not here," Yura answered seriously. "It happened in Shikoku," she continued.
"Shikoku…," Rikuo widened his eyes even more as he realized it. "I see…, thanks for explaining it to me, Yura-san. As expected, you're indeed awesome in something like this," he smiled at Yura sweetly, making the girl turn a bit red seeing it.
"Um… no problem, I'm glad to help… eh, helping with what, I'm not sure though…," Yura's sweat dropped.
"Of course helping me understand, I was sure I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight if I didn't figure out the mystery after seeing something like that. Thanks to Yura-san, now I'm sure I'll be fine," Rikuo chuckled slightly, feeling amused, and he wasn't lying at all when he said it.
"I… I see…," Yura looked down with a shy look then.
"Solving a mystery is always refreshing and interesting," Rikuo added. "I wonder if the paranormal occurrences are really human's doing after all…," he then subtly tried to change the topic and it seemed Yura was willing to drop the subject as she excitedly agreed with Rikuo's wondrous thought.
Shikoku Yakuza… huh…?—Rikuo laughed at the outside at Yura's enthusiasm in arguing that human was more mysterious than ghost or youkai, while silently he was formulating ideas to trap those guys from Shikoku to show themselves so he (or in this case, Rikuou) could kick their asses for hurting one of their family members.
0oo—Rikuou x Rikuo—oo0
"What's the meaning of this?" Tamazuki looked pissed as he saw the television showing some kind of news channel while Inukami was digging in his cup ramen inside Tamazuki's office or his study room since he was still a senior high school kid after all.
"What is it?" Inukami had manner enough to ask when he noticed Tamazuki's displeased look.
"Someone has been defying my direct order to lay low for awhile to get used to this place and to measure how much power Nura Gumi Alliance has… and just went and caused a ruckus in the middle of the town by attacking one of the Nura Gumi Alliance Generals without my consent!" the black haired boy slammed the remote control to the table hard, surprising the other boy.
It seemed Tamazuki was in his mood swing. Well, Inukami couldn't really say anything since he also had that condition, worse than Tamazuki even. "Isn't it okay? Seems to me that whoever did that, he was trying to measure how much power Nura Gumi has to fight us later. No dead victim, right?" he said as he was back to his cup ramen.
"Inukami…, I thought I've told you my plan enough to make you understand. We can't just make a scene this early, you know! They'll increase their guard and it will be difficult for us to get information! At this era, whoever has more information and can manipulate it to their advantage is the winner. Not just by brute strength!" Tamazuki hissed and grumbled for a few minutes before huffing as he tried to calm himself. "Well, punishment will be sufficient to teach those guys downstairs a lesson for defying me… but I'm not inclined to dirty my hands over something so stupid like this," he sighed long as he sat back down on his exclusive chair and whined. "Aah, if only I have a servant who will abide to my every order… I'll give even my heart to that kind of person…."
Inukami's ears twitched at that and he quickly stood and turned his face at Tamazuki, completely dropping and abandoning his cup ramen on the floor. "Then… let me be your servant, Tamazuki," he said while moving closer to the shorter boy. "Tell me anything… anything at all. For you, I'm willing to do anything for you," he continued while hugging the boy from his side, closing his eyes and smiling in contentment.
Tamazuki smirked at that, seeming satisfied with the loyalty his 'friend' gave him. "Then…, Inukami… find out who attacked Nura's General… and punish him for me?" Tamazuki whispered lightly as his hand touched Inukami's arm while the other one reached out back to the chocolate haired boy's head to caress his hair softly. "Be my hands and feet, Inukami…. I need you more than anything," he continued while baring his pale neck to Inukami who greedily bit him there, eliciting a soft moan from the black haired boy.
"As you wish… Master," Inukami said, or more like growling as he looked up and his eyes turned slightly yellow with a scratch in the middle of his irises.
Tamazuki totally smiled as the other boy slowly released him and went to the door. "Just don't go as far as killing, Inukami. I still need my other friends, you know," he warned and Inukami only nodded in agreement before he closed the door.
"Now…, I've found someone interesting to look into…," Tamazuki opened the drawer of his desk and then took a white envelope out. He opened the lid and took another paper from the inside. The paper was actually a picture of a brown haired boy with glasses and a smile which could illuminate the night at new moon. "Nura Rikuo, huh…? Let's see if he has something to do with Nura Rikuou, the Sandaime of Nura Gumi…."
0oo—Rikuou x Rikuo—oo0
Rikuo went back to his house to change his uniform into casual clothes. He was still thinking that he needed to be there when Rikuou broke the news to the others. Shouhei was probably still in school because he was an executive committee member. He always stayed late whenever there weren't any crisis in the family, or no General Meeting. He really didn't seem too interested in Yakuza Family's affairs. But, after this…, after he heard what happened to his father…, what would he do?
Rikuo sighed after he changed. He then hurriedly put his uniform in a hanger and went to find his mother. He found her in the kitchen cooking dinner.
"Mom?"
Wakana turned her face at the entrance of the door and smiled as her eyes met her son's. "Welcome home, Rikuo. Do you want bath first or dinner?"
"No, I… I have to go to the main house today," Rikuo was feeling a little bad because he had to leave his mother again to eat dinner alone. Crap. He had been driven away and away from his civilian life and his own mom. It shouldn't be this way. He had to prioritize what was more important to him.
But…, both Rikuou and his mother… and Nura Gumi and also his friends… everyone was important. It was just plainly impossible to choose one.
Wakana's face softened as she seemed seeing the guilt in Rikuo's face. She smiled gently while turning the stove off and then approached her son slowly. "Wait for awhile longer. I'll pack the dinner for you and Rikuou-sama in the main house," she cup Rikuo's cheek before kissing his forehead tenderly.
Rikuo was stunned. He should have known better that his mother was awesomely lovely and loving and understanding, but every time he felt her love for him, he was always left amazed and speechless. If Rikuo wasn't so infatuated by his own half brother right then, he believed he would direct the feeling to his own mother.
That was really disturbing thought. What was it with Nura's gene and their ability to entice people regardless blood relation with their charm alone? Did that mean Rikuo had that ability too? Was that the reason why he and Rikuou were attracted to each other?
"Thank you, Mom…," Rikuo smiled solemnly before he hugged her tightly. "You're always so understanding without asking too many questions," he closed his eyes gratefully.
"That's the job of being a wife of a Yakuza Boss. Supporting from behind in silence, waiting for his return with open arms to heal his weary soul…., sounds very boring, right?" Wakana chuckled humorously.
"Yeah…, but only waiting and praying for his safety is also… very hard, maybe harder than fighting in the frontline," Rikuo sat down on the chair and put his chin on his arms as his mother was back to cooking.
Wakana didn't say anything as Rikuo was mulling over what he had said. Rikuo was different from Wakana. He wasn't a wife… and certainly wasn't a woman. He chose to fight beside Rikuou in the frontline. Because at least… if he was there, he could always watch for his back closely, wouldn't let something happened to him like what happened to his dad.
"That's why you're born as his brother, and as a man, Rikuo," Wakana said with a soft understanding smile on her face.
Rikuo smiled as well. Everyone was totally important for Rikuo…, and he would do almost everything to keep them, but the most important thing he could think of, one thing he could give everything up in order to keep it if there was no other way…, he had decided it.
Rikuo had made his choice.
Wakana finished her cooking and packed the dinner for Rikuo and his half brother. She escorted her son until the front door and they hugged each other again before Rikuo left. "Take care," the mother said softly as Rikuo closed the door.
0oo—Rikuou x Rikuo—oo0
Rikuo arrived in the main house, and the atmosphere of the house was totally very heavy.
"Of course it will. We almost lost one of our families…. I wonder if Shouhei-kun has already been informed…," Rikuo then went inside the house which was unusually quiet. He went to the recreation area where Nura Gumi people were usually milling around.
"Excuse me…,"
"Shut up!"
Rikuo was surprised as he heard the very loud yell of a boy none other than Hihi Shouhei. He looked really angry and out of control while Kubinashi and Kurotabou were trying to hold him down together, but the difference in height and strength was making it difficult for them to do so. He was not like the usual Shouhei who was warm and liked to smile. He looked like he was about to murder someone and it wasn't good at all for everyone.
"I want to see my father! He's in a coma and you tell me I can't see him!" the tall boy stood and glared at Rikuou with heated eyes.
"Not right now, Shouhei. The place where your father is hospitalized is confidential. We don't know yet if he's targeted specifically or if it was a message for us, The Nura Gumi Alliance. If Hihi is indeed targeted to kill, I won't have you lead the killer straight to where he's trying to recuperate," Rikuou stared back at the older man with his glaring crimson eyes in serious expression that Shouhei had to step back and back down from the argument.
"Ugh…!" As angry and as upset Shouhei was right now, there was no way could he defy his boss order. Moreover, Rikuou made a point. What if Hihi was indeed targeted? If the killer knew he was still barely alive, he/she might try to finish the job.
"Shouhei, I understand how you feel. I'm as pissed off and as worried as you are, but right now, trying to ensure that something like this won't happen again to anyone in our family comes first. I'll provide some body guards for the other Generals for now. We have no idea why Hihi's attacked, but we have to assume the worst scenario. If this is an attack to Nura Gumi, we have to find who's responsible for this. And FUCK, we're gonna find the bastard!" Rikuou looked really grim and serious as he said that.
"Sandaime…," Shouhei looked a bit surprised that Rikuou was so passionate dealing with this, despite Hihi being only his family alliance.
And that was the cue for Rikuo to step up. "I might be able to help with that," he said, earning everyone else attention to him.
"Riku!" Rikuou seemed not wanting to waste anymore time as he jumped from his seat to run straight to Rikuo and hugged the smaller boy tightly.
Rikuo blinked confusedly at the sudden eager PDA from his half brother. "What are you doing at a time like this?" he wanted to sound annoyed, but decided against the idea as he felt how tight Sandaime's hug on his body was. So tight he almost thought that he would be crushed by his hug alone.
"Thank god you're okay…," Rikuou sighed long, tightening his hug even more if it was possible. He seemed really worried. Well, he probably was because Rikuo was the one who broke the news about Hihi's attack to him.
"I wasn't the one getting attacked. Why wouldn't I be okay?" Rikuo asked while trying to tap Rikuou's back gently, but his hug made it difficult for Rikuo to move at all.
"You sounded really adamant to look for information about this attack on the phone earlier. I was just worried… that something could happen to you as well," Rikuou spoke lowly so only they could hear it, but their position right now was enough to make the people around them stare.
"I get it, now… would you stop being so affectionate in front of the others?" Rikuo hardened his heart to push Rikuou away even though what he really wanted to do was melting in his embrace. Rikuou should have a little shame around here these days. He was a boss, damned it.
"Why? I'm the boss. I'm free to do whatever I want to do," Rikuou raised one of his eyebrows cockily while releasing his hug from Rikuo's body.
"Just because you're a boss, doesn't mean you can do whatever you want without consequence," Rikuo tilted his face up to look straightly at Rikuou's crimson pools. "Now… I'd like to share the information I got," he said and Rikuou nodded.
If everyone was feeling something in the exchange between Sandaime and Rikuo, no one said a thing. Shouhei looked down with bitter look and Zen looked lightly annoyed, but other than that, everyone seemed not looking at them on purpose.
"Well, okay then," now Rikuou released the chocolate haired boy completely. "Shoot."
"I've got a lead on the perpetrator who attacked Hihi-jisan," Rikuo said with a serious look. "I assumed Hihi-jisan makes it?" his eyes inquired to Shouhei who nodded slightly.
"I got a call from the hospital after I just got home about the attack. They didn't want to tell me from what hospital and luckily no authorities are involved, so I've got to stop by here for confirmation," Shouhei responded slowly while biting his lower lip. He looked really worried now.
"You said Hihi-jisan is in a coma," Rikuo now walked to Shouhei slowly until he was right in front of the depressed taller boy. He looked up at his face and continued "I'm sorry that you and your dad have to go through with this, but… I'm glad Hihi-jisan is alive," he smiled solemnly at the reddish amber eyed boy and SHouhei widened his eyes visibly.
Zen, Kurotabou and Kubinashi gasped lightly. Tsurara covered her mouth and Kurata looked down on his lap with sympathetic expression.
"Waka…," Kino murmured somberly near Tsurara.
While Rikuou…, Rikuou was closing his eyes, seeming remembering something hurtful because his face looked like in pain.
"Yes…," Shouhei covered his face with one hand. "Yes… thank god, thank god he's alive…!" he also whispered with wavering voice and tone, sounding almost like sobbing.
Despite having a tall and big muscular body, Shouhei was still a boy after all. Seemed the stress finally broke down and now he looked slightly relieved. Rikuo smiled softly before he reached up and hugged the taller boy tenderly. "He'll get better soon. Hihi-jisan is a strong person," he encouraged him and stroked the older boy's back repeatedly, calming him down. "And we're going to catch the attacker. Rikuou can promise you that one thing."
"Yes…," Shouhei said while slowly coming out from his hideout behind his hand and looked at Rikuo gratefully. Rikuo smiled again at him cutely and Shouhei couldn't help the blush rising to his cheeks. "Um…," he seemed conscious as well with the fact that Rikuo was still holding him and Rikuo just realized about that.
"Oh, sorry…," Rikuo quickly released his hold.
"No! Ah, I mean… it's… very nice…," Shouhei looked slightly awkward and embarrassed. For some reasons, Rikuo also felt embarrassed so suddenly for showing his ability to comfort people in front of the others. He had never done that before… except with Rikuou.
Crap. Rikuou had to glare at Shouhei right then.
Rikuo turned around slightly to look at his half brother, but it seemed it wasn't necessary. The other boy didn't even look at his and Shouhei's way. He looked like he was lost in his own thought.
Huh, wasn't that strange?
"Now," Rikuo clapped once to gain everyone's attention once again as well as to bring the Sandaime out of his own reverie. "About the attacker of Hihi-jiisan, I got a positive clue that it was done by a killer, probably professional, from Shikoku. He was tied to a certain family back then, and he had killed numerous people before he came here. I haven't gotten his name, but if we cross-check with the Yakuza Family in Shikoku, we should be able to id the attacker right away because his signature is quite… famous." He explained all of that in one breath and everyone looked at him like he had grown a second head. "What?" he asked wonderingly.
"How did you… even know all of that?" Rikuou looked really curious now.
"Yura-san's explanation," Rikuo answered with such certainty that it was the best answer to understand.
"Uh… I'm gonna need more than that as an answer?" Rikuou asked more.
Rikuo sighed. "Yura-san was there with me, and she asked around because she was interested in the mystery after the attack and… she found the signature that she recognized from the case that happened in Shikoku before."
"And you believed her?" Rikuou asked again.
"She has no reason to lie to me," Rikuo shrugged. "Her information isn't likely to get wrong. Remember she's in the police and government agent's family. It's reliable enough to check it out further," he continued explaining. "Of course, the police never found the physical evidence that proof that the killer has anything to do with that Yakuza family, but that's because they couldn't penetrate the web of the world 'behind'. But, we're not tied by government rules. We have 'rumors' that the authorities don't have. I'm sure we can do something about that, right?"
"You're right…," Rikuou seemed thinking for a moment before nodding seriously. "You said it's related to Shikoku, right? I know some families from there," he huffed.
"Shikoku?" Zen asked suddenly, earning the brothers and everyone attention now. "Hebidayu mentioned that something was going on in Shikoku and Kyoto, but he didn't want to open his mouth to leak the information he got," he informed.
"The greedy snake, huh…? Do you think he will open his mouth if we visit him in prison? I have some people behind bars that can extract the information from him," Rikuou said while smirking.
"You do?" Rikuo, Shouhei and Zen asked at the same time.
"Of course I do. Who do you think I am?" Rikuo looked at the three, sweat dropping.
"Who?"
Rikuou smirked again with confident expression. "A guy who can deceive people with his look, and a guy who can act as a woman if he wants to," he grinned now, looking excited.
0oo—Rikuou x Rikuo—oo0
"So… something like that happened today?" Gyuuki looked at Rikuo with a sigh. "When I'm incapable of fighting? Can the incident happen at the more wrong time?" he looked like he was about to berate himself with that comment.
Rikuo chuckled nervously. "I know. It happens so close with the incident with you. When Rikuou holds another General Meeting after this, there will be total uproar, especially from Hitotsume-jisan," he also sighed, sweat dropping more. "One bullet after another keeps coming…. When will Rikuou be able to rest for awhile before he's attacked again and again? I feel really bad right now that I forced him to take the head position…." Rikuo knew the thought was depressing, but he couldn't really help thinking like that. He indeed threw the responsibility to his half brother.
"Do you wish to take the responsibility back?" Gyuuki asked again, but with careful and even tone.
Rikuo smiled solemnly at that. "Gyuuki-jisan, Rikuou is very good at what he's doing. No one questions that, not even me," he said undeniably. "It's just… no matter how strong Rikuou looks; he's just still a fifteen almost sixteen year old boy. Okay, he's already gone through the coming of age ceremony as a Yakuza, but as a person, legally, he's still a teenager. Emotionally, he's not matured yet. If… if I can share his burden, just a little…," he looked down at his own lap, unable to continue because what he was going to say was totally, like really, embarrassing even for him.
Gyuuki was silent for a minute before he responded to that. "You… really love him that much, don't you?" he finally said it and it made the heat rise to Rikuo's cheeks.
"I guess… no point in denying that anymore, right?" Rikuo covered his face, totally embarrassed and his face must have been totally flaming right now.
Gyuuki sighed long at that. "What will you do now, Rikuo? Have you made your choice?" he asked then, not sounding pushing or anything, but the urgency was there as well. There was no time anymore. When their family was in danger like this, keeping something liable by your side meant the same as suicide, especially if Rikuo was adamant about not dirtying his own hands.
Rikuo closed his eyes for a moment before opening it once again with resolution in his eyes. "Yes…," he answered totally serious. "Above everything… I'm ready to give everything up… for him."
Gyuuki widened his eyes as he heard that. "You serious?" he looked at Rikuo in disbelief.
"Serious as a heart attack," Rikuo nodded undoubtedly.
"You of all people… I thought you'll be more like your mother in this… or me for that matter," Gyuuki shook his head, looking like he had a headache.
"Sorry… if my choice disappointed you. But I already made up my mind." Rikuo smiled apologetically at the older man. "I guess I'm more like my father despite being raised by my mom, huh? You think his gene is more domi—?"
Gyuuki threw an annoyed glare at Rikuo and the younger boy shut up immediately, unable to continue his line. Wow, Gyuuki was still scary even if he was bedridden. "So, if he decides to leave everything, you'll follow him?" Gyuuki asked again, seeming just to make sure that he wasn't jut dreaming or having a heaven retribution biting him in the ass after many things he'd done for Nura Gumi. Well, he couldn't be proud with some of them, but… this was just too much even for him.
Nura Gumi would be over in the third generation.
"You can always take Shouhei-kun or Zen-nii to take over the head of the alliance… or you yourself," Rikuo grinned at that.
"Nura Gumi Alliance… belongs to Nura Gumi," Gyuuki said with certainty in his reddish-amber eye.
"Nura Gumi Alliance… is a group consisting of a lot of yakuza families, creating one strong solid big family," Rikuo corrected. "It doesn't belong to Nura Gumi, Gyuuk-jiisan. It belongs to the members, every single member of this big family," he continued with a smile.
"Someone still has to control it," Gyuuki said again.
"And you've been doing it since you joined, right?" Rikuo's sweat dropped at that.
"Rikuo…," Gyuuki looked at Rikuo with unreadable expression, very close to pleading, but Rikuo thought it was because of the dim light inside the room.
"Until this problem with Shikoku is over…, let's take a rain check for this conversation," Rikuo smiled small, understanding that Gyuuki was still difficult to accept his slightly egoistical and selfish decision. "As long as Rikuou doesn't think of leaving Nura Gumi, nothing you need to worry about." He was standing now and then slowly walking away from Gyuuki to the door.
Gyuuki looked lost as Rikuo got out of his room and when he was about to close the door, he turned slightly to Gyuuki and smiled again adorably. "I know you love this family very much, Gyuuki-jiisan. But you have to realize, that Nura Gumi Alliances power, doesn't rest only on the family's head. Dad told me once. He could lead Nura Gumi because he had everyone else help, including yours," and he closed the door.
Rikuo rested his back on the closed sliding door and sighed long for awhile before he looked up and smiled again. "I hope he understands my resolution now. I'm not going to doubt my own way again," he walked away then with new spirit and new purpose.
0oo—Rikuou x Rikuo—oo0
Rikuo was at the yard that night. The moon was shaped crescent, almost gone into new moon, but the sky was so clear and the stars were sparkling prettily, as if they were winking at him to stare at their beauty for all night long. And that was what the Sandaime was doing right now, as usual, on top of his favorite Sakura tree.
"Again, I find you here. It's becoming a habit," Rikuo said while looking up at his half brother's back.
Rikuou's shoulders shagged a little as he looked down and turned to Rikuo. His expression was a little difficult to read because he looked… cold. He had never seen Rikuou look at him like that… well, except after he ran away and came back to find Rikuou already motherless.
Shit… he does feel useless right now.
"Do you think it's my fault?" Rikuou asked suddenly, surprising Rikuo a little.
"What?" he had to ask, slightly confused.
"I meant… nothing like this happens in Dad and Gramps' era, you know. We almost lost a General today…, and it happened just after Gyuuki's 'test'. A lot of people were wounded before… the timing's just… really bad. The worst…." he leaned his back at the main branch and closed his eyes. "Seems like the entire world is out to get us… me, specifically," he chuckled humorlessly.
"Paranoid as always," Rkuo didn't let the pause stretch for too long as he smiled softly at Rikuou.
"Paranoid? Really? Look around, Riku." Rikuou then turned to look at the town from his spot. He even stood to position himself higher. "I own Central Japan and this town in the dark world. How many people are envious of my position here? I've heard people kill another for less."
"Yeah, but owning Central Japan is also a big responsibility. I doubt a lot of people like that responsibility as well," Rikuo walked closer to the tree and then he leaned his back on the main branch as well. He then looked up at the silver haired boy and grinned. "I don't think anyone else is capable of lifting that heavy duty, Rikuou. I even gave it up to you, you know."
"You always have a nice thing to say despite my depressing paranoid thought," Rikuou laughed at that. "You always make me laugh too… what is it with you and your charm? You totally drowned Shouhei's anger there as well with your fluid words, my dear brother," he continued.
Rikuo blinked and then grinned slyly at his little half brother, though he wasn't little, he was still younger than Rikuo anyway. "Are you jealous because I hugged Shouhei-kun or because of my charm is better than yours?"
"Do you need to ask about something like that?" Rikuou blushed slightly while huffing, probably trying to stay cool. Oh, but Rikuo totally could see the pink hue on the little brother's cheeks. He laughed at that.
"Oh, Rikuou…, you're cute when you're blushing," Rikuo snickered.
"Shut up! Since when you became the one who do the teasing?" Rikuou flushed even more, but he looked totally adorable so Rikuo couldn't stop laughing to answer his question. "Riku!" he sounded annoyed now and Rikuo had to cover his mouth so as not to laugh so loud.
"Sorry… I just…," Rikuo was still snickering but he coughed to cover that. "I'm just… happy that you can still joke around despite how grave our situation right now…." He then sighed and looked up again to smile softly at Sandaime.
"You think so?" Rikuou then bowed to look more closely to his half brother.
"Why yes, of course. It's not easy to stay in spirit after what happened to Hihi-jisan. You're doing great, you know," Rikuo then stared at Rikuou's eyes gently, full of love and affection and Rikuou seemed noticing the look as he tilted his head aside.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Rikuou asked slowly, looking a little confused.
"Hm… I'm seeing something I like," Rikuo said with a sheepish smile.
"What?" Rikuou looked slightly flabbergasted after hearing that.
Rikuo chuckled. "Do you know the story of how Grandpa and Grandma got together despite their difference in status at that time?"
"What's with the sudden change of topic?" Rikuou looked even more confused.
"Not necessarily change of topic, because it has something to do with what I want you to know," Rikuo said cryptically.
"Well… if you say so…. Yeah. Not the detail, but he said he had to fight quite hard to get her," Rikuou seemed remembering the old conversation he had with his gramps a long time ago.
"Yeah, but did he tell you he almost lost his entire family in that fight to get her?" Rikuo asked then, or actually informing since he was pretty sure that Rikuou hadn't heard that story.
"Really?" Rikuou indeed looked surprised as he heard that.
"Yep. He fought a very big Yakuza Family in Kyoto because Grandma was about to get married with another dirty nobleman who had direct connection with the head of Yakuza Family there. It's pretty hardcore and bloody. Grandpa was even severely wounded, but he came back alive anyway… with Grandma in hand, of course. He lost a lot of comrades in the battle though," Rikuo said while closing his eyes slowly.
"Seriously…? Grandpa really did that? Risking the whole family for… one woman?" Rikuou looked like he couldn't believe that story.
"Well, he was a hotheaded man when he was young… and ridiculously romantic if I have to add. Mom really likes telling me that story, you know, even until now," Rikuo chuckled again, very amused at the story as he was remembering and retelling it.
"I… I see…, Wakana-mama never lies about family matters… so I guess it's true…," Rikuou looked puzzled now. "Why are you telling me this?" he asked then, looking at Rikuo's eyes in wonder.
"Well, seems you can use it as an example, that even the head of Nura Gumi Alliances isn't perfect. There's always another choice lining up in front of you. It's your own decision and your conviction to live in that decision. I also... have to apologize because yesterday I was mean to you even though you were only trying to be neutral so my way to decide wouldn't br affected. But you see… I've been struggling with choices and decisions for so long that I make a priority based on the majority, not because I really want it. That's what confused me most all this time, but now…," Rikuo took a deep breath and released it slowly before repeating the process twice. "Now… I won't be confused anymore… because I have already decided after thinking and mulling it over and over again."
Rikuou was silent the entire time as Rikuo spoke, but the older Nura could see the look of readiness in Sandaime's cherry colored eyes, trust and willingness to accept whatever Rikuo wanted.
"I still want to protect Nura Gumi and my civilian friends…, but the one I want to protect most… is you," Rikuo said gently, pouring his honest feeling in his words and in his gaze.
"…Eh?" Rikuou looked really shocked at that, he even widened his eyes in total surprise.
Rikuo tilted his head aside. "Why are you freezing up, Rikuou? I've just told you… that I'm willing to give everything up… for you," he repeated surely.
Rikuou was still speechless for a long minutes before suddenly he jumped down from the branch where he was sitting on, and pulled Rikuo into a crushing hug as soon as he landed, surprising the older Nura. "Wha—!"
"You're so sly…! Hey, you totally stole the moment there, Riku…! And even after I confessed my love day after day… compared to that grand confession just now… mine looks like nothing, right?" he hugged him even tighter and intimate, more than the time he had hugged him in their small family gathering a few hours before.
"Wait, it's a competition now? Really?" Rikuo had to shake his head at Sandaime's antics, but he hugged Rikuou back just as tight and as intimate.
They were hugging each other like that for a moment longer before Rikuou loosened his hug a little and pulled back, not until they lost body contact, but enough for Rikuou to look at his half brother's dark chocolate eyes. "You serious… with that choice and decision, Riku?" he asked tentatively one more time, just to make sure, it seemed.
"One hundred percent positive," Rikuo gazed back at Rikuo's crimson eyes happily, affectionately, lovingly, and it was so very honest that Sandaime seemed unable to maintain his self control anymore because he quickly leaned his face closely to Rikuo's and then kissed his lips hard, desperately, demandingly and yet passionately as well.
Rikuo closed his eyes and kissed Sandaime back immediately with the same enthusiasm and fervor, no hesitation, no doubt. He accepted completely that he was totally in love, wanted to be together with Rikuou. He wouldn't let anyone else separate them, no matter what consequences might crash before them after that. He was ready to face it. Ready… as ready as fifteen year old boy could be.
Rikuou pulled back slightly after some minutes to gasp for air, but his older half brother didn't let him free for too long because he sought Rikuou's lips more and more. He wanted that flaming passion to burn inside him, outside, between him and Rikuou. He wanted more of his half brother, a man he would follow of the rest of his life.
Rikuou complied with the demand, and kissed Rikuo some more, swiping his tongue on Rikuo's lower lip, thrusting it inside the warm wet cavern of his half brother to taste him again after Rikuo eagerly opened his mouth for him. Rikuo was so willing. There was no restraint anymore. Sandaime then planted an open mouthed kisses not only on Rikuo's mouth, but also on his chin, his jaw, and went down to bellow Rikuo's ear until he found his neck. This time on the other side of the neck where he had left the hickey some days before. He kissed and lick there, as if he was preparing another spot to leave another mark on Rikuo's body.
The supposedly chilly night spring weather became a little hotter. Their clothes were sticking on their slightly sweaty skin, standing on their way because they wanted to touch each other's skin. Yet, removing all of them was a hassle as well. Their joined breaths were puffed short, shallow; little moans and guttural sounds filled the quite night as Rikuo pinned his older brother on the branch, hands roaming and exploring, seeking the pleasurable sensitive spots that could make Rikuo groan in ecstasy.
"I… want you to know…," Rikuo gasped as Rikuou bit and sucked at his neck, hard enough to leave mark, but not enough to break the skin. "That if you ever…, ever feel tired… and want-... want to leave everything behind… ah!" he moaned in surprise as Sandaime's hand touched his most sensitive spot. "I want you… to know…!" but Rikuo had to say this, before he lost his guts and cowered back behind his common sense. "Want you to know… that you'll always… have… me…!"
Rikuo bowed his back and bared his neck more for Rikuou to assault and he clenched his fingers at Rikuou's strands of silver hair and his still clothed shoulder so tightly, not wanting to let him go.
Hearing Rikuo's confession and feeling Rikuo's grip on him seemed fueled Sandaime's burning excitement even more. He put his knee between Rikuo's legs, which were quite bare now because for some reasons, his font night yukata was open. He didn't know since when Rikuou had untied his obi, but he really didn't care about that right now, when he was desperate for something more…completing. Rikuou's touches and kisses had set fire to Rikuo's body. He felt so hot, so… exhilarated.
"I love you… Riku…," Rikuou's whisper was like drug to Rikuo's system. He was so dazed that he almost couldn't remember his own name.
"Rikuou…," Rikuo opened his teary eyes to look at the flushed face of his half brother before he leaned up again and kissed him again in urgency. He was achingly hard. He needed to… with Rikuou. His heart was beating and hammering his ribcage so hard it almost hurt. He could also feel the same frantic and erratic heartbeat on Rikuou's chest. They were really together in this.
Rikuo then encouraged himself to do the exploring back, touching Rikuou's body in places he wouldn't think of touching before. Rikuou's surprised, low, pleasant moan was almost enough to finish him, but he held on until he could also touch Rikuou's most sensitive spot.
"Riku…!" Rikuou's voice was hoarse when he called Rikuo's pet name, but it sounded very arousing to him.
"Yeah…," Rikuo licked at Rikuou's ear as he whispered it, the killing words. "I love you too…."
All the stimulations and arousals and with the touches and kisses as heavenly as nirvana, it became totally overwhelming and unbearable to bear as so suddenly, both Rikuou and Rikuo opened their mouth in a silent cry as they lost it. Their world shattered in the whitest light, exploding behind their eyes. The high of their first mutual orgasm was enough to make them see stars for some minutes before they were back to the earth, panting, sweaty, exhausted, but totally in bliss and satisfaction.
They both lost their strength as they collapsed on the cool grassy ground, still trying to pace their breath as they held onto each other.
"T-… that was… wow…," Rikuo's vision was a little bit spinning, but surprisingly, he didn't feel that guilt or over-caring conscience again.
"That was… AWESOME… totally…," Rikuou supplied with the absolutely, totally correct adjective. Though, Rikuo would like to add amazing in there, like amazingly awesome or something in that line.
"Remind me again. Why hadn't we done this sooner?" Rikuo asked incredulously. If he knew he could feel that good just by touching, what would happen if they did it for real? He might die in bliss.
"Someone kept saying that this was wrong and we really shouldn't do this. Conscience courtesy," Rikuou snickered at that, not even releasing his embrace from Rikuo's half naked body.
"Well, screw conscience then. Even if it's totally wrong…, it feels right… you and me... us, together," Rikuo also leaned his head on Rikuou's shoulder and rested his forehead there. "I'm glad we did it…," he sighed in contentment while closing his eyes.
"Riku…," Rikuou then leaned down and kissed Rikuo's slightly damp hair affectionately.
"We can face anything as long as we're together…." Rikuo was convincing himself and Rikuou in this case, but he believed that it was true. "I'll never leave you, Rikuou. So… don't you dare leave me, ever," he then looked up and gazed at Rikuou's eyes meaningfully, seeking the certainty in Rikuou's expression as well.
"Of course…, I'm all yours… for the rest of my life…," Rikuou smiled his rare tender smile and leaned down to seal that promise with another gentle loving kiss on Rikuo's soft slightly bruised (because of Rikuou's brutal kiss earlier) pink lips.
"It's an eternal promise…."
End of Chapter 9
Tbc…
Notes:
1)Yorokonde: literally meaning 'as you wish' or 'with pleasure'.
A/N: Heya, everyone! Sorry for not being able to answer your reviews in two rows (is that the right term?) I got really busy with projects so suddenly, so I could only read your awesome reviews and thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for staying reading this story despite the slow update. That's why I tried to write the update as fast as I can (no such luck apparently, because I still only can update in Saturday or Sunday. This time… Sunday *sweats*).
Anyway… yes, I was a little carried away when I made the fan service (because it's getting dry without it, right?) I actually wanted this stay in safe T-rated story, but my dirty brain is very tough to overpower so… sorry for changing the rating so suddenly. I almost can assure you that probably, this is the last and only M-rated scene inside this story, but if I found another crack again to insert fan service as R-rated as this, well… blame my dirty thought.
So… what do you think of this chapter? Oh yeah. Still reminding about the polling! Nura's Golden Days and Kill The Curse! are waiting for you guys to pick one of them! Eleven days to go before the polling's closed! Don't miss it!