Fighting In The Center Ring

Author's Note: Still no fighting, but a bit of a look into side character relations and romance. This is probably the boldest chapter I've posted on , but there's a lot more detail here on AO3. Can I just say, I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't just stop writting this as a fic, rename all the characters now, finish the story, and sell it? Because, while I'm doing my best to keep the cast IC, there's a lot that's making them feel like they're becoming my own OCs, especially with this universe being as alternate as it is for both casts. This very reason is why I'm considering doing the same with VTR.

Chapter 10:

"Ow, ow, ow!" Seishin whimpered.

"For crying out loud, Sei! Would you sit still already?" Toshio scolded. "Damn, that's quite a knot on the back your neck. You said a kid hit you?"

"It was Kagiri, one of their better fighters," Seishin said with a sigh, "and I wouldn't squirm so much if you weren't being so rough! It's still sore, and he knew right where to hit to knock me out cold for hours."

Toshio chuckled and wrapped his arms around the Silver haired Kitsune from behind. "You don't normally complain when I get rough," he teased.

Seishin chuckled and leaned back so that he was resting against Toshio's chest. "There's a difference between that and your bedside manner when tending a patient, Toshi."

"Could you two at least wait until I'm not in the room for that kind of stuff?" Akari hissed, busying himself with paperwork. "Or at least go lock yourselves in an examination room, rather than doing it here in the office."

"Don't mind him, Sei," Toshio laughed, "He's just jealous we're not inviting him to join us."

Akari looked up at them, switching his tail. He wasn't sure if the pair were legitimately romantic with each other, or if they were just friends with benefits, but he knew they were closer to one another than to any of the rest of their little group of six. He pointed at Toshio, "You're married," then to Seishin, "And you're running around with that little bat girl from the Kafka organization, then you both come here of all places to get playful with each other. Seishin, as a Kitsune, I thought you were supposed to be monogamous for life?"

"Well, that's gone and thoroughly ruined the mood," Toshio sighed, letting go of Seishin. "My wife's too busy spending all the money I make here for that kind of thing, you know."

Seishin frowned. "Look, just because my brother landed Hirato first, doesn't mean you can go ruining the fun for everyone else!" he scolded Akari.

"WHAT!?" Akari hissed.

Toshio blinked, "I did not expect that to come from you."

"What the hell makes you think I give a damn about that mutt and who he sleeps with?" Akari asked.

Toshio and Seishin exchanged looks, then laughed. "Someone's in denial," Seishin stated. The pair of Canines tried not to laugh at Akari's expense as the Neko's face turned as pink as his hair.

Akari frowned. "That's it, you two do whatever, I'll just take my work elsewhere."

"Spoil sport," Toshio accused as his associate left the room.

*~Meanwhile At Hirato and Tsukitachi's Penthouse~*

Hirato sat on the couch, flicking channels on the TV. When Chief Ryuuoshi heard about his injured arm, even though they were off duty at the time, he treated it as an injury in the line of duty and put Hirato on medical leave until it healed, and granted Tsukitachi paid vacation leave so he could stay home and take care of him. Hirato hated it. He preferred to be out in the patrol car, doing his part to clean up the streets. He was not looking forward to staying home for a month of playing couch potato over a simple shoulder wound like this one.

Hirato growled as his phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and clicked his tongue when he saw his brother's name. "Hello?" he answered in a huff.

"I heard about your little accident last night," Tokitatsu said, "So I thought I'd call my favorite little brother and ask how you're doing today?"

"I'm your ONLY little brother, unless there's something the family's not telling me," Hirato grumbled. "I'm fine, Tokitatsu, it's just a flesh wound. How are the boys holding up?"

"I found Yogi in Tohru's bed again this morning," Tokitasu sighed, "It happens every time they go to the hospital. It's frustrating, I honestly don't know what I'm going to do with him."

"Well, maybe if you stopped acting like you blame him for something he had no control over," Hirato sighed, "and actually talked to him, maybe you could figure out how to stop it. They shared the bed in the guest room here, just fine, you know. I don't think his being there is bothering Tohru like you believe it does. I think they're just finding comfort in being close to each other. Look, Toki, I'm sorry, I know it's hard, but... It's been eleven years, have any of you actually made peace with it yet? Does Yogi even know what really happened? You've got four boys there, who have spent the last eleven years going through all seven layers of Hell, and before you say it, yes, I do realize how much I sound like Akari or Seishin right now, and it is out of character for me, but after what happened last night, rather than calling me to see how I'm handling a simple shot to the arm, you should be focusing on them. The Koide boys are about to reenter society for the first time in seven years and the safety net they've built between themselves won't be there during the day. Your boys were shot at, almost kidnapped, and then witnessed their favorite uncle bleeding from a gunshot wound. So it doesn't surprise me that you found them curled up in the bed together again this morning."

Tokitatsu sat quietly for a moment, then replied, "You're their ONLY uncle."

"Tokitatsu," Hirato growled.

"But, I see your point," the Senator added. "But I can make no promises at this point. Like you said, it's not easy, even after all this time. Anyway, you're obviously no worse for ware if you can lecture me like that. I'm glad you're alright, Hirato. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything."

"Right..." Hirato sighed. "Thanks."

"Bye," the two brothers said, hanging up at the same time.

Tsukitachi came into the room from the kitchen, carrying a small serving tray with two plates and two drink glasses on it. "Hirato, you hungry?" he called, "I made us lunch."

"You didn't have to do that," Hirato said, looking up as the Kitsune walked over to the couch.

"Sure I did," Tsukitachi said, placing the tray down on the coffee table. "Look, fried steak sandwich, just the way you like it, and some Kirine fruit on the side."

Hirato rolled his eyes. "Would everyone just stop fussing over me already? It's just a flesh wound."

"It is NOT just a flesh wound!" Tsukitachi pouted at him, "Dr. Akari told me that bullet went in pretty deep. You were out of it because of the medicine he gave you in order to cut it out, but that bandage isn't just covering the hole where it hit, it's covering the stitches. He had to cut your arm open to pull it out. That's why you're on leave for a month." Tsukitachi's green eyes reflected concern as he spoke. "Akari said if it hadn't stopped where it had, it would have shattered the bone and left your arm useless for months."

Hirato looked down at his arm in surprise. "I hadn't realized it was that bad," he said. He glanced over at the prescription bottle sitting on the coffee table. "It doesn't even hurt, he must have given some really good stuff."

Tsukitachi saddled up into Hirato's lap and gently pressed his lips to Hirato's. "That's why I took the paid time off," he said, "I don't want you doing anything to aggravate it."

Hirato sighed and smiled at the red haired Kitsune. "Tsuki..."

Tsukitachi smiled back and kissed him again, his long, fluffy red fox tails happily twitching as he did so. "I'm just looking out for my Hiro," he said. His ears twitch for a second and he turns to look at the clock. It was nearly 12 noon. He closed his eyes and sighed. "Speaking of which, I'd probably better help you change those bandages before we start eating." He stood and walked off for a moment, returning with a small medical bandage kit. "Akari said to change the bandages and clean the area three times a day, every day until the stitches are ready to come out," he explained.

He sat down and began unbuttoning Hirato's shirt. "Why you insist on button ups instead of pull overs, even when it's your time off," he grumbled playfully.

Hirato chuckled. "We both know pull overs don't suit me," he said with a smile.

"You do look dashing in a button up," Tsukitachi admitted, "But then..." He smiled and wagged his tails when he exposed Hirato's chest. "You're just as gorgeous like this, too." He ran a gentle finger down Hirato's chest.

"Stay focused, Tsukitachi," Hirato said, wrapping a hand around the Kitsune's, before pulling it up to his mouth and kissing the back of it. "There's plenty of time for that. We've got a whole month off together, after all."

Tsukitachi blinked at him, "Yeah, but..."

Hirato smiled and shook his head. "I don't need the use of both arms for that," he said with a wink.

Tsukitachi blushed, and nodded. He knew that to be true. He opened up the replacement bandage kit and used the disposable scissors inside to cut the bandages from Hirato's arm. He then began to clean the wound, Hirato flinched with a cat like hiss as the antiseptic stung. It was rare for Hirato show any signs of his mixed parentage. Looking at him, those who didn't know would have assumed he was a pure bread blood hound, not that his mother was Canine while his father had been Feline. Another rarity, since 75% of children from mixed species breeding usually end up with the same traits as their parent of the same gender, while the rest have at least one trait from each revealing they're mixed. "Sorry, does that sting?" Tsukitachi asked, "I thought you said it didn't hurt?"

"My arm doesn't, not at the moment, anyway," Hirato said, "But I can still feel the sting. Damn, I'm almost afraid to find out what it's going to feel like when those pills wear off."

"How often did he tell you to take them?"

"One with breakfast, two with dinner, not to be taken on an empty stomach," Hirato answered.

Tsukitachi nodded. "I see. Must double the dosage at dinner to ensure you get through the night."

Hirato nodded. "He did say that if that didn't work, I could just take one with each meal, so long as I get no more or less than three a day. But, yeah, I assumed he was just trying to make sure I don't wake up in pain in the middle of the night."

"Hiro," Tsukitachi started as he opened the plastic wrapping around the fresh bandages, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I over heard your conversation with your brother on the phone." He began wrapping the bandages tight around Hirato's arm. Hirato closed his eyes and sighed. Tsukitachi smiled at him. "You're right, it did sound like something Akari or Sei would have told him."

"Do you think I was wrong to say it?"

Tsukitachi shook his head. "No. He does need to focus on making sure the boys are alright. All four of them are, and have been his responsibility from the moment they were born. But only two of them realize that. He's been playing a role in the life of the other two from the shadows, even before they were born. However, I think you forgot one important thing."

"What's that?" Hirato asked as Tsukitachi finished wrapping the bandages and fastened them securely in place.

"He's alone in this," Tsukitachi stated.

"No he's not," Hirato said.

"Yes, he is," Tsukitachi said. "Think about it. Sure, Tokitatsu can count on any of us, but at the end of the day, he's still alone. He misses his wife and daughter, and Tohru and Yogi miss their mom and sister. But at the end of the day, Tohru and Yogi know they can turn to each other for a friendly ear. The Koide twins know they can turn to each other. Toshio and Sei have always looked to one another for support. And if I were the one who'd gotten shot, you'd be doing the same thing for me, that I'm doing for you now, and my mother and brother would be pounding at the door to get in. My mother most likely dragging my father behind her, and him with a few choice words for you. But, Akari tends to keep to himself, and you're the only person Toktitatsu has left to turn to."

Hirato smiled at Tsukitachi and gave a soft chuckle, wrapping his arms around the Kitsune, before pushing so that he was on top of the red head. "First off, it's not that I'm unsympathetic to my brother's plight," he staed firmly, "But Akari and Tokitatsu aren't Lions. They're antisocial House Cats. They're use to being alone. He's always got my ear, and I do care, but he doesn't expect me to come running every time he's distraught about something."

"Not what I meant," Tsukitachi said, shaking his head. "You're his brother, he's worried about you."

Hirato hated playing second fiddle to anyone. He was always striving to be the 'top dog'. In school, he had the best grades, he scored highest in the police accademy, he and Tsukitachi were the best on the force for their young age, and he was the dominant personality in their relationship. The only person who he ever sat second to was his brother. Suddenly being stuck at home for a month due to a bullet wound and having everyone fussing over him, and Tsukitachi now waiting on him hand and foot was a serious blow to his ego.

"I get that, and I appreciate it. But like I keep telling everyone, I'm fine! Secondly, Tsuki, if you'd been the one who was shot, I promise, not only would I be taking care of you, but that bastard never would have gotten away." Hirato pushed his lips to Tsukitachi's and his tongue forced its way into the Kitsune's mouth. Tsukitachi let out a pleasurable whimper and let his lover's tongue mingle with his own.

There was no battle for dominance, Tsukitachi willingly submitted to Hirato, like always. Hirato pulled away from the kiss and began using his good arm to unbutton Tsukitachi's shirt. Tsukitachi could tease Hirato about wearing button ups all he wanted, but in the end, that was mostly all he ever wore either. "And your mother and Seishin are always welcome here. Your father, however, this IS a penthouse. If he ever gets that wheelchair up here, I MIGHT consider letting him come inside. He had no business talking to you the way he did that night."

"You and I have been inseparable since we were pups," Tsukitachi said, "He should have known I'd follow you into this line of work." The red headed Kitsune gently nuzzled his partner's neck, wagging his tail. "I'm just glad it was only your arm," Tsukitachi whispered.

Hirato smiled and kissed a gentle trail down Tsukitachi's neck and chest, his good arm reaching up and scritching just behind Tsukitachi's ear, eliciting something similar to a purr from the Kitsune. "Don't worry, Tsuki," he whispered gently, "You're not going to loose me that easily." Hirato pushed his lips to Tsukitachi's once more. As if to prove his earlier point, his good arm slipped down to the Kitsune's nether regions, gently cupping around the growing bulge in the red head's pants. Hirato smiled as his lover's face began to turn red.

Tsukitachi gave off a pleasurable moan and pulled Hirato in close, pressing their lips together once more, this time, slipping his own tongue into the Blood Hound's mouth. "Mnn... Hiro," he moaned playfully as he pulled away.

"Yes?" Hirato answerd.

Tsukitachi smiled at him and playfully nipped at his ear. "Eat your damned sandwich," he whispered.

Hirato gives off a chuckle and kissed his Kitsune lover once more. Maybe a paid month's time off at home with Tsukitachi won't be so bad after all.

Polls:

Eleska: topic/157601/133295707/1/Shiki-X-Karneval-NEW-POLLS-1-of-4-Eleska

Yanari: topic/157601/133296133/1/Shiki-X-Karneval-NEW-POLLS-2-of-4-Yanari

Jiki: topic/157601/133296550/1/Shiki-X-Karneval-NEW-POLLS-3-of-4-Jiki

Kiichi: topic/157601/133296914/1/Shiki-X-Karneval-NEW-POLLS-4-of-4-Kiichi

And remember, Chapters 2-5, 9, and 10 are still open for Chapter Title suggestions!