Disclaimer: Nuramago isn't mine…
Warning: foul language, failed attempt at violence *lol*, possible spelling and grammar mistakes *winces*, shounen ai-ncest, blood (just a bit), and Rihan's primal act (you'll know when you read *smirks*)
A/N: Sorry for the late update. Please read the after note later because it's important and sorry for haven't been replying your reviews. One thing you should know, all of you are AWESOME readers! Thanks for the comments, supports, faves and alerts! Now, enjoy the read~ XD
Chapter 11: About Rihan (3)
I wonder how far we can go…
…in this place that extends to the future
Shining in the distance, engulfing the whole world…*
0oo—Rihan x Rikuo—oo0
Rikuo was stunned, speechless as the fight broke out in the middle of the shopping district inside the human market. The actors of this unexpected event was Nura Rihan, a head of a youkai clan versus someone Rikuo didn't know, but it seemed he was from a yakuza family as well… or more like, a gangster with the eccentric pomade style of clothes and hair.
Though, the thing that made Rikuo wonder most was… why did Rihan took the challenge from a human? He was a Hanyo; the fight would be over in the blink of eyes if he used his power to fight human, right?
Rikuo almost shouted to stop Rihan because it would be very stupid to blow his cover by fighting human. He thought Rihan would be smarter than this. However, Rikuo held himself back when he realized… that when Rihan was fighting human, the Nidaime of the Nura Gumi didn't even use his hands.
Huh?—Rikuo cocked his head aside. Rihan-san… is only dodging the attack all the time?
Truth to be told, Rihan was only dodging the thrust of the knife with fluid motion, making his fight with that human gangster look more like dancing and playing rather than fighting. Rikuo instantly understood. Rihan didn't intend to use his youkai power to fight against human, so he didn't attack back. He just dodged until the human was tired attacking him.
Rikuo's smile bloomed on his face. "Cool!" he said, his eyes sparkling in awe as he watched the show.
"You bastard—! Stop dodging and attack back, damn it!" the gangster human's voice sounded impatient as he attacked Rihan with some sophisticated moves using his knife and his free hand, even with his foot.
"No way. It will hurt a lot to get stabbed by a knife. I dislike pain, and hate it even more if my clothes get ruined because of the blood," Rihan smirked teasingly, still dancing with his incredible footwork.
Rikuo assessed the gangster moves. It wasn't brutal like the fight most gangsters performed in the brawl. It was precise and trained, but Rihan dodged all of those moves pretty impressively. Not a single blow landed on him. No wonder the gangster looked so pissed off and impatient.
"You—coward!" the gangster yelled again with red angry face now.
"Huh, are you an idiot? Verbal insult won't provoke me, you know. I'm too mature for that," Rihan responded again, his mischievous smirk widening.
"Asshole!"
The fight continued on. For a human… that gangster had great stamina, though Rikuo could see that he had begun to panting and wheezing while attacking, perspiration visible on his temple and face. They were moving in circle with Rihan as the center, keeping their distances from the audiences who, since God knew when, had cheered for their fight. Probably Rihan didn't want them to get caught in the crossfire.
"AS expected from Rihan-san! He already thought everything out!" and it made Rikuo adore his dad even more. Rihan was so smart, strong, charming and witty. No wonder the women loved him so much… though, Rikuo didn't know if he would get used to seeing Rihan surrounded by women all the time when they went out. He wasn't comfortable with it. But Rikuo didn't know why….
Rikuo was too preoccupied with the fight (or the involuntary dance) Rihan had performed with the human gangster and with his own train of thought that he didn't notice a movement behind him. When he came to it, someone had already grabbed him on the shoulders and an eye of a knife was pressed on his neck.
"Eh?" Rikuo widened his eyes at that.
"Don't move, Nura Rihan!" someone shouted from behind Rikuo and the fighters in front of them noticed another commotion now, caused by this person, whoever he was, behind Rikuo. That guy seemed trying to threaten Rikuo's life.
"Wha—! What are you doing?" Rikuo shouted in surprise and then tried to struggle, but the hold on his shoulders were so tight, bordering to painful, and the knife on his neck made him unable to move his head to look who the coward-asshole was.
Rikuo then noticed in the midst of panicky that Rihan had stopped his footwork and took a hit of the gangster free hand, but he caught that attack with his hand, so it seemed he didn't receive any damage.
"What?" the gangster looked surprise because Rihan strayed his gaze from him to connect it with Rikuo's eyes who looked at his golden ones, feeling alarmed. "Don't look away, Rihan!" that gangster shouted angrily while struggling to release his hand, but Rihan's grip on his hand seemed very tight and hard, like steel.
"What was that?" Rihan asked and the gangster cocked his head slightly in confusion.
"What was what?" the gangster asked back, seeming unable to digest what Rihan was trying to say.
"That," Rihan jerked his face upward, so the gangster followed his line of sight and their eyes landed on the view where Rikuo was held hostage by someone.
"Aah…." Rikuo sighed long closing his eyes in defeat with his own stupidity. He couldn't believe that someone, probably one of the gangster's friends, had managed to catch him when he was admiring Rihan and let his guard down; and now, he was held as a hostage to subdue Rihan. He really didn't like this situation at all.
"Oi!" Rihan shouted from his spot to the guy behind Rikuo and when Rikuo looked up at Rihan again, the Nidaime's demeanor already changed drastically, his eyes on the knife on Rikuo's neck. "Don't you dare… lay your filthy hand on MY Rikuo!"
Even though Rihan's face was smiling and his voice sounded calm and collected when he said that, the dark aura of youki was leaking from his body and everyone around him was visibly paling at the 'fear' suddenly emerging to the surface. Even the gangster who he was fighting a moment ago had to step back, away from him with frightened look.
Crap…! Rihan-san is angry!—Rikuo was alarmed as he was convinced that Rihan was about to use his youkai power to help him, but Rikuo couldn't let that happen. He had to do something.
However, one thing he couldn't let go was the fact that he was the cause of that anger. Rikuo didn't feel so good about this. His blood was rising to his head, seemed boiling… or more like… he was pissed off… like… very pissed off.
"Don't come any closer! Or I kill this little brat of yours!"
A vein popped up on Rikuo's temple, "Who is it…" now he closed his eyes, "-that you call…" and then surged forward, purposely pressing the knife into his neck more that part of his skin was nicked.
"What?" the guy behind Rikuo sounded surprised and involuntarily had to loosen his hold because killing the hostage wasn't on his agenda, apparently. Good. Now Rikuo could kick his ass for being so full of himself!
"A little BRAT!" Rikuo shouted loudly and brought his head backward, connecting the back of his head with the lower part of the man's jaw… hard.
"Ow!" the man yelped in pain as his hold was totally loose now that Rikuo could move more freely. The chocolate haired boy used his chance and elbowed the guy's side, creating more pain because it connected to the ribs and then with both hands Rikuo grabbed one of the guy's arms and with a Judo technique he didn't know he possessed, he threw the guy's bigger and taller body to the ground, smashing him like he was a folded mattress rather than human.
Rihan and everyone on that place who watched the spectacle looked stunned, completely speechless. They widened their eyes and hung their jaw open, totally dumbfounded.
Rikuo was panting slightly as his anger was cooling down. Then, when he could start thinking again and realized what just happened, he himself was startled. "Huh? Eh? Aaah! I-I'm sorry!" he said frantically at the passed out man on his feet. He hurriedly knelt down and checked the man's condition as well. "A-are you okay? Hey!" he called and shook the man's shoulder, but he wouldn't wake up.
Well the man was moaning and whimpering in pain though, so he was at least still alive and Rikuo didn't rough the guy too much.
But… what was that, just now?—Rikuo was slightly confused of what just happened.
"Ri-… Rikuo?"
Rikuo looked up at the owner of the voice who had called him and he realized that Rihan and everyone were looking at him with wide eyes, like he had grown a second head.
"Ah, R-Rihan-san!" Rikuo responded to him back and then quickly stood.
"You… are surprisingly strong, huh?" Rihan looked at the passed out man and then turned to Rikuo again, looking slightly dumbstruck.
"Eh… what? No! No! Wait a—! It isn't what it looks like!" Rikuo frenetically shook his head and flailed his hands in front of his chest, totally mystified and perplexed.
I'm the one who wants to know most about what just happened! It's... impossible, is it Yoru? But...! Yoru won't just take over like that without communicating with me...! Besides, I haven't been able to see him! What the hell is wrong with me just now?
"This… this is… um…" Rikuo still had to look for an excuse… and fast. "Ah! That's right! I was so panicked and scared that the sudden adrenalin rush made me do it!" he said with voice that sounded too high even to his own ears. It didn't sound convincing at all.
"Adrenalin… rush?" Rihan cocked his head aside, looking puzzled and unfamiliar with that term.
Crap! I forgot this is in the fifties! Has adrenalin rush term even already come out in this era?—Rikuo was sweating profoundly when he realized that he had mentioned something he was not supposed to.
"Um… how do I say it…? Err… that, that, you know, when you're overly excited that you feel like possessing more strength than you're supposed to?" Rikuo honestly wasn't sure with his own explanation, but he couldn't think very clearly right now because he himself was still totally baffled of what happened to him in that peculiar moment.
"Really?" Rihan scrunched his face for a moment, seeming trying to make sense of that and then he seemed enlightened and punched his palm, nodding. "I have ever seen in on television. Right, human can do that sometimes," he said, understanding.
Rikuo was sighing in relief at that. Thank god…!—he really had to be more careful now. He couldn't say anything more suspicious and too futuristic!
"Oi, Rihan!"
It seemed both Rihan and Rikuo had forgotten about the gangster that was fighting Rihan earlier, and upon hearing his voice, both looked at his direction again. He was pouting and looked unsatisfied.
"You still want to go at it?" Rihan huffed at the man in annoyance. "Thanks to that guy my mood is ruined," he said, still looking mad at the passed out man on the ground.
"Who's the asshole hindering my fucking fight—!" the gangster then stomped closer to look at the passed out guy, but surprisingly, he dropped his jaw in shock before his face turned red in total rage. "TETSU! You-bastard!" and he kicked the guy on the ground, making him yelp in shock.
"Hieee!"
"Eh? Hey!" Rikuo was also surprised. What was that gangster doing to an injured guy?
"You-ass! How dare you interrupting my rare moment with Rihan, you—stupid moronic idiotic coward!" the pomade man then grabbed the orange haired guy… or in the closer look, was actually a boy, probably still in his teen, on his neck and proceeded to give him a knuckle attack on his head.
"Ow-ow-ow-ow-ow! That hurts, Aniki (1)! Stop!" the teen wailed in pain at the assault.
"Ah, what are you…? He's already injured—!" Rikuo wanted to stop the pomade man, but Rihan held him back.
"Let them. They're probably in the same group after all," Rihan said, reassuring with a huff.
"Eh? But…" Rikuo hadn't finished his sentence when the pomade man suddenly stood, with the teen still in the grasp of his big arm.
"Sorry, Rihan. This stupid bratty lil-bro of mine had done something so cowardly like that…! He doesn't know a thing about fighting fair and square," the pomade man said with an irritated snort while hitting the teen's head once again for a good measure.
"OW!" the teen yelped again, looking almost crying in pain.
"Well… I'm sorry too for almost losing it right then. My head always loses its cool when my family is threatened," Rihan said while draping his hand on Rikuo's smaller shoulder and then held him closer.
"Eh?" Rikuo looked at the pomade man and then at Rihan who now were exchanging friendly words with each other as if their fight never happened in the first place. He was confused. "W-wait a second," he interrupted their conversation and both turned their attention to him. "You guys… aren't you supposed to be enemies?" he asked, very-very mystified.
"Enemies? Who?" the pomade man asked raising his thin eyebrows. On the closer look, the pomade man didn't look bad at all. He had a wild type of style, but his face wasn't ugly. He got quite a look that was above standard with dark gray eyes and black hair.
"That's why; you and Rihan-san…?" Rikuo pointed at the pomade man and then turned to Rihan who pointed at himself with raised eyebrows as well.
There was a brief silence before both the adults "Pfft—ahahahaha!" broke in laughter. Or… the pomade man broke in laughter while Rihan was chuckling in amusement.
"Eeeh?" Rikuo was totally baffled at their reaction. They were actually laughing at Rikuo. He blushed slightly being the subject of that. "W-why are you guys laughing?" He didn't understand what he had said that made them laugh like that.
"He-… he said we're enemies…! Oh God, my stomach hurts…!" the pomade man laughed even harder and Rikuo's face felt heating more in embarrassment.
"No, no…" Rihan was still chuckling, "-we're not enemies, Rikuo. We're friends," he grinned as he broke the surprising news.
There was a brief blank silence in Rikuo's mind as he tried to digest the new information and then "EEEH!" he shouted in total surprise at that.
0oo—Rihan x Rikuo—oo0
"Ooh, so this kid is the newest member of your group," Rihan said, nodding in understanding of why the kid went so far as to take Rikuo as a hostage. He hadn't known yet the nature of relationship between Rihan and Kiyomasa.
Now Rihan, Kiyomasa, Rikuo and the orange haired kid were inside a teahouse, sitting around a square table enjoying a cup of tea. Well, the story was long, but the short version was they had attracted too much attention after their stunt and the polices were on their way to arrest them for creating disturbance in public place, so they had to postpone their conversation to flee the scene.
Rihan decided that before they talked further, they had to look for a place, private enough to have civil conversation and to explain the situation for both the orange haired kid and Rikuo who totally had no idea of what was going on. So, he found a teahouse and they ordered a table for four and now were resuming their chat.
"That's right. This kid is still a hotheaded brat with no common sense. Forgive his rudeness to… um…" Kiyomasa then turned to Rikuo. "Who's the kid anyway? Yours? Nah… you two don't look alike at all," he commented as he stared at Rikuo, holding his chin, probably wondering.
"Ah, Rikuo? He's also the newest member in my family," Rihan said with a smile. "Though, I picked him up from the street," he continued.
"Picked him…? Oi, he's not a cat, you know," Kiyomasa's sweat dropped.
"Um…" Rikuo cut their conversation by raising his right hand. "Actually… what's going on? Rihan-san said… you two are friends?" he seemed so confused and baffled that Rihan took a pity to the boy.
"Okay, Rikuo. This guy here is my friend, the head of Kiyojyuji Family, Kiyojyuji Kiyomasa." Rihan introduced the pomade man to Rikuo and Rikuo widened his eyes visibly in shocked look.
"Kiyojyuji!" Rikuo dropped his jaw, his eyes bulging out as big as saucers.
"Huh? You know his family?" Rihan asked, wondering why Rikuo looked so shocked.
"Eh? Ah, no… I-…, I just thought that… I've heard the name… somewhere…?" Rikuo laughed slightly, like trying to compose himself, looking totally nervous.
"Really? My family is that popular?" Kiyomasa laughed seeing the reaction. "Then, this kid, Raido Tetsunaga, my sworn little brother, and Tetsu, that is Nura Rihan, my friend," he then proceeded to introduce the kid who was with him to Rihan and Rikuo and then Rihan to the kid, while emphasizing the last two words to Tetsu who flinched at that because it was so close to his ear.
"Um… hello, sorry for the misunderstanding…" Tetsu said while bowing slightly, looking guilty.
"That's fine. I didn't get hurt that bad," Rikuo said, smiling sweetly as always, making Rihan smile as well as he realized what he had said.
"Eh, you're hurt?" Rihan was concerned now. "Where does it hurt? Show me," he said while holding one of Rikuo's shoulders, and then proceeded to pat Rikuo's body with the other hand to check.
"I-…it's okay, Rihan-san…. It only bleeds a little…," Rikuo looked up hesitantly at Rihan and the boss of Nura Gumi then noticed immediately, the trail of blood on Rikuo's supposedly fair flawless neck.
"Aah, that's not just a little. It's still bleeding…." Rihan frowned in displeasure. He didn't like it that Rikuo got hurt like this. Moreover, right under Rihan's nose. "You're too reckless…" he said, huffing while tilting Rikuo's chin so he could inspect it better.
"T-that's why… I said it's not that bad… doesn't even hurt anymore," Rikuo said as he tilted his face even higher up while Rihan's golden eyes were focusing on the nick of the wound.
Rihan didn't know what came over him then, when he smell that strong alluring fragrance again from Rikuo, his mind went blank and the next thing he knew he had already brought both of his hands to Rikuou's shoulders, pulled him up to him, and then leaned closer to the boy's neck before he licked the trail of blood from bellow to the wound.
The flavor that bloomed on Rihan's taste bud was incredibly and unexplainably luscious. Rihan lost his mind when he tasted the boy's blood and skin. It tasted so damn good that he felt like devouring him right there and then, literally and metaphorically.
"Ah!" Rikuo shut his eyes and moaned, sounding totally shocked by Rihan's sudden primal act. "R-Ri-Rihan-san!"
"Oi, Rihan!" Kiyomasa widened his eyes in horror by the sight and Tetsu was stone-cracked.
"Huh?" Rihan opened his golden eyes, which God knew since when had closed, and turned slightly at Kiyomasa and Tetsu before he heard Rikuo's panicked shout of his name and he instantly backed off. "Eh?" he was perplexed as he looked at Rikuo's flushed face. They boy was holding his neck while staring at Rihan with wide, alarmed eyes.
"What the hell—! Rihan! What on earth do you think you're doing to a kid!" Kiyomasa shouted at Rihan in apprehension as well while pointing at him accusingly.
"What… what just happened?" Rihan himself was confused. He didn't know what happened. It was just… "Oh my god…! Did I… did I just bite you?" he himself felt mortified at that thought when he realized it.
What the hell happened to me?—Rihan covered his still tasty mouth with both palms in total horror.
"Ah, Ri-… Rihan-san pro-probably felt too excited because of the fight and running from the police… so… seeing blood must have him snap," Rikuo said immediately, laughing sheepishly and nervously, as if he was trying to defend him despite the hint of anxiety in his slightly quivering voice and tone. "R-right, Rihan-san?" he then looked to Rihan for confirmation. Rihan could see the glint of fright in the boy's eyes and Rihan felt really guilty that he had scared Rikuo again, after what happened last night in the oofuro.
Rihan really… really didn't like that fear directed at him from Rikuo's usually clear innocent eyes. "Y-yeah, sorry…. I was still kind of a little bit caught up by the fight just now. I'm sorry for biting you, Rikuo…" he said apologetically and guiltily, smiling nervously as well.
Rihan wasn't sure, though. But it wasn't because of the fight…. It was because of that smell and Rikuo's taste. God… Rihan couldn't believe he had lost his mind completely like that. What the fuck—!
Rikuo looked visibly relieved at his answer and then added "No, you didn't bite me, Rihan-san. Just… l-lick…" his face went red immediately as the word came out from his mouth. He blushed so hard that even his ears turned pink.
So cute…!—Rihan almost lost it again and hugged the boy, but he realized that Kiyomasa was glaring intently and skeptically at him and Tetsu was still unconscious, not yet coming back from his shock.
"Rihan… don't tell me… this kid is human?" Kiyomasa looked serious as he asked that.
"Ah, yeah…. Yes, he's human," Rihan answered distractedly because he was still busy staring at Rikuo's adorable gesture of embarrassment.
"Don't joke around, you-bastard! What the hell are you thinking keeping a human child in that youkai-filled house of yours?" Kiyomasa went up, grabbing the collar of Rihan's kinagashi with angry look. "Do you plan to kill the kid or what?"
"Wait, Kiyomasa, hold it. That's never going to happen," Rihan was offended at the accusation. "The guys in my family aren't interested in eating human flesh. I'll kill them first before they even think about something like eating human," he said in a huff, holding Kiyomasa's wrist so he would let his collar go.
"Then… what are you going to do with this human kid? Making him a spectacle of those bored youkai?" Kiyomasa narrowed his eyes at Rihan's suspiciously.
"You are so incredibly rude. Is it that strange if I say I like human, Kiyomasa?" Rihan asked back, narrowing his eyes as well to Kiyomasa and Rikuo flushed even more hearing that.
"Oh… you're going to eat that kid in different manner? Man, how sick can you be?" Kiyomasa said with a knowing look that sent a metaphorical ton hammer to Rihan's head.
"Hey! He's just a kid! What do you mean by eating in the first place, damn it! Don't say something that may create misunderstanding like that!" Rihan protested hard at that, big bead of sweat dropping from the back of his head.
"Ah, um…" Rikuo raised his hand again, gaining Rihan and Kiyomasa's attention once more. His face was still slightly red from embarrassment, but he seemed having something important to say… or ask anyway. "Ki-Kiyomasa-san, you know about Rihan's san household and who he is?" Rikuo asked then to the point.
"Of course I know," Kiyomasa answered that quickly. "The fact that he's half youkai and his family being all youkai is the appeal… I'm fascinated by youkai after all. If not, we won't be friends at all, right?" he winked at Rikuo and smiled confidently. Rikuo's sweat dropped at seeing the lightening speed change of attitude.
"We're like two side of a coin, Rikuo. Kiyomasa's family deals with human gangsters and scumbags in this area, while we, Nura Clan, deals with the youkai. And if Kiyomasa's family operates a lot in the morning until afternoon, Nura Clan more frequently operates after sunset. We're living in symbiosis and in balance like that," Rihan explained while smiling at Rikuo and then glared at Kiyomasa. "Don't throw a wink to 'our' Rikuo, Kiyomasa. It's sordid," he added with annoyance.
"You are incredibly rude too," Kiyomasa threw Rihan's insult back at him, deadpanned.
"I-I see…" Rikuo nodded still not finished with his question apparently, "Then, why were you guys fighting back then on the market street?" he looked confused now, seeming not understanding the motive behind that brawling act.
"Of course… it's for training," both Kiyomasa and Rihan answered at the same time. They looked at each other after that and chuckled in amusement.
"We hardly meet during the day. Rihan usually never shows his face in the market, you see. So, when I saw him today, I wanted to test how much closer I am to his skill. Despite him being a Hanyo, he never uses his youkai power to fight against me. It's kinda pissing me off," Kiyomasa said, still smiling ruefully.
"So that's what happened. We were just playing around," Rihan said apologetically. "Sorry if it surprises you, Rikuo," he added.
"No, well… I understand, but… using knife?" Now Rikuo looked at Kiyomasa with disbelieving expression.
"Well, it's Rihan we're talking about. No matter how many times I stab him, he won't die, you know. He can't be killed using normal human weapon!" Kiyomasa protested. "So I thought I using a knife on him will be justified as long as he uses his youkai power," he huffed then. "Even then he refuses to do that. Just how much longer will you underestimate my human power, Rihan?" he then turned at the Nidaime, pouting.
"Ahaha, well… using youkai power to fight human seem unfair, right? As long as I'm not cornered enough, I have decided to let human sort their problem using human's methods." Rihan smiled repentantly at Kiyomasa now. "Human shouldn't intervene with youkai's problem, so shouldn't the other way around, though… I have to admit that youkai need human around to keep living. Realizing it or not, we, youkai and human really do live side by side all the time. If we can be civil with each other, why aren't we?"
Kiyomasa was still looking like he was sulking, but he didn't object Rihan's opinion. "You're a strange youkai, Rihan," he commented after that.
"I'll take that comment as a compliment," Rihan grinned.
Rikuo looked at Rihan and Kiyomasa, and watched their exchange with full interest. He was smiling after that. It seemed Rikuo was wondering why Rihan and Kiyomasa could be good friends.
"So… where did you find this…Tetsu, right?" Now Rihan shifted his attention at the teen who looked startled, after seeming coming back to earth from his initial shock of the event when Rihan licked Rikuo's neck, with the sudden notice.
"Eh, um…" the teen then looked at Kiyomasa with hesitation.
"He came to our house and challenged me to fight," Kiyomasa grinned and Tetsu flushed a deep shed of red.
Rihan chuckled. "And you must have done a number on him that he respects you so much now," he laughed at the thought of a little teen like Tetsu fighting a 'monster' like Kiyomasa. After all, his human friend was quite muscular compared to other men, and the teen was lanky, thin, and rather short.
"No, he fought well, though the way he fight is a little… you know, unusual. His strength isn't that powerful, but he's agile and fast. His strategy in fighting is also brilliant, but sometimes he can act cowardly as well," Kiyomasa ruffled Tetsu's short spiky hair curtly, but fondly as well.
"A-aniki…!" the teen blushed again, looking embarrassed.
"Well, it seems you've found a rough gem. That's good…" Rihan said with a smile. "But if you dare touch our Rikuo again… you won't be forgiven so easily, Tetsu-kun," he added, still smiling but he infused the 'fear' in his tone and voice as he said that.
"Wait a—! Rihan-san!" Rikuo immediately protested as the teen visibly paled at the threat.
Kiyomasa's sweat dropped at that. "You… you were really angry back then, huh?" he asked, looking like he was wondering while staring at Rihan oddly.
"Is that a bad thing?" Rihan asked back, smiling ruefully.
"No," Kiyomasa said. "I'm glad… that you can show your emotion freely like that. Feels weird, yes… but I'm glad…." He continued, smiling small as well.
Rihan closed his eyes and felt that yes, Kiyomasa was really honest when he said that.
0oo—Rihan x Rikuo—oo0
Keep believing in the future, not caring if anyone laughs
The passion running within you makes you shine
Too dazzling, but I want to keep watching you…**
0oo—Rihan x Rikuo—oo0
Rikuo, Kiyomasa and Tetsu were waiting outside the teahouse when Rihan paid for their tea. The Nidaime insisted because he was happy meeting Kiyomasa again after a month or so, that was what Kiyomasa said since the last time they met.
"Kiyomasa-san," Rikuo was a bit curious about this human friend of Rihan, so he wanted to know more about him. Kiyomasa turned his face at Rikuo.
"What?" the black haired pomade asked.
"How did you become friends with Rihan-san?" Rikuo asked then, eyes questioning at the gangster's.
"Hmm… five years ago or so… Rihan saved me when I was attacked by youkai," Kiyomasa said, looking afar, like he was remembering the first time he met Rihan.
Five years… then it was in 1945, just the time when Nagasaki and Hiroshima were blasted by nuclear bomb—Rikuo thought sadly. In the time of darkness… evil youkai were running rampage, growing stronger and wilder by eating human's sadness, pain and hatred.
"I was patrolling my area because many people were attacked by someone or something. At that time I didn't know that youkai really existed. I thought they were just myth or so. But then I was almost killed by a very ugly youkai. Rihan called that youkai part of San-something or something; I didn't really pay attention. Besides, who would when he had just almost died? I didn't want to know anyway. So, Rihan saved me with a hundred youkai from Nura Clan behind his back supporting him.
"I can still recall what happened that night like it was only yesterday…. Ha, Rihan looked so cool. Jumping, or more like flying, dancing in the air, his golden eyes illuminating the darkness of the night, he was like… the Knight of the darkness… or so," he grinned while explaining.
"Since then I've been so fascinated by youkai that I looked for him every night and finally, after six months of extensive studies about youkai through records and literatures, and using my family's money and connections to seek after him, we met again. And in that fateful night, I forced Rihan to accept me as his friend," he laughed now, looking slightly sheepish and embarrassed and yet nostalgic as well as he told Rikuo his story.
Well, Rikuo couldn't blame Kiyomasa for appearing and sounding really… spellbound by Rihan because jeez, even in Rikuo's perspective, his dad was totally awesome in so many ways that it was really hard to describe accurately. If Rikuo wasn't Rihan's kid, he would probably fall for Rihan as well… no, he probably had despite being Rihan's kid. Rikuo's feelings were jumbled and he was trying his best to ignore the obvious attraction between them as he thought right now anyway.
Rikuo shook his head slightly to clear his mind. He focused once more to Kiyomasa.
But… this is definitely… that, isn't it?—Rikuo gulped slightly at his thought after that while watching the pomade man in front of him more carefully.
As I thought, this person… this person is definitely Kiyotsugu's ancestor… no, his grandpa?—Rikuo couldn't help thinking like that as he noticed so many similarities of this Kiyomasa guy with Kiyotsugu. The childlike sparkle in his eyes when he talked about his passion, his eyes and hair (though it was in pomade fashion, the curl was similar) colors, the way he talked and his fascination about youkai… There's no mistake here. Moreover, the name is Kiyojyuji Kiyomasa! Kiyojyuji is completely Kiyotsugu's family's name, right?
Rikuo's was sweating profoundly again, feeling completely nervous. He didn't think he would meet someone who might be so close to compromise his identity in the future! If this guy would become Kiyotsugu's grandfather someday, Rikuo had to make sure that he would never meet him sixty years later.
Rikuo sighed long as he looked down. Might as well trying not to be too noticeable then… he had to maintain distance from Kiyomasa, so he wouldn't remember what Rikuo looked like years later.
"But… in the five years I have known Rihan, this is the first time I saw him like that," Kiyomasa said suddenly, earning Rikuo's attention again.
"What do you mean?" Rikuo asked, looking at him wonderingly.
"See, when you were taken as a hostage by Tetsu… that was the first time I saw Rihan so mad like that," Kiyomasa said, raising his forefinger in professor like manner.
"Eh?" Rikuo was surprised.
"I've seen him fighting numerous times. He always treats his fight like a fun game. Serious, but never losing his coolness and composure like what happened in the market. He totally lost it there. He even activated his 'fear'… against a mere kid like Tetsu just because he was angry that you were in danger," Kiyomasa huffed, looking puzzled before he gazed at Rikuo with wondering look. "You must be very important for Rihan… that he could be emotional like that when you're concerned." He finished, with deep eyes boring into Rikuo's perplexed ones.
"Ah…? But, Rihan-san and I… met only two days ago…" Rikuo said, thinking that it couldn't be only because of him. Though, subconsciously, he also realized that it was probably true… "Besides, Rihan-san will get angry if his family is threatened, not just for me." He reasoned then because it was more rational to think it that way.
"No… even though that's the case, and he's angry, he won't show that kind of expression," Kiyomasa said. "You're… special to Rihan."
Rikuo couldn't help blushing when he heard that. Did that… did that how it looked like for other people? Rikuo was special for Rihan?
"It… it's just… coincidence…." Rikuo still didn't want to admit it. It couldn't be like that. He didn't want it to be like that….
But… what was this flip-flop feeling he felt resurfacing from the bottom of his heart? His heart rate spiked up again at that thought, the heat rising to his face… and that embarrassed yet happy feeling…!
"He had ever showed that kind of emotion only to one person," Kiyomasa continued, seeming not noticing Rikuo's predicament with his comments.
"Eh?" Rikuo looked up again, wondering.
"I'd ever seen him that emotional… for his wife," Kiyomasa's face turned slightly solemn at that.
Rihan-san's wife… his first wife, Yamabuki Otome…!—Rikuo looked down, feeling sad again as he remembered the story and then the fight with Hagoromo Gitsune, how the love between Rihan and Yamabuki in the end turning into tragedy. The grave sadness that stole Rikuo's innocence as a child….
"The last time I saw Rihan was… just after she left. He was like a ghost then… just existing, not living… and then he disappeared for more than a month. I thought… I thought he wouldn't come back again," Kiyomasa turned his face up at the blue sky now, probably looking poignant, but Rikuo couldn't really see because he was shorter than him.
A month ago? Yamabuki-san just left a month ago? Then…, Rihan-san is…!
"I know how painful it is to lose someone…."
Is that… is that why he can say something so sad like that…?—Rikuo felt like crying now. He had no idea that it had just happened. A month… Rihan was still….
"Thank god… thank god you're still here…."
So… that was the reason of Rihan-san's panicky in the oofuro… he thought I left… the way Yamabuki did…!—now everything made sense in Rikuo's head.
Truthfully, Rikuo was still wondering why Rihan was so… protective of him. Why he acted like Rikuo could disappear anytime and the irrational fear of that…. It was because the event was still so close to Yamabuki's disappearance.
Rikuo wasn't special… he was a rebound.
The chocolate haired boy didn't know why, but it slightly hurt to think it that way.
No…! Rihan-san… dad isn't that kind of person. This isn't about me at all. It's not even personal. This is just… how dad deals with the pain of losing. After all, I don't have anything to do with it in the first place. It's about Rihan-san…!
"That's why, I'm glad…. I'm so glad that he can be angry so honestly like that for you… because it's a proof that he's 'feeling' and 'living' again."
Rikuo was startled out of his thought by Kiyomasa's additional words.
Rihan-san… feels again… because of me?
Rikuo then looked up and was immediately fascinated as he saw Kiyomasa's expression after that. The pomade man looked… really gentle just then. He was worried about Rihan as a friend. Somehow, through the shadow of Kiyomasa, Rikuo could picture Kiyotsugu doing the same thing for Rikuo and it made him really… happy and hopeful.
When I'm home… I will really tell my friends about the real me…!—Rikuo decided then and he intended to seriously do that, definitely.
Rikuo smiled small. He wanted to believe Kiyomasa's words as well… that Rihan was feeling and living again… because Rikuo was there for him. And Rikuo… really wanted to make Rihan feel again, a lot more pleasant feelings… of living.
"Hey, sorry for the wait," Rihan's voice came from the front door of the teahouse. "The customers are quite a lot today, so I had to wait in the line," he said with a grin after Rikuo, Kiyomasa and Tetsu looked at him.
"It's fine. Thanks for the treat, Rihan," Kiyomasa grinned back. "Then, I will be going home now." he said short time later.
"Wait, you're not going to tag along? Rikuo and I are going to go back to the market, though." Rihan asked, looking disappointed.
"Yeah, unlike the idle Hanyo like you, I have a lot of works to do," Kiyomasa said, winking teasingly, earning a protest from Rihan who was offended by that insult. "Then… see you sometimes, Rihan, Rikuo," he waved at them and then walked away with Tetsu following him after bowing slightly to Rihan and Rikuo.
"Sayonara, Kiyomasa-san!" Rikuo waved back at him, smiling in satisfaction. "He's a strange person, isn't he?" he then turned at Rihan who looked at Kiyomasa's back fondly.
"He is, but he's a nice strange person," Rihan chuckled for awhile before he turned at Rikuo again. "Let's go back to the market. It's about time Kubinashi and Kurotabo looking for us since we disappeared more than two hours already," he smirked mischievously.
"Eh? Aah! You're right!" Rikuo had just realized that they had completely missed the deadline to come back to their gathering spot. "Rihan-san! It's not the time to tease them by being late on purpose! They'll panic! Come on!"
Rikuo didn't really think a lot when he grabbed Rihan's hand and pulled him to walk to the market direction, and he didn't really see how Rihan looked surprised at first, but then… he felt Rihan's hand holding his hand back more firmly, and Rikuo smiled silently.
Rikuo might be just a rebound, but while he was looking a way to go back to his own time… he decided that he would make Rihan enjoy their time together in this space and time. He wanted to see Rihan smile more often.
Yes… Rikuo could do that. He didn't really know why, but Rikuo… Rikuo wanted to see Rihan happy….
End of Chapter 11
Tbc…
Additional Notes:
*Lyrics translation of Japanese song 'Before Dawn' sung by Ai Sachi (third opening song of One Piece anime… maybe?)
**Lyric translation of 'Believe' sung by Folder 5 (second opening of One Piece anime)
1)Aniki: Big brother, how to call an older brother in the most informal way.
A/N: Finally this chapter's done… Took me a longer time to make since I had to connect this and that and actually, it was my work fault. I was too busy this weekend that I couldn't stay still and write. Sorry for the delay, by the way. I swear, I want to update Saturday, but real life just didn't let me T_T. Anyway, this was the end of 'About Rihan'. How do you think? Rikuo's decision in the end wasn't so bad, right? Well, not really a plot progress and there are OCs too. *sweats*
About OCs: I know some of you hate OCs. Sometimes I do too, but for Rihan's friends, I have no idea who would fit, that's why I created ' Kiyojyuji Kiyomasa'. Though, he isn't completely an OC because he still has connection to someone in the canon story *grins* Yes, he is Kiyotsugu grandpa. I don't know his name (if it's ever mentioned), so 'Kiyomasa' will do (since there is Kiyoemon in Edo period—you know, Yamabuki's student? Someone please tell me you remember him? That's definitely Kiyotsugu's ancestor, right?) And you don't have to mind Raido Tetsunaga because he just plays a small part in here (except if I need him to do something again in the future).
And one last thing: I got a question if this fic is based on a manga titled 'Golden Days' by… uh… I forgot who authorized it, but there is manga called Golden Days. The answer is NO. Even though the title seems similar, it's just a coincidence since 'Golden Days' here I refer it to 'Nura's Golden Days' when Nura Clan is in the peak of prosperity in Rihan's time (I swear it is called Nura's Golden Days in Nuramago manga and anime) so it has nothing to do with the Golden Days manga. Heck, I didn't even think about that manga when I wrote the title for the first time. Just because it has the same 'Golden Days' and the 'time travel' theme is the same, doesn't mean it's based on that manga. Moreover what similarities do this fic and that Golden Days manga have aside its time-travel theme and having 'Golden Days' in the title? Even the other anime and manga and fics have the same time-travel theme and they're not based on each other, no? So no, it's not based on Golden Days manga. Besides, almost all of time-travel stories have the same basic plot, right? Something happened, dropped to the past, looked for a way to go back. See? The same. The important thing is how we can extend the ideas to be different stories, right?
Sorry if it sounds a bit… defensive because really, it's just coincidence. Part of it is my fault too. I should have explained in the first chapter about the title, like what I did in My Brother is Oyabun, so… yeah. God, I'm very cranky because I haven't been sleeping. Sorry again. *winces*
Okay, that's all for this chapter. See you in next update ^_^
