Disclaimer: The muses would like to remind everyone that Angel Spirit doesn't own Digimon, just the plot of the fic
Author's Notes: Ummm…heh…it's been awhile… ((Looks sheepish here)) hasn't it? But yes, your eyes are NOT deceiving you…it's a very long awaited update to Confessions! Yay! ((Will it help if I say here that I promise to try to not disappear for so long this time…?)) Part of the problem I had with this, was that I couldn't find the chapter ANYWHERE on my comp…and was very afraid that I'd lost it and would have to start all over again. However, I remembered giving it to my wonderful beta reader first, and hoped that she still had the copy that I'd given her…and low and behold, she did! Just because Sailor Epyon-chan is that wonderful…((glomps said beta reader)) so I DIDN'T have to rewrite it-I just gave it a quick once over to make sure it was all intact, and well, here we are…a beautiful update…((grins)) I have to admit, I think that this is probably one of my FAVORITE chapters in this fic…it's angsty…so much angsty goodness, I don't know where to start…but I won't say anything as to what happens here, because well, that would just be awful of me, won't it? Hehe…but what I CAN tell you guys, is that you guys are probably going to want to hurt me at the end of the chapter…just to warn you…((Speaking of chapter, can anyone guess where I got the chapter title from, hmm? I LOVE that CD, really…sighs happily))
Oh, and for those of you who have been waiting for Wolf to have his 'hero moment' that I've been promising many of you...then I can definitely promise you that the wait for this chapter was worth it…I think Wolf deserves a gold medal for what he does at the end of this chapter, yep…but hey, I'll let you guys go now and see for yourselves…muahahahahahahaha…
Rating: PG13
Warning: This fic contains slash/yaoi…if you're not a fan of male/male pairings then I suggest that you hit the wonderful back button to the top left of your page there and run far, far away. Please say that I didn't warn you…because then you'd just be a sad person indeed.
Pairings: Takuya/Kouji, a Junpei/Kouichi/Izumi triangle, and some Shinya/Tomoki hints along the way
Time Setting: Four years after season 04 (yes, I know some of the earlier chapters say it's set at an earlier time frame…I'm working on fixing that…)
Confessions
Author: Angel Spirit
Chapter 13: Sweet Sacrifice
Fear is only in our minds, but it's taking over all the time
It was eleven in the morning by the time Kouji finally managed to get out of the hospital, with Takuya hot on his heels…trying to not smile as he listened to all of Kouji's mutterings about horrible doctors, and horrible nurses, and how horrible they were for keeping him there as long as they did. In all honesty, a part of Takuya did agree with Kouji on many of the things that he was saying…Kouji's original appointment, had been for eight in the morning…so that they could hitch a ride with Tomoko on the way and then Izumi had agreed to pick them up, since Kouichi and Junpei had invited her over for the day as they had plans that they'd made earlier in the week.
Unfortunately, things didn't quite go the way that anyone wanted them to go…Dr. Crestman had been running severely late that morning, and by the time he'd managed to see Kouji, it had been 10:45…and Kouji had gotten very irritated sitting there and waiting for almost two hours. However, despite the fact that they'd been waiting for two hours, two good things had happened. The first one being that the doctor had given Kouji some new pain medications, ones that hopefully wouldn't make him feel as drowsy and sick as the other ones had, and the second piece of good news, had been that Kouji's knee was healing well-really well. And the doctor had said that Kouji could very well get his cast off in the next few weeks or so.
Kouji had been pleased with the news, and the two had been on their way…letting out a sigh of relief the moment they were able to leave the hospital.
Now that Kouji had finished muttering about how evil they were, he turned to Takuya and gave him a small grin.
"I can't wait to be out of this damned cast…to finally be able to move around without these awful crutches…I don't know how you were able to stand them after that soccer injury of yours last year." Kouji said, and Takuya made a face as Kouji reminded him of that certain accident on the field…it hadn't been his fault at all, but the other player's fault-the player had been gunning for him the moment they'd stepped onto the field. They'd crashed into each other and then slid against one another since it had rained the night before and the ground was still fairly muddy. By the time both teams had sorted things out, Takuya had been sent to the hospital with a throbbing ankle…only to find out that he'd sprained it pretty badly and would have to wear crutches with the heavy ace bandage they'd wrapped around his ankle for a couple of weeks. It would've been even more awful, if Kouji hadn't been there the whole time…he hadn't even known that Kouji had been there, waiting for him at the hospital until he'd walked out on crutches to find him sitting in the waiting room, looking rather worried.
Takuya smiled at the sudden memory and reached over and put an arm around Kouji's shoulders and gave him a gentle hug.
"Meh, I lived with them, just as you're living with them now…they'll be gone before you know it and when that happens, we'll have to celebrate!" Takuya declared pumping a fist (belonging to the arm that wasn't around Kouji's shoulders) into the air, and Kouji smirked as he glanced over at him.
"Celebrate, huh? And I bet that you just know how you want to celebrate already…" Kouji murmured, and Takuya fought a blush for a second, letting one of his cheshire grins take its place instead.
"You know me all to well…" The brunette teased, and gave Kouji a quick kiss on the cheek, silently cheering when he realized that in the end it was Kouji himself who ended up blushing.
Point for me! Takuya declared, grinning mischievously to himself as he wondered how many times he could make Kouji blush that day and decided that it would be fun to keep score and let Kouji know afterwards…without letting Kouji know that he was even doing it. Because if Kouji knew that he was doing it, then where would all the fun of it go?
"So…since it took us almost two evil hours to get out of that damned place…how are we going to get home now Takuya? Izumi's probably already at the apartment and I'm sure that the three of them are long gone by now." Kouji murmured, and Takuya shrugged, noticing that Kouji looked a bit off and he frowned slightly as he pulled his koi a bit closer to him, having the feeling that Kouji was probably just emotionally drained, if anything else. Because Takuya knew that if he'd been in Kouji's shoes, he probably wouldn't have liked that trip to the hospital very much either.
"Well, we can either take the subway…" Takuya started, and upon hearing Kouji protesting groan at his suggestion, he smiled. Kouji had never really been fond of subways…often telling Takuya he didn't like them for how crowded they were. For his part, Takuya had merely suggested it to see the reaction he would get. He actually had a different way for them to get home altogether, as he started to hail a cab, glad that he'd remembered to grab some money off of their dresser that morning.
"-or we can take a cab." He said, finishing his statement as a taxi cab drove up, and Kouji sighed as Takuya opened the door for him.
"You just said we could take the subway to torture me, didn't you?" The dark haired twin accused, and Takuya flashed him a victory sign as he did so, causing Kouji to smack him before he managed to climb into the backseat of the cab.
BREAK
"Why is it that Izumi's always late?" Junpei murmured into Kouichi's hair, and Kouichi laughed as he turned slightly so that he could look into Junpei's dark brown eyes as he reached over and gave his hair a light, playful tug.
"Because she's Izumi…Takuya and Kouji were probably running late, maybe she's waiting for them…or maybe she really is just running late on her own and had to leave my poor twin and Takuya up to their own devices and she'll get here eventually." Kouichi replied smoothly, as though he'd been expecting Junpei to ask the question, and Junpei snorted as the dark haired teen lying on top of him laughed.
"I'm sure that Takuya and Kouji probably wouldn't mind being left to their own devices one little bit…but if Izumi doesn't hurry the hell up, we're going to miss the movie we're supposed to go to, and I really want to see it." Junpei complained, and again Kouichi chuckled as he re-shifted himself in Junpei's arms so that he was now lying on top of him, so that their chests were touching and he was still staring into Junpei's eyes.
"Oh, but I think you and I can find something to do while we wait for Izumi…" Kouichi said, his dark blue gray eyes flashing mischievously as Junpei suddenly grinned, his grin matching the look in Kouichi's eyes.
"And what would that be?" The brunette asked, before Kouichi claimed his lips with his own…
Mmmmhmmm, that's exactly what I thought! Junpei's mind declared, cheering silently to him self as the two teenagers on the couch battled it out, before Junpei decided to be nice and let Kouichi win…this time anyway…
BREAK
"We're never taking a taxi cab ever again." Kouji whispered, leaning heavily against a set of mailboxes to the apartment building they'd just arrived at, as Takuya argued with the taxi driver before giving him half his pay-and for good reasons. The taxi driver complained bitterly about cheapskate teenagers, Takuya managed to flip him off before the driver drove away at a speed that caused him to be gone from view before either Takuya or Kouji could blink.
"You okay?" Takuya finally managed to ask, wrapping an arm around Kouji's shoulders and guiding him to the elevator, concern flowing through him as Kouji shook his head, looking a bit irritated.
"No, I think for once I'll say that I'm not okay! We were stuck at the hospital for two freakin' hours, when we were only supposed to be there for forty five minutes, max, and then we took that wild cab ride and the driver was stupid and had to rear-end someone in the process of speeding, and…and…" Kouji trembled for a moment, as he melted into Takuya's arms the moment they were in the elevator, shivering a bit as he buried his head into Takuya's chest.
"Sorry…I'm sorry…it's just that when that taxi driver hit that other car I just…I…" All Takuya did was hold him, and that was exactly what Kouji felt like he needed, as the brunette told him that it was going to be okay.
"I promise we won't take another cab ever again." Takuya murmured, and Kouji laughed softly as he brought his head up and Takuya gave him a quick kiss before the elevator doors dinged, signaling their arrival on the right floor.
"Hey…you know with Kouichi being out with Junpei and Izumi, and mom being gone…" There was a playful look in Kouji's eyes as he let his voice trail away, and Takuya grinned as his own eyes glimmered with the inviting prospect that Kouji was throwing his way.
"That means that maybe we get a chance to play without getting interrupted for a little while?" Takuya asked, and Kouji laughed in response as Takuya hugged him to him…and was about to say something else, but ended up stopping dead in his tracks instead.
"What is it?" Kouji asked, having been paying more attention to Takuya's eyes than anything else as he got out the key to the apartment from the pocket of the windbreaker that he was wearing.
"I'm not sure…something…just doesn't feel right." Takuya muttered, and Kouji only groaned as he fit the key into the lock, frowning when the door suddenly gave way under his gentle touch.
"Weird. I thought Kouichi said that they were all going to be out for the afternoon and if that's the case then they would've surely locked the--hey!" Kouji didn't get to finish his sentence, his sound of surprise catching Takuya off guard as a pair of strange arms suddenly encircled Kouji's waist and Kouji was unexpectedly lifted away from his side…his crutches making a loud clattering sound that seemed to echo through the empty apartment hallway as they fell to the ground.
And as Takuya looked up in shock, he saw that those arms-the one's that now held his struggling koi-belonged to someone that none of them had ever thought they'd have to see again.
"You-!" Takuya started, but before he could finish saying anything, the man standing in front of him laughed…laughed like the maniac they all knew he was.
"And none other. Now I do believe I have something-or rather I should say someone-you want. We're even I believe…I have someone you want and you have someone I want." Dark eyes glinted dangerously, and Takuya ran a shaky hand through his hair as he watched while Kouji continued to struggle unsuccessfully out of the man's arms.
"Junpei…" Takuya breathed out, and the man still in front of him laughed once more at Takuya's sudden realization, and held Kouji a bit tighter…bringing something out of his pocket that suddenly made Kouji's struggles cease to exist and both teenagers breaths caught at the sight of the small object...
"Very good Kanbara, Minamoto you both catch on so quickly. Now…how would you think the best way to handle this…situation?" Takuya winced, as the man brought the object that he'd brought out of the pocket of his suit coat, a bit closer to the dark haired teen that had suddenly gone so still.
"You want to exchange Kouji for Junpei…you're sick." The brunette spat out, and then instantly wished that he didn't as the man flicked the small blade open-the object that he'd brought out of his pocket-and Kouji's eyes went wide with fear-he was hardly breathing and as his dark blue gray eyes met Takuya's, Takuya mentally cursed at the situation that they found themselves in. He should've been keeping a better eye on Kouji…this wasn't supposed to happen. But then again, the man they were now facing wasn't supposed to be out of jail either.
How he got out, was something Takuya didn't want to know. All he wanted right then, was for Kouji to be as far away from Junouichi Shibayama as possible.
And in order to do that, it meant that he quite possibly had to betray a friend…more than one friend actually. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath as he tried to figure out a way out. And then he smiled…Kouichi and the others were gone…and in all honesty he and Kouji had no idea what the trio's plans had been for the evening. There…that, if anything, would hopefully get Mr. Shibayama off their backs…unfortunately, Takuya didn't know how wrong he was about to be…
Unfortunately for Takuya, the brunette didn't know just how much that would cost him.
"Well buddy, you're out of luck…Junpei's not here, he's gone out for the afternoon and we have no idea as to where they've gone off too, so if you don't mind, I'd really like my boyfriend back before I have to call the police and press assault charges on you…and quite possibly have you thrown in jail…again." Takuya found his dark brown eyes bearing into Mr. Shibayama's, knowing that his held a look of triumph on them…
A look that quickly changed into one of frustration and building fear, as Mr. Shibayama's eyes glinted dangerously as the old man slowly but surely shook his head.
"Kanbara, you play a very dangerous game with me. I know for a fact that this one's twin and my son are still inside the apartment…I've got eyes all around me, and those eyes told me when I got here, that they haven't quite left for the afternoon. Now…will you continue to be flippant…or will you get me what I want?" Before Takuya could answer Mr. Shibayama's question, Kouji suddenly cried out, as the small blade that Mr. Shibayama carried, suddenly found its way underneath his t-shirt…and had managed to ever so gently scrape his flesh. But the blade was freshly sharpened…and like any cut, it started to bleed. Takuya froze at the sight of the blood that started to slowly stain Kouji's shirt, his mind freezing when Mr. Shibayama didn't remove the hand with the knife in it from underneath Kouji's shirt.
Takuya's heart clenched, and he lowered his head…knowing that now, there really was only one way out. If Junpei and Kouichi were still in the apartment like Mr. Shibayama said they were, he had no choice but to go get Junpei and bring him out. It would be the only way to get Kouji out of danger…
Sure, he could always try the other way around and try to take out Junouichi himself…but as Takuya raised his head up to look into his koi's eyes, he found that they were squeezed tightly shut…and he could only listen as Kouji's breath hitched slightly as Junouichi allowed his finger to gently run over the fresh cut that he'd just made seconds ago.
"Now then Takuya…it seems like you've changed your mind about our current situation, hmm?" Junouichi murmured, and Kouji hissed-and fought not to struggle, not to make it worse-as the blade once more scraped against the same spot from before, making the cut slightly deeper…
Takuya didn't know what it was that had made him snap, but snap he did…and when he thought about everything later, he was sure that it was the fact that Junouichi Shibayama had dared to hurt his koi again.
"You sick bastard, stop it! Alright, just stop it! I'll go…just…don't hurt him again." Takuya whispered, and Kouji paled and shook his head as he finally opened his eyes to meet up with Takuya's. When he saw the look of determination playing in Takuya's dark brown eyes, he almost sighed. Little did Junouichi Shibayama know that Kouji knew Takuya all too well, and that look of determination held more then what could be read by the normal person. Kouji knew that Takuya was up to something…he wasn't sure what that something was…but in the current situation he was in, all he could do was stay as still as he could and let Takuya find a way out.
"I can't promise I won't hurt him Kanbara…especially if you try to do something stupid, like try to warn my son what he's up against when you go in to fetch him for me. Now, tick-tock…I do believe that you're waisting your precious time. I'm a man of very little patience…or did Junpei forget to tell you that?" The look in the older Shibayama's eyes was all Takuya needed to see, and he shut his mouth as he was going to make a come back that probably wouldn't help them very much.
Shaking his head instead, Takuya turned and reached for the door, gently pushing it open as he sent one last look at Kouji-the only thing that Kouji could do, was give him a slight nod-trying his best to look brave. But as Takuya's eyes trailed down to where he knew the knife was pressed against his koi's abdomen, he doubted anyone could be brave with a threat like that.
Determination filling him once more, Takuya took a deep breath and stepped inside the apartment…closing the door softly behind him, knowing that he had to act like everything was fine.
When in reality, everything was not fine.
BREAK
The sound of the door opening and closing caused both Junpei and Kouichi to halt their current actions as they fought to untangle themselves from one another. They weren't sure if it was the very late Izumi coming through the door, or if it was Takuya and Kouji entering. If it was Izumi, chances of Kouichi probably getting her to join him and Junpei in the bedroom were very high…if it was Takuya and Kouji, he and Junpei would get teased till' no end from the two for the rest of the afternoon at having been caught in a very precarious situation. Kouichi fumbled for his shirt that he knew lay on the floor somewhere beside them…glad that his shirt was the only thing that had come off.
Junpei raised himself enough so that it made Kouichi sit up on his own, and he waved at whoever was in the doorway. From the sheepish look on Junpei's face, Kouichi had the feeling that it wasn't Izumi coming through.
Mentally cursing as he managed to struggle into his shirt, the older twin turned around to find Takuya standing in the entrance to the living room, leaning against the doorway with a small smirk on his face.
"Hmm…been busy, have we?" The brunette's smirk turned into a teasing grin as Kouichi blushed and Junpei's sheepish look remained.
"What? The house was quiet…and…we got bored…waiting…for Izumi to show up…" Junpei managed to stammer out, and Kouichi sighed in defeat and bury his head into his hands.
"We're never going to hear the end of this, are we?" He murmured, and Takuya nodded, a mischievous look gleaming in his eyes.
"Oh no, you're never going to hear the end of this…at least, not from me anyway." Kouichi froze at Takuya's words…there was just something to them, that made him believe that there was a double meaning to them, and he instantly looked up, his dark blue gray eyes meeting instantly with Takuya's own dark brown ones.
At first that mischievous glint was still in them…but as Kouichi looked deeper, he saw that there was something wrong. And as time continued to tick slowly by, Kouichi realized what that something was.
Kouji wasn't with Takuya…and his younger twin brother had been with Takuya when they'd left that morning for Kouji's appointment.
So where was his twin?
Suddenly, the horrible feeling that Kouichi had felt much earlier that day came back ten fold and he almost sagged against Junpei…something was horribly wrong. Why hadn't he sensed it before?
Some brother I'm turning out to be…now I've got to find out WHAT is wrong-and from the way Takuya's acting, I've got the damndest feeling he's not allowed to tell me…which, means that I have to ask the right questions to find out! Kouichi thought, and licking his suddenly dry lips, opened his mouth to speak when suddenly-
"Junpei, you're needed outside." Takuya said it so smoothly, that it caused both Kouichi and Junpei to blink rapidly for a few moments, both lost in Takuya's sudden demand. It was as though Takuya's whole demeanor had changed-and Kouichi tensed, as he softly swore and started to stand, Junpei standing with him.
Now, Kouichi knew that Takuya's sudden shift in personality had everything to do with his twin-and he definitely knew now that Kouji was in serious danger. Just not from Takuya's actions alone…now that Kouichi was a bit more in tune into the situation, he could almost feel his brother's terror. His brother was close, that much was for sure…and something bad was happening to him. Kouji wasn't one to get scared too easy…save for after the accident, which had brought on a few new fears, but Kouichi knew with time that those fears would slowly go away. Or so, he knew that that was what Kouji hoped.
"Takuya, where's my brother?" It was more of a command then a question, and all Takuya could do was shake his head at it.
"I need Junpei outside…now…please…" There was suddenly a look of desperation in Takuya's eyes, it only appeared for a second…but a second was all Kouichi and Junpei needed to see it.
Junpei sighed and started forward, but Kouichi reached out and held him back, his dark blue gray orbs locking with Takuya's once more.
"You need to tell me what's going on Takuya…is Kouji in trouble? Please tell me…" Even with Kouichi's begging, Takuya knew that he couldn't tell him. He knew that somehow Junouichi would know…and the brunette closed his eyes suddenly, not wanting to think of what would happen to Kouji if Junpei's old man knew that he'd warned Junpei and Kouichi what was waiting for Junpei outside.
"I can't…please Junpei; just…you need to go outside…please, please, please…" It was all Takuya could do to refrain himself from trembling in relief as Junpei managed to gently push Kouichi aside, and started for the front door. At Kouichi's small noise of protest, Junpei turned and gave him a small, reassuring smile.
"I'll fix whatever is wrong Kouichi…I promised I'd keep both you and Kouji safe after what happened with my father last time, I won't go back on that promise. What kind of a boyfriend would I be if I went running scared every time something bad happens?" Kouichi couldn't say anything at this, and only bit his lower lip as Junpei continued to head for the front door.
Making up his mind, Kouichi motioned at Takuya and for a second it took Takuya a moment to figure out what Kouichi was trying to tell him, before the older twin finally mouthed at him to 'get Wolf.' A slow grin appeared on Takuya's face, and he nodded as he made his way quickly to the area in the dining room where he knew one of Wolf's dog beds were located-hopefully the lovable mutt would be there and he wouldn't have to waste time looking for him or call out his name. If he had to call out his name, he was sure that Junouichi would hear him outside. And that was the last thing that Takuya wanted.
He nearly sighed out in relief when he saw Wolf lying on the bed, snoozing and the moment Takuya entered the room, Wolf's tail started to wag-thumping all but silently on the bed…and then, as if sensing that something was wrong, stopped wagging before his tail could make to much noise.
Instead of calling Wolf to him, Takuya made a small 'come' motion with his hand…and was relieved when it seemed to work, as Wolf slowly got up and stealthily made his way over to him. Takuya grabbed a hold of his collar and knelt down next to him, looking straight into Wolf's eyes.
"Kouji's in trouble…he might need your help, okay boy?" Takuya whispered softly but fiercely as Wolf seemed to understand the situation as his ears perked up and then leaned back and he let out a soft growl of protectiveness. Nodding at the dog, and knowing that Wolf would do what was necessary, Takuya motioned for him to follow…and Wolf obediently did so.
I am SO giving this dog treats for the rest of our lives after this. Takuya thought, taking a deep breath before heading into the entryway and hoping that he wasn't too late…because it was almost too quiet for the events currently going on outside.
But Takuya hadn't been gone for as long as he thought he had. In all reality the minutes that he had thought that he'd taken to get Wolf, had only been a matter of seconds, and Junpei had just walked outside…and had promptly shut the door before Kouichi could follow him. The light haired brunette had left behind a very furious boyfriend, who was trying to get the door open as he shouted at Junpei to move…and if Takuya knew Junpei at all, he knew that the brunette wouldn't move an inch. One twin was already in danger…Junpei wouldn't risk putting another, especially Kouichi.
Unfortunately with Junpei somehow blocking the front door that also meant that Takuya himself wouldn't be able to go through either and he mentally cursed Junpei's bravado…and only hoped that Junpei would ensure Kouji's safety as he believed that he probably would. The best thing that Takuya knew he could do right then, was to calm Kouichi down-knowing how Junouichi's mind worked, he probably wasn't all too happy at the protests that Kouichi was making behind the closed door.
Making up his mind, Takuya wrapped his arms around Kouichi from behind, managing to drag him a little ways away from the door, trying to calm the frantic twin who fought against him.
"Kouichi…Kouichi, you're not helping! I know you want to, oh gods I do…but…you didn't see…you don't know…what that madman out there was doing…he…he surprised us Kouichi. He managed to grab Kouji from me before I could even blink an eye, and the next thing I knew…the next thing I knew, he had a knife…" As soon as Takuya had mentioned the knife, Kouichi suddenly went still in his arms, fear clearly showing in his dark blue gray eyes as they opened wide with sheer horror.
"Gods…Takuya…is Kouji…was he…?" Takuya softly bit down on his lower lip at Kouichi's question, and gently shook his head before answering.
"I-I'm not sure. Junouichi had cut him to get me to get in here to get Junpei…he said that he had someone I wanted, and that we had someone he wanted…he's sick and demented…he wanted to exchange Kouji for Junpei…I only hope that Junpei understands the risk that he's taking, because if I were him knowing what I know now, I sure as hell wouldn't want to go with a man like that." Kouichi shuddered at Takuya's words, and sagged a bit further into his arms as Takuya tightened his hug around him, with Wolf whining at the door-Takuya could've sworn that he saw a look of determination in the Shepherd's eyes. That dog was going to get through that front door one way or the other…
Takuya only hoped that when they did finally get through the door, that their situation wouldn't be any worse…
BREAK
Junpei hadn't been prepared for what he was greeted with the moment he'd hastily shut the door behind him.
Needless to say, seeing Kouji in the predicament that he was in with his father certainly wasn't one of them-and the sight would haunt him for many nights…and Kouichi protesting behind the door was only making things worse.
Junpei watched as his father dug the knife just that much deeper into Kouji's stomach…deepening the wound, and widening it when he started to ever so slowly draw it even further across his friend's skin. It was horrifying to watch…equally horrifying to see Kouji whimpering, trying to escape the onslaught of pain he suddenly felt as he fought to keep the tears from flowing.
In all honesty, Kouji was scared. Even more scared then when he and Takuya had battled and defeated Lucemon, maybe even more scared then when the car accident had happened…it seemed that with every slow inch that Junouichi dragged the knife, the pain would intensify ten fold, and Kouji had to bite down on his lower lip to keep from crying out as more blood was spilled…his blood…
Junpei made some kind of noise…a noise of protest maybe, for it caused both Junouichi and Kouji to look up…Junouichi with a determined look in his eyes that clearly said that he would get what he wanted, and Kouji's eyes clouded with pain and fear nearly begging Junpei to get him out of the situation he was currently stuck in.
And Junpei knew that right then, he'd do anything to do it. Even switch places with his friend…which is what he was hoping to accomplish.
"Let Kouji go dad…you know it's me you want, so here I am…you have no further reason to hurt him." Junpei said his voice low and dangerous as he tried to reason with his father…and Junouichi only grinned…it was a sadistic grin that almost made Junpei want to take a step back. Almost…if it hadn't been for the fact that Kouichi would probably never forgave him if anything more happened to Kouji because of him. That and he'd also have Takuya's wrath, and his own guilt to deal with too.
He had to play this right…he just had to.
Taking a deep, nervous breath, Junpei tried reasoning with his father again.
"Dad…come on…let him go…I'll come with you-willingly and quietly and you can yell at me all you want or punish me however you want…just…leave Kouji here…leave him alone…he's been through enough and doesn't need your sadistic brutality to add to it…please?" Junpei held his breath again, wondering what his old man would say…but from the gleam in Junouichi's eyes, Junpei knew that the game wasn't over yet, especially when the older Shibayama was the one in charge-and currently shaking his head at Junpei's offer.
"Oh, no Junpei…it's not going to be that easy. You disobeyed me directly Junpei…and now from having disobeyed me, I've decided that your little friend here will pay your price…your punishment as you say. Besides, I'm not quite sure if I want to let him go yet…I know for a fact that you'll be much more obedient if someone else's life is at stake, and I know for a fact that I know of some gentlemen who would love to have a turn with him…someone of his beauty could fetch a rather high price don't you think Junpei?" His father's words caused Junpei's body to still, and his blood to practically freeze-but inside he was seething with anger, and he fought to keep his hand clenched at his side.
It was clear from Kouji's eyes that he was starting to panic, but they both knew that he couldn't do anything about it-that he couldn't struggle because if he did, it would only result in him getting hurt further…and right now that was something that they couldn't afford. Time wasn't on their hands…and Junpei knew the moment that he let go of the door, that Kouichi and Takuya would come crashing through. But at what cost…?
Biting his lower lip, Junpei sighed, fully giving into the situation. He didn't know how else to help Kouji…unless…unless if he managed to play his father's game against him. He wasn't his father's son for nothing.
And the sick bastard would never see it coming.
"I'll make you a deal dad…and if you agree to the deal, you've got to stick to it…understand?" Junpei wasn't sure if his idea was going to work or not, but he noticed that his father had taken an interest to his words…so all he had to do, was stick to his guns and hopefully everything would turn out fine…at least as fine as they could be with their current predicament.
"I'm listening Junpei…and it had better be good." The younger Shibayama let out a breath that he hadn't noticed he'd been holding as he quickly pieced together what he had in mind before calmly stating the deal he had planned. If all went well, Kouji would be let go…even if it meant that he himself would have to suffer through whatever it was his father dealt to him.
"The deal is this…let Kouji go…leave him here, he's not yours, never has been and never will be. I'm your son, and Kouji doesn't deserve to be punished for what I've done…I deserve my own punishment. If you let Kouji go…I'll…I'll stop seeing Kouichi and Izumi…in fact, I'll stop seeing all of my friends altogether, because I know for a fact that it's something that you've always wanted since I started hanging out with them. I'll give you what you want old man…just…let…Kouji…go." Junpei closed his eyes then, and prayed that it would work…sure, in his heart of all hearts he was dying on the inside from agreeing to his father's terms-he knew that if he went home with his father this very moment, that he really would never see any of the others again, his father would make sure of it.
"Ah, Junpei, spoken like a true Shibayama…I think I've taught you something after all." Junouichi murmured, and Kouji sighed in dismay, giving Junpei a glance that clearly said he hadn't had to do what he did. But Junpei returned it with a look that said he did have to do it. And Kouji silently lowered his head in defeat, suddenly feeling drained, knowing that there was nothing he could do to change Junpei's mind.
"But I think I'll add onto your deal…make it a little sweeter for me." At Junouichi's grin, both Kouji and Junpei shuddered, both of them staying silent…not wanting to know what would happen if either of them made a sound now.
"You come with me right now…straight down to the car…and you'll stick to your agreement. However…Kouji comes with us…at least to the car. And if I know that you're being the good little boy that you've promised to be, then I'll let him go. Do we have a deal?" Junpei twitched, knowing that his father had him cornered…he couldn't make any better deal then the one that his father promised him here and now. At least this way, Kouji would be left behind. Junpei didn't want to think what would happen if Kouji was left in the hands of his father…and again, Junpei shuddered, not wanting to think about it.
"Deal." Junpei whispered, and Kouji made a small, protesting noise before letting out a cry of pain that startled both Junpei, and the occupants inside the apartment behind them. Junpei could hear Takuya cursing, and cringed inwardly as Kouji seemed to sag in his father's arms as Junouichi had just dug the small blade just that much further...enough to have provoked the pain filled cry, enough to get his son moving-to let him know that he really did mean business.
"Now then, we leave…and we leave quickly-into the elevator and don't think of doing anything heroic Junpei, remember you brought this on yourself son." Junouichi hissed out menacingly, as Junpei glared at his father before his father started moving forward, bringing along an unresisting Kouji as the three moved to the elevator…
BREAK
Takuya had started cursing the moment he'd heard Kouji cry out in pain…if only because at the same time, Kouichi had doubled over-letting out a soft cry of his own as he wrapped an arm around his stomach, whimpering as he fell to his knees. Takuya was instantly by his side, gripping his shoulders as he tried to figure out what was wrong as Kouichi continued to whimper.
When the older twin finally managed to regain enough composure, he turned his face up enough so that their eyes could meet, and Takuya gasped at the look that was in them…
"Kouji…oh gods Takuya…I can feel it…we…we have to get him out of there, Takuya…" Kouichi whimpered, and Takuya stood, nodding as he headed directly for the door.
This was too much…and he agreed with Kouichi that they needed to get Kouji out of whatever was going on right now. He hadn't liked listening to the deal that Junpei had decided to make with his father, and Kouichi had all but protested it silently with tears in his eyes, knowing that Junpei was doing it for Kouji's safety.
Knowing that he'd forever wonder 'what if' if he didn't get up and move now, despite the pain he was feeling from his twin, Kouichi managed to stand and head after Takuya as the brunette threw open the door. Wolf, finally realizing that there was some action going on, immediately lunged forward, knocking both Takuya and Kouichi out of the way as they quickly moved out the door right after him.
But they were too late…Kouichi's reaction to Junouichi digging the knife further into Kouji, had stalled them…and given Junouichi enough time to usher both Kouji and Junpei into the elevator.
Wolf sniffed the area that both Takuya and Kouichi knew Kouji had been standing in, in Junouichi's grasp…they could tell if only because of the
blood that was there, and Wolf whined, pawing at the ground.
"We've got to get down there before that elevator does!" Kouichi gasped, and Takuya nodded as they made a made dash for the stairs. Wolf whined and pawed at the spot once more, before taking another sniff…and then suddenly letting out a very low, very angry sounding growl. One that Kouichi knew he'd never heard before, and he whirled around to see Wolf's hackles rising, and the big German Shepherd looking like he was on the hunt.
And perhaps…perhaps he was…and it suddenly gave Kouichi an idea.
"Wolf!" The lovable mutt raised his head and stared directly into Kouichi's dark blue gray eyes with complete recognition and obedience when the older twin called out his name, and Kouichi made a sudden hand motion as he immediately slashed it down towards the stairs before using his other hand to point in the direction he knew that Junouichi had probably gone with Kouji and Junpei.
"'Sick em'!" Wolf needed no other command, and had blown past Kouichi before he could even blink…he'd even beat Takuya down the stairs, nearly causing the brunette to topple over as Takuya did a double take when he saw how fast Wolf was going-growling all the while as he flew past him. Takuya quickly fell out of his stupor though, when Kouichi managed to catch up with him and the two continued running down the stairs together, managing to get to the bottom just in time to see Wolf charging at full speed across the parking lot to a parked limo that was running and waiting…no doubt Junouichi Shibayama's escape car.
While Takuya and Kouichi rushed to catch up, Kouichi's command was firmly implanted in Wolf's mind as the Shepherd instantly spotted his target. It seemed like Junouichi hadn't been so willing to give up his lucky catch, and Junpei had tried to get him to stick to his part of the bargain, only to end up with a smack in the face by one of Junouichi's elbows, and shoved quickly aside…he was trying to get Kouji into the car…
But Kouji wasn't having any of it…and despite the fear and the pain, desperation was at its strongest and he was struggling fiercely against the older Shibayama while Junpei tried again.
The three were distracted though, when a few barks of warning and a loud growling noise could be heard, and Kouji's dark blue gray eyes opened wide. He knew those barks and that growl.
"Wolf! Wolf-!" Before Kouji could say anything else, or give any other command, Junouichi had suddenly managed to grab a handful of his hair and slam his forehead as hard as he could into the door frame of the car door despite Junpei's outraged cry at the harsh treatment.
For several seconds, Kouji saw stars illuminate his vision before quickly fading into dots of red and black as darkness threatened to take over.
Within those several seconds, several things happened at once.
Izumi-who was always claiming that it was better to be late than never; came peeling into the parking lot when she saw what was going on, instantly stopping her car right in front of the limo (knowing that if the limo driver wanted to go anywhere, they'd have to get through her car first) and got out as fast as she could-managing to make it to Junpei's side-an overprotective look showing clearly in her eyes as she stood slightly in front of him.
This was going on, right as Wolf had managed to get close enough to make a huge running leap…landing squarely on Junouichi's backside, causing the three-Junouichi, a barely conscious Kouji, and Wolf-to take a tumble to the ground.
In Junouichi's unfortunate case, he was pinned underneath Wolf's weight…who wasn't about ready to let him do anything, as he snagged the arm that had the knife in it, and by putting his mouth around the arm he clearly let the older Shibayama know, that even trying to use it again would result in getting teeth marks along his arm…or quite possibly half an arm bitten off.
Kouji had been save from taking a tumble with them-crying out in pain as the knife was ripped away-as Junpei and Izumi had managed to catch him before he completely fell over.
Takuya and Kouichi had arrived too, Kouichi looking on with satisfaction as Wolf looked like he was ready to tear Junouichi Shibayama apart limb from limb-watching just to make sure the Shepherd didn't-as Takuya instantly headed to where Kouji was lying limp in Junpei's arms. Kouji's dark gray eyes were shut tightly in pain, and his breathing was ragged as Junpei and Izumi did their best to stop the blood flowing from the knife wound that Junouichi had given the dark haired teen. Izumi finally blew out a breath of frustration as she finally undid a long, purple silk scarf that she had worn around her neck to complete her outfit for the day, handing it down to Junpei as he pressed it non to gently against Kouji's wound, causing him to cry out once more.
Skidding to a halt next to the trio on the ground, Takuya knelt as well-taking Kouji from Junpei as he held his trembling, halfway conscious koi in his arms as he tried his best to soothe him.
"We should call the cops-if this isn't anything to get this sick bastard arrested again, I don't know what is." Kouichi declared angrily, as Junouichi had gone absolutely still underneath Wolf's threatening presence. It was clear, that Junouichi obviously didn't like big dog's…a big plus for their side.
Wolf is SO going to get a big steak for dinner tonight. Kouichi thought, as he took out his cell phone to dial the police…but Izumi gestured at him to stop, before pointing in another direction of the parking lot.
"I don't think we'll have to call the police Kouichi…it looks like one is heading our way right now." Raising an eyebrow at Izumi's words, Kouichi spun around-his dark blue gray eyes widening with horror as he saw his mother dashing across the parking lot, with another man at her side…a man he didn't know who was dressed in an officer's uniform.
And why did his mother look all dressed up anyway?
Surely Tomoko hadn't gone on a…a…date?!? If their situation hadn't been so dire, Kouichi would've fired a bazillion questions at his mother. But right now, as their mother and her new 'friend' came running up, Tomoko out of breath and the man with her looking rather outraged at what they found, all those questions seemed to fly out of his mind the moment his mother started asking him what happened firing question after question.
"Mom…mom, you need to slow down…we'll…we'll tell you everything! But mom, right now you've got to take care of Kouji first…mom…please…" Trying to calm their mother down was one thing. But the moment Takuya suddenly cried out in a sound that resonated dismay and fear was something else altogether, for when Kouichi turned to see what was going on, he saw that Kouji had fallen completely unconscious and lay rather pale and unmoving in his arms.
"We've got to get him inside…and quickly, Takuya, take him…now!" Even though Tomoko's command was sharp and short, Takuya nodded-knowing how urgent it was, as he gently scooped Kouji up in his arms and fled towards the elevator. Kouichi hesitated for just a split second before he was on Takuya's heels, making it into the elevator right behind Takuya before the door was able to close on him.
"Raiden, would you mind…helping here…? I know you're on a break now…but…?" The man who'd been with Tomoko nodded, as he radioed for help before Tomoko took off sprinting up the stairs towards the apartment, knowing that Takuya and Kouichi would've beaten her there with Kouji, and she hoped that when she would get there, that Kouichi would know enough to have some things ready for her. From the way Kouji had looked in the parking lot, Tomoko doubted that they could wait for an ambulance…and it was one of those times, when she thanked her lucky stars that she was a nurse…
She was only praying now, that she'd gotten here in time.
TBC
End Note: I could just so see Izumi tearing into that parking lot at that one scene, tires squealing and everything…LOL. ((Grins)) See, didn't I tell you all in the beginning of the chapter that you'd hate me at the end??? And just WHO is this new Raiden guy anyway??? Ah, the questions…