Disclaimer: Do not own anything!

~~ Unexpected Confrontation ~~

~~ 29. June, Early Afternoon ~~

Ryoma still couldn't believe he had really done it, had showed them the poor excuse of his past and life. His first instinct had been to run away but after splashing some water in his face and thinking hard about his choices, he had decided against his instinct. Instead, he had remembered his decision from yesterday's night when he had entered the five's bedroom and bed. Change and chances. Yukimura's word about seeing is believing did the rest, playing the choice straight in his hand. The idea about showing them and letting them see the… horror he had lived through had appeared so much easier and simpler in the bathroom.

He wanted it to work, wanted to see where their strange connection would lead them. Therefore, he needed to change their view or at least explain his view more clearly. However, after entering the car and realizing what they would see, what they would probably think, he felt sick and frightened, doubting his own decision. If Sanada hadn't taken his hand and given him reassurance about why he was doing this, Ryoma believed he would have stopped the car midway, changing his mind.

He had sweated through every pore and his heart had been hammering and thundering furiously all throughout the ride. His stupid heart had only sunk deeper into his stomach, causing him dizziness, when they had arrived and walked into the dirty and old apartment which had been, just like he had thought, already rented to another person. All his old and tattered clothes and his other small belongings had vanished entirely from the shitty hole which left only one explanation about the apartment's current state.

They had been lucky the new tenant hadn't appeared with them still being inside it. It could have turned out very embarrassing and dangerous if it had happened. The neighbors had never been a friendly lot.

Now that they were all sitting in the car again with light finger food in their hands, Ryoma felt calmer but not entirely relaxed. He had noticed Atobe's distaste, Sanada's and Tezuka's horrified and pitying gazes, Yukimura's worried and concerned glances as well as Fuji's unexpressive self. He had also noticed recognition and understanding and that alone gave him enough courage to think it had been the right choice to show them. Although, it would very likely change their view of him. Ryoma just didn't know if it was for the better or worse. At least some of them had understood. Not all, sadly. A glimpse to his right showed him that Fuji was still brooding, not accepting him and his decisions in the past.

What else could he do to earn Fuji's tolerance?
He didn't want the brunette to accept and like his decisions from the past. He just wanted to be understood and not judged by bare guesses and own opinions.

Karupin stretched his legs before turning around and falling asleep again in his lap. The cat had eaten most of his food, much to his... partners' dislike. Ryoma hadn't felt hungry, even with his stomach growling, as his worry was still too raw and strong. Only Yukimura's probing glances had forced him to nibble on his bento. His heart and mind stayed occupied, though.

Karupin purred loudly, making Ryoma smile. He had missed the sound. It had been unexpected but also very, very nice of Atobe to allow him to take Karupin with them. It would have broken his heart if he had needed to leave the poor thing behind in misery when he had been able to flee from it.

Atobe had already ordered all the cat equipment online and assured him that it would arrived later today at their mansion. One of their maids has been informed and would take the delivery, preparing everything. Ryoma had nearly cried by hearing and seeing the attempt of his new… partner to apologize and make amends. He would need to make sure to not get too used to their extravagant and luxurious lifestyle, including them showering him with gifts for whatever reason. Ryoma had a feeling that especially Atobe would buy him a lot more presents in their near future, with or without his consent.

"We're here." Akutsu said and interrupted Ryoma's train of thoughts. The car stopped smoothly in a private parking lot, of course, and they all exited the car, standing in front of the entrance of the mall which was filled with many designer labels and stores. Ryoma should have known they would go to the extravagant and expensive stores, not the simple and ordinary shops. "Kabaji will arrive shortly. I will take my leave then."

"Thank you, Akutsu." Tezuka bowed his head lightly. "You can take tomorrow off as well as a redemption for today. Kabaji will drive us to the party." Akutsu bowed and smirked, looking at Ryoma who tilted his head in question. Akutsu laughed roughly, entered the car and started the engine, driving out of the parking lot and along the street.

Right after that, another man with broad shoulders and a very neutral expression on his face parked a luxury car in front of them. The man left the car, bowing in front of them, then pulling a small transport box for animals out of the car's backseats and holding it out in Ryoma's direction who was still holding Karupin in his arms.

"Kabaji brought the box to transport your new friend to my family's vet and bring it to our home while we go shopping for a bit." Atobe confirmed and put his hand on Ryoma's spine. "He is a very gentle person. Karupin won't be harmed, don't worry."

Ryoma nodded and put Karupin carefully in the box, soothing the now awake and meowing cat. "Don't worry. I will see you later." Closing the lid, Ryoma stepped back and let Kabaji put it in the car, securing it.

"Thanks, Kabaji. Ore-sama will call you later when you can pick us up." Atobe said and let the big man go. The five waited till the car drove away. "Ore-sama suggests to start the search now."

They entered the large building and Ryoma groaned when he noticed the many different boutiques which were certainly no ordinary shops. All of them labelled designers and well known brands, known for their prices and quality. He felt four different pairs of hands on his shoulders and spine, pushing him gently forward.

"Let's see what's going to suit you the best." Yukimura chuckled softly but far too sweetly, and so did Atobe. Even Sanada and Tezuka were smiling as they led him straight into one stylish looking boutique. Only Fuji walked beside them and didn't touch him, seeming to be deep in thoughts. Ryoma tried not to think too hard about it, focused on the other four.

Nevertheless, the cold shoulder was… unexpectedly hurtful.

Three hours and forty-seven minutes.

Three hours and forty-seven minutes of trying on many, many different shirts and pants and shoes and accessories. It was far more than what he had ever owned his entire life! Ryoma had tried on everything they had brought to him at first. Some pieces of cloth were quite cool and very comfortable, others not so much. Although, when they had started to bring him pastel-colored shirts and pants, he had put his foot down and rejected them. They had accepted it, reluctantly, but hadn't stopped them from bringing him more clothes to try on, until they had finally found something which pleased all of them.

A pair of dark brown shoes, a black jeans, a dark green and long-sleeved shirt and a black leather jacket. The pants fit him perfectly and were pretty snug while the long-sleeved shirt was made out of a very fine and smooth fabric and complimented his now very lightly curved body. Ryoma admitted, he looked pretty gorgeous and the clothes felt nice, also in quality, even when he had already a headache from all the zeros hanging on the price tag and knowing he would never be able to pay it back.

Once dressed back in his own clothes and leaving the cabin, Atobe pulled the clothes out of his hands immediately and nudged him into Tezuka's arms. Sanada held other pieces of clothes in his hands as well. Hadn't they decided for one outfit? "You and the others can go ahead while Ore-sama and Genichirou pay for the clothes."

Now he really did have a headache. How much would all of this cost?
Ryoma didn't want to imagine it but his guilt forced him to do it, nonetheless, and whatever face he was making, it brought a smile on Atobe's lips. The diva pulled him close for another time, kissing him softly on the lips. "If you feel so bad about us paying for it, then how about turning it into an exchange?"

Ryoma frowned, not understanding. "What do you mean by exchange?"

"Promise to sleep in our bed from now on, tell us everything about you and continue to not give up on us."

"You already know everything you need to know about me and I won't run away. I wouldn't have come to you this morning otherwise." A blush spread around his ears and cheeks by the remembrance. He had really sneaked into their bed!

"No, we don't know everything about you, but we would very much like to and today was a good start." Atobe claimed and kissed him once more before he left with Sanada in tow, leaving Yukimura, Tezuka and a still distanced Fuji with him. Fuji had kept his distance the whole time, bringing him clothes without meeting his eyes or saying anything at all. Ryoma was uncertain if it was a step in the right direction or not. At least the brunette had brought him clothes, offering them his opinion. Although, Fuji had avoided every of Ryoma's as well as the others' attempts to bring him to talk. At least he hadn't left them alone like Ryoma had feared at first.

"I'll call Kabaji and tell him to pick us up." Fuji said and stepped away, phone already in hand.
Ryoma sighed deeply. Maybe not a step in the right direction.

"He is already thinking about what you have shown us today. He just needs a bit more time to understand it." Yukimura said, pulled him back and against his chest, giving him a sweet hug from behind. A hug in public and Ryoma couldn't care less who saw them because all he felt was the blush and the warm and fluttery feeling in his stomach. The same feeling from this morning before their little argument started. He felt calm... and safe. "Thanks for trusting us enough with it. It means a lot to me."

Tezuka nodded in agreement and leaned down, kissing him deeply. The brunette truly was a man of actions, not words. "I hope he will understand soon. I hadn't meant-"

"Don't be sorry, Ryoma. Things like this… aren't pleasing, but part of being in a relationship. We're still getting to know each other." Tezuka mumbled after breaking their kiss. The brunette cupped his right cheek with one hand, rubbing the skin tenderly with his thumb. The sweetness of this gesture gave Ryoma shivers.

"It has taken us around six or seven months till we found a balance and we had already known each other as friends for years before that. Just give it more time. You will probably see things and behaviors of ours and won't like them, then just talk to us about it. A relationship is always hard work, especially at the beginning, but just like we said, it will be worth it." Yukimura confirmed and kissed his hair. Ryoma closed his eyes and enjoyed the new sensation and feeling inside his body. His skin was prickling and tickling and he couldn't stop the goofy smile on his lips. He experienced a whole new self of himself.

"You're such a hypocrite, Ryoma." Someone spat the words out, interrupted their little time of intimacy. Ryoma was startled and jolted out of his… partners' embraces, much to their obvious dislike, and felt the air leaving his lungs in astonishment and surprise at what he saw. A blond-haired young man, healthy and strong looking, with a swollen belly stood in front of them, his grey eyes glaring daggers at him.

"Kevin…" Ryoma stumbled a few steps forward, insecure. Kevin, however, moved instantly backward.

"Do not touch me." Kevin sneered, raw emotions glimmering in his eyes. "Not after what had happened between us and you can stick your fake kindness where it belongs - far up your ass." Ryoma swallowed hard, his throat dry. What was happening here?

"I would have never thought to find you, who curses the rich and wealthy from the bottom of your heart, in the middle of snuggling with two rich men and let them be your sugar daddies as you obviously wear the newest designer clothes." Ryoma tensed, opening his mouth to tell his friend the truth. Nevertheless, Kevin cut him off. "How could you be disgusted at me and what I did, when you're just doing the same now?!"

What?

What was Kevin saying?
He had never said that to him. "I never said yo-"

"You pushed me away, every damn time. But here I am, seeing it with my own eyes." Kevin snorted. "You're such a liar, Ryoma!"

"I never said you were disgusting, just that I could never do the job. There is a fine difference and besides I had already three jobs, but that's not the point here! I'm not whoring myself to them or anybody else! You should know me better than that!" Ryoma said, disappointed and angry at Kevin and not believing how his former companion was behaving.

Why was Kevin attack him when it had been him who had left their little group?
Was his friend really still angry at him for telling him to get an abortion?
Then how should Ryoma feel after Kevin had left him behind in the misery, not thinking one second of what would happen to him, even after knowing they were relying on each other?!

He had trusted Kevin and had been rewarded for it with betrayal!
Kevin had only thought about the damn baby but not about the consequences, nor about the responsibilities that come with it! Maybe it was a drastic shock for him to see Ryoma happy with someone rich but it was no excuse to Kevin's aggressive and shitty behavior. Ryoma didn't see his fault or any reason why his friend was so damn furious at him when Kevin's problems were obviously solved as he looked healthy and well taken care of. Why was he so damn angry at him?!

"Really? Then tell me what you were just doing with these two? It surely wasn't the start of a long conversation!"

"We did kiss him but not because we bought him. Ryoma is our boyfriend, our partner." Tezuka stepped in and stood up right behind Ryoma, putting a hand on his shoulder, giving him strength.

"Y-Your… p-partner…?" Kevin gaped at him, all belief drowning from his face and for a moment Ryoma saw hurt or sadness before his face turned red and his expression hardened with unexpected fury. "A relationship… with both of them…?! Are you serious?" Kevin spat the words out, then laughed out loud, the noise alone sounding mean. "Ryoma, you have no heart, no place for love and trust inside you to be able to love anything or anyone."

"Do you think and say that because he has always rejected you or because you are jealous?" Yukimura said very calmly, the quietness before the storm, and took the place at Ryoma's other side, putting his hand on Ryoma's lower spine. Kevin clenched his hands together and gritted his teeth. His usually friendly, grey eyes flaming with fury and hate. Ryoma had rarely seen Kevin lose control over himself. What was wrong with him?

"Do you even know where he comes from? What he has done over the years for a living? Deceiving rich men and stealing their money after turning them unconscious." Kevin's voice quivered as he hissed the words.

"We do know as we are the ones who actually saved him from starvation after you left him alone in the mess, left him without looking back or caring what would happen to him." Yukimura defended him and the bluenette's hand traveled from his lower spine to his waist, clenching Ryoma protectively against his own body. Ryoma felt... warm and... indescribable. They were protecting him, helping him!

"I had a baby to care for and he wanted to force me to make an abortion!"

"Why haven't you called or talked to him again until now? As you have just shopped in a designer store too, you should have enough money and possibilities to at least contact Ryoma." Tezuka asked with his face being as expressive as a stone. Nonetheless, the spark in those honey brown eyes told Ryoma the truth. Tezuka too was, like Yukimura, not amused about Kevin's behavior.

"Ryoma would have never agreed to let me keep and raise the baby."

"Doesn't explain why you haven't cared enough for him to have the decency to at least tell him you're alright. You left him behind when the chance of a better life appeared for you. I can understand that to a certain degree but why haven't you tried to help Ryoma, to contact him at least?" Tezuka asked again.

"I took the chance because I wanted to raise the baby and I was sick of being hungry and dirty all the time. I wanted something better, wanted to start anew and it wasn't possible with Ryoma being around. He wouldn't have accepted me living with a rich man. He would have demanded for me to get the abortion and as far away from my new lover as possible. He would have ruined me!"

"You know the reasons behind my decision." Ryoma whispered and tried to calm his once friendly companion.

"Stupid reasons."

"So worrying about having a place to stay, having enough food and water, having enough to stay healthy was stupid of him?" Fuji interrupted to everyone's surprise. The brunette approached them and paused beside Yukimura, his blue eyes watching Kevin like an hawk.

"And you are?" Kevin frowned.

"Their partner." Fuji replied dryly.

Kevin snorted, then laughed. "Not one, but three at the same time. Ryoma, you really are a whore."

"I advise you to not call him that again if you do not want to feel the bad consequences. One can get the attention of the youth protection rather quickly and money can buy almost everything nowadays too." Fuji threatened openly with an icy voice. It gave Ryoma chills. He had believed to have seen and experienced Fuji's anger since this morning but what he saw right now made him change his mind. He never wanted to have Fuji as an enemy.

Kevin fell silent, his whole body shaking. "Don't you dare to threaten me! You have no idea who the father of the child is and he won't let you push me around like all the other rich asses had done. None of you would ever understand what I went through!"

"Thanks to Ryoma, we have been given a glimpse of it." Fuji whispered quietly.

"I highly doubt it, rich boy. I had enough contact with the wealthy lot, more than you can imagine. I know how your kind thinks and works. You agree to whatever your whore says as long as it keeps him quiet and beneath you."

"You-" Fuji made a step forward but Ryoma jumped between them, seeing the murderous intent in Fuji's eyes.

"Fuji, stop. Don't." Ryoma put his hands against the brunette's chest, pushing him gently but firmly back. Blue eyes stared at him in irritation but Ryoma stayed where he was. The last thing he wanted was to see them fight. He too wanted to shake and slap Kevin until the old characteristics, optimistic and funny, reappeared but it would be useless. Fuji took a few deep breaths, calming himself a bit.

"As you once have been one, you should understand the difference between a whore and a boyfriend now. He has more than once told you that he hasn't sold himself to anyone which we confirmed." Fuji spoke with his body shaking. Ryoma was still holding him back.

"He has worked himself beyond exhaustion to keep the apartment you two had rented, so he wouldn't end up on the streets. He hadn't eaten nor slept for who knows how long before falling unconscious in our arms from exhaustion and malnutrition!" Yukimura nearly snarled.

"Seiichi." Tezuka tried to calm their bluenette, as Ryoma had his hands full with Fuji, but was literally pushed aside.

"We gave him, just like you had been given one, a chance to change his life by helping him studying and getting healthy again. We wanted nothing in exchange and Ryoma agreed to stay with us until he was healthy and fit. That we had already an interest in him doesn't matter because we hadn't forced him to anything. Ryoma grew to return our feelings on his own. Do you still call it selling himself to the nearest rich man?!" Yukimura nearly screamed, his voice barely volumes away from it.

Ryoma was astonished by their outraged feelings for him. He couldn't grasped why they would go so far for him...
They felt attracted to him but they reacted as if...
He didn't understand but he felt strangely... happy about it. Nobody had ever done it before.

"Kevin, get into the car." Ryoma's head snapped to the source of voice, all color draining from his skin. An icy shiver rolled down his spin and shook his every cell.
What was he doing here?!

"Yagyuu." Kevin greeted the man, relaxing and almost glowing as said man put a hand in his neck and guided him slowly outside.

"Hurry up. I told you I don't have much time today." Yagyuu said and pushed Kevin forward. The bastard did a double take at Ryoma, his steps coming abruptly to a halt. "Go to the car. I will be there shortly after." Yagyuu's gaze was fixated on Ryoma. Kevin hesitated but nodded in resignation, throwing another glare in Ryoma's direction as he left.

Ryoma's stomach hurt as a horrifying and nightmarish realization hit him…

Kevin wanted to live with the father of his yet unborn child…
Kevin was here with Yagyuu who touched the blonde as if he knew him very well…

Oh.

Shit.

It couldn't be.

"The father of Kevin's unborn child is…" Ryoma breathed, disbelieving the whole situation. First his former companion's behavior and now this. His body churned together in terror.

Had Yagyuu done something to Kevin?
Manipulated and lied to him like he had done the same with Ryoma?
Was is really just a coincidence that Yagyuu impregnated Kevin?
Was Kevin's behavior connected to Yagyuu?

"What a surprise to see you here in this for you very foreign place, Echizen Ryoma." Fuji as well as the others jolted together visibly to Ryoma's distaste.

"Leave Kevin alone." Ryoma hissed through gritted teeth.

"Sadly, I can't do that and you can't make me, even if you have managed to bed some other rich men. Nobody can force me away from Kevin as I am the biological father and accept this child as mine. Both, mother and child, are well so there is nothing to fault." The bastard smirked at him with the self-satisfaction and smugness like he had done years ago. Once he had found it attractive, now Ryoma wanted nothing more as to throw his fist right into it.

"Does Kevin know what an asshole and monster you are?"

"Me? A monster? The last time we met it wasn't me looking thrashed and pathetic. Though I do miss your exotic looks." Yagyuu stepped forward, reaching out with his hand to touch him. Ryoma, not having seen this happening, was frozen to the ground. Thankfully, three bodies blocked the bastard's way and pulled Ryoma further away from him.

"We would appreciate it if you do not come any closer to our partner." Tezuka said calmly.

"Partner?" Yagyuu stopped short, clearly stunned for a moment but regaining his composed attitude very quickly. "Interesting. Kevin seemed to have lied to me about you, always telling me how you hated and despised every other existing being."

"Why are you with him? Why him?"

"Why wouldn't I be, Ryoma?" Oh, he so wanted to rip the damn smugness of this bastard's face!

"Because as far as I know, your weekly boy toys, like the one in the club, are very similar in looks. Small in size, dark hair and big eyes. Kevin doesn't fit into this description."

"I had a change in taste that day when I rented him. I never thought to find out that you have a whore as a friend." Yagyuu's attention was once more fixated on Ryoma, though he did glance to the others from time to time. "A whore as a friend and no real job. You see what happens if you try to go against me."

"So you're still the same manipulative, arrogant and egocentric asshole who has also a thing for being a control freak. You met Kevin, knowing full well his connection to me."

"My, my, you shouldn't tell lies, Ryoma. You know what will happen if you tell lies and try to embarrass me." Yagyuu threatened in a low voice.

"I'm not a high schooler anymore. You can't keep me small and obedient any longer because that's what you have been doing in the past, wasn't it? Keeping me away from school, from my friends and family, from tennis practice. You knew I could have been a professional in the future, could have a bright future, but you liked to lock me up in your shining suite so I couldn't go anywhere else, giving you the satisfaction of controlling my every move." Ryoma stepped forward and towards Yagyuu who still wore the smug grin.

"I regret having been so stupid and believing your every word without thinking about the consequences, even when you directly told me that I wouldn't need a job, that I could live with you forever." Ryoma shook his head at his own stupidity, his hands fisted. "But you know what, I'm going to finish school, and maybe even college. I'm going to get a great job and reach everything I want without your pathetic ass and you will regret what you have done to me and the poor boy. You're lucky there is no real evidence about you and your disgusting friends being the killers of the boy or I would have gone to a lawyer long ago. But if you dare to do the same to Kevin, you will find yourself faster being crushed on the ground of the fucking food chain than you can imagine." Ryoma fumed with rage, barely holding it together.

"Yagyuu!" Kevin shouted from inside a car, calling his lover. "You said you had no time, so get over here."

"And how do you want to stop me? You don't want Kevin to land on the streets, or even worse, in jail with a baby in his arms and no money around, do you?" Yagyuu smirked and headed to the exit. "Till next time, Ryoma."

Ryoma's body trembled. He wanted to throw things at the bastard, wanted to shove him inside his damn limousine and hit him with whatever was in reach.
He wanted to see him in a shitty apartment with no food, no water and no electricity, begging each day to somehow survive it like Ryoma had done it at the beginning of his downfall.
He wanted...

Warm arms pulled him into a hug, a hand pressing his face into a warm and firm chest. Other hands stroked his spine and neck and soft kisses were plastered all over him. Hot tears streamed down Ryoma's cheeks. Tears of frustration and worry and anger. "Shh, we will find a way, don't worry."

"Let's go home first before we let our guard down. We can talk there about what had just happened." Tezuka offered and received nods from all. They walked through the exit, seeing Kabaji already waiting for them.