(Creature-guardin)

*! WARNING *!

KOUICHI'S POV

Six in the morning came too quickly; I just wanted to sleep in. The first thing I noticed was Kouji laid his arm over me as if it would stop me from getting up. The second thing I noticed was that my phone had an unread message from last night. I checked the message, yawning lazily to myself seeing it had been from Takuya. Apparently he got the job at the restaurant. I wasn't sure what position but it made me happy knowing that he was happy.

I gently moved Kouji's arm off of me stumbled into the bathroom. I washed my face and threw on a sweater bracing myself for the day ahead. I decided it was a good day to add a belt. The last thing I wanted was to give Katsu a reason to do something stupid again.

Kouji and I agreed I should find a new job but I attempted to keep it more to myself. I would find one but eventually. He hasn't pressured me to get a new job like I thought he would. Honestly, I just think he wants me to just quit the one I have currently.

I observed Kouji give into the habit of making morning coffee. Though today when he handed me a mug I noticed it was lighter in color and sweeter in taste. I think he realized I didn't like black coffee like he did. I don't know why but it made me feel really good not having to speak something for him to notice.

It was only a minute before it had been time to begin walking to the store. Before I could grab my work vest he snagged it, abruptly leaning into me. His closeness startled me but it didn't phase him.

"You don't have to go," he whispered huskily.

His voice was deep and alluring and his breath smelled of coffee. I've grown to like that smell.

"I know," I smiled reassuringly, grabbing the vest from him, "..let's go."

I feel bad.. I know he doesn't want me to go, it's clear. But.. I feel like I have to do this. There's something pushing me.. telling me this is necessary..

The walk there was a quiet one, yet an awkward one. Normally in public we would refrain from the usual hand-holding but for some reason he held mine the entire way there. We got strange glances from strangers but I could tell he didn't care. It was hard for me to mind anyone else at this moment. Nervousness had taken over me. Well, the nervous feelings were half from Katsu and half from Kouji. We stepped in front of the store as I threw my vest on.

He patted my head and his smirk grew cold, "..only I can do this."

I smiled at him, noting any head petting would only come from Kouji from now on. The blush on my cheeks was an unfortunate side affect at his actions and words. He gave me one last look of depreciation and sighed.

"Be careful."

"I will," I soothed, ambling slowly into the store.

I felt Kouji's eyes glued on my back as I stepped out of sight. I peered into the office to see the old man. I greeted him with a hello and he nodded towards me. I smiled, seeing that it was more of a reaction than I had gotten yesterday. I think he started to maybe like me because I'm actually there. Katsu said someone had quit yesterday, but I was here like a loyal dog.

I walked slowly towards the back room. The light from the motion sensor turned on and I breathed out relieved not seeing Katsu. I picked up a couple boxes and placed them in the corresponding aisle. I sat on my knees and began doing what I was paid to do in the first place.

I scanned my surroundings noticing the store was somewhat empty. I only saw a camera above me and I suddenly felt safe.

It felt good.. to finally do something on my own. I wasn't leaning on anyone or asking for help. This self-satisfying feeling was more than enough and it's a little addicting.

I looked up, hearing footsteps.

"Hey."

"Kouji?" I blinked, "..what are you doing still here?"

"Just looking around," Kouji stated, "..I don't see anything."

I rolled my eyes, "..go home."

"Okay. Be careful," he smirked as he tapped me on the head.

I nodded as I watched him walk down the aisle and leave out of my sight. Something wrenched inside me. I almost didn't want to see him go.

What is this weird feeling? Maybe I should take Kouji's advice and just live out in the woods with him.

There was no sign of Katsu all day. At the end of my shift, I started to walk out the doors when I heard the old man call my name. He pulled me into his office and rubbed his eyes.

"Mr. Kimura," he began, his tired eyes piercing through me, "..Mr. Mori told you someone had quit yesterday. Is that right?"

"Yes.." I watched as he sat exhausted into his desk chair.

"We don't have a lot of employees to work those extra shifts.." he sighed, "..I told you, you would have have very few shifts. Now I'm asking you if you want more. That is, until we can hire someone new."

I let him finish speaking, keeping my mouth shut as he explained.

"I don't have many employees and even less willing to work full-time. I wouldn't want to over-work you."

"I'll work as much as you need me," I beamed at him.

"Is that so?" The old man cracked a smile.

My heard skipped. I've only seen him a few times yet it somehow his rare but mere smile meant a sign of approval. My fictional tail wagged feeling complacent.

"You're very loyal. Thank you," the old man began to search through his desk.

Loyal? He sees it!

"Let's see here.." he mumbled to himself, adjusting his spectacles and narrowing his eyes at a paper in front of him, "..between you and Mrs. Ota I could cover these shifts. You wouldn't have a day off for three more days. Is that fine with you?"

"Yes," I nodded, as if he needed more certainty.

"Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow then."

"..um.. where is Mr. Mori?" I asked.

The old man raised his eyebrow.

"I-I mean I usually see him here."

"He might be in the back room. Paperwork, inventory, maybe watching the cameras. Why do you ask?"

"J-just wondering," I stammered, feeling my breathing hitch.

Cameras?

I suddenly didn't feel safe anymore.

"Goodbye," I muttered without letting him reply. I gulped, walking out of his office. I paced towards the front doors where I saw my brother waiting.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," I kept my eyes low and my voice still.

"Nothing happened?" Kouji looked at me in question.

"No. He hasn't been around."

"Good."

I pulled him outside, sighing lightly. I just wanted to feel safe and at home.

•••

The next couple days I never saw Katsu. Although what the old man had told me made me feel uneasy knowing there was cameras all around the store. It wasn't unheard of and I'm glad this store has cameras in general; but I didn't feel good knowing who might be watching those cameras.

On the sixth day Kouji had walked me to work once more. He reminded me every day that I didn't have to be here, to call him if needed and to be abundantly careful. If it wasn't for those little mishaps from earlier in the week I'd say I loved my job. The last few days were quiet; the only thing that made me uncomfortable was the camera. However, the cameras couldn't touch me.

I should feel okay yet I feel bothered. I only saw another worker and I'm guessing she was another stocker. She was a much older woman that worked on the opposite end of the store. As she passed by me she waved a hello and her smile was soft. It made me feel content, but also dismal. She reminded me a lot of my mother.

One by one I put every item in the boxes away. I front-faced and rotated the entire end of the store I had been in charge of. It was a little passed eleven when I walked into the back room to grab the last remaining of the few boxes. The back room was threateningly cold and quiet.

I had gotten my job done a lot quicker than normal and it made me happy knowing I could probably go home early. I'm sure the old man would let me. I'm hopeful. I just want to be with Kouji.

I bent down to grab the very corner box when I heard the door shut. I jumped, whipping my head around to see Katsu locking the door. He began to saunter towards me and I backed up into a tower of boxes. None of them fell and I thanked whatever luck had made them hold still.

Why him? Why now? Can't he go away?

"Who was that the other day?"

I hate the way he speaks..

"Um.."

"He looks just like you," Katsu grinned deviously.

"Oh.. my twin," I gulped, for some reason I didn't feel comfortable saying my brothers name.

"Interesting," he hissed as he stepped forward once more.

Interesting?

I made the mistake of backing into the boxes behind me again but this time I wasn't so lucky. One of the boxes fell with a loud thump and opened. Some packs of soda burst onto the floor. I frowned as Katsu had been within inches of me.

"Oh, all that loss of inventory, how will you pay for it?" He said snakily.

What the hell? Why does he have to say it like that? Does he know how he sounds right now? What is that tone?

I backed up again, not looking where I was going. A wall stopped me and I couldn't retreat any longer. I shoved my hand in my pocket fumbling with the buttons. My heartbeats were random and I could feel my clammy hands shake slightly. I wanted to pull my phone out to call someone but I was too afraid he would snag it before I could do so. I kept fingering the buttons as he chuckled.

Katsu leaned towards me, his minty-fresh breath plagued my cheek as he whispered, "..I noticed you wear belts now."

Why would he say that?

My face flushed, I felt weak as he pressed his body on mine. Katsu gripped my arm in one hand and grabbed a handful of my hair in the other. I winced in pain as my free hand immediately floated to his arm. I wanted his grasp on my hair to loosen. I feel like he could rip my scalp off.

"I-okay, I'm sorry, let me go. Ill clean it," I said anything to get me out of this situation. My phone vibrated in my pocket as he laughed.

Why am I apologizing? I need to go..

"Clean it? You have to pay for what you broke."

"Okay, take m-my paycheck!" I hissed as his grip on my hair tightened.

He's going to rip my hair out, I swear.

He pulled my head back and whispered in my ear, "..I actually take other payments."

Other what? Is he..? Oh no. Pig! I need to go.. now.

I began to struggle feeling his lips on my neck. I used every bit of my strength to push him off me. However it didn't work. Katsu had been much heavier than I realized. He let go of my hair and grabbed both of my arms, grinning wickedly.

"You're such a mean Koinu today!" He teased, "..is your twin any nicer?"

I hate you. I'm done being a damsel in distress.

"Leave him out of this," I sneered at him, "..and don't call me that."

Who does he think he is?

"I'll call you whatever I want. I'm your boss," he smirked, leaning into my face.

"Not anymore. I quit," I spat, glaring at him.

"Fine. But you're still in this predicament," his lips softly carassed my cheek.

"Go to hell!" I exclaimed. I don't know what came over me but I just know this wasn't the right place for me to be anymore. I cursed him mentally, kneeing his groin as hard as I could.

He buckled over, a vicious and pained groaning noise escaped his throat. I immediately ran towards the the door. My hands shook so much it was almost too difficult to undo a simple lock. As soon as I got the door open I ran out not looking back. It didn't matter to me that I ran past a single customer and nearly bumped into them. I hated Katsu and that stupid store.

I'm sorry old man, I can't do it. Not while your favorite employee is a damned pervert.

I threw my vest off and left it on the sidewalk. My heart began to pump faster, I didn't realize the few tears that had ran down my cheeks.

I stopped walking and turned into the alleyway that Kouji had brought me into before. I sighed, choking back a sob and slid down the brick wall. I didn't want to cry anymore. I fumbled to get my phone out of my pocket and noticed I had called Takuya. I missed call from him, but it didn't matter to me. He wasn't the one I needed. I saw Kouji had messaged me and it just hurt. I called Kouji.

My phone was suddenly knocked out of my hand and onto the ground. I looked up at the boys standing before me. I didn't realize that my crying had blocked out my hearing entirely; I couldn't even hear those snakes slither up to me. The three bullies I knew from high school stood before me with ill intentions.

Don't these guys have better things to do? Why is it one bad thing after the other? What is the bad luck I'm enduring today?

"What do you guys want?" I murmured coldly. They were the last people I wanted to see.

"Why are you crying?" One bully sneered.

"Why does it matter?" I frowned, scowling.

"Where'd that attitude come from?" One of the bullies chuckled.

"He's been hanging out with Kouji too much," the main smirked.

"He's my twin, idiot," I said coldly. The main pulled me to stand by my collar.

"I like you better with your mouth shut," he said menacingly.

"And I just don't like you," I retorted with daggers for words. What he said before didn't phase me. I was done.

He threw me onto the ground. I caught myself somewhat with one of my hands. A sharp pain hit me on my side. There hadn't been much damage done just by a small shove, yet a rock from the ground had pegged my ribs. The pain pulsed with a wounding rhythm and I knew there would end up being a bruise.

I wish these guys would disappear.

"So you work there now?" The main leered, "..we've seen you go in there a few times."

"Yeah! But Kouji's around so we stay back-" one of the bullies said as the main elbowed him in the gut.

"Idiot," he rolled his eyes.

Saved again.. right? Damn it. Why can't I do things myself?

"Don't you have a family? Just go home!" I yelled at the boys. I just wanted them to go away. I didn't want anymore of this. I didn't know them personally and I wasn't even on an acquainted level with them. Hell, I didn't even know their names. I just knew I was absolutely finished with their games.

One of them snickered while the main huffed, "..the world is our home. And you're invading on private property."

I hate these guys. What is it going to take for them to finally leave me alone? They only know me as the cowardly mouse that could be easily picked on in school. Well, not anymore. I'm getting older.. smarter.. wiser.

"I feel bad for you," I stated, inwardly grinning seeing the main bully become irritated.

"For me?" The main scoffed.

"Yeah. You must have had a horrible childhood and home life to end up this bad," I kept my face apathetic as possible, "..what is it, daddy never came home?"

Yeah, they're right. I'm with Kouji way too much. I probably shouldn't provoke them but.. I'm so tired of this.. maybe two wrongs don't make a right but I'm so tired of being bullied. It is no more..

"Screw you, piece of sh-" he stepped towards me as I grabbed a fistful of dirt and threw it into face.

It's the little things I learned from Kouji's streetwise self defense that helped me in the situation. Something that didn't help this situation was learning to use threats and violence but that wasn't something that could be helped right now. I stood to my feet to attempt to run away but one of the bullies shoved me back the ground very hard. I let out a small yelp by surprise but not from pain. I caught myself once more on my same hand though it began to ache.

"Why do you guys have to do this? Why pick on someone smaller? Does it make you feel big? We barely know each other yet you treat me like this, like this will make you feel better or something!" I ranted, standing up just to get pushed down ultimately by the main bully.

"Fuck you," he glared.

"You.." I exhaled lightly, "..you won't get anywhere in life bullying someone like me until you're a hundred years old.. are you really going to act this way forever? You'll end up in prison.."

"What?" The main frowned, "..I mean.."

"..maybe you don't have a family that cares to see you head down that path but you have friends beside you that probably do!"

I stood just was I was hesitantly shoved to the ground again but this time by the secondary bully. The main one paused. His face twisted into guilt.

KOUJI'S POV

(Earlier, 11:15AM)

I couldn't take it anymore. Days had gone by of him doing nothing but reassuring me every day at work was okay. Though it was hard to believe him, I let it slide. I didn't have any proof of foul play anyway and I told agreed with Kouichi I would back off; no matter how much I hated it.

I swallowed my pride and I called Junpei. I told him I needed him here but I didn't say why at first. He didn't ask questions and came over straight away. He got here pretty fast, bringing gifts of liquor bottles and a pack of cigarettes. I was surprised by his gifts but I didn't ask about it. He probably knew I would have asked, anyway. Just for the fact I even called him probably would have been enough to set Junpei over the edge.

Today was a day where I couldn't get Kouichi out of my mind. It plagued me; this horrible feeling of anxiety and dread. I just sensed danger but I understand it. There was a full bottle of liquor that Junpei brought but it just sat in the kitchen. I didn't even touch it. Something's obviously wrong with me.

Junpei questioned me nonstop when he got here. He asked me about every single thing; clearly shaken at my tone of voice. I told him everything. It felt useless telling someone all the things that were bothering me that he couldn't help. He wasn't my personal therapist but at this point he acted more like a guardian. After hearing what I had to say Junpei seemed entirely distraught and bothered. Everytime he said call the cops or tell the boss I just told him to same excuse that Kouichi told me.

He wasn't sure what to do in this situation and I felt like I was going insane just waiting for Kouichi's shift to end. I walked outside and lit a cigarette. Junpei didn't seem surprised by my actions though he did question my honesty.

"Don't tell him," I sighed, exhaling smoke, "..he thought I quit."

"You should. It's bad for you," Junpei said sounding like a bad warning. He snagged the cigarette from me and puffed, "..yeah. Bad for you."

I wanted to laugh but I couldn't. I couldn't shake this stupid feeling from taking over every inch of me.

Maybe I should message Kouichi.. I don't want to bother him at work but..

I held my phone in my hand just gazing at Kouichi's number. I finally got enough courage to send him a message. It was a rather small one, just a 'you okay?' But I still thought it seemed to be a little much.

Junpei handed me the cigarette back and I took it anxiously. I took a drag, feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out of my pocket practically dropping it from shaking hands. It was Takuya. I furrowed my brow, not wanting to answer his call.

"Who's that?" Junpei asked, glancing at my phone.

"The idiot."

"You should answer," Junpei grinned, "..might be important."

Maybe he's joking but I feel like he might be right.

I pressed the green button to answer but before I did Takuya hung up.

"Well," Junpei shrugged at me.

I sucked the cigarette down before flicking it out into the yard. Normally I'd bury it around the side of the house where Kouichi wouldn't see it but I couldn't help but feel uncaring. I just wanted to march down there and watch my twins every move. Luckily I had someone here to keep me from going there and causing a scene like I longed to.

My brother hasn't answered.. but.. it's only been a few minutes. Just call Kouichi.. why am I so afraid to do that?

We walked back inside and I sat on the couch grudgingly, holding my head in my hands. I watched Junpei as he took out his phone and put it to his ear.

"Hello?" Junpei said, listening to the person on the other side, "..oh?"

I frowned in his direction.

"No he hasn't," Junpei spoke on the phone, "..I'm not sure."

"Who is that?" I asked Junpei as he mouthed Takuya's name.

"Oh.. yeah.. okay.." a Junpei shrugged towards me, mumbling nonsense into the phone, "..well.. the more the merrier I guess."

I furrowed my brow, "..what?"

"See you soon," Junpei spoke into the phone one last time before hanging up, "..Takuya's on his way."

"What? Why?" I crossed my arms, "..what did he say?"

"Kouichi called him apparently. He answered but Kouichi didn't say a word. All he heard on the phone was some noise and then the call dropped."

"Kouichi called him?" My voice sounded venomous.

Why him?

"I guess Takuya has a bad feeling and is coming over. He knows I'm here now," Junpei laughed nervously, "..I have a weird feeling, too."

Me too.

I didn't say anything in reply, just stared at the phone in front of me. I hovered the highlight over Kouichi's name wanting to call him.

Why did he have to call Takuya? Why not me? It's happening, isn't it? I'm no longer close with him, am I? I knew this would happen eventually, I just didn't think it would happen so quick. My heart hurts right now.

"Kouji," Junpei sighed, scratching his head. He trailed off and I wasn't sure what he wanted to say. Hell, I don't even think he knew himself.

My phone began to vibrate in my hands, Kouichi was calling me. I answered so quickly I almost dropped the phone.

"Kouichi?" I said hastily into the phone. Junpei stared at me in concern. I didn't get a reply on the phone, just heard some noise, scuffling and maybe a voice, "..Kouichi?"

"What's he saying?" Junpei asked.

I hushed him by putting a finger to my lips. The pit in my stomach became endless hearing multiple voices over the phone. I couldn't make out what they were saying, all I heard was random noise.

"I think.." I began, unsure of what I felt.

"What?" Junpei questioned anxiously.

"I think we need to leave, Junpei," I turned to him, my hand shaking as I gripped the phone to my ear desperately.

I should have left a long time ago.

"Okay," he nodded, his face looked serious and gravely.

We paced outside and into his car. I slammed the door closed with haste and listened to the other end of the phone desperately trying to decipher any words. With how much noise I heard on the phone if didn't sound like he had been inside of a groceries store.

"Do you hear anything?" Junpei peered at me worriedly with him eyes.

"It's just.. noise.." I swallowed hard, "..just.. noise."

This feeling.. it's worse than anxiety..

Junpei started the car and began to drive hastily down the road. Just a little further down the street we saw another brunette boy waving his hand. Junpei braked abruptly, letting Takuya hop in. He hadn't been too far away apparently. I almost felt angered he made it to us in time but my worry overrides any irritation currently. He seemed out of breath, panting heavily as he settled in the backseat.

Why was he running? Why is everyone else freaking out? Aren't I the only one? Maybe I'm not.. they really feel it, too.

"Junpei?" Takuya questioned everything with one word.

"We think he's in trouble," Junpei replied as he began down the road once more.

"Trouble? What kind? With who?"

"His boss, we think.."

"What? What's going on?" Takuya spoke rapidly, "..I don't get it."

"He's.. kind of creepy to him," Junpei mumbled his words feeling obviously uncomfortable.

"Wait, how creepy? What's going on? Where is he?" Takuya asked, his voice boomed behind us, "..at work? We can go get him, right?"

I held my hand over my ear, hoping to create a noise blockage. I just wanted to hear the phone.

"We don't really know," Junpei whispered sadly.

"You really don't know where he is?" Takuya voice got a bit louder.

"It sounds like he's outside," I told Junpei, "..but it's hard to hear when that idiot is running his mouth!"

"Screw you, Kouji!" Takuya frowned in realization, "..wait, is Kouichi on the phone?"

"Yes. Damn it, I can't make out anything though.." I sighed defeatedly.

I know I'm just angry and taking it out of Takuya. But I can't stop.

My heart began to pound in my ears. I heard a noise.. no, a voice on the phone. A groan, it sounded like Kouichi's voice.

"Damn it!" I cursed as I gripped my knee, white knuckles showing. The scabs on my knuckles began to heal though I felt like I was going to open the wound once more with the rage I felt.

"Kouji?" Takuya peeped.

"What did you hear?" Junpei said concerned.

I growled, "..we need to fucking go! I need to kill-"

"Kill who? That creep? Kouji, no. You're not going into that store and causing a scene," Junpei scolded, "..We don't know what's even happening-"

"We have to do something," Takuya chimed in.

For once, I agree with him.

"You two, don't go throwing punches at random people. I don't have enough money to bail you guys out of jail," Junpei sighed harshly, "..But I feel your anger, Kouji."

"Can you drive any faster?" Takuya pleaded.

"I'm already speeding! We're almost to his work anyway," Junpei responded in annoyance, "..Kouji, what did you hear?"

"I.." I shifted nervously heatedly, "..I think I heard Kouichi."

They didn't ask any questions after that. I grit my teeth so hard it hurt. I just want to see my brother. Junpei whipped into a parking space close to the store, tires squealing. We all got out immediately and our eyes darted to each direction.

"You think he's really outside?" Junpei asked me.

I nodded, confirming, but I didn't know where. The two boys followed me as I began to jog around the store, not even caring that I ran into a random pedestrian. We jogged around the back and stopped next to a dumpster. There was no sign of anything or anyone. When I didn't see any sign I cursed. I just wanted my brother safe next to me.

"How are we going to find him?" Takuya asked, "..are you sure he's not in that store?"

Should we split up? What do we do? I need to find him. Is he in the store still? But I heard so much noise.. he was outside..

"Damn it," I said with disturbance, punching the wall to the store. No one was around to witness me busting my hand onto the concrete wall.

"Kouji, calm down!" Junpei frowned, "..think!"

I sighed deeply, nodding. Junpei's right. I needed to calm down and think.

"Do you want me to check inside the store?" Takuya asked.

I didn't reply. I almost wanted to cry.

"Kouji? What do you think?" Junpei's voice was serious. I felt relied on in this situation and I almost hated it.

"You really think he's outside.." Takuya said under his breath searching with his eyes once more.

Kouichi's outside.. maybe.. I should let Takuya check in the store.. but I can't deny this sixth sense.

I lead Takuya and Junpei down a side walk. It's the way we took when my brother and I would walk home. Time seemed to move slow with every step we took. I feel like I left my heart at home with my nonexistent pulse. Suddenly we passed by an alley. Familiar voices and groaning came from the alley that shook me. My fists began to tremble seeing the bullies standing above Kouichi.

Well, this is it. I'm really going to prison.

"Hey!" Takuya shouted.

"Get away from him!" Junpei boomed.

I couldn't help but see red, I wanted to kill every single one of them. Kouichi met my eyes, they seemed pained and irritated. I stepped forward, ready to pounce but Junpei held me back by pulling on my jacket. I think he knew better than to let me run free.

"Oh shit," one of the bullies muttered.

"There's three of them. What do we do?" The other said to the main.

The main glanced at me with guilt and resentment, "..let's go."

"Cowards," Takuya cursed lowly.

For a second I was thankful Takuya came along. I think the numbers made the bullies give up. However, I couldn't help feeling I could take them all on by myself.

"Kouichi.." Junpei called lightly as the bullies reluctantly ran the opposite way.

Takuya stood next to Junpei and watched as I immediately knelt down to pull my twin into a trembling embrace. Maybe he was shaking, but I didn't see him cry. I hadn't expected to see his face completely dry.

"Kouji," Kouichi muffled my name into my shoulder. I couldn't see Takuya's or Junpei's heartbroken expression. I hugged him tighter. All I wanted to do was bury those guys.

"Are you hurt?" I asked.

Kouichi shook his head.

Relief.

"Come on," Junpei rested his hand on my back, "..let's go."