Title: My Angel, My Savior
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing, it all belongs to the amazing Murakami Maki! All praise her like the goddess she is! *bows and grovels* However, the plot is mine and Aya, Mio, Migel...all belongs to me. ;)
Notes from Nori: We're approaching the end of My Angel, My Savior. It's been a long, hard road, but I don't regret starting this loopy little fic. There's about 2 or 3 more chapters before all is resolved and Mio and Ryuichi's fate is told. You have not seen the last of little Migel either. Rest assured on that account.
~___________________________________~
"And it won't take long, we both knew this
Well I wasn't quite prepared
For my center of dying, the heart of your pain
All my words get lost and I can't speak
Got my head stripped down, well I get weak
And the words fall out like Forever December
But soon it won't matter 'cause she won't mean nothin'"
- Forever December by Matchbox 20
~__________________________________________~
Ryuichi wasn't very fond of music industry related parties. They were always so fake and flashy. He didn't like all the smoking and drinking either. Nittle Grapser's CD was out on the market despite the fact that it had just been finished and now the company was throwing a sort of CD debut party. Ryuichi didn't mind honestly, he just didn't want Mio to be exposed to the kind of parties that he was used to. They weren't always the prettiest of scenes.
"So you enjoyed your time with Eiri and Shuichi then?" Ryuichi asked, buttoning up his shirt.
Mio ran a brush through her hair delicately and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She smiled slightly and set the brush down, allowing her brilliant sandy waves to cascade down her shoulders.
"Hai, I enjoyed it very much. Seeing Yuki, Migel and Shuichi together is so amazing. They just..fit." She said wistfully.
Standing up and giving herself a once over she straightened her skirt and with what had to be practiced elegance twirled her hair up into two small buns. Ryuichi stood unmoving at his dresser, his face furrowed in a frown. He gave a weak, rather sad smile as he reached for his earring.
"Yeah, they do don't they." He said softly, more to himself.
Mio twirled around to face him and tilted her head. She smiled and clipped up a stray strand of hair.
"Ready to go, Ryuichi? You'll be late if we don't hurry."
Finishing up, Ryuichi turned around with a slightly wider smile and nodded to her. Mio nodded back and took off down the hall and to the closet. Taking out her jacket and Ryuichi's she handed him his as he came down the hall and slid hers on. Sliding on her shoes she reached up on her tiptoes and snagged the car keys from their place. Ryuichi smiled naturally at the routine she's gotten down and slid his shoes on as well. Taking the keys from Mio he affectionately beeper her on the nose and opened the door. The pair made their way to the car talking animatedly. Once inside, Mio strapped herself in and allowed Kumagoro to sit in her lap. Ryuichi started the car and they were off.
"So Tohma and Noriko don't mind me coming to work with you, Ryuichi? For serious?" she asked, bitting her bottom lip with slight worry.
"It's all right, Mio-chan na no da!" he said happily. "I called Tohma and everything! Noriko is very excited, she likes kids. In fact she has a daughter a little older than you named Saki, Saki is really nice, na no da!"
Mio smiled and stared out the car window, watching the busy Tokyo sidewalks fly by them. This would be her first time meeting Ryuichi's friends and she hoped she didn't do anything too stupid in front of them. Looking down at the bunny in her lap she fiddled with its ear slightly. This was so unlike her. Well, unlike the post-Aya death Mio anyway. She couldn't remember the last time she had ever been this happy. Probably sometime before Aya died. Mio shivered lightly, those words still managed to give her the chills every time she heard them. It was still hard to possibly believe that Aya was gone. Tilting his head, he looked over at Mio with a bit of confusion.
"Is Mio excited?" he asked.
Mio looked over at him and nodded, showing off her brightest little smile. "Very excite, I hope your friends will like me."
"They will love you-just like Ryuichi does."
'Ryuichi.' She repeated with a small inward laugh. Only Ryuichi could speak third person and still sound positively adorable at his age. At first Mio thought it would take some getting used to. Honestly, how responsible could a person with the mentality of a 5-year-old be? But, Ryuichi had definitely proved to be more observant than others gave him credit for. Mio came to wonder if Ryuichi's naïve sense of being was a sort of defense mechanism he used to keep from getting hurt.
'Is that why you act the way you do, Ryuichi?' she wondered as she watched him. 'I'll make sure nobody hurts you ever.'
*
"Tohma!" Noriko whined, rolling her eyes skyward. "I asked you a question and you're ignoring me!"
Tohma jerked back into reality and blinked quickly before looking over at his companion. Noriko stood there looking agitated with her hands, balled in fists, resting on her slender hips. Giving his best sheepish smile, Tohma stood up and looked Noriko over. See through shimmering skirt with slits cut to her thigh, a pair of shorts (if you could even call them that) underneath with a rather revealing bikini like top. Yes, this was definitely something Noriko could pull off.
"You look fine, Noriko-chan." He assured her.
Grinning in a superior manner, Noriko turned to check herself in the full- length mirror behind them. She straightened the slit going up her thigh to her hip and fluffed her hair. Finally deciding she looked perfect she turned back to Tohma and linked arms with him.
"So where's Ryuichi-kun?"
"He's on his way I'm sure. You know what it's like to get a child ready in the morning, eh Noriko-chan?" he asked, casting her a sidelong look.
Letting out a small laugh, Noriko nodded. "And so do you, Mr. Manager. So what's it like living with a mini-Tohma running around the house? How's Mika handling it?"
"Mika's entirely devoted her every waking moment to the boy, she's spoiling him rotten honestly. However, Tooya isn't much trouble to look after at all." Tohma replied nonchalantly. "He's showing great interest in making "music" with my grand piano though, I had to get a lock for the door."
Noriko laughed, "He's a mini-Tohma alright. You should teach him how to play it properly. Saki's about his age and she -loves- it! Who knows, maybe we could be looking at another Nittle Grasper in the future..?" Noriko teased.
Tohma looked amused by the prospect and let out a chuckle.
"Who knows, we could be."
There was a knock on the door and Noriko let go of Tohma's arm to go open it. Ryuichi stood there smiling brightly, looking nice in his button up shirt and tight black jeans as Mio shyly stood behind his leg. Looking down at her he took her hand and led her to stand in front of him. Noriko tilted her head to the side as she watched the girl bashfully stare at the ground. Smiling she kneeled down to Mio's height and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Hello there," she said kindly. "I'm Noriko, but my friends usually call me Nori, so Nori is fine too."
Mio looked up through her bangs, big green eyes looking at her questioningly. Noriko grinned and brushed her bangs to the side so she could see better.
"Do you have a name or should I just call you bright eyes?"
"Gomen, Noriko-san," Mio said with a bow. "My name is Mio, it's nice to meet you."
Despite her efforts against the action, Noriko couldn't help, but let out a loud "Awww!" and envelop the blonde child into a hug. Mio stiffened a bit, but didn't move away until Noriko let go of her and pat her shoulders in a motherly fashion.
"Just call me Nori, ok?" she said winking at her. "You're too cute, Mio- chan."
Standing up she moved to the side and beckoned for Tohma to come over with a bright smile.
"Isn't she just the cutest? She reminds of my little musume-chan{1}!" Noriko stated with glee.
Looking the girl over, Tohma walked over slowly, a convincing smile playing over his face. He bent down as well and put his hand out for her to shake.
"Ohayoo gozaimasu{2}, Mio-san." He said politely.
"Ohayoo, Seguchi-san." She replied in a small voice, shaking his hand lightly.
Tohma chuckled and stood back up, patting her head in an off manner. "Please," he said with a slightly devious looking smile. "Call me Tohma."
Mio smiled and gave him a nod.
"Alright, Tohma, it's nice to meet you." She said then looked between the two. "Both of you."
Still smiling his bright smile, Ryuichi swept Mio up and gave her a big hug. Mio returned the smile and hug, wrapping one arm around his shoulders as he held her up against his side.
"So are we ready to go, na no ka?" Ryuichi asked excitedly. "The party might start without us!"
Noriko checked the clock on the wall and let out a giggle. She tossed her pigtail over her shoulder and winked at Ryuichi.
"They wouldn't start without the main attraction now would they?" she joked.
Ryuichi laughed and the group set off from the room towards the ballroom downstairs. This was going to be quite a night to remember.
*
There were people everywhere, completely filling the usually elegant ballroom. Now however, the ballroom was pitch black with nothing, but many colored lights from the dance floor. A bar, on the far right side, was dimly lit and several people stood around mingling and smoking with one another. Nittle Grasper's latest single echoed through every inch of the room and the sound was almost deafening. As the trio entered, Mio safely in Ryuichi's arms, several people stopped their previous activities and greeted them in a rather fake celebrity manner. Noriko, Tohma and Ryuichi responded with practiced perfection as they were greeted. Blowing kisses and laughing and mingling with everyone. Ryuichi laughed and smiled, made Kumagoro wave numerous occasions and simply kept moving along behind Noriko, keeping Mio close to him.
Ryuichi was still bubbly and happy, but his whole attitude changed still. He seemed a bit more..fake perhaps is what it was. He didn't truly smile at anyone the way he smiled when he was truly happy and all his actions were cheesy and predictable. Mio decided she didn't like this change in Ryuichi, it was almost frightening. Finally a few classy looking businessmen stopped Tohma and Noriko continued her sashay to the bar before she ordered and disappeared onto the dance floor. Ryuichi didn't stop for very long when he did. Usually it was just somebody congratulating him or commenting on his outfit. Several people smiled at Mio and asked about her, but Ryuichi wouldn't let anybody touch or hold her. Mio wasn't sure whether to be annoyed by this or thankful.
It wouldn't have bothered her so much if she hadn't felt like she was property more than his daughter or friend even. They came up the bar and Ryuichi flashed her his first real smile of the night as he set her up on the bar and took a seat. The bartender came over and nodded to Ryuichi and grinned crookedly at Mio.
"What can I do for ya, sir?" asked the man gruffly.
"1 virgin margarita and..water?" Ryuichi asked hopefully.
The man shook his head and jerked his head to Mio. "We ain't really got much for the kid."
Ryuichi tilted his head and hummed thoughtfully. He finally nodded and looked at Mio.
"Have you ever had a margarita, Mio-chan na no ka?"
Mio shook her head, "No, but I heard they were really good. Do you have strawberry?"
The man chuckled and nodded. "Alright then, two virgin, strawberry margaritas!" Ryuichi announced happily. The bartender left to get the drinks and Mio looked over at Ryuichi, swinging her legs over the bar's edge.
"So," she began slowly. "Do you go to these parties a lot?"
"Hai, na no da!" Ryuichi said happily, making Kumagoro nod too.
Mio nodded and looked around the dimly lit place, people around everywhere, and everyone smiling and laughing. There were people drinking, some dancing, some smoking, too. Mio wasn't all too sure what to make of all this action going on around her. The bartender came back with their drinks and scuttled away again. Ryuichi turned around in his seat, sucking on his drink, to look out over the crowd.
"I guess I'm kind of cramping your style, huh?" Mio asked quietly.
Ryuichi nearly dropped his drink, but saved it just in time. He grinned sheepishly and turned back to glance out over the room.
"I gave up the big time party life a long time ago." Ryuichi said seriously, giving her a tiny smile. "Sometimes it's hard readjusting your lifestyle, but I know it was for the better now. I didn't feel like I had any control, it wasn't very much fun."
Tilting her head to the side, Mio studied her guardian for a moment, apparently she didn't know as much as she thought she did about him. She kind of felt guilty for making all these assumptions about him, maybe she should give him more of a chance? Of course she was happy with Ryuichi, but she only knew the childish, naïve Ryuichi, could there be more to him than what meets the eye? Perhaps, it was time to find out....
"So, when exactly did you start Nittle Grasper?"
Ryuichi's face split into a bright smile and began his tale.
*Several Hours Later*
Noriko came over to the bar for what had to be the 10th time that night and ordered another drink. She leaned over the counter for support and giggled at pretty much nothing at all. Looking over at Ryuichi and Mio she grinned sluggishly.
"Heh yoo part-eh poopiers," she slurred, looking at then through her long purple bangs. "Why're yoo seeting over herre all by yur selveses?"
Ryuichi blinked at his friend and titled his head.
"Nani?" he asked.
Mio whistled, "Noriko is wasted." She said bluntly, making Ryuichi laugh.
"How does Mio know that word?"
"I know things." Mio said mysteriously, grinning a bit.
Noriko was currently chugging her new drink and leaning over the counter seductively at the bartender as she finished it. The bartender blushed magenta and Noriko winked suggestively. The duo watched with mild amusement until suddenly Ryuichi was tapped on the shoulder. The vocalist swiveled around on his barstool and smiled as he came face to face with Tohma.
"Ossu, Tohma-kun!" he cheered giving a wave. "Did you come to watch, Nori- chan, too?"
Tohma's handsome face was set in an unreadable sort of look, somewhere between amused and vengeful. It was a very scary look, Mio decided with a shiver. Tilting his head in a seemingly innocent manner, Tohma glanced at Noriko.
"Well, I suppose I'll be the one driving this evening." he said curtly, before turning his eyes back to Ryuichi. "Sakuma-san, may I speak to you for a moment?"
The vocalist looked slightly confused for a moment, but nodded and bounced a bit in his seat. Tohma chuckled good-naturedly, but Mio caught the hint of annoyance laced into his faulty amusement.
"No, actually Ryuichi, I was hoping to talk to you in private. Just for a moment or two, hm?"
"Well--I don't know, Tohma-kun, what about Mio-chan-"
"Noriko can watch her for a moment. It'll be fine, I assure you." Tohma said in a crisp, clipped manner.
Ryuichi blinked and then nodded. He set his drink down and handed Kumagoro over to Mio with a smile. Mio accepted the bunny and hugged him to her chest.
"I'll be right back, Mio-chan, I promise. Nori-chan...? Ano, watch Mio-chan please?"
Giggling profusely, Noriko nodded and took another swig of her new bottle. Ryuichi looked skeptical, but Tohma ushered him away to the back door of the ballroom. The music began to fade and as Tohma shut the door a bit behind him, it was near completely gone. Ryuichi looked around and then blinked at Tohma innocently. Ryuichi had been in this room once before, but not with Tohma. The room was small and secluded with heavy bolts on the doorway out, it had a table in one corner and a dingy, messy looking bed in the other. Despite how posh and elegant NG appeared, it had its darker aspects as well. Such as this room - well, at least the reasons for this room weren't usually quite nice. {3}
"Neh, Tohma-kun, what's going on?" he asked, slightly startled.
"Recently, Ryuichi, I've been rather - worried about you." Tohma said, settling himself on the edge of a small table in the room's corner.
Worried? About him? Why in the world could that be? Ryuichi asked Tohma this and waited as Tohma let out a sigh. The kerboardist rubbed his temples lightly and looked up to lock gazes with Ryuichi. They stared for a moment until Tohma's face-hardened.
"Ryuichi, over the past week with Mio, you've changed. You've been rather distracted even and I think perhaps that Mio is what's occupying your time and mind." He explained in a clipped tone. "Now before you say anything, I want you to honestly think about this. Is this really a responsibility that you are ready for? Do you really believe that you can give Mio what she needs? Think long and hard Ryuichi, another person's well being is in your hands here."
If all his fears hadn't been eating at him from the inside out to begin with, they definitely were now. It was like having all his worst fears confirmed. Was he really changing that much? Was he hurting Mio? Could he help Mio? Was he ready for this? Every question of every aspect of their relationship circled in his mind like a pinwheel. Round and round....It was almost overwhelming. Tohma was watching him patiently, his face serious and set gravely. The brunette swallowed visibly and frowned.
Tohma was right, Mio's happiness was in his hands, her whole life was in his hands. It was suddenly so frightening, so nerve racking. He was helping another living being survive, he was the thing deciding her fate. It was suddenly very petrifying. He'd never thought of it that way or anything. He was just her friend, her father, somebody to be her friend and love her, but to help decide her life and wellbeing? Was he really a good person for that?
"I-I...I never thought about it that way..I just-" he trailed off, sinking down onto the bed's corner.
Standing up smoothly, Tohma came to sit beside his friend and stroked his back in a soothing manner. Pulling him into a sideways hug, Tohma continued to rub Ryuichi in a comforting way, running his fingers through silky brown locks. Ryucihi sunk into the blonde's gentle embrace and clung to his shirt like a life support.
"It's not too late, Ryuichi." Tohma said quietly. "You can still save Mio.."
*
Noriko had long since abandoned Mio at the bar to dance with some foreign man whom had more piercing than humanly possible to count on his face. Thus, Mio hopped off the bar and was currently crawling her way through the crowds to find her keeper.
'I just hope he's ok. Tohma wouldn't hurt him though...I don't think so anyway.' she thought as she hugged Kumagoro to her chest.
The music was deafening and there were people pressing in all around her. It smelled of smoke and alcohol, the smell was almost overwhelming. Blinking against the florescent lights Mio stumbled her way through the dance floor.
"Ryuichi-san? Ryuichi are you here?" she called, trying to be heard over the roaring music and crowds. "Ryuichi? Tousan{4}?!"
Somebody nearby knocked her slightly as they were dancing and she stumbled forward a bit, only to be caught between a couple dancing. The people ignored the interruption and she was shoved forcefully away to the ground. Tumbling over and onto her side she winced. Where could Ryuichi be? She vaguely thought she heard the sound of Noriko's voice, but it was soon drowned out along with everything else. Looking up she shifted off her side and scooted backwards towards a nearby corner. Hugging her knees to her chest she sat there for a moment completely petrified.
'Where is he? Where's Tohma? Where's Noriko? I wanna go home. I wanna go now!' she thought, burying her face into Kumagoro with a sniff.
"Hey kid, where's your parents?" snickered a voice above her.
"Yeah, chibi, this isn't no place for a little thang like you. Need us to.....'help' you out?" chuckled another.
Mio looked up to see two rather drunken looking men hovering above her, looking at her with rather evil looking smirks. Eyes frantically looking between the two she gripped Kumagoro tighter. What was she going to do? Did they really want to help her? Something about the look in their eyes told her a different reason. Summoning up all her courage she got to her feet and made a dash between them. The larger of the two men grabbed her roughly by her upper arm and swung her back. Letting out a yelp, Mio swung back up against the wall painfully. Whimpering slightly she looked up at the men with fear.
"Look at her Anzai," said the smaller man with an amused look. "She's petrified."
"Where do you think you're going, kiddo? We asked you a question."
"Itai{5}.....itai...You're hurting me, let go! Itai." Mio cried helplessly, as she tried to pull from the man's grasp.
Struggling for all she was worth as the pair snickered, Mio was on the verge of tears when she kicked forcefully at the man's shin. He cried out and immediately let go. She sped past them, but before she could get far the smaller of the pair grabbed her wrist feebly. With a quick jerk Mio was freed and she weaved away through the crowd. Panting and vision blurred, Mio ran as far as she could until she reached a room slightly away from the dance floor. The door to it was large and metal it appeared open just enough to make out two figures inside: a blonde and a brunette. Mio's heart skipped a beat. Tohma-san? Ryuichi? Praying it was them she maneuvered her way to the door and was about to enter when she heard her name from inside.
"T-Tohma-kun.......I'm just so......unsure." Ryuichi's distinct voice said quietly to his friend, emitting a small sniffle.
"There, there, Ryuichi. You're only doing what you think is nest for Mio- chan, right? It would be foolish to do otherwise."
The sound of Ryuichi sniffling was barely heard of the slight noise of the dance floor a little bit away, but Mio could tell he was upset. What was going on? What was for her own good? Why was Ryuichi so upset? 'Tohma better not have hurt him, if he did I'll never forgive him.' was the last thought that crossed her mind before the final blow was delivered.
"I'll take Mio-chan back to the orphanage tomorrow then. I can't take this." Ryuichi said softly.
Mio's eyes went wide, her mouth suddenly dry and her breathing became irregular. So this is what it was all about. Ryuichi didn't want her around anymore. All this time together......all this hope he had given her; gone. He was taking her back, he had never wanted her. Without even knowing it, Mio let out a strangled sob and both Tohma and Ryuichi's heads snapped up. Both pair of eyes went slightly wide at the sight of Mio, but Ryuichi was soon on his feet stepping towards her.
"Mio-chan, I-"
"I-I.....just stay.....stay away from me!" she cried, eyes brimming with tears. "If you.....why did you not....? If you didn't want me...or love me....then why--?" she choked.
Ryuichi came towards her, Tohma getting to his feet behind him slowly. Mio back away, shaking her head in astonishment. It was all a lie, Ryuichi didn't want her or love her. It was just one big lie.....
"Mio-chan, g-gomen, please......Let me explain-"
"No! Just stay away! J-just......go." she sobbed. "I hate you, I hate you! If you didn't want me you should have said so! I hate you!"
With that she turned quickly and began running away. Ryuichi darted after her and out the door. Being so tiny, Mio quickly maneuvered through the dancing crowds. On her way she was hit several times and finally dropped Kumagoro in her haste. She made no attempt to pick him up and continued running. Where was she to go now? What could she do? Wiping her eyes on her sleeves she let out a small whimper. As she wiped her eyes, briefly blinded she ran right into somebody. Falling down in an ungraceful manner she cried harder. She didn't care who it was. They could take her for all she cared now.
"Mio? Mio is that you?" came familiar voice.
Mio was startled as a pair of gentle hands helped her to her feet and peeled her hands from her face. Cheeks tear stained and still sobbing Mio's soft green eyes met amber and she couldn't help, but cry harder. Yuki paused, looking at the girl with slight concern before catching her as she slumped against him in tears. Lifting her into his arms he cradled her to him.
"what's going on? Why on earth are you here?"
"Y-Y-Y-Yuki?" she stammered, clinging to him. "W-w-will you take me h- home?"
He nodded mutely and exited the club without a second thought. His koibito would understand if he wasn't there to pick him up, he could always just bum a ride with Hiro. Right now, he had a much more important problem to solve........
~_________________________________~
{1} Musume-chan: daughter
{2} Ohayoo gozaimasu: Good morning
{3} Now, I'm not sure exactly how many wild parties you out there have been to, but me myself, I can say have been to quite a few. There are rooms such as described above *points up* that are usually used for sex or drugs. Take it either way honestly, I tend to think that Ryuichi was once a very.. 'Naughty' boy we shall say ~_^ and has been to these rooms for the above purposes at least once. Hehehe...yeah..
{4} Tousan: father in Japanese. Isn't it sweet? She called him tousan! *gigglecoughcough*
{5} Itai: Ow, ya'know......pain?
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing, it all belongs to the amazing Murakami Maki! All praise her like the goddess she is! *bows and grovels* However, the plot is mine and Aya, Mio, Migel...all belongs to me. ;)
Notes from Nori: We're approaching the end of My Angel, My Savior. It's been a long, hard road, but I don't regret starting this loopy little fic. There's about 2 or 3 more chapters before all is resolved and Mio and Ryuichi's fate is told. You have not seen the last of little Migel either. Rest assured on that account.
~___________________________________~
"And it won't take long, we both knew this
Well I wasn't quite prepared
For my center of dying, the heart of your pain
All my words get lost and I can't speak
Got my head stripped down, well I get weak
And the words fall out like Forever December
But soon it won't matter 'cause she won't mean nothin'"
- Forever December by Matchbox 20
~__________________________________________~
Ryuichi wasn't very fond of music industry related parties. They were always so fake and flashy. He didn't like all the smoking and drinking either. Nittle Grapser's CD was out on the market despite the fact that it had just been finished and now the company was throwing a sort of CD debut party. Ryuichi didn't mind honestly, he just didn't want Mio to be exposed to the kind of parties that he was used to. They weren't always the prettiest of scenes.
"So you enjoyed your time with Eiri and Shuichi then?" Ryuichi asked, buttoning up his shirt.
Mio ran a brush through her hair delicately and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She smiled slightly and set the brush down, allowing her brilliant sandy waves to cascade down her shoulders.
"Hai, I enjoyed it very much. Seeing Yuki, Migel and Shuichi together is so amazing. They just..fit." She said wistfully.
Standing up and giving herself a once over she straightened her skirt and with what had to be practiced elegance twirled her hair up into two small buns. Ryuichi stood unmoving at his dresser, his face furrowed in a frown. He gave a weak, rather sad smile as he reached for his earring.
"Yeah, they do don't they." He said softly, more to himself.
Mio twirled around to face him and tilted her head. She smiled and clipped up a stray strand of hair.
"Ready to go, Ryuichi? You'll be late if we don't hurry."
Finishing up, Ryuichi turned around with a slightly wider smile and nodded to her. Mio nodded back and took off down the hall and to the closet. Taking out her jacket and Ryuichi's she handed him his as he came down the hall and slid hers on. Sliding on her shoes she reached up on her tiptoes and snagged the car keys from their place. Ryuichi smiled naturally at the routine she's gotten down and slid his shoes on as well. Taking the keys from Mio he affectionately beeper her on the nose and opened the door. The pair made their way to the car talking animatedly. Once inside, Mio strapped herself in and allowed Kumagoro to sit in her lap. Ryuichi started the car and they were off.
"So Tohma and Noriko don't mind me coming to work with you, Ryuichi? For serious?" she asked, bitting her bottom lip with slight worry.
"It's all right, Mio-chan na no da!" he said happily. "I called Tohma and everything! Noriko is very excited, she likes kids. In fact she has a daughter a little older than you named Saki, Saki is really nice, na no da!"
Mio smiled and stared out the car window, watching the busy Tokyo sidewalks fly by them. This would be her first time meeting Ryuichi's friends and she hoped she didn't do anything too stupid in front of them. Looking down at the bunny in her lap she fiddled with its ear slightly. This was so unlike her. Well, unlike the post-Aya death Mio anyway. She couldn't remember the last time she had ever been this happy. Probably sometime before Aya died. Mio shivered lightly, those words still managed to give her the chills every time she heard them. It was still hard to possibly believe that Aya was gone. Tilting his head, he looked over at Mio with a bit of confusion.
"Is Mio excited?" he asked.
Mio looked over at him and nodded, showing off her brightest little smile. "Very excite, I hope your friends will like me."
"They will love you-just like Ryuichi does."
'Ryuichi.' She repeated with a small inward laugh. Only Ryuichi could speak third person and still sound positively adorable at his age. At first Mio thought it would take some getting used to. Honestly, how responsible could a person with the mentality of a 5-year-old be? But, Ryuichi had definitely proved to be more observant than others gave him credit for. Mio came to wonder if Ryuichi's naïve sense of being was a sort of defense mechanism he used to keep from getting hurt.
'Is that why you act the way you do, Ryuichi?' she wondered as she watched him. 'I'll make sure nobody hurts you ever.'
*
"Tohma!" Noriko whined, rolling her eyes skyward. "I asked you a question and you're ignoring me!"
Tohma jerked back into reality and blinked quickly before looking over at his companion. Noriko stood there looking agitated with her hands, balled in fists, resting on her slender hips. Giving his best sheepish smile, Tohma stood up and looked Noriko over. See through shimmering skirt with slits cut to her thigh, a pair of shorts (if you could even call them that) underneath with a rather revealing bikini like top. Yes, this was definitely something Noriko could pull off.
"You look fine, Noriko-chan." He assured her.
Grinning in a superior manner, Noriko turned to check herself in the full- length mirror behind them. She straightened the slit going up her thigh to her hip and fluffed her hair. Finally deciding she looked perfect she turned back to Tohma and linked arms with him.
"So where's Ryuichi-kun?"
"He's on his way I'm sure. You know what it's like to get a child ready in the morning, eh Noriko-chan?" he asked, casting her a sidelong look.
Letting out a small laugh, Noriko nodded. "And so do you, Mr. Manager. So what's it like living with a mini-Tohma running around the house? How's Mika handling it?"
"Mika's entirely devoted her every waking moment to the boy, she's spoiling him rotten honestly. However, Tooya isn't much trouble to look after at all." Tohma replied nonchalantly. "He's showing great interest in making "music" with my grand piano though, I had to get a lock for the door."
Noriko laughed, "He's a mini-Tohma alright. You should teach him how to play it properly. Saki's about his age and she -loves- it! Who knows, maybe we could be looking at another Nittle Grasper in the future..?" Noriko teased.
Tohma looked amused by the prospect and let out a chuckle.
"Who knows, we could be."
There was a knock on the door and Noriko let go of Tohma's arm to go open it. Ryuichi stood there smiling brightly, looking nice in his button up shirt and tight black jeans as Mio shyly stood behind his leg. Looking down at her he took her hand and led her to stand in front of him. Noriko tilted her head to the side as she watched the girl bashfully stare at the ground. Smiling she kneeled down to Mio's height and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Hello there," she said kindly. "I'm Noriko, but my friends usually call me Nori, so Nori is fine too."
Mio looked up through her bangs, big green eyes looking at her questioningly. Noriko grinned and brushed her bangs to the side so she could see better.
"Do you have a name or should I just call you bright eyes?"
"Gomen, Noriko-san," Mio said with a bow. "My name is Mio, it's nice to meet you."
Despite her efforts against the action, Noriko couldn't help, but let out a loud "Awww!" and envelop the blonde child into a hug. Mio stiffened a bit, but didn't move away until Noriko let go of her and pat her shoulders in a motherly fashion.
"Just call me Nori, ok?" she said winking at her. "You're too cute, Mio- chan."
Standing up she moved to the side and beckoned for Tohma to come over with a bright smile.
"Isn't she just the cutest? She reminds of my little musume-chan{1}!" Noriko stated with glee.
Looking the girl over, Tohma walked over slowly, a convincing smile playing over his face. He bent down as well and put his hand out for her to shake.
"Ohayoo gozaimasu{2}, Mio-san." He said politely.
"Ohayoo, Seguchi-san." She replied in a small voice, shaking his hand lightly.
Tohma chuckled and stood back up, patting her head in an off manner. "Please," he said with a slightly devious looking smile. "Call me Tohma."
Mio smiled and gave him a nod.
"Alright, Tohma, it's nice to meet you." She said then looked between the two. "Both of you."
Still smiling his bright smile, Ryuichi swept Mio up and gave her a big hug. Mio returned the smile and hug, wrapping one arm around his shoulders as he held her up against his side.
"So are we ready to go, na no ka?" Ryuichi asked excitedly. "The party might start without us!"
Noriko checked the clock on the wall and let out a giggle. She tossed her pigtail over her shoulder and winked at Ryuichi.
"They wouldn't start without the main attraction now would they?" she joked.
Ryuichi laughed and the group set off from the room towards the ballroom downstairs. This was going to be quite a night to remember.
*
There were people everywhere, completely filling the usually elegant ballroom. Now however, the ballroom was pitch black with nothing, but many colored lights from the dance floor. A bar, on the far right side, was dimly lit and several people stood around mingling and smoking with one another. Nittle Grasper's latest single echoed through every inch of the room and the sound was almost deafening. As the trio entered, Mio safely in Ryuichi's arms, several people stopped their previous activities and greeted them in a rather fake celebrity manner. Noriko, Tohma and Ryuichi responded with practiced perfection as they were greeted. Blowing kisses and laughing and mingling with everyone. Ryuichi laughed and smiled, made Kumagoro wave numerous occasions and simply kept moving along behind Noriko, keeping Mio close to him.
Ryuichi was still bubbly and happy, but his whole attitude changed still. He seemed a bit more..fake perhaps is what it was. He didn't truly smile at anyone the way he smiled when he was truly happy and all his actions were cheesy and predictable. Mio decided she didn't like this change in Ryuichi, it was almost frightening. Finally a few classy looking businessmen stopped Tohma and Noriko continued her sashay to the bar before she ordered and disappeared onto the dance floor. Ryuichi didn't stop for very long when he did. Usually it was just somebody congratulating him or commenting on his outfit. Several people smiled at Mio and asked about her, but Ryuichi wouldn't let anybody touch or hold her. Mio wasn't sure whether to be annoyed by this or thankful.
It wouldn't have bothered her so much if she hadn't felt like she was property more than his daughter or friend even. They came up the bar and Ryuichi flashed her his first real smile of the night as he set her up on the bar and took a seat. The bartender came over and nodded to Ryuichi and grinned crookedly at Mio.
"What can I do for ya, sir?" asked the man gruffly.
"1 virgin margarita and..water?" Ryuichi asked hopefully.
The man shook his head and jerked his head to Mio. "We ain't really got much for the kid."
Ryuichi tilted his head and hummed thoughtfully. He finally nodded and looked at Mio.
"Have you ever had a margarita, Mio-chan na no ka?"
Mio shook her head, "No, but I heard they were really good. Do you have strawberry?"
The man chuckled and nodded. "Alright then, two virgin, strawberry margaritas!" Ryuichi announced happily. The bartender left to get the drinks and Mio looked over at Ryuichi, swinging her legs over the bar's edge.
"So," she began slowly. "Do you go to these parties a lot?"
"Hai, na no da!" Ryuichi said happily, making Kumagoro nod too.
Mio nodded and looked around the dimly lit place, people around everywhere, and everyone smiling and laughing. There were people drinking, some dancing, some smoking, too. Mio wasn't all too sure what to make of all this action going on around her. The bartender came back with their drinks and scuttled away again. Ryuichi turned around in his seat, sucking on his drink, to look out over the crowd.
"I guess I'm kind of cramping your style, huh?" Mio asked quietly.
Ryuichi nearly dropped his drink, but saved it just in time. He grinned sheepishly and turned back to glance out over the room.
"I gave up the big time party life a long time ago." Ryuichi said seriously, giving her a tiny smile. "Sometimes it's hard readjusting your lifestyle, but I know it was for the better now. I didn't feel like I had any control, it wasn't very much fun."
Tilting her head to the side, Mio studied her guardian for a moment, apparently she didn't know as much as she thought she did about him. She kind of felt guilty for making all these assumptions about him, maybe she should give him more of a chance? Of course she was happy with Ryuichi, but she only knew the childish, naïve Ryuichi, could there be more to him than what meets the eye? Perhaps, it was time to find out....
"So, when exactly did you start Nittle Grasper?"
Ryuichi's face split into a bright smile and began his tale.
*Several Hours Later*
Noriko came over to the bar for what had to be the 10th time that night and ordered another drink. She leaned over the counter for support and giggled at pretty much nothing at all. Looking over at Ryuichi and Mio she grinned sluggishly.
"Heh yoo part-eh poopiers," she slurred, looking at then through her long purple bangs. "Why're yoo seeting over herre all by yur selveses?"
Ryuichi blinked at his friend and titled his head.
"Nani?" he asked.
Mio whistled, "Noriko is wasted." She said bluntly, making Ryuichi laugh.
"How does Mio know that word?"
"I know things." Mio said mysteriously, grinning a bit.
Noriko was currently chugging her new drink and leaning over the counter seductively at the bartender as she finished it. The bartender blushed magenta and Noriko winked suggestively. The duo watched with mild amusement until suddenly Ryuichi was tapped on the shoulder. The vocalist swiveled around on his barstool and smiled as he came face to face with Tohma.
"Ossu, Tohma-kun!" he cheered giving a wave. "Did you come to watch, Nori- chan, too?"
Tohma's handsome face was set in an unreadable sort of look, somewhere between amused and vengeful. It was a very scary look, Mio decided with a shiver. Tilting his head in a seemingly innocent manner, Tohma glanced at Noriko.
"Well, I suppose I'll be the one driving this evening." he said curtly, before turning his eyes back to Ryuichi. "Sakuma-san, may I speak to you for a moment?"
The vocalist looked slightly confused for a moment, but nodded and bounced a bit in his seat. Tohma chuckled good-naturedly, but Mio caught the hint of annoyance laced into his faulty amusement.
"No, actually Ryuichi, I was hoping to talk to you in private. Just for a moment or two, hm?"
"Well--I don't know, Tohma-kun, what about Mio-chan-"
"Noriko can watch her for a moment. It'll be fine, I assure you." Tohma said in a crisp, clipped manner.
Ryuichi blinked and then nodded. He set his drink down and handed Kumagoro over to Mio with a smile. Mio accepted the bunny and hugged him to her chest.
"I'll be right back, Mio-chan, I promise. Nori-chan...? Ano, watch Mio-chan please?"
Giggling profusely, Noriko nodded and took another swig of her new bottle. Ryuichi looked skeptical, but Tohma ushered him away to the back door of the ballroom. The music began to fade and as Tohma shut the door a bit behind him, it was near completely gone. Ryuichi looked around and then blinked at Tohma innocently. Ryuichi had been in this room once before, but not with Tohma. The room was small and secluded with heavy bolts on the doorway out, it had a table in one corner and a dingy, messy looking bed in the other. Despite how posh and elegant NG appeared, it had its darker aspects as well. Such as this room - well, at least the reasons for this room weren't usually quite nice. {3}
"Neh, Tohma-kun, what's going on?" he asked, slightly startled.
"Recently, Ryuichi, I've been rather - worried about you." Tohma said, settling himself on the edge of a small table in the room's corner.
Worried? About him? Why in the world could that be? Ryuichi asked Tohma this and waited as Tohma let out a sigh. The kerboardist rubbed his temples lightly and looked up to lock gazes with Ryuichi. They stared for a moment until Tohma's face-hardened.
"Ryuichi, over the past week with Mio, you've changed. You've been rather distracted even and I think perhaps that Mio is what's occupying your time and mind." He explained in a clipped tone. "Now before you say anything, I want you to honestly think about this. Is this really a responsibility that you are ready for? Do you really believe that you can give Mio what she needs? Think long and hard Ryuichi, another person's well being is in your hands here."
If all his fears hadn't been eating at him from the inside out to begin with, they definitely were now. It was like having all his worst fears confirmed. Was he really changing that much? Was he hurting Mio? Could he help Mio? Was he ready for this? Every question of every aspect of their relationship circled in his mind like a pinwheel. Round and round....It was almost overwhelming. Tohma was watching him patiently, his face serious and set gravely. The brunette swallowed visibly and frowned.
Tohma was right, Mio's happiness was in his hands, her whole life was in his hands. It was suddenly so frightening, so nerve racking. He was helping another living being survive, he was the thing deciding her fate. It was suddenly very petrifying. He'd never thought of it that way or anything. He was just her friend, her father, somebody to be her friend and love her, but to help decide her life and wellbeing? Was he really a good person for that?
"I-I...I never thought about it that way..I just-" he trailed off, sinking down onto the bed's corner.
Standing up smoothly, Tohma came to sit beside his friend and stroked his back in a soothing manner. Pulling him into a sideways hug, Tohma continued to rub Ryuichi in a comforting way, running his fingers through silky brown locks. Ryucihi sunk into the blonde's gentle embrace and clung to his shirt like a life support.
"It's not too late, Ryuichi." Tohma said quietly. "You can still save Mio.."
*
Noriko had long since abandoned Mio at the bar to dance with some foreign man whom had more piercing than humanly possible to count on his face. Thus, Mio hopped off the bar and was currently crawling her way through the crowds to find her keeper.
'I just hope he's ok. Tohma wouldn't hurt him though...I don't think so anyway.' she thought as she hugged Kumagoro to her chest.
The music was deafening and there were people pressing in all around her. It smelled of smoke and alcohol, the smell was almost overwhelming. Blinking against the florescent lights Mio stumbled her way through the dance floor.
"Ryuichi-san? Ryuichi are you here?" she called, trying to be heard over the roaring music and crowds. "Ryuichi? Tousan{4}?!"
Somebody nearby knocked her slightly as they were dancing and she stumbled forward a bit, only to be caught between a couple dancing. The people ignored the interruption and she was shoved forcefully away to the ground. Tumbling over and onto her side she winced. Where could Ryuichi be? She vaguely thought she heard the sound of Noriko's voice, but it was soon drowned out along with everything else. Looking up she shifted off her side and scooted backwards towards a nearby corner. Hugging her knees to her chest she sat there for a moment completely petrified.
'Where is he? Where's Tohma? Where's Noriko? I wanna go home. I wanna go now!' she thought, burying her face into Kumagoro with a sniff.
"Hey kid, where's your parents?" snickered a voice above her.
"Yeah, chibi, this isn't no place for a little thang like you. Need us to.....'help' you out?" chuckled another.
Mio looked up to see two rather drunken looking men hovering above her, looking at her with rather evil looking smirks. Eyes frantically looking between the two she gripped Kumagoro tighter. What was she going to do? Did they really want to help her? Something about the look in their eyes told her a different reason. Summoning up all her courage she got to her feet and made a dash between them. The larger of the two men grabbed her roughly by her upper arm and swung her back. Letting out a yelp, Mio swung back up against the wall painfully. Whimpering slightly she looked up at the men with fear.
"Look at her Anzai," said the smaller man with an amused look. "She's petrified."
"Where do you think you're going, kiddo? We asked you a question."
"Itai{5}.....itai...You're hurting me, let go! Itai." Mio cried helplessly, as she tried to pull from the man's grasp.
Struggling for all she was worth as the pair snickered, Mio was on the verge of tears when she kicked forcefully at the man's shin. He cried out and immediately let go. She sped past them, but before she could get far the smaller of the pair grabbed her wrist feebly. With a quick jerk Mio was freed and she weaved away through the crowd. Panting and vision blurred, Mio ran as far as she could until she reached a room slightly away from the dance floor. The door to it was large and metal it appeared open just enough to make out two figures inside: a blonde and a brunette. Mio's heart skipped a beat. Tohma-san? Ryuichi? Praying it was them she maneuvered her way to the door and was about to enter when she heard her name from inside.
"T-Tohma-kun.......I'm just so......unsure." Ryuichi's distinct voice said quietly to his friend, emitting a small sniffle.
"There, there, Ryuichi. You're only doing what you think is nest for Mio- chan, right? It would be foolish to do otherwise."
The sound of Ryuichi sniffling was barely heard of the slight noise of the dance floor a little bit away, but Mio could tell he was upset. What was going on? What was for her own good? Why was Ryuichi so upset? 'Tohma better not have hurt him, if he did I'll never forgive him.' was the last thought that crossed her mind before the final blow was delivered.
"I'll take Mio-chan back to the orphanage tomorrow then. I can't take this." Ryuichi said softly.
Mio's eyes went wide, her mouth suddenly dry and her breathing became irregular. So this is what it was all about. Ryuichi didn't want her around anymore. All this time together......all this hope he had given her; gone. He was taking her back, he had never wanted her. Without even knowing it, Mio let out a strangled sob and both Tohma and Ryuichi's heads snapped up. Both pair of eyes went slightly wide at the sight of Mio, but Ryuichi was soon on his feet stepping towards her.
"Mio-chan, I-"
"I-I.....just stay.....stay away from me!" she cried, eyes brimming with tears. "If you.....why did you not....? If you didn't want me...or love me....then why--?" she choked.
Ryuichi came towards her, Tohma getting to his feet behind him slowly. Mio back away, shaking her head in astonishment. It was all a lie, Ryuichi didn't want her or love her. It was just one big lie.....
"Mio-chan, g-gomen, please......Let me explain-"
"No! Just stay away! J-just......go." she sobbed. "I hate you, I hate you! If you didn't want me you should have said so! I hate you!"
With that she turned quickly and began running away. Ryuichi darted after her and out the door. Being so tiny, Mio quickly maneuvered through the dancing crowds. On her way she was hit several times and finally dropped Kumagoro in her haste. She made no attempt to pick him up and continued running. Where was she to go now? What could she do? Wiping her eyes on her sleeves she let out a small whimper. As she wiped her eyes, briefly blinded she ran right into somebody. Falling down in an ungraceful manner she cried harder. She didn't care who it was. They could take her for all she cared now.
"Mio? Mio is that you?" came familiar voice.
Mio was startled as a pair of gentle hands helped her to her feet and peeled her hands from her face. Cheeks tear stained and still sobbing Mio's soft green eyes met amber and she couldn't help, but cry harder. Yuki paused, looking at the girl with slight concern before catching her as she slumped against him in tears. Lifting her into his arms he cradled her to him.
"what's going on? Why on earth are you here?"
"Y-Y-Y-Yuki?" she stammered, clinging to him. "W-w-will you take me h- home?"
He nodded mutely and exited the club without a second thought. His koibito would understand if he wasn't there to pick him up, he could always just bum a ride with Hiro. Right now, he had a much more important problem to solve........
~_________________________________~
{1} Musume-chan: daughter
{2} Ohayoo gozaimasu: Good morning
{3} Now, I'm not sure exactly how many wild parties you out there have been to, but me myself, I can say have been to quite a few. There are rooms such as described above *points up* that are usually used for sex or drugs. Take it either way honestly, I tend to think that Ryuichi was once a very.. 'Naughty' boy we shall say ~_^ and has been to these rooms for the above purposes at least once. Hehehe...yeah..
{4} Tousan: father in Japanese. Isn't it sweet? She called him tousan! *gigglecoughcough*
{5} Itai: Ow, ya'know......pain?