Daydreamer: Ok, this is probably exactly where things will fall back into place. Back into the right place, that is. So I'll just get to it.

Chapter 10: Still Yours

Ren sat in his last class, scribbling down the last bit of notes before it would be over for the day. By now he really didn't know what to do, or if there was anything to do. Most of him was convinced that Horohoro was really gone and never coming back. Just the thought of being alone again...to having nothing and going back to the days he didn't have Horohoro...he didn't want that. Being with Hao didn't mean anything, it just made it lonelier. He didn't love him. But like the bruenette said before, it seems that Hao is all he has left. Maybe if he just keeps pretending for a long time...

RING!

Ren's thoughts were cut off by the bell and he gathered his things and went out. Too much was going through his head. After finding out about Horohoro and Tamao, he barely found hope or reason to get out of this.

Horohoro rushed passed the crowd and finally reached Ren's class. But he was too late, no one was there. He cursed under his breath and went outside. He looked around, and spotted a figure with a pointed top. Knowing who it was, he rushed over to the figure.

"Ren!" He called out and the said male turned, recognizing the voice. Seeing it was Horohoro, Ren turned away but was caught by the arm. He struggled out of the grasp and ran away with Horohoro following behind. But they didn't run long. Maybe it was because he panicked, but Ren clumsily stumbled on his feet and fell forward. But before hitting the ground, he was caught safe in Horohoro's arms. He looked up at the bluenette, who greeted his face with a smile. Ren was lost in those onyx eyes for a small moment, just wanting to stare at that smiling face he loved so much. But then he caught himself, and jerked himself out of the hold.

"Let go of me, damnit!" He hissed but Horohoro still held on to his waist.

"Ren, just listen to me."

"Why! There isn't even anything to listen to!"

"Yes there is! Ren, I love you, alright? I love you! I only love you and I won't give you up!" Ren froze for a moment. Those words were what he wanted to hear for so long. And soon the Chinese forgot why he was even running away, or what situation they were in. Seeing that Ren has calmed down to his words, Horohoro smiled again. He loosened his grip around Ren's waist and spoke slowly.

"Let's go back to my place first, alright? We can talk there." Ren wasn't even thinking, he just wanted to be with Horohoro. Silently he nodded and followed the Ainu to his apartment. When they reached the door, Horohoro was actually amazed that they came this far without conflict. After the way Ren kept on avoiding him before, he expected him to run like he did earlier. But he's been silent the whole way, following in peace without a word. But that's what worried Horohoro. Ren hasn't said anything and he didn't seem like himself. He looked at him from the corner of his eye, still seeing a blank and empty Ren. He didn't know what Hao did, but the Ainu swore he's gonna put an end.

"You don't have to worry about Hao here." Horohoro said as he was pulling out his keys. But when Ren heard Hao's name, he realized what's going on. What am I doing! He thought frantically and began to walk away. Horohoro was shocked at first but then he flared, and brought him inside forcefully. He pinned him to the wall and held his shoulders in a tight grasp.

"Gods Ren, Why! Fuck, I don't get it anymore!"

"Well what's to get? We're over!"

"Well we wouldn't be if you didn't sleep with Hao!"

"I'm sorry!" Ren suddenly screamed and pulled himself out of Horohoro's grasp, which was now starting to hurt him. He put his back on the wall and slid down to the floor, feeling as if the pressure would crush him. He clutched on his dark purple hair as tears streamed out of his pleaing eyes. He didn't know what to do, it was all too much. Just being back in the apartment he used to live in with Horohoro, with the bluenette in front of him, it all brought back so much memories. And the way he smiled at him, he missed that face so much. But with Horohoro yelling at him like that, it brings back the day when all this happened. He thought he was doing what he had to do, but it feels like he's right back to where he started. What was he suppose to do?

"Im sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Ren kept repeating, his voice cracked now as tears kept running down his face. Horohoro was beyond shocked, he was mortified. He's never seen Ren like this before. Yes, there were times he would cry but not this hard, and he rarely showed it. And he'd sometimes apologize but that was as rare as his tears. Horohoro's never seen him so scared and tremble so much, he seemed so small. He's a mess. Swallowing hard on his fuming anger, the bluenette carefully brought him in his arms. But Ren shook him away and Horohoro kept his patience, though it pained him to see the Chinese like this.

"Ren...I-I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"You don't even love me anymore."

"What? I told you already..."

"Liar. You were lying."

"What're you talking about? I wasn't lying. I love you, Ren."

"Stop it! Stop using those words to me! If you love me so much then why're you going out with Tamao!"

"Wha...damnit. No, it's not like that."

"Bullshit!" Ren yelled through his teeth, glaring at Horohoro with his blurred eyes. Horohoro sighed and held him close, even if he struggled. He held on to Ren until he stopped struggling, and was completely still in his arms. The Chinese missed this feeling, knowing that he wanted to stay like this. Once he was quiet, Horohoro spoke again in a calm voice.

"Look, at that time I was dishonest. Not to just you but to Tamao and myself. But I was stupid, I was an idiot. Do you know why? Because I was about to give up the most important person in my life and do something I'll regret forever. But at this moment, at this very moment, I'm not being dishonest. I'm not lying. I love you, Ren." Horohoro stared into Ren's eyes pleadingly. Ren stared back, unable to comprehend on what to even think. He could hear the honesty and sincere-ness in each word. He could feel no lie. And next thing he knew, Horohoro came in and kissed him. Ren didn't even resist anymore. When Horohoro tried to part, the Chinese pulled him in for a more passionate kiss. He couldn't let him go, he missed him too much. All the love, the need for each other, everything he felt for Horohoro rushed back into him and washed away every bit of doubt and everything that was in his way. When they finally parted, Ren realized what he did. He pulled out of Horohoro's hold and went for the door. But the Ainu came in his way.

"Ren, why're you running?"

"If Hao finds us..." Ren blurted but shut his mouth tight. But it's too late, Horohoro heard enough to know enough. He pulled Ren over and looked intently into his panicked golden orbs.

"I won't let him do anything to you. What'd he say he'll do to you?"

"It's not me. Just don't show yourself around me or Hao." Ren said and Horohoro didn't get it at first. And then it hit him. Ren saw he figured it out and wished he chose a different set of words. Panicked arose again but Horohoro held him tightly as if to never let go.

"I'm sorry, Ren. I'm so sorry. Why didn't I see it? All this time, you've been hurting yourself for me. You've been protecting me." Ren clutched on Horohoro's shirt, unable to deny the relief of the realization.

"You don't have to bear it anymore. You've protected me too long. I'll protect you." Horohoro murmured and Ren held on to him even harder. He knew he was only putting the Ainu into more danger but he couldn't help it. He just wanted to stay like this. But he knew he couldn't and pulled away.

"Horohoro, I have to go. Hao might get suspicious."

"But Ren..." Horohoro began but the Chinese went out the door. Horohoro followed and said to him from the door way.

"Could you meet me here again? Right here, right after school. We can think this over together." Horohoro called out to Ren's back. Ren didn't answer and just walked on, each step betraying him.

"I'll be waiting." Horohoro whispered and closed the door.

HAO'S APARTMENT

Ren went into the showers after getting back. He hasn't seen Hao the whole day and assumed he was off somewhere. It's better that way Ren thought and let out a sigh as he washed his hair.

"Ren?" Ren heard Hao come into the home.

"What?"

"Where were you? I didn't see you today."

"I had to get some work done."

"Oh. Well I'm goin out tonight. Wanna come?"

"I'm tired and staying here."

"Alright, might be home late." With that, Ren heard Hao go out. He was actually glad that he didn't see the bruenette. If he did, he knew Hao would find something different about him. That he had changed back to how he was before, no longer under his power. That his heart wasn't so weak anymore and it was healed. If Hao read him and saw that, there'd be too much trouble.

AT CLUB PATCH

Hao sat at the bar counter with his tequila, a smile spread across his face. It took some time but things are finally going his way. Nothing interfered and Ren's defenses were crumbling. He's still a bit hollow but that could be fixed in time. For now the bruenette will just get this to be permanent and solid. He knew Ren would love him.

"Hao-sama." Hao turned to where he was called and smiled. He gave a wave and the person sat next to him.

"Long time no see." Hao said and ordered another glass. A second drink was brought out but it wasn't touched. Hao quirked a brow.

"Something wrong?"

"...Mari knows something bad."

TSUZUKU

Daydreamer: GASP! how did Mari know! you will find out in the next chapter, hehe. i guess you could call this a cliffy? sorry if Ren seemed a bit ooc, but he was really stressed and so pressured, ya know? I hope you liked this, next chapter will be major so don't miss it. reviews are greatly appreciated as always.