Warnings: PG-13 for language. A little lime. A little angsting.
Disclaimer: X3 Hehehehehe... I'm sorry. Just thinking what it would be like if I actually owned s.CRY.ed.
Author Note: I should be shot, I know I should be. But... I was in a serious slump, so forgive me. Lennith (fanfiction. net name) showed me these amazing s.CRY.ed fanarts that sparked some life back into me. I don't wanna ramble on about my life and whatnot, so I'll just let you read XD
Chapter Two - Lovers Share Everything
Kazuma yawned loudly and leaned his chair back onto its two back legs, his feet on the tabletop keeping him upright. He crossed his arms over his chest and continued listening to the television for signs of the Mainland acting up. Ryuhou was in the kitchen, shoulder to the wall as he kept an ear to the radio. It was the only thing they could do to keep from fighting with each other, or—where Kazuma was concerned—sleeping together.
The broadcast they hoped for came through, courtesy of Elian's genius, and they rushed out of the house to attend their second fight in three weeks. Ryuhou chuckled softly, shaking his head at their lack of transportation. He glanced up to catch Kazuma's furtive grin and they both looked down the street. "Tachibana's," Kazuma laughed suddenly. He ran down the broken road and disappeared around a corner. Ryuhou inhaled then exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes squeezed shut.
"Yo!" Kazuma came roaring back around in Tachibana's newest car—the ones before had been destroyed by the "dynamic duo". Ryuhou got in and they were quickly on their way. Kazuma drove them to the barren mountains where the troops had first been spotted, unaware that his green-haired passenger grew increasingly uneasy, and not just because of the awful driving.
Ryuhou rubbed a hand across his eyes then glared at the auburn and orange-haired man as they skidded to a rough halt on the bluff overlooking the Mainland's predicted course. Kazuma grinned sheepishly and kicked open the door, jumping out. Ryuhou exited the vehicle with more class and in an orderly fashion. Soon both boys were altering the landscape around them.
"Alright," the transformed Shell Bullet growled with a grin. He took to the air and came down in the middle of the transport.
The other took a deep breath before disappearing, joining his partner in battle. Refined Alter users were quickly incapacitated by the Shell Bullet and airborne ones cut down by Ryuhou. Kazuma tore through a tank, ripping the canon free, then tossed it on another, watching them explode with a broad grin.
Ryuhou readied himself for the attack Darths' Alters had coming, but, for a split second he couldn't afford, his body refused to move as ordered. "Kazu—" His yell turned into a scream as the hand began squeezing his entire body in a painful grip. "Ka…Kazuma…!" Ryuhou ground out, pushing against his bonds to no avail. The pressure was suddenly relieved and the older of the duo found himself hurtling downwards with no control. He crashed into the ground, back arching from the force of impact and left a faint crater, eyes wide with pain.
The Shell Bullet stood in the middle of Mainland debris, eyes wide and filling with rage as the golden propeller extension swung idly. "Ryuhou… Ryuhou! You… bastards!!" Kazuma screamed to the Heavens, the air crackling around him, tearing up the Earth he stood on. He didn't even spare his partner's body another glance and set out to exact his revenge.
Ryuhou gritted his teeth, struggling to open his eyes as he heard the final screams of many Mainland Alter users. "Ka... zuma..." He inhaled sharply, coughing and transformed back to his original form, arm over his waist.
Kazuma's anguished screams died down to deep pants and he dropped to his knees next to the long-haired male, auburn and orange locks settling down smoothly as he completely came out of his final Alter stage. "Ryuhou. Ryuhou!" The young man opened crimson eyes halfway, scowling, and forced himself to sit up.
Ryuhou couldn't find his voice to protest as Kazuma lifted him onto his shoulder, feeling the other male stand. Because the jeep they'd drove in on had been altered during the battle—Tachibana would have a severe tongue-lashing waiting for destroying his ride—Kazuma sighed and started back to the town at a run, concerned at the burning temperature Ryuhou's body carried. The figure over his shoulder coughed a few more times before falling silent, eyes closed to put a stop to the nausea rising in his stomach from seeing the ground move constantly. They arrived in town late that night and headed straight for Tachibana's.
Kanami and Cammie were the only beings inhabiting the house when the Shell Bullet dragged himself in with a groan. "Kazu-kun! What happened?" Kanami cried, rushing towards the two men.
"He took a serious hit from those Mainland bastards," the boy replied.
Yes, he had, but Ryuhou had also stalled in his advance to attack, something Kazuma missed. Kanami moved aside the green hair, placing the palm of her hand to her friend's forehead. She smiled and straightened up. Ryuhou's eyes slid open as the touch disappeared and he stared at the blurry image of the young girl before shifting his weight to inform Kazuma of his awakening.
The brown-haired girl at the table stood and pointed to the room nearest them, wall shelves visible through the slightly ajar door and lined with different medicines. "Get him to the bed," Cammie suggested, rushing ahead to hold the door open.
"Demo..." Kanami pouted then smiled when no one acknowledged her, following the older citizens with a bounce in her step, sweatdropping slightly as Ryuhou managed a groan after he was dropped unceremoniously onto the bed. "Ryuhou-san," she called out, leaning over him. "Ryuhou-san, does your head hurt?"
The man nodded slowly.
"And your throat?"
Another nod.
"I see," the girl murmured, crossing her arms with a firm nod.
Kazuma snorted then grabbed her shoulders firmly but gently, yelling, "Nani! What do you 'see'?"
"Ryuhou-san simply has a cold." Kanami added a bright smile and soft giggle at the end of her statement.
The Shell Bullet's mouth fell open as his hands dropped away and dangled lifelessly. ?" he sputtered. "You caught a cold? You stupid bastard!" Kanami and Cammie used all their strength to keep the raging male away from the other, while Ryuhou, ignoring the noise, rolled over onto his side, coughing.
"Where's Tachibana?" Kazuma finally muttered, glaring at his lover's back.
"He went out with Mimori on a routine run," Cammie informed them with a smile. "They should be back by the end of the week."
"Tch." He crossed his arms then placed a foot on the bed, prodding his partner. "Oi. Think you can survive until then... ya big baby?"
"...Urusai," Ryuhou hissed in a hoarse voice. The bed ridden male found it tiresome to simply keep his eyes open so he made no motion to kick Kazuma's foot from the bed and could not watch him fall with smug satisfaction. He groaned and let his eyelids slide shut.
"Kazu-kun!"
"Kanami. What'd I say about that name?"
The girl ignored her brother-figure and clasped her hands together dramatically. "Don't you see?" she sighed. "Cammie and I are going to be at the school, filling in for Mimori, leaving you with Ryuhou-san."
"You get to take care of him," Cammie laughed at the young man's confused expression, crossing her arms.
Again—an amusing sight—Kazuma was struck speechless.
"We'll leave you everything you need and instructions," she added, moving to one of the shelves. She sifted through different jars and bottles and pulled forward some pills. "This'll be for easing the headache. Ryuhou needs to take two."
Kazuma snatched the bottle, rattling it angrily, and jumped on the bed, turning the startled Ryuhou onto his back. Blank crimson eyes searched the younger man's face to find an answer for the erratic behavior, then he remembered he was dealing with Kazuma; nothing was thought out, everything spontaneous.
It was when he felt his mouth open and Kazuma's fingers down his throat did Ryuhou find strength to fight back. He swallowed the first pill while making a fist, burying it sharply in the other's ribs. "Kisama! What do you think… you're doi…n..."
Kazuma ignored the possibility of having a broken rib cage as he caught his collapsing partner, wrapping his left arm around him. "Ryuhou!" he yelled almost frantically. The green-haired Alter user clutched at Kazuma's shoulder, breathing with difficulty, a sharp pain in his chest with each air intake. Ryuhou felt his world slipping out from under him and reached towards the voices yelling his name. Suddenly, everything went pitch black and silent.
Kazuma knelt on the bed, watching Ryuhou sleep with slightly labored breathing. He'd been by his side ever since he passed out, staying until the sun rose to announce day once again; unmoving; ever watchful. The corner of his mouth turned down in a scowl and he pressed a hand into the bed. Ryuhou coughed in his sleep, then winced, bringing his hand to his chest.
Cammie had left instructions as she said she would moments after Kazuma had woken up from his nap, explaining that it's usual different for most people when they get colds. In Ryuhou's case, because of his Alter ability causing him to be so…twisted inside—"twisted" was the only word that had come to the young girl's mind—the virus might be attacking the weaker areas of his immune system.
Kazuma snorted and sat back, crossing his legs and pressing his hand against them. Ryuhou had already been given medication earlier, but the Shell Bullet was warned to be conscious of any sudden changes in behavior. 'Ryuhou...'
Ryuhou sniffled and sat up slowly, mechanically, eyes remaining close, and leaned forward, parting his lips.
"He might also have to vomit," Cammie's voice echoed.
An amber eye widened and Kazuma rushed to push the other in the direction of the floor, freezing at the chunks that spewed across his arm. "Gah!!" he screamed, holding the appendage away from his body.
Ryuhou's eyes slid open and took in the blurry image of his flailing lover. "Ka...zu..." He coughed, swallowing, and made a face.
Kazuma grabbed a clean corner of the sheets, unable to scrub at his arm to get it clean enough. "Nasty, son of a bitch... you could've kept it in..."
Ryuhou mustered enough strength to smirk, realizing what went down—or literally, came up—then glanced at the sheets, making a face. "Kazuma..." he rasped. "Shower..."
"Yes! I need a shower."
The older male grabbed Kazuma's ankle as he tried to sprint, the auburn-haired youth narrowly missing one of the knobs on the footboard at the corner edge of the bed. "I meant... me," he hissed.
"...Oh." Kazuma grinned. "Right." He turned over onto his back and sat up as the hold on his ankle was released. Mindful of the messed sheets, he helped Ryuhou to his feet and the shuffled carefully from the bedroom and down the hall to the bathroom.
The long-haired young man managed to support himself against the hard wall as Kazuma turned on the shower and checked the temperature. He opened his eyes partially as a weight settled on his arm and allowed himself to be led under the spray, shuddering at its frigorific feel.
Kazuma followed shortly after making sure the other had adjusted to the cold and wrapped his arms around the heated, but chilled body, kissing his lover's neck. "I don't see how the hell you caught a cold. No one else except me can catch."
Ryuhou shrugged faintly, body beginning to shiver. Kazuma freed his left hand from the other's and rubbed the green-haired Alter user's arm, then abdomen before moving lower. "Kazuma," the older male started warningly.
"Eh?"
"Not like this."
"Ryuhou, being modest?" the Shell Bullet snorted. "The same Ryuhou who wanted a quickie in the back of the first car Tachibana gave us—minutes before an attack?"
"That was... different." Crimson orbs closed and Ryuhou pressed his forehead to the cool tile with a sigh, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He had been a little... needy that particular time.
"Do you consent?" Kazuma asked with a grin.
"Has that ever stopped you?" the other male scoffed, blowing his wet hair from his mouth.
"No, but you can get pretty violent before giving in."
Ryuhou shook his head faintly, trying not to dizzy himself, and shifted his hips. He had not the strength to resist and deriving some form of pleasure in his weakened state would do him good before he became bed-ridden again. "I consent," he mumbled. The Shell Bullet nipped at the wet flesh of his lover's neck.
§§§
Kazuma continued scowling as he walked down the hall, carrying the naked and soaked Ryuhou back to the bedroom they had been assigned. The older male had felt faint—then fainted—right after they both climaxed, bringing them both to the bathroom floor. The auburn-haired Alter grunted as he deposited the shivering body onto the bed, and took the towel from his shoulder to dry it. He muttered aloud angrily and tucked the covers tightly around Ryuhou once finished.
Cammie had informed him that the body's temperature would fluctuate and he should be mindful of when that happens. "Keep the body warm when cold," he mimicked, shoving a pillow under the other's head.
Ryuhou's brow creased and his eyes slowly fluttered open in a half-lidded state. He focused his drowsy gaze on Kazuma, then closed his eyes once more with a sigh. The Shell Bullet snorted and unwrapped the towel from his waist, finding some cleans clothes laid out for them in a nearby chair. He pulled them on and was tugging the plain black shirt down over his head as he ventured out into the house to find a source of food.
Making a beeline for the kitchen, Kazuma made a face as he rummaged through Tachibana's fridge. The entire bottom shelf was filled with watermelon. 'Urizane must have been feeling generous.' He grabbed a slice, stuffing it into his mouth, and continued looking. The next shelf up contained "healthy" items; the top shelf held the liquids, but, behind the milk, the young man spotted chicken the would hold him for a few hours at the most. He grabbed the milk also and closed the fridge door with his heel, spitting the watermelon rind and its seeds into the sink.
§§§
Cammie returned that evening, exhausted from the substitute teaching she was performing—children were so inquisitive—and ready to settle down, but she was immediately reminded of other situations at the sight of Kazuma sleeping at the kitchen table. Sighing, she hung up her coat and bag. Cammie squeaked in incredulity at the sight of the chicken bones stacked on the empty plate. "That's belonged to me and Tachibana," she groaned, slipping off her shoes.
"He won't mind..." the Alter criminal grumbled. "He loves helping people."
"I thought you were asleep," the young woman gasped.
Kazuma snorted, "How can I? I'm actually worried about the stupid bastard." He ran his hands through his two-toned hair and sat up with a loud groan.
"He'll be fine," Cammie reassured him, smiling. "But I'll make him some soup. I'm sure he hasn't eaten?" She smiled to herself as the other's shoulders slumped and tucked a stray strand of her light hair behind her ear. Taking the plate from the table, along with the empty milk carton, she dumped the bones and box and placed the dish to the side of the sink; she then removed all seeds and the watermelon skin with a scrunched-up nose.
"Sorry... Can I help?" Kazuma mumbled, pushing the chair away from the table to stand.
"Mm-hmm. Check on Ryuhou and give him two more pills."
"The pain-killers?"
"No," Cammie said over her shoulder, hands buried in the water she was using to wash the dishes. "The vitamins. They're in the orange bottle."
Nodding, he left the kitchen and headed back down to the bedroom. Looking around, he wondered if Ryuhou wouldn't cope better if they were within the walls most familiar to them; walls that been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. They had spent a good amount of time in this home also, but more memories lay within their own. Kazuma trailed his right hand along the wall, the severe and plentiful scars visible because of the short-sleeved shirt he wore. He stalled behind the bedroom door, amber eye narrowed.
Tachibana had managed to reform the arm itself, and to that, he would be thankful, but he couldn't wait five more days for him to return, and he really didn't want to be around when he returned either. He would tell Cammie in the morning.
Ryuhou opened his eyes slowly at the sound of the door and groaned, squinting against the light that seemed magnified.
"She's bringing you food," Kazuma muttered, slouching against the wall. By "she", Ryuhou knew he meant Cammie: the rogue Alter user rarely remembered anyone's name unless he deemed them important. He managed a small smirk at that. "How do you feel?" the brunet grumbled, now sorting through bottles. He popped the cap on the orange one and dumped out two pills. A glass of water from earlier sat on the table beside the bed.
"Better," Ryuhou said hoarsely, hoping his sarcasm was well-noticed, but considering who he talked to—he doubted it.
Kazuma got onto the bed, straddling his wrapped-tight lover, and held out the vitamins. Crimson orbs glared. "What?" he sighed. "Want me to force-feed you again?"
Ryuhou wished he could clobber the smug male above him, but forced himself to sit up, snatching the medication. He took each pill, a swig of water following. After placing the cup aside, they took the moment to enjoy the closeness without too much sickness ruining it. Kazuma's lips quirked upward suddenly and he leaned forward, bracing himself with his hands atop the bed.
"I brought the soup!" Cammie announced cheerfully. "Oh." She blushed, ducking her head.
"Thank you..." Ryuhou rasped, raising a hand to pat Kazuma on the head consolingly. The younger man growled and rolled onto the free side of the bed, glaring at the flushed girl.
Cammie quickly circled to Ryuhou's side, placing the tray over his covered lap. She took note of the faint scar running down the middle of the back of his hands as he reached for the spoon, and made a mental reminder to mention it to Tachibana. She bowed politely, then straightened up, leaving the boys to themselves.
Kazuma turned onto his stomach once the door closed, burying his face in the pillow. He inhaled deeply. Ryuhou slowly sipped at the soup, admitting that the warm liquid—the vitamins were also taking effect—helped soothe his burning throat. The silence that invaded the room with neither awkward or companionable; it was neutral, and that was good enough for them.
Kazuma didn't speak with the girl until the next morning, but she understood completely, so with a bag slung over his shoulder that contained everything Cammie had given him, and Ryuhou over the other, he slowly made his way back to their house. The distance between there and the place he'd just left wasn't great, but with such burdens, it took almost twenty-five minutes to complete a five-minute walk. The young man sighed, stirring up dust as he dragged his feet, and stared at the pale face partially hidden behind lengthy green tresses. 'Baka.'
Kazuma gave a half-hearted smirk and turned the last corner of the slightly decrepit block, viewing their house instantly. Upon arriving, he pushed open the door and kicked it shut behind him, heading to the bedroom. Kazuma dropped the bag first then placed all care in fixing his lover on the bed. He tucked stray green hair behind Ryuhou's ear with a soft grin then dropped onto the floor with a groan, leaning his head back against the mattress. "A cold... Tch..."
"Kazuma..."
"Aa? You're awake?"
"Why are you down there?" The younger male grinned and pushed himself up, flipping backward onto the bed. He had been gentle in his landing and turned to see weary crimson eyes and a weak smile directed at him. "Truly pathetic," Kazuma snickered, kicking off his shoes and tossing back the covers. He climbed in and Ryuhou rolled over, draping an arm over his lover's chest with a sigh. The Shell Bullet smirked and closed his eyes.
"Kazu-kun!" Kanami pushed open the door to the small house, smiling brightly. A week had passed since the last visit from the Alter users and she had assumed everything was fine. "Kazu-kun! Ryuhou-san!" The girl removed her boots, snapping her tangerine-colored umbrella shut, and turned the corner, heading to the room the men shared. "Anyone?" Kanami pushed open the door and smiled at the sight of a healthy Ryuhou standing over the bed. "You are better."
"Aa." The former HOLY member stared at the girl, then back at the tumbled sheets. He wore a plain black shirt with his uniform slacks and stood barefoot.
"Where's Kazu-kun?" the young Alter mumbled, peering around the slightly disheveled room.
"Kanami..." a grainy, hoarse voice came. The sheets shifted and slid downward, revealing a sickly pale Kazuma. Kanami giggled, covering her mouth. The Shell Bullet clutched at his chest, trying to prevent a lung from flying free as he had a serious coughing fit. Ryuhou tilted his head with a smug smirk. "Kanami...!" Kazuma cried nasally.
"I'll get Tachibana," she announced.
"No! Not him... No... Kanami... Ugh.. Ryuhou!"
The older male placed a hand to Kazuma's shoulder, holding him steady as the other threw up into the bucket. The telepathic Alter child shared her sympathy with the boy, but backed out of the room to do as she had told. "He should be here shortly," she said before leaving. Kazuma's arm stretched feebly for her as his head remained buried in the container.
"She already left," Ryuhou sighed, putting a hand to the hot, cold, and clammy forehead.
Kazuma pushed himself away, falling back onto the bed, and kept his mouth open to breath. "Not Tachibana... Ryuhou, you have to protect me..."
The long-haired Alter snorted, taking a seat on the edge of their bed. "Protect you from Tachibana?"
"...Yes!"
"I'll try."
Kazuma kicked weakly at his lover. "You're... not taking me... serious—" His complaint was cut short by a powerful sneeze that sprayed mucus onto the pillow.
"Oh. That's just great, Kazuma." Ryuhou stood curtly, glaring at the sick man. "I hope Tachibana violates you." He turned deaf ears to the hoarse cries and pleas, leaving Kazuma alone in the room.
"I hate you!" the Shell Bullet shrieked, heaving a pillow at the door. He fell back onto the bed, wheezing and panting heavily at his overexertion. He whimpered, hand to his head, and buried his face in the sweat-drenched pillow. "Ahh! No!" It wasn't sweat. He shot up, gasping sharply for air as he realized he'd thrown his clean pillow.
As much as Ryuhou thought Kazuma needed the punishment, Tachibana could get a little over-emotional at times. His crimson eyes narrowed. There was also a sneaky suspicion that the other former HOLY member thought of Kazuma as more than just "another patient". 'That's just Kazuma's personality at work,' Ryuhou told himself, tying back his trimmed hair. He headed into the kitchen and had just poured himself a glass of water when the door flew open. "It helps if you knock," he scoffed.
The purple-haired Alter user stopped his rushing and glanced behind him. "Ryuhou. Kanami-chan told me Kazuma was sick."
"And neither she or Cammie told you I was also sick?"
"You seem healthy enough," Tachibana mumbled. He smiled nervously as the glass in Ryuhou's hand was altered and decided to find his patient before he needed treatment. The young man darted around the corner, coat flying behind him. Ryuhou waved his hand, the knife-like armor disappearing, and followed.
"No... Leave me alone!" Kazuma had backed himself up against the headboard, kicking helplessly at the cheerfully grinning Alter user trying to take his temperature. He spotted his lover at the doorway. "Ryuhou, thank God... Send him away!"
Ryuhou scoffed, crossing his arm and leaning against the wooden frame. "You need treatment. Maybe it'll speed up your recovery. Then I won't have to baby you back to health."
"Bastard! After all I did for you!"
'All you did... for me' Kazuma coughed harshly, pounding his arms into the bed. "Ow..." he hissed, throat burning. Tachibana slipped the thermometer into the open mouth and waited. Kazuma whined and surrendered, but not before formulating a way to indirectly pass his cold onto Tachibana. He smirked around the hard plastic object tucked under his tongue, then started coughing, his chest burning this time.
The purple-haired youth placed a hand to Kazuma's forehead, wary of the other who stood just a few yards away. "Don't touch me," the auburn-haired Alter wheezed, trying to salvage some form of dignity.
Ryuhou shook his head with a scoff, "Simple baka."
"Ryuhou...!" Kazuma wailed. "This is all your fault!" He spat the thermometer out and crossed his arms, childishly tucking his chin against his chest with a scowl. Tachibana sighed and could only tell himself it would be over soon—hopefully.
A/N: (collapses) Please, please tell me you enjoyed this... I actually didn't have to force myself into finishing it—of course you know why—but I worked hard. I might be seeing you around for a third chapter, I'm not sure yet. I've had several thoughts for some time now. But, anyhoo, bai-bee!