A/N: Here's the next chapter. It's very short, but it's filled with Golden Pair fluff. Enjoy!
Shattered Reality
Chapter Four
By Abyssinian003
Fuji and Ryoma had been gone for a good amount of time before Eiji's bawling had faded into quiet, almost silent hiccups. Oishi continued to hold him in a protective embrace, softly stroking his damp crimson locks and whispering, "Everything will be all right, Eiji. Please calm down."
Eiji sniffled and lifted his head from Oishi's shoulder. Pain swam in his tear-bright eyes as he looked up to meet his partner's emerald eyes. "Oishi, I don't want to go home."
"What happened, Eiji?" Oishi gently cupped the redhead's injured cheek in his left palm, ghosting his thumb over the deep bruise. "Who did this? Why did your mother call me to ask if I'd seen you?"
Eiji tried to look away but found himself unable to. Flustered by the close presence of his friend—hopefully so much more than that someday—the redhead found himself explaining before he even realized what he was doing. Oishi listened intently, continuing to stroke his hair calmingly.
"I was going to tell my family, especially 'Tousan and 'Kaasan, something very important tonight. 'Neesan also wanted to tell everyone something, so I let her go first. It turned out that she had the same news as me, in a way. There wasn't anything wrong with what she said, at least that's what I thought. I was honestly really happy for her, but 'Tousan didn't like what she said. Then they were arguing—screaming—with each other, a-and everyone was just watching. No one was doing anything!"
The acrobat's breath caught in his throat as Oishi wiped away the tears he hadn't realized he'd been crying. Warm lips brushed against his forehead, and his cheeks burned an even brighter red. His blue eyes fluttered shut as Oishi's name escaped his lips.
The dark-haired vice-captain pulled back abruptly, startled. A light blush crossed his features, and he looked away in embarrassment. "I'm sorry Eiji. I shouldn't have done that."
"Nya, it's okay, Oishi. I didn't mind," the redhead wound his arms around his doubles partner's neck and met his emerald gaze with a flustered azure stare. "Hoi! Want to know a secret?"
At Oishi's hesitant nod, Eiji continued, "I was going to tell my family that there was someone dear to me that I had feelings for." The red-haired boy's lips tugged downward into a frown, "I don't think I can now though, judging how 'Tousan took 'Neesan's news. Who cares, anyway? The only people that need to know are him," hope lit up Oishi's emerald eyes at the reference, "and myself, ne?"
Oishi eyes flickered with sadness for a moment, but he smiled sweetly nonetheless, though it seemed a bit forced, "I'm happy for you, Eiji. I'm glad that you've found someone special. Do I know this person, by any chance?"
Nodding, the acrobat replied, "Hoi! You know him very well."
Without waiting for a response from his doubles partner, Eiji continued, "He's the nicest person I know, and I'm confident that even if he doesn't feel the same way, he'll just treat me like he always does."
Eiji opened his left eye, smiling slightly, "He has the strangest hairstyle and the brightest green eyes I've ever seen in my life."
A hopeful smile was tugging at Oishi's lips as his partner's right eye opened.
"He worries too much—so much, in fact, that I didn't want to bother him with my problems yesterday even though I know he would have listened if I had asked. And—"
Eiji leaned in, grinning, "This guy I like—he's sitting right in front of me, and if I dare suggest such a thing, he looks ready to kiss me. Nya, am I right?"
Oishi smiled brilliantly and closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a soft, chaste kiss before Eiji pulled back. The calm half of the Golden Pair looked confused, and the acrobat leaned into Oishi's shoulder again, "Nya, I'm sick, Oishi. I'm really tired too. Sorry. Please don't be offended."
The dark-haired teen laughed gently before wrapping his arms around his partner and pulling them closer together. "Just rest then, Eiji. I'm definitely not offended by anything, and I'll keep you safe. I won't let anyone hurt you again."
"I feel safe with you, Oishi. Thank you for staying with me," Eiji breathed. The redhead yawned, "Hoi, Oishi? Does this mean we're going out now? 'Cause I think I'd really like that."
Oishi watched him fondly, "Whatever would make you happy, Eiji." He listened to the sound of Eiji's breathing which was deep, even, and strong—not at all like the shallow, raspy breaths he'd been expecting after he'd learned that his boyfriend—boyfriend!—had spent his night in this horrid, cold, wet alley just to get away from—
Who had caused Eiji to run away from home? He hadn't finished his story! "Eiji," Oishi prompted, "You never told me who hurt you."
Alas, the vice-captain soon realized with a disappointed sigh, his boyfriend had already been swept away to dreamland. Fondly, he pressed his lips again the other boy's hair in a silent kiss. "Sweet dreams, Eiji."
To Be Continued…
Glossary of Terms:
'Tousan— Dad.
'Kaasan— Mom.
'Neesan— Older sister.
Nya/Hoi—Eiji-isms.