Defy
Chapter 7
Author Notes: Rinrinrin! Man the opening and ending song are just so catchy~ We be back and thanks so much for reading so far! Time to get the show on the road, I do not own Nanbaka
3rd P.O.V
"Heeey Liang over here!" Uno huffed in amusement as Rock shouted, his voice overpowering the chattering cafeteria. "Wonder what's got him in such a good mood." Nico chuckled besides the curious gambler.
Both watched Rock all but drag the martial artist down into the seat next to them. "Didn't you hear? Apparently Shiro got some new additions to his kitchen after the tremors of the explosion in the arena. Including a new stone oven." A knowing smile graced both boys' lips.
Uno wasn't surprised now that the realization dawned on him. Rock's wish had they won the tournament was going to be such installations. He loved the food here, and Shiro was on really good terms with him.
Although it was a surprise to see Liang here, since the buildings have separate kitchens and staff. "Come have a bite! Shiro and I have been cooking up a storm. Check out the first pizza made from the..." Seitarou stifled a laugh from his post.
Glad to see him so enthused. It took a little convincing but the blue haired pretty boy was able to convince his co-worker Inori into bringing the dedicated martial artist. It wasn't a normal thing, but Rock had all but begged Seitarou to try and bring Liang.
"It's incredible." And that begging paid off when they saw Liang's eyes widen in shock. "I know right? The key is..." Rock's friends smiled as the foodie went off on a rant, boasting the food as Liang quietly marveled the superior flavors.
Things got even better when the big silent chef himself approached the table, dishes in each hand. "Look! Shiro even made some Chinese food for you! How is it?!" The day was starting out good, really good, yet Uno couldn't help but feel slightly bitter.
There was still an empty space vacant. "Thank you. The meal was delicious." One that should've been filled, but this was the new normal. Even though Jyugo was healing and was going through a steady recovery.
He still wasn't allowed out of the hospital ward. "Mannn Shiro makes these taste so good-it looks like its from a manga!" Uno stayed silent, continuing his musings as he ate what was called a peach bun.
It was still warm and absolutely delicious, but it still didn't feel right. Jyugo should be here, and even though Nico and Rock were happy, talking as if there were no problems, they were thinking the same thing. But then a lightbulb went off in Uno's head, improving his mood.
"Think I'll take some food to Jyugo. No doubt he's probably starving." Uno stood up from his seat, freezing in place as a huge shadow loomed over him. "Wh-what's up Shiro?" Turning around, he finds a dish covered in tin foil held out, still steaming through. "That for me?"
The apprentice cook wasn't much of a talker, and often times scared people away with his intimidating appearance, but he was a good guy underneath. "Oh wait-you want me to give this to Jyugo! Thanks man~" Satisfied Shiro stomps off, well not really stomps. He walks off.
However the man was big and bulky, his steps were heavy so stomping was the only way to describe it. "You want me to come Uno? I know Rocks' still eating..." Nico's hair gets ruffled, much to his irritation. "Ahh stop it Uno!" The gambler smirks, trying to keep the good mood going.
Even more so when he remembered Nico had to go through his examination later on today. Sure the medicine was tolerable for the drug dealer to take now, it didn't mean he liked going through the procedures. There weren't a lot of good memories that surfaced when he was there.
"Nah. You stay with Rock, you know how he feels about eating alone." He stilled for a moment, knowing that he triggered himself again. Nico gives him a small smile, easily seeing the hurt in the braided teens' eyes.
It was hard not to trigger each other these days. Whether he stuck to the shadows or was more directly involved, Jyugo's presence meant a lot to them. Like when he was waiting for Rock to finish his food or distracting Nico during his appointments he was always there.
And now knowing just how much he meant to them left a gaping hole in their hearts "I miss him too. Tell him a said hi? I doubt the doctor is going to let me be examined in the same room as him." Nodding Uno left, leaving Nico to enjoy more yummy food.
Clenching the Tupperware Uno let his thoughts wander. It's been a week since they had their little sleepover with Jyugo and Warden Hyakushiki giving the terrible news. Rage still courses through him at the memory.
What kind of person tells somebody that their attacker is still on the loose with no signs of them!? Jyugo reacted so badly, to say he had a breakdown was an understatement. It took a good hour to get him to uncurl from his little ball.
And another two hours for him to unlatch from Uno who had been holding him the entire time. He cried, fear and sadness glazing his usually bright eyes as he mumbled under his breath. Eventually the doctor had had enough of his panicking and knocked him out with a sedative.
At least doing so gave him peaceful dreams. But it did nothing to assist in Uno's nerves, he laid there in his makeshift bed thinking. Unable to sleep a wink as his mind constantly shifted thoughts.
"Jeez. I don't know how he does it." Uno couldn't imagine going even one night without his precious beauty sleep, as he recalled being cranky and clingy the next day. But for his friend, who is up nearly 24/7- it was downright impressive with how active and focused Jyugo usually was.
He was tired just remembering how tired he was. "What are you doing here?" Doctor Okina Otogi raised an eyebrow as Uno gracefully held out the container of food. "I figured I'd deliver some goodies to Jyugo. How's he doing?"
The old man crosses his arms, smoke flowing out of his pipe as he answered. "Fine, his recovery is going well. I expect him to be releasee from the hospital section within a couple days. He's getting changed now." Uno couldn't wait to tell Nico and Rock. No doubt they'd be thrilled.
"Awesome! I'm gonna head in and give him the food Shiro made him." This called for celebration! "Hmph, well I'm off to go get Number 25. Don't cause any problems!" But the sneaky crook wasn't even paying attention, too excited at the recent news.
Uno rubbed his blond and pink braid in thought as he walked in. He'd have to see if Shiro would be willing to cook a celebration feast-it was about damn time they had a party in prison! And what better reason then the return of their buddy in chains? They could even invite the other inmates.
It'll be hard trying to convince Hajime but it'll be fun! Way worth the ice cold glares that would no doubt be sent his way. "Yo Jyugo!" A small surprised squeak escaped the sixteen year old as he rummaged into his clothes.
"O-oh hey Uno! What's up?" Frowning at his friend's startled tone Uno place his box of goodies on the table. His eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he took note of the curtain covering Jyugo from view. "Came to give you some food. Shiro's specialty. You ok man?"
A breathless chuckle made its way from the covered bed. "Yeah, just didn't expect anyone coming in. The doc said he had to go grab Nico." His response is a small hum, the British criminal not quite believing him.
Actually now that he was just standing there, he was curious. In all the time that they've known each other, Jyugo's never changed in front of someone. He's always made a beeline for the bathrooms or a separate area.
"Hey Jyugo?" There was a small growl of frustration and the rustling of fabric. More than likely Jyugo struggling with his clothes. "Yeah? What's up?" He didn't want to pry, knowing that everyone had skeletons in their closets.
But it sounded like his injuries were making it difficult to get changed. "Do you need a hand? Your injuries are still bothering you right?" He was already walking up to the hidden hospital bed.
Barely listening as a small gasp echoed in the otherwise silent room. "N-no that's ok! I can get changed myself. I don't need you to help!" Jyugo was frantic as his efforts to get the damn one piece he was used to wearing on.
There were no buttons or zippers-it should've been a 1-2-3 thing! Jyugo could only hold his breath as the curtain was being opened from the other side. "Dude you're still recovering. Stop being so stubborn and just let...me..." Uno's brain was short circuiting.
"Huh!?" Jyugo's face was a horrible scarlet red as he tried covering up. To his credit he was able to bite down the shrieking shrill that was just dying to be released. "Jyugo...you're a girl!?" It was hard to ignore the sight sitting before Uno.
There, in front of him was Jyugo, with his black and red hair, and green and purple heterochromia eyes, but instead of a flat masculine chest that he had expected stood two small lumps wrapped in bandages. "Stop staring dammit!"
Hearing Jyugo's embarrassed hiss Uno immediately closed the curtains and forced himself to stare at the wall. "Sorry!" Wearing a matching crimson blush. Well on the bright side Uno was able to discover one of Jyugo's little secrets, just like he wanted.
However it wasn't the way either individual intended, and the little reveal just opened an entirely new can of worms. What the hell was h-SHE! Doing in Nanba Prisons' male section!? And does this have to do with why he-SHE was targeted at the tournament?
To be continued
Author Notes: Muahaha i've been dying to type this for ages...took me bloody long enough! Although I will admit Uno's reaction was not what I intended-but it makes sense. I mean His best friend after all this time was discovered to be a girl? I imagine his brain freezing him in place as he restarts with the new revelation.
Next chapters going to be fun~ Guys if you like this series so far, please feel free to fav/follow/review as it is my poison that encourages me to write! I'll see you all next time, tchao for now!