Bloody Twinkle

Chapter 2: Conditions

" It's a surprise to see you here… Ritsu. "

Ritsu gulped internally, but he kept a steady gaze on his father's coal, black eyes.

A week after the incident, both he and Masamune decided to sell their house, as both of them didn't want to stay in there any longer after that horrific night.

But it was hard to sell it, not only were their house a top story in the news that week, but many buyers are wary of even looking at the house despite its old world charm beauty.

Masamune resigned to selling the house half of its price out of desperation, but the brunette doesn't want to agree, he told him he will look for ways. Like any other people, they need money to survive, not that they are in dire need, but they have a new family member coming soon and they need every budget that they can get.

He doesn't want to admit it, but he was desperate too.

That's why he found himself here, in his father's office.

The Onodera clan loved Ritsu, very much, but not even their love for him could assuage their displeasure when he announced his marriage to Masamune, none of them contradicted him, of course, but their disappointment were clearly mirrored in their faces.

Not to mention none of his family members attended their wedding in California. With the exception of his cousin Rio and Saito and their close friends and colleagues. As well as his childhood friend An, who acted as his groomsmaid.

He didn't hear any news from his family after that, Rio visits him once in a while, she told him that the family doesn't hate him, they still love him, but they cannot accept his husband…

No, not ever.

" Good day to you, father…" Ritsu greeted formally.

His father intertwined his fingers and sat cross legged, obviously waiting for another statement from him.

Ritsu hated and loved his father's keen observation, despite his having his own backbone and proving his worth, when it comes to his dad, it's like stepping on an unknown den. His father is never the foolish type, to say that he was a dark horse is an understatement, his father is much more dangerous than that.

He needs a favor, and he needed his help. When you ask a powerful man for a favor, he needs a payment. And the brunette was willing to pay him back.

However, if he asks him to divorce his husband, then he will stand up, walk away and never ask him for any favor again –

" Ritsu, son, I may not have agreed with your choices in life, but I'm still your father, knowing you and your independent streak, you will never resort to ask for help even if you're drowning, you know I'm willing to help you and hear you out, so come, tell me, what it is that's bothering you. " His father said gently.

The younger Onodera sighed. " You must've known our house was attacked last week. "

" I did, your mother watched it in the news, she was contemplating to visit you if you to check if you're fine, but she couldn't bear to see… that man." His father grimaced. They couldn't even call his partner by his name, let alone call him as his husband.

Long ago, when he left to study abroad, his family went out to investigate about what happened to their beloved prince, and they found out about his obsession with the boy known as 'Saga senpai', they did an investigation about him, found out about his nervous breakdown, and all his dark days. All of his dark secrets were not hidden in the Onodera clan, which multiplied their hatred for his husband when they found out he was marrying a man like him. Even Masamune's true love cannot erase the fact that in the past, he stoop on a level so low to that of a male prostitute by going out and sleeping with different people during his dark days, a fact that disgusted the Onodera family who thought that their beloved prince deserves better. Even Rio and Saito and An will never hesitate to throw stones at his husband despite their acceptance of their marriage.

Even though Ritsu is partly at fault, it pained him to see the way his family regarded his husband, their green gaze says it all. All devoid of respect and looking at the dark haired man with such degrading manner that he can't help but flinch in agony.

" Anyway, about that, as you can see, it terrified us to live in that house anymore so we sold it. But… no one else wants to buy it because the attackers were - "

" Members of a satanic cult. " Atsushi Onodera finished for his son as he leaned on his swivel chair. " It's only natural son, people around here started to pick up things from the west, and some are Christians, so it's only natural that the word will spread, so the problem was, you cannot sell the house to its price list because everyone thinks it's haunted? "

Ritsu nodded.

Atsushi nodded back. " Of course, one word from me and it will surely be sold. And we have a lot of connections from here and underground, but as business goes, you do realize that if you want my help, then you must give something back in return. "

The younger former heir shuddered internally, here it goes.

" You know very well what payment I want. " Atsushi probed.

Ritsu glared at his father. " If you're asking me to divorce my husband, then you are - "

" That's not what I meant, although that would really please me and the family if you divorce that disgusting, arrogant male whore who thinks that just because he was able to put back a hopeless department back to life gives him a permission to act all high and mighty who feels like he's in thundercloud already. Really, it baffles me what in the world did you see in him. "

" He loves me for who I am. " Ritsu defended. " Not for what I am. "

" We do too, Ritsu, and we're not enough? "

Ritsu stood up. " If you're here to tell me to think twice about my marriage and exchange barbs with me and insult my husband, then I will take my leave. "

Atsushi pursed his lips the exhaled. "Look son, I'm willing to help you, but as I told you, I need a condition, I love you, son, and I will always wish for your happiness even if it's against my wishes, no, I'm not going to ask you to divorce that man, but I need you to step up and take my place in Onodera Shuppan. "

The younger male blinked at his father in surprise.

Atsushi smiled. " Ritsu, I'm willing to help you, I will sell your house, arrange all the papers and even find you a safer neighborhood, but in return, I want you to take my place… "

The green eyed male lowered his eyelids. " Why are you so insistent in making me the heir? There are a lot of candidates in the family who are better than me, just because I'm your son doesn't make me delusional, I have long been accepted that I can never be as excellent as you, dad."

Atsushi stood up and cupped his son's cheeks.

" Son, please look at me. "

Ritsu stared at his father's jet black eyes.

" You think that I vouch for you just because you're my son? Ritsu, I have seen you work hard and devote yourself in your passion, everyone in the family knows that too, and although your marriage caused a ruckus in the family, none of us will ever tell you that you don't deserve to be an heir, look at yourself, Ritsu, you're a prince, our prince, and princes go and become Kings. Your personal life may never please us, but you deserve the crown. No one will question you for it, people might judge you and question your abilities, but there is no doubt that if anyone will replace me, it will be no one else but you. "

The youngster bit his lips.

" We will help you. " The older Onodera vowed as he kissed his son's forehead. " No matter what happens, we're always be here for you… "

Ritsu raised his arms to hug his father back, he didn't realize it but he is becoming selfish, he loved his husband, but in the process, he forgot to realize the importance of family, his family, the people who helped him get out of his dark, slump.

" Dad… I'm sorry, I was…"

" No… a man knows how to fight for what he wants, even if the world wnet against him, and he's your happiness, we understand that, but son, please understand, it is not easy for us to accept. Acceptance takes time. Please grasp that. "

The younger brunette man nodded as he hugged his father tighter. His old man is suggesting a way for him to mend the emotional fences that he had left hanging in his family.

Family is a big thing for Ritsu, and he knew its importance.

In order for him to be a better man, in order for him to fix everything, he needed to do this.

" Dad…"

" Yes? "

" Please give me a couple of weeks, and I will be back to you. "

Atsushi smiled as he released his son.

" I'll be waiting…"

"Welcome back. "

Ritsu took off his shoes and put it aside.

He and Masamune are now staying at Yokozawa's apartment for the time being, while the said owner is staying with his lover Kirishima.

" I cooked dinner already, let's eat. " Masamune said as he walked forward to the kitchen.

" Thanks. I'm hungry. " Ritsu said as he followed him.

When they sat, Masamune then put out the dishes, after saying their prayers, the dark haired man spoke.

" Where did you go? "

Ritsu stopped picking his chopsticks and bit his lip.

"You left the office early, so I figured you'd be here, but you were not. "

The brunette it his lips harder.

The editor in chief put his hand over his husband's clenched fist.

" What is it Ritsu? You know you can tell me anything now. You and I promised during our honeymoon that there will be no secrets between us. "

Ritsu breathed as he sat back, not letting his partner's hand go.

" I… I went and asked dad for help in selling our house. "

The bronze eyed man froze.

He knew that his lover's family hasn't been the accepting of some sort. They regarded him as if he's nothing more but a pestilence in their son's life, not that he cared, he was used to the disgusting looks and glares. He would never survive the cruel reality if he let those petty things get to him.

He may not know about the enigmatic leader of the Onodera clan, but seeing that he didn't attend his son's wedding meant that he hated the union to the core.

So it's no surprise that in exchange for a favor, it will be something that the dark haired man will find displeasing.

Masamune tightened his hold on his husband's hand. No, he would never let this man go, he will do everything in his power to keep him. He lost Ritsu once, he will never lose him again.

Why can't those rich snobs see that he only has Ritsu? Aside from Yokozawa, he never had anyone in his life, ever, his parents and new family abandoned him, he needed this man, such merciless pricks, how can they steal away the little happiness and attention that he had? Don't they have enough?

Ritsu smiled in assurance, sensing his husband's fear.

" Don't worry, he didn't asked me to divorce you…"

" I sense a but coming…"

The brunette nodded as he let go of his husband's hand and sat back.

" He will help, with the condition that I will take his place in Onodera Shuppan. "

Masamune stared at him. " So that means… "

The green eyed male nodded. " Yes, I have to resign from Marukawa Shoten. "

The dark haired man breathed as he leaned on the chair. It was a relief, but at the same time, he can't help but be disappointed.

Being with his husband at work and at home can seem like it will be a tiring experience, but for Masamune, he couldn't get enough, he is happy seeing his husband everyday of his life.

He will surely miss him.

But he couldn't stop now, Ritsu had his own choices and decisions, besides, he really is the heir to that company before he chained him to his wrist, vowing that he will never let the man go until he makes him his.

He should be thankful of his lover's independent streak, if it wasn't for that attitude of his, he would never met him again.

So as a loving partner to Ritsu, he had to support him.

" I understand Ritsu, go ahead and do what you feel is right. " He replied.

" You're okay with that? " The brunette asked.

" Of course not, idiot, but what can I do? Once you decided to do something you'll do it no matter what. "

" Thank you…" He replied and smiled.

" Sure, whatever, but make sure to explain your goodbyes to your authors properly, I don't want them biting my head off when you just disappear without a trace. They're all attached to you, you know. "

Ritsu chuckled. " I will… and thanks again."

" Yeah, but you better call me during lunch break or any of your break time, and don't flirt with anybody! Don't forget that you're married to me. "

The brunette rolled his eyes. " What makes you think that? "

" Because you're too cute and you're too nice for your own good! You often leave yourself open to attack! Even if the whole office knew we that we're married, those stupid idiots kept on coming and flirting at you! "

" Really? I never noticed. "

" That's because you're too dense! Even Kisa is flirting with you! "

" Oh, shut it! He's just a friend. "

" Friend? My ass! "

" Well, I'm sorry that you think that every person I interact with is after me. Look at yourself too, Masamune, anyone would snag you too! "

" Well, they can't seduce me because I only have my eye on you. "

Ritsu blushed. " Well, you don't have to worry, I know I'm married and I never went against my vows. "

Masamune smiled. " Good, I just want to be assured that - "

CRASH!

" Ritsu, look out! " Masamune screamed as he hugged his mate, making his back as a shield from the shards of glass that exploded from the side window out of nowhere.

" What happened!? " Ritsu cried.

" The window exploded. " The dark haired man explained as he released Ritsu and slightly shook of the shards of glass from his clothes.

" Masamune, your cheek is bleeding! " Ritsu exclaimed as he put a hand on his husband's cheek and wiped the blood with his thumb.

" I'll just get some clean cloth and - "

CRASH! BOOGSH!

Masamune immediately pulled Ritsu down to the floor and under the table as they saw the windows break continuously.

" What's happening!?" Ritsu screamed.

" Just hide! " Masamune retaliated. " And don't come out until I say so! "

The windows shattered continuously and the couple just hid under the table.

After seemed like an eternity, Masamune peeked out of the table, surveying the surroundings, Yokozawa will surely kill him for damaging his apartment.

Not that it was his fault.

His musings were stopped when they heard a loud tap on the door.

" Is anybody in here!? " A voice from the outside yelled.

Both men are still in shock and unable to answer.

" Please answer if anyone is here!? We just wanted to know if you're safe! "

" I'll answer the door, stay here. " The dark haired man whispered to his partner.

" Okay, please be careful. " Ritsu replied.

He nodded and slowly crawled out of the table.

A slight fog met the tall man, but he kept his focus, avoiding to step on the small bits of glass.

Ritsu just sat under the table and sighed. What is it this time?

Twinkle Twinkle little star…

The brunette immediately whipped his head to face on his right side, there, on one of the broken windows stood a shadow of a small stuffed rabbit.

He blinked. What the hell?

When he looked again, the shadow was gone.

Huh? Maybe just his imagination…

He then felt a small tug behind him, he the shifted his head, only to see him looking at a pair of red bloody eyes.

How I wonder what you… Are!

The brunette gaped as he saw the stuffed rabbit from the broken window standing in front of him and batting its wand in the air with its mouth open, showing tiny fangs under its lips.

Ritsu widened his eyes as he saw the white stuffed rabbit stopped waving it's wand and moved its head to his direction, it was now glaring at him with blood red eyes with its star wand pointed on his neck.

Before he can scream, the stuffed rabbit jumped towards his neck, raising its star wand, the stuffed rabbit stabbed its victim's neck horizontally, making a deep red dent and caused the brunette to clamp his neck before his vision blacked out and he lost consciousness.

" A cut on the jugular vein can cause death too…" The demonic stuffed rabbit said and let out a manical laugh before hopping out of the body that it damaged and into the window.

" Just some stupid kids having a useless concert outside the area and - " Masamune stopped speaking when he saw his lover splayed on the floor with blood gushing out of his neck.

" Ritsu! " The dark haired man screamed as he took his lover in his arms. He immediately tore his sleeve and used it to cover the neck wound. Shit! The cut is too deep!

" Hang on, I'm going to take you to the hospital! " Masamune yelled desperately as he took Ritsu in his arms and ran out of the door.

Meanwhile, in Sakura Maternity Ward, nurses are giggling in delight as they saw the newly delivered baby angel from one of the patients.

" Oh my… what a healthy baby girl! "

" Beautiful too, just look at those lovely green eyes…how rare…"

" I think her eyes have some golden brown shards in the pupils as well! "

" And the brunette hair! It even looked red under the orange lights! "

The nurses couldn't stop giggling as they gently took the baby from her mother.

" We'll just give her some vaccines and let her go under some tests. She'll be in the nursery if you wanted to see her. " One of them said as they bowed and took the baby out of the door.

" It's a pity that she's not going to be yours, Odaka san. " The head nurse replied as she looked at the lady panting on the bed.

The surrogate lady smiled. " I don't mind, her fathers are both beautiful and kind people, I'm sure she will be taken care of. "

The head nurse then adjusted the IV drip and smiled.

" There, you'll feel better afterwards. " She said and bowed before leaving her.

Another knock came in, Odaka san replied to come in and emerged a middle aged, dark haired lady, smiling in delight.

" I heard that you delivered the baby. " She said and tapped Odaka san's palm.

" The nurses just took her a minute ago to clean her and give her some vaccines. I'm sorry I wasn't able to call you or Takano san or his husband. I'm feeling guilty, both of them are so very gracious and took care of me while I'm carrying their baby. "" I'm sure they will be happy. " The middle aged woman smiled. " It's too late to call them tonight, I'll call them tomorrow and tell them the good news. "

" Thank you…"

After a bath and receiving some vaccines, the nurses tucked in the green yes bedazzling angel in one of the beds in the nursery room, then put on a tag with her name on the side of the bed before putting a pink blanket on her and leaving the room.

Once the nurses where out, a tiny stuffed rabbit came out of nowhere, it hopped from one tiny crib to another until it reached the bed of its newest occupant.

Twinkle smiled as she raised her bloodied star wand.

The stuffed image then became blurry, and in a snap, a white gown suddenly flowed on the floor, and the rabbit image was now gone. In its place, a pale skinned woman with caramel locks appeared.

Just in time, the baby girl opened her eyes, looking at the intruder with her greenish gold eyes.

The woman raised a palm and stroked the soft cheek of the baby.

" How precious... " She uttered as she stared at the baby with blazing red eyes.

She then took her hands off, then put her other hand on her sleeve and took out a small dagger.

" Don't worry sweetheart… it will only hurt for a few minutes… " She said as she raised the dagger in the air.

Thanks for reading!