AHHH! I can't believe it took me so long to finish this one! I feel bad about the delay, I'm really sorry guys! Everything just seemed to happen these last couple of weeks leaving me with absolutely NO time to write! But luckily, I have a boring geometry teacher so I was able to finish this up with a few pages extra! YOSH! Lol anyway thanks guys for the reviews they're so great! I love them all please continue! Enjoy!
Special thank you to: Michiru's Mirror hope my dialogue is better! -
Disclaimer: Sadly, as much as I would love to I do not own Wolf's Rain! Please don't sue me!
WARNING: This story contains strong language, violence, and yaoi! I'm telling you now in this warning! If you don't like yaoi or have never even heard of it PLEASE press that pretty little button called the back button and find something else! I'm sorry but I really didn't write this story for people giving me crap cuz they don't like yaoi!
Awakened By The Moonlight
Chapter Three: Instinct
Tsume kept running towards the building, its tall structure barely coming in to view as both him and Holland ran faster and faster. After what seemed like ages, they had finally lost the cops, escaping in to the alleys where not a trace of their presence could be detected.
He gazed up at the architect before him the windows all boarded up with wood except the very top room. Tsume slowly made his way to the door, Holland close by his heels. At first glance it was just perceived as abandoned but it had actually become the main hideout of Tsume's gang.
They didn't need to worry about the cops finding them for it was deeply hidden in the maze of the alleyways the only path known by the most trusted chosen by Tsume. As they stepped up to the door, Holland opened his mouth as if to say something but then closed it after a few moments, his face revealing that he was deep in thought.
"You forgot the password again didn't you?" Tsume sighed irately. When Holland only stood with a nervous smile on his face, Tsume roughly pushed him aside and reached into his pocket.
He then pulled out a sharp curved blade with a metal box shaped handle, spikes coming out from both of the sides. Tsume proceeded to scratch three long marks on the door making the imitation of a large clawed animal scratching it rather loudly before placing the weapon back in his pocket.
After what seemed like a few seconds, the door immediately opened revealing a tall man dressed in a black trench coat which matched his gloves and boots. His hair also jet black and tousled, his brown eyes light and wide.
"Hey you two! You're not dead!" The man exclaimed a big grin on his face.
"Shut up, Chris…." Holland glared at him as they were let inside the building.
"Sheesh…it was just a joke…" Chris replied closing the door and following them up the stairs, ignoring all of his comrades who were scattered throughout the rooms, busying themselves with the subject of Tsume returning.
The three then made their way up to the top floor where only one room remained with the door closed.
Tsume opened the door and walked inside followed by Chris and then Holland. It was a rather large room, a few pieces of furniture scattered here and there, a large opening, considered a window, giving a perfect view of the city beneath them.
Tsume stepped up to the window and sat down, his back against the ledge as he gazed out towards the sunset deep in thought.
Holland glanced over at him, a worried expression set across his features, as he turned towards Chris who was staring at him.
"Damn, what the hell happened to you guys? I think a zombie has more life then you two do right now!" Chris joked looking at both of them for some type of answer. After a few moments, Holland finally broke the uncomfortable silence.
"Chris, I need you to do a job for me…" Holland turned to the boy who showed his interest with a smile.
"Sure, what is it?"
Holland sighed loudly before looking him directly in his eyes.
"I want you to find out how many men we've lost and how many we still have." Noticing the boy's smile disappear, Holland continued.
"Give me numbers by the end of the day alright?" Chris only stayed quiet for a moment before finally nodding.
"Got it…" he whispered before running out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
When he was gone, Holland turned his attention back to Tsume who was still staring at the lowering sun having not said a word since they had reached the room.
"Tsume…" Holland whispered not surprised when he didn't even turn around to look at him, he continued.
"Who was that kid?" You know…the kid in the alleyway? Did you know him or what?" Tsume turned his head suddenly and stared at him before growling out his reply.
"No…he was just some kid that got in my way that's all…" Of course he was lying but what exactly could he have told him? The truth? He didn't even understand the truth. He had never even met the damn kid before in his life, so why the hell did he look so…familiar?
Not only that but when he had kissed him it had felt so…right…like he had wanted and waited for it every single day of his life. This only brought forth the thought about another confusing factor. How had he known his name?
Toboe…that was the name that had reached into his heart and mind as if he had already known it all along. Tsume's head was so full of his own thoughts, he didn't even notice Holland walk over and stand right in front of him, studying his face.
When he finally came back to his senses, Holland backed away, reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out another unlit cigarette.
After bringing the cigarette to his lips, he lit it using Tsume's lighter, which was still kept in his jacket pocket, and took a deep drag.
Tsume finally deciding that the silence was getting annoying spoke first.
"Holland…what's the name of this family that's been hunting us down?" Tsume asked casually as Holland breathed out a big puff of smoke before answering his question.
"The Darcia family…" Tsume was confused when his whole body shook with anger, a hidden rage growing inside of him as the name echoed in his mind. He then turned himself away from Holland, facing the window once more, as he continued.
"One of the richest families in this damn city and apparently the wrong people to fuck with…" Holland replied taking the cigarette out of his mouth as he breathed out a deep sigh.
"We thought they were just some rich ass family with a little too much time on their hands…and now we're paying for it with our lives." The thing that makes them so dangerous, is the fact that they've practically got the police in their back pocket. They could murder someone in broad daylight and no one would give a damn…" Holland began to rub his eyes with his left hand, the cigarette carefully placed in between his fingers.
"We really are outnumbered here Tsume…" Holland sighed as he turned towards him but froze as he took in his leader's facial expression. Tsume was smiling as if the information hadn't even crossed his mind, his hands resting behind his head as he leaned against the wall.
"I like those odds." Tsume answered smirking all the while. Holland only stared at him dumbfounded, but secretly thrilled that a glimmer of his leader's old personality and image were returning.
For weeks, Holland had watched Tsume stray far from everything he had stood for. It was like something had drained away his spirit, his drive, until all that remained was…nothing. He had missed the true Tsume, the Tsume who was probably the biggest asshole on the entire planet, but a great leader and friend nonetheless.
Well, at least that's what Holland believed his relationship with Tsume was. A friendship that had been probably the hardest thing he had ever tried to acquire in the last couple of years that he had known Tsume.
Holland smiled as he remembered the first time he had actually met Tsume. At first they had despised each other but after a couple of close calls with the cops and their lives they seemed to share an understanding. Back then he had seen him as just a prick with a bad attitude now…
He still believed that, but Tsume had his moments. Still…
There were some mysteries to the reserved leader that he knew he would never figure out, no matter how much time would come to pass.
Suddenly he was reminded of something he had been meaning to ask Tsume, the other night ,concerning his health for the last couple of months.
"Hey Tsume…" he began. "I was gonna keep my mouth shut but to tell you the truth…you look like hell."
Tsume only shrugged, completely showing his lack of interest in the topic. "Well you're no beautiful flower yourself."
Holland turned towards Tsume quickly, his face showing his absolute fury as he flipped him off. "FUCK YOU! YOU KNOW THAT?!?! THAT'S THE LAST TIME I GIVE A CRAP ABOUT YOUR SORRY ASS!"
He threw the cigarette to the floor angrily, crushing it with his boot. Tsume only smirked at Holland. For some reason, he felt different from before. The encounter with the kid had done something to him.
Tsume then remembered the feeling that had overcome him when he had pressed his lips against the boy's. Sure, he had had his share of kisses before in the past but this was different...
Something deep inside him wanted to feel those soft lips again. He smiled as Toboe's blushing face suddenly came to his mind.
He couldn't help but think about how cute he had looked, with his golden brown eyes glazed over as if he were dreaming.
It seemed that one kiss with him had brought Tsume back from a dark prison in his own mind. Could someone really have such an impact on his life just by a kiss?
Tsume frowned as he realized what he was saying. Damn it, I'm getting soft…he thought to himself, as he tried to change his direction of thoughts.
He wanted to be alone; he enjoyed it.
"People only get in my way…" He whispered to himself. That was the reason he never even bothered to get close to someone.
Not one of his comrades (or pawns as he liked to call them) had ever gotten that close to him, not even Holland. What was it about the kid that had made him forget everything and feel different… like he had known him his whole life?
He looked over at Holland and began to remember all the time he had been stuck with him. The only reason he had trusted Holland and let him get even a little close, was because he was tolerable…bitchy as hell, but tolerable nonetheless.
Sure, Holland could even be called and acquaintance but not a friend…it wasn't because he hated him or anything, he was just sick of friends.
"Who needs em…" he whispered completely oblivious to the fact that Holland was listening.
Holland knew that when he really thought about it, Tsume was always alone. Every time he would attempt to get closer to him, the cold leader would just push farther away from him, as well as everyone else.
Even though he knew that Tsume would never see him the same way that he did him, he would never let anyone disrespect him in any way possible.
His thoughts came to an end as he remembered the book still lay secure on the inside of his jacket. He dug deep into the article of clothing, pulled out the book, and turned it to a random page .
He then began to read the book aloud, causing Tsume to turn his attention from the window to his words.
"I tell you now the words of Red Moon, from the Great Spirit was born the Wolf and man became its Messenger."
Holland stared at the sentence, his complete confusion showing in his face as he began to laugh.
"What a load of crap!" he shouted, laughing hysterically as he placed the book on the table, right next to where they were both standing.
Tsume on the other hand, stayed quiet as the sentence was read, his mind recognizing the words almost immediately from some unknown memory.
"The wolf…." He repeated a strange feeling overcoming his entire being.
"Sounds like a real page turner…" Holland murmured sarcastically, before seating himself on the couch next to Tsume, enveloping the room in absolute silence.
It was broken suddenly when the door opened, revealing a panic-stricken Chris, his eyes wide as he panted from running up the stairs quickly.
"H-Holland…we…we got a problem!" Chris bellowed, as he turned to face the young man who quickly got up from the couch.
"What happened?" Holland demanded quite impatient when waiting for Chris's answer.
"It…It's Cal…" Chris finally gasped out as he turned to look at Tsume, who was glaring at him when the name was mentioned.
Feeling his anger, Holland turned around quickly to Tsume, his voice revealing a hint of his own rage.
"I'll take care of it."
Tsume didn't answer, but turned his head back at the window, gazing out at the setting sun as he heard the door close.
This was all he needed right now…one of the most arrogant damn guys he had ever seen in his entire life, acting up again. The kid had joined about a month ago and already Tsume was ready to rip his throat out.
Cal's foolish philosophy was that if he could take down Tsume, he would become the leader. So, like the dumbass he was, he challenged him to a fight as soon as he was taken in.
Tsume had kicked his ass.
After that, Cal had the notion that if he couldn't beat him, he could at least turn his men against him, which pissed Tsume off to no end.
He then suddenly realized that he was angrier at something else, deep inside of him. His thoughts flashed through every possible outcome, until the word finally came to him.
"Darcia…" he whispered, as his blood began to boil. It was familiar, just like Toboe's but…sinister. The name felt like poison against his skin.
Suddenly he quickly turned towards the sun, listening to the voice that had just screamed out his name. That voice, it sounded like…
"Toboe…" he whispered to himself. The sky turning pitch black as the sun disappeared.
"Toboe! Toboe!" A voice called from the darkness.
Toboe followed it, awaking from the dream that had captured him.
"Tsume?" Toboe answered, his eyes fluttering open as a figure came in to his view.
"Toboe?" The voice questioned, hopefulness laced in his name. Toboe turned towards the figure immediately, recognizing the soft blue eyes staring into his own.
"Blue?" he whispered, his own voice raspy as if he hadn't used it in years.
"Thank goodness…" Blue replied as she breathed out a sigh of relief.
Feeling his eyes start to focus, Toboe slowly sat up and gazed around the room, realizing that he was at his apartment when his eyes fell upon the familiar furniture of his room.
"What happened?" he managed to say, his eyes returning to his friend as she frowned.
"I was going to ask you the same question." You…just passed out…I thought it would be better to bring you here…" she whispered, worry filling her eyes at the memory.
"Thank you, Blue…"he answered with a sad smile as the thought of how scared Blue must have been crossed his mind. He then focused his attention to his bedroom door, as the clear sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway.
Toboe waited patiently for the door to open, but was kept waiting for a few more minutes until Blue, herself, looked up.
Finally the door opened, revealing an old woman carrying a tray of delicious smelling soup held tightly by both of her hands, her eyes widening when she noticed Toboe.
"Toboe…" she suddenly said, her voice reflecting her immediate relief. She carefully placed the tray on his dresser and ran towards him, enveloping him in her arms as she held him.
"I'm so glad you're awake, Toboe…" she whispered, her voice shaking with happiness as she loosened her grip and stared into his eyes.
"I was so scared…" she spoke softly as he assured her with a smile, that he was alright.
She then turned to Blue, a grateful smile spread across her face. "Thank you so much Blue, for bringing him here."
The young girl only returned her smile. "It was nothing really, I always love looking after this knucklehead." She answered, pointing at him before ruffling his auburn hair.
Granny began to laugh as Toboe's face went from confusion to anger in less than a second. The mood suddenly changed when she began coughing rather loudly, her hand clasped over her mouth.
Toboe sat up quickly and reached for her but she only shook her head. "I'm fine Toboe…its just a little cough, that's all." She assured him, her voice hoarse from coughing as she slowly stood up and walked over to the open doorway.
"How about I make us some tea?" she said looking over her shoulder at Blue and Toboe, who only nodded both not saying a word. Granny then walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Blue turned her attention back to Toboe, who was staring at the sheets of his bed, his face fill with sorrow. She touched him gently on his shoulder to comfort him in which Toboe answered her with a sad smile.
Seeing as things were getting too serious, Blue changed the subject.
"Man you were out like a rock, you've been asleep for almost six hours straight." Toboe only stared at her, trying to find out whether she was joking or not. Had he really been asleep that long?
"What happened, Toboe?"
He jumped as the question was suddenly asked from what completely seemed, out of nowhere. He gazed up at his friend, her eyes locked onto his as she waited patiently for his answer.
"I…I don't know…" he replied softly.
It was the truth. He wasn't even sure what had happened to him either. Then like the tide of the ocean, it all rushed back to him, his golden brown eyes widening at the realization.
Darcia…they had been talking about that name and then…no…he didn't even want to think about it. Blue watched as he shook his head, before sighing deeply understanding that it probably wasn't the best time to talk about it.
She slowly stood up, grabbed her long black overcoat, and turned towards him. "It's okay, I should probably get back anyway. Pop's is probably passed out on the couch, by now."
Blue smiled as Toboe's laughter filled the room, before saying goodbye and stepping outside, closing the door behind her. She walked through the hallway and entered the kitchen, where Granny was pouring tea from a beautiful china kettle into two cups.
When the woman noticed her, she placed the kettle back on the table and turned around to face her.
"Are you leaving already Blue?" The young girl beamed at the elderly woman's apparent love for her.
"Yeah, got to go home and put Pop's to bed." She grinned up at Granny, who reached behind her and pulled out a dark green container from what seemed like nowhere.
"I figured as much." She replied as she handed the container to Blue, who took it a little confused. Realizing that she hadn't given an explanation, Granny only smiled.
"It's herbal tea, that man needs to drink something else besides alcohol."
Blue smiled big, before thanking her for the tea and letting herself out through the front door.
When she was alone in the kitchen, Granny grabbed the two remaining cups of tea and began carefully walking back to Toboe's room.
After reaching her destination, she gently opened the door skillfully balancing the two cups, before closing the door behind her.
What she saw when she entered the room, made her heart fill with warmth. For there was Toboe, the tray of soup set on his lap and already gone. The spoon still in his mouth, where just moments before he had enjoyed the last drop of the soup, a relaxed and content smile on his face.
"Sorry Grandma…" he managed to say pulling the spoon out of his mouth, when he noticed she was chuckling at him.
"I was really really hungry." He finished as they both laughed at the whole situation.
Toboe rested his hands behind his head as he yawned and stretched, before setting back under the covers as Granny picked up the soup tray and handed him his cup of tea.
He took a sip from the cup, sighing happily when he felt the warm liquid slide down and soothe his throat.
He then placed the cup on his bedside table, glad that all of the day's events were all washing away, leaving his mind peaceful and untroubled.
Toboe got comfortable in his bed pulling the covers over him as Granny sat beside him, stroking his hair softly, making his eyelids slowly close, his whole body relaxed as he let sleep claim him.
"Goodnight Toboe…" Granny whispered to the sleeping angel, before kissing his forehead.
"Tsume…" Toboe responded softly as Granny sat up confused at the sudden reaction. Deciding it would be better to think about it in the morning, Granny slowly got up and out of the room, as she closed the door quietly.
She walked on through the hallway until she reached her room and opened it, enveloping her in the sweet scent of lavender from the candles that were placed in the corners of her room.
She then made her way to her bed, stopping suddenly when she thought of the name that Toboe had whispered so lovingly in his sleep.
"I wonder who this Tsume is…" she murmured before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.
"Tsume? Tsume! Damn it Tsume, are you even listening to me?!?!" Holland asked, furious at the fact that Tsume was ignoring him yet again.
"No…" Tsume replied casually, not even turning his head. Holland sighed angrily before repeating his completely unheard piece of information.
"That kid Cal is stirring up trouble again, Tsume… but now the men are starting to think that you're just leading them to the grave, especially lately thanks to this whole damn killing spree that's going on. They all want out.."
Tsume only shrugged his shoulders uncaringly. "Cowards…" he started, his voice building up his cold exterior, as he continued. " Let them run … I have no use for them."
Holland suddenly ran over to Tsume, his face filled with definite rage.
"This isn't one of your little jobs that we've pulled off before, Tsume! People are dying!"
"Don't you give a damn about a life, other than your own?!?!"
Tsume turned towards Holland his eyebrows arched, still containing his cold attitude.
"I only look after myself. Anyone else who dies, can die. I don't give a damn."
There was only silence, broken completely when Holland grabbed Tsume roughly by his jacket.
"YOU BASTARD!" Holland screamed out, as he raised his fist and aimed it right at Tsume's face. It all seemed to go in slow motion from the leader's point of view, his fast reflexes quickly kicking in as he read Holland's movements.
He caught his wrist, squeezing it tightly as Holland cried out in pain. Tsume then punched him hard in the stomach, knocking the wind out off him as he stumbled to the floor.
Tsume glanced at Holland for a second, before turning his back and walking out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
He then hurried down the stairs, ignoring all those who stared as he rushed out of the main door. Tsume glanced around until his eyes fell upon his red motorbike, parked at the side of the building.
Tsume walked over to his bike and swung his leg over, placing his jet-black helmet securely to his head. He took one last look at the building, before starting his motorbike and riding off into the shadows.
Toboe kicked the pebble on the sidewalk, watching as it spun around before finally stopping about two feet away from him.
He placed his hands behind his head as he continued to walk down the empty street. It was late in the day, most of the busy people having disappeared to return to their homes from their evening jobs.
Now, a few people only occupied it here and there. Toboe crossed the street, pausing to glance at all of the clubs and bars, their neon signs glowing in the darkness. He then gazed up at the sky as his mind raced with never-ending thoughts.
He sighed when his thoughts didn't seize but continued to grow with each second that passed. After Granny had taken her medicine and fallen asleep, Toboe had decided to take a little walk around the city.
He had grabbed a piece of paper and written her a note, placing it on her beside table, making sure to be careful not to disturb her, before heading out the door.
Toboe kicked another pebble as the memory came to pass in his mind. He had thought that maybe if he had returned to the exact place where they had met, he would find Tsume like that night.
It at least seemed like a good idea at the time.
"You're such a fool, Toboe..." The boy thought to himself as the realization of how big the city actually was, passed over him.
"He could be anywhere." Toboe whispered, gazing up at the darkening evening sky as he turned a corner into an alleyway.
He walked slowly through it, his steps softly echoing throughout the entire area…along with someone else's.
Suddenly realizing that he was being followed, Toboe quickened his pace trying to tell himself over and over again to stay calm. The person only continued to follow him.
Finally, deciding to be courageous, Toboe stopped and turned around to face his stalker.
"W-what do you want?" he asked his voice betraying him, showing his apparent fear. The man only smiled as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a gun, pointing it straight at Toboe.
"Your money," he began with a malevolent smirk. "Now be a good little boy and hand it over." He then began to walk closer to Toboe, the gun still firmly held in his right hand.
Toboe's eyes widened as his body shook with uncontrollable fear. He tried to grab his wallet from his pocket, panicking when his hand passed right through to the bottom of his pocket.
"I…I don't have any…" he answered back hoping and praying for a miracle. The evil man's smirk grew wider as he shook his head.
"Wrong answer kid."
He then placed his finger on the trigger as Toboe closed his eyes, bracing himself for the pain.
His eyes shot wide open when a red motorbike zipped swiftly with incredible speed through the alleyway, skidding to a stop right in front of the robber, who had jumped to the side at the last second.
The glare of the light dimmed as a figure stepped off the bike taking off his helmet in the process. Toboe gasped when he realized it was the one person he had never expected, but wanted to see.
"Tsume!" he called out, as the young man turned to face the boy. Toboe's heart began beating rapidly, his fear suddenly returning when he noticed the robber stand up from the ground, pointing his gun at the new arrival.
"TSUME LOOK OUT!" Toboe cried. Tsume hearing his warning, turned to the robber who had used this opening, to pull the trigger.
Toboe opened his eyes, having closed them due to the sound, his heart at ease when he saw Tsume rush out of the bullet's path.
He ran towards the robber with unbelievable speed as he knocked the gun out of his hand, his blade drawn out and residing in his left hand.
The robber only looked up at Tsume, horror spreading across his face, before Tsume punched him knocking out a few of his teeth as he went flying right into the side of a nearby dumpster.
When he was sure the man was unconscious, Tsume turned his attention back to Toboe who gazed at him with amazement at what he had just witnessed.
They were so focused on each other that they didn't even hear the robber reach for the gun, until Tsume heard a click.
He turned around, his eyes widening when he realized where the gun was being pointed at.
"TOBOE RUN!" he bellowed, cursing when he saw the boy freeze up, his whole body shaking with terror.
He ran towards Toboe, only one thing on his mind as the robber pulled the trigger, before collapsing onto the floor.
"TSUME!"
Tsume staggered to the ground, his hand encased over his right shoulder as blood began to pour down his arm, staining his black leather red.
Toboe rushed over to where Tsume was, his eyes showing his devastation and alarm. He was beside himself, trying so hard not to break down, as he watched Tsume grit his teeth at the pain.
The man who had just saved his life was hurt.
A police siren suddenly rang, growing louder and louder as it came closer to them. Coming back to his senses, Toboe quickly brought Tsume to his feet, steadying him by placing the man's arm over his shoulder as he placed his other arm carefully on his waist.
Tsume only stared at him, their eyes meeting only for a moment, as the sirens grew louder. Finally reaching an understanding in each other, they began to slowly walk out of the alleyway, blood dripping from Tsume's shoulder onto the floor.
When the siren could be heard no longer, Tsume pushed himself away from Toboe as he sat down, leaning his back against the closest wall to rest.
His eyes opened when he heard a distinctive ripping sound. He watched as Toboe grabbed his red shirt and ripped off a piece of the fabric with his teeth.
When this task was done, he grabbed the red material and kneeled down to where Tsume was propped against the wall.
The young man glared at him, causing Toboe to stop his actions. He swallowed hard before moving closer to Tsume, his hand almost making contact with his injured shoulder.
"Don't touch me!" Tsume barked, causing the boy to jump from the sudden outburst.
Toboe only looked down at the floor, his hair covering his emotion before he gazed up at Tsume, his eyes pleading.
"Please Tsume…" he began his voice shaking with concern. "You're…you're hurt…"
Tsume, feeling like the boy wasn't going to quit, gave in turning his head to the side, signaling for him to continue.
Toboe, glad that he could help, set to work on the wound, wrapping the ripped piece carefully around his shoulder, glancing up at Tsume once in awhile to make sure that he wasn't hurting him.
Tsume winced a little when Toboe tightened the bandage, applying just the right amount of pressure to stop the bleeding.
He then turned his head to Toboe, who took a deep breath before standing up and extending his hand to Tsume, a relieved smile set on his face.
Tsume only ignored his offer, pulling himself up before he began to walk, staying close to the wall trying to keep his balance.
Toboe watched him, his heart screaming at him to follow him; to make sure he was okay as he rushed to his side walking beside him.
"You shouldn't be moving…you've lost a lot of blood." His voice gentle but transparent with worry. To this, Tsume smirked as he kept on walking slowly but steadily, farther away from the boy.
"You really don't know when to shut up, do you?" Tsume gasped out, his breathing loud and in deep pauses.
Suddenly all the strength in his entire body seemed to completely dissipate, as he fell slowly towards the floor.
He could barely make out the sound of footsteps quickly running towards him as Toboe tried to catch him, lowering him down gently to the ground.
Toboe carefully placed Tsume's head on his knees as he shook him calling his name over and over again, sheer terror and desperation in his voice as Tsume plunged into the darkness, his last image being the boy's golden brown eyes.
All Tsume could hear was Toboe's voice grow louder and louder until his eyes finally shot open staring at a white ceiling, the room enveloped in shadows, expect for the moonlight that pierced through the window.
He sat up quickly, causing his shoulder to ache. When he clutched it, he realized that his leather jacket and shirt had been discarded leaving only his naked shoulder, a real bandage placed over his wound.
He was startled when he heard what sounded like soft breathing, coming from right beside him. Tsume turned and gasped when his eyes fell upon the source of the sound.
Toboe was asleep, sitting on a chair right next to him, his head resting not too far by Tsume's hand as his angelic face was bathed in the moonlight.
Tsume couldn't stop staring at him, his expression so peaceful and striking, it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life.
He caught himself, his pride growling at him as he shook his head, trying to escape the feeling in his heart.
His eyes wandered back to the sleeping boy, his body reacting on it's own as he slowly reached over to touch his alluring face.
Tsume froze when the bed made a loud squeak from the shifted weight.
Damn it…he said to himself, turning back towards the window, hoping that he wouldn't wake up.
Toboe's eyelids strained for a moment before they fluttered open, his golden brown orbs gazing at Tsume dreamily.
His eyes widened to the size of saucers when he realized that Tsume was awake.He then threw his arms around his waist, holding him tightly.
"I'm so glad you're alright, Tsume!" Relief laced into his voice as he locked his gaze onto the man's amber eyes.
Tsume looked down at the boy, holding back a smile hidden behind his cold mask.
"What did I say about touching me?!" he snarled.
Toboe froze as he remembered that Tsume lie naked from the waist up exposing his toned chest and arms, his skin beautifully tanned as it was shown in the moonlight.
He frowned as a he got a closer look at the man's upper body, his eyes falling upon the cross-shaped scar on his chest.
Suddenly realizing their position, he let go his face blushing a scarlet red as Tsume took another look around the room, trying to do anything except look at him.
"Where the hell am I?" his deep voice questioned the young boy, who was staring back at him.
"I figured that a hospital wouldn't be a good idea…so I brought you here to my apartment." Toboe answered, his voice barely louder than a whisper.
Tsume stopped to take in the information, before he placed his legs to the side of the bed and slowly stood up.
Coming back to his senses, Toboe quickly got to his feet looking up at the taller man in front of him, his heart beating so fast he thought it was going to explode.
Calm down Toboe…he repeated to himself as his eyes scanned the room for Tsume's shirt and jacket. Then he realized why his heart was so jumpy.
Tsume was almost naked in his room... not to mention he was the most attractive man, Toboe had ever seen in his life. All three combined into one didn't make the situation any less sexual…
He turned his back on Tsume, trying desperately to find the man's evil clothes, which seemed to have read his mind disappearing without a trace.
Toboe breathed a sigh of relief when he spotted them on top of the dresser. He walked over and grabbed them hastily, turned around, and walked back to the man.
Tsume took the clothes from the boy watching with a little amusement as he turned around to let him change, his body tense from obvious embarrassment.
Once Tsume had put on his gray undershirt and zipped up his jacket, he walked over to the door and opened it stopping when he felt Toboe's eyes upon him.
"Where are you going Tsume?" he asked, glancing at his shoulder with concern.
"Where do you think?" Tsume replied harshly as he walked out of the room and into the hallway, Toboe following right behind him.
"Y-you should wait until morning…by then your wound will have healed a little," he answered, hoping that Tsume would take his advice.
"Stay here with you? I'd rather not." The young leader responded sarcastically making his way through the living room to the main door, before grabbing the doorknob.
"It's way passed your bedtime anyway kid…"
He opened up the door and without another word exited the apartment, leaving Toboe with only the sound of his footsteps as he made his way down the stairs.
When he made it to the sidewalk, he placed both of his hands in his pockets before continuing to walk through the empty street.
Toboe stared at the closed door, his hands balling up into fists with frustration as he made his decision.
He threw the door open, slammed it behind him, and began running after Tsume. After a few moments of glancing everywhere, Toboe began to quicken his pace until finally Tsume came into view.
He slowed down, trying to keep his distance away from him so that he wouldn't be spotted.
I can at least make sure he makes it home all right…Toboe thought to himself as he ducked behind the side of a building when Tsume turned around.
He checked around the corner, breathing a sigh of relief when he saw Tsume continue to walk through the dark alleyways.
He got up slowly and continued to follow him, trying hard not to step on anything that might give himself away but halted when he realized that Tsume had stopped.
"Stop following me kid." Tsume said turning around, his eyes glaring at Toboe.
The boy froze for a moment before gathering his courage and staring back into Tsume's eyes.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay…" he said firmly, running over to the young man wondering what he would say.
Tsume took a moment thinking something over, finally making a decision he shrugged his shoulders and turned his back on Toboe.
"Whatever… just don't slow me down alright?" He replied not giving Toboe a chance to answer as he dashed through the alleyway.
Toboe quickly ran after him, surprised when he realized that keeping up with Tsume was easier than he thought.
They both ran under the moonlight, passing everything in a flash turning left and right at around every pathway until Tsume finally stopped in front of a tall building while Toboe gaped at it.
"Is this where you live?" He asked, his voice filled with wonder like a small child, which Tsume secretly found adorable.
"No…" he simply said as he began walking towards the door, Toboe close behind him.
Suddenly the door opened wide, startling Toboe who jumped, as Tsume smirked at the person staring at both of them, his eyes filled with rage.
"WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!?!?" Holland bellowed so loud that it seemed to shake the entire planet.
"I'm not in the mood for your bitching right now, Holland." Tsume barked irately, walking past him into the building.
Holland, about to say something stopped when his eyes fell upon the boy, recognizing his auburn hair and eyes almost immediately.
"Wait a minute... aren't you that kid we met in the alley?" Holland questioned but was cut off when Toboe ignored him and rushed inside.
"I'm not a kid!" he called over his shoulder as he followed Tsume, who was walking up the stairs to the top floor.
As they walked side by side, Toboe smiled starting to feel comfortable and at ease with Tsume after all that had happened between them.
"Oh I get it…" Toboe spoke gently after a few moments.
"Then...this must be your hideout. Right?"
"Yeah…wait.."
Tsume stopped to stare at him, confusion filling his face. Toboe then realized that he hadn't told Tsume that he knew about him.
"It's okay… I won't tell anyone I promise…" he whispered, locking his eyes with Tsume trying to assure him that he was telling the truth.
"I'll hold you to that." Tsume replied after a while as they finally made it to the unopened door. He opened it leaving it ajar for Toboe who closed it when Tsume asked him to.
"Wow!" Toboe cried as his eyes fell upon the window. He rushed over to it, placing his hands on the ledge as he stared out at the city.
Tsume walked over to him, a smile spreading across his face as he took in Toboe, who looked like a child at Christmas.
"It's beautiful…" Toboe whispered as his gaze traveled to rest on the full moon that was hovering above them.
"What you've never seen the moon before?" Tsume joked, staring up at it himself.
"No I have…it's just…I've never seen it so close before…it feels like I can just reach out and touch it."
Tsume understood exactly what he meant. When he and his gang had first discovered the building, Tsume had been transfixed with the view, staying up for hours just watching it in peace.
Toboe glanced at Tsume, his eyes gravitating to his shoulder, causing a frown to spread across his face as the memory passed through his mind.
Tsume realizing that Toboe's eyes were filled with sadness, couldn't help but want to know why.
"What's wrong?" He asked no amount of what he was feeling at the moment, laced in his voice.
Toboe looked down at the floor before he gazed up at the man in front of him.
"I-I'm s-so sorry Tsume…" his voice shook with unbearable grief.
"I-If I had moved…you wouldn't have gotten hurt…"
Tsume's body shook as his heart began to ache when tears began to run down Toboe's face.
His pride screamed at him to turn away but there was something deep inside of him that guided his hand to Toboe's face, lovingly wiping away his tears.
"T-Tsume?" Toboe whispered, gazing up at him his eyes wide with shock before filling with extreme sorrow.
Those eyes…those soft eyes that seemed to pierce through his tough exterior and reach deep into his heart. Those same eyes that he remembered from every nightmare he had dreamed, before a voice would cry out his name…
To his surprise, Toboe brought his hand over his, holding it at his cheek as he stepped closer to Tsume, tenderly nuzzling his hand, their faces now less than an inch apart.
Toboe closed his eyes, memorizing the soft caress of Tsume's hand against his body, his eyes shooting open when the taller man placed his other hand underneath his chin, tilting it up.
What the hell are you doing?! You don't even know this kid! Tsume's mind shouted out to him.
Toboe gazed up at him, a solitary tear running down his face.
"Why Tsume? W-Why did you save me?"
He whispered as he held on to the man's hand desperately wanting to place his lips on it, but unsure of how Tsume would react.
The taller man grew quiet as the question echoed in his mind. Time seemed to stop as the temperature of the room grew warmer and warmer. Tsume stared at the boy, his mind cascading with thoughts of what to say.
How had he known that Toboe was in trouble? But more importantly…why had he saved him?
"It was instinct…."
Toboe didn't answer, his eyes still locked with Tsume's.
He then slowly stepped onto the tips of his toes, bringing them so close that they could hear the beating of each other's heart.
Tsume knew what would happen but…
His mind faded away as he leaned in, their lips becoming so close that he could practically taste their sweet oblivion until…
"Hey Tsume! Didn't we see that ki….." Holland began but froze as his eyes widened at the scene before him.
They broke apart from each other quickly, Toboe's face as red as a tomato, Tsume's eyes full of rage at the intrusion.
"I-I'm just g-gonna go now…" Holland finished rushing out of the room like a cat that had just set his tail on fire.
Toboe stared down at the floor, not daring to look at Tsume knowing that the dream that they had just shared together, was over.
Harsh reality swept over both of them as a dark cloud passed over the moon, casting the room in complete darkness.
"Tsume…."
"Get out…" Tsume replied sheer anger laced in his voice as he turned his back on Toboe.
Tsume shook with fury as his hands balled into fists, his grip so tight that his knuckles turned pale.
No this was all wrong! He had to stop all of it. He didn't need anybody. This meant nothing to him; he wanted to be alone! Nothing made him happier…
Nothing….
His body tensed up when he heard the sound of footsteps coming closer and closer to him.
"Tsume please…." Toboe began reaching his hand up slowly towards Tsume's left shoulder.
Feeling the warmth of the contact, Tsume turned quickly to face him, his expression frightening with malice.
"BEAT IT!"
Toboe stopped, staring up at him with shock and then devastation before he gradually backed away from Tsume.Without another word, Toboe turned and stormed out of the room leaving him with nothing but a haunting silence.
Toboe blindly rushed down the stairs, not even caring when he bumped into Holland, who was making his way back up.
He threw the door open and ran out of the building, tears streaming down his face as Tsume's words echoed in his mind.
His heart filled with hurt more and more with every step he took.
Tsume stared out the window towards the moon, a feeling of unbearable pain conquering his heart.
All his life, it had been his instinct to push people away but…. never had he felt such a deep sense of regret at his actions before.
Never…
"Damn it!" He screamed as his fist connected with the wall, causing both his hand and shoulder to throb painfully.
He slowly gazed down at the wound, his eyes falling upon the very same place where Toboe had touched him.
Tsume gently placed his hand over it, the memory still engraved deep inside his heart as the moon rose from behind the clouds, bathing the darkened world in innocent light.
(sniff) Poor Toboe….(hands everyone a box of tissues) I was having so much trouble with this chapter but I'm glad I finally figured it out. DAMN IT HOLLAND! WHY? They were so close to… hehehe nevermind….(swings around in chair) My mom is getting suspicious of my late night typing but she shall never figure it out! Muahahaha! Okay random I know, but I'm tired and a little sick (cough). Anyway, reviews are greatly appreciated as they are my motivation to write faster and lengthen my chapters as I did in this one (stares at pages) Holy crap! I wrote that much?!?!? Ah well, now I can start on the next one…….tomorrow lol goodnight my lovely readers!
Until we meet again,
-Hana no Shojo