Chapter 65: Staring at Fear…

Totio stood in the background as he watched Laire and two other medical doctors tend to Cassiro. He just stared as his limbs felt heavy and his heart beat slowly. Cassiro…did not look well.

Cassiro looked pale, unconscious and his head was slightly swollen. The doctors tended to Mio's crude wrapping as they commented to him a few times. Mio just shivered and looked at Cassiro.

Mio too…he was very pale, partially naked due to the fact he was holding a cold Cassiro, and his eyes slowly drifted to Totio. He did not smile as he motioned Totio to come closer to him. The doctors covered him in blankets and a new jacket; Mio still shivered under the new sources of warmth.

Totio instantly went to Mio's side as the doctors continued to work on Cassiro; they placed Cassiro on a thick army blanket and placed him on a stretcher.

Mio gulped and said in a trembling voice, "I am not sure why Cassiro wondered off…but…please…do not push him. I just…want to make sure he would stay alive…please…"

Totio nodded as he wrapped Mio into his embrace. He felt Mio shiver, but Mio cuddled close to Totio. Totio said, "do not worry…I will not ask until Cassiro wants to tell me." He turned to Cassiro and whispered to only Mio, "but…I might know the reason…"

Mio nodded and whispered, "You…"

Totio moaned and buttoned his jacket and shirt to allow Mio closer to his body heat. Mio kept shivering as he kept close to Totio.

Mio whispered, "Cassiro…might have wondered off because of you, but…when he hit his head…he did murmur your name… He might like you…but…"

Totio rubbed Mio's back and said, "relax…just warm up. I will not force anything out of you either…you will be repeating this story for weeks. Right now, concentrate on warming up. Okay?"

Mio snickered and said, "Thanks…but you…need to hear at least this…" He looked at Totio as Totio looked at him. Mio said, "Cassiro did say if he lived…he was seriously considering dating you…"

Totio smirked and said, "Thank you…now silence and warm up." He wrapped Mio into a warm embrace as Mio clung onto him. Mio's body…it felt like ice. Totio kept Mio very close as the doctor said, "damn…this kid is excellent. Are you going to be a doctor after high school?"

Mio shook his head as he kept shivering.

The doctor snickered and said, "you might want to change your mind…this kid could have been a whole lot worse if you did not do what you did… You gave up your shirt for his wounds, bound him to your body for warmth, and made him remove all his clothing to cling to you…very impressive. Also the book…that survival guide should be a required reading in every high school. That is a good one to have on trips like this."

Mio nodded and said, "my mother gave me that…on my twelfth birthday…since I liked to hike with my friends…she said it made her feel better…knowing that I knew survival tips in the woods… That book saved my life and my friend's lives a few times already…"

Laire turned his head as his dark brown hair swished around his square face. His face was lightly covered in scars…but he looked very sexy…for a gym teacher. His dark green eyes searched Mio's face as he snickered. He said, "Well, your mother is Cassiro's guardian angel. He would be closer to death if you did not do what you did."

Mio gulped and shivered harder. He said, "Cassiro…is not dead…right? He lost consciousness only minutes before all of you came…" His face turned paler as he stared at his still friend.

Totio did the same…Cassiro laid on the emergency stretcher with his head in the brace. His naked body was covered in three heavy blankets as the medics picked him up.

Laire said, "Cassiro…is going to have a very long night. He had mild frost bite, a concussion, a few broken bones, and three wounds that need better treatment than we have… But your warmth kept him from having major issues, but he also has slight hypothermia like you. He is going to the hospital…as you will too. Totio, you need to release Mio. I hear the helicopter coming."

Totio did hear the helicopter as he looked up… His mouth dropped as the helicopter lowered a medical stretcher for Cassiro.

The medics placed Cassiro onto it as Cassiro was lifted into the air into the helicopter. A second lift came down as Totio released Mio. Mio slipped onto the lift as he was lifted into the air.

Laire asked, "Friend or family?"

Totio opened and closed his mouth. He slowly moaned and said, "I only knew these teens since yesterday…"

Laire smiled gently as he took out his whistle. He blew three longs and one short as the helicopter flew away.

Laire went to Totio as the medics went to their snowmobiles. He said, "Totio, dude…I have known you since high school. I might not be as smart as you or went to a fancy college…but you are not just an acquaintance to those two. You worked harder than I ever saw before during all the search parties…what are they to you?"

Totio sighed and said, "I…like Cassiro…but…"

Laire clapped Totio's back and said, "dude, you picked a good kid but…lousy timing. Getting lost on your first date…original idea, you might get a movie."

Totio clenched his fists. He moaned, "I really…hope that Cassiro will be alright."

Laire sighed as he led Totio to their snowmobile. He said, "I met my lover on this mountain…sure, we did not meet until I was hired at Turo High School, but…Tomoro is the best thing that ever happened to me. I still remember finding him on that cliff that fateful day…"

Totio looked at him as Laire finished, "he was pale, his eyes were nearly shut, and some blood was around his body. I never felt so moved and attracted to an older man than I…but I had to save him. My friends were close, so we lifted him from the cliff and took him to the hospital. After three days, Tomoro was gone. I did not see him until two years later."

Laire watched the emotions swirl on Totio's face. He said, "If Cassiro really likes you, he will date you. Relax…Totio."

Totio sobbed instantly as Laire hugged him. He sobbed, "how could I ask him that? He was daydreaming about me when he got lost! Mio told me! I am scum!"

Laire cooed, "relax…I bet Cassiro does not blame you, okay? Common, we have to get back. Tomoro is missing me!" He snickered at the thought of his older lover as Totio smirked weakly.

Totio said, "You really love that old fart…huh?"

Laire released Totio and nodded with slight blush on his cheeks. He said, "I never loved anyone more in my entire life…Tomoro had my heart since I saw him there." His hand pointed to the huge mountains nearly thirty miles from the spot they stood.

Totio sighed and said, "Well…I hope you are right about Cassiro. I do not care if he dates me or not…I just—"

Laire faced him and said, "Are you sure about that? Your face tells me otherwise."

Totio knew Laire too well and vice versa as he smirked. Laire was his best friend for a long time…so lying to him was nearly impossible. He sighed and said, "Asshole…"

Laire snickered as he mounted the snowmobile. He put his helmet on as Totio climbed on and placed his helmet on. Totio fixed his jacket as Laire started the snowmobile. Laire waited until Totio gripped Laire's coat, and he drove forward.

Totio watched the scenery pass as he smirked at the beauty and dangers of this mountain. He gulped when he saw the blood spot… Totio turned away as he remembered seeing it. He fell into the snow and screamed. Laire and his medical buddies ran to him; Laire instantly called Tomoro as Totio ran forward. Totio kept going in a southern route near the trees…slowly he came to the tracks and Mio's bag. His heart raced…he kept running as Laire relayed the message to Tomoro, and Totio found them first…

Mio was drifting into and out of consciousness. He slapped snow in his face to keep him awake as he turned to Cassiro; who was bound to his body with a thick blanket. Mio shivered and said, "Cassiro? Cassiro…CASSIRO!"

Laire and the others ran to the teens as Laire said breathlessly, "we found them." He kept talking to Tomoro as Totio stared at the scene… Cassiro was bleeding…Mio was pale and shivering…small wrappers of candy lay in the snow around the boys. Totio could not move as the doctors rushed forward and immediately took care of the boys. Totio stood there…more frozen than the boys…he felt lost for words and motion as he watched the others care for the boys…

Totio leaned against Laire as he felt Laire's gloved hand rub Totio's hands. He smirked as he murmured, "I hate how you can read me…"

Laire's snicker could be heard through a small speaker in Totio's helmet; he said, "You were always easy to read…since we were little. You always showed your emotions very easily. Always wild, smart, and crazy at times…but you were so emotional when the unkind times came."

Totio snickered and said, "so…what are you and Tomoro going to do next? I thought you two were going somewhere special next week."

Laire shivered as he drove closer to the mountain. He sighed and said happily, "we just got married… Also yes, we are doing something special next week. How did you know?"

Totio shivered and said, "and why was I not invited?"

Laire snickered and said, "You know my parents…besides, you were not home. I called you, but…your roommate told me you were on the mountain. I knew you did not have your cell phone on you."

Totio moaned and said, "I am gluing that thing to my side. Well, I know about your plans thanks to your little brother. So, what is going on…" He blinked as Laire led Totio's hand to Laire's flat belly.

Laire sighed, "Tomoro and I…are trying for a baby."

Totio gasped and said, "when did you have sex replacement surgery? We played doctor and—"

Laire laughed as Totio groaned. He laughed for a few seconds as he said, "I am still a man… A friend of mine is taking this special pill and is currently pregnant with his younger lover's child."

Totio moaned and said, "you trust this man? This pill could kill you!"

Laire said, "Even women have risks during their pregnancies…that is something I am willing to take. I want to have Tomoro's baby more than anything…"

Totio moaned and said, "you know what babies are right?"

Laire snickered and said, "Aliens."

Totio groaned and said, "Fun killers! You won't be able to do all the things you do! Like party, ride this, and climb mountains…are you sure you want to still do this?"

Laire laughed again and said, "Yep!"

Totio moaned, "You are crazy…"

Laire said, "Totio, I know I am getting older…look at me. I am twenty five and in love with an older man…my heart and soul belong to Tomoro. I know he is healthy and loves me; but I still worry sometimes about our relationship due to the fact we foster children quite often. After the children grow up and find new permanent homes, Tomoro always has this somber look on his face. All I can do is hold him and tell him its okay. I found out about this pill only recently when I saw my friend getting sick; I asked him what was wrong… He told me he was pregnant." He snickered and continued, "Like you, I thought he was crazy…but slowly I saw the seriousness on his face and believed him. After all, he is very smart and a researcher at Karuiinochi Researchers."

Totio stiffened and said, "Who…is this guy?"

Laire said seriously, "Do not tell anyone, promise?"

Totio snickered and said, "just like we were younger…damn I sound old."

Laire snickered and said, "Prat…Vou Gotro."

Totio shrieked as Laire stiffened at the noise. He said slowly, "that old genius…pregnant? Is he crazy?"

Laire laughed for a long time as Totio rolled his eyes. His laughter slowly died down as they slowly approached the road on the other side of the mountain. Laire followed the road to the onsen. He said, "Utoro questioned him too… They gladly told me the tale due to the fact Gotro is a good friend of mine and trusts me. Utoro was completely against the idea, but Gotro got him into the idea by saying he would be gentle and kill the baby if the baby harms Gotro too dangerously. So, I asked Gotro to talk to Tomoro into letting me do it… Tomoro looked at Gotro like a manic for a few minutes when Gotro showed him ultrasound pictures of their unborn child. Tomoro could not believe it as he said, 'are you sure Laire…I always wanted a kid. Since we care for foster children, but a baby…this could be dangerous.' I simply replied, 'you are worth the danger, besides…like you, I want a child of my own running with our other foster children.'"

Totio said nothing for a few minutes as he leaned against Laire. He did worry about Laire, but Laire was not idiot…he would take good care of himself. Besides, he and Tomoro had six foster children in their house now. But a baby…

Laire said, "do not get me wrong…I am scared a little. But…I need to do this, for Tomoro and me. A baby…just thinking about it makes me feel feminine."

Totio rolled his eyes again and said, "Well…be sure to let me see the little brat."

Laire snickered and said, "of course you are! You are the godfather, idiot."

Totio blushed and said, "me? Why?"

Laire snickered and said, "you forgot…you helped me find Tomoro again, remember?"

Totio blinked and remembered slowly. Laire was snickering about a joke when they went into the mall. Totio was going to help him find a suit for his interview at Turo High; he stopped walking when Laire stalled near a sports' store. He looked in as he saw Tomoro looking at climbing equipment. Laire was staring at Tomoro with huge eyes and his face flushed.

Laire breathed, "Totio…please tell me…I am…not dreaming…"

Totio pinched him as Laire shrieked from the pain and covered his mouth. Tomoro turned and looked at them. Laire froze as Tomoro stared at him. They stared at each other for a full five minutes before Tomoro came over and said, "You…you are that climber, right? At Hokkaido…near the Noawz Onsen, right?"

Laire said nothing as he stared at this man as Totio touched his shoulder. He gulped and nodded quickly.

Tomoro smirked and said, "I am sorry I never thanked you. I had official school business to attend to and needed to leave immediately after I was discharged."

Laire said quickly, "where do you work?"

Tomoro blinked and said, "Turo High School…" He looked uncomfortable by Laire's staring.

Laire slowly smiled and said, "Well, I might be the new gym teacher. I have an interview tomorrow."

Tomoro snickered and said, "Well, good luck. If you excuse me, I need to find my son before he buys a million baseball cards." He waved and reentered the sports' store.

Laire lost his smile and moaned, "son? He has a kid! Damn my heart…I fell for a heterosexual father! His wife must be gorgeous…"

Totio said, "I did not see a wedding ring…besides, a lot of parents are single now. He might need a guy like you to shake things up."

Laire reddened and said, "Do you think…I should try?"

Totio hung over his friend and said, "Life is full of surprises and good fortune, dude. You need to get this guy! You saved his life and see him again in two years…its fate! Destiny! Common, take the plunge."

Laire smirked and said, "I need a good suit then." They snickered and walked down to the men's clothing store…

Totio snickered as he returned to the present and said, "Yeah…I am a matchmaker! I rule!"

Laire snickered and said, "There is my pal! Besides…five or six years are not a bad age gap. Just…be careful in crowds, okay?"

Totio gasped and mocked, "are you trying to make me into a pedophile? You sicko!"

Laire snickered and said, "If you date him or not is your problem, I am just saying…life is full of surprises and good fortune, dude. You need to get this guy! It's fate! Destiny! Common, take the plunge…"

Totio snarled, "I hate you."

They laughed as they drove close to the onsen. Laire and Totio removed their helmets as they slowly approached the lobby. Totio moaned…everyone was there. Here come the questions… They entered as everyone did question and begged for their question to be answered first.

Laire snuck away as he came to Tomoro. He smirked at him and said, "Hello darling, kept my ring safe?"

Tomoro flushed and snuck his hand into his pocket to withdraw a small silver ring. He went to Laire and removed his left glove and placed the ring back in its place. Tomoro sighed and hugged Laire. He said, "thank god you are safe…I was so worried when you told me about that avalanche…"

Laire hugged Tomoro back and said, "we were lucky…thankfully Totio saw the signs of the avalanche before all thirty of us were crushed."

Tomoro smirked at Totio and lipped, "thank you."

Totio nodded as he stared at Ryhiro standing before him…WHAM! Totio slipped to the ground as blood seeped down his swelling lip.

Laire spun around as Ryhiro snarled, "you fucking bastard! You think you are a hero? You caused this entire mess! If Cassiro was sane…he would have not wandered off! You confused him into acting like an idiot and getting lost! I BLAME YOU!"

Totio opened and closed his mouth. He tried to say something…anything…but he too felt responsible for Cassiro's confusion. His eyes drifted away when everyone looked on.

Laire and Tomoro came over as Tomoro said, "Totio, is this true?"

Totio nodded as Tomoro said, "Ryhiro, you are going to see the principal when he gets here. Also, I expect a month's worth of detention from you."

Ryhiro snarled, "what about Mio and Cassiro? Don't they deserve punishment too?"

Tomoro glared at Ryhiro and said, "They will get what they deserve, so behave and go away." His glare made Ryhiro stiffen and walk away.

Laire helped Totio up as Tomoro said, "I suggest you stay away from my students, Kallimeri. This could look bad for you if Ryhiro's story is true."

Totio said, "I will take whatever punishment the principal will give me…I deserve it."

Tomoro sighed and looked at Totio. He said, "Your steadfast help to find the boys will not be ignored…but we shall see when madam principal arrives."

Totio nodded as he sighed. He saw her plenty in his youth…now again, in trouble…he would see her. Totio prayed she was a benevolent principal now more than the past…