A/N: Haha, update. Fantastic and painful. Very painful. You all knew it was coming but Kaito's clashing with the Kamishiro family again. And not just Mr Kamishiro but Grandpa Kamishiro too. Ryoga and Kaito are cute until that. And Thomas is looking after his princess and being insulted that he's not trusted with Haruto. Little cuties. Anyway, thanks for all the reviews, keep them coming, and enjoy.
"Thomas," Kaito murmured.
Thomas glanced over and Kaito smiled slightly. The oldest two Arclights had been around for five days now and Ryoga was finally being released from hospital. He and Chris had been around the hospital to support him and Ryoga and Kaito was grateful for that really. Even if he worried about how Thomas teased Ryoga constantly, and sometimes Ryoga would even bite back, flirting just as shamelessly. Usually when Rio was in the room and Thomas was on his best behaviour. Kaito had struggled with it at first and the day before had got sick of it and vented to Chris about it again, but Chris had firmly told him he had to talk to Ryoga about these things.
So Kaito had. And Ryoga had laughed and promised to ton things down for him. Apparently it was cute that he was so concerned about it. In fact, Ryoga had found it so sweet that for the first time in four days they'd been together for nearly an hour, completely alone to do as they pleased. And both had been keen to take advantage of the privacy, sharing heated, passionate kisses and teasing touches and laughing softly. If they hadn't been in hospital it would have been everything he wanted from his relationship with Ryoga. And it had been fine until Ami, making sure to stop them getting too carried away.
And Ryoga had toned things down with Thomas, even though Kaito new there was always going to be something between them. The energy between them was natural. They were always going to spark off each other, even if they didn't always mean to. And Ryoga's reassurance was good enough for him. It had to be. He couldn't spend his time doubting Ryoga. He had to trust him.
"I'd like to see Ryoga home," Kaito said quietly. "Can you take Akina home for me?"
"Will Haruto be alright with not getting to say goodbye?" Chris said, getting up from his seat.
"Well, if you want to take Haruto along too, feel free, Chris," he replied.
Thomas scowled. "I can be trusted with Haruto."
"It's fine, Thomas," Chris said. "I'll come along with Haruto."
Kaito smiled slightly and Thomas huffed before holding out his arms to take Akina from him. Akina stirred slightly as Kaito handed her over but Thomas quickly hushed her and she settled again into his arms as her wrapped her into his jacket.
"Let's get you home, shall we, princess?" he murmured.
Kaito smiled slightly as Haruto hurried over, rubbing his eyes tiredly. It seemed it wasn't just Ryoga and Haruto who had fallen for Akina's charms. Haruto tugged slightly on his coat and Kaito glanced down.
"Why aren't you taking us home?"
"Because I want to make sure Ryoga gets home safely," Kaito replied.
"It's nothing to do with Ken then?" he said. Kaito frowned and turned his gaze away. "You'd lose your temper, wouldn't you?"
"Perhaps," he said, patting Haruto's head. "Just go with Chris so you can say goodnight to Akina. I'll see you at home."
"Don't be too long." He nodded and Haruto kissed his cheek before hurrying over to Chris and Thomas. "I'll see you later, Kaito."
"Bye."
"I'll see you later, Kaito," Chris called softly over his shoulder.
Kaito frowned slightly. Two Arclights wasn't normal. Where was the third? Where was Michael? Surely you couldn't have the oldest two without their younger brother. He knew they were as protective of their baby brother as any siblings. They wouldn't leave him alone for too long.
"Come on, Kaito," Yuma said from Ryoga's doorway. Kaito glanced back and Yuma stifled a yawn. Poor kid stayed up too late trying to be mature and look after his friends. "Shark wants you."
Kaito nodded and followed him back inside. Ryoga was being forced to wear a soft purple hoodie rather than his normal shirt. Apparently Ami didn't want him getting cold and ending up in hospital again. She and Rio were helping him into a wheelchair, much to Ryoga's obvious disgust.
"You look tired, Yuma," Kotori said softly.
"I'm fine," he said, stifling another yawn.
"You kids should go home," Ami said gently. "There's nothing else to do. You can visit Ryoga tomorrow after lunch."
"But Shark-"
"I'll be fine," Ryoga muttered. "If you don't stop whining and go home, I won't see you tomorrow."
"Fine," Yuma sighed. "Come on then guys." He and Kotori turned but he paused and glanced at Kait, how sighed. "Kaito?"
"I'm allowed to stay, Yuma," Kaito replied, folding his arms. "I'm not a child."
"And I want him here," Ryoga murmured, reaching for his hand and squeezing slightly.
Yuma groaned. "They're doing it again. You guys keep all your romantic stuff away from me."
"I think it's cute," Kotori said, following him out.
"You would, you're a girl," he replied.
Kaito smirked slightly, glancing at Ryoga who was struggling not to laugh. He wasn't sure about Ryoga, but he remembered when he'd felt the same way about romance and love. It had seemed like a silly idea and obviously he'd have way more fun on his own or messing around with friends, not that he really had so many friends back then but the idea was the same. He'd throught romance and love was for silly girls. And the idea of putting your lips to another person's seemed disgusting. How quickly things changed.
"You two don't go corrupting him," Rio said firmly. "He's not going to stop hanging around with you, so don't get him involved."
"What kind of people do you take us for, Rio?" Ryoga snapped.
"Besides, it'd be like duelling," Kaito said. "Far too much enthusiasm."
"We'd have to find something new to do that's just between the two of us."
"Don't let your father hear you talking so flippantly," Ami warned. "He's only letting you be together because he thinks the two of you really care about each other, don't let him think you're only playing games."
"Please," Ryoga grumbled. "He's doing it because he's still trying to make you think he's a good person."
"Ryoga," she snapped.
"It's the truth." Kaito frowned and glanced down at Ryoga, squeezing his hand gently but it was no use. They all knew the medicine he was taking was affecting his ability to filter things. His emotions were running wild and would just blurt things out. He couldn't put up his barriers and he couldn't really control himself. "He doesn't deserve you or us."
"Ryoga!" Kaito was sure Ryoga flinched and he definitely turned away, refusing to meet his mother's gaze. "Just stop it!"
"Why do you hate him so much?" Rio snapped. "I know he's harsh but he loves us-"
"He loves you and her!" Ryoga yelled back. "He hates me and I don't want to be anywhere near him!"
Kaito frowned as his mother glared at him. Ryoga had been on much stronger medication when he'd told him about his father. He'd defended him. He'd insisted it was just the once and his father was a good, changed person. Had something happened? Ryoga had been with his father alone once or twice. Had something more happened to push Ryoga to breaking point?
"Ryoga, either be quiet or say goodnight to Kaito now," Ami said.
Ryoga fell silent, glaring at the floor, his hand clenched tightly around Kaito's. Ryoga was reminded of Chris' words again. Ami supported him but at the same time allowed Ryoga's abuse. And that was what it was, Kaito wouldn't call it anything else. Maybe his father had only hit it once, maybe he hadn't, he wouldn't know until Ryoga told him, but what his father had done was emotional abuse if nothing else. And someone had to protect him properly. Kaito's hand raised absently, stroking Ryoga's cheek and smiling softly as he leant into his touch.
"Good," Ami said. "Let's go, your father will be waiting."
Kaito frowned but pushed Ryoga's wheelchair along behind the two Kamishiro women. Ryoga was probably capable of walking but Ami wouldn't hear of it. The situation was obviously tense. He didn't know what had happened to make Ryoga suddenly so vocal about his father's abuse, so much so that he would even go against his beloved mother. He was afraid to leave Ryoga now. He knew if Chris was here he'd tell him to stop worrying and it was natural to overreact when someone you cared about was hurt but it wasn't easy to stop worrying. He wanted to keep him safe and he might be in danger in his own home. He just didn't trust Ryoga's father.
In the car park, Mr Kamishiro was waiting in the car. Kaito helped Ryoga from his wheelchair, ignoring the glare Ryoga gave him because, honestly, he was going to be fussed over no matter how much he wanted to stand on his own two feet. Mr Kamishiro didn't even hide his glare as Kaito climbed the car with Ryoga and let him snuggle against him as Rio climbed in behind them. He didn't care about Mr Kamishiro's dislike of him. He just wanted to keep Ryoga safe and happy.
"Your grandfather has come to visit," Mr Kamishiro said. Ryoga tensed and Kaito assumed this was the same grandfather who'd regularly berated and belittled Ryoga. "He was worried about you."
"Great…" He frowned and kissed Kaito's cheek, much to his surprise. He glanced at Ryoga who smiled sadly and lowered his head slightly, whispering softly. "He can't find out about us."
"Ryoga?"
Kaito didn't understand. Why would Ryoga want to keep their relationship a secret? He would have told everyone about them. He was proud to have Ryoga's affection. After all, Ryoga was notoriously tricky to reach. He wasn't ashamed of any of it. He'd convinced himself it was wrong to help deal with the pain of losing him, but he wasn't ashamed of Ryoga.
"I'm sorry, I wouldn't ask but…" He sighed and touched their foreheads together. "If he finds out… He won't be happy and I don't want…"
Kaito nodded slightly. Alright, that made sense. He could understand and accept that. Ryoga's grandfather hadn't been averse to taking his cane to Ryoga at a young age. He didn't know what he'd do if Ryoga failed him now, even if he was sick. And the fact that Ryoga was willing to admit that and ask him for help was reassuring. He smiled sadly and kissed his cheek once more.
"Thank you, Kaito."
"It's fine," Kaito murmured. "Anything to keep you happy."
"You make me happier than anything ever has." Kaito frowned slightly at the words and Ryoga drew back a little, obviously confused that the words hadn't got the reaction he'd hoped for. "What?"
"Nothing," he said, shaking his head. "Nothing."
"No," he snapped. "Tell me what's wrong."
"Ryoga," Ami snapped.
Kaito sighed and kissed his cheek softly. "When we're somewhere more private."
"Fine."
When they arrived at the Kamishiro's home, an old, dignified man stood, glaring down at them. Kaito almost wanted to back away from him. He was certainly intimidating. Ryoga squeezed his hand gently and Kaito smiled, helping him to the settee.
"Hello, Ryoga," he said, sitting as well.
"Hello, Grandfather," he said softly, gazing down at his hands.
"Grandpa?" Rio called.
"Yes, Rio, I see you. Nice to see you're awake."
Rio huffed and Ryoga's father smiled, moving over. "Father, Ryoga's still weak and needs rest."
"I understand the issues of heart trouble," he snapped. "And who's this lad with him? You didn't tell me Rio had a boyfriend. I want to vet all boys in her life, you know that. Women just can't be trusted to make their own decisions." He glanced at Kaito who suddenly wanted to hide. "What's your name, boy?"
"Uh, Tenjo Kaito," he said after a moment.
"Tenjo?" Grandpa Kamishiro frowned and tapped his chin. "Ami, why do I know that name?"
"I worked with his father," Ami said quietly. "He's a scientist. Remember? Kazuma and Byron? We all worked together?"
"Oh, the Heartland man," he rasped, nodding slightly. "You're his son?" Kaito nodded slightly. "How old are you?"
"Eighteen."
Kaito didn't like being interrogated, especially by a man who thought he was a potential suitor for Rio, but if he was ever going to be accepted by the family, he needed to go through it, didn't he? Maybe if the patriarch of the family accepted him, he could have a chance at being accepted as Ryoga's boyfriend.
Grandpa Kamishiro nodded and tapped his chin. "How long have you known Rio?"
"A few months."
"How did you meet?"
"Through Ryoga," Kaito said quietly. "We were introduced through a friend and we were there to help him through."
Ryoga smiled slightly and took his hand discreetly. His grandfather glared at Ryoga for a moment before nodding. "Very well. We'll see about this at a more appropriate time."
"Of course," he said, gently helping Ryoga up. "Come on, you need to rest."
Ryoga nodded and Kaito helped him down the hall to his room. It was nice to have him holding onto him and since he was so weak, no one questioned it. Kaito smiled softly, lying Ryoga gently on his bed, stroking his hair softly for a moment before leaning down capturing his lips in a soft kiss.
"Well that was fun," he teased.
Ryoga sighed and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. "I know, I'm sorry. You were going to tell me about what happened in the car?"
"Why? What happened?"
"When I told you that…" He frowned and glanced away nervously. "That you make me happy."
"That I make you happier than anything ever has."
"Yeah…" He frowned and sat up slowly and Kaito didn't argue. It was that dream. Ryoga had said those exact same words in his dream and it was just a little unsettling. "Look, if it made you uncomfortable-"
"No," he said quickly, shaking his head. "No, it's not that."
"Then what is it?" Ryoga snapped.
"I just didn't expect to hear you say that," Kaito replied.
"I know it was sudden, but I've been thinking it for a while and when I was in that coma I dreamt about you. And when I was getting weaker, I just wanted to be near you." Ryoga sighed and Kaito took his hand gently. "And I meant it, Kaito. You really do make me happier than anything ever has. I don't want to let that go. I'm sorry if it's too soon for you or it's not like that for you-"
"It is like that for me," he put in. Ryoga frowned. "It is. You make me happy too and I adore you and will go through anything for you." He smiled and cupped his cheeks, leaning in to peck his lips. "It just caught me off guard, alright? Nothing more."
"You promise?" Kaito nodded and Ryoga smiled, leaning up for another kiss. "I'm glad."
"Me too," Kaito murmured, gently pushing him back to the bed. "I shouldn't let dreams get to me."
"Dream?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Tell me. Stop keeping secrets from me."
"It was just a stupid dream."
"Kaito, you're my boyfriend, right? You're supposed to enjoy telling me stupid things like dreams or silly things Haruto did or whatever. Right?"
"Ryoga?" They both turned and found Grandpa Kamishiro glaring at them. "What is all this about?"
"Grandfather, I- I can't explain," Ryoga stammered.
Kaito frowned. He'd never seen Ryoga like this. He'd heard about this, Ryoga had told him, but seeing Ryoga absolutely terrified of anyone was strange. Kaito got up from the bed slowly, aware that the old man's glare was fixed on him.
"Get out," he said.
Glancing between them, Kaito knew this wouldn't end well. "No."
"What did you just say?" he snapped.
"I said no," Kaito replied, shaking his head. "I won't leave him in this state."
"You have no say over how our family is run, boy," he said, shaking his head. "Now get out before you disgrace him further."
"Disgrace him?" he cried. "I care about him, which is more than I can say for you or his father from the looks of things."
"Kaito, don't," Ryoga said softly.
"What?" He couldn't help staring at him and Ryoga turned away lowering her gaze to his lap. Kaito heart wrenched. "How can you let them do this to you?! How can you sit there and take this?! You're better than this, Ryoga! Stop letting them do this to you!" Ryoga didn't even look up at him and his grandfather sat on the bed facing him. "Ryoga?"
"I think you should leave," he whispered.
"Ryoga…"
A hand caught the back of his collar and he was dragged out of the room to face Mr Kamishiro. The door to Ryoga's room slammed and Mr Kamishiro pulled him away. In the sitting room, Ami watched sadly as Kaito tugged out of his hold. How could they just sit here when Ryoga was obviously scare and hurt? How could Ami let her son be abused by his father's side of the family? He remembered her as a kind, caring figure. When she worked with his father she was so sweet, constantly talking about her beautiful son. How he was so special, how he was something else entirely and he was just the best little duellist. If she loved him so much how could she let this happen to him? How could she let them destroy him like this?!
"Are you finished ruining his life yet?" Mr Kamishiro hissed.
"You're the ones ruining him," Kaito snapped back. "You're destroying him!"
"So you think we should just let him mess around and dirty himself with someone like you?" he snarled. "He is better than that."
"Ami, please," he said desperately. "Please, listen to reason. This isn't fair on him. This isn't right. Why can't you see that?"
"You're just going to cause trouble, Kaito," Ami said quietly.
"So I should just stand back and let you break him?"
"We're letting you see him."
"Against my better judgement," Mr Kamishiro said. "So stop causing trouble and come and see him after lunch like the rest of his little friends."
"I'm not just a friend-"
"No, you're a silly phases that will pass," he said, shaking his head. "That's all this is. We were all young once. He's at the age where he wants to rebel and do whatever he can to push us." He laughed bitterly and glared down at Kaito. "That's all you are. The thing that will annoy his family most. He's young and he wants to explore and experiment. I wish he'd find other ways to rebel and strike out but you're what he picked. Don't ever think you're more than that."
"But I am more than that," Kaito snapped. "You know what he told me? That I make him happier than anything ever has! You think about that for a moment! I make him happy! Happier than anything ever has! And having met you, I honestly believe him!"
"That's not fair, Kaito," Ami said.
"It's nothing compared to what you deserve for what you're doing to him. Remember how you used to tell me how amazing he was? And Chris talked about Michael because he was only a little older? He's special, remember?"
"He is."
"Yes, he is. He is the most incredible person. He's strong and he does everything he can for his friends. He's amazing. He's loving and focused and protective. And if you just leave him alone and stop tearing him down all the time you'd see he's perfect just the way he is. You keep telling him he's not the son you wanted, you've made him that way. When he's away from you he's his own person and he's unbelievable. You're destroying him and I won't let you get away with it."
"Kaito," Ami snapped. "Stop it, you'll only make things worse."
"How can you claim to love him when you let this happen?"
"Get out before I stop you seeing him again," Mr Kamishiro snarled, opening the door. "You can come by after lunch with the rest of his friends."
"I mean it," Kaito hissed, striding out. "I won't let you keep doing this."
"You keep sticking your nose in and I'm sure his grandfather will be happy to let Ryoga live out in the countryside with him."
Kaito clenched his jaw and strode out, listening the door slam behind him. How could Ami let this happen? He was going to stop it. He was going to save Ryoga somehow. He just didn't know how yet. He had to leave Ryoga for now and hope that he wouldn't be too affected by his time with them. Maybe he was overreacting. Maybe he needed to talk to Chris and he'd snapped for no reason. But his instincts told him that they had to learn how amazing Ryoga was on his own and that trying to change him was breaking him.
As he was walking home, he pulled out his D-Pad to check whether Chris and Thomas were at his or had gone back to their hotel by now. He frowned slightly. Akina had tried to call him. How strange. He couldn't imagine why she'd try to call him. But Chris and Thomas were still at Heartland Tower, having put Haruto to bed for him. So Kaito hurried to the tower. He needed Chris' advice on this.
"Hey," Thomas called as he came in. "How is he?"
"I don't know," Kaito muttered, sitting between the brothers. "I think he's in trouble, Chris. Tell me I'm overreacting."
"Well, tell me what happened and I'll tell you whether you're overreacting," Chris replied.
Kaito nodded and quickly explained the situation and everything that had happened and what he feared. And Chris and Thomas listened silently, Thomas shifting slightly uncomfortably. When he was done, both brothers were watching him worriedly. Kaito glanced between them.
"This is the part where you tell me I'm overreacting," he said quietly. The pair remained silent and Kaito swallowed heavily. "Please. Tell me I'm overreacting."
Chris frowned and got up slowly. "I'm going to call Father."
"Chris!"
"Leave him," Thomas muttered. "He's gone to ask for advice. Father likes to be kept in the loop. It makes him feel like he's actually doing some good as a parent when we ask him for help."
"Your problems still aren't quite worked out?" Kaito said quietly.
"No," he replied, playing with his D-Pad. "I get what Ryoga's going through. Maybe not in the same way but… I know what it's like not to try so hard and not be good enough."
Kaito nodded. "Do you think he'll be ok?"
"There's nothing you can do," Thomas replied. "Just hang in there."
"I don't want to just hang in there, I want to help him."
Thomas frowned as his D-Pad lit up. "Akina?"
"She tried to call me earlier," Kaito said, leaning over. "Shouldn't she be in bed?"
"Yeah, when I took her home that Hibiki girl took her straight to bed," he replied. "She slept the entire way. Barely woke up to say goodbye."
"Well answer her."
"Right." Akina's face appeared on the screen and Kaito leant over so he could see properly. Everything behind Akina was dark. He frowned slightly. Her eyes were red and there were tears slipping down her cheeks, shinning in the light of her screen. "What's the matter, princess?"
"IV," she whimpered. "I don't know where I am."
"Hey, it's ok baby," he said softly. Kaito couldn't help smiling. Akina really had tamed Thomas. What was it with these hot headed delinquents and little Akina? "I dropped you off back home with Hibiki and Tomiko."
"No," she whispered. "I'm not at home. I don't know where I am but I was sleeping and then there was someone there and everything went dark and now I'm here."
Thomas frowned and glanced at Kaito, who gave Akina a small smile. "It'll be ok, Akina. Tell us what you can see."
"I dunno, it's all dark."
"Ok, what about who took you?" Thomas said.
"I think it was another hunter."
"Ok, that's good, princess," he murmured with a gentle smile. "Know where the hunter's base is?"
"Somewhere in the countryside. It's a big house." There was a bang and Akina looked up quickly. "Someone's coming."
"Don't be scare, Akina," Kaito said. "Just hide your D-Pad and we'll stay on the line, ok?"
"Are you and Shark coming to save me?" Akina whispered.
"Of course we are, princess," Thomas replied. "Can't expect a pretty girl like you to do all the hard work, but you've got to meet us half way and be a big brave girl for us." She sniffled and wiped her tears away, nodding weakly. "Good girl. Now hide your D-Pad like Kaito said. We'll be right here, ok?"
She nodded and hurried off to find a hiding place. Only there was another bang and her D-Pad hit the floor.
"Akina?"
Akina gave a muffled cry and there were soft footsteps moving towards the D-Pad. A moment later there was a cracking and the screen went black.
"Akina?!"
In the Next Chapter: Yuma gets a surprise visitor, Ryoga struggles to deal with his family and Kaito and souls are being hunted in Heartland once more.
The Tower
