A/N: Here we go, new chapter. In which Rio and Ryoga have arguments, because people get angry and irrational when people they love are hurt, Thomas is... well, Thomas, and Haruto is adorable. I know, I hate not updating quickly, but I am trying to tick to a schedule and write other things as well. Like this new AU which will be awesome when I offer it to you and requests and this. It's allllll got to be done. So, have fun, review and see you next chapter ok? Enjoy.
"Shark!" Yuma called, running into Heartland Tower.
Kaito rolled his eyes and Shark pressed closer to him. Thomas frowned, watching from a seat a little way off, sipping his tea- which was nowhere near as good as Michael's tea. Kaito was holding Ryoga lovingly. Thomas didn't blame him. He wanted to hold Ryoga close and kiss him better and he wasn't his boyfriend. Chris had pulled him aside the moment the three of them had returned, warning him that Ryoga and Kaito were a couple and his flirtatious behaviour wasn't helping.
Thomas didn't mean to cause friction. He was happy for Ryoga really. He and Kaito were a good couple. He wasn't going to deny he had some interest of Ryoga, he always had, just like he knew Chris' feelings for Kaito would never fade entirely. Kaito might have struggled with his connection to Ryoga but Ryoga struggled with Kaito and Chris just as much. Thomas didn't deny he cared for both the Kamishiro twins deeply. If Ryoga hadn't been completely enamoured with Kaito, he might have tried a little hard to have more of a relationship with him.
"Is everything alright?" Michael murmured, coming over.
"Yeah, it's all fine," Chris replied with a small smile as Yuma and his friends gathered around Ryoga and Kaito. "Come on, I'll show you where I can put your bags."
"Thank you," he replied with a small smile.
"Then you can come back and make me some decent tea," Thomas muttered.
Michael smiled and nodded. "Anything you want, Thomas."
Thomas smiled as he bounced off after Chris. Yuma and his friends were fussing over Ryoga, wanting to know everything but Kiato was being particularly possessive and protective over Ryoga. Not that Thomas blamed him. He held Ryoga close, reassuring him gently and snapping at anyone who got too close. After everything they'd heard, it was a surprise Kaito let anyone even sit on the same settee. Haruto and Yuma seemed to be the only exceptions, but even Yuma was snapped at it he got too excited. Kotori was a little closer than the others, probably because she was calmer than the others.
"You should be at home if you're sick through, Shark," Yuma said quietly.
"Being there was doing more harm than good," Kaito hissed.
Ryoga frowned and shifted, laying his head on Kaito's lap so he could stroke the violet hair. They were a good couple, Thomas reminded himself what jealousy flash through him. They were a good couple who worked well together. And perhaps if he plays his cards right, there would be someone perfect in his future too.
"Will you be ok, Shark?" Kotori said softly. "Are you parents ok with you being at here?"
"I doubt they care where I am," Ryoga muttered.
"That's not true, Ryoga." Ryoga sat up quickly and Thomas frowned. Ami and Rio were storming in. Ryoga swallowed heavily and Kaito quickly wrapped his arms around Ryoga. "What on earth makes you think I wouldn't care? I love you. What on earth did you do to get yourself kicked out?"
"He's better off here," Kaito muttered, kissing Ryoga's cheek.
"Stay out of this, Kaito," Rio snapped. Kaito clenched his jaw and Thomas' frown deepened. He didn't blame her for snapping. If there was a problem with one of his brothers he wouldn't want anyone sticking their nose in, just like he hadn't wanted Yuma sticking his nose in. "What's wrong with you, Ryoga? You need to be at home! We nearly lost you!"
There were tears in her eyes and Thomas knew it must be hard for her. After all, they had nearly lost him and now he'd got himself kicked out of home. Any sibling would be hurt and frustrated and angry, never mind twins.
"You should have protected him better," Haruto huffed.
"Haruto," Kaito hissed.
"Protected him?" Ami said quietly. "Haruto, I can't protect Ryoga from getting sick."
"You should have protected him from Mr Shark!" Haruto argued.
"From…" Rio and Ami glanced at each other before Rio turned on Ryoga. "Are you still getting all worked up over that? It was years ago. He'd changed. He's not like that anymore!"
"I-I know," Ryoga said quietly.
"Stop it," Kaito whispered. Ryoga frowned and glanced at him before shaking his head. "Ryoga, you have to tell them the truth."
"What truth?" Ami sighed and sat next to Ryoga, gently taking his hand. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Tell me what happened."
Ryoga gazed at her for a moment before shaking his head and getting up, striding away. "I can't do this."
"Ryoga!"
Kaito got up and followed quickly, just as Faker came in with Chris and Michael behind him. He was obviously concerned about just what was going on. Thomas frowned and glanced around for a moment before heading out after Kaito and Ryoga. Chris caught his wrist and Thomas glanced up at him before shaking him off and running after them.
The pair were in Kaito's room, sitting together on the bed. Kaito had his arms gently around Ryoga, who was pressed against him, kissing his neck and jaw, begging for a distraction as Kaito tried to convince Ryoga to tell the truth. Thomas frowned and walked in slowly. Kaito noticed him instantly, lowering his head slightly and watching as he approached and sat behind Ryoga. That was when the youngster noticed him.
"He's right, you should tell them," Thomas murmured as Ryoga shifted to lean back against him, pulling Kaito with him. Thomas sighed. It was actually quite nice, just the three of them, but Ryoga was obvious hurting. Nothing was going to get the sight of those bruises and the thought of how they were inflicted out of his mind any time soon. "It doesn't get better until you admit what's happening."
"It's not important," Ryoga whispered, leaning up so his lips ghosted over Kaito's. "I've made my choice. Kaito promised to keep me safe and he'd protect me." He sighed and ran his hands over Kaito's cheeks. "And I trust him to do that, so it's in the past now. It doesn't matter anymore."
Moments later, Kaito crushed his lips to Ryoga's. Thomas grunted slightly, bracing against the sudden weight of the pair of them locked in that deep, passionate kiss. Ryoga groaned slightly and Thomas frowned, noticing Ryoga's back was pressed awkwardly against him. He shifted to make things easier for the poor boy, and Ryoga and Kaito fell against his chest, although the pair seemed too preoccupied by each other to notice the shift. Thomas smiled softly. It was good to see the pair so happy, but Thomas was done being something for Ryoga to lean on. Perhaps there was some jealousy, but mainly because he didn't like being ignored. His fingers danced up Ryoga's sides, satisfied by the shiver that passed through him and the small whine muffled by Kaito's mouth.
"Now," he purred, leaning down to Ryoga's ear. "Either let me join in the fun or wait until you're alone."
Kaito drew back slowly, keeping his arms around Ryoga and glaring up at Thomas as his squeezed the younger boy's hips. Ryoga shivered slightly, face flushed and panting softly as he gazed up at his seniors. Thomas knew Kaito wouldn't share Ryoga, and he doubted Ryoga would share Kaito either, but it was fun to tease.
"Alright," Ryoga breathed. They both glanced down at him and Ryoga smirked, reaching up, his fingers brushing the scar over Thomas' cheek. "You can play with us."
Thomas and Kaito were both staring down at him now. Ryoga's smirk widened. He'd been teasing, he hadn't ever thought Ryoga or Kaito would even consider it. Thomas had expected a flat out no. Ryoga pushed Kaito off of him and turned to Thomas with a sneer.
"Well, Thomas?" Ryoga chuckled. "Isn't favservice your motto?"
Rio sighed and tilted her head back, gazing up at the ceiling. What was taking Kaito and Thomas so long to calm Ryoga down? What was wrong with Ryoga anyway? She knew that he didn't get along with their father. He'd never really forgiven their father for hitting him. And she understood that. If he'd hurt her, she'd probably be reluctant to forgive and forget as well. But he'd proved he'd changed. He'd proved he loved them. Why couldn't he at least try? Dr Faker and her mother were talking in hushed voices over the other side of the room and Haruto was on Michael's lap, directing the youngest Arclight on how to braid Chris' hair properly to make him look his prettiest. Honestly, Rio couldn't help but admire the way Chris was with Haruto.
"So," she said quietly. "What's wrong with Ryoga?"
"It's not our place to tell you something like this, Rio," Chris murmured as Haruto opened his mouth. "He has to find the strength to do this on his own."
"Actually, I think it's best if you do tell us, Chris," Dr Faker said quietly. Chris frowned as he and Ami walked over. "If there is something serious going on, I think it's important we know. Especially Ami and myself."
Chris frowned and Rio watched carefully. There was something furious in his eyes, and untrusting. And a glance at Michael revealed something similar. A discomfort and sympathy. It must have been serious. They all knew about Ryoga's trouble and she had no idea. She was his twin. They weren't supposed to have secrets. If he was in pain she was supposed to know about it. She was supposed to be able to help him through this sort of thing. Why wouldn't he tell her? Why would he lie to her? And more importantly, why would he confide in the Arclights and Kaito instead?
"I hardly think it's appropriate to talk about Ryoga's pain in front of everyone," Chris replied coldly.
Ami frowned. "Why is he talking to all of you and not us?"
"Because we're going to protect him," Haruto said.
"Excuse me?" she snapped.
"Haruto," Michael murmured, patting his head. "Hush."
"We won't tell anyone," Yuma said quietly, lowering his head. "You can trust us."
Faker frowned and beckoned Chris over. After a moment of silence, Chris frowned and followed them into another room, leaving Michael arguing softly with Haruto over why they should be quiet and let things come out naturally. Rio huffed. She was sick of this. She got up and stormed away to find Ryoga.
Rio was going to get answers from her brother if it killed them.
She strode through the halls to the bedrooms. She could hear the three boys down the hall. Ryoga gave a small whine and Thomas chuckled. Rio frowned and walked over slowly, pausing outside Kaito's door wondering just what the hell the three of them were up to together. Ryoga gasped and Thomas swore softly, cursing him for moving so much as Kaito muttered about the pair being dramatic.
"Kaito…" Ryoga groaned.
"Shh," Thomas murmured. "It'll be ok. Just relax."
"It hurts," he whined.
"I know," Kaito said softly. "I know it hurts but it'll feel better soon."
Rio's cheeks flushed as Ryoga groaned. What one earth were they up to? She knew there was a connection between Ryoga and Thomas and Thomas wasn't exactly shy but the way he'd been acting towards her recently, she'd wondered if maybe there was more. She'd hoped he was going to ask her to be his girlfriend, that maybe he'd stop being photographed in gossip magazines and duelling papers with every girl who fluttered her lashes at him and every boy who bought him a drink. Honestly, Thomas' reputation wasn't the best but she'd hoped maybe now he wasn't half way around the world she could tell him the truth and maybe there could be more than friendship between them.
Frowning slightly, she risked a glance into the room. Thomas was leant against the headboard and Ryoga was sitting astride his lap, head buried in the crook of the older boy's neck. Kaito was behind Ryoga, her brother was nearly in his lap as well they were that close, his hands moving gently over Ryoga's bare lower back. Ryoga moved slightly at his touch, clenching his fist against Thomas' chest, his back arching as he whined once more and Thomas' fingers slid over his shoulders.
Rio drew back quickly, her hand over her mouth and eye tight shut. She knew Thomas wasn't picky when it came to his lovers, whoever was interested really, but she never thought he'd be so cruel as to choose Ryoga over her. He must have known how she felt about him. She didn't exactly hide it. But everyone choose Ryoga in the end. She'd thought she might like Kaito, he picked Ryoga. Ken was nice and he'd picked Ryoga- the fact that he was being manipulated by evil forces didn't change that. And now Thomas too.
Then something else hit her. She turned slightly and looked back into the room, focusing on Ryoga's back. The bruise on his shoulder was the first place her eyes were drawn. The first time he took real damage defending her, like always. But her gaze quickly moved the hideous bruises across Ryoga's back and arms. Tears filled her eyes. Ryoga was in pain. And then she noticed that Kaito was gently rubbing a cream into the bruises on his back. There was no way this could have been an accident. Someone had hurt Ryoga and he hadn't told her. She hadn't even noticed. Everyone knew but her family.
"Ryoga?"
"Rio?" he cried, jerking up slightly.
Kaito and Thomas frowned, watching her nervously. Rio approached slowly and Ryoga drew back, pulling on his shirt and putting Kaito and Thomas between them.
"Ryoga?" she said softly. The pain in his eyes was heart breaking. Why hadn't he told her about this? Why did he look so ashamed and still try to keep it hidden? "What happened to you?"
"Nothing," Ryoga replied.
"Don't lie to me!" she snapped.
"It's nothing," he said, shaking his head.
She sighed and glared at him. Then… she'd seen this before. The look in his eyes was painfully familiar. He always had that look, and whenever she asked what was wrong he said he'd tripped or got in a fight or was just sore. The horrifying realisation hit her. This wasn't a new thing. Ryoga had been in pain for years and lying to her about it. She clenched her fists, fury overwhelming the pain and sorrow. How dare he lie to her about something like this?! How care he not tell her someone was abusing him for so long?!
"Who did this?!" she demanded.
"It's nothing," he repeated.
"Stop lying to me!" she yelled. "Just stop it! Tell me who did this, Ryoga! Tell me the truth!"
"Just leave it!"
"Fine," she hissed, pushing away her tears. "Fine. I don't know why you don't want me to be a part of your life anymore. Or why you can't trust me. But fine. I get it, you know, you have Kaito now and you don't need me to be there for you all the time anymore."
"It's not like that, Rio."
"Yeah, you're being a bit harsh, Rio," Thomas muttered.
She glared over at him and Thomas sighed. How could he be on Ryoga's side? Why did Ryoga tell even Thomas before her? No matter what connection they had, it was on and off. They were either completely in sync or hated each other. Why would he tell Thomas before her?
"If you say so," she sighed.
Whatever else could she say? He was obviously going to keep hiding it from her. If he wasn't going to tell her, what more could she do? Shaking her head, she turned slowly and walked away. They used to be so close. They argued but they didn't keep secrets. He knew everything about each other. There were footsteps behind her and Rio frowned, hoping it was Ryoga, come to tell her the truth, that it was ok and they could be as close as they were before again.
But it was Thomas, smiling at her weakly. Rio frowned and folded her arms. Thomas glanced away, wringing his hands. What was wrong with him? Just getting caught in that position wasn't going to cause this kind of reaction.
"Why are you all keeping me out of this?" she snapped.
"Because it's up to Ryoga," Thomas replied softly. "This isn't the sort of thing that should be just blurted out. He needs to do this on his own. We can only support him through it."
"What made him turn to you anyway?" she hissed.
"I was there when he was explaining to Chris and Kaito." She huffed and turned away but Thomas caught her wrist. "Rio-"
"What's going with you and Ryoga?" Rio said, facing him with a stern frown. "I mean, what was that earlier?"
"He just needed a distraction from the pain. It's nothing."
She sighed and shook her head. "Do you want to be with him? Are you jealous of him and Kaito?"
"What?" He laughed and shook his head but it didn't feel genuine. "No, Rio, you've got it all wrong-"
"Really?" Rio snapped.
She turned and strode down the hall with Thomas behind her. "Rio, Ryoga is suffering, he needs your support right now."
"Why?" she cried. "He's kept it from me this far! Why should I help him now? He doesn't want me involved, why should I make the effort? He's been taking this for years, hasn't he? And he's kept it completely secret? Why now? Why should I care now?"
"Because he kept quiet so he wouldn't be taken away from you!"
Rio's eyes widened slightly. He was afraid of being taken away? That made a lot more sense. Why else would he lie and keep a secret this long? Her poor Ryoga. He'd been suffering alone in silence for so long before he was afraid to lose her? And she'd been so cruel to him?
"I shouldn't have shouted."
"No. Not really. He's done all this because of you."
She nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, Thomas, I just- I saw you and him and I just… I got worked up and then I saw the bruises and I got so angry and-"
"There's nothing going on with me and him," Thomas said, shaking his head. "I swear."
"It's fine," Rio said, putting her hands on her hips. "I mean, we all want things we can't have, right? I mean, the boy I like is so out of reach."
"Boy you like?" he said. It might have been her imagination but he suddenly looked so much smaller. "You haven't told me anything about a boy."
"Yeah, well," she said, turning away slightly. She'd wanted to tell him today but if he was more interested in Ryoga what was the point. "He's completely oblivious and he'd never going to be interested." Rio sighed and shook her head walking away slowly. "I need to tell Mother about this."
"Rio?" Thomas called.
She couldn't bring herself to stop. She'd thought the only think between her and Thomas was the distance and Ryoga's disapproval. Now that they were getting along, Rio had thought maybe she could finally confess to Thomas. But she wasn't going to put herself out there just for him to tell her he wanted her twin. What was worse for love than your own twin stealing the person you wanted most?
She hurried through to the sitting room again, but Ami, Faker and Chris were gone. Michael, Yuma and the others were playing with Haruto still. Michael glanced up at her.
"They've gone to speak to Ryoga."
"Did you tell them?" Thomas hissed.
Chris frowned and glanced down at him, shaking his head. "Did you tell Rio?"
"No," he replied, putting his hands on his hips. "She's not happy though, she saw the bruises and is pissed that Ryoga is still hiding it and we won't tell her anything."
"Did you ask her?"
"I tried. Didn't seem like the right time though. And…" Chris scowled down at him and nudged him. "There's a boy she likes. She's not interested."
"I'm sorry," Chris said softly.
Thomas smiled slightly and shook his head. Chris knew Thomas. His mood would be down for a while. A day or two and then he would play up more than ever. Like he was trying to convince himself he wasn't hurt. He'd try to get ahead of this and ease Thomas' pain before things got out of hand but there was little he could do. He knew Thomas had really liked Rio and wanted something serious with her. This was going to be trouble.
He turned his gaze to Kaito's bed. Ryoga and Kaito were sitting together, hand in hand as Faker and Ami interrogated them. Chris hadn't said a word, but he made it clear how serious the situation was and how they needed to get the truth out of Ryoga before things got worse.
"I'm not going home," Ryoga snapped. "I'm happy with Kaito. Grandfather wants me to stop seeing him and I won't. I'm not going to go crawling back. I'm not giving him up."
"Ryoga, I'm not asking you to stop seeing Kaito," Ami said softly. "Just come home."
"They're the same thing," he argued. "Until I've learnt my lesson, I'm not welcome, that's what Grandfather said."
"Make him show you the bruises," Rio said from behind them. Thomas and Chris glanced at her as she stormed in. "That's what all this is about, right? Make him show you his back."
Ami frowned and glared at him, making it obvious what he was to do. Ryoga glared back for a moment before sliding off his shirt and letting her see his back. Chris was still disgusted by it. His own father wasn't the best but this was something else. Ami was obviously horrified and Dr Faker glanced at Kaito.
"Ryoga, who did this to you?" Ami whispered, stroking his cheeks. Ryoga shook his head quickly. "Ryoga, you have to tell me. Who did this? I won't let anyone hurt you, baby, you just have to tell me the truth."
Ryoga shook his head again and no amount of pleading from Ami, Rio or Kaito would get him to tell the truth and admit who was abusing him. Chris couldn't blame him. He'd do anything for his brothers. If that meant staying silent about the identity of his abuser, he would do it. Protecting your younger siblings was the most important thing, no matter what the personal cost.
"I think perhaps you should talk things through with your husband," Dr Faker said finally. "We're not getting anywhere and this is only serving to get Ryoga worked up." Ami sighed and nodded and Kaito wrapped his arms around Ryoga, letting him bury his head in his shoulder. "He can stay with us as long as he needs, you can be assured he's not on the streets and he has a safe place to stay. Get things sorted out and he'll be here when things are sorted. Perhaps tomorrow he'll be calm and more willing to talk."
"Don't count on it," Ryoga grumbled.
Kaito sighed, stroking his hair as Ami frowned. She pulled him up from Kaito's shoulder and kissed his forehead. "Ok, my little Shark. Look after yourself and know that I'm here for you. If you ever want to talk, just call, alright? Nothing you can say will change anything. I will always look after you if you just let me."
"I'm sorry, Ryoga," Rio said, hugging him tightly. "I shouldn't have got so angry. I just don't like seeing you hurt."
"It's fine," Ryoga muttered, hugging her back. "It's not important."
"You can always tell me," she whispered. "I won't say anything."
Ryoga just smiled weakly and Ami sighed as she took Rio away. Ryoga watched silently and Kaito held him close. Faker frowned and shook his head, glancing down at the pair. Kaito gazed back up at him and Faker shook his head.
"You should have told me something this serious was going on," Faker said softly. Kaito nodded slowly. "This is your father's work, correct?"
Ryoga flinched slightly but nodded. "You can't tell them."
"Please, Father," Kaito whispered. "You can't let him go back there."
"Of course not," Faker said, shaking his head. He sighed and turned away to the brothers. "I think you two need time alone. But you're still to obey the rules. Don't give them more reason to try and break you up. Ryoga, you can share a room with Michael."
"Thank you," Ryoga murmured as Faker herded Thomas and Chris away.
"Just behave."
In the Next Chapter: Ryoga and Kaito finally get some time to be alone together and the truth about what happened while Ryoga was in the hospital comes out.
Sweet Dreams
