Reisi Munakata
"Sir, the rest of Jungle's high ranking clansmen have fled the vicinity, our borders are secure again. Our system has also been returned to us but our personal files are corrupt, information regarding our clansmen have been stolen as well as our medical files." Seri Awashima sat a large stack of papers down on the Blue King's desk, "workers are already working to repair the front of the building and expect that to be complete in two weeks time, our front doors have been replaced already and the landscapers say it will take a few months to repair the Red King's handiwork."
"And Fushimi-kun?"
"Sir?"
"You've expressed in great detail the plans for our buildings status to be returned to normal but you've not once mentioned the status of your fellow clansmen, please do not devalue his life."
"Sir, with all due respect our priorities are the building and our security," Seri bowed apologetically when Reisi gave her a stare.
"Both of which are pointless if we have no people to protect, Ms. Awashima. How is he?"
"He's in the medical ward now, he's regained consciousness and has no memory of the ordeal. He's since fallen asleep, claiming he was too exhausted to stay awake. His condition is deemed stable by the head doctor, no signs of hemorrhaging were found in his brain and it believed he just has a minor concussion, the doctors are keeping an eye on him." Seri stood up straight again, "Captain please get some rest."
"What happened with Suoh?"
The blond woman tensed up. "What do you mean, sir?"
"When I arrived he was clearly traumatized, what happened before that? I assumed he killed that woman but that of course was an assumption."
"Sir, he did kill that woman," Seri stated with a shrug of her shoulders, "if it had been anything but necessary then I would've arrested him on the spot, it was either his life or hers. I've never seen a King look so vulnerable as he did in that moment."
"Clansmen of any clan are capable of killing a King," Munakata spoke as he stood up from his desk, clasping his hands behind his back as he approached the window in his office. "Jin Habari was an example of this, he was slain by his own clansmen when he had the start of a Damocles Down. Most of the time, like with what you witnessed today, a King's Aura will take over their body until the threat has been illuminated, thus making it nearly impossible for anyone to kill a King, we are only a threat to ourselves most of the time. Jin Habari had to will himself to be killed, but the price was high, as you already know."
"Sir, that is why you took that clansmen in, or so I presume."
"Ms. Awashima that is not the case at all," Reisi looked over his shoulder, "if I should ever lose control and have a Damocles Down it will be up to you to kill me." The woman paled.
"Sir, I would never be able to do such a thing."
"You would be able to if you had no other choice, you'd be amazed at what we are capable of when we are backed into a corner." Munakata turned and leaned against the window frame, "so this woman was about to kill Suoh and he attacked her to save himself?"
"That is what is written in my report, the police have been notified of what occurred and are willing to cooperate with us on this matter, they have taken her body to the coroner just for show and the sake of a death record."
"Her family?"
"They will be notified at once, but sir there is something that you should know," Seri paused, biting her lip as she cast her eyes towards the floor. "She was the cousin of Fushimi, apparently back in their school days they were very close."
"Well that is a shame, but I suppose they were no longer close knit if she was working with Jungle," Munakata strode forward, "thank you Ms. Awashima, I will be the one to notify Fushimi-kun."
"Sir."
Munakata walked at a leisurely pace down the long corridor towards the elevator, wondering what his best course of action would be from there.
How do you tell someone that a member of their family is dead?
0o0o0o
Fushimi Saruhiko
"Fushimi-kun, wake up."
He stirred, eyes gradually opening to adjust to the bright lights that hung from the ceiling above, his head swam, white dots clouding his vision. When he closed his eyes to will it away he saw nothing but rays of colors where the white dots had been, and when he opened his eyes again he saw the Blue King sitting next to him. He looked worried, something that never sat well with Fushimi, but he bit his tongue to stop himself from bringing it up. The Captain grabbed the bedside remote, shifting the mattress so his third in command was sitting up. From this angle, the Blue King looked even more worried.
"I have some news," the older man stated, a hint of the worry that was written on his face seeped into his voice, "I'm not sure how you're gonna take it."
"What happened?" Saruhiko shifted in his spot, racking his head for what could have possibly happened once he blacked out. He wasn't being told anything, other than that he was stable and should only concern himself with his health, so basically everything he didn't want to hear.
"Your cousin, Aya Oogai..."
"What about her?" Fushimi mumbled, his hands falling into his lap in his way of crossing his arms, not being able to do so properly due to the IV that hung from his arm.
"She worked for Jungle, yes?"
"Yeah, she did."
"Fushimi...there was an attack on Scepter4 while you were unconscious," Saruhiko's eyes grew wide as he stared into his King's eyes, "your cousin is one of the many who instigated it."
"That doesn't surprise me," he mumbled, ignoring the burning desire to know why the Captain asked him about his second cousin he pressed the other subject at hand, "so they launched an actual attack, huh? What's the damage like?"
"That isn't the bad news," Munakata sighed, leaning in towards the bed he grabbed the younger man's clasped hands, something that made him tense in shock. "Saruhiko..." the use of his first name shocked him but not as much as what was said afterward. "I'm sorry but your cousin was killed during the incident."
"She...w-what?" Fushimi refused to believe it, Aya was smart, so much so that she was annoying. When he and Yata had been friends she had proved that much, helping them with some of their missions and even helping them do a few from Jungle as well. He had never expected her to get so involved with the Green Clan but when he had the chance to join HOMRA it became apparent how serious she was about joining Jungle. They became enemies that day. They hadn't talked since.
"I'm sorry."
Saruhiko shook his head, remembering the boisterously loud girl that was his cousin as he let the words his Captain said sink in. She's dead...the only person I had that was remotely close to being my family is dead...and she died...thinking I hated her guts. "Are...are you sure it was her?"
"Yes, I really am sorry, Fushimi-kun. I know your family situation has always been rough and I know this must come as a loss to you, despite how you two felt at the time of her passing. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you." The Blue King squeezed his hands, a small gesture but it was enough to keep Saruhiko grounded to reality.
"T-thank you..." he spluttered out, his head bowing down as he stared at their hands, "how did she die?"
"I think it would be for the best if you didn't know those details."
"I want to know," he insisted as he grabbed the larger hand that rested against his, he studied it, looking for imperfections or scars but there were none that he could find. It was something to keep his mind off of the subject at hand.
"She caught one of ours off guard and nearly killed them so they used lethal force to prevent that." Saruhiko detected the change of tone in the Captain's voice, he's hiding something he thought as he tightened his grip on the Blue King's hand. Maybe it's best if I didn't know every detail of that, though. I'd only torture myself with it, he sighed, guess I'll accept that for what it is, though it's unlike him to protect someone else's feelings.
"I see."
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Fushimi-kun?"
"Actually there is," Saruhiko answered with a click of his tongue, "would you mind if I vented to you?"
"Vented to me?" Munakata asked with a small chuckle, "I wouldn't mind that at all, it prevents me from going back to work and I will take this as a large compliment, you have never wanted to engage in a personal conversation with me before."
Fushimi let out a small laugh, it was just like the Captain to crack jokes at a time like this. He always did when he was tired or stressed, he had noticed over the last year. He didn't really feel like talking if he was honest with himself but he also didn't feel like being alone at the moment either. In truth, he wanted to call Yata and tell him what had happened but that would be a terrible mistake, he knew. He couldn't afford to be bi-polar when it came to him, he had to stand his ground.
The other part of him wanted to cry, though he hadn't the slightest idea why it hurt so badly to hear that the last remaining person he had considered family had finally succumbed to fate. It was ironic, he thought, that bastards like his dad got to live for thirty some odd years and people like Aya, as annoying and naïve as she was, had to die so people like him could learn a lesson about life and death. Munakata's hand was his only anchor to reality as he opened his mouth to speak, desperate for someone, anyone, to hear what he had to say and tell him what he needed to hear.
Am I such a bad person that this is what I deserve?
0o0o0o
Yata Misaki
"Ugh I hate this," he whined as he sat up in his hospital bed, ignoring the sideways glance his nurse gave him he locked eyes with Tatara, who sat on a small couch to his right, Anna was happily perched in his lap. "I don't understand why I have to stay here."
"Yata-san this is for your health," the nurse added as she approached him with a needle in her hand, he sighed in relief when she stuck it in the line going to his IV. "Your wounds are slightly infected so we will be administering a drip of antibiotics, we will have to restitch the wound on your back as soon as the swelling goes down, the ones on your side are fine. Your leg will also have to be drained around that stab wound." She paused, crossing her arms in the process, "are you sure you don't want to call the police? The men who jumped you need to be brought to justice."
"It's okay, they've already been dealt with," he mumbled under his breath, "how long do I have to stay here?"
"I can't say anything for certain, once the doctor is able to fix up your wounds he will be able to give you an accurate time frame should everything go according to plan. I'd say two days at least, a week or two at most. We just need to keep an eye on that infection, we caught it early so hopefully these antibiotics will prevent it from spreading or worsening."
"Up to two weeks?" Yata gasped, suddenly regretting his decision to not go to the hospital in the first place, "I think I'll take the two days and be done with this."
"Not if you know what's good for you," Totsuka interrupted with a laugh, "King will drag you back here if you leave before you're able."
"King?" The nurse raised an eyebrow.
"That's Yata's boyfriend, he's a scary fellow when he's unhappy," the cameraman laughed, "he's kind of scary in general, but don't let him intimidate you, he's really a great guy. I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot of him."
"I see," the nurse chuckled, "thanks for the tip. Now Yata-san, you are to rest, no leaving the bed unless it's to go to the bathroom, if you need anything else feel free to call down to the nurses station, okay?"
"Okay," Misaki sighed as he watched the older woman walk out of the room, closing the door behind her. "I wonder what's going on back at Scepter4."
"Who knows, that situation was beyond shady," Tatara laughed as he looked down at Anna, "do you happen to know anything, Princess?"
"No, will Mikoto be here soon?" She looked optimistic, something that made Yata come to the realization that the Red King had unknowingly been spending less time with Anna in favor of spending time with him, he made a mental note to let the young girl tag along with them when they went out or watched movies in bed. He didn't want HOMRA's Princess to feel like she wasn't welcome around himself and the King.
"I'm afraid not, Anna," Misaki answered with a small frown, "he's really busy and unless they get things in order there I don't think he'll be here any time soon."
"You sound disappointed," Tatara noted as he sat Anna down on the ground, the young girl instantly ran over to Yata as if she was silently asking to sit beside him.
"You want up here?" He asked with a small smile, offering the white haired girl a hand when she nodded her head vigorously. She laid down in the space between Yata and the bumper on the bed. "Of course I'm disappointed, I don't want to sit here for however long and not be able to see him."
"You're so in love," Totsuka laughed as he stood up from the couch, stretching out his back before he walked across the room and grabbed his backpack, pulling out his camera, "can I film you?"
"Right now? I look like crap," Yata huffed as he glanced down at Anna, who was practically already asleep, "fine. I guess."
"Awesome, Chitose and the others are coming by to see you later, how does that make you feel?"
An interview? Really?
"I don't know?" Yata offered with a shrug, "they better bring me food. Hospital food sucks," he laughed as he glanced over at a small tray that sat on his bedside table, the unappatizing food on it made his stomach do flips.
"Food, that can probably be arranged," Totsuka laughed as he walked closer to the hospitalized man, "your hair has gotten so long, Yata."
"I know I know, I need to get it cut," he blushed in response, looking down at his hands to ignore the prying stare that was being given to him.
"I didn't mean that in a bad way, it's just been a few years since I've seen it that long! You look dashing, I bet King likes it that way!"
"My hair grows fast, and shut up!" Yata groaned as he flung a pillow he wasn't using in the cameraman's direction though the older man dodged it with ease. Beside him Anna stirred, eyes narrowing a bit as she woke up from her extremely short nap, he scratched the back of his head nervously. "Sorry Anna, I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's not you," she mumbled as she sat up, running a hand over her hair to smooth it back into place, she reached into a pocket on the coat Mikoto had gotten her and pulled out one of her marbles. "Something's happening."
"Huh? What's going on?" Yata asked as he leaned over her shoulder, eyes focusing on the small object that was in her hands, after a moment of silence something rather unexpected happened, causing everyone in the room to jump out of surprise. The marble shattered into a thousand different pieces.
"Anna, is everyone okay?" Tatara inquired as he sat his camera down and approached the young girl, putting his hands on her shoulders as he looked her in the eyes, she blinked a few times before answering.
"It's Mikoto..."
"Anna, is he okay?" Misaki mumbled as his eyes grew wide, please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.
"He's..." she paused, looking troubled as if she couldn't come up with the right words she wanted to convey. "He's going to be okay...but he isn't okay now."
"What do you mean?" Yata exclaimed, his body shaking as fear crept into the cracks in his mind, "what happened to him?"
"Yata, calm down, let her talk..." Tatara pleaded as he stretched out his arm and took one of Yata's hands in his own, "do you know anything else, Princess?"
"There's a new crack in his Sword of Damocles," she mumbled sadly, eyes downcast at the fragments of the marble that littered the white paper thin sheets, "whatever happened it was too much for him to bare."
"Dammit, I should have stayed there with him..." Misaki groaned with a scowl, "Tatara, where's my phone?"
"Give it a bit Yata, Izumo is with him so I'm sure he'll be just fine, he will keep us updated." Tatara offered a small smile as he sat down on the edge of the bed, "I will text him and ask him what's going on, okay?"
"Tch," he mumbled under his breath, knowing that the older man was right, calling Mikoto now would be as useless, if Anna's vision was correct, which he knew it was, then the Red King had bigger issues to deal with than answering his phone. Anna laid her head on his arm, a small gesture but one that didn't go unappreciated. He swallowed his own worry and fear and put on a brave face as he glanced down at Anna, "he's going to be okay, he always is."
She looked at him, the red color of her eyes seemed dimmer somehow, "I hope so."
"He's a tough guy, he's gonna come back from this," Yata promised, not sure if he was trying to convince Anna or if he was trying to convince himself. "He always comes back, doesn't he?"
She nodded her head slowly, "but this cannot keep up forever."
"Anna don't think so negatively, Mikoto-san knows his limits now," Misaki frowned at the words that came out of his mouth, he knew they weren't exactly true. He doubted the Red King would ever realize when enough was enough, though he didn't know the circumstances involving the newly formed crack in his Sword of Damocles he could only hope it wasn't the result of him getting carried away. He wondered if his King's recklessness was something that he could try to help him fix, but then again he didn't think Mikoto wanted that to be changed.
"I wish he would renounce his throne," Anna whispered quietly, the atmosphere grew silent, the only noise that could be heard was the beeping of the machines Yata was hooked up to. He shared a concerned glance with Tatara.
"Why would you want that, Princess?" Totsuka asked with a sad smile, eyes meeting the young girl's as he locked his cell phone, "don't tell me you worry about him that much."
"Too much," she corrected, "I get lots of visions about the things he does, he pushes himself too hard."
"Well, why don't you tell him that you feel that way?" Yata inquired as he relaxed back into the bed, Anna moved along with him, laying down beside him. "Maybe if you asked him to stop exerting himself he would, you mean the world to him."
"So do you, why don't you tell him too?" She asked as she brushed a stray hair out of her eyes, seeming to relax more and more with every reassuring word he and Tatara said.
"Why don't we tell him together? He can't say no to the both of us then, can he?" Yata chuckled as he picked at the IV in his arm, the new medicines that were being coursed throughout his body were doing wonders for his mood. He didn't feel the need to cry at the drop of a hat anymore so he saw that as immediate progress, the doctors had been shocked at what he had said he was taking. Claiming that a dosage that high of that particular medicine was unheard of, which left Misaki with a few questions to ask the Blues when he got the chance.
"Okay," Anna answered with a small smile, something that practically made the skateboarder sigh in relief though he bit his tongue to keep from doing so.
"Izumo said they're on their way here, Mikoto is apparently in shock and he doesn't think a doctor is what he needs right now," Tatara replied with a heavy sigh, "they should be here in a few minutes, they've already left."
They sat in silence as they waited for their King and strategist to arrive, Anna's eyes were closed though it was apparent that she wasn't asleep, Yata stared at the ceiling with a look of nervousness written all over his face, and Tatara held his spot on the end of the bed, as if he was too concerned to even leave the two younger people alone on the small hospital bed. After ten minutes passed by the door creaked open, earning the attention of everyone in the room as Izumo walked in the door, dragging, quite literally, a very out of it looking Suoh Mikoto.
"Mikoto!" Anna cried out, hopping out of the bed in record timing as she pushed past the bartender and flung herself onto the Red King's legs. He didn't so much as flinch as he scooped her up in his arms, hugging her close as he closed his eyes, he whispered something to her but it was inaudible from where the rest of HOMRA's core members were seated. Izumo ruffled Tatara's hair before having a seat on the couch, shooting Yata a knowing glance as the skateboarder returned his attention to his boyfriend.
"Anna," the Red King breathed out, still making no indication that he wanted to put her down, it was then that Yata noticed the look of pure distress that hung around in the corner's of Mikoto's gold colored eyes.
"Misaki and I need to have a talk with you," the girl exclaimed as she finally let go of the King, who gently placed her back on the ground. Suoh knelled down so he was on eye level with her.
"Can it wait a few minutes? I really need to talk to Yata," there's the Mikoto we know Misaki thought as a small spark of life seemed to reignite in the King's eyes. Whatever it was that had plagued him before he came into the building was beginning to wear off, it was obvious to everyone, the tension in the room lifted, if only a little. He didn't know what it was but the only thing that ever seemed to calm Mikoto down was the company of his clansmen, nothing more, nothing less.
"Yeah, c'mon Anna, let's give them a minute." Izumo commented as he stood up from the couch, offering the young girl a hand to hold once he got over to her, she took it and allowed herself to be lead out of the room, though she did look back as they left.
"I"m glad you're okay, King," Tatara exclaimed as he too stood up, approaching the older man with a wary smile, "you had us worried."
"Sorry," Mikoto grumbled as he too ruffled the cameraman's hair, Totsuka laughed at the action before following after the other members of HOMRA. When they were alone Yata spoke.
"What happened?"
No answer.
"Mikoto, come lay down with me," he pleaded as he scooted over to make some room for the Red King. Without a word, Suoh did as instructed, climbing into the bed as he flipped on his side so they faced one another. "Please tell me what happened."
"I don't want to talk about it," Mikoto whispered, his right hand twitched at his side before he brought it up to his face and examined it, Yata reached out and took it with his own.
"This isn't something you can just brush off," he commented as he laced their fingers together, "please, Mikoto."
"Just...just come here," Suoh breathed out as he leaned in closer, dropping his hand from Yata's in favor of wrapping it around the other man's waist, he made sure to avoid the wounds that were there, like he usually did, he also made a mental note of all the wires that ran from his skin to the machines beside the bed. Yata hated the way the King's face fell.
"Please tell me."
He got nothing in response once again, but this time he felt something inside his stomach churn, something didn't feel quite right about the situation he was in. It wasn't until he felt the Red King's chest heave unexpectedly and his body begin to shake that he put the pieces together. His eyes automatically widened in shock. He managed to shake the hold on him enough so he could look up at the saddened face of his King, tears sprung into the corners of his eyes as watery golden orbs stared back into his own that reflected the color of amber.
"I..." Mikoto began but was cut off as a rather rough breath escaped his throat, Yata felt his heart sink at the sound.
"It's okay," he insisted as he reached out with his hand that wasn't caught up in wires, "just let it out." To his surprise, Mikoto took his words to heart. His face was buried in his King's chest again, and out of respect he didn't look up to catch the tears that fell soundly from his lover's eyes, he only reached up to wipe them away, knowing it was the least he could do in the moment. He hugged the man in his arms tighter, silently relaying the message the screamed I'm here, it's going to be okay.
He lost track of how long they laid there, but it took quite some time for the Red King to sort of regain his composure, it took even longer for him to allow himself to be seen. When he lifted his head the first thing he saw was the redness that surrounded the King's eyes and the still damp trails that ran down his face from where his tears had soaked the skin, it was a sight Yata never wanted to see again, it pained him in ways he didn't even know were possible. He felt his heart ache as the sight was seared into his memory.
"I killed someone," Mikoto confessed with a look of sheer disbelief, "I've never killed anyone before...Yata..." said man's eyes softened in realization.
"I'm sure you did what you had to do to keep yourself and other people safe, it's not your fault." He promised with a small smile, one that was so fake that he wondered why he even tried to act like he was staying strong.
"I never wanted to become this."
Yata bit his lip.
"Become what exactly?"
"A murderer," Mikoto answered in short, eyes downcast the entire time. A bitter laugh came from the older man's throat, "I feel like a monster"
"Don't say that!" Misaki announced with a pout, "Mikoto you're not a monster, if you killed this person out of self defense then you did the same thing anyone would have done," he paused as he thought his next words out carefully, "that makes you even more human. I would've done the same thing if my life was at risk."
"You keep saying that but how do you know I didn't just kill them for the hell of it? How do you know I was in danger?" Suoh hissed though the words lacked any real venom, the skateboarder brushed it aside.
"Because I know you, Mikoto. You're not what people say you are and I know you wouldn't do it unless you absolutely had too," his pout turned into a complete and utter frown, "but that's not why you're upset...is it?"
"No."
"Mikoto, what happened back there?"
"What would you do if I died?"
The question made something inside his mind break, tears poured from his eyes almost instantly as the question bounced back in forth in his head. Just thinking about it made him hurt with a pain that was too great to bare, let alone put it into words. The Red King frowned at him, the hand that was trained on the center of his back lifted, he closed his eyes when he felt the King's fingers wipe across his cheek.
"I would...I would be devastated," Yata mumbled as he leaned into the touch, his HOMRA tattoo stung on his chest. "I wouldn't want to live in a world where you didn't exist."
"But you'd be okay eventually, wouldn't you?" Suoh questioned with a heavy sigh, the question made anger boil in Yata's mind.
"No, I...dammit why do I even have to answer this?" He exclaimed, voice level rising as he swatted the King's hand away from his face, "I don't want to talk about this."
"If something ever happened to me I'd want you to move on."
"Stop," Misaki hissed as he closed his eyes, eyebrows knitted together in frustration. "I said I don't want to talk about it."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to live without you, how is that so hard for you to understand?" He shivered at the thought, life without Mikoto hadn't even been on his mind since the night of the incident at Ashinaka High School, back then the idea terrified him. Now it threatened to crush him. "Why do you want to talk about this?"
"Because...I think I'm dying."
Yata's eyes snapped open, "w-what?"
"I think I'm dying," Suoh replied with a grave look, the hand Yata slapped away hung in the air as if he was afraid to do anything else with it.
"Why would you think that? You're getting better," he whispered as he reached his hand up to cup the older man's cheek, "you're not dying."
The Red King didn't say anything.
"Do you know something I don't?"
Silence.
"Fine, don't tell me," he seethed, ripping his hand away from the warm skin of Mikoto's cheek, he turned on his other side away from him, careful not to get caught up in the wires that connected him to the hospital machines.
"Part of Anna's vision, the one I told you about...do you remember when I said that I was standing in a path of destruction and my Sword of Damocles was cracking?" Suoh's voice sounded void of all emotion, a tone that he had never heard before, a tone that sent chills straight to his spine.
"I do."
"That's what happened today, the part that came after...about Anna begging me not to go...that was next." Yata's eyes widened in realization.
"That was before you started to get better, who knows what will happen now. You've changed the past, technically, so what makes you think the future won't be different?"
"Maybe my death is inevitable, maybe preventing Tatara's death is the only thing I was meant to do before I met my fate," Suoh's robotic tone didn't waiver, "perhaps I was always meant to die, no matter what the outcome was."
"Renounce your throne," Yata spat, the words that had shocked him earlier in the day had become something even he was starting to want, "if you think it's unavoidable then stop being a King."
"Can't," Mikoto sighed as he shifted further onto the mattress, his arm slung over Yata's body in an attempt to close the distance the younger man had put between them, "I can't stand the thought of being a normal human."
"So you don't want people to think you're a monster but you don't want to be a human? And you don't want to die but you don't want to give up your throne?" Misaki scowled, what kind of logic is that?
"It made a lot more sense in my head before I vocalized it," Suoh grumbled under his breath, "you're mad at me."
"I'm a lot of things right now," Yata replied with a click of his tongue, "why won't you give up being a King?"
"I don't want to," the older man chuckled darkly.
"So you'd rather die than give up your power?"
No answer.
"You're weren't born a monster, Mikoto, but power is out to make you one. If you think your life would be over because you weren't a King then I'm sorry that everyone around you, including me, aren't enough to keep you satisfied."
He felt the Red King stiffen, "you think I'd choose power over you and everyone else?"
"I honestly don't know," Yata admitted with a frown, tears stung at his eyes, "I really don't."
"There's a reason I don't want to give up my throne," Suoh stated in a matter of fact tone, "there's only two people I feel would be capable of taking my place if I stepped down, both of which I don't want to experience what being a King is like."
"Let me guess, Izumo or Tatara?"
"No, you or Anna."
Yata turned his head to look over his shoulder, the Red King's eyes were trained on his, "you think it's Anna or me?"
"Ah," Mikoto answered as he bit his lip, "I'm afraid that I'm going to become unstable with the new crack in my Sword of Damocles, I don't want that to happen obviously, but I'm gonna have to go to Mihashira Tower and ask the Blues run tests on myself and the slate. I don't want either of you to become King should I have no other choice but to step down."
"Do you feel like you're going to lose control?"
"No, but it's something I have to be prepared for," Suoh frowned, "are you gonna continue to punish me for this? I came here because I wanted you and you won't even face me."
Yata blushed as he flopped back onto his other side, Mikoto helped him untangle the wires that came from his arms. "Sorry, please don't look at me like that."
That being the look of absolute despair that seemed to stick to the Red King's face, and please don't cry like that again, my heart can't take this.
"I hope you know it's never going to be easy dealing with me," Mikoto mumbled as he leaned in closer, his arm wrapping around the smaller man, drawing them closer together.
"I'm not exactly easy to deal with either," he laughed as he pressed his head against the older man's chest, "Mikoto...if you have to step down as King and it really is Anna or I who are destined to replace you...I hope you know that we'd both do it."
"I'd never put either of you in that situation."
"I can't speak for Anna necessarily but if it was me...I'd be okay," he let out a sigh of relief when his boyfriend wrapped his arms around him, "I'm not strong like you and I'm definitely not the type to be a leader, but if that's what fate has in store for me then I'd be willing to do whatever I could to make it work."
"Would you feel differently about me if I wasn't a King?" The words came out almost nervously, as if this was some sort of fear that Suoh would rather not admit to having, even his breath hitched in his throat when he asked the question.
"No, you'd still be Mikoto to me, and you'd still be the strongest man in Tokyo, King or no King."
"So power means nothing to you?"
"No, it doesn't. If you think I like you for your strength then you're wrong," Yata shifted in his arms so they were looking at one another, "so don't worry okay? Even if you can't remain a King I'm not going anywhere, I don't think anyone would leave HOMRA just because you weren't the King anymore."
"If Anna became the new King I don't think everyone would agree with what you said," Mikoto leaned his head back on the bed, "some of the guys joined me for power, nothing more, nothing less. I don't think they'd feel any loyalty to her if she became a King, they vowed loyalty to me, no one else. I don't think some of them would feel comfortable having a new King, even if it was you or Izumo or someone else in the clan."
"Mikoto you're worrying about something that might not even happen," Yata reminded him as he reached up and brushed the hair out of his eyes, "for now you're still our King, so let's just focus on the here and now and worry about everything else when it happens, if it happens. Ask the Blues tomorrow to check your Weismann levels and take a trip to go to the slate, but for now, rest. You've been awake for two days, minus that nap we took."
"You're right," Suoh yawned almost on instinct, "I'm sorry I worried you with this."
"Mikoto this is what I'm here for, you're supposed to tell me what's going on and how you're feeling, it's just part of being in a relationship with someone." Yata chuckled as he made himself comfortable, exhaustion finally catching up to him. "Never apologize for it."
"I'm sorry I...cried...I haven't willingly done that for over five years," the older man mumbled as he closed his eyes, his hand rubbed up and down Yata's arm soothingly.
"I bet that was a huge relief for you then, crying doesn't make you a weak person...if anything I think it makes you stronger. It takes a lot to accept your emotions after you've pushed them away for so long," he whispered back as he let his eyes close, "I cry too much, that's what I get for wearing my heart on my sleeve."
"If you didn't then you wouldn't be you," Mikoto whispered as he pressed his forehead to Yata's both of them were so obviously fighting to stay awake.
"Mhm," was all he managed to get out before he drifted off to sleep, the days events finally catching up to him, the Red King fell asleep less than a minute after.
0o0o0o0o
Hisui Nagare
"We have all the information we need and we have eye witness reports about what happened at the Blue's headquarters, there was one casualty and several injuries," a higher ranking clansmen that hid behind a mask exclaimed as he approached him, "what will you do from here?"
"It's pretty obvious that the Blues are going to be a bit more trouble than we thought they would be," Nagare sighed as he clasped his hands together, "involving the Red Clan is the last thing we wanted to happen."
"Sir, why did you allow this mission to go on knowing the Red Monster was there?" Another clansmen asked as he approached the Green King.
"I needed to get power readings of him, we have information on the Blue King thanks to my hacking their system but we knew nothing of the Red King's abilities, he operates in the underground world, it's hard to figure out where he will be fighting from one day to the next." Hisui commented as he looked up at his clansmen. "For now we will give them a break, this time will allow us to regroup and I will send a few N-Rank clansmen out on scouting duty, but we are not to engage until the time is right."
"And for the Red Clan?"
"Simple, we will avoid them at all costs, we cannot possibly hope to take down both clans at the same time, that would be ludicrous. Suoh Mikoto, the Red King, was able to take down a swarm of over 200 clansmen without even lifting a finger, he is by far our biggest opponent, the Blue King is just in the way at the time and needs to be put down." Nagare sighed deeply, "Let's sit back and let these two duke it out for a bit longer, if we're lucky we can stir the pot a bit and get the Blue and Red Kings to turn on one another.
If that much can be accomplished then we might just be able to take both of them down in one fell swoop, I severely underestimated them, it has been a long time since I crossed paths with the Red King and I seem to have forgotten the extent of his battle prowess," Nagare clicked his tongue, "I take the blame for that."
"The Red King slayed one of our U-Rank Clansmen, Aya Oogai, will you over look this?" The clansmen that asked this seemed to be troubled at the thought, something that annoyed him to no end.
"She was a fool who thought she could take on a King, she died as a result, she is nothing but a spoil of war. The Red King is not to be bothered with that, Ms. Oogai should have canceled her mission the moment the team she put together fell victim to the Red Aura. Instead she saw her mission to the end, the end being her demise. We do not need such brash people in the hierarchy, I had pegged her as an intelligent girl but this is what happens when people crave power." Nagare smiled as he turned to his clansmen, "but you have a problem with my analysis, don't you?"
"N-no, s-sir!"
"Good. There is a strict difference between the app that is Jungle and the actual clan, these peons who log on and gain a smidgen of power are not my concern, I only affiliate myself with those of you who gain the highest ranking, like you, J-Rank." The man in question stiffened, "this system is nothing more than a game to keep me occupied, should people climb to the top then I will gladly meet with them, should they fall...well...that's a pity."
"Sir."
"Over the next six months we will keep a very watchful eye on the Blue Clan and we will attempt to start a war between them and the Red Clan, after that is initiated we will see how we can best take them down. Anymore questions?"
"No, sir."
"Good," Nagare smirked as he watched his clansmen walk out for the room, leaving him alone in the darkness with nothing but his projector and laptop, pulled up to the Red King's stats. "This should be fun."
-Christmas Eve-
"Yata, you managed to get back in time for Christmas!" Izumo exclaimed from behind the bar as everyone in the room averted their attention to where the Skateboarder and Mikoto stood in the doorway, "Mikoto how much convincing did that take on your part?"
The Red King glared at him in response, causing him to laugh awkwardly, muttering a "sorry" under his breath.
"Mikoto-san didn't have to do anything, the doctor said I was in the clear and sent me packing," Yata announced with a brilliant smile as he dropped hold of Suoh's hand, walking over to the bar so he could take a seat between Kamamoto and Chitose. "It's good to be back, I was getting sick and tired of that place."
"You and I both," he mumbled under his breath as he took the cigarettes from his pocket and got one for himself, lighting it a moment later. HOMRA had come alive in time for the holidays, mountains of gifts were stacked under the tree and the decorations they had put out were now covered in Christmas lights, probably Anna's doing.
Things had seemingly calmed down over the last week and a half. His levels checked out as normal, Munakata hadn't reported any more suspicious activity, Yata was free to leave the hospital, and everything was beginning to feel normal again. It was the one thing Mikoto had wanted for Christmas and he felt more than happy to have it, presents be damned, he just wanted peace of mind for once in the last month and a half. He was more than relieved when he heard the specialty team at Scepter4 emphasize that he was not dying, that had been literal music to his ears.
He'd have to remind himself not be a drama queen in the future, but a new burden was always a trying time for a King. The other three he had received all took an emotional toll on him as well, it was more his Aura weeping than him, any King who had gone through that would likely say the same thing. He shuddered at the thought, he was gonna try his best to never crack his Sword of Damocles again, he doubted he could handle it, emotionally nor physically.
30.
His Weismann level had been a thirty.
The shock from that realization had still not wore off, he found it strange that after having an emotional breakdown that he was in the best shape of his life. Yata had suggested that maybe keeping things pent up had a bad effect on his health and after hearing that he was beginning to think that he was right.
He took up his usual seat on the black leather couch on the left side of the bar, Tatara and Anna preoccupied the other spaces so instead of sprawling out like he wanted to he settled for tucking himself on the far hand side of the couch next to the Christmas tree. He had done nearly all of his shopping online from Yata's hospital room, it was too convenient not too, hell they even had a gift wrap option he thought as he stared at the pristine presents he had gotten for everyone in his clan.
He had received a job offer from a group of Yakuza a week prior to take down a rival gang, and seeing as he was trying to get back into the swing of things he accepted. The job had been easy and the pay had been ridiculously good, overall he had no complaints.. He usually didn't want to work for other people but it was the holidays after all, and he couldn't exactly rely on Izumo to pay for absolutely everything. It was a miracle the bartender already paid for his other expenses, he didn't want to push his luck.
During the time Yata had been hospitalized he had sold his apartment, getting enough money back on his investment that he managed to do the same thing Mikoto did. All of his personal belongings had been moved by Kamamoto and Izumo and were currently sitting in the bedroom that he and Misaki had been sharing here, he was yet to even think about selling his own place, he hadn't even had a chance to bring it up to Anna.
Yata had been a bit upset about not being able to see his apartment one last time before he got rid of it but the fact he had an offer on it within two days of listing it had been too great for him to pass up, it was thanks to Tatara's current photography obsession that he sold it in the first place. He had been the one to clean it, arrange it, photograph it, and list it all while Yata was laid up in his hospital bed. In exchange, the skateboard gave him a cut of the profit he made.
Mikoto hated to use the word cute to describe things but that was exactly what Yata's reaction was to seeing the funds pop up in his bank account.
"So Mikoto, Anna had a pretty good idea a minute ago and we're all fine with it, seeing as everyone's here, but what do you think about us opening our presents tonight then staying up for the remainder of the evening to watch corny Christmas movies? Hell, I'll cook us all breakfast at sunrise. Then we can pass out for the day, maybe have a party or something tomorrow night." Izumo chuckled as he sat down a clean glass on the counter, pouring Fireball Whiskey in it before he asked Shouhei to bring it to him, he took it with a nod of appreciation.
"None of you plan on seeing your families?" Mikoto asked as he took a sip from the glass, reveling in the slight burn that riddled his throat as it went down.
"We went and saw them yesterday for the most part, we told them we had plans and had an early Christmas, we all wanted to be here instead." Fujishima remarked as he stuck his hands in his pockets, "holidays aren't the same if we don't spend 'em here."
"You got that right," Bandou added as he took a drink of whatever was in his glass, "plus, booze makes the holidays even better."
"You go that right," Chitose laughed as he reached up to ruffle Yata's hair, "turn twenty already so you can drink with us."
"Or maybe Kusanagi-san can just give me booze and stop trying to act like he cares about legal matters," the skateboarder laughed as the blond bartender threatened him with bodily harm, actually saying, don't make me send you back to the hospital, Yata.
"I think it's a good idea," Suoh answered, almost forgetting he had been asked a question as he got swept up in the conversations going on around the room, Anna leaned onto his arm, eyes gleaming as he agreed to her plan.
"Then it's settled, Anna since it was your idea do you want to open your presents first?" Tatara happily exclaimed as he clapped his hands together, the bar went silent as everyone waited for her response.
"Misaki, since you just got home you can go first," she smiled as she hopped up from the couch and walked over to the skateboarder, she grabbed his hand before dragging him back to the couch with her. Yata sat down in between Mikoto and Tatara whilst Anna climbed onto the King's lap, she shot him a knowing look that brought a smile to his face.
"Are you sure, Anna?" Misaki asked with a hint of a smile as the young girl vigorously shook her head.
"I'm sure, welcome home."
"Thanks Princess, do you want to hand me whatever there is?"
Mikoto smiled at the exchange, watching as his Princess dashed to the tree, picking up as many boxes as she could that had Yata's name on them before she had trouble holding them, he got off the couch and took a few from her hands, a gesture she beamed at.
"Do you want to open Mikoto's first?" She asked as she pushed him a rather large box that was wrapped in red and gold paper with a white ribbon laced around it, there was a small spark in Yata's eyes as he smiled and accepted the gift. He just hoped he liked what was inside the box.
"All right let's see here," Yata laughed as he gently tugged the ribbon off the box, reaching out to sit it on top of Anna's head, something that made the young girl reach up and touch it with both hands, a smile on her face. Everyone in the bar shared a small laugh as she turned around and showed it off to them. Mikoto watched Yata peel the paper off before he opened up the box, slowly he began to pull the items out of it, one by one.
A pair of red shoes for skateboarding, a black leather jacket, two pairs of skinny khaki pants because Mikoto swore that his lover owned nothing but cargo shorts, three pairs of tight fitting jogging pants, knowing how much Yata liked to run, the newest watch that was on the market that had literally cost Mikoto a small fortune (one he had to take out of his savings account), and a collection of new beanies. When Yata got to the bottom of the box a huge grin broke out on his face, even larger than the one he was already expressing, he proudly lifted the last item in his hands.
"And a new skateboard? Holy shit this is awesome!" Mikoto grinned as he watched the younger man rip the shrink wrap off the board, it mimicked his current one to the degree that the HOMRA insignia was on it but the board itself was bright red, the logo black against the main color and the word Yatagarasu was written on the side in bright and shiny gold paint. "I think I'm in love! This board is amazing!"
Out of all the gifts he figured that would be the one to make his lover the happiest, he hadn't been wrong in thinking that.
"There's new gear in there somewhere too," he commented as he waved back at the box. Yata quickly glanced back in before pulling out a much smaller box that indeed had a fresh roll of grip tape amongst other necessities in it. Mikoto expected a million thank you's even though he didn't feel like he needed them but Yata was always full of surprises.
He had definitely not been expecting the younger man to literally jump into his arms and squeeze the life out of him, the amount of laughter coming from the other people in the room was borderline impossible by the time the Red King managed to convince the younger man to let him breathe.
"Mikoto-san you're the best," Misaki mumbled as he flung his arms around his neck and buried his face in the space between his arms and the King's shoulder. He closed his eyes as he wrapped his arms around the man in his lap, not really caring that everyone was still watching them or about the fact that Tatara was filming them like he didn't have any regard for his safety. The King made a mental note to scold him for it later. Scold meaning hit.
"Anna maybe you should have saved that one for last," Izumo exclaimed with a shake of his head, "now they're never gonna stop and we'll never get through this." Mikoto snapped his fingers, sparks flying in the bartenders direction as he ducked behind Dewa for cover, "not in the bar, Mikoto! Sheesh."
Yata took the hint and reluctantly pried himself off of the Red King's lap, flopping back over in his spot as he opened the rest of his gifts. By the time he was done he had every video game he had made mention of wanting, actually that was the only thing everyone else had gotten him. That may or may not have been because Mikoto told everyone he was covering everything else, no one seemed to mind that because in the long haul he was the only one spending an extravagant amount of money on the skateboarder.
"Anna, you go next," Misaki stated as he got up from his seat and began to hand her gifts.
And on and on it went.
Anna got a bunch of new clothes, Tatara got things for his current wide variety of hobbies, Chitose got a private party with a few strippers (that everyone had jokingly bought for him but he was absolutely thrilled.) Izumo got a few decorations he had been dying for to go in the bar, Kamamoto had gotten a new variety of sunglasses and tracksuits, per his request, and so on. Everything had went extremely well, and Mikoto relished in the fact every single one of his clansmen looked genuinely happy. They looked carefree. That was all he had wished for on that holiday.
But still, a stack of presents remained under the tree for him.
"Mikoto-san, will you open mine first?" Yata beamed as he held out a rather large package in his direction, after he took it the younger man scratched the back of his head nervously. "It's not quite as extravagant as the gifts you gave me but I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I'll love it," the King mumbled as he peeled off the paper with reckless abandon, his fingers hooked under the tape on the cardboard box as he broke the seal on it, exposing the items inside. The first thing that caught his attention was something that looked a lot like his coat, but this one was newer with no signs of damage or cigarette burns near the sleeves, he picked it up carefully, practically gawking at the item in his hands.
"I don't know what the significance with the one you have is but I sent a few photos to a local clothing maker and she made this one for you, if it doesn't fit or if you don't want a new one I un-"
"It's perfect," he smiled as he dropped the coat onto his lap, a grin plastered on his face as his boyfriend's eyes lit up. Truth of the matter was the only thing significant about the coat he had always worn was the fact it had been a gift from his mother, who passed away a few years back. They were never close, they never got along either but it had been the last thing he ever received from the woman who had raised him. The new one was a gift from someone else important to him, and in a way he was glad that he could finally retire the worn out jacket that had served as a parting gift from his mother. It seemed fitting to let go of it and hang it in the closet in favor of the new one. "Thank you."
"That's not all," Misaki teased as he turned the bar stool he was seated in completely around, Mikoto stared down at the box at his feet as he carefully sat the jacket aside. Sure enough there were several other things in the box, a new set of silver bracelets, a new lighter that had his name carved into the side in red ink, five packs of his usual cigarettes, which made him laugh when he saw them, and another small box that sat at the bottom of the larger one.
He grabbed it and studied the decorative paper for a moment before he peeled it off and examined what was inside. It was a photo that was dated from the first few days Yata had started staying at HOMRA, Yata and himself were seated at the bar, the younger man was beaming at something and a small smile was plastered on his own face. A note was attached to the picture frame but he disregarded it for a moment, his eyes instead studying the way they looked in the photo.
Even back then when things between them had been platonic and unsaid there was a certain level of something that shown in their eyes. He wondered how he had never noticed it before that moment. He always had thought Yata looked at him that way because he wanted to be him but the more he looked at it the more wrong that felt. That wasn't the typical look someone gave their role model, that look was nothing short of complete and total adoration.
What he saw in his own eyes wasn't far off from that. He opened the note, choosing not to give into Tatara's request to know what he was looking at.
Mikoto,
Merry Christmas, first of all. I hope you like everything I got you, you're a bit hard to buy things for! ^^; I mean what do you get for a man that shows no interest in anything other than fighting, sleep, and other...activities? Answer: I don't think anyone could ever know.
I presume we're sitting in HOMRA right now as you read this, the same place we had our first real conversation and the same place where I first realized how hopelessly in love with you I was. Funny how things change, isn't it? This time last year I was so hellbent on being like you and this year I'm hellbent on being with you. I much prefer the latter. No one could ever fill in your shoes.
Since we're at the bar and I'm sure everyone is around us you're probably reading this to yourself, maybe ignoring the way the guys keep pestering to know what you're reading, and if you want to tell them I suppose you can but we've always like to keep this part of our lives to ourselves. I don't think that's gonna change, you probably hate how sentimental I'm being but what can I say? I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic sometimes.
BUT if you do read this aloud, stop here...things could get weird otherwise. It would scar Anna for life. I couldn't live with the guilt. T-T
Since I sold my place I was able to get you a few things but I always wish I could do more for you. Like everything I do I don't like to half ass anything so I want to make this up to you later. I've got one more "present" for you, one I hope you enjoy...but you'll have to wait until we're alone, if you know what I mean. ;P
Or you could just throw me on the bar, but I think Izumo would kill us.
Suoh laughed at the last line, it was crossed out a thousand times but he could still see it clear as day. If no one was here that would be a tempting offer, he thought as he checked the last part of the attached note.
Anyway, Merry Christmas. I'm so glad we're all together still, and it's all thanks to you. I could never thank you enough for all you've done, I just hope that you know my love is like my loyalty. It's for you and you only. Always.
Yata :D
"Thank you, Yata," he stated as he folder the letter and shoved it in his pocket to keep it safe from the prying eyes in this room. He gently placed the items back in the box before standing up and taking the new jacket in his hands. He slipped on the coat with ease, noting it was still stiff because it was new but also realizing that it fit him even better than the one he had upstairs in his room. "Perfect," he proclaimed as he turned to face the younger man, "everything's perfect."
"I'm glad," Misaki answered with a smile, and a small wink when no one else in the room was looking.
The rest of the gifts Mikoto received were overwhelming to him, new clothes, tons of cigarettes, his own personal stash of booze so Kusanagi couldn't scold him for drinking all of the bar's supply, Tatara gave him a home movie that they would all watch later in the night as well as an expensive looking rose gold earring that matched the one he always wore. Izumo got him a wide variety of hair products and a pair of extremely pricey boots that Mikoto had favored for awhile. All in all, he was beyond thankful and expressed his gratitude profusely, something that seemed to lighten the already good mood that filtered around the bar in time with the sappy Christmas music that Anna kept playing on repeat.
The young girl bounded over to the King with a small box in her hands, the last present of the evening, and of course it was addressed to him,from: Anna
"For me?" He asked as he took the small box with a grin, one the girl eagerly returned.
"Merry Christmas, Mikoto."
"Thank you," he smiled as he opened the box up, of course it was nothing lavish seeing as it was a gift from an eleven year old girl with no possible way to have a source of income but what was inside the box he deemed was better than anything money could buy. In fact, it was an absolutely beautiful drawing of everyone in HOMRA, he was honestly amazed she had put that much attention to detail in the picture. The fact that it looked like a professional did it? He wasn't surprised but it left him feeling the slightest bit floored. "Anna, you did this by yourself?"
"Mhm," she nodded her head as she walked over to him, head tilting to the side. "Do you like it?"
"It's amazing, I love it," he answered as he handed the drawing to Tatara who was dying to see it, he then scooped her up in his arms. "Thank you, it's a perfect present."
"I'm glad you and Tatara are here," she mumbled into his ear as she hugged him back, the words stung.
"I'm sorry I put you through this, I promise I'm gonna stop...I have to be here to take care of you, don't I?" He felt her grip on him tighten.
"You do, I don't want you to go anywhere."
"I'm not going anywhere, okay? I'm always going to be here for you," he rubbed her back reassuringly, "I love you Anna, everything is gonna be fine." It dawned on him that it was the first time he ever told his adopted daughter he loved her, something that made a twinge of guilt spill over him. If she detected it she didn't seem to notice, she was too shocked by the words to do anything but bury her face in the crook of his neck.
"I love you too, Mikoto." She eventually said back, something that made the Red King smile out of relief.
"I'd hope so, you're my kid after all. I can't have you hating me," he chuckled as she laughed at the suggestion, "you're the best kid a guy could ask for, too."
"Mikoto-san you're making us tear up, stop," Kamamoto whined as he wiped tears from his eyes, something a few other members of HOMRA mimicked. Anna giggled as she hopped down from his lap, happily going over to Tatara who was keen on asking her about her picture, even Izumo seemed fixated on the wonderful drawing. With all attention averted elsewhere he stood up from his spot again, walking over to the bar so he could hug Yata like he usually did when he was seated there.
Arms wrapped around his neck, chest against his back, and his head atop of the younger man's, though this time he lifted his head and tilted the younger man's chin up so they made eye contact. "About that other present, can I redeem that later tonight?"
"If you can come up with an excuse to get away from them for an hour then you can have it whenever you want it," Misaki mumbled with a heavy blush decorating his cheeks, "I'm healthy so we don't have any more excuses."
Mikoto smirked.
"Ah, I'm yours whenever you want me."
Yata's blush worsened, "god, don't say things like that."
"It's true," Suoh commented with a chuckle as he brushed the hair out of the younger man's eyes.
"I love you Mikoto, Merry Christmas."
"I love you too, Yata." He leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead, "Merry Christmas."
Holidays made people sentimental, not even the Third King, Mikoto Suoh, was immune to that.