"And I'm a shadow of a ghost
It's feeling as if somebody has taken host
Babe, I don't wanna make a scene
But I get self-destructive"
- Nothing But Thieves
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My text message to Arai Shakku wasn't answered until I got done finished eating dinner with my dad.
It was around evening time when Shakku asked if we could have a video chat with each other, because he doesn't want anything too incriminating to leave behind that are text-based in nature. I messaged him back that, sure, and in a couple of hours after I got done finishing up with some homework, my phone vibrates to welcome his video call.
"Hey, man." I nod as our faces are shown on my phone screen successfully.
"Hey, what's going on?" He chuckles, "I hope you and the gang are doing alright!"
I nod with a smile, "Never better. So, how are we gonna do this?"
He waves his hand casually, "It's going to be a bit complicated for me to explain, but basically, me and some other students will work together tomorrow to infiltrate that guy's company and see if we can get inside their computer database system. We'll be able to see all the people that are working with them, for them, and what not. We'll be able to see how much money your dad makes, for example, and all the other highly sensitive information."
"Can you.. I mean, are you guys able to see if that company is doing anything fishy?"
"We can try. It would all depend on how highly secure they keep things like that from everybody else. But the guys I know really know their stuff, so we'll be able to maybe grab some shit if we're able to."
"Shakku," I frown as I strengthen up from where I sit on my bed, "I need you guys to do something for me aside from that. I need you to create a distraction. Soujiro's in danger and I.. kinda want to see if I can either stay at his place overnight, or even get him out of there altogether. Can you do that?"
"Killing two birds with one stone! I like it!" He grins, "I think if we can grab some incriminating information from them, you and Soujiro can use that as your bargaining chip so that his dad can stop preventing you two from seeing each other."
Bargaining chip. I mean, that does make sense. I never thought I'd be one to be so manipulative like this, but I guess it's only natural once you start dating someone who has that kind of mindset. It's because of Soujiro's manipulation that he was able to get inside Kyoto and was able to track me down. It's because of his manipulative behavior that he was able to have sex with me in the first place. So maybe this isn't such a bad thing to do. I mean, I'm doing this for his sake. I nod towards my camera.
"Yeah. Let's do that."
"Kenshin, I kinda need to perhaps see you so that I can give you something, so that maybe you can give it to Soujiro or someone else who could have access to his dad's personal laptop or computer," He lifts a little device in his hand so that I can see it, "This chip will be able to access through the encryption and record every single file on a laptop once plugged in into the USB slots. I think Soujiro could maybe do it, if it's not too scary for him to do it behind his father's back."
Dude, that's perfect! Now we'll definitely have more information than we need! I haven't forgotten what Soujiro told me before about what he, Shakku, and Sanosuke saw that day when they all hung out together. If it's true that his dad has disgusting sexual content of young children on his laptop, that will definitely ruin his entire life as we know it. He can't keep getting away with this as well as his abuse against Soujiro just because he's a homophobic asshole, either!
"Where are you? Let's meet up somewhere right now!"
"Sure!"
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It's Friday morning now, and I'm in homeroom. The first bell has yet to ring, and I take my usual seat in the back of the class. I have arrived somewhat earlier than usual, but that was because for some reason, my body had woken me up before my usual phone alarm this morning. Usually that happens when I am anticipating something incredibly exciting the night prior, when I know that something serious is about to go down. And this day isn't any different; the air even feels differently than what I am used to.
I, along with some amazing people in my life, are about to ruin an evil person's life.
To the point of no return.
I'm doing this for Soujiro. To the person I love with all my heart and soul. I'm doing this for the one person who has changed my life seemingly overnight since that fateful morning this past October. Although there has been challenges since I've first met him, the fact that he is still by my side has to mean something at this point. I'm doing this to show him, that there really is a life outside of those walls that his father has crafted to lock him in into; a world where he can be himself completely, without any fear or shame.
I'm doing this for him.
When Shakku and I met up last night, it was in a cheap food joint and we shared some snacks while we caught up in each other's lives. He was worried about what had happened to Soujiro ever since he basically had to run out of that mansion on account of his dad coming home that day, but I told him that he's more or less fine at the moment, which relieved him some. That is, until I told him about Soujiro's neck bruises, because his dad chocked him. That got him pretty mad, which is quite an intimidating look, on account of his tall height, muscles, and otherwise coarse appearance. He gave me the small USB device and told me to please give it to Soujiro so that they can catch that motherfucker and bring his ass down, and I agreed.
Students start to slowly trail into the classroom one by one. I am leaning my cheek against my hand and watch them idly, waiting for the familiar faces to start popping up. Megumi is the first to arrive, wearing a sweater dress. It reminds me of the dress that Soujiro brought for Kaoru when they first got to know each other. I grunt at that memory. Kaoru. That's someone I should try to mend things with when all of this is over and done with. For all the things Soujiro has done for me, I can't forget about the old friend I've had for so many years that have stuck to my side for all this time, either.
But I know now is not the right time. I have to focus on one thing at a time. And right now, all I can focus on, is getting Soujiro into a safe place by helping him escape. Megumi sits down in front of me and we start chatting about casual things, and then pretty soon, Sanosuke and Yahiko pops in. Misao rushes in with Soujiro, and they both look out of breath. I blink at them, confused.
"Are we late?" Soujiro pants, his hands on his knees as he tries to catch his breath.
"No, you're good. About a couple of minutes until the bell rings. What's up with you two?" Sanosuke sniggers.
"We were showing each other some videos on pet care because Soujiro's thinking of getting a dog!" Misao is also panting, wiping the sweat off her forehead in a quick swoop of her hand.
"You want a dog?" I look at Soujiro curiously now.
He nods, "Uh huh! I've just decided!"
I smirk, "You weirdo."
"Well, hey, if you're serious," Sanosuke rubs his own cheek with his finger sheepishly, "I can introduce you to some dogs at the local shelter. Haven't volunteered there in a while, but they recognize me, so it won't be awkward."
"That would be great, Sano!" Soujiro beams.
"And if that doesn't work out, we can just get a puppy at the mall. We haven't shopped in a hot minute!" Megumi gushes, to which Misao joins in with a girly giggle.
I look at them all, a small smile playing on my face. This is just exactly like the old days. I guess I was wrong about my friends. They never were going to abandon me for who I am. I really underestimated how much they love me, deep down. They all turn to me and smile back, as if they somehow read my mind, and we are in a moment of total unity now. Soujiro turns to look at all of us curiously, but I think he understands what's happening, and starts to smile happily and blush to himself.
You see, Soujiro? Not everyone is out to get you just because you're gay.
The bell finally rings and we all take our respective seats. Tonight is going to be one of the most important nights of my life. With Soujiro sitting right next to me, we look at one another and give each other a knowing smile, anticipating of what is to come.
A life. Changed forever.
A young boy will finally realize that he has found his place in the world.
He is no longer, the outsider.
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I gave that USB device to Soujiro during study hall at the school's library, along with a very quick instruction: Find a way to place it inside his dad's personal laptop as soon as possible when he gets home from school today. He looks reluctant, but I place my hand on top of his hand underneath the table that we are sitting in before giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"You can do this, Soujiro."
"And this will.. get all the files on it?"
"That's what Shakku told me, so yes."
"But what about the distrac—?"
"—It already happened. The guys are working on it."
"The guys..?"
"Shakku and a few of his geek friends. Even Aoshi is in on it. They're about to infiltrate your father's company, if they haven't already."
He looks at me in shock.
"Kenshin.." He shakes his head slowly, "This is all.. happening so fast.. it's so much to take in.."
If only I could allow myself to give him a kiss on the cheek to comfort him. But instead, another squeeze of his hand will do for now.
"We've got this. And I'll be here for you. No matter what."
He looks down at our clasped hands with a reserved expression on his face, "You promise?"
"I promise."
He looks at the small device in his hand now. Twirling it to inspect it from all sides.
"This little thing.." He chuckles to himself, "Something so tiny.. almost insignificant in the grand scheme of things.. could really destroy everything I've ever known. in my life. Everything I've built with my father.."
"You built nothing with your father except a legacy that is probably hurting so many people right now," I lean in close, which makes him grunt in a shy manner, "Including you."
Especially you.
He gulps, nodding, "You're right, Kenshin. Of course you are."
"I know I am. Okay. Listen. This is how it's gonna go down tonight," I rub my thumb against his own lovingly, "I'll arrive to your place for dinner and finally meet your dad. By that time, the USB is all ready to be taken out. Sometime during the day before I arrive tonight, though, you'll have to find a way to either have that laptop in your possession away from his eyes. Or maybe a key to unlock his bedroom so that we can snatch it for when we leave."
"When we leave?" He blinks, "Where are we going?"
"You and I.. are leaving that place. You're gonna stay with me."
He gapes at me, unsure of what to say at first.
"You're not serious?"
"I am. Soujiro.. that man is hurting you. You're not safe there. I will protect you. No matter what it takes."
Silence.
"Where will I stay?"
"With me. At my place. With Hiko. We'll take care of you."
His eyes are flying everywhere, looking all around and looking more distraught the more I talk. But I don't let up.
"Soujiro, listen to me," I grip his hand harder now so that he can look at me again, "You're going to be okay. You will have something against him. Didn't you tell me back then that you basically threatened to out his secrets so that he can move you here?"
He trembles once and exhales, "Yes.."
"Are those secrets about him still true?"
".. Yes."
"And with all the intel we will have.. he will have to be stupid to try anything against you. Soujiro. Don't let him scare you just because he acted violently with you before. You have what it takes to stick up for yourself. I'll be right there tonight if I need to kick his ass if needed. You saw me fight Shishio and his friends before. I'm a good fighter. I won't let him hurt you anymore."
His eyes are the ones now trembling as he stares at me in awe. He takes in a deep breath and exhale shakily.
"I.. I'll do it. I'll get his intel. And I'll come with you tonight."
I smile. I knew he can do it.
"And if seeing Hiko so suddenly is too much, then," I smile wider, "Let's stay at a hotel this weekend. Just you and me."
He nods, "Yes. I'd like that."
I smile at him warmly now, "Good. Make sure you pack your things when you get home today. Do everything as quickly as possible so that we won't have anything to worry about."
He smiles at me in return with sweetness, "Yeah. I will."
Usually, this is the moment where we kiss and be done with the conversation. But instead, I look around us to see if anybody's nearby, before I swiftly lift his hand that I was holding this entire time to bring it up to my lips. I kiss it chastely, and he chuckles at that.
"I never thought meeting you would change my life forever.. Kenshin."
I've never seen his eyes look more sincere than on this day.
"You changed my life forever too, Soujiro."
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[That evening]
I arrive right on time. I had showered and am wearing a black long sleeved dress shirt with grey pants. I did manage to find the same shoes I was wearing from that winter formal dance that I took Kaoru to, since they're the only nice ones I have in my possession. I cover all of that over with a very dark bomber jacket and a beanie hat. I did not wanted to make too much of an intimidating appearance for my first impression, since I want Soujiro's dad and the help to feel at least comfortable enough to let me into their place.
The only intimidating part of my look is the bandages over my nose and under my eye. But that's to be expected. As long as I have my medications on me, I'll be alright.
I rang the doorbell and wait. If Soujiro has done everything that I have told him to do correctly, we can bail out together as quickly as possible after I'm done chewing his dad's ass out. I think going to a hotel this weekend is a good idea for what is worth; if his dad knows a lot about me or Hiko so far, our place would be their first point of where to look for when it comes his soon-to-be missing son. It would be better to just let everyone freak out for a couple of days, and then go from there once the dust settles.
I'm still not going to let Soujiro go back to this place after the weekend is over, though. He's coming back home with me. I'll make sure of that.
The door opens and I see this older, pleasantly plump woman standing there in her work attire. I've seen her before. She was here when I visited along with Sanosuke and Yahiko. Now that I get to see her again, I realize that she looks very familiar. I can't exactly place my finger as to why that is, until I get a closer look of her face. And then it hits me. She's the one I saw in that photograph all that time ago who was hugging Soujiro when he was just a little boy. I almost thought that it was a picture of his mother, but that the work clothes gave it away. This must be her, then.
"Good evening," She bows her head over slightly to give her salutations to me, "We have been expecting you. Please, do come in."
Her voice is so soft and kind that it disarmed me immediately. I nod and come inside, taking off my shoes to prepare for dinner.
"Let me have your coat." She instructs me amiably.
"Uh," I blink, taking a step back from her, "No need. I'll just.. put it right here on the coat hanger if that's okay."
She nods, "That is fine. Will you have something to drink before we get settled in? Master Tsukino is still working on something in his office."
"And.." I can feel my stomach flipping in anticipation, "His son, Soujiro, is he..?"
"Ah, yes. Master Soujiro will join us soon. He is just finishing up some school assignments."
Dammit, Soujiro. Even now, you don't let up on your studying. You honestly deserve to go to the best schools on Earth at this point. I'm so proud of you. I fight the urge not to smile too widely at that, opting to clear my throat and nod my head, "I'll have some water, then."
"What kind would you like?"
"Er..?"
"We have still water, bottled glacier water, sparkling water, and lemon flavored ones. I do hope this is enough, and I do apologize; we usually have many more options to choose from."
There's different kinds of water? Even I didn't know that. I ain't fuckin' rich enough to understand something like that. I gape at her like an idiot before replying like a dumb ass, "I'll have still water. Um, please. And thanks."
"Certainly." She bows again and turns towards the living room with her arm out stretch, "You may have a seat on the couch while I get your refreshment. Will that be all for now?"
Good fucking grief, woman, ain't you tired yet?
I shake my head no quietly, and she promptly takes her leave. Remind me to never become a maid or a butler because what the fuck was that all about. I shake my head at the nonsense of it all before taking off my coat to put it on the hook, along with my beanie hat. I head on over to the couch to finally sit down. I let myself have a think about things right now, staring at a coffee table in front of me. Before I came on over here, I gave the girls the heads up on what's been going on in Soujiro's life, including his father "grounding" him. They were upset to hear about that. But they reassured me to give them a ring if anything super bad happens tonight, which I appreciated them greatly for that.
Yahiko's girlfriend, Tsubame, talked me in the hallways today during school, and asked if everything is alright. She was very apprehensive about unblocking me on social media, but she was definitely crushed on Kaoru's behalf, hence why she was pretty much the last one to do so. I told her that I get it, and I don't hold any grudges against her for that. What I did to Kaoru is unforgivable, and I don't deserve her or Kaoru's friendship at all for what I've done. Upon hearing this, Tsubame's demeanor relaxed and she said she'll unblock me, and to remember to consider other people next time.
Little by little, my old life is coming back together.
Well.. maybe not my old life, per say. My old life was quite different before I met Soujiro. Things made more sense back then, in a way, but it was an empty type of existence. Now that I've met him, my life actually has meaning now.
With him, I feel like I can have a future I can look forward to after all.
"Himura."
His voice is so delicate, but it did not fail to make me snap out of my thoughts with a startle. I look up to see Soujiro in the flesh, wearing a relaxed-fit white silk button shirt with black dress pants, tying the look together with some nice Oxford shoes. He has his hands in his pockets leisurely and I could smell, even from all the way where I'm sitting at, a new type of cologne from him; something rich, deep and green in it's notes and accents. For some reason, he looks much more dashing and handsome than usual.
God fucking dammit. If only you knew the things you do to me, Soujiro.
"Soujiro!" I try to sit up, but decide against it. I don't want that woman walking in on me hugging her superior and getting any weird ideas about it. Or worse yet, an excuse to throw me out of the mansion already. Instead, I put my hands down and contend to just talk to him like normal, "How.. how are you?"
He snickers at me, "I'm fine, Himura. How are you? Was the traffic bad getting here?"
I blink at him, frowning. His eyebrows slowly lift up, silently telling me something. Oh, I see. We're supposed to play the part of being just friends. I get it now. I look at him bemusedly and scratch my head, "Oh, yeah! It was kind of hard getting here with my truck, but honestly, it's not that big of a deal. I'm glad I could be here tonight and give your dad my thanks for picking up the tab for my surgery."
He nods, "It was no trouble! He'll be here soon, so I'm sorry if we're keeping you waiting! That test today from Philosophy was no joke today, huh?"
I nod, "You bet."
The older woman comes back with some a glass of my water. I kind of wonder where she went. I'm assuming she had to do some last minute changes or fixing up before the real boss of the house gets here. Everything has to look just right. I look at her and beam at her as I accept the glass of water, and she turns to Soujiro, "Master Soujiro. You look quite exquisite tonight. Will you be needing any refreshments before we sit down at the table?"
Soujiro shakes his head, "No thank you, Nana. I'll have a drink once we're at the table. I have to tell my friend Kenshin about some things."
Does this woman know that we are in a relationship? Her eyes flicker between us, but she doesn't say anything. She nods humbly and takes her leave to go back into the kitchen. There is a maid and a butler, younger than the first woman I saw tonight, coming in to also get into the kitchen to start helping her out. I'm not exactly well versed in the art of fine dining, so a part of me does feel nervous that I'm going to make a fool out of myself.
"Uh," I wince at the closed kitchen door, "Say, um, Soujiro? Will there be like a million knives and spoons at the dinner table?"
Soujiro looks at me in a daze. I don't know if he's confused by my question, or already acting like a horn dog and wants to jump my bones. But he snaps out of it and replies, "Oh! There are several eating utensils at the dinner table tonight, yes! If you're confused about anything, just ask! I don't mind teaching you!"
I glower to myself. I really don't like being treated like I'm some kind of idiot. But Soujiro starts walking closer to me and my heart starts to pick up the pace. I want him to sit down right next to me more than anything in the world. Among other things that are too embarrassing for me to say out loud right now. Instead, he takes upon a different couch that is seated sideways from me, close enough so that it looks like we're just two pals from school catching up.
"My father wanted me to tell you that he is really happy that you could make it tonight," Soujiro smiles with his eyes, "I told him that it has been a pleasure getting to know you at school. Because without you, I would have gotten beaten up by those boys. Say, have you've heard anything yet from the police?"
"The police?"
"Yeah," He frowns at me quizzically, "They haven't contacted us either, so we figured they were talking to you or your father, Hiko."
I shrug, "I mean. Nothing so far. I'm guessing something huge is happening that's getting all of their attention. I mean.. Our case is small potatoes compared to all the homicide they gotta worry about around here in Kyoto, y'know?"
"Hmm," He nods, "That is true. I guess it'll come around eventually."
Is he lying about something? His lips are saying one thing, but his eyes seem to be showing something else. Did his father put a complete stop on this case and Soujiro's just keeping that information to himself? Maybe he was going to tell me about it later once we're safely hidden in the hotel tonight. Regardless, I am glad that I don't have to deal with the cops. Hiko really does not need to fight against the people whom he has worked with his entire career, nor face the shame of not being an esteemed detective in their eyes anymore.
The room is now quiet. What's taking his father so long? I guess work is really eating up his time right now. It is definitely about to eat up even more of his time once he realizes what's happening soon. Or maybe it's already happening and he's doing damage control now? Aoshi and Shakku haven't texted me tonight, so I'm guessing they're really busy trying to do whatever it is they're doing to get the intel into their possession. Those guys are smart and don't need to talk about what they know, to be honest, so I trust their expertise. I just need to be patient.
Soujiro tilts his head to the side at me and smiles, his eyes trailing over my body potently before mumbling, "You look so good.."
Goddammit. I hate it when he looks at me like that.
"Soujiro," I shake my head, whispering, "Don't. Not here. Let's play pretend. At least until we're out of here."
Lay down, cock. Now is not the time to rise and shine.
His eyes flicker downwards, his face crestfallen, "I know."
One day, we won't have to play pretend like this. I promise you that, Soujiro.
The kitchen door opens for the older woman to come back into the room and, simultaneously, the most important guest has arrived into the room: The one and only Tsukino Seta, of the Seta Enterprise. In a three piece grey slate suit, he looks prepared to rule the world with an iron fist. He looks like a million bucks, despite being worth way more than that. The older woman does her bowing and us two quickly look up at him, a little spooked by his arrival.
Hopefully, he didn't hear our quiet talking at that second.
His eyes are dead set on me while the older woman comes to me to instruct me to get up, and Soujiro is already on his feet before she got to me. I am reluctant where I am standing, but this Tsukino takes it upon himself to steadily start walking towards us, and he starts to smirk, as if amused by my nervousness.
"You must be Mr Himura Kenshin," His voice is deep, smooth, and rich with the confidence that could only come from building a powerful empire, "Welcome to my home. I'm sure you have gotten well acquainted with the help so far."
I gape at him, caught off by his charismatic air that surrounds him. For someone whom I know deep down is capable of such fierce violence against my lover, he sure knows how to put on an act whenever it suits him. I guess Soujiro had to learn how to be charming from somebody, and so, it's only natural that it came from his father. Soujiro definitely got his looks from his late mother, I'm guessing, but it's his father who taught him how to wield his natural gifts to get what he wants out of people.
I nod finally, gulping, "Yes, sir. They're.. They're very nice."
He cocks his head on the side, his smirk still playful, "Come now, don't be shy. You don't have to be so careful here. We will have a nice dinner in your honor for protecting my son. He told me all about you, Himura. How good of a fighter you are. How strong and brave you can be. You've got quite a lot of bandages on your face to prove it. Why, if I hadn't known any better, I would think of you as some kind of hero of your school. It's clear that your father taught you how to be a real man, and it shows."
It almost felt like he wanted to also say, 'Unlike my son Soujiro, who in no way, shape, or form, could ever be a real man.'
I bite my inner lip, careful not to let my anger come up to my face before I nod, "I appreciate that, sir. I was taught to fend for myself where I'm from. It can be dangerous around some parts here."
Soujiro looks on at me, still in a daze of sort.
"Soujiro," His father turns to him, making the latter snap out of his daydreaming, "Now, this? This is how I want you to be someday. Strong. Courageous. Masculine. When you take over my business someday, this is how you should be. Understood?"
You son of a bitch.
My lover, never the less, chirps obediently, "Yes, Father!"
God.
"Although," His dad looks back to me, "You've got quite the long hair there, chap. You ever thought about cutting it?"
I smirk, "Why would I do that?"
"Hmm," He looks on and over my head where my ponytail rests on top, "It's unusual, that's for sure. Must be one of those punk rock things you kids are into."
I shrug, "Makes me more masculine if nothing else. Right?"
He hums, nodding, "That is true."
From the corner of my eye, I see Soujiro still staring at me. He better not be looking at me with lust with his father right fucking there to witness it.
"Well now, shall we?" Tsukino outstretches his arm to the side where it points to a door, where I'm assuming leads into the dining room.
"Right this way." The plump lady touches the small of my back gently to lead me into the dining room now. My eyes don't leave his face as we do so.
Soujiro, meanwhile, is quiet during all of this, and follows us all into where dinner shall commence.
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We sit to begin. Soujiro sits on one end of the table, his father on the other side, and I sitting on the side of the table between them. Well, in between a bunch of other chairs that separates me from them, really. The help arrives one by one to start with our first course of the meal. Everything looks so.. tiny and weird. I don't eat stuff like this on the regular, so I'm not sure what exactly I'm looking at. It looks to be a type of fish of some sort, but there are these intricate designs from plants, syrups, and so on that I can't bring around my head as to what it's all supposed to mean. Is this some type of food art or some shit?
I look to Soujiro and see him take his fork, a smaller one for this dish. I turn to my utensils and pick the same one he did, trying to assimilate in this situation as best I could.
Soujiro must've been trained to be the perfect gentlemen ever since he was a small child, I bet. From ballroom dancing, to fine dining, to proper social etiquette, and so on.. Soujiro had to learn how to appear as regal as his surname suggests. Despite always dreaming up of being rich and having nothing to worry about, I do have to wonder of all the sacrifices one has to take in order to live the good life. The things one must do in order to keep or grow their riches, and how cumbersome that process can be at times, makes me wonder if it's now all worth it. I wonder how often Soujiro wishes he could stop the training or the education so that he can be a normal teenage boy, or how often he probably cries at night; knowing that, no matter how perfect his performances are, it will never be enough as long as he likes men.
I really, really love him so much. Knowing these types of things about him always manages to shatter my heart into pieces.
His father, meanwhile, eats and drinks his wine confidently, as if this is how life should always be. I have to wonder about his own childhood. What headstrong and prideful father his own must've been to raise him like this. I wonder if his own family were also cold and unloving towards him. Not that it matters to me, of course, because that man doesn't deserve to be loved after everything he's done so far against his own family. I wonder if he is violent to his wife when she was alive. I grip the stem of my own wine glass, grunting.
...
Is it possible that maybe he murdered his own wife, and that's why she's gone?
And if maybe, just maybe, that's why Soujiro is so mentally fucked up?
I'm still not over the fact that his dad is trying to set him up to be married to some girl right now.
"So," Tsukino sets down his wine glass to look at me, "Tell me a little bit about yourself, Himura. My son told me a fair bit, but he hasn't really dug deep into your past and what not, so I am curious."
I straighten up in my chair, determined not to look at Soujiro and appear too suspicious, "Well.. Um. I am raised by my stepfather. Hiko. Who.. works for you now."
"Ah yes, Mr Seijuro Hiko, was it?" He nods, "Yes, he's a really great worker so far. I've had no complaints about him so far, nor have the others. I have no regrets hiring him based on my son's recommendation. How is Hiko, by the way?"
I shrug, "He's alright. We've been doing renovations to our house. The money you're giving him serves him well."
"Ah?"
I nod, looking down at my lap. His eyes are blue like Soujiro's, but there's no soul in them.
"That's good. You live in that nice place over that bridge, is that correct?"
"Near the countryside, yeah. It's not as fancy as this place, but," I finally look up at him, smirking, "I guess I don't need to be rich to be happy."
His eyebrows shoot up curiously now, "Is that so?"
I don't reply, my face not changing.
He chuckles, "Well. I myself don't agree with that, but I do appreciate your honesty."
I think I'll apply a little more pressure right now.
I tilt my head to the side, "I can't lie. I feel like money is the root of all evil, even if it can make life easier for some."
He sighs, taking a drink from his wine and shakes his head, "Money is not evil to those who know how to manage it well. The ones who believe in that strongly are from those who are either thieves or swindlers, or just plain lazy. A real man makes his mark in the world and takes the money from it that's rightfully his. That's how life should be."
Soujiro nods soundly, agreeing with him. I look at him now, my eyebrow cocked up. Soujiro then turns to me, his eyelids lowering, seducing me. Or maybe, telling me to start something. I know what it is he wants me to start, and we've discussed this not too long ago when I snuck in here last time to fuck him.
Well, I guess I should start my bad boy antic, after all.
I look back at Tsukino, "But, sir! I don't think stealing money from the middle class is the way to be a real man in this world!"
Soujiro snorts but hides it. Not that it didn't go unnoticed by his father, on account of that glare he shoots at his own son from across the table.
"Mm?" He seems to almost choke on his food but thankfully washes it down in time with a drink of water, "Stealing?"
"Well, yeah," I frown, my hands on the table now, "If there's one thing I know about reality, it's that usually people who become billionaires are because they know how to exploit their underlings and the social classes who don't have the power to fight back. There are housing crises all around the world because of people like you."
Tsukino starts to laugh in sheer amusement, "Well! Aren't you the social justice warrior? Not that I mind these allegations, of course. But I am of the opinion that people are poor because of bad choices. It is not my fault that most people can't afford houses anymore. There has to be more to that story, wouldn't you agree?"
I shake my head, smirking wider, "No. People are suffering because of the plutocrats. People are suffering because most of the money only belong to the very few. And you're among those few. How do you sleep at night, knowing that?"
Soujiro is quiet during all of this, his chin pointed towards his chest in a submissive manner. But he still has his eyes on me, a secret smile playing on his lips. He is absolutely enjoying this.
"You are aware that a member of the plutocratic class paid for your medical bills, right?" Tuskino challenges me, though he smirks to keep it casual.
"And you are aware that all the money in the world couldn't have possibly prevented Soujiro from getting his ass whooped by those boys, right?" I shoot back, smirking wider, "The very same thing could happen to you, someday. Luckily for him, though, he has friends who can help him out. Money isn't always the answer to every single issue out there."
Tsukino's smirk finally flickers in self doubt. But he keeps his game face on as he continues to chide me, "He got threatened because he chose to go to school of hard knocks where low class criminals like those animals go to. The fact that you have been there your entire life is not a good look for you or for your little friends, I'm afraid."
"Which brings me back to my last point," I roll my eyes and take a swing of my drink casually, "If there was more wealth to be evenly distributed to the struggling class, we wouldn't have any crime to worry about. Bad things happen because people like yourself don't know how to share and make the world a better place. Not a good look for you, either."
Tsukino chuckles, but it sounds a little too harsh to be seen as playful now, "How presumptuous! Soujiro here can tell you that we are proud philanthropists who have donated to worthy causes before. Isn't that right, son?"
"Hm?" Soujiro looks up from his eating boredly, before shrugging carelessly, "We haven't donated anything in more than a year now, Father."
His father looks at him, stunned at Soujiro's cold and nonchalant demeanor now. It must be a first for his son to act so cool towards his father in front of a guest. Now I'm the one looking at the young son with a secret smile playing on my lips.
Tsukino balks at him, "That's! Because there was a lot happening in your life that got in the way of my usual business!"
Got'cha.
"A lot happening?" I blink at him in mock curiosity. He looks at me, surprised at what he had just slipped out. He coughs and takes another sip of water, trying to calm down.
"I'm sorry," He mumbles, "That.. is a matter of private business. We seem to have gotten a little overheated from this debate. Let's all calm down before we say something we'll regret."
"Fine then." I close my eyes and continue eating.
The door behind Tsukino Seta opens, and the help arrives to take away our plate and switch them with a new plate of food, the main course for tonight being steak, shrimps and vegetables. Our drinks are replenished and off they go to leave us alone to continue this silent battle. We continue to feast without saying anything for a while. Tsukino's demeanor has changed completely from being overtly confident, to know brooding and insecure of himself. I suppose when it comes to his son, it's a real sore spot that other people can tell that he's raising a sensitive boy who can't even defend himself from violence if need be. He wants everyone to know that he's raising a perfectly normal, healthy, masculine young man who can have a family with a woman just like any other man on Earth.
Maybe that's a hot button I can press this evening.
"Tell me something," Tsukino starts again, "Are you teaching my son Soujiro on how to be a thug these days?"
Well, that was a weak bait.
I look at nothing in particular in front of me and only respond casually, "Not really. He's teaching me how to be a good student at school, to which I can appreciate. You raised a really good son, honestly. Funny. Smart. Talented. Hardworking.."
My eyes start to float unhurriedly to look at Tsukino's face, ".. And not to mention, incredibly respectful of women. Doesn't even flirt with them as far as I can tell."
He grunts, one of his eye twitching. He starts to chuckle a little too loudly and harshly, "Ha! I promise you, Soujiro definitely enjoys flirting with the ladies. He has dated them before. He took one to your school's winter formal, too! And on top of that, he is about to marry a fine socialite in the next coming years for when he finally takes over the family company."
I ignore the pain in my chest at that last part, nor do I let it come over my face. I keep my face cold and steady, careful of what to say next. I could just come out and say that I know Soujiro's into men, or is messing around with one secretly. But that would only blow our cover completely, not to mention, I haven't exactly received Soujiro's permission to out him to his father like this tonight.
Thankfully, Soujiro cuts in with a stony voice: "You mean that average looking socialite I met a couple of nights ago, Father?"
We both look at him, aghast at those words he just used to describe the young woman he is bestowed upon to marry.
"Watch your tone!" Tsukino hisses in anger, "That young woman is not ugly in the least bit!"
Soujiro shrugs, "I didn't say ugly. She's just not much to look at. And she says I'm not her type, anyway."
Tsukino grunts again, uncomfortably so, "She's just.. shy. She'll come around."
"Wait a minute," I turn my head back towards that man now, "This sounds like an arranged marriage type of situation, isn't it?"
"It's not your business," Tsukino gripes at me, "I understand you're a good friend to Soujiro, but it is not your place to make a comment on it."
"And is that the way to treat our guest here at our home, Father?" Soujiro chides him, his voice smooth yet his eyes are cold and semi-threatening, "We have been raised better than this."
Tsukino's face is taking on a fleshier, pinker tone now. I think he's about to explode any minute now, but he knows he can't. Not when I am here and can act as a bear witness of domestic violence that could occur here right now. I already know that he's behaved violently with Soujiro before, but now that he knows that I am right there and could very easily report this to the police, he is careful to not let the lid pop off from his pot, so to speak.
He hastily takes more of his glass to finish his red wine, and then takes a small silver bell to ring it. The door behind him promptly opens to welcome in the young butler, "Yes, my lord?"
"Bring me more wine." Tsukino's voice is now gruffer, on edge with how this evening is unfolding before his very eyes.
"Right away, sir." The butler half bows to him and hurries off to get the bottle.
While Soujiro is looking down at his plate of food and munching politely, I continue to stare at Tsukino from where I sit with a blank expression. Tsukino keeps his eyes squarely onto me now, though again, he knows better than to start more shit or to start acting violently. I got him just where I want him. I just have to wait for the signal from my friends.
And just like that, the call came.
Tsukino takes his vibrating cell phone out of his pocket to see who is calling him. He looks confused as he accepts the call, "What now, Mizuki? This better be good, I am very busy!"
Soujiro is now looking up from his plate and we look at one another for a few seconds. We then look to where Tsukino sits, and watch as his face opens up to one of blood chilling realization and panic.
"There's been a what?" He stands up from his chair, the table shaking from the impact.
"Father?" Soujiro calls out to him, though judging by his voice, he sounds like he's only pretending to sound concerned than being genuinely so.
"But that's impossible! You told me that our system is basically impenetrable!" Tsukino's face is now nearly blood red from his shouting.
The help decides to come in, obviously having heard of the panic in their master's voice. The middle aged woman that I first met here looks right at me with confusion, as if somehow I was the one who got him to act like that. The butler simply places the bottle of wine down and waits for further instructions, obviously disturbed by the commotion. The younger maid, meanwhile, walks on over to Soujiro to check in with him quietly.
"Are you alright, Master Soujiro?" The young maid asks him, and I look over in time to see Soujiro nodding to her, appearing a little shaken up by his father's yelling. I wonder how often the help has to keep 'checking in' on Soujiro after his dad gets into his mood swings like this.
Makes me all the more confident in that I am doing the right thing removing him from this place.
"Arrgh!" Tsukino hangs up the phone angrily and turns to the help now, "You three, clean up all of this shit! I have to get to the office for an emergency! I don't think I'll be back tonight, but be sure Soujiro stays in his room!"
"Yes, Master Tsukino." The middle aged one nods quickly, trying to defuse this situation by being as compliant as possible. The poor woman.
Tsukino leaves the room in a hurry, nearly slamming the door behind him shut. Soujiro straightens up in his chair and looks at me, nodding. It's time. We have to act quickly as soon as that man leaves this mansion.
"I am terribly sorry for all of this," The young maid bows to me, "This is quite unusual. Will you be needing any dessert or coffee? A ride home, perhaps?"
I shake my head no, "I don't need anything except to stick around with Soujiro. I need to talk to him about schoolwork since he's my study mentor."
"Ah, yes!" The young maid beams at me, "I understand. I will leave you two to it."
"Please, ring the bell if you need anything, Master Soujiro." The middle aged maid now speaks with determination, and I look at her. I wonder if maybe she's in on this plan too, or if maybe it's just a coincidence that she's trying to remain calm despite the high energy tonight.
"I will. That will be all, you three, thank you." Soujiro smiles at all of them with just his eyes only, and they promptly take their leave.
We are alone again. More than anything, I want to rush over where Soujiro is at, and kiss him. But I know better than to act recklessly right now. Now is not the time to act like a lovesick idiot. Instead, I walk up to his side and place my hand on his shoulder, looking down at him, "Soujiro.. the laptop..?"
Soujiro reaches into his own pocket and took out the USB stick, smirking up at me, "I got it. All the files. All the information. It's right here. I got it about an hour before you arrived and while my dad was busy with something else."
I smile at him, "Great work. And your bags?"
His smile fades a little, "It's in my bedroom. I'll go get them now. Please, distract the help while I do so. I'll be ready to go in just a few minutes."
I nod, "Great. Let's go."
He gets up from his chair and we walk out of the dining room. We enter the living room, where the middle aged maid is now busily fluffing the pillows on the couch. Soujiro's dad is nowhere to be found. The other help are also someplace else. She hears us coming in and straightens her back up, looking at us curiously, "Master Soujiro?"
"Nana," Soujiro's voice is a couple of octaves lower than what I am used to as he looks at her dead in the eye, "I have to be in my room to get something. Please take care of my guest while I am gone. It will only be for a moment."
She looks between the two of us a few times, but never the less, nods her head obediently, "Yes, Master Soujiro. Your father left with a message: He won't be back until the next morning or afternoon due to the severity of this situation. But please do not be alarmed, and everything will be okay."
If only you knew.
I turn to Soujiro as he responds: "Perfect. I'll be right back."
He turns around and gives me a quick look in his eyes. I smile inwardly at that. He walks away to go upstairs, leaving me and this woman alone. She takes a gander at me with a look that is crossed between curiosity, yet with heavy suspicion also. I'll have to disarm her for a bit before he gets back. Soujiro, please hurry, we don't have a lot of time here.
"So.." I begin by taking a look around this room, "You worked here for long?"
She is silent for a few beats before answering solemnly, "Yes. For a long time now. Ever since Master Soujiro was a young boy, in fact."
I turn to her, "Do you remember his mother?"
"I beg your pardon?"
I shake my head, "It's just. He told me his mother passed away a long time ago. It's something we've bonded over, actually. My own mom is also dead."
She hesitates, looking a little distraught by that, "I am terribly sorry to hear about that. Master Soujiro's mother was.. Well. She was most certainly a woman of her class. She really loved Soujiro with everything she had. I know he misses her plenty. And sometimes, so do I."
"And Mr Tsukino Seta?"
"What?"
"Does he miss his late wife, too?"
She gapes at me, a bit taken back by that question. I asked her that with all the confidence in me, staring at her right in the face and all, because I knew. I knew he never missed her. I knew he never loved her or his own son, either. She continues to look at me like I just caught her with her deepest secrets exposed to me now. Finally, her eyes flashes to the floor, contemplating on how to answer that question.
".. Master Tsukino and his late wife had a lot of.. marital issues, before she passed away."
I am quiet, waiting for her to continue.
"It's," She grunts, "It's a very difficult, and complicated situation. Master Tsukino was never meant to be a family man, and I realized this about a couple of years into my tenure as their maid. But it isn't my business to meddle, so I.. turned the other cheek."
I nod, "I understand. Thank you."
She looks back at me, more worried than before, "Himura. Kenshin Himura. I.. I must say this now, before things may get out of hand soon."
I look at her, stunned. Is she going to give me a piece of information or something important?
"What is it?" I ask, taking a step towards her.
"Soujiro Seta.. had been terribly hurt before when he was a very young boy. I won't get into it. But he will tell you. I can't say any more. I've already crossed too many lines with this tonight."
I gape at her. What does she mean by that? Hurt terribly, how? I know Soujiro was molested by that teacher before. I know he got bullied as well for being gay. And I know his dad probably hit him before he showed me those neck wounds. But.. Could there possibly have been more traumatic events that happened in his past that I wasn't made aware of? I know he told me he was raped, but I never got the answer as to who exactly raped him.
...
.. Unless..
Unless my nightmares.. the bad dreams I've been having.. were truly prophetic this entire time..
Which means..
...
No.
No, no, no, no!
My eyes waver and my face feels cold suddenly, "You don't mean.. his father.. did something.. to Soujiro..!"
She looks just as shocked, but before she could respond, we hear someone coming into the room. It's Soujiro. He looks at us with an equally dismayed look on his face, and I turn to him, "Soujiro!"
He looks at me, and then at her, and then back to me again, "What are you two talking about?"
"Master Soujiro," She looks down at the duffel bags he is now carrying over his shoulder and one in his hand, "What are those? Where are you going?"
Soujiro takes in a deep breath, readying himself. I look at him, motionless.
"Mrs Oguni," His voice takes on a more authoritative tone now, "Kenshin and I are leaving. We are staying someplace else. Please take care of this place and my father while I am gone. I will explain everything to you this weekend. But please do not call the police. I will be safe."
"Safe?" She blinks rapidly.
He smiles sadly, "Safer. Yes. Now that I'll be away from that monster I call my father."
"S.. Soujiro..!" Her voice trembles.
"Nana," He takes a few steps towards her, "I love you. Please don't think I'm doing this to hurt you. But I have to go. With Kenshin. When my father gets home, you will tell him that you don't know what happened to me. You don't have to go down for this. You will be okay. And I have your number; I will text and call you as often as needed with a private ID. Please keep your phone on you at all times."
"Master S.." Her eyes flutter to the floor, now understanding that there is nothing she could say or do to stop this. It's time for Soujiro to leave and carve his own path in life without his father's permission. She knew this day would come, I bet, and now is the time. She finally closes her eyes, concentrating on her thoughts. After a moment of pause, she looks at him and nods, "I understand, Master Soujiro. Please, do be careful."
We look at her quietly. She turns to me and has this to say finally, "Please, I beg of you. Take care of Master Soujiro. No matter what it takes."
I smile at her coolly, nodding, "I will. I won't let anything happen to him. I promise."
She looks back at Soujiro, and then sighs, going on to walk away from us to open the front door for us at the very least to bid us goodbye for now. Soujiro and I walk side by side towards that door and bow to her, bidding her goodbye as well, and we start making a bolt for it once we are outside. I couldn't dare myself to look back behind me even if I tried. I don't want to see what her face looks like. It might bring up too many memories of my own mother, with how maternal that Mrs Oguni is like with Soujiro. I'd rather just leave the past where it rightfully belongs.
Behind me.
Behind Soujiro.
Behind.. all of us.
The front gate is open and Soujiro swings it wide open for me to rush through before he slams it shut, hearing the giant mechanical clicking that it is back shut. We rush on over to my truck and I open the door to get Soujiro's duffel bags into the backseats. Soujiro goes into shotgun and I close the doors, getting into the driver's seat. Into the ignition my keys go, and the truck comes to life with a roar.
I very nearly speed out of there like I'm some kind of sports car racer, the wheels burning rubber and my turns creating loud screeches throughout the entire place.
Let tonight mark the first night of Soujiro's freedom.
(To be continued)