I'm On Your Side Riku! (Boku ga Riku no Mikatta dayo!)
Summary: Riku saves Tenn from a stage accident and got in comma. Kujo refuses to pay the bills for Tenn this time. Tsukumo steps in to help the med bills. If Riku wakes up, will he love him back?
Note: waaaah thank your for the reviews, your fangirling thoughts keeps me inspired to write! Forgot to mention there is a slight Riku x Tenn for a purpose to lead its way to RikuRyo ship.
ENJOY
ENGLISH SUCKS, JUST IGNORE AND ENJOY THE STORY MATE
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Chapter 3 Fallen Angel
Flashback around the time Riku receive the sleeping pills remedy for his severe asthma so he can continue dancing while singing even though he will be overworked from now on due to the rise of his popularity.
"The Doctor said here onwards I must sleep a lot and as in a lot..."
Nanase Riku at his room with paper and pen thinking of something he wanted to convey but couldn't.
"I have to write this letter...incase I don't wake up..."
Riku had the most disturbing thoughts as he is writing somewhat a suicide letter...
'Once I become a Superstar...I too...will disappear...is this how Zero felt...?'
Three days after making the letter, his performance for INCOMPLETE RULER happen and like a constructed death...
Riku got into a stage accident for saving his twin brother.
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[Present Timeline]
The nightmare replays just like the twilight Arena opening act.
((Coughs blood))
Tenn with horrified eyes and shaky voice, his precious little brother is hovering above him.
Riku's head seem to be bleeding along with his chest...?
The equipment that is suppose to crush Tenn is catched by his twin. "Ri...ku...?"
If it was a lie, Tenn hope it is all a lie and part of play. However...dripping blood from Riku's mouth as his breathing phase so slow.
"Tenn-nii...glad you are unharmed..." is a careful way of speaking Riku can manage before he starts coughing blood again.
Violent coughing, the blood got shoot into Tenn's open mouth. Almost choking, Tenn ignored the nasty taste of rust that connects him to Riku's.
"Riku! Stop speaking! Your asthma...no...you are wounded!" With teary eyes close to breaking.
Riku forced a weak smile, feeling his chest getting more implaed everytime he inhale and exhales.
"Tenn-nii was I... a shooting star...?"
"Eh..?"
Tenn not understanding why Riku would bother asking such thing in this situation of life and death. Riku is sweating, droplets not only the blood spreading from his back and mouth but also cold sweats from his forehead making it's way wetting Tenn's eyelids.
"Was I...a pretty bright super star you are proud of...?"
Tenn can tell Riku needs to hear it. Something...something is fading away.
"Yes...yes Riku...please...stop speaking...You are the brightess star I have seen 2nd to Zero. So please don't die...!" In desperation, Tenn manage to move his arms where he can feel they somehow bended the wrong way. Most the pain in his elbows for falling down so suddenly.
Grabbing Riku's ZERO cape costume, clinging to it's life and legacy...Tenn sobs as he is weak on hearing Riku's cheerful yet weak voice.
"I'm happy! Hehe...Tenn-nii...even if I become one of the countable stars above, please don't forget am the brightess one- Haahhaugh...!"
One final cough of blood, this time the metal pipe made a sound.
-CREAK-
Clearly it moved, the weight is forcing Riku's body to shoulder all the pain from behind.
Riku yelps.
"Argh...!"
"Riku!"
Tenn calls out.
"Riku?"
However Riku's pantings became weak. He no longer can catch his breath.
In a whisper.
"Tenn-nii...I will...always love you...for me you are my...only...twinking...star..."
Tenn cries as he admits the words he wish to say back. Always, always!
What he always wanted to remind Riku that he did not once forgot about him a single day nor years.
"Riku! I love you too! So...please don't sleep...!" Tenn whimpers however Riku's smiling lips faded along with his eyesight.
His eyes turned blank.
Tenn knows those abyss pupils, this is not good.
"No...no...please, I DO ANYTHING JUST DON'T TAKE RIKU FROM ME GOD! NO...NO! RIKUuuu!"
Tenn embraces Riku's body falling flat to him as he heard people gathering to carefully remove the debris and the light equipment that have stab Riku.
"Riku...Riku...!"
Kujo Tenn...the Fallen Angel of everyone.
...
Tenn's eyes snaps open.
'RIKU!'
He screamed, but it did not came out from his voice.
[BEEP, BEEP, BEEP]
Tenn's reality kicks in a rush of pain.
"Urgh!" His head hurts.
When Tenn winced, he realize his arms had bandages. Then his back is resting on a white and fresh sheets. His legs were unmoving and also covered with bandages.
'Is this...'
Tenn is fast to catch up that he is indeed in a hospital, probably confined for how many days.
Tenn knows the accident in his dream is unfortunately not a nightmare but what actually transpired.
'Zero...Arena...' Tenn still glued at the bed. Quickly his first thoughts. 'What happen to Riku?!'
Tenn forcing his body to sit up. "Grruuhhh..." while his mental voice. 'Is he alive...?! Or...or...!'
This is not the first time Tenn will escape the hospital. He done this before when he was in emergency room but he made his way back to their TRIGGER concert even if it means collapsing. Thanks to Yamato, Nagi and Tamaki who found him in the road.
Nevertheless, Tenn is willing to do it again.
'I must...find...Riku's...!'
Determined.
Tenn removes the tubes from his nose, his hand and falls down the bed.
THUD!
"Ow!" Hissing at the pain, Tenn forced himself to crawl at the floor.
"Kuhh..." the frustration of being disable did not stop Tenn's stubborness to see Riku. 'Wait for me...Riku...I'll be with you this time...!'
Sounds like miracle but Tenn is able to manage walking very slowly by clawing his nails to the wall and for some reason nurses haven't spotted him yet.
"Hahh, hahh, hahh." Of course the weight of his body pain starting to tell him to take a break.
Kujo Tenn click his tongue. "Tsk." Still unable to speak...
As if God led him to Riku, just now he saw room 76 and a nurse just came out of it. Hiding at the corner of the hall.
Tenn's eyes were like those of a cat, he saw Riku's sleeping figure inside before the door closed up again.
'Hmm...'
Sweating, Tenn forced himself to be faster. He is by leaps to room 76.
Sliding the door open and immediately shutting it.
Tenn slides down at the door frame.
"Hahh, hahh, hahh..." Tenn is actually having a fever now.
Closing his eyes to relax a bit as he sits at the floor with his exposed legs with bandages.
"Hahh, hahh, hahh..." swallowing the pending saliva in his throat. Tenn slowly opens his eyes and focused it's irises to Riku's sleeping frame at the bed.
[BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.]
The sound of familiar machine to Tenn every time Riku gets hospitalize.
Opening his mouth, Tenn tries to drop his little brother's name.
"i...u...?" It came out so faint.
Tenn can feel the pain in his throat. Clearing his throat, one more time Tenn tried to speak. "Rr...kk...!" At the same time slowly standing up catching the door's frame.
"Rrrii...kkuu..." Tenn trying one more time with baby steps and shaky legs.
His voice maybe trembling but in his mental realm, Tenn's voice is screaming.
'Riku, Riku, Riku...!'
Twins are telepaths, hoping Riku can sense him calling through their connection even if he lost his voice.
Reaching the metal edges of the bed for support.
Tenn coughs. "Uugghh!" Covering his mouth. Something rings a bell...
Tenn remember he ended up swallowing some of Riku's blood.
Eyes widen. Tenn froze.
Upon seeing Riku's face close up, he can tell his twin is in a deep sleep.
Tenn getting tearful eyes, the door slams open. "TENN!"
Tenn did not bother to look at the source of voices.
A gentel grab at his shoulders, Gaku and Ryuu were behind him.
Gaku being aggressive as usual. "Tenn! You idiot? Why did you escape your bed?! You are still under observation!" While contrast to him Ryuu being softer on scolding him. "Tenn...We know you wanted to see Riku, but as you can see both of you need to take a break. Come with us, lets put you back to your room."
Tenn shakes his head, as if his throat will explode. Tenn made a protest sound.
"Nngh...!" Tenn swatting Gaku and Ryuu away from him then he carefully touch Riku's face with shaky breath.
"Rr...kk...rrr..kk...Ri...ku...!" Tenn calling out the name of his precious little brother who risk his life for him is now looking so...so...
"Tenn stop it!" Gaku forced him away from Riku. "The Doctor said stressing Nanase in comma is not good! You can't...you cannot cry like that." Gaku making a fist. It's not like he wants to be cruel to Tenn.
But it would be dangerous if Riku hears his beloved Tenn in anguish voice might cause Riku get an attack while sleeping.
"Gg..gga..ga.." Tenn trembles and Gaku knows Tenn is trying to order him around by his name. "Let...gg...o...!" Tenn's leg gave away this time.
"TENN!" Ryuu catching him, Tenn's head still searching for Riku for any signs of waking up.
'No...no...!'
Tenn is told by the truth.
Nanase Riku is in a comatose state after saving him.
...
"Tenn how are you doing...? Kujou Takamasa who bought him flowers as Tenn quietly at his bed in a sit up position where his back resting at the soft pillow.
Tenn have his check up done.
Apparently he lost his voice due to the traumatic experience. It has nothing to do with Riku's blood, more like because he knows Riku's blood is inside him it makes him mentally terrified.
Guilt.
Guilt is the right word.
"The Doctor said you have to undergone theraphy for walking and for your voice...you will get some councelling." Kujo simply stated. "Worry not I will finance your medical bills, you are still under my wing."
Kujo says it. "However once you are healed, you and Aya...I will be releasing you back to your families."
This time Tenn's attention is full. The panic in his eyes, Kujo explains further.
"I saw Zero." Sounds hurting. "When your little brother played the other Zero...the ZERO in the mirror. I was satisfied." Kujo made a sorrowul face. "...I realize there that... Ahh, I wish to see ZERO one last time. And Nanase Riku made me see him again. Because you Tenn, you surpassed Zero. However your monster twin is exactly how ZERO looked like at his final performance..."
Surprise that Kujo suddenly tears falling out of his eyes. "...By him playing Zero and slowly disappeared to the mirror's void. I came into resolution that Zero's legacy is over the moment him and Haruki died."
Tenn who wish to say a lot but obviously he couldn't speak.
"I came into terms. I said my farawell to Zero when the curtain closes with you the new idol who surpassed Zero while Nanase Riku remains to go back inside the mirror. Its what I just wanted for the last."
Kujo wipes his own tears and forced a tired smile towards Tenn. "Thank you and I apologize. I know you deserve a reward, so I will return you to your family. And for the sorry part, it is because I put all my hopes and dreams to you...Tenn is such an Angel, but you don't have to sacrifice anything anymore. I will return your time to you-"
Tenn pulls Kujo's cloak towards him and as if Tenn is rejecting his proposal.
Kujo is baffled.
"...Tenn...?"
Their eyes met, Tenn is trying to say something to Kujo but he is mentally tired so he is not sure what Tenn wants to convey.
"If you are worried about your recovery, worry not I won't abandon you like I did to Haruka. I will make sure to pay you back. Also before I return you and Aya, I will give you both some of my inheritance as a parting gift."
Tenn gawks.
"Rest for now Tenn." Kujo pats his shoulders and dismiss him.
Tenn who can't leave the bed is dying to yell but no voice came out.
Kujo Tenn has no voice.
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6 months passed...
"Can you say your name?" The Doctor instructed. The pale pink hair responded carefully. "Tenn..."
Delighted. "Very good, it seems you can speak now." The Doctor says the good news.
Kujo whose with them makes a slow clap. "Tenn is a fast learner after all, right Tenn?"
Tenn made a small smile. "Thank you Kujo-san."
It has been 6 months. Tenn is able to speak back, however he is still traumatic to sing. For walking, he still needs a cane.
"Tenn can you try singing?" Requested by Kujo. "I'll try." A obedient nod from Tenn.
He took a deep breath inhale and exhale.
Sing!
(("Aah..."))
Its not coming out as expected.
The Doctor explains. "Well its a psycoligical thing. Do not rush, take your time to find the bravery to sing again."
Tenn being a rebel to self. "...I can't, my fans are waiting for me."
Kujo commented. "If you can sing that is."
Tenn frowns. "Kujo-san."
Kujo sighs. "Look Tenn, I told you already...I wish to retire. I do feel sorry for not producing you anymore not because you lost your voice to sing. I have set my partings to Zero through your little brother."
To his surprise Tenn snaps.
"That's unfair!"
"Tenn-"
Tenn is unstopabble from his outburst anger. "You took everything from me! You can't just back out like that!"
Kujo tired to argue back.
"Which is why am returning you to-"
"No. I want your everything Kujo-san."
Kujo shuts his mouth. Tenn glared at him, "I saw your passport. You are planning to run away from me." The eyes of disappointment.
"I want to spend the rest of my life travelling Tenn." Kujo tried to reason with him, but Tenn showed his dispute. "You can't abandon us like that. I won't forgive it!"
Kujo Takamasa pauses for a moment before he took a wild guessing. "...Let me guess You want me to finance still Nanase Riku's medical bills do you?"
Tenn is silent.
"..."
He knew it. Tenn is doing another sacrificial thing for his beloved twin. Brother complex sure is hard to erase.
Kujo putting control in Tenn's emotion. "Look Tenn, I heard rumors. Takanashi productions and Idolish7 is having difficulties keeping Nanase Riku's bill. Since being in a comma is pretty expensive." Tenn's eyes trembles. "They received donations from fans too however of course that would sound abusive so they couldn't keep relying on the fan's generous help. After all...nobody can tell if such idol of monster generation would even wake up."
Tenn finally speaks back.
"...If you let me go, I will be poor again." With a proper reason to be mad at this man who took everything. "I can't have me and Aya be poor again!"
Kujo this time yells back. "You are not going to be poor Tenn!" Kujo felt pressured. "A-as mention I will give you both some of my inheritance as parting-"
Tenn screams. "ITS NOT ENOUGH!" And he proceeds to cry out of frustration. "...Kujo-san! Did you seriously think...me and Aya never seen you as a father figure despite how you forced us?!"
The Doctor finally butts in as he can see Tenn's is getting excited with his emotion. It would be bad if he got overwhelmed with stress. He might loose his voice again. A gentel scolding. "Now, now, please don't yell Tenn-kun. You just got your voice."
Tenn lowers his head. "Apologies Doctor." However Tenn is not yet done. "One last thing, if you feel indebt for seeing Zero through Riku...pay his bills! Please I beg Kujo-san!"
Kujo's eyes widen as he hears Tenn says the following. "If you have the heart...if you somehow see me as your son and have loved me...for my sake please don't let Riku...My precious twin brother die."
Tenn placed a heart at his own chest with tears. "If he dies...I'll die too! Were twins remember?!"
Kujo Takamasa is in an awe.
He couldn't let himself be swayed by Tenn's angelic cry. Putting a final decision with honesty why he is being hard on lending money now.
"Sorry. I was saving that money for you and Aya. If you want, accept to become Nanase Tenn again then use my parting gift to you to Riku."
Tenn loosing streght on using his voice. "...That money is not enough, now that I can no longer stand on the stage..."
...Meanwhile...
At Room. 76
Where Nanase Riku is asleep.
Mr. And Ms. NANASE having a conversation with the Doctor. "We need Routine treatment for your son."
NANASE couples raised an eyebrow. "Yes we have been doing that right?" The Doctor showed them some papers. "Indeed, however there are additional charges you have not paid yet. We understand your love for your son, but we also need budget to do that. Please understand."
Business is business.
The Doctor in charge of Riku's case is talking to Mr. And Ms. NANASE. He told them to keep Riku alive requires good basic care (such as turning and changing position to manage skin integrity), a feeding tube, intermittent antibiotics for infections and perhaps some ongoing mechanical ventilation support (such as oxygen at night).
Someone in a coma usually needs to be cared for in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital. There, the person can get extra care and attention from doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff. They make sure the person gets fluids, nutrients, and any medicines needed to keep the body as healthy as possible.
And...the donations were use to cover that, some were of course given to the staff of Takanashi productions to keep them paid.
Eversince Idolish7 had lost Riku as center their sales rate is becoming lesser. They are still popular out of pity and some were loyal fans...
But remember its not Idolish7 if it lacks a member even one of them disappear they all loose their appeal.
One more it is just that Idolish7 also have their own lives, like families they have to support.
Iori and Mitsuki's parent's bakery. Iori and Mitsuki can lend limited to Riku since they have their mom and dad already old. They wish them to live a stable life if ever the time comes the bakery closes once retired.
While Tamaki saving money so he can live with Aya soon. But of course Tamaki does not forget to give donation to Riku's.
Sogo spending his money to pay back his father everytime they need to borrow some money. Like the other day, Sogo borrowed money for Riku's urgent care when one time Riku's heart went flat. Now Idolish7 is not much onto sales market its getting a bit hard to pay his father back.
Nagi spending money to his anime goods, he also need to save money for himself so does not have to go back at Northmeir. The remaining money he kept as savings he donates it to Riku.
Yamato also saving money for himself so incase he has to live alone he won't have to rely on Chiba Shizuo allowance. Although the allowance he receive from his father he gives it to Riku's medical bill.
Those are what happening now.
In lack of funds and new problems arises, the super star is slowly fading away.
Until the Doctor tells Nanase couple about a horrible decision.
"Weve check there is 5% that your son will wake up. His head injury is pretty bad, while the operation we did at his lungs even we put a metal on it. The fact he has been asleep for 6 months and this will be the 7th, the only way to set him free of suffering is to unplug."
Riku's mother and father were shocked. "However of course if you insist to keep him alive and in hopes that he would wake up one day. We really need you to pay this bill Mam, Sir...what will be your decision?"
Mr. Nanase and Ms. Nanase looks at eachother.
"Please give us atleast time to think."
They are not blind. They know Riku's comma state is so bad. If you do not have faith they could have given up from the first 3 weeks. However because Riku's fellow workmates, his agency, his fans insisted to support them...Nanase Family got hopeful.
However hope one day turns into a despair.
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"What? They will remove Riku's life support ?!" Nikaido Yamato exclaimed.
At the dorm of Idolish7. Iori and Mitsuki looks so sad about the talk between them and Riku's parents.
"They do not wish to do it. But the bills is piling up..." Mitsuki said.
Sogo who slams the table. "NO! They can't! I will go to father and ask another loan-" Tamaki stops Sogo. "But Sogo-chan...your debt is also piling up! Youv'e been working hard again...I do not want you to collapse again! Since Rikkun is not your blood relative your father doesn't really care..."
Sogo slumps back to his chair. "...I know father is mad that I borrowed money for someone elses sake. He told me the other day to give up my friendship with Riku-kun and to you all if I want my debt be cleared."
Nagi who mutters. "I just borrowed as well money from my big brother who said I do not need to pay it back. He considered it as a charity help to Riku. But then again...it is a big money and just like that its gone then we need another one."
Iori shared. "Even am a center, our popularity on sales decreasing because they miss Nanase-san. Idolish7 does not feel the same the fans said."
All of these things...
These rumors...
Tsukumo Ryo have heard all of it.
He had send people to spy on Riku's condition.
One of Tsukumo's spy went ahead and reported.
"They are planning to Mercy Kill Nanase Riku due to the lack of funds to support his comma state."
Tsukumo almost falls to his chair.
"THEY WILL KILL RIKU?!" Slamming the table.
BAM!
"I WILL NOT ALLOW IT!"
Tsukumo breathing in and out, he is very angry. Who the hell dares to do that at his Riku?
Riku is his idol. Riku has no right to abandon him!
The spy is kinda worried about their boss. Tsukumo had always been doing whims here and there.
However this is the first time Tsukumo's composure crumbling. Sure Momo made him so frustrated and hurt, but this time it is kinda different.
It looked like Tsukumo falling into despair than feeling vengeful.
Trying to comfort their boss. "But Ryo-san...Their money is running out and Riku is like...brain dead."
Tsukumo heard none of those, he suddenly sparkling with a good idea.
"Wait for me Riku! I told you that night...am on your side once you are in a pinch!"
The spy can only sweatdrops at their forehead.
Tsukumo Ryo convinced himself he is Riku's Knight Shining Armor.
'For sure...Riku will look at me!'
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Three days later.
This shall be the mark of the 7th month of Riku's comatose state.
And the bill is due. The Doctor gave them a waiver that whatever the remaining balance is that they cannot pay will be waived as long as they agree to end Riku's life support.
To be honest Idolish7 nor Takanashi Productions were not told about this will be Riku's last day at the hospital. All they know Riku soon will be declared to have his mercy kill. But the Nanase couples refuses to tell others their decision in fear of interrupting the job life of Riku's friends or workmates in general.
"Dear...we must do it." The husband shakily tells his wife. Riku's mom burst out crying. "Huhu...my poor little boy...my poor Riku!"
Hushing the wife, eventually the Nanase couples composed themselves and approached the waiting Doctor in charge.
The Doctor greeted Riku's parents with expectations. "Nanase-dono, I pardon both of you made a conclusion is it?"
Mr. And Ms. NANASE starts to move their mouths together in union of decision to Riku's aburpt ending.
"Doctor...we decided to unplug-"
"NAH AH-AH. Stop right there~!"
Suddenly a seemingly silly man echoed behind them.
"Eh?"
The Doctor and Nanase couples turn their heads to the source of loud noise.
Tap, tap, tap.
Tsukumo Ryo made his entrance with hands raised showing off his red fancy clothes. He wore this before in the party where he greeted Momo.
Now he is wearing it again.
"And who are you sir...?" Their heads clearly had question marks.
Tsukumo introduced himself with enthusiasm.
"Am Tsukumo Ryo, from TSUKUMO productions. Am Zool's Manager as well formerly Idolish7 competitor~!" Pulling out a paper. "Here is my calling card~"
The Nanase couples accepts it still wondering who on earth is this weirdo. "Uh-huh..."
The Doctor somehow got annoyed. "Um do you need something? We are in a middle of important conversation-"
"YES! I HEARD IT."
Tsukumo hushes the Doctor. They all frown at him. The Doctor felt offended. "Um, eavesdropping is not good sir?"
Tsukumo ignoring the Doctor's being uncomfortable to him, he proceeds to tap both Nanase's back as if he can read their minds. "Mama! Papa! Just call me Ryo-san~! After all am close to your son! Riku!"
Freak out. "Ehh?"
Tsukumo pretended to be nice with an act of dismay. "You cannot mercy kill your son, I will not allow it!" Clasping his hands together with a fake whimper effects.
It made Riku's father snap in defense. "It's not like we wanted too! We cannot pay for it anymore!"
Riku's mother also sobs. "Also...maybe we should end Riku's suffering..."
Tsukumo proposed. "I will shoulder the bills."
The three thought they heard it incorrectly.
"P-pardon?"
Tsukumo sighs and rolled his eyes. "Do I have to repeat myself?" Clearing his throat. "I said..." then presenting his grand plan with self applause.
"I WILL PAY FOR NANASE RIKU'S BILLS till the day he wakes up~!"
Riku's parents were disturb and so is the Doctor. "H-huh?" Looking at each other while judging Tsukumo's strange behaivors.
Riku's mom is the first to take the bait. "Um! We are thankful but...why would you do that? Who are you to even do such thing?" Of course NANASE couples are skeptical because this happend before with Tenn.
Tsukumo grins. "Me? Ahaha~" visible red cheeks. "Glad you ask." With self confidence...
The man raised his flag.
"Am your son's lover!"
Shocked.
"What?"
Because of this they decided to excuse themselves first away from the Doctor. They requested to have extra time since Tsukumo says he will pay the bills. The Doctor understood the situation and allowed more time for Nanase's.
...
At the pantry.
After a few minutes of story telling. "So you are telling us our son Riku has a relationship with you in a romantic way?" Riku's father summarizes it according to his comprehension.
Tsukumo with flower background. "Yes, yes!"
The dad made a face. "And how old are you?"
Tsukumo whistles. "32."
The father coughs.
"You predator!" Pointing at Tsukumo and almost stopped by his wife not to punch the guy who had money.
Tsukumo raised his hands, still trying to deceive the couples that he is harmless. "Wait, wait! It is Riku the one who approached me!" Is the lie he made. "He confessed to me, he knocks at my apartment and said-" trying to act like Riku. "Tsukumo-san! I love you please hang out with me!"
The father got more mad. "A-as if we believe that!"
Tsukumo sighs. "Aahh~ahh~ I tried to be kind." He told himself. "I guess plan A to be goodie doesn't suit me best."
Mr. And Ms. NANASE ackwardly watching Tsukumo mummbling to himself like he had mental issues.
"...H-Hello?"
Sweatdrops.
Tsukumo switched the atmosphere to a much more professional yet threatening demeanor.
"Well~ if you won't believe me for loving your son that way...I will change my proposal."
Tsukumo Ryo revealed his evil intentions.
"Give me Riku and he will live."
This time the mother reacted violently. "...You are going to take our son?!"
Tsukumo playfully reminded them his delusion. "Yes. Am his lover I said so! Am asking for his hand to you Mama and Papa!"
Disgusted. "Don't call us that-"
Tsukumo just drops the biggest bomb in the desk that puts them apart.
"Jajan!"
CLICK.
A suitcase filled with money.
Tsukumo like a devil tempted Riku's parents to surrender to his bidding.
"If you love Riku like I do~ its a win-win situation to accept this money and to accept our relationship!" Evil smile. "Deal?"
Mr. And Ms. NANASE looks at eachother, well they didn't want Riku their only one son left to die. Tenn disappeared and never came back to see them at all. Riku is always sending all his money to them for recovery of business.
There is noway they can let go such a sweet loving child.
They said it themselves, if only they had money they believe Riku one day will woke up.
Sometimes despair can turn to hope.
"...Um...R-Ryo-san." Riku's shy mother dared. "Yeeees Mama?" Is Tsukumo's feeling close response.
This time it sounds serious. "If it is true that you and our son Riku had such relationship then...we do accept it."
Riku's father hold tight to his wife's hand as they had this noticeble eye contact to take advantage of Tsukumo's obsession to their son despite not liking the guy.
Just like how they never liked Kujo Takamasa but still embraced the blade.
"F-fine we accept." The couples nervous response.
Tsukumo smiles wide. "Yay!" But shortly interrupted by Mr. NANASE. "One condition."
"Hm?"
With little interest, Tsukumo forced himself to pretend on caring what Riku's dad will say...
To his surprise Mr. And Ms. NANASE said together with visible pang in their hearts.
"Please don't take him away from us!" Doing the typical Japanese bow.
"We beg!"
Tsukumo evil smirks as he mentally knows he won. 'Greaaaat! Riku's parents are stupid. Very good.'
Tsukumo going to his nice act to be kind on handling Riku's over protective parents.
"Oh come on Mama and Papa~ we will he family soon! I won't take Riku like a certain Kujo who took Nanase Tenn and banned you for seeing him!"
The couples startled.
"You even know that?!"
Tsukumo Ryo is very good on gaslighting after all.
"Riku told me! See? Were lovers! Riku did not tell you our relationship because you always left him out of important conversations~ but I will be more than happy to share it to you, Mama! Papa~! Hee hee."
...
Kujo Tenn got out of his check up. He still have time to visit Riku.
It has been Tenn's routine to visit Riku everytime he get done with his sessions with voice and walking therapy.
Nothing should be different today either.
Or...so he thought.
The moment Tenn almost reaches room. 76, he turns at the corner but then.
BUMP!
"Ow...!"
Tenn in his cane bumps to Tsukumo.
Tsukumo just eyeing him down, Tenn politely bows. "Sorry! I was not looking-" but he noticed the man looks familliar. "Eh?"
Upon looking up from toe to shoulders, Tenn knows this man.
The devil in fancy red party clothing of attention and dazzling elegancy.
"T-Tsukumo...Ryo?!"
Tsukumo being his usual mocker attitude. "Ah, it's Trigger." Then covers his mouth in a way of teasing. "Oops. Forgot its not Trigger anymore!" With a bad joke.. "It's the fallen Trickster!"
Tenn not even hearing his attempt to piss him off, much focus on the other hand. "What are you doing here?"
Why would this man be in an hospital is the question.
Tsukumo can read what is running to Tenn's mind, he proceeds to be playful.
"Me~? Ahh well, you will see!"
Tenn glares at him with suspicion. "Are you the one who made the accident?"
Tsukumo blinks. "Huh?"
Tenn raised his voice with such accusation.
"Answer me Tsukumo Ryo, are you the cause why Riku is now in a comma!"
Tsukumo reacted. "Woah, woah! You are barking at a wrong tree! I would neeeveeer do that to Riku."
Tenn proceeds to talk to himself. "Does this mean Kujo did it then?"
Tsukumo raising an eyebrow. "Were you saying something?"
Tenn dismiss him. "None of your businesss if you are innocent." About to take his leave...
"Worry not, I will avenge Riku." Says Tsukumo.
Tenn paused. "And where is that coming from?" More like he felt insulted. "You are an evil person, there is noway you will help out of pity on my little brother!"
Until Tsukumo drops a bomb.
"Akihito Hyuga."
A familiar name.
"...!"
Tenn's full attention is caught.
"Ring a bell?"
Tenn frowns. "Why do you know the name of our former composer?"
Tsukumo laughs. "Aaah...I see, I see...ahahah!"
Tenn is starting to feel disturbed. "Can you stop laughing? Are you insane?" To his surprise Tsukumo Ryo revealed threatening eyes as he spoke in a truce. "Akihito Hyuga is at the musical stage play concert chanting he will make Trigger pay~"
Tenn gasps in realization.
"You...mean he is the one-"
"Sshhhh"
Tsukumo shuts him up by zooming his face to his, Tenn froze.
"Don't say a word~"
Sweatdrops.
Tenn forgot to breath, he finally felt safe the moment Tsukumo zooms out.
Suddenly his happy act turns into awakening anger.
"People who caused harm to my Riku without me doing it to him myself shall pay! Pay! Pay!"
Tenn decided not to dwell so much on Tsukumo's random ramblings as if he is splitting or something. After all Kujo Takamasa does it too sometimes.
Very bipolar.
"Tsukumo Ryo...why are you so onto Riku? Like what on earth are you trying to prove?"
Tsukumo twinkles.
"Riku is my lover that's why!"
Kujo Tenn is bewildered.
...
Inside Riku's room. 76, still in the hospital.
[BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.]
"Riku, Riku?" Tsukumo Ryo's enthusiastic voice echoed. He is talking to the sleeping Riku. "I know you can hear me Riku. It's me Tsukumo Ryo."
Feeling sweet. "Yes, As I have said am on your side Riku when you are in pinch." Taking Riku's hand to intertwine to his, Tsukumo expressed his apology. "Sorry it took me 6 months later. I encountered a tall wall after you had your accident."
Switching quickly to happy thoughts.
"I have good news for you though, Zool is no longer disbanding."
Smiling as if Riku is really listening to Tsukumo's dellusion. "Because you told me you wish ZOOL to continue existing. I mean I cannot let Riku be sad unlike Kujo Tenn always making you hurt!"
Giggling. "Hehe, Riku~ my dear cute little Riku~" Tsukumo kisses Riku's hand. "I will pay for your medical bills and I'll be kinder than anyone else you have known!"
Tsukumo feels like he won over Riku's family for becoming the official patrion.
"Because Riku, you are my ideal idol."
Tsukumo Ryo does sounds desperate though.
"I love you Riku~"
After that, Tsukumo goes out of Riku's room, Tenn still giving him a skeptical look.
"Are you done?"
Tsukumo's sweetness disappeared instantly with bored eyes towards Tenn.
"Yeah, yeah."
This kind of attitude is similar to how Riku can change gears of emotion. Truly they are alike.
Tenn giving a warning. "You better not be telling stressful things to Riku, or else-"
Tsukumo huffs at him with evil grinning. "Or else what? You can't even scream properly if I assault ya~!"
Tenn taken back. "A-are you threatening me?"
Tsukumo over reacts. "Ohhh nooooo. Of course not!" Then took his leave.
"Catch me if you can!" With wiggling butt. "Ahahaha~!"
Tenn click his tongue, he really hated him.
"Tsk. He really is annoying."
It is now Tenn's turn to visit Riku.
[BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.]
Seeing the same scenery of Tenn's bad dreams of Riku with oxygen hovering his mouth while barely twitching.
Riku looks peaceful at this moment. No signs of attacks.
"Riku..." Softly Tenn calls out. "It's me your Tenn-nii. How are you inside your dreams Riku...?" Touching Riku's face then petting his hair. It was Tenn's usual big brother mode. "I hope you are having the sweetest dream."
Tenn felt like his heart is squishing still. "But even so I wish you would give up that sweet dream and wake up so you can talk to me..."
Until it makes his eyes tearful.
"Riku...I..."
Tenn cannot hold it anymore.
"I'm so sorry...!"
He cries.
"If only...if only I was more honest...this wouldn't happen to you!"
Sniffing.
"Am a failure as your twin brother...!"
Trembling.
"I'm sorry Riku...I'm sorry...!"
Still hurting.
"Riku..."
Tenn snuggle his face to Riku's cheek.
"I love you too, I always do."
Whispering his prayer.
"So please...come back to me. Am waiting..."
Pulling away and wiping his tears, trying to look normal as possible because he is an adult with an image. "Because right now am a free man."
Tenn delivers the good news to Riku.
"Kujo-san is planning to give me back my real name...Nanase Tenn. Your big brother who loves you the most! Let us...go home together okay?"
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
((Flashback))
At the park of Zero Arena.
Their usual fated spot to meet.
It was morning time when this happend.
Riku out of nowhere declares.
"Tenn-nii, am setting you free."
Kujo Tenn beside him observing the water, he turned his head to Riku. "Eh? Riku...what do you mean?" Riku is contemplating, he look serious. He can see his little brother slightly shaking.
Tenn watched Riku's hands grips to the barrel with determined voice.
Riku confesses.
"After finding out from Tsukumo-san about how you volunteered to go on Kujo's wing for the sake of saving our parents in debt and the fact to extend my life on the high medical bills...I was never really able to thank you nor say sorry at all."
Riku sheepishly laughs. "So I want to say it now, now we have time together."
Then he looks at Tenn's face with brightful eyes yet somehow Riku's smile felt all melancholic.
The wind blows.
"Tenn-nii thank you for saving me and I'm sorry for being a spoiled brat...Iori is right, I got spoiled and I got bitter because things can't go the way I want."
Tenn is silent, his hair swaying in the wind. As if it is a dramatic moment between the twins.
Riku tried to make the conversation somehow funny. "I joined the idol industry in mission to force on getting you back home. But as what the papers said we are no longer legally family. That would be like kidnapping!"
Tenn ended up tongue tied. "Riku..."
Riku did not let him speak yet, he added. "I also realize...you smile the brightess when you dance and sing. Looking back, I finally understood I was the one restricting you to be a normal child."
But Tenn defenses. "Riku that's not it! I was truly happy to serve you, to take care of you-"
"You don't have to force yourself to love me anymore Tenn-nii. Kujo-san is right, you have those wonderful wings that is meant to fly out there...you were never supposed to be inside a bird cage."
Tenn shut his mouth. Trying to think how to debate back to Riku...however one thing caught his attention the most.
"You talk to Kujo-san...?" Questioning the impossibility of Riku even having a proper conversation with the man he hated the most for stealing his brother.
Riku nods. "The other day yes, I was hostile at first but I recalled I still owe him money through you." Riku tried to change the pinpoint of their conversation. "But let us not talk about that! Err where were we again? Ah right... When you left, all I did is curse you."
Tenn knots his eyebrows. "You were cursing me...?" That sounds...rather hateful of Riku.
Unexpected!
Riku made a sad smile. "Yeah, because Mama and Papa always...always had such sad faces whenever we remember you. Not knowing that they knew why and kept it hidden for my sake. So I won't be blaming myself..." so he won't have an asthma attack.
Uplifting his spirits to not make Tenn feel sorry nor guilty. "But you know! Am now thankful things went the way it is! We maybe got seperated, but thanks to what Kujo-san did I was able to stand on a stage in hopes to be equal to you. Meeting unreplacable friends from Idolish 7, better than my school friends from Karaokes. To sing and dance with my beloved...my proud brother!"
Tenn's pupils gasps.
He is lost for words.
Somehow he can clearly see it, Riku had grown up.
"Riku...you have matured, not gonna lie." Tenn made a small smile.
Riku this time gasps. To see his beloved twin to give him an approval of being equal at this moment.
This is a special day.
Riku wished for the best. "Which is why don't sing for me anymore Tenn-nii, as what you said...your lovers are your fans. But you know? Maybe sing for yourself not for your fans."
Tenn not sure what Riku is talking about. "Sing for myself? Gaku said the same thing to me. Do I really look like singing for someone else?"
Riku pointed out. "Yeah you do! After all Tenn-nii is an angel!" Worried about Tenn. "But you are a human being too, so please with Gaku-san and Ryuunosuke-san sing for yourself and be happy!"
Suddenly Riku took Tenn's hands into his.
"Kujo Tenn!"
"Y-yes?"
Riku grins. "I'm happy to be part of your legacy!"
Tenn chuckles. "Nanase Riku, likewise."
Little did Tenn know it was a trigger of death flag...
...
To Be Continued...
NOTE: Tsukumo calling Riku's parents Mama and Papa with mockery is entertaining riiiight? Hahah! So yeah...Am drained typing the drama but worth it! Hope you also felt your heart squished! Tehee...!
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Link: en/challenge/paradox-mansion-manga-main-story-/list?title_no=488872
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