Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Between Dates ❯ Between Dates chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

DL: Note I don't own the troopers and I don't know much about Japan and I don't know much about medicine, drugs or injures. Note I can't grammar check or spell check. Note I don't now much about kendo and note I don't know much about romance.
Shu: Jeez, is there anything you do know.
DL: Yes that Shu has small feet.
Shu: WHAT!!??
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DL: Touma…?
Seiji: Touma?
Shu: Touma, get the hell out here!
Touma: *hiding* I'm not coming out.
Shin: Oh come on, love. Everything will get better.
DL: *whisper to Ryo* I'm not sure about that.
Ryo: Oh, what else could happen?
DL: You don't want to know.
Seiji: Let's not tell him that.
Touma: Me what?
Seiji: You'll have to come out to hear it.
Touma: I won't fall for that.
Seiji: Oh well then you don't get to know. *whispers to DL* He's too curious he'll come out go ahead and start.
DL: Alright, places everyone. Oh Yeah to all you wonderful reader and reviews thanks so much for you kind and critic words. Sorry______ I didn't get it out on the 15th I had to go see my boyfriend Orlando at the movies… hehehehehahahahaHAHAHA!

Chapter 7

Ryo felt the armor surrounded him, Rekka's filling his body with power. Closing his eyes Ryo focused on the reason for his donning the armor.
/I hope this works. I hate to worry Nasuti by ask her to call them./ He had managed to sneak away from her the moment they arrived back at her aunt's. He planned on contacting the other troopers in the hope that his ominous feeling was only paranoia. So Ryo, unwilling to worry Nasuti and not wanting to run up the phone bill, was now attempting to contact his fellow troopers through their armor's link. Though the troopers had used the armor to communicate long distances but they'd never attempted cross continental conversations.
~Ryo?!~ An alarmed voice called out to him. ~Ryo answer! Are you ok?~ Shin continued.
~I'm fine Shin, are you two alright?~
~We're fine.~
~Thank god.~ There was pause as Ryo sighed thankful that two of his friends were in good health but if they were okay that meant…
~Then it is Touma and Seiji…~ Shu mind crackled through the link.
~Not again.~ Shin whispered. ~I've been sensing negative vibe from Korin all day. I think he's in his sub-armor but I can't reach him.~
~And Tenku?~ Ryo asked.
~I felt a flare awhile back but nothing sense then. Ryo, Touma was panicked. I'm really worried.~
~And you've tried calling them?~
~No I don't have the Dates' number with me.~
~Alright I'll-~
"Ryo!" The young Japanese boy blinked looking across the angled roof to Nasuti who was watching him, her short hazel hair fluttered in the wind as she steadied herself.
"'Suti…"
~Ryo what's wrong?~
~Nothing Nasuti's just found me.~
~Oww someone's in trouble.~ Shu chimed.
"So, there is something wrong." Nasuti looked sadly at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I… I didn't want to worry you until I was sure." Came his guilt riddled reply
"Ryo…" She paused looking away before her eyes relocked with his. "Ryo if this relationship is going to work you're going to have to trust me… with every thing."
Ryo nodded absently.
"Or thing will end up just like last time." She added walking toward the fire trooper.
"I…" He knew she was right this was the second time they'd tried this relationship though the guys didn't know about their first attempt. It had been right after the war, but they had decided to keep their relationship a secret. /This isn't the time./
~Time for what?~ Shin asked making Ryo realized he'd slipped.
~Never mind.~
"So what's going on?" Nasuti asked.
"It's Seiji and Touma. Shin's been sensing back vibes all day."
~Doesn't Nasuti have the Dates' number?" Shin asked.
~She might.~ But before he could ask a cell phone was held up to his face.
"I thought we might need to call one of them so…" She smiled brightly though it was quickly replaced by concern. "Though I wish I were wrong."
"Thanks 'suti."
~Does she?~
~Of course.~ Ryo said proudly
~Then give me the number.~ Shin snapped sudden impatiently. It was obvious that Shin been worried all day.
/Kami, please let them be ok./
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/ "I'll be there soon… Mom, Touma's in bad shape I'll need your help with him when I arrive." What could have happened?/ Kyo rechecked her medical supplies before glancing to the window again. Seiji had called over a half hour ago from a payphone she guessed. /He sound so…/ Shaking her head she once more glanced toward door.
"I don't see why he didn't take Hashiba to the hospital." Her husband muttered as he dropped onto to the chair adjusted to her.
"I'm sure Seiji knows what he's doing he'd never endanger Touma."
"It's not Touma I'm worried about."
"What do you mean by that?" Her dark eyes narrowed, she was way too stressed to deal with more of his crap; for lack of a better word.
"I just-"
"SEIJI!" Satsuki voice rang through the air as the front door was thrown open their youngest child's face appearing. She had been waiting outside so that she would be the first to see Seiji arrive. "He's here!" Pulling back the door the three of them wait until a blur of green and white stopped at the door.
"Seiji," Kyo whispered before her medical training kicked in. Touma face was badly bruised, but what caught her attention most were the bit marks littering the teen's neck. /Kama-sama…/ "Satsuki go tell you're grandfather that Seiji is back and help him with classes this evening."
She realized her daughter would refuse, but one direct glare halted it. /I don't want her to see this./
"Yes ma'ma." Chancing one last glance at Seiji and his limp cargo she started toward the back door her foot steps increasing in speed as they faded away.
"Sanno, go get the ice and hot water." As he left she motioned for Seiji to follow her. They had set up a bed on the floor in the living room, where her supplies laid out. "Bring him in here."
He followed wordlessly laying Touma down of the cool gray sheets. Kyo started checking his vitals. /Pulse is a bit weak, breathing even but also weak./
"His heart beat has been erratic since I found him, he has a fever and his breathing been shallow but even."
"Good he's heart seems pretty even now. But we'll have to keep an eye on it."
He nodded grateful that Touma's condition hadn't gotten worsted. Taking a deep breathe she pulled back the cut t-shirt revealing more bruises, teeth marks and hickeys. She noted easily the reason for his weak breathing; a massive bruise covering his chest.
"Three of his ribs were broken, I healed them along with a few gashes on his chest…"
"And?" She asked noticing his hesitation.
"I need help setting his leg. I can't heal it till I get it back into place." Kyo blinked not noticing the leg until then.
"Gods, what did they do?" She gasped releasing Touma's wrist to get a better look at his leg. She could make out the blood soaking the fabric around his knee and the unnatural angle at which the foot set. Reaching for her scissors she cut away the fabric so that they could get a better look at the oozing wound. "This was ripped from the socked, twisted or jerked violently. Why would they…?"
"To keep him from getting away most likely," Seiji's voice reeked of disgust as he examined it with her. She looked back up at Touma's face as she started to press on the joint gaining an instant reaction as the boy's already pale face wrinkled in pain.
"Your father will have to help us." She concluded as she removed her hand. She glanced up at her son when he didn't respond. "He'll have to help hold him down."
"Hai," Seiji nodded quietly.
"Sanno! We need you."
He appeared a moment later bowl of ice in one hand a steaming tea pot in the other.
"What?" He walked toward them.
"We'll need to reset his leg, and we'll need you to hold him down."
The man glanced down at Touma his eyes flowing over the injures with a look that resembled concern, disgust and… /Guilt, he looks guilty?!/
"What do I do?"
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Seiji placed a hand on his Touma's thigh while resting the other on his injured knee. To his right his mom took hold of Touma's shin ready to aid in resetting it while his father held down the archers tense shoulders. His entire body was tight as if aware of what they were about to do.
Reaching out he grasped Touma's hand still clutching the orb of Tenku. /Touma's this is going to hurt, just try and stay still./ Seiji was not sure if the teen could hear him. The bear of Korin had a sneaking suspicion that the archer had been drugged. That would explain Tenku's absent connection to its bearer among other things.
"Ready."
"Hai." the blonde replied seriously placing all of his weight of Touma's thigh.
"Yes," his father nodded.
"All right." Grasping his shin as tightly as possible his mother pulled on the limb and slowly began to turn the lower half of his leg back into alignment.
Seiji felt Touma's body grow tighter as he gritted his teeth before releasing an agony filled cry. The teen's body jerked as he and his father tried to hold down his body. At the same time Seiji held his right hand on the joint feeling out the wound with both his figure tips and healing power of Korin until he felt the joint align itself.
"Hold on Tou, almost there, just…" The teen jerked choking on his screams as he fell into a sputtering choke.
"Damn it," He heard his father curse as Touma torso tried to curve in on itself to ease the painful choke.
"Come on Tou, hold on we're- There!" Seiji called he mother released the limb allowing it to settles back into the sock. Immediately the blonde healer began the task of meddling the muscle, and tendons the archer still thrashing. /Just a little more./ Seiji knew he'd need Korin's full power to completely heal the wound. Finally the archer settled down and Seiji relaxed pulling back from the wound with a relieved sigh.
He looked first at his mother and then father.
"Thank you."
"Seiji you don't have to thank us." His mother said quickly to which both males remained quiet.
"I still need to heal the rest of his wounds but I have to leave the bruise until the police see them," Seiji stood stepped back a bit from Touma as he pulled Korin's orb from around his neck, preparing to call his armor.
"I'll go call Officer Jeri and left her know we have him. They'll probably want to come out and question him and maybe you," he father paused giving Seiji and pointed look that meant he'd be doing the same. "But I'll tell them to wait until tomorrow.
The blond only nodded as he called for Korin, the second the armor materialized on him he could heard the three other troopers all yelling for him.
~Seiji!~
~Seiji what's going on?~
~Where's Touma?~
~Seiji answer!~
~Shut up.~ The blonde replied simply. Taking a deep cleansing breath he calmed himself taking note of their concerned seeping into his mind. ~He's fine, I need to heal him and then he needs rest.~
~Nani!? What happened?~
~I told you I need to heal him after I'm done I'll call you and fill you in.~
The others paused, obviously a little taken back by his aggravated reply.
~Seiji~ Shin started, calmly. ~We're just worried, please call us as soon as you're done.~
/Always the peace keeper./
~Thanks… Sorry, I'll call you as soon as I get everything settled.~
With that Seiji sealed himself off focusing exclusively on his Koi.
Sighing Seiji opened his violet eyes to find his parents watching him.
"The others are worried." Both adults nodded to this the fully armored Korin knelt beside his best friend. Raising his hands over the blue haired teen's knee Seiji began the slow healing process pouring power into the injury. Though he wouldn't heal it all the way he'd heal it enough to allow Touma to move around. Allowing his body to heal itself would be better for him in the long run. Soon the joint, tendons and ligaments began to knit back together. Pulling back his energy Seiji closed his eyes moving his power to the other injures he hadn't had a chance to heal namely the sickening bit marks and hickeys all over Touma's pale skin. He knew that they would upset Touma, and they'd be the cause for unwanted questions from the police among other people though the bruise would have to stay. /At least until the police come and take their statements./
Leaning back on his hunches Seiji pull back the last of his power the armor of Korin disappearing with it. Willing his sub-armor away as well Seiji took in a deep breath his eyes still closed as he listen to Touma slightly constricted breathing the bruises on his chest still causing Touma some pain.
"Seiji…?" His mother voice broke through the silence. Opening his eyes once again Seiji focused on his mother though his vision was slightly blurry.
"Sorry I haven't healed in a while so it took a lot out of me."
"Don't worry about it." She replied and another long silence engulfed the room before his father propped.
"So, what happened?" /Straight forward as always./ Looked over to his father trying to gauge his interest and was surprised to find the man not looking at him but instead gazing a Touma with a guarded and yet worried expression. /He's concerned, but… And there is something else; another emotion./ It was an emotion Seiji wasn't used to seeing on his father's face almost…
Shaking it off Seiji looked back at his mother meeting her gaze. /I'll need their support and help. I'll have to tell them everything./ And so he did just that relating the events from when he'd left to finding Touma till his return. He found himself cutting off all of his emotions as he exampled how he found Touma lying under those men; keeping his eyes on Touma the entire time.
"I see," his father said once his was finish, a statement that said nothing about how he felt about the entire incident.
"Oh god how could such a thing happen," his mother's sorrow filled voice misted through the room. She had lowered herself to sit beside Touma as Seiji told the story and was know brushing his blue bangs from his clammy forehead before reaching out to rub her son's tense shoulders.
"What worries me the most is who arranged it?" Seiji lamented. "What if they come after him and again?"
His mother continued to tend to Touma. "But why Touma in the first place? He's never been in Sendai before so who could possible have set this up?"
"Perhaps it isn't Touma they're after, maybe it's you, Seiji?" He father proposed still watching Touma with a now thoughtful expression.
"Me…" That made a hell of a lot more sense then this guy being after Touma after all the Date family did have a lot of enemies.
"And if that so this could cause some major problems. Especial if he's not capable of protecting himself."
Seiji's head snapped up at that his eyes locking with his father.
"Touma his more then capable of taking care of himself, not only was he train by Faun-san, Shu's mother but I personal taught him back at the mansion."
"Then how do you explain this? If he can take such good care of himself how did this happen?" The man's voice rose as he motioned to the sleeping boy, but just as Seiji opened his mouth to respond his mother beat him to it.
"He was drugged most likely." Both men looked over at Mrs. Date who pulled out a small flashlight; leaning over Touma she opened his eyes lid shinning the light in his eye. Nodding after she checked his eye Kyo turned to her husband and said firmly. "A sedative, most likely and a pretty strong one, with long lasting effects."
"That's what I thought. That's why Tenku couldn't connect to Touma. But how it was-"
The front door opening made Seiji stop in middle sentence he reach down pulling the blanket Touma was under up to the teen's neck.
"Naw, he wasn't that good, you can take him," Torin's voice floated into the room as he and Mokotu chatted.
"But his foot work is excellent."
"That's all…" Torin voice paused as the two of them entered the living room on their way to the rock walkway.
"What's going on?" /They didn't know?/
"Why aren't you two at class? Noria-san came all this way to have her two top students practice with ours and neither one of you are in attendance." The man cast a quick look at Seiji before looking back at Mokotu. "Seiji has a valid excuse but you-"
"Sorry Date-san Torin and I went to Yamota's dojo to check out Sochiro Arima."
Mr. Date frowned as he glared at the boys.
"I had told you not to go out there."
"No you said not to be seen there."
"No one saw you?"
"Of course not, Date-san."
"Fine." During the conversation Torin had wandered over the couch looking over at Touma.
"Holy sh… What happened?"
"He was kidnapped." Date-san replied simply as Mokotu came and stood beside the red head.
"Kidnapped?!" Mokotu murmured as his eyes flowed over Touma's sleeping form mostly hidden by the blanket. Seiji's eyes narrowed as he watched his cousin and Torin look over his love.
"When?" Torin asked quietly.
"Just before noon."
"Shit," the curse hissed from Torin's lips before he could stop it as Mokotu went from pale to sheet white as the two boys looked at one another.
"What?" Seiji found himself asking not like the look on the two young men's faces.
"I saw him, had a drink with him at the diner down the street. He didn't look good but he refused my offer of a ride back."
"What?!" Seiji was on his feet down staring at Torin hard. His violet eyes promising violence.
"I he was walking passed the diner, he looked tired a little dehydrated so I offer to buy him a drink. After that I left since I was supposed to meet Mokotu for lunch. I told him I'd bring him back here but he refused. He seemed upset about something and tire from the walk out there but after he refused a second time I left." Torin's shoulder sagged as he continued. "I should have persisted." he looked down at Touma before looking up to the blond glaring at him. "If I'd have known I would have. God I sorry, I-"
"That's enough Torin, there was no way for you to know." Mrs. Date told him. Torin nodded slowly.
"Did you see anyone strange around at the time?"
"No, I don't think so, but I'm not real observant."
"So if he was kidnapped how'd he get back here, I mean-" Mokotu began his color staring to return.
"I found him just inside the city limits. He must have escaped somehow."
"I see." Something in Mokotu voice rung of disbelief but before Seiji couldn't analyze it as another voice entered the room.
"Seiji-san?" It took the blonde a second to recognize the voice and by that time Saya had already appeared with a very uncomfortable Dai at her side. The boy bowed as he entered behind her and then frowned when Saya did do the same. Instead the girl came and knelt down right beside Seiji.
"How is he?"
"Saya…" her teammate hissed looking more nervous by the second. It was obvious that Saya's American side had a great deal of influence over her behavior as her concern overrode all of her Japanese training.
"He'll be ok," Seiji reassured her. Saya nodded quietly.
"I am sorry for coming in uninvited, but I haven't been able to concentrate since you left." She looked up at Seiji a knowing glint in her eyes. "I'm glad you found him."
With that she abruptly stood, bowed and apologized again before exiting the room, her dark haired teammate quickly following.
"We should be heading out to. And don't worry about dinner for me I'll be going out to Torin's place to eat.
Date-san merely nodded.
"Seiji." Torin called as Mokotu started to leave following the path Saya and Dai had taken. "I'm sorry." He looked as though he wanted to continue but stopped short.
"There is nothing for you to be sorry about."
With a nod the two left the clicking of the back door signaling their departure.
"So…?" His father began and Seiji's drained mind slowly went back to what they were talking about though he didn't understand his father hint.
"So?"
"Is that what you're going to tell the police, that you just found him?"
Seiji thought for a moment weight the consequence before answer. "Hai."
"Are you sure, Seiji?"
"I'm sure, but…" Seiji paused looked down at his pale boyfriends. "It will be Touma's decision."
Both adults looked displease but neither voiced further objects. Seiji was thankful he didn't have the strength to put up a decent argument. Sensing as much his mother gave the gentle order
"Get some rest Seiji." He blinked across at her as she stood. "I'll bring in some more blankets and you can stay in here with Touma. He'll most likely want to see you when he wakes up. /In here… Beside Touma but dad won't agree./ Checking for his father's reaction to her words Seiji was not disappoint to see a frown on the older man's face.
"I'll go call the police now."
Seiji was shocked as the man stood and left without another word. Casting off the question he felt filling his mind Seiji leaned back against the couch behind him resting his eyes as he listened to his mother move about and he father's mumbled voice on the phone. Seiji felt the warmth of a blanket and managed to pry his eyes open to see his mother retreating feet.
His eyes flowed across the room until they landed on Touma. His breathing was still a little tight, the bruise Seiji hadn't healed on Touma face stood out like black stones on a white beach flawing his masculine beauty. /This is so… so… shitty./ Sigh in exhaustion and annoyance Seiji moved away from the couch to lie next to Touma. He didn't wrap his arms around the sleeping boy like he want more out of fear from Touma waking up and panic maybe not know who was holding him then out of worry of his father's or sisters' opinions. Reaching out he brushed Touma's bang away from her face in a motion to sooth not only his love but also himself. Relaxing as his fingers brushed through Touma's silky azure hair Seiji slip into a much needed sleep.
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Dark eyes watched the blonde from the hall, as he settled next to the other boy before falling asleep. This had not turn out at all like he planned. He had hope to scare Touma away from his son, he had never imaged anything like this could happen.
/"It was planned someone purposely pick Touma out."/ Seiji had told them. And whom every had set up this kidnapping and near rape was still out there. He could target Seiji next or perhaps Satsuki, or Yayoi. Though both especial Yayoi were exceptional martial artist he still feared greatly for their safety.
Turning back to the phone Sanno dialed Yayoi's work number. She started working there about eight months ago as an assistant of some kind. Sanno wasn't sure what she did there or even what the place was but he'd made sure to get the number from Yayoi; one of the few thing she'd volunteer to give them in case of a emergency.
His oldest had always been kind of a loner, but in recent years she'd become even more distant especially since she started her new job; only coming home to have dinner and sleep.
"Hello." A young male voice answered. /Not very professional./
"Yes, may I speak with Date Yayoi please?"
"Oh yeah, one moment. Is this Date-sama?"
"Yes." Sanno winced at the loud way in which he pronounced his name as though proclaiming it.
"Okay, hold on." The line clicked and then there was silence for all of ten second before Yayoi 's commanding voice answered.
"Yayoi here." Sanno blinked not use to his oldest daughter not say her last name first.
"Yayoi, I just wanted to check up on you?" There was a pause before she replied.
"Oh… Well I'm fine. Did you call me just to ask that?" She sounded skeptical but appreciative.
"Well your brother's… friend was kidnapped today since you're the only one of my children not here I thought I should check on you."
"I see." She said her voice suddenly disappointed. He was also surprised when she didn't ask what had happened and instead added. "Well I'm fine, see you later tonight father." He was only slightly surprised that she didn't hang up on him her tone resembling that of his wife's when she was anger.
"All right, please be safe when you return home. Night, Yayoi."
There was no further response as the phone clicked off. Sighing he hung up and turned to his spouse who stood behind him.
"How'd she take it?"
"Fine." He replied simply not really looking her in the eyes. His guilt over what he'd done to the bearer of Tenku early that day coming back to settle on his shoulders. He knew he'd have to tell her and Seiji before the guilt would ease, but he fear how both would take it. Seiji had been up in arms over his harsh comment about Hashiba Touma, Sanno could just image what he would do when he found out Sanno had punch him.
But he hadn't known what was going to happen; he wasn't responsible for Touma's misfortune though he knew by admitting to harming Seiji's… Seiji's companion he'd be group with those men who'd beat and nearly raped the teen.
/ Seiji's companion… No. Seiji's friend… That didn't sound right either./ Sanno knew he couldn't call Touma Seiji's boyfriend at least not right now. Despite what he'd said Sanno was not comfortable with Seiji's following the armors' path and falling in love with one of its bears though his father-in-law had made the possibility quite clear to both himself and his wife when they had found out that Seiji was to become a bearer of one the nine mystic armors. Still that hadn't made it any easier on Sanno when he had found out. /And no matter what I said it wouldn't have mattered which of nine he'd have brought home; in the end I don't want my son to be gay or bi for that matter./
"Sanno?"
He looked to his wife realizing that he'd been standing their in a daze and smiled faintly.
"I'm fine, just thinking. I have something to tell you and Seiji later."
She nodded smiling back only with more fervor. "Yes later then, for now let's eat, this stress can be hard on the stomach so I made a simple to digest meal…" She went on to list the meal she'd prepared with the help of their house keeper. He half listen instead enjoying her voice as she tried to get his mind and hers off current events. /I'll have to apologize to Touma-san also. And try to except this. Who knows maybe this is just a phase and Seiji grow out of it. "…no matter what you do it won't change mine or Seiji's feeling."/ Even as he hoped for this change somewhere deep inside he knew he didn't want it. His only son was happy, happier then he'd been in a long time. /He's in love./
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The house was quiet and Yayoi knew the moment she entered that everyone was asleep. /Worried about me my ass!/ Closing the door soundlessly she made her way toward the kitchen for a bottle of water and stopped in her tracks at the sound of quiet snoring. /Snoring Seiji is the only one who snores in this family why's he…/ Stepping into the living room the dark hair woman peered over the couch and gasped at the sight that greeted her. /But… but…/ Speechless, Yayoi was speechless before a frown bore down on her features.
/They're… My father and mother are allowing this! How… how could they?!/ Yayoi anger became rage as she watched Seiji whose left arm was loosely laying over Touma tighten pulling the blue haired teen toward him as if taunting her.
/ 'Yayoi I refuse to let you, date that boy.'
'As the eldest, you must set an example.'
'He is not Date material.'/
/No one I've ever wanted has been good enough and you're going to let Seiji date this boy. Let them sleep together in the living room!/ She seethed staring down at her younger brother the 'golden child'. /You always get your way Date Seiji…/
She watched silently her anger melting into something else as she noted the bruise on Touma's face. Before turning abruptly, dark thought sparking flames of justice in her mind. Things would be different this time. Plans had already been set into motion to fix the other great injustice of this family this just added an avenues at which to achieve her goal. With a promising smile Yayoi retired to her room where she could continue to work out her plans uninterrupted.
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At exactly 5:30 on the dot the phone rang. Kyo was surprised, to say the least, as she glanced up from her book, the warm, early rays just beginning to pierce the morning fog. Curiously she set her tea aside and stood to get the phone wondering who would be calling at such and early hour. Though she'd been up since just before five Date-san knew for a fact that most people were not up at such an hour and that even if they were they didn't normal call others.
Answering she was only mildly taken back by the familiar accent filled voice of Mouri Shin. "Hello may I speak with Seiji please." Though his words were polite she could hear the irritation in his voice.
"Yes, but he's sleeping right now can I take a message, Shin-san" There was pause before he continued.
"Can you please wake him up, it's very important?" Kyo knew what it was about but she also understood that Shin needed to hear about Touma's condition from Seiji.
She didn't know much about their 'mind speak' and was quite sure Seiji and the other troopers would have a difficult time explaining it to her.
"Yes, I suppose I can. Hold on please." Leaving the kitchen phone there she walked pass the sleeping boys, cutely hugged up together and picked up the hall phone before returning to wake her son.
Seiji was normally a light sleeper so when she gently shook his shoulder purple eyes instantly opened.
"Mother?" he muttered blinking up at her.
"You have a phone call." Waiting until his eyes showed more clarity she said, "It is Mouri Shin." Shocked and a little warily he reached out for the cordless phone.
He barely opened his mouth before Kyo heard Shin began. Though she couldn't make it out she was quite sure Shin was only a few decimals away from yelling. Walking back toward the kitchen she picked up the phone listening in.
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"You said you'd call as soon as you finished!"
"I'm sorry, I forgot," Seiji offered sheepishly know that Shin and the others had probably stayed up all night waiting for him to call back.
"Forgot! How could you forget to call and tell your best friends, who have been worried sick all day and night about you two, that every thing is fine?"
"I was tire. Touma's wounds need more energy then I thought so it took a lot out of me." Seiji explained in an apologetic tone. "I'm sorry."
Shin next words were scolding and yet concerned. "How is Touma? Is he right there, can I talk to him? Did you call a doctor? What exactly happened? Are you…?"
"Shin." Seiji said stopping the hasty unrelenting questions. "He's right here but he's sleep and…" A hand suddenly caught the phone pulling it away. Seiji started to resisted when he saw whose hand it was.
Eyes still closed fair skin paler then normal. "I'm fine Shin, thanks for worrying but I'm fine, Seiji is here."
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"You sound tired Touma. Are you sure you're alright?"
Touma felt the need to nod but stopped himself since Shin wouldn't be able to see it.
"Yes I'm fine, I just woke up." /Yeah just fine./
"Oh I'm sorry Touma I didn't mean-"
"It's ok, really. I'm sure you guys are going crazy, not know what's going on?" /If you knew…/ "But like I said I'm fine. And I'll see you guys in the USA, right? So don't change you're plans or anything." Touma told him knowing Shin would be arranging to flight back to Japan. /I can't face them right now./
"But Touma, Seiji is busy with kendo and-"
"I'm at the Dates', I'll be fine. Really Shin." He heard Shin's sigh on the other line and Shu asking something in the background. /I just need to be alone./
"He doesn't want us to." Shin said talking to Shu.
"Touma!" Shu voice suddenly whined into the phone.
"No Shu, I'm fine. Seiji healed me up. It's no big deal." /Lie. I can still feel them./
"I'm not convince, what happen anyway?"
"Nothing I just let my guard down and got by butt kicked that's all." /I wish./ "Seiji found me and healed up." Touma could feel violet eyes staring at him.
"But Touma at least…"
"I'd hate to be responsible for ruining your trip." /Good one, they hate making you feel guilt./
Shu sighed before giving in. "Alright we'll stick with the plan and meet you guys in the States, but Touma if you need anything you call us, ok?"
"You guys… sure if I need anything I'll call, promise."
"You better call Ryo and Nasuti and tell them."
"I will," Touma sighed inwardly relieved it had worked. "And Shu if you really meant it, can you get the Queen's autograph for me."
"What?! You smart ass."
"Ok, ok how about Prince William's then?"
"If you can joke like that then you're alright. I'll handle Shin but I mean it, Ryo's probably at the airport now."
"Ok, sorry for worrying you guys. Ja ne."
"Ja Touma."
"Hey wait!" Shin yelled as Touma clicked the phone off.
Lowering it he sighed still not opening his eyes. It was too early in the morning to see clearly. His mind was groggy and only a few things mattered to him, of which he'd made certain of ten times before reaching out to grab the phone, saving his Seiji and his sanity. First that he wasn't naked, second that he had his orb, third that he was not back in that room, and fourth and most important that Seiji as the warm body next to him holding him and not…
"Touma."
"Hu."
"How are you feeling?"
"Safe," the archer whispered as she reached out grasping for Seiji. When he finally got a hold on him her pulled Seiji to him needing to feel him, needing to know he was there.
"Touma…" He could hear the questions surround Seiji gentle utterance but he didn't want to answer it, he didn't want to think of it. Seiji had saved him that was all that mattered. It was over now and he was safe.
"I love you, thank you for saving me."
"You remember." Seiji asked softly slowly wrapping his arms around Touma. The archer fought off a shiver of fear as Seiji tighten his hold but he quickly squished it the reassurance of Tenku and Korin reminding him of where he was and who was embracing him. The archer shuttered to think of his reaction without the armors' bond.
"Only in bits and pieces." Touma breathed, pulling in as much of Seiji's scent as possible. "I'm sorry. I-"
"It's okay, it wasn't your fault, forget about it. You're safe. I won't let anything happen to you." /So weak. "Why would he pick a little bitch like you?"/ Date-san word came back stinging Touma again. /Weak, little bitch. Seiji deserves better./
Even with those dark thoughts Touma slipped back into sleep enveloped in Seiji's warmth.
It was sometime later when he woke up to a quiet conversation. It took him a moment to recognize the voice. /Seiji…/ He opened his eyes watching Seiji through sleep clouded eyes as he talked with his mother.
"I think you're right, but are you sure you should stay? I can take care of him until you get back from training."
"Yeah I'll stay here, today, he'll still need some time to heal and I'm worried about his…"
"No you shouldn't." Touma voiced cutting off Seiji not want him to voice his worries as he slowly set up his stomach muscle complaining sharply. /I don't want to think about it./ "You've got the championship to worry about and I've already disrupted your training enough." Touma blurted.
"But Touma…"
"Yes Touma, it is fine if he stays. It will be hard for him to concentrate if he's worried about you." Touma froze that voice causing tremors to pass through his body.
"Touma are you ok?" Seiji responded instantly steadying him.
Managing a nod Touma replied. "Just a little sore and hungry." /Date-san… God pull it together Touma. Don't let him see that you fear him. Don't let what happen effect you./
"That's right you haven't eaten since yesterday morning. I'll have Asati, our housekeeper make you some breakfast. You haven't met her yet have you?"
"Thank you," Touma replied still fighting his tremors as he looked to Seiji.
"I'm fine or at least I'll be fine once I eat and rest some more. There is no reason for you to stay and watch me sleep. Go train, I'll be here when you get back." Seiji looked reluctant so Touma added. "I don't want to be the cause of you losing the tournament." /I need time to get myself back together. I need time to think./
The two stared at one another, blue pleading eyes meeting, concerned lavender before Seiji gave in.
"All right. Just eat and rest ok. Well talk when I get back. The…" Seiji hesitated before continuing. "The police are coming to take your statement and mine this afternoon." Touma only nodded his mind screaming. /I don't want to think about it./
Leaning down Seiji kissed Touma forehead as if his father's present meant nothing.
"I'll see you in a little bit."
"Okay," came the meek reply. Seiji stood his eyes passing Touma to the man behind him as he started to leave. /God don't leave me alone with him./
"Touma." The archer froze unable to turn and look at the older man. "I'm sorry for what I did and say. I will try to act more civil from this point on."
By the time Touma processed that, the man was gone and Touma was alone in an empty room. "Sorry?"
*******************************************
Light brown eyes watched her prey carefully as he set in the now empty kitchen thoughtfully chewing as he stared at the opposite wall. The bowl of cereal nearly untouched in front of him.
Dark marks decorating his face were the only outward sign of what he'd endured yesterday. From what Satsuki had told her Touma had been abducted by a group of thugs and then beaten. Seiji had found him and then he and their mother had taken care of his wounds. Yayoi had no doubt that Seiji had used Korin's powers to heal most of the other teen's more serious injures. /Caring for your little Koi, how sweet./
Watching Touma eat Yayoi could see why Seiji like him. Touma was handsome; his hair, his eyes, his skin and even his body style seems far too good to be true. In fact Yayoi had thought something similar the first time she'd seen him. /And now that I know his Seiji's…/ Yayoi felt no shame in this after all Seiji had done the same to her and as they say pay back is a bitch. /Babe In Total Control Of Herself, ha! Let's begin shall we./

To be continued…

DL: Sorry it took so long. I moved, opened an anime shop, and -
Shu: No one cares.
Ryo: Yeah boring.
Touma: Shut up you two. Say, DL, are you going to have everybody fall in love with me or what?
Seiji: Yeah what the hell was that last part?
DL: Patience, patience. Jeez you two let the story flow. And no, Touma, not everybody I mean Dai doesn't like you.
Shu: Who's Dai?
Saya: My teammate, remember?
Boys: Nope.
Nasuti: Oh yeah I remember, he's cute.
DL: How can you tell I never said what he looked like… Nobody heard that right.
Ryo: Suti!
Saya: Oh no your boyfriends getting needy again.
Nasuti: At least I have one.
Saya: So at least my guy doesn't smell like tiger pee.
Seiji: She's right you do smell like tiger pee.
Ryo: Shut up!
DL: Okay that enough of that. Ryo go take a bath.
Ryo: Suti care to join me.
Nasuti: No. *Ryo pouts and sulks away.*
Shin: Oh Ryo's sad.
Nasuti: Then you go take a shower with him.
Shin: Alright! Sure!
Everybody: SHIN!