Savior

Ryuu

“So . . . who were those guys?” I watched Kenta out of the corner of my eye as Sora helped him get sat down on the couch. I headed into the kitchen to see what I could find to eat for him.

“Not really sure.” He let out a soft sigh as he settled back into the couch. Turning back to look at him I could see the tension in him, that telltale tightening around his eyes. He was in a lot of pain. I just hoped that nothing was broken this time.

“So they just appeared out of nowhere to help you?”

“Pretty much.” His voice hitched slightly at the end and I shuddered unable to take the obvious pain he was in. If I hadn’t walked over to him I would have missed the rest of what he said. “Good fucking thing too.”

“What do you mean?” I cringed hearing the way it came out. I didn’t mean to sound so demanding, but I was scared and worried. He glanced up at me, the dark brown eyes shimmering with barely held in check pain. I sat down beside him. “Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?”

“Sorry.” Dark lashes lowered, and he turned his head away from me. The bruises along his jaw stood out in sharp contrast to the pale skin. He flinched as I ran my finger down his cheek.

“Kenta. It hurts me to see you like this.”

He nodded, but didn’t say anything. Sighing I sat back on the couch and pulled him against me. He went to get back up, but I didn’t let go. “No, just lay here with me. I want to hear what happened. Sora do you mind getting the food?”

Sora gave me a half smile, half smirk and nodded before moving out of my field of vision toward the kitchen. Keeping my arms wrapped around the toned body I shifted us, laying back so that Kenta was between my legs his head on my chest. He started to protest but seemed to give up, a soft sigh coming from him.

“Not sure I want to tell you.”

I could feel him slowly relaxing, the tension leaving his muscles. Smoothing back the dark hair I was careful of the bandage. It probably needed changed, red was already staining through it. This feeling of wanting to protect him and hurt the people responsible was new to me. I’d never before felt something like this. No one was going to get away with hurting the man I loved. I glanced up as Sora set the tray on the coffee table.

“Thank you Sora.”

“Not a problem. I’m going to go. I need to check on Grandpa. I’ll be back for practice tonight.”

“Okay, thanks again.” I helped Kenta sit up and grabbed the bowl of miso soup off the tray. “Here you need to eat something. Then I want you to tell me what happened.”

I watched him, frowning as he sipped at the soup. His left hand was heavily bandaged and he seemed to be having trouble with his right. Finally, after the third time he spilled it on himself, I took it away from him. Moving around in front of him I took the spoon and held it too his lips.

“Here. I’ll help you.”

He didn’t even argue. That had me worried. He should have been telling me to fuck off and he could do it himself. Why was he being so docile? Was he just in that much pain or had something else happened. My worry grew into full blown concern by the time he finished the bowl.

“Kenta-“

“They were going to kill me Ryuu.”

I gasped and accidentally grabbed him harder than I intended. “What? Kenta! Who?”

He pried my hand off his arm and gave me a look. “Those fuckers at the Seven Eleven. Starting a stupid fight over something so . . . stupid. Kept calling me okama.”

I frowned and shifted away from him slightly. I hated the insult. I’d been called it more times than I cared to count, but it never made hearing it easier. For Kenta it would have been even harder. Looking at him I knew that he hadn’t taken it well.

“I’m sorry.”

Black eyes flickered toward me for a moment before lowering. “Yeah well . . . it’s your fault.”

I gasped softly a sudden searing pain in my chest. “M-my fault?”

He turned to look at me a soft smile on the full lips. Damn it, even beat up he looked hot. The hurt faded into irritation and I glared at him. Smacking him on the shoulder I got up.

“My fault huh? My fault you got your ass beat or my fault they called you that?”

“Both.”

I could hear the smirk and warm fingers wrapped around my wrist. I let him pull me back down but didn’t look at him. A shiver went through me as he kissed my neck, pulling me closer.

“Come on Ryuu, I’ve had a hell of a night.”

“It’s morning.”

He sighed, the warm heat making my skin prickle. I wrinkled my nose. “You need a bath, you smell like . . . a garage.”

“That sounds about right, was pretty much sleeping in one.”

“Just where were you last night? Never mind. Come on. I’ll run the tub.” Slipping out of his embrace I got to my feet and carefully pulled him up. He waivered and I quickly slipped an arm around his waist to hold him up. “Maybe we should just head straight to the clinic.”

“NO! No fucking doctors. Ain’t nothing broke just . . . tired.”

I didn’t argue any further as I led him to the master bath. He was leaning pretty heavily on me but each time I glanced over at him he was smiling. It made me wonder what he was thinking, so I asked.

"It was nice to meet some guys who love motorcycles as much as I do. Yori-san is a great guy.”

“Oh.” Okay, now I really should not let that get to me as bad as it did. God knew Kenta needed friends, but I’d been hoping, even just slightly that maybe he’d been happy to be home and with me.

“That and I realized something.”

I looked down at him, letting him go so he could start getting undressed. “What’s that.”

“I like it when people call you my boyfriend.”

***

“God damn it Ryuu! Why didn’t you watch where you were?”

“I’m sorry.” I winced putting a hand to my head. I still felt dizzy, my head pounding. Kenta’s arms tightened around me and I could feel him shaking slightly with the strain of carrying me. “Put me down, I can walk.”

“No.” It was a low growl.

I struggled weakly in his grip. “Put me down! I have to finish the concert.”

“No, Nakamara already announced it was over. You were on the encore anyway.”

“Ryuu! Kenta! Is he alright?”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

I looked up to see Sora peering down at us. His spikes were starting to wilt from the humidity and he looked flushed. I could hear Hasu and Akira but couldn’t see them.

“I’m sure. Kenta is just being overprotective.” I yelped as fingers pinched my arm. “Kenta! That hurt!”

“You are not fine. You collapsed on stage.”

“I just got dizzy all the sudden. That’s all.”

“Ryuu, you were passed out cold when I picked you up.”

I looked at Kenta, meeting the dark eyes for a moment. “Really?”

He rolled his eyes. “You think I’d be carrying your ass around otherwise?”

I was surprised to see Hiro’s giant bulk towering outside the dressing room door. He winked at me as he opened the door.

“Ito-sama. Kenta.”

“Thanks Hiro.” Kenta edged through the door and finally let me down. He glared up at me for a moment before turning back to the door. He moved to the side as Sora, Hasu and Akira walked in. Everyone looked sweaty and tired. Hasu came up to me and put a hand on my arm, his large dark eyes peering up at me.

“Ryuu . . . are you sure you’re alright.”

“I feel better now, the dizziness seems to be fading but my head hurts.”

“Well . . . you probably hit it when you fell.”

“I . . . yeah I guess.”

There were suddenly hands in my hair and I winced as fingers found the knot. “Ow! Stop it!”

I swatted the hand away and looked up to see Kenta glaring down at me. “Why did you get dizzy in the first place?”

I looked at him for a long moment but finally had to break the intense gaze. “I-I’m not sure. I felt fine earlier.”

“Ryuu . . . you need to tell him.” I didn’t look up at Hasu. “Ryuu it could be important.”

“Tell me what.”

My chin was suddenly grabbed and I found myself staring into deep pools of obsidian. I blinked a couple of times but the fingers tightened when I tried to pull away.

“What did you do Ryuu?”

“I . . . I . . . took a water bottle from one of the fans.”

“What!” I fell back against the couch as Kenta shoved me. “What the fuck were you thinking Ryuu? Are you that fucking stupid?”

The sudden stabbing pain in my chest rendered me speechless. I looked down at the matted beige carpet. I knew it was stupid, but I’d been caught up in the excitement. I’d only taken one quick drink of it before leaving it on the stage. I couldn’t remember now if it had already been opened or not. Leaning forward I ran a trembling hand over my face.

“Kenta I-“

“Shut the fuck up.” Kenta snapped making me flinch, a soft gasp escaping. “I’ll be back later.”

The sound of the door slamming made me jump. It seemed to break whatever control I’d had. Slumping over on the couch I
buried my face in the cushions.

***

“He still hasn’t moved.”

“Do you think he passed out again?”

“No.”

I could hear everyone’s hushed voices. It was annoying. I had no idea how long I’d been laying there trying to avoid thinking about anything. Why was I so stupid? Even Reiko had came in and yelled at me.

“They found it. One of the stage hands had it. He set it to the side since it was different from the usual bottles. Reiko is taking to have it tested now.” I raised my head slightly hearing Isao’s voice. They’d called him too? Fuck. I went to push myself up off the couch and realized I couldn’t. What was going on? There was a rush of dizziness and suddenly I was on my back looking up at the ceiling.

“Ryuu! Are you alright?”

I blinked a few times trying to get things to focus. Sora and Hasu were hovering over me and I heard someone yelling for Kenta.

“Call an ambulance! He’s not responding.”

What were they talking about? I could hear and see them just fine. I reached up to touch Hasu who had tears in his eyes. Nothing happened. My arm didn’t move. In fact nothing was moving. I knew I was still breathing and I could feel my heart racing, but other than that it was like I was asleep and dreaming. Kenta suddenly appeared behind Hasu, his face completely blank. Just once couldn’t he pretend to be concerned, just let the mask slip a little.

“Hiro is calling the ambulance. What happened? He was fine when I left.”

“I don’t know.” Hasu looked at me, tears streaming down his cheeks. “He was just laying there. I thought he was mad and just not talking. Oh Ryuu! I’m sorry.”

He was sorry? What was he sorry for?

“Kenta! I found the girl! The one who gave him the drink.”

Kenta got up and I had a fleeting glimpse of that toned rear before he was gone. I wanted to smash my head into something solid. Why had I been so stupid? Now everyone was upset and worried. Hasu was crying softly beside me while Sora stroked his hair. It was only a few moments later when Kenta reappeared.

“Stupid bitch. It was ruffies. I already called security. The police are going to pick her up. Are you sure he only drank a little of it. Where is the bottle? Call Reiko now!”

There was a slight commotion and I heard someone exclaim. “I just got a hold of her. Half the bottle is gone.”

No, there was no way I drank that much of it. Was there?

“Half the fucking bottle? Shit! Ryuu.” Kenta was looking down at me now and I could see the mask starting to slip, it didn’t give me any satisfaction to see the worry in his eyes. I wanted so badly to pull him against me and hold him, to make this odd chilled sensation go away. I blinked and it seemed like everyone disappeared only to be replaced by medics. I was placed on a gurney and strapped down, the panic seemed to subside a bit, replaced by nausea. As we headed into the hallway I could hear raised voices.

“If you’d been doing your fucking job, this wouldn’t have happened! Didn’t you see him get handed the bottle? How did she get close enough to do that anyway?” I would recognize Nakamara’s voice anywhere, but who was he yelling at? As our manager I’d heard him yell a lot but usually not at the staff.

“I was standing where I always do. I didn’t see anyone get close enough . . .“

Kenta! He was yelling at Kenta? I’d never heard Kenta sound like that. He sounded so . . . distressed, a slight tremor to his voice that sent a stab of pain through me.

“You’re too fucking short. Next time Hayate and Hiro will take the stage, you just stay backstage and out of the fucking way. You aren’t good for anything but keeping the idiot happy.”


Kenta

Once again I found myself standing around like a fucking idiot while everyone else rushed around panicked. Why was it that when it came to Ryuu I seemed to fucking fail more often than not? I turned in time to see them loading him up into the ambulance. I grabbed my head as someone smacked me from behind.

“Oi! I’ll fucking-oh . . . Sora . . .”

“What the hell are you doing Arakaki? Shouldn’t you be with him?”

I glanced up at Sora and looking back down shook my head. “I have to stay here and help.”

“Fuck that, we’ve got it. Get going before I smack you again.”

He did anyway. I would have kicked him but he was already too far away. Damn him and his fucking long legs, he moved too fast and I wasn’t in the mood to start a fight. Yeah I know, me not want to fight, fucking weird. This whole thing had rattled me a lot more than I wanted to admit. It didn’t help getting fucking ripped to shreds by Nakamara too. He’d wanted to hit me. I could see it in the way he looked at me, the tension in his shoulders. Maybe the barely faded bruises had stopped him. I’d had enough of being hit to last me for a good fucking long time after last week. I was just now moving around without something hurting.

Heading for my bike I wondered why Ryuu had taken the water. I knew he sometimes didn’t think before he did things, but this really was stupid. Straddling the bike, I thumbed the switch and after checking traffic headed for the nearest hospital. I couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened. It would have been better to hurt a fan’s feelings than to let himself get drugged. What if it had been poison? I jerked the bike back into my lane, my heart suddenly pounding making me feel a bit light headed. I really shouldn’t be thinking about this right now. Traffic was too heavy for me to be distracted. That’s what Ryuu was, one giant fucking distraction.

They kept him until the report came back on what was in the water. At least the girl hadn’t lied about what she’d put in it. I hoped the police were giving her hell right now. I’d been a lot less nice than what they probably would have. Like I fucking cared if she’d shit her pants she was so scared. Stupid bitch deserved to be beat. And here was the other person who needed beat for their sheer stupidity. I shook my head seeing Ryuu coming down the hall. He looked pale, the gray eyes washed out. It sent a pang of . . . something through me and all my irritation evaporated like water on a hot griddle. He was wearing normal street clothes for once, just a t-shirt and jeans. His hair was loose and floating around his face and shoulders as he walked. Holy fuck he looked hot.

“Ryuu-“

“Oh Kenta, I’m so sorry.” Next thing I knew I had a silly blond singer crying into my shoulder. I glanced around but didn’t see anyone else. Where was the rest of the band, Reiko, Isao any of them?

“Hush Ryuu, it’s alright. You didn’t know. Where is everyone?”

He shrugged and finally lifted his head. “I told them I didn’t want visitors.”

“Ryuu . . . everyone was so fuc-“ He kissed me and I jerked back startled. “Ryuu! Not here!” I hissed at him and cringed seeing the expression on his face. Grabbing his arm I turned. “Come on.”

Thankfully, I’d thought to bring my guest helmet. Ryuu needed some space, to get away from everyone and everything for a bit or he was going to end up too depressed over the whole situation. Sliding onto the bike I tossed him the other helmet. I put mine on and tightened the chin strap. He was still standing there looking down at the helmet in his hands.

“What are you waiting for? Put the helmet on and get on. You can ride behind me.”

“Are . . . are you sure? I can just call-“

“Get the fuck on Ito.”

He nodded and put the helmet on. I sat the bike up and kicked back the stand and looked over at him. He looked nervous, his eyes peering at me from within the helmet. He didn’t say anything and got on behind me. It gave me a little rush to feel him put his hands on my hips. The bike started easily and settled into a low purr.

“Hang on to me.”

His fingers tightened as we took off and I think I heard him call my name, but the wind ripped away any sounds. I knew where I wanted to go. It was a bit of a drive, but it would be worth it and I had plenty of gas. After a while I felt him relax and lean against me more, his arms around my waist. His helmet would bump mine every so often as the wind buffeted us. The soft heat from his body was soothing and I felt my own anxiety from earlier finally ebbing away.

We finally reached the beach and I slowed the bike, pulling off the road. We both sat back and I took my helmet off. The roar of the surf was much louder than the bike had been, but had the same type of calming affect too it.

“Why are we here?” Ryuu’s voice was soft in my ear.

“You needed some space.” I shifted slightly on the seat so I could turn to look at him. “Ryuu . . . why did you take the bottle from her?”

The pale eyes lowered. “I . . . I’m not sure. I was just caught up in the moment and wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry Kenta. Nakamara shouldn’t have yelled at you like that.”

“Wait . . . you heard that?”

He nodded, his hair tickling my neck as he leaned forward, his arms wrapping around my chest. “It was horrible, Kenta. I could hear and see everything, but I couldn’t move or speak. I haven’t been that terrified in . . . a long time.”

I could hear the fear in his voice and it tore at me. “It’s over now. Just please, please be more careful Ryuu. You have no idea how badly you scared everyone.”

Soft lips grazed my neck, then my jaw making me shiver. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“I am too Ryuu. I . . . should have spotted her sooner and this would never have happened.”

I felt his lips pull up into a grin. “There is that . . . maybe I should make you make it up to me.”

“Ryuu . . . don’t push it.”

“No, no you are right. I wouldn’t have taken it from her if she hadn’t got past the barrier. I thought she was supposed to be there.”

“What?” I turned to look at him. He nodded, his eyes somber. I frowned not sure if I should believe him or not.

“You know how sometimes when we run out of water Hayate or you will send someone along the front of the stage with more. I thought she was one of those people.”

“Oh shit . . . I’m sorry Ryuu.” If that was the case we were going to have to be a lot more careful. “Tell you what . . . I’ll make it up to you tonight. I’ll make you dinner.”

He grinned and I suddenly realized I’d been tricked into something. “I have a better idea.”