[Series] Behind my mask - Chapter 12 / 26
Title: Behind my mask
Author: andreja1989
Lenght: multichapter
Pairing: Sakuraiba, slight Ohmiya, AibaxOC (Hamada Sumiko), JunxOC (Yoshida Rae)
Rating for this chapter: PG-15
Genre: AU, romance, angst, action, fantasy, fluff, school life
Disclaimer: I don't own them, sadly. I own only the OC xD
Summary: He is perfect in many ways because it's how he has to be since he is a butler to the young heir, trying to hide his failures and how much he cares for the young master. On the other side, the heir has a stubborn, arrogant, bratty attitude towards everything around him, especially his butler and always gets what he wants. Is he also hiding something, even from himself? Can these two cope with each other, be honest to each other? What is behind their masks that they show to the world? Can it be something that goes beyond a butler-heir relationship? And what if the danger is at the every little corner of their way, people trying to find out the secret behind Aiba’s family?
<--- PREVIOUS: CHAPTER 11 ~ Reconcilation and the Safe-keeper ||| NEXT: CHAPTER 13 ~ Grief, guilt and love --->
______________________________
In the previous chapter we got to see that Sho is hiding something from everyone. Aiba's parents entrusted him with something that can put even him in danger because many people want that thing. After that we saw how Aiba for now reacted towards Hamada Sumiko's confession and later saw Sho crying in his sleep, that image haunting him also the next day when it was the day to go home. After what happened between Aiba and Sho and seeing Sho's tears Aiba didn't want to sit with Sho but later went there and the pair had a slight reconcilation but there was already a new problem ahead, someone broke in the Aiba household.
In this chapter you see what happens when Sakuraiba return home ^^ That's all I can say haha :)) Enjoy reading :))
Chapter 12 ~ The assaulter
The bus finally stopped in front of the university, the pair in a hurry, ready to leave. They still sat on their seats, their things in their laps, fingers fidgeting nervously, exchanging nervous looks as the Yamada lecturer had to finish this trip with some words of gratitude for being decent students, praising their behavior and the hard work they did during the workshops and lastly greeting them, saying to have fun until Monday. When he was finally done, the pair quickly got up, this time disturbed by Jun and Rae that stood before them when all the students rushed to exit the bus. »Is everything okay? You two seem to be in a hurry.« Jun expressed his observation on them. He had to admit to himself that he looks a little bit differently at them now that he knows the truth behind their relationship, even he himself is more cautious to watch over them after Sho told them that Aiba is in constant danger. It's true he didn't understand that because Sho didn't explain more but after all, he promised Sho to be there if they needed anything and also, he was still their friend and cared for their wellbeing.
“I’m sorry Jun-kun, we can’t explain now…” Aiba answered apologetically but decided to provide his friends at least with some information, “It’s about my family…”
“Are you okay?” Rae asked worried, remembering Jun’s words the other night as he told her about Sho and Aiba, of course after he asked Sho if he is allowed to share that with her.
“It’s okay, we just need to be home as soon as possible.” Aiba explained and saw Jun’s look travel from Aiba to Sho, observed him a few moments to see if it’s really okay. Seeing Sho’s calm nod made him turn back to Aiba, figuring out that the heir is not that upset anymore about Sho, wondering if they had the chance to talk but instead asked:
“You really look like you need to hurry, do you need a ride?”
Sho waved his head, “I took care of that, I messaged our driver to meet us.”
“Sure, then hurry.” Jun nodded understandingly, moved away a little, made sure that Rae did the same and let the men pass. “We see each other on Monday then, take care until then.”
“We will.”
“Thank you Jun-kun.” Aiba added after Sho who already moved further on the bus. “Say bye to Ohno-kun and Nino-kun for us.” Jun nodded and they could leave first, rushing out of the bus, wanted to run to the usual place where their driver waited when a voice called them back:
“Sakurai-kun, Aiba-kun!” The pair stopped on tracks, turning around and saw Yamada lecturer come nearer to them. His hair were dark, neatly combed on both sides, tiny glasses barely standing on his nose, his slim figure moving like a stick man, his intriguing look observing the panting men. “Why in such a hurry?” Yamada asked through his tiny lips.
“Yamada-sensei, we need to leave because Aiba-kun has some personal matters to attend to.” Sho replied calmly before Aiba would start talking and maybe say too much.
“I see then if it’s his personal problem, don’t bother him with your presence too much.” The lecturer replied seriously.
“I won’t…”
“I trust Sho-kun and I asked him to come with me, we are close friends so I don’t mind him.” Aiba interrupted.
“You are right, then I apologize for being rude.”
Aiba waved his hand and replied:
“It’s okay. If you excuse us now…”
“Oh sure go ahead and… be careful.” Lecturer added, Aiba smiled and turned around to run to get to the car while Sho’s look stayed on the lecturer for a few more moments, his mind wondering why the lecturer had to meddle in their business all of a sudden but shoved his silly minds on the side. He is a lecturer, I know him and he is nice and wants his students to be fine. I’m just thinking too much. Sho thought and ran after Aiba to catch up to him.
Their car was already waiting for them a few streets away, as usually. When coming to it, Sho opened the doors for Aiba, entered after him and told the driver to go home.
“Ne~ how is at home?” Aiba asked the driver anxiously once they drove off.
“When I left, it was a little bit calmer. The staff calmed down after the elder Aiba-sama returned home. Now everyone is making sure to clean the house which was in a chaos once the burglars left. For now they haven’t touched Aiba-sama’s and Sakurai-san’s room because the elder Aiba-sama wants you two to check if there is something missing. Also I think the inspector is still there too.”
“Thank you, at least we know something now.” Aiba replied while Sho was too into his thoughts to reply. Aiba-kun’s and my room is also in chaos? Damn can’t we drive faster? I have to know if it’s still there…
“Sho-kun, are you thinking about something? You look troubled… is there something you fear it was taken from your room?” Aiba asked, slight worry emitting from his voice as he looked at Sho.
I don’t fear… I’m terrified! If it’s gone then… “I’m just wondering about it. I’m sure your grandfather or inspector will tell us more about it.”
“You are right, let’s just wait patiently then.” Aiba concluded, leaned back on his seat while Sho nodded affirmably, bitter smile on his face.
***
“According to the house butler the burglars entered through the main door. Once he noticed them, he was already threatened, a gun placed to his head, ordering him to gather all the staff in the house. The butler did so, ringed the bell that usually makes all the staff gather in the main hall by the main door. The maids rushed to come as it was their duty but then were terrified to see the masked man holding guns, some froze and other screamed when the burglars demanded silence. Once they were calm three of the masked man stayed by the staff to watch over them while five other men went around the house, making a mess as if they searched for something but accordingly to the staff that checked later, nothing appears to be missing. According to the staff the men didn’t talk much, I presume they had a perfect plan before they even came and when they were done making a chaos to the house they left. Luckily no one was hurt only women were frightened a lot, as I can see they still are and we recommended them to rest.” The inspector explained slowly as Sho and Aiba were there already, accompanying them to their rooms. “What is left to do, is you two to check your rooms too. I will be waiting below with the elder, take your time.”
“Thank you.” Sho and Aiba replied and then looked at each other.
“Let’s check then. To be sure let’s check together.” Sho proposed.
“We start with yours.” Aiba smiled bitterly and Sho didn’t mind. He slowly opened his room, encountering the chaos that his room was in, Aiba gasping by the mess. Every little thing that was in Sho’s room was moved, turned over, bed messy, books lying on the floor, obviously each and every one of them checked, the table messy, all the drawers opened, even the wardrobe was messy, clothes lying on the floor. “This is just insane!” Aiba uttered from the doorstep while Sho slowly proceeded in the room, his view scanning his surroundings. Nothing seemed missing but even if it was he wouldn’t care. The most important thing was hidden well and he feared it was taken by the sight of his clothes lying on the floor. He slowly turned to Aiba asking him to stay there by the door. The heir looked at him a bit weirdly but did as he was asked when Sho turned to his wardrobe. The neatly done butler outfits weren’t anymore neat, some lying on the floor, his casual clothes encountering the same fate. He moved the still hanging casual clothes a bit on the both sides, his view staring only at one certain point, his palms now reaching for the back wall of the wardrobe. His fingers felt that the edges of the cut out back wall were still in place. It wasn’t moved! He sighed from the relief, moved that cut out part a little bit, seeing the lock behind it still locked, not broken or anything which proved to him that it was still safe. Thank god!
“Sho-kun? Is everything alright?” Aiba asked worriedly from the door to his room. Sho placed the cut wall back where it was, slowly turning to Aiba again.
Should I tell him? This is the chance… No, no, I can’t… it’s not the time yet… Tell him Sho! How long do you plan to keep this from him? No Sho, don’t do this… you are closer to him already, it will hurt him badly… Stupid it will hurt him no matter when will you tell him! Do it now or you will lose your perfect chance!!! Sho’s mind had dialogues as if two sides of him were fighting to dominate and to force him to make a decision right this moment.
“Sho-kun?” Aiba called him again, this time even more worried as his butler or rather friend didn’t say anything.
Tell him!! You stupid, incapable butler! Sho’s mind screamed again. “No… nothing is wrong in here…” Idiot!!
Aiba observed him with precision, trying to notice any hint of his words not being true but relaxed later. “Let’s check my room now?” Sho agreed and indicated to the heir to leave the room before him, once they were on the corridor between their rooms, Sho closed his room.
“Let me go first.” He proposed to Aiba who nodded in reply, waiting after his butler who just opened the room. Sho stood at the opened door, scanning the messy room which was actually less messy than his but still had traces of someone searching for something. Clothes were lying everywhere and the bed was messed up but luckily nothing was destroyed. He stepped further in the room, headed to the scattered clothes to clean them up while Aiba followed him but went to the bed to clean it. “I will do that for you, don’t worry.”
Aiba smiled genuinely. Like I will let you do all by yourself. “I don’t have anything to do, I will help you.” He got up and squatted beside Sho to nicely fold his clothes and make piles of them. When they were mostly done, Aiba picked up a large pile of clothes and went to place them in the wardrobe, Sho doing the same but suddenly froze at his tracks, his eyes noticing slight movement of the curtains beside the wardrobe. His eyes looked below the curtain, sudden blast of shock overwhelming him as a pair of feet was visible under it. In the next moment he also noticed a hand, ready to move the curtains away as in the exact same moment that person did so, surprised the both present men. Everything went by really fast. The appeared man pushed Aiba away with one hand while swishing towards him with a small knife in his hand.
“AIBA!” Sho yelled and in the same moment pushed his master away, wincing slightly by the cut that was inflicted on his shoulder by the swishing knife, didn’t care about the surprised gasps and scared eyes of his master that looked at the new, poor looking man, and Sho’s cut clothes on his shoulder, slightly moisten in red. During that time the attacking man swished his knife towards Sho again but this time the butler was prepared for another attack, caught the attacking hand, knocked the knife from his hand, surprising the attacker, inflicting some hits to his stomach. In a second the attacker was lying on the floor, his both hands tightly gripped by Sho who was holding him still, yelling to Aiba to go and get the inspector. The heir woke up from his slumber as the butler yelled, quickly got up and ran to get the inspector. “WHO ARE YOU?!” Sho roared at the man below him, anger swishing from his eyes. The attacker tried to struggle but Sho didn’t release his grip on his hands, the man wincing in pain. “I ASKED WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!!” Sho repeated.
“I… I just freeloaded here… I don’t know anything… they came here and I just used the opportunity to take something from here… the house looked rich… those men had it all in place… I just needed to not be noticed by them…”
“You aren’t with them?!!”
“No, no, I’m not… believe me, I don’t know what went on…” The man whimpered again, realizing how weak he was towards the angry man on top, shook from the fright that was slowly taking over him.
“Did you hear anything from them? Did you see someone’s face?” Sho continued to interrogate, his voice not lowering anymore.
“I… they had masks… I didn’t see them… but they talked about a book… I don’t know what kind of but… what I heard it had to be important… everyone were ordered to look for a book with dark green covers and golden words on it, apparently important formulas were written in it… but they didn’t find it… they left angry… that’s all I know… I swear!”
“Hmph, I hope you are telling the truth for your sake or beware I might haunt you down until I destroy you!” Sho threatened.
“I’m telling the truth, I swear!” The man raised his voice in fright after hearing Sho’s low voice.
“Now listen carefully! This might be good for you if you decide the way I want. In your memory, from now on there is no book, you don’t know anything about it! Is that clear?!”
“Ano… every bargain has to have a good point for both sides, I don’t see what’s good for me there.” The assault commented smartly. “What? Don’t be quiet now, the inspector might come any time soon.” He added as Sho was silent for a moment.
“I will make sure that Aiba family will not sue you for the attack on us, with this your punishment will only be for the break in. You look like you were in need of money; you don’t look a drunk or a clause. I bet you needed money for someone that is close to you, I see after I look at you, you originally aren’t a thief and you didn’t want to hurt us, you wanted to break free. You were stuck in this room, am I right?” The man below didn’t reply anything and Sho took it as the truth behind his intentions. “What’s going to be then? Do you accept my offer or you can go straight to jail!”
“No, I don’t want to go to prison, my wife and kids need me… Please…” The man immediately whined in displeasure, scared that Sho would really send him to prison if he wouldn’t agree.
“Good, it’s a deal then.” Sho added silently while already hearing the hasty steps nearing the room.
In the next moment inspector with two police men rushed in the room, Aiba behind them who stopped by the door to let the men of honor to do their job. The police men took the hold of the man on the floor, Sho letting him go and observed how the man was handcuffed and raised up on his feet.
“You did a great job Sakurai-san.” The inspector praised him but Sho only waved his head, not intending to take too much praise and turned his view towards Aiba by the door, his eyes emitting fright and slowly also his grandfather made it to the room.
“Sho-kun!” Aiba called him hastily and rushed to him. “Are you okay?” His voice emitted worry.
“Yeah, no worries.” Sho replied, a bit anxious about his grandfather who leaned on his stick for support, his eyes carefully observing the happenings in the room.
“But he has hurt you… You…”
“Is it true?” Inspector intervened with his question.
“It’s true! He had a knife…” Aiba looked around the room and saw the knife still on the floor, “That’s the one! And…”
“And no one was hurt, I don’t intend to sue him for that.” Sho butted in and looked over at Aiba whose expression was puzzled and didn’t understand one bit of why would Sho do that. Trust me on this Aiba-kun… I know what I’m doing… Sho’s look now turned to the inspector for more explanation, “The man came inside with the burglars but he isn’t one of them, he is poor and saw the opportunity to steal something from the house, the true burglars didn’t even know that he was with them. When they left, he was stuck inside the room and he didn’t see other option to get out as to frighten us with a knife he had with him. His intentions weren’t to hurt or kill us, I am sure of that. Also I talked to him just now, he has a family to take care of and was desperate. Hearing that, I don’t feel any resentment towards him.”
“Sho-kun…”
“Are you sure about this?” The inspector asked.
“I’m sure.” Sho replied determined.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to… What this man said is true… please…” Everyone turned to the handcuffed assaulter whose eyes emitted true anxiousness.
The inspector sighed and looked to Aiba, “Do you agree with this or are you against it?”
Aiba looked at the assaulter a little bit longer, observing his lowered head as two police men held him in place, each at one arm. His view then turned to Sho who slowly nodded to him and returned his view on the inspector. “I trust in Sho-kun’s judgment.”
“I understand.” The inspector replied and indicated the police men to take the knife and the man away. “But he still needs to go to the station with us, the punishment for trying to steal is not escaping him.”
“I don’t oppose that.” Sho replied calmly, observing how one police man picked the knife up and saved it as evidence even though it will not be used against that man and how they later took him away. The inspector bowed to them, turned around to leave, bowed to the elder by the door too and exited after his men.
“You two scared me just now.” Grandfather spoke up as the three of them were alone, Aiba seeing how Sho’s posture straightened up into his butler image.
“I apologize.” Sho replied, slightly bowing but didn’t see Aiba’s worried expression to see his friend so tensed up again before his grandfather. This is not Sho-kun… this is a figure… statue… robot that is programmed to act as he is supposed to… Aiba thought as he observed Sho and looked back to his grandfather who slightly smiled.
“This is not something to apologize for, you couldn’t know about the danger but I must praise you for your quick reaction, Masaki told me you pushed him away or I bet Masaki would have been hurt.”
“I gladly fulfilled what I have to do.” Sho replied, his hand on his chest and bowing lowly again, this time feeling Aiba’s tugs on his sleeve but he didn’t mind it, he knew what the heir wanted but he couldn’t be Sho before Aiba’s grandfather, he had to be a butler.
“Did you two check your rooms, is something missing?” Grandfather asked while Sho slowly raised his head now.
“Nothing seems to be missing.”
“I’m glad.” Grandfather sighed and took a few steps into the room, speaking to Aiba, “As I heard from Sakurai-kun, the trip was fun?”
“Un… well more or less…” Aiba replied, bitter feeling creeping around his heart, remembering the bad times that he had with Sho, the ignoring, ordering around.
“That’s good, life isn’t only about roses, you know that.” Grandfather explained to his grandson and when seeing Aiba’s slight smile, he turned to Sho again. “Is something else to report?”
“Our friends from school now know… who we are…” Sho replied earnestly, lowering his view.
Until now grandfather looked calm but then he slowly went even closer to Sho who looked up again to meet the elder’s eyes and noticed how his face changed into a furious one, his old hand raising up and hardly hit Sho’s face, the sound echoing around the room, Aiba jolting a little bit away, seeing Sho’s hurt expression as he slowly turned back to face the elder. “WHO TOLD YOU TO DO THAT YOU IDIOT!!” Grandfather yelled at Sho, Aiba gasping by the whole act and slightly froze on his tracks, not sure what to do, what to say, who to observe. “There was no need to share that with them! You know I don’t approve of this! What’s your excuse?!!”
“I…” Sho started but Aiba suddenly butted in, stepped between Sho and his grandfather, clenching his fists as he faced his grandfather.
“I told him it’s okay to tell! Sho-kun knows our friends, he inspected them all as far as I know. He always makes sure that the people around me are appropriate. We can’t be on our own! Besides if we show our trust and appreciation in them, telling them our secret, we bond more with them and they will know that they can’t betray us!”
“Masaki, you don’t need to cover up for him! And since when are you so close to your butler to call him by his first name? It’s outrageous!” Grandfather slightly raised his voice over his grandson.
“Since we became friends! Grandfather, I don’t need a butler! Maybe it’s you who thinks that but not me. I just need someone who understands me and not someone who will serve me! Sho-kun is someone like that and I told him not to be a butler to me!” Aiba raised his voice too, slightly glaring at his grandfather, forgetting his nice education to respect your family, for him it was just too unfair to blame someone for something that wasn’t such a big deal, even though he knew he was unfair to Sho a few times before too.
Grandfather was silent for a few moments but then suddenly started to laugh. Aiba was amazed by it, his expression suddenly perplexed as he blinked stupidly at his grandfather, not understanding what was so funny about this fight they had while Sho only stood there silently, letting the men talk as he knew he had no part in this, he only fulfilled his role once again. “Masaki, you have really changed.” Grandfather suddenly uttered, “You were always nice but this is really different, you look more and more like your parents now. Morals and understanding in you have changed.” His gaze was suddenly warm and gentle, not even a sparkle of his anger left as he turned to Sho, “I think I have to thank you for this. He started to change after you came to this household. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Sho replied while Aiba still didn’t understand one bit of what went on between them.
“What is going on…?” He silently uttered while grandfather smiled gently to him.
“Masaki, please go get the first aid kit ne~. Let’s tend to your friend’s wound.” Grandfather emphasized the word friend and didn’t use the word butler intentionally, understanding his grandchild.
“But…” Aiba started but Sho interrupted him.
“It’s okay, go get it.” Aiba observed Sho but couldn’t determine what was his butler thinking but also understood that it’s okay to go, surely he would get his answers when he comes back.
“O… okay.” He replied, slowly turned around and left his room to go and get the first aid kit not knowing what happened in his room between Sho and his grandfather while he was away.
_______________________________
A/N: Yosh another chapter is posted :) And omg Aiba sided with Sho hahaha :)) And Sho saved Aiba again wiii :)) Somehow I'm a bit short with my words today because I have something else to share with you :)
What I want to share is a fanvideo I made for my story Behind my mask. Somehow you can call it trailer because it's kinda intense, angstly and contains spoilers so those who don't want to know too much, don't watch it but if you aren't one of those, then watch ne :)) I seriously am in love with this video, still can't believe how good it turned out after 5 hours or so putting it together... don't do fanvideos often so I'm not that skillful so it took me kinda a long time :)) So please enjoy watching :) Also if someone wants to have the video, say so per comment or personal message I will send you the DL link and the password :))
Watch it here: TRAILER
Lastly, and comment/critique/thought is welcomed :))) And see you guys next week :))
Author: andreja1989
Lenght: multichapter
Pairing: Sakuraiba, slight Ohmiya, AibaxOC (Hamada Sumiko), JunxOC (Yoshida Rae)
Rating for this chapter: PG-15
Genre: AU, romance, angst, action, fantasy, fluff, school life
Disclaimer: I don't own them, sadly. I own only the OC xD
Summary: He is perfect in many ways because it's how he has to be since he is a butler to the young heir, trying to hide his failures and how much he cares for the young master. On the other side, the heir has a stubborn, arrogant, bratty attitude towards everything around him, especially his butler and always gets what he wants. Is he also hiding something, even from himself? Can these two cope with each other, be honest to each other? What is behind their masks that they show to the world? Can it be something that goes beyond a butler-heir relationship? And what if the danger is at the every little corner of their way, people trying to find out the secret behind Aiba’s family?
<--- PREVIOUS: CHAPTER 11 ~ Reconcilation and the Safe-keeper ||| NEXT: CHAPTER 13 ~ Grief, guilt and love --->
______________________________
In the previous chapter we got to see that Sho is hiding something from everyone. Aiba's parents entrusted him with something that can put even him in danger because many people want that thing. After that we saw how Aiba for now reacted towards Hamada Sumiko's confession and later saw Sho crying in his sleep, that image haunting him also the next day when it was the day to go home. After what happened between Aiba and Sho and seeing Sho's tears Aiba didn't want to sit with Sho but later went there and the pair had a slight reconcilation but there was already a new problem ahead, someone broke in the Aiba household.
In this chapter you see what happens when Sakuraiba return home ^^ That's all I can say haha :)) Enjoy reading :))
Chapter 12 ~ The assaulter
The bus finally stopped in front of the university, the pair in a hurry, ready to leave. They still sat on their seats, their things in their laps, fingers fidgeting nervously, exchanging nervous looks as the Yamada lecturer had to finish this trip with some words of gratitude for being decent students, praising their behavior and the hard work they did during the workshops and lastly greeting them, saying to have fun until Monday. When he was finally done, the pair quickly got up, this time disturbed by Jun and Rae that stood before them when all the students rushed to exit the bus. »Is everything okay? You two seem to be in a hurry.« Jun expressed his observation on them. He had to admit to himself that he looks a little bit differently at them now that he knows the truth behind their relationship, even he himself is more cautious to watch over them after Sho told them that Aiba is in constant danger. It's true he didn't understand that because Sho didn't explain more but after all, he promised Sho to be there if they needed anything and also, he was still their friend and cared for their wellbeing.
“I’m sorry Jun-kun, we can’t explain now…” Aiba answered apologetically but decided to provide his friends at least with some information, “It’s about my family…”
“Are you okay?” Rae asked worried, remembering Jun’s words the other night as he told her about Sho and Aiba, of course after he asked Sho if he is allowed to share that with her.
“It’s okay, we just need to be home as soon as possible.” Aiba explained and saw Jun’s look travel from Aiba to Sho, observed him a few moments to see if it’s really okay. Seeing Sho’s calm nod made him turn back to Aiba, figuring out that the heir is not that upset anymore about Sho, wondering if they had the chance to talk but instead asked:
“You really look like you need to hurry, do you need a ride?”
Sho waved his head, “I took care of that, I messaged our driver to meet us.”
“Sure, then hurry.” Jun nodded understandingly, moved away a little, made sure that Rae did the same and let the men pass. “We see each other on Monday then, take care until then.”
“We will.”
“Thank you Jun-kun.” Aiba added after Sho who already moved further on the bus. “Say bye to Ohno-kun and Nino-kun for us.” Jun nodded and they could leave first, rushing out of the bus, wanted to run to the usual place where their driver waited when a voice called them back:
“Sakurai-kun, Aiba-kun!” The pair stopped on tracks, turning around and saw Yamada lecturer come nearer to them. His hair were dark, neatly combed on both sides, tiny glasses barely standing on his nose, his slim figure moving like a stick man, his intriguing look observing the panting men. “Why in such a hurry?” Yamada asked through his tiny lips.
“Yamada-sensei, we need to leave because Aiba-kun has some personal matters to attend to.” Sho replied calmly before Aiba would start talking and maybe say too much.
“I see then if it’s his personal problem, don’t bother him with your presence too much.” The lecturer replied seriously.
“I won’t…”
“I trust Sho-kun and I asked him to come with me, we are close friends so I don’t mind him.” Aiba interrupted.
“You are right, then I apologize for being rude.”
Aiba waved his hand and replied:
“It’s okay. If you excuse us now…”
“Oh sure go ahead and… be careful.” Lecturer added, Aiba smiled and turned around to run to get to the car while Sho’s look stayed on the lecturer for a few more moments, his mind wondering why the lecturer had to meddle in their business all of a sudden but shoved his silly minds on the side. He is a lecturer, I know him and he is nice and wants his students to be fine. I’m just thinking too much. Sho thought and ran after Aiba to catch up to him.
Their car was already waiting for them a few streets away, as usually. When coming to it, Sho opened the doors for Aiba, entered after him and told the driver to go home.
“Ne~ how is at home?” Aiba asked the driver anxiously once they drove off.
“When I left, it was a little bit calmer. The staff calmed down after the elder Aiba-sama returned home. Now everyone is making sure to clean the house which was in a chaos once the burglars left. For now they haven’t touched Aiba-sama’s and Sakurai-san’s room because the elder Aiba-sama wants you two to check if there is something missing. Also I think the inspector is still there too.”
“Thank you, at least we know something now.” Aiba replied while Sho was too into his thoughts to reply. Aiba-kun’s and my room is also in chaos? Damn can’t we drive faster? I have to know if it’s still there…
“Sho-kun, are you thinking about something? You look troubled… is there something you fear it was taken from your room?” Aiba asked, slight worry emitting from his voice as he looked at Sho.
I don’t fear… I’m terrified! If it’s gone then… “I’m just wondering about it. I’m sure your grandfather or inspector will tell us more about it.”
“You are right, let’s just wait patiently then.” Aiba concluded, leaned back on his seat while Sho nodded affirmably, bitter smile on his face.
***
“According to the house butler the burglars entered through the main door. Once he noticed them, he was already threatened, a gun placed to his head, ordering him to gather all the staff in the house. The butler did so, ringed the bell that usually makes all the staff gather in the main hall by the main door. The maids rushed to come as it was their duty but then were terrified to see the masked man holding guns, some froze and other screamed when the burglars demanded silence. Once they were calm three of the masked man stayed by the staff to watch over them while five other men went around the house, making a mess as if they searched for something but accordingly to the staff that checked later, nothing appears to be missing. According to the staff the men didn’t talk much, I presume they had a perfect plan before they even came and when they were done making a chaos to the house they left. Luckily no one was hurt only women were frightened a lot, as I can see they still are and we recommended them to rest.” The inspector explained slowly as Sho and Aiba were there already, accompanying them to their rooms. “What is left to do, is you two to check your rooms too. I will be waiting below with the elder, take your time.”
“Thank you.” Sho and Aiba replied and then looked at each other.
“Let’s check then. To be sure let’s check together.” Sho proposed.
“We start with yours.” Aiba smiled bitterly and Sho didn’t mind. He slowly opened his room, encountering the chaos that his room was in, Aiba gasping by the mess. Every little thing that was in Sho’s room was moved, turned over, bed messy, books lying on the floor, obviously each and every one of them checked, the table messy, all the drawers opened, even the wardrobe was messy, clothes lying on the floor. “This is just insane!” Aiba uttered from the doorstep while Sho slowly proceeded in the room, his view scanning his surroundings. Nothing seemed missing but even if it was he wouldn’t care. The most important thing was hidden well and he feared it was taken by the sight of his clothes lying on the floor. He slowly turned to Aiba asking him to stay there by the door. The heir looked at him a bit weirdly but did as he was asked when Sho turned to his wardrobe. The neatly done butler outfits weren’t anymore neat, some lying on the floor, his casual clothes encountering the same fate. He moved the still hanging casual clothes a bit on the both sides, his view staring only at one certain point, his palms now reaching for the back wall of the wardrobe. His fingers felt that the edges of the cut out back wall were still in place. It wasn’t moved! He sighed from the relief, moved that cut out part a little bit, seeing the lock behind it still locked, not broken or anything which proved to him that it was still safe. Thank god!
“Sho-kun? Is everything alright?” Aiba asked worriedly from the door to his room. Sho placed the cut wall back where it was, slowly turning to Aiba again.
Should I tell him? This is the chance… No, no, I can’t… it’s not the time yet… Tell him Sho! How long do you plan to keep this from him? No Sho, don’t do this… you are closer to him already, it will hurt him badly… Stupid it will hurt him no matter when will you tell him! Do it now or you will lose your perfect chance!!! Sho’s mind had dialogues as if two sides of him were fighting to dominate and to force him to make a decision right this moment.
“Sho-kun?” Aiba called him again, this time even more worried as his butler or rather friend didn’t say anything.
Tell him!! You stupid, incapable butler! Sho’s mind screamed again. “No… nothing is wrong in here…” Idiot!!
Aiba observed him with precision, trying to notice any hint of his words not being true but relaxed later. “Let’s check my room now?” Sho agreed and indicated to the heir to leave the room before him, once they were on the corridor between their rooms, Sho closed his room.
“Let me go first.” He proposed to Aiba who nodded in reply, waiting after his butler who just opened the room. Sho stood at the opened door, scanning the messy room which was actually less messy than his but still had traces of someone searching for something. Clothes were lying everywhere and the bed was messed up but luckily nothing was destroyed. He stepped further in the room, headed to the scattered clothes to clean them up while Aiba followed him but went to the bed to clean it. “I will do that for you, don’t worry.”
Aiba smiled genuinely. Like I will let you do all by yourself. “I don’t have anything to do, I will help you.” He got up and squatted beside Sho to nicely fold his clothes and make piles of them. When they were mostly done, Aiba picked up a large pile of clothes and went to place them in the wardrobe, Sho doing the same but suddenly froze at his tracks, his eyes noticing slight movement of the curtains beside the wardrobe. His eyes looked below the curtain, sudden blast of shock overwhelming him as a pair of feet was visible under it. In the next moment he also noticed a hand, ready to move the curtains away as in the exact same moment that person did so, surprised the both present men. Everything went by really fast. The appeared man pushed Aiba away with one hand while swishing towards him with a small knife in his hand.
“AIBA!” Sho yelled and in the same moment pushed his master away, wincing slightly by the cut that was inflicted on his shoulder by the swishing knife, didn’t care about the surprised gasps and scared eyes of his master that looked at the new, poor looking man, and Sho’s cut clothes on his shoulder, slightly moisten in red. During that time the attacking man swished his knife towards Sho again but this time the butler was prepared for another attack, caught the attacking hand, knocked the knife from his hand, surprising the attacker, inflicting some hits to his stomach. In a second the attacker was lying on the floor, his both hands tightly gripped by Sho who was holding him still, yelling to Aiba to go and get the inspector. The heir woke up from his slumber as the butler yelled, quickly got up and ran to get the inspector. “WHO ARE YOU?!” Sho roared at the man below him, anger swishing from his eyes. The attacker tried to struggle but Sho didn’t release his grip on his hands, the man wincing in pain. “I ASKED WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!!” Sho repeated.
“I… I just freeloaded here… I don’t know anything… they came here and I just used the opportunity to take something from here… the house looked rich… those men had it all in place… I just needed to not be noticed by them…”
“You aren’t with them?!!”
“No, no, I’m not… believe me, I don’t know what went on…” The man whimpered again, realizing how weak he was towards the angry man on top, shook from the fright that was slowly taking over him.
“Did you hear anything from them? Did you see someone’s face?” Sho continued to interrogate, his voice not lowering anymore.
“I… they had masks… I didn’t see them… but they talked about a book… I don’t know what kind of but… what I heard it had to be important… everyone were ordered to look for a book with dark green covers and golden words on it, apparently important formulas were written in it… but they didn’t find it… they left angry… that’s all I know… I swear!”
“Hmph, I hope you are telling the truth for your sake or beware I might haunt you down until I destroy you!” Sho threatened.
“I’m telling the truth, I swear!” The man raised his voice in fright after hearing Sho’s low voice.
“Now listen carefully! This might be good for you if you decide the way I want. In your memory, from now on there is no book, you don’t know anything about it! Is that clear?!”
“Ano… every bargain has to have a good point for both sides, I don’t see what’s good for me there.” The assault commented smartly. “What? Don’t be quiet now, the inspector might come any time soon.” He added as Sho was silent for a moment.
“I will make sure that Aiba family will not sue you for the attack on us, with this your punishment will only be for the break in. You look like you were in need of money; you don’t look a drunk or a clause. I bet you needed money for someone that is close to you, I see after I look at you, you originally aren’t a thief and you didn’t want to hurt us, you wanted to break free. You were stuck in this room, am I right?” The man below didn’t reply anything and Sho took it as the truth behind his intentions. “What’s going to be then? Do you accept my offer or you can go straight to jail!”
“No, I don’t want to go to prison, my wife and kids need me… Please…” The man immediately whined in displeasure, scared that Sho would really send him to prison if he wouldn’t agree.
“Good, it’s a deal then.” Sho added silently while already hearing the hasty steps nearing the room.
In the next moment inspector with two police men rushed in the room, Aiba behind them who stopped by the door to let the men of honor to do their job. The police men took the hold of the man on the floor, Sho letting him go and observed how the man was handcuffed and raised up on his feet.
“You did a great job Sakurai-san.” The inspector praised him but Sho only waved his head, not intending to take too much praise and turned his view towards Aiba by the door, his eyes emitting fright and slowly also his grandfather made it to the room.
“Sho-kun!” Aiba called him hastily and rushed to him. “Are you okay?” His voice emitted worry.
“Yeah, no worries.” Sho replied, a bit anxious about his grandfather who leaned on his stick for support, his eyes carefully observing the happenings in the room.
“But he has hurt you… You…”
“Is it true?” Inspector intervened with his question.
“It’s true! He had a knife…” Aiba looked around the room and saw the knife still on the floor, “That’s the one! And…”
“And no one was hurt, I don’t intend to sue him for that.” Sho butted in and looked over at Aiba whose expression was puzzled and didn’t understand one bit of why would Sho do that. Trust me on this Aiba-kun… I know what I’m doing… Sho’s look now turned to the inspector for more explanation, “The man came inside with the burglars but he isn’t one of them, he is poor and saw the opportunity to steal something from the house, the true burglars didn’t even know that he was with them. When they left, he was stuck inside the room and he didn’t see other option to get out as to frighten us with a knife he had with him. His intentions weren’t to hurt or kill us, I am sure of that. Also I talked to him just now, he has a family to take care of and was desperate. Hearing that, I don’t feel any resentment towards him.”
“Sho-kun…”
“Are you sure about this?” The inspector asked.
“I’m sure.” Sho replied determined.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to… What this man said is true… please…” Everyone turned to the handcuffed assaulter whose eyes emitted true anxiousness.
The inspector sighed and looked to Aiba, “Do you agree with this or are you against it?”
Aiba looked at the assaulter a little bit longer, observing his lowered head as two police men held him in place, each at one arm. His view then turned to Sho who slowly nodded to him and returned his view on the inspector. “I trust in Sho-kun’s judgment.”
“I understand.” The inspector replied and indicated the police men to take the knife and the man away. “But he still needs to go to the station with us, the punishment for trying to steal is not escaping him.”
“I don’t oppose that.” Sho replied calmly, observing how one police man picked the knife up and saved it as evidence even though it will not be used against that man and how they later took him away. The inspector bowed to them, turned around to leave, bowed to the elder by the door too and exited after his men.
“You two scared me just now.” Grandfather spoke up as the three of them were alone, Aiba seeing how Sho’s posture straightened up into his butler image.
“I apologize.” Sho replied, slightly bowing but didn’t see Aiba’s worried expression to see his friend so tensed up again before his grandfather. This is not Sho-kun… this is a figure… statue… robot that is programmed to act as he is supposed to… Aiba thought as he observed Sho and looked back to his grandfather who slightly smiled.
“This is not something to apologize for, you couldn’t know about the danger but I must praise you for your quick reaction, Masaki told me you pushed him away or I bet Masaki would have been hurt.”
“I gladly fulfilled what I have to do.” Sho replied, his hand on his chest and bowing lowly again, this time feeling Aiba’s tugs on his sleeve but he didn’t mind it, he knew what the heir wanted but he couldn’t be Sho before Aiba’s grandfather, he had to be a butler.
“Did you two check your rooms, is something missing?” Grandfather asked while Sho slowly raised his head now.
“Nothing seems to be missing.”
“I’m glad.” Grandfather sighed and took a few steps into the room, speaking to Aiba, “As I heard from Sakurai-kun, the trip was fun?”
“Un… well more or less…” Aiba replied, bitter feeling creeping around his heart, remembering the bad times that he had with Sho, the ignoring, ordering around.
“That’s good, life isn’t only about roses, you know that.” Grandfather explained to his grandson and when seeing Aiba’s slight smile, he turned to Sho again. “Is something else to report?”
“Our friends from school now know… who we are…” Sho replied earnestly, lowering his view.
Until now grandfather looked calm but then he slowly went even closer to Sho who looked up again to meet the elder’s eyes and noticed how his face changed into a furious one, his old hand raising up and hardly hit Sho’s face, the sound echoing around the room, Aiba jolting a little bit away, seeing Sho’s hurt expression as he slowly turned back to face the elder. “WHO TOLD YOU TO DO THAT YOU IDIOT!!” Grandfather yelled at Sho, Aiba gasping by the whole act and slightly froze on his tracks, not sure what to do, what to say, who to observe. “There was no need to share that with them! You know I don’t approve of this! What’s your excuse?!!”
“I…” Sho started but Aiba suddenly butted in, stepped between Sho and his grandfather, clenching his fists as he faced his grandfather.
“I told him it’s okay to tell! Sho-kun knows our friends, he inspected them all as far as I know. He always makes sure that the people around me are appropriate. We can’t be on our own! Besides if we show our trust and appreciation in them, telling them our secret, we bond more with them and they will know that they can’t betray us!”
“Masaki, you don’t need to cover up for him! And since when are you so close to your butler to call him by his first name? It’s outrageous!” Grandfather slightly raised his voice over his grandson.
“Since we became friends! Grandfather, I don’t need a butler! Maybe it’s you who thinks that but not me. I just need someone who understands me and not someone who will serve me! Sho-kun is someone like that and I told him not to be a butler to me!” Aiba raised his voice too, slightly glaring at his grandfather, forgetting his nice education to respect your family, for him it was just too unfair to blame someone for something that wasn’t such a big deal, even though he knew he was unfair to Sho a few times before too.
Grandfather was silent for a few moments but then suddenly started to laugh. Aiba was amazed by it, his expression suddenly perplexed as he blinked stupidly at his grandfather, not understanding what was so funny about this fight they had while Sho only stood there silently, letting the men talk as he knew he had no part in this, he only fulfilled his role once again. “Masaki, you have really changed.” Grandfather suddenly uttered, “You were always nice but this is really different, you look more and more like your parents now. Morals and understanding in you have changed.” His gaze was suddenly warm and gentle, not even a sparkle of his anger left as he turned to Sho, “I think I have to thank you for this. He started to change after you came to this household. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Sho replied while Aiba still didn’t understand one bit of what went on between them.
“What is going on…?” He silently uttered while grandfather smiled gently to him.
“Masaki, please go get the first aid kit ne~. Let’s tend to your friend’s wound.” Grandfather emphasized the word friend and didn’t use the word butler intentionally, understanding his grandchild.
“But…” Aiba started but Sho interrupted him.
“It’s okay, go get it.” Aiba observed Sho but couldn’t determine what was his butler thinking but also understood that it’s okay to go, surely he would get his answers when he comes back.
“O… okay.” He replied, slowly turned around and left his room to go and get the first aid kit not knowing what happened in his room between Sho and his grandfather while he was away.
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A/N: Yosh another chapter is posted :) And omg Aiba sided with Sho hahaha :)) And Sho saved Aiba again wiii :)) Somehow I'm a bit short with my words today because I have something else to share with you :)
What I want to share is a fanvideo I made for my story Behind my mask. Somehow you can call it trailer because it's kinda intense, angstly and contains spoilers so those who don't want to know too much, don't watch it but if you aren't one of those, then watch ne :)) I seriously am in love with this video, still can't believe how good it turned out after 5 hours or so putting it together... don't do fanvideos often so I'm not that skillful so it took me kinda a long time :)) So please enjoy watching :) Also if someone wants to have the video, say so per comment or personal message I will send you the DL link and the password :))
Watch it here: TRAILER
Lastly, and comment/critique/thought is welcomed :))) And see you guys next week :))