Musical Memories - 2/??
Title: Musical Memories (lame i know, but at least its something)
Chapters: 2/??
Author:angelzli
Pairing: Reita x Ruki, possibly more later?
Rating: PG-13? idk, read warnings
Warning: mentions of murder, mentions of rape
Genre: drama, maybe others...
Disclaimer: sadly, i dont own them, only the story and the OC are mine
Summary: Reita started leading a life down the wrong path. One day he finally gets caught and is awaiting his hearing, when it finally gets here the sentencing isn't quite what he expected...
A/N: heres the next chap, i dubbed the other one prologue and this will be considered chapter 1. bare with me xD hopefully this chapter makes up for the last. i read so much i wanted to change after i posted. pls give it a chance, im working hard XD
~
The next morning Reita awoke to quite a racket outside his room. Quickly he got out of bed and made his way to the door. Hesitantly, he opened the door a crack. On the other side he saw Takanori struggling with a nurse. Reita's eyes widened in surprise. Didn't Meiko-san say he hated to be touch and severely injured a male nurse who did just that? What was that nurse thinking? Reita didn't want to see the nurse or anyone be hurt, especially not himself.
"Takanori you can't go in there when you want to. Someone's in there sleeping, we must be respectful!" cried the nurse, slowly losing the battle.
As Takanori didn't speak, he couldn't voice what he wanted to do. And Reita could tell it frustrated him to no end. Taking a chance, Reita stepped forward and placed his hand on Takanori's shoulder. His eyes got wide as he looked down at Reita's hand on his shoulder. To his suprise, he felt Takanori relax. He slowly looked up at Reita, eyes still wide with suprise.
Reita did his best not to show how startled he was by the situation, not wanting to scare Takanori off. Reita smiled assuringly as he managed to fully turn Takanori towards him. He noticed the nurse behind him take a deep breath, bracing herself against the wall behind her. Takanori finally returned the smile, with a blush slowly creeping onto his cheeks.
Reita looked past Ruki to the nurse behind him "It's ok, Takanori can come in".
And with that he guided Takanori into his room and closed the door behind him. He guided him over to the bed and told him to sit down. Takanori looked at him hesitantly but did as he was told, the blush still not leaving his face. Reita stared at him and just smiled. He was adorable when he blushed he realized. Reita was finally able to take a really good look at him. He was a little shorter then Reita, wide brown eyes you could get lost in, messy black hair, plump kissable lips. The morning sun gave Ruki's skin an almost angelic glow.
Reita was sure he had been caught staring by the look of confusion on Takanori's face. He quickly cleared his throat a little as he sat down on the bed next to him, trying not to think about it. But as he sat down he noticed the faint smell of Takanori's cologne. It was a sort of sweet smell, it was a bit feminine but Reita decided he liked it. Suddenly out of the corner of his eye Reita noticed Takanori reach into his gown pocket and pull out a piece of paper and handed it to him.
Reita took the piece of paper and looked at the other in confusion. But Takanori just smiled and pointed to the paper. Reita opened it, on it was a list of activities, the scheduled times for breakfast, when they were able to go outside and when they could have visitors. It looked all hand written.
"Takanori? Did you write this up for me?"
The blush on Takanori's face deepened as he nodded his head. Reita didn't understand why the smaller boy didn't want to speak. If his features were any indication he was sure his voice would be beautiful. Reita thought tho, after so long of not using it, Reita wasn't sure if he would ever be able to hear it. Which made him think about what caused this, and how long ago. They just said during his childhood he was traumatized. He was about 16-17 as it was, how old was he when this happened? Reita didn't want to voice these questions to Takanori, but made a mental note to ask Meiko-san later.
Looking at the list that Takanori gave him he realized if he didn't move soon he would miss out on breakfast. "Let me get ready and we'll go down for breakfast, sound good?" he asked
Takanori looked at him and smiled his ok and watched as Reita grabbed his clothes and went into the bathroom to change, closing the door behind him. Reita leaned against the bathroom door a moment to catch his breath. What was wrong with him? This poor kid was in here due to a mental illness and here Reita was thinking...things he shouldn't be thinking about him. He sighed and quickly got dressed and they both went down to breakfast.
They had the standard stuff, you could have your choice. Reita helped himself to whatever his hands could grab, all the while Takanori looking at him with wide eyes. Reita noticed this and laughed "I'm a big eater" he said. Takanori just smiled and grabbed some fruit. This time it was Reita's turn to look at Takanori with wide eyes. "Is that all your gonna eat Taka?" he asked walking over to an empty table. Takanori in turn just nodded his head smiling. Apparently he's not a big eater, that could be why he's so damn skinny. Realizing what he just done "I'm sorry, I nicknamed you," he chucked "I hope you dont mind if I call you Taka?".
Takanori stood and thought for a moment then shook his head. Reita was taken aback, but before he could think any further Takanori took out a piece of paper and gave it to Reita. When he opened it he could see it was covered in kanji, and katakana. But before he could read any of it Takanori pointed to the bottom of the page. There written was the word 'Ruki'. Reita looked up "You want me to call you Ruki?" he asked and Taka--Ruki nodded his head excitiedly in response. "Ok then, and you can call me Reita" he said smiling. Not sure where the other would have come up with the name, but it seem to suite him just fine.
They continued to eat breakfast in silence. Reita trying to think of what they should do next. But before he could give it much more thought a nurse came up to him.
"Suzuki-san?" she asked sweetly.
Reita looked up, almost immediately he new what was coming and groaned inwardly. "Hai" he said, afraid his annoyance may have shown through a bit.
She smiled, apparently not catching the annoyance in his voice "The head nurse would like a word with you on the 4th floor, please." she stated. Obviously not having a choice he nodded and stood up to leave. Before he could leave Ruki reached up and grabbed his arm preventing him from moving any further. Reita turned to Ruki, amazement clear on his face. His grip was firm, stronger then he let on, but not hurting none the less. Reita smiled confidently and said "Don't worry Ruki, I'll be back as soon as I can". But as he tried to move again Ruki's grip tightened a bit, still not letting go. Reita didn't know what to do. He didn't want to hurt Ruki's feelings. So, Reita tried a different tactic. " Do you want to come with me? I have to go, it's part of why I'm here" he said. Ruki looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded his head. So they both got up and went to the 4th floor.
Just from the looks of this head nurse Reita wasn't going like what was coming. Free laborer coming her way and she looked like the type to take advantage of that. Introductions were kept short and the brute nurse already started rattling off a bunch of things she wanted Reita to do. His first day here and he was power slammed with a work load by a nurse that could blend in with the bull frogs outside. Reita sighed to himself and gave Ruki a weak smile. Apparently he wouldn't be hanging out much with Ruki today, severely disappointed but as of course, he had no choice. This is a part of his sentencing, and if he caused any trouble it was off to jail with him. And that was just out of the question.
Ruki seemed to have other ideas tho as Reita set to work at the random tasks the bullfrog gave him to do. Ruki followed Reita around like a shadow. Not helping but not being in the way either. From cleaning bed pans or ripping weeds out of the garden area, he went from task to task. Reita passed the time by talking with Ruki about everything from sports to music, seeing what appealed to him most. Ruki would reply on a notepad he carried around with him when ever he felt his opinion needed heard. This didn't happen often but enough Reita got to know what interested him the most. He seemed to get the best responses from him when it came to music. Bands, instruments, lyrics and anything else Reita could think of on music. He was honestly enjoying himself in an odd way.
"I'm sure I've talked your ear off enough eh Ruki?" he said nervously, realizing how much talking he must have been doing. Without Ruki talking the silence would have killed him. But Ruki just shook his head and smiled. Reita, grateful for Ruki's understanding, just gave a quick nod. Forgetting Ruki's fear of being touched Reita patted him on the shoulder as they walked into the building for lunch. Reita smiled to himself silently as he noticed Ruki didn't even twitch, nor did his eyes get wide again at the contact like he did before.
The rest of the day carried on the same as the dinner hour approached. Finally able to relax a bit before they could eat again. So they decided to go to the garden. They layed in the grass letting the grass cool their backs. Looking at the clouds as they passed changing from pinks and purples to orange as the setting suns rays hit them. The silence that over took Reita was welcomed, if by anyone, himself. He had been talking all day and was running out of things to talk about. Reita was finding it harder and harder to imagine what the next coming weeks were going to hold. Having almost one sided conversations for the next umpteen weeks wasn't settling very well with him. Sure he communicated with his notebook, but it wasn't the same as a persons voice and he knew deep down Ruki had it in him. Reita wasn't going to let Ruki communicate with a notebook the rest of his life. Some how he had to think of something.
Reita was lost in his thoughts again, so much so he almost didn't see Ruki get up off the ground and start walking into the hospital. He quickly got up and jogged to catch up to him. He glanced down at his watch, realizing it was dinner time. That must have been what Ruki was thinking.
But instead of heading to the cafeteria Ruki headed for the stairs up to the patients rooms. Reita, not understanding what he was doing, followed. After a long day Reita knew he himself was hungry and would have thought Ruki was as well. Still, silently he followed Ruki. The atmosphere around him seemed to change since he got up from laying in the garden. He wouldn't meet Reita's eyes despite his trying to get Ruki's attention. He finally gave up around the 3rd floor as he continued to follow him. They finally came to the very top floor, the 6th. They passed many rooms, all looking the same, but knowing full well they were all different on the inside.
Ruki finally stopped at a door at the very end of the hall. He just stood and stared at it for a moment until he finally lifted his hand and turned the knob, opening it. Reita still didn't understand. He looked in and saw, to his suprise, a standard looking hospital room. It looked as if no one had been living in there. It was spotless, not a single thing out of place. Bed made, dresser completely void of any personal products of any kind. It looked exactly like Reita's room when he first arrived. Reita began to question if this was actually Ruki's room as he watched the other walk to the middle of the room and stop. His head bowed, looking at the floor, hair falling into his beautiful face. Reita couldn't see if he was crying or not.
"Ruki? Is there something wrong?" he asked.
Ruki still stayed unmoving in the middle of the room staring at the floor. Reita started to get a little worried. Maybe this was just the way Ruki was though. He knew there could be more then just that he wouldn't talk for him to be living in a place like this. Not knowing what else to do Reita went to the one thing that attracted his attention the most, the guitar.
Leaning down to grab it he stopped, "Ruki, do you wanna play something for me?" he asked, trying to capture Ruki's attention. He really didn't know what else to do. He was a little too afraid to approach Ruki, he didn't know what he might do, despite the fact that Ruki let him touch him earlier. He seemed completely in his own little world now, he looked incredibly sad. Reita wanted nothing more then to be able to go over and hug him. To take all of Ruki's sadness away, even if that meant implanting it into himself. With no response from Ruki he sat on the bed, placing the guitar on his lap, watching Ruki. He could go and find one of the nurses, but he didn't really think they would be of much help.
Reita was too idle, he had to move! He started to play with the strings on the guitar. Reita was more of a bass person, he had one at home that he often played until he started getting into trouble. He was sure it had an indcredible amount of dust on it if his father hadn't thrown all his stuff away. Sitting there holding Ruki's guitar brought back a few memories. His fathers guitar and all the times he spent with Reita teaching him how to play. It helped create Reita's love for music and the purchase of his first bass not long after falling in love with its sound. But he hadn't forgotten what his father taught him. With the memory still clear in his mind he slowly brought a melody to the random strings he was playing. He didn't really know of it as a song, he used his feelings and the mood as his guide.
Watching his fingers as they moved Reita noticed a shadow move out of the corner of his eye. He looked up but didn't see any difference in Ruki's position. Shrugging it off he continued to play, deciding he kind of liked the tune he was coming up with. Another moment into the song and Reita began to hear a low humming noise. He looked up, looking around the room. He couldn't see a source for where it might be coming from. He got a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach as the humming grew a little louder, more in sync with the song he was playing. That wasn't normal. The humming grew enough that it could be heard over the sound of the guitar now. That's when Reita realized what it was coming from. His eyes widened, fingers moving over the strings of the guitar almost unconsciously as he stared at Ruki. It was him, Ruki was humming and it was growing louder. Trying not to let his fingers faulter he continued to play, anticipating what might happen next.
He knew Ruki had a passion for music from his speaking to him earlier, but this wasn't what he was expecting at all. He started to wonder if any of the staff had heard Ruki do this before. Looking at Ruki curiously he noticed he still hadn't moved. Head was still hanging low with his hair in his face. Tho it was just humming Reita thought it sounded beautiful as it got a little louder. Unfortunately the shock at the thought that Ruki might actually sing caused him to fumble his fingers too much and Ruki stopped humming almost instantly. It was a moment before Reita realized Ruki was looking at him. His eyes were still a little out of focus but he seemed to be 'back in the room' so to speak. Ruki didn't seem to realize what had happened. Least he wasn't letting on that he had done anything, which only confused Reita more.
Seemingly noticing Reita's confusion Ruki grabbed his notebook and began to scribble on it. He walked over to Reita and shoved the notebook in front of him. A bit confused, Reita grabbed the notebook and read "Why are you looking at me that way?" From Reita's understanding, it looked as though Ruki had completely blacked out through this whole thing. He was acting like it didn't happen. Reita really didn't know what to do now, he didn't want to upset Ruki. Ruki didn't wonder how he got from the garden to his room?
Reita couldn't be sure how Ruki would react to being told he was doing every thing but practically outright singing. He decided to wait til he could speak with Meiko-san first before saying anything. "No reason really, I've just had a long day is all. I think I'm going to head to bed" he said, giving the most convincing yawn he could manage. He didn't know how well he would be able to sleep after this. It was only his first full day knowing Ruki and so much had happened already.
But before Reita could move Ruki stepped in front of him holding out his hand with a angry look in his eyes. Deciding to continue to act as everything was normal he looked up at Ruki with a confused look on his face. Ruki just rolled his eyes and reached down and snatched the guitar out of Reita's hands roughly. Shocked, Reita jumped. Apparently Ruki didn't like anyone touching his guitar. Now that he thought about it a moment, he mentally slapped himself. Of course it would be. The guitar was the only thing in the room that wasn't hospital issued. Which in turn worried Reita, cause he knew how long Ruki had been here for. How could he not accumulate any personal stuff?
Figuring that to be a really good cue to take his leave he said his good nights to Ruki, who in turn just stared at him as he walked out. Reita hoped the incident with the guitar hadn't ruined his chances of making friends with him. He closed the door behind him and started to make his way down the hallway to the stairs. As he reached the second floor he remembered he was suppose to call Uruha. Now that he knew the others could come on the weekend for most of the day he was excited once again to see them all. A smile appeared on his face as he picked up his pace to the pay phones outside on the first floor. Reita not being a paying patient he didn't have the luxury of having a phone in his room, or so they said. He had a feeling the judge had something to do with that.
His conversation with Uruha was short as he accidentally forgot about the time and woken him up. Uruha could sure yell when he wanted to. Chuckling to himself he hung up the phone having set the date for Saturday that everyone would be coming. Turning around to head back up stairs he noticed a boy around his age leaning against a big tree in the garden smoking a cigarette. In the poor lighting he could only make out that he was short, with light brown hair. Reita realized he must be a patient here when he saw him wearing similar clothing to Ruki's. He really didn't think much of the boy except for the fact that he didn't know how the boy was getting away with smoking so close to the building. It was listed on the rules he was given, and not wanting to risk getting into trouble he had ditched his that night. It wasn't like he was that depended on them anyway.
Shrugging it off he started to head into the building, but before he could reach the doors he heard someone behind him call out to him. He turned around to see the boy walking towards him, stomping out his cigarette along the way.
A little confused but Reita waited none the less, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Your Reita right?" he asked as he got closer.
Reita raised an eyebrow at him knowing who he was "Seems you know who I am, so who are you?" he countered.
The boy chuckled and replied "Hiroto, it's a pleasure". He stuck out his hand for Reita to shake.
Still a bit confused, the feeling of not liking this situation increasing. Despite this feeling, and the immediate urge to put his defenses up he shook the others hand.
"Pleasure" he mumbled back nodding his head "It's late, is there something I can do for you?" he asked.
"Actually, yea there is. I've noticed you hanging out with Ruki today..." he said.
"Well, yea. Not to be rude but, is that really any of your concern?"
Hiroto smiled, stepping back and putting his hands up a bit saying "Relax, I'm kind of a friend of Ruki's that's all. She assigned you to him didn't she?" he asked.
Reita really thought this was weird. None of it making sense. How could he know Reita was told to help Ruki? "Assigned? The way you say that it makes it sound like this isn't a first time." he said.
"Your right, that's exactly what I'm saying. Your not the first to help" he said, putting emphasis on 'help'.
Reita sighed, this has just been too long of a day. Too much happening on top of working around the hospital all day. His mind wasn't working clearly. "Ok, so past attempts to help him failed, what's this have to do with me?" he asked.
"Your different. Much different. I never saw him react to the others like he has you. I probably shouldn't admit this, but..." he hesitated a moment, the confidence he had a moment ago dwindling "I kind of eavesdropped on you two earlier...in Ruki's room." he finished.
Reita widened his eyes in surprise. He didn't like the idea of being eavesdropped on. But for some reason, despite this, he didn't get angry. Normally, the old Reita anyway, probably would have punched him.
But before Reita could reply the other continued "It's not the first time I've done it. I've been the only one around here Ruki's age. Most of the time he sat alone, but sometimes he would join me in the garden. I'd just talk and he'd listen. Sometimes I wasn't in any condition to be around him. He probably comforted me more then the other way around. I was always different around Ruki no matter what state of mind I was in. I guess over the years I've grown kind of...protective over him. I'm always close to him when I can be. Most of the time he never notices I'm there. Earlier, in his room while you were playing his guitar, which he's never let me touch by the way, I've never seen or heard him do anything like that before. I was so shocked myself I almost gave myself away I was there. I don't fully understand the effects your having on him, but I want you to understand what it could mean for him. You...you don't understand what he's gone through. What it's been like for him. No one here could." he went silent with that, looking at the ground, reminding Reita of Ruki a lot.
Reita stopped and thought of everything he was just told. His head was swimming. He kept having one question after another pop into his head. This boy, Hiroto seemed to be willing to tell him more then Meiko-san was yesterday. Though he was planning on asking more, he didn't think he'd be given the full story. Some how tho, he thinks this guy might be able to do that. But before he trusts too much information from him, Reita found himself curious of why he was here.
"Hiroto, what are you here for? I mean..." he trailed off.
Hiroto only laughed tho at his question tho. "Don't worry, you wouldn't be the first to ask me that. It's called Brief Psychotic Disorder*, I'm fully aware of it. It's a condition that comes and goes. I either check myself in or I'm checked in. Sometimes I'm only here a day, other times up to a month. It's not as bad as it used to be, the meds help a lot. So I don't get here to see Ruki much anymore. They only allow me to stay during an episode. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning. That's why I confronted you tonight. I don't know when I'll return."
Reita just nodded his head at the new information. He wasn't sure if he was comforted or disturbed by the information. Either way, Reita decided to get as much info out of him as he was willing to give and would decide for himself later. Reita noticed the time, if they were caught too close to the doors they would be forced to end the conversation and go to bed. And with Hiroto leaving in the morning he didn't want that just yet. So he nodded his head the direction Hiroto came from encouraging him to follow. They sat behind the tree Hiroto was leaning against earlier to be hidden from the doors. Hiroto pulled out his cigarettes and offered one to Reita. He took one, he felt he could use one with everything that's happened on his first day.
"Do...do you know what happened to him?" Reita asked quietly as Hiroto lit his cigarette.
Hiroto took a deep breath and look like he was recalling a painful memory of his own. "Yes, and no. I've only over heard things from keeping such close tabs on him. Obviously there not pretty things or Ruki wouldn't be here."
Hiroto waited a moment, letting that soak in before he proceeded "From what I know Ruki got here just before he turned 13. His parents, and only sister were murdered and possibly his mother and sister were raped. From what I understand it was right before Ruki's eyes." Hiroto paused, seeing Reita look as if he was going to say something, but when he didn't Hiroto continued "The murderer was never caught, no one knows if Ruki actually saw his face or why he survived. He never spoke a single word after that day as far as I can tell. It was in the papers, but not much info was revealed. Ruki was a bit like me and would go through his moments of insanity, and outbursts. Family probably couldn't handle it and they dropped him off here. I only saw them a couple times, tho lately I haven't seen anyone. I don't know what happened to them exactly, but any form of murder is gruesome.
Hiroto fell silent allowing Reita digest the new information provided to him. From what he could tell, it all sounded believable. It made sense, that was definitely traumatizing enough to do something like this to Ruki. To Reita, it complicated things. Sure he knew something bad had to have happened, they said he was traumatized, but he never thought it would be this. He lost his whole family in one day. Not only that he might have seen his family's lives being ripped from this world at the hands of another human being. Reita couldn't even begin to imagine the fear and pain Ruki must live with everyday. His heart ached more then he thinks it ever had as intense emotions took over him. Sadness, pain, anger, disgust, fear, there were so many emotions they began to run together leaving Reita's mind spinning out of control. It was all so...surreal.
Reita sighed and let his head fall back against the tree taking one last drag of his cigarette and putting it out in the ground. "Hiroto, what do you think it might be. I mean, why Ruki responded to me playing his guitar the way he did?"
Hiroto mimicked Reita and placed his head against the tree "Mm...not really sure. I haven't had much time to think on it. But, if I think of anything, I know where to find you "he said with a weak smile.
Reita nodded in response. Not really knowing what else to say, or ask with his head swimming with so much information. He stood up and started heading back into the hospital. He stopped half way there and turned back to Hiroto who was leaning against the tree again smoking another cigarette. "Er...I kinda don't know what to say really. Thanks seems--"
Hiroto cut him off "No need to do anything but say you'll do your best to help him. I know theres a reason he responded to you so well, and to the music. I can't say I know why that's never happened before. This is more then you signed up for I know, but at least give it your best, ne?"
Reita nodded, and thinking hard, walked back into the hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*BPD - its a real disorder. I used the info i found on wiki and used it *loosely* as a reference so don't shoot me xD
-im finding i really suck at dialog, its harder then it looked lol i tried to make this chap more...er...interesting? i dont know if i succeeded. And Hiroto made an appearance too! I used his old look to describe him (which i find describing ppl hard too lol), just in case u were wondering.
gomen if its long and drawn out -_- and to the communities im posting this too cuz apparently i screwed it up again. am i the only one who doesnt get it? sry -_-
mmm, i think that was it. CC&C are of course welcomed ~<3
Chapters: 2/??
Author:angelzli
Pairing: Reita x Ruki, possibly more later?
Rating: PG-13? idk, read warnings
Warning: mentions of murder, mentions of rape
Genre: drama, maybe others...
Disclaimer: sadly, i dont own them, only the story and the OC are mine
Summary: Reita started leading a life down the wrong path. One day he finally gets caught and is awaiting his hearing, when it finally gets here the sentencing isn't quite what he expected...
A/N: heres the next chap, i dubbed the other one prologue and this will be considered chapter 1. bare with me xD hopefully this chapter makes up for the last. i read so much i wanted to change after i posted. pls give it a chance, im working hard XD
~
The next morning Reita awoke to quite a racket outside his room. Quickly he got out of bed and made his way to the door. Hesitantly, he opened the door a crack. On the other side he saw Takanori struggling with a nurse. Reita's eyes widened in surprise. Didn't Meiko-san say he hated to be touch and severely injured a male nurse who did just that? What was that nurse thinking? Reita didn't want to see the nurse or anyone be hurt, especially not himself.
"Takanori you can't go in there when you want to. Someone's in there sleeping, we must be respectful!" cried the nurse, slowly losing the battle.
As Takanori didn't speak, he couldn't voice what he wanted to do. And Reita could tell it frustrated him to no end. Taking a chance, Reita stepped forward and placed his hand on Takanori's shoulder. His eyes got wide as he looked down at Reita's hand on his shoulder. To his suprise, he felt Takanori relax. He slowly looked up at Reita, eyes still wide with suprise.
Reita did his best not to show how startled he was by the situation, not wanting to scare Takanori off. Reita smiled assuringly as he managed to fully turn Takanori towards him. He noticed the nurse behind him take a deep breath, bracing herself against the wall behind her. Takanori finally returned the smile, with a blush slowly creeping onto his cheeks.
Reita looked past Ruki to the nurse behind him "It's ok, Takanori can come in".
And with that he guided Takanori into his room and closed the door behind him. He guided him over to the bed and told him to sit down. Takanori looked at him hesitantly but did as he was told, the blush still not leaving his face. Reita stared at him and just smiled. He was adorable when he blushed he realized. Reita was finally able to take a really good look at him. He was a little shorter then Reita, wide brown eyes you could get lost in, messy black hair, plump kissable lips. The morning sun gave Ruki's skin an almost angelic glow.
Reita was sure he had been caught staring by the look of confusion on Takanori's face. He quickly cleared his throat a little as he sat down on the bed next to him, trying not to think about it. But as he sat down he noticed the faint smell of Takanori's cologne. It was a sort of sweet smell, it was a bit feminine but Reita decided he liked it. Suddenly out of the corner of his eye Reita noticed Takanori reach into his gown pocket and pull out a piece of paper and handed it to him.
Reita took the piece of paper and looked at the other in confusion. But Takanori just smiled and pointed to the paper. Reita opened it, on it was a list of activities, the scheduled times for breakfast, when they were able to go outside and when they could have visitors. It looked all hand written.
"Takanori? Did you write this up for me?"
The blush on Takanori's face deepened as he nodded his head. Reita didn't understand why the smaller boy didn't want to speak. If his features were any indication he was sure his voice would be beautiful. Reita thought tho, after so long of not using it, Reita wasn't sure if he would ever be able to hear it. Which made him think about what caused this, and how long ago. They just said during his childhood he was traumatized. He was about 16-17 as it was, how old was he when this happened? Reita didn't want to voice these questions to Takanori, but made a mental note to ask Meiko-san later.
Looking at the list that Takanori gave him he realized if he didn't move soon he would miss out on breakfast. "Let me get ready and we'll go down for breakfast, sound good?" he asked
Takanori looked at him and smiled his ok and watched as Reita grabbed his clothes and went into the bathroom to change, closing the door behind him. Reita leaned against the bathroom door a moment to catch his breath. What was wrong with him? This poor kid was in here due to a mental illness and here Reita was thinking...things he shouldn't be thinking about him. He sighed and quickly got dressed and they both went down to breakfast.
They had the standard stuff, you could have your choice. Reita helped himself to whatever his hands could grab, all the while Takanori looking at him with wide eyes. Reita noticed this and laughed "I'm a big eater" he said. Takanori just smiled and grabbed some fruit. This time it was Reita's turn to look at Takanori with wide eyes. "Is that all your gonna eat Taka?" he asked walking over to an empty table. Takanori in turn just nodded his head smiling. Apparently he's not a big eater, that could be why he's so damn skinny. Realizing what he just done "I'm sorry, I nicknamed you," he chucked "I hope you dont mind if I call you Taka?".
Takanori stood and thought for a moment then shook his head. Reita was taken aback, but before he could think any further Takanori took out a piece of paper and gave it to Reita. When he opened it he could see it was covered in kanji, and katakana. But before he could read any of it Takanori pointed to the bottom of the page. There written was the word 'Ruki'. Reita looked up "You want me to call you Ruki?" he asked and Taka--Ruki nodded his head excitiedly in response. "Ok then, and you can call me Reita" he said smiling. Not sure where the other would have come up with the name, but it seem to suite him just fine.
They continued to eat breakfast in silence. Reita trying to think of what they should do next. But before he could give it much more thought a nurse came up to him.
"Suzuki-san?" she asked sweetly.
Reita looked up, almost immediately he new what was coming and groaned inwardly. "Hai" he said, afraid his annoyance may have shown through a bit.
She smiled, apparently not catching the annoyance in his voice "The head nurse would like a word with you on the 4th floor, please." she stated. Obviously not having a choice he nodded and stood up to leave. Before he could leave Ruki reached up and grabbed his arm preventing him from moving any further. Reita turned to Ruki, amazement clear on his face. His grip was firm, stronger then he let on, but not hurting none the less. Reita smiled confidently and said "Don't worry Ruki, I'll be back as soon as I can". But as he tried to move again Ruki's grip tightened a bit, still not letting go. Reita didn't know what to do. He didn't want to hurt Ruki's feelings. So, Reita tried a different tactic. " Do you want to come with me? I have to go, it's part of why I'm here" he said. Ruki looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded his head. So they both got up and went to the 4th floor.
Just from the looks of this head nurse Reita wasn't going like what was coming. Free laborer coming her way and she looked like the type to take advantage of that. Introductions were kept short and the brute nurse already started rattling off a bunch of things she wanted Reita to do. His first day here and he was power slammed with a work load by a nurse that could blend in with the bull frogs outside. Reita sighed to himself and gave Ruki a weak smile. Apparently he wouldn't be hanging out much with Ruki today, severely disappointed but as of course, he had no choice. This is a part of his sentencing, and if he caused any trouble it was off to jail with him. And that was just out of the question.
Ruki seemed to have other ideas tho as Reita set to work at the random tasks the bullfrog gave him to do. Ruki followed Reita around like a shadow. Not helping but not being in the way either. From cleaning bed pans or ripping weeds out of the garden area, he went from task to task. Reita passed the time by talking with Ruki about everything from sports to music, seeing what appealed to him most. Ruki would reply on a notepad he carried around with him when ever he felt his opinion needed heard. This didn't happen often but enough Reita got to know what interested him the most. He seemed to get the best responses from him when it came to music. Bands, instruments, lyrics and anything else Reita could think of on music. He was honestly enjoying himself in an odd way.
"I'm sure I've talked your ear off enough eh Ruki?" he said nervously, realizing how much talking he must have been doing. Without Ruki talking the silence would have killed him. But Ruki just shook his head and smiled. Reita, grateful for Ruki's understanding, just gave a quick nod. Forgetting Ruki's fear of being touched Reita patted him on the shoulder as they walked into the building for lunch. Reita smiled to himself silently as he noticed Ruki didn't even twitch, nor did his eyes get wide again at the contact like he did before.
The rest of the day carried on the same as the dinner hour approached. Finally able to relax a bit before they could eat again. So they decided to go to the garden. They layed in the grass letting the grass cool their backs. Looking at the clouds as they passed changing from pinks and purples to orange as the setting suns rays hit them. The silence that over took Reita was welcomed, if by anyone, himself. He had been talking all day and was running out of things to talk about. Reita was finding it harder and harder to imagine what the next coming weeks were going to hold. Having almost one sided conversations for the next umpteen weeks wasn't settling very well with him. Sure he communicated with his notebook, but it wasn't the same as a persons voice and he knew deep down Ruki had it in him. Reita wasn't going to let Ruki communicate with a notebook the rest of his life. Some how he had to think of something.
Reita was lost in his thoughts again, so much so he almost didn't see Ruki get up off the ground and start walking into the hospital. He quickly got up and jogged to catch up to him. He glanced down at his watch, realizing it was dinner time. That must have been what Ruki was thinking.
But instead of heading to the cafeteria Ruki headed for the stairs up to the patients rooms. Reita, not understanding what he was doing, followed. After a long day Reita knew he himself was hungry and would have thought Ruki was as well. Still, silently he followed Ruki. The atmosphere around him seemed to change since he got up from laying in the garden. He wouldn't meet Reita's eyes despite his trying to get Ruki's attention. He finally gave up around the 3rd floor as he continued to follow him. They finally came to the very top floor, the 6th. They passed many rooms, all looking the same, but knowing full well they were all different on the inside.
Ruki finally stopped at a door at the very end of the hall. He just stood and stared at it for a moment until he finally lifted his hand and turned the knob, opening it. Reita still didn't understand. He looked in and saw, to his suprise, a standard looking hospital room. It looked as if no one had been living in there. It was spotless, not a single thing out of place. Bed made, dresser completely void of any personal products of any kind. It looked exactly like Reita's room when he first arrived. Reita began to question if this was actually Ruki's room as he watched the other walk to the middle of the room and stop. His head bowed, looking at the floor, hair falling into his beautiful face. Reita couldn't see if he was crying or not.
"Ruki? Is there something wrong?" he asked.
Ruki still stayed unmoving in the middle of the room staring at the floor. Reita started to get a little worried. Maybe this was just the way Ruki was though. He knew there could be more then just that he wouldn't talk for him to be living in a place like this. Not knowing what else to do Reita went to the one thing that attracted his attention the most, the guitar.
Leaning down to grab it he stopped, "Ruki, do you wanna play something for me?" he asked, trying to capture Ruki's attention. He really didn't know what else to do. He was a little too afraid to approach Ruki, he didn't know what he might do, despite the fact that Ruki let him touch him earlier. He seemed completely in his own little world now, he looked incredibly sad. Reita wanted nothing more then to be able to go over and hug him. To take all of Ruki's sadness away, even if that meant implanting it into himself. With no response from Ruki he sat on the bed, placing the guitar on his lap, watching Ruki. He could go and find one of the nurses, but he didn't really think they would be of much help.
Reita was too idle, he had to move! He started to play with the strings on the guitar. Reita was more of a bass person, he had one at home that he often played until he started getting into trouble. He was sure it had an indcredible amount of dust on it if his father hadn't thrown all his stuff away. Sitting there holding Ruki's guitar brought back a few memories. His fathers guitar and all the times he spent with Reita teaching him how to play. It helped create Reita's love for music and the purchase of his first bass not long after falling in love with its sound. But he hadn't forgotten what his father taught him. With the memory still clear in his mind he slowly brought a melody to the random strings he was playing. He didn't really know of it as a song, he used his feelings and the mood as his guide.
Watching his fingers as they moved Reita noticed a shadow move out of the corner of his eye. He looked up but didn't see any difference in Ruki's position. Shrugging it off he continued to play, deciding he kind of liked the tune he was coming up with. Another moment into the song and Reita began to hear a low humming noise. He looked up, looking around the room. He couldn't see a source for where it might be coming from. He got a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach as the humming grew a little louder, more in sync with the song he was playing. That wasn't normal. The humming grew enough that it could be heard over the sound of the guitar now. That's when Reita realized what it was coming from. His eyes widened, fingers moving over the strings of the guitar almost unconsciously as he stared at Ruki. It was him, Ruki was humming and it was growing louder. Trying not to let his fingers faulter he continued to play, anticipating what might happen next.
He knew Ruki had a passion for music from his speaking to him earlier, but this wasn't what he was expecting at all. He started to wonder if any of the staff had heard Ruki do this before. Looking at Ruki curiously he noticed he still hadn't moved. Head was still hanging low with his hair in his face. Tho it was just humming Reita thought it sounded beautiful as it got a little louder. Unfortunately the shock at the thought that Ruki might actually sing caused him to fumble his fingers too much and Ruki stopped humming almost instantly. It was a moment before Reita realized Ruki was looking at him. His eyes were still a little out of focus but he seemed to be 'back in the room' so to speak. Ruki didn't seem to realize what had happened. Least he wasn't letting on that he had done anything, which only confused Reita more.
Seemingly noticing Reita's confusion Ruki grabbed his notebook and began to scribble on it. He walked over to Reita and shoved the notebook in front of him. A bit confused, Reita grabbed the notebook and read "Why are you looking at me that way?" From Reita's understanding, it looked as though Ruki had completely blacked out through this whole thing. He was acting like it didn't happen. Reita really didn't know what to do now, he didn't want to upset Ruki. Ruki didn't wonder how he got from the garden to his room?
Reita couldn't be sure how Ruki would react to being told he was doing every thing but practically outright singing. He decided to wait til he could speak with Meiko-san first before saying anything. "No reason really, I've just had a long day is all. I think I'm going to head to bed" he said, giving the most convincing yawn he could manage. He didn't know how well he would be able to sleep after this. It was only his first full day knowing Ruki and so much had happened already.
But before Reita could move Ruki stepped in front of him holding out his hand with a angry look in his eyes. Deciding to continue to act as everything was normal he looked up at Ruki with a confused look on his face. Ruki just rolled his eyes and reached down and snatched the guitar out of Reita's hands roughly. Shocked, Reita jumped. Apparently Ruki didn't like anyone touching his guitar. Now that he thought about it a moment, he mentally slapped himself. Of course it would be. The guitar was the only thing in the room that wasn't hospital issued. Which in turn worried Reita, cause he knew how long Ruki had been here for. How could he not accumulate any personal stuff?
Figuring that to be a really good cue to take his leave he said his good nights to Ruki, who in turn just stared at him as he walked out. Reita hoped the incident with the guitar hadn't ruined his chances of making friends with him. He closed the door behind him and started to make his way down the hallway to the stairs. As he reached the second floor he remembered he was suppose to call Uruha. Now that he knew the others could come on the weekend for most of the day he was excited once again to see them all. A smile appeared on his face as he picked up his pace to the pay phones outside on the first floor. Reita not being a paying patient he didn't have the luxury of having a phone in his room, or so they said. He had a feeling the judge had something to do with that.
His conversation with Uruha was short as he accidentally forgot about the time and woken him up. Uruha could sure yell when he wanted to. Chuckling to himself he hung up the phone having set the date for Saturday that everyone would be coming. Turning around to head back up stairs he noticed a boy around his age leaning against a big tree in the garden smoking a cigarette. In the poor lighting he could only make out that he was short, with light brown hair. Reita realized he must be a patient here when he saw him wearing similar clothing to Ruki's. He really didn't think much of the boy except for the fact that he didn't know how the boy was getting away with smoking so close to the building. It was listed on the rules he was given, and not wanting to risk getting into trouble he had ditched his that night. It wasn't like he was that depended on them anyway.
Shrugging it off he started to head into the building, but before he could reach the doors he heard someone behind him call out to him. He turned around to see the boy walking towards him, stomping out his cigarette along the way.
A little confused but Reita waited none the less, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Your Reita right?" he asked as he got closer.
Reita raised an eyebrow at him knowing who he was "Seems you know who I am, so who are you?" he countered.
The boy chuckled and replied "Hiroto, it's a pleasure". He stuck out his hand for Reita to shake.
Still a bit confused, the feeling of not liking this situation increasing. Despite this feeling, and the immediate urge to put his defenses up he shook the others hand.
"Pleasure" he mumbled back nodding his head "It's late, is there something I can do for you?" he asked.
"Actually, yea there is. I've noticed you hanging out with Ruki today..." he said.
"Well, yea. Not to be rude but, is that really any of your concern?"
Hiroto smiled, stepping back and putting his hands up a bit saying "Relax, I'm kind of a friend of Ruki's that's all. She assigned you to him didn't she?" he asked.
Reita really thought this was weird. None of it making sense. How could he know Reita was told to help Ruki? "Assigned? The way you say that it makes it sound like this isn't a first time." he said.
"Your right, that's exactly what I'm saying. Your not the first to help" he said, putting emphasis on 'help'.
Reita sighed, this has just been too long of a day. Too much happening on top of working around the hospital all day. His mind wasn't working clearly. "Ok, so past attempts to help him failed, what's this have to do with me?" he asked.
"Your different. Much different. I never saw him react to the others like he has you. I probably shouldn't admit this, but..." he hesitated a moment, the confidence he had a moment ago dwindling "I kind of eavesdropped on you two earlier...in Ruki's room." he finished.
Reita widened his eyes in surprise. He didn't like the idea of being eavesdropped on. But for some reason, despite this, he didn't get angry. Normally, the old Reita anyway, probably would have punched him.
But before Reita could reply the other continued "It's not the first time I've done it. I've been the only one around here Ruki's age. Most of the time he sat alone, but sometimes he would join me in the garden. I'd just talk and he'd listen. Sometimes I wasn't in any condition to be around him. He probably comforted me more then the other way around. I was always different around Ruki no matter what state of mind I was in. I guess over the years I've grown kind of...protective over him. I'm always close to him when I can be. Most of the time he never notices I'm there. Earlier, in his room while you were playing his guitar, which he's never let me touch by the way, I've never seen or heard him do anything like that before. I was so shocked myself I almost gave myself away I was there. I don't fully understand the effects your having on him, but I want you to understand what it could mean for him. You...you don't understand what he's gone through. What it's been like for him. No one here could." he went silent with that, looking at the ground, reminding Reita of Ruki a lot.
Reita stopped and thought of everything he was just told. His head was swimming. He kept having one question after another pop into his head. This boy, Hiroto seemed to be willing to tell him more then Meiko-san was yesterday. Though he was planning on asking more, he didn't think he'd be given the full story. Some how tho, he thinks this guy might be able to do that. But before he trusts too much information from him, Reita found himself curious of why he was here.
"Hiroto, what are you here for? I mean..." he trailed off.
Hiroto only laughed tho at his question tho. "Don't worry, you wouldn't be the first to ask me that. It's called Brief Psychotic Disorder*, I'm fully aware of it. It's a condition that comes and goes. I either check myself in or I'm checked in. Sometimes I'm only here a day, other times up to a month. It's not as bad as it used to be, the meds help a lot. So I don't get here to see Ruki much anymore. They only allow me to stay during an episode. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning. That's why I confronted you tonight. I don't know when I'll return."
Reita just nodded his head at the new information. He wasn't sure if he was comforted or disturbed by the information. Either way, Reita decided to get as much info out of him as he was willing to give and would decide for himself later. Reita noticed the time, if they were caught too close to the doors they would be forced to end the conversation and go to bed. And with Hiroto leaving in the morning he didn't want that just yet. So he nodded his head the direction Hiroto came from encouraging him to follow. They sat behind the tree Hiroto was leaning against earlier to be hidden from the doors. Hiroto pulled out his cigarettes and offered one to Reita. He took one, he felt he could use one with everything that's happened on his first day.
"Do...do you know what happened to him?" Reita asked quietly as Hiroto lit his cigarette.
Hiroto took a deep breath and look like he was recalling a painful memory of his own. "Yes, and no. I've only over heard things from keeping such close tabs on him. Obviously there not pretty things or Ruki wouldn't be here."
Hiroto waited a moment, letting that soak in before he proceeded "From what I know Ruki got here just before he turned 13. His parents, and only sister were murdered and possibly his mother and sister were raped. From what I understand it was right before Ruki's eyes." Hiroto paused, seeing Reita look as if he was going to say something, but when he didn't Hiroto continued "The murderer was never caught, no one knows if Ruki actually saw his face or why he survived. He never spoke a single word after that day as far as I can tell. It was in the papers, but not much info was revealed. Ruki was a bit like me and would go through his moments of insanity, and outbursts. Family probably couldn't handle it and they dropped him off here. I only saw them a couple times, tho lately I haven't seen anyone. I don't know what happened to them exactly, but any form of murder is gruesome.
Hiroto fell silent allowing Reita digest the new information provided to him. From what he could tell, it all sounded believable. It made sense, that was definitely traumatizing enough to do something like this to Ruki. To Reita, it complicated things. Sure he knew something bad had to have happened, they said he was traumatized, but he never thought it would be this. He lost his whole family in one day. Not only that he might have seen his family's lives being ripped from this world at the hands of another human being. Reita couldn't even begin to imagine the fear and pain Ruki must live with everyday. His heart ached more then he thinks it ever had as intense emotions took over him. Sadness, pain, anger, disgust, fear, there were so many emotions they began to run together leaving Reita's mind spinning out of control. It was all so...surreal.
Reita sighed and let his head fall back against the tree taking one last drag of his cigarette and putting it out in the ground. "Hiroto, what do you think it might be. I mean, why Ruki responded to me playing his guitar the way he did?"
Hiroto mimicked Reita and placed his head against the tree "Mm...not really sure. I haven't had much time to think on it. But, if I think of anything, I know where to find you "he said with a weak smile.
Reita nodded in response. Not really knowing what else to say, or ask with his head swimming with so much information. He stood up and started heading back into the hospital. He stopped half way there and turned back to Hiroto who was leaning against the tree again smoking another cigarette. "Er...I kinda don't know what to say really. Thanks seems--"
Hiroto cut him off "No need to do anything but say you'll do your best to help him. I know theres a reason he responded to you so well, and to the music. I can't say I know why that's never happened before. This is more then you signed up for I know, but at least give it your best, ne?"
Reita nodded, and thinking hard, walked back into the hospital.
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*BPD - its a real disorder. I used the info i found on wiki and used it *loosely* as a reference so don't shoot me xD
-im finding i really suck at dialog, its harder then it looked lol i tried to make this chap more...er...interesting? i dont know if i succeeded. And Hiroto made an appearance too! I used his old look to describe him (which i find describing ppl hard too lol), just in case u were wondering.
gomen if its long and drawn out -_- and to the communities im posting this too cuz apparently i screwed it up again. am i the only one who doesnt get it? sry -_-
mmm, i think that was it. CC&C are of course welcomed ~<3