[Fic] - The Hard Way - chapter 7
Title: The Hard Way
Author: shiroakuma
Pairings: HayaRyu, RyuRen, YamatoRen
Genre: angst, romance
Rating: pg-13
Disclaimer: Do not own anyone or any of their lovely body parts…
Note: My first Fanfic and my grammar is not all that bright
Summary: With no Yankumi to bring them back together, Hayato and Ryu must go through the hard way to renew and refine their friendship. But clashing with Gokusen 3 boys, Ren and Yamato, they will find an unexpected perspective on their relationship along with new obstacles.
Chapter 7
Ryu had expected this encounter to go bad, real bad but to actually go through it was something else; His dad has been beyond furious and as annoying as ever. Not only he told Ryu off for mixing with bad people as well as Yabuki, he was also locked in his room. His father’s self-righteous yelling and blaming his mother for that matter could still be heard even after he was behind the prison of his own bedroom.
Naturally Ryu was furious at his dad being furious. If he thought Frentzen was consisted of bad people, why the hell did the senior Odagiri has allowed him to work there to begin with? He was truly a hypocrite; always banning his son from meeting with the likes of Yabuki and yet letting him work in Frentzen. Then when things went for the worst, the older man would be blaming everyone around for the consequences but himself.
Had he ever thought of himself being the bad person? Ryu wondered but he got his answer as he listened to the conversation -where the older Odagiri was still in a yelling tone- between his father and possibly some poor chump who happened to call at the wrong time. He pitied whoever was that on the other end of the line.
Ryu sighed in defeat and slumped down on his mattress. He grabbed his spare cell phone -where the first one was confined- and sent a quick message to Ren and Hayato explaining that he won’t be getting out anytime soon. Hayato’s answer was full of swearing and accusations where Ren sounded expectant of the outcome as he had written a simple hang in there.
The light brunette has always been curious as how he liked two guys who apparently were so different in character but Ryu knew that both had their respective good points’ and certain aura’s which attracted the young man. His fear being that he might lose one of them and he surely didn’t want to.
Time has always moved slowly when he was confined which meant more time for him to think or dwell on the subjects he wanted to avoid. Physically he was alright; his wounds were healing, he hadn’t been in much pain and he didn’t have to force himself even to stand up considering that everything was almost prepared for him, other than the fact that he was imprisoned.
No matter he thought, this was a temporary situation. Soon he would be out there rejoining with the school which he didn’t believe he would be seeing again. His father wasn’t aware that he was going back to school but the old man wasn’t going to stop Ryu even if he knew. The son had already put up a stand to follow his wish to the end, only the father wasn’t told of that just yet.
He could tolerate this, being locked up like a child who misbehaved for the fun of it, where Ryu hadn’t even been mischievous enough to do so let alone doing it intentionally. Sure as hell he didn’t intend to be hospitalized. He started swearing under his breath and it was then he jumped slightly to the sound of rattling. He approached his glass balcony door in suspicion just to reveal the guilty rock laying before the door on the outside. He slid open the door and wasn’t surprised to find the four boys who didn’t seem to have a clue as how to use a damn phone. They could have just called him; his second phone was a secret from his parents not from his friends.
He shook his head at the sight of his old gang appearing before him. Noticing Ryu’s presence they even got into a pose with Hayato in front and rest behind him, all reminding Ryu of a bunch of dorks.
“What are you doing here?” Ryu hissed afraid that they might get caught in the lion’s den.
“We have come for your rescue!” Hayato whispered while taking his big dark sunglasses off and flashed a bright smile. I don’t need saving from you idiots Ryu muttered but it wasn’t noticed by the overly excited boys.
“Come on!” said Take motioning him to jump down.
Another sigh and Ryu found his way down on to the ground after taking his jacket. Tsucchi helped him up and as he was gazing at them grateful for even the thought of breaking him out of his house. That didn’t last too long though. A blinding flash light was held up to his eyes momentarily surprising him and the very next moment a few guards appeared who has most likely been automatically called when the security alarm was triggered. He only had a second to cast an idiot look at his friends before the guards circled them and the boys started struggling to escape.
With the heat of fear Ryu punched a few of the guards making sure he didn’t hurt them too much. He dodged a hand trying to hold him down only to be grabbed by another; Upon this Hyuuga came to his help, jumping on the back of the poor man who got scared by the sudden act. Ryu stumbled forward but regained his balance, hissing in the same time as his ribs were in pain. It didn’t stop him as his blood was boiling with the sight his friends being captured by his father’s security men.
He reached out to the guy closest to him and yanked him harshly to the ground tripping him with his foot. The man rolled on the grass and Ryu was by Hayato’s in a second. He kept his attention on the man who attached the taller boy and helped him shove the man away falling down in the mean time.
Take, Tsucchi and Hyuuga were holding the guards like they were glued to them. One look shared between the leader and the trio told each of the sides a lot which they decided to stay behind so that Ryu and Hayato could get away. Hayato felt like a traitor, leaving them behind and did so with a heavy heart as he pulled Ryu out of the premises. He knew those three boys were willing to get caught and face its consequences themselves only, than to let them be all in trouble. And Hayato was respecting that.
The two boys took in shaky breaths as they cornered the alley and were safe from the guards. Hayato was in better condition as Ryu had slouched down searching for something to hold. The taller boy put his arm around Ryu’s waist and shoulders, securely holding him in place. Ryu leaned on to the boy and closed his eyes, it hurt; not only from the jump but also from the excessive movement he had done right after his dismissal from the hospital. He cursed his father and his men who in Ryu’s opinion was nothing but a further hindrance to his non-existent freedom. It hurt, yes, but if it wasn’t for Hayato to come for him, Ryu would be too busy pitying and hating himself and not about thinking of people who actually cared about him. After all his father never listened nor did he care. As long as things went his way, it didn’t matter whether Ryu was in pain or on the verge of self-destruction. For that the senior Odagiri would never understand what Hayato stood for Ryu in his life.
Everything that was free and rebellious, strong and lively, brave and loving were Hayato. Every one of these plus more represented his best friend and how much he yearned to be like him, to be with him. Because when he was with Hayato, he felt like he was truly alive and that he mattered; maybe not to his family but to his friends. For that he was honestly grateful.
“Thank you” was all he whispered to the boy before he started feeling light headed and could do nothing but follow his best friend with shaky legs.
“Ryu” called out Hayato as he placed the weak boy on a bench in their usual park “We’ll take a break so rest ok?”
“Hnn”
“We can’t go to my place. They will look there first. Any ideas?”
“Ren?” Ryu suggested but then remembered that his father would be searching there as well. He handed his phone to Hayato and instructed him to warn Ren about the possible late night visit from one certain, pissed Odagiri.
“How about a love hotel? They wont-” Hayato didn’t get to finish his sentence as Ryu smacked him in the head other hand still in front of his eyes. The taller boy was about to complain that they hadn’t a choice but then the phone buzzed and a message from Ren shut him up.
Go to Yamato’s. I’ll inform him!
“Is all he thinks is Yamato?” Hayato complained “Oi, you are being cheated on, you realize?”
“Idiot.”
“Though we can try Yamato’s. His parents have divorced and my auntie is quite fond of me. She wouldn’t leave me or my friends out on the cold.” Ryu snorted.
“I didn’t know you two were that close.”
“We weren’t but after the divorce I helped Auntie a lot. It wasn’t a nice break up and even though Yamato-brat was all cold and cool acting, I saw through it and helped in whatever ways I can. Let it be taking that brat out or bringing some supplies over to them, not that they needed but it was a change from their daily routine.” Ryu was speechless. He didn’t know Hayato could be this caring about other people’s lives. Then again, losing his mother had taught him a valuable lesson and it was about protecting one’s family with all his heart. One day Hayato would make a great husband and a father but Ryu was never going to understand the logic behind holding onto a family.
“That was nice of you.” He replied simply.
“It wasn’t that big of a deal. To tell you the truth, it was when I first heard about Kazama but I hadn’t seen or met him. When I busted you with him, I wasn’t aware that they were the same Ren Yamato spoke off. From how Yamato described Kazama to me, I knew you would be in safe hands. He told me all about it; how you two met and become close. But later Kazama was acting cold and Yamato never learned why. He was angry at him though.”
“Oh, I feel responsible for their argument.”
“Don’t be” said Hayato reassurance in his voice “It was Kazama’s own choice to act like that and now they are doing fine so it’s all good.”
“Aren’t you a wise little man tonight” Ryu teased Hayato and laughed at his own joke and Hayato’s reaction was “I am not little!!”
“No, you are not. Your belly is too big for that as well as your heart, Hayato” The taller boy was about to retort but stopped himself. He smiled shyly and kneeled before Ryu.
The sitting boy was taken aback when he felt Hayato’s hands resting on either side of his thighs and slowly closing in on Ryu’s face. He stared wide eyed as he watched the boy’s gentle and peaceful gaze approaching him. He felt warm inside. Even not being able to move, run or shove the taller boy away, and not wishing to do so, Ryu lowered his arms to welcome Hayato’s gesture whatever it was going to be.
It wasn’t what Ryu had expected but still found it a considerate gesture as Hayato only put his forehead on Ryu’s closing his eyes and savouring the moment. Ryu joined him soon after he realized the need to take things slow and carefully. There were a lot of facts they required to consider.
“Can you always say nice things to me?” Hayato whispered
“Give me a reason to do so, Yabuki. And calling you fat isn’t a compliment.” The taller boy laughed in a low volume not breaking their contact.
“Ah, so I missed you, Odagiri”
“I’ve missed you too, idiot.”
“Good to hear that.” Hayato held Ryu’s back slowly caressing the sore points. Hearing Ryu purr in such close proximity and feeling the boy’s head falling in between the crook of Hayato’s neck was too much for him to handle. Taking a risk, Hayato angled his head and put a chaste kiss on Ryu’s lips.
Ryu’s eyes flew open but he kept his head in place, his hand grabbed the collar of Hayato’s shirt and questioned him silently. Why? Why now of all times?
“Do you not like it?” Hayato sounded slightly broken and disappointed in the lack of reaction.
Ryu shook his head “I do but...”
The taller boy sighed “It’s about Ren?”
“Yes and no”
“What do you mean?”
“I am not ready for this.” Ryu pulled back quickly, a moment of regret in his eyes “and I don’t want to leave Ren in such a cruel way.” What was he saying? Wasn’t Hayato what he always wanted, before and after Ren? Then why was he backing down when the boy finally took the initiative and confessed in his own way?
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“No, don’t be sorry. I am not mad, just surprised.”
“So...?”
“Not now. Not before I sort out my own feelings” Ryu answered, unsure of what he was speaking of. Without realizing he had grew too fond of Ren’s company, his touches and love as well as it becoming a habit for him. An unhealthy one but nevertheless irresistible to no end.
He couldn’t simply throw that away in the light of smallest of affection shown at him by Hayato. He’ll have to be certain of his feelings first.
“Right,” Hayato said disappointed. He had been expecting Ryu to accept him as soon as he made his own move as if the light brunette’s feelings were only towards him. What an idiot he was. Of course Ryu would be confused if not already given up on Hayato and their never ending game. It was possible that Ryu found what he was looking for in Kazama and didn’t need that kind of a love from Hayato.
And if he had given up on them then he must be worried about harming their newly reformed friendship so he wasn’t saying anything to hurt the taller boy and this made Hayato sadder about this than the first choice as the latter implied his failure as both a friend and a potential lover. He wanted to tell him not to care about Hayato but his phone interrupted him once again. It was Yamato.
Ren told me of your situation. Mom’s alright with it so are you coming anytime soon or found your self’s a comphy cave to spend the night in?
Hayato cursed and had to detach himself and get off from Ryu where without noticing, he had been sitting on the ground between Ryu’s legs. The brunette hadn’t complained though.
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The night spent was beyond awkward. Yamato and his mother had welcomed them into their home and prepared the guest room for the two boys. After making sure they were comfortable, the younger boy’s mother had left them to be.
“Thanks for this, Auntie” said Hayato “We’ll be in your care for the night”
“Thank you” Ryu had added as he was handed spare night gear from the woman. He could easily fit into Yamato’s clothes but Hayato had a bit of more trouble as he needed the host’s bigger and tend to be uglier clothes. He wasn’t in any position to complain though even if it was hard to do so.
“Go get yourself better clothes, brat. You are not ten and definitely not that small to fit in those anymore.”
“Stop whining. It’s not my fault if you can’t get your fat ass into the trousers.”
“Who are you calling fat? I am not fat.”
“Right, wish it to become real.” Yamato headed for the door, running from Hayato’s wrath “Good night, nii-san, Odagiri-senpai.”
“Get out, brat!”
“Good night, Ogata”
“Why the hell do you get respect when I am supposed to?” Hayato said crossing his arms.
“Because you are an idiot and a royal one.”
“Oh don’t you start now!” After a minute of pause the gloomy atmosphere surrounded the room. The boys were reminded of the previous chat they were having and its impact could be felt as the playful environment was filled with the darkness of the moonless night. Suddenly they were too close and too intimate and they had to step a few inches away. Ryu knew this was stupid but he feared for his sanity. Spending the night in the same room with Hayato was not what he wished right that moment.
The taller boy was no less comfortable. Now he wished he hadn’t ki... kiss- him. Yes, he had kissed Ryu, right? He had felt those soft lips on his own even for the briefest of seconds, he had tasted Ryu. A blush crept its way to his cheeks; that was overwhelming for him. He had as well as confessed but through a straight forward move instead of shuttering words. It had just dawned on him. Both what he had done and Ryu’s response; he didn’t reject him completely after all so there was still hope. He had to prove his worth the brunette who was dragging his bed away from Hayato’s.
He sighed and decided to show some understanding with pulling his own to the other side. “I am not willing to do this actually but if you are gonna feel more at ease like this then I’ll be over here.” The sentence had a double meaning saying he will be enduring to sleep away and will be waiting for his answer as much as he can. Of course Ryu understood both of them and with a reassuring smile to say he will be giving an answer to him soon, he got lost in his bed back facing Hayato.
He was staring at the annoying wall and into the dark corner. His bed was alright and the night was soundless but it wasn’t necessary for a person to sleep through that as easily. Ryu was wide awake. Finally taking one further step in their relationship, he had felt content but more confused than ever. He knew it had taken Hayato a lot of courage to overcome his pride and act on such a reckless instinct. It wasn’t enough to prove his love though so Ryu had done the right thing, waiting and choosing the course of action he truly wanted knowing well enough that he might lose Hayato forever. Yet, it didn’t change the fact that he had enjoyed the innocent kiss.
He wasn’t the only who had a sleepless night. Hayato’s irregular breathing and constant shifting reminded him of the other boy who struggled to rest because of the same event that was haunting them. Even if he had slept by the help of the lullabies of Hayato’s mere breathing noises, Ryu was going to see nightmares which were certain to be prevented if he was in the same bed as the other boy. He apologised to Ren silently as he thought how peaceful it would have been in Hayato’s arms.
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The vibration of the cell phone directed Yamato’s gaze from the ceiling to his nightstand. He checked the id on the screen and answered it upon seeing Kazama’s name on it. He had been putting his phone on vibration for awhile now. It was too painful for him to listen to the same ringtone of his phone every time it ringed and it wasn’t the one tone he wanted to hear. All because only Ren’s call played a different music and he hadn’t heard it for so long that he didn’t want to get his expectation too high every time someone called him. His ears only yearned for that cracked voice which Ren was singing in for him.
Maybe now he could change it back to normal.
“Hi, what’s up?”
“Ren,” Yamato was aware of the reason behind the call. He didn’t care as long as it was him who was talking.
“Well, how did the things go? Are they ok?”
“Yeah, they have a scratch here and there but fine otherwise.”
“Good...” the boy on the other side of the line sighed obviously lost for words. Yamato distracted himself with playing his sheets. He wasn’t going to make it easy for him.
“So...” he started and Yamato wasn’t curious of what he was about to be asked. “Are they...?”
“Yes,” he answered recklessly “they are both in the guest room.”
“Oh”
“And I had to place their futons only inches away from each other, you know the room isn’t that big.”
“Ooh”
“No one was complaining about how small that room actually is which really surprised me.”
“Is that so?” Ren had actually managed a full question. Yamato chuckled to the slight anger behind it.
“Yeah, you should have seen Hayato-nii, his pyjamas were so tight that it was almost...”
“That’s lovely! Thanks for sending that image right in front of my eyes, Ogata!”
“Odagiri-senpai might have thought it too and my clothes do fit him well.”
“OGATA!” Ren yelled at the end but added something which made Yamato frown “You only say that because you haven’t seen him in MY clothes.”
With that the taller boy closed his phone.
“What a prat!” Yamato said whining and redialled the number.
“Now what? You gonna describe me how they are cuddling?” It was then Yamato noticed Ren’s insecurity through his shaky voice.
“Hey, I am just teasing you.” He said affectionately “They weren’t even talking properly so don’t panic on me.”
“I am not.” He sounded like a child who defied being crying Yamato thought “I do trust Ryu. It’s that Yabuki that I don’t trust.”
“Don’t worry. He was such a gentleman today.”
“HA?”
“I mean as in not being the prick he usually is.”
“Oh, I see.” Ren forced the words out, being not entirely convinced.
“I’ll look after him. So you can rest assured.”
“Thanks.” Yamato felt Ren smiling and he smiled too aware that the other boy couldn’t see him but he was certain, Ren would feel it as he could feel Ren’s concern, joy and care through mere words.
P.S: Hope you enjoy! Now I am gonna read some Merlin fanfic!
Chapter 8;
http://shiroakuma.livejournal.com/4011.html