No More Pain Ch. 2
A low groan left his lips as Akanishi stirred, the movement causing his leg to jar from the handmade splint.
“Don’t move.”
His eyes shot open at the other person’s use of Japanese and a sliver of hope built-up inside of him; maybe someone from one of the other squadrons had found him, he was safe, he was sure of it. When his vision cleared, he let out a disappointed sound when all he saw was a skinny, probably not much younger than him, boy.
“Don’t sound so disappointed now.” The other said sarcastically, picking up a rag from the small wooden table beside the bed, “Be glad I saved you, actually. I hear the Maquis is a very dangerous group when traitors are involved, Colonel.”
“Lieutenant Colonel,” He couldn’t help but correct as he pushed himself to sit up, ignoring the pain in his body. “Where am I? Who are you?”
The boy rolled his eyes, “You don’t listen, do you?” he asked, pushing a bit too roughly at Akanishi’s chest, “I said, don’t move. You’re going to disturb your wounds.”
He winced when he fell back onto the bed, for a boy, he certainly had strength. “Fine.” He said, watching him, “Are you going to answer my questions?”
The other shrugged, “When I feel like it.” He said. “I don’t owe you anything, Colonel. If anything, you owe me.”
Akanishi felt anger swell up inside him, “I don’t owe you a damn thing.” He said, glaring up at him.
“If it weren’t for me, you’d be dead by now. “
The coldness of his words made Akanishi’s retort die on his lips. “Right.” He finally said after moments of silence.
“Now, why don’t you tell me your name, and what you were doing, half-dead beside a German tank.”
“Akanishi,” He said, “I’m a lieutenant colonel, I was near a tank and it blew it up.” His answers were short and clipped, but the other looked pleased.
“Kamenashi.” He said as he dipped the rag into a bowl of water, “You’re near Lyon. Where were you headed?”
“How can I trust you?” Akanishi asked suspiciously, “For all I know, you could be with the Maquis.” He watched as the boy draped the rag over the edge of the bowl, before grabbing a basket with rolls of white bandages and a jar of cream in it.
Kamenashi grinned at him, “Touché.” He said, grabbing Akanishi’s arm and bringing it to rest on his knees as he peeled the bandages away. “Your injuries aren’t bad. I had a doctor look at your leg. It’ll be fine as long as it’s kept clean.”
“Does anyone else know I’m here?” he asked, wincing when the white cream was massaged into the cuts on his arm.
“No. Unless someone saw me bringing you here, so maybe,” Kamenashi said as he placed the jar of cream onto the table and unrolled some of the bandage. “Why? Is there some kind of bounty on your head?”
Akanishi rolled his eyes at the lame joke, “No, but if someone saw us, they may think you’re harboring a traitor.”
“Aw, so you do care.” Kamenashi deadpanned, “I believe that after experiencing what I have, I can take care of myself. I know way more French than you do, so I could play a convincing Frenchman if I had to. You, on the other hand, are screwed.”
Staying silent, Akanishi just looked down at his dirt stained uniform pants.
“Hey, look.” Kamenashi said, a sigh leaving his lips, “Nothing’s going to happen to you; when you’re able to move around more, I’ll find you some normal clothes, and you can stay here, incognito until you’re fully healed.”
Akanishi looked up at him, watching Kamenashi’s face carefully, “You don’t owe me anything.” He finally said.
“You don’t want to be here, right?” he retorted. “I don’t want you here, we’re even.”
Kamenashi had this habit of confusing Akanishi to no end. “Right.” He said, leaning back against the pillow, closing his eyes.
He stood, “I’ll check on you in a little while. I have the vineyards to attend to. Don’t, and I mean don’t leave the bed under any circumstances except to take care of personal needs.”
When Akanishi said nothing, Kamenashi walked out of the room; the bandages and cream forgotten on the floor beside the bed.
-
When Akanishi awoke again, he heard hushed voices outside his room, speaking rapidly in French. He frowned, pushing himself up slowly, the pain in his body now a dull ache.
He didn’t question long, as the door was opened moments later, Kamenashi stepping inside, a solemn look on his face.
“The Germans are angry with your squad.” He said, carrying a pile of clothes over to the bed, “Word from Vichy is, that your Colonel is to blame for the Maquis attacking today.”
“How long have I been asleep?”
“A week.” He said, “More or less. You became feverish and your leg needed stitches. You’re fine now; but still not completely fine.” Placing the clothes on the bed, he tugged the blanket back from Akanishi’s body. “I’m going to help you up now, and into the bathroom. You’re filthy, and a sponge bath will only clean so much.”
Body protesting, Akanishi forced himself up and with Kamenashi’s help, they made it to the bathroom. A large porcelain tub sat in the center of a dingy, small bathroom. It wasn’t much bigger than the rec. rooms back on the base, but, he was grateful that there was water, and that he’d be able to bathe after so long.
“The water’s not all that warm and it’s probably not enough for you to bathe properly in; but I suppose it’ll help your wounds enough to stop infection.” Kamenashi said as he let go of Akanishi. “I trust you can undress yourself, or do you need some help?”
Akanishi rolled his eyes, his hands moving to undo the remains of his tattered uniform jacket, “I can manage just fine.”
Kamenashi moved back, watching amused as he fumbled with the buttons, “I’m sure.” He said with a hint of humor in his voice.
Akanishi sighed, letting his hands drop to his sides, “Fine smart ass, you come and do it, then.” He said.
Kamenashi laughed out loud, moving close to Akanishi, “Your hands are shaking.” He said as he undid the buttons on Akanishi’s uniform, “I doubt there’s much I can do for this, though.” Kamenashi muttered as he helped the other out of his uniform top.
Akanishi shrugged as Kamenashi stepped away, “Throw it away, burn it, for all I care.” He said.
“Where’s your love for your country?” Kamenashi asked, “I’m surprised you’re not going all patriotic on me saying you need to go back out to fight.”
Staying silent, Akanishi started undoing his pants, “I don’t know what I feel anymore.” He said suddenly, “Fighting for Japan makes me happy; fighting for Hitler does not. I hate being here.”
Kamenashi didn’t know what to say to that; he watched the other carefully; before sighing, “I’ll find you some other clothes. Take as long as you need, if you need help getting out of the bath tub, yell.”
-
When Akanishi got out of the bath tub, his skin was its natural color, something he was happy to see. Looking down at the water as he stepped out made him wonder just exactly how much dirt had accumulated on his skin over the past few weeks. He grabbed the towel that Kamenashi had left and used it to dry off. After dressing in the clothes left for him; Akanishi carefully limped out of the bathroom, noticing immediately that the pain in his leg had dulled even more.
“So I see you finally made it out.”
Akanishi shrugged, moving over to sit on the bed, “Yeah.” He said. “Water’s dirty and cold.”
Kamenashi hummed, bringing a plate of bread and cheese over to Akanishi, “A snack.” He said, holding it out to the other. “Dinner will be ready soon. Do you drink wine?”
“I’m not sure.” Akanishi said, “In Japan, I’m not at the legal age to drink.”
Raising an eyebrow at him, Kamenashi placed a bottle on the table beside the bed, “Right.” He said. “Are you too straight laced to try it?”
Shaking his head, Akanishi looked over at the bottle, “What kind is it?” he asked.
“1937 Clos Vougeot Chateau de la Tour. Red wine.”
Akanishi shrugged, “Never heard of it.” He said, “Does it taste good?”
“The other years do.” He said. “This one should taste fine, as well.” Kamenashi looked up at him, “Want to try some?” he asked.
Shrugging again, Akanishi leaned back against the pillows, “I guess.” He said.
Kamenashi struggled with the cork for a few moments, before popping it out of the bottle. “Here,” He said, holding the bottle out to him, “Don’t drink too much your first time.”
Akanishi took the bottle from the other, “It smells really strong.” He said, holding the bottle a little bit away from his face as he was assaulted by a strong grape smell.
“Pinot Noir is strong.” Kamenashi agreed, “But I think its fine to try for the first time.”
“Pinot Noir…?” Akanishi asked, looking up at Kamenashi, “What’s that?”
“The type of grape used.”
Nodding, he carefully turned the bottle up slightly, pressing the rim against his lips, only to pull the bottle away a moment later; making a disgusted face.
“What?” Kamenashi asked with humor in his voice as he reached out and took the bottle from Akanishi, placing it on the table.
“How can you drink that…that…stuff.”
“I didn’t realize you were such a pansy.” Kamenashi retorted, “Can’t even call it by its name?” he teased, smirk on his face.
“Mother raised me properly.” He said. “I’ve never tasted alcohol.”
Kamenashi took a swig from the bottle, “Tell me about her.”
“Why would I do that?” Akanishi asked, “And aren’t you a little too young to be drinking?”
“I’m seventeen.” He said. “I’ve lived here all my life, grew up around this stuff, I know what I’m doing. And you’re going to tell me, because we’re going to be stuck together until you’re better, so therefore, as your caretaker, I deserve to know, or I’ll turn you into the Maquis.”
Pushing himself towards the edge of the bed, Akanishi watched Kamenashi carefully, “At least give me a head start,” He said as he placed his feet on the ground. “Because I’m not telling you anything about her.”
Kamenashi rolled his eyes, pushing Akanishi back onto the bed, “You suck.” He said as he took another swig from the bottle. “You can ask me anything you want.” He said, “I’ll answer.”
“What have you been drinking?” Akanishi asked when he felt Kamenashi fall heavily onto the bed beside him, “You reek of alcohol.”
“Champagne.” He said, “A little Cognac, that’s it.”
“Kamenashi…”
“Kazuya.” The other interrupted.
“Huh?” Akanishi looked dumbfounded.
“Call me Kazuya.” He said. “Calling me Kamenashi makes me sound old.”
“Right…” Akanishi said, leaning away when Kazuya leaned closer, “Why did you drink so much?”
Kazuya shrugged, “Tell me your name.” he said.
“Lieutenant Colonel…”
Shaking his head, Kazuya pressed a finger to Akanishi’s lips, “Given name.” he said quietly. “Not your family name.”
“Can you move?” he asked, “You’re making things awkward.”
“I can make things really awkward…” Kazuya said with a grin, “I don’t think you’d want that.” He said, “Now tell me your name.”
“J-Jin…” he stuttered as he leaned further away from Kazuya. “My given name is Jin.”
“So Jin.” He said slowly, his eyes unfocused and dark as he watched the other. “You want to know why I drank so much.”
“If…you don’t mind telling me that is...you don’t-”
“I’m a coward.”
“What?” Jin asked surprised, his eyes widening.
“I’m a stupid coward.” He said, “I’m alone, because of that.” Kazuya looked down at the bottle in his hand, “I’m seventeen years old, and I’m already a growing alcoholic. I can’t fight my own battles, and the ones around me pay the consequences of my cowardice.”
Jin edged away from Kazuya, “Look, you don’t have to tell me this…really. It’s a hard subject to talk about…it’s okay…”
“Shut up.” Kazuya’s voice was low and deadly. “Shut up…you…you stupid soldier. I don’t know why I volunteered to help you. You think that you’re going to come here, and take me back with you, don’t you?”
“What?” he asked, “Kazuya, you’re drunk…I don’t even know you-”
“Answer me!” he shouted, one of his hands curling into the neck of Jin’s shirt as he dropped the bottle onto the floor, “You work with the Gestapo, don’t you? You’re here on their behalf, thinking that you’re going to take me to them, just so you can get your honorable discharge.” His voice was low as he stared into Jin’s eyes, “You think, playing the poor and helpless soldier who’s never done anything bad, is going to get me to trust you more?”
Jin looked down at the glass on the floor, the dark red liquid staining the carpet, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” his voice was quiet as he kept his eyes trained on the shards of glass, “I’m just a mere soldier in the Imperial Army. I don’t work with the Nazi’s; I’m here for personal gain.”
Kazuya made a frustrated sound in his throat, shoving Jin away roughly, “Fuck.” He swore, burying his head in his hands.
“Kazuya?” Jin asked, catching himself before he fell to the floor, “Are you alright?”
“Do I looking fucking alright to you?” the younger growled, looking up at Jin, “No matter what I do, I still have those attacks of paranoia. I can still feel the beatings and hear the questions. Nothing makes them go away…”
Shifting into a comfortable position on the bed, Jin watched the younger man, “Why can’t you forget them?” he asked, immediately wincing at the stupid question that left his lips.
“Oh, you think that being tortured by the Gestapo is easy to forget?” Kazuya asked, raising an eyebrow, “You think being beat within an inch of my life is something that I can just throw it out of my mind like that?” he snapped his fingers, to emphasize that.
Shaking his head, Jin stretched his injured leg out, “I didn’t mean it like that…”
“Then how’d you mean it?” Kazuya slurred, a glare fixed on Jin, “Have you ever been tortured by the Gestapo?” he spat out.
Jin bit his lip; he’d met them, and heard what they did from various sources, but never experienced them first hand.
“Exactly.” Kazuya said, taking Jin’s silence as a no.
Jin bowed his head, “Sorry.” He apologized quietly.
Kazuya sighed heavily, shifting over to sit beside Jin, “Let me look at your leg.” He said, not waiting for an answer as he pushed the pant leg up, fingers working on untying the bandage.
Jin watched as Kazuya pressed lightly against the wound, “Stop that…” he mumbled, hissing softly as a twinge of pain shot through his leg. “You’re going to make it worse.”
The other didn’t listen, pressing against the wound again, “You need to keep this clean.” He reprimanded as he looked up at Jin with dazed eyes. “What if it gets infected and gangrene sets in?” he frowned, “You’d be useless.”
Hitting Kazuya’s hand away, Jin glared at him, “It was clean, until you started touching it.” He said, moving away from the other.
Reaching over to the small table, Jin grabbed the roll of bandages, before carefully wrapping his leg again; making sure the bandage was tight enough to keep his leg supported.
Kazuya sighed heavily, “I’m the one being useless.” He said, tying the bandage off after watching Jin struggle with it for a moment.
Looking up at Kazuya, Jin pursed his lips, “You are useless.” He said. “Drinking yourself stupidly drunk, and trying to doctor wounds under the influence. My brother is three years younger, and yet he has more sense than you. Grow up, Kamenashi. We’re at war, acting like a helpless child isn’t going to make anything easier.”
Kazuya tilted his head to the side, “Do you honestly think it’s that easy?” he asked quietly, eyes wide and uncharacteristically blank, “Do you think it’s easy to shoulder the blame, to be the reason that your own parents are dead?” he asked, “You love your mother, don’t you?”
Jin nodded slowly, face hard.
“What If she was murdered because you went missing?”
Fingers clenching against the bed, Jin glared at him, “So now you’re saying your parents were killed because you ran away from the war? Are you that much of a coward that-”
Jin’s words were cut off when Kazuya’s fist connected with his jaw, making him fall onto the bed with a heavy thud.
“Don’t. Say things like that.” He said; his voice low and serious. “Especially when you know nothing about the person you’re saying it to. I don’t think your mother would like to hear how her son died in the hands of a vineyard owner’s son because he couldn’t keep his stupid mouth shut.”
Jin looked up at Kazuya as the other moved off the bed. “Where are you going?”
“To bed.” He said. “I’m not longer in the mood to make your dinner or niceties with you.”