[FIC] Neku's Misadventures: Redux (chapter III)
Title: Neku's Misadventures: Redux
Authors: takatohedgehog and kohakutenshi
Ratings: PG-15 for this chapter, for Neku's potty mouth
Warnings: sex in later chapters, profanity
Summary: Neku's Misadventures rewritten. A freshly crowned Conductor, Neku is sent to Shibuya no. four-ninety-one to protect Yoshiya - a popular stripper and counterpart of Joshua - from Sakuraba - a counterpart of his own who is going around killing Joshuas for unknown reasons.
Chapters: Chapter I | chapter II
Sakuraba tapped his gun against his chin, seated perched on the bookshelf headboard, and looking down at his next victim. The little bastard looked so innocent asleep... He grinned, dark circles around his eyes showing how long he had gone without sleep. He tapped his foot in the air, using the gun to brush hair away from his victim's face. If only his pathetic little counterpart was awake to see this...
His brow furrowed gently and he gave a muffled groan into the fur of the bear in his arms. Yoshiya's little mouth puckered indignantly and he reached up to brush at the offending object, stilling when he felt the cold metal against his fingers. His heart fluttered and his breath caught. "Ah...N-n..."
"Shut up." Sakuraba sat leaning back on one of his hands, his gun pressed to Yoshiya's temple. "Call for your little bodyguard and I'll blow your brains out." In his lap, there was one of the books Yoshiya had written in, casually laying there like it was any old reading material.
Tears formed in his eyes and his cheeks flushed red as he watched Sakuraba read, the metal warming to his flesh. "Please don't do this...I...I'm sorry...please..."
"Spare me." Sakuraba closed his eyes and snapped the book shut, looking down at Yoshiya coldly. "And didn't I already tell you to shut your trap?"
He nodded slowly, watching Sakuraba's face with the curiosity of a child. "You don't look like I thought you would."
"What were you expecting?" he asked as he tossed the book away casually, letting it land with a thump on the other side of the room. Truly he was curious.
"Ah...well...I'm not sure..." Yoshiya gave a nervous laugh and held the bear tighter. "Maybe someone with more scars and only one eye and fangs and drool and-...well...a monster....or something..."
He laughed, though the sound was darker in tone than Yoshiya's, and he jabbed the gun against the slut's temple. "Don't be ridiculous," he hissed, raising a hand to his lips to take hold of the cigarette there, exhaling smoke. He raised an eyebrow at the part about the scars though...how did the little harlot know about the scars he bore? "You're lucky I'm not going to kill you tonight."
"Oh..." he sounded almost disappointed, "why not?"
"Because it wouldn't be as fun that way." Sakuraba pulled the gun away and twirled it around his finger before pocketing it in his jacket. He crossed one of his legs over the other, leaning back against the window. He eyed the boy, then reached down and thrust a hand into his hair, yanking at it and pulling him up roughly. "Heh. I find it hard to believe you're the best stripper in this Shibuya."
"Sometimes...so do I...sir..." Yoshiya whispered, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the pulling pain from the fingers in his hair. He sighed and shifted his body to a kneeling position as he looked up at the man. "You're actually quite attractive, is what I was going to say earlier. In a...sad sort of way. Your eyes...are so deep..."
He blinked at that, his hand slackening a little in the boy's hair. Shiki used to comment that his eyes were deep, like he was an old man in a young person's body. His hand tightened itself like a clamp and he snarled, throwing Yoshiya back against the bed, sliding off the bookshelf head post to stand on the mattress, his boot stepping on the teddy bear as he placed his hands on his hips, looking down at him with disdain. "We'll see how attractive you think I am after I'm done fucking your skull."
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry..." Yoshiya whimpered, his eyes wide and fearful as he tried not to move. He was terrified and he wanted to run, to scream, to reach out to Neku in the next room. But he was sleeping peacefully. There was always Joshua, a hum in his mind that had been present since the long distance call earlier, but he couldn't put him at risk for being found. Yoshiya shivered and reached a hand up. "Please...ah...hurt me...if it helps..."
"How about you suck me off while I play Russian Roulette with your head, hm?" Sakuraba suggested, tilting his head to the side as he pulled his gun out, emptying the cartridge of all but one bullet before snapping the cartridge back into place. He sat himself down with a fwump on the pillows, raising one of his arms to rest along the headboard. He pointed the gun at Yoshiya. "If you can make me cum before I make your head explode, I'll let you go."
"Why?" Yoshiya asked, knowing it was far too bold of him, but also understanding that there was a good chance he would be erased either way. "Why do you do this? Did someone hurt you, Sakuraba-san?"
His gaze darkened, shadows dancing behind his eyes and taking on the appearance of a lion who had just been injured. He pointed the gun at Yoshiya, pulling the hammer of his gun back. "That's not for you to ask," Sakuraba hissed, his eyes narrowing.
"F-forgive me...I..." Yoshiya swallowed hard and backed away to the other side of the bed. "I...I just...I just wanted to...to help...b-because...you...you need someone... Everyone does..."
"I don't need help," he hissed, hair bristling at the thought. Help, really? Him? Hah! "I just need you to die."
"No..." Yoshiya sat up, trying to look braver than he felt. "You need s-someone to b-be there...for you. T-to love...love...you. You deserve love, Neku."
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" he roared, leaping from the bed and straddling himself on top of Yoshiya, pulling back the hand that held the gun, the cold barrel in his fingers. "DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME THAT!"
Yoshiya covered his face, shuddering in fear as he waited for an attack, be it a hit or a gunshot. "I'm sorry, Sakuraba-san! I'm sorry! I want you to be happy, please! Please! NEKU! NEKU! HELP! HELP ME!"
"He's not coming!" Sakuraba sneered, tilting his head as he took hold of Yoshiya's collar, lifting him up effortlessly. "He doesn't care about you! You're just a fucking slut!"
"So what if I am!" Yoshiya cried, his face streaked with tears. "It's better than being a coward! And Neku said I wasn't a coward and you are!"
He was about to strike Yoshiya across the face with the butt of the gun for calling him a coward before he felt something collide with him, making him roll off the bed with a thump to the floor, the gun flying from his hand. He snarled up at his counterpart, eyes wild. "I NEED TO KILL HIM!"
"Leave him alone!" Neku barked, trying to hold him down as Yoshiya fled to the corner, curling up in a tight ball of fear and confusion. "Damnit, Yoshiya! Get the gun!"
"No...no...I...I can't...I'm sorry...Neku...I'm so sorry...I didn't mean...any of it...please..." Yoshiya sniffled and covered his face. "Oh God...please...please make him go away..."
"YOU HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE!" he snapped, his dark blue eyes bloodshot as he snarled, fighting his counterpart for control over the both of them. His power flared, his wings bursting from his back in a large arch that towered over them both. "YOU HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE WHAT IT IS YOU'RE PROTECTING!"
Neku fought back, his own wings ripping through as he pushed back, the power between them strong and sickening. "I don't care! He's just a boy! Yoshiya wouldn't hurt anyone!"
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry...please..." he whimpered and curled around himself, looking at Sakuraba with a strange gaze, "please...forgive me...master."
The word seemed to make Sakuraba stiffen, his expression changing to that like a jackrabbit ready to bolt. He threw Neku off him physically and Musically, jumping back. He wanted to get his gun, but shit... His eyes narrowed, before he winked out of existence.
Yoshiya shivered, his expression changing as if he were suddenly more aware of his surroundings. He looked up at Neku and cried out, thrusting himself into the boy Conductor's arms as he sobbed. "Oh, God...! I was so afraid...I couldn't cry for you...and I could scream...and I didn't want you to get hurt and h-he...he...oh....Neku...oh...God..."
Neku was about to get up and go after his counterpart (he didn't know how he just knew he was going to) when he found himself with an armful of Yoshiya. He blinked, then wrapped his arms around his shoulders, stroking his hair and tucking his head under his chin. "Shhh...shh...it's alright, Yosh...he's gone..."
He forced himself to calm, taking deep breaths as he sniffled back the tears and let the warmth of Neku's body curl around him. "I'm so sorry I set him off like that, Neku. I...I didn't know he would get that mad."
"It's okay." Neku stroked Yoshiya's hair until he felt him calm down, pulling back and looking down at him. "What did you say that set him off?"
"Uh...well...there was the whole...'you deserve to be loved' thing...and the uhm..." Yoshiya flushed and tucked his chin down against his chest. "Coward..."
Neku blinked before he chuckled a little, sitting back a bit on the floor and ruffling Yoshiya's hair, then turned his attention to look at the spot his counterpart had disappeared from before looking back at his charge. "I'll sleep in here for the rest of the night then," he said, smiling softly. "Or should I be guarding him from all your viciousness?" he teased, poking Yoshiya in the nose.
"Neku..." Yoshiya pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't know what happened there at the last. When I looked into his eyes he looked so scared...and I've always been really good at knowing what to say to people and I felt like he needed to here someone call him master. But it scared him, didn't it? What happened to him? What didn't they tell us? What did Joshua do to him?"
The redhead shook his head, sighing softly. "I don't know. Josh said it wasn't his story to tell." Neku scratched the back of his head. "Then again, he never tells me anything anyway."
"Neku...you don't think he...he hurt him...like men hurt me...do you?" Yoshiya leaned against Neku and looked up into his face. "Only...not innocent hurting...but bad hurting without safe words and money."
Neku rubbed the bridge of his nose, pulling Yoshiya up off the floor of the bedroom and sitting him on the bed. "I don't know...it's possible."
Yoshiya looked down at his lap and glanced over at the books that Sakuraba had looked at. They had been disrupted from their scuffle and he took a deep breath. "I want you to go with me somewhere tomorrow. I want you to meet my Neku."
A look of confusion crossed Neku's face for a moment. His Neku? Wasn't his Neku...well, dead? Then he felt slightly stupid and realized he must have meant Neku's grave. He smiled, placing his hand over Yoshiya's. "I'd like that."
"I think...I think we should also practice tomorrow. Wings, walls, noise...everything. I know a few places the reapers go when they're new to learn. I went there a few times myself," Yoshiya said with a squeak, and then curled his fingers in Neku's. He looked to his bear, a large boot print marring his stomach and face. "I wish he wouldn't have stepped on him."
Neku picked up the worn teddy bear, brushing his fingers over the fur before he frowned at the boot print, looking at Yoshiya. "Why do you keep it anyway? Is it...a precious memory?"
He stiffened and his cheeks flushed as he turned away. "W-well...uhm..."
"Hey, you look at that thing every time we walk by. Why don't you get it?"
"You know I don't have any money, Neku."
---
"Here. Happy Birthday. I know it ain't for a few months but whatever..."
"Neku..."
He smiled at the memory of the bruised face and the cracked teeth. The crooked grin on his beloved friend's lips as he handed him the bear and explained he'd 'borrowed' the money from his drunk father's wallet when dinner turned into the same old thing. That hadn't been too long before...
Neku noticed the look on Yoshiya's face and smiled slightly, then ruffled his hair. "C'mon. You and I both need sleep. I'll stay up for a while to watch that he doesn't come back."
"Thank you, Neku." Yoshiya curled up in the blankets and then giggled into his hand as he looked at the wings on Neku's back. "They're pretty, you know? Kinda big for a..." he paused to yawn, "Conductor. I wonder...if Joshua's hiding something else from you..."
Neku sat back against the pillows and closed his eyes, pulling his wings back in for now. He paused, thinking over what Yoshiya said before placing his hand on his head, stroking his hair. "I wonder myself..."
-----------------------
The next morning greeting Neku with the sound of soft singing as he lay slumped in the bed of the one he was supposed to be awake to protect. Yoshiya had let him drift off somewhere around dawn while he rose to do his stretches and exercises, leaving momentarily to do a little shopping up the street for groceries. He figured he would be safe enough, knowing that Sakuraba was most likely still shaken from the late night encounter.
At least, he hoped so. He was sure to get yelled at by Neku once the boy Conductor woke to find Yoshiya cooking omelettes.
Even world hopping killers like himself needed to eat, and Sakuraba found himself gracing the local grocery store with his presence - that, and he'd discovered that God hadn't cut off his Composer card yet. He crossed his arms over his chest, browsing the instant ramen because for the life of him he didn't know how to cook. His...he'd never seen a reason to. He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth when he thought about last night, berating himself for flying off the handle so easily like that. The next time he saw that harlot, he wouldn't let him get the upper hand...
He had given Neku a little kiss on the cheek when he left, letting the radio continue to serenade him in the hopes that he wouldn't know Yoshiya was gone. The stripper skipped up the street in his white, short-shorts and green sweater, with a pair of worn sneakers slipped on his feet. His hair was still a mess and he hadn't a bit of makeup on, but who would be up at this hour? Yoshiya giggled and grabbed a hand basket as he strode into the grocery with a cheery hello to the clerk.
Sakuraba's ears perked at the sound near the checkouts, turning his head to look before a snarl curled on his lips, his hands curling into fists before a small smirk played across his mouth. Little Neku wasn't here with him, hmm? The harlot had somehow slipped out of his bodyguard's line of sight to do a bit of grocery shopping it seemed...his chance to play with him some more. Shoving several packets of instant ramen into the basket hanging from the crook of his arm, Sakuraba continued down the aisle.
Yoshiya walked down an aisle of instant meals with a paper list twirling in his fingers, his basket hanging from his other hand as he read. He went immediately to the wall, looking at the milk, butter, and eggs as he tried to decide on whether or not Neku would like 2%, 1%, or Soy. Yoshiya himself was a fat free sort of milk lover, but since Neku needed all the strength he could get...
Sakuraba raised an eyebrow when the harlot went straight past him, wondering how on earth the boy could have simply ignored him after two shows of his power last night. He straightened himself and moved, following him down to the milk, butter and eggs, standing a fair distance behind him.
He opened a box of eggs and looked inside, checking to make sure each one was unbroken before setting them down in his basket. He selected a carton of whole milk and some sweet butter, as well as a couple yogurts for himself. He wondered if Neku-
In mid-turn he made a small noise as he thumped into the chest of a tall man. Yoshiya's eyes travelled slowly up from the instant meals to the gun at his hip, all the way up to those deep, beautiful blue eyes. "Hello, Sakuraba-san."
"Well well well..." Sakuraba raised an eyebrow before he looked around, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "Here without your little bodyguard, hm?" he asked, tilting his head as he brought his hand up, his fingers lightly touching the skin of Yoshiya's cheek before trailing down to his jaw.
Yoshiya leaned into the touch, despite the trembling in his body and the need to run coursing through his spine. "I didn't want to wake him. He stayed up until dawn to protect me. It isn't right for Joshua to expect this of him. Neku's more important than I am."
"Naughty naughty naughty." Sakuraba seemed to have a habit of saying the same word three times, his head tilted downward and ignoring the strange looks from the other early morning customers. "If I were him, I'd have the right mind to spank you if I ever found out," he purred, fingers still lightly tracing the contours of Yoshiya's face, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Do you want to do it?" Yoshiya asked, his eyes bright and honest as he looked up at Sakuraba. "I wouldn't mind."
His eyes gleamed behind smokey orange hair and he grinned viciously, leaning close as his hand remained on Yoshiya's cheek. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
"I didn't say anything about liking it, Sakuraba-san. I only said I wouldn't mind. I'm a whore, aren't I?" Yoshiya tore his face away, hands curling on the handle to his basket. He glanced back down and saw again what was in Sakuraba's own. "You can't cook, can you, Sakuraba-san?"
"What of it?" he asked with a growl, shifting his basket up his arm and in turn pulling his hand away from Yoshiya's face. "I just like instant ramen." Sakuraba couldn't hold back the light flush that crossed his cheeks at the accusation. "Mas...I never learned."
Yoshiya caught the light word, the almost declaration. Had it been true then? Had someone hurt this man in a very bad way? He smiled softly and shifted from one foot to another. "I taught myself when I first moved out. It wasn't too hard. You burn a few things at first. But then you get the hang of it. You learn to eat a lot of eggs. Not much you can mess up there. I could teach you, if you want, before you kill me."
The redhead scoffed, placing his hand on his free hip and looking away, closing his eyes. "Didn't I just tell you that I like instant ramen??" Besides, Shiki always cooked back home... Sakuraba opened his eyes a little, his gaze troubled. He should call her...but she'd demand he go home...and he couldn't go home yet, his mission wasn't over.
"Just promise me when you do it, don't let Neku blame himself. Don't let it be his fault. Don't let anyone else get hurt." Yoshiya placed his basket down and reached out to cup Sakuraba's hand in his. "Please only hurt me."
He ripped his hand away, snarling. "Don't TOUCH ME!"
Yoshiya looked up at him, his eyes critical, watching for a reaction. "Yes, Master."
He sneered, pulling his hand back and looking like he was going to slap Yoshiya before his hand curled into a fist and he stilled himself, lowering it. He was causing a scene already...didn't want to alert anybody or anything. Sakuraba raised an eyebrow, taking a step away and turning slightly. "You're not like the others." Truly a mystery.
"Neither are you," he whispered in reply. "Please be careful, Sakuraba-san. Get some rest. You look exhausted and it wouldn't be a fair fight if you're tired."
"I don't need you to tell me what to do!" he snapped, turning on his heel and stalking down the aisle to the checkout. He was fuming, angry at himself and just wanting to shoot that harlot. But it wouldn't be fun without little Neku there to see it. He slammed his basket down on the counter, tapping his foot impatiently.
Yoshiya picked up his basket and slid into another aisle where he wouldn't be seen. He collapsed to his knees and curled his arms around his middle, shaking in terror and sickness as a flood of adrenaline rushed through him. He wanted to run but he didn't want Sakuraba to know how much he was afraid of him. Didn't want the man to see how much of a coward he was. That man...that man needed someone...right? He was...he was just another Neku...just another boy who got hurt...just like Neku, just like Joshua, just like anyone else. Not a murderer. Not a monster. Just a person.
"Hon?" He thought he'd heard Yoshiya's voice and he poked his head around the aisle, seeing his friend there curled up in a ball. Masuoka knelt next to him, placing his own basket on the floor and stroking his hair back. "Hon, is everything alright? You look like you're going to throw up."
He began to cry, little sobs at first, but they soon turned to deep wails of panic. Yoshiya clung to his friend and co-worker, unable to put to words what was tearing him up inside. He was so afraid and yet so drawn to that man that he couldn't turn away. "Oh...Masuoka...I'm sorry...I...I'm so sorry..."
"Shhh..." The dark-haired stripper held his friend close, rocking him gently and running his hand through Yoshiya's unkempt hair, closing his eyes. Whatever had happened had shocked his co-worker badly, and he rubbed circles along Yoshiya's shoulders. "I'll get you home, okay? Hanekoma-san...told us what's going on."
"Food..." he said, sucking in a breath as he grabbed at the basket. "...h-have to...feed Neku..."
"Hush..." Masuoka smoothed his hair back again, standing. "I'll get what you need. You stay here and calm yourself, okay, hon?"
Yoshiya nodded and rubbed at his nose, sniffling as he sat in a corner surrounded by crinkling packages of potato chips. He curled his legs up to his chest and shivered, feeling like such a fool falling apart like this. Worse had happened to him, right? People had ganged up on him and hurt him. His own father had done things to him and he was just fine. Yeah. This...this was nothing he couldn't manage...right?
Authors: takatohedgehog and kohakutenshi
Ratings: PG-15 for this chapter, for Neku's potty mouth
Warnings: sex in later chapters, profanity
Summary: Neku's Misadventures rewritten. A freshly crowned Conductor, Neku is sent to Shibuya no. four-ninety-one to protect Yoshiya - a popular stripper and counterpart of Joshua - from Sakuraba - a counterpart of his own who is going around killing Joshuas for unknown reasons.
Chapters: Chapter I | chapter II
Sakuraba tapped his gun against his chin, seated perched on the bookshelf headboard, and looking down at his next victim. The little bastard looked so innocent asleep... He grinned, dark circles around his eyes showing how long he had gone without sleep. He tapped his foot in the air, using the gun to brush hair away from his victim's face. If only his pathetic little counterpart was awake to see this...
His brow furrowed gently and he gave a muffled groan into the fur of the bear in his arms. Yoshiya's little mouth puckered indignantly and he reached up to brush at the offending object, stilling when he felt the cold metal against his fingers. His heart fluttered and his breath caught. "Ah...N-n..."
"Shut up." Sakuraba sat leaning back on one of his hands, his gun pressed to Yoshiya's temple. "Call for your little bodyguard and I'll blow your brains out." In his lap, there was one of the books Yoshiya had written in, casually laying there like it was any old reading material.
Tears formed in his eyes and his cheeks flushed red as he watched Sakuraba read, the metal warming to his flesh. "Please don't do this...I...I'm sorry...please..."
"Spare me." Sakuraba closed his eyes and snapped the book shut, looking down at Yoshiya coldly. "And didn't I already tell you to shut your trap?"
He nodded slowly, watching Sakuraba's face with the curiosity of a child. "You don't look like I thought you would."
"What were you expecting?" he asked as he tossed the book away casually, letting it land with a thump on the other side of the room. Truly he was curious.
"Ah...well...I'm not sure..." Yoshiya gave a nervous laugh and held the bear tighter. "Maybe someone with more scars and only one eye and fangs and drool and-...well...a monster....or something..."
He laughed, though the sound was darker in tone than Yoshiya's, and he jabbed the gun against the slut's temple. "Don't be ridiculous," he hissed, raising a hand to his lips to take hold of the cigarette there, exhaling smoke. He raised an eyebrow at the part about the scars though...how did the little harlot know about the scars he bore? "You're lucky I'm not going to kill you tonight."
"Oh..." he sounded almost disappointed, "why not?"
"Because it wouldn't be as fun that way." Sakuraba pulled the gun away and twirled it around his finger before pocketing it in his jacket. He crossed one of his legs over the other, leaning back against the window. He eyed the boy, then reached down and thrust a hand into his hair, yanking at it and pulling him up roughly. "Heh. I find it hard to believe you're the best stripper in this Shibuya."
"Sometimes...so do I...sir..." Yoshiya whispered, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the pulling pain from the fingers in his hair. He sighed and shifted his body to a kneeling position as he looked up at the man. "You're actually quite attractive, is what I was going to say earlier. In a...sad sort of way. Your eyes...are so deep..."
He blinked at that, his hand slackening a little in the boy's hair. Shiki used to comment that his eyes were deep, like he was an old man in a young person's body. His hand tightened itself like a clamp and he snarled, throwing Yoshiya back against the bed, sliding off the bookshelf head post to stand on the mattress, his boot stepping on the teddy bear as he placed his hands on his hips, looking down at him with disdain. "We'll see how attractive you think I am after I'm done fucking your skull."
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry..." Yoshiya whimpered, his eyes wide and fearful as he tried not to move. He was terrified and he wanted to run, to scream, to reach out to Neku in the next room. But he was sleeping peacefully. There was always Joshua, a hum in his mind that had been present since the long distance call earlier, but he couldn't put him at risk for being found. Yoshiya shivered and reached a hand up. "Please...ah...hurt me...if it helps..."
"How about you suck me off while I play Russian Roulette with your head, hm?" Sakuraba suggested, tilting his head to the side as he pulled his gun out, emptying the cartridge of all but one bullet before snapping the cartridge back into place. He sat himself down with a fwump on the pillows, raising one of his arms to rest along the headboard. He pointed the gun at Yoshiya. "If you can make me cum before I make your head explode, I'll let you go."
"Why?" Yoshiya asked, knowing it was far too bold of him, but also understanding that there was a good chance he would be erased either way. "Why do you do this? Did someone hurt you, Sakuraba-san?"
His gaze darkened, shadows dancing behind his eyes and taking on the appearance of a lion who had just been injured. He pointed the gun at Yoshiya, pulling the hammer of his gun back. "That's not for you to ask," Sakuraba hissed, his eyes narrowing.
"F-forgive me...I..." Yoshiya swallowed hard and backed away to the other side of the bed. "I...I just...I just wanted to...to help...b-because...you...you need someone... Everyone does..."
"I don't need help," he hissed, hair bristling at the thought. Help, really? Him? Hah! "I just need you to die."
"No..." Yoshiya sat up, trying to look braver than he felt. "You need s-someone to b-be there...for you. T-to love...love...you. You deserve love, Neku."
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" he roared, leaping from the bed and straddling himself on top of Yoshiya, pulling back the hand that held the gun, the cold barrel in his fingers. "DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME THAT!"
Yoshiya covered his face, shuddering in fear as he waited for an attack, be it a hit or a gunshot. "I'm sorry, Sakuraba-san! I'm sorry! I want you to be happy, please! Please! NEKU! NEKU! HELP! HELP ME!"
"He's not coming!" Sakuraba sneered, tilting his head as he took hold of Yoshiya's collar, lifting him up effortlessly. "He doesn't care about you! You're just a fucking slut!"
"So what if I am!" Yoshiya cried, his face streaked with tears. "It's better than being a coward! And Neku said I wasn't a coward and you are!"
He was about to strike Yoshiya across the face with the butt of the gun for calling him a coward before he felt something collide with him, making him roll off the bed with a thump to the floor, the gun flying from his hand. He snarled up at his counterpart, eyes wild. "I NEED TO KILL HIM!"
"Leave him alone!" Neku barked, trying to hold him down as Yoshiya fled to the corner, curling up in a tight ball of fear and confusion. "Damnit, Yoshiya! Get the gun!"
"No...no...I...I can't...I'm sorry...Neku...I'm so sorry...I didn't mean...any of it...please..." Yoshiya sniffled and covered his face. "Oh God...please...please make him go away..."
"YOU HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE!" he snapped, his dark blue eyes bloodshot as he snarled, fighting his counterpart for control over the both of them. His power flared, his wings bursting from his back in a large arch that towered over them both. "YOU HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE WHAT IT IS YOU'RE PROTECTING!"
Neku fought back, his own wings ripping through as he pushed back, the power between them strong and sickening. "I don't care! He's just a boy! Yoshiya wouldn't hurt anyone!"
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry...please..." he whimpered and curled around himself, looking at Sakuraba with a strange gaze, "please...forgive me...master."
The word seemed to make Sakuraba stiffen, his expression changing to that like a jackrabbit ready to bolt. He threw Neku off him physically and Musically, jumping back. He wanted to get his gun, but shit... His eyes narrowed, before he winked out of existence.
Yoshiya shivered, his expression changing as if he were suddenly more aware of his surroundings. He looked up at Neku and cried out, thrusting himself into the boy Conductor's arms as he sobbed. "Oh, God...! I was so afraid...I couldn't cry for you...and I could scream...and I didn't want you to get hurt and h-he...he...oh....Neku...oh...God..."
Neku was about to get up and go after his counterpart (he didn't know how he just knew he was going to) when he found himself with an armful of Yoshiya. He blinked, then wrapped his arms around his shoulders, stroking his hair and tucking his head under his chin. "Shhh...shh...it's alright, Yosh...he's gone..."
He forced himself to calm, taking deep breaths as he sniffled back the tears and let the warmth of Neku's body curl around him. "I'm so sorry I set him off like that, Neku. I...I didn't know he would get that mad."
"It's okay." Neku stroked Yoshiya's hair until he felt him calm down, pulling back and looking down at him. "What did you say that set him off?"
"Uh...well...there was the whole...'you deserve to be loved' thing...and the uhm..." Yoshiya flushed and tucked his chin down against his chest. "Coward..."
Neku blinked before he chuckled a little, sitting back a bit on the floor and ruffling Yoshiya's hair, then turned his attention to look at the spot his counterpart had disappeared from before looking back at his charge. "I'll sleep in here for the rest of the night then," he said, smiling softly. "Or should I be guarding him from all your viciousness?" he teased, poking Yoshiya in the nose.
"Neku..." Yoshiya pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't know what happened there at the last. When I looked into his eyes he looked so scared...and I've always been really good at knowing what to say to people and I felt like he needed to here someone call him master. But it scared him, didn't it? What happened to him? What didn't they tell us? What did Joshua do to him?"
The redhead shook his head, sighing softly. "I don't know. Josh said it wasn't his story to tell." Neku scratched the back of his head. "Then again, he never tells me anything anyway."
"Neku...you don't think he...he hurt him...like men hurt me...do you?" Yoshiya leaned against Neku and looked up into his face. "Only...not innocent hurting...but bad hurting without safe words and money."
Neku rubbed the bridge of his nose, pulling Yoshiya up off the floor of the bedroom and sitting him on the bed. "I don't know...it's possible."
Yoshiya looked down at his lap and glanced over at the books that Sakuraba had looked at. They had been disrupted from their scuffle and he took a deep breath. "I want you to go with me somewhere tomorrow. I want you to meet my Neku."
A look of confusion crossed Neku's face for a moment. His Neku? Wasn't his Neku...well, dead? Then he felt slightly stupid and realized he must have meant Neku's grave. He smiled, placing his hand over Yoshiya's. "I'd like that."
"I think...I think we should also practice tomorrow. Wings, walls, noise...everything. I know a few places the reapers go when they're new to learn. I went there a few times myself," Yoshiya said with a squeak, and then curled his fingers in Neku's. He looked to his bear, a large boot print marring his stomach and face. "I wish he wouldn't have stepped on him."
Neku picked up the worn teddy bear, brushing his fingers over the fur before he frowned at the boot print, looking at Yoshiya. "Why do you keep it anyway? Is it...a precious memory?"
He stiffened and his cheeks flushed as he turned away. "W-well...uhm..."
"Hey, you look at that thing every time we walk by. Why don't you get it?"
"You know I don't have any money, Neku."
---
"Here. Happy Birthday. I know it ain't for a few months but whatever..."
"Neku..."
He smiled at the memory of the bruised face and the cracked teeth. The crooked grin on his beloved friend's lips as he handed him the bear and explained he'd 'borrowed' the money from his drunk father's wallet when dinner turned into the same old thing. That hadn't been too long before...
Neku noticed the look on Yoshiya's face and smiled slightly, then ruffled his hair. "C'mon. You and I both need sleep. I'll stay up for a while to watch that he doesn't come back."
"Thank you, Neku." Yoshiya curled up in the blankets and then giggled into his hand as he looked at the wings on Neku's back. "They're pretty, you know? Kinda big for a..." he paused to yawn, "Conductor. I wonder...if Joshua's hiding something else from you..."
Neku sat back against the pillows and closed his eyes, pulling his wings back in for now. He paused, thinking over what Yoshiya said before placing his hand on his head, stroking his hair. "I wonder myself..."
-----------------------
The next morning greeting Neku with the sound of soft singing as he lay slumped in the bed of the one he was supposed to be awake to protect. Yoshiya had let him drift off somewhere around dawn while he rose to do his stretches and exercises, leaving momentarily to do a little shopping up the street for groceries. He figured he would be safe enough, knowing that Sakuraba was most likely still shaken from the late night encounter.
At least, he hoped so. He was sure to get yelled at by Neku once the boy Conductor woke to find Yoshiya cooking omelettes.
Even world hopping killers like himself needed to eat, and Sakuraba found himself gracing the local grocery store with his presence - that, and he'd discovered that God hadn't cut off his Composer card yet. He crossed his arms over his chest, browsing the instant ramen because for the life of him he didn't know how to cook. His...he'd never seen a reason to. He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth when he thought about last night, berating himself for flying off the handle so easily like that. The next time he saw that harlot, he wouldn't let him get the upper hand...
He had given Neku a little kiss on the cheek when he left, letting the radio continue to serenade him in the hopes that he wouldn't know Yoshiya was gone. The stripper skipped up the street in his white, short-shorts and green sweater, with a pair of worn sneakers slipped on his feet. His hair was still a mess and he hadn't a bit of makeup on, but who would be up at this hour? Yoshiya giggled and grabbed a hand basket as he strode into the grocery with a cheery hello to the clerk.
Sakuraba's ears perked at the sound near the checkouts, turning his head to look before a snarl curled on his lips, his hands curling into fists before a small smirk played across his mouth. Little Neku wasn't here with him, hmm? The harlot had somehow slipped out of his bodyguard's line of sight to do a bit of grocery shopping it seemed...his chance to play with him some more. Shoving several packets of instant ramen into the basket hanging from the crook of his arm, Sakuraba continued down the aisle.
Yoshiya walked down an aisle of instant meals with a paper list twirling in his fingers, his basket hanging from his other hand as he read. He went immediately to the wall, looking at the milk, butter, and eggs as he tried to decide on whether or not Neku would like 2%, 1%, or Soy. Yoshiya himself was a fat free sort of milk lover, but since Neku needed all the strength he could get...
Sakuraba raised an eyebrow when the harlot went straight past him, wondering how on earth the boy could have simply ignored him after two shows of his power last night. He straightened himself and moved, following him down to the milk, butter and eggs, standing a fair distance behind him.
He opened a box of eggs and looked inside, checking to make sure each one was unbroken before setting them down in his basket. He selected a carton of whole milk and some sweet butter, as well as a couple yogurts for himself. He wondered if Neku-
In mid-turn he made a small noise as he thumped into the chest of a tall man. Yoshiya's eyes travelled slowly up from the instant meals to the gun at his hip, all the way up to those deep, beautiful blue eyes. "Hello, Sakuraba-san."
"Well well well..." Sakuraba raised an eyebrow before he looked around, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "Here without your little bodyguard, hm?" he asked, tilting his head as he brought his hand up, his fingers lightly touching the skin of Yoshiya's cheek before trailing down to his jaw.
Yoshiya leaned into the touch, despite the trembling in his body and the need to run coursing through his spine. "I didn't want to wake him. He stayed up until dawn to protect me. It isn't right for Joshua to expect this of him. Neku's more important than I am."
"Naughty naughty naughty." Sakuraba seemed to have a habit of saying the same word three times, his head tilted downward and ignoring the strange looks from the other early morning customers. "If I were him, I'd have the right mind to spank you if I ever found out," he purred, fingers still lightly tracing the contours of Yoshiya's face, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Do you want to do it?" Yoshiya asked, his eyes bright and honest as he looked up at Sakuraba. "I wouldn't mind."
His eyes gleamed behind smokey orange hair and he grinned viciously, leaning close as his hand remained on Yoshiya's cheek. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
"I didn't say anything about liking it, Sakuraba-san. I only said I wouldn't mind. I'm a whore, aren't I?" Yoshiya tore his face away, hands curling on the handle to his basket. He glanced back down and saw again what was in Sakuraba's own. "You can't cook, can you, Sakuraba-san?"
"What of it?" he asked with a growl, shifting his basket up his arm and in turn pulling his hand away from Yoshiya's face. "I just like instant ramen." Sakuraba couldn't hold back the light flush that crossed his cheeks at the accusation. "Mas...I never learned."
Yoshiya caught the light word, the almost declaration. Had it been true then? Had someone hurt this man in a very bad way? He smiled softly and shifted from one foot to another. "I taught myself when I first moved out. It wasn't too hard. You burn a few things at first. But then you get the hang of it. You learn to eat a lot of eggs. Not much you can mess up there. I could teach you, if you want, before you kill me."
The redhead scoffed, placing his hand on his free hip and looking away, closing his eyes. "Didn't I just tell you that I like instant ramen??" Besides, Shiki always cooked back home... Sakuraba opened his eyes a little, his gaze troubled. He should call her...but she'd demand he go home...and he couldn't go home yet, his mission wasn't over.
"Just promise me when you do it, don't let Neku blame himself. Don't let it be his fault. Don't let anyone else get hurt." Yoshiya placed his basket down and reached out to cup Sakuraba's hand in his. "Please only hurt me."
He ripped his hand away, snarling. "Don't TOUCH ME!"
Yoshiya looked up at him, his eyes critical, watching for a reaction. "Yes, Master."
He sneered, pulling his hand back and looking like he was going to slap Yoshiya before his hand curled into a fist and he stilled himself, lowering it. He was causing a scene already...didn't want to alert anybody or anything. Sakuraba raised an eyebrow, taking a step away and turning slightly. "You're not like the others." Truly a mystery.
"Neither are you," he whispered in reply. "Please be careful, Sakuraba-san. Get some rest. You look exhausted and it wouldn't be a fair fight if you're tired."
"I don't need you to tell me what to do!" he snapped, turning on his heel and stalking down the aisle to the checkout. He was fuming, angry at himself and just wanting to shoot that harlot. But it wouldn't be fun without little Neku there to see it. He slammed his basket down on the counter, tapping his foot impatiently.
Yoshiya picked up his basket and slid into another aisle where he wouldn't be seen. He collapsed to his knees and curled his arms around his middle, shaking in terror and sickness as a flood of adrenaline rushed through him. He wanted to run but he didn't want Sakuraba to know how much he was afraid of him. Didn't want the man to see how much of a coward he was. That man...that man needed someone...right? He was...he was just another Neku...just another boy who got hurt...just like Neku, just like Joshua, just like anyone else. Not a murderer. Not a monster. Just a person.
"Hon?" He thought he'd heard Yoshiya's voice and he poked his head around the aisle, seeing his friend there curled up in a ball. Masuoka knelt next to him, placing his own basket on the floor and stroking his hair back. "Hon, is everything alright? You look like you're going to throw up."
He began to cry, little sobs at first, but they soon turned to deep wails of panic. Yoshiya clung to his friend and co-worker, unable to put to words what was tearing him up inside. He was so afraid and yet so drawn to that man that he couldn't turn away. "Oh...Masuoka...I'm sorry...I...I'm so sorry..."
"Shhh..." The dark-haired stripper held his friend close, rocking him gently and running his hand through Yoshiya's unkempt hair, closing his eyes. Whatever had happened had shocked his co-worker badly, and he rubbed circles along Yoshiya's shoulders. "I'll get you home, okay? Hanekoma-san...told us what's going on."
"Food..." he said, sucking in a breath as he grabbed at the basket. "...h-have to...feed Neku..."
"Hush..." Masuoka smoothed his hair back again, standing. "I'll get what you need. You stay here and calm yourself, okay, hon?"
Yoshiya nodded and rubbed at his nose, sniffling as he sat in a corner surrounded by crinkling packages of potato chips. He curled his legs up to his chest and shivered, feeling like such a fool falling apart like this. Worse had happened to him, right? People had ganged up on him and hurt him. His own father had done things to him and he was just fine. Yeah. This...this was nothing he couldn't manage...right?