Five times Shootie met Adeku-san, perhaps? (Not shippy! ... look at me, I'm ~so~ anonymous)
1.
At five years of age, Shootie knows what he wants in his life, and it involves being just like Champion Adeku-san and beating Champion Adeku-san and getting Champion Adeku-san’s approval and admiration, and generally, involves Champion Adeku-san’s name a lot.
Mommy laughs and apologizes for her son’s fanboying antics, but Champion Adeku-san says no, no, it’s fine, it’s cute, he’s a great kid, he will be great.
—
2.
At ten years of age, Shootie knows what he wants in his life, and it involves not turning out like Champion Adeku. He will be great and it will be no thanks to this man.
He wants strength, and he wants respect, and he wants to beat this mockery — this insult of a Champion into the dust.
(In a way, he still just wants Adeku-san to remember him.)
—
3.
At ten years and a few months of age, Shootie doesn’t really know anything anymore, but it takes the pressure off, for some reason, to admit that, to shrug off the constant stress of wanting only to be strong, to win, to get better, to deserve something. It feels better to widen his horizon and look around for more possibilities rather than to focus only straight ahead; to look at Jalorda and not really know where they’re going, but they’ll go together, and that’s enough. They’ve come all the way here together, and that’s amazing already.
He still wants to be great, but perhaps that doesn’t mean strength and battles only.
After all, Adeku-san is strong and great.
“I’d like to battle you again in a few years,” Adeku-san says with a wink. “You’re going to be great.”
“You’ll need to remember my name then,” Shootie sighs, but it doesn’t sting anymore and it doesn’t stop him from smiling.
—
4.
At thirteen, Shootie still doesn’t really know what he wants, but he’s fine just going along and seeing what happens, simply cataloguing his life through pictures. Photo albums don’t need a plot. He travels the world and anywhere he goes, there’s him, there’s Jalorda, there’s his Pokémon and the friends he’s made over the years popping up here and there throughout his books — Cabernet is never still for long enough to make good pictures, but he learned to make blur look artistic; Langley is in each of his albums exactly once, as she can only be convinced to pose approximately every blue moon, but Tsunbear has become a pro-level model; here’s the photographers club, Roberto and world-traveler Tooru-kun and Trova-kun from Kalos; there’s Satoshi, some photos he sent himself from his own travels, sometimes in real life because Satoshi goes everywhere, sometimes in magazines or on TV because what the heck why does he make the news so often; there’s Iris when they first met and here’s when he ran into her chasing Rayquaza in Hoenn and here’s when she became a Gym Leader — and that’s enough red thread.
There are many shots of the view from atop the Celestial Tower; it’s his favorite landscape to photograph, the way you can see most of Isshu from there, the differences depending on seasons, weather or time of day, but always serene and peaceful. So when he comes back from Kalos, not sure where to go next and Jalorda having no particular opinion either, it’s the direction his feet naturally take.
For the first time, this time, there’s someone else up there.
“Oh, Shootaro-kun! It’s been a while!”
“It’s Shootie,” he sighs, but hey, being recognized on sight after three years isn’t so bad.
Adeku-san is sitting cross-legged in front of the huge bell and he doesn’t budge. When Shootie approaches and offers a hand, he extends one arm to shake it, but that is it. He considers Shootie in silence, looking at him from below, with that airy distant smile he had the second time Shootie met him, before the Junior Cup. “How have you been doing?” he asks, in a low voice. It sounds almost… careful. “How is Jalorda?”
“We’re both fine,” Shootie replies, replicating the low tones though he isn’t quite sure why. He lets him out to demonstrate; Jalorda apparently remembers Adeku-san, immediately slithering to him to get some petting. “We’ve just been touring Kalos. Well, he hasn’t battled a lot lately, I’ve been focusing on photography…” He gestures at the scenery surrounding them as far as the eye goes — it’s late autumn, late afternoon, and everything seems on fire under the red sun, from the leaves of the trees to the early snow on the peaks of Twist Mountain, to the ocean glinting on the horizon, far to the south. “The view here is amazing, right?”
“Oh! Yes, it is!” Adeku-san laughs, abrupt, open, with all of his broad chest, and yet this too sounds muted and fragile. There aren’t any walls for it to echo, and the sound dies quickly; when it does, Adeku-san is subdued again; he continues petting Jalorda’s nose, but his eyes are far away. Quietly, he explains, “I was worried you might be here for another reason.”
Oh.
Adeku-san’s grin is brilliant, like the sun setting behind him.
“My old partner is resting here,” he says, pointing a thumb downwards, at the floors and floors of gravestones.
—
5.
At fifteen, Shootie is a professional photographer, fairly renowned across the world; after wrapping up a collaboration project with the Viola of Kalos, he’s just coming back home to Isshu to photograph the introduction ceremony of the new Champion. He knows what he wants in his life and he’s got it right now, and he’s thinking of new goals, other options — maybe specializing in tournament photography, since he does still battle and he still likes it, or maybe traveling documentaries (Satoshi’s just about to start one of his journeys through yet another region, that wouldn’t fail to be interesting), or maybe taking a break for a while. There’s many things to do, a lot of ways to show people the world and the Pokémon in it. He’s got time to think about it after this job.
But hey, in the meantime, there’s no harm in fulfilling old childhood dreams, right?
Adeku-san laughs. “I’m not the Champion anymore, you know? You’re challenging the wrong person for that.”
“I know. I’m not planning on becoming a Champion anymore, I just wanted to try beating you again.” He grins. “Jalorda and I have become pretty great, after all.”
Adeku-san smiles, warm as always, and when he looks at Shootie, at him only, there is recognition and pride and sheer joy in his eyes. “I never doubted you would, Shootie-kun.”
Summary: There was something very wrong with Thomas.
Warnings: underage sex, slightly mind manipulation stuff, about a year after the end
Takashi hesitated a moment before knocking on the door to the Arclight's submarine. Well, door… hatch, whatever it was. Michael had asked him to meet him to help him study and figure out what he needed to catch up on after so long not at school. Even after a year in school with them there were still gaps in Michael's basic knowledge he was struggling to fill. Takashi was all too happy to help, of course.
He twisted open the hatch and climbed down the ladder. If he was honest, being in the sub was rather nice. He'd only been there twice before. He liked the dim light and seeing the marine life outside the portholes.
"Hello?" he called softly. "Michael?"
"Thomas," came the lazy reply.
Takashi stiffened and glanced in one of the doors. Thomas was lying on the floor in a pile of pillows and blankets, his crumpled shirt riding up over his bare thighs and open low to reveal his scarred chest. Takashi's cheeks flushed. Even in this unruly state, the former duel champion was still the most handsome man Takashi had ever seen; elegant and charming and somehow the epitome of a classically stunning idol without even trying.
No.
He shook his head quickly. IV had been his idol once before. He turned out to be cruel and sadistic and his dreams had been shattered. IV might as well have torn his heart out during that duel. After that duel, Takashi had found himself struggling to put his faith in anyone like him.
"I was looking for Michael," Takashi said, clenching his fist against his arm.
Thomas snorted. "Michael doesn't come around here anymore."
There was a strange dullness in Thomas' eyes. Something soft and pained that Takashi had seen only once before in his former idol. His last duel on the National circuit before Yuma won the title and IV vanished into the crowds of the stadium never to be heard from again. IV was gone and only Thomas remained.
"He stays up at the house, or round Yuma's." He snorted and tilted his head back eyes opening slowly as he gazed up at Takashi. "Oh? You're Yuma's friend. T- something…"
"Todoroki," he snapped. "It's Todoroki. We duelled. You broke my arm." Among other things. Thomas closed his eyes again, crossing one leg over the other. Takashi's fists clenched. Thomas had done awful things to him as IV and didn't even care? "You're not even going to apologise?!"
"I'm sure I told Michael to apologise," Thomas replied. "And I would have signed your cast for you."
"To summaries, you're a monster. It's no wonder you're alone."
"Alone…"
Thomas laughed wildly, tossing his head back. His hair had grown longer than the last time Takashi saw him, more wild and unruly and… attractive. Takashi almost groaned. Why the hell did he have to look so beautiful? It made it very hard to be angry at him.
"I was alone," Thomas hissed. "From the very start. All I have ever had is Michael and now he's gone too because of you lot."
"Because of… us?"
Thomas sat up sharply, glaring up at him, eyes wild and pained behind his untamed hair. Takashi's heart almost ached for him. He was lonely and in pain as much as ever. Everyone thought things were better, that everyone was happy now. No one realised that Thomas' withdrawal from the public eye could have been something far more serious. It seemed as ever, no one saw Thomas, only IV and he had vanished.
"Even when Father and Chris pissed off and left us, I had Michael," Thomas snarled. "Do you know the shit I went through protecting him?! He was my world! He's the only person in the world who's always cared about me and never left me and loved me no matter what my flaws and how often I mess up!" He shook his head quickly and tears welled in his eyes. Why did he have to look like that? How could Takashi be feeling sorry for him? "He was the only one who ever loved me for me… even Vector…"
"Vector?"
Thomas slumped slightly, pulling a battered old teddy into his arms and scrunching his eyes shut. Why was he feeling sorry for him? Why was this pulling at his heart? Thomas was so broken and his heart was aching at the thought of Thomas crying and hurting like this. What had Vector done?
Against his better judgement, Takashi stepped into the room before realising the enter room was lined with soft cushions. No wonder Thomas felt so comfortable flopped out like that. Takashi slipped off his shoes and stepped in, kneeling in front of him. Thomas looked like a young child, curled up with his teddy bear, crying silently, shoulders shaking and tears slipping down his cheeks into the bear's fur.
"What about Vector, IV?" Thomas flinched and Takashi bit his lip. "Thomas?"
"He taught me," Thomas whispered hoarsely. "He taught me everything. You must think I'm stupid. I am stupid. I was just a weapon to him. Just a weapon. I was a weapon to everyone. Everyone except Michael."
Takashi nodded, trying to keep his gaze on Thomas' face rather than any exposed skin. No matter how much he was mad at Thomas or how much he was trying to comfort him, Thomas was unreasonably attractive.
"He loves you. You're family loves you. Chris especially-"
"That bastard left us!" Thomas cried, shaking his head. "He left me and Michael while he was busy with Kaito. He picked them over us! He picked Haruto and Kaito over us! His brothers! We just needed him to look after us. It was just me and Michael and I had to look after him and protect him and keep him safe and raise him to be good and I did a good job. I did a good job."
"You did," Takashi said gently.
He shouldn't have been doing this. He shouldn't have been comforting him. Didn't Thomas deserve to feel like this after all he'd done as IV? More than Chris and Michael, Thomas had followed Tron's orders and enjoyed them. He didn't deserve comfort, from him least of all. After all he'd done to Takashi, how could he find it in his heart to comfort him? Perhaps because he knew Michael loved Thomas so much. Perhaps he had to help Thomas for Michael, even if he should have been satisfied to see Thomas like this.
"You did a fantastic job. Michael is amazing because of you. He really loves you. You're so important to him."
Thomas nodded into his bear. "I did a good job. I was a good big brother. I did a good job. I looked after him. I was good. I did a good job."
"Yes, Thomas, you did. You'll always have Michael."
"Then why am I alone?!"
Thomas laughed madly once more and Takashi flinched back as he threw his bear away. Losing his title really had brought Thomas' world crashing down around him, hadn't it? All Tron had done to him had become too much and Thomas' fractured, fragile mind had cracked completely. No wonder Michael didn't talk about him anymore. It must have been hard for him. Thomas obviously needed help and support from his family. He doubted he could do anything more to help him.
"I'll… call Michael or- or Chris, do you-"
"They won't come," Thomas laughed, flopping back again. He laughed to himself through his tears and rolled onto his side, Takashi's cheeks going red as he caught Thomas' shirt riding up his thighs once more. "You're the first person I've seen in… months. Great, isn't it? All these fans, all these people in my life and I'm completely alone."
"But they're your family. How have they just abandoned you?"
"I'm hardly good company," he laughed. "I'm trained to fight and inflict pain. I'm a monster, like you said. Go on. Say it. Say I deserve it. I do, don't I?"
Takashi sighed. Why was he doing this? "No one deserves this."
Thomas tilted his head slightly and Takashi offered a strange smile. He was still afraid of Thomas but he was right. No one deserved this. Everything Thomas had done as IV was for his family and now he was abandoned and alone. He couldn't imagine what could have caused Thomas' family to leave him like this, but it wasn't right.
"Don't you go out at all?" Thomas shook his head. "But… you're eating right?"
"Yeah, someone comes in while I'm sleeping and stocks up the pantry."
Takashi nodded slightly. He couldn't believe he was about to do this. "Get up, put some clothes on. I'll make you dinner."
Thomas stared up at him and Takashi nodded, getting up and heading to the small pantry. Just as Thomas had said, it was fresh and well stocked. Someone was looking after Thomas even if he was alone. How could he be so lonely? He was afraid of Thomas. A part of him still hated him for what he'd done and all the pain he'd caused him but no one should have been so lonely and broken. He grabbed a few bits and pieces and whipped up something simple but filling for Thomas.
"Thank you," Thomas whispered, eating cautiously.
"Yeah, just… look after yourself," Takashi murmured, heading for the exit. "I should get going. Goodbye, Thomas. I hope things work out with you and your family soon."
"I'm sorry for hurting you, Takashi."
Takashi shook his head, climbing out the sub and out onto the docks once more. Thomas would be fine really. His family must have had a good reason to leave him down there alone, right? Thomas' laughter and the way he smiled as he cried, it lingered in his mind. Even as he sent Michael as message telling him something had come up, his mind flickered back too Thomas. What could he have done to end up alone like that?
Days passed and Takashi tried not to think about Thomas. Whatever had happened Thomas was left in the submarine because his family thought it was best. They would never hurt him or do anything that wasn't in his best interest.
And yet, after a week and a half, Takashi found himself at the docks once more, slipping down into the submarine in search of Thomas once more. He found Thomas lying in the padded room once more, still wearing almost nothing and looking just as broken as ever.
"Thomas," he called softly. Thomas' eyes cracked open. "Are you well enough for visitors?"
"I'm not contagious," Thomas sneered. Takashi's cheeks warmed slightly. Of course not. "Why are you back? I thought you didn't want to think about me anymore. I don't deserve it, you know."
"Of course you don't," Takashi replied quietly. "But Yuma has taught me a lot. One of those things is that if you duel someone you understand them. And we duelled. I think I understand. I don't want to and I wish I couldn't because you deserve everything you get but… at the same time… Yuma taught me to forgive and understand and try again."
"You sure you don't just want something more from me?" he laughed, stretching slightly and arching his back.
Takashi turned his gaze away, trying not to look at Thomas. Why did he have to be so stunningly gorgeous? "I want nothing from you."
"Liar. Everyone wants something."
"I want you to get better."
"I'm not sick."
"Emotional pain is still pain."
He slipped off his shoes and stepped into the cushioned room, grabbing a brush from one of Thomas' shelves and sitting with him. Thomas was watching him with a mixture of curiosity and boredom as he knelt and gently helped Thomas up so his head was resting in his lap. He sighed and stroked Thomas hair gently from his face before brushing through carefully. Even slightly matted, Thomas hair was beautifully soft and almost velvety to touch. After a few moment of staring up at him in confusion, Thomas' eyes fell shut and he gave into Takashi's attention. It wasn't much really. He didn't really know what he could do for Thomas, but this was a start.
Thomas relaxed and Takashi found it almost therapeutic. For a long time, IV had haunted him. He'd terrified him and broken his heart and shattered his dreams but now, Thomas was lying here, almost feline and calm. It was almost laughable. How had he been afraid of this broken creature in need of a little love and care? Like any animal, when badly treated they lashed out and defended themselves against everyone, not knowing who would treat them well, and all they really needed was someone to look after them. With the only person he truly trusted no longer caring for him, it was no wonder he was broken down. Why should he trust anyone if they just left him alone in the end?
Why chase the highs when they always led to crippling lows?
His fear faded as he brushed through Thomas' hair. He didn't care that all the tangles and matting was gone. He'd heard Cathy say that cats groomed each other to bond. Was that what they were doing? Bonding together.
"Don't fall asleep," Takashi murmured. Thomas smiled tiredly. The fear was fading. He was such a sweetheart like this. Being afraid seemed almost silly when he was like this. "Your hair is really soft."
"Yeah, my mysterious carer gives me the best hair care too," Thomas laughed softly. "He knows how to look after me. I left whoever it is my bank card a little while ago to make sure I'm paying it back properly."
"You're good to people who are good to you," he said. Thomas nodded a little. "If you need anything specific-"
"I leave a note," he replied. "And I get whatever I ask for."
"Someone really cares for you," he said softly.
Thomas laughed and murmured something Takashi didn't understand. Another language. No doubt his native language. He knew the Arclights weren't from anywhere near Heartland. Obviously the more relaxed Thomas got, the less he could be bothered to speak a language that wasn't their own. And there was something about the way his native language rolled off his tongue that made Takashi's cheeks burn.
"Do you want something to eat?" Takashi murmured. "I'll make you my family's chicken soup."
"Let me guess, Mama Todoroki's super-secret recipe?"
"Grandma, but yes," he laughed warmly. "Put some clothes on and I'll whip something up for you."
He got up slowly and went to the door as Thomas laughed. "You want me to cover up? What's wrong with you?"
"Just get dressed."
He slipped out the room with a small smiled. What was wrong with him? Thomas had been his nightmare for so long, why was he acting like this; laughing and teasing him as if they were old friends? This might have been a good deed. He shouldn't have been so comfortable with him. Even if Thomas was beautiful and charming and rather broken, he could have just as quickly turned back into the monster he once was.
When Thomas came out to join him, his shirt was still loosely unbuttoned and in rather ugly sweatpants. Takashi tried not to scowl. How did he manage to make something so hideous look attractive? Thomas smiled shyly- actually shyly and nervously and almost childishly in a way that made Takashi's heart race- as he sat and Takashi set a bowl of soup in front of him.
"It smells good," Thomas said softly.
"It is," Takashi replied with a smile. "I hope you like it."
He sat with him and watched nervously as Thomas ate. He seemed to be enjoying it. And a part of Takashi was glad to know that he could at least give Thomas a little bit of happiness. Even if it just to get over his fear of Thomas and get his life back, Takashi was glad to be helping Thomas too.
"It's good," Thomas murmured, after a while. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
"You'll be leaving again soon then?"
Takashi's head snapped up and he was sure there was pain and longing in Thomas' eyes. Did he… Did Thomas want him to stay? Realistically, Takashi supposed the former champion must be terribly lonely. Without his title or his fans or even his family. Hadn't he said Takashi was the only person he'd seen in months despite someone making sure he was taken care of?
"I-I can stay a little while."
Thomas scowled. "I don't want your pity."
"It's not pity."
Wasn't it? He bit his lip and lowered his head. Wasn't he staying and tending to Thomas out of pity? Or out of mercy? Forgiveness?
"Then why? If you claim you want nothing from me, then why?!"
…spite?
Perhaps. Perhaps that was it. Out of spite. Wasn't there some satisfaction from seeing the once might IV fallen into such a state? Wasn't this his payback? For all the fear and pain and heartbreak IV had put him through, now Takashi got his own private show of the once proud, sadistic idol broke and alone and barely able to live with himself?
"Fanservice."
Thomas' head jerked up and Takashi tilted his head away. That was it, wasn't it? He could tell himself it was Yuma's influence but wouldn't that be lying to himself just as much as Thomas? Wasn't this the truth in the end?
"Fools who hang onto hope, the moment when they realise it's all for nothing, that they put their faith in something non-existent, those expressions…"
He smiled bitterly, finally returning his gaze to Thomas. His eyes were wide and scared and full of tears and his body was visibly trembling but still he was smiling. When Takashi finally found the will to finish that thought his voice came out as little more than a strained whisper.
"Isn't that your true fanservice?"
There was utter silence and Takashi wrung his hands in his lap. Had he gone too far? But Thomas had asked and that was what he truly felt. He didn't want to. Not really. Thomas deserved it and Takashi wanted to hate him and fear him, he wanted to feel this anger and he wanted to make Thomas pay for all the pain and suffering he'd gone through but at the same time, he wasn't like that, was he? Wasn't he better than that? All this talk about Yuma teaching him to forgive, and yet he wanted to hate Thomas and see him suffer more.
But that would make him as bad as Thomas and Vector. What was wrong with him?
"I should go," he whispered, getting up from his seat. "I'm sorry."
He ran for the ladder back out to the docks, struggling not to look back. How could he be so cruel? How could he be like IV?
It was weeks before Takashi went to the submarine again. He'd been thinking about Thomas more and more. He haunted his dreams and plagued his mind during lessons. What had he become? He needed to apologise if nothing else. So he climbed slowly down the ladder and into the submarine once more. There was no noise.
"Thomas?" he called softly. "Thomas? Are you here?"
There was steam coming out of one room and Takashi glanced in, his cheeks burning to find Thomas naked in the shower. Despite himself, his gaze moved slowly over Thomas' body as the water dripped over him and steam billowed up around him. He bit his lip hard enough to draw blood, trying to turn away but he couldn't. Thomas was stunning. His hair fell around his shoulders and neck, clinging to him as droplets of water slid over his slightly tanned skin, following the line of his light toned muscles and the curved of his hips and thighs.
"Thomas." His voice came out choked and strangled and probably more aroused than he wanted it to but Thomas turned and tilted his head. "Umm…"
"Was this more the type of fanservice you expected from the start?" Thomas laughed. It was hollow and now Takashi knew how Thomas was he could hear the emptiness. Thomas leant back against the wall, tilting his head to expose his throat as the water poured over him still. "You say you want nothing from me, but look at you now."
Takashi hesitated a moment before turning away. "Get dressed. I'll make you something to eat."
Thomas laughed bitterly and Takashi strode away. Why did Thomas have to be like that? Why did someone so handsome have to be rotten inside?
When Thomas came out, he was only in a white shirt, although the dampness of his body and hair left it clinging to his body and semi-transparent. Heat spread through him and he bit his lip, turning his back as soon as he'd put down his bowl. Thomas laughed and Takashi glanced back at him.
"Why did you come back? I thought you scared yourself off. Don't you like my new fanservice? Or… do you like it a little too much?"
"I came to apologise," Takashi said firmly. He turned slightly and Thomas smirked tiredly. "I'm sorry for walking in on you like that. And for saying what I did."
Thomas laughed. "Apologise properly then."
"Didn't I just say sorry? And I'm here. I'm making up for it, aren't I?"
"You think that counts? Actions speak louder than words."
"Just eat."
Thomas smiled bitterly, returning to his food as Takashi leant back against the table, watching silently. He was so incredible. How could his family not love him whole-heartedly? How could he be so alone? Maybe he should visit more often. Thomas was obviously suffering. Maybe it was worth visiting.
Suddenly Thomas stood and Takashi stared up at him as he approached. He licked his lips nervously as Thomas stood in front of him, stroking his cheek, his breath tickling Takashi's lips. What was he doing? Thomas' lips curved into a smile and he leant in slowly, their lips meeting softly.
Takashi jerked back after a moment. Thomas sneered and turned away, striding back out the room. "When you decide to give in to what you want, come and see me again."
"I don't want you like that!" Takashi called after him. His eyes widened slightly as Thomas chuckled. "I-I mean- I don't want you at all! I don't- I just want you to get better so I stop feeling guilty!"
Thomas just laughed. Takashi huffed and turned away, washing up for Thomas before deciding it was best to leave him for tonight. After walking in on him in the shower and seeing him naked and then being kissed… His cheeks flushed at the thought. Why was Thomas acting like this? It was strange. He was broken and alone and yet at the same time acted like his old self, trying to laugh and sneer and flirt. How sickening. Still, Takashi returned the next day.
Only to find he wasn't alone.
The sub was darker than usual- Takashi had needed to stay late to help pack up and clean up- but he hadn't expected Thomas to be sleeping yet. And yet when he went to Thomas' bedroom he was sleeping peacefully, tucked up in blankets with his strange battered teddy. But there was movement from the pantry. Takashi scowled, hurrying down towards the sound. Thomas' mysterious carer?
He glanced into the pantry, stunned to find a figure in a black hoodie, stocking up the shelves with new food and supplies.
"Hello?"
He was slammed against the doorframe, breath knocked from his lungs as the man gripped his throat. There was a moment of silence before a very familiar laughter filled the room and he was dropped to the floor.
"Vector?" Takashi whispered.
"Mmm, what are you doing here, Todoriko?" Vector muttered, returning to his work. "I thought you were scared of Thomas."
"I was- am- I don't know. But he's hurting and… I want to look after him."
Vector laughed again. "I can look after him just fine. Get out."
"He's lonely and hurting and needs someone to care about him," Takashi snapped. Vector scared him more than Thomas but at the same time he wanted to protect Thomas. "You're no good for him. He's lonely."
"He's better off without people like you," he snorted. "Get. Out."
Takashi clenched his fists. He was afraid of Thomas but far more afraid of Vector. Was he really going to stand his ground now? Vector wanted to keep Thomas locked away and hidden from others. He wanted to keep him away from everyone. Was that why he was alone? So alone even his family wouldn't visit him? Thomas needed someone to protect him.
"He deserves it, right?" Vector said, shaking his head. "Just keep telling yourself that. He deserves me. We're meant to be together. So get lost."
Takashi turned on his heel and strode out. Vector could be possessive all he liked, he'd promised himself he was going to look after Thomas. He was going to conquer his fear of Thomas and to do that perhaps he needed to help him recover from this. So he returned to Thomas' room, gently shaking him from his sleep. Thomas smiled sleepily and Takashi helped him up.
"Come on," he whispered.
"What?"
"Get dress and come with me. You need to get out of here."
"No," Thomas hissed. "No, I need to stay here."
"No, you don't. Come with me, Thomas, come out and see the stars and the ocean." He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. What if he found Shark? Wasn't Shark the first person Thomas had ever called his friend? Wouldn't he want to know what Vector was doing? "Come on, please get up. Get up now."
Thomas shook his head desperately. "I can't. I can't go out there."
Takashi's eyes widened. Thomas couldn't. He was afraid. He was deathly afraid to leave his submarine. His heart ached. Thomas' confidence had been knocked so badly he was afraid to leave and go out into the world again. No longer IV the National Duel Champion, Master of Fanservice but instead Thomas Arclight, troubled middle child, scarred and abused, desperate for love and so very afraid of failure and rejection.
"I will be with you, Thomas," he whispered, holding his arms gently. "I've been here this long, haven't I? I keep coming back, don't I? To summarise, I can't leave you, so come with me and trust me."
Thomas stared up at him and Takashi could see the pain and fear in his eyes. He was so afraid to be in the public again. He shook his head desperately, burying his head in Takashi's chest and gripping his shirt tightly, sobbing quietly. He apologised over and over for being so weak, for not being able to step outside. It was all Takashi could do to gently put his arms around Thomas' shoulders, rubbing his back. Wanting to see Thomas afraid and broken as he had been wasn't nearly as satisfying as he thought it would be. His broken heart and shattered dreams and fear of those he'd once trusted was now reflected in Thomas and his fear of leaving his little safe haven and facing the world once more.
"Please, trust me, Thomas," he said softly. "You need to just step outside and break his hold. He's keeping you locked up and isolated and you have to break his hold over you."
"Stay with me," Thomas sobbed. "Don't leave me. Please! Don't leave me again!"
"T-Thomas?"
Thomas gripped his shirt tighter and all Takashi could do was sigh and nod and hold him gently. He stroked Thomas' lovely soft hair gently to reassure him. If he was going to reach him, he supposed he had to gain his trust. It might help both of them. There was a metallic clank Takashi could only assume was Vector leaving and Takashi sighed, holding him close. It was all he could do.
Takashi hadn't even realised he was asleep until he woke up, wrapped in blankets with Thomas' head tucked under his chin, tear tracks still visible on his cheeks. He glanced at the clock in the corner. He was late for school. Then again, did it matter while he was curled up in Thomas' arms, did it? When he was younger, he'd wanted this. His silly fantasies had played out what it would be like to be in his hero's arms a million times. He didn't even try denying he had a crush on IV back then. He'd though the duel with IV had destroyed it but lying with him like this it was obvious he wasn't over it.
"Thomas," he whispered, shaking him gently. Thomas groaned and snuggled deeper into his chest. "Thomas, wake up."
"Don't wanna," he groaned.
"Come on, Thomas, I need to go to school." He shook his head and Takashi sighed. "Thomas…"
"Why did you stay?" Thomas whispered.
"Because… because you begged me too." Thomas lifted his head and Takashi smiled, slipping out of his hold and sitting up. "I'm sorry, I need to go to school."
"Yeah," Thomas muttered, rolling over away from him. "Like I care."
Takashi sighed and hesitated for a moment before leaning over and pressing a kiss to Thomas' cheek. "I'll stop in after school, if-if you want me too of course."
"Whatever."
He sighed and nodded, getting up and hurrying out and running to school. He couldn't believe he'd spent the entire night into what was essentially Thomas' bed. He tried to ignore the way everyone stared at him and the few comments about his hair being unbrushed and his uniform being crumpled and how he hadn't changed. How humiliating.
"Shark?" he said finally when he got to see him on a break. Shark turned to him, looking him over and no doubt thinking the same as everyone else. "Can I talk to you about Thomas?"
"Thomas?" he snorted. "What's going on? What's the idiot done now? I haven't seen him in a long time, now I think about it."
"He's not really in a good way," Takashi murmured. "He's not leaving the sub and-"
"Is that where you've been?" Rio teased. "I didn't think you were that type but if you like those completely twisted bad boys, good for you."
"It- it's not like that," he argued shaking his head.
"So, he's not why you're still wearing the same clothes yesterday?" she said softly.
"Well… I mean, yes, I stayed with him last night but-"
"So you look after your own boyfriend," Shark said with a shrug. "Why should we get involved in your messed up relationship? Maybe you being all straight-laced and uptight will get him to get his act together."
"He needs help! You're his friend." Shark snorted and Takashi scowled. "Shark… he's really messed up. Vector's got him all twisted-"
"Vector?"
Takashi nodded. "He's keeping him messed up and isolated and making him believe he's totally alone. You can help him though, right? He trusts you."
"Vector…" Shark scowled for a moment before nodding. "Alright. You can take me to him after school?" Takashi nodded quickly. "Ok then. But if you're exaggerating-"
"I'm not," he insisted. "I spent last night with him crying and begging not to be left alone. He's afraid to go outside. To summarise, he's broken up and I don't know how to help him."
"Haven't you gone to Michael?" Rio said.
"Thomas says he won't come," he replied. "He thinks he's alone and not even Michael cares about him anymore."
Shark snorted. "Idiot. He should have come to us for help if he needed it that badly. Why the hell does he have to be so proud?"
Takashi smiled awkwardly. He wouldn't call Thomas proud in the state he was in. Far from it. Thomas was broken and afraid. He wasn't too proud he was too afraid. And manipulated by Vector. It was a hideous turn of events, to see a supposedly reformed Vector manipulating Thomas like that.
Shark met him after school as he'd promised and Takashi led him to the Arclight submarine. And Shark seemed as enchanted by the marine life outside as Takashi had been. He led Shark through to Thomas' room and was stunned to find Thomas wasn't there but instead was in a sitting room, looking professional and glamourous once more. His hair was still long and he looked tired and underweight to Takashi but he was dressed and preened and looked almost normal. Shark shot Takashi a sceptical glance.
"Thomas?"
"What do you want, Ryoga?" Thomas purred, a grin spreading across his lips. "Finally decided to accept my fanservice."
Shark rolled his eyes and turned away but Takashi caught his wrist. "Please, Shark."
"Alright, alright." He stepped into the room, Takashi following quickly behind. He crouched in front of Thomas, who sneered in return. "Thomas, Takashi is worried about you."
Thomas barked out a sharp laugh and shook his head. "Well, maybe he should be more concerned about himself and his lack of duelling skills I mean, even you lasted past Giant Killer. Why is it always the weak ones who worry about others?"
Shark shot Tkashi a glare and Takashi urged him on silently. Shark needed to help him. Whatever had happened to make Thomas suddenly act like this, he didn't know how long it would last. He needed to help him. At least Shark gave it a try; chatting with Thomas quietly about duelling as Thomas sneered and laughed like he was IV again, like none of their experiences together had meant anything to him. And… Takashi was sure he saw pain in Shark's eyes. He couldn't blame him. Thomas was talking like the bond he and Shark had formed, tenuous as it was, meant nothing.
"Duel me then!" Takashi blurted out finally. Shark stared up at him and Takashi clenched his fists. Thomas spoke about his duelling so cruelly. And Thomas was so broken. In the time he'd been visiting Thomas he'd barely mentioned duelling. Perhaps this was a way to break whatever mask Thomas was wearing and show Shark how much he truly needed help. "I'll show you how much strong I am now. Duel me."
He noticed Thomas' deck on the side and picked it up, holding it out to him expectantly. And Thomas just stared at it, Shark watching curiously. He had to see it, didn't he? Thomas could put on bravado all he liked, he couldn't duel. Thomas bit his lip and reached out slowly, as if Takashi was holding some poisonous creature not simply a deck of cards- cards that had once meant the world to Thomas and had brought him fame and fortune. His hand trembled, his fist clenched and finally he turned away, eyes scrunched shut as he snatched up his deck.
"Let's go outside then," Shark said quietly.
"There's room in here," Thomas hissed.
Shark scowled. "No there isn't. Stop being a baby. It won't mess up your hair that badly."
Thomas stood slowly and Takashi smiled. Shark was getting it, wasn't he? He could see how much Thomas needed his help. Shark escorted Thomas to the ladder and Thomas seized up. Shark scowled and Thomas fell back against the wall, staring up at the hatch.
"Thomas?" Shark snapped, although his eyes were soft and concerned. "Come on, moron."
"I…" He gripped his coat and shook his head, taking a deep breath. "I just… I can't-"
"Yes," Takashi said gently, holding his arms. "You can."
"No. No, no, I can't. No!" He jerked back, his deck falling from his hands as he slid to the floor in tears. "I can't. I can't…"
Shark sighed and nodded. "You're right. You're right, he's a mess. Let's get him to bed or something."
Takashi nodded, gathering up Thomas' cards before helping Shark lift him from the ground and putting his arms over their shoulders, guiding him as he stumbled back through to his room. The pair laid him gently on the padding and tucked the pillows and blankets around him, hushing him gently and trying to convince him to sleep.
It wasn't until Thomas seemed to have drifted off into a light, fitful sleep that Shark finally sat up. He looked as troubled as Takashi felt.
"And you're telling me Vector caused this?"
"I think so. He seemed almost… possessive of Thomas."
"In that case you… you stay with him while I go and talk to Michael and maybe figure out the truth about what's going on. He seems to trust you. I should be back soon."
Takashi nodded. Now Thomas was sleeping, he was sure he'd manage. Shark left the pair alone and Takashi smiled absently, brushing Thomas' hair from his face. It wasn't his fault? From what he'd seen recently, he knew Thomas was sweet and kind and just hurting. Thomas stirred once more and Takashi stroked his hair gently, murmuring softly for him to sleep.
"Why would you do that?" Thomas whispered.
"Do… what? Sharks going to help you, Thomas," Takashi replied. Thomas shook his head, sitting up slightly and bringing them nose to nose. "Thomas…"
"You think forcing me to humiliate myself in front of the one person who might have actually cared about me is helping?" He shook his head desperately and Takashi sighed. It was for the best in the end. "What do you want from me?!"
"I don't want anything."
Thomas shook his head and Takashi sighed. He'd wanted to see him hurting and broken but this was ridiculous. Suddenly Thomas' lips were pressed to his once more and Takashi shivered. Thomas was kissing him again, his hands tangling into Takashi's hair and it felt so right but he was taking advantage of Thomas' feelings if he did this now.
"You want to make me better," Thomas whispered against his lips. "Then make it stop hurting. Make it ok, just for a little. Please."
Takashi stared down at him for a moment before nodding. Despite everything, he nodded and Thomas' lips pressed against his once more, pulling him into a deep, needy kiss. The pair fell back into the cushioned floor and pile of pillows and Takashi kissed back slowly. Just over a year ago and this would have been all he'd ever wanted; to have Thomas beneath him, his arms around his neck as they kissed and Takashi explored his body slowly. Now he was taking advantage of a broken young man who'd once scared the life out of him.
It felt right. Even knowing he was taking advantage of his situation, it felt right to pull off Thomas' clothes and strip him back to that white shirt he'd worn constantly throughout his previous visits. He didn't exactly know what he was doing but he followed his instincts. He understood enough.
"You're sure?" Takashi murmured.
"I make so many mistakes," Thomas whispered, shoving Takashi onto his back and sitting astride his hips. "Everyone expects it from me by now. If you turn out to be another, what's it matter?"
"You're not going to regret it later, are you? I don't want to be the cause of you feeling worse again."
"Let me worry about that."
"Thomas…"
Thomas' lips sealed over his once more and Takashi bit back a gasp as Thomas pulled at his clothes. This was going to be awkward if Shark returned with Michael now. And yet Thomas' kisses made him stop caring about how awkward it could be. He'd loved IV once, couldn't he love Thomas now? Thomas practically tore his shirt from him. He considered what he would do if Thomas had ripped his buttons but did it even matter? Did anything matter apart from Thomas kissing down his neck?
His world was blurred and hazy as Thomas pressed his body against his. It felt right. They kissed and touched Takashi could almost forget everything and just imagine this was the charming idol Takashi had fallen in love with as a youngster. They quickly stripped of their clothes and soon their bare bodies were pressed together.
"You're really sure?" he whispered.
Thomas laughed, grinding their hips together as they kissed deeply once more. "I said yes, didn't I? Do you want me to say no?"
Before Takashi could even get a word out Thomas kissed him once more. How was he supposed to resist Thomas' sweet and fiery kisses? Suddenly Thomas was stroking his length and Takashi moaned in his mouth desperately. Thomas was so perfect and now he was sitting in his lap, getting him hard and kissing him feverishly. The younger him could only dream of such things and never believed they would actually end up here.
And then Thomas lowered himself onto Takashi and he let out a deep moan as Takashi's cheeks flushed. He'd heard Thomas was quite promiscuous as a champion but none of that seemed to matter with Thomas' tight heat around his length. He gripped Thomas hips and Thomas whined, grabbing at his hair and kissing him desperately once more as he rolled his hips. How was this possible? How could his young fantasies being coming true?
Thomas was panting into his ear, pulling at his hair as he made the most delicious sounds. Their lips met once more and Thomas pushed him back to the cushioned floor. Nothing had ever felt so right as now.
"That's cute." Takashi jolted slightly and glanced up to find Vector watching from the doorway. Not that he could focus on him for long with Thomas still moving. He didn't seem to care about Vector for a second. Takashi hissed softly as Thomas bit at his neck and Vector laughed. "You had to tell Nasch, didn't you? Too bad I have Tommy totally under my power. You know Barian's Force still works?"
"Barian's-"
He gasped as Thomas moved against him roughly and Takashi's mind went blank and hazy once more. Even with Vector watching, he couldn't stop thinking about Thomas and how badly he needed him. Heat exploded through him and stars danced behind his eyes as he collapsed back into the cushioned floor, his mind completely blank. He was dimly away of Thomas giving him a kiss before his mind faded too darkness and he fell into a light sleep.
When Takashi woke again he was tucked up in Thomas' sheets and rather surprisingly a pair of pink pyjamas. The submarine was humming softly with the sound of an engine and I took a moment to realise they were moving. Why were they moving?
"Why did you let me do that?" Thomas whispered. Takashi sat up slowly to find Thomas sitting in the corner, wrapped in his own blankets. He looked pale and scared and Takashi sighed, crawling across the soft floor and slip into his blankets with him. "I thought you were afraid of me… hated me…" He smiled bitterly as Takashi frowned. Why had he done it? "More fanservice?"
"Maybe… I just saw the real you and liked what I saw. Umm, so why are we moving?"
"Dunno. I didn't even notice, to be honest, I've spent too much time down here."
Summary: Vampire hunter AU. Todoroki hunts the dangerous incubus, target number four.
Word Count: 1444
Ao3 Link
A few minutes later the bell above the front entrance of the café rang. The large silhouette of a young man filled the door as he stepped inside, casting a glance at Todoroki as he took a seat at the bar a few spots down from the target and his unwitting companion.
Todoroki waved his water over and ordered a slice of cherry pie; the man who’d just entered ordered apple. Sitting back in his booth, Todoroki slung one arm across the back and crossed his legs, thanking the waiter who he set the pie on the table without moving to eat it.
The redheaded girl excused herself to the ladies’ room, insisting that she would be back as soon as possible.
Once his companion had disappeared behind the bathroom door, the elegant man tossed lazy looks across the room and Todoroki and his partner. He sighed, the sound drawn out to emphasize his exasperation, before walking out the front entrance, unhurried.
Ten counts later Todoroki was out of his seat and slapping down a ten to cover his bill. “If I’m not back in fourteen minutes, get that girl out of here.” Tetsuo’s nod was visible out of the corner of Todoroki’s eye as he passed by. He heard the girl’s cry of dismay mingling with the bell overhead as he stepped outside, his gaze sweeping across the dimly lit parking lot, ears perked for the slightest giveaway. He crept across the lot, crouched so his fingers were within easy reach of his weapon. A car beside him roared to life, startling him into the side of his own vehicle. Todoroki fumbled with his keys as the car peeled onto the road, sliding behind his wheel and putting the vehicle in reverse, glancing into the rearview mirror as he backed out past the empty car on his other side.
Todoroki was on the highway off of which the café sat when hot breath tickled his ear. “Take the next exit,” a silken voice breathed, “or I’ll bite.”
The car felt forty degrees colder as he complied, dutifully activating his blinker as he turned onto the spiraling ramp. Todoroki struggled to keep his breathing even as his heartbeat thumped out of control. “Where next?”
“There’s a pull-off in four miles. Stop there and give me the keys.”
The drive was silent, tension building between driver and passenger with every passing second. At long last, Todoroki pulled off the road and shut off the car. He tossed his keys over his shoulder, calculating his strategy as they dropped with a metallic clink. He leaned forward and yanked the stake from his shoe, twisting in his seat and stabbing at the vampire in the back seat of his car.
Cold, hard fingers caught Todoroki’s wrist, pressing against the skin hard enough to bruise. “Tch.” The vampire’s head tilted to the side as one corner of his lips lifted to reveal a single sharp tooth. “Crafty are we?” He bent Todoroki’s wrist back, eliciting a cry of pain and causing him to drop the stake. The vampire scooped up both weapon and keys, giving them a frown before rolling down the passenger side window and throwing them over the cliff outside. “Now that that’s out of the way,” he said, grip not loosening, “I suggest you introduce yourself. I like to put a name to my meals.”
Todoroki’s words stuttered out of his mouth, catching on teeth and tongue as he spoke. “All…all you need to know is that I’m a vampire hunter. My name does…it doesn’t concern you. To summarize, no.” A shiver shot up his arm as a cold thumb rubbed circles into the pulse of his wrist.
“I see.” The pitch of the vampire’s voice dropped several notes, settling into a dulcet velvet tone that rolled off his lips in intoxicating waves. “I’ll go first then. My name is Thomas Arclight.” Thomas leaned forward, his eyes half-lidded as they burned into Todoroki’s own. “I’d be pleased if you’d tell me yours.”
The urge to comply with his wishes was overwhelming. Todoroki choked out his refusal, tongue growing heaver in protest with each syllable. “You are target number four, a powerful incubus. Attempts to engage in conversation are to be avoided. To…to summarize…” Todoroki tugged weakly on his right arm, trapped between his body and the back of his seat, a distant lucid corner of his mind telling him to look away, break free and try to call for help. He had pepper spray in his back pocket that would slow Thomas—no, target number four—down long enough for Tetsuo to arrive with backup. He swallowed down a shaky breath. “Takashi Todoroki.”
The tip of Thomas’s nose brushed against Todoroki’s, leaving a tingling sensation that spread from the point of contact. “Sounds like you’re a little far from home.” His breath tickled his captive’s lips, leaving behind the illusion of condensation. Thomas licked his lips, staring into Todoroki’s eyes through blond lashes. “Did you come all this way just to find me?”
Against his will, Todoroki’s gaze dropped to the moist mouth just a breath from his own. His mind was lost to the incubus’s spell, his consciousness suspended in a fog. The cool fingers of Thomas’s free hand ghosted along the skin at the nape of Todoroki’s neck. The thumb pressed against the bone behind the hunter’s ear, tilting his pliant head back to reveal the soft stretch of neck from jawbone to shoulder blade.
Thomas leaned in, lips grazing his victim’s jawline on their way to the pulse just beneath it. His tongue ventured out from between his lips, leaving a wet stripe on Todoroki’s neck. He chuckled at the breathless noise he received and pressed his lips to the spot before speaking. “It’s almost a shame that I have to kill you. That was cute.” Thomas bit down, two shots of pain heralding the puncture wounds his canines made. He drank deeply, pulling the blood from Todoroki’s veins.
Behind them, the back windshield shattered, followed by an exclamation of, “Todoroki!”
“Fuck!” Thomas pulled back, reaching for the door handle to make his escape.
Still hazy, Todoroki reached out to stop him, not able to discern how much of his desire to keep Thomas was from the preternatural aphrodisiac and how much was the faint memory of his objective.
The vampire snarled and bent the hunter’s arm back, a sickening crack sounding through the car before he dove out of it, taking off into the night.
A pair of gunshots rang after him, and Tetsuo’s face appeared, framed by the broken glass of the back windshield. “Are you all right?”
Todoroki nodded even as he drifted off in a pool of the hot blood streaming down his neck, pain lost to unconsciousness. Time passed in a blur of yelling and flashing lights, quick snatches of conversation concerning “blood loss” and “transfusion”. Pictures of concerned faces came to him, Cathy and Kotori sitting at his bedside, getting along uncharacteristically well, Tokunosuke bringing him scraps of snack food he’d smuggled in, Tetsuo muttering about how he shouldn’t have left Todoroki alone. These Todoroki knew to be reality. But he was haunted by smooth, otherworldly features and enticing velvet words spoken in a conspiratorial whisper, butterfly touches and sparkling white teeth. Todoroki was released to his friends two weeks after his late night admission with the assurance that he would be fine, and in another week was sufficiently recovered to be back on the job, spending long nights staking out at all-night restaurants and hoping for another run in with target number four.
Because if there was one thing he’d learned from his near-fatal encounter, it was that the true power of an incubus lay in the victims who survived, for without fail they would seek another brush with death.
I feel like there was a general consensus to ignore how this moment (when Adeku used the very general but still very connoted 'suki') put Shooti's general behaviour around him in a particular light.
Ok last bit of Solaris AU for now. Chapter 3 of Between Worlds at the weekend. Have some esteemshipping.
Takashi was stunned when Shingetsu introduced them. He didn't even know why Shingetsu wanted to introduce them, he just grabbed him after class, he got his position back. Shingetsu said it was to celebrate. He'd dragged him to a café and there he was.
Even Takashi knew the moment he saw him he was smitten. The stunning older redhead was sitting at the table, sipping tea, looking bored and tired. He glanced over at them and Takashi froze. His face was gorgeous, soft and handsome. Shingetsu had introduced him as his old friend Thomas and told them he thought they'd get along.
And they had. Thomas was amazing. He was kind and sweet and smiled softly as they chatted. He would complement him and when they duelled he was a great teacher. Takashi met him more and more after school, even without Shingetsu. Thomas would send him flirtatious messages in class- at least Takashi thought they were flirtatious- and he had to fight not to blush. He had totally and utterly fallen for him. And he was starting to think maybe Thomas liked him too.
And then it happened.
He'd been cleaning up after class, heading out passed the gym to avoid anyone that might be around so he could carry on messaging Thomas. Their messages were becoming more and more serious and Takashi was no longer in any doubt that they were flirtatious. Actually, by this point they were beyond flirtatious, they were out right smutty. The equipment shed door was open and there was noise inside. He frowned. It was his job to make sure no one was messing around he supposed.
"That is filthy," came a voice from inside.
"Not romantic at all," came another. Only he knew that one. That was Alit! Why was Alit hanging out in the storage shed? "You can do better than that, Solaris."
"The point isn't to be romantic, Alit." Takashi's blood froze. Thomas. That was Thomas' voice. Why was Thomas with Alit? Why was he calling him Solaris? His breath hitched as Thomas moaned deeply. "Mizael…"
Takashi's cheeks flushed as Thomas moaned again. He knew who Mizael was. He'd put Yuma and Shark in hospital just the other day. He was Kaito's rival. Why were Thomas and Alit near him? Takashi edged closer as a new message popped up on his D-Gazer's screen. His cheeks burned. Not only was it rather graphic- and gosh it really was, but Thomas had been slowly ramping up the vividness of their messages- but that meant the others were reading their messages.
"Will you two stop it," grumbled another voice. "I'm trying to watching TV. It's hard enough with Alit around without you two groping each other."
"Yeah, I thought you two only screwed around for Durbe's entertainment anyway," Alit said. "He's not here, what's going on?"
"If he was here we could let him know we don't need you two watching over us."
Takashi crept forward, glancing through the cracked open door. There were four of them in there. A large second year was watching a TV with that idol on the screen. He was… the one in charge of those sports duels. Alit was drinking a milkshake through a straw, pointedly avoiding looking at the back of the room. Takashi strained and found a blonde sitting on a pile of mats, who he could only assume was Mizael. And sitting against his side, leaning against him, was Thomas. His head was rolled back, leaning on Mizael's shoulder. The blonde's hand was just out of sight, hidden by the way Thomas' legs were drawn up but his arm was moving slightly and Takashi realised, much to his horror, that the Barian likely had his hand between his legs.
It had to be against his will, right? Why would Thomas be sending him dirty messages and letting a Barian touch him intimately at the same time? Obviously the Barians had captured him and Mizael was molesting him, right? Or they'd brainwashed him using that Barian's Force. Had Mizael or one of the others seen him and wanted him enough to force him? It wasn't a pleasant thought but it was better than the alternative… right?
"I would not be here if you didn't need supervision," Mizael hissed. Thomas groaned and closed his eyes, arching his back and Mizael chuckled. "For the record, we get along well enough without Durbe watching over us. He insisted we made the effort to get to know each other properly. And Solaris is merely here visiting, although I will send him back with a report for Durbe."
"No way, I've seen him hanging around for ages now," the second year huffed. "Well before you turned up."
Mizael frowned, his movements stopping, and Thomas whined. "Solaris?"
"Vector sent me," Thomas said.
Takashi's stomach dropped as his suspicions were confirmed. Thomas was a Barian. He wasn't being manipulated, he was working for them. He turned and ran as fast as he could. If he was a Barian, why had Shingetsu introduced them? Had Thomas- no Solaris- always planned to use them to get into Yuma's gang?
Suddenly he slammed into someone and tumbled to the ground. Panic hit him and he scrambled to his feet only to hear a family giggle. "Takashi?"
"Shingetsu?" The panic faded as he found himself gazing at Shingetsu's goofy smile. Then there was movement in the sports hall and a clatter and his heart raced. "Come on, we have to get out of here!"
"Why?" Shingetsu cried as he grabbed him and dragged him away. "What's going on?"
"Barians."
"Barians?! We need to get Yuma and Shark and get them to come help then!"
"We just need to get out of here first. They might have seen me."
"Right, we can hide out at my place."
Takashi nodded and followed Shingetsu back to his house. It was empty and quiet and clean but it looked like he wasn't alone. It looked like there was a second person lived there. Takashi glanced around, realising he actually knew very little about the other boy. He'd been at their school for a while but they didn't know much about him at all. Shingestsu smiled and sat on the settee, patting it for Takashi to sit with him. And he did. No one knew where Shingetsu lived. They should be safe.
"What did you see?"
"It was Alit and that guy from the sports duels and Mizael," Takashi said quietly. "And…" He frowned and lowered his head. "To summarise, Thomas is a Barian." Shingetsu frowned but didn't look surprised. "You knew?!"
Shingetsu got up and Takashi watched in horror as he locked the door. When he turned back to him, his goofy smile was gone and was replaced by a serious scowl. A sudden horrible idea hit him. He said Thomas was an old friend. What if he really was? What if Shingetsu was a Barian too?!
"Yes, I know," he said. His voice had dropped and he was suddenly serious and formal. "You can't tell anyone."
"What's going on?" he said, staggering to his feet. "Why would you introduce him to us if you knew?"
The door unlocked and opened and Thomas- Solaris- stepped in. Takashi's cheeks flushed as Solaris flashed a charming smile only to notice the tension. Shingestsu glanced up at him. "He knows, Solaris."
"Ah…" He smiled weakly then sighed, his own attitude changing to something more serious. "Sorry."
"It's fine," he replied. Takashi frowned as they gazed at him. They were both Barians. "You're going to have to make sure he doesn't tell anyone though."
Solaris glanced at him and Takashi stepped back as he nodded. "Fine."
"You see, we're both Barians," Shingetsu told him, sitting on the settee again. Takashi stared down at him, trying to ignore Solaris stalking around the back of the settee. "We're undercover, you see. Just as there are good Humans and bad Humans, there are good Barians and bad Barians."
"There are?"
"Yes," Solaris muttered. There was something almost bitter in his voice. "Some of the Barian Lords are merciless, cruel creatures who hurt people for their own amusement."
"Ah, and if you don't do as they ask, they'll make you suffer." Solaris and Shingetsu were watching each other and Takashi got the feeling they weren't exactly friends. "Solaris is undercover with the Barian Lords, Takashi. They can be a vile bunch. You've heard the story of the Arclights, right? Did you hear how they took the middle brother and how they tortured him and experimented on him until he died?" Takashi paled at the idea. They were really that cruel? "Before Solaris agreed to work with me, when he was still young, one of the lords trapped him and-"
"Shut up," he hissed. Takashi glanced over at Solaris. There was a wildness in his eyes. Something uncomfortable and scared. "Just stop talking about it."
There was silence for a moment before Shingetsu sighed. "The Lords are the rulers of our world. They're tyrants and anyone who disagrees with them suffers. We're part of a group called the Barian Guardians. We were like a police force, then we were turned into their own private army but we fight still, subtlety. We're trying to protect our people and yours. That's why Solaris is undercover with the lords, and why I'm undercover to protect Yuma."
"So… you're the good guys?" Takashi said. Solaris nodded and Shingetsu smiled slightly. "Then, why can't we tell the others?"
"Because they'll find out," Solaris murmured. He turned and strode up the stairs. "You tell anyone and the lords find out and we'll both be tortured and killed."
Takashi gazed at his back as he disappeared up the stairs. Shingetsu chuckled and watched him for a moment. "You can go after him."
"I… should be going," Takashi stammered, heading towards the door.
Shingetsu chuckled. "We're Barian, but we're not that different from you Humans. I think you like Solaris. And I doubt he'd be messaging you constantly if he wasn't fond of you too."
Takashi gulped. He'd been falling for Thomas hard. But Solaris… He was an alien. He wasn't the person he thought he was. Still, what if he was capable of liking him too? If what they'd said was true, he couldn't turn his back on them, right?
He hesitated for a moment before slowly climbing up the first few steps. Shingetsu was watching with a smile and Takashi couldn't help wonder what his real name was. Shingetsu was a Human name. The Barians seemed to have names he'd never heard of before. They weren't normal names. Shingetsu chuckled and waved him off.
"Go on. He really is Thomas. Far more than I'm Shingetsu."
Takashi decided to ignore that. He didn't want to know how much of this was a cover. He wanted it to just be their names. He climbed the stairs slowly and found Solaris' room, the door half open. Solaris was inside, curled up on the bed. He knocked quietly and stepped in as Solaris sat up. They watched each other silently for a moment before Takashi shut the door and approached, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"So… you were never really Thomas then?"
"No," he muttered. "No. Do you know who Thomas is? He's the Arclight boy. That was his real name. Thomas Arclight. And they tortured him until he died. And I remind everyone of him so when it's useful to them I have to play the part of a dead boy."
"I'm so sorry," Takashi murmured. He reached out cautiously and laid his hands over Solaris'. He flinched slightly and lowered his gaze. "What Shingetsu was saying… one of the Lords… I saw you with Mizael… to summarise, you were abused by one of the Lords?"
Solaris nodded. "That's why I work with Shingetsu… so it never happens again."
"You're so brave."
"No," he laughed bitterly. "I'm a coward." He frowned and tilted his head, slowly taking Takashi's hand and leaning over slightly. "Now… you're going to keep this secret, right?"
"Of course," he replied, nodding quickly. "I wouldn't say a word that would put you in danger. You're my friend whether you're Thomas or not and you're fighting for a god cause and I saw you with Mizael earlier and… in summary, I really like you."
There was a moment of silence before Solaris nodded, leaning over and kissing him softly. It wasn't weird. Takashi had expected sharing his first kiss with an alien would have been weird but it wasn't. It was… normal. Special. He kissed back hesitantly, reaching up to his shoulders and closing his eyes. He'd sent filthy messages in response to Solaris' but he'd never even been kissed before. He'd thought Thomas was special, the kind of person who walked into the lives of romance heroines and swept them away and made first kisses perfect. He'd thought Thomas would be the kind of gentleman who could make his first time amazing. Only Thomas was a dead boy and the person he thought he'd loved was a rebel inside the Barian's inner circle. Now he didn't know what to think.
But it felt right.
Solaris' tongue slipped past his lips and he gave a small moan. It felt so good. He might not have been quite who Takashi thought he was but he certainly made him feel amazing. Before Takashi even realised they were moving, he was lying on his back with Solaris over him, slowly moving his kisses down to his neck. Takashi groaned, pushing his hands into his thick red hair as the older boy sucked softly at his neck.
"S-Solaris…" he whined, arching his back slightly.
"What do you say I make your suggestions reality?" Solaris purred.
Realising what he could be suggesting, Takashi's cheeks flushed. They'd sent some pretty racy things back and forth. He'd been lucky he knew enough about tech to make sure no one could see the messages he'd sent to Thomas. Solaris' hands moved slowly over his body, finding weak spots Takashi didn't know he had, with obviously practised eased. Takashi almost wondered how much abuse Solaris had taken but he quickly pushed those thoughts away.
It was all just so incredible. Solaris knew exactly how to please him, exactly what to do to make him moan and squirm beneath him. Perhaps he was just doing this so that Takashi wouldn't spill their secret- he wouldn't say a word whether Solaris did this or not, he couldn't put him in any kind of danger because Barian or not Takashi was mad about him- but he didn't care. It just felt so good.
"Do you want more?" Solaris murmured.
"Yes," he breathed. "Please."
"As you wish."
Before Takashi could really register what he meant by more, his belt was undone and his clothes were being pulled away. He gazed down at him, completely enchanted by the sight of the older redhead between his legs. He gasped and tossed his head, gripping the sheets tightly as Solaris took his hardened length into his mouth. It was incredible. Everything was a complete blur except Solaris. He'd never even imagined it could be so amazing. He bit his lip, struggling to keep some dignity but it was hard. Solaris barely had to touch him to make him a mess.
Takashi didn't last long at all, and he was actually a little ashamed when he came so soon. But Solaris chuckled and sat up slowly, gazing down at him. They watched each other for a moment before Solaris chuckled and kissed him softly.
"You will keep this secret, won't you?" Solaris murmured.
Takashi sighed, shaken from the bliss. He frowned and gazed up at him, slowly reached up and stroking his cheek. "Of course. But… why not- I mean, why would you- I just-"
He frowned as Solaris chuckled. It was hard to think clearly, he his head was still spinning. It was embarrassing, not being able to say what he wanted. And Solaris just smiled. He got up slowly and straightened out his clothes and all Takashi could do was watch. He was beautiful. He wished Solaris liked him too. He was just going this keep his secret and he'd only been sending him those messages and pretending to be his friend so he could get closer to Yuma under that Barian's orders.
"To summaries, I'd always keep your secret, and I wish you'd done that because you liked me as much as I liked you."
Solaris gazed at him for a moment, looking lost before smiling softly. He looked so confused by the idea of genuine care and affection. Takashi frowned, slowly making himself presentable and moving over to kiss his cheek.
"I don't know how much of Thomas was you and how much was acting but you seem like a good person who's been through some bad things and you shouldn't have to do things you're not comfortable with just to survive." Solaris was staring down at him in silence, twisting the hem of his shirt. "The Barian Lords are using you and Shingetsu's intentions might be for the best but it seems like he's using you too. And I know I don't know you that well and maybe everything you've said and done with me is a lie and you're really nothing like the person I imagine, but I think you're better than that and if you wanted to get away I'm sure Yuma and the others would protect you."
Solaris sighed and shook his head. "I know that, and I'd turn to you guys for help, but they know what my Human form looks like. Shingetsu gets away with it because I'm the only one who's seen him in both forms."
"To summaries, Solaris, I like you. I want you to be safe."
Solaris sighed and nodded and Takashi was stunned when Solaris caught his cheeks and kissed him gently. It was short and sweet and when he was released, Takashi's cheeks flushed, gazing up at him.
"Perhaps once this is over," he murmured, kissing his forehead. "You're a good kid and I like you too. I'm not everything I led you to believe and you should get away while you can. Getting involved in this war will only cause you pain. Go on. Get out of here while you still can."
Takashi sighed and nodded, slowly turning away, heading to the door but he paused and glanced back. "Promise I can see you again?"
"I promise," he replied. "But I can't say when."
Takashi nodded. That was enough. He smiled and turned away, hurrying down the stairs. Shingetsu had vanished but Takashi didn't have time to worry about that. He'd arranged to meet the others and he was already late. They'd already be worrying. He hurried out the door and got away from the house as quickly as he could.
~♥~
"That was rather cute," Vector chuckled. Solaris glanced back at him and shook his head. "Oh please. That cute little speech didn't get to you, did it?"
"He's right though," Solaris snapped. Takashi was surprisingly nice. He'd been led to believe Humans were cruel, useless creatures who cared for nothing but themselves and destroyed their world. They were destroying their world and those around them. To find Takashi actually seeming to genuinely care about him was surprising. "I shouldn't keep letting you do this to me."
Vector's face twisted into a furious snarl. "You misbehave and you will know what will happen."
"I'm done with this," he argued. "He's a good kid and I'm not going to let you use me to hurt them. I get that we need to stop the Astral world but those are innocent kids!"
"Not so innocent anymore," Vector laughed. Solaris glared furiously and opened a porthole. "Where are you going?"
"Home. To Durbe. I'm done playing your games."
"Fine, but you say a word and you know what will happen."
He glared back at him but carried on through the porthole. Merag was just wandering out and Durbe sighed, as if they'd been arguing again. They'd been arguing a lot recently. Often about Nasch. Solaris tried to tell them he suspected it was Ryoga who was Nasch but whenever he was bought up they got very stress and what did he know anyway? He'd never met Nasch. He was just guessing. So he'd given up. Durbe smiled over at him. A crystal chair came over and Durbe sat and Solaris climbed up next to him, leaning on his shoulder.
"Vector's been making me do bad stuff again."
Durbe sighed and rubbed their muzzles together softly. "I'm starting to think letting Mizael hurt him might not be a bad idea."
Summary: Takashi had been learning how handle IV for III. But this was the first time both III and V had left him to care for IV completely on his own. IV didn't seem keen on behaving himself.
Warnings: underage sex (depending on where you are), underage drinking (again, regional) hints of incest
Still, he kept trying.
"IV, it's getting late," he insisted. IV glanced over at him but very quickly returned to his fourth drink and Takashi sighed. V had said only two drinks. "IV? You're supposed to be resting for tomorrow."
IV continued to ignore him and Takashi lowered his gaze to his hands. This was the first time III and V had trusted him to look after IV all on his own. Up until now one of him had been watching over him the entire time. III could get IV to do what he wanted with a gentle nudge and a kind request and V barely needed to say two words. When V or III were watching over them, IV gave into Takashi's requests and gently nudging, but now they were alone his was rebellious and disobedient. III and V were trusting him- testing him- and he was going to fail miserably at looking after him.
So he attempted to copy how III handled him. He laid a hand on his shoulder firmly. "IV, I really think that's enough for the night, don't you?"
"You're not III," IV said, gazing up at him and flashing that charming smile that had made Takashi's heart tremble since the moment he first saw it. "And you're not up to dealing with me like him."
"You need to stop drinking and rest up," he argued, trying to sound firm. "You have a busy day tomorrow."
IV actually set down his drink and Takashi smiled. Maybe III was right and being firm was the best way to go about it. Firm but gentle. He stood slowly and linking his arm with Takashi's and pulling him over to the bar. All Takashi could do was hope he was going to pay his bill and go.
"Can you send a bottle of your finest red up to my room please?" he said, with only the faintest hint of a slur.
The bar tender nodded and IV pulled him along, bidding goodbye to his fans as he did. Well, perhaps he wasn't going to stop drinking yet but at least he was returning to him room. Takashi smiled slightly. He was finally getting the hang of this. Part of IV's charm was that he was a rebellious gentleman. Takashi had never expected him to be quite as rebellious in all aspects of his life.
In his suite, IV pulled out two wine glasses and set them on the coffee table, dumping Takashi himself on the settee. IV flashed that charming smile, looking very proud of himself as he answered the door, getting his bottle of wine.
"What's your name, kid?" IV purred, opening up the bottle and pouring out a glass for each of them.
"Todoroki Takashi," he replied quietly, taking the glass that was offered.
He wasn't surprised IV didn't remember his name. He was constantly being bombarded with the names of fans and sponsors and journalists. Takashi had learnt that in the few weeks he'd been with him. There were hundreds of names being thrown at IV every day. It was a wonder he remembered any of them.
"So, you're III's little trainee, right?" IV said, sitting at his side.
"Umm, something like that I suppose," he laughed. IV smiled, sipping his drink and Takashi couldn't help staring. When his name had been drawn out of the hat as IV's assistant, he'd been ecstatic. IV was handsome and charming and gentle and honourable. He was perfect. And Takashi got to spend the summer working for him. "And they left me to watch you for tonight."
IV nodded. "Then… they told you how to look after me?"
"I've been learning." He took a long drink from his own glass and IV beamed. "I think tonight proved I can't really handle you very well though."
"You're job isn't to handle me," IV laughed softly. "V's job is to handle me, III's is to look after me. If you're III's little trainee, your job is to look after me."
"I do my best." IV's smile seemed to grow but at the same time it was darker and not as friendly. Something different. Something he'd never seen before. At least not from IV. "V said you should be resting by midnight."
"V says a lot of things," IV laughed. He polished off his drink and Takashi quickly followed suit. As he leant forwards to put his glass down, there were hands on his hips and IV pressed against his back, his hot breath falling against his neck. Takashi shivered and bit his lip. He knew IV had been drinking but this was unexpected. "So, did III tell you how to look after me if I had too much to drink?"
"V said to take you to bed and make sure you stay there."
"Hmm, and what about III?"
"V said not to listen to III's solution."
"What did he say?" IV insisted, pressing against his back. One hand slid up his chest, slowly playing with the buttons on his shirt. Takashi was sure he was bright red and IV laughed softly, his lips moving to brush his ear. "Go on."
"He…" He swallowed heavily as IV got a few buttons loose. He'd thought III had been joking. Especially when V snapped at him not to say such things. "He said I should push you down on the bed and… tie you down and wear you out."
IV chuckled and he knew exactly what III had meant. That was why he'd assume he was teasing. There was no way little III could be sleeping with IV, or suggesting he did. Although, with IV's hand now inside his shirt, fingers teasing his chest, it was a possibility that was exactly what he meant.
"Takashi," IV purred, tilting his head so Takashi was gazing at him. He was so handsome. His face was definite and dim light gave him a soft look and his eyes were just sparkling so beautifully. His gaze flickered to his lips as IV's tongue ran over them. He wanted to kiss him. He knew it was silly, he knew every one of IV's fans probably wanted to kiss him just the once. "You know fanservice is my motto."
"I know," he stammered.
IV tilted his head, leaning a little closer so their breaths mingled. "So, what does my fan want?"
"Me? Well, I- I-"
IV squeezed his hip and pressed closer against his back. "You what? Tell me, what can I do for you? Anything at all."
"I- I want…"
He gazed touched IV' lips for another brief second as IV smirked. He wanted a kiss. And IV being so close and so bold certainly wasn't helping. And there was that knowing look in his eyes, behind the hazy drunkenness, that let Takashi know he knew exactly what Takashi really wanted.
"Say it," IV insisted.
"I want… something I can't have," Takashi whispered. "People always tell you that you should never meet your heroes, right? You should never get that dream? Because reality never lives up to expectations. And even when we know reality is flawed, when it falls flat and is so entirely different, it shatters the illusion… and you lose a part of you. But, so far, my dream is just flawed enough to make it even more charming, I don't want to push my luck."
IV sneered, his breath moving to fall over his neck once more. Takashi shivered and closed his eyes, letting out a slow, shaking breath. "So, you're content to play it safe all your life? It's better to have loved and lost than never loved at all."
"Yeah, but the whole loved and lost thing sounds painful and I'm not a big fan of pain."
"That's a shame," IV teased. "I find pain can be quite enjoyable. So, tell me, just me, what do you want? Let me help that dream come true."
"In summary… I want… you…"
And that was all it took for IV to lean in and close the space between them. Takashi was stunned. He was being kissed by IV. IV! His hero and idol and he was kissing him. Plain old sensible him. And finally his senses returned and he reached up into the gorgeous thick red hair that had become IV's most recognisable trait after his cream and gold show outfit and that striking scar over his eye. It was every bit as soft as he'd always imagined. Silky and thick and so easy to wrap around his fingers as his lips parted slightly, allowing their tongues to brush gently. IV gaze a small little moan and squeezed his hips, sending heat rushing southward and Takashi groaned weakly.
It had to be a dream. There was no way this could actually be happening. Even drunk, IV would never be kissing him, or squeezing his hip and stroking his chest, or pushing his knee between his thighs and-
"IV," he moaned, tilting his head as IV kissed along his jaw.
"Come on, my dear fan," IV murmured, getting up and pulling him along, back towards the bedroom. Takashi nodded, still amazed, and let IV take his hands and guide him along. If this was a dream and he woke up alone again how was he going to look at IV tomorrow? "Tell me how my fanservice can please you."
His voice was so smooth and rich and just drew him further into the beautiful dream. It had to be a dream. A beautiful, cruel dream. And before he knew it, he was in IV's room, watching absolutely enchanted as IV slid off his shirt, revealing the lean, deceptively delicate body beneath. Takashi's breath caught in his throat as IV stretched his hands above his head, showing off his body to its best. What he wouldn't give to be pressed against him right then.
"Just tell me what to do, my dear," IV murmured, beckoning him closer. He swallowed heavily and took a few small steps forwards only for IV to pull him in and wrap him in his arms, kissing him once more. And Takashi loved every second of it, even being forced up onto his toes to keep from arching at an awkward angle. "This is your night, your fantasy, tell me how to please you."
Takashi nodded slowly, sliding off his shirt and pressing against him. IV's body was warm and his skin was so soft and they fell back to the bed in each other's arms. He found himself moaning IV's name and drawing the older man over him as IV's lips moved down his throat.
"IV, I- I want… I mean, will you…"
"Will I what?"
His lips were travelling down Takashi's chest, making his mind cloud over with need. "In summary, IV, would you…make love to me?"
It sounded so silly to ask but IV chuckled and kissed him softly, slowly rolling his hips against Takashi's and making him moan loudly. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was sure he heard IV murmur something about giving him whatever he wanted. IV's hands wandered his body slowly as they kissed softly and Takashi wrapped his arms tightly around IV's shoulders, wishing he could believe this was real, that IV might actually want him and care about him. He knew IV's reputation, and that was why he had a manager and an assistant, but he honestly wished IV could love him as much as he loved IV.
But IV was certainly good at faking it. He sought out the things that left Takashi weak and moaning, the things that made his mind spin and his heart race, all the time murmuring sweet nothings, promising to do whatever it took to please him. Takashi was stunned. Having IV giving him all the attention he needed just made him desperate for more.
Takashi was so far gone, lost in the hazy pleasure of it all, he barely noticed when IV's fingers pushed inside him. There was no pain, just a dull, slightly uncomfortable ache. But IV had him distracted with ease. It was warm and easy and IV was still over him, still kissing his body softly. It was so perfect. IV was so perfect. IV…
"What's your name?" he breathed.
It took him a moment to realise it was his voice. But it was the right question. Here was IV, kissing him and touching him and about to make love to him and… and Takashi didn't even know his real name. How stupid was that.
"IV," he replied.
"Your real name."
"IV's the only name that matters." Takashi left it at that. Obviously IV didn't want to talk about it, he didn't want to ruin the mood by pushing the issue. IV's fingers slid away and his hands caught his hips, shifting so Takashi could feel him pressed against his entrance. He took a slow deep breath as IV kissed his cheek. "Ready?"
"Yeah."
IV smiled and clenched his fists against IV's back as he was pushed into. A sharp cry escaped him before he could stop it and he arched his back tightly but IV quickly soothed him with kisses and soft touches.
The pain soon faded and it was just incredible. IV buried his head his shoulder as Takashi's legs wrapped instinctively around him, encouraging him closer. His hand buried itself deep in Thomas' hair and he arched up against him, desperate to press as close to his idol as possible. And then IV's fingers closed curled around his length, stroking teasingly. Takashi closed his eyes tightly, moaning desperately. The warm, delicious pressure built and Takashi was left panting and whining and moaning his name, his nails raking across IV's shoulders.
Then the pressure released and Takashi gave weak cry, his voice cracking and his vision blurring. IV pushed into him a few more times before he groaned softly and Takashi felt a heat filling him. For a few long moments the silence was filled by just their panting before IV shifted and moved to lie next to him. Takashi couldn't help smiling as he rolled over, deciding to be bold for once and pressing his lips to IV's for a brief moment.
"Thank you, IV," he murmured.
IV nodded tiredly, getting out of bed and Takashi wondered if he was expected to get dressed and leave, if that was it, but Thomas returned with the wine and glasses, pouring them out one each and slipping under the comforter. Deciding that was probably what he was expected to do as well, Takashi followed suit, taking a glass from IV and sipping slowly, watching the handsome idol. He was pretty sure he'd sell his soul right now for that to be more than a casual hook up. Still their glasses clinked softly and IV smiled softly- almost sadly- and murmured softly that it was fun. That was a start, wasn't it?
Takashi didn't even remember drifting off to sleep. But he was awoken at seven the next morning by III. The older boy smiled softly, helping him to sit up. He frowned and glanced around. He was still in IV's bed. Still naked and a little sticky.
"IV will be done in the soon," III said. "How was he?"
"It wasn't a disaster," Takashi replied quietly, rubbing his head. There was a dull headache forming. "Once I figured out how to be firm with him he came back to his room."
"So did you," V hissed. Takashi tilted his head. V was in the doorway to the en suite bathroom. "And you let him drink too much."
"It was only his first try," III said softly, lying his hands on his shoulders. "And we did rather drop him in at the deep end. He did well, given the challenge we let him with. And IV certainly seemed to have enjoyed himself."
"Hmm, it was fun," IV murmured, coming out in a towelling robe. "You did a good job, kid."
"Uh, thank you, I guess."
IV winked as V ushered him out and III smiled. "You should hurry and get cleaned up, Takashi. IV has an appointment in one hour."
Takashi nodded and picked up his underwear, pulling them on under the sheets before getting up. III smiled and hurried out only for IV to stick his head back in, a slightly strange, almost forced and nervous smile on his lips.
"Was it good? Did you enjoy yourself?"
Takashi nodded quickly and IV's face lit up in a way he hadn't seen before. "Very much, IV. Thank you. It was an amazing night. And… you?"
"Me…" He seemed rather surprised by the question but after a moment he smiled and nodded. "It was fun. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I'll leave you to it."
"Thomas, your grades are starting to worry me." His Teacher Takashi announced and Thomas smirked, moving closer to him. “Maybe you could give me some private lessons."
“Takashi…you’re going to make us late for the movie at this rate!” Thomas snapped, watching the Class President cleaning up desks as he always did after classes. Takashi frowned at his boyfriend.
“To summarize, I already said you could go ahead and I’ll meet you there! I can’t abandon my duties as Inchou, since the class and Sensei are counting on me! It’s why I was elected!” Takashi explained. Thomas rolled his eyes and walked over.
“Guess it can’t be helped…I’ll have to lend my skilled hands to this task so we can make the damn movie.” He said, picking up an extra cloth and leaning over Takashi’s shoulder to whisper in his ear.
“And afterward, well…I can show you my extra special fanservice ~”
