teaism | I couldn't utter my love when it counted

"Sorry~. He's not accepting visitors."

[If anything, there's a slip of a drawl in that, like the guy's a little excited for something. The more he pushes this conversation, the more it seems like he gets closer to some sort of reward for himself. One of his hands withdraws from his pockets, half-extending to Wataru palm up.]

"If you've got it, you can pass it over to me. Otherwise, just go ahead and keep it. There's nothing in this world that kid can't just buy again for himself."

Not accepting visitors? Even though I'm the class representative, and it's my job as a student here to visit him?

[A lie. But Wataru has no issues with trading a lie for a lie. It's not like this meathead has any idea what Eichi's life is really like, even if he is some flunky. He's nothing in Wataru's eyes, just a nuisance and a roadblock.

And Wataru won't let himself be torn from Eichi so easily.

The man extends a hand, and Wataru looks down at it with a smile, then looks up, acting the very picture of an awkward, misunderstood youth.]

Oh, I don't have it with me! And it's very valuable, so it wouldn't be able to be replaced. Furthermore...

[He smiles darkly. Now he means business.]

Eichi isn't so wasteful that he'd buy something like that again. He's careful with money, even when he seems to spend frivolously. He wouldn't be the Student Council President if he didn't have such skills, honed and guided by Keito himself.

[Wataru smoothly slides his phone into his pocket.]

That said, what are you really here for?

[The first comment throws the man off, and he looks like he's going to scramble trying to find an answer— but Wataru continues, and the seriousness is only irritating. Finally, the man in the suit scoffs, reaching the had he'd offered forward up to loosen his own tie, instead.]

"You've got some nerve, speaking about that brat so intimately." [Calling him "Eichi," speaking as if he knows him so well.] "Especially when his folks have it out for you like this."

[Stepping forward, his chin lifts as he cracks his knuckles. No more hands in the pockets— it looks like what this guy was excited for all along was the idea of fighting. Not fighting, but beating up a teenager— feeling powerful in that way.]

"I tried to give you the easy way out. But it can't be helped. You had to go and 'strike first'."

[A blatant lie, but the meaning is clear in the instant he gives it out. His instructions had been to only fight if Wataru fought first, but it had, of course, been a coverup for the Tenshouin name only. They won't care what this lackey does, and he knows it, as long as their reputation isn't damaged. And so he reaches out, suddenly, grabbing for Wataru's hair with one hand and trying to punch him in the gut with the other.]

[Wataru's heart sinks. This man has been sent by Eichi's family, then. He's here to make Wataru back off. He's here to make Wataru miserable and lonely, and have Eichi face the same cruel fate. Wataru isn't having any of that nonsense.]

You have some nerve overstepping your bounds. He wouldn't let you get away with this if he was here.

[He backs up a few steps, looking every bit an innocent and fearful schoolboy. Like this man's threat terrifies him.]

You wouldn't--!

[But the man strikes first. He reaches for Wataru's hair, and he manages to grab it, but Wataru shifts so that he's just taking a handful of bun, and as if by magic, the bun falls apart in the grip, now too loose for a proper hold. The man only has the ends of his hair in hand now, and Wataru dances back to avoid the sucker punch, then drops down to a half-crouch before raising his hand, palm up, and driving the heel of his palm into the man's nose.

The man is large, though, and Wataru won't win this fight through even strength and cleverness. He'll have to flee. But there's the matter of the man outside, as well.]

You won't keep me from him!

[Startled, the first man is so caught off guard by Wataru's slippery movements that he is struck directly in the nose, as intended. Staggering back, he clutches at it, and his demeanor changes even worse.]

"You little shit—!"

[The man that had been waiting outside steps in now, clicking his tongue in clear irritation as he shuts the door behind him and locks.]

You deserve that, you idiot. Now you're making things messy for us.

"Shut the hell up!"

[Small moment of bickering aside, things are looking a lot worse. This practice room has Wataru trapped in, locked in, with no one else at the school to bother with them. The walls are practically sound proof in a lesson room like this, to make for easy practicing without interruption, anyway.

The first man lunges forward, now, forgoing grabbing for Wataru to just strike at him. He can't get away forever! The second man, who's even larger than the first (in muscle and height) steps forward too calmly, eyeing Wataru and searching for an opening. Unlike the angry first man, he's going to go about this a different way.]

I heard he threw a real tantrum. I only wish I could have seen it myself.

[Wataru hears the door lock, and his stomach drops. Maybe the window? No, this room doesn't have one. It's the smallest practice space, since there's only two of them... That door is his only way out, and this room is soundproof.

The first man lunges for him, and Wataru dances out of the way again.... But then there's the taunt. They must be holding Eichi against his will... or perhaps they're simply doing this when he's otherwise occupied. Wataru doesn't know, and his head is spinning, trying to think of a way out of this. He can't focus on them both at once.

He feels an impact to his side as he looks to the second man, and crumples to his knees.]

Eichi... deserves better than you heartless thugs!

[Whatever that kick was, it landed hard, and he's definitely going to bruise badly from it. Still, he tries to stagger to his feet, only to see the second man move closer. When he backs up, he finds the man he attacked is right behind him.]

[The man behind Wataru reaches his arm around him, a chokehold that he uses to pull the teenager back to him, his other hand grabbing for one of his arms. The second, larger man gives a wicked smile as he closes in from the front, and slips fat fingers into Wataru's hair at the top of his head.]

Too bad. We're going to tell him you took off with your tail between your legs.

[Taunting seemed fun enough. Leaving this brat with the idea that Eichi would receive such news, that he might believe Wataru had abandoned him— he hopes it sets deep with the wannabe magician. Either way, it's enough of a distraction before he yanks hard at his hair and drives his knee into Wataru's gut.

His next words are for the man behind Wataru.]

Knock him out. We can't finish this here.

[Wataru is grabbed, and he struggles, tries to put up a fight, but now the actual fear is setting in and his logical brain tries to think survival instead of winning. Neither looks like an option. Is this how he'll die for Eichi, this time? Without him even there to say goodbye? Without so much as a last look at him?

The notion terrifies Wataru, in large part because he swore to Eichi one day that he wouldn't get into trouble, that he wouldn't put himself in dangerous situations because that way maybe he'd avoid death more easily. This... he's a disappointment to Eichi... He's going to be taken away from him. He'll never get the future he so desperately tried to grab.

And the man's words make him gasp, though the next thing he registers is a hand in his hair. He glares up defiantly, about to make a remark, but his head is jerked down and the knee lands right where it's aimed. He'd meant to put up a better fight, but it was impossible.

Hacking, trying not to vomit up everything in his stomach, Wataru doubles over, still held up slightly by the grip of both men.]

Stop...

"No way in hell."

[Are they going to stop, the first man means and Wataru will feel a prick at his neck as he injects him with something. It's incredibly strong, so he'll be able to feel it right away. Dizziness, a drowsiness so heavy it's impossible to fight. The second man is already releasing Wataru's hair and stepping away confidently, and his muffled words will be the last thing Wataru hears before he wakes up.]

Just grab everything you can. We'll go through his things once we get there.

[Chances are, Wataru won't remember much about the next couple times he wakes up. Words are muffled, there are angry, aggressive men shouting things and demanding answers, but none of it really makes sense. He's slapped, shoved, punched, and he's bound with handcuffs to a wall, just in case those "tricks" of his can get himself out of rope. Finally, though, the drug will wear off. Wataru will be hungry, dehydrated, and sore all over his chest and stomach, and his face, just to name a few. He can probably tell from hunger alone that it's been at least a day. Maybe longer.

The room is underground, from how little light there is, and looks like it's part of some abandoned complex, though it's not clear what it was originally used for, or what it's used for now. There's blood on the floor, and it's unclear if it's just Wataru's, or also belonging to someone else.

Standing over his slumped form is the aggressive first man from earlier, who gives Wataru an extra slap to wake him up.]

"You ready to talk yet, or am I gonna have to hit you a few more times?"

[Everything is vague shapes and sensations, none of them pleasant, and all he can do to keep himself from losing hope is to think of Eichi, to know that somehow, somehow Eichi must be able to help. Or he'll die. He'll die thinking of his love, and it's not the worst way to go, knowing how beloved he was. Knowing those men were lying about Eichi not wanting to see him.

There's alternating darkness and faint light, and he's not sure what's going on other than the pain, the endless pain that keeps dulling and coming back. He feels sick, retches, his body tries to empty an already empty stomach, and the ache of hunger strikes him a few of the waking moments, just an idle thought. It's not important. Nothing is important.

There are voices, but he doesn't understand the words, until finally, he's upright, seated against a wall, head down, hair a mess--is it even still intact?--face a mess, body giving up little by little. But he thinks of Eichi, and he manages a small smile.]

Talk? I have... nothing to say. Eichi will come for me... I know he will... Then you'll be sorry...

"Is that all you know how to talk about? That shitty brat you love so much is probably—"

You're wasting time here.

[The second voice interrupts before he can strike Wataru again, and the man pulls back, turning startled to stare at the door. There's a figure, tall and slim, a black hood draping partially over his eyes. But Wataru will probably recognize him immediately. It's Eichi.

Eichi in vague disguise, dressed almost like a vigilante in the shadiest combination of clothes that he most certainly ripped off a couple of other men in whatever this group was. And here he is, practicing his acting as a gloved hand jerks a thumb back over his shoulder in the most uncharacteristically harsh motion.]

Something's happening out front. They're calling you for backup. I'll hide things in here.

"What? Who are—"

[Eichi was banking on this man who criticized so much not being able to recognize him. Thank goodness.]

I said go! They'll explain when you get there!

[Panicked by Eichi's authoritative words, the man takes off, and Eichi moves fluidly into the room, but clicks the lock behind him and quickly pulls his hood down. He looks... not great, actually. Paler than even before, and now that the hood's down, there's a visible slice of a blade right across his cheek. Additional marks and bruising, though tame compared to anything even close to Wataru's, are hidden by his layers, including the gloved hand that pulls out a key as he rushes over to his unitmate's side.]

How was that, Wataru? Was my acting decent? I'm nothing compared to you, but... [He coughs, once or twice, as he shoves the key in and twists hard, releasing the handcuffs and dropping both them and the key to the floor. His gloved hands clutch at one of Wataru's hands, terrified eyes staring at the damage that the metal has done to his wrists. And then his eyes travel up, staring at his face.

The face of an idol should never look anything like this. He feels sick, worried not just for Wataru's future, but Wataru's life right now.]

I hope you'll forgive me... for taking so long. Can you move, like that?

[It's a noisy blur, all the man's words, the way he strikes Wataru across the face. The idol makes a small whimpering sound as the pain jolts through him, then the man's actions are interrupted.

Wataru can barely make it out, but the way his chest begins a different kind of ache makes him certain... this must be Eichi coming to save him. He acts unconscious until he hears the door lock, grateful the exchange is quick. Then he raises his head.

Eichi. Pale, injured, worried... Wataru tries to reach for him, forgetting his hands are bound, and cries out when he can't. The tears start immediately.]

You're usually such a bad liar, Eichi... I'm proud... I'm so...

[His voice gives out as the handcuffs fall away, and the hand not being held by Eichi goes up to the blonde's cheek. It's strange, he thinks. He can't stop shaking. He can hardly see. But he knows he's saved. And they'll be fine, somehow.

He slumps forward, consciousness tenuous, trying his best to stay awake and with Eichi. He has to fight, so he summons all his strength to stop the tears and to raise his head, chin up, proud. Struggling, he tries to get to his feet, but ends up stumbling forward to his knees.]

I knew you'd come for me...

...

[It's terrible, to see him in this condition. Eichi's heart plummets so much further than he thought possible, and he moves to cup Wataru's face, breathing in shakily. His own health isn't doing great, and the strain he's putting on it through all of this isn't helping. He'd broken out of his own mansion, past guards, scaled down the side of it and then had to dodge them multiple times on the path to finding out where Wataru was. This building itself was even worse.]

I wouldn't leave you. Just like Orihime and Hikoboshi, I'll cross the stars no matter what it takes, just to see you... Now that we've connected, and I can understand your heart, I refuse to let it go.

[He drops his hands away only slightly, holding onto Wataru, trying to tug him up.]

But listen quickly, Wataru. The distraction I gave to that man just now will only last for a short time. The commotion I mentioned is real, but it's caused by me. My family handed you off to whoever this group is without a care about their cause or reasoning, so I'm not quite sure what it is that they want, but...

It's something dangerous. You're in no condition to run, so let's find someplace to hide you. Stand, here, you can lean on me...

[Wataru wants to lower his head and apologize, for being weak, for causing trouble for his love. He never meant for this to happen, never expected it... maybe he should have, somehow.

He wants to tell Eichi to leave him here, to run while he can, and Wataru will be fine, somehow... He'll survive. But Eichi won't hear of it, and he knows it, so he has to be stronger than that.]

Eichi... I love you... Before anything else, I have to tell you that, just in case...

[A little huff of a laugh, and he struggles to his feet with Eichi's help. He feels a little more surefooted now, and he takes a shaky step forward. If he can push through this, they can escape, and he'll be safe, Eichi will be able to get medical attention, Wataru can go hide somewhere until he's suitable for public viewing again... Anything to make this easier on Eichi.]

You're brilliant, my love. Even... Amazing...

[A grimace, but he moves forward with Eichi, the feeling coming back to his limbs, some kind of well of strength being tapped into. He'll process the other information later, but for now, survival.]

I may be able to run... Shall we try?

W-what are you saying, so suddenly, in a place like this? I told you before, didn't I? That I won't allow you to die?

[But he stammers slightly because he's emotional, too, guiding Wataru in steps not towards the locked door, but the side of the room with an apparently blank wall.]

Of course I love you, though it's startling that I can come to that conclusion so quickly. I'd rather not confess down here, either, so could we save it for another time?

[His body is going into overdrive, but if he doesn't get Wataru out of here soon, he risks a lot more. Maybe even death, after all. Eichi can't... he can't deal with that.]

I apologize, but since I wanted to buy us more time, we'll have to use this route. You see the vent there? A crate is already conveniently beneath it, so climb up with me and enter it first. I won't have you running... but you will have to work like this.

I'll be right behind you, Wataru. Move quickly.

Right! Of course... another time. As long as you know how I feel, I'll be happy. Happier than anyone.

[They move toward the wall, Wataru slowly coming to his senses properly. He gets what Eichi is saying, and he nods bravely, not knowing if he can actually do it, but also knowing that Eichi is pushing him to go first because he's prioritizing Wataru making it out safely. It makes Wataru's heart ache unlike anything ever has.

He steps up to the crate and climbs up with difficulty, with Eichi's assistance, staying as silent as he can to avoid saying anything else unnecessary. After all, if he's going to confess, maybe it's best to do it in a romantic way, or somehow in something other than a life or death situation. He trusts that Eichi will be behind him, trusts he'll be okay, he'll make it out. It gives Wataru a burst of strength.

Pulling the vent cover off, he summons everything he has left and hauls himself up into it, not knowing what's beyond, not really caring. It just has to work. So he gets in, and he begins to crawl in enough that Eichi can get in behind him. Then, he'll await instructions.]

Have you mapped the vents out, Eichi? My, but you're the real genius of the two of us, doing something like that. It's so Mission Impossible that I might get a little thrill from it.

Fufu... you're flattering me too much, you know? It's only because of you that I was able to motivate myself in this way.

[Wataru will be able to hear plenty of commotion from inside the echoing vent. Other rooms, and outside, footsteps, yelling, distant and closer. Just shortly after Wataru is fully inside, someone is pounding at the door to this very room. Eichi keeps his smile calm to try and push past it, to make sure Wataru feels less hopeless.]

Go straight as quietly as you can manage, or our voices will carry. The vent is too small to replace the cover behind me, so they'll be able to tell rather quickly where we went. However...

[He breathes out as he slips in, blinking past the dust and trying not to cough for it.]

By memorizing the layout, we can adapt as necessary.

[There's muffled yelling at the door, demanding to be let in, threatening Wataru, threatening "whoever that guy is", and Eichi scrambles to keep moving. However, as they crawl along, it will become increasingly obvious that this abandoned underground station vent system has weak paneling. It's a risk that either of them could fall through to rooms below in certain areas.]

By the way, since I've seen a number of movies involving martial arts, I believe I can mimic some of those moves to help us get out of here. ♪

[Being lighthearted always helps, right? Wataru seemed to be able to spread joy that way, and so... Eichi wants to be able to, too.]

[He doesn't doubt Eichi in any of this, and the blonde's assertions do set him fairly at ease. Maybe they can fight. Maybe they can get somewhere safe so they don't have to. Maybe they won't fall through the ceiling tiles. God knows.

He tries to tune out everything but Eichi, the soothing tone of his voice, even and gentle and strong. Eichi has this figured out, definitely. Maybe someday Wataru will be strong for him, too. This feels like such a reversal of their previous lives.

They reach a junction, and Wataru goes with his instincts. They're the wrong ones, perhaps, because even though the voices get further away, the paneling creaks beneath them. Wataru moves forward onto an unsteady one, and loses his balance as the panel gives way. He doesn't cry out, doesn't do anything but hold his breath and hold on to the edge. There doesn't seem to be anyone in the area beneath them, and as he hauls himself carefully back up, he takes a quick look around.]

I think I see stairs...

[Eichi had gasped, at watching that, scrambling and reaching to grab onto Wataru. But thankfully, Wataru was able to hold on himself, otherwise Eichi most certainly would have fallen down with him. He's dizzy from staying in these vents, his heart is beating irregularly, and he's nervous. Scared. Doesn't know what to do even if he's acting like it.

But thank goodness, Wataru is okay...]

Stairs... That's right, I believe I did see some nearby. However, if we leave and walk on the ground now, we'll become more easily spotted. You're also in no condition to move quickly, Wataru...

The paneling looks unstable ahead, as well, though. What should we do? Ah... I didn't stop to consider that this place might be falling apart.

[A rush of adrenaline surges through Wataru, and he looks at Eichi with a pained, gentle smile before dropping back down into the room. He looks strained, sickly, and Wataru can't help thinking that Eichi's suffering is his fault. So he'll fix it.

He looks up to his partner and takes a deep breath.]

I don't mind sacrificing myself. You came all this way for me, and I'm hardly useful. But let's try to go this way. I'm feeling a little stronger, and I'll fight if I must. Only let me protect you a little, too! This is why I exist! This is my destiny, to protect you. Always and forever.

I'm going to stop your words there, Wataru.

[Cautiously, Eichi shifts and drops out of the hole in the vent himself, reaching to catch himself on Wataru once his feet hit the ground. Just that distance is enough to have him staggering, weakly... He hates it. He's so annoyed at himself.]

I don't mind you saying that you'll protect me, since we can protect one another... but if you continue to insist that you're not useful, or that you might become a sacrifice... then I'll do something rather rash as a punishment.

[He squeezes at his grip on Wataru as he straightens himself, burying a cough into his other hand.]

This "destiny" will only be what we make it. I intend to continue moving forward with you, which is why I came out here. Let's move cautiously and work together to avoid harm on all accounts. There will be no sacrifices. Am I understood?

[He quiets, looking at Eichi with fierce determination, and equally fierce affection. His arms go out to catch Eichi as he tips forward, and he embraces him warmly, as tightly as he can manage. If Eichi is annoyed at his own issues, Wataru is ten times as upset with himself. He's brought this upon Eichi, somehow. He could've run from those men, or something. Anything! Anything to avoid this!

Now all he can do is lean into Eichi a bit, almost stumbling forward as his partner pulls away.]

I might like it if you scolded me a bit! Remind me of my place, here by your side! For an eternity before, and an eternity more, I'll give you the satisfaction of my company. I'll do my best to move quickly, quietly... To fight if I must, though I've always been more of a lover! Whatever it takes to stay by you, then. We have so much left to do together, after all.

Mm. That's right. I'll be here to scold and remind you each time, so you won't forget it.

[Leaning closer, holding Wataru just as much as he's held himself, he places a gentle kiss on his lips. And then, he pulls away, stepping closer to the stairs, but hanging back enough to allow Wataru to step forward first.

This place is large. Some sort of underground abandoned subway station not meant for public use, attached to... a normal office building? The layout is difficult to understand, even for someone like Eichi who understands what a wide variety of companies there can be. It sounds as though they're trying to keep their volume down as well, to catch Eichi and Wataru off guard. Listening doesn't grant him any hint as to where they might be. And looking?

This is a dark little side room with stairs going up, white walls, and from there, long hallways from what Eichi can tell. Not much else is clear.]

Shall we, then?

[They're in a unit together, and Wataru is steadfastly by Eichi's side, but they're still learning how to work together. It wasn't instantaneous magical harmony. They've earned this. And Wataru won't let it be taken away.

He steps forward boldly, but not before reaching for Eichi's hand to stay connected. It makes him feel warmer, stronger. Like nothing will stop them. He holds a finger over his lips and offers Eichi a wink, then begins leading them both down the corridor.

They're fine at first, dodging the enemy with turns and momentary backtracks, but soon enough they come to a junction they can't pass without conflict. Wataru looks to Eichi, considering.]

Have you caught your breath a little? My legs are more steady, thanks to you. I can fight.

As idols, violence isn’t something we should ever be ready for, is it? Fufu, but I’m not so naive as to think we can avoid it completely, in this situation.

[ He’s still looking like he might fall over at a moment’s notice, but his eyes are more fierce. He’s determined not to be a liability. Especially with Wataru as beaten as he is. He squeezes his hand, looking ahead. ]

Still... perhaps we should try something rather than straight violence? They’re unaware of who I am, it seems. Perhaps introducing myself might buy you more time to get a better angle. We should decide quickly, before they move— what do you think?

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