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

[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?

I wish it hadn't come to this, dear Eichi! If only I'd been just a little stronger and not outnumbered, it wouldn't have been so! However, I'm fully prepared to do whatever it takes for us to get out safely, even if it means being very un-idol-like!

[Wataru looks directly into Eichi's eyes, his own determination shining back at his unitmate. They can do this. They can do anything. He knows it.]

Let's try that. If they're affiliated with your family, they might hesitate to harm you, after all.

It can't be helped. We're only human, after all. Ah, but I shouldn't speak too much now, or they'll catch us like this. Since it's you, Wataru, you can find somewhere to sneak closer and stay hidden while I attempt this, can't you?

[He brings Wataru's hand up to his lips, brushing them over knuckles, a soft kiss.]

I intend to try my hand at acting again, so don't worry for my sake until everyone else has been taken care of.

[With that, he slips away, and in perfect timing with the movement, staggers out into the open, grabbing onto a wall to support himself as the men ahead all turn to stare. He's acting... Mostly.]

Wait. [One of his hands lifts, to stop the men, and they're cautious, but one is already stepping closer to Eichi.] You all have no idea who I am, do you? Before you do anything rash, I'd suggest you take a closer look at me, now that my hood is down.

I'll do my best. But, ah, Eichi... you're not the best at flat-out lying, so try to only tell the truth. Silence is your friend!

[He practically titters at the kiss to his hand, leaning in toward Eichi a hair before the blonde slips away, and Wataru's heart leaps into his throat.

Eichi steps out, and Wataru ducks into a darkened corner, barely peeking around the corner before flattening back against the wall. Eichi...

Two of the men move toward Eichi, one reaching out to grab him by the corner of his cloak.]

Who the hell do you think you are? You look half dead, anyway. You think you're gonna fight us?

"No, wait... That looks like the rich kid."

They're all rich kids, dumbass! Which one?

[Man number two steps closer, too, and leans in to look Eichi over as man number one holds him by the collar.]

"The heir... you know. Wonder if he was dumb enough to bring his pathetic ass to rescue the blue one."

Where's he, anyway? You musta let him run off...

[That's good advice from Wataru, and it's ringing in his mind as he faces these men. His heart rate skyrockets, especially as he's grabbed, but his expression stays calm. He tells himself to focus on breathing, even as he allows himself to cough into a hand.

After the cough, that hand rests on the wrist of the man holding him, not prying him away, but attempting to 'warn' him not to go further.]

Eichi Tenshouin. Surely you recognize that name.

[It's just the biggest zaibatsu out there, after all... And he knows that even if it's possible that his parents handed off Wataru to someone they didn't really get along with, the truth is that most people wouldn't want to pick a fight with the Tenshouins. Right?

He's wearing clothes he stole off of guards around this organization, so that much is probably very clear. He was up to no good. He knows it looks bad. But he's relying on his name. Two men here, and he can't see how many further back right now... Maybe one or two more?]

I'll forget that this altercation happened at all so long as you release me now. Why don't we see what we can discuss?

[Wataru listens carefully, trying to still his heartbeat a bit. He's terrified, not for himself, but for Eichi. For the one who's only in danger because of him. He hates himself a bit for it! He'll make this up to him later.

Man number one looks to men three and four when Eichi gives his name, and man number two makes a low, frustrated sound, almost a growl.]

"I told ya it was the rich kid. Nobody here listens to me."

Shut up, I'm listening now! Alright, kid. You want me to forget I saw you, right? And let you go? Then hand the blue one back over.

[That's a surprising thing to hear, for Eichi, who any day before that fated meeting with Wataru on the roof might have agreed to the idea. Now, though, he'd decided to change things. To stop being bitter at life and focus instead on the good, to hold tightly to something this precious, to fight viciously against a cruel fate. His expression goes cold for it.]

How confident you must be, to believe yourself to have more influence than I do. Regardless of what happens to me now, your actions here are changing your future. With just the lift of a little finger, it's possible that you could lose everything, you know? Not just whatever small amount of status you might have, but your family, your loved ones, the hobbies you enjoy. They could all burn right before your eyes.

Let me make this clear, in case that off-topic rant is something that went in one ear and out the other. You have no business with Wataru.

[In reality, even Eichi is aware that he's the one who's in no position to bargain this. But it wouldn't be the first time his big words worked. If he's retaliated against, then it's fine, too. But he won't give up Wataru, not at all.]

[Maybe the chill in Eichi's voice sends a thrill through Wataru. Just maybe. Even now, he's a force to be reckoned with. Wataru remembers when that was turned on him, in its own way, and he knows these men are in trouble. They have no idea how much.

He half expects Eichi to bluff a bit about him, not to directly defend him, and his heart swells with emotion.]

Ain't gonna fly. I oughta just lay you out and say the blue one did it. He's the one they paid for, you're just some chump.

"Hey, we oughta not--"

Shut the hell up! This is our chance to get in good with the bosses.

[The men turn to bickering, and the other two turn their backs on the scene for a moment, just long enough for Wataru to peek out to check on Eichi. His clothing is released, and he's free to move around. Wataru waits, waits, waits, waits for a sign that he should move, even though his body is weak and battered.]

"--he gets hurt, they really might have your head. The Tenshouins--"

Ehhh, screw them. Rich bastards. Who gives a damn? I'm just gonna knock him out and we can set him somewhere they'll find him. That fine?

[It's clear none of them are taking his threats as seriously as perhaps they should. Oh, such fools.]

[ There are too many men here to fight, he thinks. He steps back once or twice once he’s free from the hold, but he knows he can’t do too much or he’ll be noticed and centered in on. He sees Wataru, too, even without facing him directly, and he’s afraid. His threats aren’t working, which means they won’t be good enough to get them out of here without a fight.

He’s so easily in arm’s reach of any of these men if they move carelessly, and even stepping back like this probably isn’t enough. Eichi doesn’t think he’ll be able to fight at all really, but Wataru might be able to help... But where would they go?

Ah, he can’t think this entirely through. They’re already talking about knocking him out, and so he shifts his stance just slightly to be defensive, at least until he steps forward out of nowhere and slams a kick into one of the men’s groins. He’s not sure who he managed to hit, but he knows that that had to have been the clearest way to signal Wataru to go without actually alerting the others to him. They still might work this out! ]

[Wataru breathes steadily, focusing on every action and word Eichi shares, until finally his unitmate attacks the man and Wataru reads that (possibly erroneously?) as time for him to step into the fray, too. He can't run terribly well still, but he thinks if he can slow these men down, they might be able to make a go of it.

So he comes out from the nook he's been hiding in and daintily leaps over the man Eichi has artfully felled, landing as spryly as he's able before executing a perfect roundhouse kick to the second man's face. 3 and 4 are too startled by the kids fighting back to react right away, but 1 and 2 are on the floor, well and truly laid out. There's the chance.]

Eichi, let's away!

[He hurries over, a surge of fear-induced adrenaline keeping him going, and takes Eichi's hand before darting down the nearest corridor. The two remaining men are dumbfounded, and for several seconds they simply stare after the retreating teenagers.]

That went better than I thought it might~!

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