Laying face down on his couch with an ice pack between his stomach and the cushions Hiroto couldn't help but think about what Byo and Kazuki said as their comments echoed in his head.

“You know why he's your friend don'tcha? It's because you're someone who's more miserable than he is. Sure havin' your parents gone all the time but he doesn't have to pay for anything does he. They still send him tons of money and gifts to make up for it. But all that still can't compare to parents who pack up everything and tell a 7-year-old boy that they don't love him.”

“And” Kazuki started " You know why that woman, the mother of your other 'friend' is paying for you to be here? Charity. Its all because it boosts her status, makes her look good in the eyes of her peers. Because deep down we know you don't feel like you belong here don't-cha?" He finished whispering the last sentence into Hiroto's ear.

Shifting his position on the couch Hiroto groaned as the movement caused his stomach to hurt more.

~ ~ ~

As he was driving to the address Ruki had given him Shou couldn't help but think about what was happening to the small brunette right under the roof where he was suppose to feel the safest. As the event played in his head Shou couldn't help but get angrier. "They lose at dodge ball so they take it out on him? Scum." He muttered as he pressed on the gas pedal speeding up.

Arriving at the complex Shou took a couple of deep breaths to calm down. Last thing he wanted to do was yell at his kitten when he himself was the one that asked to be avenged. Taking one last breath before opening his door his phone started to ring.

*from Tora:
Hey its Ruki, just so you know if he doesn't
answer, his door maybe unlocked.
If not there should be a key taped to
The back of the wall light nearby.*

*to Tora:
Why are you telling
Me all of this?*

*from Tora:
So far I trust you, but
If you do anything I have
Your friend and I'll
Hunt you down. *

*to Tora:
Fair enough*

*from Tora
Have fun (⌒▽⌒)*


Chuckling at how uncharacteristic the last message seemed Shou put his phone back into his pocket. Stepping out of his car he walked through the entrance of the building and started climbing the stairs. Reaching the fourth floor Shou walked down the dimly lit hallway stopping in front of a dark mahogany door displaying the numbers that were on his slip of paper. Taking a few deep breaths Shou brought his fist to the door sounding three clear knocks that seemed to echo through the hall. Waiting in silence for someone to answer the blonde decided to knock a couple more times. Starting to feel a bit uneasy waiting in the hall (where he hasn't seen anyone since he had entered the building) he tried turning the knob, sighing in relief that his kitten didn't leave the door unlocked for unwanted guests. Stepping back from the door Shou noticed a small lamp mounted on the wall next to the door. Moving closer to it, he quickly looked around to make sure that he was alone. Last thing he wanted to do was give away the location of the key. Reaching behind the lamp he could feel the the warmth emiting from the small light. Fingers ghosting over the shape of the key the blonde took one last glance down both sides of the hall before he grabbed the key. Standing in the hall for a couple of minutes he contemplating whether this was the right thing to do or not Shou thought back to when he turned the last corner and saw Byo punching the smaller boy. “He could really be hurt, you only saw one punch.” he told himself as his grip on the key tightened, standing in front of the door he slid the key in the the lock turning it until the herd the click of the lock. Holding his breath Shou turned the knob opening the door ready for anything that would happen in the next few seconds.

~ ~ ~

“What are you doing?”

“Nothing.”

“uh huh, this nothing, it doesn't happen to involve cookies does it?”

“Nope.” The boy said flashing a smile.

“Good because you know I'm cooking dinner now.”
“and it smells Delicious.” Kai said as his smile spread into a grin.

“Oh really?” Saga said as he stepped away from the stove and embraced the boy. “Oh! Now what could this be?” he said sticking his hands into the boy's hoodie pockets.

Kai was caught, and his cookies were gonna go bye bye if he didn't act fast. He started to struggle trying to break free of his lover's grasp to save his cookies. But to his misfortune Saga wasn't gonna give up that easily. And to show that he meant no mercy he pulled one hand out of the pocket and slipped it under the hem of Kai's jacket tickling the cookie thief mercifully.

Kai sank to the floor in a small fit of giggles while Saga stood over him with two cookies in hand. “So” he started “Your telling me that these are not cookies?” Saga said biting into one as he knelt in front of the pouting boy. “It's not looking good for ya, you have some serious charges against you. How does the defendant plea?”

“Not guilty.” Kai

“Really now? Lying to an elder, stealing from the cookie jar, smuggling out of the kitchen, And the most serious of all, kidnapping the last two cookies. Would the defendant like to change his statement?” he said taking another bite, raising his eyebrows as the boy shook his head.

“No?”

“No.”

Finishing the rest of his cookie Saga placed the second one on the counter and stepped closer to the boy, picking him up the teacher tossed him over his shoulder and carried him out of the kitchen and down the hall. “You know judge, this place has quite a nice view.”

“Flattery is gonna get you nowhere.” he replied flatly dropping the boy on the bed. “You are to stay in here until dinner time understood?”

“Yes sir” Kai said as he saluted.

Rolling his eyes Saga shut the door and made his way back to the kitchen chuckling as his gaze landed on where the second cookies should be. “So he got it after all.”

~ ~ ~

Taking off his shoes Shou quietly walked into the apartment. Entering the living room he looked around the small room, a small figure curled up on the couch caught his eye. Quietly making his way closer he stopped by the armrest as he gently called the boys name. Receiving no reply he came around to the front smiling slightly seeing a couple of origami roses on the coffee table. Kneeling in front of the sleeping boy, Shou ran his fingers lightly through the silky locks chuckling as he noticed faint traces of blue still in his hair. The small smile that graced the blonde's face soon faded as he noticed the ice pack his kitten was laying on. Removing his hand from Hiroto's hair he lightly placed it on his forehead sighing he stood up and made his way to what he hoped was the kitchen.

After opening a couple of cupboard doors Shou had located a pot, a can of chicken soup, and what he had originally gone into the kitchen for, a glass of water and some medicine to help relieve the slight fever Hiroto had. Once the soup was heating up on the stove Shou walked out of the kitchen with the glass of water and medicine, crossing through the living room he was now going down the small hall looking for Hiroto's bedroom. After finding the bathroom and linen closet Shou was standing in front of another door, sighing in relief he walked in and placed the items on the bedside table and returned to the boy on the couch.

“Come on kitten, this isn't a good place to sleep.” He said as he picked up the brunette and carried him to the bedroom.

ly laying Hiroto in the bed Shou covered him with a couple of light blanks. Walking to the door he took one last glance at his kitten curled up on the bed before he closed the door leaving it open just a bit. On his way back to the kitchen Shou Picked up the ice pack that had fallen to the floor and tossed it into the freezer then turned his attention to the soup stirring it a couple of times before going through the cabinets again.

* To:Shou
How's kitten doing?*

*To Tora:
Is this Tora or Ruki? * the blonde asked. After sending the his reply he placed his phone on the counter and continued to open doors.

*To Shou:
Tora *

*To Tora:
He's fine,
sleeping at the moment *

*To Shou:
So.... he doesn't even
know your there? *

*To Tora:
Not yet, I'll wake him
when the soup is ready. * he said as he pulled out a bowl and small plate bringing them close to the stove.

*To Shou:
wait you’re making him soup?!*

*To Tora:
Yeah, he has a fever,
I gotta go, I'm trying
to find tray or something
that'll work.

*To Shou:
Nao-bear says there's
one on top of the fridge.
So, how did he manage to
get a fever?*

"oh." walking up to the appliance Shou reached up and pulled down a wooden tray.

*To Tora:
perfect thanks Nao
and, my guess is running
around outside without a coat*

setting his phone down Shou started placing the dishes on the tray. after filling another glass with water he made sure he had everything before picking up the tray and made his way back to his patient. Peeking his head in the room he saw that Hiroto was still asleep curled up on his side. re-arranging the items on the side table he set the tray down. watching as the boy slept nurse Shou thought about the best way to wake him.

shifting in his slumber Hiroto turned over facing his nurse. Smiling at how peaceful his kitten turn patient looked Shou's hand unconsciously moved some hair that fell in the younger's face. Resting his hand on the boy's jaw line the blonde's thumb lightly caressed the pale cheek.

forcing himself to move, Shou placed his hand on the slender shoulder lightly shaking the brunette awake.

with a soft moan Hiroto pulled the covers over his head and snuggled deeper into the soft bed. He was dreaming anyway, or so he he believed. 'there is no way that anyone is actually here calling me' he told himself as he buried his face deeper into the pillow drawing a chuckle from Shou at the sheer adorableness of his kitten.
Hearing the melodic laugh Hiroto pushed himself up, kneeling on his bed with the blankets pooling around him. “How did I get here?” he asked as he looked around
"I brought you." Shou said sitting up.


Startled by the reply Hiroto fell off the other side of the bed creating a loud thud when he landed.


"Are you alright kitten?" The blonde asked crawling on the bed.


"Wh- why were you on the floor?"


" You got up so quickly that I was startled and fell over." He replied offering the other his hand.


"And why are you in my home?"


"I came to return your phone. You dropped it when you left. I went to the cafe first but you weren't there, and Ruki wouldn't take it either. I left it on the coffee table." He added quickly.


"Then... how did you get in, and why are you still here?"


Shou set his hand back down taking a minute before he Answered. " Ruki told me where your spare key was." He sighed " and I'm still here because no one else has come home, and you have a fever so I couldn't just leave you here by yourself."


Hiroto stared up at the blonde in mild disbelief. "You should get back in bed. I made you some soup, it should still be warm."


"But, you’re in my bed."


"Silly kitten." He chuckled " I'll move."


Finished with his interrogation Hiroto cautiously reached both hands out, like a child asking for help up. Smiling Shou slid off the bed and surprised the brunette by picking him up and gently placing him back on the bed. Walking around to the other side. Picking up the bowl of soup he stirred it a few times before he sat on the edge of the bed bringing the spoon to Hiroto's lips.


"What are you doing?"


"Feeding you. You should really eat something before you take medication." He replied as Hiroto continued to stare at him.


" come on kitten open up."


" I must be dreaming. First, why would he even be here."


"Kitten"Lost in his thoughts Hiroto opened his mouth swallowing spoonful after spoonful of soup.


"Why ARE you here?"


"I told you." Shou started. As he feed the boy another spoonful. " I'm here because I was returning your phone."


"How long have you been here?"


"About an hour maybe a little longer." The blonde replied glancing at the alarm clock.


"Now I know this is a dream. First of all why would you ever come to my house, especially to return a phone we go to school toge-"


" I thought you might need it." Shou mumbled.


"And to spend an hour here while I'm asleep, no one has ever done that. Where's the button to wake up?" The brunette said as he started to search his walls and side table for a actual button.


Sighing Shou rested the bowl on the leg quite tired of this topic. "Listen to me kitten, I don't know why those two were bothering you but I know its not right. Plus with how often Nao was trying to get in touch with you I was starting to get worried. The only place I could think of was the cafe, I had no idea Ruki would just give me your address. " Shou finished looking directly at Hiroto waiting patiently for him to say something.


" You really can't hide much from him" the blonde said breaking the silence.


Hiroto nodded in agreement. " He's also a fort with secrets, except with where I live apparently.” He pouted crossing his arms over his chest.


Shou chuckled as he stood up " you’re out of soup, want more?"


"No, I'm done"


"Alright. Then you take two of those and I'll be back with the ice pack.


After washing the bowl Shou turned off the water and picked up a towel so he could start drying the dishes as he hummed to himself.
Back in the room Hiroto climbed out of bed with minor pains in his stomach. As he entered the living room he tip-toed to the entrance of the kitchen. "What song is that?" He asked leaning up against the frame. Startled by the sudden presence Shou bumped his head on the door of the fridge as he was pulling out the ice pack.


" What are you doing out of bed?" He asked rubbing his head.


I wanted to see if I was dreaming. " he said innocently. "And I'm not." He added quickly as Shou gave him a very dry look.
"Well I'm glad that you've FINALLY made a decision on that." The blonde said sarcastically as he stepped closer to the other. " but you still shouldn't be out of bed." Grabbing hold of the small hand Shou started to lead his kitten back to his room.


"Shou?"


"Hmmm?"


" I don't wanna go back to my room."


"Oh? Then how about the couch?" He suggested.


After making sure that Hiroto was comfortable (well as comfortable as you can get with an ice pack on your stomach in the middle of winter) Shou sat down on the opposite side of the couch, handing the brunette the remote the two watched a cheesy TV movie.
Half way through the movie Shou snuck a glance to his right smiling, getting off the couch and picking the boy up carrying the sleeping bundle back to the bedroom. After he put the pack back in the freezer the blonde turned off all of the main lights and TV. Double checking that he had everything, Shou left the apartment re-locking it with the spare and returning it safely to it's spot, walking down the hall and through the main doors of the complex Shou got into his car and drove home.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

᚜ ᚛ - person on phone

“Should we go see a movie?”

“WHAT?!”

“What would you like to see?”

“A-Aoi -sensei?”

“That one. Alright, pick you up at 7?”

“I...I have to go back to go back to class!” the boy shouted as he ran out of the school's hospital.

᚜Who was that? ᚛

“A student, he tripped and needed to be patched up.”

᚜ He sounded a bit freaked ᚛

“Mmmm I wonder why...”

᚜ Wait...are you using your hands free?᚛

“It would be a bit hard to patch students up if I was holding the phone.”

On the other side of the the line Uruha face-palmed as he hung up.

“Uruha?...”

“Uru?”

“Huh must have lost the connection.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you enjoyed this chappy comments appriciated. :D