A Little Twist

Sixty-Seven

 Back in her room with Daiki and Ayato, Risa sees a red rose next to her bed. She knows who did it and why. 

'I couldn't apologize with everyone around.' Ayato waited to say sorry to her alone. 'Well, maybe if Shu was around but not everyone.' 

'I know. Sometimes you prefer privacy to apologize to me.' She puts her arms around him. 'But they were looking for an opening. An opportunity to take me away. They've done it before, and Subaru was even in his room. Listen, it would've happened to anyone who was here with us...' 

'But it happened to me. I was right here. If only I didn't miss one lousy book.' His eyes go to Daiki, who's asleep in the crib. 'That was the opening he was looking for. I could've taken Daiki with me but...' 

'But then they would kidnap me,' she cuts him off. 'You feel sorry for giving them the opportunity to take me away. Do you know how embarrassed I feel? Ruki kidnapped me straight from the shower. He almost saw me naked, Ayato.' She falls onto her bed looking at the floor and avoiding his eyes. 'I felt something over me and it was my bathrobe. I was too... shocked and surprised he did such a thing. I couldn't say anything because he was holding Daiki. All I could manage was tying my bathrobe tight around me and the next second I was at their place.' 

'Risa,' he starts and grabs her hands for attention. 'I know that...' Damn that idiot. He saw her naked?! 

She shakes her head. 'Because of Daiki, I get my privacy and can enjoy a bath and shower how it's supposed to be. However, since I got kidnapped I cannot do it anymore. Shu insisted I wear a bikini or swimsuit under the shower or take a bath because he won't leave me alone. But, Ayato, it would've happened to anyone who was with me.' She feels the mattress denting. 

'I know, but I was home. It happened on my watch, damn it!' 

Just how much are you punishing yourself? 'Do you believe that Subaru still blames himself?' She turns her head to check on Daiki, but he's sound asleep. 'It happened, Ayato, and we can not turn back time. If only they would be honest and ask questions instead of kidnapping us, they could achieve so much more. It's hard to understand that they do it all and for what? Justice for what happened to Yui? Why would they punish you and your brothers for it? From what I've heard is that you found her dead somewhere. Would that be here in your house then I understand some resentment but it was somewhere outside and nowhere near the mansion. Please, don't blame yourself for too long. Blame Ruki, he's responsible for his actions. If it wasn't for them, you wouldn't have to protect me like this.' She makes him look at her. 'I was finally getting over the feeling of being a victim. Now, I feel it again. I feel violated for not getting any privacy anymore. Being locked up in my room, because this is a controlled environment for you. Going outside is asking for trouble. So don't you go and blame yourself, alright.' 

He frowns and wipes the tears away. 'I'm sorry, Risa. It seems we forget how you are doing with all of this. I might blame myself for you being kidnapped but it must be harder on you.' 

'Sorry for the tears.' She sobs. 'I can still get emotional. I really hope it won't take long anymore.' 

He wraps his arms around her. 'I hope so too for you. And it's okay, I have no idea what a pregnancy does to a woman or what happens after it, but you don't have to go through it alone.' 

She accepts the hug and hides her face in his neck. 'Thank you, I know it can't be easy.' 

'Don't be, it's new to all of us.' He takes his arms back and gets up. 'How about tea and then some rest?' He knows she has a water boiler in her room. I take it Reiji did this so she doesn't have to leave her room much. 

'Sounds good.' 

*** 

So, he's finally back. Shu kept his eyes and ears open the last few days. He knows he's alone and reacts fast. He grabs Ruki in his neck and teleports straight to the roof.