Second Chances

Part 36

Kayama stood at the Nurse's desk, Hira's favorite (well, the only drinks he'd ever seen him drink before) in his hand, "Excuse me? What do you mean, I can't visit?"

The Head Nurse took a deep breath and said clearly, "Hira has requested no visitors. I'm sorry." Just then, a Code Blue was called and she gave a small bow, "Excuse me." At full speed the Head Nurse ran down the hall, skidding to a stop in front of a room, where other staff had gathered. 

Kayama watched as a stretcher was wheeled out, with an IV pole, one staff member running to keep up. Poor soul, he thought to himself. It changed quickly as out of the same room, a very tired and disheveled Kiyoi trudged out. Unable to stop himself, the case of drinks dropped from his lifeless hands and it was his turn to run. "You shit! Did you do that to him?"

Without thinking, after everything that he'd been through, it was almost a relief to have something, almost anything to relieve his stress on. His fist balled up and he punched Kayama in the nose. With satisfaction Kiyoi watched the blood drip, then, dully, he grabbed the stunned man by the wrist and started to drag him to the clinic. "Let's get that taken care of. I'll explain on the way."

Still in shock, Kayama only nodded, following quite docilly until a new voice interrupted. "I thought I told you I was bringing you today." Fuck, fuckity fuck. Kayama's brain began to work on fast forward. Sawazki, the senior from the photography club. He left early to avoid him. He was making him feel things... and he thought he knew what love was. 

"Not now, Sawazki, can't you see I'm busy?" Carefully, it was Kayama's turn to take charge, pulling hard on their linked arms. "Come on, let's go." 

Kiyoi dug his heels in, placing his hands on Kayama's chest. "Wait. That man wants to talk to you. He can take you to the clinic. I need to be with Hira." He turned, and this time, both Sawazki and Kayama held him back. "Let me go." Kiyoi pleaded, his voice pitiful. "I need to be with Hira, don't  you understand?"

Placing a small space between himself and the other two, Sawazki quickly assessed the situation, tamping down the jealousy that he had felt, seeing Sou Kiyoi holding Kayama's hand. Now, he saw the darkening, bruised skin and the dried blood on the face of the man he was positive he had fallen for. Sighing deeply, he reached for both of their hands and had to physically drag them down the hallway. 

As they protested, Sou softer than Kayama, Sawazki finally lost his patience. Planting his feet firmly, he retorted to their complaints, "If you don't shut it, now, one I will kiss and one I will slap." He didn't bother to specify, figuring that if they were too stupid or too caught up in self pity, the shock would do them good. Reaching once more for their hands, Sou followed more docilly but Kayama was more stubborn. 

Sawazki looked in Sou's eyes and saw a deadness there. Dropping his hand, knowing he wouldn't run until after they spoke, he turned, a hint of danger in his voice, wrist held loosely, "Are you scared of me, Kayama?" He watched as his eyes widened, the tips of his ears darkened and his eyes dilated. Interesting... So, all his running wasn't from fear... Not fear. Holding back his joy, he nodded. "Then come with me."

Still gripping Kayama's hand, now gently, the trio walked out to the small park that Sawazaki had found for Hira's young nephew last night. He pointed at the stone bench and using his best senpai voice, "Sit." To his surprise, they both sat down. Maybe it was all those years babysitting, but boys were boys, no matter the age, they listened to the tone of his voice. He pointed to Sou Kiyoi first. "You first. What happened?"

He SAW the emotions overwhelm him. Did no one ever actually just speak normally with him? Treat him like a person? Dropping to his knees, Sawazaki gathered Sou in his arms and hugged him. The amount of pain the boy was in, called to his "fatherly instincts".  Glancing over his shoulder, he caught Kayama glaring at him. He grinned, wanting to shout with laughter.