CHAPTER 03
Akio awoke from the wonders of a drug-induced sleep to find Lukas still by his side. He had jerked awake once - or was it twice? - to find Lukas deep in slumber, his head turning his arms into a makeshift pillow, before the power of the morphine overtook his weakened body once again.
Soft light from a streetlight outside his room played off the blond strands that lay beside him, and the dark-haired teen smiled fondly. And out of the corner of his eye, he could make out a shapeless mass on an extra cot that he deemed could only be his younger brothers, curled up in each other's arms as always. His smile widened, but turned into a wince when he involuntarily clenched the fingers of his broken arm. "Kuso..." he muttered, his eyelids feeling heavy as lead. The boy slumped back against his pillow, falling back into the waiting arms of Morpheus.
Sunlight spilled into the small hospital room, teasing the twins into a state of conscious, though they hardly moved save for snuggling deeper into each others' embrace. Lukas opened an eye slowly, greeted by the baby blue blanket that covered only Akio's legs. His arm was close to the blond's face, and it appeared that those olive-toned fingers were loosely entwined in those long locks. A smile touched his lips as he slowly raised his head, Akio's face twisting into a slight frown as gold silk slipped through his fingers. Seconds passed, then those lime eyes fluttered open, wincing slightly at the bright light that poured in through the curtains that hadn't been drawn the night before.
"Morning sunshine," he drawled, stretching the kinks that only a night of sleeping folded over yourself and using your arms as a pillow could possibly induce out of his lean body. Appreciative eyes wandered over the bare patches of tan, only to avert sharply as muffled laughter from the cot rang in the cluttered room. Hiro and Kane were using their elbows as props as they made the connection between their brother and childhood friend with dancing eyes.
The twins shared a knowing look before moving to the edge of the bed, resembling a mirror as they stretched in unison. A collective yawn was shared among the boys, causing the older nurse who came in to smile. She nodded to the slightly groggy boys on the cot who were rubbing at their eyes now, her smile widening as she saw Lukas pouring a glass of water for the shorthaired boy. Checking the IV and seeing it empty, she buzzed for Dr. Williams.
"Looks like you'll be going back home, Akio. We only kept you overnight to make sure the effects of the drug had completely worn off," Nina, as her nametag boasted, said, her face plastered with a never ending smile as she whisked out of the room. A faint floral scent lingered in her wake, tickling the nose of Lukas alone as Dr. Williams came into the room. In his hands were the clipboard that appeared to be super glued to his hand, and a small paper bag that rattled as he walked.
He placed the bag in front of Lukas, smiling at Akio as he flipped through the papers on the clipboard. "Today's your lucky day, Akio. You get to go home and you get a prescription of Vicadin to ease the aches and pains you may suffer from due to your arm," Williams announced, his eyes sparkling kindly at the injured boy.
"Thank you, doctor," the Mendego teen murmured, bowing his head slightly in respect. Dr. Williams waved it off, though it was obvious that he appreciated the small gesture. Nina bounced with surprising youthfulness back into the room, removing the IV painlessly from Akio's right arm, handing the four boys still warm chocolate chip cookies. Waving like an energetic child, she left the room on Williams' heels, her salt-and-pepper braid swinging with the bounce in her step.
Four pairs of startling green eyes watched the woman leave, and soft laughter filled the room as eager teeth sunk into the moist cookies. They took the time to savor the delicious tastes that mingled on their tongues before rising to their feet. Hiro and Kane made up the beds due to the manners Amaya had blessed them with, leaving a small thank-you note on the cot they had been lent. The teens walked through the halls, Lukas holding onto Akio's right arm, while his left was held against his chest on reflex; the younger boys arm-in-arm singing something that sounded vaguely like The Juliana Theory under their breath. The Mendego boys were heading home, and Lukas was more then happy that he was going with them.
The Vicadin prescription prevented the Mendego parents from picking a fight with their son over Julliard; something that Akio couldn't have been more grateful for. Sure, the drugged slumber wasn't the best situation for he was always groggy for an hour or two after waking up, and found it difficult to pay attention during class. Lukas was being almost a permanent part of the townhouse's family once again; he was over daily helping the oldest triplet with his schoolwork. It was obvious their bond of friendship had begun to run deeper; at least it was to Hiro and Kane who watched with secretive smiles and soft whispers of encouragement. The blond spent the night more often then not, refusing to return home except to gather up two armfuls of clothing and a few personal affects. Leaving Akio's side wasn't an option, for Lukas loved him too much and believed that perhaps by never leaving, he could begin to atone for the sins he had committed against his friend.
Before the shorthaired boy drifted off to sleep, his blond reflection would lean down, kissing those sweet lips gently, a loving apology spilling from that pink tongue. Tonight though, instead of falling into slumber half-aided by the medications, Akio returned the kiss, pulling his best friend and lover closer with his good arm. Lukas shifted his weight, his hips brushing against the others�, drawing a gasp from the injured teenager. Weak whimpers of protest were swallowed by the blond's nearly desperate kisses. A lazy hand trailed down that olive skin, covered by only a thin layer of cotton; Akio arched into that touch further when those elegant tan fingers brushed his obvious pleasure through his flannel pajama pants.
Sex was inevitable, at least in the future. But for now, the boys were content in exploring each other thoroughly, teasing the other into an absolute frenzy before granting release with either a gentle hand or a moist mouth and talented tongue. Pleased smiles would adorn their young faces as exhaustion claimed their bodies, taking them through the long night all too quickly.
He was in a rickety brown station wagon with his drama teacher, Mr. Stange. The man had offered to give him a ride up to the library where Akio was planning to meet his siblings and koi. He had been spacing out, listening with half a ear to Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine," when suddenly the car came to a stop. Dazed eyes came into focus, and spotted a sign claiming an organic market.
Stange turned to his best pupil, an odd look plastered on his face. "Need to pick up some ears of corn for dinner," he explained, his eyes almost apologetic as he pushed open his door. "Be right back, Akio," he called over his shoulder, giving him a little wave as he disappeared into the shadows of the barn turned into a market.
Akio arched an elegant eyebrow, shrugging and turning up the radio, "So Cold" by Breaking Benjamin pulsing the confined space inside the car. Stretching his thin body like a kitten, he lost himself in daydreams, waiting for his teacher to return.
The driver's door opened moments later, jerking Akio into full consciousness. Lime eyes widened in shock and shone with fear as a man who definitely wasn't Mr. Stange slid into the seat next to him. Stringy blond hair hung in the man's face, and when this stranger turned to face the teen that was rigid, his face was revealed. Yellow teeth peeked between blood-cracked lips, and watery blood-shot grey eyes roamed over Akio's body without any shame.
A shudder ran through the half-Japanese teen, his hand reaching for the door handle. Cold metal pressed into his thigh, and he froze.
"Shit," he swore softly, composing his face in a heartbeat to remain blank. Green eyes warily watched the man beside him, who was starting the car and backing out of the parking lot, gravel spraying in its' wake. A barely noticeable glance over his shoulder confirmed his mind's paranoid train of thought - Stange was oblivious to the fact that Akio and his family car were gone, heading to only the madman knew where.
If it weren�t for the cold barrel of the shotgun pressing against his belly serving as a constant reminder that escape could lead to death, Akio would have already been tumbling out of that speeding car; perhaps even dusting himself off as he rose to his feet. The man was downright rancid, his bodily musk a mixture of death, tragedy, abuse and tears. The very fact that he recognized those scents sent a shudder through the teen's body once more.
The blond kept stealing looks at the Mendego boy, those lifeless grey eyes making the victim even more on edge then before. Shifting in his seat led to a jab in the stomach from the shotgun, sending his heart racing. A trickle of sweat ran down Akio's spine, soaking into the cotton that made up the plaid boxers he was wearing in the dream. In fact, now that he noticed it, he was only wearing a pair of boxers.
'Oh god...' Pink touched his cheeks as it dawned on him why the man kept looking at him with those lingering grey orbs. The one-sided attraction was undeniable, causing Akio to squirm anxiously in his seat, earning himself a well-aimed sharp jab in the ribs. A low groan was pulled from the teen's throat as he doubled-over in his seat; rough laughter from his abductor assaulting his ears.
The station wagon came to a skidding halt in front of a school Akio vaguely recognized as he looked up through lowered lashes. Another poke in the stomach; the teen's sign that he was to exit the car and not try to make a break for it. 'Why me?' he wondered as he did as he was supposed to, a hand still clutching at the bruise that was blossoming on his ribcage.
Entering the school thrust the unusual pair into a whirlwind of activity. Instantly, hands thrust the half-naked boy into a crowd, effectively separating him from the man with the shotgun. Confusion ensues as hands continued to gloss over him, pushing half-heartedly as he was led down a long, winding hall. A clean t-shirt was tossed in his general direction, and Akio put it on gratefully. Cotton had never felt so damn good that was for sure.
Double doors opened before him, revealing a spacious and richly decorated room that he swore he had never seen before. Those hands that belonged to strangers ensured that he entered the room alone, and shut the door behind him. Curious green eyes traveled over the sparse yet elegant antiques that complimented the deep cranberry carpet and cream walls nicely. First glances revealed the room to be empty save for the furniture and such, but a closer look to a divan in the corner revealed two slight figures, whispering. "Hiro? Kane?"
The bodies looked up sharply, guilt etched into their features as they realized they weren't alone. "Nii-chan!� they cried in unison as their keen eyes picked out just who had walked into the room.
Like they were joined at the hip, the boys came flying towards the less then well-dressed teen, tackling him to the floor. Akio winced visibly as a stray elbow hit his bruise, which caused his brothers to pause. "Nii-chan? What's the matter?" A curious hand belonging to Hiroshi lifted thin cotton, pushing it up to reveal the ugly rainbow that claimed a fair amount of the shorthaired triplet's left torso.
Pale hands ghosted over the tender skin, soft words pouring from those lush lips; it sounded like they were apologizing for the injuries he had obtained through the blond man's insanity. Gracefully, the twins rose to their feet, each stretching out a hand towards Akio, helping him to his feet. They guided him through a small door where the crowd of grabbing hands immediately engulfed the triplets.
A firm push sent him stumbling into a large auditorium. Clumps of people were scattered among the bleachers, and there seemed to be an abundance of blond men, though they all appeared to be unarmed. Akio heard his name, and whirled, seeing Mr. Stange waving an ear of corn at him. Though confused by his surroundings and how his drama teacher was even there, he crossed the room, smiling up at the man who had always treated him so kindly.
"What happened to you, Akio? I've been driving around looking for you for hours!" the balding man seemed upset, but hadn't the guy with the shotgun stolen Stange's car? How did he get here? If the blond hadn't taken the teacher's car, whose car had Akio been in? And how had he gotten there?
The questions threatened to overwhelm him as he stammered a reply, "A-a friend picked me up..." It was a blatant lie, and even Stange wasn't buying it. But the man didn't push the matter, just shrugged a shoulder and offered a friendly smile.
Suddenly, the air grew thick with the odors that had clung to the blond's skin. Wide lime-green eyes scanned the room, absolute confusion and fear claiming Akio's olive-toned face. Everyone that had been in the large room was gone, leaving him trapped with the man who had held him at gunpoint earlier that day. He held the shotgun level with his shoulder, and cocked back the hammer.
A malicious grin, showing off all his yellow teeth, threatened to split open his skull. Grimy fingers clutched desperately at the trigger, those greasy dull flaxen locks obscuring the eyes that Akio knew were depthless and storm cloud grey. In spite of himself, he was surprised to find that his fear had vanished; the tremors he expected to wrack his frail body weren't there in the slightest.
His heart skipped a beat as his mouth opened, speaking the words he never thought he could voice, "Go on then. Pull the trigger, see if I care."
Obviously, the man hadn't expected this reaction; he was certain the teen would fall to his knees and beg for his life. But, it seemed to be the exact opposite - those green eyes were defiant yet uncaring, his face perfectly blank. Hatred overrode his shock, and a sneer replaced the 'O' his mouth had formed.
"I'm glad you weren't expecting any mercy from me, dear child. You've made my life a living hell, Akio Mendego, and I'm afraid I can't let you get away with that." his voice shook, but his hand remained steady. He lifted his head; "This is the end of the line for you. I suppose I should say I'm sorry we had to meet and say goodbye so soon; but I'm not. Goodbye, Akio."
With that, the grungy blond pulled the trigger, strangled laughter ringing in the dark-haired boy's ears as the bullet closed the distance between the two. Akio was reminded of a pair of scissors slicing through paper as the bullet pierced clean through his heart and exited through his back. As if time had slowed, blood flew in all directions while the teen's body fell backwards, landing on the faux wood floor with a thud that had a squishy echo to it. He did not scream, and he did not cry. His life fluid seeped into the floor, and still, the man laughed.
Lukas had been awake for some time, watching Akio toss and turns in the throes of a nightmare. Faint whimpers escaped his lips, but other then that, he was silent. A frown marred his face, and he occasionally bit his lip. His hand clutched at his ribs at one point, and refused to let go. The silence that hung over the teens was broken as a loud gasp escaped those parted lips.
The Mendego boy stilled, breathing shallow and barely audible. Green eyes flashed open, greeting a pair that mirrored his own. Ebon locks, the gel long since giving up on holding the hair into spikes, were plastered against the triplet's sweat-slick face; his breathing was still harsh but deepening slowly.
Both boys refused to look away, and remained in a stalemate for several minutes. On impulse, tan hands moved to cup Akio's face, fingertips rubbing small circles in the soft skin. Long-lashed lime eyes closed slowly, a quiet moan falling from the dark-haired boy's mouth. Lukas leaned in, kissing his friend lightly, hoping to sooth Akio's mind of whatever was troubling it with a distraction he knew wouldn't be resisted.
Tender kisses turned deeper, slim bodies entangled in each other. Moonshine was the sole witness as the blond caused his lover's thoughts to run together before ceasing to exist altogether.
Months passed in the lazy way they often do, and soon it was spring all over again. A week of vacation was in order that warm March; teenagers all over the city were boarding planes or climbing into cars, ready to leave their lives behind, if even for only a short while.
Tulips and irises were beginning to bloom, alongside the crocuses and daffodils. As the world started anew, something inside one seventeen-year-old boy fell out of place, taking everything he had with it.