Darkness In Light (For Tritium)
 

The sun had just began to rise, hues of red purple and yellow scattered across the nights sky as the stars began to fade. It had been one of those nights that just seemed to have gone on forever, the sun finally unsettled its hold on the world. Streetlights would start to fade away, one by one. The young white haired male sat on the side of a brick wall, looking up at the sky that he'd been staring at for the past several hours. Small puffs of white forming around his mouth as he would breath out. The chilled air filling his lungs with every breath. One could ask what it was a boy his age was out in the freezing weather, wearing almost nothing, a light blanket wrapped around his frail frame as he tried to keep as much of his bare skin covered as he could. Shorts and a torn shirt didn't do much for this kind of weather, but at the time being. It was all he had to wear. Dark bags hung under his eyes, causing his already paled skin to look ghostly as he shuddered in the on coming gust of wind. It had only been a few days sense the young boy had found himself with out a home...a family. He'd been passed about from foster home to foster home, no one really caring what it was that happened to him. To others he was an outcast, a freak that no one should have to care for. It wasn't much his fault that his mind had split, nor that he often came of crazy to others who would watch him. Randomly shouting at what others saw was himself. but no one ever even tried to learn the truth before shunning him as a freak. The pain of all these years finally getting to him, blocking of any hope he had to ever trust someone with his secrets...

Hey, what are you doing? Lets get something to eat! I'm so straved.A voice called out, The young boy let out a harsh sounding cough as he tried to cover his mouth, his body shaking from the force. "I'm sorry, but I don't have any food..nor money" He spoke allowed, though to anyone walking by, it would have just been a boy talking to himself, the other comments all in his head. B-But I'm so hungry!! OH just hush it already, Can't you see that Aijou's not feeling well? Let him be! Another voice cut in from the first one complaining, Aijou, the boy who'd never had a chance in this world let out a low whine, His body hurt all over and he could barely even keep his eyes open. If he fell asleep, he was sure one of the other selves he had would take over, and who knew what they'd do...it wasn't like he disliked his other sides...they just often got him into trouble...Its his fault for not letting us out to help him. Whatever we do isn't good enough for him. A third commented, Aijou's body to weak to put up with this anymore.

The males eyes fluttered closed and he fell over to the side, falling to lie on the ground behind the wall, His other sides grateful he didn't fall on the other side, it most likely wouldn't have turned out good enough. Each of the tried to take control, to get Aijou help, but the boy's body had been pushed to far, the eyes no longer wishing to open, nor the limbs wanting to move...Great just great! Now we'll have to just sit here with a passed out body while Aijou freezes to death! The voice muttered annoyed. Aijou not replying as his spirit rested.

( I hope this is okay o..o Not completely sure as to how i was to start. )

"What a horrible mess!" Akira said to himself, while walking down the quiet streets, back to his appartment. He could barely keep his eyes open, after all, he'd been working at the throughout the entire night, struggling to prevent the company from losing an important client.

Had it not been for the cold weather, he'd surely fallen asleep on the nearest bench. "I am going to take a shower, and go straight to bed, for some well deserved rest. Don't care if the sky falls, I'm not waking up till tomorrow!" He felt his brain was turning to jelly.

"I need a vacation, deffinitley a vacation from this nightmare." He took a deep breath, to purge his lungs of the stail office air he'd been breathing for for more than twelve hours. As he exhaled, he watched the white puffs of steam dissipate, blown away by a chilly breeze...

Quite a windy morning it turned out to be all of the sudden, but he didn't mind, because he unbuttoned his coat, letting the cold air in. It was fresh, invigorating, compared to the unbearable heat he'd been forced to put up with back at the office...

Akira froze, completely taken aback by the sudden, unexpected and violent encounter. Something or someone had deffinitley bumped into him, but he didn't see what it was, as he'd been gazing at the fading starlight, trying to relax his tired mind.

He blinked a couple of times, as his sapphyre blue eyes looked downards, to find a youngster, with a fraile body, laying on the frozen ground. He had but a rag of a blanket to protect his shivering body from the mercyless weather, and as Akira looked closely, he could see pieces of fabric, from his torn shirt, dangling in the cold wind.

"I'm sorry" the boy muttered, and Akira watched his lips moving, as the boy barely found the strength to apologise. He looked in his eyes, just as Aijou was trying to look away, and, for a few moments, he felt the pain, the sorrow and anguish, eating away at the poor lad's soul.

He felt them like daggers, violently piercing through his heart, and two teardrops ran down his cold face, making him tremble, as he felt their warmth, contrasting with the icy winter air...

"No", said Akira, desperately trying to regain his composure. But the emotions were too strong, too deep, too powerful, like a force of nature to be reckoned with... "No, it's my fault, please forgive me..."

And he reached out his right hand, gently opening his warm palm, waiting for the boy to take it...

Aijou hadn't had much time to think things through after saying he was sorry. The voices blurting out random things, Grim being the worst of them all. How dare that fellow just stand there! What does he think he's doing! All high and mighty because he as a home to go to, food to eat! I should give him a piece of my mi- No let me, I'll kick his ass all the way down to the ground! Then he wont be so tough! You to are all about fighting, Just give the guy a break, he looks just as tired as we most likely do! Aijou, ignore them, Its fine honey. Lets just get up and move on, we need to find some place warm to sleep before you pass out again. Aijou shook his head, Kreg was the nice one out of the three, while Jim and Grim had always wanted nothing more then to shout and yell at everyone who'd done something to poor Aijou..

About to take Kreg's advice and get up and just leave, Aijou heard something he'd never thought he'd hear. The male hadn't shunned him due to his state, nor told him he was a filthy rate and walked off, instead he'd said sorry and attempted to help him up to! Aijou wasn't sure what he should do as he stared at the males hand. He just found his blue eyes looking at the out reached hand as if it were a mere trap. It had been so long sense anyone had showed him any kindness, and the one person that had showed him any had tricked him. Trying to do weird things to him. That was when Grim had come into play, He'd saved Aijou, He found that every time something happened to Aijou, and he felt useless in some kind of way, another self would form with that kind of trait to help him out....."t-thank you. But I'm fine." He said in a partly scared tone as he scooted back.

He just didn't know if this guy could be trusted...Just get up and go, I'm sure he'd forget about you and find some other useless kid to dominate. Yea, like Grim said, or he'd just go home and down some beer. We don't need his help. You have us..Aijou pressed his lips together as he looked at the ground, Jim and Grim were right, he had them, they were the only ones that hadn't hurt him...Kreg hadn't any advice, so it must be true...Slowly raising himself onto his shaking legs, Aijou held his arms around his waist, waiting for his legs to get a hold of his weight as he gave the male a nod. "Sorry again," he muttered as he turned around to head the other way.

"Please, wait!" Akira called out to him, as the boy slowly went on his way, limping because of the fall,, and ran after him. putting his warm hand on his shoulder."I know you don't know me, and you have no reason to trust me, but i'd like to help you. Please come with me. My flat is not that far away." The least I could do is give you some warmer clothes."

He stopped talking, and waited for a reaction from the boy. But he just sat there, like a statue, facing away from him, cmpletely silent.

"I swear, I won't do anything to harm you. It's just that I don't want to be a passer by. Please, you can wait outside my appartment, while I gather up some clothes for you. And I will give you something to eat. A small package, I'll wrap it up, and you can eat it, after you've gotten as far away from my flat as possible."

He kept pleading with the boy, trying to control the pain in his heart. What it must have been like for this youngster, wandering around aymlessly on the streets, targeted by all sorts of sickos who'd like nothing better than to hurt, abuse, and use him...

Aijou hadn't made it far when the male had ran after him, grabbing onto him with a warm touch only to try and beg him to go with the guy. Aijou wasn't sure what he should do. No one had ever tried this hard to get him to trust them, normally when he tried to leave, when they didn't want him to, they would start getting violent. But this guy was different. Aijou bit onto his lower lip as he glanced around, It wasn't like there would be any harm in him going with the guy. It wasn't like he couldn't get away, more so when he had Grim and Jim there to protect him.. he just had to let them take control.

You just have to do what you think is best...Kreg said to the young male as he drifted away, The other sides would go into a small rest while Aijou thought this over, They to got tired when forced to stay up all night...so when they went out, they could recharge and be ready for when Aijou needed them. He had a small amount of time to himself in this window...

Turning around, Aijou looked up at the male, unsure still as to what the guy wanted from him. "Okay. Id go with you...B..But I don't have anything to repay you with." He said in a small tone of voice. He did want food, and his stomachs growl proved that, but he didn't want to take anything with out having a way to pay him back. "i'm sorry but I just c-cant go-" he began as he started to feel the rush of exhaustion filling him again, his eyes fluttered as he swayed a bit. Trying to keep on his feet. he couldn't pass out now! He needed to get to some place where it was warm and he could hid....

Akira thought he was going to have a heart atack, as he suddenly saw the boy roll his eyes upwards, and lay once again onto the freezing street. "Pull yourself together! He needs your help!"

"Oi!"
He dropped his briefcase with a loud bang, and rushed to check on the youngster. He was out cold, but he was still alive. "His pulse is faint, but it's there," he said, as he tried to warm up the boy's cold hand.

He couldn't take him to the hospital. He needed a warm place soon, otherwise he was a gonner.

"I'm not going to let you die, so please hold on to your life with every ounce of strength you have left. Do you hear me? Fight!"

He ran back and picked up his briefcase, then placed it in the boy's lap, covered him with his warm coat, and lifted him up into his strong arms. The boy seemed as light as a feather.

"Who knows when he last had something to eat? What is this world coming to?", Akira said to himself, as he went on the move once again. Faster, and faster, so as to get home sooner...

He wouldn't make one step forward, without looking at the youngster's tired face, to see how he was doing. It looked as if he'd fallen in a deep slumber, but even so, his expression looked as sad and tormented as when he was awake...

"Hold on for me, please, don't you dare give up! I won't let you give in!"
Like a preyer, he kept whispering those words in the youngster's ear, hoping that, somehow, they would reach him...

You could say it was a bit of an understate meant that everything going on in Aijou's mind at the moment was worry.

First off, Kreg wasn't even sure if Aijou would make it the night, trying to calm his own self down and try and think of some way to help Aijou while Grim and Jim both yelled at one another about how they should have done more to help the boy.

Neither of the personality's had any idea how to help the young soul that had come to. He'd been abandoned time and time again, No one ever wanting to deal with a useless brat that had mood changes here and there.

Though, his parents hadn't wanted him simple because they didn't want to feed him. Which was maybe the start of it. Sense then he'd just been distant and didn't speak much.

With out Grim and Jim, he might have been bullied way more, and if not for Kreg, he might have lost his own self and given into Jim and Grim's hard side, becoming even colder...

Each said had a use to teach Aijou...Now they all seemed at lost as to how to keep alive for just one more day.

When the male that had been trying to help Aijou rushed over to the passed out body, Grim and Jim went nuts, both of them yelling at the unhearing male about how he should just go away and bug someone else, leave there poor child alone and move on.

But of course, The guy didn't listen to them. Kreg stopped his rambles and got the other two to hush, just enough from them all to hear how worried this stranger was for Aijou's health and safety.

They all went quiet as Aijou rested, listening to the male urge him on, to keep fighting and not give up while rushing him to god knows where.

"I have to make it! It's not much farther, just a few more steps.."

Akira had quickened his pace, despite him being exhausted from a hard night's work. He just had to get the boy into bed, and under a warmer blanket...

"What am I going to to with him, if his condition worsens?" He looks so fraile... I'm afraid that, by the time help arrives, it might be to late for him..."

So all he could do, was prey, prey as he climbed the stairs up to his door, hoping that someone, or something would listen to him, and save that boy's life...

Kreg had grown restless enough of the strange males worries that he just couldn't take it anymore. Making sure to keep a low profile from the other two personality's as he slowly began to slip into control of the body, having a much easier time with it then Grim and Jim had before due to not having someone else also trying to seep in.

When he was well enough in control, he did his best to cause Aijou to stir, the young boy's arms moving to his chest as he snuggled into the others males heat. Sighing, Kreg seeped back out, having given Aijou a push. The young male himself took control again and began to snuggle closer, his passed out stage shifting more to just a light nap...

Slowly he began to open his eyes, just as the male was rushing up the stairs. Blinking a few times, he looked at the male with his head tilting to the side. "u..um..." he spoke in a confused tone.

"Thank heavens" Akira was relieved to see the boy, gradually coming back to his senses. "Don't worry, we're almost there, and we'll make you all better again!"

"Um...." The young lad's lips moved slightly, as he tried to utter a few sounds. His eyes still looked tired, as if he hadn't slept for days. And all the pain was still there, his beautiful irises, projecting the image of his troubled, tormented soul, onto their crystal clarity...

"It's going to be allright" said the man, as he finally climbed the last step. "I have to open the door now, so I'm going to let you down. Don't be afraid, okay? I swear nothing bad will happen to you..."

Aijou noded his head, letting Akira know he'd understood the message, and lay perfeclly still, as the man gently placed his fragile body on the floor. He'd stopped trembling for a while now, because Akira's coat had warmed him up a bit, but he still looked very weak.

"It's going to be allright."

Akira kneeled beside side him, and caressed his beautiful white hair, while pulling out the keys from his left trouser pocket. He then got up, quietly unlocked the door, carefully picked the boy up in his arms, and finally went inside...

Aijou was still confused as to what had happened as the stranger from before hurried him up the stairs, muttering something about everything going to be okay and not to worry. But Aijou just found it hard to not worry about a stranger taking him to some weird place...

"Um...." The young lad's lips moved slightly, as he tried to utter a few sounds. His eyes still looked tired, as if he hadn't slept for days. And all the pain was still there, his beautiful irises, projecting the image of his troubled, tormented soul, onto their crystal clarity...

Finding himself staring at the male, he wondered what it was they guy was looking at. For some odd reason, Aijou felt like this weirdo male was staring right through him...If that was even possible. I don't think it is....Kreg muttered as he heard Aijou's wondering thoughts.

Again, the male told him everything would be okay. Aijou bit his lip as he glanced away, feeling awkward staring at someone he didn't know while that person carried him...When being told he'd be placed down, Aijou gave a light nod.

Tugging the coat that was around him a bit tighter, Aijou hadn't realized he'd been wearing it til he was on the floor, slowly raising the ends up to take a light little smell of the collar. It smelt nice...Was it weird that Aijou was starting to feel slightly happy? That he had finally found someone that seemed to care?

Don't trust him. He could still do something weird! Jim had warned while the male opened the door. Aijou gave a weak nod to the other voice as he felt his eyes closing. He was still tired. Though unlike last time, Aijou wasn't asleep, his eyes were just closed.

He felt himself being lifted up again. His eyes opening as he flushed. "w..Where are you gonna take me?" He asked as he was brought into the other males house. His gaze moving over the objects that cluttered the place.

The morning sky was coloured in fiery shades of purple and orange, but the sadows of the night hadn't completely loosened their hold on the world. And since Akira's flat was facing West, opposite the Sun, he could barely see anything.

Nevertheless, he kept on moving, carefully, so as not to bump into any piece of furniture, or any shoes he might have left liying around when he left for work in a hurry.

He should have thought it through, but he just acted in the heat of the moment. Getting that boy into a warm bed had been his only priority. Bu now, he couldn't very well put him down again, and go searching for the light switch.

"So what am I going to do? Just stand here, holding him in my arms, until the Sun's completely up?" He leaned against the wall, and slowly sat down on the floor, holding on to the boy, as if he were a priceless artifact.

"I'm going to need your help" He spoke out loud, hoping that Aijou could hear him. "I forgot to turn on the light, and I really can't see anything, so I want you to give me the briefcase you have in your lap. My cellphone's in there, and if I open it, we'll be able to have some light"...

A few seconds went by, and nothing happened. And then, just as Akira was about to check to see if the boy was allright, he felt Aijou moving in his arms, and heard a short clicking sound, as the boy had managed to open the briefcase.

"Good work" the man said to him. "You're a pretty sharp kid! Now, if you could just feel around inside for my phone...Should you find it, don't be afraid to touch a button, cause I locked the keypad. Just press randomly, because then, the screen will light up, okay?...

Aijou held onto the others shirt slightly with one hand while the other was on the case in his lap and slightly holding the jacket, his gaze moving around the place. Unlike most people, Aijou had grown use to the darkness, so he was able to see rather well.

The young male could feel the slow strides the male took as he began to work his way into the place, most likely unable to see due to the dimmed lighting of the early morning glow.

He wasn't completely sure as to what the guy was trying to do, wondering around in the dark as he was with Aijou in his arms. so the male just kept quiet, ignoring the some odd rants that were being said from Jim and Grim, Kreg having gone quiet on him.

Aijou felt himself being lowered with out really being lowered. Then he realized that the other male was leaning against the wall, making Aijou tilt at more of an angel while he muttered to himself. Something Aijou didn't really catch before the guy spoke to him, asking about a briefcase being opened and something about a phone. Glancing down he looked at the box that was in his arms. Unsure as to how he should even open the weird thing.

Finally though, he found the clips and some how, by fiddling with it, got it to open with a soft click. Reaching inside of it, he felt around for the phone, the shadow's from the lid having caused the case to become darker then the room. "this thing?" he asked as he grabbed a small box like thing that had buttons on it. Hitting a button the phone lit up, causing Aijou to turn his head with is eyes closing from the sudden brightness.

Ignoring the comment on being smart, he just held the phone out to the other male, not wanting to hold onto it, for one it hurt his eyes. And it was just awkward..He didn't know where to point it. If the other had just asked, Aijou could have just told him where he was...But now Aijou had become unfocused and couldn't see as good in the dark. Stupid flashes of light.

When the phone lit up,a sudden and bright flash of light shattered the surounding darkness, allowing Akira to distinguish a few vague contours in the hallway. He was no longer as blind as a bat, thanks to that bright young man. The boy had even handed him the phone, and he was more than glad to take it.

"Thank you. Now, I'd like you to slowly move out of my lap, and onto the the carpet, and lean against the wall, cause I'm going to get up and go look for the light switch. It may not be far away, but I wouldn't want to accidentally step on you..."

Aijou gave a weak nod as he was given orders. His legs moving down to touch the floor as he slowly slid down. Moving his way off of the other and over against the wall where he leaned against, head turned away from the bright flash of the phone.

As he stood there, he began to focus his eyes, glancing around in the darker shadows of the room as whats his name began to move around and fiddle with things trying to find the light switch. We should take this chance and run Yea, he wont get to you in time...Grim and Jim went on. Kreg let out a low sigh as he kept out of it.

I can't go now. I don't know how to get out of this building. Aijou thought back to them. His gaze finally adjusted mostly as he slid down the wall and pulled his legs to his chest. He wasn't sure what was going to happen when the lights came on...What if this guy ended up being some weirdo who just kidnapped him with the false promise of helping him? It wasn't like this was new to him...people tricking him, using him.

"There we go!"

Akira finally managed to find the damn switch, and pressed it, bringing light to the dark hallway.

"Now we can...."

He didn't get the chance to finish his sentence, because, as he turned around, he saw that Aijou had the expression of a terrified, helpless little animal. He'd placed his skinny hands around his legs, resting his chin on his knees, looking fearfull, lost, and disoriented.

He noticed the bruises he had on his arms. He couldn't have gotten those form a fall. someone had deffinitley abused him. That's why he felt so apprehensive around Akira. That's why he refused his help.

The boy had lost his faith in people...

Akira placed his phone on a near by wooden table, and kneeled once again, keeping his distance, so as not to startle Aijou, who seemed to be lost, in his own world.

"Hey..." he softly whispered to the boy. "I can't even begin to imagine what you must have gone though. I can see the marks you have on your body, and I'm guessing you didn't make them yourself. You must feel hurt, abandoned, angry, betrayed. But you have to trust me..."

So he reached out his hand, as a sign of friendship.

"You refused to let me help you out there on the street. I can understand that. You must have thought I'm a sick pervert, who'd want nothing more than to hurt you. But I'm reaching out to you again, and I'm begging you to trust me. I know it's very hard, but please, trust me. All I want to do is help you. I promise you, i'll make the person who did this to you pay to the fullest extent. So, please..."

Akira tried to put up a smile, but his lips were shaking, as he felt all that sadness emanating from the youngster's eyes. It surrounded him, it was wrapped around him, it was coming form within him...

And then, the tears, which he'd been trying to repress, took over. He began to cry, on his knees, with his right hand reaching out to the boy. He was ashamed of it, as he tried to keep a calm face, but the tears kept coming out, he just couldn't stop them...

"Please, trust me..."

Once he was settled into his little ball, Aijou closed his eyes as the lights switched on, saving them from the burning of the sudden brightness. Why most people had to rely on light, he wasn't sure. Was it something that just came with being normal? Something Aijou clearly wasn't...

When he felt that it had been long enough, he slowly opened his eyes, glancing down at the floor first before working his gaze up to the male. It took a long while for his eyes to adjust. Not having been one tho be in a lighted room. The sun did get really bright, but he often stayed off the streets in they day time. To many body's moving around.

His arms shook slightly as he held his hand tightly against his legs. Feeling awkward as the male stared at him. Glancing down, he wondered what it was that had caught the guys gaze. Nothing seemed different...Did the guy just not notice him before or something? Biting onto his lower lip, he looked back up at the other male, his eyes fallowing his path to a table before the male lowered himself down. This was all to confusing for Aijou, he didn't really understand any of the movements the guy was making, nor why he was being so different from before when he'd panicked. Maybe he's just realizing that he brought a stranger to his house? Kreg wondered. Or he's just now seeing how cute you are~ Grim offered. With that, Aijou just sighed on the end side.

When the guy began to talk again, Aijou felt himself grow confused, the guy muttering something about marks..Glancing down, Aijou ran his hand over the bruises on his arms. They were not that bad were they? A few weeks old at most..This guy was really weird. Aijou was caught off when his feelings of hurt and betrayal were spoken. His gaze moving back to the other guy. He didn't really feel angry...just...sad. But that wasn't something he'd understand.

Looking at the out reached hand, Aijou bit onto his lower lip again, wondering what he should do, It wasn't like he could honestly trust someone just because they said he should. There were so many who'd tried the same tactic, sure most of them had been to get him to go with someone else...But still, He just wasn't sure if trusting him was something he should do...Maybe he is different. He did try to help you when you passed out. Kreg pointed out. Grim and Jim just muttered something about not wanting to trust him.

Aijou watched the male as he attempted to smile, The feeling didn't reach his eyes though, And Aijou was sure that this stranger was having some odd breakdown after just a few moments of being around Aijou. Was he really that much of a problem to others? Maybe that's why his mother had left him...those foster parents hadn't wanted him...Though he wasn't quiet sure why those guys tired to do them weird things to him...He was a guy after all..

When tears began to fall from the mans eyes, Aijou was a bit shocked, He seemed to be more lost then Aijou himself was. His face twisted in sorrow that Aijou had hidden from everyone else. "I..." he began, not sure..Even if he couldn't trust like everyone else..he still disliked to see people upset. "O..Okay.." he said feeling oddly confused with himself. He said he'd trust the guy...but he couldn't really..but he would try...at least he planned to.

You do know what you're doing right? The voices said with some worry. Aijou just stared at the male. He didnt like to see others cry...He'd had enough of it himself.

Those few words from Aijou, managed to ease Akira's pain. It was as if a giant boulder had been lifted off his chest all of a sudden. His heart was no longer aching that badly, though he still felt sad for the boy, and angry towards the ones who'd betrayed, rejected, hurt and used him.

"Thank you", he said to Aijou, with a friendly smile, as he wiped his tears away, hoping that no more would follow. "I truly admire your strength and courage, because it's not easy to start trusting in people again, after they've let you down so many times. I know we're practically strangers, but somewhere, deep inside, I feel that you are really a good kid. You're pretty smart, and you know your way in the dark. I'm going to come closer now, and I'd like you to take my hand, so I can help you up, it that allright?...

Aijou watched the others expression changed to a better more pleased one. Pressing his lips together, Aijou watched the other as he shifted, moving to a standing stance. Aijou slowly reached up to take his hand, unsure as to what was going to happen now. Glancing around the males home, Aijou worked his way up to his feet, only to pull his hand away when he was stable enough to stand on his own. "I...I'm Aijou" he said unsure if he'd told the male his name or not. Aijou did often forget things when he passed out. Glancing around he wondered if he could find a place to sit. He didn't really want to impose to much on the guy. There was still the issue of not having a way to pay him back after all...

Feeling awkward enough as he stood there, Aijou then heard the small grumble of his stomach. His eyes widen slightly as he felt embarrassment filling him, his face turning a shade of crimson. "I...Pardon me" he muttered as he held his waist, Having not eaten in a while. It wasn't that strange that his stomach would growl. But that was surely embarrassing. Maybe he'd have to try and find something later on. So that it didn't happen again. But...he hadn't gotten money so that left little options for finding food...

Akira was pleased that he'd managed to break the ice, and help the boy make his first step back into the world that had mercilessly thrown him aside. He even gave him his name.

"Aijou", the man said, as he shook his hand. "I think it's a pretty name. I'm Akira, by the way, nice to meet you. You see? Now we're not simple strangers anymore. You've learned a little about me, and I know a little about you, so there's no need to be afraid."

He slowly let go of the boys hand, and took a few moments to study his appearance in more detail.

"We need to warm you up with a nice hot bath, and find you something suitable to wear.... But first, we should go to the kitchen" he suggested, as he'd heard the boy's stomach growling.

"Come with me", he invited Aijou, as he pointed to the first door on the right. I think I bought some groceries yesterday, before going to work. I am glad you decided to trust me, even if only a little bit, and I want to prove to you that I'm worthy of that trust. So, everything you're going to eat, will be prepaired under your supervision."

Aijou was really embarrassed with the fact that his stomach had rumbled, proving his need for assistance even if he wasn't the type to want it. Mostly because when he did get help, the person always wanted something from him in return..

Hearing his name being called, Aijou glanced at him, feeling the slight hand shake of someone who in return spoke his own name. Akira? That was a nice name...he figured, being as not many did share their names with him. It wouldn't prove useful when they wanted him to leave...

Feeling Akira's gaze on him was awkward. And it made him wonder what it was the male was looking at. The dirt? Lack of clothing? Or simple the state the boy was in..

"I-I'm fine...B..but I would like a shower..." he said feeling slightly embarrassed. He didn't like baths, mostly because they scared him. One of his many foster mothers had used the bathtub as a means to punish, forcing whoever in the house, that had done something she seen as bad, under the water until the were choking.

Aijou fallowed after the male as he led him into what Aijou figured was the kitchen, his gaze moving around as he tried to find the way out, just in case he needed to make a break for it. Best to know how to get out then not. Chewing on his lower lip, he slowly moved to take a seat at the table, still feeling awkward as he placed his hands on his lap. "T..Thank you." he muttered.

"Don't worry", Akira smiled, as he opened the refrigerator door, looking around, to provide the boy with some decent food.

He liked to cook, and he used to do it a lot when he was younger, but now, he just didn't have the time anymore. He was so busy with his job, mainly fixing other peoples' stupid mistakes, that he'd barely have the time to run his own personal life.

"Normally, I'd dazzle you with my excellent cooking skills" the man giggled, as he tried to make the boy feel more cofortable, with a little humor. "I'm kidding, of course, but I'd really give you something more consistent to eat. Sadly, I only have some salamy, some cheese, and butter left in my vast treasure chest."

He carefully took the m out of the fridge and put them on the table, walking up to the pantry door, and going inside. "I'm pretty sure I have some bread left", he spoke as he started rummaging through the pantry. "Yup, found it. Now, I'm going to make you a few sadnwiches, and some warm chamomile tea, then we'll rest in the living room for a while, and afterwards, you can take a hot shower."

He put the bag on the counter, next to the other ingerdients, lit up the cooker. He then took a stainless steel kettle out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and placed it on the cooker ring.

"I'm going to share this humble meal with you, and drink some tea, so you can be sure that I didn't put anything wierd in, okay?"

As he informed the boy of what he was going to do, Akira took a kitchen knife from the drawer and started slicing the left over salamy and cheese, but he left the butter aside, as it was far too solid to dab onto the bread.

"I'll use the sandwich maker. it'll be a while before we can dig in, so, maybe you can go take a shower now. I know your tummy must be empty, but I promise you, by the time you get back, you'll have a tasty breakfast waiting for you. You'll find fresh towels and soap, and the door can be locked from the inside. That way you can rest assured that no one will go in after you. Try not to make tha water too hot, so you don't feel dizzy afterwards, and sit in the bathtub, don't stand, because you might slip and ind injure yourself, okay?"

The boy noded, a "yes", thanked him, and got off his chair, slowly limping towards the door.

"Poor boy" Akira thought, as he was watching Aijou close the kitchen door behind him. "I have to give him some room. Only then will he truly understand that I have no intention of harming him."

Aijou gave a small nod as he waited in the chair, watching as Akira moved about the kitchen to the refrigerator and poked around into it. Aijou wondered what was held in there, unsure as to what he'd be eating.

When he glanced to the side, he saw a few things scattered about. His head titling as he looked around the males house, it wasn't to bad..Cozy and warm. But he shouldn't think to much on this. After some food and a nice bath, he was leaving. He surly couldn't impose to long on this male.

Turning back to the other male, he watched as he took out the things he'd commented on and sat them onto the counter. Looking more then confused at the assorted foods on the counter, he wondered what would be made out of them, Having never had most of what was rested on the counter.The most Aijou ever got was a few slices of bread from the some odd old lady's that felt pity for him. Or he'd be lucky and find someone tossing the bread away and catch it in time.. He watched the male move to the pantry, poking through them too till he found the bread he'd been looking for. Biting onto his lip, Aijou was glad that the bread was found. He wondered if it would taste better not plain...

Aijou couldn't help but lick his lips slightly at the thought of getting some food, but before Akira started to make the food, he went to the cupboards and pulled something else out, filling it with water and setting it on some heat...

"O-okay.." he said as he squirmed a bit. He really did want to start eating. Shove a few slices of bread in his mouth...But this wasn't his home. (he didn't have one) and he wouldn't be rude.

Aijou froze when he saw the knife, his face going slightly pale as he leaned back slightly. He knew that the male hadn't done anything so far. But seeing him with something that could be used as a weapon didn't make him feel at ease...Even if all the guy did was cut up the salami and cheese.

Aijou was a little more at ease when the knife had been put down, his gaze moving back to the food as he watched the male say something about a maker? He wasn't sure what it was and didn't really care. He was told that he could shower while the food was being made. Giving a light nod, he pulled himself from the chair and headed down the hall, stumbling a bit before he found the bathroom. Closing the door, and let out a deep sigh, turning around to lean on the door for a second before moving to the shower He wouldn't lock it just in case he did pass out and need help, rather have the guy be able to get in and help him then not..Ue slowly pulled his clothes off, only to reach into the bath and turn the water onto warm, tugging the thing to switch it to a shower. When it was all set and ready, he climbed in, sitting down as he'd been told to do. He himself hadn't wanted to fall...

He doesn't seem so bad...rather nice. I agree...maybe we can get a nice warm bed to sleep on for a bit? Of course he'd have to stay in the other room...But you do need a good nights rest..maybe this is a sign to get it? Aijou sighed as he rested his head onto his knees. He still wasn't completely sure as to what he should do. He could stay for the night. Sleep in a warm bed...but that would be a little rude wouldn't it? Getting food..a bath and a place to sleep from a stranger? Guilt filled him as he thought of asking for such a thing after getting so much. Instead he just sat there, his white hair hanging down his back as the water splashed over him...Warming him up slowly.

The tea kettle started to wistle softly, as the water inside it finally reached its boiling point. Akira had just finished setting up the table, when he heard the sound, so he turned off the cooker, picked up the kettle by its plastic handle, took out a white thermos flask from the cupboard, opened the lid, threw a few chammomile tea bags inside, poured the hot watter over them, and closed tha flask, letting it rest on the counter.

"Well, it's not much, but at least It will fill his empty tummy, until I manage to go shopping again. Oh, almost forgot. He's going to need clothes."

And with that, he left the kitchen, and went into the living room, to look into his drawer for some pijamas to give to the boy. He didn't think he was going to find something even remotely close to the boy's size, when he stumbled across an older pair of cotton pijamas. He used to wear those before he started working out. they were still kind of big for Aijou, but they were better than anything else he could give him at that moment.

He took out a coat hanger, put the jammies on it, and walked all the way to the bathroom door, hanging them on the door handle.

Then, he went on to his room to get changed into something more comfortable.

After enough time had passed, Aijou pulled himself up to his feet, being careful not to slip as he grabbed the shampoo and began to wash his hair, making sure to get all of it nice and clean before rinsing out and moving to conditioner and then some body soap. His body being rinsed off as he scrubbed the dirt off his paled skin. The time it took to clean his hair and his body had taken more time then he'd though. Then gain when someone doesn't have a way to wash up for a few days, it gets really bad.

When he finally finished, Aijou was a new person, smelling of sweet flowers and sparkling clean. He slid out of the shower, the water now off as he grabbed a towel and began to dry off, making sure not to leave to much water on the floor. When he finished drying his body off, he took the towel and wrapped it around his head, as to keep his hair out of his face and leave it up in the towel to dry, no water dripping on the floor as he bit onto his lip, unsure as to what he should wear. Opening the door to ask, he spotted the hanger and clothing, Figuring that they were placed there for him.

Closing the door again, Aijou took the PJ's and began to tug them on, finding the pants a bit to big, but not by to much, and the top falling down to his thighs. He could have just pulled of wearing the top, if it wasn't so awkward to be walking around it in at least. Sighing, the male glanced into the mare and gave a nod as he took the towel off his head and hung it up, letting his long white hair fall back down in slight wet knots.

Leaving the bathroom, Aijou headed back into the kitchen, sitting back down at the table as he looked over at Akira. "I..I finished." he said in a small voice as he waited, hands in his lap again. He felt much better now that he was clean and warmed up, all he needed was some food in his belly and he should be set...Well...that and a small nap.

Akira slowly loosened his tie, then took it of, placing it on the bed. He then proceeded to remove the rest of his clothes, placing them on the chair. So there he was, completely naked, but it was okay, because he didn’t feel cold at all. He actually felt quite warm.

“Yes, it feels warm, even thought it’s freezing outside. I never feel cold, because I have a home to go to every night, I have food, and clothes, and shoes. But that boy has nothing, short of his worn out blanket and torn clothes, that barely kept his bruised and fraile body from freezing to death…”

He just stood there, completely disrobed, contemplating the depts of Aijou’s torment and despair, and as he did so, he suddenly felt dirty, ashamed, gorged in guilt, as if he were the one responsible for the way things turned out for the boy. And, suddenly, all those annoying and painful questions started popping up in his mind.

“What am I going to do with him? How will I be able to take care of him? What if he runs away? I don’t even know how old he is. Does he still have parents, or relatives? Did someone try to force themself on him? What if he doesn’t want to tell me who abused him? How will I be able to keep my promise and help him then?...”

So many questions, to which he had no answers at that time. All he could do for now was provide him with a decent meal, some clothes, and a warm and comfortable place to sleep in. They were both in desperate need of rest.

“I guess I can’t stay here like this, meditating for all eternity. I’m hungry, not to mention tired. I should be getting back to the kitchen.” So Akira tried to let it go, but he just couldn’t. Every time he would close his eyes, he could see poor Aijou, taking of his torn clothes to reveal a skinny, fragile body full of beating marks. And he’d feel sadness, pain and anger towards the person responsible for making them, and he’d want nothing more than to hurt that person deep inside, just as he or she’d hurt the boy…

“I wish I could get my hands on them, so I can make them pay for each and every bruise on his body, for each and every wound, carved deep into his heart, for every cry for help that went uanswered, for each and every tear he shed!…”

He struggled to get ahold of himself, but he just felt the need to cry again. He despised those tears, and yet he looked forward to them. He hated them, as they made him feel weak, and helpless, and he wanted them, because he felt the need to punish himself for all of Aijou’s suffering. Even though he wasn’t to blame, he still felt the need to pay for someone else’s sins! He just wished he could take all of Aijou’s pain away, and make it his own. Because the pain he felt in his heart was insufficient. He needed to take the boy’s pain as well...

Aijou was a complete stranger, a boy he’d met by accident on the streets. There was nothing to tie them together. But if he was just a mere stranger, than why did it hurt so much, everytime Akira thought about him? Why did every tear, falling from his eyes feel as if it were the very first one he’d shed in his entire life?...

As Aijou sat in the kitchen he waited for the other male to come back out so that he could eat. Having not figured out where it was the guy had gone to. Now that he was warm, the young male felt a sense of pleasure just for not having grim or dirt all over him. It was nice to be cleaned.

Scratching his arm Aijou glanced around, soon growing restless as he waited. He just wasn't use to sitting in someone's house with out something happening. So it felt rather odd. More so when he had been told he'd get to eat when he left the shower, now to not see anyone there to give the food to him.

Maybe he was in a shower himself? Just one that Aijou wasn't in? He wondered slightly as he slowly rested his head on the table, He wasn't sure if Akira would be mad for him doing this, so he kept his eyes open just in case he had to sit up when the male came back into the kitchen. Letting out a sigh, he wondered what to do after eating. Leave? Stay? It was hard to decide..

I cant' believe it. You're going to really trust this guy! Kreg said. Aijou ignored him as he gave a light pout expression, It was fine wasn't it? Trusting someone who seemed to be different from everyone else? Oh, don't worrky Kreg, if the guy does something stupid, I'll take him out. As will I, No worries. Oh..Thats not what I'm worried about.. Kreg said with a sigh.

Sighing, Aijou gave up on waiting, instead he slowly pulled himself up to his feet and wrapped his arms around his waist, not because he was cold, just because he was a bit nervous as he slowly shuffled his way out of the kitchen, wondering where it was Akira had gone to.

Biting onto his lower lip, Aijou made his way to the males bed room, slowly pushing the door open and peeking inside before seeing Akira standing in the middle of the room with nothing on what so ever. His face grew a deep shade of red as he pulled his head back. "s-sorry!" He stumbled while moving back. His face was still bright red as he slid down the wall and sat outside the males door. He wasn't sure why he just sat there, having just saw the guy in a state that was embarrassing to comment on. He wasn't sure what to do.

(so much less then yours Dx i had a brain fart)

"Aijou, you startled me, said Akira, when he exited his room to find the boy standing against the wall. He'd been too caught up in the train of his own thougts, so he didn't notice it when the boy slowly opened the door to look for him, no did he hear the boy's apologies for having violated his privacy, getting to see him without any clothes on.

"I thought you'd be in the bathroom for a while, enjoying a nice long shower, so I took a little longer to get into my jammies" he explained to the boy. Don't tell me you've been waiting here for me, so you could start eating?

But Aijou didn't say a word, as he kept staring at the floor, trying to hide his flustered expression from the man. Akira had absolutely no idea why the boy was acting so shy. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but smile, and rustle his beautiful white locks of hair. Or so he thought it was, when they first bumped into each other on the cold and deserted street. But looking at it now, made him think of it as being a very bright blonde, far brighter than his own hair colour. Aijou remanied perfectly still and perfectly silent, as though he were nothing more than a perfect wax replica of a human being.

"Well...Not only are you intelligent, but you're also a very well mannered young man", Akira suddenly spoke, so as to fill those few awkward moments of silence. "I apologize for making you wait so long." He reached out his hand once again. "Come on, lets go to the kitchen and fill up our empty bellies with some yummy sandwiches..."

Aijou flushed as he sat there, he didn't look up for fear of seeing the male was still naked. Instead he kept his head down and held as still as he could. He wasn't sure if Akira had heard him. And he'd rather have it not be that. It was embarrassing enough to have walked in on the male giving him food and something to wear. It was hell to have him know that it flustered you.

When he commented on thinking that Aijou would take a while, so he'd went to change. Aijou was tempted to explain that he'd finished and come to check on him. But stopped himself. Should he say he saw him changing? would the guy be angered and kick him out?

biting onto his lower lip Aijou kept his mouth shut as he stared at the guys feet. Waiting for him to either brush off this awkwardness and move into the kitchen again or figure out what it was that had happened just moments before. Whatever would happen, Aijou wasn't completely sure he could truely face Akira.

When Akira said something about being intelligent and mannered, Aijou snapped his head up, looking at the other confused. "i-its fine, it wasn't that long of a wait." he said gazed at the hand. Flushing again he almost took the males hand before pulling his own back and standing up again, still unable to bring himself to willingly touch the guy. (it didn't help that when he reached for the guys hand, he pictured him being naked.) "L..lets go" he said as he began to walk down the hall, still numbly embarrassed.

Akira hadn't a clue as to why Aijou was acting so strangely. "Perhaps, the lad's just shy to begin with, and, being in a complete stranger's house is making him even more so", the man thought, as he followed Aijou back to the kitchen. Had he discovered the real reason he'd surely be just as embarassed as the boy was, perhaps even more ebmarassed.

They entered the kitchen, and Aijou went back to his seat, quietly staring at the plate Akira had placed some tasty looking sandwiches on before he went to change.

"What's wrong?" the man asked, as he sat at the table, noticing Aijou wasn't touching his food. "I could hear your tummy rumbling when you went to the bathroom. Aren't you hungry?"

Aijou flushed as he looked up, "W-well...I...sorry" he said reaching for the food and taking a small bite. It did taste really good. He couldn't deny that it did make him feel loads better to have something in his stomach. His gaze still pointed downwards as he ate...

He just couldn't figure out what to do now, should he tell the male what he saw? Maybe just try and forget about it? Even though it was still clearly on his mind..."A..kira.." he said breaking the others name up, "I..Is it okay if I stay here?" he asked looking up. He would forget the changing scene and move on. Thats what he'd do.

Sure...But you honestly just like him is all. Our little bud is falling in love...Don't listen to them, there morons. This is a good thing, you should fall for him...you should be happy. Aijou blushed lightly as he waited for a reply, embarrassed by what the voices in his head were saying.

The man blushed slightly as their eyes met. Aijou had called him by his name, for the very first time. Furthermore, he'd asked him if he could stay. It appeared that the boy was beginning to have more faith in him, and that's just what Akira wanted. He'd made it his personal responsability to restore Aijou's trust in people, and in himself.

The boy had touched him deep inside, without him realising it. He had no idea what he was feeling, because he'd never experienced such a powerful emotion before. Akira raised his left hand, and placed it on his chest, feeling his heart beat faster and faster, as that mysterious, but wonderful emotion bloomed inside of him, like a beautiful flower, opening itsself to the entire world, and embracing it, all at once...

The man suddenly felt the urge to cry, but not because he was sad. Akira wanted to cry, because the wall that separated Aijou from him had begun to breach. He forced himself not to burst into tears, and smiled, touching Aijou's soft hair once again.

"Of course, he whispered, as his voice was trembling. And, thank you, Aijou.... Now... eat some more. You must be starving. Then, we'll have us a nice rest, and we'll talk about what comes next..."

Aijou blushed lightly as he glanced up at the other male. He wasn't sure if he would be able to stay the night or not, it seemed as though Akira was a bit over taken by this sudden question, and spent a moment thinking something over before finally giving Aijou his reply. "O..okay" he said as he began to eat. His bites were slow and steady, wanting to make the most out of what he had. If he'd not have asked for so much already, Aijou might not feel so awkward. Reaching over for the drink that had been poured, he began to slip it slightly, hoping nothing would go amiss while he slept.

Its great that we have a bed and all...but You might not be up for it just yet. Slow and steady wins the race. What would happen if 'he' came out and there was some stranger around and you were in said males house? Jim began. We'll just have to keep watch and make sure nothing goes to wrong. If anything We might be able to chill him out. He's a child like Aijou, only....more hardened. You could say he's the real Aijou...Kinda is. All the anger. Grim muttered into the conversation. Well, he was there first, Aijou and him are two of one, like we all are. Only there more connected, only one can have presence. If Aijou's awake, he's asleep, if he's awake, Aijou's asleep. Though some times he stays asleep, if Aijou's body isn't completely rested right. Can't take control of a dead tired body. Kreg sighed.

Aijou ignored most of what they said, simple because he'd never met this other side they often talked about. He wasn't sure if it was there or not. Maybe it was just himself, only not..Thats what it sounded like when they talked about him at least. He wondered if he should maybe set up a way to keep himself safe from this guy that was giving him food and shelter, as to keep them both safe....Sure Aijou was staying in his house and eating his food, but he still didn't completely trust the guy.

"You can use my bed" Akira offered, as he took a sandwich out of his own plate. I'll sleep on the living room sofa, so you don't have to worry. By the way, how old are you, Aijou, if you don't mind me asking?"...

Aijou blinked a few times as he glanced up. "I-i couldn't impose like that" he stuttered. Shaking his head. "I c-can sleep on the couch." he muttered a bit embarrassed. As for the other question, he just kept silent. To be honest, Aijou wasn't totally sure how old he was..just a rough idea.

"Please", Akira kindly insisted. "I want you to be well rested. The couch is big enough for me, and that's the end of that... Now, how old are you?"

Aijou blinked a few times before giving a light nod, setting the food down, "i'm not sure" he said in a smaller tone.

"Please" Akira asked, as he leaned across the table, to touch the boy's arm. "You don't have to be afraid. I promise I'm not going to harm you in any way..."