Altered Threesome

This part of the fic takes place AFTER the events of the series, where Tachibana now has his own home on the outskirts of a new city, while Ryuhou and Kazuma still travel from battlefield to battlefield. Typical fanfiction disclaimers--I don’t own the boys, but please don’t sue me. ^.^

Italics for thoughts


Altered Threesome
Chapter 10

A couple of hours later, a cleaned and refreshed Tachibana was finishing hanging up the last of his dirty laundry. He frowned at the state of his friend’s clothing—burnt, frayed, obviously not about to withstand another few months of battles and Altering. I doubt he has any money, though. I’ll talk to Kanami-chan—she might have something, or she’d be happy to make or buy him new stuff. That decided, he turned towards his small garden at the side of his house.

There had been no choice other than to become something of a farmer; there just wasn’t enough fresh food to go around most days, and the whole community had taken to filling what usable land they had with vegetables and fruit. Tachibana had been neglecting his recently, and with a sigh he started wandering through, crouching now and then with a wince to pull a few unwelcome weeds.

Ryuhou lost Kazuma’s trail soon after he entered the barren rock fields west of the settlement. He’d been tracking him for days, weary but determined to get a word with that reckless, foolhardy punk. He had heard about the mainland’s latest fleet and traveled nearly all day to reach the site where they planned to begin their attack, only to find ruins. The entire task force had been utterly destroyed, and though Ryuhou didn’t doubt Kazuma was capable of it, he also shouldn’t have tackled the job alone. Chastising Kazuma now probably wouldn’t do or solve anything; he had to try, though, to make him see reason. He was even a little worried that he may have been injured.

But when Ryuhou’s search took him to the outskirts of a small but familiar town, he realized his concern was probably misplaced; this was where Kanami lived, and she would certainly take care of him. Still, he didn’t want all his time spent to go to waste, so he started toward the first building he came across to see if Kazuma had passed through this way. There was a figure bending over in the garden, and he lifted his voice in greeting. “Hey, there. I don’t mean to disturb you, but have you seen….” When the man glanced back he paused, his posture straightening. “Oh. Tachibana.”

Blinking, Tachibana stood, rubbing at his eyes as if to make sure the figure before him really was who he thought. I almost should have guessed, he thought, shaking his head. Kazuma shows up, and next Ryuhou? Must be Fate playing with me. Tachibana began to make his way forward, tossing his handful of weeds off into a can on the way, brushing off his dirtied pants. “Ryuhou." He paused, rubbing at the dirt and plant pieces on his hands. “It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has.” Ryuhou glanced over him, at the house beyond. “You look well. I’m glad.” Before he could let himself dwell on the sudden memories for too long he curled his fingers and continued with why he was here. “I’ve been looking for Kazuma--I thought he might have passed through here. Have you seen him?”

He nodded, eyes darting briefly to Kazuma’s shirt and pants hanging on his clothesline. “He showed up the day before yesterday,” he replied. He’s…looking older. He’s getting those scars like what Kazuma has. That thought made him frown a bit, but he decided not to mention the matter just yet. “He just went into town a few hours ago—wanted to see the place, see Kanami-chan.” Making a quick decision, he turned slightly towards his front door. “Do you want to come in? He’ll show up here eventually. I’ll make tea.”

“Thanks. I’d appreciate it.” He wasn’t sure if Kazuma would appreciate coming back to find him here, but he wasn’t about to let him get away with all he’d done. He followed Tachibana inside, taking a quick glance at Kazuma’s jacket with the rest of Tachibana’s clothes. So, he really is here. Has Tachibana been taking care of him? The thought made him frown, though he wasn’t sure why. “It looks like the village has grown since I was last here,” he remarked idly. His eyes moved over the inside of the small house. “It’s good to see.”

Tachibana nodded as he set his small kettle over the stove. “Everyone’s been working really hard,” he answered, moving through a cabinet to hunt up his tea. “We’re still a little worried about the coming rainy season, but hopefully we’ll have enough food and homes for everyone soon.”

“You’ve all done so well already, I’m sure everyone will manage.” He tugged at a few strands of his hair--it had gotten longer, past his shoulders, even. “Was Kazuma all right, when he came here?” Ryuhou changed the subject abruptly.

That…made him pause. He didn’t feel it was his business to discuss Kazuma’s problems with the other, but…. “He wasn’t bloodied up, if that’s what you mean,” he started carefully. The kettle began to whistle, and he moved to take it off and pour the water. “He’s been using his Alter a lot, though, and I think it’s starting to wear him out a bit. He’s been resting here.”

Ryuhou frowned down at the table. He had begun to feel it as well; the strain of using his Alter so often, tugging at his body even when he wasn’t fighting. “I have to admit, I’ve been concerned,” he said evenly, folding his hands on the table. “There’s never been Alter users like Kazuma and myself, so no one know the effects our own powers are having on us.” He slid his sleeve up to his elbow, displaying long, twisted scars. “The marks have been spreading. I’m sure Kazuma’s are worse than mine, and there’s no telling what it might be doing to us both. That’s why I came looking for him.”

Tachibana looked over the scars as he sat down with two cups of tea, sliding one to his company. “I wish I could give you an answer,” he said slowly. Sighing, he took a slow sip of the bitter tea. I don’t know if I should get in the middle of this. I…don’t know what they’re going through, but…. “He’ll be back soon. You’re welcome to wait here for him, stay for dinner….”

“Thank you.” Ryuhou shook his head slightly and covered his arm up once more, reaching for the tea. It tasted good, and he was grateful for the warmth. And is if on cue the door opened with a rattle, a familiar figure stepping inside.

Kazuma paused in the doorway, glancing between Tachibana and Ryuhou with a sharp frown. Well shit. He crossed his arms as he came inside. “What the hell’s he doing here?”

Tachibana rolled his eyes, standing to pour another cup. “He’s looking for you,” he replied, wondering if he should slip out. “Don’t make such a fuss and sit down.” He set down the extra tea for Kazuma. “How’s Kanami-chan?” he asked. Glancing between the two, he wondered if he really wanted the pair together like this—he wasn’t sure his house could handle it.

Kazuma snorted but sat down, leaning back in his chair even if he didn’t feel very relaxed. Ryuhou was one of the last people he wanted to see right about now. “Kanami’s fine—she promised not to come as long as I come see her again tomorrow.” Which means another night. Ryuhou’s eyes were sharp on him, and he shot him a glare. “So, what the hell do you want?”

“I want to know why you took that fleet on by yourself,” Ryuhou said plainly. “You should have known I’d be there with an envoy that size, and you should have waited. I’m sure even you can see there are times when we should be working together.”

Kazuma rolled his eyes. “I managed well enough, didn’t I? You don’t need to be a dick about it.”

Should have known. Figuring he’d better not say too much at the moment, he moved around the kitchen, hunting up some fruit—mostly watermelon—and bread. Tachibana set them out silently. “Help yourself,” he muttered, returning to the sink to clean the teakettle.

Kazuma glanced after him, frowning a little; he didn’t want to start a fight with Tachibana there, especially since he and Ryuhou had once been companions on the same side. But when his eyes flickered back to Ryuhou, he found the man watching their host as well. Something about the look on his face irked him, as his attention flickered between the pair. Ryuhou must have sensed his gaze, because he looked back. Their eyes met, then turned to Tachibana, then back.

“What the hell are you looking at?” Kazuma demanded in annoyance.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ryuhou replied icily.

“Then cut it out.” Kazuma folded his arms. What’s his problem? But when he looked to Tachibana again, just to see what he was up to, he caught a shift in Ryuhou’s expression; he looked mad about something. Is it…Tachibana? He smirked abruptly. “Or are we making you uncomfortable?”

This time Ryuhou turned his head completely away. “I said I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Tachibana took a chance and snuck a peek at the pair, but neither were looking at him, and he faced the sink again. What’s wrong with them? You’d think after all this time that they’d at least be able to be civil over tea. He frowned as he scrubbed out his cup and the morning dishes he’d left to soak. They’d just better not start a fight.

“Oh really?” Kazuma pushed to his feet, making sure to cross in front of Ryuhou’s field of vision as he sauntered over to Tachibana at the sink. He slid an arm around the younger man’s shoulders, pulling him back against his chest and turning them both to face the former HOLY captain. “You know,” he said with mock thoughtfulness, “I was lucky to end up here--we’ve gotten a lot closer. Haven’t we, Tacchan?”

Ryuhou’s eyes narrowed. He’s just screwing around, he told himself, but he couldn’t help the sharp edge to his voice. “’Tacchan’?”

Of all the-- “Knock it off,” he muttered, trying to jerk out the other’s hold without success. Realizing Kazuma wasn’t about to let him get away, Tachibana crossed his arms angrily. He’s just using me to piss off Ryuhou now. Somehow, though, he couldn’t meet his former commander’s eyes as he poked his elbow into the other’s stomach. “Quit being such an asshole.”

Kazuma laughed, tilting his head so that his lips were just beside his ear. “You wouldn’t have complained last night.” And before Tachibana could protest he was continuing, this time to Ryuhou. “You should have been there. We were so good you would have gotten off just watching.”

Ryuhou stood from his chair, almost toppling it as his hands curled at his sides. His fists trembled. He shouldn’t have been this angry--Kazuma, and Tachibana for that matter, had the right to do anything they wanted. But he couldn’t help the feeling that he was suddenly furious, and that if he’d had any less control Zetsuei would be beside him by now.

“I said quit it!” Tachibana jerked away from Kazuma, turning to glare at him. “If you want to fight so bad then get out of my house--I don’t need this here.” He sent a similar look to Ryuhou, warning, because he knew that expression all too well. “And if you Alter here, you’re replacing whatever you change. And you--” He pointed a finger back at Kazuma. “You can find someone else to fix your arm the next time you screw it up.” He knew he was probably overreacting, but damnit the last thing he wanted was to be used again, and it wasn’t helping matters that his head was starting to pound. Turning away from the pair, he started towards the back of the house. “Go outside if you want to screw yourselves up some more.”

The pair blinked, glancing between each other warily. Kazuma scratched the back of his head with a frown. “See what you did?” he muttered, but just as Ryuhou was starting to retort he held up a hand. “Anyway, we’d better let him cool off. I’ll finish the dishes, and you can go stay with Mimori and Kanami for the night.”

“Why me?” Ryuhou said immediately. “You’re the one who--”

“You’re not staying here.”

“If you think I’m going to leave you here--”

“Whatever, whatever! God, you’re such a prick.” Kazuma rolled his eyes, already turning back towards the sink. “I don’t care what the hell you do, but we can’t both stay or we’ll just end up killing each other. And I’m not going anywhere.”

Ryuhou stared at his turned back for several long moments, his fists still tight and angry. But Kazuma was right, and with a scowl he started for the door. “Tell him I said thanks for the tea.”

“Yeah, right.” Kazuma didn’t glance up until he heard the door close behind him, and with a sigh he stepped back from the kitchen. I guess it’s really ass kissing time. He ventured carefully after Tachibana, peeking into the next room. “Hey…Tachibana?” he called hesitantly.

Tachibana rattled through his bathroom cabinet, coming up with a bottle of aspirin. He swallowed two tablets, made a face, then scooped up a glass of water to help them go down easier. He was standing with both hands on the edges of his sink, head lowered and eyes closed when Kazuma called. Then Ryuhou must have left. Somehow, the thought made his stomach curl. “In here,” he muttered, not sure if he really wanted to see Kazuma yet or not.

“Hey, are you….” Kazuma broke off when he saw the other, suddenly feeling guiltier than he should have over the entire exchange. He came forward slowly, hands in his pockets. “I’m sorry about all that,” he offered truthfully. “He just gets to me--we weren’t really gonna fight.” He paused. “You okay?”

He opened his eyes, staring down at the sink. It’s not his business, but…. Damnit, Ryuhou, why did you have to show up now? His fingers curled. Feeling suddenly tired, he ran a hand through is hair. “We used to be lovers,” he suddenly blurted out, glancing away. Tachibana wasn’t sure why he felt embarrassed, admitting such a thing. “Ryuhou and I.”

“You….” Kazuma didn’t know if he should gape in disbelief or laugh out loud. Ryuhou? So that means Ryuhou’s…. He leaned back against the doorframe, a little stunned. Well shit, no wonder he flipped out. “No kidding….”

Tachibana straightened, though his eyes remained on the sink. “It was more than a year ago, before HOLY was doing much.” He suddenly didn’t want to go into what had happened--how they had just came together suddenly, how Ryuhou had even more abruptly cut it off. Tachibana pushed back and started to leave, trying to slip past Kazuma without having to brush against him too much.

“Hey.” Kazuma caught his arm before he could get very far. He knew it wasn’t any of his business, but he just couldn’t leave well enough alone. “I’ll leave, if you want me to,” he offered. Curiosity’s gonna kill me. I can’t imagine Ryuhou with anyone, let alone…. He kept those thoughts to himself. “If…you wanted to talk to him, or something.”

“I don’t need to talk to him,” he said with a quiet snort, though he didn’t try to escape Kazuma’s hold. He sighed, losing his annoyance to the pounding in his head, and he moved to lean against the opposite doorframe. “And you don’t need to leave. I…want you to stay.”

Kazuma couldn’t help a tiny, embarrassed smile at that. “Well, okay. ‘Cause same here.” Though he knew it probably wasn’t the best thing for a situation like this he slipped closer, nibbling at Tachibana’s temple. “You know,” he murmured, “it really was that good.”

Tachibana rolled his eyes, but he didn’t try to push Kazuma away--his head wouldn’t allow it. Instead he leaned a little more heavily against hard wood. “You’re a bastard,” he muttered, hand curling in his borrowed shirt.

“Aren’t I?” Smiling, Kazuma kissed him. “I’ll finish cleaning up,” he offered as he began to pull away. He could tell that Tachibana still looked exhausted, and it was yet somewhat early in the day anyway--they could save their energy for later. “You should take it easy for a while, since I wore you out so badly last night.”

“It was your damn arm,” he informed, not wanting the other to get away with his comments. Slipping away, Tachibana moved towards his bedroom, already pulling off his dirtied shirt. “I’m taking a nap then, let these drugs start working.” Feeling a bit better already, he waved over his shoulder before nearly dropping into his bed…already looking forward to the evening.

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Two days later, word around the town was that Kazuma was still hanging about. Ryuhou was surprised—he hadn’t expected the man to settle anywhere for so long. True the Main Land hadn’t attempted anything since its last fleet, but he almost wished something--even something small--would happen, just to get Kazuma away for a while. He wanted a chance to speak to Tachibana.

It was late in the evening when Ryuhou finally snuck away from Mimori; he’d heard earlier that Kazuma was going to be sharing a dinner with Kanami, giving him a good enough excuse to not be around. He took the opportunity to visit Tachibana. He wasn’t sure what he intended to say or do, but he felt the need to see him, maybe even apologize for the day before. His knock sounded hesitant against the front door.

Surprised to have a visitor, Tachibana glanced up from the pot of soup he’d been cooking for himself. Who would be here now? Picking up the dinnerware, he continued to stir as he stuck his head out into the hall. “It’s open,” he called. “Come in.”

Ryuhou let himself in, passing a hand self-consciously over the buttoned shirt Mimori had bought for him—she had insisted that he have some normal clothes to wear when he wasn’t fighting. It wasn’t as stiff as his uniform, and it left him feeling a little vulnerable. “It’s me,” he greeted as he stepped into the kitchen. “I’m sorry for coming unannounced.”

Tachibana was momentarily startled, though he got over it quickly, facing the stove and his meal once more. “It’s fine.” I almost didn’t think he’d come back, but…. Just being together again, without someone else around, was making him tense. I’m…almost glad he did. “I don’t have much, but do you want some dinner?” he offered.

“Thanks. I’d appreciate it.” It seemed so bizarre to see Tachibana like this, in a small, comfortable home with a peaceful life…. He never would have imagined it, for either of them, and yet at this moment he was almost envious of it. “I wanted to apologize for the other day,” he said, though he wondered if it was really necessary. It had been Kazuma’s fault, after all.

A faint smile curled his lips. “It’s fine. Kazuma was goading you, and I overreacted.” Tachibana left his soup to fetch a pair of bowls, ladling two helpings before facing the other and sitting at the table. This…is so strange. I don’t really know what to say to him….

Ryuhou joined him at the table, feeling unnaturally self-conscious. He accepted the soup with thanks and swallowed a few mouthfuls—it was good, and it helped him relax a little. “So…it’s true, then?” he asked after another hesitant moment. He had told himself he wasn’t going to ask, but the words had been waiting on his lips all day. “About the two of you….”

Tachibana flushed darkly, and he knew he’d already given himself away. “Um…yeah. I suppose so.” He tested his own soup--he couldn’t really taste it. I never imagined back in HOLY that I would be sitting in a place like this with him, eating soup from a can that I cooked myself. He probably would have laughed—maybe he would later. “It just…kinda happened.”

“I see.” He was a little surprised, but also not. Kazuma seemed like the kind of person that could take whoever he pleased as a lover, and Tachibana…. He lowered his eyes a little. I really have no right to be here, where he’s happy. I know I’ve been unfair to him. Ryuhou stirred his soup idly for a while before eating more. “Maybe it’s best for both of you,” he said thoughtfully. “Kazuma hasn’t been able to settle anywhere since our fight with Mujou—if he’s still here, he must be happy.”

Tachibana hesitantly raised his eyes. But…you haven’t settled either. You’re not any happier than he is. His stomach twisted faintly, watching the expressions on Ryuhou’s face. You really haven’t changed at all. “You should stay,” he found himself blurting out. “Just for a while, I mean…until you get your strength back.”

Ryuhou’s eyes thinned slightly. “Maybe. If things really have quieted down, I suppose I could afford to stay for a while.” The thought warmed him more than it should have, and he had to look away. It really would be nice, to stay in a town like this for a while. To be with people again. He snorted quietly. “Even if I have to put up with Mimori-san a bit longer.” But he hadn’t meant to say that, and he sat up a little straighter, embarrassed. “Please don’t tell anyone I said that just now.”

He waved a hand easily. “I know how she can get,” was all he said, smiling faintly. At least…it’s not too awkward. I’m glad he came back. Tachibana devoted himself a bit more fully to his meal, strangely pleased with himself for some reason.

No you don’t. Ryuhou bit his lip so that he wouldn’t say that out loud, too, and quickly drank down more of his soup. The room was quiet for a moment, and he found himself tugging idly at his hair—he’d been doing that ever since it had grown long, and he frowned at what might be the beginning of a potentially annoying habit. “In any case, if the fighting really has settled for a while, I don’t see why Kazuma and I shouldn’t do the same. I think both our bodies could use the rest.”

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