Colour Me Blood Red

CHAPTER 35

Dishes clinked in the kitchen and voices filtered through the small apartment from the living room. What finally woke Kirihara were not the unusual noises in his house, but the insistent calls from the doorway.

“Akaya! Jesus, you gonna sleep all day?”

A shaggy black head popped out from under the nest of blankets and pillows. Sleep blurred green eyes fixed on the blurry red and blue blob in the doorway.

“You look like shit. Have a shower and then come eat.” Marui chuckled and closed the door behind himself, shaking his head.

Kirihara untangled himself from the blankets and- hold on, blankets? He paused in the middle of rolling out of bed; when had he wiggled under the blankets? He could remember as far as wandering into the room, and then he passed out on top of everything, sideways. With a yawn, he figured he must have caught a chill and wiggled up into the bed. He’d done stranger shit in his sleep before.

He gathered an armful of clothing and carefully peeked out into the hall. He heard way too many voices to make his naked dash to the bathroom comfortable. Slipping back into his room he struggled into a pair of pajama bottoms and tried again.

He showered and cleaned quickly and was actually shocked when no one walked in on him naked. Tossing his clothes into the hamper he wandered down the hall to the living room, wondering just how many his small apartment was harboring this time.

Besides the usual Momoshiro and Ryoma, Kurobane Harukaze and Amane Hikaru were in his living room. Amane was sandwiched between the equally large frames of Momoshiro and Kurobane.

Kirihara suddenly feared for the life of his couch.

Kurobane was arched forward, elbows on his knees, plateful of food on the coffee table. Amane, like Momoshiro, had his plate balanced on his knees. Ryoma hovered around the entrance to the kitchen, unsure whether to attempt the living room, or go in and help Marui in the kitchen.

“Since when do you two visit me?” Kirihara tilted his head. Before everything with the fledgling started, his apartment was basically where he slept and kept his clothes. It wasn’t necessarily used, and never had the lived in feel like a normal home. Now, his apartment always had a person in it, always carried the faint scent of human life. Hunters he had never met ended up in his living room, eating off his dishes, watching his TV, lounging on his furniture. Kirihara still couldn’t decide if he enjoyed the change to his quiet lifestyle.

Kurobane leaned back, forcing Momoshiro and Amane sideways to make room for his wide shoulders. “Uh …since Takeshi told me there was food?”

Marui popped his head out of the kitchen, “sorry, they all knocked so I let them in.”

Kirihara couldn’t help but laugh, never let anyone say Hunters aren’t anything but masculine. Dangle the prospect of home-made food in front of them and it was hook, line, and sinker. He shook his head, “no worries, as long as Bunta-san doesn’t mind feeding all you apes.”

Marui grinned, “feeding this many good looking boys? Hell no.”

A buzzing behind him drew his attention with a quiet, “eh?” Marui disappeared back into the kitchen, a moment later yelling, “Akaya! Your phone is ringing!” Before the Hunter could grab it Marui answered, “Kirihara Akaya’s phone.”

Kirihara frowned at him from the doorway, holding out his hand for his cellphone. He had no idea how it migrated to the kitchen.

Marui shook his head, “it’s charging, you need to leave it plugged in or it’ll die. I found it lying in the hall.” He hummed into the phone before stepping aside and handing it to Kirihara, “says it’s Tezuka?”

Good place to find it.

“Shit!” Kirihara held the phone to his ear and shooed Marui from the kitchen. “Yeah, sorry Tezuka, he got to my phone first.”

Tezuka chuckled, “no problem. How’s domestic life treating you?”

It was Kirihara’s turn to chuckle, “I feel like a restaurant.”

“I can imagine; it’s all I hear about, apparently your friend cooks very well?”

Kirihara slapped his forehead; it just figured his house-mate was water cooler conversation, “I’ll let Bunta-san know his cooking is appreciated. But I take it this isn’t a call to ask how well my friend cooks, is it? What’s going on?”

Tezuka sighed, “First off, I don’t want you to feel like you have no choice in the matter. Secondly, Sanada agreed to give us the entrances …”

“I hear a ‘but’ coming …”

“He has a press conference scheduled tonight with Atobe and he requested I send along some Hunters to act as bodyguards.”

“Let me guess, he asked for me?” Kirihara’s voice came out in a hiss; it was a lie to say he was surprised.

“I’m not going to force you to do this, if you don’t want to, we’ll re-bargain with Sanada or we’ll come up with something else.”

Kirihara leaned against the counter, fingers falling into small indentations in the surface. With a frown at the marks that he didn't remember being there he crossed his arm over his stomach, cradling the elbow with the phone, “if there was something else to do you would have done it by now. I know this is a last resort. This is something I have to do, I know that.” He really wanted to know how Tezuka knew there was an issue between him and Sanada. He was sure Tezuka didn’t know the full story; otherwise he wouldn’t have even asked Kirihara, he would have just told Sanada to shove it.

Tezuka sighed into the phone again, “thank you. The others are going to be here at noon for a debriefing. It was the easiest time to catch you all and then give you time to get ready. Someone will be picking you up around 7pm, as far as I know, from your homes.”

“I’ll be there.” Kirihara hung up the phone.

Tezuka sighed and hung up the phone. He really wanted to know what happened between Sanada and Kirihara. He clearly heard the hesitation in the Hunters voice, and he knew Akaya well enough to know he barreled into anything head first. Something about Sanada made him stop and think, under any other circumstance that would have been a good thing, but the edge of fear on his voice wasn’t worth the maturity.

A prickle of power edged along his shields and he grinned despite the heavy atmosphere. He pushed his chair back from the desk and walked quietly to the door. Opening it, hoping not to startle the one behind it, he leaned on the doorframe and peered around the edge.

“Something I can help you with Kaidoh?”

The Hunter jumped, “Uhh …I heard your conversation with Kirihara-kun …I wasn’t eaves dropping I just …”

“Haven’t gotten used to the perks of Vampire blood?” Tezuka finished softly.

Kaidoh shifted uncomfortably, “something like that.”

Like most adults that ingested Vampiric blood, the effects were almost instantaneous. The very next day he shattered a juice bottle just by lifting it off the bed tray. That night he had to be given earplugs and put into a room further down the hall because he could hear every heartbeat, every breath, from every person on the floor.

Working with Inui and Shinji had enabled him a small amount of control, enough to not drive himself insane. He still slipped up and heard things, or broke things by accident, but not as often.

“And you wanted to speak to me about?”

Kaidoh looked over his shoulder down the hall, head titled slightly as if listening to things Tezuka couldn’t hear. He probably was. “Can we speak in your office?”

“Of course.” Tezuka stepped back and let the Hunter in around him.

Kaidoh took the chair in front of the desk, perching on the edge of it. Tezuka returned to his desk, reclining back and letting his hands rest on the armrests of the chair.

Kaidoh shifted uneasily, “I heard you talking to Kirihara-kun, and I heard you talking to Shiraishi-san about his team …”

Tezuka’s brows twitched in the urge not to frown, he was going to have to get the rooms soundproofed better. He had spoken to Shiraishi in a smaller conference room with all the windows and doors closed for more privacy, and last he had checked, Kaidoh was in the offices out of hearing range.

“You were asking to use his psychics because Sanada-san requested only people with powers. “ He looked up, grey eyes locking with Tezuka’s hazel, “I can help.”

“Kaidoh, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why?” The Hunter frowned, becoming more sure of himself, “I’m stronger and faster now, I can hear things no one else can. I can help, I want to help! I’m getting tired of sitting around here.”

Tezuka sighed, he knew exactly how Kaidoh felt, but was the Hunter ready? “There will be Vampires, possibly even the ones that hurt you.”

Kaidoh’s eyes dropped; he was quiet for a while and Tezuka let him toss the idea around. He drew in a deep breath, filling his chest before letting it out slowly through his nose. “I can do this.”

“You’re sure?”

Kaidoh nodded, “yes. I want to help.”

“If you really think you can do this, then alright.”

A bright smile broke across Kaidoh’s face, making him look younger and more feminine.

“On one condition.” Tezuka leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk.

Kaidoh’s eyes narrowed, “what?" He asked suspiciously.

“You talk to Oishi first.”

“About what?”

“About what happened to you. It will remain between you two if you wish, but I think you need to get that weight off your shoulders before I can put you back out with them.”

Kaidoh stiffened, but nodded. He clearly didn’t like the idea, but if it got him back out with the other Hunters he’d put up with it.

“He’s in his office, everyone is going to be here for a debriefing at noon, I expect you there.” Tezuka nodded to his door and with a smile Kaidoh left.

Kaidoh crept down the hall to Oishi’s smaller office, unlike Tezuka, the door wasn’t opened as soon as he got there. He paused outside the closed door, hand poised and ready to knock. He hadn’t told anyone what had happened when he was kidnapped, and now it was the only thing standing between him and getting back into the field. He rapped lightly on the door and after a few seconds it was opened. Oishi smiled warmly at him and let him into the office without question.

Oishi’s office was smaller and less cluttered than Tezuka’s office. The curtains were thrown open wide, making artificial light unnecessary. Oishi directed Kaidoh to the small two-seater couch against the wall next to his small desk. A small lamp sat next to the couch on an end table, the white light coming from it seemed excessive in the already bright room.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Oishi perched on the edge of his desk so he was facing Kaidoh.

“Uh, no thank you.” Kaidoh sat awkwardly on the edge of the couch.

Oishi smiled again, “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, nothing you tell me will leave this room.”

“Tezuka-san said I need to talk to you about …about what happened to me, or else he won’t let me back into the field.” Kaidoh folded his hands on his lap.

The Hunter’s smile never wavered, “I think Tezuka was right in that. I just wish you had come to me earlier before it was forced upon you.”

Kaidoh frowned, “I don’t understand?”

“You’re talking to me now because Tezuka gave you no choice. I wish you had come to me on your own, because you wanted to, not because you had to. But I guess I’ll just take what I can get.” He tiled his head, “I want to help you Kaidoh.”

Kaidoh blushed and nodded, shifting uncomfortably again. He inhaled deeply and started retelling his night. It started when they jumped Momoshiro and he in the alley, he was knocked out almost instantly so his memory was kind of blurry. The next thing he could remember was waking up in a room, handcuffed to a bed.

Kaidoh stuttered and stopped, closing his eyes.

He kept the details as minimal as he could, not wanting to put himself, or Oishi through that night again.

Oishi couldn’t hide his shock, no matter how hard he tried. When Kaidoh finished retelling his tale his hand flew to his mouth.

“I’m the only one you’ve told this all to?” His voice cracked. He tried to keep himself neutral like any good counselor, but he was too close to the Hunters to not let their stories effect him.

Kaidoh nodded, telling it all made it seem worse. Made him feel worse. He had no idea how many of the Vampires had raped him, or how many forced their blood down his throat. He felt disgusting, and like a woman impregnated by her rapist, would carry their mark forever.

Oishi suddenly launched himself from the table and threw his arms around Kaidoh’s shoulders. The younger Hunter jumped in shock, hands flailing.

“I’m so sorry Kaidoh, that should never happen to anyone. If I could I would take it all away.” He said softly, face close to Kaidoh’s ear

Kaidoh smiled softly and gently pat Oishi’s back. “I know.” He rested his head on Oishi’s shoulder.

“You’re stronger than me if you can get back into this. I don’t know what I would do if I was in your shoes.”

Kaidoh shook his head, face still pressed to the strong curve of Oishi’s shoulders, “Oishi-san is very strong. I’m sure you would work it out.”

Oishi leaned back so he could look Kaidoh in the face, “thank you. This isn’t something that you can get over in one night, no matter who you talk to. But I think you can move past this. I can see in your eyes that you’re thinking bad things.”

Kaidoh flinched and looked away.

“You’re not alone. There are a few people here I think you should talk to.”

Kaidoh frowned, “about what?”

Oishi smiled, “about whatever you need to. There are a few Hunters that have had hard lives and also have Vampire blood in them.”

Kaidoh’s eyes widened, “really?”

Oishi nodded, “more than you think; Kirihara Akaya and Kamio Akira to name a few.”

“I had no idea!”

“Exactly, they are no different from everyone else. And neither are you, you are no worse or better than your peers because of this. You are still you; one of our family, nothing that has happened will change that.”

Kaidoh dropped his head to hide his blush, “thank you Oishi-san.”

“Anytime Kaidoh, I know I wasn't of much help beyond a friendly ear, but my door is always open if you need me. Now, I think you are expected somewhere?”

Kaidoh’s head snapped up and a wicked grin crossed his face, “back where I belong.”


Kirihara wandered into the building at exactly 12:05pm …technically he was supposed to be in a meeting by noon …so he was going to be fashionably late.

“Nice of you to finally join us Kirihara-kun.”

Or maybe just late.

He slipped into an empty chair and nodded an apology to Tezuka. Kenya grinned at him, chuckling to himself. Kirihara resisted the urge to slap and/or curse at him …preferably both. His restraint was getting better. he was going soft in his old age.

Shiraishi and his team took up most of the table, but there were still a few familiar faces filtered around. Fuji Yuuta sat at the head of the table near Tezuka, chin rested in his hand. Kamio Akira stretched out next to Tachibana Ann, and Kawamura Takashi had taken a seat beside them. Kaidoh sat at the farthest edge of the small table, elbow on the armrest and a leg tucked underneath himself.

“Due to recent events, Atobe Keigo and Sanada Genichirou have decided to make a public announcement. To the human population, they are calling the recent attacks simple terrorist instigations, and are joining Companies to help protect themselves and everyone involved. To the Vampires, they are showing they are working together, making them a tougher opponent because they are no longer dealing with one Master. They want people out in the crowd and at their sides just incase. It also gives us an edge for when we can start sending Hunters underground. If they have seen you at Sanada and Atobe’s side, they will not be suspicious. Some of you will be acting directly as their body guards, others will be in disguise throughout the crowd as Paparazzi and such.”

A general hum went through the group, they all understood.

Tezuka nodded, “Kirihara, Yuuta, and Oshitari-kun will be acting as Body Guards, Atobe has his own. Shishido Ryou and Ootori Choutarou will be on his side. Ann, you will be with Kaidoh as reporter and cameraman respectively, get a good shot of the crowd, just incase there are faces there we will need to know for future reference.”

Ann nodded, glancing over her shoulder to Kaidoh and smiled gently at him. He smiled back.

“Shiraishi will be giving his team their instructions, those of you that are not on Guard duty will need to get to the conference on your own. Try to not all get there at the same time, and no one carpools. We are trying to blend in people.”

General information was given out afterwards and Tezuka sent them on their way. During the scrape of chairs and the shuffle of heavy feet Tezuka cleared his throat for attention.

“And Gentlemen, try to look decent, these are the Masters of the City we are dealing with.”

Kirihara snorted. If Atobe and Sanada wanted him dressed up, they could damn well do it themselves.