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

Sorry about the recent troubles with parts of the fic being erased. I don’t have an answer, but I hope within the next few days to have everything fixed. Thanks for your patience!


Altered Threesome
Chapter 7

Kazuma wasn’t sure how far he’d traveled or how long it had been since he left the field of battle. The Mainland was getting damn persistent…stupid bastards. Kazuma couldn’t help but chuckle, however weakly, at the thought of their crumbling forces. It had gone smoothly, for the most part, except for the sheer numbers of his enemies. Though he’d only sustained a minimal amount of damage from the encounter with their battleships he was utterly exhausted.

“Can’t even feel the damn arm anymore.” Kazuma pressed his back up against a sheer rock, sliding to the ground with a weary sigh. It was weird, how that even though he could now Alter his entire body, it was always the right arm that took the brunt of its aftereffects. He rubbed it absently, hoping to coax a little feeling into it—even though he was expecting the painful sting that usually followed. “Damn mainland. Stupid…obnoxious little runts….”

He must have passed out for a while, because when he opened his eyes again sunset was on him. He squinted against the horizontal light and tried to shield his eyes. His arm was still numb. “Must have really done a number on it,” he muttered to himself. He was still exhausted, and now his skull was aching. But it was getting dark now, and he needed to find some shelter for the night, or at least until he was strong enough to defend himself again. He barely made it to his feet before he was sinking down again with a groan.

Tachibana wasn’t sure what led him out into the hills beyond their growing town—it was just a small pressure at the back of his skull, one he’d taken to listening to. He was expecting one of the townsfolk, maybe one of the children, so he was startled to find Kazuma struggling to his feet. He…looks awful. He hurried forward, catching the other’s arms before he could hit the harsh rocks. “Kazuma? What are you doing here?” His chest tightened at the pained expression on the other boy’s face, and he moved to better support him. “Never mind. Will you come with me? My house isn’t far.”

Kazuma started to push stubbornly away from him, but when he felt his legs were about to give out he instead clutched at Tachibana’s shoulders. “Your…house, huh?” he snorted as he struggled to keep his balance. “Add insult to injury, why don’cha.” But he was relieved, and no amount of sarcasm could keep the exhausted smile that flickered over his lips. Guess I won’t have to sleep in the dirt again after all.

“You can always stay out here,” Tachibana pointed out, pulling Kazuma’s left arm over his shoulder, slinging an arm around his waist to help him along. Like he’d said, it didn’t take long to get to the home he’d been given by the townsfolk. Luckily, it was dark by then, and everyone was already preparing for bed—he didn’t have to worry about hiding from Kanami or Mimori. He helped Kazuma to the back room and lowered him to the small bed. “You can rest here,” he said evenly. “Do you want something? Food or water?”

“Water,” Kazuma croaked, settling into the mattress. He had to admit that even a small, lumpy bed felt a little like Heaven after all he’d been through. But before Tachibana could leave to fulfill his weak request Kazuma’s left hand shot out, snatching his collar. If he’s here, that means Kanami is probably around here somewhere, too. “Don’t tell her I’m here,” he said firmly. “Don’t let her see me like this. You got it?”

Tachibana gently took the hand from his shirt. “I wasn’t planning on it,” he assured. I think I know you at least a little better than that. “Just rest a bit—I won’t be long.” He stood and left, though he was soon returning with a tall glass of cool, fresh water. Tachibana sat at the other’s side, though he hesitated in helping Kazuma sit up. “Drink as much as you can—you look dehydrated.”

Kazuma pushed himself up far enough without aid, even if his arms were trembling a little. He managed to get enough stability to accept the drink, even if he didn’t try to take the glass from Tachibana. He was fearful his weak fingers would only drop it. But he gulped down the water eagerly, uncaring as a thin stream leaked out the corner of his mouth and down his chin. God that’s good shit. He didn’t try to look dignified as he drank the glass dry.

Smiling faintly—at least he was doing that much—Tachibana finally set the empty glass aside. “Need anything else? I don’t have much, but don’t be shy in asking.” He watched as Kazuma lay back down, his expression fading a bit at the pain still in his face.

Kazuma coughed lightly and scrubbed at his mouth and chin. “Thanks, but I’m all right. They didn’t exactly hit me.” He smirked at that, even if it was disturbed a moment later by another short coughing fit. He rubbed absently at his forehead to dispel the ache forming there. “I just can’t feel my arm. It’ll come back, eventually.” He lifted the offending limb; it never ceased to amaze him how he could lift and curl his fingers without feeling them.

Tachibana watched the movements thoughtfully. “Do you…want me to help?” he asked, a bit hesitant. “With my Alter.” He probably doesn’t know about that. All we did was fight before, and he’s never been around--or awake--when I actually used it to heal. His eyes moved over the stiff fingers, the closed eye, the scars and the strange sweep of Kazuma’s hair.

“Huh?” Kazuma frowned up at him. With the soft bed beneath him he was being lulled quickly into sleep, and he let his numb hand drop to his stomach. “I don’t know what you have in mind, but if you can keep my skull from cracking open I won’t complain.”

He chuckled softly, reaching out to brush a few bangs from Kazuma’s forehead. “It’s funny you put it that way, since I would be helping the same way I…control people, I guess.” His tone grew more serious. “You’d have to…kinda let me in your head a bit. If you fight me, I won’t be able to help. But yes, I could get your head to stop hurting.”

Kazuma didn’t like the sound of that, which showed in his face, but after a moment he relented with a sigh. “Yeah, okay.” He settled himself a little more; for now he was willing to forgo a little pride if it let him sleep. “Just don’t get too cozy in there—it creeps me out.”

Tachibana snorted, raising his palm about three inches from the other’s forehead. “It’s not like I’m reading your mind or something. Besides,” he added with a curl of his lips, “if I did anything to you, Kanami-chan would never forgive me.”

The glass on the table abruptly disappeared, a single green-gold sphere forming between his hand and Kazuma’s head. It took some concentration, and he frowned as his Alter slid into the other. He’s…really a mess. He needs rest so his body can recover--reorder, even. His jaw clenched as he sought out the pained, stressed muscles that were causing Kazuma’s headache and began to calm them. I could probably help him--only another Alter user could--but it…would take a lot of time.

Kazuma sighed; he hadn’t known Tachibana could do anything like this, and it was amazing how the pain seemed to just ebb out of him. “Mm…much better,” he mumbled sleepily. With the ache loosening from the back of his skull he was finally able to relax, even with the bizarre sensation of the other’s Alter embedded in him. “I’m…gonna sleep….”

“Go ahead,” Tachibana replied softly, somewhat distracted by his work. “I’m almost done.” I just want to check out your arm…. It didn’t take long, and he finally called back his Alter with his own sigh, feeling a bit lightheaded. He’s really done something to himself. I wonder…if he’d let me try more, later. Opening his eyes, he couldn’t help a faint smile to see Kazuma sprawled so easily in his bed. He ran a hand through his messy hair, testing the strange, spiking bangs. Kazuma was quite cute in his own way, and he was rather endearing like this. “Rest well,” he murmured.

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Kazuma slept well through most of the night, gathering back the strength he’d been expending for so long. It was kind of strange, even, how deep his sleep would get sometimes, only to wake up with a start and feel strengthened though not quite rested. It wasn’t even unusual for him to wake up in pain, with the sting of needles spreading through his arm when the feeling was finally restored to it.

But he wasn’t prepared for the sharp agony that jolted him awake; his arm twisted unnaturally at his side, burning more intensely than he’d felt for a long time. He couldn’t help but cry out as he curled in on himself, shaking. Damnit—damnit! He bit down on his lip to try and stay silent, to fight against the pain flooding his right arm, but not even his pride could keep a few strained whimpers from seeping through.

Tachibana had been up early, going over a stack of papers of the inventory the town had been doing lately, and he jumped at the first cry of the other. Kazuma? He hurried down to his room, moving quickly to the bed though he hesitated in sitting or touching the boy. “Kazuma? What’s wrong? What do you need?”

“Fuck…fuck.” Kazuma trapped the burning limb between his chest and the mattress as his other hand pawed at the sheets. It shouldn’t have hurt this much; something was wrong. “My arm,” he gasped out. His right eye was also throbbing, flashing with painfully bright light beneath its lid. “Fu…it fucking hurts.”

He’s at least aware. Tachibana sat on the bed, resting on hand against the boy’s back and bringing the other over his forehead. “Stay as still as you can,” he instructed calmly. “I’ll take care of it.” It only took a moment to call his Alter, and with Kazuma distracted by his pain it was easy to gain access to his mind. Tachibana quickly pushed the pain aside, though it was harder than it should have been. This won’t be good for him, but I need him to tell me if I’m actually helping. “Relax,” he continued when Kazuma’s voice quieted. “I’m pretty much going to make you numb, but don’t try to move—I don’t want to have to hold you down, too. Let me see what’s wrong.”

Though the pain had subsided quickly—thankfully—Kazuma didn’t relax just yet, as if fearful of its sudden return. But he did fall still, awaiting Tachibana’s promised care. It had worked before, and at the moment he was in no mood to complain. “Sorry about this,” he murmured, relieved as the offending limb grew blissfully numb. He was tempted to test his fingers but didn’t as per the other’s warnings. What the hell happened? This isn’t like me….

Tachibana shook his head, closing his eyes. “Don’t worry about it. Just let me figure out what happened.” Keeping on hand on Kazuma’s back, he spread the other slowly through thick brown hair, hoping to comfort the other even if he couldn’t really feel it. He focused his attention on the boy’s right arm, frowning slightly. “Can you tell me anything? When this started, what you think caused it…?”

Kazuma chuckled bitterly against his pillow. “It always hurts after I Alter,” he muttered. Slowly he began to uncurl as his breath came more naturally. “Unless I work it too hard, and then it goes numb. I think it just saves itself for later, for when I’ve really settled down for a beer or something.” He frowned slightly. “It’s not usually this bad.”

“Try not to move,” he reminded softly, hands tightening. He was having a hard enough time figuring out what was wrong with Kazuma’s arm, let alone….

His eyes snapped open, staring down at the limb. My God it’s…completely messed up. Like he Altered and…couldn’t get it back together. “Kazuma….” Tachibana bit his lip. Damnit, can I really handle something like this? Frowning, he considered the arm for another long moment in silence, debating on what options the other had.

“What?” Kazuma didn’t like his tone just then, and despite the warnings he turned his head to stare at him sharply. Well shit, if my arms half as bad as the face he’s making, I might be in trouble this time. “What is it?” he demanded, snatching Tachibana’s wrist with his good hand. “What’s wrong with it?”

Tachibana quickly tried to calm the other, holding him as still as he could without using his Alter. “It’s because of all the Altering you’ve been doing,” he explained, bluntly, knowing Kazuma would rather have the cold truth than dancing around the subject. “Your arm hasn’t arranged itself back to its usual state, and…I think your nerves are all out of wack.” Which explains why he can still move so easily—he’s not actually injured, just in pain. He frowned thoughtfully. I…might be able to fix him, but…he might not let me.

Kazuma’s brow furrowed as he tried to puzzle out the face Tachibana was making now. Screw it--I don’t have time for that. “So what’s the treatment, doc?” he asked, his voice light though there was no mistaking the seriousness beneath it. “Should I Alter? Try again?” Damnit, I was sloppy.

His expression twisted again. “Well…I’m not sure.” Tachibana ran his fingers over the other’s palm--they didn’t react to the touch. “I couldn’t use my Alter to block the pain, so you’d have to do it with what you woke up with.” Which could be a disaster, since he wouldn’t be able to concentrate. “The other option would be…you let me do it.” Tachibana met his eyes. “It’ll probably be slow going, but I could probably block most of the pain while I’m working. You’d have to really trust me, though, since…I’d be Altering part of your body.”

Kazuma’s expression darkened as he held the younger man’s eyes. His first reaction was no way in hell; this was his body, damnit, and if he couldn’t take care of it himself…but Tachibana was serious in his concern, and though he wouldn’t admit it he knew better than to reject his advice. Altering the nerves in my body…. His gaze dropped to his hand, lying lifelessly on the bed. I don’t like it.

Kazuma rolled onto his back with a sigh. “If you think you’re qualified to do shit like that, go ahead,” he said, glaring at the wall. I don’t have to like it. I have to be at my strongest, in case more come. “I’ll behave.” He closed his eye. “I trust you.”

Tachibana shivered at those words, looking away. Kazuma…. He shook his head. I…can’t be distracted. Not if I’m going to do this. Moving slowly, he rested both his hands over Kazuma’s right shoulder. “Okay,” he replied, barely above a murmur. “I’m going to have to let a little of the block down—just by your shoulder for now. I’ll need you to tell me if it starts to get better. Or worse, for that matter.” Please, please don’t let it get worse. “If it starts to hurt too much, tell me and I’ll stop for a bit.” I won’t be able to get far, though, before I start to tire. Maybe we’ll just try it now, and then we’ll have to break for breakfast. It sounded like a good plan to him, so Tachibana closed his eyes, hands hovering over the other, and slowly reawakened the raw nerves in Kazuma’s shoulder.

Kazuma winced, but he clenched his fist in the sheets and remained silent as the pain began to creep through his muscles once more. It really is fucked up. Damnit, how could I have been so careless? “Don’t worry about me,” he assured, able to keep his voice even. Gradually, the pain even started to fade, to his relief. “It’s…not as bad.”

Just hold on. It was slow going, as the nerves were like pieces of a puzzle that had been forced into the wrong places. He couldn’t just pull them out, either—Tachibana had to choose one of the little flaring areas, find the right spot, and switch the two. It was tedious work, and it made the area behind his eyes ache as if strained. He knew, though, that Kazuma was probably suffering worse, feeling his body being changed without his control, having the nerves flare when they were moved to another incorrect spot in order to properly place another.

Eventually the number of misplaced tissues decreased, and once Kazuma’s shoulder seemed fixed save a few that probably belonged further down his arm, Tachibana returned his attention back out. The first thing his eyes focused on was the clock—more than an hour had passed. It took longer than I thought. I…need some food. “Kazuma?”

Kazuma took in a deep breath and let it out before he dared to try speaking; his jaw was sore from how tightly it had been clenched, and he worked it a few times to loosen the muscles. "Yeah?" He could feel his shoulder now, and it didn't hurt--save a prickling just above where the rest of his arm went numb. Cautiously he opened his eye to stare at the man. "You okay? You look pale."

Tachibana nodded, meeting the other's eyes--they were lined with pain. "I'm okay, just a little worn." He gingerly set his hand on Kazuma's shoulder and was relieved when he didn't flinch. "How is it?" he asked, hoping....

"Better," Kazuma assured him, managing a smirk. "I can feel it down to about...here, and it doesn't hurt." He indicated with his other hand, but was careful not to disturb the thin ring of flesh that still ached. "So I guess it worked, Doc. I owe ya." It was the closest to a "thank you" he could manage at the moment.

Thank God it worked. He set a hand briefly on the other's chest before standing. "I need some food before I continue. Do you want anything?" Tachibana smiled faintly at Kazuma's expression, though he knew if he stared down at him much longer he'd be blushing.

He didn't really want to ask anything more of the younger man, but his stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. He laughed. "Yeah, if you've got some scraps or something. Don't wanna be a bother." He stretched his back a little, able to relax now that he wasn't in so much pain. "I haven't eaten in a while."

"Then I'll make breakfast. Crops are actually starting to come in now, so we have plenty of food." Tachibana quickly headed out of the room. "Please don't try to move," he called over his shoulder. "The rest of you is still pretty numb, and I can't have you falling or breaking anything."

Kazuma rolled his eyes in frustration. "Yeah, okay. I'll just sit here, by myself, doing nothing...." But he was still grinning, and it showed in his voice. He did, however, reach back to fluff his pillow with his good hand.

Tachibana tried to work quickly, not wanting to leave the other alone for long in case he got restless, but he still managed a good breakfast of eggs, toast, and even some sausage he'd been saving. He didn't have milk, but poured some juice and hoped it would be enough. I feel like a housewife, he thought suddenly, making a face at the tidy tray he'd fixed. Deciding there was nothing for it, he returned to his bedroom. "Eat up," he welcomed. "It's going to be a long day."

"Aww, thanks, honey." Kazuma flashed him a smirk as he pushed himself--carefully--into a sitting position, his back braced against the headboard. But he had trouble holding onto his sarcasm when the food was finally placed in front of him, and he dug into the meal eagerly. When he had trouble manipulating the fork with his left hand he tugged his glove off with his teeth and resorted to using his fingers. "Bis iff preffy goob," he said around mouthfuls.

Tachibana only chuckled, trying to cover his darkened cheeks. He would have to say something. He quickly took his own plate from the tray, not wanting the other to eat his portion as well. "The girls have been teaching me," he admitted. "It's actually been fun, and…it feels good, being able to take care of myself like this." Different than at home, or in HOLY, where there was always some around to do stuff like that.... His eyes were lowered as he ate, losing himself a moment in thought.

Kazuma gulped down another mouthful of egg. "The girls, huh?" he echoed distractedly. Chances were Kanami knew he was nearby, with everything he'd been through, and hopefully she'd keep her distance until he was ready to face her again. He was never quite sure what to do with her, especially now. But this is the only way I can really take care of her. She's never needed me, not really. But like this…I can protect her. He devoted himself quickly back to his meal. "Is that Mimori chick still around?" he asked idly. He couldn't help but wonder if Ryuhou ever came around here….

He nodded, drawn back from his thoughts. "Yeah. Actually, she and Kanami-chan are living together." Tachibana took a bite of toast, finally raising his eyes again to meet Kazuma's. "They've both been really busy--this town owes them a lot. Mimori-san is even talking of starting a school for the children." She'll make a good teacher, too.

"A school, huh?" Kazuma smiled genuinely as he continued to eat with a bit more control. "Sound like this place is really coming together," he said gratefully. "Wherever you go now people are really working hard at it, trying to rebuild their lives…heh. Guess I never really thought we'd make it this far." He made quick work of his toast before setting on his sausage. Maybe that makes what Ryuhou and I are doing really worth it, if everyone's so into it. Maybe…we really have a chance, here.

Tachibana smiled faintly. "They're good people," he replied. And…I think most of us know we have to, at least because you're fighting so hard…. But he didn't want to get into that, so he let it drop. Kazuma was finishing quicker than he was, and he tried to catch up without losing all of his dignity.

Kazuma at last finished his breakfast by gulping down the glass of juice. He leaned back with a sigh. "Damn, that was pretty good. Or maybe I was just starving. But thanks." He then went to sucking the bits of food off his fingers, now that he'd made a mess of himself.

Tachibana hurried through the last of his meal, returning the dishes to the tray as he stood. "I'll be right back," he assured, slipping out of the room before the other could speak. He returned quickly, though, anxious to continue their work. He sat beside Kazuma with a deep breath. "Are you ready to go more? I don't want to have to keep you numb for too long."

"Yeah, don't worry about me," Kazuma assured him. He shifted against the headboard until he was sure he was comfortable. I'm used to pain, after all, and I want to get this fixed as soon as I can. "But are you sure you're okay? I don't want you to overexert yourself too much 'cause I was stupid."

"I'm fine," he assured without fault, already raising his hands. Besides, if I don't do this now, I'll still have to keep my Alter with you. I'll wear out eventually. Tachibana held his palms over a lower section of Kazuma's arm, and without further comment began his work again.

It wasn't until several hours later that they stopped again, when Kazuma's entire arm had been repaired by Tachibana's Alter. It had been a long, painful process--Kazuma wasn't sure he'd even been conscious for it all, but when the other leaned back with a sigh he awoke fully to realize his pain was gone. He let out the breath he'd been holding and sagged wearily against the headboard. Damn, that was exhausting. He took a moment to compose himself, licking dry lips. "Hey." He glanced at Tachibana, who looked just as tired, and nudged him with his knee. "You okay?"

Tachibana nodded numbly, eyes still closed. His head was starting to ache, but the best he could do was run his fingers through his hair. Just a bit more. His side…even a few in his legs. If I can just get them all…. "I'm fine," he said, hands already moving to begin again. "There's just...a few more."

Kazuma frowned, reaching out to rest his hand over the younger man's. I don't want him to work himself raw--that's how this happened to me in the first place. "It's all right, Tachibana. You don't have to worry about it right now--you look like you need a rest." He managed a weak grin. "Besides, didn't I tell you not to get too cozy? Your Alter's gonna start freaking me out in a while." He was kidding, but only partially.

"This won't take much longer," he assured, eyes still closed. He knew Kazuma wouldn't try to fight him, despite his words, and he flexed his fingers to gently urge the other away. A small, ironic smile curled his lips. "This is my fight--let me finish it."

Kazuma frowned, but relented, settling himself once more. "Well, okay, ya stubborn bastard," he snorted humorously. Though really, he was steeling himself for another round. I hope this is the last time--there's no way we can go through this every time I Alter. I'll have to figure out what went wrong, so it won't happen again. He took a deep breath to prepare.

As promised, Tachibana took no more than another hour to finish returning the nerves to their proper place. He sighed, wavering, but he had just enough sense left to reach up, laying his hand over Kazuma's forehead. He carefully removed the sphere before letting it dissipate. "There." His eyes were still closed as he fell a bit forward, bracing his palms on the bed.

Kazuma shook his head slightly, sitting up now that it seemed to be over. He was even more exhausted than before, but he was also relieved that he could feel all his limbs at last. He tested his fingers, curling and uncurling, pleased with the work. "Tachibana...?" He glanced over, and smiled slightly. "You look beat. Come on--lay down for a while." He scooted and started to pull him over onto the mattress. "I've taken up your bed long enough."

He didn't dare open his eyes yet--his head had begun to pound with every pulse--and he was too weak to fight Kazuma's urging. His bed was small, though, and he flinched when he could feel the edge so close to his side, Kazuma just touching him on the other. "Sorry about this," he mumbled, already sinking into the familiar mattress.

"Don't make me laugh." Kazuma flopped onto his side so that his back was pressed up against the wall, making room for the other. He should have just gotten up, but he was too tired to want to move very far. Yawning mightily, he pillowed his head on his newly repaired arm and settled in. "I'm just...gonna take a short nap. Take all...the time you need…."

Sighing, he nodded faintly. "You too," he replied. And it was nice, feeling another so close. Tachibana turned his head away, just to be sure Kazuma wouldn't see his light blush. It's...been awhile. Since I slept next to someone.... His fingers curled stiffly. I wonder...if “he's” okay, too....

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