Uncovering the Truth

Disclaimer: I don’t own Kazuo or Kawada, they are copyrighted, and belong to Koshoun Takami and Kinji Fukasaku. That goes for some events that are retold or spoken of as well, including everything about the Dictator, which is running the country of Japan in Takami’s novel. Everything else belongs to me. Again, if Masanobu Ando and/or Taro Yamamoto read this (I still doubt it) and feel offended by it, I humbly apologize, and beg not to be sued.

Warning: This fic contains Yaoi and explicit content such as violence and gore. And thereby it’s not suitable for anyone under the age of 15, or homophobic people.
Yaoi, Lime (anal, oral), AU (?), language, angst, WAFF

Plot: Sequel to “Uncovering the truth”, taking place about a moth after the events in the first one. This one is darker and more violent than the first one, and if you’re reading the uncensored version it is also more perverted. Now, I’m well aware that it doesn’t go as quickly as I’ve written in this text to sign over your company to someone. But who cares?
This one really uncovers the truth about Kazuo’s past, and I hope it’ll be appreciated.
Dedicated to Baby.
Uncovering the truth, part 2
~ ~ ~Lust~ ~ ~ ~
A prologue to Uncovering the truth part 2.

Kazuo stared at Kawada's lips, at his shirt. The top buttons were open. He swallowed.
He stared at his collarbone, his tanned skin, visible through the open shirt.
He just couldn't take his eyes of him.
Kawada sat in a chair in the living room, staring at the TV. He looked bored. Kazuo kept staring.
"I want him..." he thought, his cheeks flushing.
With determined steps, he walked over to the chair, and placed a kiss on Kawada's lips. Not like the kisses he normally gave him though.
This one was hard, craving. Kawada was surprised, but kissed him back. Their tongues played with each other, and Kawada's hands found their way around Kazuo's neck, but he pulled away.
"Kazuo-kun...Nani?"
Kazuo smiled wryly. "Come on..." he whispered, kissed him again. Seductive.
"Wanna play?" Again he smiled.
"What? Play?" Kawada couldn't say much more before Kazuo was all over him again. His kisses were getting harder, more demanding. Kawada didn't mind though.
Kazuo pushed Kawada in front of him, as he kept kissing him. They'd left the living room, and were now standing in the hallway between the bedrooms and the living room.
Kazuo slammed Kawada against the wall, kissed his neck, kissed his lips again.
"Kaz…What are you...?"
Kazuo smiled, placed a finger on his lips. "Ssh…" Then kissed him again, even harder. His eyes closed, when he opened them again, Kawada noticed the weird look he had on his face.
"Ka..." Kawada didn't finish. He couldn't. Kazuo'd kissed him again. He moved down, kissing his neck, going for his ear. He licked it carefully. Kawada’s body shook.
Kazuo snickered. "Good?"
Kawada took a deep breath, gasped for air. "Y-yes..."
Kazuo kissed his lips again, pulled away. Then he grinned, almost looking evil. He let go of Kawada's wrists, and grabbed his shirt instead.
He ripped it open; buttons flew through the air, uncovering Kawada's bare skin. Kawada's look was confused.
"What's gotten into you Kaz?"
"Nothing…" he smirked.
"Then wha-...." Kazuo kissed his chest, collarbone and neck again, Kawada gasped. Kazuo looked at him, his look was heavy, eyes wet, his cheeks flushing. "I want you…"
Kawada smiled. He kissed Kazuo and grabbed his hand, squeezed it, and took his other hand, flipped him around. Now Kazuo was the one pinned up against the wall.
Kawada gently blew into Kazuo's ear, kissed it. Kazuo gasped. Kawada removed his shirt, and then started unbuttoning Kazuo's, whilst kissing his way down his chest and stomach.
Kazuo's breath was heavy. "I want you..." he moaned again.
Kawada kissed his stomach once more. "Be patient."
As he got back up, he unbuttoned the top buttons of Kazuo's pants, just for tease.
Although impatient, Kazuo enjoyed it. Kawada's body was pressed up tightly against his own, his hand playing with his hair. Again they kissed, let their tongues meet, play, explore. They were both greedy.
Kazuo had never felt such lust. He pulled away from Kawada's kiss.
Licked his ear, and in a low voice he said into it: "I want to whisper in your ear...I want it...I'll let you do anything...Just…Just take me…"
He felt how Kawada hardened against his stomach, kissed his lips, smiling. "I see I'm not the only one..."
Kawada just smiled; kissed his neck, let his tongue slide over Kazuo's collarbone, down his chest.
Kazuo pushed his head further down. "I want you..."
"Soon…" Kawada replied. He too was tired from waiting. As he moved down, he could see how ready Kazuo really was. Even through the black fabric of Kazuo's pants, he could see 'it' pulsating.
"Come..." he took Kazuo's hand, leading him into the bedroom.
Kazuo pushed Kawada onto the bed, laid himself on top of him; Kissed his way down his body, from his lips to his neck, all the way down his stomach. He stopped, unbuttoned Kawada's pants, slid his tongue past the waistband. As Kazuo's tongue brushed the inside of the band of Kawada's boxers, he briefly got a taste of him. Of it. Salty. Kawada moaned weakly.
Kazuo went back up, looked at Kawada, his eyes heavy with lust. "Ready?"
Kawada nodded, pulled him close and kissed him. It was his turn. “I want you..."
Kazuo smiled, felt how ready he was. "Finally…"
~~~~~~~~

Kazuo awoke by the hand of Kawada, shaking him gently.
"Oy, Kazuo-kun…Wake up!"
Kazuo sat up, confused.
Kawada looked at him, he looked worried.
"Are you alright? You're not sick are you?"
"No...Why?"
"You're all sweaty, and you were so restless in your sleep."
Kazuo smiled. "It's nothing."
"It's something, I can tell. Did you have a nightmare then?"
"Well...I had a dream alright..." he blushed. "I was dreaming about you."
Kawada looked down, got a brief glance at Kazuo's boxers. ".."
"Oh, you were, were you?" he smiled wryly, and pulled Kazuo back down in bed.
~~~~~~

Later that day, Kazuo was sitting in the sofa, eating a bowl of cereal. He was watching TV, still in his boxers.
It'd been a few weeks, close to a month actually, since he and Kawada'd escaped from the island.
The past weeks had been pretty nice. Kazuo'd been staying in the apartment most of the time, while Kawada'd been working at the local grocery store.
He'd decided that Kazuo wasn't fit to be working, at least not yet. But Kazuo didn't care, as long as he got to be with Kawada he was happy.
He was the one who'd changed his life, the one that had made him feel. Kawada was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He sighed. "I love him."
At the same time Kawada passed the couch. Kazuo turned to him: "Where are you going?"
"Nowhere. The bathroom." Kawada replied. "I'm gonna hit the shower."
"Ok. Fine." Kazuo went back to the TV and his cereal. Then he stirred, put down the bowl. He looked towards the bathroom, and got up.

Kawada was in the shower, the drops of water drummed against the floor. He heard the door being opened, and the pitter-patter of feet against the wet floor.
The shower-curtain was pulled aside, Kazuo smiled.
"May I join?"
Kawada laughed. "Sure."
Kazuo entered the shower, stood behind Kawada, gently wrapping his arms around him. Kawada could feel him against his skin.
"Y-You want more?"
"I don't care…" Kazuo leaned his head towards Kawada's back. He closed his eyes. "This is nice too..."
"Aaw...You're kawaii." he turned, and hugged Kazuo. Kazuo kissed him softly. The water poured down, ran in streams down both of their bodies, dripped from Kazuo's hair.
"You're sexy when you're wet..."
"You too." their lips met again.
"Aishiteru..." Kazuo whispered. Kawada kissed him.
"Aishiteru." he replied.
"Kawada-kun?"
"Yes?"
Kazuo kissed him, placed his hand on his back. "Hold me…" he was to shy to ask for anything else, not like in his dream, but his body-language spoke for him.
Kawada understood what Kazuo asked for, what he wanted. What they both wanted.
With their heavy breaths and moans of pleasure mixing with the sound of the water hitting the floor, they testified their love for each other in form of making tender love underneath the streaming hot water.

Afterwards they got dressed and went out of the bathroom.
"I'm gonna fry up some breakfast." Kawada said. "You hungry?"
"No." Kazuo replied. "I've eaten already.
"Alright." Kawada opened the fridge and noticed something; "We're out of eggs. I've got to buy some more. Wanna come with me?"
Kazuo looked at him. "Sure! It'll be nice to get out of this apartment for a change. You hardly let me go anywhere."
"I'm just worried! And besides, you're not familiar with Kobe, what if you got lost?"
Kazuo shook his head. "You sound like an overprotective mother. I'm not that much younger than you..." he laughed. "I can take care of myself you know…"
"I know, I know...I only say things like that because I care about you..."
"I know you do...I don't mind. I'm just playing with your head."
Kawada smiled at him. He loved watching Kazuo become more 'normal', like he got more human. His true colors were starting to show. And what beautiful colors they were.
While Kawada stood there thinking, Kazuo was already out in the hall, putting his shoes on.
"Come on! Let's go already!" he shouted.
"I'm coming... Save your breath!" he ran out to Kazuo in the hall. "Tone it down a bit, think of the neighbors..."
"You're the one to talk!" Kazuo laughed. "A little late to be saying that now, don't you think?!"
"Oh, shut up! When did you stop to listen to yourself by the way?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what I said! And when did you become such a perv anyway?"
"I'm no perv..."
"Sure..." Kawada smiled. "But it doesn't matter, I love you anyway." Kawada said that to prevent an argument. He never knew where he had Kazuo.
He didn't want to get into another fight with him. Not again. Kazuo was too sensitive. He easily misunderstood things.
Now however, he just smiled. "Arigato."
"Let's go."
They exited the apartment, and locked the door.
Even if it was just to the grocery store, Kazuo was happy to be going out. He liked Kobe.
He felt more at home here than he'd ever done in Shiroiwa. But then again, that could just be because of Kawada.

The store was just a block away, yet Kazuo'd never actually been there. Kawada was careful about bringing him places. Kazuo wasn't exactly a people-person, not the kind who enjoyed being around people or on a busy street. You'd never know how he'd react to stuff. If he got scared or angry... Kawada didn't want to think about it. The point was, Kazuo wasn't what you'd call normal, at least not his reactions and way of thinking that was.
Kawada only wanted to protect Kazuo from everything and anything that to him might come of as frightening or uncomfortable. But he couldn't completely isolate him either...
Kazuo certainly wasn't an easy person to be involved with... But when he smiled, when he felt, it was all worth it. In the end, it really was.

He was nervous as they went into the store; it was the same store Kawada worked at, three days a week, the remaining days he spent with Kazuo.
What was he going to say?
Kazuo'd be honest; he knew that much, and not telling the truth... That would be like rejecting his feelings...
But he also knew that this was something that was frowned upon by society, something that was not to be spoken of. Two boys together. Most people'd turn away with disgust.
Would his co-workers think of them as abnormal? Would he have to lie? Lie about the truth about them?
No, he couldn't lie about their relationship, and certainly not in front of Kazuo. He didn't want to hurt him, didn't want to make him feel rejected.
His love for him was what mattered the most. He figured he'd rather lose his job over something like this than to hurt Kazuo. His pain would've been unbearable.
"Hey! Kawada-san!" it was Noriyuki, she was one of the people Kawada worked with.
"You go get the eggs." Kawada said. "They're right over there."
"Ok. I'll be right back!"
Kawada went over to the counter, to talk to Noriyuki.
"Not working today, ne?" she asked.
"Nope. Today I'm just gonna take it slow."
"Sounds nice...Any plans in particular?"
"....."
"Oy! Kawada-kun!" it was Kazuo's voice. "Do you want white eggs or brown?" he was shouting from the aisle.
Kawada smiled at Noriyuki. "Err...Not really." Then he shouted back to Kazuo: "White'll be fine!"
Noriyuki smiled, and looked at him, wondering. "He's handsome. Who is he?"
Kawada blushed slightly. " He's my...Err..."
"Brother?"
"Not exactly."
"Cousin?"
"Not exactly." Kawada figured she's guessing for relatives because Kazuo'd said 'Kawada-kun'.
"Best friend then?" Noriyuki didn't see where this was going.
"Etou..."
Then Kazuo appeared behind Kawada, slid his arms around him, placing the eggs on the counter. He kissed Kawada's neck at the same time. "Here."
Kawada's face went bright red.
Noriyuki blushed too. "Oh...I see…He's your..."
"Err…Yeah…" Kawada laughed nervously, this was awkward.
Kazuo looked at both of them. "Douka shita no?”
"Nothing." Kawada took his hand, squeezed it.
Kazuo smiled, thankful.
"Noriyuki, this is Kazuo. He's my boyfriend." he turned to Kazuo: "Kazuo, meet Noriyuki, we work together."
"Nice to meet you." Noriyuki smiled at Kazuo. "Wow, Kawada, I never thought you were..."
Kazuo jumped in: “It doesn't show does it?" he smiled. "He's not exactly flaunting it."
Noriyuki laughed. "Well, one can't tell that you are either.”
“I know. Neither one of us look like it, right?"
"Not really. I wouldn't have guessed. Not in a million years."
"Me neither…" Kawada said. "Until I met Kazuo."
"How sweet. How'd you meet?"
Kazuo shook his head. "Dame....Kawada..." there was pain in his eyes. "Please…"
"I'll tell you some other time. We really need to get going." Kawada looked over at Kazuo as they left the store; it was like his eyes were out of glass. His look was frozen.
"Damn." Kawada wrapped his arms around Kazuo.
They stood there, on the sidewalk, holding each other tightly as people rushed by. "It's ok..." Kawada whispered into his hair. "S-she didn't know."
Kazuo looked up at him; "I don't want her to know...I don't want to remember!"
"Kaz...Ssh..." Kawada tried to calm him down, but it was too late, Kazuo's mind was already working on high gear, memories welled up. Memories about the killing. How he'd tried so desperately to feel...The stench of blood...The screams... His heart was pounding. It was like the world was spinning.
He took his hands to his head. "No…Stop...Stop...Please..." But the memories just grew 'louder'. He'd never experienced anything like this before.
He desperately looked for Kawada, but his vision was blurred. "Stop..." Louder. Louder.
"Stop..."
By now it was filling every inch, every corner of his mind. Echoing. Burning.
"YAMETEEE!!!!!!!!!!" he couldn't take it anymore. He fell to the ground.
They were still on the sidewalk. People stared at them… Kawada didn't know what to do. He sat down next to Kazuo, stroke his hair.
"Ssh…Don't worry. It'll be ok…" Kazuo buried his head in Kawada's chest.
"Make it go away...Make the pain stop..."
People who passed them stopped, asked if they could help, Kawada shook his head. "It's ok…He'll be fine. I can handle it...Give him some time…"
He hated seeing him like this. Kazuo's plea for him to make it stop made it even worse, because he couldn't.
He couldn't do anything but holding him, waiting for it to go away. "It's going to be fine Kazuo-kun…Don't worry...I'm here..."
Kazuo was shaking all over. "M-make it stop..."
"Calm down...Come on... Come with me...We can't stay here..." He helped Kazuo up. Held him tightly. Walked with him to a calmer area; the park. He sat down with him on a bench.
"Ka-.Kawada-kun… W-what's wrong with me?"
"It's…It's just trauma...Bad memories. I had them too after Keiko...It's gonna be fine."
"B-but..." Kazuo sniveled. "It hurts…I don't want it to hurt!"
"I know...But it takes time to heal...Be patient."
"Can't you just take it away? Make it feel good? You always do. Why not this time?"
"Because...Because I can't....I want to but I can't."
Even if Kazuo had real feelings he couldn't understand them...
He couldn't see how it could hurt, why he couldn't take it away. It was so much he didn't understand, so much he'd never be able to get. He was very intelligent, easy to teach, but when it came to feelings...
He was something completely different from the person he usually was. He looked up at Kawada, his eyes were brimming with tears. Tears of pain.
"Kaz…Kazuo-kun, don't cry...Please..."
"It hurts..." he whispered, clenching Kawada's shirt.”Make the pain stop..."
"I wish I could...I just can't..."
"B-but...You fixed my leg...Make the pain stop?"
"This pain is different Kazuo...I can't fix it…"
"Can't you try?"
"I am trying. I love you; I'd do anything for you, to help you...But this... There's nothing I can do." he kissed him carefully. "Except from this."
A couple of tears made their way down Kazuo's cheeks, in complete silence. Everything was silent. At least, it seemed that way.
Kazuo looked up again, "Kawada-kun?"
He looked at him, stroke his cheek, brushed the tears away. "Yes?"
"I-I want to go home..."
"Ok. Then let's go home." He stood up, helped Kazuo get up too.
Kazuo leaned against him. Kawada, as he saw it, he was solid as a rock. Safe as a cliff. The only thing that kept him going at this point was the fact that he wasn't alone. That he was loved.
In a way he was almost whishing that he'd been without feelings again. He just couldn't handle the pain.

They started to head home. Kazuo was feeling a little better, probably because of Kawada's strong arm that held him tightly. "I'm glad you're with me."
"I'll always be with you. I'll always be here for you."
"Good." Kazuo almost smiled. "I'm glad."
"Me too..."
With Kawada's arm around his waist, Kazuo was feeling safer.

They passed a department store; there was a TV in the window. The news were on.
"Kawada-kun… That's Kitano, ne?"
"W-what?" Kawada's eyes became glued to the screen. It showed a picture of Kitano.
"It’s about the explosion." he concluded. They could barely hear the voice of the woman narrating. It wasn't really anything concerning the two of them; they were dead to the government.
But then...Kawada's blood froze in his veins. What?
On the screen, two pictures. Pictures of him, and of Kazuo.
"Fuck!" Why? Kawada'd thought they were safe, but now...
"...Kawada Shogo and Kiriyama Kazuo, the two boys who blew up the school. Their bodies were never found, but their necklaces were, so it's assumed their bodies got burned to ashes. However this also indicates that these two might still be alive. If they are and there's a sighting of either one of them or both, report it to the government. Any one who does not, will be guilty of treachery."
"Doushite?" Kazuo asked.
"Wait a minute." Kawada replied, still staring at the screen.
"We greatly appreciate any help if these two are alive. They've killed government associates and employees, and for that they will have their punishment..."
"This is really bad…" Kawada started. "Nobody dares to defy the government. We'll be going down... When people start reporting they've seen us…There'll be government-bastards everywhere..."
"Then what should we do?" Kazuo's voice was nervous.
"What can we do? We need to escape...Get away from here."
Kazuo shook his head. "Leave? Leave home? But..."
“We’ve got to…I'm sorry, but this is the only way we can survive...At least for now…"
"But…Where will we go?"
"Doesn't matter. We just have to get away…"
Kazuo's heart sank. "Will it never end? I was happy...Why?"
"Let's go..."
"Where?" Kazuo asked.
"Home. We need to go home, get some things before we leave."
Kazuo looked sad. "Ok, fine..."
Kawada felt so bad, they'd been so close lately. Kazuo'd been so happy. Everything had been so nice. Why did Kazuo have to go through this? All of it?
He needed to lead a stable life, to feel safe, and this was certainly not the way to make him feel that.
"I'm so sorry…" Kawada said to him. "I never wanted for this to happen. I really did think everything was all alright...I'm so sorry..."
Kazuo shook his head. "I know it's not your fault...I know…Don't apologize...I'm sorry to trouble you like this…"
"Kazuo! What's that supposed to mean?"
"If I hadn't been here...If you'd been the survivor, then they'd left you alone. It's all my fault. If I'd died you'd won the game fairly. It's my fault we're being followed like this."
He'd started to walk away, into an alley, a shortcut to their street. Kawada ran after him. He was furious. He grabbed his arm, forced Kazuo to face him.
"What the hell was that? How can you say something like that? Huh? How?!"
Kazuo stared at the ground. "I..."
"No! Listen! Look at me! Don't you ever say anything like that ever again! I'm glad we survived together. It's probably thanks to you I'm still alive! I want to be with you even if it means we'll have to be on the run! Do you understand that?! Don't ever say anything like that again! EVER!"
Kazuo nodded. He understood. He'd hurt Kawada. He had never wanted to do that.
"S-Sumimasen..." he carefully hugged Kawada. "I...I didn't think...Gomen...I know I'm weird...I'll change…"
"No," Kawada whispered. "Don't change. Don't ever change!"
"Well, well. Isn't that just adorable…?" it was a man's voice, coming from behind them. They turned around. Kawada still held Kazuo. Kazuo glared at the man. "Dare?" he asked.
Kawada shrugged. "I don't want to know."
More men came forward. Kawada noticed the logos on their shirts. "BR".
"Crap! These guys are with the government!"
The first man grinned. "It's time for a little reunion..."
"Kazuo-kun! NIGETE!"
But there was no use, they couldn't escape. There was no use in trying to run…
“Get them!” Don’t let them get away!” Several of the men rushed forward, violently forcing Kazuo and Kawada apart. Kazuo wanted to scream out; “DON’T! What are you doing?!” But he didn’t. Although he could feel the panic building up inside of him again, he didn’t show it. One part of him was desperate and full of fear, another was completely paralyzed. Numb. But then there was a third; a small part of him that was different. Angry. This part was the same part as what had controlled him on the island. It was the so-called killer instinct. It was weak though. He couldn’t do anything. He struggled to be let loose, but there wasn’t much use, and besides, the men had weapons. It was completely useless. He didn’t want to risk getting shot.
Kawada, on the other hand, was still struggling, but then again Kazuo figured, this wasn’t the first time Kawada’d been abducted by the government.
“Fuck! What’s wrong with you people?! How ‘bout just leaving us alone, huh? What pleasure do you get from tormenting us?!”
“Shut up!” one of the men punched Kawada in the face. His lip cracked open, started to bleed.
“Kawada-kun!” Kazuo exclaimed. He watched. He was frightened.
Kawada looked at him, he calmed down, and decided that it was best, not only for him, but also not to frighten Kazuo any further to stay calm.
“I’m ok! Don’t worry! Stay calm Kaz!”
“I told you to shut up, didn’t I?” it was the man again. Kazuo watched in horror as he punched Kawada again. He didn’t say anything though, he didn’t dare. He was afraid that they might hurt him or Kawada again. And besides, Kawada’d told him to stay calm.
One of the men smirked. “That’s what you get when you oppose the government.” he said. “You couldn’t play by the rules like the others, so now its game over for the two of you!” The rest of the men laughed.
Kawada snorted; “Nice choice of words…”
“You say something kid?” the man scowled at him.
“Oh fuck off!” Kawada growled.
“What!” the man hissed. “What did you say?!”
“I said… Fuck off!” Kawada talked through his teeth. Although he knew it was dangerous, he couldn’t help himself. At least now they knew exactly how he felt about them.
“How dare you!” The man’s eyes were black, and suddenly Kawada felt a gun to his temple. He swallowed. “Damn! I went too far!”
Kazuo’s eyes widened as he saw the gun being lifted pressed against Kawada’s temple.
“Kawada-kun!” he cried out. He began struggling again, squirmed as the two men who held him tightened their grip.
“Calm down Kiriyama!”
Kazuo got more furious by the minute, but he was scared too, no doubt about it. Still, his anger was currently the stronger of the two.
“Oh fuck you…” Although furious, he seemed calm. He’d stopped squirming, stared at the men who held him. Gave them the same look he’d given Ryuhei Sasagawa right after the game began, right before he killed him, Numai and the others. Boredom.
He spit straight into the face of one of them.
“Kaz…” Kawada thought. “You’re playing with death…”
The man he’d spit on; obviously surprised, flinched, let go of Kazuo’s arm, for long enough to allow Kazuo to punch the other one in the face. And with all the power in his body he managed to get loose from his grip. He rushed forward, didn’t really know what he was doing, he only wanted to help Kawada.
“Kazuo-kun! DAMEYO!” Kawada panicked. The man removed his gun from Kawada’s temple, pointed it at Kazuo instead. What if he shot Kazuo?!
But he didn’t get to fire. The two men who’d held Kazuo, had come to their senses again, and threw themselves at Kazuo, pinning him down with their weight, causing him to get slammed to the ground.
“KAZUO!”
“You, shut up.” Again the gun was pointed at his temple.
“Onasaki-san, don’t.” it was the first man, the one who’d stopped them. “Don’t kill him, you know that our orders were to bring them back alive.”
“Yes sir.”
The first one went over to the others and Kazuo. He kicked him in the ribs. “Get up Kiriyama!”
Kazuo lifted his head from the concrete; blood was flowing from his nostrils.
They lifted him from the ground, and both boys were forced to come with the men, and were thrown into the back of a van. The men themselves got into the front- and backseats of the van.
As the van began to drive, Kawada held Kazuo’s trembling body in the dark.
“I’m so sorry…If I hadn’t brought you…”
Kazuo hid his head in his lap; “Nande Kawada-kun! Nande?”

The only thing that testified that this incident had ever taken place was a carton of broken eggs left on the pavement…

The men were chatting, but none of the things they talked about were of any use to the two in the back. Their conversation didn’t include anything about where they were headed.
They grey van drove through, and out of Kobe. It was headed in the direction of the sea.
After driving for about two hours, they stopped. The men got out, well, all except for one, who had to stay in it to guard them.
They could hear them speak, saying something about ‘departure in about thirty-five minutes’.
Kazoo sat up, he carefully looked out one of the smutty windows in the backdoor. “I think we’re on a pier or something…”
Kawada looked out the window too; it was hard to see anything because the windows were so dirty. But, he could see something that appeared to be a boat. “I think you’re right…I suppose that means we’re going to travel by sea… A ferry I’d presume.”
Kazuo looked at him; “Where do you think they’re taking us?”
Kawada noticed he lisped slightly when he spoke. And it wasn’t until now, in the weak light from the windows, he could see Kazuo’s face: His cheek was scraped and a little bruised. A trail of dried-up blood was visible under his nose, and he had a cut in his lip, it appeared to be deep. The blood had dried, but it looked painful, and the skin around his lips and over his left eye was bruised as well. It must’ve been from when they jumped him earlier.
“Kazuo-kun!” he cried out. “Your face!”
Kazuo touched his lip, looked at Kawada again; “Is it very bad?”
“Your lip needs stitches… It looks worse than it is though.”
Kazuo lay his hand on Kawada’s neck. “Daijoubu…I’m fine.”
Kawada leaned forward, kissed his lips. Kazuo kissed him back, but quickly broke the kiss. “Ite...”
“Oh, sorry…”
“No, it’s ok, I can take a little pain if it means being close to you. To feel your warmth.”
It was strange. Even when they were kidnapped, locked in a van, they managed to forget about everything else and just enjoy being with each other. Kazuo, although afraid, acted like he didn’t really care about being abducted. But he could just be acting tough.
“Where do you think they’re taking us?”
Kawada shook his head. “No clue… They could be taking us to China for all I know…Or to Kagawa for that matter.”
“Oh…Well, I’m just longing to get out of this van.”
Kawada stared at him; “How do you manage to stay so calm all the time? Even now? I truly admire that quality.”
“But that’s not at all true!” Kazuo’s deep brown eyes stared into Kawada’s hazel.
“I’m only calm when I’m with you and we’re both fine. Didn’t you see my reaction when they punched you?”
“I did. You really scared me there…I thought they’d kill me and you both…” he placed his hand gently on Kazuo’s cheek. “I love you Kazuo-kun…”
Kazuo smiled. “Thank you. I love you too…”
They kissed. Kazuo’s lip stung, but he ignored it.
He took Kawada’s hand. “We’re gonna be fine. I know we are…We got off the island, then this shouldn’t be brain surgery!”
Kawada squeezed his hand. “I hope so…”
Kazuo was very bright, but it didn’t always seem like he understood the seriousness of the situation. He could be so positive, on top of the world. Kawada didn’t want to take that away from him. He was afraid of his reaction, didn’t want him to have another breakdown. Although Kawada knew it was as good as futile, one could only hope; they might get a chance to escape when they arrived at the destination.

The minutes passed. The men returned to the van, and drove it onto the storage-deck on the ferry. Some of them went to the cafeteria, and stayed there for most of the journey.
Kawada and Kazuo were still locked in the van, fearing what might be awaiting them. But again, Kazuo was the positive one, he was confident that they could make a break for it. “There are no necklaces this time,” he said. “It shouldn’t be so hard to get away.”
Kawada gently squeezed his hand. But he knew that even without the necklaces this could prove to become more difficult than the last time. Now they were in much greater danger than they’d been on the island. Now there were soldiers who’d search for them high and low if they tried to get away. And even if they managed to shake them off it would only be a matter of time before they’d find them, or someone turned them in. Because this time they were wanted, thought of as criminals, criminals guilty of treachery against the government. They were pretty much screwed.
Kazuo had to be aware of this. There was no way he didn’t understand that. In most cases Kazuo’d figure things out before Kawada even got around to thinking about them. Most likely he was just pretending not to know; acted cheery so he wouldn’t have to worry about him.
He knew that in his heart Kazuo was afraid. Fear. The feeling Kazuo dreaded.
Whenever Kazuo got afraid he was so confused and helpless, he’d lose control.
He seemed to be getting better at handling it though… But Kawada felt sorry for him. And also he feared for both of them, for their lives, their chances were so very small after all…But he didn’t want to think of it. Neither did he want to say anything about it to Kazuo. He wanted him to stay positive. Death had had such influence on his life, and Kazuo’s too, he’d had enough, he didn’t want to cope with any more deaths; certainly not their own. He decided not to think about this anymore. It’d only upset him, and he needed to stay calm. So he started focusing on other things. Ran his fingers though Kazuo’s hair, with his eyes closed. He could feel that they were out at sea. Soft waves were rocking the ferry, and thereby the van. Kazuo had sat up, and now his head was starting to tilt to the side.
“Kaz?”
“Sorry…I get sleepy at sea…”
“That’s ok…But you shouldn’t sleep. You might have a concussion from before.”
“Okay, I’ll try to stay awake.”
“Good. Concussion can be dangerous you know…”
Kazuo managed to stay awake, but Kawada could see he was struggling. His eyelids were heavy, and he was constantly yawning, but he stayed awake.
Kawada had no clue how long they’d been at sea, but finally he heard a voice over the speakers. It was the captain announcing that they’d come ashore shortly.
“Where do you think we are?” Kazuo asked.
“You tell me…” Kawada mumbled.’
”I don’t like this…” Kazuo whispered. “I’m scared…”
“I know you are…I know…”
“You are too…” Kazuo’s eyes were serious. “I can tell. You don’t have to pretend you’re not.”
Kawada smiled. “You know me too well Kazuo-kun…All too well…”
“But you are…”
“Yes I am. But I’m trying to ignore it. Trying to find a way out of this”
“You don’t always have to be the strong one.” Kazuo said. “I survived the death-game too, remember?”
“I know, but I’m just so used to it….I feel like it’s my duty to take care of others. You…Keiko…”
“You don’t have to. We survived together, right? Cooperation got us off the island. That’s how it’s gonna be this time too. We work together, and that’ll make us survive. Don’t lay too much weight on your shoulders.”
Kawada kissed him softly. “Arigato.”
“Ouch…My lip…” Kazuo grimaced. “It’s ok, don’t worry. We’ll make it! We’ll be ok, as long as we’re together.”
Kawada smiled again. “You’re right.” He said. “As long as we’re together, we’ll be fine.”

The boat came ashore, and the van drove off deck and onto the pier. They drove for something that seemed like an hour – hour and a half.
Kazuo peeked out the window again. His eyes widened.
“W-we’re in Shiroiwa! Why are they taking us here?”
“Are you sure?” Kawada asked.
“Yes! I lived here remember? I recognize it!”
“They probably have some kind of HQ here…” Kawada figured. “Unless we’re just passing through.”
“I hope so…” Kazuo said “I don’t like it here… Too many memories…” his voice was weak, almost whispering. But then he looked up at Kawada, his look serious: “But then again,” he said. “I know every inch of every corner in this city. We can easily slip away from them here. There’s no way they can follow my lead…”
“Wow, you sure are confident all of a sudden.”
“Yup, and with good reasons too… Remember Kawada-kun, there’s a lot about my past that you don’t know…”
“Like what?” Kawada didn’t get what Kazuo was talking about. He was confused. Although Kazuo was no normal seventeen-year old, by all means he wasn’t, Kawada’d figured that he’d had a normal life growing up.
But this was one of the times where Kazuo seemed to be completely normal, not fragile and scared. He awaited his answer.
“I’ll tell you later…” Kazuo said calmly. Then he twitched. “Hey! We’re slowing down!”
“Maybe we’re here…”
“And again I ask; Where is here?”
“Obviously Kagawa Prefecture, Shiroiwa town. But that doesn’t really reveal anything, does it?”
“Not really.” Kazuo blinked. “But it proves you right though…”
“N-Nani?”
“Well, your first guess was that we’d end up in China, and your second was Kagawa. So you were right…”
“You… How can you think of something like that in a situation like this?”
“Because there’s not much else I can do. Nothing none of us can do at the time… It’s not like we can get away or anything, at least not yet…”
Kawada was about to answer, but was interrupted by the sound of the backdoor being unlocked. The door made a creaking sound as it was opened, and a small stripe of light danced across the dirty floor.
“Kiriyama! Kawada! Get out! And if you as much as dare to think of trying anything, we’ll shoot you, right here!”
Two of them got into the back of the van and dragged them out of there. They’d stopped resisting, just followed their lead. They found themselves being outside of a large gate, a brick wall around a huge mansion. Kazuo grinned faintly, but Kawada didn’t notice it.
The gate was opened. “Get going!”
They followed a path up to the mansion, to the front door, where they stopped. There was a box fastened to the door. Apparently one had to enter a code to open the door. One of the men pressed a few buttons, there was a ‘click’ and he opened the door.
Security-cameras were monitoring the hall they entered. There was a buzzing sound each time one of them moved.
They were greeted by soldiers, more men dressed in camouflage gear. “Welcome, we’ve been looking forward to meeting you…”
Kawada shrugged; “Yeah right…”
“What you two did…Clever, very clever, but not quite good enough. You’d be better off just committing suicide.”
“Oh fuck off…” Kazuo mumbled. For some reason he seemed to be more aggressive than he’d been just a minute ago. Like something had suddenly triggered his anger.
Kawada looked at him carefully; Kazuo’s fists were clenched, his eyes focused on the soldier in front of him.
“Don’t you know that opposing the government is a crime?”
Neither of them answered. Kazuo kept glaring at the soldier.
Another spoke up; “I’m sure you’re curious about why we’ve brought you here… But, we cannot reveal it to you. In fact, this information has been certified as top secret. However, you can ask us one question. This question being; ‘What’s gonna happen to us?’ Go ahead. Ask!”
“He said ask!” again a gun was placed against Kawada’s temple.
He bit his teeth together; “What’s gonna happen to us?” he hissed.
“I’m glad you asked…” the gun was removed. “You two are very lucky! Tomorrow we’ll take you to a top secret location, and you’ll get to meet with the great Dictator! You lucky bastards!”
“Goddamn it!” Kawada thought. “We are so screwed right now…”
A meeting with the Dictator… That couldn’t possibly be a good thing… Most likely a horrible execution was awaiting them. He felt how he was starting to cold sweat.
Kazuo on the other hand, was calm again, his face was expressionless. Kawada’s blood froze; “Oh Christ! I hope he didn’t have a relapse!” But that couldn’t be, seeing how Kazuo wasn’t completely recovered anyway, and besides he’d shown so much emotion earlier. Most likely he was just so overwhelmed by all this; he didn’t know how to react.
That was probably also the reason for his mood swings, his unstable temper these past hours, that and stress. It was all like a state of shock really.
“Let’s go! There’s someone who would like to see you…”
“MOVE!” they were violently pushed in front of the same men that held them, through the hall into a big room resembling a living room, and from there into an office.
A man was standing with his back facing them as they came in. He was staring out a window. He sighed, pleased; “Ah…So you have arrived.”
“T-that voice!” Kazuo’s eyes widened. Kawada didn’t understand. After all; he couldn’t read Kazuo’s mind, only his expressions. He figured it was fear. That Kazuo was frightened at the encounter with this man, probably dreading what could be happening next.
“Young gentlemen…” he said. “Such courage, yet such foolishness… Murder is one thing… But the mass slaughter of government affiliates, that’s just too much! You sure deserve what’s coming to you.” He still wasn’t facing them, just stood there. “Honestly, I’d thought you’d be smarter…You’ve got the brains to cheat the system and escape the island, but not to flee the country? You disappoint me… Especially you Kazuo-kun.”
Kazuo-kun? Kawada flinched with surprise. Did he know him? Had he presumed wrong after all? Maybe Kazuo’s reaction hadn’t been out of fear? He saw how Kazuo’s body grew more and more tense, how he bit his lip.
“What’s going on?” he thought. And the answer followed shortly; The man turned around. Kawada gasped. Kazuo tried to get away from the hands that restrained him.
“What’s the matter Kazuo-kun?” he asked. “Aren’t you glad to see me?”
The man… It was him! Although older, his hair grey, features more rough, it was surely him. The man from the picture… Kazuo’s father!
“NO!” Kazuo screamed. “I’m not! Why should I? How the hell could you do that to me?! Just send me off like that, like I didn’t matter to you?!”
What was he talking about? Kawada didn’t follow, but clearly there was some kind of conflict between Kazuo and his father. And his father was obviously connected with the government in some way.
“Calm down Kazuo-kun…” he walked over to him, placed his hand on his cheek. Kazuo shook with anger. “DON’T TOUCH ME! JUST GET THE HELL AWAY!” he was screaming. His father removed his hand.
“What’s happened to you? You never showed such anger before…”
“Like you care?! You sent me there, remember? You wanted me dead! What do you care if I’m pissed? You’re not even sorry!”
A shadow went over his father’s face: “You have no clue, do you? When your mother and I had you…”
“Oh, FUCK OFF!” Kazuo screamed. “I know I’m adopted! Stop acting! I know that you’re not my real father! And I thank God for it!”
Kawada just watched in silence. He knew Kazuo was confused about his childhood, but he’d never thought that Kazuo had such anger towards them. That he held such a grudge.
“SHUT UP!” his father stared at him. “That’s not important! We were so proud of you. You were always a joy to show off.”
Show off?! Did they think he’s an object? Kawada too started to resent this man now.
“You were the pride of the Kiriyama family… Everything you did, you did with such ease and grace. ‘Wonder child’, ‘Genius’ that’s what they called you… You never complained, you always did what you were told, but you never showed any emotion. At first we thought it was a behavior inherited from you biological parents, but then we realized…You were a sociopath…”
“YOU KNEW?!” Kazuo exclaimed. “You knew about it? Why the hell didn’t you tell me?!”
His father didn’t answer, just kept talking;
“It didn’t matter. You were so agreeable, even though you didn’t feel. You were the perfect heir to my company. Smart, clever, refined, agreeable and good looking. Unfortunately, you almost wrecked you good reputation. That gang…The hair and earring, you became a delinquent! With you acting like that you could’ve ended up in juvenile hall. My only child, dishonoring me like that…”
Delinquent? Was this the past Kazuo didn’t want to talk about? That he’d been a gang member? If it was true at all, Kawada didn’t feel like he could trust Mr. Kiriyama’s word, he wanted to hear it from Kazuo himself.
“So you decided it was enough? I wasn’t perfect anymore. Not good enough to be your son, so you sent me off to die?!”
“That’s horrible…” Kawada thought. “Kazuo’s father signed him up to the program…”
“Your mother showed the same reaction… Of course the government followed common procedure…She didn’t cooperate, so…”
Kazuo and Kawada both knew. They’d killed her.
“How can you be so cold about it?!” Kazuo was still screaming, not like before though.
“How can you be so cold?” his father replied.
“I’m not! I’m not like that anymore! I can feel now!”
“Really?” Mr.Kiriyama looked at his raging son. At the single tear on his cheek.
“I see… Maybe you really can become a good heir after all? My company has teamed up with the government, it’s ten times bigger than before, and if you want to join the family business I can just pull a few strings and…”
“I won’t be like you! I don’t want anything to do with you anymore! I’d rather die tomorrow than working with you, having to be involved with you, even for a second! You and those bastards in the government!”
“Very well. It’s your choice… Still I can think of something that might change your mind.” He pointed at Kawada. “Shoot him.”
Kazuo thought he was about to go crazy. He struggled to get loose. “Don’t! Please DON’T!”
“Hold on…” his father ordered to the one holding the gun, aiming at Kawada. He turned to Kazuo again. “You’re not so tough anymore, are you? Maybe you’ll be reasonable? Come to your senses and make your father proud.”
“YOU ARE NOT MY FATHER!”
“Wrong answer…Shoo-“
“NO! F-father… Please… Don’t kill him! I’ll do anything…”
“And why shouldn’t I kill him?”
“Because… I- I love him… I love him!”
“So you’re queer? I can’t show you off as my honorable son if you’re…”
“Otou-san! DAMEYO! Please! I’m… I’ll… I’ll be your heir! Let him live!” Kazuo was crying. He was begging the person he resented more than anything to free the one he loved more than anything.
“Fine… Don’t shoot him. I need to think of this…” he turned to the soldiers; “Lock them in… I’ll send for Kazuo later. When I know whether I’ll accept his offer or not.”

They were taken to an isolated room in the basement. It had no windows and the door was locked from the outside. Like it was a dungeon. As they were locked in, Kazuo threw himself into Kawada’s arms; “I was so scared!” he sobbed. “I though he’d kill you! I hate him! I hate him!” Kawada hugged him, rocked him carefully from side to side.
“Ssh… Calm down…” he lifted his head. Made him face him. “Kazuo-kun…I need to ask you some things…”
Kazuo sniveled, knew that he had to answer. Kawada was entitled to know. “Ok, I’ll try to answer.”
“I-I’m confused, I don’t understand, yet I understand so much…”
“Yeah? Then what do you want to know?”
“It was your father who signed you up for the program, right?”
Kazuo nodded. “I wasn’t perfect anymore so…”
It was all making Kawada so mad! The pain Kazuo was going through… Nobody deserved to go trough anything that was even remotely like this.
“But, What exactly did you do? What was all that about you being a delinquent?”
Kazuo smiled through the tears. “Well… It feels like it’s been so long… But it really hasn’t been more than three months or so… It was back when all I did was trying to be normal…I just wanted to feel. I tried everything; I painted, I wrote poetry, I did martial arts and I played the violin, but I didn’t achieve anything. They praised me for being so clever…But I saw no point in it…Their praising meant nothing to me. After all I didn’t feel anything!” He stopped. Kissed Kawada. “Unlike now…” he smiled again.
“So I ended up staying out late, started hanging out with a gang that doesn’t exactly have the best reputation in Shiroiwa… We broke into a liquor store… Got into fights…I pierced my ear, bleached my hair…” he laughed quietly. That’d been a huge failure, it’d come out orange.
“I think it looks good on you.” Kawada said. “But continue…”
“I didn’t really care for any of it… It brought me fame, but no feeling. Still it was fun in its own way you know. Only I didn’t feel, so it didn’t really matter to me what happened. But father... He freaked…Couldn’t handle that I wanted to learn about myself, be my own person… He told me I was going away. That he was sending me to another camp or something… I’m used to it… I’ve been to camps, study trips, seminars, private schools…You name it…”
“But instead…” Kawada felt as I he too was about to cry.
”Yeah… He sent me to the island. To play the game…To die…”
“I’m sorry to be asking all this…” Kawada said. “I don’t mean to…”
“I know. Don’t worry. You have the right to know…I want you to know.”
“Ok, then I’d like to know about your father…His company, what does it have to do with the government?”
Kazuo scratched his head. “I’ve been gone for a while after all, even though not long…So I don’t know exactly… But, father is the executive of a leading corporation in the prefecture, so I guess he has enough influence around here for the government to becoming interested in working with him…Plus, for the right price he’d team up with anyone…” hatred dominated his voice.
Suddenly Kazuo stood up. “I have an idea…I’ll get my revenge and we’ll get away…I know my father well enough to know when he’s letting his guard down…”
“Revenge? What are you talking about?”
“I’m not gonna take his crap anymore! He’s almost killed me twice…He’s destroying my life…It’s my turn to screw him over!”
‘”If you have a plan…I guess I’m with you…” Kawada smiled.
“It’s waterproof! I’ll not only get my revenge, but I’ll make sure they’ll leave us alone forever!”
“Kaz…I don’t mean to put you down, but that’s what we thought the last time too…”
“Yeah, I know, but fathers got inside contact with the government, if we just get to him we’ll be safe…”
“Okay, then I trust you. Explain to me.”
Kazuo explained that knowing his father he would pull some strings if he just agreed to working with him. And if he himself used the right means then they’d be rid of both his father and the government, and could return to Kobe.
“You’re a fucking genius, you know that?!” Kawada smiled.
“So I have been told…” Kazuo replied.
Things didn’t seem so hopeless anymore. Kazuo’d been right, the plan was foolproof. Kawada’d gone through it in his mind many times. Even if the government wanted to get them again, they wouldn’t be able to because of Kazuo’s father and his contacts.
As they waited for the soldiers to come to get Kazuo, which as it would turn out wasn’t until next day, they just held each other. Even slept a little. Kazuo wasn’t afraid anymore; he was just aching to get back at those bastards, to put his plan to life, and to show Kawada that he too could be tough. But all his insecurities couldn’t be hidden;
“What’s on your mind Kazuo-kun?”
“How do you know something’s on my mind?”
“I just know, now, what’s wrong?”
“I’m pretty confident, but I’ll always worry about tings… Things that can go wrong, like now…I just hope they’ll really leave us alone after this. Even though I’m the one who said they would…”
“Don’t worry. As you said, it’s a waterproof plan… I know it’ll be ok…”
He kissed him carefully. Kazuo grimaced again; his lip still needed stitches after all…
“Oh, sorry…”
Kazuo smiled. “Daijoubu.”
The door was unlocked, and two of the four soldiers who were standing outside entered.
“Kiriyama, your father whishes to see you!”
“Kawada-kun’s coming too… I’m bringing him no matter what you say.”
“He figured you would. Now, MOVE! Both of you!”
“Alright…We’re going already!”
They were escorted back into Mr.Kiriyama’s office. As they entered he told the soldiers to wait outside. “I want to speak to my son.”
“Kawada-kun stays.” Kazuo said firmly.
“I figured that much. Fine, let him stay…The rest of you; get out of here!”
They went out the door and closed it.
“So now all of a sudden I’m good enough to be your son?” Kazuo said cheeky.
“Don’t be rude Kazuo-kun!”
“Why did you summon me? For meaningless small talk? I think not.”
“I have reached a decision…You will work by my side, and then be my heir. And I will let you loose from the government’s claws. As long as you agree to do what I tell you, and not become a delinquent again.”
“Good. Just what I hoped for.” Kazuo ignored the last part. It wasn’t important. “Now make the call.”
“What call?”
“The call you’ll make to the government to get us off the hook.”
Kawada looked at him, admiring. Kazuo’d been so frightened, and here he was, so confident all of a sudden. He looked really cool. Sexy. “Come on Kaz,” he thought. “Almost there. You’ve got him…”
“Not so fast Kazuo…There are preparations that need to be done first…”
“NOW FATHER!” Kazuo picked up the gun that was on the desk. He’d noticed it earlier.
“K- Kazuo! What are you doing?!”
“You placed me on the island, and I survived down to the final two. I survived… I too can play the death game Otou-san!”
“Kazuo…”
“Make the call!” Kazuo aimed the gun at him, forced him over to his desk. Made him sit down. “You hear me…?”
“How threaten own father like this?”
“How can you try to get your own son killed?” Kazuo stayed calm, kept aiming. “Now, make the fucking call!”
Shaking, his father picked up the phone, dialed a number;
“Yes, hello? This is Kiriyama calling, may I speak to your superior please?” While he spoke Kazuo held the gun to his head. “I want you to tell them you want me and Kawada-kun freed. If they don’t agree to it, you sign the company over to them!”
His father nodded, he didn’t want to argue. Kazuo had changed; he didn’t at all seem well-raised and sophisticated anymore. Now he truly was a delinquent.
“Yes hello Sir. It’s me, yes. My son Kazuo’s here…Yes tomorrow, I know…”
Kazuo poked him with the gun. Sweat dripped from his forehead.
“Well…Here’s the case… I was hoping you’d let him off-…”
“AND Kawada-kun!” Kazuo hissed.
”Err… Him and the other one. Kawada Shogo? Yes, I was hoping you’d let them off? No? But…” Again Kazuo poked him with the gun.
“Well, about what we talked about earlier…I’m willing to sign the entire corporation over to you, to the government, if these two are released…Yes…Yes, I will have the documents faxed over shortly. Yes, I’ll receive it. No problem. Alright thank you.” He hung up. Faced Kazuo. “Whish granted” he said. “You’re free… Now put away the gun.”
“Not quite yet…Fax them the documents first. And make a signed letter saying you’ve signed the firm over to the government… Kawada-kun, get my father a piece of paper and a pen will you?”
Kawada nodded, he was still amazed at how on top of the situation Kazuo was. He placed a piece of paper and a pen on the desk in front of Mr. Kiriyama. “Write.” He ordered.
Mr. Kiriyama obeyed. He wrote down on the paper that he, in exchange for freedom of Kazuo and Kawada, signed the corporation over to the government, and then he signed it.
Then, on Kazuo’s order, he found all the other corp.-related documents and faxed them over to the government. Or more specifically, to the person he’d spoken to on the phone.
“There.” He said. “Are you pleased now Kazuo? Don’t you feel ashamed? Blackmailing your father…”
“Aren’t you ashamed?” Kazuo asked. “You got mother killed! Almost killed me! I stopped being something to you when I was no longer perfect in your eyes! Who’s the one who should be ashamed? You tell me!”
His father didn’t answer. With Kawada and Kazuo watching, he paged the soldiers; told them to get out of the house, to stand guard outside in the yard.
“The government will send out a report stating that you are no longer being prosecuted, so you’ll be able to move safely through the country. These soldiers however, will not believe that if you tell them. Even if you show them my statement they won’t believe you. That’s why I sent them out, so you can get out safely. Just find another exit. I trust you know what to do Kazuo-kun.”
“Don’t call me that!” Kazuo said, his voice was cold as ice. “I don’t want to have anything to do with you after this! You’re not my father!”
It might seem like Kazuo’s father was being nice, but Kazuo didn’t fall for it. He’d deceived him one time to many, caused him such pain. He was not gonna believe that ‘let’s get along’ crap of his. Not now, not ever. The only thing this man really cared about was himself, money, power and status. He’d used Kazuo to get some of these things, but when Kazuo was no longer his pride, a status symbol, he didn’t mean anything to him either. If there had ever been any real bonds between Kazuo and his father, they were all broken now.
“It’s time you left.” His father said. “Here.” He handed him a copy of his statement. Kazuo accepted it. “Arigato.” He said, and headed for the door. “Come on Kawada-kun.”
Mr.Kiriyama looked at them. “Have a nice life Kazuo-kun…”
“Thanks for raising me.” Kazuo replied, he figured his father deserved that much. And then he walked out the door, the gun in his hand, with Kawada following close behind.

Mr.Kiriyama stared at the door. He sighed and opened a drawer in his desk; he took out a small pistol. He had nothing more to live for, he’d gotten his wife killed, his so-called son was as far as he could see stark raving mad and had just broken all contact with him, and he’d just lost his company on top of it all. No, his life was now completely empty. He didn’t want to become humiliated in terms of going broke and being forced to live a mere middle-class life. He put the barrel in his mouth, and pulled the trigger.
Seconds later the white walls in his office were splattered with a murky mass, a mixture between red – blood, and a grey substance, - his brains. Mr.Kiriyama was no more.

As Kawada and Kazuo heard the shot, Kazuo bit his lip, felt his stomach turn. Kawada took his hand. Kazuo looked at him, smiled carefully. “I’m fine…” he said. “It’s ok.”
Kawada realized that Kazuo’d been serious the time he’d said that he didn’t love his parents. Not only because he couldn’t, but also because of the way his father acted towards him. The way he’d used him.
He understood that in a way this had to be a relief for Kazuo. But then again, Kazuo could be in shock, so it was better not to talk about it until later.
Instead he asked; “Kazuo-kun? Where are we going?”
“Downstairs. The surveillance room is in the basement, and there’s another exit there as well.”
“How’d you know that?” In a way Kawada knew what the answer would be, but he asked anyway.
“It’s my house.” Kazuo said it plainly as that.
Kawada, although he’d suspected it was stunned; “Y-your house?! Why didn’t
you say so?”
“I didn’t think it was important…I mean you said it yourself right? That they’ll take your house!”
“Well, I did, but you could’ve told me…”
Kazuo didn’t answer, just smiled.
As they walked downstairs, Kawada wondered how Kazuo could go from being so vulnerable into becoming so collected, not even his father’s suicide had made him move an eyelid… He was such a complex person. Such a mystery, but Kawada loved to uncover the truth about him, even if it was terrible.
“Here, the surveillance room.” Kazuo said. “I’m just gonna get the tape showing the office. It needs to be destroyed, so no one can see we threatened him.” They went in, and Kazuo quickly located the tape, removed it from the machine, and stepped on it.
”Evidence destroyed.” he said, and went on to pushing some buttons. “I’m shutting the system down…” he explained. “I’m not taking any chances, it’s better if the cameras are off.” He picked up the broken tape. “This baby will burn.”
He wanted it to be completely destroyed.
“Come…” he said, and led Kawada into another room. He stopped in the doorway and looked around, then he went in. “Wow…They haven’t done anything about it…”
“Is this your room?”
“It was anyway.” Kazuo replied. “I want to take some things home with me…So you can take part in my past. Like you wanted…”
He found a backpack, and stuffed some books, an album, some clothes, and a few other things into it. Finally he pulled out a black case from under the bed.
”You play the violin?” Kawada asked.
“I told you earlier, didn’t I?” Kazuo nodded; “I did...Again they say genius…I threw the other one away, but I think I’ll bring this one home with me… Maybe I’ll play for you…”
Kawada smiled. “I’d like that…”
Kazuo kissed him, carefully. He looked into his eyes, took his hand.
“You know…” he said. “ We’ve always been at your house and…”
He smiled a shy smile.
“Kaz…What are you thinking?” Kawada asked with confusion in his voice.
“What do you think I’m thinking?” Kazuo kissed him again, licked his neck carefully. Snickered.
“Kaz…We can’t….”
“Yes we can…It’s my room, isn’t it? And we’re free, aren’t we?”
“Well…Yes… But…”
“What? You don’t like it?” he kissed his neck.
Kawada gasped. “I-I never said I didn’t…”
“Good…Then relax…” Kazuo laid him down, pulled off his shirt. Covered Kawada’s chest with kisses. “Don’t you want to?” he asked.
Kawada nodded. “Y-yes…But…”
“Then give into temptation…Please? For me?”
“I…We…Can’t…”
“Yes we can… Come on…I don’t see you protesting?”
“Well…You’re not exactly terrible…” he gasped again. Watched as Kazuo took off his own shirt. Touched his abs gently. He was so sexy.
Kazuo snickered again. It was like he wasn’t even himself anymore; he was becoming who he’d been in that dream.
“Touch me…” he whispered.
Kawada ran his hands over his back, down his stomach. Unbuttoned Kazuo’s pants.
“That’s it…” Kazuo whispered. “Now you’ve got it…”
Kawada kissed his neck, blew it gently. Kazuo was shivering.
“I knew you wanted to…” he smiled. They kissed, Kazuo stood up, let his pants fall to the floor. He got back on top of Kawada, carefully kissed him, and licked his stomach and chest. Kawada just laid back and closed his eyes. Just enjoyed it as Kazuo played with his body. “You’re so overdressed…” Kazuo smiled. “Don’t you want to slip into something more comfortable?” he unbuttoned his pants for him, took them off. They were both in their boxers, both longing.
Kawada moaned as Kazuo bit his lip, licked his ear. “Kazuo…How much longer are you going to tease me?”
“Not much…” he replied. “I don’t wanna wait either. I want us to become one…”
“Then let’s…”
Kazuo smiled. “Yeah…”
Their bodies melted together, became one. They became sweaty; breaths grew heavy, showered each other with kisses. It was all building up, the feelings became stronger, Kazuo’s breath became more and more heavy, and finally exploded into a scream. From there they took it slow, until they separated their exhausted bodies.
Kazuo rolled over on his side. “Wow…That was…”
Kawada finished his sentence: “Amazing…”
They rested for a while, and then got dressed. Kawada kissed him carefully. “Thanks for talking me into it…” he said.
Kazuo took his hand again. “Time to leave…” he said. “We can’t stay here anymore.”

They exited through a door in the basement, and came out into the backyard.
It was obviously late, because it was dark outside when they left. They went through the backyard, and climbed the brick wall surrounding the property.
“We must get to the pier, although no ferries depart until morning, but we’ll go there anyway. Come on, we’ll take the bus down there.”
There was a bus stop not too far away from Kazuo’s house. And luckily it wasn’t that late; the buses were still going. After about twenty minutes, they boarded a bus heading for the pier.
The street lamps gave off a dull light outside the bus, weakly enlightening the bus as it passed them. Kawada and Kazuo were the only passengers, but what else could be expected at this hour?
Kawada was looking out the window, as was Kazuo. He sat closest to the window, so it was easy to discover when the tears came. Kazuo was crying silently. His tears blinked in the dim light.
“Douka shita no?” Kawada asked.
“It’s nothing…” Kazuo replied. “I’m sure you think of me as a real crybaby…”
“No I don’t. You have been going through a lot and besides you have a lot of feeling to express. After all, you went seventeen years without feeling anything…You have a lot to make up for, it’s only to be expected that you cry more than others. “
“Sixteen.”
“What?”
“Sixteen years. My birthday is in December.”
“So, you’re only sixteen?”
“Hai...”
“Wow…” Kawada didn’t know what to say, he’d assumed that Kazuo was seventeen. But, he decided it didn’t matter.
Kazuo smiled carefully.
“Come on…Tell me what’s wrong. Is it because of your father?”
Kazuo nodded, then said; “But not because he’s dead…It’s because I’m not sad…Because I don’t feel anything about his death… I can’t help it…I’m feeling bad ‘cos I don’t feel anything…”
“Kaz…You can’t feel sad about it…Even if you’re able to love me, it doesn’t mean you’ll love them all of a sudden. Not when you haven’t before. It’s difficult to love someone who’s done you wrong in the past.”
“I guess you’re right…But it sounds awful. And I kinda want to cry about it…”
“Then cry. I’m here. Cry as long as you’d like, as long as you need to. I’m here.”
For the rest of the ride, Kawada held Kazuo, who cried silently into his chest until they got off the bus. From time to time he lifted his head and told him he loved him, or said thank you. And then he’d kiss him.

When they got off the bus, they’d arrived at the pier, where they waited for the ferry until the next morning. They’d fallen asleep in the waiting area, but awoke when it was announced over the speakers that the ferry’d depart shortly.
They boarded, and spent the hours on the boat reading books, and just talking.
What had happened over the last days was so unrealistic, so surreal. In a way it was like it had never happened. But compared to what they’d been through before, it was really nothing. Compared to ‘the program’, it was nothing. ‘The program’ was worse than anything else in the world.

They were both eager to get home, and very tired, when they left the ferry and boarded a bus that would take them into Kobe. They hardly spoke on the bus. It was like they had no more energy. And they both had a lot of things on their minds.

It was afternoon when they arrived. Still, it felt like it was the middle of the night, because they were both so tired.
But, before going home, Kawada took Kazuo to a doctor, and had his lip sewn up. It felt much better, although it stung. So Kawada bought him an ice cream so it wouldn’t sting as much. “Now then.” he said. “Let’s go home.”

Although exhausted, Kazuo didn’t really feel very tired when they unlocked the door to the apartment. He followed Kawada into the bedroom, undressed and lay down next to him. But unlike Kawada, he couldn’t sleep. He turned around, kissed him softly on the lips. “I’m glad we’re home and safe…” he whispered. He kissed him again. Kawada kissed him back. Kazuo closed his eyes, and whispered; “Make love to me Kawada-kun…I need to feel your body against mine. I need to feel your love…”
They started kissing again. Kawada got on top of Kazuo, covered him with kisses. Enjoyed every second of it as Kazuo’s breath grew heavier and they became one.
Afterwards they both fell asleep, wrapped around each other, listening to the other’s heartbeat. Knowing that it was beating for him.

When Kawada awoke at nightfall, Kazuo wasn’t in the bed next to him.
He didn’t see him, but noticed that beautiful music was filling the room. Bach’s ‘air suite’. He looked around. And saw Kazuo, he was sitting on the windowsill, the white curtain flapped in front of him, in the wind of the open window. He was naked, but Kawada only saw his silhouette. He was playing the violin. The sad, yet beautiful music went so perfectly with his delicate features.
Kawada went over to him, kissed him softly.
Kazuo answered the kiss, then kept playing. “The music represents my love for you…” he whispered. “I love you…”
“Then play more, and never stop.”
“I won’t.”

The rest of the night, music could be heard from their apartment. But this music was more than just that. It was love.
Unconditional, undying love that conquered all.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Note:
I still haven't had this one BETA'd either... So you're just gonna have to bear with me until I have my editor look at it again. He's currently swamped in (my) work. So yeah... And w00t! These fics are having their one year anniversary!! ^___^
Please review on your way out! And check for the third one!