Cause and Effect (( |WW| & StainedCrimson )) Private|18+

[|WW|]

Cameron slams down the phone, reaching up to slide his fingers through his shoulder length hair in frustration. The once unruly strands were now smooth as silk and much more obedient. The once 8 year old boy was now a young man of eighteen years. Eyes that had been warm and expressive now hid behind contacts of a lighter brown; though he did still wear his glasses often. The contact always seemed to annoy him at some point, so a spare set of frames was always somewhere in reach.

 

"Ridiculous," he muttered, pushing up from the small table that served as a barrier between couch and recliner. He'd been living in his own place for a few years now, after a few heated arguments between a lawyer and his family. Family. More like people who only cared about him when it suited them or when they wanted to hang their mighty heads over him in spite. Nasty people, it was embarrassing to be a part of that family name at all. Thus why he had his own space and even made it a point to be on the complete opposite side of town. The house he'd grown up in was history, as no amount of money could have continued to pay for such a wealthy lifestyle.

 

"Camy, calm down hon. I'm sure they just messed up the dates. They'll get it worked out soon." A female friend from school sat watching the male pacing from end of the small living room to the other.

 

She'd been there for him through many years of frustration, and he honestly was thankful for it; but he just got so damn angry sometimes. Gesturing to the phone angrily he responded in a clipped tone, "That's not an excuse Anna, it's a damn bank. They should have these things in line. I've waited years for this money; if i don't get it soon I don't know what I'm going to do. Do you realize how much all these money-hungry lawyers have cost me?"

 

She winced slightly, looking down at her hands which were folded in her lap. "Yeah, I get that Camy, really. But being upset isn't going to get the money faster. You're worn out. Just sit down a bit." She blinked soft blue eyes up at him, unhooking her hands to pat the couch next to her. "Sit? Please?"

 

When he looked back to her, she was demonstrating that puppy eye-d look that had often melted many of the boys at school. To him it didn't do much other than make him feel bad for being so irritable with her. Defeated he sunk next to her and sighed, reaching up to pull his hair up into a ponytail- using a tie from his wrist to hold the locks back out of his face. A few shorter strands always managed to escape though.

 

"There, you just sit and relax a minute. You have to leave for work soon anyway, right?" She glanced at the clock, showing it was almost 8a.m., and he needed to be in the office by 9:00 sharp. Reaching out she grabbed his tie, trying to fix the lopsided mess from where he'd tugged and pulled on it while on the phone. When straight he made quite a handsome picture in a nice suit. Not that she looked at him that way. "I have to get home, but thanks for having me over last night. And just so you know, I'm getting my rematch." She pointed to the chess board across the room, grinning. "It's not fair you win all the time, you're supposed to let the Lady win once in a while."

 

He finally grinned to this statement. "Oh? Is that so? Well excuse me for being a bad example of male chivalry." They spoke a bit more and Anna left. He grabbed his briefcase and left himself ten minutes after, locking the apartment up behind him. He left early so he could walk to the office. In the more cold seasons he would drive, but he enjoyed the crisp morning air. It didn't exactly help his mood, but it did make him feel like he wasn't completely lazy. After years he'd shut out thoughts of old days, as best as he could. It would do no good to dwell on things of the past. All he could do was move forward. Crossing one street he changed his pace, trying to hurry a bit. He'd pushed his timing a bit today.

[StainedCrimson]

Stepping out of the hotel he's staying in while things with his apartment are being settled, he stretches and yawns. Feeling fairly energetic and relaxed despite the long flight, starts to walk looking forward to enjoying the ease into the job back on this side of the world. Unlike when he left, he gets a full week to adjust and get settled in instead of a day. Tomorrow he'll be looking at the few apartments that interested him and then pick one to move into.

 

Hearing his phone go off, he pauses and answers it. "Really? Excellent! And when will the other arrive?" Nodding the large smile grows. "Good to hear. I knew I could depend on you. Haha, yeah, you'll have to come visit me once I settle in." Finishing the call he goes to pick up his baby. The motorcycle not being the same one as ten years ago, though he still has that one, but it's a similar model just newer and even more wicked looking.

 

While gone, the bike rides he'd managed to get in between work, meetings, family and the like was all that kept him from losing his mind. Thoughts of calling the adorable boy who all but worshiped him had been an urge, but every time he went to, it was either to late due to the time change or he got a work call. Sighing but deciding to deal with it later, he takes off in order to collect his bike and go for a spin.

[|WW|]

He arrived with time to spare, using a small badge to gain entrance for employee's. It was only a part time job, since a full time one would be far too demanding with his classes schedule. Going to college was what had broke his bank to begin with. It was amazing how much they charged for someone to further their education. A long time ago he'd had a youthful goal in mind to be the most adept partner anyone could have in the office. Classes in business, marketing, clerical and data entry...so many more. He was going to be a very busy guy. He hadn't exactly continued this path to honor a long lost promise. Those days were gone. He just didn't like giving up on his own word, which had obviously been more serious than the other party.

 

Giving a sigh he sunk down at his desk and flicked his PC on, sliding out materials he needed for the day. He'd spent all night going over files and organizing pie charts for financial deals. Numbers danced in his head. By 3p.m. he was rushing from the office back to his home, having time for a quick shower, change of clothes into casual, and a light snack on the run. Making sure he had his glasses and book bag he slid the bag over one shoulder and left the apartment, going in the opposite direction this time for the classes he had scheduled for 4:30pm. to 10p.m.

 

With a bottle of water and a half eaten granola bar in tow, he reached the large building that was off campus. This was a business like setting, and catered to the evening attendants. Sliding into a seat he slid out his materials and waited for the teacher, glancing quietly around at all the other people who'd showed up. A few people were absent that he could tell, but that was the nature of these courses. So were serious, some weren't so driven.

 

By 10:11p.m. he was leaving the large building, exhausted and ready for his bed. His cell phone was bare of any calls from the bank when he checked the bright screen. Sighing he slid the phone back into his pocket and slowly wandered towards home. It was about a fifteen minute walk when he used a very slow pace; which he was currently.

 

Having been looking down, he hadn't noticed the two males that turned the corner just ahead. His mind was somewhere else, and when he bumped head-on into a firm chest to say it startled him was an understatement. He let out a sound of surprise and nearly dropped his bag. The impact had managed to dislodge a contact and his eye immediately began to water and blur; stinging from the soft lens bending against his cornea. "Crap, ouch," he exclaimed, trying to look up at what, or who he'd rammed into. "Sorry, I wasn't looking where I- ...," he started, but was silenced by two much larger men glaring back at him.

 

"What's the rush?" One of the men asked, grinning in a way that spoke measures about his character. The other male was still very close and lightly dusted off his jacket as if cameron had somehow damaged his clothes by bumping into him. A flash of what could have been metal glinted in the dark, barely detectable by the street lamp at the corner. Cameron swallowed, feeling immensely uncomfortable. His eye was still blurred and watering.

[StainedCrimson]

"There you are." The voice heard is a low deep rumble, a bedroom or seductive voice, calls out to the bike that is unloaded and unwrapped. Revealed, the paint gleaming and spotless, grabbing the key he goes over and gets on the bike starting it up quickly. Putting on his glasses he lets the gas go, and grinning like a madman, he spins on the back tire during the wheelie that results and tears out of the holding garage.

 

Throwing his head back and laughing, he speeds through the streets to re-familiarize himself with them and all the changes that have taken place since he's left. After over an hour of doing this, and it's finally getting to the point jet lag is starting to sink in, he turns down a street to head back to where he's currently residing to park his bike and get some much needed sleep. Just as he's nearing the last turn, he has to stop as some students getting out of night school cut him off causing a loud screech. "Son of a-!! Watch where you're going you fucking shits!" He yells revving his bike making it let out what seems like a loud angry snarl to back up his words as it jerks at them making them run off.

[|WW|]

He wasn't sure what these guys intentions were, but he could take a small guess it had something to do with any valuables he had on him. A pair of two males didn't usually bother with another male unless they had something in mind they wanted to take. Well, that's what he thought anyway. His amount of real world experience was pathetically inept. "Look guys, I'm really sorry," he apologized again, taking a step backwards.

"We heard you the first time, little Prince," the man that had been quiet spoke, his words like little blades sinking into cameron's nerves. Little Prince. That was a stupid nickname he'd had in high school. Though he didn't have many problems with people at school, there were always a bunch somewhere that just made any excuse to dislike someone. But these men, they were older. They couldn't of possibly went to school with him. He didn't recognize either.

"We were thinking maybe you could come play with us for a bit," the other spoke, raising an impressive switch blade up into view, slowly pressing the flat of the blade against his own lips with that disgusting grin still in place. Cameron shook his head, taking another step back. Before he could even think it through he turned on heels and made a run for it back towards the street where class had let out. It wasn't too far.

He made it about a block and a half before he heard the screech of tires further up. He could see figures of people still loitering from classes. "Hey! HEY! ANYONE," he yelled, well, screeched almost. His heart felt like it was going to pop out of his chest. Before he could get another yell out, a thick arm wrapped around him and hoisted off the ground; his legs still going wildly. "Ngh, n-no!," he kicked back, but met air. A hand covered his mouth as he was drug off the main strip down a small alley. What the hell did they want with him?

 

The alley was a dead end, and was flanked by businesses that were closed up for the day. He struggled and squirmed, but the knife tip pricked under his chin and he froze immediately. A breathy voice beside his ear made his stomach turn. "Now just be good Prince and we'll make this quick. You understand?" Cameron couldn't speak, so he made a grunt instead, swallowing. Everything was a blur still. Damn contacts.

[StainedCrimson]

"Tch. Idiots..." He mutters taking off a bit slower this time to make sure he doesn't have an 'accident' on his first day back. Letting out a sigh, suddenly he frowns as a glint of metal from the bike's lights catches his eye as it's in the middle of a group of people. Eyes narrowing at the odd situation, he considers what action he should take when suddenly one form is surrounded and dragged off. Normally he'd do nothing except call the cops, but the form pulled off seemed fairly small and young compared to the others.

 

Growling under his breath about having a conscious, he turns towards the alleyway shutting off his lights and letting his bike stay in neutral until he's able to turn and see what's going on. Seeing the glint of metal at a student's throat and catching the last bit said, he frowns and tsks. Settling himself on the bike, he suddenly turns the lights on, with brights, while revving and giving gas at the same time causing the bike to rear up and charge forward with a loud roar.

 

Smirking to himself he really doesn't care if the lowlifes are actually run over or not. This killed the last of his tolerance and patience for the time being, after being exhausted and already pissed off at the other dumbassholes from a moment ago. As it was though, the would be attackers naturally broke up and ran for it. Ryuuchi chases them down and out of the alley before stopping, straightening up to shove hair out of his face to watch them scurry off like the vermin they are.

 

Once satisfied they won't be coming back he gives another long sigh. Now he has to go check on the one jumped before he can go home. "I'm going to need a good lay after this." He mutters turning hte bike around and coasting back to where the figure of the student he'd just saved is. "Hey... You going to be alright or do I need to call an ambulance?" Stopping in front of the form he pushes the glasses up on top of his head to get a good look at the other.

[|WW|]

The knife at his throat pricked another spot under his chin, now two punctures dribbled with crimson; though not very much...yet. He closed his eyes, wishing he'd taken his friend up on defensive classes. His build wasn't meant for strength being lean and agile instead. Didn't exactly matter how fast or agile you were when a blade was at your neck though, now did it? No amount of twisty monkey business would get you out of that when two men imposingly large were your opponents.

 

He felt the front of his shirt being pulled on, and then a few buttons went flying. He could feel the cool nights breeze licking over his partially bared chest. "Ngh, n-no okay, I got money, you can have all of it," he begged. He was beginning to see that they were more into having fun than taking his wallet. That made his stomach turn again; he was really about to puke. Before they could get a word in the sound at the entrance of the alley was deafening. Bright lights pierced the darkness and had even him blinded by their glare.

 

The two men exchanged curses and he felt the arm around his waist loosen. The knife also disappeared. As the men made a run for it, being chased by something or someone- Cameron had been thrown into a wall. He slid down it and grabbed the back of his head, groaning. Damn that had really hurt like hell. He was dizzy, sick, and all around feeling like shit. His heart also felt like at one point it might have sputtered to halt and magically restarted.

 

His hair had come lose of the ponytail, some remaining held back while the rest fell into his face. He reached up and poked the other contact out, tossing it to the ground. He'd lost the other, so screw it. Sniffing lightly he pulled out his glasses from his pocket and slid them on, blinking tears out of his eyes which only watered from the rough treatment. It's like he was crying or anything. Really.

 

Hearing a voice, gooseflesh raced up his spine. Turning his head he peered up, poking the glasses further up his nose. A very familiar habit. He stared at the figure, dark brown eyes looking a touch frightened still; however now they held what might have been confusion. The voice he heard was like some sort of sick joke. He'd just went through something scary, of course he would be thinking stupid things. "N-no, ambulance. I'm okay," he stuttered, blinking as he pushed up from the ground to stand, placing a palm against the all to steady himself. He must have hit his head harder than he thought.

[StainedCrimson]

If it wasn't for the torn shirt, slight trickles of blood down a pale throat, and having seen the other get thrown against the wall twice, he might have let it go and just left. As it was, he lets out a sigh and mutters some curses in his native language while shoving his hand through his hair before looking back at the figure. He goes to say something but pauses, an odd look of confusion drifts over his face before shaking his head. No... There's no way. "If you could have been more convincing I'd gladly accept the lie, however, as it stands I'll at least see you to the nearby clinic to make sure you don't have a concussion."

 

Frowning he pulls out a phone to look up the location of one. "Now where the hell is one..." He mutters glaring at the screen faintly before looking the directions over and nodding. Shoving the phone back in his pocket he looks back at the other. "Are you able to ride?" He asks forgetting to switch back over to English initially, but the confusion on the other's face reminds him. "Sorry, I've been in another country for ten years. It's difficult changing languages after that length of time." Giving a faint shrug he repeats his question. "Are you able to ride? Or at least hold on so I can get you to a walk in?"

 

Despite the niggling feeling in the back of his head that he knows the brat in front of him, he refuses to think that his luck would be such that he'd run into Cameron on his first night back. "Come on... Either you get on willingly or I drape you over my lap and take you there by force." He rumbles out tapping his finger on the bike handle, eager to get home and into bed.

[|WW|]

Maybe he did need help. His head was beginning to throb and the lights from the bike hadn't helped. Pushing away from the wall he began gathering his things, the voice that was currently speaking to him sounding eerily familiar. Yeah he really smacked his head good. There was just no way. "Okay, yeah..," he admitted needing help, holding his bag now refilled with his things to his chest. Sniffing once he reached up and pulled the tie from his hair, letting the silky mass fall free; a few strands sticking up at random after the whole ordeal.

 

Trying to think he grunts a bit, wiping at his throat and looking at the small red trails that cover his palm and fingers. He wrinkles his nose at the sight. Could have been worse. Looking at the bike he suddenly seems reluctant. Dark eyes look the bike over, a painful expression showing for a moment before it's gone. He hadn't been on one of these things for ten years. Hadn't wanted to be on one. The adoration for things like this had long withered from his life. "Uh, m-maybe I can just walk. I'm sure there isn't a clinic too far?" Yeah that was a brilliant idea. Go ahead and walk, at night time with your crazy ass stalkers still running rabid. Duh, Cam.

 

When he was asked if he could ride he shrugged, knowing he could. But the dialect he heard was the most surprising. The bike, the voice, the language... the man himself. It was still pretty dark, but he was beginning to feel really sick. In fact the feeling of his stomach's contents rolling around inside was nearly impossible to overlook. He was being reminded, by little bits. And as soon as the mention of ten years hit him his eyes watered and tears streaked his face as he stood there clinging to his bag.

 

If he really did mess his head up, he wished he'd be seeing and hearing anything but this. "Ryuuchi," he whispered, looking like he was about to lose it. He threw a hand up over his mouth and stumbled over to a trash can, letting lose what he'd had in his stomach. Oh he could ride, but the poor kid needed a minute. He was sure he was having some sort of delusional flashbacks right now. This sort of thing wasn't real or possible.

 

[StainedCrimson]

Seeing the other stumble and look increasingly pale, he frowns harder before scowling slightly. "You better not throw up on my bike.. And how do you know my name?" He growls out before getting a good look at the young male when he puts up the stand to get off and move the guy himself. Mostly to keep his bike safe. When he finally sees the face, he takes a sharp breath in before saving the glasses as the grown boy finally loses what little is in his stomach.

 

Still, he wants to wait before fully believing what's going on. Exhaustion can play hell on a person's mental state after all. Once the other has finished, he shoves the bag at him. "If you have something in there to rinse out your mouth do it. Then I'm taking you to the clinic. Clearly you got hit harder than I thought if you're stumbling around and trying to see your stomach on the outside." After getting the stunned and disoriented male on the bike, he eases the bike forward to get him to receive medical attention.

 

After they arrive, he rushes the other inside and quickly gets him into an examination room while dealing with the paperwork. Of course, he'd also gotten a good look thanks to the lights on the way in so he's a bit distracted while doing what he can to get things in order.

[|WW|]

Throw up on his bike? On HIS bike? Jesus the poor kid was a mess and his grumpy hero was worried about messing up the bike with puke? Cameron heaved what he had, though it hadn't been much since he ate a light lunch. Spitting into the can a few times he glared over at the man, squinting now since his glasses had been taken away. Taking a few deep breaths he uses his ripped shirt to wipe his mouth and takes his bag from the man. How did he know his name? Very good question. Shit he was starting to feel angry.

 

Ignoring that all signs pointed to the obvious, yanking out what was left of his bottle of water he chugged it and snatched his glasses none to gracefully from the man's hand. "Thank you," he responded in a clipped tone, tossing the empty bottle into the trash can with what was left of his stomach's contents. He was afraid to answer or say anything else. Everything would be fine. Everything would be fine, he repeated in his throbbing head wanting to get to the clinic.

 

Still feeling sick, but having nothing left to heave he situated himself on the bike- not taking any help from Ryu. It felt foreign and strange. He didn't need to be strapped in anymore, and he sure as hell wasn't looking forward to the ride. He was shaken, but he managed well enough. He was pretty confident he wouldn't be falling off the back of the bike either. But he did grab onto the other, digging his fingers into the man's jacket for extra measure. He'd be stupid not too.

 

By the time he was raced to the clinic, the youth was exhausted. Ryu was left with paperwork, in which Cameron had tossed his I.D down pointedly on the counter before the man before being taken back. If he had any doubts, the name scrawled across the Drivers license and insurance card left little to be questioned. Cameron sunk down onto the table while nurses fussed over his stats. He just wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Being X-rayed, poked, patched up and prescribed pain meds; he was nearly done within an hour.

[StainedCrimson]

Seeing the name and information on the cards and having them confirm his thoughts, Ryuuchi isn't sure if he feels more nervous, excited, or angry. Nervous for having run into Cameron this way after ten years, and angry for the same reason. Though to be fair the anger is aimed at the would be attackers and not Cameron. And it's only natural that he feels at least a little happy seeing the other after so long. Still, this is not the way he would have wanted to meet the other after such a long time.

 

After finishing what he could, he was actually asked to wait and see the patient home after checkups were done. Sighing, but not refusing, he sits back and waits for Cameron to come out. "Who'd have thought that little brat with a mop head would turn out to be such a pretty boy." He laughs softly to himself with a small smile.Taking the glasses out of his pocket, he lightly twirls them in his hand as he starts to reminisce of the time before he left.

 

When some talking and footsteps jolt him out of his thoughts, he notices that Cameron is being escorted out by a nurse who's pestering him with instructions that he's no doubt received at least five times by now. Going over interupts the nrse. "Thank you, but I'll take it from here." Turning to Cameron and giving the nurse no chance to respond except to storm off, he hands the other his glasses. "Here, I think you need these am I right? Also, they were very adamant about seeing you home." He pauses before continuing with a faint, barely there smile. "Unless, of course, you want to come to my room to catch up. It has been a long time after all Cam-chan."

[|WW|]

After the whole ordeal, he was brought back out bandaged and as ready as one could be to get the hell out of that place. He'd been poked enough to last a lifetime, all over a bumped head and a few bruises. Oh, and two punctures that somehow managed to resemble a vampire bite rather than where a knife tip had played with his once unmarked skin.

 

The problem with being done was he was walked right back out to entirely different and much more pressing problem. Standing before Ryu, he frowned deeply, his expression saying all too openly he was not amused by being called "pretty"; especially after being nearly stripped and played with in some dark alley. Sniffing he took the cards back and just held them, looking awkward as he watched his glasses be twirled around a few times before they also were handed back. "..Yeah..," he mumbled, sliding them back onto his nose; the vision of his Uncle clear now. It made his chest hurt.

 

Just what was he expected to say? Even if he let loose the things that were boiling at the tip of his tongue, it would not help his headache. He just wanted a bed and a chance to be alone. For things to go back to normal; was that selfish? Chewing his lip a bit he took a deep breath and decided that following the doctors orders was probably more important than being petty. He could have easily called his friend to come watch him for the night; but he knew she worked nights and he didn't want to bother her after she'd just stayed over last night.

 

Hearing the familiar Cam-chan come from his Uncle's lips made him twitch. "Doctor says someone has to be there to check on me when I wake up, in case of...," his brows drew closer together,"... brain swelling. A concussion or something." So... "If, I can maybe stay for the night, or something. If not I can call my girlfriend." Oops, well she wasn't actually his girlfriend, but she was a girl and a friend, so whatever. He didn't get those social terms anyway.

[StainedCrimson]

Seeing the twitch and then hearing the word 'girlfriend' come from the now grown boy, nearly makes him frown in addition to feeling the twinge of annoyance. Still, he manages to keep the small smile on his face and give a slight nod. "You can stay with me tonight. Though I'm afraid you'll have to be okay with a hotel room. I just got in today and haven't found a place to stay yet." He gives the other a slightly apologetic look.

 

After a moment he shifts, almost seeming uncomfortable. "With the risk of a concussion I don't know if we should take the bike. That's the only vehicle I have right now though, the rest are still being shipped over." Slowly he looks back at the now stranger. "Will you be okay riding a bit longer, or should I have a taxi pick us up?" He'd prefer to get his bike back to the secure garage of the hotel, but he's willing to leave it at the hospital until Cameron is settled in and then going back to get it.

[|WW|]

Cameron sighed, annoyance bubbling up inside with every second they stood there talking. So Ryu had literally just arrived back in town. Isn't that just lovely. He swallowed, feeling a huge lump of bitterness go down with it. "Riding the bike is fine. A Hotel is fine. You know, I just don't really care. I just want to go bed," he replied looking impatient, but also just pathetic. Bandages, bruises, and eyes that were red-rimmed beneath the think frames.

 

He was exhausted. "Sorry for being short." He apologized, only because the man did help him after all. Turning towards the exit he strode off in that direction. He needed a shower, and clothes, but he supposed he could make do with a bath robe. Hotels usually had those. He could wear his messed up clothes home also, even if it warranted some strange looks along the way. He'd need to call work also, and school.

[StainedCrimson]

Shaking his head he leads the way out, a soft sigh making the attempt at a smile go away. "It's alright. I can't say I should expect a warm welcome after all of these years. Come on, let's get you cleaned up and comfortable." Not quite looking at the other, he leads the way back out to where he managed to park. "I bet riding is a lot different for you now compared to when you were little."

 

Getting on the bike and up righting it, he puts out the back riding foot holds before helping the young male onto the bike. "Now hold on tight. Unlike my old one that you knew, this one has a lot more power to it. This baby has a lot more power and bite to it." His voice gets warm, affectionate and proud as he lightly strokes the bike before starting it up. The low rumbling roar and almost seems to push forward on its own as if eager to take off.

 

"Like I said, a lot more power and bite to it." He chuckles before easing off the brake and clutch to let the sleek machinery glide forward. Soon they're speeding along and eventually reach a large hotel then park the bike. "Okay. Let's get you inside." Taking Cameron up to his room, which is essentially the penthouse, he guides him to the bathroom. "Go ahead and wash up. You can get washed up. I'll grab some of my clothes for you to change into and then ready the bed for you." Turning, he goes into his room to grab a tshirt and some lounge pants, he sets them on the bathroom counter then goes to leave so the other can bathe in peace.

[|WW|]

Damn right he couldn't expect a warm welcome. If he expected anything less than the cold shoulder, he was up for a challenge. Cameron had a lot of words piled up for what this man made him feel after he'd been left behind. Ten years. Ten years and not one damn phone call. Time and time again the poor kid had tried to contact his Uncle, only to get another cold shoulder by his Father demanding he give up. That was a lot for a kid to handle. Especially one that meant nothing to anyone.

 

Seeing the bike he sniffed again, sliding onto the seat easy enough. This was another thing he wasn't happy about. Ryu could talk about his new 'baby' all he wanted, but cam just didn't like bikes anymore. They brought back things he'd sooner forget. The sweet boy his Uncle had left behind was no more, or at least on the surface. He'd worked hard to bury things away, nice and deep. He'd learned what it meant to care for someone. It amounted to a lot of Pain and that wasn't anything he ever wanted to feel again.

 

When they reached the hotel and he was escorted to Ryu's room, he dropped his bag and jacket onto the nearest chair and followed the man to the bathroom. When he was told he could take a shower he felt himself relax slightly knowing he could feel clean again. Mostly anyway. Clothes would be offered as well, which again made him feel better- but knowing who's clothes they were, well never mind that. Couldn't be helped.

"Thanks..." He stared down at the clothes as Ryu left them on the counter, and closed the door behind his Uncle. No, he needed to stop calling him that. Taking a shower was a task in itself. He had to get creative so he wouldn't soak his bandages. Glad no one could see just how ridiculous he looked while trying to bathe, he finished up as quickly as he could.

 

A small dizzy spell had him sitting down in the middle of the floor for a moment, only having managed to get the lounge pants on so far. A towel dangled over his head and his upper body was bared and still moist. He sighed, rubbing his forehead lightly. After getting himself together he exited the bathroom, holding his dirty clothes as if he didn't know what to do with them.

[StainedCrimson]

Hearing Cameron come out he pads over, having changed into lounge pants of his own. "Here. I'll take those and see if the cleaning service can get them in decent condition. If not, well... They'll have to do until you get back home I suppose." He holds a hand out. After getting the clothes he seems to hesitate before glancing over at Cameron. "I know you may not want to hear this, but once you feel better and I get settled in... We should talk and catch up. Ten years is a long time after all."

 

Setting the clothes near the door, he calls down to room service to see the clothes tended to along with getting some food sent up in addition to a strong drink. "I've ordered food if you're up to eating. Otherwise you can sit out here with me and just rest. You can't sleep, or at least not more for than an hour at a time due to being at risk for a concussion." Slowly, he goes over and settles on a couch. "Otherwise go ahead and take the bed and I'll check on you when the food arrives. If you're sleeping then I'll just wake you up in an hour."

 

With the adrenaline and excitement of the day wearing off, the jet lag and exhaustion hit him like a train as well as the awkward tension. He had felt it when Cameron had stepped out of the bathroom, topless and still wet from the shower. What he had felt towards the other wasn't what an uncle should feel towards his nephew, but what one would feel towards someone of interest. Maybe if David hadn't been so thoroughly successful at cutting off all the attempts he'd made to get in contact with the boy, then this wouldn't be an issue.

[|WW|]

Cameron handed the clothes over, keeping the clean shirt to put on still. Reaching up, he rubbed at his wet hair with the towel, wincing slightly as he brushed the bump and decided to detour around it. He hadn't put the shirt on because that would require pulling it over his head, and he just didn't have the gusto to do that at the moment. He also didn't realize that along men that would bring an unspoken issue along with it. He was just as delicate as he had been in his childhood; except now he had lean muscle and the faint curvatures in his abdomen that said he at least cared about his appearance. Skin that was not quite as pale, sported yellow and purple patches where a few bruises were forming along his ribs.

 

He paused rubbing his head, tired brown eyes rose to take in Ryu. That was the first direct stare he'd given since they came in contact in the alley. "Yes, ten years is rather long, isn't it?" His tone held a note of sarcasm showing he knew more than anyone just how long it had been. "Amazing though in ten years, how much technology has changed. Phones must be becoming more difficult to use." Ouch, direct hit to the Older.

 

The towel slipped down to rest around his shoulders as he remained standing, his hands fisted in either side of the material like small life-lines. He wouldn't get angry- he wouldn't. He didn't want to make this unpleasant. This was not the time for it. Or was it? Hell if he knew what was right or wrong. All he knew is someone he had loved dearly just showed up and was acting as though everything was just fine and dandy. It hurt.

 

"I think it's best if I just lay down," he admitted quietly, trying to retreat from the situation. "I don't feel much like eating." Even though his usual abundant eating was still a large part of his life; right now he didn't think any of it would taste good. Plus he really just didn't feel like eating for some reason. Perhaps throwing up earlier had done the trick. "I, um... guess I'll take the bed then, sorry for the trouble." He wasn't a complete jerk; he could at least notice he wasn't the only one looking tired.

 

Putting the towel back in the bathroom, he then located the bed and placed his glasses on the stand next to it, along with the folded clean shirt. Laying back he sighed and tossed a forearm over his face, shutting out everything around him. He should have called his friend to help him. He was so confused.

 

[StainedCrimson]

Giving Cameron a small, slightly forced smile he nods. "Alright. There's a small fridge and microwave here so I'll put your food away in case you get hungry later." Once he hears the bedroom door close, he leans back against the couch and gives a humorless laugh. "What did I expect? It's not like David would say anything in my favor to him after all..." That was putting it lightly as the father was less than kind and understanding. "Even went so far as to threaten the boy if I didn't stop." He mutters to himself almost scowling before forcing himself up when the food arrives.

 

Once the attendant leaves, he just stares at the food. Slowly and mechanically he eats some of it but in the end most ends up in the fridge while the alcohol is steadily drunk. As a wine, sipping at it steadily doesn't do more than give him a faint buzz the first time he goes to check on his surprise guest. Knocking on the door, he then enters while calling out. "Cam-chan? How are you feeling?" The nickname coming out as habit, since even while away, that was how he thought of the boy.

 

Going over to the bed he leans down to peer at the other's face to see if he's awake. One hand going out to lightly shake the other. "You need to wake up now, if you're not already awake." He says a little more loudly while trying to ignore the details of the now grown male's face. Not too mention the fact he sees the shirt left off to the side, though he's not too surprised by that.

[|WW|]

He'd fallen fast asleep. The bed was pretty comfortable, and the fact he'd had a stressful evening pretty much ensured he was ready for some serious down-time. It was almost dream-like as the older called to him while he lay nestled in a dreamless sleep. It's like he heard the words clearly, but couldn't respond. The voice was so far away. He knew this voice. He'd heard it so many times before... so many times.

 

Cameron made a small sound that could have been discomfort, or just a grumpy male being disturbed. At some point the arm over his face had been tossed off to the side. His dark hair was spilled over the top of the pillow, a few strands sticking to his forehead; having dried that way.

 

Again the voice called to him and his hand fisted in the sheet. Lips parted as words finally dripped from them in a husky whisper. "Ngh, shit .. just.... five more minutes, Uncle." It was obvious he wasn't exactly awake, as using Uncle probably wouldn't of passed his lips willingly. The curse word probably more likely though. His tongue lapped across the part of his lips, wetting the dry seal before his head flopped off to the side, hair spilling into his face. Yep, he was not good at waking up- still.

 

After a few more minutes lashes fluttered and dazed eyes found themselves adjusting. His hand lazily reached up, pushing the hair from his face before flopping onto the pillow next to it. Man he really didn't want to come out of it. His head hurt, but it didn't throb like before. He also felt a sudden chill, having passed out without a shirt and still slightly wet when he had.

[StainedCrimson]

Hearing the other curse and call him 'uncle' causes a surprised laugh to be jolted out of him. Shaking his head he gently shakes the boy's shoulder. "Cam... Come on, it's time for you to wake up. Or else I'll get ice cubes." He teases thinking back to the one time when the younger male had been really stubborn about waking up and so he'd lifted the blankets and dumped a full tray of ice cubes on the sleeping boy. Remembering the time causes a large evil grin to appear, much like the one that greeted the then very awake child.

 

Shaking his head lightly, he refocuses on the grown man before him. "Wake up. Now." He snaps growing increasingly worried as the other doesn't wake up. "If you're not up in the next five seconds I'm bending you over my knee..." The voice drops to a low almost growling rumble. Part of him takes interest in a sexual manner at the thought of having the nice form spread out in front of him and making the globes turn red.Fighting that thought back, along with other reactions, he looks down to see if the other is moving yet.

[|WW|]

His eyes had fallen shut again, fighting the nuisance that was trying to interrupt his slumber. If this was a dream, it wasn't funny. "Mmm, come on..," he grumbled softly into the pillow, his whole body rolling to the side which nearly put him on the edge of the large bed. When his hand dropped off the edge and the word 'ice' came through his lids fluttered again and he got a blurred view of Ryu.

 

He continued blinking a few times before his eyes widened as soft browns rose to where they could see a bit clearer. His jaw had loosened a bit leaving his mouth hanging open a touch. "Eh? What... b-bend who..," his words were jumbled a bit yet, but it was apparent he'd snapped out of it. Realizing even without his glasses whom he was staring up at his cheeks flared a healthy color. Whether it was annoyance or embarrassment was questionable.

 

Damn, that's right. He was here so he could be watched over while he slept. Now he was really regretting not calling his friend. "Okay, okay, I'm up." Tearing himself away from the softness of the pillow he pawed at the bedside table, grabbing his glasses. He slid them on and blinked again, his cheeks still warm but not nearly as red. When he sat up he swung his legs off the bed and reached up, lightly rubbing the back of his neck with another yawn that displayed his agile tongue curving playfully in it's moist home.

 

Cameron displayed no signs of realizing just how attractive he'd grown out to be over the ten years his Uncle had missed. hell he hadn't even went for his shirt, seeing no point in covering whatever vulnerabilities he may be displaying. After all, it's not like he knew the mans preferences. "Do I really have to do this every hour? Aren't you tired too?"

[StainedCrimson]

Ryuuchi can't stop his eyes from looking over the exposed skin, his tongue slipping out to wet his lower lip, before looking back up at the others. A wry smile slides across his face, the circles starting to become noticeable peek up at the other from clearly tired eyes. "I am, but pulling a few all nighters isn't something new. Though I had hoped to be beyond those days in my old age." Chuckling he stands up.

 

"Right now though, your health is more important. The doctor was very adamant about this every hour portion for at least six hours. So only five more times and then we can both pass out for the day." With a sigh he turns to leave the bedroom. "Come on. Let's get some food in you, hook you up with a toothbrush and let you crash for another hour if you can." He's not looking forward to repeating this cycle another five times. Though hopefully it goes by quickly. Maybe he can watch some tv or something between wake up calls.

 

"What I really need is sleep and some good sex..." Sighing he mutters to himself while going to the small kitchen area. "I hope you're not a picky eater. Since you were cleaning up I just picked something for you. If you don't like it I can see if they'll bring something else up instead." He hands the plate over for Cameron to look at. The awkward feeling is coming back a bit, but he's doing a good job of ignoring it so far though.

[|WW|]

"Mhmm." Cameron gave the older a slanted look behind thin lenses before rising off the bed, giving a nice languid stretch towards the ceiling; the maneuver nearly bringing him to his toes while doing so. "Guess we're both older now," he mumbled a touch, following Ryu towards the source of food.

 

He didn't quite catch the whole conversation, as his mind was still a touch foggy- but he was certain he'd heard something embarrassing in there somewhere. The word sex clearly mentioned from the older, making cam's cheeks flood a touch. "No one's stopping you," he offered in return to that statement, coming up to stand close by. Well, okay maybe he was in the way, but Ryu didn't have to take care of him. He still could call a friend. The question was why he was hesitant to do so.

 

Getting a look at the food offered, he shrugged lightly. "My tastes haven't changed much. I eat pretty much anything." And he did. His eating habits were not particular at all since he'd been raised on good food, and spoiled by his Uncle all the other times with junk foods and more family oriented meals. Anything was welcome for his belly. Taking the plate from the male, he pokes at it with the small plastic fork before stealing a bite while still standing. "Good." He stated after swallowing, licking his lips a touch where the sauce clung on the soft inner curves.

 

Taking his plate to the small area with the tv he sunk onto the floor in front of the couch, using the coffee table as his dining area. This left room for Ryu to sit on the couch, with his legs next to the younger; if he so chose. "Guess a beer is out." He would have liked one at that point. After all the events of the day, he couldn't think of anything else more comforting. Might even keep him awake a bit better. Yes, he wasn't the age to drink, but he'd been on his own and did a lot of things that weren't appropriate. Some out of necessity, some out of need.