Lattice (Rin and Zombie) [18+]

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

A laugh slipped past Leo's lips, shaking his head. "I do take what I want, but I doubt that's going to happen. Though it would be nice to have something to look forward when I'm out of here." He said, slowly moving his hand over his hip. Somehow, the repetitive action soothed him, at least a little bit. He knew he wouldn't have anyone waiting for him outside prison. He'd have to build himself a new life and he didn't even know where he would start.

 

"I guess I can get you one... But you've got to tell me the real reason you need it." Leo said firmly, looking at Chiaki with a serious gaze. There was something the other was hiding from him, he just knew it. Did he want to find out? Probably not. While he did like Chiaki quite a lot, there was a certain aura around him. Something that just screamed danger. He felt like the man had more secrets that Leo could even think of.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Ah, right, Leo wouldn't expect Chiaki to leave this place. Hell, would he even try to convince him to stay if he told him he would like to break out? On the one side Leo was so sweet, and on the other Chiaki just didn't care for him. It was an anomalous relationship.

 

Haha, shit. Chiaki leaned a little more against the taller man and rested his head on the other's chest to be able to look up at him. The expression in his eyes softened while he smiled. "You really wish to know~?" At one point, Leo had to become curious. It had almost been expected, even. Though, curiosity killed the cat.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Curiosity killed the cat, that was true, but satisfaction brought it back. Leo nodded, looking down at the man he began calling his lover. "Whatever it is, I'd rather know than be left in the dark." He replied quietly, gently moving his arm to wrap a bit tighter around his waist. He was afraid of the answer he suspected he would get. He didn't want to hear it. However, knowing something for sure was better than going around guessing whether that was it or not.

 

Leo would try to stop Chiaki from escaping. Whatever he could, he would do. Chiaki must've done something really bad to get a life sentence - it wasn't fair for him to escape. All of his victims, and he assumed there were many, it wasn't fair for them.

[♠[Rin]♠]

How to explain a murderer who regretted his crime that one wished to kill a person with the required item? It was a Dilemma. If he didn't explain, he probably wouldn't get it, and explaining would make it worse. Of course he could lie, though it looked like Leo put real trust into him. Not the usual I-assumed-you-will-not-kill-me Trust of strangers, but the real, deep-shit Trust. Yeah, they were in a 'relationship' somehow, however, as of yet, it only held beneficial value to Chiaki. Of course he could be on the completely wrong way and Leo wasn't even going to trust him one bit - what wasn't hard considering his strength compared to the raven's.

 

"Bacteria are easy to hold, even when they can cause deadly illnesses," Chiaki explained matter-of-factly. "A flash-light can easily be converted due to its simple structure. I need it as a box for bacteria." He smiled. "That doesn't scare you, does it?" Or was it just disturbing?

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Disgust flashed on Leo's face, a small shudder running down his spine. "Well, that's gross." He scoffed, his grip loosening visibly. "I guess I can get you one for your weird experiment. Whatever you gotta do to pass time here." The man sighed, pressing a small kiss to the top of his head. The thought that the bacteria could be used for killing someone, or that Chiaki would want to kill anyone in the first place didn't even cross his mind. It just didn't seem possible. He was already in prison, why commit any more crimes?

 

"I'll have it by tomorrow. Sound good?" Leo asked, glancing around the room. Now that Chiaki pointed it out, he could feel Oliver staring at him. Seriously, how come he never noticed the kid before? Catching his gaze, Leo's lips stretched out into a small smile before he turned away again. It was odd, having an admirer. It wasn't something he was used to. Why would he be someone to look up to in the first place? He was a pretty shitty human being.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Chiaki couldn't help but grin devilishly when Leo called his intention an experiment. It was way too amusing. "Yes, sounds perfect," he purred and chuckled as reaction to the kiss on his forehead. Afterwards he followed Leo's eyes towards Oliver, who reacted to the smile with a blush on his cheeks, before he averted his eyes. Chiaki sighed silently and leaned his head once more against Leo's chest, his eyes closing. "You seem way happier than last week. I am delighted. Nobody who would cause you trouble has crossed your path, right?" If he already got some more time in here even after killing Snake, it would be fun to observe the people around his 'boyfriend'.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Leo's smile lingered on his face as he looked down at Chiaki. It was nice, to have someone like this. "No. I haven't even seen Diablo around." He muttered, a bit of confusion in his voice. Usually the man would have been back already. "It's weird... But I'm not about to complain about it." He laughed quietly, closing his eyes partially. He would've gladly taken a nap. It was way too early to be awake properly, plus his night wasn't really that restful. "I can't tell how you are, though. You're like a closed book." Leo commented with a light smile, leaning down to kiss his neck. "It's a bit unsettling how well you hide yourself, Chiaki." He added quietly, pressing another kiss against his ear before moving his head back up. Leo didn't like not having an idea what people were thinking, or feeling like. It was uncomfortable, to say the least. Dangerous, even.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Dangerous, indeed. "Don't worry. I won't do anything to you." Chiaki promised, even though it might sound like an empty promise from a person one couldn't read well. However, he straightened his back, lifted his head off the other's chest and stretched his arms. "Sitting here like this makes me sleepy. We should use the time we have and take a walk, what do you think?" He gently placed his hand onto Leo's which was resting on his hip. "And if we find a spot where nobody sees us, you are free to mark me." He hadn't forgotten about that habit slash wish.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

"I know." Leo replied with a grin, tilting his head to the side the slightest bit when Chiaki moved away. He smiled, turning his hand to entwine their fingers. "That sounds like an amazing idea." He murmured softly, standing up while keeping their hands connected. "Where do you feel like going?" Leo asked, tugging the other closer to give him a quick peck on the lips. "Ah, and tell me more about the marking. Specifically where I can mark you." Leo grinned, lightly squeezing his hand. As long as Chiaki didn't mention anything, he would continue to act as if last week didn't happen. Their relationship seemed to be the same, so why ruin it with guesses and non-existent problems? If Chiaki was fine, so was he.

[♠[Rin]♠]

"Ah.. just through the corridors. Maybe to the library, or the inner courtyard?" Many, endless possibilities. Especially since Leo knew this place way better than he did. "Hah, I'm sure my neck and shoulders are the best places for something like that."

It wasn't like the rape hadn't influenced him in any way, he was just good at hiding it. Being who he was, he couldn't let anyone know.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

On the next day, he got the flash-light from Leo, thanking him kindly with a happy face, a deep kiss and his clingy attitude. Next to fulfilling his duty for the deal, Chiaki silently let his plan come true. He didn't get any visitors yet envelops were sent to him. Everyone checked its content but of course nobody noticed what the envelope itself consisted of on the inside.

 

It was in the evening that he finally got to meet Snake, right after a black-out. With the flash-light it was easy to find the right way... to his victim. And it was even easier to make Snake push him against a wall. In that moment, Chiaki slammed the flash-light against the other's head, pushed a second button on it and let go. The item broke into two and white sand-like substance dropped onto his victim's head. In the moment of shock, Chiaki got away and left him confused in the dark.

 

In the following days, the bacteria showed the effect of their contact with the man's skin. First he was sent to the infirmary because of coughing blood and losing consciousness. Subsequently, an influenza which lasted two days. Eventually, when the doctor came to check on him on the 6th day, his cold corpse was found with dried blood in his eyes, on the corners of his mouth and below the nose. Of course the doctor could diagnose a special kind of infection with specific bacteria - but way too late. And nobody seemed to care as well.

 

Rumour after rumour were created among the inmates after Snake's gang looked quite insecure regarding if they wanted to stay together or leave the 'team' of their dead leader. In the meantime, Chiaki had spent more time than usual in the library. Reading book after book, it seemed, as if it had become an obsession. He also never voiced his opinion on Snake's state and death. Instead, he spent his life in between book shelves and around Leo.

It was one of the usual days. Between Lunch and Dinner, the raven was sitting at the same table as always, a literature book in his hands. He had completed his mission, now only Leo was left. He had changed his mind and also informed his underlings that he would stay until March, when his 'boyfriend' would be released. He wanted to experience it - and then leave himself and blow this hell hole up. Maybe he would even let someone spy on Leo afterwards to stay up to date. After all... he didn't expect them to meet again after this.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

The death of Snake reached even Leo's ears this time. It didn't take long for him to learn about Diablo as well. He had a bad feeling about both of those deaths - or, well, near-deaths. Technically Diablo was still alive, just not awake. Leo even went to the hospital, just to see it with his own eyes. Seeing the pale ginger lay lifelessly in a hospital bed was weirdly upsetting. He was an asshole, that he was, but it was weird in the prison without his constant remarks.

 

Leo decided to go hang with Chiaki, as he did often these days. Finding him in the library, the man sat down next to him without any words, leaning against his chair with a thoughtful expression on his face. After ten minutes or so, the man reached over, taking the book from the other's hands. "I need to ask you something." He said quietly, setting the book away, out of Chiaki's reach, but still open on the page he was reading. By now he'd made sure of Chiaki's love of books. Or the escape from reality, whatever he had to escape from.

 

"How did Snake die?" He asked, the smile which was now often seen on his face gone entirely. He was serious, and even a little bit afraid. Chiaki made him feel scared, while no one else managed to do that. The man crossed his arms over his chest, his lips pursed into a tight frown. "And how's your experiment going?" He added, distrust apparent in his voice. He'd heard something, perhaps but a rumor, that a broken up flashlight was found near Snake the day he was taken to the hospital wing. His trust in Chiaki became smaller and smaller. By now it was just a thin thread, it wouldn't take much to break it entirely.

[♠[Rin]♠]

The smaller one almost whined like a dog when the book was taken out of his hands. He reached for it, but it was useless, so in the end he leaned back against his chair and turned to Leo with a questioning look on his face.

Oh.

 

Considering the undertone in the other's voice and the expression in his eyes, Chiaki assumed it had been the real, deep-shit trust. It must have gotten some fissures. Whether it would crack and been torn apart into pieces soon?

Frankly speaking, at the question of Snake's death, the raven first looked quite serious, before something broke and he started laughing. To prevent it from being heard far away, he pressed his hand against his lips. "You're so adorable! I am sorry for laughing, truly sorry!" His laughter became a chuckle, until it died down and he smiled at Leo softly. "Forgive me. It's a bad habit."

 

He crossed his arms on the table and tilted his head. "Don't you believe the rumours? I am no doctor, I can't give you a good answer, unfortunately. Recording to the nurse, he died on influenza because of an infection." The look in his eyes changed a little and he reached out for Leo's hand, tenderly stroking with the thumb over the knuckles. "Leo, if you ask me something I won't lie. But you have to ask yourself if you really want to have some answers." He had experienced how many people didn't get along with what he did and this man here next to him was on a good path towards being a saint. A saint without a future. So why would he try to stop him?

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Leo's frown merely deepened at the laugh that came from Chiaki. He didn't say anything, but the thread that had been thin already became even thinner. As his hand was taken, the man pulled it back to himself after a few moments. It was weird of him to move away from physical affection himself. He was always the one to initiate it. This was extremely out of character for him.

 

"I guess you don't think I do. Why bother?" The man scoffed, standing up from the chair. He pushed it to the table, leaving it like it was untouched. "If you do happen to change your mind, I'll be at the gym." He added, turning his back to Chiaki as he walked out. Annoyance was taking over him. He didn't like the way Chiaki acted him. Like he was a child, not ready to learn of the horrors of the world. He'd seen horror. He created horror himself. It was better to know and forgive rather than be kept in the dark... But who was he to decide that? Chiaki had secrets he wasn't willing to share, then so be it.

 

Leo pulled off his shirt when he entered the gym, the frown still on his face. At that moment, he really couldn't wait to leave the prison. Laying down at the bench after putting on more weight on the bar, Leo breathed in, then exhaled slowly before beginning to lift the equipment. It was impressive, honestly, how much he managed to do. On each side he had at least fifty kilos, so all in all he managed to lift a hundred. Slowly, but surely. Lifting was probably his favorite activity here. He focused, he had to breathe slowly to manage to do everything, and the world seemed to finally slow down for him as well. It was exactly what he needed so badly.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Already in the moment Leo pulled his hand back was when Chiaki had decided it wasn't right. Even after the other had left, he only pulled his book towards him and continued reading. It wasn't even like he wanted to treat the other like a kid or something, but because he didn't want him to interfere. And making Leo sour was simply the best way to make him drop the topic. He was a loving and caring person - and therefore not ready to be part of this game.

 

Did Chiaki want him to be safe? Maybe. He owed the other, if Leo found that that was true or not. Hell, in fact Leo didn't even need anybody to protect him, but let's be honest: Outside of this prison, Chiaki was the one with more might and control.

 

At the end of the day, Chiaki did show up: in front of Leo's cell. With his tender smile, he greeted him there. His secrets would be kept silently, but he wished to spend the last time they had together, and he would not neglect or ignore his 'boyfriend' at any cost.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------

 

After everything was settled and Snake was more or less forgotten (or simply ignored) by the inmates, time passed by quickly. The day of Leo's release came even quicker than the raven had expected. He woke up with the thought of that this would be their last day. Sad, somehow.

He brushed his teeth, combed his hair and skipped breakfast to come to the other's cell. He didn't know the exact time of Leo's release, so it was better to see him as early as possible. Who knew whether he would get breakfast?

 

"Morning," he said, standing at the metal rods of the door. A little sparkle of sorrow lay in that smile he wore. "Have you slept well?" Oh well, this was the end of their 'relationship', wasn't it?

 

Distressing.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Leo became a bit colder during the last few months of his stay in the prison. While he didn't ignore Chiaki, it was clear the trust was more or less gone. There may have been a small sliver left, but boy, it wasn't enough for anything to work out. He gave up trying to ask about anything more, about his plans, about the odd deaths. He acted like a boyfriend people wanted, but he felt sick.

 

The day of his release came. In the morning, the man lay awake in his bed, staring up at the ceiling. Where was he supposed to start? He didn't have any money. He could call his sister and try to find a job from her place, he supposed... But what were the chances she would answer his call? He hadn't seen her in so long...

 

He was pulled from his thoughts by a tender voice. Lifting himself up on his elbows, Leo gave a small smile. "Like a rock." He replied, slowly sitting up properly. He ran a hand over his hair, a quiet sigh slipping past his lips. His hand slipped down to his eyes, rubbing them lightly as he yawned. Slowly standing up, the man walked up to Chiaki, wrapping an arm around his waist before pressing a light kiss to his lips. His neck was marked in several places, all of which were slowly traced by his finger; gingerly, softly, like a soft blow of the wind. "I'm going to miss you. I might come visit you from time to time, though." He smiled softly, moving his hand to cup the other's cheek. He didn't even know if his words were actually true by now. He wished they were. He also wanted to escape from Chiaki and his twisted personality, so... He didn't know anymore.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Like the usual, Chiaki wasn't bothered by the other's habit to touch the bruises and hickeys on his neck. It was almost calming, actually.

He looked deep into the taller man's eyes. It was sad how this ended. Not that he would let this reach his private life now as soon as he would be back outside in the 'real life'. About Leo's family he had also wasted a few thoughts. Eventually, he had decided to let this Oliver-guy live. He had more or less introduced them eight weeks ago so they would definitely search for each other after the chaos that would arrive soon. Wasn't everyone else in here in a pitiful state?

 

Did Chiaki see himself as God? No. This was a game.

 

"I'll miss you, too, believe me," Chiaki answered, lifting a hand to stroke down from the temple to the chin. There he leaned in placed a soft kiss onto Leo's lips. "Thanks for the safety. And never worry about me, got it? Worry about your own state. I'll be perfectly fine. Lonely, but fine." There had never been someone who had liked him. That might be thanks to his twisted personality, but showing his true self was just way too dangerous. "And good luck, too. I really wish you the best."

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Leo chuckled quietly, a tad sadly. "I'll need as much luck as one person can have. I have no idea where I'm going to go now." He said, pressing their foreheads together, his eyes closing. "At least here I knew what the fuck I'm supposed to do." He murmured before slowly pulling away. "It'll be weird to stop wearing orange all the time." The man laughed, shaking his head. "I feel like I've had enough of this color to last me a lifetime." He added, realizing himself he was beginning to babble. What else was he supposed to do? He didn't want some cheesy, emotional goodbye. Chiaki didn't seem like someone who'd want that either.

 

Now someone who would want a proper goodbye was Oliver. He'd gotten closer to the blond throughout these couple of months. He was a nice kid. He still seemed innocent, it was a shame he had to go through this kind of shit. Leo made a promise to visit him from time to time as well. Maybe, if he got some control in his life, he would take him in after he was released. The blond only had half a year left, after all. At least he hadn't killed anybody.

[♠[Rin]♠]

"I'm sure you'll find someone who will support you." Would Leo be mad that Chiaki had taken so much influence into his life? Hell, if he set his mind to it, he could cause a meeting between this man and his daughter Diablo had talked about. It wasn't hard at all to find out who she was and where she lived.

 

"In psychology, orange is a bad colour anyway," the raven grinned childishly and crossed his tiny arms. "And it doesn't suit you. Wear blue, white and black. Maybe dark green and purple. Will harmonize your eyes." Leaning against the metal rods, Chiaki chuckled. He did not only look satisfied, he was. He had won.. All three fights he had won. Maybe for the rest of this month he would just do nothing? Ah, sounded perfect.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Leo raised an eyebrow, his grin loosening. "When did you become such a fashion expert?" He asked while laughing quietly, leaning close, gently pressing his lips against his throat. God, he'd really miss having someone to kiss whenever he wanted. "Though I suppose I'll take your advice. Maybe I'll get a decent job and I'll be forced to wear suits all the time. Can you imagine me in a suit? I think the last time I wore one was during prom." He chuckled to himself, sitting back down on his bad. Man, so much has changed since he was a teenager.

 

Leo looked up, his smile slowly fading out. "Really, though, where am I even supposed to go first? What do people do after six years in prison?" He asked, not expecting an answer. He sighed, rubbing his forehead with one hand while the other rested on top of his thigh. Maybe... Maybe he could try reaching out to his parents again. He hadn't talked to his mother in what, ten years? At least that much.

[♠[Rin]♠]

While Leo's smile faded, warmth was added to Chiaki's while the raven tilted his head a little. "There are special things inside your soul nobody can take from you. You'll find out what you are qualified for soon enough. And the first thing to do will probably be searching a way on Google Maps to the next ministry to the unemployed." He never claimed it was easy to leave prison. How many times would this now kind-hearted man be declined when he asked for a job? Everyone was dependent on money.

 

About family, Chiaki didn't want to talk. Way too private, he found. "Also! I've always been good at things like fashion!" he added, grinning.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

"You assume I have a phone that I can use." Leo snorted, shaking his head. Whatever phone he had six years ago was useless now, probably. At least he definitely wouldn't have any data. God, his life was about to be a damn mess. Where to start? Where to go? What to do? God, he didn't know shit.

 

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me." Leo chuckled, stretching his arms above his head. He'd figure it out somehow. He had some kind of relatives. Maybe someone would be kind enough to give him shelter for a few months. That'd be nice. "Anyway, I think I'll go grab something to eat. Who knows when my next decent meal will be." He sighed out, standing up. "Plus there are some people I want to talk to before I leave. It's weird to think that tomorrow I won't wake up in a cell..." He trailed off, shaking his head quickly to forget the thought. "Well, want to go with me?"

[♠[Rin]♠]

"Internet-café, maybe? Or ask a police officer." Ah, however. Leo would find his own way. He had decided to become part of society and so be it.

"Yes, sure," the raven nodded, pushed himself away from the lattice of Leo's cell and stepped into the corridor with a happy circumvolution. Afterwards, he cross his hands behind his back. In reality he didn't care for the other people in here that Leo knew. They wouldn't remember him.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Leo didn't have that many people to say goodbye to in the first place. First came Oliver. Then Luke, a guy he's known for five years. Then Wade - while the two of them only became familiar with one another half a year ago, they found themselves similar enough to get a somewhat relationship going on. After that he ate so much he felt like he was going to explode, said a quick goodbye to Chiaki and left. He was given clothes to change into, as well as his personal belongings from six years ago. His wallet had a bit of money in it, which was very comforting to find.

 

Leo stepped outside, a shudder running down his body. He was free now. He had to keep himself from fucking his life up again. Closing his eyes, the man enjoyed a gush of air that blew past him, a smile stretching across his face. Who knew what would happen next.

 

Time passed quickly. Leo got in touch with his sister, who was kind enough to let him stay with her. Reluctantly, and on the couch, but it was more than enough. He was quick to prove he'd changed. It took him over a month to find a job, though. During that month he visited Oliver twice, and Chiaki once. He would've visited more, but searching for a job was pretty stressful. He finally managed to get a job in a firm that mostly did stuff with sports. He got free access to the gym and he worked as a janitor - the pay wasn't much, but it was enough for him to be able to rent a small apartment. He was pretty satisfied with his life. He was just terribly lonely.

[♠[Rin]♠]

Three weeks passed. Leo had visited him once. Chiaki hadn't gotten into touch with any other inmate. In fact, he had completed reading the row of literature books in the library and that was the moment when he stood up and decided to fuck shit up.

Leo was free outside and busy. Everything was fine.

 

It was the 20th of April when it happened. At an unexpected hour of the morning, the electronic system of the prison was hacked. Nothing worked, neither automatically nor manually. The guards were running around, trying to figure what was wrong. They also tried contacting the government, but the network to the outside was offline. Due to the chaos, nobody noticed the few inmates escaping into the courtyard. Oliver was one of them. Everyone was yelling around, and it scared him. He tried getting away as far as possible from the building - right before it happened; explosions took over. Time stood still, heat waves hit the people inside and a giant fire occurred. Those who had the time and weren't kept by the guards made it outside, before it all went down. The blinding fire reflected in Oliver's blue eyes as he was perplex. Not knowing what to do. He actually looked around to search for the one who had dragged him out of the building from the beginning - but Chiaki was gone.

 

It took 2 hours to quench the fire and even more time to make sure everything was fine again. The police did everything they could and yet the one responsible could not be found. Oliver was first taken to another prison, but the judge shortened the time he still had which had actually been one month. That was also the moment of freedom for the young blonde. And the first thing he did was researching on the man he admired: Leo Aerly. For him, it was hard to find the dark-haired man, but he tried endlessly. He wanted to meet him, to see him again, to maybe ... deepen their friendship even.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

It took Leo a few days to hear about what happened to the prison he was in before. He only found out because he planned on making another visit to Chiaki... Guess that wasn't happening again. So many people died... He felt sick, sick enough to actually throw up in the nearest bathroom. It wasn't an accident. That he was sure of. Chiaki. It had to be him. The man was pretty lifeless in the next few days - that is, until someone called him. Leo got himself an old, but working phone to be able to contact people around him at least.

 

The man calling? Oliver. Words couldn't describe the relief that he felt to hear his voice. Hearing that his sentence was over, Leo urged him to meet up with him. It was hard to start a life alone, at least Oliver wouldn't have to do it. His apartment was small, but they'd manage. The two of them got closer quickly, yet their feelings remained purely platonic - at least Leo's did. He didn't mind the physical touches, especially after the young blond had a nightmare of some sort, but there was nothing intimate. And he liked it that way. Soon enough both of them had somewhat stable jobs, they slowly got their lives together, even got a few friends. It felt like it was normal again.

 

One night, Leo was walking from his job back home. Looking up, he noticed a figure standing in front of him. This wasn't prison anymore. He would've just walked around the figure, but... Boy, he'd notice those eyes anywhere. "You." Relief. Sadness. Betrayal. Anger. All those emotions flashed in his eyes after the quiet whisper. His hands, pushed into his pockets, formed fists. Chiaki completely betrayed his trust. How could he?