Chapter Text
It's been two weeks since Eiji has started school. It was actually very enjoyable. Mariana has made it a habit to visit Eiji on the weekends, her and Jay get along quite well. Ash has come over multiple times during those weeks. And now has begun meeting Eiji at his work place to walk him and Jay home.
Sometimes the American boy even stays over, which Eiji is grateful for, considering the last week has made him...uneasy. Eiji wasn’t sure if he was being paranoid or what because it felt like he was being watched .
From the moment he left his apartment to until he got into his apartment building it felt like someone was watching him, following him. It has made him a little jumpy and of course everyone has noticed.
Ash was the first to notice and it was also why he had been dropping by at night and staying over and walking him to school. Eiji didn’t want to tell him that he thought someone was stalking him because he seemed stressed out himself with the Arthur thing.
J ay noticed Eiji’s unease and tried to assure him that nothing was going to happen when the two of them were together. Mariana, it seemed wasn’t as oblivious as he originally thought and seemed just as uneasy as Eiji. She constantly looked over her shoulder and was constantly scanning the area around her. She either kept her hands in her pockets or one hand on the inside of her purse where she had some pepper spray hidden.
Shorter had made it a point to sit with Mari and Eiji at lunch and even he seemed tense. Eiji suspected that Mari had told Shorter about her uneasiness.
It was a Saturday and thankfully Eiji didn’t have any work so that meant he could stay inside all day and away from prying eyes. It was noon when Eiji realized that he would have to leave to get some groceries.
Eiji fidgeted nervously with the sleeve of his black hoodie. He wanted to call someone to walk with him but didn’t want to bother anybody. Eventually after a back and forth Eiji decided it would be safer to go now since it was daylight out, because if anything did happen then there would at least be witnesses.
Eiji had made it safely to the market and was walking back when he heard a car coming up behind him. He glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw a sleek black car pull up beside him. Slowly the window rolled down and Eiji was faced with a bald older man with a trimmed mustache.
The older man smirked.
“Hello Eiji Okumura.” He said.
Eiji eyes widened, before he even could make a move, Eiji felt something sharp being jabbed into his neck. Eiji stumbled forward, vision blurring. The last thing Eiji saw was that same old man smiling down at him with hungry eyes.
“Ugh.” Eiji said as he woke up.
His head was pounding. What the hell happened? Eiji slowly opened his eyes to find himself in a gorgeous room. Eiji sat up and looked around in confusion. Eiji’s eyes widened. He remembers now. That man and the pain in his neck.
He was kidnapped.
Eiji inhaled sharply, heart pounding. Eiji swung his feet over the side of the bed and was going to try and stand up when the door suddenly opened. The old man and two bodyguards walked in. Eiji shrunk back in fear.
The man smirked, he was in a black rob. “I bet you are wondering why I have brought you here.” The man began.
“I am Dino Golzine. And you are very close to one of my treasures. You know Ash, don’t you?” He questioned with a raised eyebrow.
Eiji inhaled sharply.
Who was this man to Ash?
“He seems to have taken a liking to you, and i can see why.” He said as he walked forward and placed a hand on Eiji’s chin. Eiji let out a gasp and tried to back away but the man held firm.
“You see that boy? I made him into the perfect heir. I gave him everything and he repays by going behind my back with that old bitch and thinks there won’t be consequences? He truly is foolish.” DIno growled tightening his grip on Eiji's chin.
“That boy must learn what his defiance will do. Now because of him you will take his place.” He said before turning around and dropping his rob.
*BEGINS HERE*
Eiji’s heart stopped. He was naked. Why was he naked? Eiji’ eyes turned to the two bodyguards who stood there silently the entire time. ‘Please, please don’t let him hurt me!’ Eiji looked up at them with pleading eyes.
They stared down at him with disinterest.
Dino turned and gestured towards Eiji. “Tie him up for me. It’ll make things easier.” Dino told them as he lit a cigar. Eiji let out a loud scream as the two men grabbed him and started ripping his clothes off.
“NO! NO PLEASE!” Eiji cried. This can’t be happening! What did he mean by taking Ash’s place!? Did he? To Ash? Eiji sobbed as he was forced down onto the bed and his wrists were forced up and they were tied to the banister.
Eiji struggled in vain trying to get out of his restraints. In his panic he vaguely heard Dino tell his men to go about their day and closed the door. After he was done with Eiji, what would he do? Kill him? Sell him?
Eiji cried harder.
Eiji heard footsteps make their way over to him. Eiji looked up through tears at the cruel man. He smirked and lifted a finger to wipe a tear that fell down from Eiji’s eyes.
“I’m going to break you, hurt you in the most horrible way possible so that Ash will have no choice but to come back to me to protect you.” He said as he got on top of Eiji. Eiji closed his eyes and tried to hold back the sobs that threaten to come out.
He just hoped that after it was done he’d still be alive.
*ENDS HERE*
* RING RING*
Eiji’s eyes popped open.
Dino turned looking at the phone and sighed. He got off of Eiji and walked over towards the phone and answered. Eiji watched as Dino listened to who ever was talking on the phone before he let out a hum and hung up the phone.
“I’m sorry but we’re going to have to wait till later. I have business to attend too.” He said as he grabbed his robe and put it on. He opened the door and closed it behind him. Eiji can hear him telling his two guards to watch the door before the sound of footsteps made there way somewhere else.
Eiji whimpered.
Thank god.
He has time to figure out how to get out. Eiji squirmed, trying to move his wrists to see if he could loosen them, but that only resulted in them becoming sore. There was no way to get out.
He could scream all he wants but those guards weren’t going to help him.
Eiji let out a defeated cry.
That’s when he heard footsteps.
He inhaled sharply. Was he done already!? He heard some commotion before it was silent.
The door knob turns slowly.
Eiji closed his eyes and waited for the man to walk through the door.
“Eiji?” a voice whispered. Eiji opened his eyes.
“Yut-Lung!” Eiji cried when he saw the Chinese male.
The boy quickly made his way in with a tall man with brown hair. Yut rushed over and began untying the rope. “Are you okay? Did he-?” Yut-Lung cut himself off unable to ask the question.
“No,” Eiji whispered with watery eyes. “He was going too but the phone rang and then he left, he didn’t get a chance.” Eiji said. Yut-Lung helped a shaky Eiji out of bed and handed him his clothes.
“Blanca, are we still in the clear?” Yut-Lung asked the tall male. Blanca nodded. “Yes, we are fine but we must hurry, they won’t be able to distract him for long.” He informed Yut. Yut-Lung turned around to see that Eiji was dressed and walked up to him. “Are you ready?” He asked the boy softly.
Eiji sniffled and wiped his eyes looking at Yut-Lung with determination. “Let’s go.”
With that Yut took Eiji’s hand in his and made their way out of the room with Blanca in the lead. They made it out of there surprisingly easy. Blanca had to disarm and knock out some guards to get them out of there but no one was injured and for that Eiji was thankful.
After they made it out they got into a small black car and took off.
“I’m going to take you to my place for the time being.” Yut-Lung said after a moment of silence. Eiji shook his head. “No, take me home.” Yut turned ready to argue when he saw Eiji’s face.
His eyes were bloodshot and puffy from crying. His eyes were blank and devoid of emotion. His wrists were bruising from trying to break out from his confines. He was pale as a sheet.
Yut-Lung gulped.
“As you wish. But i will have Blanca watching you okay? I don’t trust that man to not try something again.” Eiji just nodded staring ahead blankly. They arrived at Eiji's apartment complex and Yut-Lung helped Eiji up the stairs and into his apartment with Blanca watching their back.
As soon as they were through the door they were bombard with people.
“EIJI!” Jay cried as she jumped up from the couch and rushed over to him.
“Oh my god! What happened to you!?” Mari yelled as she made her way over.
Ash and some of his gang were here as well. Shorter and Sing were also present.
“Back off.” Yut-Lung growled.
Everyone froze.
Ash made a move to go towards Eiji, his eyes wide and concerned for the smaller boy. Yut-Lung saw him coming and stopped him with a look. Ash watched in stunned silence as the two males disappeared into the bathroom. As soon as the door closed behind them Ash turned to look at Blanca.
“What the hell happened to him!?” He growled. He was furious. Who the hell did this!? Blanca regarded him silently before taking off his hat and coat and placing them on the coat hanger next to him.
“Dino.” was all that he said.
Ash’s eyes widened. The rage disappearing and fear flashed in his eyes. “What the hell? How!? He was supposed to be in prison until his court date came!” Ash exclaimed. Blanca shook his head and looked in the direction of the bathroom.
“Apparently he pulled some strings and got out. He doesn’t go to court until next week.” Blanca informed him. Ash growled and dragged his hand through his hair roughly.
“I’m sorry who’s Dino? And why the hell did he come after Eiji?” Mari asked looking at Ash. Ash narrowed his eyes at her. “This isn’t any of you business.” he said coldly.
“Uh, the hell it is! That boy is my FRIEND! He’s like a son to me! Now you tell me what the hell is going on before i lose my shit! ” Jay hissed at Ash, getting right into his face.
Everyone’s eyes widened no one has seen someone stand up to Ash like that before. Ash sighed. “He’s my adoptive father. He’s being charged with prostituting young boys at his club and human trafficking.” Ash said quietly. Jay’s eyes widened, “Oh my god? Honey did he?”Jay didn’t need to finish her sentence to know what that man had done to Ash.
Ash stayed silent.
“Oh sweet pea, I’m so sorry.” Jay said reaching a hand out towards Ash. Ash looked at her hand and hesitantly took hold of it. Alex, Bones and Kong looked at each other. They knew Ash hated Dino but they never knew why. To think that their leader was hurt so badly… Mari let out a soft sob.
“Oh Eiji.” She said as she buried her face into her hands.
“Do you think he’s going to be okay?” Skipper asked.
No one answered.
“That asshole! I hope they fucking sentence him to death!” Sing said suddenly. Shorter squeezed his shoulder. And looked at Ash who was staring at the ground. “Ash? You good?” Shorter said softly. Ash shook his head, lifting his head up a determined look in his eyes.
“I have to make a call.” Then he turned and made his way back into Eiji’s room and closed the door behind them. “Um, Hey why don’t we make Eiji a nice dinner?” Jay said trying to lighten the mood.
Mari sniffled. “Yeah, that would be nice, Eiji probably needs us right now we should be here for him.” She agreed.
With that everyone made their way to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Meanwhile in the bathroom, Yut-Lung had run a nice warm bubble bath for Eiji.
Yut-Lung stared at the boy sitting in the tub. His eyes were closed but he could see the tears coming out. Yut-Lung grabbed the waste basket and placed it behind the tub. The movement startled Eiji causing him to turn around quickly and splash water all over the place.
“It’s just me.” He said in an attempt comfort him. Eiji hiccuped.
“I’m sorry.” Eiji whispered. Yut-Lung frowned. “I got caught and now everyone is worried about me,it’s all my fault.” Eiji whimpered. Yut-Lungs eyes widened.
“Don’t say that! It’s not your fault.” He said harshly. Eiji looked up at him. He looked so helpless. Yut-Lung leaned forward on the waste basket and waited.
“Can i hug you?” He asked calmly. Eiji hesitated before nodding allowing the long haired male to wrap his arms around him. Yut-Lung gently ran his hands through the boys hair.
“No matter what you brain is telling you it's not your fault. I know it's hard to believe but you can trust me. I understand how you feel.” Yut-Lung whispered. Eiji pulled back to look at him. “Did someone?” Eiji asked looking at Yut with wide, concerned eyes. Yut-Lung nodded. “My brothers. They made me watch as they each raped my mother and then killed her. And then abused me for almost my entire life.” Yut-Lung said his face scrunching up in anger.
Eiji’s eyes widened. He reached out and took Yut-Lungs hand in his own. “I’m so sorry.” Yut-Lung squeezed his hand. “It’s okay. Their dead. I… I killed them.” Yut said slowly watching Eiji’s reaction. Eiji looked down and nodded. “I see.” was all he said.
“Do you think of me differently?” Yut-Lung asked.
Eiji shook his head. “Do you think of me differently? After what Dino almost did?” Eiji’s voice cracked on the man's name but held Yut-Lung’s gaze.
“Never.” Yut responded.
Eiji nodded and gave a weak smile. “Can i wash your hair?” Yut asked. Eiji looked down and shifted. “Can you?” Eiji whispered. Yut nodded and squirted some shampoo into his hand and began running his fingers through his hair. They sat in silence for a moment before Eiji started talking
“I keep thinking about what he said.” Eiji whispered. Yut-Lung looked at him curiously. “He said that i would have to take Ash’s place.” Yut-Lung didn’t respond. He’d known for awhile now. The news about what Dino Golzine was doing behind closed doors broke a month before Eiji came to America.
“I don’t want to think about that man hurting Ash. I don’t want to think about how long or what other horrible things that guy has done to people. But I can’t stop.” Eiji whimpered. Yut-Lung stopped pouring out the conditioner and looked down at Eiji. “You won’t have to worry about it much longer. I’ve been keeping tabs on that man and he’ll pay for what he did to you.” Yut-Lung promised as he pushed his hands through Eiji’s hair.
“How do you know?” Eiji asked. “I had Blanca bug and set up secret cameras in every single room in that place.” Yut-Lung told him. Eiji turned to look at Yut. “So that means that you caught everything he did to me?” Eiji asked quietly. Yut-Lung nodded.
“To tell you the truth i had known this was going to happy eventually after i found Ash in your bed that day.” Yut said. Eiji looked down and blushed. “I’m sorry. I should have told you. I didn’t think that they would let him out.” Yut-Lung confessed quietly. “Thank you. If you hadn’t come then…” Eiji didn’t want to finish that sentence.
“How did you find me?” Eiji asked as Yut handed him a towel to dry off with. “Remember that charm i gave you? Its a tracking device.” Yut-Lung said. He picked up Eiji’s phone from the counter and showed him the NoriNori charm that Yut had gifted to him a few weeks before.
“In normal circumstances i would be mad but i’m glad you did that.” Eiji said pulling a shirt over his head and putting on some pants. Yut-Lung shrugged. “We’re friends.” Eiji smiled. “Yeah, we are.” He said before wrapping his arms around Yut-Lung.
After drying Eiji’s hair the duo made their way out of the bathroom and into the living room where everyone was waiting.
J ay was the one who noticed them first. A wide smile spread across her face. “Eiji!” She yelled happily, quickly walking over to him. Eiji gave her gentle smile as she held out her arms for a hug. Eiji hesitantly wrapped his arms around her. Jay squeezed him tightly. “I’m so happy to see that you are okay. When you didn’t come back last night i thought the worst.” She said.
Eiji pulled back. “I’ve been missing for a day?” Eiji asked the older woman.
“Yeah. Flipped shit when she couldn’t find you.” Mari said walking up to them. Jay flushed. “I wasn’t that bad.” Mari rolled her eyes
“You threatened the police officer taking your report with a spoon , Jay.” Jay scowled. “He was being an asshole!” Jay huffed before walking back into the kitchen to finish cooking.
“She told him if he didn’t find you she would scoop out his eyes.” Mari giggled. Eiji looked at Jay in shock. He’d never seen the woman so angry, it was hard to imagine.
“I’m glad your okay Eiji. When you didn’t answer your phone i knew something was wrong.” Mari said tears forming in her eyes. “Oh god, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be crying, I wasn’t the one kidnapped!” She laughed awkwardly wiping her tears away. EIji gave a soft look. It was nice to know that he had such caring friends. Eiji wrapped her into a hug. “Thank you.” he whispered. Mari squeezed him tightly before letting go.
She instructed him to go sit in the living room before disappearing back into the kitchen. When Eiji walked out he saw Shorter, Sing and Skip sitting there. And three other faces he’s never seen before. The men noticed him staring and gave him a nervous smile.
“I’m Alex.” Said the boy with brown hair. He gestured to the African American male and the boy with the long braid. “This is Kong and Bones.” The two males waved. Eiji gave a welcoming smile.
“Eiji!” Suddenly he felt arms wrap around his legs. Eiji jolted, eyes widening in fright before he looked down and saw James. The boy was looking at him with big blue eyes. “Eiji, You back!” He exclaimed. “I am,” He said softly. “Did you miss me?” Eiji asked as he knelt down. The boy nodded. “I made a new friend.” He told Eiji.
Eiji looked over to where the boy was pointing and saw Skip and Sing watching them. He smiled at the two boys. “I’m happy for you. It looks like they’re waiting for you, go play.” He told the small boy. The boy gave a toothy grin and gave him another quick hug before rushing back over to Skip and Sing.
Eiji sighed before settling on the couch next to Shorter. “How are you?” Shorter asked him quietly. Eiji glanced at him before folding his hands on his lap and staring at him.
“I-I’m okay.” He stuttered.
It wasn’t really true.
He was tired and he felt like shit after what had happened. Shorter looked at him. “You don’t have to pretend your okay. What you say to me here will never be known by anyone else.” Shorter told him. Eiji gulped. “I feel like it’s my fault.” He whispered. Shorter waited for Eiji to continue. “If i had told someone how unease i felt, if i had been more careful, if i had fought harder, this wouldn't have happened.” Eiji said tears forming in his eyes.
“I hope you know that no one thinks this. You did what you had to do to survive. No one can blame you for that. And if they try i’ll handle it.” Shorter promised. Eiji squeezed his eyes shut. “Everyone here cares about you Eiji. You aren’t by yourself. When you want to talk just give me a call.” Shorter said. Eiji nodded, wiping his tears away. “Thanks.” He said. Shorter nodded turning his gaze back to the TV, “Anytime.” J
ay leaned over the counter a smile on her face. “Foods ready!” Everyone immediately got up and went into the kitchen. Eiji waited at the side of the kitchen for everyone else to get what they wanted. As he watched them he noticed one person missing.
“Where’s Ash?” Eiji asked.
Everyone stopped.
“Boss is in your room on the phone, has been since you went into the bathroom.” Bones informed Eiji. “We need to tell him that the foods ready.” Eiji said. Skip shook his head. “I checked on him not to long ago. He’s still on the phone. When he’s done he’ll come out.” the small boy told Eiji.
Eiji sighed and got his food deciding to eat in the kitchen. Eiji, Blanca and Jay where sitting in the kitchen while everyone else ate in the living room. “How did Ash take it?” Eiji asked. He’d been anxious to know Ash’s reaction to Dino kidnapping him.
Blanca sighed. “He was furious. As soon as we told him who took you he went to your room to make a call. Been in there ever since.” Eiji looked at his food. He hoped Ash wasn’t to mad at what happened. He also hoped that he wouldn’t be to mad at Eiji finding out what happened to Ash as well.
They all ate in silence after that. A couple minutes later everyone was done eating and they brought their plates in and helped clean up. It was starting to get late so people were getting ready to go.
Jay turned to Eiji a small smile on her face. “Eiji would you like to stay at my place tonight?” She asked him softly. Eiji smiled. It was nice of her to offer and frankly Eiji didn’t want to be by himself tonight.
He went to open his mouth, when Ash came walking down the hallway. “There’s no need for that.” He said, interrupting their conversation. “I’m going to stay here tonight.” He said looking at Eiji. “Is that okay?” The blonde asked him gently. Eiji nodded. He’d feel safer with Ash with him. Jay and Mari looked at each.
“Okay, that's fine with me. It makes me feel better knowing you’ll be with him.” Mari said. With that everyone said goodbye and made their way out the door.
As Yut-Lung was walking out he turned to look at Ash. “Don’t let anything happen to him.” Yut-Lung told him. Ash gave a nod and closed the door after him. Once the door was closed Eiji began to speak.
“Thanks for staying with me.” Eiji said. Ash nodded before turning around and walking over to the couch and sitting down. Eiji frowned at his silence. He followed after and sat next to him. Neither boy said a word as they watched TV.
“I’m sorry.” Ash whispered.
Eiji looked at him in confusion. “What?” He asked. Ash shifted, leaning back against the couch a frown on his face. “If i had been more careful, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.” Ash said.
Eiji shook his head. “Not your fault. You had no idea that he would do something to me.”
Ash looked down.
“Did… Did he hurt you?” Ash asked, voice trembling. “No! No he didn’t get the chance.” Eiji replied hastily. “He talked about you. Said that he was going to make you pay for betraying him by hurting me.” Eiji said. Ash didn’t respond. “What else did he say?” Ash asked after a moment.
Eiji gulped. He didn’t want to tell Ash about what happened afraid of how he might react. “Eiji tell me, please.” Ash whispered. “He mentioned you going behind his back with an ‘old bitch’ and-and said i would take your place…” Eiji said finally.
At this new information Ash dug his nails into the inside of palms.
“I’m fine, Ash.” Eiji told him. “I’m alive and safe and i’m okay.” Eiji said. Eiji wasn’t sure if he was saying it to comfort Ash or himself. Ash looked up at him, a dark look in his eyes.
“Are you?” He asked.
Then reached out and put a hand on Eiji’s arm. The Japanese boy tensed under his touch. Ash’s eyes darkened at his reaction. “See.” he said as he took his hand away. “Your not fine. So, don’t pretend like you are.” Ash told him turning his head back towards the TV.
“I was first raped when i was 8.” Ash began. Eiji looked him with wide eyes. “It was by my Little League couch. My father found out and we tried going to the police but they didn’t believe us. He assaulted me a few more times after that and then I killed him with my father's gun.” Ash said.
Eiji gaped. He wasn’t sure how to respond. “My father sent me to my aunts house to avoid all the rumors and such, when i heard my brother, Griffen, left for the army i ran away. Dino’s men found me and put me to work at his ‘restaurant’ Club Cod as a prostitute. Not long after that Dino himself took an interest in me and made me his personal sex slave and heir.” Ash said.
Eiji blinked back tears and reached for Ash. “It’s funny, because when i killed my couch i didn't feel a damn thing. I cried because i didn’t feel anything.” Ash’s voice trembled.
“I’m a monster.”
Eiji inhaled sharply at that. “No! You aren’t a monster Ash! The fact that you cried at all shows that you have feelings, you were a child you did what you had to do to survive.” Eiji said. Ash kept his face looking down. “Ash, no matter what happens i will always be there for you. Your safe here, no one can hurt you now, i won’t let them.” Eiji said determinedly.
Ash let out a wet laugh. Finally turning his head towards Eiji. There were tears streaming down his face. Ash gave him a watery smile. “Shouldn't i be the one telling you that? After all you were the one who got kidnapped.”
Eiji smiled. “I know you’ll protect me. We’ll protect each other because that’s what friends do.” Eiji told him.
Ash suddenly laid his head on Eiji’s lap. “Stay by my side.” Ash whimpered. Eiji looked down in shock. “It doesn’t have to be forever.Even if it’s just for now.” Eiji smiled gently and softly rubbed Ash’s back.
“Forever.” Eiji promised.