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Akito looked everywhere. When Toya didn't show up for school, he thought it just was a one time thing. Maybe he was sick. Maybe he was sleeping because he was sick and that's why he hasn't replied to any messages.
But when it went on for a few days, Akito began looking for him. He checked the sekai, he checked Toya's house. He even asked Tsukasa if he'd seen him!
Akito stared down at the cup Meiko gave him in the café. It's been over a week. He's starting to lose hope. There was no sign of where Toya has gone. Akito was starting to think he'd never see him again. Maybe he was murdered.
It wasn't unlikely. It wasn't impossible for him to get murdered. The body could be hidden so well. He hasn't seen any signs of him after all.
A gentle tap on his shoulder caused him to look over. Len sat down beside him, concern evident on his face.
"Akito! Have you had any luck finding Toya?"
Akito shook his head. "No. I'm worried something bad happened to him."
"Like..." Len was cautious with his next words. "Like a murder?"
Akito looked away. "Yeah." He didn't want to accept it but.. If he doesn't turn up soon, that might be the case. The police hadn't found any leads. He clenched his fist, slamming it on the table. "I'm going to try to find him." He stood up, Len watching him.
"You can do it! He'll turn up! I promise!"
"Thanks Len."
He pressed stop on Ready Steady, returning to his room. Akito sat on his bed, trying to decide where to look. Maybe Vivid Street? That's where he was last with Toya. But also he's checked so many times...
While he was trying to decide, a ping on his phone caught his attention. A message. From an unknown number. A video.
<I'd suggest you watch this.>
Akito was hesitant. What if it put a virus on his phone? Honestly, at this point he could care less. He pressed play.
The room was dark. A dim light flicked on in the corner. Toya sat in the middle of the room, tied to a chair. His face was covered in bruises and blood dripped from his nose. His clothes were also stained with blood. A masked figure came into frame beside Toya.
"Hey Akito. I've got your boyfriend here. Bring me what I want, and maybe you'll get him back in one piece. You have a week."
The figure ran a gloved hand along the side of Toya's face. "Would you like to say anything? These words could be your last. If he doesn't get you in time." Toya stayed silent, unmoving. "Such a shame. Maybe you should cooperate next time." The figure pulled out a knife, lodging it into Toya's eye.
Toya's scream rang in Akito's ears. He couldn't move. He was in too much shock. He felt sick. Someone kidnpped him. He's hurting. Toya's hurt. But at least he's alive. He has confirmation he's alive. Not dead. Not safe but.. Akito wiped tears off his face. Toya's alive and that's all that matters.
He forwarded the video to the rest of VBS. He paused for a moment before sending it to Tsukasa as well. He didn't like talking to him but.. He was close to Toya as well. He deserved to know.
Akito stared at the message from the unknown number. He should respond. Find out what they want.
<What do you want>
He'd do anything to get Toya back. The response he got was quick and... That was a lot of money. He couldn't get that much.
<That's insane.>
<You want him in one piece don't you? I could lower the price if you want.>
<What's the catch?>
<We can arrange something. Maybe an arm or a leg of his.>
<Do not.>
<You want him back, don't you? I'm giving you a deal.>
<Don't you dare. I'll get what you want.>
<Good.>
Akito rested his head in his hands. How is he going to do this? He can't do this in a week. But also... he can't let Toya get hurt more.
Akito stared at his phone, watching messages roll in. Most were from the Vivids. Tsukasa still hadn't replied. Instead, he received a text from Kamishiro.
<What do they want from you?>
Tsukasa probably told him. How.. bothersome. Akito debated responding for several moments. He wasn't sure if he wanted to respond. He wasn't fond of him. But honestly? He was desperate.
<Money. Lots of it.>
<Do you have that much?>
<No.>
<I have two ideas, neither of them are safe though.>
Akito stared for a moment. Should he..? If it'll save Toya... What does he have to lose?
<I'll hear it.>
<Option 1: You meet up with them and distract them or something so I can get Toya. Option 2: I try to get the message location, and we check it out to look for Toya.>
<Both of those sounds dangerous>
<I know.>
<I don't have any other choice though, do I?>
<None that are immediate.>
He chose option 2. It seemed like the fastest way to get Toya back. The sooner he's back, the less suffering he has to endure.
Rui invited Akito over to his house to discuss the plan, which he reluctantly accepted. Currently he sat on the couch, glancing around at all the robots. He knew he made a lot but.. There's more than he expected.
"I've found a location."
Akito looked up expectantly. That was surprisingly quick.
"It's an abandoned building on the side of town."
Akito nodded slowly. He had no clue where that was. "Can we.. go looking? Right now?"
"Are you sure? I can't guarantee any safety."
"I want to get him as fast as possible."
Rui nodded, standing up. "Prepare yourself then."
The two made their way to the building. Akito was used to Rui being all weird and it was weird to see him being all serious about it. It was probably due to everything at stake.
Rui crouched down in front of the door, fumbling to quickly pick the lock. It made sense that Rui would be able to, but he was still a little impressed. Rui stood up again, the door open. He stepped inside, motioning for Akito to follow.
He followed slowly behind, looking around the building. Plants were growing inside, windows were broken. It was dark too, what little light inside coming from the windows.
The two wondered through, checking every room they came across. Akito was getting impatient.
"How about we split up to look?"
Rui whipped his head around to face him. His expression was scarily serious while he spoke barely above a whisper. "No. We don't know what's in here. If we are separated and one of us gets caught, it's not going to go well."
Akito clenched his teeth, whispering in return, "It would go faster."
"My word is final."
Akito sighed, continuing to follow behind him. He had a point. After a few moments he froze, causing Rui to stop as well.
"Akito?"
"Do you smell that?"
Rui paused for a moment before his eyes widened. "Blood." The two followed the nauseating smell, leading them to another room. Locked.
"Akito, keep an eye out while I pick this lock."
Akito held his breath, standing beside Rui, keeping an eye on their surroundings. Maybe this is it. Maybe they'll find Toya. It was scarily quiet but that meant no one was around. For now at least.
"Got it." Rui opened the door.
Akito gently shoved him out of the way, stepping into the room. "Toya," He whispered. The room looked exactly like the video, Toya sitting right in the middle. Akito ran over, Rui quickly following.
Taking in a deep breath, Akito made his way over to Toya. He couldn't believe he was seeing him again. Toya glanced up at him through his hair that covered his face. Akito gently rested a hand on Toya's cheek. "What did they do to you?" His voice was soft. Looking at Toya's face made him want to cry. The bruises, the blood, the tears. The stabbed eye.
It made Akito sick.
Toya stared up at Akito for several moments, leaning into his hand as if he were a cat. "Akito.. Are you real?"
"Yes- yes I am. Ka- Rui is here too."
Rui pushed himself off the ground. "I cut the ropes. Let's go. Before we're caught."
Akito nodded. "Okay- Toya we're going to get you out of here."
Toya stared blankly for a moment before pushing himself up to stand. Not even a second later, he collapsed into Akito.
"Shit-" Akito reached out to catch him, holding him close. Toya's breathing was noticeably shallow and quick. He was shaking too. Akito carefully lifted him into his arms.
He looked so small like this.
Rui grabbed Akito's arm, quickly dragging him behind him. Rui froze though when he heard footsteps separate from his and Akito's. A knife flew past his eyes, lodging into the wall right beside him.
"I see you found him." The masked person stepped out of the shadows, motioning towards Akito and Toya. "But will you make it out?"
Rui glanced at Akito for a moment before pulling out a small pocket knife. He shoved Akito in front of him. "Run-!"
Akito stumbled, watching as Rui distracted the masked kidnapper. Akito kept a tight grip on Toya, quickly running out of the building. Rui was fast and had some skills. Hopefully he can hold his own.
Akito continued running to get a bit of distance from the building before stopping to catch his breath. Toya pressed his face into Akito's chest. That's when Akito felt the liquid seeping through his jacket. Shit. He must've reopened one of Toya's wounds.
Akito set Toya down on the ground, quickly calling an ambulance. His voice was shaky while he glanced between Toya and the building, waiting for Rui to come back.
He looked down at Toya's pained expression. "There's an ambulance on the way. You're going to be okay."
Toya gave the tiniest of nods. The fact he was still even slightly conscious was surprising. The amount of blood.. One would think he's a corpse.
Akito took off his jacket, pressing down on Toya's wound to slow the bleeding. He didn't notice until now, but he was crying. After everything, Toya was still on the verge of death. With this much blood loss.. Could he even make it?
He glanced up at the sound of footsteps to see Rui approaching. A few cuts littered the side of his face, some cutting his clothing as well. But at least he's okay. Certainly better than Toya.
"Akito," Rui crouched down beside him, "He's going to be okay."
He choked on a sob, clenching his teeth, "He better be."
"He will be."
Akito blinked open his eyes, stifling a yawn. When he woke up fully, he realized his head was on Rui's shoulder where they sat next to each other in uncomfortable hospital chairs.
"You're finally awake?" Rui spoke in a whisper.
Akito nodded, moving his head. It was stupid. He never showed much kindness towards Rui. Hell he even avoided Rui most of the time but... He helped get Toya back.
It's not even like Rui left right after either. Once Toya was taken at the hospital, Rui stayed there to comfort him until he fell asleep. And continued to stay there. Huh. Maybe he wasn't so bad.
He wasn't even getting anything out of this.
"They said you could visit Toya when he wakes up."
"Cool." Akito stared down at the floor. "Thanks."
"What for?"
"You know what for. Helping me find Toya." He paused. He wasnt sure if he wanted to say more. And yet he did. "And for.. staying here."
"You're welcome." Rui's smile was more.. soft than usual.
Akito looked back up at him, finally noticing the bandaids on Rui's face and arms. "I'm.. sorry. You were injured in the process."
"I knew the risks. I'm surprised it wasn't worse."
The doctor came over to them carrying a clipboard. "Aoyagi is awake if one of you wants to visit."
"That's my cue to leave then." Rui stood up, grinning down at Akito. "Say hi to Toya for me!" He waved, and was quickly gone.
Akito waved hesitantly in response. Stupid. Waving to Kamishiro. He sighed, following the doctor to Toya's room. He stood outside for a moment. It was still a little scary to see him in such a damaged state. He braced himself, entering the room.
Toya's eyes lit up at the sight of Akito. "Akito." He smiled. It was unusual to see him smile. Akito missed it.
However all Akito could focus on was the bandages wrapping up Toya's wounds. Seeing the eyepatch over Toya's eye hurt the most. Either way, Akito couldn't help but smile at seeing him again. "Hey partner." It was nice. Having him back. Alive. Safe.
Akito sat down at the edge of the bed, interlocking his fingers with Toya's. "I missed you."
"I missed you too." Toya stared down at the bedsheets. "The doctor said I've completely lost my eye."
"It'll be okay. I'm just glad you're here. We thought you died."
Toya was silent, lightly gripping onto Akito's hand. It was traumatic. For both of them. Akito leaned over to give him a small kiss on the cheek.
"Everyone will be happy to see you. Rui was.. a big help."
Toya smiled softly. He missed Akito's gentle touch. He missed seeing the Vivids. He missed Tsukasa's performances. "I was sure I was going to die there."
"Not on my watch."
"Thank you. I.. love you."
"Love you too."