Chapter Text
"Dareth, Pinky swear you'll save me if I start going down again...Swear you'll save my sorry ass. Because the second I fall again. . . It's gonna be so much worse than this. Are you willing to stay even through that?"
". . .I swear..I'll stick by your side no matter what."
"Gimme your hand." Dareth handed it over.
"In moments of happiness, sadness, anger, and frustration. In every moment of our lives, we stick together, loyal, faithful, and truthful to one another. Dareth, do you swear?"
"I swear."
A golden ring was slipped onto his finger, and he was pulled into a tight hug, his head and body being sheilded from the explosion that could happen any moment from now.
"I swear it too." That was the last thing Dareth heard before the bomb went off and his ears started ringing.
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"Dareth??"
"Dareth?"
"Hellloooo, Earth to Dareth?" A voice called.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Ronin, I zoned out there for a moment." He rested his arm on the window cell of the car, resting his head on his hand.
It was silent for awhile.
"Hey, are you alright?"
"Hm? Yea why wouldnt I be? I just zoned out"
"What were you thinkin' about?" .
"The day we got married, well, not offically but offical enough for us"
Ronin chuckled.
"Oh what a day that was. Such chaos. You know I'm still sorry for getting you caught up in that."
"Hey, I don't mind, because I got a cool marriage 'proposal' from my amazing husband." Dareth poked Ronin's cheek.
"Haha, yea sure, not like you could've died that day, totally, not at all." Sarcasm.
"But I didn't" Dareth smirked smuggly.
"Yea yea I know, you're the only reason I quit that job you know" Ronin pulled into the parking lot of Dareth's bar. Laughy's was it called? Sounded childish to the man when he first heard it, but soon realized how much it actually fit the vibe of the place.
"Thats because you love me too much and you have, zero self respect." Dareth said opening the car door after the car was parked.
"Hey, I have plenty self respect." Ronin pouted.
Dareth only giggled in response.
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The two walked into the bar, getting ready to open up for the night. They had to get their earlier today though. Tonight was more of a special night. Dareth had agreed with the school to allow his bar to be the prom night location. . . Of course no Alcohol for the kids- just the adults and chaperones who need to supervise- or something. Dareth didn't really get it because the "kids" weren't really kids anymore. . But he didn't complain. He's always wanted to host something like this.
Dareth opened the door. A group of kids were around setting up decorations. One, who was clearly much younger than the others, was sitting at the bar drinking some grape juice. The young boy stared at the two older men walked through the door
"Dareth! Hey!!" A voice chimed.
A few heads turned to look at them.
Two of the kids came over to the older two, a couple others were arguing over a streamer to even notice them. Another stood there, clearly annoyed with the arguing two. The youngest one just sat at the bar judgingly, drinking his grape juice.
"Ronin, this is Kai, Cole, Zane, Jay, Nya, and Over there is Lloyd. Don't mind his very judging stares-." He points to each of them as he said their names.
"Kids, this is Ronin, my hubando" He gave Ronin a look and giggled.
"Hi!" Nya said. "Don't mind those two idiots over there- They are always like that. Arguing over something.
"Uh, Hi" Ronin gave an awkward smile.
Now Kai chimed in. "By the way, hope you don't mind Lloyd being here to, It's my turn to babysit the brat."
"No its alright Kai. You guys should get back to decorating now though, besides I have stuff to do yet before tonight anyways."
"Yea okay, Nice meeting you, Ronin!" Kai said, turning around, going to yell at Cole and Jay to stop arguing, dragging Nya along.
"Why'd he say my name that way?" He whispered to Dareth.
"Oh don't mind it, he does that with everyone he meets. Should stop soon." Dareth said, dragging Ronin along to his office. Lloyd still staring before Nya went up behind him and smacked the back of his head, telling him off for staring. Ronin giggled at that.
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The music was loud, there were kids everywhere. Some just sitting and talking, others dancing, and a few even trying to get the bartender some alcohol. Ronin scanned the room for his husband, not spotting him. He did however spot one of the kids from earlier. deciding to go up to the small group.
"Hey, you're Kai right?" He debated asking the boy how the hell his hair sticks up the way it does, but decided against it, assuming it was all just a bunch of hair gel.
Kai turned around. "The one and only. What's up Ronin?"
"Have you seen Dareth anywhere? I've been looking for him but I can't seem to find him.
Kai seemed to think for a moment. "No actually, I haven't. Sorry dude" He finally said after a few moments.
"You know, you look cute when you think so hard like that~" Kai whipped his head around to see his boyfriend standing with one hand on his hips.
"Shut up, I am not cute, I'm handsome" Kai replied, a smirk appearing on his face.
"yea yea whatever" Cole walked over the rest of the way, kissing his boyfriends lips.
"Who's that?"
"Oh! Ronin, this is Cole, my boyfriend, Cole, this is Ronin, Dareth's husband"
Cole holds out his hand to Kai. "Money"
Kai groans and digs in his pocket for a 20, handing it over to Cole. "I told you Dareth had a husband, not a wife"
Ronin just stared at the two, not even questioning whatever debate they had set.
Cole stuck his hand out again, this time to Ronin. "Nice to meet ya, Ronin"
Ronin takes the boys hand, shaking it. "Nice to meet you to, kid"
"Woah, wait, his your hand prosthetic?"
"Huh? oh, yea, my whole arm is actually." Ronin's gaze reaches the ground.
"Sick"
Was all Cole said before grabbing his boyfriends hand and just standing there. The situation progressivly becoming more awkward.
"HEY EVERYONE!" A loud voice boomed over all of the music and chatter. The music stopped and the chattering died down. "If you all could make your way outside, there's a pretty cool surprise waiting outside for everyone! AND STICK WITH YOUR DATES, Trust me you'll want to stick by them" Whoever this random kid was got down off the table he was on and walked back outside, the rest of everyone else following. Cole gave Kai another smooch and they walked outside. Ronin following.
Outside people gathered. Couples holding hands, others just standing around talking to their friends. Some were seated on the ground, and a few having. . "Sword Fights" with sparklers. Ronin just looked around, waiting for whatever "surprise" that boy had mentioned to start, whatever it was, he hoped it'd be good. Maybe it'd get his mind off of where his husband was. He was sure he was fine just. . He was concerned. It was normal for Dareth to show up late to events. An hour was pushing it a bit. . But Ronin didn't mind it. Perhaps the man had just lost track of time? Who knew, any num- Boom.
Ronin flinched. He looked up. Fireworks. Another one went off, the sound pounding at Ronin's head as if it was trying to crack it open. He just stared at the sky, movement seeming to be forbidden.
The fireworks made a boom, a loud one, shaped into a heart in the sky. Ronin froze. His body not responding. It was so. . . loud. Where was Dareth? He slowly moved to cover his ears. Eventually turning around and making a break for it. he ran and ran until he reached the bathroom, locking himself up in a stall. Tear's stream down the grown mans face. 'I should be over this by now. Its been 6 fucking years. . .' Tears only continued to flow the more he thought about it. He tried to calm his shaking body, steady his breathing, but he couldn't. His lungs seemed to compress, break down, as if they no longer worked. He coughed, struggling to breath as more fireworks went off outside.
. . .
He sat in the bathroom, crying on the floor. Almost feeling sick. He covered his ears as he violently shook. He wanted Dareth, he needed him. But he didn't know where Dareth was, he couldn't remember. His mind was so messed up right now. He couldn't think properly. Why couldn't he remember?
He tried to stand up, stumbling over multiple times, but finally reaching the sink. He turns the water on and runs his hands under it, splashing his face with water, eventually just letting the heat in the water make the skin on his hands burn. He looked up at the mirror. Mistake. He shouldn't have done that. **Weakling.** He stumbled backwards a bit, a shadowy figure taking the shape of his own appeared next to him. His surroundings darkening, as if his vision focused on him and the figure beside him. He hadn't seen the figure in years. . . What to do to be-rid it was long forgotten. **You'll never be anything but a burden.** Ronin's face expression showed nothing but fear, he was terrified. It won't shut up..He felt so vulnerable. He hated that. He needed to pull himself together.
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He couldn't. He can't. It's mutated and glitchy version of his own voice won't shut up. It won't stop pestering him. Why wont it stop nagging at him? **Useless. Garbage. just leave! nobody would care anyways, not even that man you call your husband.** He doesn't want to fall back into this pattern. He swore it on his own, he wouldn't make Dareth burden him again. He had to be strong, he had to fight his own battles. "Shut up.." He whispered under his breath, in an attempt to make it stop. **You aren't worth anything! You're problems don't matter, so just stop trying.** "Shut. Up.." He raised his voice a little bit more this time. **He doesn't love you, you know. He's just using you. Probably gonna do what that other guy did to you years ago. Just use you for your body.** "SHUT UP!" He shouted this time, punching the mirror. The figure disappeared, the mirror shattered into tiny little peices, each one going every which way. his fist began to bleed as tiny glass shards sat in his knuckles and fists. His ears began to ring and little black dots began to dance in his vision as it blurred infrornt of him. Voices came through the door. He couldn't decipher them, or differentiate them. He knew they were there, he hoped in was Dareth. Then everything went black.
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Crap crap crap crap crap crap. It was all Dareth could think. He'd accidentally fallen asleep on the couch and he was the one who was supposed to host this thing. He promised Ronin he'd meet him there 1 hour and a half ago. . . . . Dareth squinted his eyes as he approched his bar. "are those. ." A big boom went off in the sky. Crap. Fireworks. he had to get there and fast. He picked up the speed of his car, eventually making a haulting stop. He rushed out of the car, not even bothering to lock it.
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"Cole, stoooppppp, I need to peeeee" Kai said while giggling as his boyfriend placed small kisses on his neck. Kai opened the bathroom door, Opening his eyes up again. He tensed. Stopping dead in his tracks. His smile faded as his eyes widened.
Cole noticed this. "Kai, whats wrong love?" Kai only stares ahead of him, Cole finally looked up from his boyfriends face. Horror shot across his face in an instant.
"Holy shit.." was all he managed to say. The mirror on the end shattered. Glass everywhere, Blood staining the counters and floor.
"wait..is that?." Kai's eyes seemed to widen even more as he realized who was laying on the floor. "RONIN?!" He said, forcing himself to run over to the man. "COLE, GO FIND DARETH!" Kai shouted, not giving a second glance. Cole only nodded and turned to go find the older man.
Kai felt for a pulse in his wrist, relieved when he found it. The older mans heart beat was quick, his breathing seemed heavy when Kai finally noticed it actually being there. He sat on the floor next to the man, holding him, not sure what else to do.
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Cole glanced around the room, not seeing the boy he was looking for. He began asking people if they'd seen him, none of which have. While asking someone, the bars door burst open, a very distressed looking Dareth coming in. "Sorry, gotta go" he said to whoever he was talking too. He ran up to him. "Cole! hey, have you seen Ronin? I was supposed to meet him here 2 hours ago but-" he stopped when he saw the look of pity on Cole's face. What?. what is it?"
"You may wanna just..follow." Cole grabbed the mans arm and drug him across the floor and to the bathroom, Swinging the door wide open when he got there.
"Goddamn it. . ." was all be managed to mutter. Kai turned his head, tears falling from his eyes. He didn't know what to do and it was clear. He barely knew the man who has collapsed on the floor yet he still cried about it. Kai may come off as firey and cold sometimes, but, he was easily triggered emotionally.
Dareth finally got hold of the situation. Making his way towards the two on the floor. gesturing for Kai to move, he picked up his husband into his arms. Kai crashing into his own boyfriends arms, not daring to look back. Cole held Kai gently and lovingly, his own body shaking just a bit.
Ronin's face expression was calm, if not a little bit distressed. Once Dareth knew his vitals were stabalized he stood up, holding Ronin up in his arms. With one tired sigh he walked out of the bathroom and to his office, the other two boys following him close behind.
Once there, he laid Ronin down on the table, grabbing a medkit and some tweazers.
"Is..Is he gonna be okay?.."
"He'll be fine. It's not the first time this has happened." Dareth said, taking Ronin's hurt hand and tweazers and beginning to take the small peices of glass out of his hand.
"It's..not?" Kai questioned.
Dareth sighed heavily. "No, it's happened before. . . this is just the start of things. But don't worry about it." He will be..just, fine" Dareth tried his best to blink away the tears forming in his eyes. He needed to focus. The boys stayed silent as they watched Dareth remove the glass from Ronin's hand. Finally bandaging it up after rubbing form hydrogen peroxide on it. "Why don't you guys run along and get everyone outta here? I'll take care of the bathroom"
"But-" Kai wanted to protest, Cole just putting his hand on Kai's shoulder, signaling to just let it go and do as told. "and especially get them to stop the fire works. and tell the bartender I said he can go home, full pay." Cole nodded and quietly ushered his boyfriend along. Dareth watched the boys leave the office, a look of pity on his face as he looked back at his husband. He took Ronin's hand, rubbing it softly, scared if he let go that he'd just disappear. "What am I gonna do with you. . ." Dareth's face scrunched up. "This best not be the start of something. . I hated going through that with you. . . it hurt seeing you that way.." His voice cracked. "I don't want to lose you. . ." His own words broke him. He let the tears fall, knowing this was only the beginning of the same thing that happened 6 years ago. He took Ronin's hand in both of his own, putting it to his forehead, sobs still escaping his throat. The music had died out, along with the fire works. Chatter stopping as well. It's gone silent. Only the sounds of crying and heavg but stable breathing could be heard.
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Ronin's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the bright lights above him. He sat up, his back cracking in the process. He looked around to get his bearings. Dareth's office?. He looked confused. Only then did he become aware of his hand having bandages, wounds stinging beneath them. He frowned. Just. . What had happened yesterday? And why couldn't he remember very well? He remembered. . Music, voices, the bathroom. . . And fireworks..oh. He felt uncomfortable in his own shoes. How the hell did I even get in here? He could've sworn he passed out in the bathroom.
The door swung open. A man in a brown suit walking through it. Oh, thats how.
Dareth looked up. His eyes widening a bit seeing his husband sitting up right, blank expression on his face. "Oh my gosh, RONIN!!" He ran up to him and hugged him tightly, Ronin hugging him back. "How do you feel, anything hurt?" He questioned, playing with Ronin's suit, straightening it out.
"Just a small headache"
Dareth grabbed the Ibuprofen and glass of water off a nearby table and gave it to him. "Here, it'll help." Ronin took it, swallowing it as quickly as possible. He never liked taking pills.
"So, anything you wanna talk about? Maybe..tell me what happened yesterday? I mean obviously something happened. Excluding the fireworks on their own" Dareth sat down on the side of the table, staring at the ground.
"To be honest I don't remember much. . And no I wasn't drinking either. I just remember music. . Fireworks obviously, the bathroom and. . . The mirror." Ronin said, still not quite sure of his own story.
"And you are telling me the full truth of how you've remembered this? Nothing left out?"
"No, not a thing left out."
Dareth paused before answering.
"Alright, well, we should go home. The bathroom is cleaned up already, and I am so ready to get our of this damned suit" Dareth stood up, going over to his husband, taking his hand in his own, caressing it gently as he looked up and smiled.
Ronin stared back, before erupting into a small laugh. "You could say that again" He said, calming a bit, smiling back at the shorter boy.
He always loved the way Dareth spoke, turning almost any situation into a laugh. It was just one of the many thing he loved about him.
He stared into the eyes of his lover. Dareth stared back. His eyes seemed to sparkle in the darker room.
He gentle took hold of Dareth's face, Pulling him into a passionate kiss.
"Woa-" Dareth started, not really getting to finish as he was pulled in. He hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around Ronin's neck, kissing the man back.
Finally pulling back they just stared into each other eyes before Dareth's eyes glossed over. He hugged the taller tightly, terrified to let go.
"D-dont scare me like that!!" He blurted, not really sure where his own words were taking him.
Ronin, who was caught off guard, just wrapped his arms around him, just a tightly. "I'm sorry dear, I didn't mean to scare you." He said gently, just trying to comfort the other.
"Promise you'll tell me if you feel. . Sad or something.." Dareth wasn't the best with words in this kind of situation, and Ronin knew that. He knew exactly what Dareth meant.
"I pinky swear." He held his hand up, only his pinky finger up. Dareth pulled back from the hug, taking his own and locking it with Ronin's.
The two sat there for a moment. Not exchanging any words, just sitting in a comfortable silence.
"We should. . Probably go home and change now, this thing is getting highly uncomfortable." Ronin said, Finally breaking the silence.
"Oh, yea, come on, let's go" Dareth took Ronin's hand again, leading him off the table and out the front door, locking the bar behind him.
"Are you going to open up later tonight?"
"No, I'm staying closed up for a little while, keeping my eye on you."
"I- you don't have to do that." He looked at Dareth, who was giving him the stink eye. He made a crooked face back.
"Yes I do, you're MY husband, it's my job to look after you" Ronin rolled his eyes.
"Yea yea, whatever" He just rolled along with it, no point in arguing over something that he genuinely thought was sweet. Though, he would never admit to that.
The two held hands as they walked to their car, joking around and shoving each other before they got in. Ronin tried to get into the driver's side. "Nuh-uh. You are not driving" Dareth shoved Ronin into the passengers seat.
"Ugh, boo." Rinin pretended to pout, trying to hide his smile.
"Oh hush" Dareth joked back, lighting punching Ronin's arm.
He turned the car on and began the drive back home, knowing that this is just the beginning of something he knows far to well, something he's dealt with before. Except this time. . . He's prepared for the worst.