Botanicle Gardens

Arisu rested his head against the wall behind him with a thud, the raging anxiety had been abolished from his system for the first time since the morning. He felt peaceful, and content, with Chishiya by his side, the previous joy he felt from being able to talk to the man had put him a state of bliss.

He was also surprisingly tired and hungry now his brain had focused, the emotional strain from the day had left him drained, and all he wanted now was to eat something warm, then sleep. If Kuina and Ann didn’t return soon, then he would just give up waiting and eat in the morning. The girls had been gone a suspiciously long time, and Arisu was getting worried for them. What if they got in trouble?

Chishiya sighed from beside him, and stood up slowly. Was he was leaving already? Ouch, that hurt.

Arisu thought they were having quite a nice moment together. But then he looked to where Chishiya was walking, and spied the two women returning through the warehouses dark entrance. They were both had rosy cheeks, and Arisu gave himself a small, celebratory pat on the back for arranging their little outing.

Did it count as a date?

He couldn’t believe he hadn’t noticed the pair’s chemistry before, but now he was aware of it, it was painfully obvious, he was absolutely loving it. They both deserved some happiness in these dark times, and Arisu was certain that they would give it too each other.

A rustling noise interrupted Arisu's thoughts and he dragged himself to his feet. The girls had found food! God he loved them so much right now. The gamer approached them eagerly, with his arms wrapped around his sides in an effort to preserve some of his precious warmth. His new clothes were thicker, but they still didn’t compare to a nice blanket in the warehouse, the temperature had dropped significantly when the night had fallen about an hour earlier.

The team had managed to light the area with a battery powered light that had been resting on some scrap metal that Chishiya had found, it was surprisingly bright and it illuminated the area for the group. Arisu shivered, and he tried not to think of the warm haven of Chishiya’s jacket, how safe it had made him feel. How safe Chishiya made him feel.

Arisu mentally slapped himself, when he realized the groups eyes had turned to him, a questioning look in their eyes.

“Sorry guys, did you say something?”

“Yea, you dope head. I asked if you wanted some soup we found. We were going to try and build a fire to heat it up. Usagi says she knows how.” Kuina glared at him slightly, as she showed him one of the soup cans they had found. Cream of vegetable. Nice.

“Sorry Kuina, I spaced out a bit. I’d love some soup. I’m starving”

“No shit” she scoffed, and then added in a more worried tone.

“Are you feeling ok? you look really pale.”

“I’m fine Kuina, just tired. We didn’t get much sleep last night. I-” Arisu's voice faltered, as he remembered running through the biting plants, and screaming for his friends the night before.

The friezed desperation he had felt, the raw pain still burned like an open wound. Despite his head shouting for him not to, he could feel tears prick his eyes. He couldn’t cry not here! Not in front of them. His friends looked up to him, saw him as a leader, and leaders couldn’t show any weakness, not if they wanted their team to follow them, to respect them. And Chishiya. Chishiya needed to see his as a strong person, as someone he could rely on. Tears weren’t going to help anything.

“Sorry...I’m-I’m going to lay down for a bit, if that's ok. Please shout me if you need me.”

His voice broke slightly, as he hurried away from the group, wiping his eyes angrily. He was a grown man dammit, he needed to stop breaking down at every chance he got. It was shameful, it made him look stupid. But it just hurt so much.

Arisu curled around himself on the floor, using a spare jumper as a makeshift pillow. It wasn’t perfect but it would have to do. Battling with the torrent of emotions that were raging inside of him, he eventually slipped into a feverish sleep.

Chishiya watched Usagi from a distance, a slight smile on his face, as she started to construct a campfire, using some scraps of wood that Tatta had found in the corner of the warehouse. The man had practically fallen right on top of it, after freaking out about a spider that had landed on his shoulder. He had been rather proud of himself, and way too happy for a man who just squealed like a girl at the sight of a small bug.

The wood was perfectly dry, a little good luck for once. The girl had certainly lightened up a lot since her conversation with Tatta, the two had discovered a common interest between them. What it was Chishiya was unsure, but at least it kept them occupied. The fire was burning brightly within minutes, and Tatta hi fived Usagi with glee.

She laughed along with him, a big difference from her previously rage filled expression. Something had changed in the climber’s dark eyes, they still held sadness, but it was mixed with understanding now. The silent rage had simmered away with time, leaving the kind Usagi everyone loved behind.

Despite Arisu’s obvious doubts, Chishiya knew the conflict between them would not last long. They both needed each other, and they knew it. All it would take was a simple conversation between the two, to get their feelings in line, and they would be as right as rain in no time.

Chishiya couldn’t help but feel slightly worried about Usagi's ‘interest’ in Arisu, what if she tried to make a move on him? Chishiya knew that would really freak Arisu out, and due to his kind nature it was likely that the man would reciprocate, as to not hurt her feelings. Damn your kind heart Arisu.

Chishiya grimaced slightly at the thought and a spike of jealousy raced through his body. No, it was ok. Usagi was too smart to try something like that, she understood that Arisu wasn’t interested. Or at least, she better. With his hands in his pockets, Chishiya moved to sit by the crackling fire, and watched in slight amusement as Tatta and Kuina struggled to hold a pot over the flames. All the soup was mixed in the pot, creating a strange mixture of flavours that Chishiya wasn’t overly keen on sampling. Ah well, food was food, and they needed to eat something.

He turned to look at Arisu, who was sleeping away from the group. Chishiya had been worried earlier, he had seen Arisu’s poorly concealed tears at the mention of the previous night. He had been affected deeply by the events. It was probably for the best he was taking all the time he could to rest, he had nearly fallen over from exhaustion after his apology to Chishiya.

Ah yes, the apology.

Chishiya could not deny that Arisu’s word had made his heart race at an alarming race, it felt as if it was going to burst. It didn’t seem like the younger man noticed however, as the idiot had been too busy looking like a kicked puppy, he had assumed Chishiya would reject his apology. He thought so little of himself, it was quite sad really.

“Tatta hold your bloody side still!” Chishiya heard Kuina roar to his side. The pair had decided to thread a metal pole through the pot’s handles and dangle it over the flames, this would have been good method, if Tatta hadn’t kept fidgeting and nearly dropping his end of the stick. He yelled back at Kuina with equal ferocity, the pair were making a ruckus, it was a wonder Arisu could sleep through it all.

“I’m trying my best!”

“Well your not trying hard enough!”

“SHUT UP”

“YOU SHUT UP”

They continued to bicker as the soup began to steam and bubble sluggishly, it looked and smelt rather foul. Ann was giggling while watching them fight, even Usagi had an exasperated ,yet amused look on her tired face. She turned to Chishiya and gave him a small smile as Tatta and Kuina settled into relative silence. Chishiya returned her smile hesitantly, and she nodded, before turning her attention back to the fire. That was nice.

“You guys can put the pot on the ground now. I should stir it a bit before we eat. Also Kuina, would you mind waking up Arisu?”

The pair carefully lifted the soup off the fire, and Ann brandished a wooden rod, ready to stir the concoction to her hearts content. Kuina made her way over to Arisu, as Chishya prepared himself for the so called soup.

“Hey Arisu, wake up sleepy. The soups ready now.”

Arisu could feel Kuina shaking his shoulder gently, and he could smell the soup on the fire next to him. It was an odd mixture of flavours, which made his nose tingle slightly. What the hell had they put in it? He groaned as he uncurled himself, despite his nap he still felt exhausted, and his limbs burned.

This was not fun.

“I’m coming guys.”

He sat up blearily and rubbed his eyes, a small yawn breaking through his mouth. Ann was leaned over a cooking pot, which she was stirring intently with a clean looking rod of wood. It must have been found on their food run. She looked over at him, and gave the gamer a tired smile, although it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Arisu slowly moved next to Chishiya,wincing as he did so and wondered how the group were planning to eat anything without bowls. Or spoons. Or any kind of utensil really.

“I know what your thinking Arisu. We were going to use the soup cans as bowls, and drink it out of them. It might be a little messy, but I don’t really care.”

Chishiya spoke from his place beside Arisu, his voice dangerously close to Arisu’s ear. It was slightly hushed, and Arisu could feel himself going pink.

“Right. I knew that. I’m not stupid Chishiya.”

He said with a huff, drawing his arms around himself. Even with the fire next to him, he was still cold. Stupid warehouse, couldn’t they have picked somewhere more sheltered, warmer? Suddenly, Arisu's eyes widened as he felt Chishiya arm wind subtly around his lower back, pulling the younger man closer to him. He felt himself blushing furiously, and looking around at their friends.

The other’s hadn't noticed, but Arisu felt like the whole world could see them, and his heart raced. What was the man thinking!? No wonder Usagi thought they were an ‘item’ if they acted all cuddly like a real couple.

What would it be like to be a real couple with Chishiya?

Would they do things like this often?

Not the time Arisu!

“What the hell are you doing!” Arisu hissed to the older man, bringing his face closer so the others couldn’t overhear them.

“The others will see us!”

“So? You’re cold aren't you? stop panicking Arisu I’m trying to help you. Besides, they aren't paying attention to us. They won’t see.”

There was a hint of humour in his voice, Arisu was about to wriggle away before he stopped, and thought. What Chishiya had said was the truth, he was no longer shivering, and the man’s hold brought a surprising amount of comfort to him, once you put aside the weirdness. It was kind of nice. No, it was really nice, and Arisu found himself leaning into the rare touch.

When the soup had been served and eaten, it was absolutely vile, Kuina returned to the bags and dug around for a while. Chishiya had remained at Arisu’s side as they ate, only holding his can with one hand while the other remained around the gamer. It was inevitable that the others had noticed their close proximity by now, but none of them had said anything, for which Arisu was grateful. Although, Kuina had flashed them afew excited and knowing looks, which Arisu promptly ignored. It didn’t do wonders for his nerves, and there was a constant squirm of butterflies trying to burst out of him.

God, Chishiya would be the death of him.

“I found a few other things in the shop we went to, you guys can pick what you want.” Kuina said, brandishing several sweeter looking items in the slightly ripped plastic bag.

Tatta eagerly dove towards her and grabbed a brightly wrapped treat, thanking the pair. The rest of the group followed suit, eager to be rid of the soups aftertaste, and then it was Arisu’s turn. As he peered into the bag he heard an achingly familiar voice to his right.

“Hey Arisu, cake flavoured ramen! You should try it! Looks like your new friends didn’t want it. Replaced us already?”

...Chota.

Arisu lifted his eyes slowly from the bag, where the oh too real ramen sat, it’s friendly wrapping shining dimly. Chota crouched in front of him, next to Kuina, his empty eyes fixed on Arisu’s. His hair was matted with dark blood, as was his shirt. He was smiling, but he wasn’t happy.

He was angry.

The man had come, as Karube had, to taunt him, to blame him. He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t see his friend like this. A small choked noise fell out of his mouth, as he stared frozen at his friend, unable to move. Unable to speak.

“What wrong, Arisu? Are you not happy to see me? Oh, you must feel so guilty. I begged for you to spare my life, but you murdered me, like you murdered Karube. I thought we were friends Arisu, what did I do to deserve this?”

“No..no I tried to find you, I tried my best” Arisu whispered, his gaze fixed on his friend, or the shadow of what Chota once was.

“No you didn’t Arisu, you wanted us to die. You selfish bastard. I hate you, so much.” His voice was low and hateful, brimming with anger and pain.

Arisu pushed his legs upwards, trying to run. He needed to get away. He needed to hide. But his legs would not obey him, they felt like jelly, and he stumbled in his haste to flee.

“Your a murderer Arisu, a cold blooded murderer.”

Chota had risen as well, and he slowly walked towards him, a cruel fire burning in his once kind eyes. He could hear the frantic shouts of his friends in the background, but he blurred them out, too focused on the nightmare in front of him to think clearly.

“Leave me alone.”

He whispered, tears flowing down his cheeks.

He killed them.

He really was a murder.

“MURDERER. I HATE YOU.”

Chota screamed with anguish. The blood ran thickly from his neck, dripping down his body, pooling on the floor. His friend had morphed into something dark, something deadly. His voice felt like a knife in his eardrums, it tore him apart from the inside, seeking his joy, crushing it until only guilt and misery remained. No matter how hard Arisu tried, he couldn’t run, so he simply sunk to his knees, pressing his hand to his face, trying to drown out his friends voice.

“MURDERER. MURDERER. MURDERER.”

"LEAVE ME ALONE"

Chota didn’t stop, his voice was everywhere, and Arisu felt heavy sobs expelling themselves from his chest. Karube and Chota had wanted to live, but he hadn’t been able to save them. He was too blame for their death. He deserved to be loathed, to be hated. Chota’s voice had gone now, but Arisu couldn’t stop crying, the gulps of oxygen he took felt like sandpaper, but he couldn't get enough. His heart was hammering and blood rushed in his head, sending waves of nausea to his gut. It hurt so bad, he wished he was dead.

Shouts echoed around him, and he was dimly aware of arms grabbing him, shaking him. But he couldn’t move. He couldn’t get Chota out of his head, the anguish he felt slowly suffocated him, like a snake around it’s prey.

“I’m a murderer”

Chishiya had been initially confused about Arisu’s outbreak. He had seemed fine before he started screaming, a little tired, but happy enough. How ever, it quickly became evident that this was another attack, much like the one in the gardens. Arisu was experiencing hallucinations. He had been holding back his guilt for so long at the beach, that when he had returned to their death place, it had rushed out in massive proportions, causing these violent attacks the younger man was experiencing.

He looked so helpless as he sobbed into his arm, making himself as small as he could on the floor. Their friends had shaken him, but that yielded no results, the gamer was too absorbed in his self loathing to take any notice of their futile attempts to rouse him.

“Guys, you need to give him some space. You're crowding him.”

The group backed off with worried expressions, leaving Chishiya alone with the distraught man. This was good, Arisu needed as little confrontation as possible right now. He had stopped crying now, and Chishiya sat silently next to him, waiting for the man to speak. Eventually he did, his voice was hoarse and raspy.

“I’m sorry,”

“Don’t be Arisu. You needed to tell me what happened.”

Arisu shuddered, and leaned closer to Chishiya, that was another thing he had noticed about the younger man, he craved physical contact. Normally Chishiya despised touching anyone else, but with Arisu, it felt right, it felt special. So, he was happy to pull the man into a deep hug, letting his head rest on his chest. He hoped he didn't notice how fast his heart was racing, it might ruin the mood a little.

“I saw him Chishiya, he was right in front of me. Like Karube was at the gardens. But this time-” his voice broke slightly, and he held Chishiya tighter before continuing.

“This time it was so much worse.”