Botanicle Gardens

"Arisu..."

The gamer turned his attention to the man sitting cross legged in front of him, on the dark shop floor.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"About what?"

He paused for a second, and seemed a bit confused before he continued, clarifying what he had meant.

"Tatta."

Oh.
Arisu had done his best to push his grief to the back of his head whilst they were shopping, and wrestled it down deep, but now the raw pain came streaming back to him at full force. He visibly deflated, and rested his head on the plaster wall behind him.

Why did Chishiya have to go and spoil the peaceful moment they were having?

But still, he knew they would need to talk about it eventually. And he was grateful that Chishiya seemed to be showing him sympathy, and a chance to talk, instead of brashly dismissing the sadness they had both endured. However, how was he supposed to talk about Tatta? What was he supposed to say, to possibly sum up the loss they had both experienced?

It wasn't like he had a whole speech about his feelings prepared. Hell, he couldn't even fully make sense of the emotions he was experiencing himself.

"There's really not much to talk about."

Chishiya seemed slightly taken a back at the venom hidden in his words, and he struggled for a moment before he continued. Arisu felt a small bubble of guilt, he hadn't meant to snap at the man.

"What do you mean Arisu?"

His voice was soft, understanding. God, Arisu loved him.

"Sorry Chishiya...I'm not trying to be mean. It's just, I've lost so many friends here, in the games."

The blonde locked his eyes onto Arisu's, as he continued.

"Karube, Chota, Shibuki..."

He stopped, and turned his gaze towards the litter strewn ground, almost as if he was ashamed of it.

"Even Kyuma."

His voice became quiet at that statement. Even though he had only known the king for the mere duration of the game, it had almost felt like they had been friends for all their life.

He thought back to Kyuma's words, spoken in his final moments before a laser had torn through his skull.

'We've been friends this whole time.'

Arisu had been too focused on Tatta's fate after the game had been won, but now he took a moment to mourn the fallen king as well. He really wished there was some other way out of the game, where he, and his team mates, didn't have to die. But it was too late now. Best to forget, and use his sacrifice to keep on living, striving to defeat all the games.

But how could he justify the way he felt about him, when it was his game that had killed Tatta? It wasn't right, and Arisu knew he should feel nothing but hatred for the King, as it was his team who had specifically designed the game. But he couldn't bring himself to hate him, which made him feel ashamed, and disgusted at himself.

Chishiya was still looking at him, waiting patiently for an explanation.

"I'm just, tired of mourning I guess. I know it's not what Tatta would have wanted, so I guess it's best to just move on, and remember him with happiness, and not sadness. I know it's what I would want too."

Chishiya nodded his agreement, and smiled slightly.

"Yea... Tatta would be mad if we let ourselves get distracted and killed."

They took a moment of silence, and simply enjoyed each others company. Cold air surrounded them, along with an old musty smell that Arisu found surprisingly calming. The pair hadn't really had any time alone together since their night in the small shop, and it was enjoyable. Not that Arisu was sick of his friends, it was just nice to be away from their bickering and teasing for once in a while. Although, he doubted they would be doing an awful lot of that at the moment.

A wet cough brought Arisu's mind back to reality as it echoed faintly from the other side of the supermarket, marking out Niragi’s position. He was still quite far away, it seemed he had not made an awful lot of progress. Every small movement probably took the man an awful lot of effort, and he only went quickly when it was necessary. Which it wasn't, at the moment.

Arisu felt a small smile pull at his lips, as he spoke again, amusement in his voice.

"He's going to infect any food he actually finds with that cough."

Chishiya smirked, and shuffled his position slightly.

"Yea, it's really gross isn't it?"

"I do feel kind of bad for him though...is there anything you can do to help?"

Chishiya looked away, and sighed slowly.

"Realistically, no not really Arisu. Maybe if I had the right medical equipment, then he would have a chance but...I don't think there's anything other than painkillers we could scavenge that would help his pain. He might not have long left...I'm sorry."

Arisu nodded grimly. Even though he had taken a note of Niragi's ill state, he had still hoped there was something Chishiya could have done too help. It must be excruciating, to live like that. But who knows, the maniac had survived falling off a building and being burnt alive, perhaps he could live for a good while yet. He was strong, Arisu knew at least that much.

"Well, let's see if he managed to find any when he comes back. If he comes back, he's really slow."

Arisu muttered the last bit crossly, and Chishiya gave him a look.

"Can't be making fun of the mortally injured Arisu. It's bad luck."

"You just said his coughing was gross!

"I never said that."

"You liar! Yes you did!"

A small giggle made it's way out of Arisu's lips , and he relaxed as Chishiya stood. He paced around in the space they had, stretching his limbs the best he could. Arisu remained seated, and watched his companion through tired eyes. All the running they had endured definitely took its toll on him, and his muscles groaned sadly, wanting nothing more but to lie down and rest.

Could Niragi just hurry up already!?

Chishiya turned to Arisu and spoke quietly, a questioning look on his face.

"Arisu, if you won the lottery, what would you do with it?"

"Where did that question come from ?" Arisu said in confusion, and Chishiya just shrugged at him, looking slightly bored.

"Just trying to make conversation. And I'm curious."

"Huh. Well, I think I'd start my own business."

Arisu had always kind of wanted to work in a cafe, as sad as that was, and owning his own cafe would be pretty awesome, he had to admit.

"A business? What would you do?"

"I'd have my own café, sell cakes and stuff. I don't really know...sorry ,it's stupid."

His voice trailed away embarrassingly, and he wondered why he had told Chishiya that. Couldn't he have come up with something cooler, like, er, building a mansion. Arisu didn't really know what rich people did. Chishiya chuckled as he stopped pacing, and began to talk again.

"It's not stupid Arisu, I think cafés are cool."

"Really?" said Arisu hopefully

"Yep, I admire the way their windows shine."

Oh. The bastard was just messing around with him. He grabbed a small plastic something from the ground, and threw it in the blonde's direction. Unfortunately for him though, it missed by quite a long shot, and clattered loudly down the isle, making Arisu's cheeks burn, and an even louder laugh erupt from the older man.

"Asshole..."

"Sorry Arisu, I think that's a cute dream."

Chishiya suddenly stopped, and looked back at him. There was something in his dark eyes. Worry?

"Cute! It's not cute Shiya, it's a perfectly manly dream!"

He spluttered, and stood to face his companion,groaning slightly as his legs screamed at him. The strange thing was, Chishiya was now refusing to meet his eyes, and he looked oddly flustered. A small blush was hanging onto his usually pale face, and Arisu was confused.

Was he feeling ok?

"Shiya...?"

The small word fell quietly out of the older man's mouth, as Arisu realized his mistake. Oh god, he had given him a nickname. Was he going to murder him?

That wasn't good.

They stood facing each other in awkward silence, until Arisu finally brought himself to say something. He was as red as Chishiya at this point, and he could feel his heart racing in his chest.

"Er, sorry... please don't kill me?" he offered eventually, and Chishiya still didn't say anything to him, it seemed his pathetic attempt at humour had failed him. Damn it.

"Chishiya?" He added quietly, and moved as close as he dared to the other man. He looked up and met Arisu's eyes, an unreadable emotion swelling in their dark depths. Was he angry?

They were so close right now, and Arisu could feel Chishiya's body heat radiating around him. The blonde seemed as though he was about to move, should Arisu walk backwards a bit? Was he making him uncomfortable?

All of a sudden,before he could stand backwards to give the other some space, Arisu felt a warm heat gently press against his mouth, and Chishiya's hand made it's way behind his neck.

He was ....kissing him?

Oh my god.

OH MY GOD.

Arisu froze for a moment, unable to think properly, and he felt Chishiya tense, ready to pull away. But he came to his senses, and began to kiss the man back.

And god, it felt so good.

Arisu knew nothing on earth was supposed to feel this perfect, they weren't supposed to fit together as well as they did. Why hadn't they done this before! But after a while, Chishiya pulled away from him,much to Arisu's dismay, to catch his breath.

"I,erm...er"

It was probably the first time Arisu had seen the man unable to find the words he needed to fit the situation, as he usually had some quick witty comeback to every and it made him want to laugh uncontrollably. Maybe don't Arisu, he told himself, you wouldn't want to look like a psychopath. Might scare him away.

The relief that Arisu was feeling right now was immense, he had pictured multiple scenarios in his head, each involving Chishiya rejecting him in an embarrassing and hurtful way. He was glad the older man seemed to feel the same way about him, or at least that's what Arisu assumed. It wasn't exactly normal to go around kissing people you didn't have any feelings for, right?

Arisu felt a wide grin spread across his face as he watched Chishiya struggle for words, it was quite sweet really.

"Arisu I-"

But he didn't get a chance to finish, as Arisu pulled him back with a burst of confidence, and they were kissing again. Arisu couldn't get enough, it it seemed neither could Chishiya, as the man reciprocated the action with enthusiasm. It felt like lightning was dancing between the pair, and Arisu cupped Chishiya's cheek gentle, the soft skin felt so good under his fingers...

"Er guys?"

A ragged voice called out behind them, and Arisu broke away with a jump. Oh god, it was Niragi. He had seen them! That was more than humiliatingly, it was mortifying! If he even thought about telling Kuina, then their lives would be over.

The bandaged man stood rather awkwardly with his bag in hand, refusing to meet the eyes of the blushing pair. Chishiya cleared his throat and spoke up after a few moments of tense silence, and addressed the man.

"Niragi, er, hello. Are you finished?"

Ah, so the plan was too simply ignore what Niragi had witnessed. Got it.

"Erm, yea, I found some water, painkillers and packaged food."

He rummaged around in the bag and held a few items up for Chishiya to inspect. The painkillers would be useful for his burns, to some extent, and he had found some good looking food as well.

"We should get out of here then, it will be pitch black soon." Arisu said, cringing at how squeaky his voice sounded.

But it was the truth, as they could see the light quickly dimming outside. It would be hard to find their way back in total darkness, so they began to move along the isle, back towards the entrance, sidestepping the objects fallen on the floor the best they could.

"Can I take your bag, Niragi?" Arisu finally said, breaking the silence hesitantly.

It seemed like the other man was struggling a little with the added weight as they walked, and the return journey was definitely going more slowly than when they had come here.

"I don't need help to carry a fucking bag Arisu."

He gritted his teeth and forced himself to walk faster, keeping pace with the other two. However, his body soon betrayed him with a sickening cough, and he dropped the bag in favour of spitting the blood out onto the pavement ahead of him, leaving a nauseatingly dark stain splattered behind.

Arisu caught Chishiya's eye, and they shared a brief moment of worry, before Chishiya quickly took the bag from the ground, by it’s slightly worn handles. Niragi looked angry when he finally straightened, but didn't bother arguing with the cold eyed man. Their walk began again, and Arisu contemplated bringing up the matter of 'ground rules' now Niragi was with them.

But what rules should there be? It seemed obvious to tell the man that he wasn't to hurt anyone in the group, no matter the reason, but was there really any actual point, or benefit, in going to the bother of telling him that?

It wasn't like Niragi was dumb, and he must have noticed how thin the ice he was walking on was in the group. One wrong move, and he would find himself alone, or dead. Groups were the best way to survive, especially since he held such an injury, it would be suicide for him to be on his own in the borderlands, and he knew that. We're ground rules too much? It almost made it feel like Niragi was being treated like an animal, or a small child. And that wasn't fair, no matter what Chishiya thought, Niragi was still a person, and he deserved to be treated with at least a little respect.

Or did he?

Arisu had seen how Niragi mercilessly murdered the crowds of the beach during the witch hunt, under Aguni's orders or not, it was still a despicable act for a person to commit. And he had been laughing...did he enjoy it?

Niragi's voice suddenly started, and Arisu turned to look at him.

"Sooo, are you guys like a thing now?"

What!

They had been doing so well not mentioning that, Arisu thought slightly sadly. It was Chishiya who answered his query, for which Arisu was grateful.

"No, and your not going to tell anyone about it ok?"

He glared at the other man, and Niragi raised his hands in mock surrender. It was obvious he was enjoying seeing Chishiya's weakness, and there was a painful looking smirk on his face. To be honest, Arisu couldn't really blame the man if he wanted to tease Chishiya a little, he was used to the blonde acting as though he was dirt, and it must be fun to see the angry look in his eye. Though he did feel sorry for him, just a bit.

"Ok, ok, calm down."

A harsh laugh expelled from his throat, and Arisu couldn't help but grin. Chishiya's usually put together expression was flooded with humiliation, his face was burning a strange shade of red and it was quite funny. They continued to walk in relative silence, and Arisu allowed his mind to wander back to the evening previous events. What had they been doing again?

And then it hit him...

HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

CHISHIYA HAD KISSED HIM!?!?

And he had fucking kissed him back!

Oh god, oh god.

What if it had been a mistake? What if the older man had done it by accident, or regretted it? What if when they got back, he told Arisu to leave him alone, or was angry with him?

Arisu felt a curious mixture of fresh anxiety and embarrassment bubble up inside his core, and he could feel his face turning a strange colour. It was lucky the lack of daylight now hid his face,(not perfectly, but it would do) or Niragi would be laughing at him none stop, he must look utterly ridiculous. Although, he couldn't help but crave the sensation of the shorter man's lips, and the way his eyes had sparkled afterwards. The nervous energy that Arisu had been worried about before, was due to the man building up the courage...to kiss him. Something that Arisu had unknowingly wanted, desperately needed, for god knows how long. Had he felt the same way?

But his terrified pondering was short lived, as they rounded the corner and came into view of the warehouse. It looked like Usagi had made another fire in their absence, it illuminated the area with flickering orange light as the three women huddled around it together, awaiting their return, with food. They entered quickly and sat beside them, bringing out some of the food found in the supermarket to show them.

"Wow, you must have found a good spot. Where did you go?"

"Just a supermarket, it was quite far away but it was worth it,"

Ann nodded at Arisu's answer, as they began to prepare various tins for dinner. It actually looked surprising tasty, a small selection of canned fruits and meat made it look like a rich banquet. Arisu felt the mood within their group instantly lighten as they began to eat, and he even noticed some small smiles plastered onto the other’s faces.

They could get through this, no matter how much they lost, and they would avenge Tatta by beating the games, returning in triumph to their home.

And they wouldn’t lose anyone else, Arisu would make sure of it.