Weakness of caring

[Akio Tokuhana]

For Your Consideration
.Who's gonna fight for the weak?
Pawns:Akio Tokuhana, Layton "Chu" Lewis
.Who's gonna make 'em believe?/i]
Status: private, active
.I've got a hero living in me
Setting: Physical Therapy room.
.I'm gonna fight for what's right
Scene: Chu exercising his injured knee in the pool
.Today I'm speaking my mind

Akio slid out of his clothing and into his swim trunks. He walked out from the locker room and headed toward the pool, waiving at a couple people as he passed. It was obvious when one of them looked over his well-toned body, built from years of physical training in Muay Thai. His legs were especially strong. He walked to the edge of the pool and slid his body down into it.

The water was cool, but not cold. He was early today, unlike the first time they'd had their session, and Akio just had to wait. He took a few short laps around the pool. He made it look easy as his arms and legs propelled him through the water.

He and Chu had spent a great deal of time together. Not only in the physical therapy each week and the walk back to Chu's apartment, but also through varied conversation in between. His knee had taken well to the various therapies and was healing nicely. Akio wanted to see how well he could walk on it, but not put the weight of his body against it.

He dove beneath the water, swimming near the bottom of the pool. He just had to wait, and he could be very patient.

[Layton "Chu" Lewis]

Chu strolled into the hospital with a bit more confidence than his first trip. Even though he still felt uncomfortable, he was able to walk in with his head high. About 2 weeks ago his Doctor told him to start walking around without the crutches, Chu did and his knee had truly improved; thanks to all of Aki's handwork and dedication.

Chu was wearing red swim trucks, a white shirt, and some sandals. Over his shoulder her carried a towel, and in his hands he carried a black bag that contained two bento boxes.

In their last session Aki had told him that he missed the Bento Boxes that his mother used t make for him, so Chu set out to make him a decent bento. In the box there was some sushi, some fresh vegetables and strawberries, an onigiri, white rice, soy sauce, and (even though he knew they were childish), a few little hotdogs cut up like little octopuses. He grin from ear to ear as he brought Aki some lunch. It made him feel so special to be able to provide something meaningful for Aki.

He walked into the therapy room, still smiling, and peaked around for Aki. "Aki?" He called out. When he didn't see him, he frowned a bit. Perhaps he was late?

He figured that he might as well go into the pool area. Chu wandered in and he saw Aki in the under the water in the far end of the pool. He curiously look at Aki, as he was pearched at the very bottom. He wasn't sure if he was stuck or meditating. Nonetheless, he figured that he might as well join him.

Chu kicked off his sandles, carefully placed down the black bag, then placed his towel over the bag. Chu was very eager to be in the water, but he also didn't want to disturb Aki. He walked over to the stairs and quitely climbed into the pool a.

Chu wadded out until the water was up to his waist, with one deep breath Chu dove beneath the water. He loved the water, be loved being it in, the feel of it, he loved how free it made him feel.

He swam down to Aki, when he met him at the bottom of the pool, he tapped his shoulder. When he got Aki's attention he smiled at him, and then headed for the surface.

"Good Morning Aki!" Chu chimed when Aki joined him on the surface, "What are we going to do today?" Despite how banged up his knee had been, Chu was a very effective swimmer.

[Akio Tokuhana]

Aki rose to the surface and took in a deep breath. He grinned at Chu. "Good morning." He nodded and swam quickly toward the shallow end of the pool.

"You're in a good mood today, Chu." He nodded and looked down through the water at his knee, the brace was still on it. He glanced around at the things Chu had discarded, "and no crutches! Good. I told the doctor you should try walking without them for a week or so. How does it feel?"

He looked down at it below the water and smiled. "You're a good swimmer. Today I want you to take off the brace, go through the normal exercises and then try something new."

[Layton "Chu" Lewis]

Chu beamed at Akio, "I'm just in a good mood is all." he wasn't about to tell him about the special lunch he made him.

He swam over to Akio resting against the side of the pool, "My knee feels alright, I guess. It'll never really bend all of the way, but it's okay. I'm just happy to not have to walk around with crutches anymore." He pushed himself up on to the cement, took off the brace, and threw it over to his things. Chu's knee looked much better, he wasn't nearly as puffy or distorted. Other than that gigantic scar that ran down his knee it looks relatively normal.

Chu smiled softly at his knee, he knew that Akio worked hard to make him feel better and the results were mind-blowing. Then he softly smiled at Akio. Akio was so kind to him, so understanding, he listened so well, and he was so patient. He bit his lip, still smiling, and slid back down into the water. His white shirt clinging tightly to his pale skin and fragile frame.

"T-Try something new?" Chu was intrigued.
But he didn't ask what it was, he'd find out eventually.

-----

For the next hour, Chu and Aki stretched, swam, dove, and even messed around a bit. Chu and Aki had held a friendly race across the pool. Chu had beaten Aki only by inches, in the midst of their playful laughter Aki splashed him a bit.

Chu tried to calm his laughter, shielding his eyes from the water.

"Ha ha ha! A-Aki you said that you wanted to try something new. W-what is it? Ha ha ha!" Chu peaked out from behind his raised arms, his brown eyes burning with curiosity.

[Akio Tokuhana]

Akio grinned. He hadn't had so much fun since he'd come to Haven. All of his friends here seemed so shallow and superficial. But not Chu. He was genuine and sweet. Talking to him, laughing with him, it was all such a relief.

For a moment, he almost forgot he was supposed to be working. He snapped back to reality at the question Chu posed.

"Oh! Yes! I almost forgot." He pulled himself out of the water and offered his hand down toward Chu, pulling him out of the pool easily, falling off balance for a moment and pulling Chu against him to ensure the boy didn't fall on the ground. He cleared his throat, standing straight once more, a very light blush on his cheeks.

"I wanted you to try walking with the weights on your ankles, so that I can test how much you can carry on it." He moved over to the table and lifted the towel Chu had dropped. He noticed the black bag, but didn't give it a second thought as he turned to hand the boy his towel. "We'll be going inside. Do you want to change into dry clothing?"

He moved back to the edge of the pool, picking up the discarded knee brace and kneeling in front of Chu. He took the towel and dried his leg. His hand felt over the leg, checking the progress of the therapy. It was healing very well. He was careful to avoid touching Chu's scars as he carefully returned the brace to its place.

[Layton "Chu" Lewis]

Chu was grateful that Aki had helped him out of the pool, "Thank yo--" Chu's words were cut short when Aki slipped a little; Chu began to fall to floor when suddenly, Aki's strong arms wrapped around him and pulled him close to his strong chest. A red blush covered their cheeks, "Th-thanks." Chu muttered diverting his eyes away from Aki.

Chu graciously took the towel from Aki, and quickly towel dried his hair and face. When he stopped, "Ch-change? Like... like... in front of you? I... I..." Chu wasn't embarrassed about changing, no, he seemed far from it. He seemed a little scared. Scared to change into other clothing. His eyes nervously flicked around the room as he thought up a reasonable excuse. He didn't want to track water into the hospital halls or into the therapy room, that would be hazardous for anyone. He sighed, knowing that he couldn't win,

"O... Okay... I'll change... just don't look...."

Chu walked beside Aki and rummaged through the black bag, pulling out another shirt, black boxers and another pair of shorts. As he went through the bag he said, "Y-yeah sure weights. W-what-whatever. I don't mind..."

As Chu stood, holding his clothing in his arms, he watched Aki go down on his owns knees and pick up the brace. Aki's strong hands moved gently across his leg, and put the brace back on. Chu didn't flinch anymore when Aki touched him. He liked the feeling of Aki's strong hands running against his skin, it sent chills up his spine. Another gentle blush was on Chu's cheeks, "Thank you..." he whispered.

Chu scurried off into a far corner, hopefully far enough so Aki wouldn't see his body.
"D-don't look..." Chu called out again.

Even though Chu was desperate to change quickly, he had completely forgotten that he was still soaking wet. He was standing in a puddle of water as he quickly pulled up a pair of boxers and shorts. All the while he was checking over his shoulder to see if Aki was watching, he wasn't. He picked up his new shirt, and held it in his hands, as long as he moved quickly, he'd be okay.
Chu quickly and frantically removed his wet shirt and tossed it aside. In all of his frantic moments, Chu could felt the ground slip out from under him. He collapsed face-first on to the floor wet floor.

Aki had for sure heard him fall, Aki would have turned to see if he was okay... and then it would have been too late. Aki would have seen Chu's back and arms.

Chu's back was absolutely appalling, his back and arms was a patchwork of hundreds of small scars, long scars, cigarette burns, long burns, traces of broken capillaries that left blood stains under his skin. His back looked deformed, it looked like something you'd find in a horror film.

He remained on the floor, slightly teary, "D-don't look at them..." Chu whispered. Aki had now seen his disgusting and ugly body. There was no chance in hell that Aki would ever forget the day he saw how truly ugly he was.

[Akio Tokuhana]

Aki smiled and shook his head at Chu's bashfulness. It only added to his charm. He walked to the table and changed out of his own sopping wet clothing, pulling on a pair of sweat pants.

Before he had a chance to put on anything else, he heard the tell tale screech of bare skin slipping on wet cement, then the smack of Chu hitting the ground. He turned quickly and ran across the wet ground, not losing his footing at all.

He knelt quickly at Chu's side and couldn't help but notice the intricate scarring along back and arms. He looked at it just long enough to realize none of it was recent, then turned his attention to Chu's face.

"Are you alright? Did you hurt anything? Are you bleeding?" His fingers couldn't help but trace over Chu's elbows and knees, especially his injured one.

He was most concerned about the boys nose and face. He tried to turn Chu to see. "Chu, look at me. I need to see that you're alright."

He knew exactly what the scars littering the young man's back were from. Exactly what had caused every last one of them. And it caused a boiling rage inside him. It made him want to tie people down and beat them until they were bloody, until they were crying and screaming for it to stop, but he wouldn't stop. Not until they were passed out from the pain, bodies unable to handle it any more.

But he didn't have time for it now. He needed to make sure Chu was alright. That was more important than past injuries and defilement. The here and now. The present.

"Don't look at... what?" He didn't understand at first. Then he understood. Chu was ashamed of the marks he'd been given. Akio shook his head. "Nevermind that. I don't care about your scars, Chu. I only care about you." One hand slid across Chu's shoulders in a reassuring gesture, while the other attempted to turn Chu's face to look at him.

"I just want you to be alright."

[Layton "Chu" Lewis]

Chu didn't answer Aki's questions, he didn't want to talk to him. He didn't want Aki to look at him. He didn't want Aki to hate him. he was so deathly afraid of Aki seeing his deformed body and then deciding that he was the ugliest creature he'd ever seen. That's what he felt like, a creature something was under a microscope being studied. He knew that Aki's eyes had traced over every inch of him, and he was mortified. He was mortified that he wasn't good-looking enough, or strong enough, or healthy enough, or brave enough. Instead, he was a ugly, weak, frail and cowardly. He wasn't proud of the way he was, but he didn't know any other way.

He kept his face hidden from Aki, he didn't want to look Aki in the eye. Chu's hands had reached over the back of his heading, trying to himself down, like he was trying to hide.

Aki's hands had traced over his body and that had gotten Chu to jump. "Pl-please d-don't touch me...." he whispered, he was more frightened than he was angry.

He hadn't looked at Aki for several minuets, but he knew he couldn't keep this up. One of Aki's hands had carefully touched his shoulder and the other had made an attempt to grab his chin. Chu couldn't resist Aki's touch any longer.

Aki raised Chu's, and he looked completely broken. His face was pale and tear stained, some tears were still running down his cheeks. There was also a small amount of blood dripping from Chu's bottom lip. He didn't care if Aki saw him cry, what hurt was that Aki knew how ugly he was.

"I'm so-sorry..." Chu quitely cried, "I'm so-so-sorry, they're ug-ugly an-and gross, and-- and-- and-- I-I didn't wa-want you to see them ev-ever. I... I didn't want you to see how fi-filthy I am... how gross I am... ho-how hideous I am... I'm sorry y-you had t-to see th-them... I'm so-sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Aki had for sure seem his scars, but this also allowed Aki to see how skinny and frail Chu actually was. When he inhaled, you could see the fine outline of Chu's ribcage, he was bony, with skin you could piratically see through. He'd been sickly for most of his life, on top of the neglect and abuse he got from various people. No one had bothered to see who Chu was before, they only saw a way to express their anger, frustration, or hate. Along the way, that had ignored his needs, and this was the result: A young man who was as fragile and delicate as a China Doll.

[Akio Tokuhana]

He saw the blood and flinched slightly. He glanced around quickly and grabbed up Chu's towel discarded beside him. He smiled a little. "Shh. It's alright." He used the towel to dry the tears off of Chu's cheeks first. "Chu, don't apologize. You didn't make yourself this way. And it doesn't harm me. Why are you apologizing?"

He ran the towel carefully over the boys lips, cleaning up the blood. He checked to make sure it was only his lip and not anything else broken. "Well, at least you didn't break your nose." He cleaned the blood from perfect lips, staring at them just a moment. He took more time to look at Chu's face than at any of the rest of him. He leaned just a little closer...

And stopped himself. No. Stop, Akio. He has a boyfriend. Don't forget that. He smoothly turned the action into getting a closer look at Chu's current injuries.

He looked down at the rest of the boys body and smiled. "You aren't ugly, Chu. Need to take better care of yourself, but you're not ugly."

He lifted Chu up to a sitting position. "I think we're done for the day." He reached up and moved some of the hair from where it stuck to his forehead. "I'll take you home."

[Layton "Chu" Lewis]

Aki was so sweet to him, his gentle touch, his kind words, his sympathy.

"Y-you don't think I'm ugly?" Chu asked still sniffling, he whipped his eyes with his hand and glanced up, Aki was leaning in very closely to his face and Chu found himself leaning in just ever so slightly. Though, their lips didn't meet and Aki went to tending the rest of his body.

Chu felt so stupid, thinking that Aki might have wanted to kiss him. How ridiculous. When he remembered, Melly. He was dating someone! How could he be so, unloyal to Melly? He was ashamed to be thinking about Aki in such a romantic way.

Aki had helped him sit up, and then gently brushed his bangs aside. "You're so... gentle..." Chu whispered to him, a small frown and a slight blush on his face.

Done for the day? The day couldn't be over, if he wasn't such a klutz then they would have spent a few more hours together. He didn't want to say "Goodbye" to Aki, because then that meant he'd probably never get to hang out with him again. He knew that Aki was only his Physical Therapist, but, he just wanted to be more. He wanted to be Aki's friend at the very least.

"N-no." Chu said to him, he wrapped his arms around Aki's neck and gave him a hug. "I... I don't want to go home..." he rested his head lightly against Aki's.There was nothing for him at hom. Why go home to be lonely and distraught? Chu held Aki in his arms for just a few more seconds, then reluctantly let go of him.

He was quite, sitting in a puddle on the floor, thinking over what to say.

"... I... err... I brought you something..." Chu whipped his eyes again, and then reached down to grab his shirt. He pulled his shirt on over his head, and then his slender hand reached out and carefully took Aki by his wrist.

Chu didn't say anything as he stood and Aki stood up. He still held his wrist and Chu guided Aki over to the black bag that was on the floor. He let go of his wrist to reach down and pull up the bag, he was quite as he nervously shuffled his feet around,

"I... I wanted to say 'Thank you' in a special way... you've... you've been s-so nice to me Aki... and I know you miss your mom's ben-bento... so I... I made you this..." With a hot blush on his cheeks, Chu reached into the bag and pulled out a red box and a pair of chopsticks. He handed it to Aki and bowed just a bit, "Th-this is for you."

Chu handed Aki a bento box that was full of food. Some homemade sushi, rice, vegetables, strawberries, an onigiri, soy sauce, and even some little hotdogs cut up to look like octopuses.

"... I'm so-sorry for being su-such a nuisance... b-but... I just wanted to show you how thankful I am."

[Akio Tokuhana]

Akio shook his head slowly. "Of course I don't think you're ugly. I think you're very attractive. Anyone who thinks you're ugly is an idiot." He looked to the side.

Then Chu wrapped his arms around Akio's neck and he blinked. For less than a second, he didn't know what to do. Then he wrapped his arms around Chu's waist and pulled him close. "You don't have to go home, Chu." He didn't let go until Chu did. He sat smiling as Chu sat in the puddle of water he'd slipped in.

As Chu stood and grabbed his wrist, Aki smiled and allowed himself to be led. "What did you bring me?" He stood patiently as Chu dug through the bag and pulled out the boxes, handing one to Aki. He blinked at it and opened it. He grinned immediately upon seeing the contents. His eyes lit up and he looked at Chu.

"I haven't had home made food like this in... 4 years. Thank you! Thank you so much! It means the world to me. I can't cook at all..." He sat down on the ground and motioned Chu to join him before beginning to eat the delicious meal.

"You really know how to cook. I'm impressed." He looked up at Chu and blinked. "Nuisance?" He laughed and shook his head. "Friends are never a nuisance, Chu!"

[Layton "Chu" Lewis]

When Chu heard the happiness in Aki's voice his heart felt elated. A gentle smile and blush crossed his cheeks, knowing that he could make Aki so happy made his heart soar. There isn't a better feeling in the world than knowing you'd made the one you love smile.

Love?[/i]

Oh dear god, what was he thinking? He couldn't possibly be in love with Aki, because he was in love with Melly. His Melly. His darling, loving, loyal Melly. A hint of sadness entered Chu's face, he felt terrible that he was thinking of Aki in such ways. A small sigh escaped his lips, but he managed a soft smile as he joined Aki next to the pool; making sure to sit at least a few feet apart from him.

"Y-yeah." He stuttered fingering around in his white rice with his chopsticks, "M-my mom couldn't teach me a-a lot about being J-Japanese... b-but she d-did teach me ho-how to cook..." He reached up and loosen the collar of the his shirt, "Umm... y'know... I, I wouldn't mind cooking for you fr-from time to time... it w-would be fun. M-maybe?" A bit of hopefulness was in his voice, and still that timid smile that illuminated his pale face.

Chu's feet dangled in a water a bit, kicking the water to and fro, when his heart skipped a beat.
"F-Friend?" Chu blurted out.
He chewed lip, I'm Aki's friend. I'm Aki's friend. I'm Aki's friend! A large smile came on to his face, forgetting all about Melly. He was so exited that someone liked him enough to want to be his friend, that someone cared about him. That million dollar smile spread across Chu's face and he scooted a little bit closer to him, a gentle blush on his cheeks.

When Chu scooted closer all 3 of his Sushi fell out of his bento and into the water. "Oops..." Chu said, watching them float around. Then he laughed a little, "I guess the fishies wanted to return to the sea for one last time." He laughed a little louder. Being at klutz had its perks from time to time.

Chu's brown eyes drifted over to Aki's, and they "connected" for a moment. He didn't know how long he just looked into Aki's sparkling sapphire eyes, but when he came back to reality the Sushi had drifted further out into the pool. "I...I should probably go get a net and fish them out."[/size]

[Akio Tokuhana]

Akio smiled, then laughed as the sushi floated across the blue expanse of water. "Too bad they're not any good anymore. I'm sure they taste bad now. Too bad, too. They're delicious." To prove his point, he bit a piece off and chewed a bit.

Then their eyes met and he froze, just staring. Chu had such kind, sad eyes. Eyes that had seen so much, eyes leading down into a soul that was older than the body containing it. He smiled lightly, almost sadly. He started to reach out toward Chu until the boy looked out at the pool. Akio blinked, reality seeming to slap him across the face suddenly.

He shook his head and looked out. He nodded and stood. "I'll take care of it." As he stood there was a knock on the glass window separating the pool from the training room. Akio turned, and grinned. A Caucasian man about his age stood there, holding up an envelope. Akio turned to Chu, "I'll be right back." He set the bento box down, then walked over to the door and through it.

Akio hugged the man and spoke to him for a moment. Akio nodded a couple times and laughed, then took the envelope and opened it. His smile widened and he nodded, hugged the man again and waived good bye. He trotted back to the side of the pool, legs carrying him easily. He smiled to Chu again.

"Sorry." he held up the envelope, then set it down next to his shirt and wet clothing. "I'll get the net" He walked to the wall of the pool and grabbed the cleaning net in order to retrieve the sushi from the water.

[Layton "Chu" Lewis]

Chu heard the rapping against the glass window behind him, he turned and saw the Caucasian male waving happily at Akio. At first, Chu didn't mind Akio excusing himself, then when Aki hugged the other male he almost dropped his chopsticks.

Oh god, a-are they dating? Ha-have I been having some small feelings for a taken man? Oh god. I'm such a slu- Wait. wait. Calm down. He's probably just a co-worker of Aki's.

Chu soothed his nerves quickly and continued to munch on what remained in his bento box. Out of the corner of his eye he watched them converse. Aki received an envelop from the young male, and then hugged the him again.

Chu couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the white male. Aki willingly gave him hugs, they moved so naturally around each other, and they looks good together. The other young man was well-built, good-looking, and had a dashing smile; while Chu was no more appealing than an old filthy rag-doll.

He chewed his bottom lip, and put his bento away. He wasn't hungry anymore.

Aki had come back in and Chu tried to meet Aki with a smile. Aki had placed the envelop fairly close to Chu, and while Aki was busy fishing the sushi out of the pool he picked up the envelop and just looked at it.

The envelope was fancy and home-made, whoever made it put a lot of effort into it. He wouldn't dare read the contents of it.

Maybe it a love letter? Maybe Aki had a fancy-shmancy doctors appointment? Maybe Aki won 10 million dollars? Maybe it was a ticket out of Haven? Maybe... maybe... maybe... probably every option ran through Chu's mind. Trying to figure out what was so important that it needed to be personally delivered by such a handsome young man.

Chu placed the envelop back, and by then Aki had finished cleaning out the pool.

"Th-thank you for cleaning the sushi out of the pool." Chu said, rubbing the back of his neck, "That was re-really nice of you Aki."

"B-but, ummm." He cleared his throat a bit and glanced back at the glass window, "Uumm.... w-who was that? I... I mean w-what is going on?" He pointed at the letter.

"If... if it's none of my business y-you don't have to tell me at all. I... I don't want to bom-bombard you with qu-questions..."

[Akio Tokuhana]

He placed the net back against the wall and sadly threw the sushi into a nearby garbage. They had been absolutely delicious and throwing them away seemed like such a waste. He sighed and turned back to Chu, walking over to his clothing and beginning to get dressed. He looked back at the glass as well, then smiled. "That was my friend Elliot. He's having a party in a couple weeks and all my friends know I won't go at all unless I get an invitation."

He pulled on his shirt, then picked up the envelope. "They make it a joke and always make me invitations, even if they weren't going to send any out." He laughed lightly. "I have too much going on to keep track of parties unless someone writes it down. So, they always write it down." He pulled out the invitation, a card that matched its homemade exterior. "He probably had his girlfriend make it. Elliot never sends out invitations."

He shrugged and set it back down, then his face lit up with an idea. He grinned and looked at Chu. "Will you come with me? I hate going to parties alone, and I know my friends would like you, so come with me, please?"

He knelt down next to Chu, really hoping he'd say yes. His eyes were filled with the excitement he was feeling. Akio had really wanted to spend more time with Chu, but had never wanted to ask. Since Chu was taken, Akio had been carefully avoiding spending too much time with him. He really didn't want to complicate things.

It was hard enough for him, wanting to protect Chu and only being able to do so much.