Yujiiro felt like the world had forsaken him. Sitting out on the streets, alone, cold.. At least it wasn't raining now. His hair was still damp, clinging to his face, from the downpour earlier. Fixing his startlingly blue eyes on the pavement at his feet, Yuji leaned back against the brick wall behind him. He didn't appear to be homeless. At least, not in the same way as the rest of the bums that lined the street. He was young, healthy, attractive, and his face held emotion, rather than a numb mask that most earned through years of destitution. No, he was out, soaked to the bone, and sitting on the side of the street, like he had never been in this position before.

The young man was dressed well, a thick black sweater and a pair of what looked to be fairly new jeans. The only thing that really seemed to be amiss, was his lack of shoes, and the bruise on the left side of his face that seemed fresh, and still growing. The dark purple taint set off against his gold skin. It was easy to see, looking at him, that he was not normal. He was mixed blood, that much was obvious. Only a touch asian, visible around the eyes, and the angular shape of his face, the set of his mouth, but everything else about him screamed that he was not fully japanese, like his name. Wincing as a man riding a bike past him splashed water on his already wet feet, Yujiiro pulled his legs in closer, his arms drawing around them to hugs his knees into his chest. Some people stared at him, some walked by as though he didn't exist. A few even tried to give him money. He ignored all of them, lost in his thoughts.

Distant eyes stared off, eyebrows furrowed as the odd youth shivered, tense. Yujiiro kept on seeing the events of the night before... The reason he had been sitting there, against that wall, since midnight the night before. Alone, sulking, lost in his own self loathing, and unknowingly praying that SOMEONE would come along, and care enough to save him. He didn't need money, and he didn't need a blanket, or a scarf. He didn't need any of that. But who, in this huge city, would bother with some kid on a sidewalk? Swallowing hard, Yujiiro finally sat up a little bit again, and looked around at the bodies passing him. He didn't have the energy to reach out to any of them.

It had been one of the longest days of Cass's life. He had thought he would never make it back to the city after that run in the forest. If it had been a test for endurace, he was sure that he would have passed it. I didn't think I was ever going to get away from those other wolves He had just made it back into the city when it had started to rain. Well my day just keeps getting better and better. He frowned as the light rain turned into a downpour. Cass ran under the awning of a nearby shop and shook his head, rain drops splattering on the wall behind him. Looks like I'm going to have to wait this out.

He slid down to the sidewalk and watched as the rain came down. The sound of rain had always calmed him, just as it was doing now. He let go of all the stress he had built up from today and just let it fade as the sound of the rain enveloped everything. He was about to close his eyes when he noticed the young man sitting down the sidewalk just a bit. The rain had slackened off by this point and was clearing up rapidly. There were other people just sitting there who were obviously bums but this man didn't have the look of one. In fact he was rather well dressed except for being shoe less. Cass's eyes roamed over him freely, finally stopping on his face where a massive bruise was beginning to show it's ugly head.

Something about the kid called out to Cass. He felt an overwhelming need suddenly to help him. He shook his head, trying to get the thought out of his head. What was he thinking? If he helped the young man, it risked exposing his secret. He had worked too long without anyone figuring it out, only to throw it away. Still...he couldn't just leave him there like that. It was obvious he didn't belong on the street.

Stepping out from under his covering, he walked slowly over to the boy, stopping in front of him. He squatted down, compassion in his grey eyes. "Hey there, what are you sitting out in the cold like that for? Your going to get sick." He smiled at him gently. "My name's Cass. If you'll let me, I'd like to help you." He stood up and held out a hand to help the other up. He waited to see if the young man would take him up on his offer.

Yujiiro's eyes had struggled to focus, coming out from the dazed thoughts floating about in his mind. The last thing he'd expected was someone to actually heed his silent begging, wishing, for help. Swallowing hard to wet his dry throat, almond shapes, aqua eyes looked over this young mans face, finally centering on the very warm grey orbs looking at him pleasantly, expectantly. His questions didn't register in Yuu's mind at first, but after a moment of thinking, his hand raised of it's own accord, slender digits slipping into the other's grip, allowing him to be helped up. His balance faltered, and his lithe body swayed before his numb feet strengthened and he caught himself, but not without reaching to grip onto Cass's shoulder for support. He wasn't the tallest kind of man, but for being of asian decent, his 5'10 frame was substantial.

Wet, rain slicked hair, a dark rust as it was, lay plastered against his face, and Yuu finally swept his tongue over his slightly chapped lips. "Help?" He repeated quietly, his voice tender and a little scratchy, obviously from the cold. "W-why?" The young man asked finally. His voice was lilted in a soft accent, that didn't completely overpower to the point where he would be incomprehensible. Just enough to aid to his exotic appearance. "Y-Yujiiro. M-my name is Yujiiro." He introduced finally, since the man had given his name. His teeth were chattering a little, so his words came out with a slight stammer. He'd not moved from his position for so long, that standing now had the wind shilling parts of his wet clothes that had been kept somewhat warm by his own body heat. Looking up at the young mans face again, he frowned a little, trying to read him.

"I'd appreciate s-somewhere to w-warm up and d-dry off." He said finally, the most help he was willing to ask for. Unlike the other homeless that littered the sidewalk around him, he was obviously still very well in tact of his pride. He was sensitive, it seemed, evident by the soft look of his eyes, and the sad tint to his expression. Paired with the bruise on his face that no doubt had more to match it beneath his clothed, he had a story all his own, hidden inside of him.

He was startled by the vibrant blue of the boy's eyes when he had looked at him, but quickly concealed it as he helped him up.Cass quickly put his arm around the obviously exhausted man before he could tumble to the ground. They were similar in height, Cass noted even though he had about an inch or so on Yujiiro. He could see that the young man was soaked to the bone and he was surprised that he hadn't started coughing yet. He definately needed to get somewhere warm in a hurry before he really got sick.

"Why? Well why not?" Cass looked at Yujiiro curiously when he heard his accent. He was definately not from around here and the sound of his voice was somehow..alluring. He shook his head slightly, trying to clear his thoughts from wandering in other directions. He brushed his coal black hair out of his face in an absentminded gesture as he looked down at Yujiiro. "Come on, I'll take you somewhere warm where you can get out of those wet clothes." He noticed how it took almost all of the boy's effort to stay on his feet and made a quick decision even though he knew he was about to upset Yujiiro's obvious pride. Bending down slightly he scooped the boy up in his arms, holding him close and started walking past where Yujirro had been sitting. A few people gave them curious glances but for the most part paid them no mind.

Cass wondered about the sad expression on his face and about the bruise that was beginning to purple. He felt anger building up inside him, but made sure to keep it in check. Who would want to harm this boy? No one deserved to be abused like that. He wasn't quite sure why the word 'abused' popped into his head, but something told him that it was the right word to use.

Yuu was quietly thankful for the extra support from the man, knowing that he would have been back on the ground, probably face first, without it. Though he wasn't coughing, the breath in his chest rattled with each inhale and exhale. "Y-y-you don't know me... Y-you d-don't owe me a-anything..." He whispered hoarsely. His reason for being surprised that a stranger would help him. Yujiiro couldn't help but grimace as he clung to Cass, feeling useless and week with the way his body was acting. Before he could even think to protest or even utter a sound of surprise, his lithe form was off the ground, cradled in two very sturdy arms, and against a broad chest. Wincing at the position of his body, the young man let out a little groan as he shifted and buries his surprisingly warm face against this strangers chest.

This was a blow to his pride, but honestly he didn't have the strength, and he knew it. He couldn't even get his mouth to articulate the words he was thinking, so he remained silent, closing his eyes. This man was warm, despite the rain, which seemed to be easing up a little. Yuu had long since forgotten it was even raining. "You'll g-get w-w-wet if you c-carry me..." He chattered out, a slow trembling shiver starting to take over his numbed body. Cass's body heat only reminded his nerves of how long he'd been outside in this weather. The season was deepening, late fall setting in around them. It wouldn't be long before it started snowing, really. He didn't seem to realize how ridiculous his words were. He was more focused on breathing evenly, his air coming out in hot, visible puffs of steam.

It had been a long time since he'd felt so small. Normally Yuu didn't allow himself to be vulnerable. In his family, if you were vulnerable, you were a waste of space and air. His father would have been disgraced by this kind of behavior. But still, his fingers curled into Cass's shirt, clinging onto him like a lifeline.

Cass was alarmed by the rattle he could hear when Yuu breathed. He had been out in this weather much too long. He held on to him firmly yet gentle. If the bruise on his face looked that bad then Cass would bet he had other bruises underneath his shirt that might be even worse. He was a little surprised when Yuu buried his face against his chest and felt how hot the boy was. I hope he's not running a fever. He was so light, it felt as if he was almost carrying nothing more than a sack of groceries.

Looking down at the boy's chattering words, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "No, I don't know you or owe you anything but I do want to help you regardless. And besides I know your name, that's enough for me at the moment. You looked so alone, I couldn't just not do anything." He pulled him a little closer as he started to tremble against him and chuckled a bit at Yuu's next words. "I'm already wet, a little more isn't going to hurt me any." He smiled good-naturedly as he spoke. "We're almost there, just a few more minutes."

They finally approached a house that boasted a small yard in front, something rare in the city. The house was enclosed by a fence that went all the way around it. It was a light grey color with pale white shutters accentuating it. Cass nudged the gate open and went up the sidewalk to the front door. Gripping Yuu tightly with one hand he reached down in his pocket and brought out a set of keys. Unlocking the door, he pushed it open gently and went inside. The heat was on and it was pleasantly warm inside. Kicking the door shut he walked up the stairs in front of him and went into the bedroom. Once inside he made a beeline for the adjoining bath. He kept a hold of Yuu as he reached down and started some water. Steam started to rise from the tub as the water continued to run.

He looked down at Yuu, a concerned look on his face. "Do you think you have enough energy to undress and get in? I'm sure you don't want me undressing you." He reached over to the cabinet nearby and pulled out a large fluffy towel.

Oblivious to the passing scenery, if he'd been in a better state of mind, the young man would have commented on the fact of seeing grass in the city. It was certainly not common anymore. Not unless it was in planters. Inside the house, the warmth slammed against his body, like the cold had almost created a force field around him. But he started to feel it just a few moments later, his trembling turning into almost violent shivering. It hadn't been so bad outside because his nerves were numb. But now, finally, they were painfully starting to wake up, causing this chain reaction. In the bathroom, his eyes, lucid as they were, looked around, and he swallowed hard.

"U-Undress?" He asked blankly, not comprehending for a moment what was going on until he registered that he was going to take a bath. That's right. Water would warm him up... That would be nice... "I th-think.." He said finally, stiff joints already starting to move. He struggled with his sweater, hissing just a little as he finally managed to tug it off over his head, the wet, heavy fabric taking a great deal of weight off of him. He was thin, yes, but not starved. His slender body was built to be lithe, and he was even covered in a surprisingly nice muscle tone. Like most asian men, he was wiry and slender, more so than most American women.

His skin on his torso was just as golden brown as his face, though one could tell he was pale from his exposure to the unforgiving elements. Around his collar bone, his biceps, and littered across the rest of his torso were some deep, and some lighter, bruises. A few shaped like handprints, tinged yellow at the edges, others like dark, angry splotches. He'd been handled roughly, and recently. He managed to get himself down and onto his feet from Cass's arms, gripping the edge of the sink with one hand, while he worked on getting his belt undone. His trembling fingers were only just barely obeying him. He looked like a drowned cat, shocked, and not quite all there. The chain of events still hadn't registered to him.

He did, however, realize that he was being paid a great favor, and paused, turning his almost turquoise eyes upon the man who'd literally plucked him off the streets. "Thank you." He said softly, swallowing hard again. The steam that was building in the room was already starting to do wonders for him, the shivering subsiding from it's violence to an occasional firm tremor.

Cass watched as Yuu struggled with his sweater. He had an urge to help him but stopped himself, knowing the boy's pride was already battered enough. He couldn't help but look down at Yuu's exposed stomach as he pulled the sweater up. He might be light but he had muscle tone on his slight frame. Cass's eyes widened with appreciation as he looked at him and then widened even further with shock as he noticed the bruising all over Yuu. Who had done this to him and why? Cass knew that his questions would have to wait until later when Yuu was in better shape.

He had to hold him back quite forcefully not to reach out to touch Yuu's darkening bruises. He felt mildly surprised at how much he had to hold back. It wasn't often that someone had that much of a pull on him. What was it about this boy that made him want to automatically comfort him in his arms. He shook off the thought as much as he could, even though it lingered in the back of his mind. He could see that Yuu was struggling with his belt and knew his fingers had to still be slightly numb from the cold.

Trying to let Yuu take his belt off himself, he was startled when he turned to him with those maddeningly beautiful eyes and thanked him. He smiled softly back at the boy, his resolve to let him do it himself crumbling. "My pleasure. Here let me help you with your belt at least. I know you probably don't have much feeling back in your fingers yet." He quickly moved toward Yuu moving close so that he could see what he was doing. He reached for his belt and gently unbuckled it, moving the belt from around Yuu's pants slowly, not wanting to rub any bruises that might be underneath them. He folded the belt in half after he had gotten it off and placed it on the sink. "Hmm that might help a little bit." He flushed a bit as he realized he hadn't moved away from the boy and was still very close. "I-i'll uh, let you finish in privacy."

"Thanks..." Yujiiro breathed out, starting to slowly rub his hands together, in hopes of getting the feeling back, while Cass worked on his belt. Most, in the state that Yujiiro was in, wouldn't even be thinking some of the thoughts that went through his mind at that moment, especially towards another man, but still, Yuu's pale face started to flush a soft red. His abdominal muscles had contracted instinctively, feeling the heat of the other mas flesh so close. "Y-you don't have to." He said without thinking, before ducking his head.

"I mean... It won't embarrass me, if you don't mind. I think I'll need help getting in, anyway." He added, finally getting his jeans undone and pushing them, as well as his boxers, to the ground, stepping out of them. The rest of his body was just as well toned, and stippled angrily with contusions. His hips and thighs particularly.

He didn't linger though, turning to hobble towards the tub. One other mentionable thing was the lack of tanlines on his gold skin. Despite the dark hue that covered him, it was all his own. His skin was tattoo free, and smooth from the looks of it, not having very much in the way of body hair. Gripping at the wall near the tub, the asian youth took a deep breath, wincing as he lifted one leg into the water, swaying uneasily.

Cass couldn't help but stare at Yuu's body for a moment before remembering himself. He started to look away but caught sight of the massive amounts of bruising around the boy's hips and thighs. He looked as if he had been beaten badly and Cass felt anger stirring up inside of him again. Who would hurt someone like that? He had his fair share of bruises from various things but nothing even remotely close to what covered Yuu's golden skin. As Yuu hobbled towards the tub, Cass's eyes were once again drawn to the youth's lean body. Cass had a sudden urge to slide his hands down Yuu's back, just to see if it was as soft as it looked.

He shook the thought out of his mind quickly when Yuu started to get into the bath. He quickly rushed over to him as he saw him starting to sway. He gripped the youth's arm gently, steadying him. "Whoa, take it slow. We don't need you falling and making more bruises." He wanted to ask Yuu what and who had done this to him, but for the moment held himself back. There would be time for questions later when Yuu had recovered. He stood very close to him, not wanting to take any chances that he might fall. As hard as he was trying to ignore the effect the boy's body had on him, it wasn't really working and he could feel a coil of desire settle in his stomach. "Here just take it really slow. Don't worry I've got you, you won't fall." He gently helped him the rest of the way into the tub and gently lowered him into the warm water.

"Ok, just let yourself soak for a bit. I'm going to go downstairs for just a minute to make sure I locked the doors." He really didn't want to leave him alone, but knew he needed to check and make sure the house was secured. He had sat down on the edge of the tub after having helped Yuu into it and was reluctant to leave him, afraid he might fall asleep and sink down too far into the water. "Can you keep yourself awake long enough for me to get back? It will only take a minute." He could still feel the way the boy's skin had felt when he had gripped his arm, the memory warming him inside.