Summary: AU. Ryo loses purpose in his life and goes off the deep end after his parents are killed. His Aunt is desparate to find someway of pulling him out of his despair.

Warning: Rated for language and suggestive material.

1: Boy's Night Out (preview)

The sound of jangling keys gave an indication that someone had legitimate business outside the door and was not trying to break in even though it was 4:00 in the morning.

In the dim light of a side lamp, a woman was sitting in an armchair. 'He still tries to unlock the door even though I've been leaving it open for him.'

The door flew open and a man stumbled in. Only his natural grace prevented him from smashing his face into the hardwood even though it was apparent he was smashed enough already. He was on his hands and knees with his head down trying to regain his equilibrium at as low an elevation as possible. He gingerly placed one foot flat on the ground to haul himself up, then, forsaking any resolve, emptied what little was left in his stomach onto the floor before flinging himself to the side to avoid the putrid mess.

"You couldn't of done that outside." The woman laid his head in her lap and produced a cool, wet cloth. Through his open shirt-collar she could see evidence of amorous activities from the reddish marks on his skin. "Why are you doing this to yourself? I worry that someday you won't come home."

The soothing fabric gave him a much needed relief from his feverish head. "I'm an adult."

"Barely. You're still under my roof." she said, admonishing him.

He moved away from her, the back of his head against the wall for support, his eyes closed. "Then I'm moving out."

She was not one to coddle people, but she was afraid that if she employed the tough love technique she would lose him altogether. He needed to know she would always be there for him. "Please don't leave. Besides, where would you go?"

He had obviously put some thought into it. "I'll live on the boat. It does belong to me."

Actually that was a practical consideration. 'The boat' was an understatement for what was more like an apartment on water. They would frequently spend the weekend on the boat with plenty of space for family and friends. It was the one bit of luxury the young man's father had indulged in. "You won't get the rest of the money until next year."

Knowing that was the least of his worries, "Then I'll live off of credit."

He was well aware of the kind of hell he was putting his aunt through and he didn't want to hurt her anymore. This was just something he would have to ride out having no idea what was at the end. "You shouldn't have to see me like this."

"Ryo..."

With vehemence in his voice. "I told you I never want to hear that name again. The name is Randy."