Disclaimer: I by no means own any of the rights to the Clamp manga story of Legal Drug or its characters.
Second Sunday
Sequel to Third Tuesday
By Crystal Delphina
Completed: April 27, 2008
Part I of IV
Kazahaya was confused. Actually confused was an understatement. A few weeks ago, a most embarrassing situation had come about stemming from the unsuspecting catalyst of latex. Somehow, the mere stocking of the…latex devices had lead to a rather odd confrontation with his roommate which he had been completely and utterly unprepared for. Said conflict had resulted in his roommate and himself making out on a bed. However it is important to note that the making out, the one 'pro' of the night, was nearly overshadowed by the 'cons'; an evening comprised of utter confusion, embarrassment, and turmoil for the youth due to the teasing his dark haired comrade had chosen to engage in. The situation had become so dire, that at one point there had been contemplation of taking up permanent residence in his bathroom.
Really the whole night was an insignificant event that is not worth dwelling on, much less mentioning in the first place. Just forget the matter entirely and move on.
Kazahaya was still attempting to make sense of it and he had been there – an active participant in fact. The first few weeks, Kazahaya seemed to have been afflicted by an odd case of paranoia while the well-adjusted Rikuo was a perfectly functioning individual. Kazahaya would look around the corners of aisles while working as if Rikuo would be waiting to jump him in the middle of the store, materializing out of thin air. To give the poor boy some credibility though, that had actually occurred… once. Then he screamed, scaring away a customer, which forced Kakei to reprimand Rikuo over hiding and popping out to scare his co-worker while Saiga erupted into loud uncontrollable laughter. And even though Rikuo had offered a small apology to Kakei - who could barely suppress a smile while trying to be stern with Rikuo - no similar apology was offered to the indignant boy in the corner scowling at him.
To add to his mounting paranoia, Kazahaya would lock the bathroom door when taking a shower. It's only fair to mention that this was in addition to his other methods of self-protection, such as stuffing towels under the door, moving the small wastebasket in front of it for added protection, and even on one occasion, attempting to shove the ends of toothbrushes into the door jam. Needless to say, they didn't fit and he forlornly returned them to their holder on the sink ledge. It's important to note however that Rikuo had never attempted to enter the bathroom while his roommate was inside. That small fact did nothing to stop Kazahaya from experimenting to see if toothpaste held the same properties of glue or cement after drying in the cracks of the door - for educational purposes only of course… His results were negative.
What the young man dreaded the most was the morning wakeup call. On some occasions it was the customary rude alarm clock of a thrown shoe, water being dumped on him, or being beat by a pillow. The usual run of the mill morning altercations between himself and the dark haired youth that had happened all of the time before…ahem… that night (the one you should have forgotten by now because it wasn't worth mentioning in the first place). Since then, a new set of morning scenarios had appeared to supplement the old regime. His roommate had decided to take it upon himself to wake up Kazahaya with gentle persistent kisses - along his cheeks and forehead and ones that occasionally lingered on his lips - until the boy finally reached full consciousness. Blushing after waking and realizing what exactly was going on, Rikuo would typically give one more long kiss then get up and leave mentioning something about breakfast on his way out. Oh, and of course a comment related to Kazahaya being late in some fashion; that hadn't changed and most likely never would. However, after such a mind numbing morning arousal – from bed – Kazahaya would continue to lay there for at least a few more moments in stunned silence, then eventually give a sigh of frustration as he began to get up.
What made the whole morning scenario go from bad to worse was that there was no set pattern; he never knew what to expect. It really was all dependent on Rikuo's whim that day. Hell, sometimes he would combine torture and pleasure so Kazahaya was fooled into thinking he was safe for the morning until his clothes for the day were thrown roughly in his face. Or the misleading alternative: having something thrown at him and at the moment he would rise from his bed to begin yelling, Rikuo would steal a quick kiss then walk out the door. Regardless, there was still the laughing and mentioning of lateness and what have you. Then there was secret option number three (or five at this point depending how you're counting); the no-man's land of being tickled awake; Kazahaya really had no idea which category that belonged to.
Kazahaya had discovered a new array of responses to Rikuo as well: a small blush would spread over his cheeks when Rikuo kissed him, he would shudder at the spontaneous contacts of their hands or 'accidental' brush of their limbs while working, and would seethe at Rikuo's insistent teasing or his newfound love of petnames. Earlier in the week, Kazahaya had leapt across the kitchen table and had attempted to strangle Rikuo when the dark haired young man had jokingly called him "sweetheart". Rikuo had attempted to placate his would-be-killer by managing to lean forward and kiss him, despite the hands around his neck. This served to only infuriate Kazahaya further, who quickly detached himself from his prey and indignantly stalked off towards his room to leave the laughing Rikuo behind to clean up dinner by himself.
Aside from everything else, Kazahaya had also noticed he was indignant a lot of the time from the other boy's actions. This realization only served to annoy him further; indignation was slowly mutating into irate.
Although he would blush in a state of seemingly perpetual embarrassment and was skittish around his roommate, cowering in fear if Rikuo showed him any type of intimacy outside of their small apartment, there were those rare times where Kazahaya would be brave and bold enough to take initiative. Sometimes he would catch himself starring at Rikuo while at work and when dark eyes locked with his own, he would give a small mischievous smile. There were moments when Rikuo would be preparing dinner and the brunette would timidly wrap his thin arms around him from behind and rest his forehead against the firm strong back. Or they'd be sharing the couch, watching tv or reading their respective newspaper and magazine, and Kazahaya would slowly move closer to the taller youth until finally he was firmly pressed against his side, with Rikuo never saying a word in regards to their changed proximity. After a few silent moments, Kazahaya would characteristically lurch up to kiss his roommate on the cheek or mouth with no warning, flushed throughout the whole ordeal. Naturally these series of events led to a make out session on the couch – the kind that only teenagers were capable of escalating in a few mere seconds – or Kazahaya jumping up and mumbling something about having to start dinner…even if they'd already eaten. You know, either-or.
And in the past few weeks, Kazahaya had managed to muster enough courage to slip into Rikuo's bed four and a half times while he had been asleep. The half time was the result of when Kazahaya tried to crawl onto the bed only to have Rikuo roll towards him suddenly in his sleep, causing the brunette to fall backwards and land on the floor. He quickly flew through the curtain separating their large room into their respective halves and jumped onto his bed, mortified at his clumsiness and thankful that Rikuo was a heavy sleeper and still softly snoring away. On the nights he had succeeded though, as soon as he crawled under the covers, an arm wrapped tightly around his waist and pulled him decisively to the bed's owner. Nonetheless, Kazahaya continued to wake up alone with Rikuo being an early riser that never disturbed him (until it was time for work that is). Kazahaya's small and timid actions were becoming increasingly bolder as the days went on; his discomfort - aside from store PDA - subsiding naturally. In fact, it had been slowly been replaced by a steadily growing desire; but Kazahaya tried his best to ignore that terrifying thought.
That was generally how the last few weeks had progressed. There had been fights, making up, the occasional small reconnaissance mission, the routine work schedule, the harassment from Saiga, knowing looks from Kakei (even though neither of them had said anything to the older male) and the new unfamiliar flares of jealousy when Rikuo's fangirls fawned over him in the afternoon. Even his usual ritual of drinking tea during his lunch break hadn't had its expected effect of calming his nerves in preparation for their predicted arrival. In disdain and bitter defeat, he had (for the time being) stored his tea up in the cupboard and hadn't touched it in a good week. Instead, Rikuo had teased him for the lethal glares he supposedly directed at the girls dressed in their various school uniforms that flooded the store every afternoon like clockwork.
Although Kazahaya vehemently denied the accusations, he knew that he had indeed hissed at one girl in particular who had come in everyday one week just to gawk at Rikuo and pretend to 'accidentally' knock a box off the shelf just so Rikuo would be forced to bend down and retrieve it for her. It was only made worse when she would give the customary, "I'm so sorry. I'm so clumsy." This was coupled with a small giggle and fluttering of her eyelashes up at Rikuo. The shorter male only stood by the cash register rolling his eyes and at one point was heard mumbling to himself something or other about how it was a shame possession didn't work both ways; he'd "possess her ass out into the middle of the street." Of course Kazahaya denied all claims made by Saiga that he ever said this but the other three men didn't seem inclined to believe his innocence. This continued on until Kazahaya became so irritated, having to greet her through clenched teeth each time she entered the store, that he finally decided to put an end to it one day while Rikuo was in the middle of picking up another 'dropped' tube of toothpaste (the girl must have had horrible dental hygiene because she'd already bought two tubes earlier in the week).
Kazahaya smiled as he shouted across the store. "Oi, Rikuo. Your girlfriend just called." There was no mistaking the pause in the middle of Rikuo's retrieval of toothpaste as he processed the proclamation from his co-worker. There was also no mistaking the look of tragic disappointment that crossed the girl's face as she too processed the new information provided. Rikuo straightened, with toothpaste in hand, and turned to face the other man standing at the counter whose golden eyes were filled with amusement. He appeared completely composed, his voice sounding disinterested as normal as he asked, "Oh? Did she leave a message?"
He had to fight not to openly smirk as he saw the girl behind Rikuo now fidgeting with the dark blue hem of her school uniform skirt. Matters didn't improve when he saw the corner of Rikuo's mouth turn up, an expression Kazahaya had come to know well that meant Rikuo was fighting to control himself. "Yea, something about how she loved the teddy bear you gave her and can't wait to see you later tonight for dinner." Rikuo began to open his mouth to reply when Kazahaya made sure to quickly add, "Oh, and don't forget to wear that cute fuzzy pink sweater she's so fond of." That was it. Kazahaya was sure he'd either die from laughter at the shocked look on the girl's face or the murderous glare that was being directed at him by his co-worker. Thankfully it was then the girl decided to just cut her losses and with a mumbled "thanks for your help," she hurried out of the store leaving her forgotten tube of toothpaste behind in her (ex) crush's hands.
Golden eyes sparkled in delight, mirth, and a general gloating feeling of victory as they watched Rikuo slowly approach him. Although the glare was still present and still quite murderous, the effect just wasn't quite the same when Rikuo was obviously trying to fight against the natural urge to smirk. Secretly, he was incredibly thankful to hopefully be rid of the girl once and for all, although he'd never admit that to the young man standing across the counter from him. Instead he leaned over the counter towards Kazahaya and put the toothpaste down. "Pink's not my color. And I don't recall giving you a teddy bear," he drawled, cocking his head slightly to the side as he gave Kazahaya a nonchalant gaze.
"I don't recall being your girlfriend," Kazahaya shot back coolly, turning to walk away and return to other work. A small grin spread its way onto his face from his dual victories: getting rid of the girl and managing to leave a slightly stunned Rikuo in his wake.
But that statement he had made just a few days ago fully encompassed the exact problem that he faced now.
No, Kazahaya wasn't having a gender identity crisis desiring to literally become Rikuo's girlfriend. (Personally, he really didn't feel skirts and dresses were all that flattering to his figure, although there had been much debate on the matter on many occasions… but that's off topic). Hell, he wasn't even sure he wanted to be his… boyfriend. The very mentioning of the word made him stall and sometimes outright blanch at the idea. How could he ever be described by such a label? In reference to himself and Rikuo nonetheless; his dreaded enemy -slash- cohort -slash- personal pain in the ass. Oh right, and now current make out buddy - mustn't forget that lovely title that he had managed to acquire.
If they weren't 'boyfriends' what the hell were they? That was the million dollar question of the day. Or week. Or better part of a month. Really the time was not what mattered here. It was the principal obviously. Did Kazahaya really want to… date Rikuo? The thought alone made his throat go dry and made it difficult to swallow. What did that even entail? As begrudging as he was to admit it, the prospect at times did sound mildly appealing. Plus, if they were 'boyfriends' would they finally -
"Yo! Space cadet!"
Kazahaya, interrupted from his deep contemplations on the romantic affairs of life, spun around to come face to face with his tormentor; that word carried multiple connotations. However the caramel haired boy, being…well himself, managed to momentarily forget his precarious position on a step stool and his sudden movements caused him to pitch forward and off of the small ladder. As per usual, Rikuo - being Rikuo - caught him by the waist to steady him attempting to prevent both of them being sent crashing to the floor. Thanks to his hands on Rikuo's shoulders for balance and the hands on his waist fort stability, Kazahaya found himself still upright although his face was now very close to that of the dark haired young man. There was a moment's pause before me murmured a breathy "thanks" and then remembering what had caused the initial near-catastrophe, "what'd you want?"
Rikuo was not oblivious to the fact that Kazahaya was leaning all of his weight against him for support. Nor was he oblivious to the very close proximity of their faces. Or the fact that Kazahaya's soft voice coupled with his open expression, since he was quite literally caught unaware, made him quite attractive at the moment. Rikuo couldn't contain the brief appealing thought of stealing a kiss. Except the thought left as quickly as it had come; it seemed far easier for Rikuo to fall back upon their old pattern of interactions, which were routine, than to venture into these new realm of possibilities that kept appearing.
"If you're done counting cold medicines, it's time to move onto pain relievers. Or do you plan to spend at least another hour doing this? I've already managed to start and finish all of the bath products you know." And without another word, much less bothering to wait for a response, he walked away. Never mind the small detail - insignificant really - that Kazahaya had still been using him as his last ditch effort from ending up on the hard laminate tile floor. Granted he only fell a few feet, but he was certain a bruise would probably appear on his shoulder in the morning. The empath turned over so he was laying on the floor, glaring up at the ceiling above him. As he turned his head to the side to direct the full force of his glare at his co-worker, who was walking around the corner at the end of the aisle, he was certain of one thing:
No. He did not want to become Himura Rikuo's boyfriend.
Leave it to Rikuo to always help point out the obvious to Kazahaya.
"Hey Boy, are you planning to lay on the floor all day?" Saiga, peering down at him through dark glasses, nudged his side with his shoe. Grumbling, Kazahaya sat up as Saiga merely stepped over him to continue his rounds of the small drugstore, most likely on his way to either find Kakei or a place to catch some shut eye for a bit.
And thus, with his graceful stand from the floor and subsequent curses concerning "inconsiderate bastards" who failed to help in his standing or were the cause of the fall in the first place, Kazahaya got back to doing the inventory that was required on the second Sunday of the month.
Too bad for him there was still a good five hours left.
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A.N:. A few notes. One, as many of you hoped, this will be far more adult content than the previous story. Second, because this is a story of my creation, I took some liberties with the characters. I do my best to keep them as 'real' as possible as we have come to know them in the manga without falling prey to stereotyping them in what I consider to be one dimensional fannon roles– hopefully I have managed to balance these two difficult tasks while still making them fun, believable and interesting. I don't think Kazahaya lives in a perpetual state of embarrassment and is some hopeless "uke cat boy". Third, in line with that last part, I tried my best to keep the 'environment' (i.e. their apartment) as close to what has been presented in the manga thus far as possible. However, since I don't have a floor plan of the Legal Drug universe, indulge my imagination. Finally, I will tell you that this is one of the longest stories I have ever written with the fewest chapters. Chapters are long. I hope you enjoy the effort, hard work, and many hours I put into this. I would appreciate critical/thoughtful feedback in addition to the normal reviews/request for me to keep writing. Keep in mind – authors may not write for reviews, but they certainly are inspired by them… and are more inclined to post chapters sooner.