A/N: Here's chapter two for you, folks. ^^ Thank you so much for everyone who reviewed the first chapter, and also to everyone who put this story on their favorite and alert list. It means a lot to me. I hope I'll keep having your support. :)
I'm sorry for the long wait, but it's necessary if I want to give you the best chapters possible. Please bear with me. I'm always giving you long chapters, so it compensates, right? :)
Thanks again to my beta PeachteaKT for editing this chapter. :)
I hope this chapter will make up for the wait. Have fun reading!
Fall For You
Act II: Secrets
"No way in hell am I doing this!" Yuri managed to wait until Raven gave everyone else their roles before voicing his protest. Raven turned towards the seething dark haired male.
"There's no way I'm going to wear a dress and there's no way I'll fake being in love with him!" Yuri exclaimed. Flynn was irked by Yuri's comment.
"Thanks. I feel the same way about you," the blonde replied, anger obvious in his voice. The two males glared at each other. Raven sighed.
"Guys, my decision is final. You'll just have to suck it up!" he said, trying to hide his amusement. Yuri did not share the amusement.
"Why'd you give me this role? There are plenty of girls in the troupe who could play Juliet! Take Judith! Why does she get to be a guy! Can't we trade?" Yuri protested. Judith pulled an amused expression.
"I like my character. Mercutio is a little like me. Sorry, Yuri," she said and ignored the dark glance Yuri threw her way. Raven seemed even more discouraged.
"Guys playing girls in a play is not that unusual. Besides, you told me you didn't want to do a villain. Besides Flynn, you're the most talented actor I have here, so it's only natural that I give both of you the main characters," the director explained.
Yuri was nowhere near satisfied by Raven's explanation. He could not do this.
"But –" he began, but Raven interrupted him.
"I don't want to hear any more complaints. I won't let you trade with anyone else. You'll play Juliet or you won't play at all."
Yuri wanted to protest, but Raven's expression told him it was not a good idea. Yuri settled with pouting instead. His mood darkened when he heard chuckles coming from his teammates. They found the situation quite funny, but Yuri was not sharing the same mood.
The costume designer, Yeager, made a few steps forward.
"Alright, my pretties, it is time to take your measurements. Gauche, Droite, you will be first," the man said with his thick German accent.
The twins happily complied. While the costumer was taking their measurements, Estelle looked shyly at Yuri. She wanted to cheer him up, but she was hesitant when he was in such a foul mood. She still tried.
"Yuri, cheer up! At least you got one of the main roles!"
Yuri snorted. "Yeah, but just thinking I'll have to act all lovey-dovey towards that guy pisses me off," Yuri muttered darkly. Flynn heard him.
"Could you stop now? It's not going to change, so you would better get used to being all "lovey-dovey" towards me," he replied in a biting tone.
Estelle looked with a scared expression back and forth between her two friends. She wanted to stop them, but she didn't know what to do!
Yuri smirked with no humor. "You'd like that, don't you?" he retorted. Flynn's fists clenched tightly and it was clear he was holding back his anger.
"Who would? Just the thought of faking loving you is enough to make me sick," Flynn spat out.
A glint of hurt appeared in Yuri's gray eyes, but it was gone so quickly that Flynn thought he imagined it.
Anger flared into the dark haired male's gaze. "Good, because I feel the same way!"
Flynn opened his mouth for another comeback when Raven finally stepped between the two bickering young men.
"Hey, stop that, both of you. Oh brother... what am I going to do with you two? I can't have a Romeo and Juliet who can't stand each other," Raven said in an exasperated tone.
Yuri wanted to say something, but Raven cut him off with a gesture of his hand.
"I've heard enough from you two. I know what I'm going to do. I'll give you boys some homework to do," the director said with a smirk.
Yuri did not like the expression on Raven's face. Seeing the way Flynn was looking at the director, he too did not like it. Raven's smirk grew even more devious.
"You two are going to hang out together outside of school. You're going to get to "know each other" better, and hopefully, get along with each other."
Yuri's reaction was immediate. "What? No fucking way! I'd rather drown myself than hang out with that guy!" he exclaimed strongly, not believing that Raven was asking that of them.
Raven's expression became menacing.
"Well, it is not a choice. It is an obligation. I'll have the girls here keep an eye on you two. So go ahead and drown yourself, Yuri. Just make sure you come back from the dead to begin this "homework"," Raven replied with amusement.
Judith, who was listening to the exchange since the beginning, smirked deviously and said; "It would be my pleasure to help, director. I'll make sure they get to 'know each other' better."
Yuri looked at his friend with suspicion. The smile gracing the blue haired girl's lips was a bad sign. She had something in mind; that was for sure. Estelle fidgeted nervously.
"I-I'll help too..." she said, and cowered under Yuri's gaze.
Flynn and Yuri exchanged furious glares. It was clear they thought the same thing: they did not have the slightest desire to know each other better. Raven was pleased by the girls' response.
"Good. You won't be able to back down from this, boys. If you do, I'll know immediately, so do try to get along," he said still in an amused tone.
Yuri cursed under his breath. Could the situation get any worse? Oh, right. It could. Yuri remembered that at some point, Flynn and he would have to practice certain scenes: kissing scenes. And if he remembered well, Romeo and Juliet did not kiss only once. It was more on the side of five or six times, and the play also contained a very explicit love scene. Shit.
Yeager came to stand in front of Yuri, holding his measuring tape.
"Mr. Lowell, it is your turn now. I'll make you some wonderful dresses. Just you see," the costumer said with a sly and amused smile.
Yuri was tempted to stay in his sitting position, but when he saw the scary gleam appear in Yeager's eyes, Yuri decided it was not worth the pain. He stood up and walked to the corner where Yeager took the measurements, all the while letting out a string of colorful curses. Yuri cursed whatever God was above for putting him in such a situation.
To say Flynn was in a foul mood was an understatement. Of all the things he could have done, it had to be a romantic play with Yuri Lowell. The more time he spent in the dark haired male's company, the more he loathed him. If he had known that things would turn out this way, Flynn would never have told Raven he wanted to be part of the troupe. However, he could not back down anymore. Once he promised to do something, he did it.
As Flynn was sitting in one of the library's study rooms, waiting for Yuri to show up for their assignment's first meeting, he could not help but remember how the rehearsal went the day before. It was catastrophic. No matter how much Raven tried, Yuri and Flynn just would not get along. Every little thing one of them said pissed the other off to no end. Raven threatened to take them both out of the play if they did not fix it. It was easier said than done. Flynn did not know if they could ever get along. It was made clear when Judith and Estelle asked Flynn to eat with them yesterday. He would not have minded, except that Yuri was there. There was an awkward atmosphere at the table as the four 'friends' ate together. Flynn and Yuri kept throwing each other annoyed looks and did not talk to one another'
Flynn looked at his watch and sighed in annoyance when he noticed Yuri was late. Flynn just hoped the dark haired male would not forget their meeting. If he did, Flynn would kick his ass. There was no way the blond would do everything by himself. He doubted Yuri would be of any good, but still. Yuri would have to pull his own weight in their assignment.
Five minutes later, Flynn's patience was wearing thin when Yuri finally arrived. He plopped into a chair across from Flynn, barely greeting him. When Yuri saw Flynn's displeased expression, he sighed.
"I'm sorry I'm late. Happy now?" Yuri said in a tone that showed he was not sorry at all. As he glared at Yuri, Flynn noticed yet again some bruises on the other's face. The comment slipped from his lips before he could stop it.
"Next time, try not to get into a fight. That way, you might arrive in time."
Yuri's gaze darkened, but he did not reply. That confused Flynn. Instead, Yuri took out his things from his schoolbag and put them on the table.
"Can we just get on with it so I can stop having you in my face?" he said instead, but his tone was less biting than usual.
Flynn found it strange, but he did not pay it more attention. Why should he care about Yuri? Flynn nodded and they began to work.
Flynn was surprised to see Yuri was trying his best to participate and give ideas. Maybe he judged him a bit harshly at first. Even so, the tension between the two was still very much present, and it was clear both of them would rather be somewhere else right now. After nearly two hours, Yuri began complaining that he could not think anymore. Flynn sighed.
"We have to do it anyway. If we stop now, it'll just mean we'll have more to do in the next meetings," Flynn said, trying to make the dark haired male change his mind. It did not work, though. Yuri stretched his sore muscles.
"That's fine by me. Anyway, I have to go work in a little bit," Yuri answered, standing up to gather his things.
"At the bakery?" Flynn asked out of curiosity, but he chastised himself. Why should he care? Yuri kept silent for a moment and Flynn thought he would not answer.
"No, I have another job," he answered evasively.
It was clear Flynn would not learn more about it. Before Yuri could walk away, Flynn gave him a piece of paper with a number on it. Yuri took it with a raised eyebrow.
"It's my phone number. Since we're working together, I thought you should have it. It'll be easier to plan our meetings," Flynn explained. Yuri shrugged his shoulders.
"Thanks, I guess. See you tomorrow," he said before leaving the room. Flynn sighed again. Yeah. He would be surprised if they ever got along.
"Would you stop that?" Flynn said angrily. Yuri kept on laughing, almost falling off his chair from the way his entire body shook with the force of his laughing.
When he managed to hold in his laugher a bit, Yuri repeated Flynn's words; "Your hand is like a holy place that my hand is unworthy to visit. If you're offended by the touch of my hand, my two lips are standing here like blushing pilgrims, ready to make things better with a kiss." As soon as he finished, Yuri burst out laughing again.
"Somehow, hearing you saying this with such a straight face... it's too much!"
Flynn looked offended. "Well, maybe you should start being serious and recite your text too! Or are you so poor an actor that you can't even do that?" Flynn retorted. His words made Yuri stop laughing and glare at him instead.
"Hey, what's your problem? I'm not insulting you!" Yuri said, his anger beginning to flare up. Flynn sighed for the hundredth time.
"My problem is that we are here to practice the play, but you're only wasting our time!" Flynn said with annoyance.
Raven saw the exchange and could not help but to sigh too. He had seen the same scenario at least ten times this week. It seemed like those two were really not able to stand each other, but they would have to eventually. The director broke them apart again.
"Okay, it's enough. Estellise, would you please replace our dear Juliet? We'll practice the scene when Friar Lawrence talks with Romeo for the first time," he said. Yuri happily complied, getting up and away from the seething blonde.
Yuri went to sit next to Judith, who threw him a disappointed look. He could not endure it for long.
"Judy, stop looking at me like that," he said, still irritated. The blue haired girl did not stop.
"I'll do that when you will stop acting so childishly," Judith answered in a scolding fashion. Yuri pulled a pouting expression.
"It's easier said than done," he replied. Rita, who was sitting on Yuri's other side, suddenly bashed his head with her thick book.
"Ouch! What was that for?" Yuri exclaimed, throwing a glare at the younger girl. The latter already opened her book back at the page she was reading.
"Because you're an idiot! You're not even trying to get along with Flynn. He's a pretty good guy, you know. You should give him a chance," she answered, her attention back on the book she was reading.
Yuri mumbled profanities under his breath, which made Judith smile. Yuri was not happy being scolded by a fifteen year old girl. The dark haired male focused on Flynn and Estelle as they practiced their text. Judith suddenly talked, gaining Yuri's attention again.
"You know, Yuri, there's something I don't understand. Why are you acting that way around Flynn? It's like you put up those barriers around you. You deliberately keep him out, but you don't do the same with us," she said on a lower tone, not wanting Rita to overhear her.
Yuri went rigid. Yuri could never get anything past Judith, could he? She was the only one who could read through him like an open book. Yuri did not answer his friend, but his mind formed the words in his head. Because if I let him in, and things go wrong, I know things could get bad very quickly...
Flynn looked at the address written on his piece of paper to make sure he had the right one. It was Saturday morning and Yuri gave Flynn rendezvous at his own apartment to work on the assignment. The blonde entered the building and took the stairs to the third floor. Once there, he searched for Yuri's apartment number. He found it quickly and knocked against the door, waiting for Yuri to open it. A few seconds after, the door opened, revealing a still sleepy Yuri. In fact, he seemed like he had barely slept, if the faint bags under his eyes were indication enough. Yuri had his hair down and was dressed in casual clothing. Flynn could not help but think the other male was rather handsome with his hair like that. Flynn admonished himself greatly for thinking that.
Yuri muffled a yawn. "Hey, come in. Sorry about the mess," he said in a laid-back fashion, stepping aside to let Flynn in.
When the blonde let his eyes wander on the living room and the kitchen area, he found that it was indeed messy, but it was still livable. Yuri seemed to take care of his apartment to some extent. The apartment seemed small, but it was a nice place. Yuri closed the door behind Flynn and walked to the kitchen.
"Make yourself at home, I guess. I'm sure my apartment is nothing like your own home, though. Do you want some coffee? I was about to make some," Yuri asked. Flynn nodded as he took place at the table.
"Yes, thank you. I think it's a nice place," Flynn said sincerely. It felt cozy, warm. It was drastically different from his home, but in a good way.
Yuri did not answer and prepared the coffee before joining Flynn at the table.
Flynn threw another look around the apartment.
"Have you been living alone for a long time?" he asked out of curiosity.
Yuri looked at him, wondering where that question came from. Not seeing the harm in telling Flynn, he decided to answer him.
"Since I was seventeen. It's been four years now." Flynn nodded.
"So that's why you have two jobs? To pay for your apartment?" Flynn asked. Yuri raised an eyebrow at Flynn's question.
"Yeah. For that and to be able to eat too. Why are you asking me all this?" Yuri retorted with a question of his own. The last he could remember, he and Flynn did not have the slight interest in getting to know each other better.
In fact, Yuri was not making things easier by constantly pushing Flynn away. He still recalled Judith's words and cringed. Flynn did not see it.
"It's just out of curiosity. Don't your parents help you with your board and tuition?" the blonde asked. This time, Flynn noticed Yuri tensing at his question. He was obviously not comfortable.
Flynn thought he had screwed things up and that Yuri would throw him out of the apartment.
Flynn was surprised when Yuri bit his lip like he was trying to stop words from getting past his lips. Hurt shone briefly in Yuri's eyes, but it was quickly gone.
"They can't. Now, can we begin working? You came here for that after all, and not to inquire about my personal life," the tone was biting, but Flynn did not get offended this time.
He understood that for whatever reason, he had crossed a line he should not have. Flynn nodded, embarrassed by his lack of tact.
"Sorry. Okay, let's read over what we wrote down and pick up from there," the blonde said, quickly taking back his composure. Yuri nodded and they got to work in a more comfortable atmosphere than last time.
Yuri did not complain this time. He was not really in the mood to start bickering with the blonde. Noon arrived and soon, Yuri became hungry. Flynn looked over their work.
"We did a lot this morning," he said. Yuri stretched and yawned again.
"Good, because my stomach is telling me it's time to eat. Do... you want to stay for lunch?" Yuri proposed out of courtesy. He found it rude to throw someone out of his apartment when he was about to eat, even if it was Flynn.
The blonde seemed surprised by the offer. He was about to take Yuri up on his offer when his cell phone rang. Flynn picked it up and his expression darkened when he saw who was calling him. Oh. He forgot about that.
Yuri saw the change in Flynn's behaviour, but he did not question him. Flynn put his cell phone back in his pocket and began to gather his things.
"Sorry, but I have to go. Maybe another time?" he said, looking really sorry. Yuri shrugged his shoulders.
"It's your loss, I guess. You won't taste my delicious cooking again," he boasted with a grin.
Flynn was tempted to deny that he had liked it, but he recalled the delicious cake he ate and thought Yuri had every right to boast about his cooking. Flynn put his things in his bag and went to the door. His hand was on the doorknob and he was about to leave Yuri's apartment when he suddenly turned towards the other male, still sitting at the kitchen table.
"I'll see you Monday. Oh, and... that cake I ate the other day? Well, it was delicious," Flynn said and it was rewarded with a surprised look from Yuri.
Flynn left the apartment without another word. Once he left, a smirk appeared on Yuri's lips. Just as he thought; he really got Flynn addicted to his cooking.
The next week, Raven was pleased to see the rehearsals were going more smoothly. Flynn and Yuri were still bickering over many things, but there was less hate behind their arguments. Judith was also pleased, because she knew she was part of that reason. She made Yuri realize that he was not being fair to Flynn, always pushing him away harshly like that. Now, she and the other girls of the troupe were watching the scene unfold in front of their eyes with unhidden amusement.
"Why do we have to practice this? We just have to do it once in the real play!" Yuri protested against Raven's demand. For once, Flynn agreed with Yuri.
"He's right. Anyways, we have plenty of time to practice it later," Flynn added. Raven was displeased.
"Now, boys. The kissing scenes are really important in the play. This is where we can see the extent of the love of our two lovebirds. You will need practice to make your public believe it. Romeo and Juliet's love is so strong that they can't live without the other. You will have to make the public feel it and it won't happen overnight. It will take a lot of practice," the teacher told them.
Flynn's face flared up at what the teacher hinted. Yuri's cheeks reddened too, but it was less obvious.
"Whatever. You certainly won't make me kiss him right now," Yuri said stubbornly, folding his arms on his chest. Raven threw his arms in the air in an exasperated gesture.
"Fine! Don't do it! But you will have to eventually, believe me," the director said threateningly. Flynn and Yuri exchanged a relieved gaze at not having to do such an embarrassing scene. For now.
Raven called some other members of the troupe to practice the next scene. A disappointed expression appeared on Judith's face.
"Ohh. And I so wanted to see them kiss," she said with a saddened voice. Estelle turned to face Judith with a huge blush covering her cheeks.
"W-what?" she asked, not quite sure she heard right. Judith smiled slyly.
"Imagine it; there's no better fantasy but to see two handsome males like them kissing and making out. Don't you think so?" Now, Estelle's entire face turned bright red.
"Judith! They're our friends!" she protested, but Judith could see Estelle was indeed imagining the scene and did not seem to hate it.
"It doesn't matter. They're hot, and they would be even hotter together..." the blue haired girl said as her smile grew more devious.
Estelle did not know how to reply and her face was still beet red when Flynn and Yuri joined them. Yuri threw a curious look at the pink haired girl.
"Estelle? Are you okay? Your face is all red," he pointed out. Estelle shrieked and hid her face in her hands. Judith chose to answer in her place.
"It's nothing. We were just exchanging girl's secrets." As Judith said that, she kept looking strangely at both Yuri and Flynn.
The blond felt suddenly very uneasy as he did not like the look Judith was giving them. Yuri frowned.
"Why are you looking at us like that?" he blurted out, suspicious. Judith kept on smiling, but her smile turned sweeter.
"Oh, nothing," she answered. She thought to herself, "the fun is about to begin."
On Thursday, Flynn left the rehearsal room a little after Yuri. On his way home while he was walking past the residential area next to the school, he heard voices coming from an alleyway a few meters in front of him. Curious, Flynn walked in the direction where the voices were coming from. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the source of the commotion.
There, trapped against the wall of a house, was none other than Yuri Lowell. He was being cornered by three guys. Flynn recognized them. He had seen them at school. Flynn was pondering on whether he should intervene or not when Yuri spoke.
"Look, you better leave me the hell alone if you don't want to get hurt," he said in a threatening tone. The three guys laughed. One of them put a hand on the wall, right next to Yuri's head.
"You're playing hard to get now? That's not what we heard about you," he said in an amused tone. Yuri did not even flinch. His face did not betray any emotion. One of the other two guys made a step forward.
"We heard that you'd sleep with anyone who asked. We also heard that this pretty mouth of yours does wonders." This time, Yuri clenched his fists in anger, but he showed no other signs of annoyance.
"Come on, how about some fun with us?" the third one asked with excitement. This time, Yuri smirked.
"It's funny. I suppose you didn't hear about this rumour though, so I'll tell you. Did you know that every pathetic guy that tried to get into my pants got their ass handed to them?"
A fist flew towards Yuri's face and collided harshly with his jaw. Yuri's face flew to the side and he sagged against the wall.
"Not so tough now, bitch?" one of the guys seethed and he grabbed Yuri's wrist to straighten him up.
He never saw the strike coming at his face. Yuri's fist broke the guy's nose with a satisfying noise. The guy released him as he cried out in pain. The other two snapped out of their shocked states and lunged at Yuri.
However, one of them never made it. Yuri watched with wide eyes as a familiar blonde jumped into the fight. Yuri got over his surprise when the other guy was upon him. The black haired male avoided another fist coming at his face. Putting a hand behind the guy's head, he quickly and forcefully smashed his temple against the hard wall. The guy fell on the ground, knocked unconscious. Yuri was about to help Flynn with the other guy when he was violently pushed face first into the wall. His cheek was pressed uncomfortably against the wall as the guy with the broken nose kept his weight against Yuri, making him unable to move.
"Nice try, bitch. You'll pay for that," the guy seethed against Yuri's ear.
Yuri was about to retaliate, but a fist collided with the guy's face and he fell on the ground, knocked out cold. Yuri turned around to see Flynn standing next to him, massaging his fist. The guy Flynn was fighting earlier was lying unconscious on the ground. Flynn looked worriedly at Yuri.
"Are you okay?" he asked. Yuri snorted and pushed himself away from the wall.
"Thanks for the concern, but I don't need it," he said curtly. He did not know how much Flynn had seen, but it was surely long enough to understand what was going on.
Yuri took steps towards the alleyway's exit and he heard Flynn follow him.
"Yuri... what those guys said –" Flynn began, but Yuri interrupted him as he suddenly stopped walking and turned towards Flynn.
"What? You want to know if what they said is true? You want to know if I'm a filthy whore who fucks with everyone in school? Of course! It would give you another reason to hate me!" Yuri snapped and there was such pain and anger in his eyes that it destabilized Flynn.
It was the first time the blonde was seeing Yuri's real, genuine emotions. He did not know what to think of it.
"That's not what I'm saying! If it's not true, then say so! Don't let people believe these rumours!" Flynn replied earnestly. Yuri clenched his fists.
"Why do you care? You don't even know me, so just stay out of my business!" he spat out and walked away briskly, leaving a shocked Flynn behind.
When he recovered from his shock, Flynn left the alleyway too, not caring about the three guys in the back. They were not hurt badly enough for Flynn to call an ambulance.
As Flynn resumed his walk towards his house, his mind kept replaying the scene that just happened. He understood two things clearly; the first was that Yuri was probably never the one that instigated the fights he seemed to always get into; and two, this kind of situation seemed to affect him a lot. Flynn had often seen Yuri mad, most of the time at him. But this time, there was more to it. Flynn felt a deep pain coming from the other male. Somehow, it affected Flynn more than he wanted to admit. He understood that there was more to Yuri Lowell than what he was letting on, and that his arrogant attitude was just a facade to protect himself.
On Friday, Flynn had no classes in common with Yuri. The only times he could see him were during lunch time and at rehearsal. Flynn did not know how to act around the other male as he did not know if Yuri was still mad at him. He got his answer soon enough. When he joined the table where Judith, Estelle and Yuri were already seated, Flynn noticed an unopened lunch box was on the table at the place where he usually sat. Flynn threw a questioning look at Yuri. The latter pulled an indifferent expression.
"I made too much food yesterday, so I brought some for everyone," he said evasively.
Flynn saw that Judith and Estelle were indeed currently savouring some curry Yuri prepared.
"Oh, thanks," Flynn said as he took his seat.
He opened his lunchbox and stared at a paper that was placed on the top of the food. Sorry for yesterday. Flynn lifted his eyes to look at Yuri, who was stubbornly picking at his own food. A smile stretched the blonde's lips as he took the paper and put it in his pocket. He then took his first mouthful of curry.
Once again, there were no words to describe how delicious it was.
"It's really good," Flynn said to Yuri. The latter nodded in response, still poking stubbornly at his plate. Judith stole a glance at her two male friends and smiled amusedly.
Next Saturday, Flynn and Yuri set up a meeting to work on their assignment. This time, however, Flynn invited Yuri to his house. When Yuri arrived in front of Flynn's house, he almost whistled at the sheer size of it. It was not a house; it was a mansion. He was almost ashamed to enter such a place, but he still went to the front door and knocked.
Soon after, Flynn opened the door and stepped aside.
"Hi, Yuri. Come on in," he greeted him with a smile.
Yuri stepped inside and was greeted with a grand foyer filled with lavish paintings and extravagant decor. He looked around with wide eyes.
"Now I really feel poor," he commented. Flynn looked bothered by his comment.
"Yeah, it's a little exaggerated. I mean, we don't even use half of the rooms here. Anyway, let's go to the living room. Do you want something to drink?" he asked.
Yuri walked towards the living room where several comfortable-looking couches were placed.
"Just a glass of water," he answered as he dropped his schoolbag on the ground next to one of the couches.
He plopped down into it. They really were comfortable. As Flynn went to the kitchen to get Yuri and himself something to drink, Yuri's gaze was attracted to a notebook lying on the table in the middle of the living room. At a closer inspection, it looked more like a sketchbook. Yuri took it and opened it. His eyes were met by several drawings; drawings of sceneries, of people, animals... they were all beautifully detailed. The one who drew them was really talented. Even Yuri could tell that much.
When Flynn came to the living room with the drinks, he found Yuri deeply entranced in his sketchbook.
"What are you doing?" he blurted out with embarrassment. Yuri lifted his head and looked at Flynn.
"Is this yours?" he asked with curiosity. Flynn put the drinks down on the table and reached a hand towards the sketchbook.
"Yes. Now give it back to me," he asked and tried to get a hold of it, but Yuri was faster. He pulled the sketchbook out of his reach.
"Not right now. I haven't finished looking at it," the dark haired male said with amusement. He did not miss Flynn's displeased expression.
"Yuri, give it back to me," he ordered, but Yuri still did not obey. The blonde tried again to grab it, but Yuri pulled it away from his reach again.
A light of challenge appeared in Flynn's eyes and before Yuri could comprehend what was happening, Flynn lunged at him, almost getting the sketchbook. However, his attempt made the blonde male lose his balance and fall on Yuri. Flynn's weight made Yuri fall flat on his back on the couch, with the blonde on top of him. Flynn managed to push himself up to his elbows and he realized that he was still lying half on top of Yuri, their faces inches apart. He was too shocked to move as he stared at Yuri's smirking face.
"Okay, not that I'm complaining about the situation, but it is kind of awkward," Yuri pointed out with amusement.
Flynn blushed at Yuri's statement and quickly pulled away from him, sitting on the couch next to Yuri. The latter straightened back into a sitting position and did not comment on the blush still very visible on Flynn's cheeks. Yuri dropped the sketchbook on Flynn's lap.
"These are great. You're really talented," Yuri commented. Flynn looked at the dark haired boy and saw that he was being sincere. He was even more embarrassed.
"Uh... thanks. Want to get started?" he asked, changing the subject and trying to regain a normal color. Yuri sighed.
"I guess so," he answered, not really wanting to work. He was having fun right now.
They took out their things and began working. Once again, Flynn was impressed by how diligent Yuri could be when he wanted. In the end, it was not such a bad deal to be stuck doing the assignment with him.
Before both of them were aware of it, the clock struck twelve. Flynn put down his pencil and looked at Yuri.
"Are you hungry? I can call for some food," Flynn suggested. Yuri stood on his feet.
"Yeah. But I can cook something instead of ordering food. That is, if you don't mind me using your kitchen with my 'unworthy hands'," Yuri said, willingly referring to Flynn's text as Romeo in their play. Flynn chuckled despite himself.
"Go ahead. You sure it's okay? I mean, you're a guest here," he said.
"Yeah, no problem. I love cooking," Yuri answered as he went to the kitchen. He looked in the fridge and in the larder. He decided to do some Thai flavored scalloped veal.
As Yuri prepared lunch, Flynn decided to draw to pass the time. As he was debating on what to draw, Flynn's eyes unconsciously flickered over to Yuri, who was wearing a concentrated expression as he was cutting the vegetables. Flynn's gaze stayed on him for a long moment. Once it left the dark haired male, Flynn's hand began drawing on the blank page like it had a mind of its own. Flynn could not stop it, even if he wanted to. Once the inspiration struck, it would not go away. The blond stole many glances at the oblivious male currently busy making lunch, his hand never stopping. Once the initial draft was down, Flynn stopped looking at Yuri and concentrated in perfecting the lines.
Flynn was so focused on his drawing that he did not hear Yuri approach him.
"What are you drawing?" The voice resounding near him made Flynn jump and snap his sketchbook shut. He looked at Yuri and shrugged his shoulders.
"Nothing in particular," he answered ashamed of what he really was drawing. Yuri was still suspicious, but he decided to say nothing. He sat down on the couch next to Flynn.
"Anyway, lunch will be ready in about fifteen minutes," he said.
Flynn nodded. Yuri looked around the house again.
"Your parents aren't here?" he asked suddenly. It was Saturday; they should be home. Flynn's mood darkened slightly.
"No. They're working," he answered distantly.
Just by the way the blonde was reacting, Yuri guessed they were rarely at home. Flynn was surely more often alone than with them. Yuri felt a strange connection towards Flynn at the thought. He thought at first that Flynn's life was an easy one; riches, loving parents... He could see now that it was far from being the truth.
The silence that followed was awkward and Flynn wanted nothing more than to break it, so he said the first thing that came to mind.
"Yuri... you know, Thursday, with those guys, does –" Yuri did not let Flynn finish. He sighed and threw the other an annoyed look.
"Okay, what do you want to know exactly? Do you want to know if I'm into guys or if I've slept with half of the school?" Yuri asked harshly.
Flynn opened his mouth to talk, but Yuri did not let him speak.
"I'll answer both. I'm into guys, but I didn't sleep with half the school. In fact, I slept only with a quarter of it," he answered and the horrified look on Flynn's face made him chuckle. God, he was so gullible!
"That was a joke. I only slept with a few people, nothing alarming. The first part was true, though," he clarified.
Flynn was baffled. He barely knew Yuri and he just blurted out that he was into the same sex. Wasn't he afraid that people would react negatively? Flynn almost forgot that Yuri did not seem to care about many things.
Flynn finally regained his composure. "That was not what I wanted to ask. I wanted to know if what I saw in the alleyway happens often," he asked.
Yuri shrugged his shoulders. "I guess so. But I don't really care. It's a good way to release some frustration."
Flynn threw him a disapproving glance. "Yuri, if you just deny those rumors, you won't have to deal with it!"
Yuri smiled at Flynn, but it was strained. "You really think so? I think they'd just keep trying. No, let them think what they want," he answered.
Flynn wanted to argue, but he thought it was not his place to do so. He had no right to tell Yuri what to do.
Yuri suddenly leaned towards Flynn and smiled sleazily at the blonde male. Flynn did not like that look.
"What?" he asked cautiously.
"Since you know almost everything about my sex life, now it's your turn," Yuri said with curiosity. He was genuinely curious to know more about the ever so serious Flynn. The latter blushed furiously as he was taken aback by the question.
"Wh-why do you want to know that?" he stuttered. Yuri chuckled.
"Because it's only fair! Come on, tell me," he insisted. Flynn looked to the side, completely embarrassed.
"There's nothing really to say," he muttered under his breath, but Yuri heard him. A sly smile stretched across Yuri's lips.
"Don't tell me you're a virgin...," He expected Flynn's embarrassment to deepen. It did not. Flynn lowered his eyes.
"No, I'm not. I was with this one girl for almost two years," he said and his tone told Yuri that it was not a subject Flynn wanted to talk about. It must have been a painful break up, no matter how it happened.
It seemed Flynn was the kind of person that liked to engage himself emotionally in a relationship. They were different on that point. Yuri did not like to get involved with anyone. When he hooked up with someone, it was always purely physical. That way, he could prevent having his heart broken. A relationship was too much of a hassle. And it's also too painful.
Yuri decided not to pry into Flynn's business anymore. He leaned back against the couch and smiled amusedly.
"It's kind of funny. We barely know each other, but we know a great deal about each other's sex life," Yuri pointed out. Flynn pulled a small smile.
"You're right. Hey, that should count as 'getting to know each other', right?" the blonde proposed. Yuri contemplated Flynn's words for a moment.
"Yeah, but I don't feel like telling Raven that. He'll think we're screwing each other," he said. A few seconds of silence followed his words, after what, the two males chuckled together as they imagined the scene.
When Flynn managed to stop laughing, he regained his seriousness.
"Hey, Yuri. Did you notice that the girls have been acting strangely recently?" he asked the dark haired male. Yuri frowned.
"Yeah, I noticed. They keep looking at us strangely. Knowing Judy, I'm sure she's got something planned, but I don't know what," Yuri said with a thoughtful expression.
Flynn nodded in response. Silence filled the room again, and Flynn only noticed now that he rather liked this conversation with Yuri. They were able to get along sometimes, it seemed.
"We probably should get back to the assignment," Flynn proposed, even if he did not really feel like it. Yuri put his arms behind his head as he pulled a pouting face.
"Aw, man. I don't want to," he said and in that instant, Flynn thought Yuri looked like a child. The image made him smile.
"Okay. How about we work until lunch is ready, and we do something else after that? Unless you have something planned for the afternoon," Flynn proposed.
Yuri looked at him with genuine surprise. The workaholic Flynn was proposing something other than work? Yuri was not going to complain.
"Okay, that's fine with me," he answered with a small smile. They resumed working until the meal was ready.
When food was ready, they settled at the kitchen table to eat. Once again, Yuri's food was delicious. He was a real cordon bleu. Flynn was not ashamed to tell him that this time. Flynn found himself fascinated by the face Yuri pulled when he complimented him. He seemed bothered and pleased at the same time. It was an interesting sight.
"I won again," Flynn said teasingly with a smirk on his face. His eyes diverted a split second from the TV screen to look at Yuri's expression. The dark haired male was slowly growing frustrated.
"That stupid game..." Yuri muttered under his breath. Flynn's smirk grew wider.
"Still think you're going to kick my ass?" he taunted, which earned him a dark glare.
After dinner, Flynn proposed they played video games. Yuri agreed as he was a sucker for video games. Flynn then suggested they played Soul Calibur and Yuri was confident that he would beat Flynn. In any case, that was what he told the blonde. Now, Yuri was the one getting his ass kicked around. Flynn was way too good. He was currently destroying Yuri's character on screen with ease.
Flynn felt a wave of compassion towards the dark haired male.
"We can play something else, if you want," he suggested. Yuri shook his head.
"No way; not until I beat you," he said with frustration. Flynn raised an eyebrow.
"You're really stubborn. Well, suit yourself, but I don't think you'll ever beat me," he answered with amusement as his gaze never left the screen. A second later, Yuri's character fell under Flynn's strikes.
"And that makes twenty," Flynn commented with humor.
"Oh man! I was so close too!" Yuri whined at his defeat. His eyes then fell on the clock and he froze. "Is it really four thirty already?" he asked. Flynn followed his gaze.
"Yeah..." he said and was confused when he saw Yuri quickly rise to his feet and grab his bag.
"What's wrong?" Flynn asked, worried. Yuri stopped to look at him.
"Oh, uh... I'm late for work, so I have to go," he answered. Flynn nodded and felt a pang of disappointment.
He rose too and accompanied Yuri to the door. Once at the front door, the latter turned around to face Flynn.
"Hey, it was fun. Thanks for inviting me," Yuri said with a small smile. Flynn was surprised to hear him say those words. He smiled back.
"It was my pleasure. Thanks for the meal," Flynn replied.
Yuri waved it off and opened the door. He was halfway out when he turned once more towards Flynn. He hesitated for a minute, and then finally decided to go for it.
"There's... this pirates movie that's coming out in the theatres. I was supposed to go tomorrow night with Judy, but she found some lame excuse to let me down, and it's not really Estelle's kind of movies, so... I was wondering if you'd like to go," Yuri proposed, trying to sound indifferent, even though for some reason, he really wanted Flynn to accept.
Flynn was really surprised by Yuri's proposition. He wanted him to go to the movies with him? Somehow, the idea was pleasant. How strange. If Yuri had asked any day before today, Flynn would have declined. They had grown strangely closer during the day. There was something about Yuri that made the blonde male want to know more about him. Maybe it was because of Flynn's curious nature; he wanted to figure who Yuri Lowell was. In any case, he never felt that way before. It was not a surprise, considering Flynn's background. Having to constantly move away made him reluctant to get involved with other people. He always figured there was no point to it, since it would only hurt him in the end when he would be separated from his friends.
For all these reasons, he should have said no, but the thought did not cross his mind.
"Okay, I'll go with you," he answered with a smile. Yuri seemed happy, though he tried not to show it too much.
"Good. See you tomorrow," Yuri said before walking away from Flynn's house in a hurry.
Flynn closed the door with a faint smile on his lips. But as soon as he was alone in his house, his good mood was dampened by the silence that filled the house. Flynn went back into the living room and turned off the console and the TV. He let out a long sigh. He always felt a little depressed when he was alone in this big empty house. Flynn considered going outside when his eyes fell on his sketchbook. He took it and opened it to his unfinished sketch of Yuri.
A smile stretched the blonde's lips. He sat on the couch and resumed his drawing. He did not mind the silence so much now.
Flynn and Yuri left the movie theatre, chatting happily about the best parts of the movie.
".. and when he managed to free himself by climbing on top of the tree! Man, that was crazy!" Yuri said with a chuckle. Flynn laughed too.
"Yeah. That was a very good movie. Thanks for inviting me," Flynn said as they both stopped outside of the movie theatre's entrance.
"No problem. But hey, I'm sure you could have gotten away with a free pass. That girl at the entrance seemed to really like you," Yuri hinted with a smirk.
Flynn blushed embarrassedly as he buried his hands in his coat's pocket to protect them against the cold wind.
"That would not have been right. It would have been taking advantage of her," Flynn retorted. Yuri's grin grew wider.
"Oh, I'm sure she would have gladly let herself be abused, if it were you doing the abuse," he said and laughed at the frowning face of the blonde male.
"That's not funny, Yuri," he said, but his amused tone betrayed his words. Yuri still did not let go.
"Seriously though, you're a real Casanova. I can't even count how many girls had their eyes glued on you in there," the dark haired male commented.
"It makes me wonder; why aren't you dating anyone? I mean, I know you've just arrived, but still," Yuri asked, curious about that. He was sure that already many of the girls at school would date Flynn without a second thought.
Flynn's expression darkened. "I don't really want to talk about that, Yuri," he answered, and his tone held a cold edge in it. Yuri lifted an eyebrow.
"Okay, okay! Jeez, you don't have to use that tone, you know," he answered dryly. Flynn felt a pang of guilt for having talked that way to Yuri.
"Yuri –" he began, but was interrupted by an older guy walking towards them.
"Fancy meeting you here, Yuri!" the dark haired male turned towards the man that addressed him and his entire body stiffened when he recognized him.
"Hi. How are you?" he asked politely, and Flynn frowned at the complete change in character.
Yuri was not polite like that, never. The blonde stole a glance at the older man. He seemed to be in his thirties and he had a proper appearance. Flynn could not help but wonder how Yuri knew that man.
"Fine, thank you. I wanted to see you tonight. You weren't working?" he inquired.
Yuri seemed suddenly ill-at-ease. He stole a quick glance to Flynn.
"No, I took the night off," he answered, and it was clear from Yuri's entire body language that he would rather be anywhere else than here. The man put a hand behind Yuri's back.
"Then let me at least walk you home, to make up for the lost time," he offered gently. Yuri smiled in a strained way. His eyes met Flynn's confused ones.
"Uh, see you tomorrow, Flynn," he said. He did not wait for Flynn to answer as he walked away from him, accompanied by the older man.
Flynn could do nothing but stare at Yuri's retreating back. His mind tried to comprehend what just happened. That man talked about Yuri's job; Flynn guessed it was the job Yuri kept secret. Flynn did not know what it was about, but one thing was clear; he did not like the way that man talked and looked at Yuri. Flynn was worried. He took a few steps in the direction Yuri had taken as he wanted to make sure he would be okay, but after a few steps, he chastised himself. Yuri was a grown man. He could take care of himself. Flynn had seen it for himself. He also knew that Yuri would laugh at Flynn for worrying over him if the blonde came running to the dark haired boy's apartment.
Flynn hesitated for a few more seconds before turning around and walking in the opposite direction, towards his own house. However, the worry he felt for Yuri that settled in his gut never left him, even when Flynn was back at his house.
A/N: That's it for chapter two. Now I bet you're all curious to know about Yuri's second job, right? Well you'll know eventually. ^^
I'd like to receive your comments on this one too, it would really help me. I read them all with care and answer every last signed one.
I don't know if everyone caught on, but the movie Yuri and Flynn went to see was Pirates of the Caribbean 4. The scene depicted was the one when Jack manages to untie himself from the coconut tree. I found that scene hilarious XD
I don't know when chapter three will be out, but I'll do my best to update as soon as I can. ^^
So, until next time!
