Chapter Two
Neji paced the area of the lobby on the first floor of his residence hall nervously. After his conversation with Orochimaru, Neji had completed his homework in record time; only half caring for once in his life if his answers were truly correct; and had actually been ready for a long time, due to all his haste and nervous rush.
It was currently 7:26p.m and Orochimaru was due to pick him up any minute; the closer the time got to being the stated 7:30p.m, the more Neji felt his insides twist and knot in the most excruciating way. He was not sure what he had even agreed to- all he knew that it involved seeing Orochimaru again, so he was readily on board to go along with it.
Neji sighed for the umpteenth time as he surveyed the darkened street outside beyond the large, glass double doors of the entrance.
Nothing yet.
Neji felt like throwing up he was so panicky about going to a party with Orochimaru. Dozens of terrifying questions had been plaguing his mind ever since he had hung up his phone with the famous photographer, such as: What would it be like? What would he have to talk about with anyone? Were there going to be anyone around his age? And most importantly, was he dressed okay?
Utilizing the reflective glass from the doors once again, Neji checked himself out for a final time to make sure he still looked the same he did five minutes ago.
Neji was wearing the same black pants that he had worn for his photo shoot; as per Orochimaru's request, which still hung dangerously low on his lithe hips as well as hugged his ass and thighs quite remarkably. Being fresh out of white shirts, Neji had chosen to wear a dark blue, long sleeved silk shirt, which he kept the first couple of buttons undone, as well as with the cuffs so they may flap freely around his wrists.
Neji's favorite necklace was in place around his exposed neck; a small, simple, silver chain on which the end was a little, curvy, odd-looking leaf design.
To top of his look, as well as to add a little something extra, Neji had also decided for the special night to wear his hair up in a high ponytail with two, semi-thick strands hanging down on either side of his face.
Past his own reflection in the glass door, Neji suddenly spotted an unmistakable car stop on the street, right in front of the entrance; its Italian make and model, as sleek and magnificent as ever, roaring in all its tamed fury as it was forced to cease acceleration- like a wild animal being made to calm down.
Neji gave his pocket a quick pat to make sure his room key was still in there before bolting past the double doors; out into the blue-black of night; and up to the most flamboyant of chariots he could have every imagined- thoughts and anticipation of Orochimaru were at an all-time high from the abrupt arrival.
Orochimaru had watched Neji as he made his way down the paved path to his car; his golden eyes widening drastically at the totally alluring sight that was suddenly sitting right next to him before he had even blinked.
Orochimaru felt his groin tighten and become a bit uncomfortable as he was still dumbly staring at Neji; words not being able to come out of his mouth right away since his mind was instantly filled with too many thoughts of every, little thing that he wanted to do to him right then and there.
Everything about him positively dripped sex; the way his slender neck was exposed since his beautiful hair was pulled up; the way his shirt was just slightly opened at the top-giving Orochimaru just a teasing glimpse of Neji's perfect collarbone; the way that Neji's broad shoulders made his shirt be pulled taut across his chest and arms- inviting anyone who would look at him to know that he was as enticingly sculpted as a young, Greek god.
Orochimaru licked his dry lips and cleared his throat before speaking; clearly missing that Neji had said 'hello' to him when he was lost in his daze, "Hey, it's good seeing you again. You look really great, Neji. Are you ready to go?"
Orochimaru wanted desperately to have told him that he had missed him during these past two weeks, but did not dare mutter a word about it as he was not entirely sure that Neji would be too thrilled about hearing something so intimate like that.
"Thank you, "Neji blushed and gave small, shy smile, "You look very nice as well…and yes, I am ready."
Neji was a little more covert in the way he had checked out Orochimaru and his choice evening attire, as he had forced himself to say 'hello' immediately upon entering the automobile so Orochimaru would have to answer back, which allowed him time to gape.
Orochimaru had chosen to wear slim, black suit slacks with a white, long-sleeved shirt and a flat black vest over it; everything fitting him like a second skin by how it contoured to his specific shape so well. No jacket; just the business suit vest which perfectly accentuated his long, lean form and the broad planes of his chest and shoulders. As usual with all long-sleeved tops he wore, Orochimaru had rolled up his sleeves to his forearms…a habit.
The last thing Neji noticed about Orochimaru, was that, unlike the time he had met him, Orochimaru was wearing his hair down; leaving his raven's wing, midnight black hair to fall down his shoulders with a few strands brushed in front of his face; just taunting whomever looked at him with how almost artistic it looked against his alabaster skin.
Neji swallowed hard upon looking at something so gracefully sexy; his look was aristocratic in its own way, but with a hint of something darker. Neji loved it.
Orochimaru smiled at Neji's blush; loving it always, even though he was mentally picturing Neji without that silk shirt on; posing for him again in just those pants before crawling up to him on all fours, begging for his sex.
"Good. Well, I guess we should get going, then," Orochimaru managed to say even though he was fighting off a massive erection at the moment- he could still imagine how smoothly that shirt of his would just fall off his shoulders; revealing all that porcelain skin to him and his whims. He wanted to taste that skin so badly, it was almost unbearable, but he forced himself to calm down since he had to drive and hopefully get them there in one piece.
Throughout the drive, Neji was glued to watching everything that they sped by from his window. The solitary college student did not go downtown often, so the few times that he did, it always felt like he was there for the first time. Oddly-shaped skyscrapers and office buildings lined the wide, busy streets as they drove through the cluttered, hectic district; people on the sidewalks often gasping and ogling their ride.
Orochimaru had been stealing small, appreciative glances at Neji the entire drive; just watching as his companion was taking in all the sights and sounds that came with such a highly populated downtown area; where neon colors and shapes overlapped each other and was crammed into every nook and cranny for the many streetwalkers to be distracted, captivating by.
One particular time Orochimaru looked over at Neji, he caught his pale-eyed beauty sudden sigh miserably, the smile that was once there turning into a sorrowful frown.
"What's wrong?" Orochimaru suddenly found himself asking- the thought immediately registering that he did not ever ask anyone else what was wrong.
"Oh, nothing…I just…."Neji trailed off, as if searching for the best way to accurately describe what he was feeling, "I just see these office buildings, and I can't help but wonder…is that all I'm destined for? To slave away in some corporate office like everyone else- never knowing anything else besides what's within my own, four walls?"
The tone with which Neji spoke troubled Orochimaru- it was so sad, mournful. Orochimaru swallowed the lump that had mysteriously formed in the back of his throat, as he was not entirely sure what to say to the disheartened boy. It did seem terrible, what Neji had described, but Orochimaru knew that if he had it his way, Neji would not ever have to worry about work again.
"That's not all you're destined for, Neji," Orochimaru suddenly blurted out before he could think twice; "…you should not have to be caged up like that."
At that, Neji cast a surprised yet thankful gaze at Orochimaru's profile; his expression changing to that of gratefulness as he smiled.
"Thank you, Orochimaru," Neji said a little shyly as he blushed hotly again.
"Anytime," Orochimaru regarded Neji truthfully, "It looks like we're here."
Neji's eyes were instantly peering out of his window again as they slowly maneuvered around the semi-circle which directed special guests up to the red carpet walkway in front of the large, white-brick hotel.
Neji was in a little bit of shock from all the ritzy-ness that was definitely in full swing for their party, as red uniform-wearing doormen eagerly ran up to Orochimaru's car upon him parking at the front for valet service at an escort.
Before Neji knew entirely what was happening, he was being helped out of the Lambo by a hotel employee and Orochimaru was instantly at his side, smiling and gesturing with his hand for him to follow his lead.
The pair of them proceeded up the red carpet and into the lavish hotel that Neji had not even heard of, the Conrad; Orochimaru smiling at the other well-dressed guests making their way past the glass and gold double doors while Neji was pretty sure his mouth was open as he just gaped at the situation.
Once inside, Neji's mind was instantly in overdrive as he was surrounded by red, cream, and gold décor everywhere; the color scheme of the large rugs, and long drapes that hung from the inner second story level above them, while spotless , golden lamps illuminated the way around the lobby; adding a pure white to all the royal-eqsue texture and taste.
"Like it?" Orochimaru suddenly chimed with a smile and a chuckle from Neji's side.
"…yep," Neji muttered, his mind elsewhere.
Orochimaru laughed before extending his elbow gentlemanly for Neji to take, "Then you are really going to love where the party is being held…"
Neji quickly looped his arm in Orochimaru's so he may be guided and 'claimed' so he did not feel so vulnerable and exposed.
Orochimaru, with Neji in tow now, led them to the gold and white elevator and pushed the 'up' botton; Neji not thinking too much at it at the time…he was too busy feeling worlds more comfortable now that Orochimaru had his arm securely around his own.
Once the unnecessarily huge elevator 'ding'ed and opened up, the two men stepped inside; Neji could not help but notice that Orochimaru pushed the button for the top floor with this free hand.
Arms still locked, the two rose through the floors in perfect silence before Neji decided to ask a question; figuring talking would help calm his nerves.
"So, the uh…the top floor, huh?" Neji said lightheartedly as he scratched the side of his neck with the hand not being occupied by Orochimaru.
The photographer recognized that move- Neji only did it when he was nervous.
Orochimaru smiled and cocked his head to the side cutely before saying playfully, "Not quite. You'll see soon enough, though."
One of Neji's gracefully arched eyebrows rose in confusion, but was immediately dropped upon hearing the elevator chime their arrival.
Orochimaru courteously escorted Neji out and then proceeded to the case of stairs that service men used; not even batting an eye as he began ascending them.
Neji followed obediently, but could not help but say aloud in all his wonderment, "We're going on the roof?!"
Orochimaru stopped briefly at the top of the grey, metal stairs, right in front of the heavy, steel door, and smirked wickedly down at a wide-eyed Neji still clinging to his arm.
No words were said in reply as his smirk had given Neji all the answer he needed before the door was pushed open; Neji's field of vision suddenly engulfed by tons of gorgeous people, elbow to elbow and dancing around the illuminated red-square dance floor that was built into the rooftop.
Those who were not dancing amongst the tightly packed crowd were hanging out in groups of two or three with brightly colored drinks in the hands; laughs and chatter mixed in with music was all that could be heard on top of the large roof that immersed everyone to the slight chill of the towering night sky. The red of the dance floor, some other, white lights here and there, and the silvery glow from the moon overhead were the only things illuminating the lively scene that Neji was suddenly apart of; the colors spotting against the blue velvet of the night quite majestically.
Neji gulped as Orochimaru led him right along through the crowds of people and up to one of the set-up bars that were present at the rear of the party; countless, sparkling glasses and bottles of all kinds of colors and alcohol littered the area on top of and around the bars. Handsome male bartenders eagerly prepared the most elaborate of drinks for their guests; concocting bright green, pink, red, and dark blue mixed drinks- the kind of drinks that taste like candy but strong enough to render a person next to immobile for the next fifteen hours.
Neji could only guess what was in those drinks everyone was sipping; probably the most expensive liquors that he had would never be able to afford.
Hard, fast, techno music blared from large, mega-watt speakers that were set up strategically around the four corners of the entire perimeter- making everyone dancing look like one living, breathing creature that could not be kept steady for one second- they just had to keep up with the music as well as everyone else in their thrive for escape.
Neji was entranced by all the high-class activities going on all around him; everything the men and women were wearing positively screamed the fact that they all had that kind of money to blow on the most unconventional and expensive clothing, the service of the finest alcohols was not to be taken lightly; the entire event was just a glamorous spectacle to the rather simple-minded college student.
During Neji's moment of being completely awestruck at everything, Orochimaru had already ordered them a couple of neon green drinks, which he handed Neji his once it was prepared.
Neji somewhat came back to earth once he had a cool drink in his hand, but eyed the glowing green liquid curiously before raising his head to Orochimaru and asking, "What is it?"
"A Bullfrog," Orochimaru offered plainly, "try it." He sipped his own.
Seeing Orochimaru sip it without any horrible retaliation that strong liquor often begets its drinkers, Neji lifted his drink to his lips and took a small, careful sip.
"Sweethearts, it tastes just like Sweethearts!" Neji praised loudly so Orochimaru could hear him over the music and bustling; an approving smile on his face before he took another, bigger sip of his drink.
Orochimaru smiled and nodded his amused agreement to his companion before taking another drink of his own.
Within no time at all, as the Bullfrog was quite easy to drink, Neji had finished his before Orochimaru was half way through with his own; already ordering another one from the bartender behind him.
Tearing his gaze away from Neji for a moment to survey the crowd, Orochimaru spotted a few people, men and women alike, casually staring at Neji as he was leaning over the bar to speak with the bartender.
Orochimaru grimaced at the others; firmly deciding with himself that should anyone touch Neji tonight, he was going to throw them off the roof. That would teach them for laying their filthy, unworthy hands on his most precious person.
Also catching his attention, he suddenly saw a few of his employees walking up to him from the around the dancing mob.
The tall, handsome male dressed similarly to Neji, with short, silver hair and purple lipstick was Sakon- one if his set design coordinators; and the female, Tayuya, was one of the make-up artists with long, red hair, and was currently wearing a small, strapless black dress that would make even the most scandalous of people blush.
As soon as the pair approached, they politely said 'hello' to Orochimaru and Neji, who was already finishing his second drink of the night, and proceeded to chat quite casually, but carefully with their employer…mostly about the next shoot which was scheduled to take place a few days.
"I'm going to go dance," Neji suddenly purred into Orochimaru's ear, causing him to shiver from such a startlingly close proximity.
Before he could say anything to his tipsy, pale-eyed angel that looked like he could seduce the most adamant of holy men, Neji was already walking away from him and toward the crowded dance floor- another drink, this one bright blue, in hand.
Orochimaru knew that Sakon and Tayuya were speaking to him, and that it probably was about something important, but he could not concentrate on what they were saying…he was too busy watching Neji swing his hips and raise his hands over his head to the music.
Neji was surrounded closely the minute he even approached the dance floor; almost like he was immediately initiated with the 'dancers' of the party as nicely dressed people starting pulling him close and pressing their bodies together as they moved.
Neji let himself get pulled by whoever wanted to dance next to him as much as they pleased while he only concerned himself with provocatively swaying his body with the entrancing beats and rhythms of the loud music; pausing only briefly from time to time to sip more of his mixed drink.
Orochimaru felt everything else going on around him just sort of fade to a dull nothingness as his eyes were glued to the delicious view about twenty feet away from him- Neji practically letting the music make love to him as he worked his body much like that of a coiling snake as he tilted his head back, his luscious lips parted to receive more air, and arched his back gracefully.
Again, Neji downed the last of his drink; licking his tantalizing lips after he had lowered the empty glass from his mouth; and proceeded to dance even more rigorously; blending in perfectly with everyone else as he got pulled deeper and deeper towards the middle of the mob; obscuring Orochimuru's view a bit.
However, Orochimaru was able to clearly see some man in a red, long sleeved shirt and short, blonde, spiky hair suddenly walk right up to a still dancing Neji with two, pink drinks in his hands; little umbrellas decorating the tops.
Orochimaru's eyes widened as a sort of freezing shock rippled through him as he just stood and watched the tall, handsome blonde hand Neji one of those drinks, clink it against it own glass in 'cheers', and both of them tip the drinks back.
While the red-clad new-comer only took a hearty gulp of his drink, Neji practically inhaled his own, completely finishing it in one breath…which made the blonde smile and instantly take away and set aside his glass.
The moment Orochimaru saw the red-wearing bastard wrap his arms around Neji from behind and tuck his head low, no doubt to whisper something in Neji's ear, Orochimaru felt his shock turn to an outrageous, blinding rage; red-hot anger tunneling his vision and making his teeth unconsciously grit together.
In the next instant, Orochimaru was pushing and shoving his way through the thick mob of people standing between him and Neji- his anger hitting an all-time high once he saw the brute's smile grow even wider as Neji's eyebrows knit together in distress and tried to pry the man's arms off of him, but to no avail as the man kept squeezing him.
Before allowing himself any time to calm down and collect his thoughts, Orochimaru was suddenly right up in the man's tanned face, glaring daggers of ice at him while he violently tore his arms off from around Neji.
Upon being released, Neji quickly ducked behind Orochimaru, lightly taking hold of the back of his vest with shaking hands.
"Hey! What's your prob…" was all the red-shirted man could get out before Orochimaru swiftly threw a strong right hook at him; hitting him square in his nose which instantly starting oozing blood as the blonde staggered back from the impact.
Neji's hazed eyes widened upon seeing Orochimaru just knock the man on his ass without even so much as a word; his grip on Orochimaru's vest became a little tighter; prompting Orochimaru to slowly turn around to face his beautiful muse.
Despite everyone else at the party only stopping their activities for a brief moment to cast a half-interested eye to the scene, things were back to normal in no time- the rich and famous too caught up in their own worlds to truly care about what was happening to the others.
Neji peered up at Orochimaru, noticing how his unique, golden eyes had softened greatly as they now were a little down-turned, as if apologetically and concerned.
"Let's get out of here," Orochimaru said plainly before gently taking hold of Neji's hand and leading him off the dance floor and towards the door that they had came in from.
Neji had to lean heavily on Orochimaru as the descended the stairs; one of his arms finding its way over Orochimaru's shoulders as the black-haired man held onto him to prevent him from falling.
Once the pair had safely made it down the stairs and was once again in the hotel's elevator going down, Neji was comfortably leaning against Orochimaru's chest; burying his face in the smooth fabric of his clothes while one hand gingerly clutched at the material while the other one was kept flat against Orochimaru's chest.
The moment that Neji had sloppily pressed his body up against Orochimaru's; possibly for support; the photographer had wrapped his arms around Neji is loose, low hug where he rested his wrists on Neji's hips and folded his hands together-every bit appreciative of having Neji this close to him.
Neji breathed in Orochimaru's scent; noticing how he smelled of a light, sweet cinnamon that tickled his nose and placed pleasant recollections in his somewhat jumbled mind.
Neji was not entirely drunk; one more drink, and at the rate that he had been drinking them; would have ensured a complete state of inebriation for Neji, but that was not the case.
Orochimaru was positively melting from having Neji nuzzling even further against him; practically adhering his smaller body to Orochimaru's longer, taller, leaner one- making the photographer notice how great it felt to have those solid planes of muscle and flesh against his own body.
Orochimaru could not help but look down at the pure, gorgeous man in his arms, clinging to him, loving his presence, before he freed a hand from around Neji's back and brought it between them to carefully tilt Neji's head up to face him.
Half-lidded, lavender crystal eyes looked up to meet gentle, golden orbs and a small, worried smile.
"Are you alright, Neji?" Orochimaru asked quietly, genuinely concerned about the young, college student that still had one of his hands lightly fisted in the front if his black vest.
"Yes…just a little drunk- that's all," Neji explained softly but solidly to his older, dark-haired companion; instantly making them both smile at each other; at the situation.
Orochimaru; feeling a bit braver from now knowing that Neji was not completely smashed and was still acting like this towards him; lightly ran his hand that was holding Neji's chin across his cheek and raked his fingers through that long, coffee-brown mane; brushing it back away from his face.
"Good," Orochimaru said solemnly; his answer also meaning that he was glad that Neji was not harmed by that other man, "…and I'm sorry about what happened."
Orochimaru could not help but feel guilty about Neji's unpleasant encounter with that man- coming to the party was his idea in the first place. He never wanted to see that panicked, desperate expression on Neji's angelic face again.
Neji's lowered eyes immediately shot back up to search Orochimaru's gaze- Orochimaru's face expressing his mental self-reprimanding while Neji's only showed surprise at his apology.
"It's okay- it wasn't your fault…in fact," Neji said as he laid his head back down on Orochimaru's chest, "…I really appreciate what you did for me."
Before Orochimaru could say anything else on the matter, the elevator 'ding'ed once more, signaling their arrival on the ground floor.
Neji reluctantly pulled away from Orochimaru so he could stand next to him as they walked out of the elevator and into the main lobby again; the hotel employees careful not to look at them for too long, as they knew it could mean their jobs with the right complaints from the right people.
Protectively, affectionately, Orochimaru kept his hands on Neji's shoulders as they walked side-by-side towards the golden and glass doorway; a valet had already left to fetch his Lamborghini Diablo SV for him upon seeing Orochimaru step out of the elevator.
The Italian car growled to a stop right in front of their path just as the two approached the street, feeling the drastically chilly air as they were not part of some close-knit crowd anymore; the nervous valet hastily getting out of the vehicle and out of Orochimaru's way as they passed each other.
Neji got inside Orochimaru's car surprisingly easily and without any help, and sighed in relief once he was comfortable in the soft, black leather of the bucket seat- his entire body just lying lax with his head fully back against the small headrest. He looked like he could go to sleep right then and there.
Orochimaru sat down next to him and looked over the sprawled-out form sitting in his passenger seat as he placed both hands on the steering wheel; fully intent on getting the both of them far away from there and fast. At the moment, however, he was simply content on watching Neji breathe; the gentle rises and dips of his chest as Neji's face looked so serene and peaceful with his eyes closed and lips parted only a tiny bit.
Quirking up his lips in a half-smirk at such a soul-calming view; almost like watching an angel sleep; Orochimaru then focused his eyes on his task and pulled his car out on the city street to head home.
Orochimaru did not live too far from the hotel they had been at, as his penthouse suite was located downtown as well, and he did, much to his personal fancy; recognize that Neji could possible need some looking-after tonight with the way he was so easily out of it.
The downtown atmosphere had darkened down since the last time they had driven through it; as it was much later now, which meant that many lights from signs and neon were no longer there. Only few people were still on the streets, scattered here and there as they walked leisurely, as opposed to how frantic and rushed the packs of people had moved about earlier. The drive from the Conrad to Orochimaru's home was actually quite refreshing and peaceful, with the only noises currently being the marvelous purrs from his baby's powerful engine as they glided through the area.
Suddenly, Orochimaru glanced over at Neji upon hearing his angel stir a bit before sitting upright in his seat and rubbing the back of his hand over his eyes- beautiful eyes that were searching the passing scenery for anything familiar.
"Feeling any better?" Orochimaru asked with a bit of an amused smirk at his groggy, sobering companion.
Neji brought the same hand up to scratch the back of his neck before raising it even higher to pull out his hair tie from his hair; dark brown tresses instantly cascading down his back and shoulders and curtaining his face from Orochimaru's view.
"Yes, thank you. I don't feel so…detached anymore, "Neji reported dryly as he combed his hair with his fingers for a moment; setting his long mane back in place to frame around his face, instead of all over the place, and drop neatly down his back.
Neji purposefully did not ask where they were going, as he already could guess that they were heading to Orochimaru's home- the utter decadence of the surrounding downtown area clearly pointing out to Neji that they were no where near his old-fashioned-type campus.
Surprisingly, Neji was absolutely fine with going to Orochimaru's; as he was rather curious to see where and how the glamorous man lived…as well as curious about what might become of them spending more time together at his abode.
After a few more minutes of coasting through the bleak night, Neji felt the car slowly come to stop; a semi-comfortable silence still remaining between the two, but Neji knew that they had arrived.
Orochimaru spared Neji a solid glance before exiting his vehicle; the look telling Neji to stay put until Orochimaru could help him out of his seat- so Neji did just that and waited until Orochimaru walked around to his side, opened the door for him and held out an extended, thoughtful hand.
Neji took it instantly and was carefully lifted out of the low-riding, lavish automobile; fingers interlacing with one another as soon as both were standing upright and ready to head into the white-stoned, multiple-story hotel that had almost Roman-looking pillars lined up in the front.
This hotel looked a little similar to the Conrad; in terms of size and expanse, but differed by having a more modern feel and tone to it; with bold color schemes and artwork everywhere; opposed to the Conrad's almost majestic, gold-laden, ballroom sort of feel.
The walls were kept white, with only a few, strategically colored walls of red, peach, and an off-yellow to add a blatant mesh of solid color to draw attention and ambience, which made Neji feel like he was actually in one of the contemporary pieces of art decorated the lobby area.
Within moments, the two had crossed the lobby; Orochimaru not even bothering to ask the employees at the front desk if he had any messages; and were, once again, going all the way up to the top floor- reserved only for the penthouse suite- by means of elevator.
The soft hum of the elevator was soothing to the two who both felt like they had escaped an entirely other world to be together such as they were; as they continued to hold hands without even truly recognizing it.
"This place is nice," Neji commented about Orochimaru's place of residence; the low sound of his voice somewhat bringing them both back to earth.
"Fitting for a photographer, don't you think?" Orochimaru joked lightheartedly; instantly feeling any remaining tension left in him dissipate upon seeing Neji smile from his reply.
"It does fit you, Orochimaru," Neji agreed solidly, cocking his head to the side slightly to cast his warm smile and gaze on Orochimaru.
Orochimaru felt his heart give a little jump inside his chest upon seeing Neji smile so invitingly at him like that. Again, he loved it, because, again, it was so unbelievably new to him, as all the other men and women he had slept with had purely been due to a temporary physical attraction and nothing more. With Neji, however, Orochimaru could feel his pulse quicken just from seeing the stunning, handsome boy just smile at him.
The elevator opened it doors upon reading the top floor; the two quickly stepping out of the large, just as artsy space to make their way down the white-walled, scarcely-lit hallway that sported just as many paintings; of all kinds of eras and styles; as the lobby downstairs.
Orochimaru watched, amused, as Neji almost broke off their handhold multiple times from speeding up a little to stare at some of the paintings, or from lagging behind to continue doing so.
Orochimaru chuckled softly to himself upon realizing that Neji was just as fascinated by all the surrounding art as he was; which just so happened to have been the key factor in Orochimaru's decision in choosing this place as his home- the Sofitel Metropole.
With a routine flick of his wrist, Orochimaru's keycard was swiped by the mechanized door lock on the left of the two, double doors to his penthouse.
The red light turned green; signaling that it had been unlocked; and Orochimaru twisted one of the long, curvy, French doorhandles to open the door to his home.
The whole time, Neji had been holding his breath; his nerves somewhat overriding his drink-induced haze as he stood obediently by Orochimaru's side while the door was opened for him.
Once the door was fully pulled open, Neji slowly, cautiously walked into the penthouse; immediately feeling blown away just by how spacious it truly was- he would have never guessed it from the outside.
Pristine, white walls on either side of him gave way to the huge, open area in the middle; lowered from the few steps up the doorway spot; that was occupied by a black, suade couch and loveseat, a gigantic television in front of the furniture, and white pillars everywhere.
Neji blinked and refocused his vision beyond the lowered level that could be called Orochimaru's living room; as there were huge, sliding glass doors that led out to the balcony that overlooked the downtown area.
This place was magificent.
"Just make yourself at home, Neji," Orochimaru suddenly said from next to Neji; gently letting go of the younger man's hand so he could take off his shoes.
Feeling his fingers being let go, Neji quickly followed suit and kicked off his own shoes by the door and walked behind Orochimaru as the black-haired photographer casually made a left after descending the steps.
Neji purposefully walked slower than Orochimaru to take in all the calming, open atmosphere that the penthouse allowed, as well as the few, real-life photo pictures hung on the smooth walls.
Most were black and grey; of nature, buildings, models; but then there were some that were in the most brilliant of color- totally obscure images and nonsensical things that were decorated in the most eye-catching of hues and combinations. Neji felt like he would have to stare at them for hours until he had finally recognized everything about them.
"Do you want anything to eat or drink perhaps? No alcohol, though," Orochimaru said from his enclosed kitchen that featured a small snack bar and island to boot.
Contrasting greatly to the overall whiteness of the residence, things around the kitchen were mostly black, such as appliances, tabletops and kitchenware. Neji was quite impressed- it looked like a lot of time and patience went into customizing this place.
Neji chuckled at Orochimaru's ban of any more alcohol as he took a seat on one of the barstools, "Oh, I don't think you have to worry about me drinking any more liquor tonight, Oro."
Neji suddenly gasped and placed a hand over his mouth- embarrassed and a little worried about having given Orochimaru an affectionate nickname like that.
Orochimaru secretly blushed once he heard Neji call him 'Oro', but hid it well as he pulled a hand through his long, mindight tresses and replied honestly, cheerfully, "So I'm 'Oro' now, eh? I think I like it…but only from you."
That made Neji blush, and he did not hide it well as his hand came up to scratch the side of his neck- Orochimaru's eyes becoming intense, demanding.
Orochimaru smiled and leaned a little more over the counter to repeat his earlier offer to the beautiful, blushing boy.
"So, what'll it be? I can make you some coffee if you'd like, or would you prefer something else?" Orochimaru practically purred his statements, enjoying Neji's heated, adorable blush that tinted his cheeks.
"Um, coffee's fine. Thank you," Neji replied, his voice wavering a bit from being feeling a bit 'under the microscope.'
Orochimaru offered another warm, playful smile before turning around and preparing coffee for the both of them- Neji feeling a bit relieved to be granted a break from such a gripping gaze that was Orochimaru's eyes on him.
As the rich, musky smell of brewing coffee suddenly filled the room, Neji suddenly felt the need to comment on the house…how could he not, with the way it looked.
"Your place is amazing. It's so..." Neji inhaled some air through his nose as he searched for the right words- only one seeming to perfectly fit, "free."
Neji looked over his shoulder at the spacious penthouse; noting how big the balcony truly was; how grand all the opened-up rooms were, as on the other side of the middle living room was a large corridor that led to the bedroom and bathrooms- all of it in plain sight from across the distance.
"I thought so, too. So, now here I am," Orochimaru regarded Neji's comment as he turned back around to face the pale-eyed man with two, steaming mugs of coffee in his hands; placing one in front of his guest.
"Thanks…Oro," Neji could not help but add Orochimaru's new nickname, as he was feeling a bit...playful; be it the last of the alcohol coursing through his system or otherwise.
Orochimaru smirked and simply nodded as he sipped from his own mug; just enjoying the view of Neji in his house, sitting across from himat his bar, sipping his coffee, and having his company.
It reminded Orochimaru of the first time they met back at the college coffee shop…when he saw Neji with a muffin in his mouth.
Orochimaru almost blurbed into his coffee from holding back a laugh at the memory.
"So, I was wondering something…"Orochimaru mentioned after a little while of the two of them just drinkng their coffee in a laid-back silence.
Neji's barely tinted orbs were instantly searching his upon such a break in the confortable, understood silence.
"What is it?" Neji inquired before taking another, quick sip.
"I was wondering…if you would come to Tokyo with me," Orochimaru said upon remembering that the business trip was scheduled in a few days. He would absolutely love it if Neji could come with him.
"What? Tokyo?! What do you mean?" Neji blurted, clearly taken off-guard by such a topic of conversation.
"My team and I are scheduled to have another photo shoot in Tokyo in a couple of days," Orochimaru explained calmly to the panicking boy, "I really want you to come with me."
That same hand came up again to scratch the side of his neck as Neji racked his brain to try to understand the situation and come up with a reply.
Orochimaru suddenly set his mug down and folded his arms across the table; his face dead serious as he looked upon Neji. Though his stomach had knotted a bit from not receiving a definite 'yes' right away from Neji, Orochimaru knew what he needed to say- what Neji needed to hear from someone in his life.
"Do you remember what I told you when you told me about how you were worried about rotting away in some office the rest of your life? I told you that you weren't meant for that; you are not one to be caged up. I want you to come to Tokyo with me because I want you to break free of that kind of life," Orochimaru boldly stated, not an ounce of uncertainty in his velvety voice that seemed to reverberate throughout the room.
Neji had stopped drinking his coffee and was just cupping the mug in his hands on the table as he stared at Orochimaru; his mind in a numb overdrive from hearing such words being spoken to him; words of change and difference- all of it from his heart.
"I saw your eyes change when I took those pictures of you, Neji;" Orochimaru continued upon noticing that Neji was not able to speak yet, "You enjoyed it- what you were doing and what was going on. You have so much more to offer, so much more that you could do…and…I want to help you do all of them."
Neji's heart was fluttering wildly inside his heaving chest; thick tears welling up in his eyes as his hands slightly shook against the warm ceramic of his coffee mug. His restrained sobs left his throat feeling clogged and sore, and he knew he could not answer back even if he wanted to.
With that in mind, Neji abruptly stood up from his barstool; the action instantly catching Orochimaru's undivided attention.
Orochimaru initially thought Neji was going to make a mad dash for the door, but in an almost heavenly display, his worries were shattered as Neji quickly rounded the edge of the bar and wrapped his arms around Orochimaru's neck.
Neji could not hold back his tears any longer as he sobbed into Orochimaru's shoulder- the black-haired man carefully standing to his full height to properly hug his weeping angel; the situation saddening and yet humbling him at the same time.
"I'll do it, Oro," Neji managed to say despite the heavy sobs that racked his smaller frame, "I'll go with you."
Orochimaru felt overwhelming, red hot pride and happiness fill his entire being before squeezing Neji tighter against himself, cooeing soft murmurs of how everything will be alright in Neji's hair as he ran his hands up and down Neji's back soothingly.
Neji's hold on him loosened after a moment as his sobs had died down to almost nothing- Orochimaru immediately recognizing that Neji had calmed down, so he released Neji from his embrace and brought both his hands up to gently hold the sides of Neji's face.
Neji sniffed cutely as he looked up at Orochimaru's smiling face and slowly closed his eyes as he felt Orochimaru lightly ran the pads of his thumbs over his cheekbones to wipe away his drying tears.
Overcome with the display of raw emotion from Neji; as Orochimaru figured that no one had ever said those kinds of things to Neji before; Orochimaru kept his hands on Neji's cheeks as he dipped his own head down to place a soft, yet firm kiss to Neji's forehead- the kind of kiss that told Neji that Orochimaru geniunely cared for him.
Neji sighed out the air he had been holding as he welcomed the sugary sweet, adoring attention from Orochimaru- his earlier words still sending shockwaves through his soul as he now felt his body become heavier and lighter at the same time with contentness and a sort of fatigue.
Against Neji's forehead, Orochimaru barely brushed his soft lips against Neji's skin as he whispered somberly, "You have no idea how happy you've just made me."
Author's Note: More on the way. Stay tuned, sports fans! …sorry that was so lame.