A/N: Hi all! Thanks to all who reviewed! Very much appreciated AND gives me motivation! I meant to post this earlier but looking at it more closely I find that I didn't like the original structure. SO I had to rewrite this chapter anew and will probably do so with the other chapters I already finished! So here I thought I was being clever by getting all the installments done early only to find I'm unhappy with it. Sheesh. Anyway, Enjoy!
Nine days earlier
Tsuzuki stumbled into the bedroom sighing wearily and yanked at his tie.
What a day. Another tedious day at the workplace. This time Tatsumi was on an absolute rampage about the accounts being in order and adding up to the penny. Tsuzuki had submitted his paperwork as early as he could, his columns as neat as he could manage and yet it still didn't satisfy the secretary. And when the brunette had suggested that he could round up to the nearest tenth. My gosh, you'd think Tsuzuki suggested to burn the books in a ritualistic bonfire the way Tatsumi reacted. Tsuzuki had never seen Tatsumi's face turn that many shades of red before. It would have been quite funny otherwise, but, wisely, Tsuzuki refrained from giving in to his mirth. Tatsumi wouldn't have appreciated that!
Well, he was home now. The best part of the day as far as he was concerned. Already plans were forming about what to do with the evening. And some were a bit naughty. That seemed to be happening more and more Tsuzuki discovered. His desires and his eagerness to act on those desires were a bit of a surprise to him of late being such the shy creature he usually was. Hard to believe a little less than a year had passed and he often found himself fantasizing about the many different and interesting positions and ways to seduce his lover were bombarding his mind.
Tsuzuki smiled as he shrugged off his black trench and suit jacket.
Yes. He was definitely becoming more shameless. Right now he imagined he and his pale lover sitting in front of the fireplace, Muraki reading to him in that sexy, husky, deep register of his and Tsuzuki nibbling the pale cheek then moving on to the long throat, biting that arresting Adam's apple.
The brunette closed his eyes and halted any more images that were just on the brink of his mind's eye. He didn't have time to indulge in that just now. Right now, he had to finish dressing and build that fire and cook a fabulous dinner.
In the process of pulling a warm turtleneck over his head, he stopped midway. His stomach rumbled loudly, breaking the calm, in protest at being kept waiting for nourishment as it's been over four hours since its last meal, meager though it was. Sighing loudly, Tsuzuki huffed in annoyance and tugged the sweater completely down. Well, so much for a leisurely evening of wining and dining. His stomach just refused to wait. A sudden inspiration struck him and he smiled a bit smugly for thinking of it.
"Kazutaka! Watari recommended a cafe that serves wonderful steaks and we haven't had steak in a long time! How does that sound?"
He listened for a moment his stomach the only noise in the room and hearing no answer ventured out to the living room. He ruffled his dark hair into some sense of order and tried again.
"Kazutaka?"
Muraki stood next to the book shelf and frowned over the thick book he held in his hands. He, too, had a most trying day at the hospital. A new case had been sent to him and one that proved to be quite a challenge. The thick file that had arrived that morning was packed with other physicians offering what they thought could be the cause of the patient's symptoms and now Muraki was asked for his medical opinion. He had a strong hunch of what the diagnosis could be after reading the patient's history and decided to read more on the subject.
His plan for this evening was to collect more data, pore over more of his vast collection of medical periodicals and take meticulous notes for tomorrow's meeting. He was sure he had hit upon the right track.
Sitting down in the leather armchair, he balanced the large volume on his thighs and, with pen in hand, jotted a few lines in his notebook. He was so absorbed in his musings that he didn't hear the brunette approach.
"Kazutaka?"
Startled, Muraki blinked and focused his silver gaze on Tsuzuki.
"Oh, Asato!"
Closing and setting the book aside, the doctor rose to his feet and immediately smiled. His dark-haired lover looked so adorable and sexy in his deep plum turtleneck and black jeans that it never failed to make his heart skip several beats. His Tsuzuki always calmed the doctor's disposition, a healing balm as it were, to his heart and soul. Feeling soothed, he leaned forward and cupped the delicate chin in his hand and kissed his lover's tender lips, once, twice, then thrice.
"I didn't hear you come in, beloved. I'm sorry," the doctor murmured between soft pecks to lips then to blushing cheek.
Tsuzuki tilted his dark head up a bit and let a soft breath escape, his eyes fluttering closed of their own accord.
"I...I just got in a...a couple minutes ago." he managed to say, again letting out another wispy breath.
He could never seem to concentrate when Muraki stood so near and nibbled his lips that way. All coherent thoughts flew and all kinds of erotic thoughts took over and now it took all Tsuzuki's willpower to focus on what he was doing in the living room in the first place.
His stomach answered that.
Amused, Muraki chuckled at hearing the deep rumbly noise and peered down at the brunette, silver eyes laughing.
"It must be dinnertime, hmm?" giving another sound kiss to his lover's temple, Muraki stepped back and turned to lift the book back in its place on the shelf.
"Yeah," Tsuzuki agreed. "Do you want to go out? There's a little cafe in the town square that Watari recommended. He went the other day and said they have the best steaks ever and I'm in the mood for meat."
Muraki laughed lightly.
"Were you very busy, Kazutaka? You seemed like you were researching something heavy," the guardian observed. "We don't have to go tonight if you're busy."
But the silver blonde was shaking his head firmly, turning back to face the brunette.
"I've done all I can on that volume. I can pick it up again when we get back. Besides I need to mull it over a bit, perhaps get your idea on a few points," the doctor replied.
It was common practice now for Muraki to discuss a problem with Tsuzuki and take in anything the guardian had to offer as it seemed to help the doctor gain another's insight into a complicated dilemma. The same was true for Tsuzuki when he consulted his lover on Meifu matters. The doctor could suggest something that didn't occur to Tsuzuki before.
"Sure. I hope I can help," the dark-haired man replied withdrawing into the bedroom to retrieve their coats.
Muraki went to the hall mirror checking his appearance, combing his fingers through the thick veil of hair, his elegant brow puckering a bit. He didn't want to think too deeply as he didn't want to mar his evening with Tsuzuki. He definitely needed a break from this case and being in his lover's presence was just what the doctor ordered.
His white, fur-collared coat was draped over his shoulders and he smiled his thanks upon seeing dark violet eyes in the mirror.
"Ready?" the brunette asked, his own coat on.
"Yes," the doctor replied.
Stepping into the foyer, Muraki opened the door wide, reached for his lover's hand and stood in the cool elements. Once out and door locked, they both treaded down the walkway out to the main road.
Bold slashes of orange, red, purple, indigo streaked across the sky as the sun dipped low into the horizon. Tall, skeletal branches loomed overhead as their feet crunched along the almost deserted sidewalk. Snow had given way but was expected to come back sometime this week and Tsuzuki looked forward to that. He loved watching the white flakes drift into the garden and heap into white piles. And he loved it even more wrapped in a thick blanket, sipping hot cocoa and listening to his lover read aloud from the latest classic while watching the snow fall.
With those romantic musings, Tsuzuki squeezed the warm fingers that cradled his own and smiled happily. Muraki returned the squeeze and the smile and went one better by lifting that hand against his mouth and nibbling the slim knuckles. Tsuzuki gasped softly then beamed, resting his head on the doctor's broad shoulder. For several minutes they walked on in quiet joy not saying a word but not needing to, conveying their love for each other with simple squeezes of the hand and tender meaningful looks they conveyed.
Too soon, however, they came upon the main square and here the guardian blinked back to reality. Oh yes. The cafe.
"It's called 'Bella Luna' and according to Watari it's past the bookstore and just before the teahouse," he explained taking the lead.
Tsuzuki navigated through the twists and tree-lined cobbled paths and the many people going this way and that, and before long, there it was.
Muraki looked over the small eatery taking note of the neatness of the topiary shaped like a sphere while his lover tugged him insistently into the semi-dark establishment.
"Good evening, gentlemen," a stout, well-dressed man approached the couple, his rosy cheeks dimpling over a bushy mustache.
"Hello. Table for two and is it possible to be seated somewhere private?"
Muraki's brows rose in surprise.
He remembered a time, not so very long ago, when his dark-haired lover would be absolutely mortified if the doctor had even suggested that he wished to be alone with him, much less kiss in public or hold hands in public or, come to think of it, look at him "that way" in public. Or for that matter, even what they would do in private seemed to fluster the brunette terribly. But now...
Indeed, his beautiful lover was certainly growing in that regard and it was quite thrilling!
"Oh yes, sir! We have just the thing. Come this way, please. You're in luck normally these tables are reserved. Here we are. A private table AND a magnificent view. I hope it's to your liking," the man asked a little worriedly.
"It's perfect! Don't you think so, Kazutaka?" the brunette turned to the pale blonde gauging his reaction, a little worriedly himself.
Muraki, relaxed and now quite hungry, helped the guardian with his coat and nodded.
"Perfect," he agreed doffing his coat and pulling out a chair for his lover.
Settling into their seats, the man whose name was Morikawa began reciting their specials but the brunette stopped him and got right to the point.
"Steaks, please. Both medium rare. They were highly recommended and we've come quite a ways to see for ourselves," Tsuzuki said, instantly charming the cafe owner.
"And you won't be sorry, sir! People come from miles around to experience our delicious fare," Morikawa boasted while whipping a cloth napkin in the air and placing it in Tsuzuki's lap.
"And a glass of wine with your meal?"
Muraki nodded, picking a vintage that was readily available and soon he and the brunette were left alone. Not wasting time, the doctor picked up from where he left off, deftly cradling the brunette's hand in his and bringing it to his lips, making an appetizer of the tender flesh. Encouragingly, Tsuzuki scooted his chair closer and snuggled against the doctor's side, smiling when he felt a strong arm pull him in. Soon lips nuzzled his forehead tickling along his hairline and the brunette had all he could do to keep from giggling when fingers began pinching his side.
"Kazu...!"
The rest smothered by pale lips. Tsuzuki moaned into the gentle kiss, the tip of his tongue tentatively brushing over Muraki's plump bottom lip. Pulling back, lest the kiss became too heated, Muraki took great pleasure in the healthy complexion his lover sported as well as the trembling mouth. Tsuzuki, in turn, noticed with satisfaction the rising flush on his lover's cheeks and couldn't help but smirk a bit.
"Tease," Muraki murmured bending his head for another kiss to which the brunette would have gladly submitted to but Morikawa took that moment to show up, bottle of wine in hand.
"Your pleasure, sirs," the owner announced ignoring the closeness at which his patrons were sitting.
With neat execution the wine was opened and the cork held out for inspection. Muraki automatically reached for it but was again surprised when his lover swiftly plucked the cork from Morikawa's hand. Bringing it to his nose, he sniffed and stared at it thoughtfully, twirling it in his fingers.
"Yes. It seems acceptable," with a nod he prompted the owner to pour a small amount of liquid in a glass. Bringing the glass to eye level, the brunette swirled its contents and bringing it to his lips for a small sip.
"Yes. A hint of citrus and cedar with just the right amount of bouquet. Excellent! You may pour," Tsuzuki declared with a look of pride.
He had been reading up about wines and the different techniques associated with selecting prime vintages so the guardian couldn't help but be somewhat eager to show off what he knew to the sophisticated doctor.
Once the wine glasses were filled, Morikawa bustled away promising the entrees in a few minutes. Muraki lifted his glass sipping at it casting a side glance to the brunette who seemed to be squirming in anticipation.
"Mmm, delicious. You're right, Asato. Citrus with clear undertones of cedar," he remarked pleased to see Tsuzuki beam. Pulling the brunette closer he dropped a light kiss on the tip of his lover's nose. "You've been studying to become a wine connoisseur, beloved?"
"Well, I wanted to know more about wine because you seem to like it so much and I thought if I knew something about it that I could help in selecting. Plus, well, I wanted to...to impress you," Tsuzuki finished shyly, violet eyes wide and knowing full well Muraki couldn't resist it when he peered upward like that.
"Cultured AND beautiful. Not to mention thoughtful. You're a man of many talents and you never fail to impress me, beloved," the silver blonde whispered huskily, planting kisses on a tanned cheek. "Or delight or amuse or bewitch...You know, nothing excites me more that a man who studies...develops his mind...furthers his education..."
"R-really?" Tsuzuki gulped, trembling when a possessive hand skimmed his knee and letting out a small yelp when said knee was squeezed.
"Really," Muraki confirmed, now brushing his fingers up the brunette's inner thigh.
If the doctor had it his way, he would make an entree of those plump lips and long neck and tender earlobe which now dangled in his line of vision. Grinning, he caught it gently between his teeth, chuckling when his lover's grabbed the front of his shirt.
"Kazutaka, we...we should...I mean...not..." the dark-haired beauty stammered, clearly torn in two.
He wanted Muraki to continue but not here. True, he was becoming a bit more bold in his public displays of affection but he wasn't quite ready to start necking in public anytime soon. But it was tempting especially the way his lover chewed his earlobe like that.
Muraki, mindful that Tsuzuki was a bit bashful, so ingrained in his personality, gave one last nibble and leaned back. It was just as well. He was becoming quite overheated himself.
"All right, beloved. We'll continue this after dinner," he cast a meaningful look and smiled at the scarlet blush it produced.
For the next hour, the two enjoyed their meal with Tsuzuki singing the main course's praises and Muraki agreeing wholeheartedly. It seemed Watari was right this time, the guardian discovered as he spooned up the last of his strawberry parfait. The doctor's case was discussed and Tsuzuki offered what he could even bringing up something similar he encountered in one of his own missions in Meifu. It was certainly another point to consider, Muraki thought, glad to have talked to Tsuzuki about it.
After dessert, the pale blonde sighed in contentment, dabbing his mouth with the cloth napkin. Glancing at his watch he noticed with dismay that they should be leaving. Muraki thought he could continue working tomorrow but with the new angle Tsuzuki had brought up, wanted to further his research. Upon hearing of the doctor's plan, Tsuzuki agreed and called the waiter over.
"I'm sorry to cut our evening short, Asato," Muraki apologized helping his lover into his black trench.
"It's all right, Kazutaka. I'm glad I was able to help. And now that we know about this place we can come back again, ne?" he said cheerfully.
"Of course. And I'll make it up to you soon," the pale blonde promised leading them both out.
"How?" Tsuzuki countered, his mood suddenly playful.
Catching his lover's mood, the doctor thought for a moment, pretending to consider.
"Hmm. Well, perhaps supper al fresco illuminated by candlelight...the air filled with soft music...dancing in each other's arms...how does that sound?"
"Wow," Tsuzuki exclaimed softly, completely won over and playing the romantic scenario in his mind. Candles, dancing...heaven!
"And afterward, once the dishes are cleared and the last bottle of wine drunk, we can saunter to the alcove at the end of the path where I would proceed to strip you naked, lay you down on a bed of moss and ravish you senseless," Muraki was clearly enjoying describing that part of his intentions as his wicked grin revealed.
However...
"And afterward, once ravished I would proceed to strip you naked, lay you down on that same bed of moss and ravish you senseless, sensei" Tsuzuki countered, his heart speeding and his face red as a beet, but despite it all he just couldn't pass on the opportunity to tease his lover. Plus, he voiced out loud, for the first time, his deepest desire, even though it was said lightly. Tsuzuki glanced at the pale blonde and blushed in even more seeing the silver eyes glint lustfully.
"Ravish me, hmm? Tell me, Asato. Is this something you think of often? Ravishing me on a bed of greenery?" though Muraki teased, his heart throbbed in excitement and a bit of trepidation. To be taken by Tsuzuki...it had crossed Muraki's mind once or twice but given his horrible memories, it was something he didn't want to revisit. And Tsuzuki seemed so innocent in sexual matters. His gentle nature, shy disposition, the way he eagerly submitted to the doctor's aggressive advances suggested to Muraki that Tsuzuki was satisfied being the 'uke' in their relationship.
But now that the brunette brought it up...did he harbor a secret desire to be 'seme'?
Could my face get any redder? I feel like I'm going to go up in flames! Oh man! What did I start?!
Tsuzuki ducked his head, immediately self-conscious that everyone on the street was listening in to their conversation. But he had only himself to blame on this one. Avoiding his lover's steely gaze he bravely (or foolishly) forged ahead.
"Well, yeah...I mean, I don't think about it a lot...well, not too much...and well, it'd be something to...to...maybe one day to...oh, look! Isn't that a puppet show?" the brunette broke away from the doctor's side rushing to the other side of the street.
Muraki watched his lover hurry off, black trench whipping by, his amused smile fading. What started out as a playful tease had turned into something serious, at least to the pale blonde. To be taken by Tsuzuki. Did he even want to bring it up again? It was quite evident that his dark-haired lover was embarrassed by the way he dashed off and avoided his eyes. The silver blonde sighed. No, he won't bring it up not even in jest. He didn't think he wanted to take their relationship to that level of intimacy. His past wouldn't allow it.
Tsuzuki groaned inwardly.
I'm such an idiot! I shouldn't have joked about something like that. I shouldn't have reminded Kazutaka of his past in such a light manner. He's probably so mad at me right now.
Tsuzuki's face crumpled at the thought as he dejectedly watched the colorful puppets cavort in their makeshift theater to the screams and applause of the delighted children.
It had been such a perfect night, too. And I had to go and ruin it.
"Beloved," that husky cherished voice whispered so softly in his ear caused the brunette to gasp then slump in relief against the arms wrapped around him. Muraki wasn't mad! It was all right! Sighing, Tsuzuki nuzzled the taller man's cool cheek and took hold of one of the doctor's hands.
"I'm...I'm sorry," the guardian offered, squeezing his lover's hand almost in desperation.
"Nothing to be sorry about, beloved. It is something we should discuss in future but right now..," the silver blonde hesitated a moment, his eyes a bit glassy. Biting his lip he cursed inwardly. He wouldn't go down that path again! That path of dark pain, of rage and helplessness. Using his lover almost like an anchor to the present, the doctor squeezed his arms more tightly around the smaller man's slim frame in reassurance.
"Right now, it is difficult. But with your patience we will broach it again," Muraki's voice was matter-of-fact, but his insides were quivering. Was it really something he wanted to "broach" again?
Tsuzuki immediately picked up on his lover's tone and let the matter drop. There would be a right time he knew so it didn't serve to push. Muraki would have to be the one to know when that right time would be. But the brunette couldn't help feeling responsible for even bringing it up and with a turn of his head, he tenderly kissed his lover's cheek, his violets remorseful.
Muraki smiled wistfully, silver eyes remote. But he quickly recovered. It wouldn't do to dwell like this and turned his lover around, cupping the brunette's cheek, his thumb brushing the slight swell of skin.
"Let's go home, beloved," he stated and grasped the brunette's hand.
Taking Tsuzuki's nod as a cue, he led them away from the growing crowd of children and out into the pavilion. The walk home was a quiet one, but Muraki made sure to let his lover know he wasn't angry with him. With smiles and casual comments about the stars in the sky and the tranquil evening, he wanted to make damn sure Tsuzuki didn't feel as though he was at fault. Why should he? He had been joking and had gotten carried away with his mirth, he needn't be punished for that.
Once home and coats removed and not two steps into the hallway did the doctor swiftly embraced his lover and plunder Tsuzuki's sweet mouth, his hand combing through dark silk hair. Tsuzuki whimpered and clung to the strong shoulders, squirming a bit to fully stroke the invading muscle between his lips, coils of desire uncurling in his belly.
Lifting his head and breathless, Muraki gazed into deep violet pools, his heart tightening in his chest. Tsuzuki was so heart-breakingly beautiful, so sweetly naive, the realization that this dark-haired god was truly his brought tears to the once cold-hearted doctor. And seeing the shimmery silver orbs brought Tsuzuki instantly on alert.
What happened?
"Kazutaka? What is it?" he asked softly, violet gaze darting over his lover's perfect features. Was he the cause of his lover's distress?
But Muraki was shaking his head and smiling despite a small tear escaping down the corner of his eye. The brunette reached up and caught the tiny droplet on the tip of his thumb even more concerned. His lover rarely shed tears and only in extreme cases of sentiment which Tsuzuki could count on one hand that he actually witnessed. So seeing his usual stoic strong lover this way unnerved him somewhat but he stood steadfast and seized his lover's hand to reassure.
"I'm all right, Asato. Truly. I was thinking of how fortunate I am that you are here with me. How beautiful and desirable you look at this moment," Muraki nuzzled his lover's forehead. "And how much I love you."
Tsuzuki relaxed and smiled, relieved that it wasn't their earlier conversation that had the silver blonde so troubled. And as always, when his lover declared his affection, the brunette smile lit his face like a beacon, his heart thumping and soaring at the same time. Snuggling deeper in his lover's arms he kissed the pale throat nibbling the delectable creamy skin.
"I love you, Kazutaka," he hugged his lover hard and heard an unmistakable growl and in the next second, his mouth once again sealed hotly by his determined lover. More than anything he wanted to continue but a nagging seed formed in his mind and pulling away he looked up apologetically into glazed silver.
"Kazutaka? Didn't...didn't you want to get started on that research?" he rasped, groaning softly when large hands roved his slender form, one snaking under his sweater and the other reaching for his backside.
He was quickly coming to the conclusion that Muraki couldn't give two figs about research at the moment and in a fit of selfishness, began to rub his hips against his lover's trousers his eyes full of wicked intent. Happily for him Muraki was thinking along the same lines because the kisses were coming hot and heavy.
"Tease," the pale blonde scolded, squeezing a firm ass check for emphasis and chuckling in triumph when his lover whimpered.
Deciding this wasn't the proper place, Muraki quickly chanted a spell between kisses and both men were standing in the bedroom wrapped in each other's arms. Too far gone for seduction and too much in need to be buried in his lover's tight channel, Muraki threw off Tsuzuki's turtleneck in one direction, tossed the dark jeans along with boxers in another and reached between the brunette's naked thighs.
Tsuzuki collapsed on the wide bed, eager to be taken and spread his legs wantonly in urgent need. His pale lover didn't disappoint; grasping the slender cock, Muraki pumped and squeezed the throbbing length watching the brunette's face contort in pleasure. Falling back on the mattress Tsuzuki groaned aloud and thrust his hips matching the vigorous tempo set by his passionate lover unaware that his lustful display brought the doctor to his own fevered pitch.
Muraki released the slick cock only long enough to tear off his own clothes and once done, quickly returned to his task. Laying between his lover's legs, Muraki forcefully gyrated his hips, their genitals grinding into a delicious friction intensifying their desire tenfold. The dark-haired beauty thrashed his head from side to side and moaned, raking dulled nails over and over the small of his lover's back, he bucked and twisted his pelvis desperate for release. But Muraki wanted more. Lifting himself slightly he placed his hands on either side of Tsuzuki's thighs opening him up even wider and bumped his thick cock against his lover's testicles rubbing the slick head over and over the tight sensitive sacs.
Tsuzuki cried in protest, perspiration dewing his heaving torso, he squirmed attempting to wiggle free from his lover's torture only to fall back in defeat as his lover's hands held him down firmly on the soft mattress. For several minutes, Muraki continued to torment Tsuzuki thusly with only the tip of his wet cock running rampant over the panting brunette's groin; circling the puckered entrance, stroking the smooth perineum of skin underneath the plump balls and underside the ramrod shaft and relished every moan, whimper and scream his beautiful lover bestowed.
Tsuzuki twitched at every stroke, crying now and then when his lover's cock bumped and dragged over his most tender areas. Tears ran down the corners of his eyes as they always did when the brunette was highly aroused, his body a mass of nerve endings firing at their own accord and Tsuzuki helpless to it all. Reaching down, he fondled his cock, biting his lip in satisfaction that he was able to relieve some part of his overheated body. But it was not to be. Cruelly, Muraki grasped Tsuzuki's wrist pinning it to the bed and leaned over.
"Do you want me, beloved?" he asked his normally silken voice raspy.
Muraki was holding on, but just barely. How he managed to last this long was beyond him and now he, too, was eager for release. But seeing his beautiful Tsuzuki sprawled this way; his face flushed, his long legs splayed wide, his chest gasping, his slender cock bobbing and oozing precome, Muraki wanted to commit this erotic tableau to memory for all time. Burn into his brain so that years from now he could recall every lovely detail, hear every whimper and moan as though he were there all over again, taking his beloved hard.
With these thoughts, he licked his lover's dusky nipple, mouthing the wrinkled peak before biting it gently and shivered when his Tsuzuki cried out.
"YES! Kazutaka, take me! Please! I want you! I always want you!"
The pale angel lifted himself slowly and with a searing kiss moved his hips up and with unerring accuracy found his lover's tight opening. Tsuzuki scream was swallowed up, throwing his arms around Muraki's shoulders he bounced his hips frantically this way and that in a desperate attempt to tumble over that edge. So sharply aroused both men grunted and pushed each racing toward that glorious end. The doctor's pistoning hips were relentless and he quickly angled himself piercing his lover's sweet spot giving them both maximum pleasure.
Tsuzuki wailed, his whole body snapped tight as his thick seed spurted in white arcs against their sweating abdomens. Muraki gritted his teeth and with several quick jabs into his lover's body came violently, his juices filling the brunette's tight channel possessing him utterly.
Panting and limbs like jelly, they caught each other's eye and smiled. Tsuzuki's heart nearly burst with happiness after such couplings and reaching for his lover, snuggled against the warm body his breathing slowing by small degrees.
"Kazutaka," he whispered and smiled even wider when he felt lips nibble his forehead.
"Why is it that I can never seem to take you at my leisure?" the blonde asked, his spirits lifted, his heart light.
Tsuzuki shook his head, grinning.
"You got me. Maybe because you love me so much and you can't control yourself and I'm so irresistible," the brunette laughed, immensely enjoying his lover's raised eyebrows, how they seemed to reach up to the ceiling.
"Yes, that's probably it," Muraki sighed, stroking the smaller man's glistening naked back. Yes. That was definitely it, the doctor realized.
Tsuzuki awoke abruptly. Lying on his stomach he blinked for a moment in confusion. Turning his head, he saw the empty space beside him and brought himself up to glance at the nightstand clock.
3:13
Pulling himself upright and shivering a little he grabbed his yutaka and stumbled across the dark room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Kazutaka?" he called softly, padding to the living room. It, too, was dark so he tried the study and saw that a light was glowing from the room.
"Kazutaka?"
Muraki dressed in his yutaka, hunched over and typing on a keyboard on the mahogany desk turned at the sound of his voice.
"Asato! What are you doing up?" he asked, standing and grasping the guardian's shoulders. "Are you ill?"
Always thinking of me, the brunette thought fondly and shook his head in the negative.
"No. I just woke up and you weren't there. Have you been up all this time?" he asked his eyes glancing at the piles of papers strewn over the wide surface.
The doctor sighed wearily and took off his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Since 11:00. But I've just finished and sent my findings to the hospital email. That's all I can do for now," Muraki replied as he gathered up the papers and stacked them neatly in a folder.
"Then come back to bed," Tsuzuki insisted, helping by gathering up more papers and handing them over.
He could see how tired his lover was but understood this was an important case. However, Muraki needed his sleep if he was to be functioning at full capacity. And it was up to Tsuzuki to make sure he did.
Muraki smiled complying to his lover's wish. Stacking folders and books neatly on the desk he moved on to the computer stabbing at the keys to shut the machine down.
"I'll be right there, beloved," he said, continuing to close files.
Tsuzuki stood at the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze running appreciatively over his lover's lean frame, even at this late hour and a most satisfying romp hours earlier, the brunette's cock began to twitch to life.
No! Kazutaka needs his sleep! Now, is not the time to be thinking about that.
So chastised, the brunette turned his back abruptly and marched forward filling his head with unsexy thoughts, like the Chief's hairy back revealed at the last summer's company picnic and Tatsumi stuffed into a red bikini. Yup, that one did the trick.
After clicking off the computer and walking out the room Muraki frowned a little at his lover's abrupt departure and was just about to question him when...
Abruptly, he halted.
"Kazutaka?"
Before the doctor could respond a crackling surge of energy shook the room, deafening. Tsuzuki almost tumbled to the floor before grabbing on to the sofa. Wildly, he looked around while trying to maintain his balance. Another surge of energy tore through the power of it knocking Tsuzuki to his knees and making his hair stand on end.
What on earth?!
Muraki's first thought was for Tsuzuki. Seeing his lover down he moved, starting to dart to the brunette's side and felt something distinctly holding him back. Looking down, it was though invisible bonds were wrapped around his bare ankles, restraining him. He tugged his legs finding them held fast.
"Asato!"
Tsuzuki scrambled toward the pale blonde, his heart racing. Muraki's whole body was jerking as though he was trying to free himself and the brunette's brain struggled to grasp the enormity of the situation.
"Kazutaka!"
Tsuzuki hurried toward Muraki, arms outstretched, reaching for him. Suddenly, he was thrown violently backward, his body smacking forcefully into the farthest wall making his teeth rattle inside his skull. With a loud grunt he fell back to the floor, the wind knocked out of him.
"Asato!!"
Muraki watched in horror as his lover flew into the air and hit the surface hard.
What the hell is going on?!
Bringing his hands up and he felt a barrier, an energy field of some kind, thick and charged with a spiritual electricity. As calmly as he could he took a deep breath and bent his head, chanting the incantations for release. One after the other, the words flowing from his mouth with practiced ease, he murmured every spell he knew. Nothing happened. The barrier didn't even waver.
Tsuzuki pulled himself up. Dizzily he saw Muraki's silver head bent in concentration and both hands in the air in front of him, pressed up against something unseeing. The guardian wasted no time and moved up to the doctor reaching out cautiously. The electrical current was astounding! He not so much as put a hand out when a hot blue flash zapped his left side making him fall to the floor with a cry.
Muraki lifted his head sharply and saw Tsuzuki's body crumpled, his lover's face contorted with pain.
Shouting, Muraki pounded on the barrier with both fists, mad with frustration.
I don't want him hurt!
"Asato! Don't come any closer! DON'T!!"
And then all of a sudden, Muraki stopped. What was happening? What is this feeling? Panting, he frowned, his hands clenched into tight fists.
What is this??
He felt strange and disconnected as though...as though his sense of self was becoming far removed.
NO!!
He was being summoned. Everything around him was growing dimmer, out of focus. The room...his lover...growing more and more dim.
"ASATO!!"
Horrified, Tsuzuki got up and screamed at the sight. Muraki was fading! He was leaving him! The doctor's body was become more and more hazy.
LEAVING ME!!
"KAZUTAKA!!"
Frantic, tears streaking his cheeks and blurring his vision, he realized that he had mere seconds to act and chanted the opening lines for his shikigami. A blue light flashed throughout the crack louder than all the rest reverberated through the room, the whole house seemed to rock on its very foundation causing Tsuzuki to tumble to his side. Then all was silent.
Muraki was gone.
"NOOOOOO!! KAZUTAKA!!"
Scrambling to where Muraki last stood he threw his hands in front waving the air about him wildly, sobbing.
"KAZUTAKA!! WHERE ARE YOU!!"
Tsuzuki screamed his lover's name at the top of his lungs. Unable to believe, to accept what was happening.
He ran into their bedroom fully expecting to see the pale blonde's body tucked in bed, safe and sound. But upon throwing on the lights and seeing the large empty bed, he sobbed anew.
This can't be happening...
He ran to every corner of the house, using all his sensors to pick up any spiritual residue. Anything, to give him a clue as to what happened. Not picking up even the slightest tremor, he went back to the same spot in the sitting room, got down on his knees and slapped the wood floor furiously, looking for an opening of some kind, some kind of give.
Nothing.
Everything was eerily normal. Nothing broken or in disarray. Only the sound of the ticking grandfather clock. Only the pounding of his heart.
This can't be happening!
Like a blind man, Tsuzuki used his hands along the walls and floors, again screaming for Muraki. He slapped and soon began punching the hard surfaces hysterically. Tears streaked his cheeks, anger and frustration and helpless despair mounting within him at every passing second. Still nothing happened. In a last ditch effort, he ran from room to room, calling for his lover.
After what seemed to be an eternity, Tsuzuki stopped. Breathing hard, he sank to his knees, his head in his hands.
"Get ahold of yourself! Figure out what to do. For Kazutaka's sake!"
The stillness of the house unnerved him.
What do I do?!
TBC
A/N: Thanks for reading and please review as I seem to be quite dependent on those to keep me going. So until next time: Yoi otoshi o!! Happy New Year!!
