Damn you, clampfan 1! (and do you realize how odd it is to type that? lol) Well played...
How dare you spam my reviews, making this story look more popular than it is? XD
But you win, I sat down after reading your last review and just WROTE (on my only day off this week!).
I REALLY don't like this... I don't. And if you guys want an epilogue of sorts (SEX), I think I can manage it. Just don't expect it super fast, mkay? Lol
Bluh. Onto the (last?) chapter!
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Rikuo ended up telling Kakei what really happened... if only to get some advise on how to handle the situation. Instead he just got a stern talking to, as if Kakei was his dad and he just deflowered the neighbor's daughter.
The conversation went something like this:
"Rikuo, where's Kazahaya?"
"Upstairs."
"Why? There's still 6 hours of work left."
"He's mad and ignoring me."
"What did you do?"
"Well, remember the mission you sent us on? I totally took advantage of his spiritual possession and almost raped him. Also, I did it again just minutes ago."
"... Guess who's not getting paid."
"Me."
"That's right. Now you go upstairs and apologize then quickly get Kazahaya back down here. I will not let personal problems interfere with working hours."
"Yes, sir."
Rikuo hated this. He wanted more time to figure out how he was going to confront Kazahaya. Not only did he have to apologize now, but he also had to convince Kazahaya to come back down for work. Ugh. Today is not my day.
Rikuo paused at the door to their apartment, wondering if he should knock. He shook his head, turning the knob and walking in slowly, looking around for his brooding roommate.
He found him in their bedroom, on his own bed, nibbling on a chocolate bar.
Wait... that was his chocolate bar.
Rikuo forgot why he was here. "Are you... eating my chocolate?" He tried to sound upset, but mostly was confused.
Kazahaya didn't answer, didn't even look up, just continued picking pieces of the candy and slowly eating them.
Rikuo ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "Kazahaya-"
"What?" Kazahaya said dully, now poking the brown candy.
Rikuo sighed, walking over to his bed and sitting on the edge, keeping an eye on Kazahaya, who didn't flinch.
"I'm sorry for what I did..."
"No you're not," Kazahaya spoke quietly.
Rikuo frowned. "Yes, I am-"
"Really?" Kazahaya looked up at his roommate, his eyes distant. Rikuo swallowed, feeling slightly intimidated.
Kazahaya shifted to bring his knees up to his chest, ignoring the half eaten candy. "What did you do in the house last night?"
Rikuo paused, furling his eyebrows. "Um, didn't you see...?"
"Tell me what you did to me," Kazahaya looked like he obviously knew, but wanted to make Rikuo say it.
Rikuo looked to the floor, sighing and running a hand through his hair again.
"Come on..."
"Do it," Kazahaya commanded. Rikuo thought he heard a bit of Kakei in that.
Rikuo grumbled to himself then tried to focus on not stuttering as he answered Kazahaya.
"I... kissed you..."
Kazahaya lowered his chin to his knee caps. "What else?"
Rikuo closed his eyes in frustration, embarrassment. "I groped you and... kinda..." Rikuo couldn't hold back a blush as he spoke his next word, "Ground against you..."
An awkward silence hovered over the boys. Rikuo felt his heart beating hard. He refused to look up, even though he hated looking weak. He knew everything that had happened up to this point was his fault, Kazahaya had officially made him feel like an ass, and Rikuo was finally starting to believe it.
"So, you're not sorry. You dragged it on, what happened could have been avoided," Kazahaya determined softly, surprisingly calm. Rikuo knew better though, than to think that Kazahaya was calm. Kazahaya was most dangerous when he was silent, he knew from past experiences.
Rikuo almost opened his mouth to explain something else, but growled to himself. Honestly, what else could he have done? The spirit wasn't taking 'no' for an answer. But then he sighed again, putting together all the events, including what happened almost an hour ago and realizing that trying to defend himself was kind of pointless. Kazahaya looked up at him.
"So..." Kazahaya fidgeted for the first time since Rikuo came up here. "Why did you do all that stuff?" He was quiet again, but still wanted to be heard.
Rikuo bit the inside of his cheek, not exactly ready to confess his sudden... obvious desire for the smaller man.
"You haven't figured it out?" Rikuo's voice sounded off.
Kazahaya fumbled with the candy bar again. It made Rikuo want to ask a question of his own... but he bit his tongue.
"Just tell me."
Another silence. Rikuo really wanted some chocolate.
"After work... Kakei sent me up here to bring you back down," he dodged the question, standing up. He wanted to snatch his chocolate out of Kazahaya's hands but resisted, walking past him instead.
"Promise?" Kazahaya said from behind him. Rikuo stopped to contemplate, hand on the doorknob.
He turned the copper handle. "Hurry up."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
A couple days had passed, the tension between the boys had stifled into something tolerable, but was still awkward enough that not even Saiga was up to his usual teasing. Kazahaya hadn't brought up the incident since, which Rikuo was grateful for, even if one last thought did still linger in the back of his brain.
He still hadn't answered Kazahaya question, why he had kissed Kazahaya, why he had let himself get so wrapped up in his own desires. Kazahaya had been keeping to himself now, a thoughtful expression on his face much more often than usual. Rikuo wondered what he could be thinking about, although he had an idea... He had stopped teasing Kazahaya, it just felt awkward and forced. Kazahaya noticed, and began acting dodgy around his roommate. It drove Rikuo crazy, but he didn't do anything about.
I'm so weak, Rikuo thought on the third day, counting stock. The store would be closing in thirty minutes. It was a Tuesday and the store had been pretty quiet all day, Rikuo hoped Kakei would close early, he just wanted to relax and eat something.
He noticed Kazahaya out of the corner of his eye walk into Kakei's office, who's door was wide open. Rikuo slowed down in his tasks, keeping his attention on the doorway Kazahaya had disappeared through.
A few minutes later Kazahaya was out, pulling the green apron over his head as he walked. Rikuo furled his eyebrows in confusion. Kakei had let him go early? Why? Kazahaya turned his head slightly and met Rikuo's eyes briefly, giving him the tiniest hint of a smile before he had left Rikuo's line of sight. Rikuo took a few steps back and watched Kazahaya's retreating figure as he headed for the stairs. Rikuo brought his attention back to the clipboard in his hands, shaking his head. Kazahaya had probably finished his duties already and requested to take the rest of the night off early. If Kakei had called him in for a mission, Kazahaya would have been in there longer, and he would have a skip in his step as he went to their apartment to get ready.
Either way, it wasn't any of Rikuo's business. He tried to put it out of his mind and continue his last task.
After what felt like an hour, Rikuo was finally able to clock out, hang up his apron, and make a bee line to the shared apartment. When he opened the door and stepped in, an overwhelming scent of chocolate hit him unexpectedly and almost made him wobble.
… Not just chocolate, but something else, a smell that was distinctly pastry. Maybe it was chocolate brownies, cupcakes, muffins... Rikuo followed his nose into the kitchen, finding Kazahaya standing over the stove, reading from a sheet of paper on the counter while he held long chopsticks in one hand, constantly mixing whatever was in the pot. Rikuo raised an eyebrow, also noticing on the counter a mess of spices, a bag of flour, dried tofu, and fresh spinach, a box of baking cocoa, and the rice cooker in the corner, steam rising from it, among other things.
"Um..." Rikuo mumbled, stepping cautiously into the wonderful smelling kitchen.
Kazahaya's head jolted up. "Hey," he greeted, taking his chopsticks out of the pot and setting them on a holder next to the chaos on the counter.
"What's all this?" Rikuo asked suspiciously, knowing full well that he was the cook in the apartment. Although Kazahaya could make simple things... like sandwiches and scrambled eggs (never over-easy), it was a little frighting to think about Kazahaya attempting anything else.
"Dinner," Kazahaya answered like it was obvious. "Miso soup," he nodded at the shallow pot in front of him. "And rice."
Okay, rice was fine. It took Rikuo a few days to properly teach Kazahaya how to work the rice cooker, but he did eventually figure it out... rather exuberantly. Rikuo had rice with his meals for the following week. But... miso soup? Rikuo had to admit he loved the stuff, but by the looks of the ingredients spewed on the counter top, Kazahaya was going for home made. It made him nervous, but again, he fought down the urge to tease.
"And what's in the oven?" Rikuo noticed the oven was indeed on. He took a few more steps into the kitchen, but keeping his distance from Kazahaya.
"Desert," Kazahaya winked at Rikuo, who froze in his steps at the gesture. He looked away from Kazahaya quickly, not wanting to get any ideas. He paced the kitchen, noticing a box of chocolate cake mix on the counter.
Oh, man... Rikuo licked his lips, picking up the box and reading the back. He wasn't entirely sure about Kazahaya's baking skills. He had experienced it once, when Kazahaya made Rikuo a giant chocolate chip cookie for his last birthday. It was delicious, although a little too buttery, but it was nice and soft, and made Rikuo moan when he ate it. That was the first time Rikuo started having feelings for his roommate... even if it did start with appreciation.
Rikuo stared at the baking cocoa. "What's the occasion?"
He heard Kazahaya laugh lightly. "None, just wanted to try something new. I even printed out directions so I could make it right," here he picked up the paper filled with print text briefly and set it back down.
"Why chocolate though? I know you're not that fond of it..."
It was true. Kazahaya actually hardly ate sweets, although he did eat junk food like chips and ice cream. He was more into organic stuff and traditional Japanese food. It made Rikuo go back a few days when Kazahaya was randomly eating chocolate when he confronted him in the bedroom.
Kazahaya just shrugged, taking a spoon and dipping it into the broth, taking a sip and pausing to let the taste sink in.
"Tastes pretty good, wanna try?" Kazahaya turned to face Rikuo, who nodded, taking the spoon from Kazahaya, feeling the feather light touch of pale flesh as Kazahaya seemed to deliberately let his fingers brush along Rikuo's.
He felt Kazahaya's eyes on him, so close, as he sipped a spoonful himself, capturing a cube of tofu as well. It was surprisingly... good.
"Tasty," Rikuo handed the spoon back to Kazahaya, who smiled wide as he took it.
Kazahaya used the same spoon to give the soup one more stir before turning the burner off. An high pitched beep sounded from the microwave, the timer, and Kazahaya snapped up.
"Oh, wanna get the cake out and let it cool while I serve dinner?" Kazahaya seemed to have a bit of bounce in his step as he nabbed a few pot holders, handing two to Rikuo and setting the other on the counter, shoving stuff to the side as he placed the hot pot on top of the thick fabric.
Rikuo gave the back of Kazahaya's head a surprised look. Okay, you've been ignoring me for two days, haven't even cracked a grin, and out of the blue you're making... editable dinner, and chocolate cake, all with a smile on your face? Clearly, something was up, and Rikuo was going to figure it out this time.
Stooping down lightly, slipping on the oven mitts Kazahaya had shoved in his hands, Rikuo opened the oven door, unable to stop himself from inhaling deeply as he picked up the cake from the rack. Hot, chocolate sweetness traveled through his lungs. It smelled perfect. He doubted Kazahaya had messed this up.
Setting the deep glass pan onto a burner on the stove (there was no more room on the counter), he tugged off the mittens, watching as Kazahaya tested the rice in the cooker. As Rikuo looked down Kazahaya's back side, watching as Kazahaya stretched up to get bowls from the cabinet, his eyes stopped at Kazahaya's butt. He had changed out of his pants that he had been wearing at work. Now he wore blue jeans, tight jeans, that curved around his rear... rather nicely, Rikuo thought. He quickly turned to stare at the cake in front of him when Kazahaya had turned his head back. Did he catch me staring? And when did he get those? I'm pretty sure Kazahaya doesn't own a pair of jeans so... form fitting.
Rikuo managed to get himself back under control, taking a peek over at Kazahaya, noticing he was still watching him. That was... kinda of unnerving.
"What?"
Rikuo thought he saw a tiny smirk start on Kazahaya's lips before he turned his head away from Rikuo.
"Why don't you go wash your hands? Food will be on the table soon."
Why are you acting like a mom? But Rikuo left the kitchen without a word, keeping his eyes forward.
Dinner was an interesting affair. Kazahaya and Rikuo sat across from each other, like always, but something was noticeably different. While Kazahaya was eating, slowly, he had this unfocused look on his face, occasionally giving Rikuo these lingering looks that made his heart stutter until Kazahaya's eyes released his. And the constant "accidental" brushes his foot was making with Rikuo's was driving him mad.
What are you doing? Rikuo wanted to ask his roommate. He was so on edge right now. Was Kazahaya flirting with him? Was he getting revenge for what Rikuo did to him at the house?
Shit... Rikuo watched out of the corner of his eye as Kazahaya got up and took his dishes to the sink.
… I think I'm being played.
It was funny to think about; that was a line he usually heard Kazahaya ask himself.
Kazahaya didn't seemed phased by Rikuo's silent mulling as he took out a cookie sheet and laid it on the counter, upturning the cake so it fell out of the pan. He grabbed a plastic jar of chocolate frosting and a rubber spatula, pausing and turning to Rikuo, still sitting at the table.
"Wanna frost the cake? It only makes sense since I made it."
"Oh, sure..." Rikuo stood, taking the offered spatula, popping the lid off the frosting, noticing about a quarter was already gone. Oh yeah, Rikuo remembered when they first got this, he had been dipping his finger in it, eating the creamy frosting straight from the jar. He wondered where it had disappeared to. Kazahaya must've hid it from him.
Rikuo stuck the spatula inside, scooping out a large amount and began lathering the cake with the frosting. Kazahaya moved from his position beside Rikuo to behind him. He felt his presence behind him, standing very close... a little... too close, actually.
Rikuo licked his lips, trying to keep his hand steady as he worked, trying not to imagine Kazahaya setting his hands on his hips or his nose at his ear.
Wait... Rikuo hesitated. That was Kazahaya's hands lightly on his hips. He also felt Kazahaya's body waving back and forth as his nose grazed along his ear lobe. He must've been on tip toe, keeping his balance with his hands on him. Rikuo shivered when Kazahaya exhaled into ear. What...
"Rikuo..." Kazahaya whispered. Rikuo froze.
"Yes...?"
Rikuo could hear the grin in Kazahaya's voice. "You spread cake so well."
Rikuo hated himself right now. He blushed furiously. "Thanks."
"But you missed a part here..." and Rikuo watched as Kazahaya dunked a finger in the jar of frosting, getting a good chunk of dark brown and smearing it on a bare piece of cake. Rikuo watched, entranced. He felt Kazahaya move slightly, so he was beside Rikuo again. When he was done, Rikuo followed that finger as it slid in between Kazahaya's lips.
Oh my God... Rikuo could only watch, Kazahaya's face so close, as he cleaned his own finger off. As he pulled the clean, wet digit out of his mouth, Rikuo's gaze lingered, noticing Kazahaya's cheeks turn an attractive shade of pink and his eyes, for the first time that night, looking shy, uncertain.
I'm being played. Kazahaya is testing me. That little piece of shit, God he's so sexy... I wanna kiss him...
Rikuo stuttered about nothing, forcing himself to turn on his heel, instead of lean forward, and briskly walk to the living room, trying fruitlessly to blink away the image of Kazahaya pulling his finger out of his mouth.
"Wait, wait," Rikuo squeezed his eyes shut, hearing Kazahaya behind him. He was still moving toward the front door. He didn't know what to do or where to go, but he seriously needed a moment alone.
Rikuo felt a hand grasp his wrist and he stopped, sighing.
"I'm sorry," Kazahaya started, his voice small. "I was just... curious, wondered what you would do..."
Rikuo turned to face Kazahaya, his wrist released. Kazahaya looked up at Rikuo, bringing one arm across his abdomen to hold the other, just below the elbow.
"What did you expect me to do?" Rikuo asked seriously, but softly.
"..." Kazahaya's eyes darted to the side. "You... like me, don't you." It didn't sound like a question.
Rikuo kept silent, watching Kazahaya until he finally met his eyes again.
"Obviously."
Kazahaya's cheeks turned pink. Rikuo smirked.
"But... you've been ignoring me," Kazahaya said, his voice rising a bit.
Rikuo looked affronted. "You've been ignoring me."
"You still haven't answered my question!" Kazahaya nearly shrieked. The sudden sound made Rikuo jolt. "I asked you why you did all that stuff to me, and you have yet to give me an answer."
"Geez, Kazahaya," Rikuo rolled his eyes. "I thought you were just asking me that to make me feel like a douche bag. Which, by the way, I do feel like one. I'm sorry I took advantage of the situation, I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable and I'm sorry I'm such a 'horn dog' but you know... I could have gone further than I did..." Rikuo's voice had risen in volume, but it had quieted down now. Kazahaya's expression had become difficult to read, like a poker face.
"I'm sure you saw what happened... what I said... how come you're not bringing up when I said... when I said I wanted you," this time Rikuo averted his eyes, looking at Kazahaya'a bare feet. "It was hard for me, because I do like you... a lot. I was enjoying what was happening... but then I realized I didn't want you... unless you wanted me back..."
A horrendous awkward silence fell. Rikuo raised his head, not liking to look weak, and forced himself to stare at Kazahaya. The latter seemed to be having the same issue; forcing himself to look Rikuo in the eye.
Then Kazahaya relaxed. His shoulders slumped forward like he had a huge weight on them.
"Really?" Kazahaya spoke like it was impossible to believe, but also hopeful that it was true.
"Yeah," Rikuo licked his lower lip, dragging his front teeth over it afterwards.
Kazahaya smiled, shaking his head, looking at the couch and walking to it, taking a seat. Rikuo watched.
"Thanks... for apologizing. I'm actually mostly pissed off cos that was my first kiss... and I can't even remember it, really..." Kazahaya trailed off.
"Oh," Rikuo's heart hit his ribs off beat. "Sorry," Rikuo felt his body move on its own to sit next to Kazahaya.
"Sorry I was your first," Rikuo tried to make light of the situation, smiling, but the underlying honesty spoke of guilt.
"Oh, no. It's not you, I'm just upset that I can't remember it. I mean... both times it happened, I wasn't aware it was happening... and that just really bothers me," Kazahaya rubbed his palms against his knees, only chancing quick glances at Rikuo.
Rikuo seriously needed to keep his heart in check. It beat so hard, he wondered if Kazahaya could hear it.
"So, you're not mad that I kissed you?"
Kazahaya's head snapped up and he looked full on at Rikuo's face. "I'm infuriated that you kissed me... especially the second time!" He pointed his finger at Rikuo, who's mouth went dry.
He relaxed again. "But, I'm glad that it was you, you know?" Kazahaya looked at the floor. "And that you did stop, and dragged me out of the house..."
Rikuo remained silent, collecting his thoughts, trying to figure out what to say next, when Kazahaya spoke up again.
"I think I can like you too, Rikuo," he was blushing again, trying to focus his gaze on Rikuo but failing, nervous.
Rikuo smiled, looking at Kazahaya with adoration, and threw his nerves and guilt out the door, bringing his hand forward and cupping Kazahaya cheek, turning his roommate to face him. He leaned down slightly, holding the other side of Kazahaya's face with his free hand when those thin pink lips had parted in a silent question.
Rikuo asked one first.
"Can I kiss you?" He was already leaning forward, eyelids drooping, but wouldn't make contact without Kazahaya's permission.
Kazahaya nodded, and their lips met, soft, warm, perfect. It was just lips, and it was just a light pressure, but it was all Rikuo had ever wanted. He felt Kazahaya relax under his touch, lips shifting and pressing back, a hesitant hand touching Rikuo's knee.
Rikuo was content in the simple caress, pulling back with a light sound of separation, opening his eyes to see Kazahaya's still closed, his face an attractive pink. He grinned as he watched Kazahaya lazily open his eyes.
"... That was nice," Kazahaya whispered, smiling shyly.
Rikuo moved his hands from Kazahya's face down to his shoulders. "I can show you something nicer," he spoke lowly and with barely contained arousal.
Kazahaya's eyes shook like he could read the dark desires behind Rikuo's gaze. But he couldn't help a thrill that ran up his spine and back down...
"Yeah?" Kazahaya's voice was lower than usual, even he looked slightly surprised after he spoke.
They met each other half way this time, kissing with much more need and want than before, lips parting after a few short seconds and tongues playing erotically.
While the boys made out in only a way teenagers could, Rikuo did indeed show Kazahaya something nicer and with aroused consent, Kazahaya felt something nicer too.
The chocolate cake sat in the kitchen, stiffening, forgotten. But Rikuo ate it anyway for breakfast the next morning.
Kazahaya scolded him, but was silenced soon after with more kisses.
And Rikuo thought that he could really get used to this.
