For the purposes of this story, anything in ::insert text here:: will be the female Yuki, trying to provoke Yuki into action.
NOTE: I realize Luka is a bit OOC, but alas, I am limited in my talents, and therefore, will have to get some more practice under my belt before I can fully convey how awesome Luka is XD
He acts a little out of control (not the OOC I meant above, by the way, haha) because he's struggling with the power of his feelings towards Yuki, and we all know how unintentionally alluring Yuki is. Poor Luka...LOL. Onto the story! ~AfterxThexRain
The canopy looked particularly elegant this morning. Cream colored and silky, it was a nice touch and Yuki took the time to stare at it undisputedly, while waiting for his brain to fully function. Half lidded eyes just stared up at the canopy.
Blink.
Yuki shook his head, trying to clear his head.
::Soft lips::
Faster than the human eye, Yuki sat up, completely alert. What was with that dream yesterday? If dreams are manifestations of our desires, then Yuki felt his mind was either insane or he was more frustrated about Luka than he thought.
'Wow…that dream was so real, I can still feel the heat from his li-' Yuki's head went straight down onto his bed in a flash.
A bout of head smashing against the sheets later, Yuki, looking even more disheveled, if it was possible, smoothed his golden-hued hair with his fingers. His hand stopped mid-stride on his head.
'…but why? Why would I dream something so real? Is it a memory?…no! NO! Scratch that! HOW am I going to face Luka after this? I keep thinking back to the k-k-AHH! '
Yuki buried his face momentarily in his pillow, sulking over his easily-swayed nature.'
I'm going to have to see him sooner or later, might as well suck it up then. I can't have him worry over me, and I can't let off that I'm thinking anything like THIS. I also can't have the others worry over my idiocy. No, I'll have to keep this to myself.' Yuki grit his teeth.
'Easier said than done...'
Yuki grabbed the sheets and flipped them away swiftly from his legs. Using his hands, he pushed off the bed and headed for his armoire. Picking out a white collared shirt, jeans, and a very nice silver cross necklace he received from everyone for his birthday, he dressed and headed for his door. His hand on the silver doorknob, he gripped it a little harder, resolving to act as natural as possible. The thing that bothered him the most was that, underneath the shock, embarrassment, and disbelief, there were no negative feelings with regard to his dream.
No, scratch that. More like, he had actually enjoyed that kiss. Yuki's face took on a becoming shade of crimson and he knew he was going to have a hard time getting it off of his cheeks. A huge sigh, a defeated expression, and a turn of the doorknob, and Yuki was walking down the hallway, towards the dining hall.
'Maybe breakfast with everyone will take my mind off my dream..'.
Funny how things work out, as Yuki bumped into a solid wall. He felt 2 hands grab his upper arms and steady him. Looking up, he was staring into a pair of silver, concerned looking eyes.
'HOLY-'
"Luka…"
He acknowledged, in a breathier voice than usual, though he didn't notice it under the force of the stare he was under.
Luka looked concerned, but there was something more intense behind that gaze. Yuki couldn't figure it out, and wasn't even trying, as he was completely mesmerized, and trying desperately to find something to say. The urge to slap his forehead was huge, as he realized Luka didn't know what he had dreamt so he had to act normal and not stir up any suspicion.
"Good Morning" Yuki said, and gave Luka a small smile, that when coupled with his still red cheeks (redder still, since he bumped into Luka) made Yuki look innocently bashful. Luka's eyes widened a fraction before smoothly replying "Good Morning."
"Are you heading to the dining hall? Let's go together"
Luka silently agreed, and walked beside Yuki. They reached the dining room, and were greeted by a smiling Touma-san, who was in the middle of setting various baskets of assorted breads on the dining room table. Not even half a second later, the smells from what looked like freshly-baked breads wafted towards them. Yuki felt his stomach growl.
"Good morning to both of you!"
"Good Morning Touma-san! What do you have there?"
"Oh! These are breads I baked fresh this morning. I've been experimenting with different types of yeast to yield different flavors and textures. Hopefully everyone will enjoy them! Come, come, sit down and have some juice to start off!"
"Thank you, Touma-san! Luka, shall we?"
"After you."
Yuki sat down on the side by the regal looking windows, and Luka sat to his left. The green curtains swayed in the early morning breeze that strayed in through the slightly opened windows. Yuki tried to get rid of the red blush on his cheeks by focusing on breakfast, to no avail. Touma san set the last basket down and approached both with a fully-stocked tray of various juices.
"What kind of juice would both of you prefer?"
"I'll take Orange juice. What about you, Luka?" Yuki asked, trying his hardest to sound causal, which might have worked, as neither Touma-san nor Luka showed any signs otherwise. Luka contemplated the tray a second and replied "Water, if possible"
Touma-san smiled and handed Yuki a tall glass of OJ and one of equal size of water to Luka. Yuki picked his glass up and sipped it delicately. Touma turned to the tray, setting everything in order again, and glanced at Yuki. Touma-san sensed something was a little different this morning, as Yuki sported rosy cheeks and Luka looked a little distracted, which was unusual for Luka, especially when others were around. Touma-san knew that although Luka had accepted everyone in the twilight mansion as allies, he was still reluctant to show any kind of "weakness" to any of them, unless it was Yuki. Touma-san thought of voicing something but decided against it. He'd leave it to the Zweilts to Bring it up. This was sure to be an interesting morning indeed.
Yuki drank his orange juice in silence. 'I wonder what Luka's thinking right now. Maybe I should start a conversation…but maybe It'd be only more obvious how nervous I am…' he contemplated while sneaking a glance at Luka. Luka was sitting silently at Yuki's side, hand on his glass, looking deep in thought. His train of thought apparently over, Luka lifted the glass to his lips. Yuki watched entranced, realized what he was thinking, blushed and looked away. Luka noticed the sharp turn of Yuki's gaze from the corner of his eye and was about to ask Yuki about it when-
"Hey Yuki!"
Hotsuma, with Shuusei not far behind, walked into the dining hall. Both were in casual clothing. 'Oh yeah, today's saturday' Yuki thought. He had been so distracted, he had forgotten. Either way, he had dressed casually. ' I'd be done for if today was a school day. I need to focus ' He resolved.
"Good Morning, Hotsuma-kun, Shuusei-kun" He greeted, smiling.
"Good Morning, Yuki. Wow, Touma-san really outdid himself on these breads this morning." Replied Shuusei, for once actually interested in food.
Sitting down next to Hotsuma, who was quick to the draw and sat down opposite Yuki, He took a small dinner roll, tore off a chunk and popped it in his mouth.
"Mmm…this is really good. You guys should try them." He stated. Hotsuma's eyes lit up and he made a grab for a large baguette. Stuffing at least a 1/4 of it in his mouth, he asked Yuki,
"ser watz yew gunna dew zoo-dei?."
Yuki blinked, and burst into laughter.
Shuusei shook his head, grinning.
"Swallow before you speak, Hotsuma. Really." He chuckled.
After recovering from the fit of laughter, Yuki replied," I don't know. I might just take a walk around the mansion, or go buy groceries with Touma-san, or clean around the house." Hotsuma grimaced.
"Clean? Walk? But that's so BORING"
Yuki smiled sheepishly. "I really do enjoy helping out around the mansion. It helps me think", Yuki finished, his voice trailing off. Hostuma was too engaged in his food, but Shuusei glanced at Yuki. 'Strange...' He looked distracted, and a bit more timid than usual. His cheeks had a slightly more pinkish hue than normal. It wasn't apparent, and he doubted Hostuma would notice, or anyone else for that matter. Shuusei had powerful powers of observation and he could tell something had happened. Judging by Luka's slightly distracted demeanor, something HAD happened. It was not like Luka to be distracted i.e. let his guard down in front of them. Feeling mischievous, but mostly concerned for Yuki, Shuusei spoke up.
"So, Yuki, did you sleep well last night?"
Yuki immediately turned 3 shades of red and tried, desperately, not to choke on his drink. Shuusei raised an eyebrow, and was thankful that Hotsuma was too distracted by his entree' that Touma-san had now served them. Luka, however, DID notice.
Luka showed no outside signs of change, but on the inside he was blaming himself over and over. He had wronged Yuki, disrespected him, and now he was sinking further and further into feelings of guilt. Had Yuki been awake? Did Yuki mistake it for a dream? ...but most importantly, what did he think of it? What did he think of him now?
"I-I slept well. Thanks for your concern, Shuusei-kun, but i'm fine!" Yuki replied, trying to get his face under control. GREAT, now both Shuusei, and worst of all, Luka, knew something was up. Shuusei carefully watched them both. 'That confirms it, something happened.' He thought.
"Yuki…"
Yuki turned his head and gave Luka a bright smile. "I'm fine, no worries" he said in his best, calm voice. Luka stared at Yuki a second longer and briefly closed his eyes, as if satisfied that Yuki was okay.
Click.
"Good Morning, Yuki-chan!" Touko bounded into the room cheerfully, followed by the silently smiling Tsukumo.
"Good Morning, Yuki"
"Good Morning!" Yuki replied back cheerfully. It was always a happy moment when he could have breakfast together with everyone. Yuki looked around.
"Where are Senshirou-san and Kuroto-kun?" Yuki asked, his eyes wandering. Touko gathered her long hair into a ponytail and shrugged.
"I think Takashirou-sama might have called them away for a special job yesterday night. I haven't heard much else. They should be back soon" Touko replied cheerfully, before serving herself some of Touma-san's wonderful Quiche. The smell filled the room and soon everyone was eating enthusiastically. Everyone, except Luka and Yuki. Both were sporting far-away looks. Not being able to take the onslaught of thoughts that Luka's presence brought, Yuki stood.
"Thanks for the meal. I'm going to go get ready for school."He replied, immediately making for the door.
Everyone looked up, with varying degrees of concern. Tsukumo stood. "Yuki, but you haven't had any breakfast yet!"
"Oh, I guess i'm not that hungry this morning. I'll be fine, i'll eat a good lunch. Don't worry!" Yuki smiled back before stepping out of the dining hall. Luka frowned. Shuusei, Touma-san (who had just stepped in), and Tsukumo all turned to Luka. Luka closed his eyes in thought, and seemingly having made up his mind about something, stood up and went. after Yuki.
"I wonder what's wrong. Yuki…" Tsukumo turned to face Touko.
"Don't' worry, Touko. Luka went after him. He'll be fine."He said with a smile. Touko smiled back. "Thank you, Tsukumo"
Hotsuma was not satisfied. Yuki never skipped Touma-san's meals, unless there was something wrong. He and Shuusei were lost in their own thoughts.
Hotsuma gave up trying to figure it out and figured if Luka couldn't help Yuki, then he would think of trusted Luka. He was the closest to Yuki and a comrade. They'd have to leave matters to him.
Yuki walked hurriedly away from the dining hall. 'It feels like i'm running away' He thought, disappointed with himself. 'but there's no way around it.'
::Don't run from him::
' I'm too conscious of Luka right now! After that dream…" He picked up the pace, until he stopped abruptly, as he was swung around gently by a hold on his arm.
Yuki's eyes widened and something in him stirred.
::Ahh..::
"Luka?"
"Yuki. What's wrong?"
He felt a surge of electricity go through his body, originating from the spot on his arm where Luka's grip held. Shocked, and embarrassed, he pulled away suddenly. Luka's expression looked hurt for a second, but was over so fast that Yuki thought he was hallucinating.
"I-I'm fine! I guess I'm a little tired, is all. I'm going to go change!" He replied as he turned to leave. Luka's lips fell into a frown and he stopped Yuki with a clawed hand on his shoulder. "Yuki. Please."
"Luka…" He looked up at Luka and bit his lip. He didn't want Luka to worry, but he didn't think he could take it if Luka knew about his dream. Time stood still as the sun filtered in through a single large window, highlighting them in it's light. Yuki needed any type of warmth right now, he mused.
He'd tell him the bare minimum. Yuki swallowed, his mouth dry. He clenched his right hand, which lay next to his side, and opened his mouth to speak.
"I had a strange dream. It felt too real and it's got me confused. That's all. Nothing to worry about. I'll be fine." Yuki said, in one breath. Luka tilted his head down to look at Yuki better.
"What kind of dream?" Yuki fought the urge to run away.
"I-uh…"
Luka knew. 'Yuki thinks it was a dream…" He'd realized since he'd seen Yuki for the first time this morning, but now he finally confirmed it. Yesterday's kiss had manifested itself as a dream to Yuki. It was on his mind and it was making him act differently than normal. Was he disgusted? Would this change anything? How would he calm Yuki's nerves?…and who did he receive the kiss from in the dream?
"Yuki, come."
Luka turned and headed towards Yuki's room, the same direction Yuki had been going just moments ago. He would tell Yuki. He would calm Yuki's nerves and return his peace, even if it meant Yuki would hate him.
He would risk it. It was his punishment for going against the laws of man, but most of all, for no respecting the sleeping Yuki's lips. He would pay the price, what ever it may be. He swore to protect Yuki from everything, and everything included himself. He wouldn't risk his control slipping any further.
They reached Yuki's door and with every last bit of self-control he had, he opened the door and slipped in, Yuki following behind. Yuki closed the door subconsciously behind him.
Turning around swiftly, Luka walked towards Yuki until he was inches away. They stared into each others' eyes for what seemed like any eternity. Luka's silver eyes gleamed, and Yuki could see his green eyes reflected back. They were so close, a breath away, and Yuki's body heated up with the proximity. He wanted to reach out to Luka, touch him, but he feared rejection. 'Luka was going to tell me something' He'd almost forgotten how to think under the intense gaze of silver. Drawing out of his thoughts, Yuki's gaze strengthened again and Luka closed his eyes momentarily, opening them with a gaze of renewed fervor.
'Good bye, Yuki…' His chest ached and his soul screamed at him to stop. He'd do anything to take back that kiss, so he wouldn't lose Yuki, but what's done is done and he would protect Yuki, he would.
"Yuki, Your dream was real"
"Wait, what?"
Yuki's expression immediately changed to one of confusion. Shaking his head, Yuki stared back at Luka.
"What do you mean, Luka? I don't understand."
"Your dream was not a dream nor a memory. Yesterday, as you lay sleeping, I-" Luka drew in closer and cupped Yuki's cheek with his hand, gently.
Yuki's eyes widened.
"-kissed you."
Sorry for the long delay but it was HARD to write this chapter. It was also looong, so it took while but next one will be the end. It'll have a nice, long romatic moment! :D And then, a sequel! ~AfterxThexRain
