"Whad'ja say?" Barnaby asked, narrowing his eyes and gesturing to his ear. He hadn't heard Kotetsu, but something told him that he had missed something very important.
Kotetsu was silent, counting to ten slowly in his head. He cleared his throat and exhaled heavily before replying, "I… I'm gonna miss you."
"Oh," Barnaby nodded, his stomach clenching uncomfortably. "I'm going to miss you too."
"When, uh, are you leaving?" Kotetsu asked, pulling away from Barnaby slowly.
"I don't know yet." Barnaby admitted. "Keith's going to take care of it."
Kotetsu stood up, placing a hurried kiss on top of Barnaby's golden-locked head. He pulled his dress shirt around himself, lazily buttoning a couple of buttons before bending down to retrieve his pants. "Hey…" Barnaby said, reaching out and grabbing Kotetsu's arm. "Did I do something?"
"No, no…" Kotetsu shook his head quickly, his throat burning as he struggled to control his voice. "I'm just getting cold."
"Come here…" Barnaby purred, tugging Kotetsu toward him gently. "I can warm you up…"
"No!" Kotetsu said sharply. He exhaled, almost a bitter laugh, and shook his head. "Sorry, I meant, no."
"You are mad." Barnaby realized, adjusting himself and zipping his pants quickly. "I'm sorry, I…"
"I'm not mad!" Kotetsu snapped. He shivered and crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes focused on something far away. "Really, I'm not mad…. I'm… I'm just sad…"
"Kotetsu-" Barnaby began, sliding off the chair and approaching the older man slowly.
"I don't understand…" Kotetsu groaned. "I'm so stupid…"
"What don't you understand?" Barnaby questioned. "And you are not stupid…"
"There are 13 million people in Tokyo and the one person that I-" Kotetsu raised his hand in a halting gesture, his head shaking in refusal. He stood in that position for several seconds, his eyes closed.
"Kotetsu, I don't want to go." Barnaby insisted. "I don't want to go at all."
"It doesn't matter." Kotetsu said, looking up for the first time. "It doesn't matter what I want or what you want. Life isn't like that. It keeps moving on…"
"It does matter!" Barnaby shouted. "It matters to me."
"You're immature and impulsive." Kotetsu said. "And, knowing this, I can't in good conscience let you risk everything for something so ridiculous."
"Ridiculous?" Barnaby whispered, his green eyes opening wide.
"Yes. Ridiculous." Kotetsu repeated. "You're just a kid and I'm an old man. You're an idol. I'm just a shop clerk and bartender. You're English. I'm Japanese. You belong with… with supermodels and actors… I… I'm just…"
"I like you Kotetsu…." Barnaby interjected. "You know I do."
"And w-w-what happens when you don't anymore?" Kotetsu exclaimed. "What happens when it's over? When you leave here, am I supposed to wait for you?"
"Do you want to?" Barnaby asked, throwing up his hands.
"I would wait forever!" Kotetsu shouted, the veins at his temple pulsing. "And it makes me so fucking angry! Fuck! I don't…" Kotetsu turned around quickly, swiping at his eyes. "I don't want you to go." Kotetsu's voice broke and he bit down on his closed fist in frustration. "But I know you have to."
"I know we haven't known each other long, but what I feel is 100% real… I lo-"
"Please don't say it." Kotetsu begged, turning to face Barnaby. "Please don't."
"Why?!" Barnaby demanded in frustration.
"Because I am too selfish." Kotetsu breathed. "I thought you could be fun. I mean, you hit me with your fucking car and then we're going to dinner… I thought you would be a pretty fantastic one night stand…" Barnaby was silent, waiting for Kotetsu to continue. "That was then and this is now… Now my feelings are too complicated. Just don't say it. I can't take it. I can't hear it."
"Kotetsu, I'm not fucking around. I mean what I say…"
"I know and I'm sorry…" Kotetsu spoke quietly. "But I don't want to let you go… And if you say it… It'll just be worse…"
"So… you're saying we end things now, because it might end later?" Barnaby questioned.
"I realized I don't want to play around anymore. And if you can't… give me everything, then I would rather end it before it gets too serious…" Kotetsu said simply. "I can't take the disappointment later."
"You are really making me mad." Barnaby admitted, his hands shaking at his sides.
"I'm sorry." Kotetsu replied solemnly. "I really tried. I tried not to do this."
"I know. You did pretty well too…" Barnaby said, his demeanor changing instantly. "I almost thought you didn't care at all."
"I got too attached." Kotetsu confessed.
"I understand now." Barnaby said with a nod. "And I'm not angry anymore. We don't have to talk about it. I don't want this to be the last thing we do, let's go to the corner store."
"Okay." Kotetsu agreed. "Did you need something?"
Barnaby flashed a confident smile. "I still need to try those green tea Kit Kats, remember?"
"Welcome back, Boss…" Ivan called out, scratching his pen against a sheet of paper slowly. He counted and recounted a stack of money, taking notes on the paper in front of him.
"You haven't finished yet?" Kotetsu groaned, locking the door behind Barnaby.
Ivan looked up in surprise, eyeing Barnaby disparagingly. "Who's the giant white guy?"
"None of your business." Kotetsu snapped. "Where's my brother? Downstairs?"
"He went home; I think...At least the anikis went home…" Ivan answered.
"You go home too." Kotetsu nodded toward the back door. "I'll even keep ya on the clock 'til 11."
"Hell yeah!" Ivan exclaimed, he said goodbye in Russian quickly, "Poka!"
"Buh-Bye." Kotetsu mumbled, escorting Ivan out the back door. "See you tomorrow…"
"Nah, I'm off tomorrow…" Ivan said adamantly.
"Okay, okay… then the next day…" Kotetsu said impatiently, placing both hands on Ivan's narrow back. "Goodbye."
"He's cute." Barnaby whispered, placing his hands on either side of Kotetsu and pinning him against the closed door.
"He's a baby." Kotetsu argued, turning his head to look at Barnaby. "And incredibly stupid."
"He's got pretty purple eyes and shiny, blonde hair…" Barnaby continued, his lips grazing against Kotetsu's neck.
"Is that your type?" Kotetsu asked, a rumbling laugh escaping his lips.
"Not at all…" Barnaby breathed.
"Mine neither." Kotetsu agreed. "I can't stand stupid and young. They think nothing bad can happen to them… it's too sad to watch…"
"Let's stop talking about that guy." Barnaby suggested, biting down on his lip as Kotetsu turned around to face him.
"Agreed." Kotetsu said with a nod. "We have to eat these Kit Kats."
"They'd better be bloody delicious…" Barnaby groaned. "If you're thinking about them when I'm this close to you…"
"One taste and you'll be hooked." Kotetsu said, his amber eyes flashing. A sly smile tugged his lips.
"Are we still talking about Kit Kats?" Barnaby asked, watching Kotetsu walk toward the staircase.
"Are you coming?" Kotetsu asked, shaking the bag of candies noisily.
"Yes. Yes, I am." Barnaby said, quickly crossing the store.
Kotetsu walked halfway up the narrow stairs and sat down, placing the shopping bag in his lap. Barnaby sat down on the step below Kotetsu's feet. He leaned back against Kotetsu's legs, his head resting against his knees. Kotetsu pulled a candy bar from the bag and handed it to Barnaby.
"Alright, mate. I'll eat your bloody sweets." Barnaby said gruffly in English. He unwrapped the Kit Kat and stared at the light green color suspiciously.
"It's not poison." Kotetsu chuckled.
"I know. I just feel like this is a defining moment in our relationship…" Barnaby said with a smile. "What happens if I don't like it?"
"I cut off the first section of your little finger…" Kotetsu explained, gesturing grotesquely with his hands.
"That's some Yakuza shit." Barnaby groaned, pressing the Kit Kat against his lips.
"U-uh, w-w-w-well…" Kotetsu stammered before clearing his throat. "Never mind. Just take a little bite. If you don't like it, I'll eat both our shares."
Barnaby took a tentative bite. His eyes softened as he chewed, his cheeks puffing out endearingly. He swallowed, his throat bouncing with the motion. He was silent for a moment, his tongue trailing along his bottom lip. "It's good. Like really good…" Barnaby sighed in relief, taking another bite of the bar.
"You live another day." Kotetsu murmured, breaking a single bar off of the Kit Kat.
"Okay, then Manchester United or Arsenal?" Barnaby asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Oooh…" Kotetsu puffed out his cheeks thoughtfully. "Manchester United."
"You live another day." Barnaby teased, chewing between words.
"You like football?" Kotetsu asked, crumpling his empty wrapper into the store bag.
"Of course." Barnaby said simply. "I'm English."
"Well you are a lofty pop star…" Kotetsu reasoned. "Who knows what you like."
"I'm pretty average." Barnaby replied. "I like naps, wine, music, sports, sex and fuzzy socks."
"One of those things is not like the others." Kotetsu said with a laugh.
"It's all the same to me." Barnaby said with a shrug.
"Hey, have you ever met The Knife?" Kotetsu asked hopefully. "I love them."
"The Swedish band?" Barnaby shook his head slowly. "No, but I've met lots of big people, at least in the western world. Celebrities are the worst sort of people. And I mean that…What sort of music do you listen to anyway?"
"Hurry up, give me your garbage…" Kotetsu gestured with his hands, before standing up. "Be quiet and follow me."
"Okay…" Barnaby stood and handed Kotetsu his trash, feeling rather childish. He followed Kotetsu up the narrow staircase, his shoulders brushing against the walls. "Don't you get claustrophobic in here?"
"This building's super old." Kotetsu explained. "Back when they didn't believe Japanese men could grow so large…"
Kotetsu searched his pockets for his keys and unlocked the front door of his home. He opened the door quietly, kicking off his shoes. Barnaby followed suit, sliding into a pair of house slippers. Kotetsu bolted the door behind them and tiptoed across the wooden floor toward a closed door.
"Welcome to my home." Kotetsu whispered, sweeping his arm in gesture. "Follow me."
Barnaby followed Kotetsu into his bedroom. It was a small room, much smaller than the rooms he had become accustomed to, but it was neat and cozy. Kotetsu silently shut the door behind Barnaby and walked over to a stack of CDs. He pulled out one of the albums and opened the case, placing the disc into the player.
Electronic, synth beats began to flow through the speakers. Kotetsu lowered the volume once, then twice, his head nodding to the slow beat of the song. There was a calliope effect to the piece and Barnaby couldn't wipe the confused grin off of his face. Kotetsu simply smiled, the music gaining an eerie music box quality as a woman began to sing.
"What is this?" Barnaby asked, a man's voice dueling with the woman's.
"Princess Chelsea." Kotetsu explained, placing the album case back down on his desk. "The Cigarette Duet."
"Interesting choice." Barnaby said, sitting on the edge of Kotetsu's single bed. "Musical taste is one of the most telling things about a person."
Kotetsu shrugged off his vest, throwing it in his hamper. He lazily tapped his foot against the floor in time with the song, his fingers nimbly unbuttoning his shirt. He flashed Barnaby a smile as he tossed his shirt away, his teeth dazzling white. Kotetsu leaned against his desk, his hands fumbling with the clasp of his trousers.
"Would you like help with that?" Barnaby offered, leaning forward. Kotetsu shook his head slightly, finally pushing his pants past his hips and kicking them onto the floor. "The bed's a bit small. Are we both gonna fit?"
"Hey, don't knock that bed. I lost my virginity in that bed." Kotetsu insisted.
"Oh yeah?" Barnaby asked, lying back on the bed.
"Before you were born." Kotetsu muttered, his face twisting playfully into a guilty expression.
"It's creaking with just me on it." Barnaby murmured. "Don't get too mad if I break your bed."
Kotetsu cleared his throat, waiting for Barnaby's full attention before speaking, "This desk is solid oak."
Barnaby sat up, a puckish smile twisting his handsome face. He stood hurriedly, ripping his shirt off his back and over his head. He rushed toward Kotetsu and the older man quickly pulled him into his arms. Barnaby bit down on Kotetsu's exposed shoulder, eliciting an excited cry.
"Shhhh…" Barnaby whispered against Kotetsu's skin. "We're supposed to be quiet, Kotetsu."
"Oh, fuck you." Kotetsu groaned, shaking his head and pushing his palm against Barnaby. Barnaby nipped along Kotetsu's neck to his ear and Kotetsu shuddered.
"Such a dirty mouth…" Barnaby breathed, kissing Kotetsu's throat sweetly.
"You've got no idea." Kotetsu murmured, his amber eyes wide and bright.
"I don't?" Barnaby asked, his lips inches from Kotetsu's, his warm breath fanning across Kotetsu's face.
"Stop talking now, Bunny." Kotetsu said, his face lit up handsomely.
Barnaby chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. He unbuttoned his jeans and pushed the waist band down to his muscled thighs. His large, strong hands roamed over Kotetsu's ass. He pinched softly, tapping his ass playfully before sliding Kotetsu's underwear down to the floor.
Barnaby lifted Kotetsu easily, hoisting him onto the desk. The desk slammed against the wall noisily and both men paused tensely. Silence followed and Kotetsu took the opportunity to wrap his long, toned legs around Barnaby's waist.
"You're so hot." Barnaby growled, his face and neck turning a deep scarlet.
"You're s-" Kotetsu's words died in his throat as Barnaby pushed his fingers into his mouth. He pumped his fingers in and out of Kotetsu's wet mouth, pressing down on his tongue firmly. Barnaby removed his sticky fingers slowly, a thin line of spit connecting him to Kotetsu's mouth. Kotetsu let his head fall back against the wall, his eyes hooded and his face flushed.
Barnaby pressed against Kotetsu's ass, pushing two fingers inside slowly. He spread his fingers apart gently, working Kotetsu open gradually. Kotetsu squirmed, expletives escaping his lips. He greedily grabbed at Barnaby, pulling the younger man closer impatiently.
Barnaby bit down on Kotetsu's shoulder, his hand pumping faster and faster between them. Kotetsu squirmed, his tongue clicking unconsciously, his fingertips nearly drawing blood across Barnaby's broad back.
"Bun-ny…" Kotetsu moaned, his toes curling and uncurling.
Barnaby muttered incoherently, using his free hand to press his cock against Kotetsu's entrance. He pushed inside, sliding his fingers teasingly out. Kotetsu cursed, biting down on his closed fist. And without warning, Barnaby thrust roughly into Kotetsu.
Barnaby braced himself with one hand on the wall and the other hand pinning Kotetsu's ass into place. His hips thrust forward, his body slapping against Kotetsu's ass. Kotetsu's entire body shook as Barnaby pounded into him, the desk banging against the wall noisily.
Kotetsu dropped his hands to the table, lifting himself up as much as possible. He arched his hips and, unexpectedly, Barnaby pulled him downward. Kotetsu's back fell against the table top, his head touching the wall and his legs and ass in the air. Barnaby didn't even pause, he continued moving, his arms flexing as he supported more of Kotetsu's weight. Kotetsu rolled his arms backward, gripping onto the edge of the desk.
"I got you." Barnaby breathed, sweat dripping down his neck. Kotetsu nodded wordlessly, his grip on the desk loosening. He whined, biting down on his lip as Barnaby quickened his pace.
Kotetsu reached down and grabbed his twitching cock. He began stroking in time with Barnaby's thrusts. His eyes closed, his breathing became jagged. His legs began to shake and Barnaby muttered his approval. Kotetsu whined loudly, his hand growing slicker with every stroke. "I'm g-gonna cum…"
"Fuck, Kotetsu…" Barnaby growled with a shudder. His body grew rigid, his pace slowing. Sweat covered every inch of him, his hair damp around the ears and neck. He thrust deeply, not stopping until Kotetsu ejaculated between them. As soon as Kotetsu finished, Barnaby gave one final, forceful thrust before orgasming inside.
Barnaby pulled out, sticky, white fluid dripping between their bodies. Barnaby leaned over and kissed Kotetsu before wiping the sweat off with his forearm. "How was that?"
"I'm not ready to talk yet." Kotetsu breathed, standing slowly as Barnaby lowered his legs to the ground.
"Okay." Barnaby chuckled exhaustedly.
"But it was better than Kit Kats." Kotetsu murmured, sitting down on the edge of the bed weakly. "Way better than Kit Kats."
"I told ya." Barnaby laughed, crawling between Kotetsu's legs. He pushed Kotetsu back onto the bed and laid his head against his warm chest. He snuggled on top of Kotetsu, and despite his relatively large size, the older man didn't complain. Kotetsu merely smiled, lifting his head to plant a kiss in Barnaby's blonde hair.
Within a few minutes, Kotetsu's breathing slowed, a slight snore escaping his lips. He twitched as sleep claimed him and then his body was perfectly still. Barnaby brushed his hand against Kotetsu's softly. He placed a kiss on the older man's chest. He inhaled deeply, Kotetsu's clean, masculine scent filling his lungs. He studied Kotetsu's face carefully, memorizing every detail, from the smile lines around his eyes to the sharp angle of his jaw.
Without a sound Barnaby stood. He grabbed the blanket off the top of the bed and tucked it around Kotetsu with care. He dressed quickly, purposefully taking Kotetsu's button-up and leaving his t-shirt behind. "You asleep, Kotetsu?" Barnaby asked quietly, standing beside the bed as he buttoned his sleeves. Barnaby leaned over, his lips pecking Kotetsu's forehead. "Yes? Good… then you can't get mad at me…" Barnaby ignored the tearing sensation in his throat. "I love you."
Kotetsu woke with a horrible taste in his mouth. He smacked his lips and covered his eyes with his arm. He laid there for a few minutes, his entire body inexplicably sore. A groan escaped his lips as he forced open one of his eyes. He gripped the blanket covering him before kicking it to the floor.
"Bunny?" Kotetsu called out, sitting up suddenly. He looked around the empty room, a strange sinking feeling spreading through his stomach. Barnaby wasn't there.
Kotetsu rolled out of bed, grabbing his clothes off the floor. He searched for his shirt until he realized that Barnaby's was still lying on the floor. He picked it up and, by habit, folded it neatly before placing it on the desk. A blush spread across his tanned cheeks as soon as he looked at the desk, and he was thankful he was alone.
Kotetsu pulled on a pair of clean underwear and opened his bedroom door, sneaking down the hallway to the restroom. He showered off quickly, groaning to himself in irritation as he cleaned inside. He lazily ran the towel over his wet body, wrapping it around his waist before heading back to his room.
He grabbed his phone, unlocking it quickly. To his surprise the phonebook was the active app. Barnaby's photo and contact information was enlarged on the screen. Kotetsu smiled and pressed call, bringing the phone to his ear.
"Good morning, handsome…" Barnaby answered.
"Where'd you go?" Kotetsu whined, opening his dresser.
"Sorry…" Barnaby apologized. "I'm just trying to get everything ready. I… I'll be leaving soon."
"Oh, yeah, well, uh, that's understandable. I guess I was just surprised you left without waking me up." Kotetsu explained hurriedly.
"You were out like a light." Barnaby said in English. "You have a very sweet sleeping face. Like a wee, little baber."
"Oh whatever." Kotetsu said dismissively. "Be quiet."
"Oh, by the way," Barnaby began. "Your mo-"
The reception crackled. Kotetsu paused, waiting for Barnaby to finish. "Uh, what was that? The phone cut out…"
"You-… -ther… sa-…" Barnaby repeated.
"I can't hear you!" Kotetsu yelled into the phone. "I'll talk to you in a little bit. By-e!"
Kotetsu hung up the phone. He dressed slowly, as if every single button needed his complete attention. He inspected his reflection with approval before slipping his cell into his pocket and leaving his room.
Kaede had left for school, her house slippers were by the door, a pot of coffee brewed and waiting for him. He poured himself a cup, adding generous amounts of sugar and creamer. He nearly jumped a foot off the ground as his mother spoke from the recliner. "Good morning, Kotetsu."
"Ah, Ma… You scared me…" Kotetsu gasped, chuckling as the foolishness of his reaction hit him.
"I scared your friend last night too." Anju said softly. "My joints were killing me. I came out here to sleep in this chair. I don't think he was expecting another person…"
"F-f-fr-fr-friend?" Kotetsu stammered, looking at his wizened mother with wide eyes.
"Barnaby…" Anju said with a slight nod. "The gentleman you were attending to last night."
"Ma!" Kotetsu cried out.
"Well…" Anju simply shrugged. "Kami knows you have never been a quiet boy."
"I must commit seppuku." Kotetsu whispered, nodding his head with acceptance.
"Stop your nonsense." Anju ordered, waving at him in irritation.
"Sorry, Ma… I thought you were in bed." Kotetsu mumbled awkwardly.
"Kotetsu," Anju began slowly. "I liked that one."
Kotetsu's entire body froze except for his heart which pounded wildly in his chest. "Y-y-you do?"
"Oh yes. Don't you?" Anju asked with a warm smile.
"I…" Kotetsu inhaled sharply. "I do, Ma."
"I won't meddle with your private affairs, Kotetsu. But I wouldn't have sent him off in the middle of the night." Anju insisted.
"I- I didn't… I… It's more complicated than that, Ma…" Kotetsu tried to explain.
"It's none of my business." Anju said with finality, brushing her hands together.
Kotetsu nodded, realizing the conversation was over. He was immensely surprised by the progress his mother had made and didn't want to press his luck. He kissed her on the top of her head, "Bye, Ma. I'm heading to work."
"Hello?" Barnaby answered breathlessly. He took several quick breaths, as if he had run to his cellular to catch the call.
"Hey… I've been calling…" Kotetsu replied hesitantly. "Is this a bad time?"
"Of course not!" Barnaby assured him. "What's up?"
"Well, it's, uh, been three days…" Kotetsu explained, an uncomfortable feeling twisting his stomach. "You wanna, uh, meet up for dinner or coffee or something…?"
"Yes. Yes I do…" Barnaby replied instantly. And then his voice changed and Kotetsu felt that painful sensation again. "But I can't. I'm sorry. I'm super busy. Keith has me running this full schedule. I've only had three hours of sleep the last four nights…"
"Yikes. That's rough." Kotetsu replied lamely, his fingers tapping against the counter in front of him.
"I miss you." Barnaby breathed. "Thank God I nicked that shirt before I left your house…"
"Thief…" Kotetsu said, forcing a laugh.
"It smells like you…" Barnaby breathed into the phone. "It's the only thing getting me by right now…"
"Ya know…" Kotetsu began hopefully. "I can help you pack… I understand you're busy. I won't get in the way. I swear…"
"I want you here." Barnaby agreed. "But I can't. I don't have the time to do everything I want to do with you… And I certainly don't have any self-restraint."
"Okay, Bunny." Kotetsu snapped a little too impatiently. "Well, call me when you have the time to talk."
Kotetsu sat at the small breakfast table, his palms down on the cool surface. He closed his eyes and inhaled, counting to ten before opening them. He looked across the table at his brother reading the newspaper and then up at the two gentlemen standing behind him. Kotetsu cleared his throat loudly, his fingers tapping against the table.
"Good morning, Kotetsu." Muramasa murmured, dropping the paper down on the table.
"Don't 'good morning' me…" Kotetsu barked. "What are those guys doing here?"
"I've been real busy with business as of late…" Muramasa replied slowly, lifting the paper back into his hands. "They told me they were worried about you… Said ya seemed down…Said I should come and see ya for myself…"
Kotetsu clicked his tongue furiously, eyeing his older brother with derision. "Get the fuck outta my kitchen."
"Oh, come on now…" Muramasa groaned. "They have feelings too. You don't even call them by name… You're a bit of a bully, Kotetsu…"
"Niisan, you're killing me…" Kotetsu whined, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Little brother…" Muramasa said, suddenly serious. "What did he do?"
"Huh?" Kotetsu sat back from the table looking up at Muramasa in surprise.
"That Gaijin…" Muramasa clarified. "What was his name? B… Brooks-san?"
"BBJ?" Kaede asked, poking her head into the kitchen. "What about BBJ?"
"Hurry along to school, Kaede." Muramasa instructed evenly. "Suzuki-san is downstairs, he'll walk you."
"I can walk myself. I'm 9." Kaede insisted, sticking out her tongue.
"No you can't. The world is full of unsavory people. You're walking with Suzuki-san."
"B-b-but…!"
"Listen to your Uncle, Kaede, please…" Kotetsu said softly.
"Okay. Bye, Papa!" Kaede called out with a wave. "Bye, Mean Uncle!"
Muramasa waited for the click of the front door before continuing. "You know, Kote-chan, I can make that motherfucker disappear… If he did anything, anything, to hurt you…"
"Unsavory people, huh?" Kotetsu muttered under his breath. "Honest, Mura-chan, I'm fine. Nothing happened. It's just… well…" Kotetsu shook his head. "I told him to call me when he had time to talk and, well, uh, it's been almost two weeks…"
Muramasa rolled the paper absently. "He's still at the same hotel and everything?"
"No. No you may not. You are not, you will not! You can't talk to him. You can't threaten him…" Kotetsu demanded. "Don't you dare think of touching a hair on his head!"
"Oh, come on now…" Muramasa said, a violent, mischievous smile splitting his face. "You know those are all just allegations… it's all conjecture. You're my brother. You know me… I'm just a humble business manager…"
"And you two need to mind your own damn business…" Kotetsu barked, looking from one man to the other. "What are you, little gossiping grannies?"
"All joking aside…" Muramasa pressed. "I'm your big brother. And if you need me, I'm here. I don't care if it's putting a bullet in someone's head or if you just need someone to make a decent fucking cup of coffee…"
"Thanks." Kotetsu exhaled heavily. "But I'm totally fine. He's busy. He's getting ready to leave… I understand he probably doesn't have time…"
"Oh, he better fucking make time." Muramasa snarled.
"Calm down." Kotetsu entreated.
"I am calm." Muramasa replied. "Oh, I am calm."
"Which one of us is dating him again?" Kotetsu teased.
"My baby brother." Muramasa replied.
"Eww, don't be gross. I'm 40." Kotetsu made a face as he spoke, waving his hands in gesture.
"Never too old for me to give a noogie…" Muramasa warned, arching a brow.
"Do and I'll tell Ma." Kotetsu said simply, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Little snitch bastard." Muramasa mumbled, exchanging looks with the men behind him.
Kotetsu's phone began to vibrate in his pocket, his ringtone rising in volume. Kotetsu rummaged through his pocket, grabbing the phone quickly and swiping to answer the call. "Hello?"
"Hey…" Barnaby's voice filled the speaker. "Good morning…"
Kotetsu stood up from the table, walking across the house toward his bedroom quickly. "What the hell man?! Do you know how long it's been since you called?"
"I know… I know…" Barnaby groaned. "Trust me, I wanted to call you every single day… But you said not to call you until I had some time to talk and well…"
"Oh, sure… Now you do what you're told." Kotetsu grumbled.
"I always do what I'm told." Barnaby said with a laugh. "Where's my gold star for being such a good boy?"
"Come and get it." Kotetsu replied coquettishly. "I'll even make it sparkly."
"I wish I could." Barnaby sighed, unconsciously switching between Japanese and English. "Keith is riding my arse. Nothing I do is right. I swear, I'm about to lose my bloody mind."
"Bunny…" Kotetsu said softly. "Do you not want to see me? Did I do som-"
"Shhh…" Barnaby hissed. He sighed heavily, the line silent for several long moments. "I don't want to fight. We're not going to fight. I just want to hear your voice. I… I need to hear you… I miss you…"
"I…" Kotetsu began unsurely. "Bun-ny… you… won't…"
"I've been busy writing… Packing is such a bore… I have to do something to pass my free time…" Barnaby interjected. "There's a song I'm working on… It's for you…"
"F-f-free time?" Kotetsu repeated, white dots erupting behind his eyes.
"W-wait, well, I mean," Barnaby panicked. "I'm stuck in the hotel, Kotetsu…"
"Uh huh." Kotetsu snipped. "Yep."
"Keith won't let me out…" Barnaby assured him.
"Sure." Kotetsu said shortly.
"I really am very busy, Kotetsu…" Barnaby insisted.
"Of course." Kotetsu retorted.
"This is totally backfiring!" Barnaby cried out. "Please… just wait a minute… don't get mad… let me explain…"
"Explain what?" Kotetsu asked, a strange vehemence in his voice. "You are about to leave Japan. You're supposed to be busy packing all your belongings to ship to England, but you've been busy writing songs while Keith actually does all the hard work… Do I have the gist of it?"
"Kotetsu." Barnaby spoke softly. "I miss you."
"Sure." Kotetsu replied.
"Kotetsu, it was good to hear your voice." Barnaby continued, undeterred. His voice remained gentle, and somewhat pleading, despite Kotetsu's aggressive attitude.
"Yep."
"You're mad." Barnaby sighed.
"Nah."
"You're terribly dishonest." Barnaby complained.
"You're not even gone yet and it's already fucking over!" Kotetsu shouted. He lost control, his volume rising higher and higher. His entire body shook, his hand curling painfully around the cellular phone. "I fucking told you! I fucking told you that it was pointless… And you! You fucking motherfucking son of a bitch! You had almost convinced me… You fuckhead!"
"Don't hang u-"
The phone rang in Kotetsu's hand. He stared down at the lit screen and let out a throat-ripping snarl. "The fuck do you want?"
"Don't hang up." Barnaby pleaded.
"Why?"
"Because I'm begging you…"
"You're begging me?" Kotetsu barked. "You couldn't call me for over 12 days and you're begging me?"
"I swear to God…" Barnaby breathed. "I will call you every single day from now on, no matter how tired I get. I'm sorry. I was careless… I won't do it again…"
"I'm not like this… This isn't me… I don't wait around for phone calls… I don't…" Kotetsu groaned. "I just… I… I w-wanted to spend your last day here together…"
"Me too." Barnaby agreed hurriedly. "I would never leave without spending every possible moment with you, Kotetsu… I promise…"
"Then… then don't be so damn aloof…" Kotetsu instructed, his anger breaking. "I feel foolish enough without worrying about whether you've changed your mind…"
"You're more sensitive than you look, Kaburagi-san…" Barnaby said carefully.
"I've also got a pretty impressive right hook…" Kotetsu warned.
"Kotetsu?" Barnaby spoke suddenly.
"Yeah?"
"May I say it now?" Barnaby asked.
"No." Kotetsu answered simply.
"Okay…" Barnaby breathed, his voice unusually thick.
"I don't mean to be cruel…" Kotetsu explained. "I'm trying to be the opposite…"
"I know." Barnaby said. "I know, Kotetsu."
"It's for the best." Kotetsu explained, almost as if he himself needed convincing. "And we're not going to fight anymore either…"
"I…" Barnaby paused, clearing his throat. "I still have your shirt."
"Yeah, I've got yours too." Kotetsu said, looking over at the shirt folded on his desk.
"Have you worn it?" Barnaby asked, his voice recovering quickly.
"No, I think I'd look pretty silly in your shirt." Kotetsu answered with a laugh.
"I'm wearing yours right now." Barnaby admitted. "It still smells just like you."
"Hey, I want that shirt back." Kotetsu complained. "It was expensive."
"I'll give it back when it doesn't smell like you anymore…" Barnaby argued. "And not before then."
"That's weird." Kotetsu groaned.
"Kotetsu…" Barnaby began breathlessly. "Say my name."
"B-Bun-ny?" Kotetsu said unsurely. "Bunny? Bunny… Bah-nub-by…"
"Thank you." Barnaby replied dreamily.
"You're welcome?... But what was that about anyway?" Kotetsu questioned.
"I'm in bed." Barnaby explained. "Wearing you shirt… it smells so good… And I'm listening to you talk and I just… I just miss you a lot…"
Kotetsu nodded and then his entire body froze as the realization crept up on him. "W-w-w-what? What're you… Are you? Bun-ny! What are you doing?"
Barnaby laughed, it was throaty and raw. A groan escaped his lips and it sent a shudder down Kotetsu's back. "Kotetsu… you should take a picture… send it to me…"
"Now?" Kotetsu whispered into the phone.
"I just sent you one. Check your messaging folder…" Barnaby instructed.
"Should I hang up?" Kotetsu asked, shrugging as he fumbled with his phone.
"Ko-tet-su…" Barnaby spoke slowly, his breathing hitching slightly. "Put me on speaker… Good… Now click on your messages. I just sent you a photo…"
"Oh okay… I got it… I'm clicking now…" Kotetsu said, nodding to himself. He opened the message and inhaled sharply. The photo was of Barnaby, purportedly, from the chest down and lying on a bed of white. He was naked except for Kotetsu's dress shirt, and his hand was stroking his erect cock. Kotetsu stammered stupidly for several seconds before formulating a response. "Are you jerking off right now?"
"Yes I am…" Barnaby said, a hint of a smile in his voice. "Now you send me one."
"I am not sending you nudes…" Kotetsu refused adamantly. "You're a celebrity. The Cloud thingie will get hacked and my dick will be on Google…"
"Awww…" Barnaby groaned. A moan escaped his lips and Kotetsu's skin prickled. "Come on, Kotetsu."
"You'll just have to use your imagination." Kotetsu said simply, his eyes unable to look away from the picture of Barnaby's perfect body. "Just imagine that I'm there… because if I was I would still make you jerk yourself off… Don't call me for 12 days? Yeah, you'd be sitting on a chair, naked except for my shirt… and you'd…" Kotetsu paused, his breath hitching. "You'd be touching yourself…"
"How should I be touching myself?" Barnaby breathed into the phone.
"Your hand would be at the base, and you'd move up to the top. You'd gripped the tip, nice and firm, and move back down again…" Kotetsu instructed, his hand roaming to his zipper of its own accord.
"That feels good." Barnaby grunted.
"Yeah?" Kotetsu asked, his face growing hot. "Is your hand getting wet? Are you making yourself feel good?"
"It feels good." Barnaby murmured. "My hand's getting sticky… But I… I'd rather you do it…"
"Too bad." Kotetsu said, stroking himself slowly. "Bad boys don't get rewarded."
"Kotetsu…" Barnaby moaned. "How could I make it up to you, if you were here?"
"You'd stand up… walk across the room with your cock hard and leaking and get in the center of the bed…" Kotetsu continued, his pace quickening. "I'd make you get on all fours, knees and elbows, so your ass would be up in the air…"
"That's dirty…" Barnaby whispered.
"Yeah, well…" Kotetsu replied, his voice sensual and raspy. "That's usually how I fuck… I like to teach cocky, little pricks a lesson or two… I like to finger-fuck them at first, get them drooling during foreplay… I like to get their cocks and thighs all wet… And then I like to pound them until they can't take it anymore…"
"You'd fuck me like that?" Barnaby murmured. "Have me begging for mercy?"
"No…" Kotetsu bit down on his lip, his stomach tightening. "I'd fuck you so damn good, you'd never want me to stop…"
"Shit…" Barnaby moaned. "Kotetsu… I'm gonna…"
"Does it feel good?" Kotetsu whispered.
"Uh huh." Barnaby whimpered.
"Are you gonna cum for me, Bar-na-by?" Kotetsu asked in English.
"Fuck." Barnaby groaned, a strange mewling sound fleeing his lips.
Kotetsu pumped his cock, hot, white fluid squirting over his hand and stomach. A bit of ejaculate shot across his chin and his hand finally slowed. "You good?"
"Yeah, I'm good. You?" Barnaby asked.
"Yeah." Kotetsu answered.
"You're a dirty old man…" Barnaby said with a laugh.
"Pssh…" Kotetsu snorted loudly. "You're the pervert who sent me a dick pic."
"Touché."
"I don't want to hang up." Kotetsu admitted.
"Then don't…" Barnaby insisted. "I don't care what we talk about. I just want to hear your voice."
Kotetsu leaned across his bed and grabbed a towel from the hamper. He wiped his face, hands and stomach quickly before redressing. "Okay. Well… I suppose you can talk to me while I grocery shop. I'm making curry tonight and need to pick up a few ingredients."
"Curry… sounds good." Barnaby replied simply.
"Eh, it's easy to make. So I make it a lot." Kotetsu explained.
Kotetsu walked into the kitchen, relieved to see Muramasa and his entourage had left. He busied himself, cleaning up the kitchen quickly. "So you said something about writing me a song… What's it about?"
"Oh, well…" Barnaby began nervously. "Would you perhaps like to hear it? It's not finished though…"
"Of course…" Kotetsu agreed. He grabbed Muramasa's newspaper and tossed it into the recycling bin. With an irritated groan he lifted one of Kaede's little teeny magazines, the first off the stack. He noticed Barnaby on the cover and smiled unconsciously. He flipped through the pages quickly, stopping at Barnaby's four page spread.
"Oh well, now I'm too nervous… I don't know… I just feel a little stupid singing to you on the phone…"
"Don't be ridiculous." Kotetsu insisted. "I've seen you naked, I can hear you sing a song."
"But it's important to me… what if you don't like it?" Barnaby continued anxiously.
"There's no way I won't-" Kotetsu paused midsentence, the phone pressed against his shoulder and ear and the magazine stretched between both hands. He stared down at the article, his eyes searching the headline and the surrounding paparazzi photos.
"Bun-ny…" Kotetsu began slowly.
"Yeah?" Barnaby replied.
"Where are you right now?" Kotetsu asked quietly.
"The hotel…" Barnaby answered.
Kotetsu nodded to himself before hanging up the phone. He chucked his phone against the wall, the glass cracking as it clattered against the floor. He looked at the photographs accompanying the article and felt like screaming. Kotetsu read the headline and reread the headline, bile rising in his throat. Barnaby Brooks Jr. Says Goodbye to Japan.