A/N: At last I present chapter ten~ My mind's a bit dead right now so I'll keep this short. I actually finished this story way back in February. At the time it was meant to stand alone and thus has a title of it's own which I've decided to keep (as well as being a bit loner than the other chapters). It's still known as Story Ten, though. I changed the ending a bit from the original because I felt this one was more appropriate. At any rate, I hope you enjoy. :)

Better Off Alone

Syaoron sat alone at the small table drinking some tea. It was a calm day, peaceful. The birds were quiet and the sky was covered by a thin layer of gray. It was that period of time when one wasn't sure if a storm was about to hit or not. He quite liked those times. The air was just that right temperature and the misty air clung to the skin in such a soothing way. To him, it was the most perfect type of weather.

A pretty woman sat down at the table with him. She smiled brightly and introduced herself. He simply grinned in return but said nothing. She started making pleasant conversation with him. He made all the appropriate responses though none of them were truthful. All the small details people wanted to know were merely fabrications. He had no reason to tell them the truth. Eventually he'd say something, anything at all that they wouldn't like. Then they'd get up, all smiles and polite lies, and leave – never coming to talk to him again.

It was all a game, one he had learned to play a long, long time ago. No one wanted to hear the truth. They also didn't want to hear things they didn't like. It was a battle of wits to see who came out on top. The one who came out unharmed. And Syaoron always came out unharmed. Not one of these people that danced with him could touch him. He liked it that way.

Then that thing was said and the woman left. She was nice about it, giving a proper excuse and smiling kindly. He knew it was fake. It was always fake.

But he simply leaned back in his chair, staring at the dismal sky. "It certainly is a beautiful day," he said to himself, finishing off his tea before walking out of the building.

/

The building was called Cat's Eye Café which was, of course, a café. Syaoron visited it every day at exactly six o'clock at night. He always ordered the same thing. He was a regular customer there but although the staff knew him, they only approached him when they were dropping off his tea. They didn't fear him or anything but rumors spread among the other patrons and the staff seemed to think it best to avoid him. Not that the occasional person didn't try to best him at the game.

Today was no different. The weather remained unchanged from the day before and he was able to relax peacefully. He was left alone to his own devices as everyone around him decided not to play the game. He was perfectly fine with this; of course, there were times where he preferred the solitude over false company. Though he felt that way most of the time.

It wasn't long, however, before the seat across from him was taken. It was an unusual person that occupied it now. His silky blond locks appeared frazzled and he wore a long tan coat with a white scarf despite the sticky weather. He seemed quite distracted as well, absently drinking his steaming tea as he shifted through his bag for something. A frown replaced the grin he was used to seeing but his aura was far from any depressed feeling. He was definitely not one of the usual costumers.

"Aha!" he exclaimed as he found what he wanted. The man pulled out a simple notebook, smiling happily at it. Then he flipped it open, set it down on the table and pulled out a pencil from a large pocket. Shifting in his seat, he turned to face the boy seating with him. "Ah, hello there," he said, seeming to brighten up.

Syaoron regarded him for a moment before answering. "Hello."

"It's certainly dark today, isn't it?" the blond continued.

"I rather like it," he replied. He froze, cup against his lips. He hadn't meant to say that. He had wanted to agree with this stranger. Instead, he had blurted out unnecessary things.

"Oh? Is that so?" The man appeared unfazed by his answer. Most would look at him strangely for that. "Well, everyone has different likes."

"Indeed," he muttered.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" the newcomer suddenly exclaimed.

The boy raised an eyebrow at him. "What for?"

"I forgot to introduce myself!" He worried over the strangest things. "My name is Yuui."

He paused, looking at him and wondering about him. "Syaoron," he said, deciding not to use the false name he used for all the others.

Yuui somehow managed to look even more cheerful. He was like some shimmering light in the darkness. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Syaoron-kun."

"Same to you, Yuui-san." This stranger seemed quite odd.

The man took a sip of tea. "This really is a lovely place, isn't it? I've never been here before."

That explained why he was sitting here talking to someone he had never met. "It is but not many people know about it."

He looked around him. "There seems to be quite a few people here though?

Syaoron shrugged. "I never talk to any of them."

The blond frowned, blue eyes fixed on him. "Doesn't that get lonely?"

He blinked, surprised. No one had ever asked him that before. "No, I don't get lonely."

"Hmm…" His new acquaintance stuck his pencil behind his ear and rested his chin on his hand. A distant look came into his eyes."

The boy smirked. "What a love-struck look, Yuui-san."

"Eeeehhhh?" He started, eyes wide and face turning a deep red. "Th-that's not it! I-I w-was only thinking about… about…"

A special someone?" he offered.

The man's face couldn't get any darker. "N-no! Th-That is… I-" The beeping of a watch interrupted him. He pulled up his sleeve to check the time. "Ah, is it this late already? I'm sorry Syaoron-kun, but I have to go."

Ah, so that was the comment this time. How convenient that his watch had gone off, giving him an excuse to leave. "It's fine, don't worry about it."

Yuui quickly packed up his things looking dazed and frazzled once more. "Again, I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly. I'll be off then." He turned to go. "I'll see you again," he promised before walking away.

Syaoron smiled bitterly at that. "Yes, see you." Even though he knew he would never see that blond stranger ever again.

/

The next day was just as he thought it would be. The weather seemed to not want to change and he sat alone at his isolated table. He had always wondered why his table seemed vacant whenever he came in. He chalked it up to the rumors that lay heavily in every corner of the café. Not that he really cared, he preferred it this way. So he settled down comfortably in his chair and began to sip his tea.

"Hello again, Syaoron-kun."

The boy froze and slowly put down his cup to see none other than Yuui sitting down at his table. He looked much the same as yesterday though he had a hairpin holding back his mess of blond hair. Syaoron blinked to hide his surprise. "Hello, Yuui-san."

"It looks like this weather is going to stick around for a bit, huh?"

"Yes, it does seem to want to stay awhile." This man's presence here was a real shock to him. Everyone else he had spoken with had never kept their promise of 'seeing him again'.

"I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly yesterday. I had some very important things to do." He looked earnest and genuinely honest about the apology. Syaoron didn't know if he believed him or not.

"It's fine, don't worry about it," he said, going back to his tea. "I had things to do as well."

"Ah, so I wasn't a bother then?"

"Not at all." This man was certainly concerned over the strangest things. He had never met someone quite like him.

"Oh good," he sighed in relief. "Since I wanted to see you again but I didn't want to bother you at all."

He smirked. "Is that so? Has Yuui-san fallen for me already?"

The blond blushed and started coughing as his tea went down the wrong way. "I'm –cough cough – not sure – cough – how you – cough – say that."

The boy chuckled. "I'm wrong then?"

After recovering from the coughing fit, Yuui jabbed a finger at him. "For one thing, I'm not like that. I have no interest in such a thing. For another, you are much too young for me."

"And just how old do you think I am?" Syaoron tested, propping his elbows on the table and resting his chin on his interlocked hands.

He regarded the boy for a moment. "Um… thirteen, fourteen?"

"Do I really look so young?"

"Alright then, how old are you?"

"Hmm, I wonder."

The man raised an eyebrow at the strange comment. "Don't you know how old you are?"

He tilted his head. "I'm sure I do, somewhere."

"Somewhere?"

"Somewhere."

The frazzled stranger shook his head in bewilderment. "You certainly are an odd one, Syaoron-kun."

"Oh really?"

The man rolled his eyes and seemed to decide that it was best not to answer him. Instead, he reached into his bag and pulled out the notebook from before. He opened it, pulled out a pencil and began to write.

"Might I ask what that is?" Syaoron glanced at it but didn't attempt to read anything.

"A story I'm working on." Yuui smiled brightly, seemingly quite happy though the boy couldn't figure out why.

"A story?"

"Yes, I'm a writer."

He regarded the man, curious now. He suppressed a frown at that thought. He couldn't let himself get curious. Curiosity led to attachment, something he couldn't let himself feel. It would only hurt when the inevitable came. "That must be quite an interesting career. What sort of stories do you write?"

"Fiction. Stories based on real life though. Why interested in them?" He shrugged. "People seem to like them. Though, I did originally want to be a chef. Due to various reasons, I couldn't be."

"Hmm, interesting." He reached for the pot at poured himself some more tea.

"What about you?" the blond inquired, putting down his pencil for a moment.

The boy shrugged. "Here and there."

He raised an eyebrow and considered that. "Odd jobs, then? What about school?"

The brunet shrugged again. "I learn enough."

"You and straight answers don't seem to like each other."

He smirked. "What an interesting thing to say."

Yuui's watch beeped loudly. He sighed dejectedly and checked it. "It seems I have to go now. I'm sorry about this."

"It's fine, don't worry about it," Syaoron assured him.

He gave an apologetic smile as he stood up. "I'll be sure to see you again."

Syaoron gave a slight wave as the man left. He still didn't believe him. So he simply finished his tea before leaving himself.

/

That man didn't come back the next day, nor did he return for over a week. The brunet's table was absent of the blond's golden presence for nearly two weeks. Syaoron was right not to trust his words. He actually preferred to be left alone. Company was no good when it was always leaving. Though there was an odd ache in his chest that he couldn't place.

It was one of those days that one knew would turn out bad. The sky had finally broken, pouring buckets of water down on anything that happened to be stuck outside. Syaoron loved the rain; it was soothing, easing his troubles just as easily as it masked pain. He sat in it now, taking a seat on the edge of a fountain. It was long past his time in the café so the only light available was from the dim flow of the distant street lights.

Truth be told, he didn't really know where he was. He knew he was in a park of some kind but in his random wanderings he had lost track of his location. He has come to a section of the city he had never been in before. Of course, Syaoron had initially thought he could get back to his tiny apartment without much trouble. That plan had been shot down as soon as he realized he had no idea how to get there, not that he would admit to being lost. So he decided to rest his tired feet for a while. It had been raining all day and he didn't own an umbrella so he was drenched by the time he sat down. A little more water wouldn't hurt anything.

Syaoron sighed, turning his face up to the pitch black sky and closed his eyes, letting the rain trail down his face.

"And just what do you think you're doing?"

His eyelids flashed open as the rain stopped falling on him. He stared in shock at the dark form that hovered over him. His muscles froze even as his mind screamed danger.

The shadow seemingly tilted his head. "Syaoron-kun?"

The boy blinked and quickly got up to face the stranger. He relaxed slightly as the dim streetlights illuminated the figure's heavenly features. "Yuui-san?"

Yuui smiled slightly and approached him, sheltering him from the falling water again. "It's good to see you still know me. But what on earth are you doing outside without an umbrella? You're soaked!"

He shrugged. I don't own one."

The blond frowned. "Come here," he said as he grabbed his arm and began dragging him off.

"Ah, Yuui-san! What are you doing?"

"You'll catch a cold if you don't change out of those wet clothes." He glanced at the younger male. "My place is near here. You can stay the night."

The brunet raised an eyebrow, lips slipping into a mischievous smile. "Oh? Are you in that much of a hurry to get me undressed?"

Yuui stumbled, feet tripping on nothing. He shot a look at the boy, clearly shocked by that question. Syaoron thought he saw the faintest blush cross his features but he couldn't tell in the dark. "Sy-Syaoron-kun, I'm only worried about your health. Besides, I already told you I'm not like that."

"Have you ever tried?" he inquired innocently. He knew it had been this topic that had driven this man away before. Why did he seem so intent on getting rid of him?

The writer looked at him oddly again and paused outside the door of his apartment. It was a good sized complex and nicely kept. The door they stood in front of was on the second floor, accessible from a staircase. It was a typical place with no real distinguishing features.

"Why, have you?" He blinked in surprise at the strange expression that crossed the boy's face. "Ah, never mind. Forget I said anything." He unlocked the door and led them inside.

Syaoron's brain scrambled to recover from the sudden question. He couldn't think of any appropriate responses so he decided to remain quiet. Stepping into the house, he took a good long look around the place. It was a small place but it was bigger than his. There were three rooms as far as he could tell, the living room into which they had entered, a kitchen near the back and a closed door across from that which he assumed was the bedroom.

"Sorry about the mess," Yuui said, closing the umbrella and hanging up his coat. "I haven't had much time to clean things up lately."

The brunet gave him a look, raising an eyebrow. "This is a mess? I didn't realize a few empty coffee cups counted as a mess."

He rolled his eyes and tossed him a towel from a pile of folded clothes. "You can get to the bathroom through the bedroom. Get out of those clothes and take a warm bath. I'll loan you some things to wear."

Catching the towel, he regarded the man for a second. He figured there was no harm in cleaning up. So he went off to take a bath even as his mind reminded him of the last incident involving 'trust'. Uneasily setting up and getting in, Syaoron relaxed as the warm water relaxed his tense muscles. He had made sure to lock the door before stripping off his drenched garments. He hadn't realized how cold and wet he was until he had gotten inside. It was nice just sitting there and getting warm.

After the soothing bath and cleaning up, the boy walked out into the bedroom to find a clean pile of clothes on the bed. Since he figured they must be the ones Yuui mentioned loaning him, he put them on. They were too big for him, of course, but they were warm and smelled exactly like the angelic writer. Then he walked into the kitchen and found the stranger that had taken him in sitting at a small table.

The man looked from what looked like a cup of coffee and examined him. "Those clothe are a bit big but they'll have to do for now. Would you like something to drink?"

He shook his head. "I'm fine."

"Then it might be best to turn in for the night. You take the bed."

Syaoron tilted his head and crossed his arms. "I'm fine with the couch. You don't have to inconvenience yourself because of me."

Yuui shook his head. "You're not. I can sleep on the cough." When he opened his mouth to protest, the man held up a hand to stop him. "You're a guest so you get the bed. Now shoo. Get some rest. I'll look after your clothes."

The brunet raised an eyebrow – he seemed to like doing that – and smirked slightly. "You'd make a good mother, you know that?"

The blond spluttered, spraying coffee everywhere. He blushed fiercely. The boy laughed as he headed off to lie down beneath the covers.

It was a very comfortable bed and he could feel himself already tumbling down into sleep. But not before thoughts were able to pass through his mind. This wouldn't last. What he had with this blond stranger would end eventually. Something would go horribly wrong and he would be on his own again. It was better if he was by himself. Nothing could hurt him that way, he would be safe. That wouldn't happen again. There was no way he would trust himself to another person. These and other dark thoughts circulated in his head long after he had surrendered to sleep's embrace.

/

The rain didn't look like it was about to stop any time soon. Syaoron stared out at the dismal sky listlessly. He was itching to get as far from this place as was possible, back to his own comfortable room.

"Syaoron-kun," Yuui called from the kitchen. "Breakfast is ready."

Sighing, he turned away from the water pounding on the glass pane and went to take a seat. The blond sat with him, placing their meals in front of them. It was nothing big or fancy but it was still very delicious. The boy thought he caught his host smiling amusingly as he quickly finished off his food.

"Shame you couldn't have been a cook," he commented, turning hard eyes on him.

"Yes but at least I can do it in my spare time." He gathered the dishes and put them in the sink. "I'll be out most of the day but there's enough food here so you can help yourself."

"You make it sound like I'm staying longer."

"You are."

Syaoron froze, looking up at Yuui who had turned to gaze right back. "And what makes you say that?"

The man gestured towards one of the front windows. "For one thing, it's pouring outside and you don't have an umbrella. The only one I've got I'll need and I don't want you getting wet again. For another, you're clothes are still wet. Mine are too big for you. It wouldn't do to have you tripping over the pant legs and hurting yourself."

"I am up to your shoulder. Besides, I'm still growing."

"Grow all you want, for the moment you're still short." He went over and ruffled the boy's hair almost affectionately. "So stay here, okay?" The brunet didn't mention that he had no real means of keeping him here. He could go at any time he pleased – rain or no rain – and disappear from this man's life. But that factor wasn't spoken as Yuui packed up and left.

Syaoron sighed as he was left alone. He knew there was nothing keeping him here; the only walls were the ones he built around himself. But he only found himself drifting into the living room again. There was a bookcase there, filled with any a number of things. He noticed there was a lot of cook books.

"He hasn't completely given up on it," he murmured, smiling bitterly. He picked out one of the fiction novels and sat down on the couch to read. Flipping on the TV for background noise, he settled in to read even knowing that he shouldn't be staying.

/

So absorbed was he in the thick volume that he didn't notice the door open.

"I'm home."

Syaoron nearly jumped at the abrupt sound but managed to keep his head as he straightened and turned towards the door. "Welcome back." He saw a pile of small boxes beside the glowing blond that had not been there before. "What are those?"

"You're things," Yuui replied as he walked over to him.

His eyes narrowed. "My things? And just how were you able to get them?"

He blushed slightly. "I found your key in one of your pockets. There was a number on it. Sorry for going through your things but I thought it might be easier if you stayed."

"So you just packed up my things and carried them here?"

"I borrowed a friend's car. There wasn't much so it didn't take long. Ah." He suddenly became nervous. "I know you might think it's troublesome but I don't particularly like the idea of you living on your own."

He raised an eyebrow at that. "I'm perfectly capable of being on my own."

The man averted his eyes. "That doesn't mean you should…"

A smirk crossed the boy's lips. He turned on the TV, seeing what brainlessness was on. "Well, that certainly seems like a love confession." He thought he heard the blond trip and looked up to see a beat red face with half scolding eyes.

"You-"

He smiled innocently. "So, who's getting the bed? Or are we sharing?" He wondered if he said these things to see the blush that always crossed the man's face.

"You're still a guest. You'll be keeping it."

"But wouldn't it be better for your writing if you got some good sleep?"

Yuui waved it off. "I can sleep anywhere. Now, what shall I make for dinner?"

/

The pair settled into a comfortable routine. Every morning, Yuui cooked them a nice breakfast then they would part ways and go about whatever business they had to do. Afterwards, they would meet at the Cat's Eye Café for some tea before heading home to dinner, though it was usually Yuui meeting up with the boy. Time passed quickly for them; neither fully realized when half a year went by.

The only thing Syaoron was truly aware of was his growing unease. With each moment that passed in the company of this man, the boy could feel his body itching for something. What, he couldn't entirely tell. But he could guess. He knew, though, that he couldn't let this continue. He was better on his own, safer. Nothing could get to him. Nothing could touch him. This situation was dangerous. He couldn't afford it; he had to get out of there.

"Syaoron-kun?"

The boy nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of Yuui's quiet voice. He pulled his eyes away from the window to look up at him. A worried expression clouded the man's face. "What is it, Yuui-san?"

"It's just…" He leaned over him, seemingly concerned. "You've seemed distant lately. Are you alright?"

He stood up swiftly, moving towards the kitchen. "I'm fine," he said, avoiding those sharp cerulean orbs.

The blond frowned, clearly not pleased by the answer. He followed the brunet, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms. "Are you sure about that?"

Lightning flashed through the sky, followed by a crack of thunder. A storm was raging and not all of it remained outside.

Syaoron took a glass of milk from the fridge and took a sip. "Eh? Are you so concerned about such a thing? That's almost like you love me." His tone was as light and teasing as he could make it yet he heard no response from the stranger. He glanced over at him and saw the light from the hallway catching his hair like a halo. He froze at the expression on his face. Every muscle in his body stiffened and alarms went off in his head. "Yuui… san?"

"Syaoron-kun, I-" He pushed off the frame and approached him.

The glass slipped from his fingers and shattered on the floor, leaking milk everywhere. He reeled back, trying to keep his distance but ended up against a wall. Yuui reached out and grabbed him arms so he couldn't escape, trapping him.

"Syaoron-kun, I'm worried about you."

He smiled bitterly, a weird look coming into his eyes. "I thought you said you weren't like that."

"I suppose there are exceptions to everything." The stranger looked so clam, almost serene like an angel as he locked eyes with the young boy. It seemed so odd to see anything but a smile on his face. He was this bright point of light in this otherwise dismal world. If he didn't shine, who would?

The brunet shifted, trying to find a way out of the man's tight grip. "I was only joking those times. I didn't-" He was cut off by soft lips connecting with his own. His eyes widened in shock. This stranger tasted sweet, like a delicious treat. He struggled against the hold, eyes squeezing shut against the pleasure as a rough tongue slipped into his mouth. The kiss lasted an undetermined amount of time and when the blond finally pulled away, both were left breathless.

Yuui frowned as he saw the boy's horror struck expression, confused by his reaction. "Syaoron-kun? What's wrong? Tell me."

He shook his head, muttering, "Spoiled goods," under his breath. He looked away, not daring to look into those calm eyes.

The blond took his chin and forced his head up. Though he averted his eyes, the man could still see his face. "Tell me." He loosened his grip and softened his stance, trying to relax the situation. "Please."

"Two years ago," he whispered finally, voice shaky. "He was a friend. He was nice."

"He?"

A small nod. "There was no reason to think that he would… Well, I suppose it's my fault for not noticing. Though he still… did that. Then left. He-" He abruptly found himself in a tight embrace, the blond burying his face in the crook of his neck.

"Syaoron-kun… I…"

"It's fine. I'm better on my own. I prefer-" He was cut off by another kiss, this one softer than the first.

"No one is better off alone," Yuui murmured when he pulled away for a moment. "I won't leave. I can show you that it's not always bad."

Syaoron gasped in shock as a hand snaked its way up his shirt and smooth lips touched his collarbone. He closed his eyes and clenched his hands in the fabric of the man's shirt.

"Yuui-san…"

/

Syaoron woke up slowly, eyes creaking open bit by bit. He almost felt the need to stretch but rolled over instead. He was quite comfortable where he was and he didn't feel like getting up at all. Then he noticed the other side of the bed was empty.

He bolted upright, thoughts already turning for the worse. He should have known this would happen. If this was all he was good for, it would have been better to be alone. He was always better off alone. He should just-

A tray table somehow found its way into his lap. He stared at it, confused. The long tray was laden with more food than he could eat.

"I thought some breakfast in bed might be in order."

Syaoron looked up to see Yuui standing over him, a smile on his face. He was nicely dressed and his golden hair dripped with water. "Yuui-san?"

"Nothing happened last night," he answered, expression never wavering. "You fell asleep. You must have had a long day." The man chuckled quietly and sat down beside him. "I said I won't leave." He brought a hand up and placed it on the brunet's cheek. "So, shall we eat then?"

Syaoron stared at him for a moment before bowing his head and leaning against him. "Thanks you," he whispered.

Yuui simply smiled brighter and hugged him.