AN: One of the long-awaited for chapters? Rated PG-15 for innuendo. Thanks to all my reviewers for the inspiration they have provided!

Chapter 10 – Misunderstandings and Revelations

Ray had always thought of Tsukushi as a little girl, and she had slowly come to be the closest thing he had to a younger sister. However, her unexpected transformation into the siren on stage made him look at her in a different light. For the first time, he realised that this little girl was actually every inch a woman, and a very attractive one judging by the stares that she was receiving from the male population in the club. As her performance continued, his brain gradually processed the fact that he too was one of the entranced males. An emotion akin to horror jolted him when he realised the possibility of him being attracted to Tsukushi. A purely physical reaction - something that you should know better than anyone else, he thought cynically. It was nothing more than the natural reaction of any hot-blooded male when a far from ugly female moves seductively in front of them … …

A wave of loud applause brought Tsukushi crashing back to earth as the last few haunting notes of Hirashi's final song died away. She panted, trying to catch her breath, and blinked a few times to allow her pupils to adjust accordingly as the glaring stage lights were dimmed. Tsukushi exchanged a wide grin with her fellow dancers before turning to face the audience. The smile on her face suddenly froze when her eyes fell on a familiar figure sitting at one of the tables reserved for exclusive guests. She stilled when her eyes collided with Rui's dark brown eyes. The intensity of his heated gaze and the strange emotion burning in the depths of his eyes took her breath away. They stared transfixed at each other for what seemed like an eternity as the rest of the world faded away … …

Her heart was pounding erratically from the strange, rampant emotions in her chest when Ray finally looked away. Tsukushi leant against the piano as she took deep breaths to calm herself down, her shaky knees feeling as though they were about to give way anytime. What on earth was that?

Alarm bells were going off in Ray's head when he managed to tear his eyes away from Tsukushi. It had only been about twenty seconds, but it was twenty seconds too long. He had never acted as unprofessionally as he did tonight. Worried that Nurita had seen this little exchange between himself and Tsukushi, Ray quickly glanced at her. His heart sank when he saw her looking at Tsukushi with a slight frown on her face. However, none of the trepidation showed on his face, when she turned to him with suspicion glittering in her eyes.

Maintaining a charming smile, Ray gently slid his right hand over her left thigh as he leant towards her and muttered in her ear, "so how did you find the performance?" He observed with great satisfaction the devastating effect wrecked by the combination of his intimate gesture, the deeper tone he adopted and the puffs of his hot breath against the sensitive inner surface of her ear. Nurita shuddered as the suspicion in her eyes dissipated and was replaced by a hungry gleam.

"Hirashi was great, Ray. However, I believe that one of his little showgirls – the one near the piano - has a crush on you," she purred as she ran a finger down Ray's shirt seductively, not noticing that he had tensed. Reigning in his temper at her derogatory description of Tuskushi, Ray briefly cast his eyes in Tsukushi's direction and raised his eyebrows in a nonchalant gesture as he looked back at Nurita.

"Yes," she replied to his unspoken question. "That one's been staring at you. I don't blame her for wanting you, my pet. However, you're mine for tonight," she said possessively as she caught hold of Ray's tie and pulled his face down to hers for a kiss. Obediently following her wishes, one of his hands automatically reached out to cradle the back of Nurika's neck as he bent lower, pausing just as his lips were barely brushing hers.

"She's just a little girl. I prefer a real woman who knows what she's doing," he murmured huskily before allowing his mouth to move against hers skilfully in a deep kiss, drawing a throaty moan from her. By the time he pulled away, Tsukushi had disappeared.

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It hurt. There was no reason why it should, but it really hurt to see Rui kissing the woman. Tsukushi stared blearily at her reflection in the mirror, noticing the traces of exhaustion and acknowledging to herself for the umpteen time that there was nothing to recommend in her face. Why had Rui been staring at her?

"He was probably wondering how a plain girl like me managed to be up there with all the other beautiful dancers. If I were lucky, I'd be called cute," she muttered to herself and sighed. Yes, if she was only beautiful then maybe R… …

Her depressing thoughts were interrupted when the door was suddenly thrown open and Sakura bounced into the changing room.

"So this is where you have been hiding yourself," she exclaimed. "Come on, quick! Chop chop! We are all waiting for you!"

"What's up?" Tsukushi asked as she tried to keep up with the energetic girl who was dragging her out of the door.

"A most valued customer would like to congratulate the troop personally on putting up such an excellent show. He's a very important and influential person in the ministry, and is also one of our club's loyal patrons. Make sure you don't offend him, he's not one of our normal fans." Sakura was explaining rapidly as she led Tsukushi to one of the best tables in the club. Tsukushi noticed that the rest of the troop was already seated and talking to three gentlemen wearing expensive looking suits. The oldest was in his late forties or early fifties and was rather distinguished looking with black hair that was greying at his temples.

"Sorry, we're late, Yamada sama," Sakura said with an extremely charming smile as both of them bowed to the guests.

"Please don't worry and do have a seat," the elderly gentleman said with a benevolent smile. Tsukushi looked up and saw him assessing them with a pair of shrewd eyes that were partially hidden behind steel-rimmed spectacles.

"Thank you." They both sat down on the remaining chairs with Tsukushi placed next to one of the younger men and directly across the distinguished-looking gentleman whom Sakura addressed as Yamada sama.

"I haven't seen you before," Mr Yamada addressed Tsukushi. "Where did you perform previously? Your technique is excellent."

"Thank you very much, I haven't danced professionally before actually," Tsukushi confessed with an embarrassed blush, earning a chuckle from the young man next to her.

"You are extremely talented then," the young man complimented.

"You must be all be hungry and thirsty from your performance. What refreshments would you like?" Mr Yamada offered. Following the example set by her colleagues, Tsukushi accepted a drink but declined any food. They remained at the table and chatted with the men for a while, taking their leave when Cleve appeared to talk to the guests.

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Ray was about to get into Nurita's car when her handphone started ringing. She frowned before flipping it open and saying a curt hello. He immediately excused himself and stood a short distance away, allowing her to answer the call in private. A few minutes later, he heard the car door slamming and looked up to see a frustrated Nurita walking towards him.

"I'm so sorry Ray, I've to cancel for the rest of tonight. Something urgent has cropped up." He reached out and tucked a strand of stray hair behind her ear with his fingers as he used his thumbs to gently smooth out the frown on her face with well-practised strokes.

"It's alright, I understand. I'll miss you, but your business is more important," he said soothingly, his face not betraying any signs of the glee he was inwardly feeling.

"Can we continue tomorrow?" Nurita asked urgently when he walked her to her car.

"I'm afraid I've got prior engagements," Ray said with a touch of convincing ruefulness. "What about Thursday afternoon? I believe that's the earliest slot that I have free."

"In the afternoon? But Ray … …" she started to protest but was cut off by his finger on her lips.

"I can meet you at home," he winked at her as he placed his mouth next to her ear and lowered his voice in a seductive growl, "or there's always the couch in your office, the huge desk, your soft sheepskin rug, and even the walls … …"

"Ray," she tried to admonish him coyly but her voice was shaking. "I'll give Shizuka a call when I've decided on the location. I guess I'll see you on Thursday then."

She looked at him expectantly, desire evident in her eyes. Never one to shirk his responsibilities, Ray ground his hips against hers suggestively and his hands lightly caressed her body as he kissed her, making her gasp at the contact.

"Just a little something to remind you of me until Thursday." Under the protective cover of the darkness, Nurita did not notice that the sexy smile Ray flashed at her did not reach his eyes. He watched her drive off before heading back to the bar. There was something that he needed to talk to Tsukushi about.

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To his frustration, Rui could not locate Tsukushi anyway in the club. On a hunch, he slipped out through the back exit and almost heaved a sigh of relief when he saw her leaning against the wall still in her costume, her head tilted to the sky. He must have made some noise for she turned and looked in his direction. Her eyes widened at the sight of him, but for once, they did not light up as they usually did in his presence. Not one for small talk, Rui gave her a small smile which she returned in an almost mechanical way.

"What are you doing here? I thought you left with your girlfriend?" Tsukushi silently congratulated herself for the casual tone of her voice.

Rui's jaw tensed for a second before he relaxed and took his place next to her, "she's not my girlfriend. Just a client."

"Huh?" Tsukushi blinked as she turned to look at him, "but I thought you were ki… …" Her voice died away.

Rui gave a humourless chuckle, "just what do you know about the duties of an escort, Tsukushi?"

"A paid companion that accompanies you to functions when you need a partner? He will need to be well versed with the social skills required for interacting with higher society?" She hazarded a rather accurate guess.

He nodded and continued quietly, "what about the darker side of things, the things that take place away from the eyes of the public?" Tsukushi felt a sense of foreboding and she swallowed nervously before staring wide-eyed at Rui.

"What things?" Her voice was small. Rui's body shook as he laughed softly. The emotionless sound gave her chills. "Rui?" His laughter stopped abruptly as he shifted to stand in front of her, leaning his arm against the wall just above her head. He looked at her through hooded eyes for a moment before allowing a provocative smile to grace his lips. Reaching out, he traced the corner of her mouth lightly with a finger.

"So innocent," his deep voice was almost a purr as his eyes darkened seductively. Tsukushi's throat suddenly became very dry as she felt the magnetism radiating off the stranger standing in front of her.

"The duties of an escort is to make his client happy in EVERY way." Tsukushi's eyes widened to their maximum circumference as Rui continued in the same suggestive manner, "this includes fulfilling all their physical needs and fantasies as well … … I am one of the best in my profession. My clients are usually ecstatic … …" Just as suddenly as he slipped into the role of a seducer, Ray dropped the façade and became Rui again. She caught a brief flash of pain in Rui's eyes as his emotionless mask slipped for an instance.

His eyes were serious with just a touch of weariness as he looked steadily at her, "I am paid to do whatever my clients want me to do." He continued in a casual tone that one would use when commenting on the weather, "most of the time this includes sleeping with them. In fact, some of them specifically engage my services to pleasure them in bed. Basically, an escort is a high class prostitute."

He repressed a sigh when he saw the shattered expression in Tsukushi's eyes, "I'm sorry to disillusion you, it's not the glamorous job you probably thought it was. However, now that you're working and performing in a club, you need to be less naïve about how our world functions."

"Rui," he turned away from the unexpected compassion in her eyes and her voice. Tsukushi had to restrain herself from the almost uncontrollable urge to fling her arms around him and hold him tight. Tears came unbidden to her eyes and there was a wrenching pain in her chest when she thought of what he had to obviously force himself to do in order to survive. Yet, he managed to successfully conceal his own pain whilst always being there for her, providing comfort whenever she needed it … … Tsukushi suddenly recalled that she had yet to return his tip.

"Oh Rui, I meant to return this to you," she said as she dived into her purse and pulled out a neatly folded wad of bills. She shivered at the coldness that suddenly descended in Rui's eyes as he looked at the money in her hands.

"So, now that the source of my tainted money is revealed, you no longer want it to dirty your hands?" His cool and unnaturally calm tone sent chills down her spine. Before she could protest, he continued harshly, "is it preferable to accept money from corrupted ministers like Mr Yamada instead, and repaying him with your body?" He was interrupted by a gasp from Tsukushi. Her tear-filled eyes were filled with pain, and her mouth was trembling when she managed a retort.

"How can you say something like that? Firstly, I have always intended to return you the money because I don't feel good taking advantage of my friends. This has nothing to do with what you do for a living. Secondly, Mr Yamada was only praising our performance. How can you accuse me of … …" she stopped suddenly and turned her face away from Rui as a solitary tear escaped and slowly slid down her smooth cheek. She closed her eyes when a hand gently but firmly tilted up her face as a thumb brushed away the errant tear.

"I'm sorry," Rui's low voice was filled with remorse. "Look at me, Tsukushi, please." He flinched inwardly when the long, wet lashes lifted to reveal wounded eyes. "I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry," he apologised.

"It's okay, I know you didn't mean it," she said softly. He forced a smile onto his lips as his strong hands framed her face. His thumbs softly stroked the damp skin under her eyes in an attempt to remove the wetness.

"I'm sorry, I'm don't know what's gotten into me tonight. I'm usually in full control of myself," he ran a frustrated hand through his hair and sighed.

"Tsukushi, please be careful. I know how n… … innocent you are," he switched smoothly as he looked directly into her eyes, "however, some of your customers may demand more from you than you expect. Some people have a twisted perception regarding the morality of performers and how they should be treated." He stiffened in surprise when Tsukushi suddenly flung her arms around him and gave him a hug before disengaging just as hurriedly.

"Thank you so much, Rui," she said staring at the ground as a blush coated her cheeks. "I'll be careful. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend."

"Tsukushi," Rui began and then stifled a curse when his handphone began to ring. He blanched when he glanced at the number and automatically excused himself politely before turning away to take the call.

"Hello, Ray speaking," he paused. "Yes, of course I'd know your voice anytime sweetie. Did your urgent meeting end early?"

"False alarm?" He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples wearily as he listened to the voice at the other end of the line. However, when he spoke again, his voice showed no sign of any emotion other than warm enthusiasm, "of course, I'll be there in forty-five minutes. Would you like me to pick up anything along the way?"

"Ice-cream? Sure." He allowed his voice to deepen suggestively, "what about some chocolate fudge, whipped cream and strawberries?"

"Later then, sweetie," he hung up and slipped his phone into his pocket. "Duty calls," he stated simply and he slipped a small card into Tsukushi's hand. "This contains my personal contact details that only my few friends have. Let me know if you need any help."

"Thanks so much, Rui." A sad smile curved her lips and he silently cursed himself for putting it there.

"Bye," he leant forward and pressed a chaste kiss on her forehead before striding off, looking as through he did not have a single care in the world. Tsukushi remained motionless as her eyes followed his tall figure until it was enveloped by the darkness … …

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.:: Stacey ::. ): Thanks so much for reviewing – I really enjoyed reading your comments!!! Totally agree with you on your comment about Tsukushi as a performer – it's out of character. I am hoping that her passion for dancing and naivety makes it easier for her to accept the role as a performer. If all else fails, she basically also doesn't have a choice coz she needs to make ends meet! Urm … … let me keep quiet a bit longer about the dialogues eh ;)! The truth should probably be revealed by the chapter after the next! Love your ideas – pls feel free to share anymore that you have!

curdled-milk: My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw your name. Suddenly, I realized what the high school jocks must feel to receive a signed T-shirt from their favourite football star. You totally made my day – not just my day – in fact when I next feel discouraged or disappointed about this story, I'll just read your extremely kind and generous comments and I'll be definitely inspired to continue. Feeling extremely honoured and completely blown away to have received a comment from one of the greatest, if not, THE greatest author of HYD fics. I read with great interest your "inquiring minds want to know" comments – you picked on a couple of the crucial points that this story is based on i.e. what is Rui's story? Thanks again for making my day and for actually taking time out of your horrendously busy schedule to leave a comment. I await with bated breath as usual, for the next installment of "Walking Wounded" which is (in my humble opinion) one of the absolutely best fanfics ever to be written!

Scarlet Rayne: Hi, thanks so much for your kind comments! Hope this update comes quickly enough for you!

sweetpeakit: I must first apologise for missing out your comment in chapter 9. I actually posted that chapter prior to receiving your comment, so definitely will make it up to you in this chapter. I hope that being a Rui fan, this chapter has enough of R&T to meet your tastes! Perhaps an overdose ne? Sorry about not revealing the identity of the two persons conversing – it should definitely be revealed latest by the chapter after the next! At the moment, sorry for leaving you all in suspense! And thanks so much for your kind comments !!!

blackcat: Hi there! If I don't remember wrongly, you read Façade didn't you? I found your nickname very familiar coz it's pretty unique! Thanks for your kind support and your comments !!! I'm so glad that you like this story :)

Angle310: Hi hi! Good to see you back! Hope things have become less busy! I promise that the next chapter containing Soujirou and Akira will have slash warnings – then you will be able to skip that section :). So you love dancing too – that's great. I won't really go much in depth about actually describing Tsukushi dancing, but it is implied that it is rather seductive ;)! Thanks again for reading and leaving me a comment !!!!

kensingtonkid : Hey no worries about the chapter, please don't stress yourself. I'm fortunately enough to able to read your comments for all other chapters to date!!! I have shrouded the other aspect of dancing in innuendos! Will just continue to let the chapters write themselves out :). About calling Tsukasa by name, I think Tsukushi is probably feeling rather awkward about the "unprofessionalism" in calling her boss by his name. Moreover, he was the one who first insisted on her addressing him respectfully, so she's already used to that. Also, she probably doesn't feel that they are on such close terms that she could use his first name easily (compare this to her relationship with Rui). Sorry that I haven't quite answered the questions that would result in revealing the plot further. Promise I will answer all questions when the "truth" is out ;)! And I hope the "promised interaction" meets your expectations :). And last but not least, thanks so much for always leaving such kind, thought provoking and in-depth comments. It's very motivating and inspiring to know that someone actually bothers to really read and follow my story. Frankly, receiving a comment like yours makes me ready to face my keyboard again !!!