Chapter 8

Chapter 8

"Why am I here again?" Ren heaved a deliberate sigh as he folded his arms with a scowl.

"I invited you." Horohoro replied without noitce and took a sip out of his beer bottle. Ren eyed him sharply for his blunt attitude.

"You said we were going to the beach." His tone indicated that hsi irritation rose by a slight scale.

"We are at the beach." Horohoro stated and gestured his hand at the said beach in front of thm. Ren stressed his irritation further with a hard glare.

"You never mentioned this!" He hissed and pointed in the other direction at a big mass of people drinking and smoking and dancing to the blaring music. The two were at a party in a club, standing at a bar which was away at a distance that made it more outside the crowd. But it was still too close for Ren's taste and he was beginning to get really pissed off because Horohoro only told him half the truth. The club they were at had two stories which is where they were at, and they were able to overlook the beach.

"Why couldn't you bring Yoh?" Ren asked through his teeth and Horohoro shrugged.

"He's with Manta and I didn't want to bother them."

"What about Faust?"

"You know he doesn't hang around this kind of stuff." Ren made a low growl and tried not to scream as he spoke.

"So you don't bother those three but you bother me. You know I don't like this kind of stuff, why'd you bring me?!" Horohoro rolled his eyes.

"I haven't seen you in like forever 'cause you guys have been working so much."

"You couldn't think of something else?" Horohoro sighed at Ren's continuous retorts.

"Come on Ren, it's been a while. I wanted to hang out with you again." Ren felt his heart skip a beat at that last sentence and was oddly frustrated when he felt the heat in his body rise to his face. He somehow surpressed his cheeks from flushing but his attempt to maintain stoic was futile.

"B-baka, that doesn't answer my--"

"Horohoro?" The said male and his stammering friend looked to teh voice that cut Ren off in mid-sentence.

"It really is you!" Hao walked up to the two with an awestruck smile.

"Sup Hao? Didn't know you were in town." Horohoro greeted casually and smiled back. The bruenette laughed as he got himself a drink as well.

"Some of the models arranged this party and one of them invited me." His tone spelled out the word typical and Horohoro rolled his eyes. Hao was a world famous model who also made occasional appearances in movies, widely acclaimed for his gorgeous looks and sexy yet mysterious charms. It was typical for him to be invited to every party and shag anyone he wishes, despite how busy he may be. It fed his ego by making his further aware of his tremendous popularity that was enough to rival Oversoul.

"So what about you? Last time I checked, you was gone for so long Yoh was convinced you was gone for good. But seeing you're with Ren," Hao gave a glance and a wave at the vocalist as if to prove he was noticed and unignored. Then he took his attention right back to the bluenette and continued.

"I'm assuming Yoh knows you're back. He never told me anything though, probably because he couldn't get a hold of me." The twins' hectic schedules never seem to interfere in their bond, as they often kept in touch with each other. But it was nothing unusual when they couldn't fill each other in a thing or two. And it was because of this bond that Hao gave Horohoro an inquisitive look, silently prying for an explaination for the bluenette's disappearance that upset his younger brother at the time. Horohoro pretended he didn't notice the displeased stare he was receiving and took a few more drinks from his bottle. Hao eyed him skeptically for a few more seconds, then turned away to the crowd.

"You planning to leave again anytime soon?" The bruenette asked as he lit himself a cigarrette. He decided to let go of his previous prying like the smoke that dispersed into pieces in the air he blew them out into. No longer sensing the slightly hostile pressure from the bruenette, Horohoro inwardly sighed with relief.

"I'll probably stay a little longer. Why?" Horohoro turned to Hao again who absentmindedly stared at the smoke that rose out of his cigarrette.

"Well, I'm gonna be staying for a while longer." Hao began and took another drag from his cigarrette. He then paused for a moment, his face as mellow as his voice.

"Maybe we could hang out some time." He turned to Horohoro again with a laid back smile identical to his twin brother. For a second the Ainu thought the statement was as innocent as Hao made it sound. But as identical as the twins were, there was always something that made them distinctly different. Horohoro didn't know how to put them in exat words but he knew better than to let the older twin's false pretense make him forget.

"Not gonna happen." Horohoro said boredly in a flat tone. Unexpectancy dawned on Hao's face for a short instant to such a response but it was immediately replaced with his calm but amused smile.

"Why not?" He countered with so much visible confidence that it was obvious how clueless eh really wasn't. It didn't matter to him that Horohoro had already caught on to his ulterior intentions. In fact, the Ainu could tell that the bruenette was enjoying the turn their conversation had taken.

"Because I know you want to do more than just hang out." Horohoro said dryly and Hao laughed lightheartedly at the exact words he expected to get from him.

"There are different ways people can hang out." He said casually and continued to smoke the rest of his cigarrette as he waited for Horohoro's next comback. But the Ainu just stared back at him while being as silent as he was. When Hao got nothing from Horohoro by the time he finished his cigarrette, he chuckled and crushed it in an ash tray. His lips which were shaped in its phantom smile began to curve further upward crookedly. And then there it was, his sly trademark of a smirk that could belong to none other than Hao. That dark, devious look that outlined his very individual character that defined him from Yoh and everyone else. He took a graceful step towards Horohoro, making sure he securely locked eyes with the bluenette as he spoke quietly.

"You know, we can just ditch this party, go wherever and..." Hao trailed off there, knowing he didn't have to go further. His voice dripped shamelessly with lustful suggestion. That cunning, predatorous glint coloring his chocolate eyes was another one of his defining features. But Horohoro didn't turn away from him, instead he looked straight into those all too confident eyes with a cocky smile himself.

"Sorry, not interested." Hao shrugged, not seeming at all troubled in maintaining himself.

"It can just be a one-time thing."

"I don't believe this." Horohoro and Hao turned to Ren who made that cinical comment, reminding them that he was still there. The Chinese made a quick glance at Hao and scoffed, shaking his head to the model's unbelievable persistence.

"I'm sorry, am I making you jealous?" Hao snickered mockingly and raised a challenging brow at Ren. The shorter male glowered maliciously at him, detesting the Asakura's immense ego.

"Do you think--"

"Hao! There you are!" Ren was interupted for teh second time that night, this time by an unrecognized female voice. The three looked to the source of the voice and a young woman of wavy black hair a slender, shapely body approached them. Along with her proportions, the way she looked at Hao poutishly with her porcelain face made it easy to figure out that she was one of the models the bruenette was talking about.

"I thought you were just getting a drink? Or did you just forget about me?"

"Hey I'm sorry, didn't mean to make you wait long. Just ran into a couple of friends." Hao put an arm around the girl's shoulders and pecked a kiss on her cheek.

"Guys, this is Candise, the lovely girl who kindly invited me to this party her and her friends arranged." The girl now known as Candise giggled, flattered by Hao's introduction.

"Candise, this is Horohoro and Ren." Candise shook hands with the two with a friendly smile, seeming to have forgotten how displeased she was earlier. She then cocked her head to the side a little and her face lit up with realization.

"Aren't you guys from Oversoul?"

"Well one of still is." Horohoro chuckled and Candise laughed with him, quite apparent that she was thrilled to meet them. Before they could really start anymore conversations, a new song came on and her smile broadened.

"I love this song!"

"Well lets go then." Hao took the girl's hand, making her blush slightly. They began walking to the crowd but paused abruptly halfway there. Hao turned his head to Ren and Horohoro.

"You guys wanna come too?"

"Yeah, I'm sure the girls would love to meet you guys." Candise added enthusiastically to Hao's idea. Horohoro glanced at Ren, knowing it wasn't favorable to his friend to accept the invitation.

"Actually, I think--"

"Go ahead, Horo." Ren cut the bluenette off before he can make the decline. Horohoro's eyes widened just a bit.

"Ren, we don't have to--"

"I wasn't talking about us, I't telling you to go ahead with them."

"I'm not gonna just ditch you."

"Look Horo, I don't have to have you by my side every damn second. I'll enjoy this however way I want, and you do how you want."

"Alright...fine." Horohoro sighed and frowned confusedly with a shrug. Ren's aggravated tone made it clear that he wanted to be left alone, and the bluenette couldn't figure out any reason for the sudden mood swing. Nonetheless he asked nothing and turned away from the Chinese, following after Hao and Candise.

"Isn't he coming?" Candise asked adn took a look at Ren.

"No...he's had a lot of drinks and isn't feeling good."

"Really? Well he can come by when he feels better."

"Yeah, I'm sure he will." Horohoro made a casual smile that made his lie convincing enough for Candise to buy it. Of course, Hao knew better than to really believe the vocalist could've had that many drinks but he kept that to himself. He took a quick glance over his shoulder at Ren with a smug smirk plastered on his face, enjoying the interesting twist the night had taken. Ren watched Horohoro who didn't bother to look back as he disappeared into the dancing crowd.

Thirty minutes passed since then but it felt like the longest hour to Ren. The vocalist got himself a table in the VIP area, one that was a private space curtained to shut him out of the rest of the club. It was the only thing that kept anyone from disturbing him but it still didn't really give him anything to do. He didn't want to drink much because he was a light weight, and eh wasn't interested in inviting any strangers, let alone any girls. He let out an exasperated sigh and rested his chin in his hand. He might as well be sleeping.

"I can see you're having fun." Ren looked up and met eyes with Hao opening the curtain a bit and sticking his head in. Ren said nothing in response to his remark. The bruenette didn't seem to care as he let himself in and sat next to him.

"Aw, are you still mad about earlier? You should've come with us, at least it's something to do."

"Bull shit." Ren muttered acidicly and took a sip out of his glass. Hao reached out to get a taste but the vocalist pulled it away and eyed him warningly. Hao just laughed it off.

"Then again," The model began in a low voice and looked at Ren with a coy grin.

"Yeah, maybe it wouldn't have been in your best interest. You know those girls won't leave him alone. I mean, you should've seen Candise's friends, they were all over him. And then you would've seen me with him. But you know me, I wouldn't make it so obvious...except to Horo, of course." Ren could feel Hao's penetrating gaze that dared him to look back but he made sure not to. Hao was somehow quite good at reading people and the Chinese knew that his thoughts would be easily seen right now. That would put him in disadvantage because the Tao believed that the bruenette was right. He didn't join them not just because he didn't want to dance but also because of who else was there. Especially with Hao being there to deliberately get in his face, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to hold back his provoked self. And there was a sure chance Hao would entertain himself with that. Ren clentched the back of his teeth so the model couldn't see, hating how it felt like he was still just letting the Asakura have his fun.

"Am I suppose to care?" He asked while managing a flat tone only for Hao to still laugh.

"Seriously though, what's the point in just sitting here doing absolutely nothing? Horohoro probably would've done what he can to keep you company so you wouldn't get bored." Hao paused with a raised brow but Ren's lips were in a fine line on his monotone face. The bruenette shrugged to the unresponding male and went on, no tease in his voice now.

"He looked around for you when he saw you weren't at the bar anymore. I bet he's still looking." Hao's eyes peered between the curtains' opening and stopped.

"In fact...there he is now." He said and slowly rose to his feet. Ren whipped his head to where Hao was facing but couldn't find where he could see the Ainu. Hao chuckled amusedly at his reaction and stepped out of the space, flipping the curtain a little exagerately as if to give away a hiding space. He smiled playfully at Ren and gave a wink. When he was gone, almost immediately Horohoro appeared, probably on account of Hao's exit. Ren's heart crashed at his chest, startled by the Ainu's sudden and unexpected appearance.

"You ok?" Horohoro asked and Ren nodded.

"Yeah, sure. Why?"

"Just wondering what you're doin here with Hao."

"He just came by and we talked a little."

"Alright, that's cool. Can I sit there?"

"Yeah, go ahead." Horhoro let himself in and took a seat next to Ren on the leather sofa.

"You know, maybe you wouldn't be so bored if you'd just socialize a little."

"I never said I was bored."

"Well, are you having fun?"

"Who's fault do you think it is in the first place?" Ren asked with a glare, growling lowly to Horohoro's comment that actually made more sense than his own. But Ren's point sent a tinge of guilt through Horohorho. He didn't like the thought of hsi friend spending the night bored out of his mind because of himself. He then grinned ear to ear with an idea, and tapped the younger male's shoulder.

"Hey Ren, bet you can't do this." With that, the bluenette stuck out his tongue at the Chinese and curved it into a roll. Ren furrowed his brows curiously for a moment and took a closer look, then rolled his eyes ridiculously with a scoff.

"Why would I do something so stupid?" He pointedly asked, not even looking at Horohoro's trick anymore. But the older male snickered cleverly.

"I bet you can't."

"No, it's stupid and I don't do stupid things."

"So you can't do it." Horohoro put much emphasis on the certain word that triggered Ren to look at him again.

"I probably can, just won't."

"Oh probably, that's convincing." Ren glared daggers at Horohoro but the bluenette put on a challenging smirk.

"Do you like making a fool of yourself in public?"

"Who else is looking? Come on, just prove it." Horohoro curved his tongue again.

"I'm not going to put up with your childish games."

"Oh that's right, you said probably. Which means maybe...or maybe not."

"Shut up, Horo." Ren warned as his patience was wearing thin to the Ainu's taunts. Horohoro kept laughing as he stood up and left the table. Ren's amber eyes watched him leave, wondering but not asking where he's going. He took a few drinks from his galss and then looked into it, his reflection staring back. I bet you can't Ren grimaced at the echoing voice. The irritated and stubborn male stuck out a shy tongue. It flattened and bulked as he tried to mold it into the proper shape like Horohoro, but it would not appear so in the glass. He even wiggled it and began to cock his head, getting more and more aggravated at his continuous failures. He got so absorbed in his determination that he never realized how comical the scene was. That was, until the presence of another was pointed out by a muffled giggle.

Ren quickly retrieved his tongue back into his mouth while his face burned like it was on fire. He looked to the curtain where Horohoro stood crouched with shaking shoulders, one hand holding a drink and the other holding his stomach. His fit of laughter was stiffled as he desperately tried to hold it in but it seemed he had enough trouble keeping himself from rolling on the floor as he put a hand from his stomach to the table to keep standing. Ren's eyes narrowed viciously with his face still flushed, and he clentched his hands to tight fists.

"W-why're you back?!" Ren hissed at Horohoro who continued to fight his laughter, making the Chinese put up with a full minute of humiliation before he could speak again.

"I...I..." Horohoro made attempts to explain himself but giggles worked their way and interfered. Ren kept himself from breaking the bluenette's jaw as the Ainu sucked in deep breaths to calm himself. He cleared his throat once he did but there was a grin still remaining across his face.

"I never said I wasn't gonna be back. Just got myself a drink." He said and lifted his glass to show Ren.

"Wish I had a camera, though." He added and Ren flared once again.

"Shut up, Horohoro, or I swear I will tear out that tongue."

"Why? Because it can do what your's can't?"

"I can to do it."

"Then do it right now." Horohoro challenged Ren who to his utter dismay, motionlessly sat defeated. Horohoro returned to the sofa next to his friend with a bit of apology in his smile and shrugged.

"It's alright, not everyone can do it."

"...It's stupid anyway. What good is it if I'm able to?"

"Well nothing, I guess. Except..."

"Except what?" Horohoro smirked at Ren who looked at him oddly.

"Probably makes me a better kisser."

"Stupid once again." Ren stated bluntly to Horohoro's self-proclaim.

"Hey, you need your tongue when you kiss, and mine is obviously more talented than your's." Ren rolled his eyes at Horohoro, not intending to even respond to such ridicule. But then his mind clicked. He didn't like the thought of playing along with the Ainu's foolish taunts, but the idea of letting him have the last laugh he didn't like even more.

"Oh yeah?" The Tao began and there was a mischevious glint in his golden eyes. "Prove it."

"What?" Horohoro looked at Ren with widened eyes but the Chinese smirked at him provocatively.

"You heard me. If you're so sure of yourself, prove it." The younger male repeated and in a whisper he added, "I dare you." He leaned back on the sofa, already looking triumphant, ready to call check mate. Even if they were at a private table to worry about any witnesses, their only barrier was the curtains. Plus this was a club. The younger male knew the blunette couldn't do anything, it was too risky. But despite such estimates, the Ainu moved up closer to Ren on the sofa. The Chinese tensed when the older male came face to face to him and closed in further.

"Sure." Horohoro said quietly and Ren's heart stopped. He wouldn't... Ren told himself but the bluenette's gaze was confident as he slowly bridged the gap between them. And the shorter male couldn't move back because he had already leaned back all the way on the sofa, and he couldn't dodge him because his pride wouldn't let him back down on his own dare. When Horohoro's lips were just inches away, Ren's smirk was gone and his heart sent tremors through his body. Yet the Ainu kept drawing in closer, and Ren slowly shut his eyes in surrender to his own dare that clearly backfired.

"You know, you never answered my question." Horohoro's deep voice brought the amber eyes to open again. Something that wasn't his lips brushed soft flutters on Ren's. The younger male saw that Horohoro had come so close, it was enough to kiss. And he spoke from that range, making every word felt. But Ren never spoke back, perhaps in fear that if he did, their lips actually will touch. Despite how intoxicating that tempt was...this was still a dare. His game. And he hates losing.

"The question I asked you that one rainy day." Horohoro said again after getting nothing from Ren. He maintained this alluring distance adn Ren almost shuddered to the electrical wave sent down his spine. For a second his mind went blank and he didn't know what the Ainu was talking about.

Do you want to go back to that?

It suddenly hit him and his mouth went dry adn slightly agape to what could now possibly be a new game. He saw Horohoro try to take advantage of his parted lips by moving again but the older male suddenly stopped. Not for any strategic tease, Ren could see some sort of caution in the obsidian eyes that weren't looking at him anymore but shifted to the curtains. The bluenette smoothly moved away to his original spot and drank out of his glass, making Ren fell an awkward disappointment.

"Hey Horo? Ren?" A second later, Hao stuck his head in from the curtains and made Ren flinch. Horohoro looked up with a hum, making himself look unsuspiciously casual. It was then apparent to Ren that it was the model the bluenette sensed approaching.

"I've met a few more girls who wanna meet you guys too."

"Sure." The bluenette nodded and stood. "You comin, Ren?" He turned around to the younger male who didn't even move from his spot.

"Uh n-no, you go ahead." Ren said nervously, quickly shifting his eyes away from both men's gaze. Horohoro shrugged and went off with Hao as if nothing peculiar had happened. Ren remained like he was still bound in the moment by a snake coiled around his neck. He soon came to realize that he was breathing unevenly because he had been holding his breath. He next found that his heart was still running wild in it's ribcage like an unsettled bird. he put a hand to his chest and took breaths to calm himself. Even if he was back to his regular breathing, his heart was still skipping beats and his face was still hot. He swallowed hard and touched his lips as if Horohoro might have left something behind. That's how close he was. But the Chinese got nothing and his lips tickled with an unsatisfied itch. And then, Ren wondered...when was the last time they actually kissed?

TSUZUKU

Daydreamer: Oh yes, the two are finally getting somewhere. The next chapter is even better.
I apologize for the late update, this chapter took longer than I had expected. Worse part is, I don't think this is one of my better ones. Hopefully the next one will be done quicker and better. I can't make any promises though, sorry.

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