Happy Thursday!

I hope you all had good weeks! Mine was super busy, of course, right when I have to edit and post this monster of a chapter. Seriously, it's such a relief to finally get this thing up, it's been driving me insane since last Thursday. Truthfully I'm still not completely confident about it, but I hope you all like it anyway. Resolution, yay!

Anything else? I don't think so...?

Sweet, enjoy!


"So, where exactly are you going?" Subaru asked, looking up from the e-mail he was typing to a client.

"All over, I'm just making drop offs," Kamui replied. He still hadn't told Subaru about Fuuma. There hadn't really been time, and, in any case, it was easier to continue on as normal than to worry and agonize. He smiled reassuringly and Subaru nodded, pretty sure he understood. "Are you going to call Hokuto?"

"The second you leave." They stared at each other a few seconds longer, suddenly warm in the face. At last, Kamui stepped forward and hugged Subaru goodbye.

"Good luck, I'll see you later," he said, right in his ear.

"Be careful," Subaru whispered.

"I'm always careful." They broke apart, still blushing, and Subaru watched Kamui put on his hoodie and headphones, then wave over his shoulder as he left. Subaru finished his e-mail and closed his laptop. It was evening, and though he felt badly calling Hokuto when it would be so early her time, it was the best way to ensure she'd be home. He reached for his phone, feeling beyond nervous, and searched for her contact. He remembered, suddenly, that the last time they'd spoken had been when he'd arrived at JFK in January. He'd sent her a text to let her know he'd made it safely, but she hadn't responded. Fear, guilt and shame choked Subaru's insides and he nearly lost his nerve, but he had to talk to her, at least to let her say she was right. He Facetimed her, his mouth very dry, and the phone rang, and rang and rang…

"Subaru?!" The screen focused, and Subaru looked back at his sister.

"Hi," he said, cautiously. Hokuto's eyes filled with tears, but she smiled, pressing her hand to her mouth.

"How are you?" She asked, her voice thick with emotion. She blinked, and tears slid down her cheeks. Subaru swallowed and his heart pounded in his chest. He tried to speak, but couldn't. Hokuto's smile widened encouragingly as more tears sparkled in her eyes. "I'm so happy to see you!" She said, her fingers still over her mouth, and Subaru cried out softly, tears coming before he could stop them. "Subaru!" He fought to collect himself, gasping and shaking. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Subaru's chest heaved as he seized a fistful of tissues from the box on the coffee table, desperate to control his crying.

"I'm, I'm just so relived to hear you say that!" He cried out, when he'd found his voice. "I thought you'd always hate me for leaving!"

"Oh Subaru I could never hate you!" Hokuto replied, wiping her own tears away impatiently. "I just assumed you wouldn't want to hear from me!" She rolled her eyes and shook her head in disbelief. "We totally screwed this up!" She exclaimed, laughing through her tears.

"Utterly and completely," Subaru agreed. They stared at each other, laughing and crying, wishing more than anything they could reach each other through the phone screen.

"I've missed you so much," Hokuto told him, her face shining through her tears.

"I've missed you too! I'm so so sorry!"

"I'm sorry too!" More silence, only watery smiles and sniffling laughter.

"How is everything back home? Is Grandmother okay?" Hokuto grinned, wiping her eyes again.

"She's tough, you know that. Everything here is fine, same as when you left, but you have to tell me! How's New York? How's your boyfriend?" Subaru swallowed, and Hokuto's face fell. "Oh no…" Subaru took a deep breath in.

"We broke up." He thought it would feel like an admission of guilt, like he was raising the white flag, but it was… It was fine. It was totally fine! Hokuto's eyes widened and she pressed her hand to her chest, looking terribly sad for him.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry…" No judgment, no assertion she'd been right the whole time, just sympathy, love and acceptance. Subaru wanted to tell her what that meant to him, but he had no idea how, so instead he said,

"It's okay, we, we had to."

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Hokuto asked, tentatively. Subaru paused. He knew it would be hard, but… He took a deep breath in, then nodded. "I'm listening!"

Subaru told her everything. About how it had all started off wonderfully, but then Seishiro had turned cold, distant and critical. How they argued constantly and it was always Subaru's fault, making him feel crazy, not good enough and afraid. He told her about meeting Kamui at the party, how he had been so kind to him, taken him in and given him escape and clarity. How after that, Subaru had started to question his and Seishiro's relationship, and how Seishiro had become all the more cruel and scary in response.

As Subaru spoke, he saw and felt all of the memories in his mind, heart and body, and though they made him feel sick with shame, he didn't want to stop speaking. After putting up an increasingly obvious front for weeks and weeks, telling the truth was both freeing and empowering. At last, he got to his and Seishiro's last argument. Hokuto's expression tightened and her eyes flashed, but she said nothing, for which he was grateful. "So Kamui and our friend Sorata went with me to get everything from the apartment, and… Here we are," he finished. He felt rather tired and shivery, but definitely better. If he hadn't spoken then, he knew he wouldn't have been able to at all, and he couldn't just carry the story around inside him.

"So you're going to stay with Kamui?" Hokuto asked.

"Yes, I, I don't want to come back to Tokyo. Not yet, anyway." He flushed, nervous for her reaction, but she just nodded, smiling in a sad, but understanding, way.

"I don't want you talking to Seishiro ever again," she said, very seriously, eyes flashing.

"I won't, don't worry," he said, having blocked his number that very morning.

"Good." Her expression softened. "I think I'll have to come visit you," she said, decisively, and Subaru's heart soared.

"Really?!" Hokuto nodded seriously.

"If you're staying, I'll have to! I also need to meet your new boyfriend to make sure he's a good guy." Subaru went very red.

"He's not my boyfriend!" Hokuto glared at him incredulously.

"No, he's just the person I fell in love with while dating someone else, who I now live with and make passionate love to every night-"

"HOKUTO!" Subaru exclaimed, covering his face, mortified. Hokuto grinned smugly.

"I'm sorry, I'll stop," she assured him, the grin still on her face. "But really, I'll come see you this summer, you can show me all around New York!" Subaru smiled back, still very red in the face. Their conversation continued for hours, and Subaru felt happier than he had done in a long time. Hokuto was coming to visit, he was safe with Kamui… After who knows how long, the door scraped open and Kamui entered the apartment, looking pleased with himself. "What was that?" Hokuto asked.

"Kamui's home," Subaru told her, blushing. Kamui looked curiously at Subaru's phone as he shut off his music and dropped his bag onto the floor.

"Let me talk to him!" Hokuto cried through the phone.

"Um, that's-"

"Is that Hokuto?" Kamui asked.

"Yes!" She called.

"Let me talk to her!" Subaru sighed in defeat and handed over the phone. Kamui smiled nervously. "Hi," he said, then, "Wow you guys look alike!" Hokuto laughed, and her eyes lit up the same way Subaru's did.

"It used to be worse when we were younger, I can show you pictures!"

"Yes please!" Kamui said, grinning, anxious to make a good impression. Hokuto beamed at him.

"You're adorable. I can totally see how you stole my brother away from his evil ex!" Kamui and Subaru both blushed.

"It wasn't like that!" Kamui told her, awkwardly, but Hokuto laughed.

"I'm just messing with you!" Kamui shook his head, thinking wearily that Hokuto would fit right in with all their friends.

"If you say so," he said, suspiciously, but his expression was soft. "So when do I get to meet you in person?"

"I like you," Hokuto told him, emphatically.

"Oh thank god, I'd be screwed if you didn't!"

"Yeah, don't invoke my wrath. Even if it kills me and takes me ten years I'll have my revenge against you." Kamui's eyes widened in fearful respect; older sisters were terrifying.

"Well, for what it's worth," he began, slowly, carefully looking right at Hokuto as he felt Subaru's curious stare. "I care about Subaru so much it honestly freaks me out." He swallowed the sudden tightness in his throat. Subaru felt the words in his heart, loving and tender, and he looked away, a soft smile on his face. Hokuto stared back at Kamui, apparently thinking.

"I believe you," she said, finally, smiling, and Kamui sighed in relief. "I want to come see you this summer, if that's all right."

"Oh hell yeah! When?" Hokuto laughed and they continued their conversation, easy and excited with each other. Subaru felt ready to burst with happiness: the two people he cared for most in the world had come together around him, were getting along and loving each other. Truly, it was all he'd ever wanted.

"It must be so late there!" Hokuto cried out, suddenly. "You two should be sleeping!" Her voice was stern, and Subaru laughed affectionately.

"Yes, big sister," Kamui said, hanging his head theatrically. Hokuto giggled.

"It was great meeting you, Kamui."

"You too! Here, let me put Subaru back on." He handed Subaru his phone again, and they exchanged a happy, excited smile.

"Hey," Subaru said, and Hokuto beamed at him.

"I'm so glad you're okay," she said.

"Me too." They looked at each other, reunited.

"I'll let you go for now, but call me!"

"I will, I promise!"

"Give me Kamui's number so I can talk to him too!" Hokuto added, and Subaru's eyes widened.

"Please don't harass him…"

"Nah she can harass me, it's cool!" Kamui interjected from across the room. Subaru and Hokuto both laughed.

"I love you so much," she said, her face shining.

"I love you too, I'll talk to you soon."

"Good night!" Subaru ended the call and lay back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling. Kamui took the seat next to him, thrilled to see him so happy. He hesitated for a second, then took his hand and interlaced their fingers together.

"Is everything as good as it seemed?" Kamui asked, hopefully, moving closer. Subaru looked at Kamui, feeling actually content for the first time in a long time. He wanted to kiss Kamui, but resisted; it was still too soon. He gave his hand a squeeze, smiling.

"It's better."


The headlines about Fuuma's arrest appeared almost two weeks later, alongside news of the cherry blossom festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the theme of the upcoming Met Gala. Kamui caught sight of it as a trending topic on the Facebook account he barely used.

White Collar Drug Ring Busted

"Oh my god…" Kamui said softly, his heart beginning to race as he clicked the link.

Further to FBI investigations into the so-called "White Collar Drug Ring," known colloquially as D.O.E, three arrests have been made as of last night. "Thanks to our brave agent working undercover, who will obviously remain unnamed, we were able to pin down a leader, known as Kanoe," an insider confirmed. "She became remarkably willing to talk during questioning!"

Arrests include Columbia University student Satsuki Yatoji, career criminal Yuto Kigai and, the "Second Coming of Mr. Untouchable," Fuuma Mouno. The FBI has released no new information at this time, except that Kanoe will receive full immunity in exchange for her testimony.

"Oh my god…" Kamui said again, his voice shaking. It was real. Fuuma had been arrested. It was over. Really over. "Oh my god!" He'd known instinctively that he would never see Fuuma again, but it had felt like a break up, where you could always hold onto the delusion that someday you'd get back together. He had been sure Fuuma would slip through trouble like always and they'd be back to how they were before, or as close as they could get now that he and Subaru were doing whatever it was they were doing.

Now though, Kamui had to accept it. This wasn't a break up. This was a death. His vision clouded and his head spun sickeningly as his world crashed down around him yet again. He fell back against his couch and clasped his hand to his mouth, tears pouring down his face. All of the danger, uncertainty and fear was speeding towards him and he had nowhere to run and no idea what to do, except…

He dived for his phone and was about to call Subaru when the door scraped open and he appeared on the threshold, back from work. "I'm home- Kamui? Kamui what's wrong?!" He demanded, sprinting into the room. Kamui threw his arms around him and pulled him down onto the couch, gripping the back of his coat and crying without restraint. "I'm here, it's okay," Subaru told him, over and over, holding him tightly, trying his best to calm him down though feeling terrified himself. "Shh," he breathed, rubbing circles on his back.

It was a few minutes before Kamui regained control of himself. He looked up with swollen eyes, his face glazed with tears. Subaru's stomach clenched painfully as he tenderly rubbed Kamui's tears away with his thumbs. "What happened?" He asked, very quietly. Kamui took a deep breath in and let it out shakily before pointing to his laptop. Feeling petrified of what he was about to find out, Subaru read the article, his arms still protectively around Kamui. "Fuuma… you mean?" Kamui tried and failed to stifle his small sob and Subaru pulled him closer and kissed him on the top of the head. It was nearly an hour before Kamui was able to speak.

"Sorry," he choked, his voice brittle as he let go of Subaru.

"Don't worry about it, please," Subaru told him. He turned to Kamui's laptop, intending to close the page, but found his gaze irresistibly drawn to Fuuma's mugshot. Fuuma, this central and powerful figure in Kamui's life… His expression was utterly disdainful, but also intriguing, powerful and enigmatic. Subaru swallowed, exited the page and shut the laptop.

"I should have said something sooner!" Kamui cried, gazing at Subaru imploringly through his tears.

"What?" He asked, confused, brushing Kamui's hair off his face. Kamui screwed up his eyes at the touch, feeling utterly horrible.

"Fuuma told me this might happen, but, but then right after that you called me about your ex and I didn't want to say anything! I wasn't trying to keep anything from you I was just-" but Subaru pulled Kamui into another embrace, his heart aching.

"It's okay, don't worry," he breathed, hating that Kamui had put his own issues on hold for his sake, though at the same time he was deeply touched. "I'm here now, you can talk to me if you want to talk." It felt good to take charge and be reassuring, to disconnect slightly from his own pain to alleviate someone else's. It had always been where he was most comfortable. Kamui pulled away and looked up at him, his expression anguished and lips pressed tightly together as though he were about to be sick. He could feel the words rising up inside him and Subaru shivered at the surge of energy. Kamui swallowed and took a deep breath in.

"Remember how I told you it was all physical first?" Subaru had to think for a moment, then recalled the first night they'd spent together, in his and Seishiro's bed, lying next to each other and trading secrets. He went slightly pink and nodded. "Well…" Kamui told Subaru about his mother's death. About meeting Fuuma, getting sucked in and starting work, so desperate for Fuuma's praise and attention. He told Subaru all of it, every sad detail he hadn't even realized he'd been ashamed of, and Subaru listened, holding his hand, patient and supportive.

"Fuuma represented a lot to you, didn't he?" Subaru said, quietly, when Kamui had talked himself into silence. Kamui closed his eyes and nodded vigorously.

"He was everything! And now he's gone! But, I shouldn't have been fucking around with him in the first place, like, what the fuck is wrong with me?!" He stared back at Subaru, his eyes blazing.

"It can happen to anyone," Subaru said, very seriously, prickles of shame creeping down his neck. Kamui's eyes filled with fresh tears. In that moment he knew that Subaru was the only person in his life who could really, truly understand, and he felt inexpressibly grateful to have him there. He wanted to tell him so, but all he managed was a whimper. He shut his eyes, and the tears slid down his face. Subaru kissed Kamui softly on each closed eye, then asked, even more seriously. "You said you won't get in trouble, right?"

"God I hope not," Kamui replied when he finally found his voice. He wanted to believe Fuuma's words; that he was sort of protected, but he obviously had no idea what would actually happen. "I'm scared," he said, without meaning to, shocking himself. Subaru held him close again, and Kamui buried his face in his neck.

"Of course you are," Subaru said, also surprised Kamui had admitted it. "We'll figure it out, though, don't worry." Subaru's heart throbbed as he felt Kamui shudder in his arms.

"I didn't care until I met you," he whispered.

"What?" Kamui shifted uncomfortably, his face still in Subaru's neck.

"Like… I used to think, kill me, throw me in prison, I don't give a fuck, but…" He withdrew to look Subaru in the face, his expression desperate, and Subaru felt his power. "I want to be here, with you. I don't want to leave you!" Subaru took a sharp breath in, his eyes wide.

"Kamui…" Kamui closed his eyes again and shook his head.

"Sorry, that was too much," he said at once, his insides twisting guiltily.

"No! It was… I mean, I feel the same way," Subaru told him, and Kamui stifled a small cry. "Just… Look at me." Kamui did so, eyes still blazing, lips parted. "Don't decide anything just for me." Kamui started to speak, but Subaru forestalled him. "You need to make your own way." Kamui stared back at him, then smiled rather sadly.

"We both do, don't we?" Subaru returned his sad smile.

"So it would seem." They didn't say anything else, but the compassion, intimacy and understanding between them somehow made everything less hopeless.

They spent the rest of the evening side by side, listening to music and exchanging a few, soft words. The initial panic Kamui had felt at finding out about Fuuma's arrest had left him, but he still couldn't bring himself to think about it. He was trying not to pull away, withdraw and run as he usually did, but it was still making him terribly anxious. Subaru never left him. He held tight to his hand and played soft music until they decided to go to bed. They lay back to back as always, but Kamui didn't feel tired. He stayed awake for a while, staring unseeingly ahead of him, before finally rolling over, his heart speeding up. Subaru lay on his side, moonlight illuminating every curve of his body and making his pale skin shine. "Subaru?"

"Hmm?" Kamui extended his hand and rested it against Subaru's upper back, feeling a gentle shiver of excitement. Subaru's eyes flew open and he rolled over to face Kamui, his heart beating faster too. "Are you okay?" Kamui nodded, inching closer.

"Yeah, I," he began, his mouth suddenly dry. "I can't sleep." Subaru felt the words ignite his body.

"I'm sorry," he said, and he meant it, even as his heart throbbed eagerly in his chest. Kamui smiled, almost guiltily, and moved still closer. Questions suddenly swirled between them. Was today's news a sign? Was it a good idea?

Kamui reached out to cup the side of Subaru's face, then slowly, very slowly, pulled him into a kiss. Subaru inhaled sharply through his nose, a shiver of excitement running through his body. Kamui grabbed a fistful of Subaru's hair and pulled him closer, opening his mouth and letting out a soft cry, but…

They pulled away at the same time, gazing longingly at each other. Kamui relaxed his grip on Subaru's hair, feeling a weird rush of embarrassment. "Not yet?" Subaru breathed, and Kamui could hear the need underneath his understanding tone.

"Sorry, I-"

"Don't apologize, it's totally fine," Subaru said, smiling reassuringly. Kamui just nodded, still feeling awkward. He rolled over to face away from Subaru, who hesitated for a second before draping his arm over him and pulling him flush up against him. Kamui's heart skipped, but he smiled as he shifted against Subaru, sharing his warmth and his energy. "Is this okay?" Subaru breathed, right against the back of his neck. Kamui took a deep breath in, feeling his back expand against Subaru's chest.

"Yes." He could feel Subaru's heart beating against his back. Subaru closed his eyes, smelling Kamui's hair, moving his lips gently up and down his neck. Kamui took hold of Subaru's hand and interlacing their fingers together. Yes, this was what he needed right now.

"I had a dream like this once," Subaru breathed, after a few minutes.

"Yeah?" Kamui replied, at last beginning to feel sleepy.

"Mmhmm." Subaru sighed contentedly, but said nothing else. He felt Kamui falling asleep in his arms, warm and relaxed and safe.


"Where are you going, work?" Kamui asked, looking up from his computer.

"I'm actually going to see Yuzuriha at the dog shelter," Subaru replied, and Kamui smiled.

"When did you guys plan that?"

"She was texting me about it yesterday. She says I should come see those puppies before they're grown up!" He had an excited smile on his face that made him look so young and so sweet. "She said you should come too, if you can," Subaru added, eagerly.

"All right sure," Kamui said, his tone affectionate. "Just let me finish this." He'd been trawling through Craigslist for serving and bartending gigs for the last few weeks, but no luck so far. He knew it'd take time, that getting another job was always hard even without a weird gap in your employment history, but it was difficult not to feel defeated. He sighed heavily as he finished the cover letter he was writing, then sent the e-mail to whichever restaurant's hiring manager and closed his laptop.

"Ready?" Subaru asked, and Kamui nodded, standing up and reaching for his hoodie. The weather over the last few weeks seemed to be reflecting their moods, getting warmer and sunnier every day. Although the losses Kamui and Subaru had suffered were still there, they weren't nearly as raw and painful anymore. They'd been trying to focus on each other, stay proactive and move forward.

Kamui had severed contact with almost all of his former customers, except for those with whom he had relationships outside of work, like the woman who taught him yoga. It felt weird, like he really was getting out of the life he had half-expected to die in, though he was still worried every second about being arrested. Subaru had heard nothing from Seishiro, but knew that if he did he'd get an order of protection against him without thinking twice. His client up on Dyckman Street had told him how to do it after she finally got one against her own ex-boyfriend. He was also trying to quit smoking. Although it was hard going, the constant onslaught of anti-smoking ads all over New York made it easier. His onmyo magic wasn't suffering as he thought it would, and he wondered if maybe that had all been in his head. "Just don't start vaping," Kamui had said, warningly, as he'd tenderly glued the pieces of Subaru's headphones back together. "I'll actually kill you."

"I hope it doesn't start to rain," Subaru said, looking at the sky as they proceeded up 1st Avenue. It was yet another warm spring day, but the air was thick and pale grey clouds seemed to be settling in.

"As long as we're inside I don't care," Kamui said, shrugging. They walked side-by-side, occasionally catching one another's eye or brushing up against each other.

"Have you ever been to this place?" Subaru asked as they turned onto 13th Street.

"Nah, Yuzuriha never said I could, she likes you better than me." Subaru just laughed and rolled his eyes. An ominous wind blew, making the fresh green leaves in all the trees shiver. The shelter was between 5th and 6th Avenue on the first floor of an office building. The front was floor to ceiling windows, behind which small dogs were playing, running and jumping around. Kamui pushed the door open and they were greeted by loud barking and louder voices. Almost at once Yuzuriha came hurrying towards them, clutching a small, fluffy puppy with pointy ears and a deceivingly innocent look.

"Hi!" She said, very pleased to see them.

"What's up?" Kamui asked, kissing her on the cheek.

"Who's this?" Subaru asked, his eyes all for the puppy. Yuzuriha grinned broadly.

"This little baby still doesn't have a name, but he's my special favorite, aren't you?" She asked the dog, though he was sniffing Subaru's hand eagerly, apparently intent on climbing into his arms. She laughed and handed him over. Subaru held the puppy to his chest, his expression one of purest, most innocent ecstasy.

"I'm so happy right now," he said, simply, and Kamui and Yuzuriha exchanged deeply affectionate smiles. "Ah!" Subaru cried out as the puppy tried to climb up to lick his face.

"Are these the friends you said were coming?" Said a gruff voice from behind them. Kamui started; that voice was familiar… Yuzuriha turned, smiling at a tall man with thick muscles and thicker eyebrows.

"Yes, come meet them!" Kamui had to bite his own tongue to keep form crying out. One of Fuuma's bouncers, Kusanagi- but what was he doing here? Had he not gotten in trouble? Did he not know? Kamui locked eyes with him and they had that terrifying moment of recognition. Kusanagi's eyes widened, but he recovered almost instantly, smiling graciously.

"Nice to meet you guys, I'm Kusanagi," he said, extending his hand to Kamui, who shook it, his own palm sweaty.

"Kamui," he said. 'Be cool, don't freak out before you have to!' Kusanagi held his gaze a moment longer, then turned to Subaru, while Yuzuriha watched apprehensively.

"Anyway, um, do you want to meet the rest of the liter?" She asked Subaru. "There's two more!" Subaru's eyes widened.

"Yes!" He looked at Kamui, who smiled.

"You go ahead, I'll be there in a second." Subaru returned his smile and followed Yuzuriha to the back of the room. Kamui and Kusanagi looked around surreptitiously before facing each other.

"I'm sure you saw on the news," Kusanagi began, but Kamui cut him off.

"Hasn't everyone?" He stared determinedly up at Kusanagi, who looked back at him with the same sadness he'd worn at the club all those weeks ago.

"Well, I'm that unnamed undercover agent." Kamui felt his insides disappear. This was it. It was over. Of course there was no way he was getting out of this in one piece! He was never good at avoiding trouble. His breath caught in his throat, and though his instinct was to challenge and talk shit, he held his tongue.

Across the room, Subaru and Yuzuriha were at the pen with the rest of the puppies, fussing them as they rolled around and play fought. "I'm so happy right now," Subaru said again, scratching the puppy he'd been carrying behind the ears. Yuzuriha beamed.

"I'm glad!" She continued to watch him, taking a deep breath in, and he looked up at her curiously. "I'm really, really sorry about everything at the bar," she said, going red. Subaru looked back at her, unsure of what she meant, but then,

"Oh! What? You did nothing wrong, why are you apologizing?" Yuzuriha bit her lip.

"I wasn't trying to instigate or anything, I-"

"It's okay," Subaru interrupted, staring earnestly back at her. "Really, it was so long ago, have you been thinking about that this whole time?" Yuzuriha hung her head and Subaru reached out and gave her arm a squeeze. "Please don't worry about it," he told her, very seriously. "If anything, we," he looked over at Kamui. "We needed the extra push." He blushed too, and Yuzuriha smiled.

"Do you think I'm going to turn you in?" Kusanagi asked, raising his eyebrows.

"You can, but I don't know shit, so it won't do you any good," Kamui told him, boldly. Unnervingly, Kusanagi only looked sadder.

"You've got a chance to get out of this kind of life," he said, very seriously. "As long as you're back on the straight and narrow I won't take that from you."

"What?" Kusanagi's expression was deadly serious.

"You heard what I said. I don't know your specific story, but believe me, I've seen it before. No good will come of me throwing you in prison, even if the judicial system doesn't agree." Kamui's eyes widened.

"Are you serious?" Kusanagi nodded solemnly.

"I was after your bosses, you go make something of yourself." Kamui gasped, almost unable to believe it. He shoved his knuckles into his mouth, his heart pounding. "As far as we're concerned, we just met."

"Thank you," Kamui said, very quietly, ready to burst with gratitude. Kusanagi smiled.

"Sure. Besides," he clapped his hand on Kamui's shoulder. "I'm head over heels for Yuzuriha, and I think if put you away it'd completely fuck up our relationship."

"So you're the guy she's been seeing behind our backs?!" Kamui cried, incredulously, way louder than he'd intended. "Sorry." Kusanagi hung his head apologetically.

"I made her promise to keep it a secret, seeing as I was working under cover," he said, voice heavy with regret. "But, that'll change now the investigation is over."

"That's fucking trippy…" Kamui said, finding this harder to believe than his get out of jail free card. Kusanagi just laughed. "So wait, you had time to come over here even with the investigation?" Kusanagi laughed all the more.

"It was the only thing that kept me sane." Kamui made a noise of understanding and solidarity in his throat.

"I can't believe this," he said, running his fingers through his hair.

"It's pretty fucking crazy, whether or not you believe in fate." Kamui nodded in agreement. He and Kusanagi looked over at Subaru and Yuzuriha, cuddling puppies and laughing together. Kamui felt a sudden rush of affection for the pair of them. "We're lucky to be cared about by such amazing people," Kusanagi said, quietly. "Let's keep doing the right things for them as well as ourselves." Another dog ran up to Subaru and began kissing him so enthusiastically he was almost knocked over.

"Definitely," Kamui agreed, his heart beating in his throat, feeling overwhelmed by gratitude.

They all said goodbye shortly after that. Kamui hugged Yuzuriha tightly and whispered, "I approve," right in her ear. She rolled her eyes, but looked gratified when she let go of him.

"Thank you so much!" Subaru told Kusanagi, shaking his hand.

"Come visit anytime, please!" He replied, smiling graciously, and he and Yuzuriha showed Kamui and Subaru out the door. The overcast sky was glowing alarmingly under the clouds as cold sharp breeze after cold sharp breeze blew down the street.

"Are you okay?" Subaru asked Kamui as they started walking home. Kamui looked up at Subaru, his eyes shining in the soft grey light, and took his hand. Subaru's face broke into a smile as Kamui interlaced their fingers together. A few raindrops began to fall.

"Oh shit!" Kamui cried, holding tight to Subaru's hand as they hurried home. All around them, people who were better prepared began opening umbrellas, disappearing under a black vinyl shield wall. Kamui and Subaru weaved in and out of them, still holding hands. The raindrops became heavier and heavier. Then, right as they were about to cross 2nd Avenue, the rain poured down in a sudden, dizzying sheet. A few people screamed, diving into stores and under awnings. Kamui pulled Subaru across the street, both of them soaked through within seconds. "Fuck!" Kamui yelled, shaking his wet hair out of his eyes.

"It's okay we're almost home!" Subaru called over the pounding rain. They ducked under the awning of the bodega on their corner to catch their breath, laughing uncontrollably.

"Holy fuck!" Kamui gasped, squeezing Subaru's hand. They stood, panting, staring at each other, smelling the flowers on display.

"Let me get my keys!" Subaru said after a few seconds, digging in his pocket and shivering. Kamui could see every contour, line and shadow of Subaru's chest through his wet t-shirt. He wanted to kiss him so badly, but he could wait just a little longer. "Ready?!" Subaru asked, holding up the keys. Kamui punched the air with their clasped hands, and Subaru laughed. "Okay, let's go!" They ducked out from under the awning and sprinted through the freezing curtain of rain to the door of their building. It was only after they were safely inside, back up in the apartment, that they finally let go of each other's hands. They were both soaked to the skin, shivering and gasping. Kamui pushed his dripping hair out of his eyes with numb fingers, watching Subaru struggle to take off his wet shoes.

"I'm going to take the world's hottest shower," Kamui said, toeing off his own shoes with difficulty.

"Good idea!" He hesitated for a split second.

"Do you want to come with me?" Subaru snapped his gaze to him.

"Really?"

"Yeah," Kamui replied at once, blushing. Subaru nodded eagerly, his heart speeding up. They both knew there was no way this was just to get warm, and Subaru felt both excited and nervous. He had no idea what to expect; all he had to go on were the few kisses they'd shared and sleeping next to each other. He was sure it'd be different than what he was used to, and it was both thrilling and nerve wracking. He let out a low, soft exhale as he followed Kamui to the bathroom. Whatever was about to happen, Subaru knew he wouldn't be disappointed, because it was Kamui, because it was taking their relationship farther.

Subaru shut the bathroom door behind him, shivering with cold and excitement, listening to the rain hammering away outside. He and Kamui gave each other one last awkward smile before turning away. Kamui peeled off his wet shirt and threw it over the shower curtain rod. A flush rose in his face, neck and chest as took off his pants with shaking hands. Behind him, Subaru hung his wet clothes on the towel hooks on the back of the door and folded his arms across his body. Goosebumps rose all up his arms and legs; he could feel Kamui back to back with him even though they weren't touching. But soon they would be touching, under the hot water, oh god… He closed his eyes, feeling suddenly embarrassed. He looked down, willing his body to relax. "Subaru?"

"Y-yes!"

"Could you turn on the water?" Kamui bit his lip, feeling completely childish in his embarrassment. He'd obviously done this before, but… It was different with Subaru. Everything was different with Subaru. He heard him turn on the shower and knew he'd have to turn around, but he felt another rush of embarrassment at how turned on his was when they hadn't even done anything yet. He gathered his resolve and they faced each other. They kept their eyes locked on each other's faces, not daring to look down. Kamui let out a soft moan of longing and Subaru smiled a desperate, lustful smile.

They carefully stepped into the bath, still looking everywhere but down. Subaru gasped softly as the hot water caressed his body, flushing the surface of his skin. Kamui's breath was shallow and his lips were parted as he wrapped his arms around Subaru's neck. "Is this okay?" He asked, their lips millimeters apart. Subaru moaned softly as he slid his arms around Kamui's waist, palming the muscles in his back and running his fingers up and down his spine. Kamui arched into the touches with another soft groan, shivering in his arms. Subaru shuddered at the noise and all the blood seemed to drain out of his brain to fuel his erection.

"Kamui," he said, quietly, looking him right in the face, feeling his breath on his lips, his erection pressed up against him. They looked at each other for one more aching second before Kamui kissed Subaru full on the lips. Subaru dug his fingers into Kamui's back, inhaling sharply through his nose. They broke apart for a split second before they were back for more. Kamui thrust his tongue into Subaru's mouth, kissing him with a fierce, intense passion. He could feel everything in his entire body; every shared breath, Subaru's hands up and down his back, the hot friction of their chests together.

Subaru's head spun and he thrust his hips up against Kamui, hot desire coursing through him from every point of contact. He wanted to take the lead, to shove Kamui up against the wall, but nerves suddenly swelled inside him. He pulled out of their kiss and Kamui groaned in frustration, looking at Subaru through desperate eyes, his mouth open. "Oh god… I," Subaru began, though he had no idea what he wanted to say.

"Are you okay?" Kamui managed to ask, his chest heaving. Subaru brushed Kamui's hair out of his eyes and he moaned softly at the touch.

"This feels so good," Subaru told him, and saying it out loud seemed to turn up the heat between them. Kamui dug his fingers into Subaru's upper back, feeling hot skin and tense muscles.

"I'm so turned on," Kamui said, and Subaru threw his head back, feeling the words in his heart and his erection. He wanted more, to please Kamui and be pleased, even as thinking it was overwhelming. He kissed Kamui fiercely, thrusting his tongue into his mouth and pulling him even closer. Last time they'd kissed this way he'd been craving oblivion, but now all he craved was Kamui, and Kamui was craving him, and oh fuck he needed it!

Subaru shoved Kamui up against the wall of the shower and he cried out into his mouth. He gripped Subaru's shoulders as an entirely new excitement surged through him. He spread his legs and Subaru stood between them, thrusting his hips up to create a tantalizing, teasing friction. Kamui moaned hard, living for Subaru's kisses and touches, his body on fire. They held each other hard and kissed even harder, and the hot water turned up the sensation as it slid over them. After who knows how long, Subaru let go of their kiss and looked Kamui right in the face, breathing hard. They stared at each other, lips parted and chests heaving, drinking in each other. "I could kiss you for days," Kamui breathed, after a while, deeply seductive even through his obvious desire.

Subaru blushed furiously, the words like an electric current shocking his nerves. "Likewise," he breathed, kissing Kamui once more on the lips, then pulling away. Kamui gasped in surprise, but then groaned as Subaru moved his kisses to his neck. He gripped Subaru's shoulders and thrust his hips forward. "Does this feel good?" Subaru breathed, pressing him harder into the wall.

"Y-yes!" Kamui gasped, tilting his head to the side to allow Subaru more access. He continued to explore his neck, first with his lips, then tongue, then teeth, and Kamui let out needy cry after needy cry. As Subaru bit down hard and sucked a fresh bruise to the surface of Kamui's neck, he knew a sudden rush of fierce excitement. He thought of seeing these bruises the next day, of knowing he had done this to Kamui, he could make him moan and gasp and shiver. It was almost like a head rush and Subaru let out a deep, lustful groan as he continued up to Kamui's ear, inhaling the smell of his hair. "Yes!" Kamui moaned again, then, "Oh fuck!" Subaru sucked Kamui's ear, making his entire body flush, his own erection throbbing with longing. It felt weird for his actions to produce such an intense effect, but he liked it more than he ever thought he would. He kissed, licked and sucked Kamui's ear, feeling powerful and so turned on.

Kamui was shaking so much he had to hold tight to Subaru to stay standing. He felt so hot with arousal he might boil over any second. He wanted to move, to kiss Subaru on the lips and please him in return, but he was powerless in his arms. The sensations kept his muscles taut, stuck in an erotic spasm. He screwed up his eyes, crying out openly as Subaru kissed his ears, exploiting his weakness, sending waves of pleasure coursing through him. "Oh fuck!" He moaned again, shivering violently, and at last Subaru withdrew. Kamui took a few seconds to recover before he pulled Subaru into a kiss, shoving his tongue in his mouth.

Subaru dragged his hands down Kamui's back to grip the hipbones he'd been admiring discreetly for far too long. He rubbed his thumbs into them and knew a deep surge of arousal. Kamui pulled out of their kiss and began the counterattack on Subaru's neck, kissing and sucking and biting the flushed, glistening skin. Subaru cried out, going furiously red and digging his fingernails into Kamui's hips. Kamui moaned softly, his heart, and erection, throbbing. He sucked hard on Subaru's neck, watching the bruises bloom with deep satisfaction, then moved to his shoulders, but paused.

Subaru's chest heaved against his as he pressed his lips to his shoulder, inhaling deeply through his nose. He dragged his hands up Subaru's spine, then along the back of his shoulder, the same place he'd touched to show where he'd once had bruises. Kamui stood on tiptoe to place tender kisses on the spot, feeling an intense rush of passion. He knew he shouldn't, be it was deeply satisfying that now it would be his mouth leaving marks on Subaru's body. He bit down on Subaru's neck again and dragged his hands around to his chest, making him cry out in longing. "I want you," Kamui whispered softly, before he could stop himself. Subaru looked him in the face, his eyes blazing.

"Are you sure?" He asked, his mouth rather dry even as his body was begging for it. Kamui reached for Subaru's hand and interlaced their fingers before kissing each of his knuckles. Subaru bit back a moan.

"So sure." Subaru kissed him on the lips, swallowing another groan. Kamui held tight to Subaru's hand, feeling his pulse and his heat in his palm. "Let's get in bed," he said, finding his voice between kisses, and Subaru squeezed his hand almost painfully hard.

"Okay," he breathed, shakily. He shut off the water, feeling beyond excited. He'd forgotten how amazing it was just to kiss, to embrace. He was so used to it being a means to an end, and though he wanted so much to take it farther, he already felt so connected and alive. He reached behind him for a towel and threw it around Kamui's shoulders, and they took it in turns to dry each other off. Kamui smiled, his heart swelling as he took Subaru's hand again and led him to the bedroom.

The rain outside continued to pound against the windows and a soft grey light filled the room. Kamui lay down, still holding Subaru's hand, and the light caught the curves of his chest and hips, making the water drops that still clung to him sparkle. Subaru let out a soft gasp, at last seeing all of Kamui: narrow, long and lithe, smooth skin and shiny black hair. "You're so perfect," Kamui said in a soft groan, distracting Subaru.

"What?" Kamui blushed furiously as he took in Subaru's broad shoulders, slender hips, obvious erection…

"You're so perfect." Subaru blushed, but he climbed on top of Kamui before he could feel self-conscious. Kamui let out a soft moan of satisfaction and wrapped his arms around him, desperate for more of his warm weight, for more friction. Subaru shivered in excitement and his blush deepened as he buried his face in Kamui's neck. He ran his hands up and down his chest, inhaling deeply through his nose. The touches sent frustrating shoots of pleasure through every nerve of Kamui's body and he pressed his hips upwards, urging Subaru to keep going.

Subaru gasped softly in Kamui's ear and kissed it. Kamui moaned, and Subaru thrust his hips against him, experimentally at first, then faster. Every time their erections made contact in the hot, wet space between them it nearly drove him crazy. Kamui wrapped his legs around Subaru's waist, pulling him harder up against him, and Subaru cried out, a jolt of pleasure shocking his body and his heart. Kamui seized the sides of his face and pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss. They moved together in a deliberate, erotic rhythm; the heat, friction and pressure between them building torturously. Subaru pulled out of their kiss and Kamui bit down softly on his lower lip, making him gasp sharply, his heart skipping and erection throbbing.

He pressed his hands into the bed on either side of Kamui's head, lifting his chest up and looking down at him. Kamui bit his own lip. Subaru looked so ready, desperate and seductive. He reached up and gently cupped the side of his face. "What do you want?" He asked, trying and failing to sound composed. His whole being ached for Subaru, but he was nervous, and nervous in a way he hadn't ever felt before. There were stakes in taking it farther, but not the kind that came with fucking someone dangerous. No, Kamui was going to let Subaru into his heart as well as his body, and he'd be vulnerable and exposed with him as he'd never been with another person. It was terrifying, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

Subaru rubbed the side of his face into Kamui's hand, blushing deeply at the question. Truthfully, he didn't really know how to answer it except that he wanted more of this, more of Kamui, more intimacy and pleasure. He opened his eyes, looked Kamui in the face and slowly, very slowly, dragged his hand down his chest to finally wrap it around his erection. Kamui gasped and arched up into the touch. Subaru's blush deepened as his heart pounded and erection throbbed in excitement. "This is what I want," he said in a constricted voice, slowly moving his hand up and down. Kamui's breath caught in his chest, his heart beating against his ribs. "Is this okay?"

"God yes!" Subaru kissed him, swallowing more moans and cries as he pleased him. Although Subaru was nervous, he was sure, and so turned on. He pulled out of their kiss, his expression lustful and excited.

"I, I want to…" His voice trailed away and his eyes darted to Kamui's erection, then back to his face. "With my mouth." Kamui inhaled sharply, his eyes lighting up.

"You want to suck me off?" He asked. His face burned with his blush even as the very idea was enough to make him explode.

"Yes," Subaru replied, rubbing his thumb around the tip of his erection. Kamui's stomach muscles drew in and up and he let out a soft gasp.

"O-okay." Subaru smiled almost gratefully and moaned as he kissed Kamui one last time. Kamui unwrapped his legs from Subaru's waist and let them fall open invitingly. Subaru positioned himself between them, hand still gripping his erection. They locked eyes and knew that moment of apprehension that always came your first time with someone new. Would they be good? Would they like it?

Gathering his courage, Subaru bent forward and took all of Kamui's erection into his mouth. He sucked a hard, wet heat all the way down, then back up, exhaling hard through his nose. Kamui cried out, the immediate force and pressure taking him completely by surprise. Subaru moved faster, up and down, his eyes shut tight, and though it felt good, it was almost, not careless, but…

Subaru had been expecting Kamui to grab his hair, or push down on the back of his head, or some other rough, impatient gesture. He felt startled, therefore, when he felt his gentle touch on the side of his face. He looked up curiously, sliding his mouth up and off his erection. "Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes wide. Kamui nodded, catching his breath.

"I'm fine, just, you don't need to go so fast," he said, blushing furiously and feeling guilty at Subaru's obvious confusion.

"Slow down?" Subaru asked, perplexed. "But-" He blushed, feeling wrong-footed and inadequate. Kamui sat up and kissed him on the lips.

"It feels good!" He assured him. "Just, be with me." He kissed Subaru again, deeply now, thrusting his tongue into his mouth. Subaru moaned softly into their kiss, Kamui's words echoing in his mind. Heat swelled between them, and he started to understand. Kamui didn't want to get off on watching this happen, on shoving his erection in and out of his mouth. Kamui wanted to feel, to connect and savor Subaru pleasing him. Subaru shivered; this was completely different from what he was used to, but he loved all the possibilities it held. They broke apart, all nerves and confusion gone as they looked at each other, and Subaru knew another thrill of excitement: he'd make Kamui feel amazing.

"Lie back," Subaru said, quietly seductive. Kamui did so, his heart beating excitedly. He watched Subaru bring his hands to his thighs to hold them in place before bending forward and licking the tip of his erection. Kamui bit his lip, transfixed, as Subaru swirled his tongue all around the tip, then, slowly, took it all into his mouth. Kamui moaned, gripping the bed sheets on either side of him, pleasure rippling out from between his legs. Subaru closed his eyes and exhaled slowly through his nose, his heart racing at the sounds. He slid his mouth up and down, still slowly, listening to Kamui groan and gasp. He paused to suck right on the tip, moving around in a slow, wet circle.

"Oh fuck!" Kamui cried out, throwing his head back, and Subaru felt a rush of excitement like he'd never felt before. He let out a soft moan as he began to speed up, sliding his mouth down, then up, then moving in circles at the tip. Kamui watched, his knuckles white as he gripped his sheets. Pleasure built between his legs, then crashed outwards like slow, powerful ocean waves. Kamui's thighs shook and his stomach muscles drew in and up as Subaru kept up his rhythm, moving slightly faster now. Kamui's chest heaved and he let out a long, hard moan. His head spun, but his body was completely focused on what Subaru was doing. He could feel every breath, each flick of the tongue, fingers wrapping around the base of his erection…

Then, without any warning, Subaru took his mouth away. Kamui let out a frustrated cry, staring at Subaru in disbelief. Subaru smiled, moving his hand up and down in light, teasing touches. "Does this feel good?" He asked, his voice heavy with arousal. Kamui swallowed, his heart pounding in his chest and erection aching with longing.

"This feels so fucking good," Kamui told him, his voice constricted. Subaru smiled and kissed the tip of his erection, feeling it twitch against his lips. Kamui's breath caught in his chest and a low, desperate moan fought to get out of his throat.

"Can I go faster now?" Subaru asked, and Kamui bit back another moan, thrusting his hips up into the touches. He was so hot, so turned on, so desperate for more. He wanted Subaru to do everything.

"Fuck yes!" Subaru's beautiful eyes shone in excitement, and Kamui's heart throbbed, pumping a sudden wave of emotion through his body. "You're so amazing," he said, his throat burning. All Subaru could do was smile as the praise nestled, warm and soft, in his chest.

"You," he said, softly. "I want to keep going." Kamui nodded, then let out an excited cry as Subaru snuck his hands under his thighs and lifted them so his knees were bent over his shoulders. Subaru smiled up at him, gently sucked the tip of his erection, then took it all into his mouth.

"Oh god…" Kamui breathed, then groaned hard, his entire body seizing up as Subaru moved up and down, his pace quick and pressure deliberate. He dug his fingers into Kamui's thighs to hold him steady; he was already shaking so much. "Don't stop… Don't stop… Don't stop!" He moaned, over and over again. His head spun, he couldn't even think, white hot pleasure was coursing through him, scorching every nerve of his body and bringing a deep red flush to his skin. He threw his arms up over his head and screwed up his eyes, moaning and swearing incoherently.

Subaru moved faster still, but changed his angle slightly. He felt a violent shiver ran through Kamui's body and his erection twitch in his mouth. Kamui inhaled sharply through gritted teeth, eyes still shut tight, and Subaru felt a painful excitement at how close he was. He kept moving, digging his fingers into his shaking thighs as his erection stiffened against his tongue. "S-Subaru, I'm gonna come!" Kamui cried out, his heart beating frantically against his ribs. He felt his awareness zero in on Subaru, on the pressure building to the bursting point between his legs, the pleasure holding all of him in a vice like grip. The last thing he heard was Subaru moan around his erection, oh god he was right there!

Kamui let out a deep, shuddering groan as he came, hard, into Subaru's mouth. All the pleasure keeping his muscles tight and tense rushed out of him, leaving him limp, except for his desperate, heavy breathing and pounding heart. He felt dizzy as satisfaction and emotion crashed inside him. He was totally spent, and it was totally amazing.

Subaru swallowed everything. His breath came in shallow bursts and his erection pulsed with need. He kept his eyes fixed on Kamui, shivering slightly in the aftermath of his orgasm, and let out the softest of longing moans. Kamui slowly opened his eyes. "Subaru…" He said, looking him right in the face, his throat burning and heart aching. They stared at each other for a long time, Subaru's beautiful eyes both desirous and uncertain. Kamui sat up at last, grabbed the sides of his face and pulled him into a heavy, passionate kiss.

Subaru cried out in surprise as Kamui pulled him on top of him and held him tightly. He felt deeply connected and cared for as Kamui kissed him, emotion surging back and forth between them. They kissed that way for a long time, slow, loving and intimate, until at last Subaru rolled off of Kamui and they lay next to each other, still embracing. "That was fucking amazing," Kamui breathed, pressing his forehead against Subaru's.

"I'm glad," he breathed back, blushing at the praise. Kamui kissed him again, the affection between them almost overwhelming. Kamui tried to remain composed, but he felt so warm and satisfied, connected and safe in Subaru's arms. He wanted to cry, or scream, or…

"Let me do you," he said, softly, eyeing Subaru's erection. Subaru's face grew hot and he bit his lip.

"I, I don't really like it," he said, sheepishly. Kamui's eyes widened in utter devastation at this information. Subaru looked away, his flush deepening, but Kamui gently cupped the side of his face.

"It's cool, we can do something else," he said, totally understanding. Subaru looked back at him, so kind, so forgiving, so tolerant… He kissed him, his heart beating against his ribs.

'Is that true, though?' Subaru wondered, pressing his tongue into Kamui's mouth. It had been so long since anyone had done that to him, and now he was with Kamui, with whom everything felt so different. So different and so unbelievably good. "I want to try it," Subaru breathed against Kamui's lips.

"Are you sure?" He asked, serious but soft. Subaru nodded.

"I think it'll be different with you," he continued, smiling furtively. Kamui returned his smile, looking excited.

"You had to let me do something after that," he said, as if it were obvious, and Subaru laughed, embarrassed and pleased. "If you want me to stop, just say so," Kamui said, still serious and soft. Subaru opened his mouth to respond, but couldn't find the words. He'd been offered ways out like that before, but he had always been afraid of saying no. However, he wasn't scared of Kamui's displeasure, and it was new and freeing and just… He kissed Kamui, trying to communicate his gratitude without words.

"I will," he said, when they broke apart. Kamui smiled at him excitedly, then brought his lips to his neck, kissing him tenderly. He drew his hand carefully down his chest and took hold of his erection, making him gasp softly and thrust his hips forward into the sensation. Kamui's touch reignited Subaru's body, reminding him how turned on he'd been, how powerful he'd felt pleasing him.

"Is this okay?" Kamui asked. Immediately, Subaru's blush heated the skin under Kamui's lips and he bit down, sucking fresh bruises. Kamui's bruises, made with all the affection and desire inside him, on Subaru's perfect body.

"Yes!" Subaru gasped, and Kamui moved his hand faster, up and down in hard strokes. Subaru felt his thighs start to shake as tendrils of pleasure snaked their way upwards and wrapped around his heart. He moaned softly, feeling so hot and so turned on. Kamui withdrew from Subaru's neck, kissed him, then sucked gently on his lower lip. Subaru let out a deep groan and brought his hand to the side of Kamui's face. Immediately, Kamui pulled away to turn and kiss Subaru's palm instead. Subaru watched in hazy, aroused confusion as Kamui kissed his fingers. He then looked Subaru in the eye, and slowly began to take his fingers into his mouth. Subaru let out a strangled cry, his erection throbbing in excitement. Kamui smiled around Subaru's fingers, moving his tongue back and forth across them, loving the aching, lustful need in Subaru's face.

Kamui slid his mouth up and off Subaru's fingers, exuding seduction. "Do you want to fuck my mouth, Subaru?" He asked in a low, commanding voice. Subaru cried out and shut his eyes tight, the words hitting him like a lightning strike. Kamui felt Subaru's erection throb in his hand and he blushed deeply as he used his thumb to swirl around the precum oozing from the tip. He wanted more than anything to taste him, to swallow him whole. His heart pounded as he waited for Subaru to collect himself, though he was having terrible trouble being patient. At last, Subaru opened his eyes, face burning, lips parted.

"Y-yes," he whispered. Kamui smiled gratefully, and they exchanged one last, deep kiss. Subaru rolled over onto his back and Kamui slid down to settle between his spread legs. He continued to stroke Subaru's erection as he kissed his inner thighs, then bit down on the soft, tender skin. Subaru cried out, thrusting his hips forward.

"Does that feel good?" Kamui asked, his heart rate spiking. Subaru nodded vigorously, his lips pressed tightly together. Kamui continued, kissing and biting and sucking. Bruises bloomed like red and purple flowers, and Subaru threw his head back, arms crossed over his eyes, chest heaving… Until Kamui pulled away, leaving Subaru's body shaking and brain fogged with desire. He shifted his hips back and forth, begging him to keep going. "Subaru," Kamui said, commanding, but still soft. Subaru sighed heavily and brought his arms down to his sides to prop himself up on his elbows. He stared at Kamui, his eyes intense behind his shiny black bangs, beautiful, powerful and loving. "Be with me," Kamui said, his heart in his throat. He wanted the connection. Subaru went deeply red, and nodded.

Kamui smiled before gently kissing the tip of his erection. Subaru bit his lip, feeling a deep shudder of pleasure. "You're okay?" Kamui asked. Another nod, a deeper blush and one last smile. Kamui licked up, base to tip, and a soft moan began in Subaru's throat. Kamui repeated the gesture, and Subaru felt his stomach muscles pull in and up, the moan escaping through his lips. Kamui licked up again, then circled his tongue all around the tip, closing his eyes in satisfaction and making Subaru shiver in excitement. Kamui wrapped his lips around his erection, his tongue darting back and forth, then sucked all the way down. Subaru's toes curled and he threw his head back, moaning hard as Kamui moved his head up and down, swallowing as much as he could, building an intense, wet heat.

Subaru's arms collapsed under him and he lay flat on his back, wave after wave of hot pleasure coursing through him. He felt dizzy, lightheaded, drunk on the sensations and emotions. He tried to make eye contact with Kamui, to watch, but it was way too much. Although he was used to surrendering, to letting someone else do what they wanted, Kamui was in it for both of them, not just himself. It was totally new, but almost painfully exciting. Subaru reached out, wanting to touch some part of him, and his fingers entwined with his hair. Kamui groaned softly and moved faster, bringing his hands to Subaru's thighs and pressing them into the bed. Subaru's grip on his hair tightened and he moaned fluently, shuddering, heat and pressure building.

Kamui brought one hand around the base of his erection, holding it steady so he could move even faster, up and down, back and forth. Subaru groaned desperately, gripping Kamui's hair so hard his knuckles were white. He could barely move; pleasure had everything in such a tight grip, all he could do was twitch and shiver and let out disjointed cries. Kamui felt his erection stiffen in his mouth and knew he was close. He was desperate to make him come, the thought alone gave him a rush. He concentrated on the tip, sucking fast, hot and hard, and Subaru managed to cry, "D-don't stop!" Kamui smiled around his erection and groaned softly. He wouldn't stop for anything.

Subaru could barely breathe now, the hot, wet pressure around his erection was building in intense pulses. "Kamui, I'm-" He choked, closing his eyes, a furious blush in his face. Kamui's heart pounded and he kept moving, breathing hard through his nose. "I'm-!" But the rest of Subaru's words were lost in a desperate moan. "I'm-!" Then all the pressure gripping his body rushed outwards as he came, harder than he had in a very long time, into Kamui's mouth. His mind went completely and totally blank, but his body was alive as pleasure and emotion crashed inside him. He lay with his mouth open, chest heaving and heart pounding, radiating satisfaction.

Kamui swallowed, groaning and feeling very pleased with himself. He straightened up, slowly climbed on top of Subaru and kissed him softly on the lips. Subaru opened his eyes blearily and managed a smile. He wanted feeling to come back to his arms so he could wrap them around Kamui and hold him tight, but for now they just looked at each other. The space between them was intimate, thick with connection and emotion. "That was incredible," Subaru whispered, his eyes shining, looking prettier than ever. Kamui's heart skipped and he smiled back. At last Subaru wrapped his arms around Kamui, holding him close and burying his face in his neck.

They lay together, cocooned in loving, satisfied silence. The rain outside continued to patter against the windows for who knows how long, stopping when the sun broke through the clouds very suddenly. The city was coated in warm, golden light, making all the rain-washed edifices and the wet sidewalks glitter. It was an otherworldly beauty that only existed after a rainstorm. Kamui and Subaru remained totally unaware of it, wrapped around each other in content half sleep, until the sun began to set, pouring the light through their windows.

Kamui stirred first, the golden light warm on his face. He sighed sleepily and shifted against Subaru, breathing in his smell and feeling his heat. He then straightened up, looking down at him, his heart ready to burst with happiness. He carefully brushed Subaru's hair off his face, feeling one with everything, and that everything really would work out. He knew it was just his brain being full of happy chemicals, but he didn't care. He felt more secure and sure of himself than he had done in a long time. Today he was Kamui Shirou: the luckiest person in the world, and it wasn't a performance. It was the truth.

Subaru shifted slightly under his touches, making a soft, sleepy noise in his throat. He opened his eyes and a radiant smile lit his face as he looked at Kamui. "Hi," he said, dreamily. Kamui smiled back and kissed him on the lips.

"Hi," he breathed back. Immediately Subaru pulled Kamui into another kiss, this one deep and heavy. Kamui felt a head rush at all of the emotion and passion. They broke apart, drinking in each other, and Subaru cupped the side of Kamui's face, tenderly rubbing his thumb under his eye. Subaru felt blissful, almost like everything had been leading up to this moment, that everything really did have a point and that he really did deserve this happiness. "So what happens now?" Kamui asked, blushing slightly. Subaru sat up and took Kamui's hand.

"I have absolutely no idea," he said, smiling apologetically, and Kamui laughed nervously. Questions filled the space between them. What did this mean? What were they to each other? Where were they going? But neither of them wanted to ask, or maybe they didn't need to ask. Not yet, anyway.

"Let's go for a walk," Kamui said, looking out the window at the gorgeous, gilded evening. "We'll figure shit out as we go." Subaru laughed and kissed Kamui one more time.

"Sounds perfect."


FINALLY. Subaru and Kamui both owe me drinks!

I think about reviews when I summon my kekkai, leave me some!