Selfish Lovers 34
Everyone is having fun at the Jazz Club and Noah is alone...
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Noah thinks, "So much for the element of surprise." They are such a smug bunch but he does have some friends among them. When he explains to her about him being led on by Taki, she will understand and forgive him. She cannot possibly care more for Mitchell than she does him. He smiles as he lets his mind wander.
He doesn't see Iwaki as he comes up to him. He looks up, smiles and says, "You are the last person I would expect to come over to me. What's up man?" He puts his hand out and Iwaki takes it and they shake hands.
He sits down next to him, "Why are you sitting here alone, in dark glasses Noah? I know you see Traci with Mitchell, so what gives?" Noah calls the bartender over and orders fresh drinks for the both of them.
"What did you do this time Noah; I hope it isn't anything you can't come back from." Iwaki watches him with his head tilted to the side.
Noah gets the drinks from the bartender says thanks and turns to Iwaki, "I think I really blew it this time and overplayed my hand. Now, I don't have either one of them. I blame Marc for my problems and I know I'm right but I've lost Traci too. Marc and I got into a fight about Taki and now he is feeling like the big hero. I don't know how I'm going to fix it but I'll think of something." He takes a sip of his drink as he looks over at the table.
"Did it ever occur to you, maybe Taki doesn't want to be with you and he really likes being with Marc? Traci may know how you feel about Taki. Maybe she is hurting inside and wants a change with Mitchell. You know how these rebound relationships are. All you have to do is give her some time to cool down and she might forgive you."
He looks at Iwaki and pulls his glasses down, "Do you see this man! Do you really think she can forgive me, after seeing me look like this over another man?!"
Iwaki looks at his face in shock, "When did this happen? Are you saying Taki hit you?"
Noah chuckles, "No, that angel couldn't hurt a fly, that's why I want him so much. He's the gentlest person I know. He could never do this to me or anyone else, it was Marc. He saw us kissing and he cold cocked me, but I got in a few good punches myself. I didn't know he was coming back so soon or I wouldn't have been there. It's not as if he didn't let me in, I didn't force myself in on him. The man was happy to see me but Marc got jealous and went off. Taki asked me to leave, so I gave him his keys and left. I should never have gone over to say good bye to him."
Iwaki pats him on the shoulder, gets up, swallowing his drink, "You need to talk to Traci since they probably told her something entirely different. Maybe she needs to hear this from your perspective."
He turns and walks back to the table and sits down next to Katou, "Call your personal waiter over and get me another drink…please." Katou puts his arm around him, "I've already ordered you a drink, funny man." He hands Iwaki his double shot and shakes his head. He looks over at Aya, "Are you having fun yet?"
She looks at him and laughs, "Of course I am, this is more exciting than a road show. Do you people have this much drama all the time?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Katou sighs and puts his head on his lover's shoulder.
"Well, I can't wait to visit again." She looks around and laughs.
Iwaki shakes his head as he joins her in laughter, "I'm going to the men's room, I'll be right back."
"I'll go with you if you don't mind." The blonde gets up and follows Iwaki out. He waves to Noah at the bar and he waves back, glad everyone isn't upset with him because of the run in with Marc. He thinks maybe he should go to the table and talk to Traci like Iwaki said.
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Traci looks over at Paula, "Did you know about the fight between Noah and Marc?" Paula looks at Ryan and says no. He looks at Marc, "So you decided to tell her what happen?" Colin picks up his drink, sips it, and looks away. Kyle says, "Marc, you and Noah got into a fight? Why didn't someone tell me? I would love to have seen that."
Connie hits him on the arm, "You are just like a kid sometimes." Marc says, "Taki didn't want to make a big deal of it since it was about him."
Mitchell says, "See Traci, you got out just in time didn't you?" Everyone starts talking at once and Taki puts his hand at his forehead and gets up. "I'm going to your office Marc, I'm getting a headache."
Aya gets up, "I'll go with you. You shouldn't be alone."
Marc stands, "I'll go with him so don't worry yourself, Aya. She looks over at him, "I don't mind and you do have the band to see too, right? Why don't you have a seat and I'll go with him."
She turns, slides her arm through Taki's arm and they go in the back. Marc is standing there watching them as they leave, "She's a bossy little thing isn't she?" Ryan says, "Yeah, it seems so. I think she will be good for Taki right now. She doesn't know what is going on and you're to upset as it is with Noah, to be objective. I didn't know Taki was so fragile. No wonder you're always taking off work to be with him."
Marc rubs the back of his neck, "That's not it man, he's just still in shock that Noah would try hurting him the way he did. When I got to the penthouse, he was screaming for him to stop. You know he's no match for some one as large as Noah."
Traci gets up, "I've heard enough!" She turns and walks in Noah's direction. Mitchell stands up to follow her and Paula tells him, "No, leave her, she can handle Noah. You can watch her from here. He will never do anything to Traci. If he does I'll cut his throat where he stands."
She picks up her drink, quietly looking in their direction. Everyone sits back in silence. Marc picks up his drink, steals a look at Paula, and thinks what kind of person is she. He knows they are best friends but this is something entirely different. He'll ask Ryan about her later because she seems kind of cold bloodied right now.
Connie smiles, "Now that Traci is talking to Noah, maybe we can find out when you guys are going to have your own show?" Kyle looks at her, laughing, "You sure know how to change a subject don't you baby?"
"Well I want to know also." Morgan pouts. "Marc you're the event planner, so what do you say?" He looks at Morgan, finds a smile for her, and shakes his head. "That depends on Taki but I think we're all up to speed wouldn't you say guys?"
Kyle says, "Well, we were waiting on Katou to learn how to step and if the last time he was on the floor is any indication of his skills, I'll say we're ready."
Connie laughs, "Oh yeah, the night he danced with everyone on the floor. He did look good spinning from one couple to the other. Even with me dancing with him and Iwaki, it was a sight to see. To bad you can't put something like that in there, with everyone trading off on partners."
Paula is still watching Traci but she is listening to the conversation around her. She glances at Ryan, "Ryan that sounds like a good idea, what you think?" He smiles, "I'm with you baby whatever you want to do is fine. Just don't cut my throat, okay? He picks up his drink, takes a sip, then looks around the table, and says, "What! …she can do whatever she wants, as far as I'm concerned."
Paula laughs and slaps him on the arm. "Just for that we are going to put it in. No changing your mind, now that I have scared you to do my will." He laughs, "I'll do your will any day, baby." He leans over and kisses her on the mouth as she laughs with him.
Everyone looks at them and Marc says, "I hope you two are kidding because she is kind of scary to me." Paula laughs, "I didn't mean it literally Marc. It's a figure of speech, you crazy man."
Morgan looks at him, "I suppose you think only men can be strong and not women? This is the twenty-first century after all. We don't always need your help or need to be rescued." She picks up her glass, "Where is that waiter when you need him?"
Colin looks around, spots Rod, and lifts his glass. Rod looks at everyone as if he is counting and talks to the bartender. He comes over a few minutes later with drinks for everyone. He looks around for Katou and doesn't see him so he clears the table with the intention to watch for the others. Morgan is watching him as he clears the table and looks around. She has a feeling he is looking for Katou. She picks up her drink and decides to speak with him about Katou anyway.
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Iwaki and Katou are washing their hands when he turns to Iwaki, "What is the deal with Noah? You two look as though you were having a deep discussion a while ago. Was it private or something?"
"Even if he asks me not to tell anyone, I wouldn't keep it from you. He was telling me his side of the story. Somehow, I don't believe him because he's blaming Marc for his actions. Don't get me wrong, I still don't think much of Marc, but I feel he cares for Taki. If he and Noah had a fight, I'm pretty sure it was to protect Taki. I'm glad, Traci got away when she did."
Katou dries his hands, "I feel bad now, since I am the one that talked her into giving him another chance. I had no idea he was trying to take Taki from Marc. I guess it never occurred to him; Taki might really care for Marc. He can be very attentive to your needs."
Iwaki stops and looks at Katou with his eyes narrowed at him. Katou looks up, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He turns back to the mirror and runs his fingers thru his hair and smiles at Iwaki. The older man walks over and pulls his arm "You think you're funny don't you?"
Katou pulls away, "I have no idea what you're talking about. Come on let's go back to the table." Iwaki spins him around and pins him to the door.
He puts one hand on the wall beside his head, "Do you care to explain your little remark for me, so I understand also."
Katou laughs, "Oh Iwaki, you know I'm teasing you. You need to lighten up some. Can't you take a joke? I was kidding… but he is into Taki and you have to admit that yourself. At least he has left me alone and that is what you want…isn't it?"
He leans forward and gives Iwaki a wet kiss on the mouth, "Now quit being so sensitive and lets go." He puts his hand down and hits him on the back of the head and they go back to the table. Katou is rubbing his head and glaring at Iwaki when they arrive at the table.
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Iwaki looks around and says to no one in particular, "What happen to my sister?" Marc tells him, "She went in the back with Taki. I hope its okay with you. He's a little upset at what's being going on."
Iwaki glares at him and Katou pipes up with, "That's fine isn't it Iwaki? We don't mind a bit…do we?" He is giving Iwaki a warning, not to take it out on Marc.
He relaxes, "I hope Taki is okay Marc and of course I don't mind." He looks around the table and before he can say anything. Rod comes over with drinks for him and Katou. This time, he gives Iwaki his drink first, backing away quickly.
Katou starts laughing after he leaves and whispers, "You must have scared him Iwaki." He looks at Katou, "Good, it's about time, I'm tired of the way he's been so 'attentive' to you. It seems everyone wants to make sure you're happy and not have to wait to long, for anything around here."
He picks up his glass, takes a sip, and turns to Marc, "How long have they been gone? Don't you think you should make sure he's okay? He doesn't know my sister and he is with you."
Marc looks at him over the rim of his glass, "Your sister told me to have a seat and she would take care of him. I guess it runs in the family huh?"
Iwaki looks down at his drink, "I see, sorry about that. She can be somewhat stubborn when she wants to be. I think you still need to go back there yourself." He looks Marc in the face, "Send Aya out here and tell her I said not to interfere."
Marc gets up, "Thanks man, she kind of scares me but I will tell her what you said." He takes off for the backroom leaving Iwaki and Katou smiling at each other.
Katou leans over to his lover, "Do you think she is going to be upset with you about this?" Iwaki says, "Don't tell me you're afraid of her to? Man, you people are a bunch of wusses. She's too small to be afraid of, give me a break."
"I don't think it has anything to do with size, she might be just intimidating to him. Oh yeah, I'm not afraid of her at all, I think she's sweet."
Paula looks at them, "We're here too, you guys are always whispering over there. What are you two up to now?" They look at each other and both say 'Nothing' and start laughing.
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Traci walks over to the end of the bar and greets Noah. He stands up and offers her the seat Iwaki has vacated. She sits down, "When did you get back in town?" He calls the bartender over and orders her a drink. He then turns to her, "I just got in tonight. I didn't go by your house because I checked in a hotel downtown. How are you, I see you've admitted your feelings for Mitchell. So the two of you are a couple now?"
He sips his drink as he watches her and she answers with, "I see you have finally admitted your feelings for Taki also. Are you happy now? Is this what you want?" She thanks the bartender for the drink and looks at Noah.
He smiles at her, "It's just as I thought, Marc has been filling your head with lies about me. I am not trying to have Taki, but I can understand how you would come to that conclusion. It's all a misunderstanding on his part, and I didn't hang around to explain it to him. Did he tell you he hit me when I wasn't looking?"
He takes his glasses off, lets her see his face, and slides them back on. He turns and picks up his glass and sips on his drink. She looks at him smiling, "You know how he feels about Taki and when he saw you trying to rape his lover he was angry. I would have hit you to, no I take that back, I would have tried to kill you."
"He said I tried to rape Taki? Traci you should know me better than that. When have I ever forced myself on you? Why would I want to rape Taki? Better still, how do you rape a man? Come on now, I know you couldn't believe something like that about me. I can't see myself trying to have anyone that doesn't want me. I have never been that desperate in my life. Taki is, after all, a man you know. I bet he isn't the one that told you any of this. He would never lie on me like that."
"You really do live in your own little world, don't you Noah. While Marc was talking, Taki was sitting right there and he didn't deny anything Marc said. It's bad enough, you drugged him but you lied to me. You thought you would have time to see him before you left and you were busted. I'm through with your lies and excuses for your behavior. I have decided to be with Mitchell, since he seems interested in just me. He has never been with a man so he does have that going for him as far as I'm concerned. I'm really disappointed in you Noah; I didn't know you could stoop this low."
"Taki is handsome but you need to control yourself. I used to see the looks you would give him. Marc and I knew it was a matter of time before you made your move. That's why I choose Mitchell, you do understand don't you, Noah?"
"I'm not worried about your new boyfriend Traci, because he will never love you the way I love you. You'll find out you still care for me and we'll be back together before long. I can wait for your infatuation with him to be over, because I'm not giving up on us."
She stares at him and stands up, "I have to go; my date is waiting, good-bye Noah." She turns thinking she is walking away from her past with Noah to her future with Mitchell.
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Marc taps on the door and walks into his office. Taki and Aya are sitting on the sofa, when she turns, "I didn't know this is the dancer, Taki Sagano, why didn't someone mention it to me. I'm a big fan of his, I knew he looked familiar but he is more handsome in person."
Marc chuckles, "Your brothers are looking for you right now, but I'm sure you'll get a chance to talk to him later, okay?"
"Yes of course, please excuse me and I hope everything works out for you, you deserve to be happy, the both of you." She pats Marc's arm on her way out and leave the two of them alone pulling the door up quietly behind her.
He walks over, pulls Taki up from the sofa, and speaks in a low voice. "Now, why are you acting like some one stole your favorite toy? Pull yourself together, you're stronger than this. You're a man and you need to start acting like one. When I first met you, I thought you were a strong person. Did I do this to you baby? Am I the reason you are acting helpless now? Am I being to overprotective with you?"
Taki lifts his head and looks at his lover, "I like that you want to be here for me. Sometimes, I just want you to wrap me in your arms and tell me everything is going to be fine. I realize I have to take care of myself. I can't always depend on you for my happiness, I know all that but it's just…it's easier to have you do it instead. I'm sorry Marc; from now on I'll stand up for myself."
Marc shakes his head, "Taki that is not what I meant, I'll always protect you no matter what. It's that I don't want you running away from the truth anymore, okay?"
Taki reaches up, pulls Marc's head down, and kisses him and he puts his arms around the younger man's waist, "Are you going to come back out now and show them, you're not afraid of Noah being here? I can have him thrown out if you like." Taki smiles, "I bet you would, but no, don't do that, I'll be fine, so let's go back."
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Traci makes it back to the table and sits down. Mitchell leans over to her and asks if she is okay to which she replies yes. Aya has arrived also and Iwaki asks her if she wants another drink and she says yes. Katou is talking to Colin about some shots that he took of some other voice actors and asks if he can come watch him do the photo shoot for Taki.
"Sure the shoot doesn't start until four, so do you think you can be there by then?" Katou tells him that he is leaving work early on Monday and he will definitely be there. He turns to Aya and asks if she wants to join them and she looks at Iwaki and he nods at her and she says yes.
"If you're with Katou, I don't have to worry about you being alone. The shoot sounds like a lot of fun but do not act like a groupie, okay?"
Katou puts his arm around her, "How about you meet me at my studio after your interview. We can have a late lunch before we head over to the shoot. How does that sound sweetheart?"
She looks up at him with a twinkle in her eye, "That sounds great Katou; maybe I'll be mistaken for your girlfriend or something." Iwaki chokes on his drink, "You want someone to think you're his girlfriend?"
Everyone around the table laugh and Paula says, "I think that's cute, at least he won't break her heart."
Morgan smiles, "As long as she knows he's taken I don't see a problem." Traci shakes her head, "Aya, Katou is easy to fall for so watch your step."
"Don't tell her something like that; she'll think you're serious. Don't listen to them; you can pretend all you want, right Iwaki?" He looks over at Iwaki and winks while he has his arm around her.
Iwaki shakes his head, "Just make sure she has a good time. I know she was disappointed when she got here so this should be fun for her. Just don't get any ideas, okay?" They all laugh but the ones that know how Iwaki is about Katou, know he is not playing, even if it is his sister.
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Taki and Marc arrive at the table and Taki takes a seat while Marc goes to the stage to announce the band's second set. Aya turns to him telling him, she is going to be at his photo shoot. He smiles at her and says that sounds great. Traci looks over at him and gives him a smile and he smiles back at her saying he never meant to cause her any pain.
"You didn't do anything to me, so don't feel responsible for his actions. He did help me decide to keep this man in my life. So I feel like I came out ahead in the deal." Mitchell puts his arm around her and kisses her on the side of her ear.
Taki laughs with her and Mitchell joins in with, "Amen to that."
Taki looks around, Noah catches his eye, and he turns his head and then turns back. He stares at Noah as he raises his glass to him. He looks back at him and smiles. He leans over to Traci and points at Noah she turns in his direction and they give him a joint smile and turn away together.
She tells Taki, "Good for you Taki, don't ever allow anyone to intimidate you."
Taki is feeling much better about himself. He knows Traci is not blaming him for the way Noah has been acting. However, Noah is not going to let him off the hook that easily. He sits back, picks up his drink, and waits for Marc to join him.
Mitchell whispers in Traci's ear, "Are you coming home with me or do you want me to come with you tonight?" She answers with, "Are you thinking Noah will be at my place?"
He tells her yes and he doesn't want her to face him alone. She tells him, she will go with him tonight and he doesn't have to worry about her. He smiles at her and puts his arm around her chair. She leans back and thinks she must be slipping.
How can the man that told her she is his life, want a man instead of her? Something like this is bound to hurt any woman. Knowing the man you love, more than anything, did not love you the same way, has to hurt. If he had stabbed her in the heart, it could not have hurt any worse.
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Noah is watching the people at the table. He is wondering if he should go to Traci's house and wait on her. He still has clothes there and the key, so if he is there it should not be a surprise to them.
Taki will have to wait for now but he knows he can get him back also. He'll just bide his time and let them cool off for now. Having both of them is still something he knows he can do given the right circumstances. This is something he is determined to do.
He watches as Marc goes to the stage, announces the band, and then steps down. He is watching so intently that when he stops by the table and continues on his way he can't believe his eyes. It looks as though he is going to the men's room alone. He waits to see if Taki is going to get up and notices he is watching the band as they start their cover set of, Wes Montgomery. He eases out of his seat and follows Marc.
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Marc is walking to the sink to wash his hands when Noah walks in. As he looks up in the mirror, Noah is closing the door behind him. He leans against the door with his arms folded, watching Marc. He turns his head around looks at Noah and turns backs to the sink washing his hands.
"I guess you think you've won now, eh Marc?" Marc can hear the sneer in his voice without looking in his face.
Marc chuckles, "I'm wasn't aware Taki is a prize we are competing for, Noah. If that is the way you see him, no wonder he doesn't want to have anything to do with you."
Noah pushes off the door and glares at him, "I don't think of him that way at all! I know he is an extraordinary person and you are not good enough for him! You will never understand how he feels inside, you bastard!"
Marc folds his arms across his chest, looking at Noah with malice in his stormy eyes, "Oh, and you do? You know he likes to have someone force themselves on him, that he likes to be drugged, is that what you're telling me. You don't know him at all and you have to be a fucking lunatic, if that's what you believe!"
Noah frowns at him, "I have already apologized for that shit and he forgave me, so you talking about that have no merit. I told you before I would take Taki from you if Traci ever left me. Now I guess I have to show you that I am a man of my word. So be prepared for the fight of your life. If you think I'm going to give up on Taki you are sadly mistaken. I know Taki wants me even if he tells you something different."
He takes a step towards Marc in a threatening manner, "He will always want me! I am the first man he has ever loved and I am the one he clings to!" He glares at Marc, "Does he cry out for you Marc, has he ever cried in your arms after you've made love to him? You know what you don't have to answer that, I don't need to know because I don't care. The only thing I care about is Taki and I will have him and you can believe that or not."
Marc snickers, "You know what, go ahead and try. With everything you've done to him, if he wants someone like you, then the both of you deserve each other. You see Noah, Taki has told me how he feels about me and if he lied, I'll find out soon enough."
He is about to leave when he turns around, "Oh, and another thing, I won't allow him to cry about anything, when he's with me. Tears do not turn me on when it comes to Taki. He is someone I always want smiling, especially after we have made love. You must be one sadistic bastard to want him crying in your arms."
He walks past Noah turns, gives him one final look, and walks out the door. Noah looks back at him with daggers in his eyes and a sneer on his face. "This is not the end, you asshole!" However, Marc has already left and his rant is ignored.
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Marc goes back to the table and eases in his seat, next to Taki. He puts his arm around his chair and kisses him on the side of his ear. Taki looks at him and smiles saying nothing because he knows Marc doesn't care who sees him displaying affection in public. This is one of the reasons he loves him so much. He leans back and puts his head on Marc's shoulder listening to the music.
Marc whispers in his ear, "You enjoying yourself, babe?"
Taki says, "As long as we're here together I'll always have a good time. Uh, Marc, were you talking with Noah in the men's room just now?"
Marc says yes and Taki asks is everything okay. Marc tells him Noah is on the same old thing. In addition, they had an argument over the fact he is no longer a part of his life.
"You know Taki he may still try to get to you. I need you to be strong when you see him. I don't know what's to that guy but he is determined to have you. Please be careful around him, okay?"
Taki tells him not to worry since he has no plans on being alone with him. "I'm not going to take any chances with him. He's not the man I knew back then. He's changed and I don't understand why he's acting this way. He has really surprised me to no end and it's scary the way he's acting. He acts as if I'm the one that let him go. Are you sure, you didn't do something to piss him off? He seems to want to take me from you, rather than have me on his arm, wouldn't you say?"
"I have no idea why he hates me; I've never done anything to him. However, if you want my option I think he's jealous, you're not falling all over him. He wants you back where you were three years ago, wanting only him. You must have really loved him back then for him to think, he has a chance with you now."
Taki turns and looks at him, "He will never have a chance with me. He's in my past and you are my future so let's enjoy the music and drop this subject. I'm tired of talking about him; he's such an idiot that we're wasting time even talking about him."
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TBC