So I'm sitting in my college dorm working on four different assignments and thinking I'm swamped in work. I decide to take a needed break after two hours of a certain, pain-in-the-ass chapter review and just so happen to check my e-mail for the first time in about three weeks. I get this review from Tigris T Draconis telling me I haven't updated in over a year. Tigris was right. I had not. My apologies to all of you that have been waiting, as I recently noticed this is my most popular story posted here (It has received the most reviews per chapter and the most hits out of all my stories). I'm a lame-o for not checking sooner. I hope you can forgive my neglect.
Also, I would like all of you to be aware that the original characters in this story have a large role in this story. I hope you give them a chance and grow to like the unruly lot I've created.
For the Love of Art
Chapter Three
A Little Sketchy
"You're going to be late! Hurry, hurry, hurry, Sanosuke!" Katsu gave his last warning call as he descended the stairs two at a time. Saitou waited at the base, shifting into a prepared stance as he placed his unlit cigarette in his mouth and held out his arms. His lips curled at one end in a playful smirk.
"Jump!"
"You better catch me, dammit!" Katsu leapt.
"Always." Saitou spun around as he caught Katsu and in the same motion set him gracefully on his feet.
"My hero." Katsu winked, not missing a beat as his feet were barely on the floor before he was heading toward the gallery. Saitou matched his stride as they nearly jogged through the long hallway, passing rooms and recreational areas. The back portion of the museum was where the art was displayed, therefore the arriving guests entered through the front, were greeted by staff, and lead though on a brief and minimal tour. The gallery nights usually started feeling more like a party and less like a professional showing.
"Is he getting down here on time or will he be fashionably late?" Saitou twirled his cigarette.
"This is Sanosuke we're talking about."
"Late then?"
"Yup. Always nervous before a show, never has the motivation or energy to prepare ahead of time - whoa!" Katsu was nearly jerked off his feet as a rough hand caught him by the arm and yanked him into a corner. Saitou spun immediately, tense and prepared to destroy a life for Katsu's. He calmed when he noticed it was Chou. No threat there.
"Shh! Calm down!" Chou put his finger to his lips in a futile gesture for silence, "I need you to do a favor for me." Katsu's eyes swept over him twice. He was highly unimpressed, and with his next statement it was clear that what Chou said had flown in one ear and out the other.
"You look like an overdressed penguin in that suit. Go change." Katsu huffed, as though embarrassed to be in his presence, and turned toward his earlier path.
"No! We don't have very long! We have to do this as soon as Sanosuke comes down for his speech and be done before he goes back upstairs to see Kenny!" Chou waved his arms as he dove forward. Saitou barely dodged the erratic limbs.
Katsu halted and turned around, curious, "What exactly are you up to?"
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Sanosuke sighed as he gave his suit one last inspection before he needed to stop procrastinating and put the thing on. The show was starting in fifteen minutes, and Katsu was worried. He had every right to be. Hiru was in charge of setup, which was terrifying in its own right, while poor Kel had to deal with Saitou's management during dinner preparations. Knowing Saitou, he probably had Kel doing all the work, as usual.
"Isn't the show soon?"
"Hm?" Sanosuke looked up from his place on the couch to meet Kenshin's eyes. He was still wearing the white robe, but he seemed comfortable and content.
"You've been sitting there for twenty minutes. Are you trying to stare it down?" Kenshin smiled softly, taking a seat beside Sanosuke, "And catch a cold?" He was referring to the combination of the open balcony doors and Sanosuke's current attire. He was still in his bath towel with slightly wet hair.
"If I caught a cold do you think I could skip the show?"
"You do own the place, don't you?"
"You got me. I do indeed own it. I guess that means I better woman-up and get shit done." Sanosuke heaved a sigh, "Damn, responsibility sucks some days." He flipped his legs onto the coffee table.
"You," Kenshin suddenly chuckled, "you..." He hid his mouth behind a hand as though to stifle his growing amusement.
"Are you laughing at me?" Sanosuke smiled, "Because if you are you should let me in on the secret."
"I'm sorry to laugh, but you don't have any... any... leg hair."
Sanosuke's smile renewed and he bent a knee to bring his leg closer, "Nope! Never did."
"Never? Many would be jealous to hear that."
"Katsu tells me that all the time. He hates body hair to the point he actually waxes - and he gets a professional to do it for him," Sanosuke's eyes moved to Kenshin and his smile was soft and sympathetic, "you probably don't have a choice with your job, do you?"
"No. I'm required to be on the verge of hairless."
"Must be a pain."
"It's not terrible." Kenshin tucked his knees to his chest and set his chin on them, "What really bothers me are the misconceptions."
"The what?"
Kenshin's eyes turned shy but his smile remained, "I get mistaken for a woman on a regular basis."
"Oh." It was truly all Sanosuke needed to say. Though I can see why.
"Very funny!" Kenshin threw a couch pillow at him.
"Oof!" Sanosuke caught the merciful ammunition after it struck him in the face, "What did I do?" He was laughing at the open playfulness. I'm glad he's feeling at home.
"I know what that look means." Kenshin scowled in mock anger, the barest hint of an amused smile still on his face.
"Which one?"
"The one that says, 'Well DUH you get mistaken for a women!'"
Sanosuke began laughing freely; he'd been ratted out.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
"When are we going to do this?" Katsu crossed his arms over his chest, impatient.
"As soon as museum-boy starts his speech!" Chou rubbed his hands together as though scheming, "First, we'll catch little Kensheen-"
"Kenshin!" Katsu corrected.
"Whatever! We'll catch little Kenshin before he can leave and ask him."
"What if he says no?" Saitou raised an eyebrow.
"Then we'll tie him up!"
"Like hell we will!" Katsu snapped. A hand immediately smacked over his mouth.
"Shh!" Chou shot him a disproving frown, "Don't draw attention!"
"I kind of like the idea." Saitou mused. He stopped when he discovered the silent glare radiating from his lover, "I mean, he's already been wrongly detained. We probably should refrain from causing him further trauma."
Katsu pushed Chou's hand away with an exasperated sigh, "We'll ask him. If he says no he says no. You could always take a picture instead. It wouldn't turn out as nice but it'd work."
"That's why we need him to staaaay-ay-ay-ayy-yuh!" Chou whined much like an impatient child.
"Fine, fine, fine!" Katsu spun on his heel and headed toward the kitchen, "Before we do this I'm going to go check on the boys and do some delegation since I'll apparently be too busy to do what I'm actually being paid for. You two... whatever! Prepare or something!"
Chou turned to Saitou and slapped him in a friendly manner on the arm, "So, whaddya say?"
Saitou brushed his fingers idly over the pack of cigarettes in his pocket, "Hmph. Have fun. I'm handling the opening speech tonight, which starts two minutes ago."
"Ooooooh! You must feel so honored," Chou paused his sarcasm, "but doesn't Bobby usually handle the opening speeches?"
"Bobby's plane was delayed. He'll be here in a half hour or so."
"Awwww," Chou's face softened in fondness, "Then I can pinch his cute cheeks again!"
Saitou raised an eyebrow, "You got something for him?"
"Oh, come on! You think he's cute, too! He's twenty-six and he looks eighteen! That just screams adorable and sexy."
"Not as sexy as Katsu."
"You're right, sexier than Katsu!"
"Not possible." Saitou scowled.
"Poo, poo, poo! You're too absorbed with that man!"
"Never." He nearly huffed. He loved Katsu; in his eyes no one was more attractive.
"Oh, really? I think it would do you two good to have some time apart. Maybe let him try some other guys. You know, liven things up."
Saitou's eyes may have narrowed, had they not already been near slits.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
"What happened to you?" Katsu stared wide-eyed at the forming bruise around Chou's face.
"Nothing," Chou grumbled, not wishing to discuss his conversation with Saitou, "Let's just go see him. I even brought you a new sketchpad as thanks for doing this." Katsu's eyes lit up and he accepted the fresh paper, holding it close to his chest. He loved new supplies.
"Okay, okay, don't drool on it!" Chou ushered him up the stairs, "Let's just hurry before Sanosuke takes his first break." Katsu, thoroughly distracted by the gift, blindly climbed the stairs. This was why Saitou never let him shop in the supply isle of a store alone. He would buy them out of stock, given the chance.
Before Katsu realized it, he was in the middle of Sanosuke's room facing Kenshin. Their eyes met as they stared questioningly at one another. Finally, he remembered why he was there.
"Oh!" Katsu laughed, "Hello!"
"Hi." Kenshin blinked, leaning to one side to see Chou standing behind him, "Is there something going on?"
"We have a request, if you don't mind."
"A request?" Kenshin's eyes closed and he smiled, "I'm not sure how much help I can be to anyone but you may feel free to ask."
"Well, it's just that… would you allow me to sketch a portrait of you?"
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
If he wasn't used to the attention he might have vomited. There were too many rich people, too many bimbos, and too many suits. He was surrounded. The island of pompous art-lovers was his prison for another thirty minutes.
"Pst, Sano!" The voice didn't reach his ears. It was drowned out by the constant chatter emerging from the cluster formed around him. He was nodding and smiling at a young lady who was blatantly flirting with him. Every few moments he threw in a charming expression or small word. He was half-listening, which he felt was more than generous considering his current mood and exhaustion.
"Sano!"
Sanosuke jumped slightly, though it wasn't so much the voice as it was the hand that accompanied it. Fingers groped his backside, alerting him to the newest arrival.
"Bobby?" He turned his head to the side in order to direct his voice toward the owner of the hand.
"Now you pay attention." Bobby teased, on his toes in a hopeless attempt to match Sanosuke's height. He barely reached Sanosuke's chin.
"Your hand - move it." Not that Sanosuke wasn't used to the infamous 'Fanny-Fondles' Bobby was known for; it was simply the fact he was in a room filled with people. People who liked to gossip.
Bobby smiled and squeezed teasingly before letting go, "I'm here, boss man. Sorry I couldn't make it to do the opening speech."
Sanosuke sighed, turning to face his employee and freeing his slight frustration and replacing it with gratitude. The blonde woman had backed away and disappeared at the sight of Bobby's forward play. Perhaps the kid came in handy for more reasons than he had originally thought. Then again, he hoped the woman kept what she had seen a secret. Perhaps that was wishful thinking.
"Wasn't your fault, kiddo. You're here now and that's what matters." Bright blue eyes gazed up at him with a level of respect and admiration that made Sanosuke smile. He hired Bobby because of his talent in speaking, sketching, and display maintenance. The 'kid' had worked in a museum for his father from the age of thirteen. Bobby finally sought a different job when he was eighteen. Sanosuke trusted him with their most valued pieces. The fact he livened the place up was a bonus.
"How may I serve you?" Bobby bowed extravagantly. Sanosuke took note he was already dressed in his white and black uniform. The dark vest fit his figure perfectly.
"I have a guest. He's up in my room and I'd appreciate it if you'd check on him. See if he needs or wants anything."
"He's in your room?" The confusion melted into suspicion and Bobby sent him a sly smile.
"Don't get any ideas," Sanosuke slapped Bobby's behind as retaliation for earlier, "Now go. Or I'll put you on kitchen clean up duty."
"Yow. Okay, okay. Don't have to threaten me." Bobby smiled nonetheless, flashing his pearly whites before he was off.
Being as happy as he always was, Bobby strode out of the main gallery and found the quickest route to the kitchen to check up on Kel, even though he was certain of what was going down. No doubt he was running all over the place with the 'under cooks' trying to finish platters. As much of an expert at culinary arts as Kel was he never could handle stress well. Since the chef was cooking for at least five dozen individuals it was more than likely a war zone in there. The 'regular' kitchen was adjacent to the dubbed living room, near the front door. That area of the museum looked like an everyday home. Stepping into the hallway right of the kitchen and traveling along it would lead a visitor past a bathroom, a staircase, two closets and one laundry area. Next would be the 'prep gallery'. The room was mainly for unloading artwork and deciding a place for it.
Once through the prep gallery there was a gargantuan addition to the museum/home. This was the room Bobby had found Sanosuke in. It was the main gallery. Exiting the large room Bobby wound up in a relatively short hallway. There were four doors accessing the secondary kitchen. One led into the main gallery, but Bobby knew better than to step over that threshold. He would be trampled. In order to avoid catastrophe, he walked around to the smaller dining area and stepped through the swinging doors.
Bobby cupped his hands around his mouth hoping he would be heard over the chaos, "Kel! Hey, Kel!"
A voice Bobby was well acquainted with spoke up, "He's by the freezers."
"Jake! I'm baaaaaack!" Bobby latched onto his friend.
"Jeeze, kiddo, I'm trying to cook here." Jake laughed good-naturedly, flipping a lock of long black hair out of his face. It had escaped his hair tie, as usual. He stirred his pan of fried vegetables and meats, causing a fierce sizzle.
"Ah, it's been so long since I last saw you." Bobby hummed happily as he nuzzled Jake's shoulder blade, oblivious to the man's last statement.
"I just saw you three days ago!" Jake nudged him with an elbow, signifying he needed to move.
"And it was a long three days ago." Bobby detached himself, backing up as Jake arranged the stir fry on a plate. Bobby liked Jake. He was a little rough around the edges, but the slight stubble of hair on his chin and jaw combined with his always-smiling eyes made the perfect welcoming gift. Sure, the man was nearing his forties, but Bobby couldn't help but admire him. He was half Japanese and half German, and the combination of features had always appealed to Bobby.
"Alright kids, get to work." The rumble of Saitou's commanding voice brought a mischievous smirk to Jake's face.
"Yes ma-mah!"
"Saitou! I'm back!" Bobby opened his arms in greeting, his face displaying most excessive display of joy Saitou had yet to see matched by anyone else. For several moments he chose to remain motionless, merely staring at Bobby as though he hoped the kid hunted by movement. Finally, he surrendered and spoke.
"So you are."
Jake's laugh was hearty, "Oh just hug him already you hound! It won't kill ya!"
"It's not the hug I'm afraid of." Saitou admitted, still locked in what seemed to be a staring contest.
Bobby, arms outstretched, scurried forward a few inches. Saitou leaned back. More scurrying followed until Bobby had his arms wrapped around his midsection. With a quiet noise of slight discomfort, Saitou managed to tolerate the affection.
"How's Kel doing?" Bobby asked, cheek flat to Saitou's chest and not at all bothered by the lack of hug-reciprocation.
"Just finished his third breakdown of the night. He should survive twenty minutes without me."
"That's good to hear." Bobby's smile beamed.
"Bobby."
"Yes?"
"Your hand is wandering."
"Oh my. That's interesting. I can't... seem... to control it... captain! Please! Forgive... the hand! It is... naughty!" The blond broke out into a surprisingly controlled fit of giggles.
Saitou looked down; It's not wandering anymore. It's exploring.
"Oh well," Bobby slapped Saitou's thigh before retreating, "I've got my own job to do so I best be off. I'll see you later! Have fun, Jake!"
"Always do, kiddo!"
As Bobby exited the kitchen he heard the faint sounds of Saitou's failed attempt to thieve some food. From the sounds of it he was being wrestled away by Jake.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Katsu's eye had developed a twitch. His easel was begging for him to begin painting, but his concentration was shattered time and again. Issue one had been Chou convincing Kenshin to pose 'sexily' by pushing the robe he was wearing off one shoulder. Now Kenshin was seated by the balcony doors, half naked and looking quite beautiful in the evening light.
Issue two was Chou and his insatiable curiosity. He continually poked his nose in while Katsu was attempting to work. The man should have had more manners, considering the secretary had agreed to put his talents to work for free.
Issue three was Katsu's own concern. When Chou had asked the beauty to 'look sexy' Kenshin became rather shy. The southern male merely walked over before Katsu could stop him and whispered some words into Kenshin's ear.
Kenshin had laughed and nodded, agreeing to whatever it was Chou had said. Therefore, Katsu had a 'sexy Kenshin'. Not that he was complaining about the view, but he was fiercely worried about exactly what Chou had told the man. He nearly growled as the blonde picked up some of his pencils. The utensils were becoming disorganized.
"Chou," Katsu managed to maintain his sweet exterior, "why don't you go down to the kitchen and get some water for us?"
Chou looked indignantly at the painter, "What do I look like, a servant-boy?"
Katsu sized up the outfit and shrugged, "Yup." Chou shook his head but left despite his dislike of the idea. As soon as the door to Sanosuke's room had clicked shut Katsu heaved a thankful sigh.
"Finally!" He cleared his throat and continued his work, "That man can be entertaining but he can also be a pest." Katsu caught sight of his paints out of the corner of his eye. He turned to them, scrutinizing the medium carefully.
"What's wrong?" Kenshin curled his tired fingers to wake them.
"Well, it's just that this place is filled with paintings. Acrylic, oil, watercolor - you name it. Paints all around! I was thinking... why not something else?" Katsu shifted his eyes to Kenshin in question. He had not yet begun painting. He was still finishing line work.
"What did you have in mind?"
"I was thinking colored pencils or pastel. But I love my pencils. I'm best with them."
Kenshin's face brightened, "Then use pencils."
Katsu smiled, "You think so?"
"If they're your favorite, why not?"
The door burst open, "First Position Art Care-Taker, Bobby Rellings, reporting for duty! How may I serve you on this lovely night?" Bobby bowed in his dramatic style before dropping his comedic formalities and nearly tackle-hugging Katsu.
"Bobby!" Katsu smiled, eyes closed as he laughed.
"I missed you and your pretty face!" Bobby squeezed him firmly, "You been keeping Saitou in line?"
"Always! It's Chou I'm having trouble with."
"Chou's here?" Bobby's blue eyes froze as he took a seat on Katsu's open lap.
"Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't bump into him on your way up because he left not a minute ago."
"Must have just missed each other," he leaned back and looked at Kenshin, "who's your friend? This the boss man's guest?"
"Yup," Katsu drew a few more lines, despite the weight on his legs, "you've already heard, huh?"
"When I checked in with Sanosuke he asked me to check on you guys. Or his guest, at least. Didn't know you were up here, too."
"It's a secret, so don't tell." Katsu winked, "This is Kenshin. Kenshin, this is Bobby. He's our resident rascal so be sure to watch out for him."
Bobby smiled, "Gosh, you're real pretty."
Kenshin's cheeks flushed, "T-thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"You're so formal! That's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. Have you known Sanosuke long?"
Kenshin chuckled a bit at the tense face Katsu made, "Only a short while. Really, we just met recently."
"Ooohh. Did he invite you here just to model for Katsu? Or are you guys dating or something?"
Katsu cut in, "Bobby, I'll explain everything to you later and it will all become clear. For now, I think I have a very important mission for you that you're going to love."
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Sanosuke caught sight of his 'extra-help' moving toward him. The man went by the name of Saitou, but Sanosuke knew better. More often than not the man should have been called 'Sneaky Bastard'. Mr. Bastard was currently walking casually, which was a relief. Sanosuke was dying to be updated on meal preparations.
Sanosuke leaned to one side so he could speak more personally with him, "How is everything back there?"
Saitou kept his eyes on the displayed paintings, "It's going as smooth as it always does."
Sanosuke cringed, "Ouch. How's Kel?"
"Breakdown central, as usual."
"Vomit count?"
"Four times." Saitou raised his eyebrows in interest, "He managed to cream Hiru with his lunch the first time."
"That why he took his break early?"
Saitou smirked, "He had to change."
"What's Katsu up to?"
"Working just fine on side jobs, but you really need to talk to Jake."
"Secondary chef Jake or Janitor Jake?" Katsu had hired two Jakes. The jokes that floated around kept the crew entertained during down time.
"The chef."
Surprised the mild-mannered Jake would be reported, Sanosuke had to ask, "What'd he do?"
"He wouldn't let me have any of that stir fry he was making."
Sanosuke shook his head, snapping his eyes to Saitou in annoyed confusion, "Get out of here, you mooch."
Saitou shrugged, turning to leave, "By the way, your next painting recognition speech starts three minutes ago."
Sanosuke quickly looked at his phone's home screen for the time, "Shhhhiiii..." He caught himself, clearing his throat and scanning the crowd. Several sets of eyes had already turned to him and he ignored them as he moved to the podium Hiru had set up earlier that day.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Chou muttered some colorful words under his breath as he headed toward the stairs carrying two glasses of water. He hated the kitchen, all because he risked the chance of running into that arrogant ass. Merely the mention of the man made him angry.
Hiru.
The jerk had pale blond hair that was cropped short in the back but had flare thanks to the long and stylish bangs that stretched far enough to tap the edge of his chin. Chou hated those bangs. They were as obnoxious as the man himself. Hiru's cool, challenging green eyes were always smirking at him. It didn't help matters that he was Bobby's cousin. And Chou liked Bobby. That immediately set Hiru on the defensive, which in turn made Chou's dislike compound.
"Chou!"
Before Chou could fully process that his name had been called, he was hit in the torso with a very happy bundle of Bobby. Two limbs wrapped tightly around his back, squeezing almost painfully.
"B-Bobby!" The glasses nearly went crashing to the floor.
"It feels like it's been years since I last saw you!" In reality, it had been a few months. Bobby quickly pulled back, smiling brightly as he took the glasses from him and set them on the floor.
"W-w-wh..."
Bobby laughed, sweet and playful, at Chou's inability to speak, "I missed you so much!" He leaned in, creeping his hands up to rest at the nape of a defined neck. Chou's face turned scarlet at their proximity. Those crystal blue eyes had shut and Bobby was nearly rubbing noses with him.
"Buh..."
"I've got an idea," Bobby suddenly kissed the side of Chou's mouth, "Let's..." Carefully, he guided Chou back one step at a time.
"L-lets?" Chou swallowed, feeling like a mouse cornered by a cat.
"Go," another step, "back." One more step.
"Back where?" Chou couldn't rally his composure. The brat looked too damn inviting when he closed in like that.
"Where?" Bobby's lips turned upward into his sweetest smile and his fingers scratched teasingly against Chou's chest, "I'll show you." The previously gentle hands buried themselves in the front of Chou's suit. He tugged the dumbfounded man away, toward the bedroom farthest from the gallery.
Katsu had asked him to keep the man busy and as always, he aimed to please.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
E
1.25.2007
6.16.2011
11.16.2014