Disclaimer: I'm just a geeky fangirl. I own nothing.


The Long Way Home: Chapter 4

All in all, it wasn't a bad day to search for employment. Job hunting was typically frustrating, especially in the beginning stages. In most cases, anyway. Ueno had spent an eventful afternoon pounding the pavement in search of a job with promising results, so he couldn't subscribe to the norm that day. The sun was just beginning to set, he was pleasantly tired, and he had safely made it to the weekend. Time for some relaxation. Deciding to call it a day for good behavior, he began his trek back to his apartment.

Ueno reached into his back pocket, fishing for his phone, which decorum dictated that he shut off while speaking to potential employers. He pressed the power button, and then stuffed it back into his pocket. He shifted the strap on his bag to a more comfortable position across his midsection, and then resumed walking. He ended up wandering farther than planned from his intended radius, although he had wanted to work pretty close to campus and his apartment. After arriving home, he would get started on the homework he had left and go to bed. This was a typical Friday night for a stud like Ueno.

He briefly considering sending Aki another message to inquire about the status of his paper, but quickly silenced the idea. Though they had made progress today, he didn't feel comfortable enough to continue attempting to contact him, especially since he hadn't responded to Ueno's earlier message. Besides, he was pretty sure that Aki would see right through the act; as if Ueno could really be that concerned about a class paper.

Ueno didn't like this state of unease. When he was with Aki, he was comfortable and relaxed to a degree, with a quick wit, and humorous. After today in particular, he felt that he could relax a little. However, the minute he had walked out of that classroom and alone, his doubts had resurfaced. Was he getting too comfortable around him too quickly? Would Aki, who seemed more serious in nature, be turned off?

Ueno told himself that if he couldn't be himself, the effort wasn't worth it, but knew that he didn't really subscribe to that philosophy. When he wasn't with Aki, he questioned everything. Considering he only saw Aki for roughly thirty minutes a day, five days a week, most of his waking moments were spent in confusion.

His musings left him distracted, and he almost didn't notice the scurrying form in front of him. Coming back to himself, he found that he was standing in front of a pillar-like structure, situated in the middle of a circular covered driveway. The pillar separated part of the driveway from the sidewalk. Ueno himself was on the actual sidewalk, and he'd had to pause as a vehicle made a left hand turn onto the driveway.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spied a small figure attempting to cross in front of him. With a start, he realized the form was a small girl who couldn't have been older than three or four, clad in a yellow frock and dress shoes. Her dark hair was collected by matching ribbons into two winsome, tidy ponytails. Seemingly unconcerned with the traffic flying by from both directions, she darted from the sidewalk.

"Hey!" Without thinking, Ueno's arm shot forward and he grabbed her by the wrist before she became a human pancake. To give the child credit, she didn't scream, though she did turn and glare at Ueno with a scowl that would have been truly formidable had she been older, and a small tussle ensued. The girl struggled, but he simply held tight and gave her a glare of his own before speaking.

"Where are your parents?"

The child didn't speak, but she did point across the driveway to a set of elegant double glass doors. Ueno didn't need any further information. He secured his hold on the child's wrist before he turned and began to step onto the driveway towards to entrance of the establishment.

The child then decided to become vocal. With what could only be described as squawking, as she didn't form actual words, she began to struggle anew, and Ueno sighed heavily. To any normal passerby, Ueno could be mistaken as either an older brother or guardian, but also a man of the unsavory type.

To Ueno's horror, the girl took a deep breath, opened her mouth wide, and screamed. "Help!" Ueno, against his will, almost laughed. The child was well trained in what to do when assaulted by a strange man, but she obviously hadn't been schooled on how to cross a busy downtown street.

While he was aware that the two of them were receiving a few surprised and concerned stares from individuals traveling on foot, he scooped the child up in his arms, and strode rapidly across the driveway, fielding flailing hands the entire way. Freeing one of his own to grasp a round handle, he wrenched the door open and strode inside, cursing quietly as one of the child's fists bounced off his nose.

He had just stepped into a hotel of some kind. The cozy lobby had a feel that wasn't typical of most Japanese hotels nor was it as large, but the quickly shuffling hotel staff, luggage racks, and check-in desk clued him in. He noted that the driveway was likely meant for valet parking. He did a quick once-over of the classy lobby, searching for anything resembling an information desk.

He located it and immediately transported the child, heaving a relieved sigh. "Excuse me," Ueno began, wincing as the girl grabbed his ear with her tiny fingers and began tugging as if her life depended on it, "but is anyone looking for her?"

Before the man at the counter had a chance to speak, a shrill cry resonated in the lobby. Ueno turned just in time to see a young woman rushing towards him, arms outstretched. Ueno could only surmise that the child had been presumed lost. He smiled at the woman that was rapidly approaching, using his free hand to point to the child he held in his arm. "Does this belong to you?"

The child was wrenched from his arms, and Ueno was unable to understand the woman, as she was simultaneously sobbing and babbling. He watched as the girl was apparently scolded, although half of her words were Japanese and the other half what he recognized as English. The woman took several deep, calming breaths, and raised her head, facing Ueno, huge tears tracking an abundance of mascara down her cheeks. "Where did you find her?"

Ueno pointed to the glass doors. "I was outside, and she was about to run into traffic. I stopped her and asked her where her parents were, and she pointed this way." He noticed that they were attracting a bit of attention inside as well, no doubt from the screaming the woman had done.

He backed away as a blonde, hazel-eyed man joined the woman and child. Both parents turned to Ueno, thanking him profusely.

Ueno smiled again and raised his hand. "No problem. I'm glad she wasn't h- huh?"

What had stopped Ueno short was the currency shoved into his palm. Okay, they were definitely foreigners. Feeling slightly panicked and unworthy of monetary compensation, Ueno immediately attempted to return the money to the grateful couple, but his gesture was disregarded.

His attention was diverted as they were approached by another man, tall and slender with a thick mop of meticulously styled black hair and velvety brown eyes, clad in sharp black business attire, as opposed to the previous couple's expensive but casual wear. The man looked Ueno up and down quickly, and then smiled kindly. "Is there a problem here?"

The mother of the child smiled shakily. "Not at all. We were at the front desk checking out when our daughter got away and we couldn't find her. He brought her back."

Ueno quickly explained the situation to the man, who raised his eyebrow appraisingly. "I see. We certainly thank you for ensuring her safety." He bid the couple goodbye as the valet approached them, stating that their vehicle was ready for them.

"It was nothing." Ueno answered, uncomfortable with the attention he was receiving.

"Is that a school bag? Do you live nearby?"

"Um- yes." Ueno replied, adjusting the aforementioned bag as he spoke. "I'm a college student. And no, I don't live around here. I was just out looking for work, and that's when I caught her running past me."

"I see," the man said again, his expression becoming friendly. "And what sort..." He trailed off as he realized he was no longer the focus of Ueno's attention.

He heard a scuffling behind him, and turned to see an elderly couple approaching the check-in desk. As they set their luggage on the floor, one of the bags, unsteady, toppled over, and several loose items came tumbling out, scattering the ground around them. While the woman berated her husband for not closing the luggage properly, Ueno darted over and quickly picked up the items from the ground, stuffing them back into the bag and securing the zipper before righting the luggage.

The suited man's expression softened as the older woman graced Ueno with a sweet smile. Ueno again found himself the recipient of monetary reward, which he tried to return with no success. He was quickly ignored as the woman turned back to her husband to continue her lecture. Well, Ueno had to assume it was a lecture, since they definitely weren't speaking Japanese. Was the place full of foreigners?

Thoroughly embarrassed for a variety of reasons, Ueno made to leave. "I'll get out of everyone's way now." He turned to head towards the door when the man spoke again.

"Excuse me, son?"

Ueno turned back to the suited man. Maybe he expected Ueno to return his undeserved tips. "Sir?"

"Would you like to have a seat in my office? I was preparing to leave for the day, but I can spare a few minutes." The man smiled again.

Ueno lifted a brow and repeated himself. "Sir?"

The man's expression turned quizzical and he cocked his head to the right. "I recall you mentioning that you were looking for work. What do you do? Are you looking for anything specific?"

Ueno spread his hands in a low shrug. "I'm not a professional at anything, sir. I'm still a student, so I was just looking for something part-time."

"We should have a seat in my office and talk. This way." The man motioned for him to follow, and he mentally gave himself a shake before trailing him past the lobby area down a dimly lit hallway. As Ueno approached the man's office, he couldn't help but think that it was indeed strange how things worked out.


Aki's thoughts were traveling along the same wavelengths unintentionally. As he flipped onto his back across his immaculately made bed, a slight scowl marred his features.

After moving out of that apartment, he had managed to avoid his family for nearly two weeks. The inevitable had now occurred, and he was expected to be picked up and make an appearance at his parents' home that evening.

His wounds were virtually undetectable at this point, so Aki wouldn't have to field questions pertaining to his injuries, which had been his main concern after returning. However, tonight he would be expected to go through the motions and niceties that were necessary for interacting with his family. His parents would ask questions regarding his year away. Aki simply couldn't elaborate, unless he wanted to horrify his kin, but his time in hiding had run out. His entire family, with the exception of his father, hadn't seen him aside from the occasional holiday and very brief visits for over a year. If he stalled any longer, his parents would freak.

Unless Aki could come up with a good enough excuse, he would have to spend the entire evening and possibly the night with his well-meaning but annoying -as-hell relatives. In addition, he would have to back up his claim since there was the risk of his parents coming to check on him. His mother was becoming incredibly antsy; she wanted to see her son, and now. His father had made that point painfully clear on the phone, which was as much a plea as it was an attempt to guilt the silvery- haired man into returning home.

It wasn't going to get any easier. That was the reason for Aki's scowl. If he didn't do it now, he would have to show his face later. A simple visit would placate his parents, reassure them of his well-being and hopefully get them off his case.

Perhaps he could claim he had too much schoolwork to validate him cutting his visit short, at least. He could get through a few hours with his family, as long as he could leave quickly and return to the solitude that he had come to cherish and crave.

Spread-eagled on his back, he reached blindly for his cell phone, which happened to be plugged into the charger on his bedside table. Unplugging it, the screen illuminated briefly, and he selected his mailbox, smiling to himself as he re-read Ueno's message from earlier that afternoon.

If nothing else, Ueno had proved to have a calming effect, and it was possible that was all he needed. Ueno was a balm to bruised skin.

Ueno was so damn adorable and charming in his awkwardness and politeness that it was all Aki could do to keep his mouth shut and those thoughts to himself. Who would have thought that he could have progressed from living in slavery to having Ueno walking him to class, carrying his books as if Aki was a sought-after school girl?

He always found himself in a cheerier state of mind when he thought of Ueno in general, but when he thought of Ueno specifically, anxiety won over. By specifically, Aki meant the actual progression of their friendship- or whatever it was- which was sure to remain hindered by Aki's reluctance. How long would Ueno wait before he had questions of his own for Aki? How long would he be distracted by Aki's changes in subject before he realized he was being handled and ceased to be satisfied? Would he give up and drift away, or would he demand that Aki come clean?

It was clear that Ueno still didn't know what to make of him, and Aki wasn't helping matters. It would be easier on both men if Aki simply ceased contact and left Ueno alone, but he also knew no matter how logical the thought, it wasn't what he wanted. He felt a chilling sense of panic deep in his core that he couldn't readily identify, merely experience when he thought of severing those ties. Even more frustrating was experiencing that very same sense of panic when he thought of telling Ueno everything. Aki had a sense of foreboding that told him that deep down both options would leave him raw with pain, and separated from Ueno for good.

Lovers or even close friends had the luxury of knowing each other's deepest secrets, and having their undying trust and acceptance regardless of those secrets. Aki couldn't expect that trust and understanding from Ueno, because he couldn't let Ueno inquire too deeply into his life, not even the parts that seemed insignificant. If it could never come to that, Aki questioned the logic behind remaining in contact with Ueno at all.

Aki, despite being well aware of this truth, longed anyway. Wants and desires didn't always bow down to good sense, and this was one of those times. He had longed so thoroughly that he felt the urges and want flowing through his bloodstream thick and constant, a reminder of what wasn't his to enjoy. He imagined the comfort that went along with having someone in his life that he trusted completely, and who also trusted him, someone who knew and accepted every dirty little action and every embarrassing moment. Aki knew where to place the blame for having these thoughts. One stupid kiss had caused Aki to question what he had been missing and take a good look at himself. All that had been set in stone was no longer absolute.

Throughout the afternoon, Aki had battled with the urge to place the phone to his ear and hear Ueno's voice, even if it was just voice mail. If he kept this up long enough, he was going to drive himself slowly insane. He bit his lower lip worriedly.

Aki, gaining no ground or enlightenment from his thoughts, again read Ueno's message with a sigh. When had Aki been a man that was too frightened to return a simple text message or place a phone call? After all he'd been through, he couldn't accomplish something so minimal?

His fingers, for the fourth time that evening, hovered over Ueno's contact information, but he dropped the phone to the bed and swept a hand through his hair irritably. Who would have thought that living normally would present so many problems?

Life now was proving more confusing than the one he'd led previously.


This was too good to be true. Not only had Ueno landed himself a job, but he had rounded up a good one. The pay was more than enough to keep him afloat, much to Ueno's relief, and also worked well around his classes. The suited man, who coincidentally managed the foreign-style hotel, introduced himself as Satou-san, and had taken an immediate liking to Ueno. Adults usually did especially when he showed what a good boy he was. Their conversation had been light and entertaining. Thanks to Ueno's assistance with two of their earlier patrons, Satou-san stated a formal interview would not be necessary, that they could just talk and get to know one another. In fact, it was Ueno's earlier actions that had attracted the man's attention.

Satou-san hired Ueno to do a little bit of everything. Ueno was to be hotel's errand boy, which seemed easy enough. With the increase in business, they had been hard pressed to find some help, but didn't need an additional person in every department, though each department needed occasional assistance. Instead, Satou-san felt that Ueno would be perfect at running errands for everyone, helping several people at once. He was delighted at the fact that Ueno was also a college student; apparently he had a high level of respect for those who worked while pursuing an education.

The few minutes Satou-san promised turned into almost two full hours, complete with paperwork, a tour of the hotel and introductions to the evening staff, culminating with a spur-of-the-moment uniform and shoe fitting along with instructions to return to the hotel on Monday afternoon following his classes.

Having arrived home, Ueno took a quick shower, changing into a pair of sweats and t-shirt before settling down on his worn couch, opening one of his text books, ready to tackle his studying. He had quickly become focused on an assignment, so he jumped when he heard a dull thudding sound in the back of his mind an hour later. Realizing someone sought entry, he hopped to his feet, making his way to the door. Opening it, he mentally groaned, but smiled and allowed his friend entry.

"Haru? What is it? I haven't seen you on a Friday night in a while." Weekends were reserved for dating. He noticed his friend was carrying both beer and cigarettes; he was planning on staying over for a while. Nights that included alcohol normally ended with an impromptu sleepover. The fact that Haru was there in the first place indicated that he and his current girlfriend were on the outs.

"I know." His friend scowled, setting his purchases on the low table, directly on top of Ueno's books. "She's mad at me."

"Have a seat, then." Ueno applied his fingers to his temples, massaging gently. The invitation was not necessary, as his friend had already collapsed on the couch, and was opening his first can of beer.

By the time his friend had finished his sixth beer, Ueno was still nursing his first. He could drink with the best of them and did just that on a special occasion, but he wasn't in the mood today. He was floating on another kind of high, and didn't need any mood enhancement. While his friend lamented on the state of his romantic affairs and filled the apartment with cigarette smoke, Ueno peered at the clock, noting the time before he groaned quietly.

Ueno was distracted at the hour by the trilling of his cell phone. He snapped over the flip, wondering who else was about to inconvenience him this late on a Friday night. The bottom dropped out of his stomach and his eyes widened as he read the display, and he cleared his throat before answering. "Aki?"

Hearing Aki's quiet voice made Ueno want to smile, but he quickly fixed his expression, as his friend was watching him with interest. Ueno kept his voice low. "What are you doing?"

"I spent the evening with my parents- just got home. I hope I'm not bothering you. It's a little late." Aki sounded worn out, and Ueno wondered if it was simply fatigue or something was bothering him.

"Of course not. You sound exhausted."

The sound Aki made sounded suspiciously close to a chuckle, but not quite. "You could say that."

"Are you okay?"

"Of course." Aki didn't just sound exhausted; his tone carried with it what Ueno could only recognize as dejection, and a resigned sort of emotion.

Ueno paused. He didn't want to say anything that could be misinterpreted as insensitivity, but also didn't want to come across as trying to be the other man's counselor.

Aki sighed. He hadn't meant to bring the other man down with his mood. "I'm sor-"

Ueno interrupted, yelling out in frustration. "Will you please smoke outside?"

Aki nibbled on his lower lip. He hadn't realized Ueno had company. He battled with the urge to hang up, but simply held on. The conversation that he was privy to was interesting enough.

"Why? It's never bothered you before!"

"One every now and then isn't a big deal. You've never been depressed enough to smoke five cigarettes in a row. You're stinking up my apartment. Go outside and finish that."

"I'm depressed, and you're gonna to make me go outside?"

"Exactly."

"I'm glad I came over. I can always count on you for support. You're supposed to be on my side, aren't you?"

"You're right. It's her fault that you spread gossip about what the two of you do together all over campus and it got back to her. I'm such an idiot for not understanding sooner. Go outside. And don't come back in until you're finished."

Aki heard a wham, some muffled shouts and banging, and then all was silent again.

"You still there, Aki?" Ueno sounded apologetic.

"I am. So you're playing the love doctor tonight?"

Ueno released a sharp crack of laughter. "If that's what you want to call it. Haru gets needy when he's alone. He came over to drink and tell me his woes. Gotta love friendship."

"Haru." Aki echoed the man's name slowly, drawing out each syllable. "The diddle king?"

"The what?" Ueno slid to the ground, leaning against his door while his friend jiggled the door handle, attempting to gain entry.

"That's what I heard some of the guys calling him around campus. They say that he dates a lot of girls, but they don't usually let him go any farther than that." Aki explained calmly. "I also heard that you shouldn't let him hand you anything with his right hand."

Ueno couldn't help it. He burst into uncontrolled laughter, then dissolved into a fit of coughing as he choked on the smoke lingering in his apartment and lost his breath.

"Ueno?" Concern was evident in Aki's tone.

Ueno attempted to speak around the wheezing. "I'm sorry. He's been smoking." He laughed again. "I wonder if he knows about that nickname. No wonder his girlfriend isn't talking to him. You just made my day. Now I have something to torture him with."

"I'm glad I was able to help." Aki's amusement was evident. "If you sit in the school lounge long enough doing homework, you hear all kinds of wonderful facts about your peers, although I haven't heard anything bad about you yet."

"Lucky me." Ueno took a deep breath, returning to calmness. "I'd hate to hold the same title."

"It doesn't suit you, I don't think. Listen, does your offer still hold?"

"Offer?" Ueno tried to remember any offer he may have given.

"To help me with my paper." Aki glanced at his printed out report, which he deemed completely adequate for turning in. As a matter of fact, Aki deemed it perfect, but it didn't hurt to have it reviewed by another individual. It also didn't hurt to be able to see Ueno over the weekend.

"Oh, of course." Ueno stood, unlocking and opening the door for his friend. "How about tomorrow? You can come over here if you want." He glared at Haru. "I should have the cigarette smoke aired out by then."

"I won't be interrupting any plans?"

"Don't worry, you won't. I'll be doing homework too, thanks to this idiot." Ueno proceeded to give Aki his address.

"What time should I be there?"

"Whenever you want. I'll be home all day." Ueno had to remind himself to breathe slowly, as his heart rate was becoming more rapid as he realized exactly what was taking place. It was just an appointment that was homework related, but it felt like more than that. He felt an anticipation that he knew wasn't normal for a typical study date.

Ueno looked toward his friend, who had again collapsed on his couch. Gargantuan snores were beginning to echo throughout the apartment, and Ueno breathed a sigh of relief. He'd kick the other guy out first thing in the morning, but he could sleep on the couch until then.

"Thank you. I think it just needs to be cleaned up a little."

"I'll do what I can."

"I'll see you tomorrow, then." Aki paused, waiting for Ueno to reply.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Aki?"

"Yes?" Aki listened to Ueno's mumbling, wrinkling his brow. "What did you say?"

Ueno was grateful that Aki couldn't see the blush that had taken over. He wished he hadn't said what he did, but it was too late to retract his statement now. "I said that I'm glad you called."

"Oh." Aki smiled to himself. He was glad that he had called as well. As expected, talking to Ueno had definitely put him in a better mood and lighter frame of mind. "Me too. I'll see you tomorrow."

After they disconnected, Ueno entered his bedroom, set his phone on his dresser and found a spare blanket. Returning to the living room, Ueno carelessly threw it on top of his friend and quickly retreated to his bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

It wasn't a date or anything of the kind, but it was an opportunity to see Aki outside of class. The prospect of spending more than thirty minutes with him had him almost humming as he fluffed his pillows before turning out his lights and throwing himself face first onto the bed.

It took him a while to fall asleep, as he pondered whether he should make anything, whether or not he needed to clean, where he should sit, and all other incredibly trivial concerns. When he finally drifted off, it was with the thought in a few short hours, he could finally relax again.