Disclaimer: I'm just a geeky fangirl that likes to play around; I own nothing.


The Long Way Home: Chapter 6

Kissing was supposed to good for the soul, or so he had heard many a time. He didn't kiss much.

Aki supposed under normal circumstances, it would be. Under his circumstances, things were different. The time he spent pressed against Ueno's body had been nothing short of spectacular, and he had been loath to allow it to end so quickly. It had been simple, with no hormonal grinding and groping, which had been a first for Aki, but he didn't consider it a negative. It seemed only natural that his firsts took place with Ueno.

To admit that he didn't often engage in sweet, slow bussing wasn't to say he wasn't sexual or physical; kissing just hadn't been required for most people to get off, and getting off had been the only goal. Aki hadn't realized what he had been missing until Ueno, but he wasn't bitter over what he'd lacked. Kissing proved to be too sweet and intimate to be taken lightly, so if anything, Aki was grateful that he hadn't experienced those sensations with many.

Aki understood why he wasn't floating on clouds of elation. He only wished the situation could have been different. He had allowed the situation to get out of hand. The complications associated with maintaining a normal friendship or a relationship were beginning to add up. He knew it was inevitable; he'd told himself so several times. He knew that allowing Ueno to get closer to him would make life difficult. But he also knew that he wanted that closeness badly enough that if his head wasn't clear, he would lose himself. Caution ensured safety, but it also invited frustration and pain.

Only, he'd disregarded that rule on Saturday. Even while aware of the consequences, he had knowingly disregarded all reason and indulged. After their lips met, Aki couldn't have stopped even if he had wanted to. Any more time together in that fashion may have led Aki to remove his clothes or fall asleep in Ueno's arms. He wasn't sure which, but Ueno brought out each urge. After all, he was human, and Ueno was warm, sweet and heady. Wasn't he allowed to be surrounded by it for an hour, to have fun once in a while?

He had been asking for trouble. And to make matters worse, Ueno had let something slip that was even more disturbing. Aki now completely understood what shit hitting the fan implied, and he hoped that he never came to know more intimately.

So Aki paced. He walked the perimeter of his bedroom, then around the coffee table in his living room. Cabin fever wasn't something Aki normally suffered from. He wallowed in that apartment, basking in the beauty of solitude, of having his own space, but the fact that he couldn't leave made him desperate for movement.

Lunch today had been painfully normal. Normal wouldn't have been bad, if they hadn't crossed the line Saturday. He asked Ueno simple, empty questions and inquired about the rest of his day; when he would be done with work, his studies, and so on. It had been disappointing for Aki to sit across from Ueno and not mention their day together, which Aki had enjoyed thoroughly, even the meeting of his family. Ueno's family appeared so tightly bonded and loving that Aki had no doubt why Ueno was so well-rounded and easy going.

Aki's temporary lapse in good sense wasn't fair to Ueno, and he hadn't missed the resigned look in Ueno's eyes as he had left. It made him feel horrible, since he knew that he was the one that put that look there. Aki knew that just because Ueno was so easy going in nature didn't mean that he would accept everything, or that he would be able to wrap his head around Aki's situation. Everyone had their limits. Ueno couldn't be an exception.

So Aki kept quiet about Saturday, in case Ueno used the conversation to segue into questioning why Aki had left so hurriedly. He could sense Ueno's frustration and confusion, but he couldn't reassure him. He hadn't wanted to leave; he had been perfectly content resting against Ueno's body, breathing in his clean scent and absorbing the heat emanating from his firm body. He could have stayed all night, working on their bond while exchanging comfort and kisses.

He would have happily done so, if Ueno had asked, if Ueno hadn't said what he had. He'd felt the need to go home and regroup. He didn't want to mask his expressions, to hide his thought processes, but that annoyance was out of his hands, had been for years.

Aki glanced at the wall clock and noted the time; it was half past eight. He had a little less than half an hour to kill before he could rest easy. He absolutely could not do this night after night. Aki was being silly, but he couldn't help it. He needed to relax, and a shower would help.

Aki undressed in his bedroom, tossing his clothing into a hamper and walked into his spacious bathroom. He would take a shower, and then soak in the tub with a book or magazine. By the time he finished and got dressed, it should be well after nine.

Aki took longer than planned, taking a very quick shower, but luxuriating in his bath, arms propped up on the rim, head tilted back, and eyes closed. He breathed deeply, inhaling steam and the fragrant salt he had added to the water. The shower and bath did help somewhat, the feeling of panic having passed. After drying his body and cinching a towel around his waist, he began on his hair, blotting out the moisture. From the bathroom, he heard a sharp knock on his door.

Aki took his time walking from the bathroom and out of his bedroom into the living area. He closed one eye and used the other to glance through the peephole to see who had decided to visit. No one was in sight, and he wasn't particularly modest, so without running to dress, he slowly opened his door, glancing downward.

He spied a small box set neatly on the mat in front of his door, along with a card taped to the top, secured with a bow. His didn't see his name, but he recognized his mother's flair on the customized box. He knelt down to pick it up, glancing down the hall.

If only he'd taken a little longer to answer the door.

Ueno was ready to go home. During lunch, he had spent the entire time with his fists clenched in his lap underneath the table. Eating had been a chore, so he hadn't attempted. He couldn't even take enjoyment in the surprised look on Aki's face when he had presented him with the lunch, specifically packaged for Aki, which his mother had left in his fridge. The meal, lovingly prepared, also came with a note, which Aki read before he smiled and pocketed it with no comment.

While Aki had looked pleased with his mother's thoughtfulness, he hadn't eaten much either. Eventually, Ueno had behaved out of character, leaving before Aki with a goodbye wave and the promise of seeing him the next day.

Now, at work, he did feel a little better. He had donned his customized, altered uniform, complete with a snazzy earpiece so departments could contact him while he was mobile and threw himself into his assignments. He had been able to zone out during the work day, but only while he was busy. He realized his job included a lot of sitting around waiting for requests. During those breaks, he tried to focus on his reading, but more often found himself starting into space.

Staff was in love with him already. Ueno had been recognized as a young, sweet thing and they doted on him, though he was supposed to be the one relieving them of tasks. A couple of the older women teased him, remarking on how handsome he looked in his black slacks with their razor-sharp seams, black button down long sleeved dress shirt, and tie. There was constant touching, as one of them would reach for his head and smooth back a cowlick or straighten his tie. They cooed when he walked into the reception area and checked the printers to ensure they had an adequate amount of paper. They sighed when he asked them if they wanted anything to eat or drink, clapped their hands in delight when he had helped the housekeeping staff fold towels, and exclaimed over his energy and enthusiasm in hauling supplies into the office.

That had added up to a good two hours of work collectively. They had changed his hours for the day, so although Ueno should have headed home sooner, he had to wait for the go-ahead while staff checked to ensure that nothing else was needed before he left. Ueno didn't doubt that he would enjoy the job, but he was ready to go home and try to sleep, to end the off-putting sensation of walking on shaky ground. If nothing else, it would give him a break from the stress. He had been unable to shake his train of thought the entire day. He wondered if Aki was upset with him, or if he had turned him off somehow.

Life was looking upward. A new, well-paying job had handed to him for being in the right place at the right time. His grades were high, he had friends, got along great with his family. It sucked to be miserable despite all of that. Ueno could have dealt with it, if he'd had a clue as to what he had done wrong, but he was at a loss, and uncertainty proved to be much more distressing than concrete answers. Aki hadn't appeared opposed to what had occurred between the two of them, even immediately afterward. If Ueno had suspected that Aki wasn't interested in participating, he wouldn't have even tried, but he had seemed so willing, and appeared to have enjoyed himself just as much as Ueno had. Maybe he had realized his error afterward.

Ueno wasn't gaining any ground agonizing, and when he activated his earpiece after hearing the beep, he was told that the majority of the departments needed nothing further.

He walked to the reception area, as they hadn't yet checked in with him. The only one currently seated was a woman he had been introduced to as Himura-san. A plump, sweet-faced older woman, she had already begun to treat Ueno more like a child than a man. Ueno didn't care anyway; she reminded him of his grandmother.

She smiled gratefully, and gestured to a small pile of boxes. "This is the last of the customer orders. Most of them are just extra supplies. A lot of our customers don't think to tell us they need extra stuff until they get ready for bed. Housekeeping normally takes care of this kind of thing, but they're a little busy right now. Would you mind running these up for me? Then you're done for the night."

"You got it, Himura-san." It wasn't a hefty pile, so Ueno hoisted them in his arms and turned to make his deliveries.

Since most of the stuff needed to be delivered to lower floors, he decided to start at the bottom and work his way up, taking the stairs for the most part. As antsy as he felt, running up the stairs burned off much needed nervous energy, and he made all but the last delivery before hopping onto the elevator. The last of his packages had to go to the ninth of the ten floor building. As he understood, the top floor consisted of two penthouse-style apartments, with the ninth floor composed of four large apartments, mostly used by individuals or families that were visiting on a long term basis or did not wish to commit to an apartment lease. He hadn't been to either floor yet, so he was curious about the layout and appearance of the rooms.

As the apartments were large and there were only four of them, he had to walk around a few corners, including a spacious sitting area with a view and small fountain before reaching the room number scrawled on the work order.

Ueno knocked, and after receiving no answer, deposited the box on the floor as instructed by Himura-san, turning to head back towards the elevator. He stopped dead in his tracks, as he almost ran into Satou-san, who had turned the corner and was coming in his direction. That elevator moved fast.

"Ueno!" He smiled his kind smile, stepping back to allow them both breathing room. "How was your first day?"

"Fine, sir. It's been fun so far. I just finished a couple of deliveries." Ueno returned his smile.

"Good. I apologize for not being able to spend any time with you today. I didn't mean to throw you into the job without any further instruction, but today has been extremely busy for me. Did you have any issues?"

"No, sir. Everything's been fine."

"Excellent. According to the women downstairs, you've become pretty popular. You have some fans already."

Ueno gave a short laugh. "I hadn't realized, but I'm glad I haven't made any enemies. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?"

"No, son. I just came up to make a quick house call before I leave for a few days, since I'm not here most of this week. We appreciate your work today, and-"

They both stopped and turned as a loud click caught their attention. Ueno watched with a mixture of horror and ever-present confusion as the object of his agitation reached down to retrieve the package Ueno had just left minutes ago.

It was almost comical, the rapid exchange of names that took place.

He spoke without thinking. "Aki?" As if he had to ask to be sure. While only covered from the waist to the knee with a bath towel and wet, weighed down hair, identifying Aki was still a cinch.

"Ueno."

"I was just coming up to see you, son!"

"Dad?"

Dad? Ueno pinched the bridge of his nose as Aki stood, his package balanced under his arm.

Satou-san approached the open doorway, placing his hands on Aki's shoulders. "I came up to make sure that you got your mother's package. You're going to catch cold walking around like that." He reached up to ruffle Aki's already-mussed hair.

"I heard the door while I was drying off. I was getting ready for bed." Aki replied and pushed away Satou-san's hand. He spoke to his father, but his eyes were directed towards Ueno, who refused to meet his gaze. He sighed. "Ueno?"

"You two have met?"

Ueno took a deep breath, and raised his head. "We do, sir. We've hung out on campus."

"What a small world. Be a good influence on my son, please." Satou-san smiled again. "I'll take my leave now. I've got a drive ahead of me. Aki, don't forget to fit a phone call to your mother somewhere into your busy schedule."

"I won't forget." Aki watched as Ueno looked down at his feet, eyebrows furrowed.

"And it wouldn't hurt you to call your uncle either. He told me that you two haven't spoken since-"

"Okay, Dad."

"We're visiting your sister this weekend. Your mother is hoping that you'll come with us this time. I know that it's hard for you, but I think you should consider-"

Aki finally tore his gaze away from Ueno, desperate to cut his father off before he made the situation any more difficult.

"Okay, okay!"

Ueno jumped. He had never, never been witness to Aki raising his voice, or to such an incensed expression.

Aki gestured in Ueno's direction. "Can we talk about this some other time?"

Satou-san chuckled. "Easy, easy. Of course, son. There's no need to lose your temper. I'll talk to you soon." He reached up, his hands resuming their earlier position as he patted Aki's shoulders in an attempt to soothe him.

Aki drew back as if stung. "Goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight, son. Goodnight, Ueno." With that, Satou-san turned the corner towards the elevator, this time with a little less bounce in his step than before.

Aki spoke again, and it wasn't a question. "Ueno."

Ueno massaged his temples and stared at the spot Satou-san just vacated; anything besides Aki's bare upper body a welcome distraction. With that thought in mind, he turned his whole body, intending to follow his boss. At this point, he didn't need to focus elsewhere simply to keep him from staring at Aki; he was genuinely too upset to look at him. Damn it, he was too late. Satou-san was probably already riding the elevator down. He'd have to wait for it come back up.

"Ueno." Aki took a step forward, but stopped, as he remembered his undressed state.

"I've got to go." Ueno ground out between his clenched teeth. Stairs. He'd take the stairs.

Aki sighed heavily. "Ueno-"

"For the last two days I tried to figure out why switched up on me on Saturday, trying to figure out if it was just my imagination. You didn't want me to know you lived here." Ueno was aware of speaking, but it was almost as if he was watching himself do so. The quiet, angry voice that he heard was not his. "At least now I know." With that, he took off down the hall. He needed to change, and get the hell out of the building- fast.

Aki watched him go, then fell back against the door frame and closed his eyes. It was official.

As predicted, shit had definitely hit the fan.