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


The Long Way Home: Chapter 20

Aki couldn't fight his amusement. He was useless at the moment; he sat safely out of the way while Ueno and Mira bustled around his apartment, each involved in their own tasks.

Ueno was true to himself. Fundamentally, he took pleasure in accommodating and taking care of others. He had a lot of ground to cover before he would be completely at ease around Mira, but he was currently in the kitchen, quickly preparing a meal for Aki's ex-lover regardless of his opinion. Aki was reminded that Ueno tended to underestimate himself, but was truly admirable.

He was mumbling to himself while he made his preparations, but that just made him all the more adorable. Aki watched, a small upward curving of his lips betraying his mood. He didn't offer to help; he'd do more harm than good in any kitchen, and he had no experience with animals, so he left Mira to his own work as well.

Aki's smile quickly transformed to a frown as he continued observing Ueno putter around the kitchen, moving from the refrigerator to the sink, sink to stove, and back again. His movements were stiff and if Aki wasn't mistaken, he was shivering.

Ueno was probably cold, and most definitely soggy. Rescuing animals in the pouring rain had that effect and of course, Ueno was usually immersed in taking care of others instead of taking care of a more immediate need, which should have been his own comfort and in this case, health.

"Ueno." Aki rushed to his side, resting a hand on his shoulder. He removed it immediately, flinching. "If you don't warm up, you're going to get sick."

"I know." Ueno shrugged. "But after I finish cooking, I have to go back outside since we don't have any supplies for a pet. I don't see the point in drying off to go right back out in the rain."

Mira exited the bedroom, cradling the motionless mass in the crook of one arm. "All done. The little boy is pretty handsome when he's freshly groomed. He's not moving much, but he did cry a little; must be hungry."

"I'll bet he is. I have no idea how long he was in the trash before I found him." Ueno looked at the kitten in Mira's arm thoughtfully. "We need an eyedropper or a syringe. Is there a twenty-four hour place around here?"

"I'm not sure." Aki replied, chewing his lower lip. "Mira, can you find one?"

Mira readily agreed, to Aki's surprise; he'd expected at least a half-hearted protest or wisecrack. "I guess it makes sense for me to go. The rain is still coming down and I have a car. Make me a list."

Aki walked back into the living area, returning with his abandoned notepad and pen.

"A baby bottle and syringe, some cotton balls, and kitten formula if you can find it. Aki, do you have a heating pad or electric blanket?" At Aki's nod, Ueno continued. "Okay, then that should be all that we need for tonight. I'll get some other stuff when I can get to a pet store."

"Then I'm out of here. I'll be back soon." To give Mira credit, after he carefully deposited the kitten on the couch he left quickly.

"You can finish up in here after you dry off. You'll catch a cold. Go." Aki shoved Ueno gently. "You have time before he gets back."

Relenting, Ueno turned down the stove and disappeared into the bedroom. With nothing to do other than wait, he flopped down onto the couch and scooped up their charge, who Aki thought was charming when he was dried and fluffed, although he possessed little to no interest in felines or anything else furry, for that matter. He amused himself by running his fingers through its soft, sparse fur until Ueno emerged.

"I'm sorry." Aki began, smiling all the while. "I know it's going to be strange with him here." He hadn't come to terms with the fact that his family unit had just doubled within the last hour either, but he would.

Ueno shrugged before returning to the kitchen. "Don't worry. It'll be fine."

Aki moved to his chair, where he had a better vantage point. Ueno had dressed in sweats, as usual, but in addition to his standard t-shirt, he'd donned a sweatshirt, hood pulled up over his head. The chill obviously hadn't left his body. "Are you okay?"

"Okay with what?"

Aki didn't answer immediately; he wasn't sure what he'd meant by his question either; had he meant with Mira's inevitable and frequent presence from now on, with his condition after being outside in the cold and rain, or how he felt after going days with little to no sleep? Or was he asking how he felt about that afternoon now that he'd had time to think about what had occurred between them? He chose the safest.

"Are you still cold?"

"A little, but it's okay."

"Are you angry?" Aki approached Ueno, hugging him from behind.

"I don't have a reason to be angry. And if this was happening to anyone else, I'd be laughing right now." Ueno patted Aki's hands, looking up as he heard the door.

They both turned towards the door, where Mira was kicking off his shoes. He extended an arm, a plastic bag dangling from his fingers. "That was easy. Here you go."

Aki took the offered bag and emptied the contents on the counter while Ueno quickly prepared a plate and offered it to their guest.

"I hate carrots." He and Ueno exchanged a heated gaze. "But that's okay. Thanks."

"They're good for you." Ueno washed his hands. One task complete, he moved to the next, quickly running downstairs and fetching a small cardboard box. Aki supplied Ueno with several thin towels and a heating pad, which he used to studiously fashion a bed he deemed adequate.

That finished, he quickly cleaned and prepared the syringe. Aki waited on the couch, kitten resting in his hands, while Ueno lightly warmed the mixture and filled the syringe before joining him.

"Okay," Ueno said, taking the kitten from Aki and giving him the syringe in exchange, "I'll hold him and you feed him." Ueno scooted closer, until their thighs and shoulders were pressed snugly together. He placed a pillow over their laps, and then lay the kitten, stomach down, on the cushion.

Aki held the syringe, watching as Ueno worked a finger inside the feline's mouth, gently urging it open. When Ueno gave him the go ahead, he inserted the tip of the syringe, oddly warmed by the murmured praise he received from Ueno when the kitten immediately responded.

Ueno lightly grasped Aki's forearm and angled it upward. "If you angle it wrong, the milk can go down the wrong tube. Don't worry; you're doing great. Just give him a tiny bit at a time."

Ueno suppressed a yawn. He had been fine while working, as long as he was up and moving, but now that actual activity had ceased, he was beginning to feel the pull of sleep. Not considering how it would look, he let his body do its own bidding, dropping his head wearily to Aki's shoulder.

Aki, careful to not move his arm, tilted his head, resting it against Ueno's. "I'd tell you to go to sleep right now, but I want the pet sitter to supervise."

"Mmhmm." Ueno's eyes were closed, but he was still lucid for the time being, though his words held the beginning of slurring. "S'okay."

Minutes later, Ueno cracked open an eye with the intent of checking on Aki's progress, and what he saw made him take notice. Mira, long forgotten, sat in Aki's chair, silently observing Aki and Ueno's interaction. It wasn't the fact that he was watching; it was his facial expression that was concerning.

Mira didn't appear angry or mocking; he wasn't frowning, scowling, or even smirking, and the composure of his face wasn't unpleasant. The emotions that appeared to rearrange his expression were a mixture of melancholy and curiosity, and maybe possible envy. It was an odd blend, and one that was unsettling, along with intensity of his gaze.

He looked away as he noticed he'd been sighted.

Ueno didn't blame him; they were an odd pair. He knew, logically speaking, that he had absolutely no reason to feel guilty, but he did, and the fact that Mira was behaving admirably didn't help. If Mira had remained the obnoxious man Ueno met a few days ago, it would have been easier to ignore the guilt. The feeling was short lived as Aki's soft voice claimed his attention.

"I think he's done. Can I stop now?"

"Yeah." Ueno picked the kitten up, resting it against his shoulder and patting it gently.

Mira raised a brow. "Are you burping that thing?"

"Some small animals have to be burped." Ueno tone indicated that he assumed that fact was common knowledge. "We have to make him go, too."

"Go where?"

"To the bathroom." Ueno scowled.

"How do you make a kitten go to the bathroom?"

"That's what the cotton balls are for. He's too small; he can't move much, so we have to help him. Don't worry; I'll do it in the bathroom when I put him to bed." Ueno cleared his throat and pushed himself away, a strange awkwardness taking over. "I should do that now, actually. I'll get up in a few hours to feed him again." Ueno chose to put the bed in the bathroom; as bathrooms went, it was large but still the smallest area in the apartment, and warmer than the other rooms.

After Ueno had the kitten settled to his satisfaction, he was on the move again, clearing the coffee table and carrying the dishes to the kitchen to be washed.

Not noticing he was closely followed, he nearly dropped a glass as Mira's voice broke the silence.

"I'll help." Mira turned on the sink, giving Ueno a sideways glance. "You're good with animals."

"I like them." Ueno expressed his thanks humbly, all the while waiting for an insult that never came. "Thanks for running to the store, by the way. How much do I owe you?"

"Forget it." Mira lathered a sponge and grabbed a glass. "You look worn out. I'll finish up in here."

"It's okay." Ueno marveled at their simple exchange of words, so opposite of their few previous interactions.

"Ueno." Another voice reached his ears, gentle hands running over his back in soothing, circular strokes. "Come to bed."

Aki's words were a catalyst; Ueno was rapidly losing the hold on his second wind- or third, he could no longer differentiate. Aki herded him through the living room, into the bedroom, and to his side of the bed. He wiggled free of his sweatshirt. "Are you leaving him out there alone?"

"For a little while. I'll stay here until you fall asleep." Aki crawled into bed with him.

Ueno considered his words, reclining and crossing his arms underneath his head. "I feel bad for him."

Aki sat up. "For Mira? Why?"

"You should probably hang out with him for a while. Didn't you think he looked kind of sad?"

"I hadn't noticed."

"I did. Go ahead. I'll be here when you get back. Wake me up when you come to bed so I can check on the little guy." Ueno yawned. "G'night."

Mindful of Ueno's observation, Aki shut the bedroom door behind him and noticed that the kitchen had been tidied and Mira was already at the front door, turning the handle. "You don't have to go. Why don't you stay and keep me company?"

"You sure?" Mira looked doubtful. "I haven't worn out my welcome yet?"

"Nope." Aki smiled, gesturing to the couch. "Sit down."

The two of them made themselves comfortable. After their conversation on Saturday night, the awkwardness between them was a little confusing. If Ueno hadn't pointed out the possibility of Mira being upset, Aki probably would have been more at ease. He experienced his own share of guilt as well; knowing Mira better than Ueno, he should have picked up on it himself.

"So," Aki crossed his legs, "tell me why you're living here now."

Mira leaned back. "Mom and Dad are having problems, and I got tired of hearing them fight. That's why they didn't come to your party, and why I didn't really want to go home afterward. I ended up staying here the entire weekend."

"I thought you just stayed to be annoying."

"You would. It was a bonus, but not my focus." Mira smiled. "Your dad asked me why I wanted to stay the entire weekend, so I told him I didn't want to go home. He ended up calling my parents and talking things out. Your dad didn't even clear it with me first; he just told them that he thought I should live away from home for a while, and they all agreed that I could stay here."

"I see." Aki said. "I didn't know you were having problems."

"You would if you had bothered to call."

Ouch. Aki looked down at this lap. "I'm sorry."

Mira chuckled. "I couldn't help rubbing it in. It's okay. They're trying, and I think it'll be easier for them if I'm not around stressing them out or adding to the problem. Mainly I left for me, though. I'd been thinking of getting a place of my own anyway." Mira propped his feet up on the coffee table. "I could have rented my own apartment, but your dad suggested this, and I liked the idea. And of course, it's free. Now Ueno has the pleasure of seeing me every day. How long do you think it'll take him to crack and do something crazy?"

"I don't think he'll be any trouble." Aki glanced toward the closed bedroom door.

"He did cook for me; I wasn't expecting that, especially after this weekend. I expected at least a little hostility, but he doesn't seem to hold grudges. I see why you like him so much, I guess." Mira acknowledged Ueno's qualities grudgingly, almost as if they were being forced out of him.

"He's easy to like."

I know you said he was a pet sitter, but his experience seems to go beyond that."

"He's good at whatever he does."

"He's cute enough."

Aki smiled. Luckily there was no mirror present; the smile was goofy, not the sleek, secretive smile he normally sported. "He is."

Mira rolled his eyes. "And everyone he meets seems to love him. Not to mention that he cooks, works, goes to school, and still has time to cater to you. He's almost too perfect to be real. I was prepared to hate him, but I approve. I'll allow it."

"Uh uh." Aki didn't need his permission, but his admission was an indicator that Mira wouldn't interfere, and that was priceless.

Mira snickered. "You're so far gone. I should be offended that it's not me, but I'm actually impressed."

"Are you laughing at me?" Aki gazed at his ex-lover in confusion.

"Do you realize that each time I've mentioned Ueno or you refer to him specifically, you put a finger in your mouth and your eyes go all vacant?"

Aki mouth went slack, and his finger slipped from between his lips, hand dropping into his lap. "Oh. I'm sorry. I don't know why-"

"I do, and I'm not getting into it. But I'm sure you'd rather be in there with him, and you know what?" Mira stood up and stretched. "I think I will go back to my apartment. I want to get things organized, and I only have five days to do it."

That was certainly abrupt. Aki was relieved, but hid it well. "Why do you have a time limit?"

"I'd like to be finished by the weekend, maybe have a little get together. Call it a housewarming if you want."

Or a party. "Great." Aki had forgotten that Mira loved to entertain. Aki, being the object of Mira's affection, had normally been invited and even attended some, but never enjoyed the crowds. He made a mental note to make sure he got the details from Mira to ensure that he wouldn't be around when it happened, and saw Mira out before dousing all of the lights and opening the bedroom door.

It was too early to wake Ueno; the kitten wouldn't need another feeding this early. He peeked into the bathroom to ensure the kitten was resting, and then changed into lighter clothing before sliding carefully under the blankets.

The bedroom was quiet, and Aki could tell even in the darkness that Ueno hadn't moved, resting on his side, his breathing rhythmic and deep. He eased himself closer until his chest was flush with Ueno's back, and Aki tossed an arm around his waist. He wasn't used to Ueno falling asleep before him, so he indulged in the rarity of listening to Ueno's slow, peaceful breathing.

He closed his own eyes, the rhythm lulling him into relaxation, when Ueno's breathing caught and he rolled over.

"Gone?" Ueno inquired sleepily.

"Yup. He didn't stay long."

"Kitty?"

"Fine. He's sleeping."

"Kitchen?"

"Clean. Mira finished everything for you."

"Time?"

"Late. Go back to sleep."

Ueno, half conscious, rolled over, gripped the edge of Aki's t-shirt and pulled.

Aki appreciated the effort, but he doubted Ueno would be able to remain awake during the process. "I don't think you're up for this." Even so, his curiosity was more powerful than his doubt, and he kept his limbs and body pliant while he was clumsily undressed.

Seconds later, Aki's shirt fell to the floor and Ueno moved to his pants and shorts. "I'm not gonna do anything." He tossed the soft material to the side, and then cast away his own clothing.

"Night." Ueno flipped over again, naked as a newborn.

Aki stared at the dark mass next to him. "Why did you do that?"

"You like it better." Ueno slurred. "If you were naked alone, it would be weird. And," he added, breaking in a yawn, "it feels nice."

Aki had to smile. Another Ueno branded idiosyncrasy. He did prefer to sleep nude, but cuddling without things growing inappropriate would be difficult now. The alternative was to refrain from touching, which Aki definitely abhorred, but understood; he'd kept Ueno awake long enough.

Turning on the lights so he could get his first view of Ueno completely head-to-toe nude was tempting indeed, but he respectfully refrained, choosing instead to burrow beneath his blankets, close his eyes, and try to claim some sleep of his own.

Minutes later, Ueno began thrashing and Aki, having managed to slip into a light doze, opened his eyes. "What's wrong? Oh." He hadn't recalled moving, but there he was, attached to Ueno's back like a piece of plastic cling wrap, a leg arranged carelessly over Ueno's thigh.

"Is that your… thingie all squished against my back?"

Aki coughed to conceal his amusement. "No." He thrust his hips. "It's just my cock."

"That's what I said!" Ueno said, quite irritably. "Stop moving!"

"No; you said thingie." He slid his leg from Ueno's thigh to his hip, slowly and deliberately undulating, encouraged by Ueno's protests. "After what we did together at your apartment earlier, you're still too embarrassed to use the appropriate vocabulary?" Aki pressed his lips to Ueno's bare shoulder, the soft kiss irking Ueno further.

A tussle ensued; Ueno, grunting from exertion, bucked and flailed like a fish out of water while Aki simply held on, unsure of why he was behaving so immaturely, but enjoying himself too much to stop.

Ueno ran out of steam and motivation, collapsing in a heap while Aki cooed quietly to him. "Why are you messing with me?"

"It's fun. And I just wanted to hold you. I don't like sleeping by myself."

"I'm here, aren't I?"

Ueno grumbled in defeat, and after a bout of verbal instruction, scooting, wriggling and tossing, all was still again. Ueno wasn't sure how they'd ended up as they did, but it wasn't an uncomfortable setup, just odd. Aki lay flat on his back, Ueno's head cushioned on his shoulder, his arm resting on his boyfriend's belly.

Ueno was tense, quietly waiting for some form of protest; during the organization of their bodies, his own thingie- cock, as Aki had pointed out previously- rested snugly against Aki's hip. Ueno didn't find that acceptable, but Aki was immobile, calm and silent.

It had been Ueno who divested Aki of his clothing, but only because he wanted the other man to be able to sleep comfortably and in a way that he preferred. Aki's comment at having to endure clothing only for Ueno's sake was at the forefront of his mind. Okay, that was only partly true. Ueno was also curious to learn what it felt like to lay next to Aki completely naked, but he hadn't realized it would put a cramp in their nighttime cuddling, which was as standard as breathing when they slept.

It wasn't as if Ueno could get up now and insist they both get dressed without appearing juvenile, so he queried cautiously. "Aki?"

"Yes?" He was amused; Ueno could tell simply from the lilt in his voice.

"This is strange."

"It's fine, Ueno."

"Uh- okay." Ueno lapsed into silence.

"You were right."

Ueno lifted his head. "About what?"

"Mira. I think he might be a little uncomfortable. He'll joke around to hide it, but he's still adjusting."

"Yeah." Ueno lowered his head again. "I'll be more considerate when he's around."

"More considerate how?"

"With you. And I'll try not to get mad when he says something stupid, of course."

"So when he's around, you're going to act like we're not together?" That couldn't be what Ueno was implying.

"You make it sound bad. I just meant I'll be careful, that's all."

"Because it is bad." Aki shoved Ueno's head to the side and sat up, leaning over to turn on the bedside lamp. "So we're supposed to actually be best friends now? Are we going to crush beer cans on each other's foreheads and make stupid jokes about hard ons? Help eachother with homework? Trust me; Mira is going to be here all of the time. How else is he ever going to get used to the way things are if we never show him?"

"So you don't like the idea."

"I don't dislike your idea; I hate it." Aki watched as Ueno rolled onto his stomach, resting his head on his crossed arms.

"I'm sorry," Ueno said, his voice muffled, "I was just trying to make things less weird. I thought it would be easier on him if we didn't rub everything in his face."

"It might make things easier for Mira, but not for me. What about you?"

"Me either." Ueno sighed.

Aki frowned, although Ueno wasn't able to see his expression. It irked him to know that after they had just reached a semi-truce, that Ueno would even suggest that he censor himself in his own home. He could simply refuse the suggestion, but if they weren't on the same page, that wouldn't work either. Aki felt as if they were being cheated out of some sort of honeymoon before they'd managed to begin.

In an unspoken agreement, they hid their feelings from everyone else, which for Ueno's sake, Aki didn't mind- much. They were only at ease with each other behind closed doors. No matter how distant they were during the day, Aki was always comforted by the fact that they could be themselves when they were alone. It was the main reason Aki preferred to remain in his apartment; now Mira could potentially spoil even that.

He experienced a moment of immaturity. "I'm not hiding anything." Aki said, almost whining. He slid out of bed and opened the bathroom door to check on the newest addition to his household and sulk privately. Of course, the kitten wasn't moving; it hadn't stirred much all night, but Ueno had assured him that wasn't cause for worry yet.

He hadn't put his heart on his sleeve, endured the emotional turmoil, stressors and uncertainty to fall in love with someone who he could only touch or acknowledge as his significant other under such limited circumstances. Despite the depth of his feelings, nothing was solidified yet. Continually being tested so early on in a relationship couldn't be good.

"I didn't mean hide it." Ueno heaved himself into a sitting position. "Aki, come back to bed. Forget I mentioned it, okay? It was just an idea, and it was a bad one."

There was shuffling, and then Aki reappeared, framed by the doorway, naked and beautiful. The kitten was cradled in his hands, his lips arranged in a definite pout. His expression was defiant, but Ueno was sharp enough to also recognize that Aki's feelings were hurt.

"I felt guilty, and I was trying to find some way to avoid making Mira uncomfortable, but you're more important." Ueno apologized.

Aki couldn't maintain his pout, not with Ueno looking so cute and apologetic, pulling the blankets back invitingly. "You're going to forget it?"

"Forgotten." Ueno promised, holding a breath as Aki disappeared briefly to return the kitten to bed, leaving the bathroom and making his way back to the bed. He allowed Aki to slip in beside him before reaching out and gathering him in.

"What are you getting so upset for, anyway? It was just an idea." Ueno pressed a kiss to Aki's forehead for good measure.

Aki sighed tiredly. "It hasn't even been a whole day since we made up. I want to be happy with you, not waste my time trying to make Mira or anyone else feel better." Aki kept the other reason to himself; he hadn't realized it until now because he'd been wallowing in their progress for the day, but his nerves were still frayed from the weekend. He was discovering that masking insecurities was futile; they manifested in one way or another. He'd been quick on the draw and overreacted as if the worst was bound to happen. In hindsight, Aki was able to identify others, but he'd keep those to himself. "Just when I think we're going to be fine something happens or someone shows up and we go backward."

Ueno's arm tightened. "I'm sorry. Let's talk about something else. What should we name the kitty?"

"You found him." Aki had relaxed though his tone was subdued. In spite of his exhaustion, Ueno tried to keep him talking, hoping to send Aki to sleep in better spirits.

"But he's our kitty." Ueno gave Aki a squeeze. We should wait until he starts to show some personality anyway. Then we can give him a name that fits him. Oh yeah; I should take him to the vet after school. You want to come with me?"

"Okay." Aki moved restlessly until their legs tangled.

Ueno yelped. "Your feet are freezing."

"I could wear socks," Aki suggested, perking up at the chance to poke fun.

"Negative. Just keep them here; they'll warm up soon."

"You haven't noticed."

"Noticed what?"

Aki chuckled softly, nestling his face into the hollow between Ueno's neck and shoulder. "Our thingies are… getting acquainted."

Ueno silently processed the information, as his nerve endings informed him that they were indeed joined at their nether regions. He cleared his throat. "Thanks for telling me."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing, but no moving around, okay?"

"What if it moves on its own? That happens."

"Goodnight, stupid."