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


The Long Way Home: Chapter 22

Ueno stared hard at the carpet, Aki stared hard at him, and Mira switched his attention from one man to the other, staring hard at both of them. The room was silent, as if waiting for someone to pop up out of nowhere and announce they were on some hidden camera show. This had to be a joke.

Aki spoke first, hands still squeezing his hips. "I'm not sure I understand. How exactly did you end up with a date?" His voice was calm, but held the possibility of becoming something terrifying if Ueno didn't answer him correctly.

"I don't know. Well, yeah, I do." Ueno hung his head. "She asked me how I was, and I said fine. She told me that she knew your cousin had wanted to try out a new restaurant, and that there was a movie out she knew your cousin wanted to see. I said 'that's nice'." Then bam, she said to be ready by six tomorrow night."

"There are some major gaps in your story. Either that, or she ran you over, which I can't put past her." Aki said. "You couldn't have just told her you didn't want to go?"

Ueno finally raised his head. "I couldn't; I didn't know how."

"Why not? You had no problem turning down miss-veterinary-technician-in-training this morning, and she practically threw you over her shoulder."

"She did not." Ueno strode past Aki to the couch, where he sat heavily and buried his face in his hands.

"Yes, she did, but I'm not even criticizing you about this morning. You turned her down, which is why I don't understand why you let yourself be manipulated tonight." Aki bit his lip. "You'd better call her back and get out of it. I don't care how you do it, just do it."

"Wait!" Ueno brightened. "I have to work tomorrow night, so there's no way I can go anyway. I'll just call back and tell her the truth." He was almost giddy as he fished out his phone and scrolled through his list of recent calls before selecting the correct number, and he almost skipped out of the apartment back into the hallway to make the phone call.

He returned minutes later, triumph shining in his dark eyes. "Done. I'm off the hook." He tossed his phone aside.

Aki rolled his eyes from his chair. "For now, maybe. Don't think that she won't try again."

"Ah, well. Now that I recognize the number, I don't have to answer." Ueno scooped up the kitten. "Bedtime, buddy." He disappeared into the bedroom, humming a cheery, off-key tune.

Aki closed his eyes and tilted his head back. He could hear Ueno's voice as he chattered cheerfully to the kitten. As intelligent as his boyfriend was most of the time, he still didn't understand.

"Hey, Aki?" Mira had been quiet during Aki and Ueno's dialogue, but spoke up once Ueno had left the room. "How much do you want to bet that your aunt is already planning something else?"

"There's no point in betting. She is scheming."

"She's like a junkyard dog; one she sinks her teeth into your ass, there's no letting go until she's lost interest. I feel kind of sorry for Ueno, to be honest. He has no-"

The sound of the bathroom door being shut silenced Mira's musings, and seconds later, Ueno appeared in the doorway. The three of them turned at the sharp knock of the front door.

Mira raised a brow. "You expecting someone else?"

Aki shook his head, at a loss. "No."

"Maybe your aunt beamed herself here to carry Ueno back home."

"Shut up and get the door."

Mira glared. "Come in," he hollered from his seat.

Ueno shrugged. "It's not like the door is ever locked anyway. You may as well have a come on in sign outside."

The door opened slowly, and a dark head peered through the small space. "Anything crazy going on in here?"

Aki sighed. "Dad."

Aki's father shut the door behind him. "Mira has no obligations, but why aren't you two in class?"

Aki didn't bother asking why, if his father had assumed they were both at school, he'd come up to the apartment. He'd probably seen them in the lobby.

"They're feeling the spirit of their youth, and decided to rebel for a day, getting me settled in and all that." Mira provided helpfully. "You remember how that was, don't you?"

"That's nice." Aki's father gave an effervescent smile. "Skipping isn't necessarily a crime as long as your grades don't slip, but don't make it a habit."

Aki crossed his legs and gazed quizzically at his father. "You're here because…?"

The older man shook his head. "I'm happy to see you too, but as much as it may hurt your feelings, I'm not here just to see you." He turned to Ueno. "I hear that your company has been requested."

Aki tapped a foot. "Word travels fast."

"Oh, yes. What's the verdict, kid?"

Ueno bowed his head. "Well, I couldn't accept. I have to work tomorrow night."

"Did you attempt to reschedule?"

Mira piped up. "He just canceled." He stood and walked over to Ueno's side, patting his back. "Honestly, he's too keen on going."

Ueno was unable to contribute, but he did nod weakly, and Mira continued. "We don't know all the details, but I think Ueno is a bit intimidated."

"I see." Aki's father frowned, but his eyes twinkled nonetheless. "And poor Ueno here, saved by employment."

"I had to cancel, but I really don't have time to reschedule either." Ueno explained haltingly. "I have classes, homework, a job, and that leaves almost no time for myself. And when I do have time, I need to do things at home, see my family..." He was quick to perform damage control, lest his boss believe he was unhappy with his job. "I'm not complaining, though. I just- I don't have the time."

If possible, as Ueno rambled on and on, Aki's father appeared even more amused. "I understand completely, son. Maybe I could help you out."

"What are you going to do?" Mira spoke again on Ueno's behalf, and Aki suspected the reason was that he didn't expect Ueno to speak for himself. "You gonna tell auntie to back off or something?"

Aki's father snorted. "Please. Like that would work. Anyway, since I like you, I'm simply going to do you a favor."

Ueno started at him expectantly.

"I'm giving you the night off."

A noise of disgust, from deep within, came from Aki's direction. Mira coughed to disguise his laughter, swinging an arm around Ueno's shoulders. Ueno simply groaned quietly.

"What?" Aki's father looked bewildered. "Since our Ueno here is so hard pressed for time, I want to give him an opportunity to enjoy himself every now and then. Besides, after spending a little time alone, he may discover that he likes her. Come here; I want to talk to you about something." He motioned Ueno over, and then urged him into the kitchen.

"I may be old," he began, fishing around in the pocket of his suit jacket, "but I'm no fool. Do you know what's open out here after ten on a weeknight?"

"Kanoko's le-"

"Quiet, Mira. Whether you're right or wrong, I won't say. But you are stealing my spotlight." He thrust a small, cool piece of metal into Ueno's palm. "Floor six, room six-eleven."

"Huh?" Ueno blurted, incredulous.

"That's what's open, kid. Just in case you guys end up together kind of late, and need some place to… talk, or whatever you kids do on a first date these days. Whatever it is, I imagine it isn't a trip to the fair. I'm giving you the room now, just in case you need to… prepare. You know, dust the sheets with baby powder, sprinkle some rose petals on the bed, set up video recorders; lover man stuff. Just remember that while the room is on the house, unidentifiable stains and broken furniture will be deducted from your paycheck."

Ueno attempted to shove the key back into his Satou-san's hand. "I don't need a room, sir. Really."

Aki's father refused the offering. "You never know. I've learned from experience that until you trust a woman as forward as Kanoko, you shouldn't show her where you live. It's safer here." He winked. "And if you don't end up using it, you can just return it to the front desk."

At an absolute loss for words, Ueno again bowed his head and pocketed the key. He was suddenly exhausted and arguing with his boyfriend's father would prove to be even more tiring. "Thanks." This couldn't be happening. As wacky as Aki's father was, there was no possible way the man would condone an employee carrying on with a girl in his own establishment. There were so many things wrong with this picture.

"Anytime, son." He left Ueno in the kitchen and made his way to his next victim. "Aki."

Aki, massaging his temples, looked up at his father. "What?"

"You also have an obligation. This Friday. We're taking another trip up to visit your sister."

"Overnight?" Aki didn't bother protesting.

"Overnight, at that hotel your mother likes so much. And if you try to weasel out of it, your mother will kill you, and that's a promise. Got it?"

That's where Aki gets it from, Ueno thought dimly.

"Okay." Aki didn't have the heart, energy, or motivation to put up a fight.

Mira, annoying as he tended to be, nonetheless attempted to lighten the mood. "This Friday, huh? I'll take care of Ueno for you. He can come to my party."

"Party?" Aki's father cocked his head. "Here?"

Mira switched his approach. "I guess party is a strong word. It's a very small gathering of my closest friends to celebrate my move. Mainly an excuse for gifts, you know. And of course, since Aki's abandoning Ueno, I'll save him from his loneliness and introduce him to some of my friends."

"The same rules that apply to Ueno apply to you, then." Satou-san smoothed his suit jacket. "And I think it's wonderful that you three are getting along. Maybe you'll all end up best friends. Wouldn't that be nice?"

Mira gain coughed to keep his mirth a secret. "That would be something, wouldn't it?"

"Oh yeah." Ueno nodded, then muttered almost inaudibly, "something disgusting."

Aki stood. "I really don't feel well. Excuse me."

"Is my child having a bad day?" Satou-san said after Aki disappeared into his bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

"He's tired." Ueno provided, playing dumb. "I don't think he got much rest last night." He knew Aki hadn't slept much; neither of them had, so while not especially accurate, it was a safe answer to give.

"And you know how Aki turns into a big baby whenever he's sleep deprived. Hang out with us for a minute. When's the next party?"

"Kid, I think I'm still recovering from the last one, if you want the truth. It takes us old folks a little longer to recover. You hinting at a birthday party of your own? We could have it here."

The bedroom door opened. "You're still here, dad?"

"I was just preparing to leave." Satou-san hastily made for the door.

"Wait."

"Hmm?" Satou-san turned and stared at his child in confusion. "What is it?"

"Do you have some time?"

"I always have time for my son."

"Good. How do you feel about a little shopping?" As Aki left the bedroom doorway, Ueno noticed he'd shrugged into a jacket and restored order to his hair.

Ueno and Mira exchanged a confused glance.

"Shopping for what, exactly?"

"Well," Aki began, a strange smile taking over his lips, "Ueno has a hot date tomorrow and I don't think he has anything acceptable to wear to a fancy Italian restaurant. I was thinking we could help him pick out an outfit."

"You want me to come?" Satou-san's forehead wrinkled. "What help could I possibly provide? My taste in fashionable clothing for the younger generation is a bit dated, don't you think?"

"Not at all, dad. In fact, I think you'd be a big help."

Aki's shift in attitude left the other three occupants peering at each other in befuddlement. Aki's father actually scratched the back of his head, eyes wide as saucers.

"Aki, I can manage." Ueno said. "I'm sure I'll find something at home."

"Oh, no. I insist. I want to make sure that you look your best. A smooth outfit is important. Don't you want to make sure you'll get to use that key?" Aki smiled a wide, unfamiliar smile that frightened him just a bit. "What kind of best friend would I be if I didn't help out? You do need a break."

"That's the spirit!" Aki's father pumped his fist. "Come on, men. Let's get to it."


This was unreal. Ueno had buckled himself in the backseat of Satou-san's black luxury car, staring gloomily through the tinted window at the receding hotel, then the rapidly passing buildings. Mira was seated next to him, with Aki in the front seat next to his father, who chattered away as he navigated the roadway.

"What the hell is going on?" Mira spoke quietly, mindful of the occupants in front of them. "Is Aki's camera out of film? And Aki's dad is crazy, but not this crazy. There has got to be some other explanation for this."

Ueno didn't look his way. He merely shrugged and continued watching the passing scenery, not completely processing Mira's question. "I've never even seen Aki with a camera."

Mira shook his head. "Never mind."

They both sat in silence for the remainder of the trip, up until they arrived at Aki's chosen destination; a department store Ueno had passed by but never felt the urge to enter. Aki mentioned as they entered the facility that he wouldn't be caught dead there, but it would work fine for Ueno's needs.

Ueno debated whether or not he should take offense to the comment, and then decided to ignore it. He allowed himself being dragged along while Aki and his father discussed clothing options and Mira trailed along behind them.

He kept his mouth shut until he and Aki were alone in a spacious fitting room. Aki insisted that he should come in and help Ueno change; he wouldn't know how to handle nicer fabrics.

So Aki stood back, chin resting in the joint between his thumb and forefinger, while Ueno wiggled into his first pair of slacks.

Ueno sighed. "What's gotten into you?"

"I can't send you out on a date without the proper attire." Aki waited until Ueno shrugged into the top he'd chosen with the pants, and then wrinkled his nose. "Those pants don't work. Try on the next pair."

"Aki, I'm not trying to impress her."

"I'm glad to hear that; it means we're on the same page." Aki approached him.

"What do you mean? Screw this." Ueno hissed, all the while tugging the extremely tight pair of pants over his hips. "You've lost your mind. You know what? I'm done. I don't know why I even agreed to come here with you guys. And why I am trying on these pants?"

"Wrong." Aki gripped the belt loops. He viciously yanked upward, with no regard to his boyfriend's nether region, drawing a pained gasp from Ueno's throat. "You've lost yours."

"Oww! Stop. They're not going to go any higher!" Ueno covered Aki's fussy hands with his own. "What- all of a sudden you want me to go out with her?"

Aki stopped. "Excuse me? I'm just trying to help."

"The hell you are." Ueno shook Aki's hands free.

"What do you want from me?" Aki grabbed his own hips. "You insisted on going on this date, not me. As your best friend, it's my job to be supportive. Now; do you like the blouse?"

Ueno narrowed his eyes. "Guys don't wear blouses."

"You do." Aki curved his lips upward in a wicked smile that did more damage to Ueno's privates than his new pants. "I found that top in the women's section. It's got a little accent around the collar, but that color makes your skin look even darker. And it's still kind of androgynous, don't you think? That's in right now."

He waited for Ueno's reply.

"Maybe for a visual kei superstar. What is your problem? I know you don't believe that I'm actually happy about this."

For a moment, Ueno thought Aki might actually answer him honestly. His smile faded. "You really don't understand why I have a problem?"

"You know I'm not interested in going out with her. I'm jus-"

"I know, I know. You're just trying to be nice. You just don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or ruffle any feathers. You just want everyone to be happy. Well, if this is the price I have to pay for having such a nice boyfriend, I'd rather you be an asshole." Aki straightened the collar of the blouse. "Now come on. Dad and Mira want to see how you look."

"Fuck me." Ueno turned and lightly began banging his head against the fitting room wall.

"My, my. Running through lines for your date?"

In the end, as Ueno sat in the backseat, he felt strangely hollow. Something about Aki's words bothered him on a level that he wasn't able to identify.

Through their dinner, a male bonding experience as Satou-san called it, Ueno sat lost in thought. Aki's father and Mira talked enough for the four of them, as Aki was silent as well, brooding while he moved his food around on his plate. Ueno did the same, his appetite and nerves completely shot.

Sure, he understood why his acceptance- or simply a lack of refusal- of the invitation would rile Aki, but didn't he understand? Ueno hadn't agreed; he'd merely been bulldozed, too disoriented and confused to voice a refusal. And if he'd thought to refuse, how would he have done it? As Aki had said, Ueno didn't want to hurt anyone. What harm could one dinner do?

His relief was physical as he unfolded himself from his seat and exited the vehicle, waving as Satou-san eased out of the driveway, headed home for the day.

Aki immediately snatched Ueno's shopping bag from his hands and headed for the hotel entrance. When Ueno made to follow, Mira wrapped his fingers around his wrist, thwarting his attempt.

"I'm going to have a smoke. Come with me."

"I need to talk to him. I've got to stop this somehow."

Mira shook his head. "I think you'd better leave him be, just for a few minutes."

"But he's mad." Despite his protests, he followed Mira around the side of the building.

"Hell yeah, he's mad. What do you expect?" Mira bent his leg at the knee, propping a foot against the wall before leaning back. He fished a cigarette from his pack and lit it, inhaling before continuing. "You'd be just as pissed if you were in his position."

"I'd try to understand why he had to do it. If he had a good reason-"

Mira exhaled, sending tendrils of gray wafting into the cool evening air. "You don't have to do anything you don't want to. You don't have to go on this date, and you don't have to humiliate yourself tomorrow night by wearing that ridiculous, flaming outfit that Aki picked out for you- and made you pay for! You know he's punishing you; he doesn't like that getup any more than you do. You could have stopped all this. You're one of those annoying people pleasers that I usually can't stand."

"What's wrong with that?" Ueno folded his arms.

"Sometimes people pleasers are so hell bent on making the whole world happy, that some folks end up forgotten, or you get stomped on. Besides, what's an acceptable reason for dating your boyfriend's cousin?"

Ueno didn't think a fight was on the horizon; Aki hadn't seemed in the mood for it. He'd been much calmer than Ueno expected, but he had to admit he was apprehensive about returning upstairs, and he pondered going to his own apartment for the night. "Maybe I should sleep at home tonight."

Mira shook his head. "You think a night alone will help him cool down? A bit of advice from the guy who has known Aki for years: you never leave him alone for too long when he's upset. I suggest you just hang out with me for a little while, and then go back to Aki's apartment and deal with this. If you go home tonight and leave him alone, you'll just make it worse. That pretty little head will get to cranking, and there's no telling what craziness will come out of it."

"What was I supposed to do?" Ueno sighed. "I can't make everyone happy."

"You didn't hear a word I said, did you? Who said anything about making everyone happy? I refuse to believe you're that stupid. There are people, myself included, who are willing to bend over backwards to give Aki what he needs, but for some reason, he only wants you. Your problem is that you're trying so hard to avoid upsetting everyone else that you're not worrying about someone much more important. This goes beyond accepting an invitation from Kanoko. Way beyond. If you don't want to fuck this up, you better figure out what you did wrong." Mira held out his cigarette. "Want a drag?"

"Hell, no." Ueno waved his hand, quite fed up with the day's turn of events.

"Why not? You look like you could use it."

"No thanks." Ueno shook his head. "I'm going inside."

"Come on. It'll help calm your nerves a little. Always works for me."

"No! Quit waving that nasty thing at me."

"There you go." Mira grinned. "One more time."

"Huh?"

Mira tossed his cigarette aside. "You are so dead."