Disclaimer: I'm just a geeky fangirl that likes to play around; I own nothing.
The Long Way Home: Chapter 28
Warmth that inspired shivering was Aki's first experience upon waking. Without lifting his lids, Aki was aware that daylight hadn't yet made an appearance. Seconds later he did, to take a peek at Ueno's bedside clock.
Aki was startled to note the early hour. Ueno and he had retired early enough that even the hours they had whittled away sitting up in bed chatting hadn't burned up the night. It was fine with him; what amazed him was the fact that he still felt fresh as a daisy, graced with the pleasure of resting quietly next to Ueno while he slept. The opportunity was one he didn't receive often, and one he never would have guessed possible to delight in.
They had both received their fair share of shock and stress the previous night. Ueno needed the rest.
The desperation he'd felt the night before had passed and Aki was surprised at the effects of one short night of coddling, gentleness and understanding. Ueno possessed some serious skill, bedroom prowess excluded; even though it was while ago, the memory hadn't faded.
Even if last night hadn't occurred, Ueno seemed to know what Aki needed, seemingly with very little effort. He appreciated Ueno's obvious devotion, but he recognized now, as he curled up next to the man he'd only recently met but quickly grown to love and treasure, that he'd done very little to deserve such attention, and done about as much in return for such a gift.
Aki cupped his hand over the ball of Ueno's shoulder. At least I've had more of a chance to deal with most of this. Ueno hadn't, and though he had been nothing but understanding, loving and encouraging, the effect would be inevitable. Ueno absolutely couldn't shoulder the entire burden unscathed. No one could.
Still, Ueno had been the popularly termed rock that he'd needed and as a result, Aki was now living an unpredictable, yet sweeter existence. His relationship with his family, however dubious, appeared to be progressing into something. Secure in his own domicile, he had his close, yet unlikely comrade in Mira, a lovable, resilient boyfriend, and a much more positive outlook than ever. Possible havoc continued to loom, but Aki felt prepared to think matters through logically instead of ignore them and take flight, at the very least. He was at a loss as to what he could have done to deserve this.
Nothing, yet, Aki supposed, stroking the nape of Ueno's neck before his fingers glided down his spine, noticing then that Ueno's t-shirt was most definitely not on his person. Most likely, he had shrugged out of it in his sleep; he grew warm easily.
Happier and more content than he could ever recall, two worries continued to loom nonetheless. One invoked a fluttering, annoying sort of stress and the other a nagging confusion mixed with anticipation.
Uncle Hide had stayed underground for weeks, which Aki had to admit led him into a false sense of security. He'd known that his uncle's absence would in no way erase the memories of their years together, but it would have ensured a less scandalous future.
Realistically, Aki understood why his uncle eventually made his appearance. Was he supposed to remain hidden from his family indefinitely? Of course not. Regardless of the outcome of their own relationship, Uncle Hide remained his father's brother and a loved member of their clan. His indefinite absence would cause concern and only benefit Aki.
It was unlikely that his uncle would attempt to lure Aki back into his home. He was of no use to his uncle anymore in that capacity. Still, Aki wouldn't put it past Uncle Hide to use any opportunity to make Aki uncomfortable, and the situations would always be awkward. Avoidance-if at all possible- would be Aki's one and only option.
Then there was Ueno. He should be happy that he'd managed to snag the affection and loyalty of such an exceptional human being. Aki had given up on unscrambling Ueno's thought process. He suspected it was rather simple anyway, and that was the reason Ueno was able to live his life honestly, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt and bouncing unharmed from adversity. Aki needed that; his frame of mind and his soul did well under Ueno's ministrations, but he couldn't shake the feeling that his own past and current situations would bring about a change in Ueno that would only serve to frustrate Aki further.
There were two fears that prevented Aki from acting on urges that stole over him while they rested together in bed, against one another on the couch, walking hand in hand, or while sharing a hug or chaste kiss.
More specifically, while Aki was unable to deny that Ueno's loving attitude worked wonders, lighting a candle in the dark and providing relief from his own rioting but progressive through processes, Aki wanted more from him, and feared the more Ueno learned the less he would desire any physical manifestation of love.
Knowing Ueno, the subject of further intimacy, of sex, was not currently open for exploration. Their tiny bit of progress Monday was merely a taste of what they'd experienced the first day they had met. Aki relived that day more times than he could count, blood running hot at the recollection, unsure of when he could expect to feel so wonderfully alive and charged again. Would Ueno ever touch him with the same reckless abandon as that first day? How long was it going to take for Ueno to look at him without immediately questioning what wrongs were to be righted and what he could do to help and simply touch him? How would Ueno react if he knew that some nights while Aki curled up at his side, he longed to hear Ueno panting, above, behind or below him? If he told Ueno that he didn't want dinner, that he'd much rather enjoy a fevered, sweaty, messy roll on the floor, couch, bed, whatever, would Ueno do it? And if he did, would it be with reluctance?
The second fear was the question of whether he was even ready for that sort of intensity again. While his breath quickened in recollection, his urges were based on a one-time experience long past. When he remembered the bite of Ueno's fingers as they clutched at his hips, of the kiss, of Ueno's raspy, uneven breath, he wondered how true his recollection really was. The sharp snap of Ueno's hipbone colliding with his buttocks, the smoothness of his skin against Ueno's; had their afternoon together been so wonderful, or had he embellished the significance of that encounter in his head? There were moments where Aki feared the contact would be too much for him, that he wasn't ready for it yet, that he wasn't as healed as he sometimes felt.
Flesh contracted under his fingers and Aki drew away guiltily. For a second time, Aki had disrupted Ueno's slumber.
"Aki?"
"Hi." Aki returned, almost shyly.
"Everything okay?"
"Very." Aki smiled. "I can't sleep, but I'm fine."
"Mmm." Ueno breathed into his pillow. "It's still early. You up worrying some more?"
"I'd been thinking about you meeting my family, the misunderstandings, and last night, with what I told you. And all within a few weeks." Aki pressed himself closer, softly kissing Ueno's shoulder. "It has to be stressful for you, even though you say you're fine."
"Things happen fast around you," Ueno admitted quietly, unmoving, "but I'll adjust. I'm more worried about you. What do you think he's got planned? And what are we going to do?"
Aki hadn't thought that far ahead. "I don't know. I can assume that he doesn't plan on staying out of the way or he wouldn't have shown up last night. I think he'll keep quiet if I don't provoke him. Talking about what we've done would be damaging for him too. I'll have to wait and see how he behaves the next time I see him."
"Next time?"
"There isn't any proof that he's even interested anymore; he may be trying to keep me on edge. I don't plan on being caught alone with him, but I'm sure he'll be around more."
"Alone, in a group, in public- I don't care. Every time I picture his face from last night, I see you with your arm in that sling and your face all bruised and-" Ueno stopped mid-tirade and took a breath.
"Ueno, I get the feeling you're working toward insisting that I stay away from him no matter what, and that's not even a little realistic." Aki spoke haltingly. "Whether he's a pervert, molester, pedophile, or mentally disturbed- whatever you want to call him- he's part of my family and I can't explain away completely ignoring him without telling my parents at least part of the truth."
Aki waited for a reply, but was only party to dead silence.
"I promise to try. And if he is ever around, I'll make sure that you know." That was the best- and only- offer that Aki could make.
A flatulent sound came from between Ueno's lips.
"I'm against being forced into anything now. And there's also the possibility that he won't try anything, right?"
"Right." Ueno spoke as if he were regurgitating the word.
"So until he does, which may never happen, I don't want to waste any more of my energy on him. Let's talk about something more interesting."
Ueno grumbled.
"Since you're sulking, I'll start. You know my life story now, but I haven't received your file yet. When is your birthday?"
"Huh?" Ueno finally rolled over. "That's an awkward question. Why do you want to know?"
"Just trying to learn the fundamentals. Shouldn't I know your birthday anyway? And was asking your birthday more awkward than asking for your name the first time we ran into each other, about a week after you were inside me on my uncle's floor?"
"I don't know. After how you reacted to what I did on your birthday, I have a right to be suspicious. And how vulgar of you." Ueno chuckled again, apparently taken aback but amused by Aki's bold recollection.
"I could have made it sound more romantic, but why? That's what happened, or don't you remember?"
"I remember it just fine." Ueno paused before continuing. "That was easily the strangest day of my life and I've got my souvenir in bed next to me."
Would you rather have a t-shirt? "It would be difficult, when you put it that way." Aki sat up. "Anyway, I know we'd agreed to stay here for a while, but I really want Mira to see the kitty. I'm okay to go home."
"Right now?"
"Mm hm." Aki nodded in the darkness. "I'm wide away for the day, I think."
"Not me," Ueno answered with good humor, "and it's scary that somehow, we switched places there. Your place is beginning to feel more familiar than mine though. Let's get out of here."
Mira, who seemed to have a sixth sense for when Aki's apartment was occupied, showed up shortly after they returned.
Ueno put the kitten to bed after a feeding, marveling at Mira's timing. He'd hoped to convince Aki to return to bed with him, or at the very least amuse himself so that Ueno could steal a few more hours of sleep for himself, but he'd have to kiss that dream goodbye.
Mira was typically alert and chipper in the wee hours of the morning, and that day was no exception. He'd shown as much excitement as Ueno at the news, snatching the kitten out of its bed and holding it at eye level.
"Ueno," Mira began, "what are we having this morning?"
"Seriously?" Ueno placed a hand over his mouth, muffling a yawn. "Is that all I'm good for?"
"Kissing is out of the question, so yeah." Mira got up and followed Ueno, who despite his mock indignation, stepped into the small kitchen.
Ueno engaged the faucet before vigorously washing his hands. "I haven't gone shopping yet, so breakfast will have to be simple."
"Your cooking is never complicated. You do need to go shopping, though; you're out of meat and it wouldn't kill you to stock up on basics, instead of running to the store every time you run out of an ingredient you should have anyway." Mira answered immediately, before he went silent. A few moments passed while Ueno began his breakfast preparations before he spoke again. "Pepper."
"You're more familiar with what we need than we are."
"No. Well, yeah, but I mean, that's what you should call the cat."
"What's your inspiration for that name?" Ueno craned his neck, looking for Aki, who had remained silent too long for comfort. "Aki?"
"Hmm?" Aki murmured into a couch cushion.
"What do you think of Pepper?"
"On what?" Aki pushed himself into a seated position.
"Mira thinks that's what we should name the kitten."
Mira jumped in. "It hit me just now. I was thinking about what you're out of, and how the other night Ueno was irritated because he forgot to buy pepper while he was shopping. And the kitten is mostly black, but you can see strands of grey and white on him here and there. And I'll bet when he gets bigger, it will be more obvious. After I was thinking that you should add pepper to your shopping list, it came to me."
Surprisingly, Aki had no argument. "I like it better than anything Ueno and I came up with."
Ueno was busily cracking eggs. "It is kind of fitting, and at the very least, I don't think your dad will hate it."
"Hmm." Aki's head disappeared as he flopped back down.
"So that's that, huh?" Mira lowered his voice and cleared the distance between Ueno and himself. "Did you and Aki talk about last night yet?"
Ueno nodded. "Last night, and this morning. I don't want to bother him with that anymore today."
"Agreed." Mira peered into the living area. "Apparently all that dialogue tired him out. He's asleep again."
Ueno shook his head. "He was bright eyed and bushy tailed at my place. But that's fine; let him sleep, I guess. See if you can get him into bed. And put… Pepper up while you're at it."
"In a minute." Mira eyed Ueno curiously. "What's going on with you?"
"I'll be-"
"Fine." Mira shook his head. "You'll be fine; is that what you were going to say? You're human, too. Aki won't be happy if you're miserable."
"It's okay." Ueno smiled. "Are you offering to be my sounding board or something?"
"Please," Mira snorted, "though I am the perfect option."
"Thank you for the non-offer." Ueno turned away. "But I'm okay. Let's just make sure that he has the best day possible today."
After one morning of classes, of interacting with folks he had absolutely no interest in, Aki was ready to call it a day. The restlessness set his feet to tapping, his fingers to drumming, and inspired a general sensation akin to cabin fever. It took willpower to keep him from stuffing his possessions into the bag Ueno had purchased for him and walking out of class mid-lecture.
He waited until class was dismissed, and then filtered through the open door with his fellow classmates. One more to go, and then he could sit with Ueno for a half hour, only to return to his studies after.
Minus the break with his boyfriend, the rest of his day looked downright unappetizing. He would be reporting to work directly after his classes were over, which meant that Aki would spend the evening Ueno-less. The sole consolation was, of course, that Ueno was simply downstairs-that helped.
He strode down the hall, absently scanning the fliers, posters, and pamphlets that adorned the walls, anchored in place by colorful push pins.
There was one, on plain white paper, large block letters advertising its purpose, that had Aki stopped in his tracks.
Just two words and a phone number.
Aki shoved his hand into his back pocket, slipping his phone free.
Aki frowned. He hadn't possessed any interest in obtaining another pet previously, and didn't see the logic in it now. Pepper was doing rather well despite his abysmal beginning in the world, and the kitten's progress left Aki exhilarated and somewhat prideful; he'd helped, through his diligent care, in keeping another being alive and thriving. It was quite possible that his nosedive into dubious daddy-dom was having strange effects on his judgment, but all of a sudden, the idea of another kitten caused his heartbeat to accelerate.
A whirlwind of cellular activity ensued; first, a phone call to the number provided; then a hastily tapped out message to Ueno, letting him know that Aki wouldn't be there for lunch; and then a phone call to Mira, asking him to come to the school's entrance.
He leisurely left the hall; he didn't fancy standing outside in the cold for too long, though Mira wouldn't be long in coming. Aki gleaned from his friend's tone that he was suffering from boredom, and the outing would do him some good, too.
Aki waited patiently for his friend to make his appearance, though his puffs of breath were visible and his fingers were beginning to stiffen. Before long, Mira pulled up at the curb, and Aki hopped into the passenger seat, immediately reaching for the controls and setting the heat on his side.
"Hey there." Mira saluted. "Playing hooky today?"
Aki buckled himself in. "I had issues concentrating. Ueno gets off work early today, and I wanted to do this before he comes home."
"Before Ueno attempts to talk you out of it, you mean."
"I thought it would be a nice surprise."
"No you didn't. You got the address?" Mira snatched the slip of paper from Aki before continuing. "If you're sneaking another kitten into the apartment and you don't want the resident animal lover to find out beforehand, then you know it's not a good idea."
"So why did you agree to come along?"
"Because I haven't left the apartment today and I can't wait to see Ueno's face when he comes home tonight. And even kitties need buddies."
Mira found the home with little difficulty.
Aki released his seat belt. "It won't hurt to at least look, right?"
"Nah. And it's not as if Ueno would demand you get rid of it; it won't take him long to get attached."
"That's my assumption." Aki climbed out of the vehicle, waiting for Mira to follow suit and taking his first look at the residence. "Goodness."
"Looks like your parent's house, honestly."
A modern Japanese home loomed before them, up a moderate incline. It was a tiny hike up to the front door. The residence was much like his family home, though much larger, with more space in between each residence. With the exception of the roof, much of the home was glass, affording an unhindered view inside. From outside, Aki noticed countless tiny dome lights, scattered over the ceiling like stars.
Mira locked the vehicle, and he marched at Aki's side up the upgrade pathway. "How did you hear that they had kittens for sale?"
"Free." Aki knocked twice. "I noticed a sign on the bulletin board in the hallway as I was leaving class. I called the number, and they gave me the address. They said as long as I came before two, I could take one home today."
"Why, though? I had no idea you wanted another pet."
"I didn't either," Aki looked Mira's way and smiled, "until I saw the advertisement. I thought it would be fun for Pepper to have another animal to play with when he's big enough. And even though he's not real strong yet and doesn't do all those kitten-like things so far, I like having an animal around, so why not have two?"
"Those are awful domestic urges for someone like you." Mira quipped, looking up as the door unlocked and swung inward.
"Hello. May I help you two?" A tall, thin man answered the door, dark hair shining underneath the abundant lighting.
Aki smiled indulgently. "Hello. I called earlier about your kittens."
"Oh! The one who saw the advertisement my son posted at the university. Aki, you said? I'm Kawana Kaede. Quick, come in."
The older man ushered Aki and Mira inside, shutting and latching the door behind them. "We don't have much time. My mother is coming home early."
"I'm sorry. I thought we had until two. Should we come back another time?"
"No, no; originally, I thought we had more time. We need to get you in and out before my mother comes home is all, if you don't mind the rush. We try to conduct any business of this nature while she's away."
Aki didn't feel it appropriate to ask for clarification, so he merely nodded and followed the man down the hall.
They entered a less meticulously decorated room, complete with a couch littered with mismatched throw pillows, stuffed animals that had seen better days, and numerous crocheted blankets. In fact, the room itself didn't appear to belong to the rest of the home.
They were soon joined by a youngster that looked about Aki's age. He looked vaguely familiar, with chemically treated blonde streaks mixed with black and friendly brown eyes.
"Your name is Aki, right? We don't have any classes together, but I've seen you around with Ueno."
Aki nodded politely. This guy was one of many who knew his name while Aki hadn't a clue. "Yes, and this is Mira. You know Ueno?"
"I'm Kohei, and yeah, Ueno and I have been friends since elementary school. You here for a cat?"
"Yes."
"Only one?"
"Well, yes." Aki cocked his head. "I'm already taking care of a newborn; one more is all I would be able to handle."
"Huh." The boy's face fell. "Well, one is better than none, I guess." He pointed to a far corner of the living area, to a large cardboard box. "I moved them in here for you."
Aki approached, Mira close behind him, and took his first look.
Aki could tell from a glance that these kittens, while possessing a level of cuteness that all baby forms of animals did, were not a result of careful breeding. Still, unlike the bundle of joy safely sleeping at his apartment, these were of a healthy weight, much larger and active.
Aki sank to his knees, looking to his hosts. "Is it okay to pick them up?"
"Go ahead."
Aki made his first pick, gently lifting one up with both hands and holding it up for Mira's appraisal.
"Don't look at me." Mira spread his hands. "They're babies, so they're all irresistible."
"Pick fast." Kohei glanced nervously at a wall clock. "Grandma will be back soon."
"We don't want to rush you," The older man appeared apologetic, "but if she finds out we're trying to unload her kittens, this room will become a battlefield."
Mira raised a brow. "You're getting rid of someone's pets without them knowing?"
Kohei nodded vigorously. "Every time we turn our backs, we end up with another one. She has a habit of taking in strays, never lets up."
Aki looked up, curious. "How will she react when she finds out?"
"Badly." Both hosts chuckled. "It is not something you should see."
"Got it." Aki turned to Mira. "Quick, help me choose one."
Mira joined Aki on the floor, though he stared elsewhere, attention diverted. "What's with that thing?"
Aki looked as well, and his mouth fell open.
"Hmm?" The older man followed Mira's gaze. "Oh. She's one of my mother's rescues. Or a hostage; it depends on how you look at the situation."
"Th-that's a cat?"
"Uh, yeah. She's free fed, and she really likes to eat. On top of that, grandma gives her treats all day long."
It more closely resembled a raccoon, at least in regards to size. She was a pleasing creamy, off white color, with no scattered spots or brindling.
Aki wondered just how he'd missed such a large mass, stretched across the seat of an armchair, its fuzzy gut spread and threatening to ooze off the edge. One slip and the cat would go down with it. "Is she healthy?"
"Well, we take her to the vet regularly, and she's doing okay for the time being, besides the weight issue. We've tried weight loss food, but it doesn't have much effect when she's fed junk behind our backs. She doesn't move much, either." Kawana-san sighed. "It's a shame. She was such a pretty animal when mother took her in. It is possible she would be healthier out on the streets."
Aki nodded slowly, pondering Ueno's reaction.
"Why do you ask?"
"Just curious. I apologize if I'm being invasive." Aki turned back to the kitten in his hands, surprisingly irked. "What's her name?"
"Mother calls her Usagi. Creative, isn't i-" Kawana-san visibly tensed. "They're home even earlier than I thought."
"Crap! I didn't hear them come in." Kohei rose to his feet. "You two are friends from class, okay? You came to hang out."
Aki sighed, placing the kitten back into the box with its siblings and standing.
"Shh!" Kohei craned his neck, as if doing so would improve his hearing. "Hi mom, grandma!"
"Well, hello." The first woman, obviously the mother, looked toward Aki and Mira curiously. "Who do we have here?"
Kohei cleared his throat. "Two friends from the university. They stopped by to say hello."
Aki introduced himself formally. "Good afternoon. I'm Aki, and this is Mira." He then addressed the older of the two women. "I was getting acquainted with your kittens. They're adorable."
The older woman, dressed in baggy slacks and a sweater vest that appeared to have been made up entirely of neckties, had been eyeing both Aki and Mira suspiciously. She brightened at the mention of her animals. "One of the strays I took in was already carrying them. Caught us completely by surprise."
Aki opened his mouth to reply when the woman abruptly turned, striding to the sliding glass door that opened to an immaculately maintained yard.
"There he is," the woman whispered, eyes wide, "and he's eating the food I left out."
Aki watched as she rushed out of the room, returning with an opened can of meat. "Quiet, everyone."
Mira poked Aki in the side, his gaze questioning.
Aki shrugged before focusing on the scene at the glass door.
Everyone watched; Aki and Mira in fascination, Kohei and his father with dread, and the mother with resignation.
The old woman cautiously lifted the latch and ever so slowly, pulled the door halfway open and whispered to the fuzzy scavenger before setting the opened can on the floor just inside the door and crouching next to it. "Here, baby."
As the kitten approached, step by slow step, grandma pulled the can backward.
Aki's lips parted, a protest on the tip of his tongue when the kitten finally made it to the can and the elder carefully rose to her feet. She tip toed to the doorway, wrapped her fingers around the handle, teeth gritted as she slid the door shut.
Task completed, she flipped the latch and turned.
Something about the unfolding scene had Aki's hair standing on end. This was no rescue; a hunt perhaps, but no rescue.
The old woman was beaming in triumph as she crept back to the kitten, which had made considerable progress in polishing off the food and was none the wiser of its capture.
"Come here, kitty. Aren't you happy you have a home now?"
Kohei groaned. "Grandma, you know he belongs to the Hagiwaras. They always let him out to poke around during the day."
"I don't recall that, dear." The old woman smiled sweetly, kneeling with difficulty and scooping up her newest charge. "Now, little kitty, how w-"
Hissing and screeching ensued; the former from the cat, and the latter from grandma. The older woman struggled for control as the kitten fought and flailed, tiny paws and thin, sharp claws batting about frantically, but eventually lost the battle.
Kohei ran for the door, wrenching it open and the dropped kitten scurried out to freedom.
Aki wasn't sure if Mira had grabbed onto him first, or the other way around. Clinging to both of Mira's hands, his mouth hanging open in horror, he first looked to the eldest of the group. Razor thin scrapes, already welling with life fluid, adorned her neck and a cheek. "You're bleeding." Aki couldn't muster a bit of sympathy for her; that's what she got.
But the older woman wasn't paying Aki any attention, instead turning her anger to her grandson. "Why did you let him go?"
"He doesn't belong to us."
Kawana-san sighed. "Mother, we simply cannot allow you to steal another pet from its rightful owner."
"Come on, mother." The other woman in the room, her voice hushed, took grandma by the arm. "I'll take you upstairs. We need to sanitize those scratches."
Protesting all the while, the older woman was all but dragged from the room.
"Well," Kawana-said, rubbing his palms over his face, "now you know why we constantly have so many cats in the house. Do you still want one? We have a few minutes while my wife cleans her up."
Aki released a breath, loosening his death grip on Mira's fingers. "Y-yes." After witnessing such an incident, he was much more invested in getting one of those kittens out of the house. "Mira, help. Quick, please."
They both hurriedly took to the floor, each scooping up a kitten.
"How do you pick?"
"I don't know," Aki hissed nervously, "but let's just take a chance and go."
"Hmm." Mira cocked his head. "Did you give any thought to whether you'd rather have a male or female?"
"No."
"How big do you think these will get? I don't know anything about breeds and sizes."
"I have no idea. Just grab one; I don't care what it looks like, how large or small it's going to get, or the sex."
"Fine, fine." Mira waited until Aki set the kitten back down, and did the same. He closed his eyes and plunged his hands into the box, lifting the first kitten he touched. "This guy."
Aki nodded, more than ready to go. "We'll take this one."
"Good enough." Kawana-san glanced toward the doorway leading toward the hall. "Now, no offense, but you two should get going."
"You don't have to tell us twice." Mira stood, looking around nervously. "Let's get out of here."
"Maybe I'll see you around campus." Kohei's lip curled upward in a small, hopeful smile. "Ueno, too. We haven't hung out in a while."
"I'll tell him." Aki promised. "Thank you very much. We'll take good care of-" He stopped, unsure of what Mira had selected, "it."
"We should be thanking you." Kohei smiled again. "We'd rather do this than take them to a shelter. Keep the phone number and give us a call if you ever want another one."
"Sure."
Mira was already headed toward the hall, and Aki began to follow, but stopped after the first step. Something wasn't right.
Sure, he had a cute new kitten to bring home, regardless of how Ueno felt about the addition. Sure, he could look forward to evenings and weekends of playing around with both of their pets, to having something fuzzy to cuddle with, to the discovery of its personality and the bonding that would take place.
And meanwhile, the chunky feline that hadn't moved once during the incident would most likely continue to be unhealthy under the guise of spoiling. Maybe she would gain more weight, get sick, and die an untimely death.
"Aki! Come on. I'm going to leave without you."
But wasn't the cat the Kawana's problem, anyway? They would be able to find someone willing to adopt her.
Who was he kidding? It was more likely that most potential pet owners would prefer a kitten over a full grown cat. And even if someone was in the market for a cat over a kitten, this one wasn't an attractive option.
"Aki."
They could set her free. Whales went for months without eating, didn't they? Wouldn't she be able to live off of her own abundant fat supply?
Aki sighed. "Hang on." He trudged toward the armchair.
He managed to lift her, cradled in both of his arms, but underestimating her bulk, grunted and almost dropped an armful in his surprise. "I changed my mind. We want this one."
Neither Kohei nor Kawana-san uttered a protest.
Mira shot Aki a horrified glance. "You can't be serious."
"Ueno will know what to do." Aki said, confident in his love's know-how and ability.
"You didn't even ask permission. What if they don't want to give her up?" Mira looked toward their two hosts for backup.
"Yes." Kohei hissed.
"Take her." Kawana-san provided. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Both of you get going. We'll deal with mother."
It took some effort for Aki to hurry with such an intimidating load, but he and Mira made it out the front door, down the pathway, and to the car safely.
Aki deposited their new charge into the backseat before buckling up.
"Okay." he said, ticking off the items on his fingers as he spoke. "We need cat food, a litterbox, and shouldn't we get a bed for her? What about one of those carpet things that they climb on and scrape their claws on? Some toys, too."
Mira started the engine. "Boy, are you going to be in trouble. Ueno won't go for this, and neither will your parents."
"I'll deal with all of that later, but for now I want to get her home." Aki thought for a moment. "And would you mind making dinner tonight?"
"Why me? That's normally an Ueno thing."
"I know, but he didn't feel well this morning when he left for class, and he has to work today. When he comes home, I thought it would be nice if he didn't have to worry about anything else, and you know I don't cook. I'm assuming he'll go to bed early, if there's nothing keeping him busy."
Mira pulled out onto the street. "It's going to take more than a loving, home cooked meal to make him forget about you bringing home another cat, Aki. Think he's coming down with something?"
"I wouldn't know." Aki absently scratched the kitten between its ears. "My guess would be lack of sleep and stress. Ueno is always running around, working, doing assignments, worrying about me, or in classes. On top of that, he had a lot deal with last weekend."
"Learning about your life would put anyone through wringer; that's true. Maybe he's finally processing everything you told him."
"I keep thinking about that, and waiting for him to realize what he's gotten himself into."
"I swear, this is going to sound like something out of a soap opera but really, since he's proven he wants you no matter what, why don't you just let him love you? Your life is a mess, but your situation isn't the most horrible out there. There are some bad pairings out there. Your uncle isn't the worst."
"I can't think of anything worse at the moment."
"I've been in some freaky sexual situations myself, Aki. Believe me; you'd be sick to your stomach if you knew." Mira warned Aki rather cheerfully.
"Such as?"
"None of your business. Unlike you, my sexual history will remain a secret." Mira snorted. "So, we'll drop the cat off, find a pet store, and then do some grocery shopping. Where do you suppose the old lady was when we first got there? Running around the neighborhood, ripping down missing cat posters?"
"Maybe. I've never had cats before and I know next to nothing about caring for them, but I couldn't leave this one there." It was the only explanation Aki could come up with.
"Satou, Aki, formerly snobby, angsty rich kid, has turned animal activist. Now I've seen it all."
The day, miraculously, had been uneventful. He'd made it through class and work unscathed. These were the kind of days Ueno longed for lately.
Unfortunately, the weekend had been so tumultuous that he'd gone through the day in a fog anyway. Feigning nonchalance and understanding in order to keep Aki calm, all the while attempting to process everything had taken a lot out of him.
He shuffled to the door, key ring already dangling from his fingers, and tested the door.
It was already unlocked; typical Aki. Ueno sighed, stuffing his key back into his pocket with one hand and pushing open the door with the other.
Ueno took a deep whiff as he entered, and stopped in his tracks. Aki barely possessed the know-how necessary to adequately prepare tea, so inhaling the scent of food Ueno himself didn't prepare was confusing.
He was lucky enough that his boyfriend was the first figure that caught his eye.
He was curled up in his chair, computer on his lap. He looked up as Ueno entered, and his lips curled upward in a sweet smile that inspired Ueno to reciprocate. "Hi, you."
"Hey, Aki."
Aki gently placed his laptop on the table and unfolded his frame while Ueno unzipped his jacket and began to wiggle free. He approached him in time to help, tossed Ueno's jacket aside, and threw his arms around him.
"Whoa." Ueno chuckled quietly, closing his eyes and dropping his cheek to Aki's shoulder. "You're cutting off my air. He returned the hug wearily. "Good day today?"
"Okay, but I missed you."
"I hear you. It's been half a day, huh?"
"That equals eternity." Aki leaned back, eyebrow quirked in appraisal. "You still look a little off."
"I'm good." Ueno lied through his teeth. He'd been lucky to have been penciled in for a shorter shift that day. Aki was correct in using the term off. In the past, a day like today would have sent Ueno back to his small, cozy apartment where he would take a hot shower and huddle up in bed. Now, going home alone wasn't really an option.
A cool hand curled around his chin, tilting his face to and fro.
After a closer examination, Aki took a step back.
"I don't believe you," Aki held his hands out, and Ueno took them, "but you don't need to make dinner- Mira took care of that- and we'll make it an early night."
"Don't turn in early just for me." Ueno pointed. "What's that?"
"The lady at the pet store called it a scratching post, mister animal lover." Aki smiled serenely. "Never seen one before?"
"Okay, that was a dumb question; what I meant to ask was why do you have one? It's not like Pepper is anywhere near big or strong enough to climb it."
"It's for Usagi."
Ueno's brow furrowed. "Usagi?"
"Our new cat." Mira called out to them from the kitchen. "Excited?"
Aki backed up and turned, scanning the living area. "She's behind the couch. All of that exploring must have tired her out."
"Wow." Ueno's mouth dropped open as he stared. "She's as big a house."
While Mira puttered around in the kitchen, Aki pushed Ueno down onto the couch and gave him a quick and dirty version of their afternoon.
"Huh." Ueno sat up straight as Aki got up, rounded the couch, and stooped. He heard labored grunting before Aki rose with the cat in his arms.
"She's a fat thing," Aki explained unnecessarily, depositing the cat in Ueno's lap, "but I've been reading about how we can get her weight down."
"Yeah?" Ueno, against his will, began scratching Usagi under her chin. "But your dad is going to like the idea of two cats a lot less than one."
"Oh well."
Ueno dropped his head into his hands. It would be irrelevant at this point to lecture on the proper way to introduce new cats to the newborn. Ueno didn't expect Aki to consider that initially, but if something had occurred, Aki would have mentioned it already. He instead waved off the subject. "I worry about what your parents will say, but it's not my place to object anyway."
"No?" Aki cocked his head.
"It's your apartment, so no."
Well. As far as Aki was concerned, the apartment was Ueno's place, too.
Aki wisely kept that thought to himself. Ueno didn't look so good, and the subject of what to properly dub their living spaces could wait for another day. He quickly changed the subject.
"Ueno? You're squinting."
"I am?" His face cleared. "Sorry. I guess I've got a small headache that's trying to turn into a big one."
"You said you were fine." Aki frowned. "What else?"
"I feel a little nauseous, but I think it's because of the headache. And I'm a little sore, but I've got no explanation for that one."
"That puts a cork in your ability to leap tall buildings. It's time for you to take a night off." Aki patted his thighs. "It's okay to relax sometime. The kitties are taken care of, and Mira is handling dinner."
"I hope you're not inviting me to sit on your lap."
Aki gave him a little smirk. "You could if you'd like. Really though, I was thinking more of your head. Lay down."
It was a sweet, innocent entreaty, but Ueno felt odd accepting. "I'll be fine, Aki."
Aki's voice turned soft, quieter. "I'm not much for cooking, cleaning, or solving all of the world's issues, but I can handle this."
Ueno, having no argument left in him, complied. It did feel nice, and as long as Aki was offering-
"We've covered my afternoon. Now; settle down and tell me about your day, love."
"Well, you remember how last week I spent all that time stapling papers for Himura-san?"
"I do. Same thing today?"
"Sort of." Ueno closed his eyes. "They had to be reprinted, so I started over, and then had to rip all of the staples out of the old ones." He held up his reddened fingertips for Aki to see.
"Oh, no." Aki clucked with a bit of sympathy, and more than a little humor. "Good thing you're not working so much this week. You'll have a few days to recover from those nasty injuries."
"Hey."
"Hmm?"
Ueno opened his eyes and then blinked rapidly, as if he'd just arrived at a realization. "You just called me love."
"I won't do it again."
"That's not- I've never heard you call me that before."
"It slipped out," Aki admitted, rhythmically sweeping the hair from Ueno's forehead, "but I usually only call you that in my head."
"Ready for dinner?" Mira intruded, setting two plates loudly on the table in front of the couch. "I poured my heart and soul into it."
"Thanks," Ueno managed, "but could I try it later? It smells great and everything, but I can't eat right now."
"How insulting." Mira sniffed.
"Why don't you relax a little? A soak makes me feel better sometimes. I could draw you a bath before you go to bed." Aki helped Ueno sit, and then slid out of his seat.
"Okay." Ueno again relented. "If you think it will help."
"It may." Aki waited for Ueno to stand, and then led him into the bedroom. "Sit."
Ueno arranged himself at the foot of the bed obediently, watching Aki disappear into the bathroom. He heard the faucet engage and figuring he had a minute or two, leaned backward until he was comfortably reclining, smiling at nothing in particular.
Aki had seemed quite determined to do something for him and had been much more concerned than usual over the last couple of days about his mental well-being. Ueno had to wonder if it was due to some sort of guilt on Aki's part.
It had only been two full days since Aki's confession. Ueno had to keep telling himself that. A little more time was all they needed. Everything would improve if given an appropriate time frame- for both of them. Everything would return to normal.
Ueno's eyes shot open. Wait, what was normal for Aki, and what would be normal between the two of them? Surely their version of the term would differ slightly, but even so, it had never been established, had it?
Ueno pondered those questions with fascination and a pinch of anticipation.
"Ueno, you can come in now."
"Thanks." Ueno heaved himself out of bed and entered the bathroom.
In addition to drawing a hot bath, Aki appeared to have added something or other to the water; the bathroom was fragrant and the water cloudy.
"Get in."
"Uh, okay." Ueno stood still, confused when Aki remained kneeling at the side of the tub.
"Are you going to undress, or do I need to take care of that for you too?"
Ueno removed his tie and hurriedly unbuttoned his dress shirt. "I got it."
Aki smirked knowingly. "Afraid to face me in your nude glory?"
Ueno thought back to Saturday when Aki had stripped himself naked, in a way. Deciding then and there to just grow up, he quickly shucked his dress pants and shorts, though not without a blush.
"Good. Now hop in."
Ueno obeyed.
"Hot enough?"
"Yeah. Thank you." He leaned back, drawing his knees up and shutting his eyes with a sigh.
"You're welcome. If you'll be fine alone, I'll go deal with Mira."
"What do you mean by deal?"
"Get rid of him."
"Don't do that." Ueno protested, "He went to the trouble of making dinner and it's still early. Don't you want some company?"
"You're sure?"
"Positive. I can take care of myself."
"I know." Aki's smile wavered. "I just thought that today you might let me do it."
"I do appreciate it, Aki, but since I'm hopefully just going to bed anyway, there's no reason for you to blow the rest of your night. The minute something horrible happens, I'll be sure to let you in on it, okay?"
Aki collected himself, rising and heading toward the bedroom, stooping to pick up Ueno's discarded clothing on the way out.
Alone, he closed his eyes again. It was slightly unnerving to allow Aki to fuss over him.
No matter how much babying Ueno bestowed on Aki, he uttered no complaint. But he understood how Aki likely tired of being the one to accept the attention. Aki had never requested being taken care of, merely to be accepted and understood.
He'd been attentive enough that Aki felt the need to reciprocate, which meant that Aki had noticed the lack of balance himself.
He pondered his attitude and previous actions until the bathwater went lukewarm, then hopped into the shower to scrub himself and his hair. He did so hurriedly and patted himself dry, cinching one towel around his waist and throwing another over his head.
Funny; Aki had been right. The soak had done him some good. He no longer felt sick to his stomach, and the impending full-on headache had receded; now he was merely suffering from fatigue.
Even so, he remained content in leaving Aki and Mira to each other while he turned in.
Ueno threw himself face down on the bed. A voice in the back of his head advised him to dress for bed first. He should listen; Ueno knew he was minutes away from sleep and if he didn't listen to reason, Aki would find him near naked, in the exact position he was currently in.
That would be bad.
Ueno allowed himself a very brief fantasy; one that involved first a surprised and then a provoked Aki slowly undoing his towel-
*crash*
Ueno lifted his head. God forbid Aki be doing something beyond his capability, like holding a glass in one hand and using the other to pour. Or just maybe, Mira wasn't the domestic wonder he'd given the illusion to be an hour ago.
Between the two of them, they could handle some broken glass.
Regardless of that thought, Ueno reluctantly dragged himself out of bed, flipped on the light, shimmying into a pair of sweats and a t-shirt before leaving the bedroom.
There was Aki, standing in the kitchen, a little too pale even for him. Mira was nowhere in sight, but Aki's cousin appeared to have taken his place.
She appeared to be peeved.
With him.
Aki shut the bedroom door, leaving Ueno to himself.
The way Ueno wanted it.
"He's in the bath," Aki explained, reclaiming his seat, "and he's going to sleep after. Looks like you only have me for company tonight."
"I'll survive." Mira thought for a minute. "How about I run down the street and grab us a movie or something? We'll have dinner while we watch, and we can keep it down so he can rest."
"Okay." Aki agreed reluctantly.
Mira tossed off his apron and left quickly, while Aki sought out Usagi and hauled her onto the couch with him. She was an affable thing; she lay sprawled in Aki's lap, rumbling pleasantly when Aki scratched under her chin and behind her ears.
Minutes ticked by while Aki embedded his fingers in her plush, cream colored fur and murmured quietly to her, revealing his plan of helping her reclaim her girlish figure. Then he switched topics, filling her in on the other inhabitants of the area.
Usagi purred her response, which Aki translated as favorable.
Aki paused, raising a finger to his lip. For the first time since that afternoon, he found himself wondering what her reaction had been when she discovered two of her cats missing. Hopefully he saw Kohei on campus unharmed tomorrow.
He considered poking his head into the bedroom to check on Ueno, but a muted knock commanded his attention.
Frowning, he managed to shove Usagi to a cushion and then hopped to his feet and approached the door. He took a quick look, raising a brow before turning the knob.
"What a surprise."
His cousin stood before him, peering around him into the living area. "I apologize for not calling ahead, but I was already in the area. Is Ueno around?"
"Yes, but since he's not feeling well, he's getting ready for bed. I'll tell him to call you."
"I hate to insist but really, I won't take long. He's not in bed already, is he?"
"He's in the bath right now." Aki stepped back and allowed Kanoko to enter. "It really can't wait until tomorrow?"
Kanoko slipped past him. "No, it really can't."
Aki quietly counted to ten before closing the door. "You'll have to wait. I'm not going to rush him."
"I understand." Kanoko stared at her cousin pointedly. "Could you at least get me something to drink while I wait? Juice or water would be fine."
With Kanoko at his heels, Aki all but stomped into the kitchen, produced a glass, and wrenched open the refrigerator door. As he absently scanned through the contents, he realized that whatever Kanoko wished to speak to Ueno about probably pertained to the secret that Ueno was unwilling to divulge.
He snatched the bottle of orange juice from the top shelf and shut the door before turning.
"You know," he began, twisting the cap loose, "I know when you spoke to Ueno that you were doing it in confidence. But you do understand that we tell each other everything anyway, right? I hope that doesn't make you uncomfortable."
"I.. um-"
"There's no need to worry, though." Aki tossed a few cubes of ice into the glass. "Ueno isn't a gossip. Besides, I won't tell anyone what I know."
Kanoko smiled weakly. "Thank you, I guess. Still, I didn't expect Ueno to mention it, even to you. I mean, I asked him not to tell anyone. I didn't want anyone else to know until I was positive of my decision."
"I understand, but Ueno meant no harm." Aki set the glass on the counter. "So, how are you holding up, considering? You look like you're feeling better than you were this weekend."
"A little. Nothing truly strange has happened yet except for a few dizzy spells and a crazy appetite. I've been okay."
For the second time that day, the hair on the back of his neck bristled.
"I've spent a lot of time thinking, considering my options and all."
"Yes. You do have options." Aki narrowed his eyes.
"But the only one that seems acceptable to me is one that most of you won't agree with."
Aki filled the glass and capped the bottle. "And which is that?"
"Accepting it, of course. Some people might call it a blessing in disguise. I'd expected this to happen later in life, of course, but it's not the end of the world." Kanoko smiled thoughtfully. "At first, I kept thinking about stupid things, like my size. I had to work so hard to lose all of that weight, so it's scary knowing that some of it will come back, not to mention the fact that my body is going to develop a mind of its own."
Aki's arm had been extended, offering his cousin her requested beverage. Before she could accept the offering, his fingers went slack and the glass slipped from his fingers, hitting the kitchen floor and shattering. Kanoko scampered out of the way.
"I-I see."
"You don't agree with me either." Kanoko pursed her lips. "I'm beginning to think that Ueno is the only one willing to look at this from every angle. That's why I want to see him." She backed up another step as liquid began to ooze her way. "Aren't you going to clean that up?"
Aki took a deep, steadying breath and closed his eyes. So that's the big secret.
"Hey, Kanoko." Ueno appeared, greeting her cautiously. "How long have you been here?"
Kanoko turned, pretty features hardening. "Ueno. I suppose the minute I confided in you, you ran to tell Aki, didn't you?"
Ueno gaped. "What? I didn't tell Aki anything."
"He just told me you did!"
Aki intervened. "Well, not really. You told me, not him."
"When did I tell you?"
"Just now."
"Wha-" Kanoko put a hand to her forehead as realization must have just dawned.
"It wasn't difficult. I knew you told Ueno something that neither one of you were willing to discuss. I just pretended to know and kept things vague. You spilled soon enough."
Aki watched Ueno as he watched Kanoko, with her eyes beginning to brim over in tears. "You tricked her into telling you?"
"Yup." What did Ueno expect, anyway? That secrets were to flow freely between his cousin and his boyfriend in his own apartment, with no one willing to clue him in?
Ueno rubbed at his temples. "Both of you move."
Kanoko backed up and Aki boosted himself onto the counter, legs dangling while Ueno set to soaking up the mess, mindful of the broken glass, muttering under his breath.
Behind them, the door opened, and all three of them turned.
"Hey Aki, in the mood for comedy or thriller? Uh- hey." Mira finally noticed the powwow in the kitchen and cocked his head in confusion. "What's all this?"
"You're still in my way." Ueno crouched again, swatting at Aki's legs.
He raised them, folding them underneath himself. "Kanoko just stopped by to talk to Ueno about her unplanned pregnancy."
Ueno banged his forehead gently against the lower cabinetry. "Aki…"
His cousin screeched in indignation. "Aki!"
Mira's lips trembled, as if he was fighting a laugh. "Hey, occupational hazards are just part of the job, right?"
"Don't start." Kanoko looked Mira's way, eyes narrowed.
Mira's smile faded. "Wait. You're serious?" He looked around for affirmation. "You can't be serious."
Ueno spoke first. "You're positive now?"
Kanoko nodded. "It's all I've thought about over the weekend. I'm sure."
Aki was almost blinded by the brilliance of Ueno's grin; this news no doubt made him happy. He watched Ueno rise from his crouch and envelope Kanoko in his arms with murmured congratulations. And was it just him, or had Ueno just giggled?
Having gotten the ball rolling, Aki quieted, allowing the mayhem to unfold while he observed. It hadn't been his intention to host a party that night, particularly this type of party. Ueno should have been curled up under the comforter, sleeping away his weariness, but it was too late to cancel the shindig now.
"It'll be fine," Ueno soothed, "we'll all help."
"Don't lump me with you," Mira protested, "because this, quite frankly, sounds like a job for the idiot that helped her into this mess."
"It doesn't have to be a mess," Ueno replied, clearly offended, "not if everyone helps her. She is your family, so-"
"Again, don't lump me. I'm not part of this family issue." Mira shook his head.
"You are family." Kanoko voice trembled, having transitioned from calm to seething while she had been ignored.
For the third time that day, Aki felt his hackles rising.
Mira leaned against the counter, eyebrow quirked expectantly. Ueno straightened, having taken care of the mess, and reached into the cupboard for more glasses. Aki, in a rare show of helpfulness, did the pouring.
"Who's the lucky guy, or are you having difficulty keeping all of your conquests straight?"
"I suppose Ueno knows already." Aki glanced sideways.
Ueno sighed. "Your guess is as good as mine. Kanoko, you don't have to answer that. It's none of our business."
"I haven't shared that bit of information with Ueno." Kanoko reached for the offered glass. "But despite what Mira or anyone else says, I'm not open twenty-four hours, nor am I a tart. And since I've had it confirmed how far along I am, I'm very aware of who the father is. I can even recall the exact day."
Aki waited for a retort, but the kitchen was silent.
Ueno, after a pause, spoke up. "And how is he going to take all this?"
"Not well." Kanoko smiled. "But surprisingly, that's okay with me for now. In fact, I'm hoping for it. I can't wait to see him freak out."
Aki cocked his head. "You look almost happy about that fact."
"That's because I am, for the moment. I may as well have fun with it while I can."
"When will you tell him?" The query came from Ueno. "You're not planning on holding out long, are you?"
"Tonight, maybe. Would you mind if I did it here?"
Aki wasn't sure he was ready for a showdown in his apartment. "Well-"
"You're going to invite the poor bastard here?" Mira took a swig from his glass.
"I hadn't planned on it. It's not necessary."
Mira wrinkled his nose. "You're going to call him? That's not the kind of news a guy wants to hear over the airwaves. Besides, I'd love to see the look on his face, whoever he is."
"You'll be able to experience it firsthand."
Ueno's brows furrowed. "What does that mean, exactly?"
Aki unfolded his jean clad legs and Ueno crept closer to him.
"Exactly? Well, it would probably be easier if I just gave the when and where. Seven weeks ago, grandmother's onsen."
"Wait." Aki did some quick math. He remembered the event, though he hadn't been in a position to attend, not that he'd wanted to. "Your birthday?"
"Good memory."
"Dad told me that you all were going to spend the weekend up there to celebrate, but that was a family party. Did you bring a date?"
"No date, dear cousin."
*crash*
Ueno groaned. "What is with you guys tonight?"
Aki poked Ueno in the arm and pointed toward Mira.
"I know-" Ueno finally looked. "Mira?"
Mira had paled considerably.
Kanoko continued. "I don't recall most of the smaller details, if there were any, except getting out of bed to go soak by myself. I remember thinking it was a blessing that I'd wrapped myself in a towel even though I'd expected some privacy. Not that it mattered; my unexpected guest wasn't wearing one either, and I lost mine after an hour or so anyway. Three bottles of sake and a case of beer later, I guess I wasn't as discriminating as I normally would be, or I wouldn't have given in to his begging."
"Begging? Who kept pouring the sake? 'Are you sure you don't want a little more?' You never could handle drinking alone." Mira ran a hand through his hair, and the best description Aki could come up with for his expression was tortured.
"I needed the alcohol to even come close to tolerating your company."
"Bull! If you'd really wanted to be alone, you would have left when you saw me there. There's more than one bath there."
"Same goes for you."
"I was there first! Why should I have left?"
Ueno ignored the mess on the floor and the frenzied bickering, turning instead to Aki. "Your family has an onsen?"
Aki nodded. The switch in conversation was weird but welcome. Vaguely, he wondered why the news wasn't sending him into shock. "My parents own it and some of our family work as staff." He pushed off of the counter, stepped gingerly around the spill, and entered the living area. "Ueno?"
"Yeah?"
"Still got that headache? Come here."
Aki sat and waited. After a pause, Ueno resumed his earlier position with no further prompting, sprawled on the couch, head cushioned on Aki's thighs. "I had gotten rid of it, but it's back now."
"Do you enjoy an onsen? Winter break is coming soon." Aki paused briefly. "We could spend part of it there."
"Yes, yes, yes. Alone?"
Ueno's request possessed a pleading quality. "Oh." Aki experienced a strange sort of fluttering sensation in his chest. "Of course. I get to have you all to myself? That sounds heavenly." His insides thrilled a little; the break was a month away, but the idea was a tempting one, and quite realistic.
"Yeah, it does." Ueno's sigh was audible over the argument in the kitchen. "You know something?"
"Hm?"
"I love you, but your people are weird."
"I can't argue with that. I love you, too." Aki, cheeks warm, leaned down and applied a soft kiss to Ueno's forehead.
"Your ex-boyfriend slept with your cousin."
"True."
"Your niece or nephew is going to have your ex-boyfriend for a dad."
"Tr-ugh." Aki bit his lip, shuddering delicately. "It sounds disgusting when you put it that way."
"Don't be upset." Ueno snickered from below. "One of my mouth rapists impregnated my other mouth rapist. Hey! I've made out with everyone in this room."
"Don't get too cocky." Aki's lips curled into a smile. "They both went for my sloppy seconds."
"Seconds? That applies to dumped people. Why didn't you tell me we were through?"
"Allow me to rephrase that. You were mine before either of them went for you. Maybe they're both jealous and just want what I have."
"Are you saying that it's you that makes me attractive to other people?"
"It is possible."
Aki and Ueno continued their bantering on the couch, while much less lighthearted bantering went on in the kitchen.
"Let's go to bed, and get to the bottom of this tomorrow." Aki made the suggestion, as the argument in the kitchen showed no sign of letting up.
"Think your ex-boyfriend will end up being your actual cousin one day?"
"How?"
"A wedding would take care of that, stupid."
Aki fought against gagging. "No adding strands to the web, Ueno. My relationships are complicated enough as it is."
