A/N: The off-screen coffee dates Hiroki and Nowaki had did make them close since they talk pretty often on the phone. This chapter does make them more closer than ever. Also some peeks into Akihiko trying to get back into Hiroki's life through his parents who don't want to deal with him due to the pain he induced in their son. This turned longer than expected.

To the regulars who always leave reviews, thank you all so much! Your reviews always bring a smile to my face and I can't help but want to write more.

-Lucicelo

Chapter 12: Cherry blossom viewing..

Hiroki placed his cellphone inside of his messenger bag and felt around for his wallet. A simple black leather wallet with some beading on the side. His fingertips brushed against the cold metal and he pulled back his hand. He placed it over his shoulder while he pushed down his cardigan. Feeling the collar of his shirt, he made his trek toward the front door. Moving his hand to his right, he grabbed his walker from the hook on the wall. Managing to smooth down his hair, he let out a sigh. Jumping from the doorbell, he let out a slight yelp. Gritting his teeth, he stepped down and put on his slip on shoes.

Opening the door, he realized he didn't put on his sunglasses. They were inside of his messenger bag. Too late. His visitor might not mind due to having seen him taking them off to rub his eyes. Not that he could find out his reaction through looking at him in the face. His tone of voice might tell him something. After all of these little excursions with him, he didn't mind his lack in sight.

"Hello, Nowaki." Hiroki said as he stepped outside and closed the door behind him. "It's good that you managed to find this place without getting lost."

"Good morning, Kamijou-san. Well I had to ask someone to point out the building for me. The numbers were not visible from the directions I was coming from." He pushed the strap up higher on his right shoulder. "Are you going without sunglasses today?" Nowaki inquired with a happy tone in his voice. "I never really saw your eyes this close before."

"Oh yes, the cloudy mess that is my eyes." Hiroki drawled. "They are such a wonder to look at."

"Yes they are," Nowaki hooked an arm around Hiroki's arm. "You're going to love the place I am going to take you. Trust me, there won't be a lot of people to disturb us when we take our walk over there."

"Where is it exactly? It isn't too far right?"

"Just a regular park near where I live. You don't mind right?" Nowaki inquired as they entered inside of the elevator. "There's a nice bunch of cherry blossom trees a good distance away from the playground." He made sure his huge bag didn't fall from his shoulder. "I checked around there yesterday and I found a perfect spot away from everyone. I brought a bento along with me so we can eat with some nice drinks."

Hiroki drawled with a slight smirk. "Wait...you can cook? Since when?"

Nowaki pressed the button for the first floor. "Hiro-san, I already told you I cook sometimes. I don't always get food from the convenience store."

"I'm kidding." Hiroki appeased him as his hand fiddled with the zipper of his messenger bag. "Besides, you know I can't even look at those blossoms to begin with. Although, the smell they give out is really nice and I do remember what they look like. All you have to do is describe them to me."

"Don't you go with Kana-san or Miyagi-san?"

"I have gone with them before but Miyagi ends up getting too ridiculous. Also they are too busy this year to go. Although, I'm sure Takatsuki will force Miyagi to go with him." The beep of the elevator interrupted Hiroki as they walked out when the doors opened. "I have to give the kid props, he is pretty efficient to get what he wants."

"Is he always so bold?"

"Always. It's no surprise to me." Hiroki said as he inquired. "Are we walking all the way there?"

"Not at all, I got a taxi." Nowaki answered as he lead Hiroki forward and motioned him inside of the car.

"Good." Hiroki slid right in and Nowaki sat close to him. "I am not about to get blisters on my feet over walking such a long distance. Don't think I don't know how far your apartment is from mine."

Nowaki laughed as he closed the door and squished close to Hiroki's side. He gave the driver his instructions toward the park. Wrapping his arm over Hiroki's shoulders, they kept on their conversation. They took notice they were engulfed in their conversation when they arrived at the park. The driver had to inform them a few times before Nowaki looked around and noticed they were in the entrance. Apologizing profusely, he paid the man before he helped Hiroki out of the cab.

Hiroki stood on the sidewalk and kept his ears open for his surroundings. The season of cherry blossoms brought in an influx of people. Most of them rude enough to bump into him and not apologize. Without his cane, none of these people would know of his lack of sight. He might have to show off his eyes just to get them to back off. This was a last resort for him and he hated doing it.

Nowaki announced. "Alrighty, let's get going!" Nowaki placed Hiroki's hand on his arm. "The blossoms are so beautiful, most of them are littering the floor but amazing nonetheless."

They went through the entrance and missed a group of people passing them. Nowaki kept a hand on Hiroki's back as they went through the park. A few areas already had people sitting on their blankets and music blasted in the air. The food coming from the nearest person made his stomach grumble. It smelled so good. Hiroki's grip tightened on his sleeve and his other hand held onto him. Nowaki's face went pink as he lead Hiroki away from the crowds and the loud sounds of the portable radios.

Hiroki's head hurt from the bombardment of multiple music coming from different sources. "Okay where is this so called secret place?"

"We are getting close, you are so impatient." Nowaki teased.

"I'm not impatient," Hiroki rolled his eyes. "All of this music is hurting my head."

"Oh." Nowaki frowned as he tried hurrying them along the path. "Well, we are almost there anyway." He turned a corner and they stepped on grass, they went a few more feet before they stopped. "And we are here!"

Hiroki noticed the music wasn't as loud. Happy as a clam, he turned to Nowaki. "Are we going to sit here?"

"Yup, just let me lay down the blanket and we can start eating." Nowaki placed the blanket down and then took out their lunch for the day. "You can sit down now." He popped open one of the iced teas he brought and gulped some of it down.

Hiroki crouched down and got comfortable on the blanket. Something was placed on his lap and his nose picked up a nice aroma. He guessed it was the bento Nowaki brought along with him. At least one half of the food he brought just for him. He reached out his hand and Nowaki placed a pair of disposable chopsticks in his palm. Taking his hand back he broke them apart and poked around the bento.

He swore he heard Nowaki chuckling at his actions. He ignored him as he managed to pick up something and held the bento close to his face. He ate it and he recognized the taste. Nowaki made one of his favorite foods and it was cooked to perfection.

"You made pork cutlets?" Hiroki inquired as he took another bite. "It's delicious."

"Thank you." Nowaki grinned big as he sipped his drink. "Ever since I heard you liked them I thought about making them for our next date."

"You're calling these dates?"

"Of course," Nowaki began eating his own bento with a blush on his cheeks. "You don't mind do you?"

Hiroki tried not to smile. "Not at all. I wondered each time I left with you if it was a date. You never commented on it."

"Because I didn't want to make this awkward." Nowaki placed his can in between his legs. "You might have been offended. Kind of like how Miyagi-san commented on us and you got annoyed."

"Having him and Kana badger me over you has gotten me annoyed. Just know if you continue on trying to be with me they will go after you."

"I like them so I don't mind."

Hiroki snorted. "You have not spent multiple hours with them. Once you do that, then you will regret your words." He pointed his chopsticks up toward the sky. "It's lucky my father has not gotten to you yet. My mother has told me how polite you were when you talked with her last time."

"Why?" Nowaki asked in a fearful voice.

"He scares people." Hiroki informed him with an innocent smile. "From what I remembered as a teenager, he has a natural scary face. I'm warning you before you start asking why there is a demon glaring at you from afar." Nowaki let out a pained sound. "I'm kidding. He might go easy on you considering you haven't acted like a jerk to me. With my mother, he's a teddy bear."

Akihiko sat in the living room of the Kamijou manor. In front of him sat Fuyumi Kamijou in her usual traditional garb. Her hair pinned back into a loose bun and light makeup. Next to her sat her husband, Soshi Kamijou. His hard face made him avoid looking at him. He placed his sunglasses in his front pocket due to Soshi Kamijou's glare at his rudeness. One thing that didn't change after all of these years, Hiroki's father remained intimidating. Something about those dark brown eyes made him feel naked. Stripped of all protective gear. As if the man read his mind.

He didn't want any of his personal thoughts on display. Although, he knew it was a slight paranoia on his part. A stupid fear considering no one had gone past his perfect mask. No one outside of his family and a few select people knew his true face. He needed this meeting to come out well. Resorting to investigators took too much time, not when he could ask Hiroki's parents in person.

"Why are you here?" Soshi inquired as he stared at him with visible displeasure on his face. "I'm pretty sure our families cut communication with only Haruhiko serving as the messenger. At least he is courteous to give us a call before coming into our home." Fuyumi remained quiet as she watched their interactions unfold.

"I want to connect back with Hiroki. Give me his address so I can go and look for him."

Soshi snapped. "Then, look for him on your own. You have your resources without having to sit in front of us and wasting our time. We have better things to do than to entertain your nonsense."

"Dearest." Fuyumi placed her hand on Soshi's arm, she turned to Akihiko. "Usami-san." Akihiko tried not to flinch at her disregarding the childhood name she gave him. "Please understand our reluctance at giving you any address to where our son lives. He is doing perfectly fine with his life and doesn't need any disturbances."

"I reacted bad as a kid I get it. But I want to talk with Hiroki so we can be friends again." Akihiko tried pleading his case.

"Absolutely not." Soshi sneered at him. "He has good friends in Kana and Miyagi-san. At least they treat him like a human being and not someone disposable."

Akihiko gritted his teeth but didn't show his displeasure in his face. He forgot all about the cancer girl who swiftly took his place. She was a thorn on his side. He saw her a few times at Hiroki's home in their youth. Way before the day his friendship broke with Hiroki. In his mind, she clung to Hiroki and didn't stop babbling the whole time she hung around them. An annoyance he could get rid of without a problem. This Miyagi fellow was a new name to him. He had not heard of him from the gossip mill from the few parties he attended.

He had a number in his phone for situations when he wanted information. His eyes wandered to both Fuyumi and Soshi. They relayed no information and didn't budge. Both of them stared at each other and their eyes went back to him. He lost their trust years ago. There was a slight hope Fuyumi held some affection for him to listen to his case. It didn't happen.

"I suggest you take your leave." Fuyumi advised. "One of the few ways you can get into contact with Hiroki is through his performances." She got on her feet and Akihiko followed after her. "My husband is not so forgiving, you should hope Hiroki doesn't hold grudges like him."

The walk toward the entrance of the house was awkward. Fuyumi didn't look behind at Akihiko and he made no word toward her. Fiddling with her fingers, Fuyumi stopped near the door and Akihiko went past her. He put on his shoes. She kept her eyes on each of his movements. His broad shoulders, large hands and pressed down suit. The scrawny teen had grown up handsome. She knew he inherited some of his father's charm. Gossip ran through the circles their families remained inside of and she got wind of some descriptive information.

Plenty of women claimed having shared his bed. One of her oldest friends had told her about her daughter's claims. She was still shocked the woman managed to get such information from her daughter. Something she neither believed nor had any means of disproving. She had no reason to ask for such information. Her son was the same age and she didn't want to know his intimate business. And she wasn't ridiculous enough to ask him.

Akihiko peeked over his shoulder and their connected. He saw pity in her eyes, something he could use to his advantage. "Fuyumi-san, please understand I didn't mean to hurt Hiroki. I really want us to reconnect."

Fuyumi frowned. "I would have believed you years ago, but not now."

Akihiko stood up and pushed back his bangs. "Thank you for receiving me."

Fuyumi nodded her head and he left. She put her hand on her chest and breathed a sigh of relief. She had high hopes Hiroki reconciling with Akihiko but he moved on from him. He didn't need someone from his past interrupting his life. She didn't put it past Akihiko on finding Hiroki on his own. He didn't have a reason to talk to them in the first place.

Hiroki felt the warmness of the setting sun tickling his skin. A shiver went through him as he rubbed his arms to bring in some heat. Nowaki's held him close and he felt the warmness coming from his body. The scent of the flowers carried through the wind and he breathed deep. The atmosphere made every stress he had throughout the week dissipate from his body. His empty bento lay right next to his legs as he let himself relax against Nowaki. Awaiting the digestion of his food, he drank some of the iced tea Nowaki brought along with him.

Nowaki's hand curled around his arm to indicate he sat right next to him. Having scooted closer to him after they ate, their conversation went toward random topics. Hiroki leaned his head on Nowaki's shoulder while he closed his eyes. He paid attention to every single word. Trying hard not to slip to sleep, he fought the feeling away. He couldn't have Nowaki carry him away in their shared taxi and take him home. He had pride to upkeep.

Nowaki let out a sigh. "This day is just so relaxing, we should do more of these picnics."

"Make sure to put pork cutlets in your bento too." Hiroki yawned. "You will bring meals at my house like Kana sometimes does when she's bored."

"I'm at your service," Nowaki grinned as Hiroki lifted his head from his arm. "When can I start?"

Hiroki smirked as he reached out his hand and touched Nowaki's arm. "As soon as possible." Nowaki tucked some of his hair behind his ear and said nothing else. "Nowaki?"

Nowaki hovered close to Hiroki's face before he connected their lips. Closing his eyes, he waited for Hiroki to slap him or push him away. He counted the seconds inside of his head. His heart sped up when Hiroki's arms wrapped around his torso. The sandalwood cologne reached his nose. It intoxicated him. He didn't apply any pressure in their kiss. Not wanting to pass any boundaries, his hands remained on Hiroki's shoulders.

Both of them broke apart when a wailing alarm came in between them. Hiroki took out his phone and pressed the main button. It told him the name of a venue out loud and his eyes widened. He had not expected to stay long with Nowaki. Now, he had to hurry along toward the building to get dressed. He never went late and he wasn't starting due to his date with Nowaki.

"I have to go." Hiroki told Nowaki as got up on his feet.

"Why?" Nowaki tried not to sound panicked. "Is it because of the kiss? Did I misinterpret the feelings between us?"

"It's not the kiss. And I'm guessing we have the same feelings for each other unless my ears are failing me." Hiroki informed Nowaki with a light smile. "I have to go play in a venue tonight."

"Oh okay!" Nowaki said as he sighed. "Do you want me to call you a cab?"

Hiroki shook his head. "No, I can do that just fine." He pressed the usual number which repeated each number out loud.

Nowaki watched Hiroki speak in his phone as he bit his lip. His lips tingled. Giddiness filled his body as he touched his lips with his fingertips. A blush appeared on his cheeks as he placed his hand over his chest. His fingers went over the uneven bumps of his skin underneath his shirt. He took back his hand and his eyes widened. The moment of bliss covered his usual paranoia in his scars. He didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.

Hiroki put his phone back in his pocket and fiddled with the strap of his messenger bag. "Alright, I told them about the entrance we came in earlier. I'm sure the guy can find me if I-" Nowaki connected their lips again and interrupted him. Hiroki let the kiss happen as his hands curled on Nowaki's chest.

Nowaki broke the kiss, he said in a peaceful tone. "Hiro-san...can I accompany you back to your venue?"

"No." Hiroki said point blank. "I can get there by myself." His face turned red, the impact of the last few minutes surfaced inside of his mind. "But, you can lead me toward the cab. I don't think I can calculate where I am right now."

Nowaki wrapped his hand around Hiroki's arm. "So...are we going on another date?"

Hiroki nodded his head as they walked toward the entrance. "Yes, you have another date on your hands. Make it a dinner. I am curious to hear you babble about the food instead of the usual coffee. Just to warn you, I don't like sweet desserts."

Nowaki grinned big and he located the cab which parked in front of the entrance. "Got it. I know this amazing sushi place near where I live. It's small but the food is at a real reasonable price."

Hiroki scoffed. "Nowaki, I am a cheapskate. I don't eat at those high end restaurants. I had enough of those overbearing waiters to last me a lifetime. Not even my parents go to those places."

"My mistake." Nowaki laughed as he stopped in front of the cab. "Well, the cab is right in front of you."

"Thanks." Hiroki took his arm away from Nowaki and walked toward the cab. Opening the door, he addressed Nowaki. "I'll talk to you later,"

"I will." Nowaki smiled as Hiroki got into the cab and closed the door. "Have a safe trip!"

The cab left moments later and a pop song started playing from his pocket. Nowaki fished out his cellphone and located Benjamin's name. Pressing the name, he waited until he answered when he said in a cheerful voice. "Dad! You won't guess what just happened with my date with Hiro-san."

Shinobu arched sat up in his chair when Hiroki hurried inside of the changing room. Putting his book on his lap, his eyes didn't leave Hiroki as he watched him move around the dressing room. Hiroki knocked over some objects onto the floor and he swore under his breath. He tried not to smirk at seeing the composed man in such a disarray. He looked over at Miyagi who had his hand over his mouth. His face clearly showed his urge to burst into laughter but he kept it inside. Shinobu thought Miyagi might had exploded through keeping it in any longer.

Hiroki went directly to the rack which held the suit they brought in. The man had not acknowledged their presence yet. This confused Shinobu a bit. It always seemed like Hiroki knew when someone was in the same room as him. His flustered demeanor brought him amusement but he didn't dare say it out loud. Miyagi shook his hand to try to disperse his hilarity over the whole situation.

"Tough day, Kamijou?" Shinobu commented and he got an object thrown at him. It missed him completely and hit the ground in a thud. "Rude."

"Hush brat." Hiroki snapped as he fiddled with the buttons of his shirt. "You and Miyagi were only supposed to leave my suit not give me any lip."

"Oh c'mon you're changing in front of us! At least let me get out of the room first." Shinobu cried as Miyagi started laughing and slapping his knee with his hand. "I don't want to see your underwear! I get enough of Miyagi's ratty ass boxers he tries to pass off as new!"

"Hey!" Miyagi exclaimed, indignant. "Don't listen to him Hiroki!"

Hiroki rolled his eyes as he put his messenger bag on the rack. "I don't need to know about Miyagi's tattered underwear." He grabbed the hanger and inquired, "Is there at least a divider in this room for me to change behind?"

"Yeah." Shinobu answered. "Take uh..ten steps to your left and you'll get there."

"Thanks." Hiroki begrudgingly said as he listened to Shinobu's directions, reaching out his hand he felt for the wooden paneling. "Does Miyagi at least wash his junk?"

Shinobu scoffed, rolling his eyes with a smile. "Barely, he runs to the bathroom and uses a wet towel to wash himself."

"Now that is not true. I swear. I wash very well." Miyagi whined and Shinobu stuck his tongue out at him. "Are you two seriously against me or something?" Miyagi leaned back on the sofa. "I swear, you two and Kana make my life a misery."

Hiroki chortled as he tossed his pants and shirt over the divider. "Please, your misery is my form of amusement. You need to stop making yourself a target or else Takatsuki will leave you. I know I would after all the ridiculous antics you put me through. Hell, I am not even your lover and I have to deal with your drunk ass." He put on his shirt and buttoned it all up. "Takatsuki, pick up your slack."

"Considering he starts blabbing nonsense, I don't think so. Besides, I have to study for my upcoming finals. Miyagi's drunk attitude will distract me and I will fail my classes. Then, he will have to deal with my father." Shinobu pointed out, "He keeps an eye on my grades to check how much money I get a month for my expenses. Not that he needs to, he knows I never go below my usual scores."

"I am not going to continue chaperoning him. I actually have a life to live." Hiroki put on his pants and slipped on his shoes without a problem.

Miyagi snickered. "Ah I know...your new lover boy. You came back from your date today right?" Hiroki didn't answer right away as Miyagi teased. "Awwww did little Hiroki have his first kiss today?"

"Shut up."

Shinobu said. "You did...you kissed that guy didn't you?" He arched a brow while he picked lint from his shirt. "Were you at least the person who initiated it?"

"Why do you two care?" Hiroki moved around the divider and fiddled with his tie.

"Because my little Hiroki is growing up." Miyagi sniffed and wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "The first kiss in an unforgettable experience."

Hiroki rolled his eyes. "I already had my first kiss years ago, dumb ass. Before you ask, Kana got to me first before Aki-" Stopping in the middle of his sentence as he smoothed down his hair. "Anyway, I have to go. Don't drink my iced tea before I come back." He left the room, shutting the door behind him.

Miyagi let out a deep sigh. "Shit..." Rubbing his eyes, he turned to Shinobu. "You know not to comment on that when he comes back right?"

Shinobu glared at him. "I actually know when to keep my mouth shut. You are the one who never remembers when not to speak about certain shit. And I am this close to spilling everything to my father."

Miyagi slumped on the sofa. "Don't remind me." He pouted. "Can't we wait a while longer?"

"No." Shinobu took out his phone and pressed his father's number. "And don't you dare try to take my phone away from me." Miyagi stared at Shinobu in horror as he said. "Father? Can we talk in person tomorrow? Yes, I have something to tell you. Okay, I'll see you then." He hung up when he bluntly told Miyagi. "You are going with me."

Miyagi hung his head as he counted the hours to his demise.

TBC