Disclaimer: Go read it in the last chapter. I don't want to write it again.
Comments: Wow. It took me sooooo long to get around to writing more of this. I'm so sorry!! I just kinda. totally lost the thread. Then last night I sat down and was like, eh what the hell, and went to typing. This is what came out. There has been a POV change! Please not. It's changed to Youji's POV. Why?? Well, because I like writing Youji almost as much as I like writing Ken, and it keeps things fresh and amusing. Besides I love writing Yotan like he's deranged. Cause I think he really is.. Anyway if this fic on a whole proves to be long enough I'll cycle the other guys in as well. Four chapters apiece. But that would end up being 12 chapters total. And I just don't anticipate it being that long. hmm. someone better get some KY jelly cause they're about to get screwed. *grins* *snickers* *snarfs* I love that saying. Anyway I hope that somebody out there still wants to read this!! It was a nice light hearted break from writing my Vietnam War AU story. Man that shit gets heavy. Ok, enough of my babbling. Sleep calls. Ewww. I have to -work- tomorrow! *blergh* R&R!! Please?! Do it for me? To let me know if I should bother to finish this, please?! Ok. *nods off*
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There is something so comforting about flying first class. The seats are, if not actually leather, then at least an acceptable imitation of leather. The drinks are free and you don't have to sit next to more than one person, which means that you always get at least one armrest. And since I'm sitting next to the bishounen, I get two. He's wiry, and puts up a good fight, but in the end, he's no match for my beautifully sculpted biceps. Thinking of Omi I glance over at him. He's pouting, trying to read one of the complimentary in-flight magazines. I think about flicking the pages just to annoy him, but then decide that that would be rather cruel and unusual, especially seeing as he most likely can't read the damn thing anyway.
Instead I look over at Ken and Aya. It's a sight to see. Ken hates flying. He gets airsick and nervous. As a result he has tried to squeeze himself into the tiny space between the window and the window side seat. His feet are pulled up into Ran's lap, and since we're not supposed to take off our seat belts while seated, this seems to cause him no small amount of awkward discomfort. Every few seconds he shifts, trying to get just a tad bit more comfortable. Ran sits stoically with his reading glasses slid down his nose, a book propped up against Ken's feet. Every time Ken moves his feet spazz out and Ran's book goes flying towards his nose. But to his credit he doesn't complain. They're so cute. Really.
I'm just about to turn and start molesting the bishounen when the steward passes us by. I've noticed that his name is 'Alex.' I raise an eyebrow and lean out of my seat as he passes by me into the deeper parts of the plane leaving a cologne trail behind him.
"Check out the ass on, Alex," I murmur under my breath, biting my lip.
I hear Omi snap his magazine shut and then he turns to me. "Youji! That's it, I've had it. I can't figure you out. For the love of God what are you? Are you straight, are you gay, what's the deal?!" he cries a bit frantically.
By now Omi has the attention of most of the people seated in first class. Of course they have no idea exactly -what- Omi has just said, but his tone is rather universal. I look around and smile awkwardly, noting that Ran is glaring at us disapprovingly over his reading glasses. I turn to Omi and whack his forehead. "Jesus, Omittchi. What are you talking about?"
He glares at me with those huge blue eyes of his, and then folds his arms across his chest. "I mean it. You're all the ladies' man, but then you go and comment on the male flight attendant's ass. So I'm asking you now, once and for all, are you straight or gay or bi or what?!"
I look at him for a moment and then furrow my eyebrows, leaning back in my chair. I chew on the tip of my thumb, thinking. "You know, Omittchi," I say slowly. "I asked myself that once a long time ago. And for a while I really couldn't come up with an answer. But then it came to me. I'm just slutty. Where's my parade?!" I cry throwing up my hands. "Slut pride!"
Omi grumbles and turns towards the window in disgust. Something blindsides me out of left field. Aya's book glances off my head and lands in my lap. I grab my head and twist around, glaring at him savagely.
He glares right back, holding out his hand. "Shut-up, Youji," he snarls. "Now give me back my book."
I pick it up and hold it above my head. "I don't think I want to give it back to you."
Aya's eyes narrow dangerously. "That wasn't a request, Kudou," he hisses.
I roll my eyes. "Oh, what are you going to do, gut me with your katana on a plane full of -witnesses-?!" I snap, and then glance up at the book. "Maybe I just want to keep it and read it for myself. Let's see. what kind of smut are you reading today.?" I lower the book and scan the pages. Dividends. interest rates. stocks and bonds. mutual fund. I look at the title. '101 Ways to Invest Money.' I feel queasy.
I hold the book out to him in disgust. "Never mind."
He chuckles indulgently and takes the book from me.
All of a sudden Ken starts and sits bolt upright, almost whacking his head on the overhead panel. We all turn to stare at him. His eyes are wide and scared.
"Aité, what's wrong?" Aya asks hurriedly.
Ken's eye twitches once and then his face begins to turn a definitive shade of green. "I don't feel so good.."
Aya's on his feet in a second flat, pulling Ken after him, pushing him down the aisle way. My fiery-haired leader kicks the tiny bathroom door open and begins to shove Ken inside and then starts to follow him. Out of nowhere a flight attendant pops up.
"Sir, I'm sorry, two people aren't allowed to be in the lavatory at once!" she says in a fluttery voice.
Aya wheels around fixing her with the patented Aya Fujimiya 'back-off-or-I- will-destroy-you' glare. "Back off, bitch. My boyfriend's gotta puke," he snaps and then slams the door in her face. The sign above the bathroom lights up to 'occupied'. I smile. Airplanes are great.
The minutes tick by and Ken and Aya don't emerge from the lavatory. I pray to God that they are screwing like crazed weasels, because they both need it like nobody's business. Granted an airplane bathroom is not exactly the most convenient place to have sex, but it's one of those things everyone should try at least once. or five times if you happen to be me. But now I'm bored again without Aya to plague. I turn back to Omittchi.
"Ok, Omittchi. You got to ask me a personal question, so now it's my turn," I drawl, grinning at him like cornered pray.
His huge, luminous eyes slowly look up, peering apprehensively over the top of his magazine. "What do you mean?"
"It's my turn to ask you a personal question."
He rolls his eyes and sighs in exasperation. "Fine."
I grin again. "What did you do the other night in Texas with that Brandy girl?"
Omi's face turns six progressive shades of red. He splutters, mutters something about 'minding my own business', and then put the magazine up between us. I was hoping for that answer. In one quick movement I flip up the armrest between us and scoot over, flipping the magazine out of Omi's hand and pressing him against the bulkhead. I get right into his face and grin evilly.
"That's not an answer, Omittchi," I singsong.
"Ahhh! Yotan, get out of my space," he squeals.
I smile slyly and put my hand on his knee, "Not till you tell me the truth."
"Meep! Ok, ok, just don't molest me!" he cries, shoving me away.
I chuckle and sit back, staring at him, waiting. "So, c'mon, what did you do?"
He blushes again and plays with his hands. "Nothing. honest. We just left the bar and. er. sat and watched the stars, that's all! I swear!" he squeals as I move towards him again.
"You're lying to me, bishounen. Now tell the whole truth."
He eyes me warily and then squinches up his eyes. "And maybe. maybe I smoked pot for the first time and got tongue kissed!" he says in an almost inarticulate rush.
"Maybe?"
"Ok, actually. That stuff happened."
"And is that aaaall?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, that's all! I'm so embarrassed, Yotan!" he squeals and hides his face behind the magazine again.
A huge, unstoppable guffaw builds in the pit of my stomach and by the time I sit back I am laughing hysterically. "And here I thought your sweet innocence had been shattered!" I cry between my fits of laughter.
He blushes and stares angrily at his feet. "It's not that funny, Yotan," he grumbles.
I chuckle and pat him on the back. "Aww, poor kid. I suppose not. But the next time you get high and tongue kissed I'll make sure it's with me."
He looks up at me with wide, unbelieving eyes, his mouth hanging open. "Youji-kun!!" he yells, and it looks like he's going to start crying.
I sit back, unable to stop laughing, clutching my stomach, tears nearly rolling down my face. Oh God, his reaction was priceless. He fidgets and stews, grumbling and twisting his magazine. He knows I was making fun of him and that's got him madder than if I was serious.
Just then Aya and Ken come out of the bathroom. I notice through my laughter that both look a little flushed and breathless. Aya's shirt is buttoned incorrectly. Omi catches sight of them and darts into the isle way, grabbing Aya's arm and pushing him by me. "You sit with him!" Omi cries and then drags Ken peevishly over to the row he had been sharing with Aya.
Now I really can't stop laughing. Aya protests wordlessly, trying to reach out to stop Omi, but before he can he's strapping himself in. Ken looks over at Aya, shrugs, and then proceeds to fall asleep on Omi's shoulder.
Aya grumbles and then sits next to me. "What did you do to him?" he growls.
I eye him and then start to snicker again. "I could ask you the same thing."
Glare of death ensues.
"Bwahahahaha!" God I love airplanes.
* * * * * *
We stumble up the rampway. Ken is still groggy from his nap, and whatever else he did on the airplane. He leans against Aya as we make our way through the terminal and towards the baggage claim. God there are way too many fine people passing by. I can't keep track. This is one of the things I love about airports.
I adjust the two bags that I've got over my shoulders. Somehow Omi and I ended up being the carryon baggage bitches. Omi struggles under the weight of his laptop and Ken's duffle bag.
"Which way?" Ken calls as we come to a cross road. Omi glances up at the sign, thinks and then points.
"That way, down the escalator. Baggage claim 14. We have to get all our crap." And on we go, down the escalator.
At baggage claim 14 there is a man in an ugly suit holding up a sign that reads. "Wei?." Oh yeah, that's real subtle. We all seem to notice him at the same time and exchange glances. Aya shrugs and, leading the way, heads towards him.
As we crowd around him he looks at us blandly. "Hey. Are you guys Wei??"
His accent is really bad, but at least he tries.
"Yes," Aya answers, not offering his hand. But that seems ok, cause it doesn't look like Mr. Suit would have taken it anyway.
"Cool. My name's Greg. I'm your Seattle area contact. I had to park in the thingy cause you can't park on the drive."
Uh. come again? Aya, Ken, Omi, and I just exchange glances again and nod slowly. Whatever.
Omi turns around and squeals. "Our bags are coming!"
Sure enough the conveyor belt has begun to rotate and bags are being spit at us down a long, black ramp. Goody, just how I want my leather Gucci luggage to be treated. I don't know why I bother. Omi springs towards the baggage carousel, squirming between the people who are waiting. Sometimes it pays to have the little guy with you.
By the time we get our bags and are on our way toward the thingy in which the car is parked, Ken has rebounded and contents himself with pressing his face up against every other pane of glass in the sky bridge that connects the SeaTac International Airport with its parking garage.
"Whoa! Look at that! And that! Hey, look at all the SUVs! Sugoi!" he cries rapid fire.
Aya grabs the back of his shirt and drags him along. "Would you quit?"
"But, koi, this is so much cooler than Texas! There's no sand," he says happily.
"That's great, but you're acting like a tourist."
"I am a tourist," Ken grumbles.
I chuckle. I like Seattle. I've been here before.
The car is a large, white, Ford Expedition. Our luggage fits easily into the hatch. Omi, Ken, and I fit easily into the back seat. Aya fits easily into the front seat and Greg fits easily into the driver's seat. This is great. Way better than driving around in Aya's goddamned Porsche. As we come up to the car Ken breaks away from Aya and begins to drool on the hood. "I love it.," he whispers.
Greg drives us out of the airport and onto the infamous I-5. He heads north towards the city. Slowly the skyline comes into view. There is the Space Needle, Safeco Field, and the building that at one point was the tallest one west of the Mississippi. I don't know why I know this. Omi bounces and leans over my lap to look out the window. He points.
"Whoa, look at that ugly dome thing. What the hell is that?"
"Safeco Field. Hideous isn't it?"
"Really."
"No way," Ken breaks in. "Ichiro plays there!"
Omi and I stare at him for a moment. He looks away in shame. "Well he does," he mumbles.
Greg takes us down the dark, but pleasant streets of downtown Seattle, pointing out interesting things in a bored manner. He pulls up outside a building and dumps us onto the sidewalk, luggage and all. He hands Aya a packet.
"There's everything you need in there. If you have any questions call me on my cell phone. The car is yours, have it valet parked, and don't forget to tip. This is your hotel. Enjoy your stay. I'll see you in two days," he says blandly, tossing the keys of the car to me.
We all turn to look at the tall, Victorian-esque building. "But wait," I say realizing that we don't know Greg's cell phone number, turning back around. But Greg is gone. Creepy. A dry wind sweeps up the street and ruffles my hair dramatically. Cheesy.
The others seem to have had the same realization about Greg and are glancing up and down the street awkwardly.
"What a weird guy," Omi says lightly. "I wonder how exactly he's affiliated with Kritiker. He didn't even mention it once. What a weirdo."
"Totally," Ken agrees.
"Alright, enough chatter, lets get to our room and get our stuff put away. Then we should open this packet," Aya breaks in, pushing Ken and Omi towards the door of the hotel. "Youji. find a valet. Would ya?"
"Sure, sure. Give me the crap job," I grumble. I get to be car bitch. Well, we'll just see if I let Aya drive anytime soon.
By the time I find a valet and convince him that I'm actually staying at the hotel, I'm not in a very good mood. To make my mood even worse no one is waiting for me in the lobby so I have to have another argument with the desk manager about whether or not he can tell me where our room is. I win. And now in a rather bad mood I storm up the fire stairs, not wanting to waste time in the elevator, and go to pound on the door of room 376. No answer. I wait. I start pounding. and pounding. and pounding. Suddenly the door snaps open and Aya is standing there, eyes of death, shirt undone, breathing heavily. I open my mouth but never get to say anything.
"God damn it, Kudou, you're next door!" he yells and then slams the door in my face. Wasn't the airplane bathroom enough for those two? Sheesh.
I grumble and then walk next door to room 378. I knock once on the door. Omi calls out from inside, "Coming."
He opens the door promptly and smiles at me. "We got two rooms, isn't that great?!"
"Yeah, I grumble. Great."
I push past him and go to sit down on the bed on which Omi has piled my shit. I have to admit, this place is high class.
Omi sits on his bed, bouncing happily. "Aya-kun said we should unpack and then open the packet later."
"Sure he did. And unpacking is exactly what he's doing. Really getting all of his packages undone," I grumble.
Omi eyes me for a moment and then giggles. "You're so weird, Youji."
I roll my eyes. "Yeah I know."
After we're done unpacking I stand at the window, wishing I could smoke, and look out over the city street below. Seattle really is a nice city. as far as American cities go that is. Not too big, not too small. Lots of rain, but just enough sunshine to make people stay. Not like Texas. Thank God, not like Texas. I glance over my shoulder. Omi has fallen asleep on his bed. A drool pattern is forming on his pillow. I glance at the phone and decide to push my luck.
I pick up the receiver and punch in Aya and Ken's room number. It rings twice and then Ken picks up. "Hello?"
"Are you two done yet?" I snap.
Ken chuckles. "Yeah, we're done, Yotan. Man was Aya ever pissed when you wouldn't stop banging on the door."
"Yeah, well how do you think I felt? Hadn't you already had enough?"
He laughs out loud. "Hey, look who's talking. Coming from you that sounds a little ludicrous. Besides this is the first time we've been alone for over a week!"
"Now and the airplane bathroom," I grumble.
"Hey! Nothing happened in the bathroom! I really was sick to my stomach."
"Uh huh."
"I was!"
"Whatever. Just tell Aya that I'm hungry and Omi's asleep. So if he wants to look at that packet he better make it fast and then we'd better get some food," I say, putting my hand on my hip.
Ken chuckles. "Will do. See you soon."
"Bye." I hang up the receiver and then lie back on my bed. I glance over at Omi. Hmm. come to think of it a nap doesn't sound all that bad..
I am woken up by the sound of insistent knocking. I don't open my eyes, only roll over and sigh. I hear Omi wake, mumble, and make his way to the door. It opens.
"Nani? Oh hi, Ken, Aya. What time is it?"
"Almost nine o'clock."
"Really?! Ohmygosh! I'm hungry. oooh. Come on in. I think Yotan is still asleep. We kinda crashed after we got here," the kid says sleepily. I hear his voice get louder and Ken and Aya's feet on the carpet.
"Yeah, so did we. Well. we kinda tired ourselves out anyway," Ken replies. I can hear the smile in his voice.
Omi pauses. "Gee. thanks for sharing, Ken. 'Cause I really needed -that- mental picture."
I grumble softly and the next thing I know Omi flops down next to me and starts to jostle the bed. "Wake-up, Casa Nova!!"
My eyes snap open and I lash out, grabbing the kid and pulling him on top of me, squeezing him tightly. "Oh, bishounen, I didn't know you felt this way!" I coo.
"Ahhh!! Youji-kun let me go!" he squeals.
I chuckle and moosh him more. He squelches and then gives up, grumbling peevishly. "Aww, you're no fun, Omittchi."
"Let me go!" he growls.
I comply, releasing him. He's off my bed like a bat out of hell and goes to hide his extremely red face behind Ken. Ken is trying stoically not to laugh. Aya looks bored, but I notice that his mouth twitches at the corners. I am so funny sometimes. I kill me.
"So what's the plan, compadres?" I ask, stretching and propping myself up on my elbows. Aya flips the packet to me. It lands on my stomach and I make a small 'oofing' sound as he goes to sit on the end of my bed . Ken and Omi plop down on the other bed and stare at us intently.
"Well?" Ken finally says.
"Well what?" I ask, blinking slowly.
"Open it!" he yells back, raising his fist.
"Oh, that. Fine fine, hawduyuhawses," I say flatly. Omi giggles at my use of his word. I smile at him and he goes back to scowling.
I pick up the packet and run my finger under the seal, ripping it open. Tipping it upside down I shake it gently. Nothing falls out, but a stack of blank paper. I hold it up, riffling the pages to that everyone else can see that there is nothing written on them. Great. Now what?
Aya peers at me. "Is that it?"
I shake the packet again and then toss it to Aya. "You look."
He blows into the envelope and then tips it upside down again. A thin, white piece of paper falls out. He picks it up and scans it with those flat, uninterested eyes of his. His eyebrows furrow and it looks like he reads it again.
"What's it say, koi?" Ken asks impatiently.
Aya-kun looks up and takes a deep breath. "'Further instruction upon your arrival in Alaska. In the mean time, have fun.'"
I jump to my feet. "Now that I can live with! Fun it is, let's blow this pop stand!"
Ken and Omi glare at me form the bed. "Youji, we can't just goof off, we have to prepare for the mission!" Omi snaps.
I put my hands on my hips. "Look, the current mission is for us to have a good time before we go and freeze to death in the arctic and get eaten by rabid seals and polar bears. And that is one mission I am going to accept!" I cry, grabbing Aya's arm and hauling him to his feet. "Are you with me?!"
Aya pulls away and charlie horses my arm. Omi flops back onto the bed and sighs. Ken mumbles something about 'the last time we tried to live it up.' I look around huff in disgust. "I can't believe you guys! Well, I don't care what you all say, come tomorrow I am dragging all your asses around this town and you are going to like it!"
Yeah. at least that's what I thought.
Comments: Wow. It took me sooooo long to get around to writing more of this. I'm so sorry!! I just kinda. totally lost the thread. Then last night I sat down and was like, eh what the hell, and went to typing. This is what came out. There has been a POV change! Please not. It's changed to Youji's POV. Why?? Well, because I like writing Youji almost as much as I like writing Ken, and it keeps things fresh and amusing. Besides I love writing Yotan like he's deranged. Cause I think he really is.. Anyway if this fic on a whole proves to be long enough I'll cycle the other guys in as well. Four chapters apiece. But that would end up being 12 chapters total. And I just don't anticipate it being that long. hmm. someone better get some KY jelly cause they're about to get screwed. *grins* *snickers* *snarfs* I love that saying. Anyway I hope that somebody out there still wants to read this!! It was a nice light hearted break from writing my Vietnam War AU story. Man that shit gets heavy. Ok, enough of my babbling. Sleep calls. Ewww. I have to -work- tomorrow! *blergh* R&R!! Please?! Do it for me? To let me know if I should bother to finish this, please?! Ok. *nods off*
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There is something so comforting about flying first class. The seats are, if not actually leather, then at least an acceptable imitation of leather. The drinks are free and you don't have to sit next to more than one person, which means that you always get at least one armrest. And since I'm sitting next to the bishounen, I get two. He's wiry, and puts up a good fight, but in the end, he's no match for my beautifully sculpted biceps. Thinking of Omi I glance over at him. He's pouting, trying to read one of the complimentary in-flight magazines. I think about flicking the pages just to annoy him, but then decide that that would be rather cruel and unusual, especially seeing as he most likely can't read the damn thing anyway.
Instead I look over at Ken and Aya. It's a sight to see. Ken hates flying. He gets airsick and nervous. As a result he has tried to squeeze himself into the tiny space between the window and the window side seat. His feet are pulled up into Ran's lap, and since we're not supposed to take off our seat belts while seated, this seems to cause him no small amount of awkward discomfort. Every few seconds he shifts, trying to get just a tad bit more comfortable. Ran sits stoically with his reading glasses slid down his nose, a book propped up against Ken's feet. Every time Ken moves his feet spazz out and Ran's book goes flying towards his nose. But to his credit he doesn't complain. They're so cute. Really.
I'm just about to turn and start molesting the bishounen when the steward passes us by. I've noticed that his name is 'Alex.' I raise an eyebrow and lean out of my seat as he passes by me into the deeper parts of the plane leaving a cologne trail behind him.
"Check out the ass on, Alex," I murmur under my breath, biting my lip.
I hear Omi snap his magazine shut and then he turns to me. "Youji! That's it, I've had it. I can't figure you out. For the love of God what are you? Are you straight, are you gay, what's the deal?!" he cries a bit frantically.
By now Omi has the attention of most of the people seated in first class. Of course they have no idea exactly -what- Omi has just said, but his tone is rather universal. I look around and smile awkwardly, noting that Ran is glaring at us disapprovingly over his reading glasses. I turn to Omi and whack his forehead. "Jesus, Omittchi. What are you talking about?"
He glares at me with those huge blue eyes of his, and then folds his arms across his chest. "I mean it. You're all the ladies' man, but then you go and comment on the male flight attendant's ass. So I'm asking you now, once and for all, are you straight or gay or bi or what?!"
I look at him for a moment and then furrow my eyebrows, leaning back in my chair. I chew on the tip of my thumb, thinking. "You know, Omittchi," I say slowly. "I asked myself that once a long time ago. And for a while I really couldn't come up with an answer. But then it came to me. I'm just slutty. Where's my parade?!" I cry throwing up my hands. "Slut pride!"
Omi grumbles and turns towards the window in disgust. Something blindsides me out of left field. Aya's book glances off my head and lands in my lap. I grab my head and twist around, glaring at him savagely.
He glares right back, holding out his hand. "Shut-up, Youji," he snarls. "Now give me back my book."
I pick it up and hold it above my head. "I don't think I want to give it back to you."
Aya's eyes narrow dangerously. "That wasn't a request, Kudou," he hisses.
I roll my eyes. "Oh, what are you going to do, gut me with your katana on a plane full of -witnesses-?!" I snap, and then glance up at the book. "Maybe I just want to keep it and read it for myself. Let's see. what kind of smut are you reading today.?" I lower the book and scan the pages. Dividends. interest rates. stocks and bonds. mutual fund. I look at the title. '101 Ways to Invest Money.' I feel queasy.
I hold the book out to him in disgust. "Never mind."
He chuckles indulgently and takes the book from me.
All of a sudden Ken starts and sits bolt upright, almost whacking his head on the overhead panel. We all turn to stare at him. His eyes are wide and scared.
"Aité, what's wrong?" Aya asks hurriedly.
Ken's eye twitches once and then his face begins to turn a definitive shade of green. "I don't feel so good.."
Aya's on his feet in a second flat, pulling Ken after him, pushing him down the aisle way. My fiery-haired leader kicks the tiny bathroom door open and begins to shove Ken inside and then starts to follow him. Out of nowhere a flight attendant pops up.
"Sir, I'm sorry, two people aren't allowed to be in the lavatory at once!" she says in a fluttery voice.
Aya wheels around fixing her with the patented Aya Fujimiya 'back-off-or-I- will-destroy-you' glare. "Back off, bitch. My boyfriend's gotta puke," he snaps and then slams the door in her face. The sign above the bathroom lights up to 'occupied'. I smile. Airplanes are great.
The minutes tick by and Ken and Aya don't emerge from the lavatory. I pray to God that they are screwing like crazed weasels, because they both need it like nobody's business. Granted an airplane bathroom is not exactly the most convenient place to have sex, but it's one of those things everyone should try at least once. or five times if you happen to be me. But now I'm bored again without Aya to plague. I turn back to Omittchi.
"Ok, Omittchi. You got to ask me a personal question, so now it's my turn," I drawl, grinning at him like cornered pray.
His huge, luminous eyes slowly look up, peering apprehensively over the top of his magazine. "What do you mean?"
"It's my turn to ask you a personal question."
He rolls his eyes and sighs in exasperation. "Fine."
I grin again. "What did you do the other night in Texas with that Brandy girl?"
Omi's face turns six progressive shades of red. He splutters, mutters something about 'minding my own business', and then put the magazine up between us. I was hoping for that answer. In one quick movement I flip up the armrest between us and scoot over, flipping the magazine out of Omi's hand and pressing him against the bulkhead. I get right into his face and grin evilly.
"That's not an answer, Omittchi," I singsong.
"Ahhh! Yotan, get out of my space," he squeals.
I smile slyly and put my hand on his knee, "Not till you tell me the truth."
"Meep! Ok, ok, just don't molest me!" he cries, shoving me away.
I chuckle and sit back, staring at him, waiting. "So, c'mon, what did you do?"
He blushes again and plays with his hands. "Nothing. honest. We just left the bar and. er. sat and watched the stars, that's all! I swear!" he squeals as I move towards him again.
"You're lying to me, bishounen. Now tell the whole truth."
He eyes me warily and then squinches up his eyes. "And maybe. maybe I smoked pot for the first time and got tongue kissed!" he says in an almost inarticulate rush.
"Maybe?"
"Ok, actually. That stuff happened."
"And is that aaaall?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, that's all! I'm so embarrassed, Yotan!" he squeals and hides his face behind the magazine again.
A huge, unstoppable guffaw builds in the pit of my stomach and by the time I sit back I am laughing hysterically. "And here I thought your sweet innocence had been shattered!" I cry between my fits of laughter.
He blushes and stares angrily at his feet. "It's not that funny, Yotan," he grumbles.
I chuckle and pat him on the back. "Aww, poor kid. I suppose not. But the next time you get high and tongue kissed I'll make sure it's with me."
He looks up at me with wide, unbelieving eyes, his mouth hanging open. "Youji-kun!!" he yells, and it looks like he's going to start crying.
I sit back, unable to stop laughing, clutching my stomach, tears nearly rolling down my face. Oh God, his reaction was priceless. He fidgets and stews, grumbling and twisting his magazine. He knows I was making fun of him and that's got him madder than if I was serious.
Just then Aya and Ken come out of the bathroom. I notice through my laughter that both look a little flushed and breathless. Aya's shirt is buttoned incorrectly. Omi catches sight of them and darts into the isle way, grabbing Aya's arm and pushing him by me. "You sit with him!" Omi cries and then drags Ken peevishly over to the row he had been sharing with Aya.
Now I really can't stop laughing. Aya protests wordlessly, trying to reach out to stop Omi, but before he can he's strapping himself in. Ken looks over at Aya, shrugs, and then proceeds to fall asleep on Omi's shoulder.
Aya grumbles and then sits next to me. "What did you do to him?" he growls.
I eye him and then start to snicker again. "I could ask you the same thing."
Glare of death ensues.
"Bwahahahaha!" God I love airplanes.
* * * * * *
We stumble up the rampway. Ken is still groggy from his nap, and whatever else he did on the airplane. He leans against Aya as we make our way through the terminal and towards the baggage claim. God there are way too many fine people passing by. I can't keep track. This is one of the things I love about airports.
I adjust the two bags that I've got over my shoulders. Somehow Omi and I ended up being the carryon baggage bitches. Omi struggles under the weight of his laptop and Ken's duffle bag.
"Which way?" Ken calls as we come to a cross road. Omi glances up at the sign, thinks and then points.
"That way, down the escalator. Baggage claim 14. We have to get all our crap." And on we go, down the escalator.
At baggage claim 14 there is a man in an ugly suit holding up a sign that reads. "Wei?." Oh yeah, that's real subtle. We all seem to notice him at the same time and exchange glances. Aya shrugs and, leading the way, heads towards him.
As we crowd around him he looks at us blandly. "Hey. Are you guys Wei??"
His accent is really bad, but at least he tries.
"Yes," Aya answers, not offering his hand. But that seems ok, cause it doesn't look like Mr. Suit would have taken it anyway.
"Cool. My name's Greg. I'm your Seattle area contact. I had to park in the thingy cause you can't park on the drive."
Uh. come again? Aya, Ken, Omi, and I just exchange glances again and nod slowly. Whatever.
Omi turns around and squeals. "Our bags are coming!"
Sure enough the conveyor belt has begun to rotate and bags are being spit at us down a long, black ramp. Goody, just how I want my leather Gucci luggage to be treated. I don't know why I bother. Omi springs towards the baggage carousel, squirming between the people who are waiting. Sometimes it pays to have the little guy with you.
By the time we get our bags and are on our way toward the thingy in which the car is parked, Ken has rebounded and contents himself with pressing his face up against every other pane of glass in the sky bridge that connects the SeaTac International Airport with its parking garage.
"Whoa! Look at that! And that! Hey, look at all the SUVs! Sugoi!" he cries rapid fire.
Aya grabs the back of his shirt and drags him along. "Would you quit?"
"But, koi, this is so much cooler than Texas! There's no sand," he says happily.
"That's great, but you're acting like a tourist."
"I am a tourist," Ken grumbles.
I chuckle. I like Seattle. I've been here before.
The car is a large, white, Ford Expedition. Our luggage fits easily into the hatch. Omi, Ken, and I fit easily into the back seat. Aya fits easily into the front seat and Greg fits easily into the driver's seat. This is great. Way better than driving around in Aya's goddamned Porsche. As we come up to the car Ken breaks away from Aya and begins to drool on the hood. "I love it.," he whispers.
Greg drives us out of the airport and onto the infamous I-5. He heads north towards the city. Slowly the skyline comes into view. There is the Space Needle, Safeco Field, and the building that at one point was the tallest one west of the Mississippi. I don't know why I know this. Omi bounces and leans over my lap to look out the window. He points.
"Whoa, look at that ugly dome thing. What the hell is that?"
"Safeco Field. Hideous isn't it?"
"Really."
"No way," Ken breaks in. "Ichiro plays there!"
Omi and I stare at him for a moment. He looks away in shame. "Well he does," he mumbles.
Greg takes us down the dark, but pleasant streets of downtown Seattle, pointing out interesting things in a bored manner. He pulls up outside a building and dumps us onto the sidewalk, luggage and all. He hands Aya a packet.
"There's everything you need in there. If you have any questions call me on my cell phone. The car is yours, have it valet parked, and don't forget to tip. This is your hotel. Enjoy your stay. I'll see you in two days," he says blandly, tossing the keys of the car to me.
We all turn to look at the tall, Victorian-esque building. "But wait," I say realizing that we don't know Greg's cell phone number, turning back around. But Greg is gone. Creepy. A dry wind sweeps up the street and ruffles my hair dramatically. Cheesy.
The others seem to have had the same realization about Greg and are glancing up and down the street awkwardly.
"What a weird guy," Omi says lightly. "I wonder how exactly he's affiliated with Kritiker. He didn't even mention it once. What a weirdo."
"Totally," Ken agrees.
"Alright, enough chatter, lets get to our room and get our stuff put away. Then we should open this packet," Aya breaks in, pushing Ken and Omi towards the door of the hotel. "Youji. find a valet. Would ya?"
"Sure, sure. Give me the crap job," I grumble. I get to be car bitch. Well, we'll just see if I let Aya drive anytime soon.
By the time I find a valet and convince him that I'm actually staying at the hotel, I'm not in a very good mood. To make my mood even worse no one is waiting for me in the lobby so I have to have another argument with the desk manager about whether or not he can tell me where our room is. I win. And now in a rather bad mood I storm up the fire stairs, not wanting to waste time in the elevator, and go to pound on the door of room 376. No answer. I wait. I start pounding. and pounding. and pounding. Suddenly the door snaps open and Aya is standing there, eyes of death, shirt undone, breathing heavily. I open my mouth but never get to say anything.
"God damn it, Kudou, you're next door!" he yells and then slams the door in my face. Wasn't the airplane bathroom enough for those two? Sheesh.
I grumble and then walk next door to room 378. I knock once on the door. Omi calls out from inside, "Coming."
He opens the door promptly and smiles at me. "We got two rooms, isn't that great?!"
"Yeah, I grumble. Great."
I push past him and go to sit down on the bed on which Omi has piled my shit. I have to admit, this place is high class.
Omi sits on his bed, bouncing happily. "Aya-kun said we should unpack and then open the packet later."
"Sure he did. And unpacking is exactly what he's doing. Really getting all of his packages undone," I grumble.
Omi eyes me for a moment and then giggles. "You're so weird, Youji."
I roll my eyes. "Yeah I know."
After we're done unpacking I stand at the window, wishing I could smoke, and look out over the city street below. Seattle really is a nice city. as far as American cities go that is. Not too big, not too small. Lots of rain, but just enough sunshine to make people stay. Not like Texas. Thank God, not like Texas. I glance over my shoulder. Omi has fallen asleep on his bed. A drool pattern is forming on his pillow. I glance at the phone and decide to push my luck.
I pick up the receiver and punch in Aya and Ken's room number. It rings twice and then Ken picks up. "Hello?"
"Are you two done yet?" I snap.
Ken chuckles. "Yeah, we're done, Yotan. Man was Aya ever pissed when you wouldn't stop banging on the door."
"Yeah, well how do you think I felt? Hadn't you already had enough?"
He laughs out loud. "Hey, look who's talking. Coming from you that sounds a little ludicrous. Besides this is the first time we've been alone for over a week!"
"Now and the airplane bathroom," I grumble.
"Hey! Nothing happened in the bathroom! I really was sick to my stomach."
"Uh huh."
"I was!"
"Whatever. Just tell Aya that I'm hungry and Omi's asleep. So if he wants to look at that packet he better make it fast and then we'd better get some food," I say, putting my hand on my hip.
Ken chuckles. "Will do. See you soon."
"Bye." I hang up the receiver and then lie back on my bed. I glance over at Omi. Hmm. come to think of it a nap doesn't sound all that bad..
I am woken up by the sound of insistent knocking. I don't open my eyes, only roll over and sigh. I hear Omi wake, mumble, and make his way to the door. It opens.
"Nani? Oh hi, Ken, Aya. What time is it?"
"Almost nine o'clock."
"Really?! Ohmygosh! I'm hungry. oooh. Come on in. I think Yotan is still asleep. We kinda crashed after we got here," the kid says sleepily. I hear his voice get louder and Ken and Aya's feet on the carpet.
"Yeah, so did we. Well. we kinda tired ourselves out anyway," Ken replies. I can hear the smile in his voice.
Omi pauses. "Gee. thanks for sharing, Ken. 'Cause I really needed -that- mental picture."
I grumble softly and the next thing I know Omi flops down next to me and starts to jostle the bed. "Wake-up, Casa Nova!!"
My eyes snap open and I lash out, grabbing the kid and pulling him on top of me, squeezing him tightly. "Oh, bishounen, I didn't know you felt this way!" I coo.
"Ahhh!! Youji-kun let me go!" he squeals.
I chuckle and moosh him more. He squelches and then gives up, grumbling peevishly. "Aww, you're no fun, Omittchi."
"Let me go!" he growls.
I comply, releasing him. He's off my bed like a bat out of hell and goes to hide his extremely red face behind Ken. Ken is trying stoically not to laugh. Aya looks bored, but I notice that his mouth twitches at the corners. I am so funny sometimes. I kill me.
"So what's the plan, compadres?" I ask, stretching and propping myself up on my elbows. Aya flips the packet to me. It lands on my stomach and I make a small 'oofing' sound as he goes to sit on the end of my bed . Ken and Omi plop down on the other bed and stare at us intently.
"Well?" Ken finally says.
"Well what?" I ask, blinking slowly.
"Open it!" he yells back, raising his fist.
"Oh, that. Fine fine, hawduyuhawses," I say flatly. Omi giggles at my use of his word. I smile at him and he goes back to scowling.
I pick up the packet and run my finger under the seal, ripping it open. Tipping it upside down I shake it gently. Nothing falls out, but a stack of blank paper. I hold it up, riffling the pages to that everyone else can see that there is nothing written on them. Great. Now what?
Aya peers at me. "Is that it?"
I shake the packet again and then toss it to Aya. "You look."
He blows into the envelope and then tips it upside down again. A thin, white piece of paper falls out. He picks it up and scans it with those flat, uninterested eyes of his. His eyebrows furrow and it looks like he reads it again.
"What's it say, koi?" Ken asks impatiently.
Aya-kun looks up and takes a deep breath. "'Further instruction upon your arrival in Alaska. In the mean time, have fun.'"
I jump to my feet. "Now that I can live with! Fun it is, let's blow this pop stand!"
Ken and Omi glare at me form the bed. "Youji, we can't just goof off, we have to prepare for the mission!" Omi snaps.
I put my hands on my hips. "Look, the current mission is for us to have a good time before we go and freeze to death in the arctic and get eaten by rabid seals and polar bears. And that is one mission I am going to accept!" I cry, grabbing Aya's arm and hauling him to his feet. "Are you with me?!"
Aya pulls away and charlie horses my arm. Omi flops back onto the bed and sighs. Ken mumbles something about 'the last time we tried to live it up.' I look around huff in disgust. "I can't believe you guys! Well, I don't care what you all say, come tomorrow I am dragging all your asses around this town and you are going to like it!"
Yeah. at least that's what I thought.