Here's Chapter 8…longer and meatier, hehe…I feel kinda bad for taking longer in updating…anyways, I looooved the reviews, so keep 'em comin'

Hey guys!! So very very sowwie for not updating sooner…wow, I haven't been here for hecka long, I feel so bad…but in a matter of weeks I'll be getting my internet back (yay for me!) and I'll fortunately be able to update more regularly…anyway…here's Chapter 8…longer and meatier, hehe…

Please keep the nice reviews coming, you guys! You know how much I love 'em!

Usual disclaimer. Usual warnings. Although, uhm, there'll be some suggestive themes in this chapter…don't wanna give it away, but hey, if you can't handle shounen-ai, then get the heck outta here! =P

Seizing the Moment

by ~*Mystikal Essence*~

Chapter Eight: The Unexpected

Ken rose from the floor, glanced at himself one last time in the hallway mirror, and walked towards the door to meet Yohji.

Standing in the doorway, carrying a bouquet of red and white roses, Yohji met Ken's shy gaze with a cordial smile. He was dressed in black, leather pants and a sleeveless, black shirt. His trademark sunglasses hung from a long silver chain around his neck, along with a small, silver cross. He held out his hand and offered Ken the flowers.

"Just in case the plan didn't work," he whispered to Janice, who was leaning against the door, looking at the two with a mixture of joy, awe, and a bit of jealousy.

She turned to Yohji and shook her head, "It worked perfectly, Yohji-san," she replied with a smile.

Ken took the flowers and handed them to Janice. "Please," he mouthed. Janice took them and ushered Ken and Yohji outside. "Have fun!" she called out, as they walked, hand in hand, towards Yohji's black Jaguar convertible.

Yohji, like the gentleman he was, opened the door for Ken. Ken caught his hand and stopped him. He looked up at Yohji's eyes for a split-second, then pulled him down for a deep, sensuous kiss.

Yohji was again slightly surprised by Anika's impulsive actions. Not that he's complaining, though. The kiss was deep and meaningful, another layer added, cementing his affinity and ardor for the sweet girl in his arms.

Ken pulled away, rather hesitantly. "Let's go," he uttered with a small smile.

~*~*~

They went to a small, Japanese restaurant which was located in a secluded Japanese garden. It was a charming place, with a very private and intimate setting. It was actually a bed and breakfast--a place often booked by couples to spend some nice, relaxing time together. Yohji knew the old woman that owned the place and reserved the whole place to themselves that night.

"Yohji, thank you for the flowers and the card. That was really nice of you," Ken said sincerely, as they sat on the floor, eating their sushi.

"No problem, Ani, love. I work in a flower shop and get those babies for free all the time," Yohji joked. But inside, it really gave him immense pleasure that she loved it. He usually didn't even bother with mushy stuff like that. But she's an exception.

They talked and ate at a comfortable pace. Yohji opened up to Ken all the secret fears, dreams and hopes he had. Ken never knew how much Yohji kept bottled-up inside. Behind the sunglasses, he was a whole different person. He admitted that even though he's had his share of girlfriends in the past, he had only truly loved one woman. He had the courtesy of not mentioning her name, a tactful gesture on Anika's behalf. But Ken knew it was Asuka.

Yohji's bright eyes gradually grew faint and sad at the thought of his former lover. Ken's heart went out to him and he lightly placed his hand on top of his.

After they finished their meal, they went outside for a walk. It was a clear, autumn night--a little warm, but with a gentle breeze. They walked along the soft trail, with cherry blossom trees lining the sides. They continued walking until the path lead them to a bridge that was over a clear stream.

Looking down on the water's smooth surface, Ken couldn't help but cherish the moment. He gazed upon his surroundings, smelled the cherry blossoms' soft fragrance, and caressed Yohji's hand in his own. He made a mental picture in his mind, a sort of mini movie, so that he'll remember this scene, setting, and situation forever.

"What are you thinking about Ani?" Yohji asked quietly, slipping his arm around Ken's waist and resting his head on his shoulder.

"Nothing in particular. I was just thinking how nice and peaceful it is here, being with you," he answered affectionately.

"I know. This is such a beautiful place. I often go here to seek solitude and when I want to be alone," he straightened up and led Ken to a bench by the side of the bridge.

They sat down and stayed quiet for a couple of minutes. The silence was comforting, not at all awkward. Ken cuddled up to Yohji leaned against his chest.

Yohji…I…love you. Say it, Hidaka. just tell him. Ken waged a silent war inside his head. He desperately wanted to come clean and confess. Two things will happen: either, Yohji would accept it, or Yohji would go ballistic. But I don't wanna lose him. If this is the only way to be with him, then…But it's so difficult. And I'm lying to him.

Ken sighed in defeat. I will tell him, but not right now. I don't wanna ruin the perfect night.

Ken looked up to see Yohji staring out into the distance. He seemed to be looking at the moon, lost in his own thoughts. The silver moonlight played on his features, softening the sharp angles of his jaw and chin, making him look fragile and vulnerable.

Ken was once more enticed to Yohji's beautiful, sexy lips. They, along with his jade eyes, held a certain spell over Ken. He was drawn to them like a moth to a flame.

He lightly touched his fingertips to Yohji's sensual mouth, before skimming up his face and gently stroking his cheek. He pushed back a lock of blond hair behind his ear and studied Yohji's intense eyes. He'd seen his eyes plenty of times before, but tonight, they seemed to hold his destiny. He could almost see his future in them. His future with Yohji.

With no hesitation or nervousness whatsoever, he kissed Yohji. A long, endearing, emotion-infused kiss. Ken couldn't hold back the desire raging through his body anymore. A soft kiss gradually turned into a frantic, passionate one. Ken was feverish with infatuation, he sucked on Yohji's lower lip causing the taller man to utter a soft gasp. He was now straddling Yohji on the bench, and he was so ready to will himself over to him. He let himself grow bolder and kissed down to Yohji's ear and neck. Caution and discretion vanished in the air, he couldn't control his emotions anymore.

"Ani…baby, slow down," Yohji whispered through gritted teeth.

Ken stopped abruptly and looked at Yohji. He saw the desire in his green eyes, too. What the hell? Yohji must be kidding. Not once has he ever refused a girl's advances. Well, as far as Ken knew, anyway.

Ken stood up, humiliation burning up his face. Did I do something wrong? My God, my actions were so inappropriate. He abruptly turned his back on Yohji, afraid to look at the reaction on his face. He bit his lip, hard, until he tasted blood, the pain distracting him from letting the tears that were precariously hanging on the edges of his eyes to fall. He took a deep breath.

One look at Yohji and he fled.

~*~*~*

Soooo…I know this one took a sharp turn…just swerved right outta the path, but I just…well…I just wanted to incorporate a twist in there somehow…keep you guys on your toes! Hope it didn't ruin it…but, uh, yeah…it got angsty, didn't it? A major change from the previous chapter…but you know, variety's good!

And so are reviews! (especially nice ones) *grin*