Pain. That was the first thing I was aware of when I opened my eyes again: daggers of white light striking through my eyes into the very recesses of my brain in the split second before I could lower my eyelids again, and continuing to send needles of pain inside my head like someone had dumped a jar of pins inside my skull before meticulously shaking it around like a maraca.
I groaned at the wholly unpleasant feeling and attempted to roll onto my side, away from the light, only to find something obstructing my way. Hesitantly, I cracked one eyes open as my curiosity got the better of me and saw only a large spot of blue. But… My sheets aren't blue… I thought slowly, momentarily forgetting my discomfort and blinking in confusion. I hissed in pain again.
The blue spot in front of me started moving, making little incoherent noises. Finally, it occurred to me: Ken had stayed the night. We had gone to Miyako's birthday party and… and I couldn't remember anything other than that.
There was a sudden knock on the door and before I could even raise my head to see, Jun opened the door and flipped on the lights. Ken and I cried out as our throbbing pain turned into agony when the lights flooded the room, interrupting whatever it was Jun was going to say. "Are you guys okei?" She asked, probably surprised by our reactions. I only whimpered and pulled a pillow over my head; dimly, I could feel Ken curling into a fetal position at my side, his elbows pressing against my ribs as he cradled his head. After a moment, another weight settled on the bed behind my back and Jun's hand started shaking my shoulder. "Oi, gaki! What's wrong with you?"
"Itaaii!" I whined, not caring that I really did sound like a brat when I whined. Chikuso, my head HURT!
Jun yanked the pillow off my head abruptly and I yelped again as I was reintroduced to the evil thing known as Light. A part of me was silently damning Hikari for my misery. "Sit up." Jun ordered.
"I dun wanna!" I complained, desperately wanting her to leave me alone.
Jun, of course, ignored me and forced me onto my back. "You look like hell," she stated with a slight frown.
"Then I look better than I feel. Go 'way."
"No. Let me smell your breath." Jun demanded.
"What?" I asked back in surprise, cracking one eye open to see her staring at me seriously. Damn, sometimes she took the whole 'big sister' thing a little overboard. I attempted to ignore her and roll back onto my side, away from her, but her hand on my shoulder kept me in place. Before I could open my mouth to protest again, she pinched my arm. Hard. "Itai! What do you think you're doing?!" I growled. I would have yelled, but my head was hurting enough already. She continued to ignore me, and leaned over me completely to pry Ken's arm away from his head, attempting to smell his breath too.
Abruptly she leapt of the bed – causing it to bounce painfully – and grinned triumphantly. "Aha! I knew it! You guys were drinking! You're hungover!"
"NANI?!" I yelped, and Ken echoed my sentiment before we both whimpered in pain. "Must you be so loud?" I muttered after. What the hell was she talking about, anyway? We weren't drinking… we're too young to drink!
"You're going to be in so much trouble when 'kaa-san finds out, Dai." Jun told us haughtily from where she still stood behind my back. I turned my head to look at her in panic.
"No, Jun you can't! Don't tell 'kaa-san!" She ignored me again and began walking towards the door. "Jun! You can't tell!" Kuso, another 'big sister' job she went overboard with: trying to get your sibling in trouble. Not that I didn't do it to her too, but still.
"And why not?" she asked, still heading for the door, though I think she slowed slightly.
"Because we didn't know we were drinking!" I snapped, "And 'though I'm used to you trying to get me in trouble, you'll get Ken in trouble too." Jun paused, seeming to consider it before shrugging and reaching for the doorknob. All right, fine, time for the last resort. "Takeru was there, too. How do you think Yamato's going to feel when he finds out you got his little brother in trouble?"
Jun stopped completely and turned to glare at me. Yeah, I knew she'd get mad about that one. She suddenly grinned and crossed her arms over her chest. "Ooh, that was good," she conceded, "Very clever, gaki. Fine, I won't tell. Just stay here for a few minutes."
"Like I'd wanna get up." I mumbled back, but she was already closing the door behind her. Thankfully, she actually turned off the lights on the way, which gave my burning eyes a little respite. Aa, Kami-sama my head hurt like hell.
"Is she gone?" Ken murmured a moment later from the vicinity of my ribs.
"Yeah." I answered, my already quiet voice muffled by the pillow I had pulled back over my head. Ken's only response was a pained sigh as he relaxed slightly.
"Is she always that loud?" the blue haired boy asked with obvious annoyance.
I peeked my head out of the pillow to frown at him. "You should know the answer to that one already, Ken." He grunted something incoherent and once more tried to curl himself into a compact ball. I pulled the pillow tight against my head again in a vain attempt to quell the pain. Several agonizing minutes passed, filled only with moans and whimpers in my small room, before I heard Jun return and close the door gently behind her. At least she was nice enough not to slam it, and when I cautiously peeked from under my pillow again, I found she had not only left the lights off, but had drawn the curtains over my window too. I smiled slightly into the mattress; Jun was in 'protective sister' mode.
Her weight settled on the bed at my back again and I pulled the pillow away as I twisted to see her. She was holding a cup in one hand and a small plate in the other. I looked between her and the plate with growing dread as my stomach churned uncomfortably.
"Sit up, both of you." Jun commanded us before I even had a chance to speak. Instead of obeying, I stared at her and pouted. Yes, I pouted; I'm in pain, I'm entitled to be petulant. Jun and I continued to stare at each other, and I would have continued to fight if it weren't for Ken suddenly sitting up to face Jun expectantly. "Ha! See gaki? At least your friends have some sense!"
As she began handing stuff off the plate to Ken, who accepted it wordlessly, I stuck my tongue out at my sibling and sat up also. Childishness can only be taken so far, after all. And if Ken was willing to submit, then what could I do? Once I was seated, I found a piece of toast in front of my face.
"Eat it." Jun ordered, pushing the roasted bread towards me more.
"I don't feel like eating," I told her, as I cringed away. The thought of food was very unappetizing at the moment, and I did want to end up like one of those people who wretch their guts when they're hungover. That's right, must kill Miyako for this… if Jun doesn't kill me first. I'm sure that huff of hers isn't a good thing.
"For once, just do as you're told, Daisuke. I'm trying to help you. Look, at least Ken is eating it." I turned to look at Ken accusingly, but he only smiled at me and shrugged.
"I figure she has more experience with this sort of thing." Ken explained.
"That's right, I – hey!! Why you little-!" Jun turned her glare to Ken, who only smiled sweetly and resumed nibbling on his toast. Jun held the glare on him for a little longer before facing me again. I sighed and took the slice, mumbling as I forced myself to nibble lightly. Ken always did have to show me up, damn him…
After a few minutes, we finished eating and Jun handed us the glass of water along with a few painkillers to swallow. By the time I finished swallowing them, I had to admit that I did feel a little better after eating. Not that I'd tell Jun, of course, that'd be against the rules. But I did appreciate it, so I didn't complain when she ruffled my already-messy hair and headed out of the room, giving one last command to sleep on her way.
"Jun!" I called out as she was leaving and she paused to look back in.
"Yeah, gaki?" she asked. I scowled but didn't comment.
"…Thanks."
She smiled, a genuine smile that I know not many people get to see. "No problem little brother. Get some sleep."
"Jun-san!" This time it was Ken calling her back in the door just before it closed, much to our mutual surprise.
"Ken?"
"Could you please do us one more favor?" he asked, smiling sweetly at her confused expression.
"What is it? You should get some more rest…"
"Hai, we will. But could you please bring us the phone first?" Jun just blinked at confusion at the odd request as Ken continued to smile, sickeningly sweet. But I caught the mischievous glint in his eyes and couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking of. Jun must have seen it too, because she suddenly laughed and shook her head.
"Sure thing, kid. Be right back." She shut the door lightly and disappeared down the hall. At that point I turned to Ken suspiciously, who was shifting into a more comfortable position on my bed. The bed wasn't that big, so we were lying pretty close to each other still. I propped my head up on my elbow and stared down into his clear blue eyes, trying to figure out what he was thinking. Eventually, I gave up with a sigh.
"Alright, what are you planning, Ichijouji?" I asked, trying to seem stern but not exactly feeling well enough to act. He only flashed me another sweet smile, the one that always lets you know something's going to happen. I was going to ask again, but Jun came in and tossed the phone on the bed without a word, leaving us again in solitude. Ken sat up partially and reached for the phone.
"I assume you have Miyako's number…?" he asked me sweetly, with that same glint in his eyes I had seen earlier.
Abruptly, I laughed just as Jun had and dug around in my nightstand drawer for the paper with her number on it. Ken snatched the paper out of my hands and dialed quickly, holding the cordless phone up to his ear. I almost laughed again from sheer excitement and anticipation this time, but Ken motioned me to be silent.
"Revenge is a dish best served cold." He smirked, and I felt the sudden urge to want to hug him; he was just so great! I resisted the temptation and waited patiently with a broad grin. "Moshi moshi, may I speak to Miyako please?" There was a short pause, during which time Ken tilted the phone out a little and I leaned in next to him to eavesdrop. After a moment there was a slurred and obnoxious greeting from the other end. "Ah, Miyako-san, ohayo gozaimasu." Ken replied genially, the smirk still gracing his pale lips.
"Ken!?" Miyako yelped incredulously and fumbled to reign in her obvious temper, loathe to loose status in the eyes of her crush. "Uhm, Ohayo… Ehh… Why are you calling me? Not that I mind you calling me! I mean, it's just kinda early and all and I don't know what reason–"
"Miyako-san," Ken interrupted lightly, using that tone of voice that could make anyone just shut up and melt into a happy little puddle of goo. Even I felt my stomach flutter when faced with the great Ichijouji Charm. With Miyako thus silenced, Ken continued to speak in a soft, airy voice of one who hadn't a care in the world, as opposed to a resentful boy with a painful hangover. "Miyako-san, I was just calling to thank you for–" Ken didn't get to finish, as I ripped the phone away from him impulsively to confront Miyako also.
"MIYAAKO!!" I screamed into the phone loudly. I could hear her screech on the other line, but I launched into my rant before she had a chance to berate me. "What the hell were you thinking last night!? I can't believe you'd actually do that to us! Not only am I in excruciating pain but I almost got in trouble from Jun and–" This time I was interrupted as Ken jerked the phone back, frowning at me. I blinked a couple times and smiled back in sheepish apology before I leaned forward again to listen to Miyako, who was audible even at a distance as she screamed at me.
"–are you talking about, 'actually do to you'? I didn't do anything! Are you trying to tell me that you're 'hurt' because of that stupid game? Come on, Daisuke! There wasn't–"
"YOU GOT US DRUNK!" I yelled into the phone, causing Ken to wince and Miyako to yelp again. In the next moment I found Ken's hand planted firmly over my mouth to prevent anymore outbursts. I guess he had his own plan anyway, so I tried and force myself to remain quiet and listen. Miyako continued to sputter incredulously at the accusations as Ken once again assumed his sweet-voiced coo, glaring at me threateningly over the phone.
"I'm really sorry about that Miyako-san, Daisuke isn't very happy when he's in pain, you know." Miyako muttered an agreement and I scowled at the both of them – well, Ken and the cordless phone. "Anyway, I was calling because I really wanted to thank you for last night."
"Wh-what?" Miyako stuttered, echoing my own thoughts. She got us drunk and he was THANKING her!? But Ken only winked at me slyly, making my confusion even worse.
"Mhmm. I really should be angry with you, I know, but," And here he sighed, sounding suspiciously like a fawning girl. "But I'm just too happy that I was finally able to express my true feelings. I had been too afraid to act on them before, but you know what alcohol does to you, takes away your inhibitions and all that." Miyako croaked incoherently on the other side as Ken expertly played the role of happy and in love, sighing contentedly at random times for effect.
Realizing what he was up to, finally, I grinned at the ideas running through my head. Revenge is a dish best served cold, but it's more fun when heated up a bit! Feeling a little wicked myself, I stuck my tongue out and lapped at the fingers still covering my mouth, drawing Ken's attention back to me as he jerked his hand back in surprise. Ignoring his look, I moved to nuzzle his neck just below the small handset against his ear.
"A-Ahh, yes. It was such a relief, Miyako-san! I just felt that I had to tell you, and thank you. For being such a good friend and whatnot." Ken continued to pour it on, even as I could feel him jerking reflexively as I teased at his pale throat. When I let my tongue drag along the curve before nipping lightly at the thin shoulder, Ken abruptly covered the mouthpiece of the phone and turned a glare on me. "What are you doing?" He hissed, his breathing a little irregular.
"Giving an added effect." I told him, flashing him my own mischievous grin as I pointed back at the phone. He stared at me, blue eyes completely perplexed, before setting the phone back against his ear and removing his hand.
"I really don't know how you knew; I had thought I'd kept the secret so well! But I guess you were too clever to ever be deceived, hm?"
I continued to kiss and nibble on his neck and shoulder, maneuvering around the phone carefully and letting my hands trace idle patterns on Ken's stomach and sides. He moaned lightly and switched the phone to his other ear, tilting his head to allow me better access. I smirked against the pale skin as I moved up towards the tender flesh under the jaw.
"I – ah! – uhm, wish you could have found a better way of doing this, though. Waking up with a splitting headache isn't really my – mmm – idea of a romantic morning." Ken's false wistful sigh turned into whimper as I worried his earlobe gently between my teeth, my hand snaking up his shirt to tease his chest playfully. The wide sapphire eyes slid closed as I felt a shiver roll throughout the length of his body. I led a trail of kisses back down his neck to suckle at the sensitive skin of his throat, above the collarbone, pulling another strained gasp free.
"Mou~! Ken-chaaaaan!" I whined, carefully projecting enough for the phone to hear, but not anyone outside my room. "Stop talking already so we can go back to bed, naaa?"
Ken nearly choked along with Miyako.
I grinned as I continued to tease his toned chest lightly and suckled the delicate hollow behind his jaw, just beneath the ear. Ken muttered a little bit more – amidst moans and whimpers – before hurriedly turning off the phone and dropping it to the floor beside the bed. I knew he ended the call, of course, since I was paying quite close attention to everything Ken was doing, but I realized… I was just having too much fun to stop right then. I mean, really! Those little sounds that Ken makes are intoxicating or something. I was only allowed to have my fun for another minute or two before he began making attempts at speech again. It was kind of funny, actually, seeing the genius Ken fumbling for words. He found some all too soon, I think.
"Daisuke," Ken began, and I made a small noise of attention by his ear that made him twist slightly. "Daisuke, what are you doing?" It was amazing, the way he could ask that question as I all but worshipped his alabaster flesh as though he were merely asking what the weather was like out of bored curiosity. I hid my smirk against him as I let my teeth graze the skin of his throat back up to his ear, suckling the lobe and humming slightly, wringing out another gorgeous moan.
"Added effect." I whispered again, nipping him slightly before moving down again to lay kisses upon the gentle curve of his neck and shoulder. I could feel him stifle a gasp as he tried to shift his body around on the small bed.
"Daisuke, the call is over…" he continued, his voice still deceptively calm and yet with a slight pitch to it. That bit alone made me shiver more than the little sounds I had managed to drag out so far.
"Mmm, really?" I asked, attempting to sound innocent and oblivious. Not that farfetched, knowing me, but better to make an attempt than just hope my reputation got me by. Ken didn't exactly fall for my reputation anyway, and usually knew what I was really thinking no matter what stupid thing I was doing. Hopefully, though, I had him a little too occupied to know this time. Still, even I know when I'm pushing my luck so I stopped my bombardment and just rested my chin on his shoulder and dropped my hands back down to his waist.
We sat in silence for a few moments and I could feel Ken consciously calming himself. Something in my belly curled delightfully at the fact that I managed to ruffle his silky blue feathers, so to speak. I didn't move or speak, just sat with my head resting on his shoulder and my hand still caressing across the slender stomach, though much more subtle than before. I wasn't really thinking about what I was doing anymore, getting lulled by my own movements and the rhythmic breathing, so I wasn't all that aware of the fact that my hand was dancing feather-light across the skin just above the waistband.
Ken went slightly rigid against me and jerked in my grasp. Suddenly, he tossed himself back against the bed, and since I was still tangled on him I landed sprawled half across his lithe form. There was a slight frown marring his features and his lips parted to admit a faint whimper into the air. My hands were sufficiently trapped so I went back to teasing the skin hidden beneath the shirt. I could finally understand what Ken had meant way back as the Kaizer; seeing him squirm was very delicious.
Another odd, and exceptionally out of place, thought occurred to me then : alcohol seemed to widen my vocabulary. My thoughts were actually sounding half-way intelligent! It's kind of –
Oh, he's making sounds again. I trailed my fingers down his breastbone and curved up around his side again to trace his ribs, hunting for that special touch that would make him shiver again. Abruptly, Ken threw one arm around my shoulders and a leg around my hip, pinning me against him so that I was inhaling the thin strands of navy hair that fanned the pillow by his head, deprived of watching him. My breath escaped in a hiss as the feeling of his warm breath tickling my ear made my spine tingle.
"Stop being a tease, Daisuke," Ken murmured huskily against my ear, tightening his hold on me so that we were pressed flush against each other. I couldn't hold back the whimper that keened in my throat and my hand tightened a bit on his ribs, making him shift against me more. I turned and tried to nip him.
"It's only teasing if you want it." I pointed out, then levered myself up a bit to look at him. It didn't feel that good, considering my other arm was trapped underneath him, but oh well. We just stared at each other for a minute, our breathing both a bit erratic. His eyes were wide and surprised, flickering slightly from side to side as he searched my own for something.
"I think," he said at length, "That the alcohol is still affecting you. You're acting awfully strange, Motomiya." Damn, my arm was really starting to hurt, but I tried to ignore it and just rolled my eyes exaggeratedly.
"Oh and you're one to talk, Ichijouji-sama," I snickered, "Have we forgotten that phone call already?" I tried not to grin as he blushed lightly. Haha! Gotcha. Without really thinking about it, I moved to roll my shoulders in a shrug, forgetting until it was too late the awkward and precarious position I was already in. The last strength vanished from my arm and I collapsed back down on Ken.
You know, it's funny, but I always thought the whole "I fell and our lips just happened to touch" thing was lame and clichéd. Never really thought it could actually happen, let alone to me. So it really was funny when that very thing did happen, and I ended up with my lips pressed almost painfully hard against Ken's after I fell. I pulled myself up enough to relieve the pressure a bit, but my arm was too sore and tired to lift me completely. That, and I belatedly realized that we had both just gone with the accident and were kissing. Again. My, that's becoming quite a little habit…
It wasn't long before we couldn't help ourselves anymore and broke apart, laughing hysterically. Granted, it was funny, but probably not enough to warrant our gales. We just kept laughing for no apparent logical reason. It was my ribs' turn to ache, then, and even after it hurt just to breathe we couldn't seem to stop laughing.
Konpeitou : Ehehe.. sorry this took so long. I had guests for New Year's weekend and didn't really have time to update anything. I'll make up for it by posting the next part as soon as I get at least two more reviews for this –
Kuja : Sadist. =.=
Konpeitou : Hush. I'll post the next part no matter what, it'll just come faster with reviews ^__^; Hope you all are liking this… it was just a random idea I wrote to cure some boredom last summer. Ja~ na!
Konpeitou : Etou… also, is there too much Japanese in here, or should I put translations? I try not to put too much or lighten it up, but it's habit by now… x.x; whee… comments are helpful~