A/N: Mel: TA-DA! Chapter two!!
Shippou: Filled of twists and turns and MUSIC!
Pietro: You still haven't answered me…. WHAT THE F*** IS THIS??
Dai: Umm something about Karaoke?
Yama: **now slightly recovered and in wheelchair** And dealing in season four.
Pietro: YAMA!! **carefully glomps him** you're okay! **cries** I WAS SO WORRIED AND ALONE!!!
Joey: **playing on a GB-A** Yeah…. You should see the death threats and poetry this guy did over the whole thing….
Pietro: **blushes madly but still gives Joey a death glare** You went in my journal??
Takepon: Okay yeah, just review please…
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Takuya climbed down from the stage as everyone clapped loudly. Pyro hugged him and the couple was also there to talk to him. Kouji watched him silently as they headed towards the table. JP and Zoé were talking in their seats. Kouji slipped away unnoticed as Takuya's group arrived and the two boys were introduced, Dustin and Andrew. "Where's Kouji?" Takuya asked as they all sat down.
"He stayed here when JP and I went to dance… He was here when we got back," Zoé said looking around. Someone was taking the stage and received a few catcalls. The group wasn't looking at the stage until the song started and Takuya looked ready to have a heart attack.
~ Got to fight another fight - I gotta run another night
Get it out - check it out
I'm on my way and I don't feel right
I gotta get me back - I can't be beat and that's a fact
It's OK - I'll find a way~
"That song is so Kouji," Zoé said.
"I'll take your word for it toots," Andrew said.
"Don't call me toots!"
"Don't call me Andrew, call me Drew," he countered. Zoé nodded glaring at him.
"He can sing," Pyro said. "And like Bryan Adams at that! That's it, man this guy is too good for his own good!"
"Hands off," Takuya growled to her.
"Jezebel me later hun, right now look at your guy!" she exclaimed.
~You ain't gonna take me down no way
Don't judge your fate 'til you know what's inside it
Don't' push me - I'll fight it
Never gonna give in - never gonna give it up no
If you can't catch a wave then you're never gonna ride it
You can't come uninvited
Never gonna give in - never gonna give up no
You can't take me I'm free ~
Kouji had the eyes of several guys. Pyro rolled her eyes. "It's not a Toni Braxton! That's a dude!" she yelled at a group of straight guys cat-calling. The group quickly stopped and ran into the restroom.
"That wasn't smart for them," the four regulars said.
"Why not?" JP asked.
"Well, you see. There is one thing you have to know about this club," Drew started.
"They're marked, but it don't mean shit," Dustin finished.
"Oh," JP and Zoé said.
"And it happens to be a great make-out spot! Not that I know or anything," Pyro said.
~Why did it all go wrong? - I wanna know what's going on
And what's this holding me?
I'm not where I supposed to be
I gotta fight another fight
I gotta fight will all my might
I'm getting out, so check it out
Ya, you're in my way
So you better watch out~
"The boy has made himself worthy," Pyro said to Takuya as they all jumped up and clapped for him. Takuya, Drew, and Dustin whistled loudly. "Men," she said which got a shove from Drew. "Hey Kouji, what a song babe! For a sec I thought you weren't singing and Bryan Adams was backstage."
"Um, thanks?" he said hesitantly.
"Not a prob. I give credit where credit is due," she said.
"You thank the bank for the money, thank god for you," Drew muttered to a tune.
"Who asked for your two cents?" she asked. "By the by Kouji, this the Drew and Dustin. You were MIA during the introductions."
"You never said you could sing Kouji," Takuya said leaning over the booth and smiling at him.
"You never asked, Takuya," he said in a monotonic voice. Pyro scowled at the depressing tone.
"Come on! Boonecat!" she said excitedly and pulled Takuya along towards the stage. "Opps! JP has to go first!" she said turning around and smiling at the large brunette.
"What? I can't sing?!" he said before Drew and Dustin had a hold of him and were pretty much dragging him towards the stage while Takuya and Pyro trailed them. JP took the stage and introduced himself kinda quietly.
~Haven't you heard what's new
There is a rumor
Going around that suddenly I've found you
Better believe it's true
I got a feeling
This is for real and nobody else will do~
"That's so sweet," Drew said sitting next to Zoé. "I know this song. It has to be to you."
"Really? Well.." Zoé blushed.
~You are my princess
You make me smile
You make my life seem worthwhile
You are my princess
You are the one
You make the sun shine on me
You're one fine lady
You're my princess
You're my princess~
"So, saccharine... It makes my teeth hurt," Kouji muttered. The two glared at him. Kouji rolled his eyes and tuned them completely out and moved closer to the stage so he could have a better view of Takuya when he went on again.
~Haven't you heard them say
I was a prisoner
Buried alive now suddenly I've been freed
But love is the sweetest way
Oh I was lonely
And now you're the only lover that I'll ever need~
"He'll have a hard time as anyone's boyfriend. I know lots of guys and gals that were asking Takuya about him," Drew told Zoé quietly. The girl gasped.
"What did Takuya say?"
"He refused to tell them anything more than name. But Mitch, that's him over there," Drew pointed. "He has a rep that is NOT good. He's got his eye on both of them… Takuya's vibrant and such. A bright and beloved soul," Drew said wistfully. "Mitch so wants to taint him. And Kouji, well. Kouji has some feminine features and well; he's dark. He has that mysterious aura about him and he seems to be…"
"The kind that would go for the 'kinkier' stuff?" Zoé asked.
"As long as it's rough. Dusti and I are petrified every time that Mitch looks at Takuya. I mean, there's not much I can do… If you can't tell I'm almost total queen."
"I can tell," Zoé giggled and Drew smiled as he hailed a waiter and got them both drinks. JP was making his way over and sat down on Zoé's other side. "You were great honey," she said kissing his cheek. JP blushed and murmured something.
"He's a catch," Drew said with giggle. Zoé smiled to him. "Dustin can't get into another fight or I'll loose him! He's got into with Mitch many times, over me a couple of them, but Mitch gets off free because someone he knows is the cop that always shows up. One more strike, and Dusti goes into total lockdown! I can't let happen and he hates the thought of loosing me like that.. because he can't protect me from there and such. But Pyro, she's ready to seriously injure Mitch. He tried to force himself on Takuya once and Pyro went ballistic on him. It was kinda scary. But Mitch is determined to get Takuya and it now seems Kouji… I thought that you should know since they're your friends."
"Thanks for telling me," Zoé said.
"By the way girl, where do you shop?" he asked looking over her clothes. The two went into a heated conversation about fashion.
"Ladies and Gents, and all those in between! Pyro and Takuya have a treat for you tonight. Everyone heard of that new American band Boonecat? Well, they're gonna do their first hit for ya!" Dustin exclaimed, as the crowd seemed to roar. "Complete with a improvisation skit to start," he said sticking his tongue out and leaving the stage. Pyro and Takuya came on the stage, well climbed was more like it, and started.
"He did what?" Takuya asked pretending to be shocked.
"He walked out on me! After I caught him sleeping with that girl," Pyro said.
"Man, he's gonna get what's coming to him," Takuya said as a beat started loud enough you could feel it through the floor. Pyro nodded and launched into the first verse singing to many boys as Takuya came in for the refrains. Kouji eyed Takuya's body as he danced along with Pyro. On the roll most the audience was drooling, including Kouji when Takuya's muscled stomach was exposed. Pyro grinned. Her stomach was already bared for view in her baby-doll Blink 182 shirt. When they were done there was a huge roar of applause. They smiled and Pyro left the stage but Takuya stayed on and began another song, which had some people swaying with dance partners.
~ Don't wish it away
Don't look at it like it's forever
Between you and me I could honestly say
That things can only get better
------------
And while I'm away
Dust out the demons inside
And it won't be long before you and me run
To the place in our hearts where we hide ~
"He likes you, you know that?" Pyro asked Kouji as he watched Takuya sing again.
~ And I guess that's why they call it the blues
Time on my hands could be time spent with you
Laughing like children, living like lovers
Rolling like thunder under the covers
And I guess that's why they call it the blues ~
"I'm finding that out," Kouji said before Takuya smiled at him while he sang.
~ Just stare into space
Picture my face in your hands
Live for each second without hesitation
And never forget I'm your man ~
"And you like him," Pyro said simply.
"No. I love him," Kouji corrected. They only talked when Takuya wasn't looking at them.
"Then tell him," Pyro said. "He'd love to know it…he doesn't think you feel the same.."
~ Wait on me boy
Cry in the night if it helps
But more than ever I simply love you
More than I love life itself
And I guess that's why they call it the blues
Time on my hands could be time spent with you
Laughing like children, living like lovers
Rolling like thunder under the covers
And I guess that's why they call it the blues ~
"Takuya is now officially gay," Zoé declared.
"He sings like that all the time. Why do you think Pyro brought him here? The populace is very eclectic and a majority is at least bi. Takuya is one of the few that haven't picked up someone from here. Dustin and I are the only others. And well, now you two. No one counts the kids that have to leave at ten," Drew explained when JP made to comment on their friend that sang earlier.
~ Wait on me boy
Cry in the night if it helps
But more than ever I simply love you
More than I love life itself
And I guess that's why they call it the blues
Time on my hands could be time spent with you
Laughing like children, living like lovers
Rolling like thunder under the covers
And I guess that's why they call it the blues ~
Takuya bowed at the applause and whistles, and a few catcalls. He made to climb down when a tall pale boy with bleached white hair seized his hand. He looked sorta like he was dead in a way. "Hey, sweet. You sang me song?" he purred to him. Kouji's tempered flared, as did Pyro's. They began to make their way towards Takuya who looked like a cornered sheep.
"Actually, no," he said.
"Ah, but no one's marked you," Mitch said pulling Takuya to him. "So was the song to anyone in particular? Since it wasn't me, I don't think so though…"
"It doesn't matter who I sang it to! It wasn't to you! Let me go!" Takuya growled struggling against the grip on his wrist and waist.
"Ah, but it does… You know that you're gonna be mine… Why waste your time with some loser?"
"You're the loser Mitch!" Takuya spat. Mitch's grip tightened and Takuya gasped in pain.
"You can make this easier on yourself if you just cooperate my little hottie," Mitch growled in his ear moving in to kiss it. Takuya had to fight the urge to puke.
"Let me go!" he pleaded. He glanced over Mitch's shoulder and saw Pyro's bright red hair trying to shove it's way towards him. 'Please don't let Kouji see me like this!' he silently asked. Mitch began to nibble on Takuya's ear. "STOP!" he begged as a tear ran down his cheek.
"You don't seem to be making me," was the response. Takuya choked out a sob of frustration as he pushed against the other's shoulders.
"Let me go! Get away from me!"
"No," Mitch laughed before he was grabbed from behind roughly and Takuya stumbled back into Pyro who was checking him over for any injuries or bites muttering about getting rabies or something of the like.
"Didn't he tell you to leave him alone?" a voice demanded. Takuya looked up to see a very pissed off Kouji staring at Mitch.
"What do we have here?" Mitch asked praising Kouji with his eyes. "And I thought Takuya was as hot as guys got…" Mitch moved in for the kill only to be met with a fist to the face. "You're a feisty one huh?"
"No. I just seem to hate you," Kouji responded. Zoé, Dustin, JP, and Drew were suddenly there.
"Aw… Someone like you? Hate me? But I can make any fantasy come true…" Mitch purred to him advancing again. Zoé pressed herself into JP's arms.
"Not mine," Kouji said punching him again giving him a nicely busted lip.
"No one, messes up my face," Mitch said eyes blazing.
"Really? I think it makes a wonderful improvement!" Kouji snapped. Mitch growled and threw a punch at Kouji who block it and returned with one of his own. It was an all out fight. Some one had gotten on the microphone for the stage and was giving a play by play.
"Take away his manhood, new guy!" some one yelled from the crowd.
"Yeah Kouji! Kick his ass!" Drew yelled. People started cheering for Kouji.
"What made you think I was so bad?" Mitch asked as he stood up. Kouji was in a ready type position.
"You touched Takuya, and it was obvious he didn't want you to touch him," Kouji said.
"What so my little toy is a friend of yours?" Mitch asked. "He tastes really sweet…" Mitch had a leering look on his face. Kouji wiped it off with a backhand.
"Takuya is no pawn of you sadistic game," Kouji spat. Takuya looked at Mitch on the floor he had a funny look on his face. Glints from near his belt sent shivers down his spine. He saw it just as he was about to pull it out.
"KOUJI look out!" Takuya cried trying to get to Kouji but Pyro grabbed him and stopped him Kouji dodged the thrusts of Mitch's hand that contained the knife.
"Face it, Kouji was it? No one refuses me… I kept giving Takuya a chance because it would be a shame to waste those pretty looks of his…" Mitch sneered, "but you won't be so lucky…"
"Leave him alone Mitch!" Takuya yelled at him. Mitch smiled to him; it was a weird one that made even Pyro shiver at it.
"Hey! What the fu-" was all that Pyro got out before her mouth had something shoved in it so she couldn't speak. She started to struggle against whoever had grabbed her. Takuya was shoved forward and Mitch grabbed him. Pressing the blade to his throat, he sneered at Kouji who looked horrified.
"You're angry with me, Mitch. Let Takuya go!" Kouji growled out. Zoé had a hand to her mouth. She turned and hid her face in JP's shoulder as he tightened his hold on her and stroked her back soothingly.
"What if I do? I allow you to have this little prize," Mitch asked grinning as he ran his lips over Takuya's neck. The brunette was shocked still. He feared if he moved the knife would cut his throat.
"Takuya is a person! Not some prize to be won!" Kouji said, his eyes not leaving Takuya. The brunette looked at him and Kouji could see only apology in those beautiful eyes. "Let him go…and you can do what you want with me, just let Takuya go…" Mitch smirked. He'd won.
"Bye sweet heart," he cooed to Takuya turning him around and kissing him roughly before shoving him harshly away. Kouji caught him and pulled him close. "Now keep your end."
Kouji smirked. "Did I say when?"
"You little…"
"When hell freezes over you sadistic bastard. DON'T EVER even TOUCH Takuya again or I'll make sure you regret it with your life," he hissed as Pyro was let go and he led Takuya away from Mitch and out of the club. Drew, Dustin, Pyro, Zoé, and JP followed making sure that Mitch or his friends didn't.
"We'll take my jeep," Pyro said walking over and turning off the alarm. Drew and Dustin climbed in the very back, while JP and Zoé had the back seat. Kouji and Takuya squeezed in by Pyro in the front. "So, JP and Zoé, where am I dropping you two off at?" she asked as they pulled away from the club.
"My house. On Everglade Ave, just three houses from Hikaido Park," Zoé answered her.
"Nice district," Pyro said as she sped towards it. They were all quiet. Zoé was leaning against JP drawing comfort from his presence, Drew was curled up on Dustin's lap the two embracing tightly. Takuya sat in between Kouji and Pyro with his arms wrapped tightly around himself. Kouji kept trying to get Takuya to look at him, but he refused. Zoé and JP got out, bidding goodnight to everyone. "Alright cuz, where are y'all heading?"
"Uncle's is fine, Kel," Drew answered. She gave a short nod and soon they were climbing out at an apartment building near Kouji's.
"You can use my cell to call your parents-" Kel started before Kouji interrupted.
"I live with just my dad."
"Your dad then, and tell him you're staying with Takuya at a friend's house. Since it's almost one anyway, you can say since it's so late…" Kouji nodded and took the offered phone and called his father who said it was fine and next time to just call in the morning instead of waking him up when he had work in the morning.
"What's your name?"
"Kelly Johenson. My parents moved here with my aunt, who's Drew's mum, when I was six. Drew was born here to my aunt and her husband who has a brother. Who is also gay and Drew considers that a safe haven. Takuya, please stay with us honey till we get to my apartment okay?"
The boy gave a slight nod and whimper.
"Damn that Mitch. Next time I see him I swear to god I'll call him out on all that he's done! If not that kill him!" Kouji looked at her a little confused. "Takuya's the little brother I never got to have," she explained. "His mom always calls me up to do things for him because she wants someone he can trust." Kelly shook her head and her red hair with orange tips flew about before she pulled into a parking garage.
"Takuya, we're here… Come on, please?" Kouji asked once the car was parked and he had climbed out. Takuya looked at him before taking the offered hand hesitantly. Kouji let his hand go, sensing it cause him uneasiness and shut the door. Kelly turned on the alarm. She led them to the elevator and they were on their way to her apartment.
"Okay, two doors down is my guest room. The third drawer of the fire dresser has some night clothes in it that should fit you as well as Takuya," Kelly explained as she turned on the hallway light that revealed a wildly decorated apartment of murals and paintings all over the place. "Go on and we can all talk in the morning…" she said ushering the two boys into the room and then leaving to go into her own room. Kouji watched her before turning around to Takuya who sat in a modern-esque chair by the window.
"Takuya," Kouji said gently kneeling next to him. The other boy looked up at him.
"Yeah, Kouji?" he asked very quietly.
"You need to change for bed…"
"You aren't going to leave?" Takuya asked him, fear in his eyes.
"Just while you change Takuya… I'll get a pair of pajama pants and if you could point me in the direction of the bathroom I'll give you your privacy." Takuya nodded and they changed in their separate rooms. Kouji knocked gently on Takuya's door to see if he was done. A soft 'come in' was his answer. Takuya was in the chair again but in pajamas. "Takuya.. Are you okay?" Kouji asked from the door. Takuya made a jerky nod. Kouji gave a faint smile. "That's good. But something is bothering you…"
"Nothing, Kouji…" Takuya said.
"Come on... it's about two now… let's get some sleep." Takuya nodded but made no sign that he was going to move for a few minutes. Kouji rolled his eyes and walked over to the brunette before picking him up and placing the startled boy in bed and tucking him in. "There…" he said before grabbing a throw-over from another chair and laying down beside Takuya with only the throw-over as a cover. Kouji fell asleep rather quickly but Takuya lay awake, watching him. How could Kouji stand to be near him after what happened with Mitch? It made no sense to the brunette at all.
"Thank you… for staying with me…." Takuya whispered before kissing Kouji's cheek lightly. Kouji murmured something and smiled. Takuya bit his lip. He had no idea who his best friend liked, but it couldn't be him. That was painfully obvious. Tears began to form slightly before he noticed a slight shiver go through Kouji's body. Sitting up fully, allowing the covers to fall away, he realized how cold the room was. He carefully moved about pulling the blankets from under Kouji to cover him and keep him warm before climbing back into bed and snuggling close to where Kouji was….trying to draw strength from his friend.
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A/N: Mel/Kat: And Joey is trying to stay away from a very angry Pietro.
Draco: When are you posting chapter one Kat?
Kat: Ummm which chapter one? And why are you calling me Kat?
Draco: Because I can quite frankly and you remind me of a cat and you always have to be different so Kat.
Kat: But Bunns calls me that!! **Bunny yells in a 'DAMN RIGHT!!'** See?
Draco: But I have magic and she has just anger.
Kat: **sweatdrop** whatever… Wolfie does too and all so why not. And which chapter one? If you can't tell folks I'm working on Harry Potter stuff…
Draco: EITEHR!
Yama: Please do not yell so close to the injured…
Draco: Sorry.
Yama: S'okay.
Takepon: PLEASE REVIEW! You read so please review if you can put it into words… She's writing reviews offline and throwing them away because they don't sound right on some fics…. Mel, you're scaring me…
Yama: The small one scares me… **Shippou has chosen to curl up and fall asleep in his lap** And where is Dai?
**everyone shruggs**
Y,Draco,T: PLEASE REVIEW!! ^_^