Disclaimer/warnings: See first chapter. I'm not going to move them, I
promise.
A/N: This is it, the climax! Will Yohji win or lose the bet? What about Omi - will Yohji finally sort out his feelings? Are we -ever- going to find out who Ken likes? Well, I've been dropping hints forever, but as far as explicitly stating it. . . we'll just have to wait and see. This chapter will also have Schwartz in it somewhere, because I love them but they just didn't fit into the storyline very well, you know? Oh yes, and Schuldich would like to say that, in fact, NO, Yohji CANNOT out-flirt him, and if he were in this situation, he'd have won the bet within the first day. I'm not sure I believe THAT, but whatever Schu. Anyway, here we go!
____________________________________________________________________________ __________
When Yohji stumbled down the stairs in the morning, still confused about the night before and groggy from lack of sleep, he found Ken and Aya arguing about the care of the gentians and Omi sweeping the back closet. Over the loud discussion in the shop, Yohji managed to ask Omi about the 'dream' he'd had last night - namely, Omi visiting his room and kissing him. Omi denied everything, but his face got very red and he hurried away to help a waiting customer. Yohji watched him go with a thoughtful expression on his face. //If only Omi could've been the one to walk in that door instead of Ken,// Yohji thought, then slapped his forehead. NO! He was NOT in love with Omi. He'd decided this. Omi didn't love him and he didn't love Omi. It was plain and simple.
Except, of course, that it was a lie, and one he was having a hard time instigating in his mind. He cared too much about the boy for the lie to settle well with him, and lying to oneself is always hard to do. Yohji shook his head. No, not now. He'd have to wait until he was done winning this bet to think such things about Omi. Otherwise, he'd never manage to seduce Ken.
As he'd been lying awake last night, Yohji's mind had drifted back to what Aya had said during their chess game - a haphazard aggressive strategy, not regarding his opponent seriously, failing to strategize and take in his opponent's weaknesses. He'd been too forward, too forceful with Ken - he should have been subtle, slow, and realistic. Ken was real person, not like the endless women he dated, and wouldn't fall over every time Yohji so much as winked. Yohji shook his head mournfully. Apparently flirting was a mental game, too.
Well anyway, now that he had that figured out, it ought to be easier to get to Ken's heart, right? The problem was, he only had a day left, and that was short even for Yohji. He steeled himself and opted to give it his all anyway. What good would it do him to give up now? Walking over to where Aya and Ken were arguing, he waited for them to finish, and when they showed no signs of doing so, broke in gracefully.
"The gentians were supposed to be delivered in prime condition, but you've left them long enough that-"
"You're absolutely right, Aya," Yohji interrupted their leader. Aya gave him his iciest glare. "Can I borrow Kenken for just a minute?" Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed said brunette and steered him away. Ken sighed in relief.
"Thanks Yohji. I was starting to fear for my life there." Yohji gave him a wry smile.
"Nah, don't be scared of Aya, Kenken - he seems harsh, but deep down he really loves you." Ken blushed scarlet, and Yohji noted this with interest.
"Yohji!" Ken growled, obviously embarrassed. He glanced at Aya, then back to his feet. "Shut up," he commanded weakly of his comrade.
Yohji put his hands up in a don't-shoot-me pose. "Hey, hey - take it easy. It's not like you -care- or anything, right?"
"Of course not," Ken answered, still not meeting his gaze. Yohji was suspicious, and raised a blonde eyebrow to convey his doubt. Ken glared at him.
"You needed to speak to me?" he asked icily, obviously having picked the tone up from his redheaded comrade. Yohji smiled slightly.
"I need you to meet me for dinner," he answered. "7:30 at Joe's - I'll pick you up, okay?"
Ken got a curious expression on his face, and glanced over his shoulder to where Omi was watering the flowers. "Actually, Yohji, why don't I just meet you there? It's that restaurant downtown, right?" Yohji nodded. "I've got some things I need to deliver for Aya about that time, so I'll be a little late getting home and I wouldn't want you to wait for me." He gave Yohji a half-hearted smile. "'Kay?"
Yohji was surprised, but nodded amicably. At least Ken hadn't turned him down - he'd been worried that Ken wouldn't even give him a chance to explain everything. Smiling, he moved to the register and gave Omi a wink, which Omi returned with a confused expression. //Just let me get through these two days, Chibi,// Yohji thought to himself. //Then I'll think of something. . . I'll come up with something. . . hopefully I'll be able to steal your heart from whoever has it now.// Yohji sighed and began ringing up purchases, flirting with anyone female. He noticed Ken going out the door with the deliveries eventually, and tried hard to think about the brunette he was supposed to be wooing, but his thoughts kept drifting to a certain blonde-haired, blue-eyed comrade instead. . .
******************
Ken sped along the highway on his motorcycle, flowers held steadily in the saddlebags. He was only vaguely paying attention to the road - most of his thoughts were on his lanky blonde comrade. Yohji wanted to take Ken out to dinner - at a nice place, too, not a club or run-down bar. Maybe Yohji wanted to explain everything that had been going on. Maybe Yohji had a good reason for flirting with Ken and ignoring Omi this past week. Ken just hoped everything could go back to normal soon.
He snapped to attention as he turned off of the freeway and onto the city streets. He paused by the curb to glance once more at the address Aya had given him. Frowning, he found the connecting street and started off. After a few more minutes of riding, he arrived at a large brick structure that looked slightly run-down. He wrinkled his nose at the smell coming from the alleyway, but grabbed the huge bushels of flowers the customer had requested and headed to the door, forced to ring the doorbell with his nose since his arms were full.
There were footsteps in the entryway, and then the door opened to reveal a tall orange-haired man in a pink bathrobe, his long hair pulled back into a simple ponytail. Ken gaped first at his attire, then at the man himself.
"Schwartz!" he cried, stepping backwards. Schuldich blinked at him.
"Weiss?" he said, sounding slightly amused. "What are you doing here, Katzchen?"
Ken blinked several times, then looked down at his arms, full to bursting with lilies and tulips. "I - I was supposed to deliver these flowers. . . " he started, but was cut off at Schuldich's squeal.
"Ooh! Nagi, Farfie! Bradley's flowers are here!" He grabbed Ken's arm and pulled the startled assassin inside. Ken tried to jerk away, but Schuldich kept a firm grip on his captive. He was led through a main hallway and into the living room, which, he was surprised to see, looked fairly normal. There was a TV, a couch and two overstuffed armchairs, in which were lounging Schwartz's Naoe Nagi and Farfello. Ken steeled himself. If there were a fight, he'd be badly outnumbered.
But no one seemed in the mood for a confrontation. Nagi jumped up with a happy yipping sound and snatched the flowers out of Ken's arms, dropping a few. The psychotic Irishman picked up the few flowers on the floor and followed the chibi into the kitchen, where they grabbed several vases and began setting the flowers around the house. Schuldich watched their antics for a moment, then turned to Ken, still smiling. "I'm glad they're so enthusiastic," he said conversationally. "It was hard to get them to agree to the party at first, but Bradley -is- turning thirty, and I thought we should have a big celebration." Ken's mind spun. A birthday party? Schwartz wasn't normal enough to have a birthday party, right? He shook his head, but Schuldich, catching his thoughts, said, "Everyone had birthday parties, Kenken. We're not monsters, you know." He winked. "By the way, it was so nice of that redhead of yours to deliver the flowers for us."
Ken blushed and nodded, still somewhat confused. It didn't seem right - Schwartz ordering flowers and all. But then he thought about Schuldich's words and smiled. The German was right. Schwartz might be enemies, but they weren't monsters, and everyone needed a break now and then. Schuldich nodded to him, then joined his teammates in decorating the otherwise sparse apartment. Ken watched them for a few minutes, then noticed the time.
//7:00! Crap, I'm going to be late!// he thought. Rushing out the door, he called back, "Bye Schwartz! Tell Crawford happy birthday for me!" With that, he boarded his motorcycle and roared away.
Schuldich watched him go, a wry smile on his features. "Goodbye Kenken," he said softly. "And good luck with that secret of yours." That said, he turned back to Nagi and Farfie, who were trying to put flowers in each other's hair. His smile spread rapidly across his face. "Bradley- chan will love this!" he cried exuberantly. His teammates stared at him for a moment, then continued attacking each other with the tulips.
******************
Yohji sat in the restaurant, tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. Ken was ten minutes late, and he was getting rather hungry. He also had butterflies in his stomach for the first time in quite a while. What if Ken wasn't willing to help him? What if Ken was? Would Ken want more out of the relationship than what it took to win the bet? What was Yohji going to do about Omi.
As his thoughts were wandering haphazardly, he heard someone clearing their throat beside him. Looking up, he saw not Ken's face, but Omi's. The younger man was dressed well, and looked extremely nervous. Yohji watched his friend's face for a moment until Omi blurted out, "Ken-kun can't come, Yohji-kun. He was too tired when he got back from the deliveries."
Yohji sighed at this information. "Well damn," he said aloud, starting to rise out of his chair. "I guess I'd better just get home then." He started to walk away from the table, but stopped at a soft grip on his arm.
"Anou, Yohji-kun. . . I know you really wanted to have dinner with Ken-kun, but I - I was thinking. . . maybe we could - maybe you could have dinner with me instead?" Yohji looked at his friend in surprise, but Omi refused to meet his eyes. Yohji studied Omi's blushing countenance for a moment, then smiled.
"Sure thing Omittchi," he said, sitting down again. "I'd love to have dinner with you." Omi looked up at him and his eyes sparkled, reminding Yohji of stars at twilight. He thought about mentioning this, but it seemed too cliché, so he kept his mouth shut. Happily, Omi seated himself across from Yohji, and their conversation drifted away into the darkening sky.
*******************
Ken hurriedly parked his motorcycle on the curb of Joe's restaurant, trying to straighten his wrinkled shirt as he rushed up the steps. He was at least thirty minutes late, and Yohji would no doubt be furious at the brunette for making him wait. Ken brushed his hair out of his eyes and headed into the restaurant, ignoring the waitress who asked to seat him. He glanced this way and that, looking hard for a familiar figure with long blonde hair and ever-present sunglasses.
Finding none, he headed out onto the balcony, where the gentle lamplight was just beginning to cover the dark tables in a dream-like haze. And that's when he saw Yohji, seated at a table by the railing, sipping contentedly at some drink or another. But he wasn't alone. Omi was seated across the table from Yohji, talking excitedly, his eyes bright. Ken stopped and smiled. Apparently, Omi had decided to take matters into his own hands. Ken shook his head and Omi, noticing the movement, looked up and blushed. Ken gave him a thumbs-up sign, and the boy smiled gently. Then Ken made his way back through the restaurant, a huge smile firmly ensconced on his face.
When he reached his motorcycle, he got yet another surprise. There, leaning casually against Ken's bike, was Aya, a small smile playing across his lips at Ken's shocked expression. His eartails waved in the light breeze as he met Ken halfway down the steps. Quietly, he lifted a hand to Ken's shoulder, making the brunette shiver.
"I wanted to warn you that Omi took your place at the restaurant," he said, an almost amused tone playing in his words. "I was a bit late, I see." Ken nodded and shrugged.
"Oh well. I'm glad he and Omi are going to work things out. They've been dancing around each other -forever-." Aya's eyes glinted in amusement.
"Hn." Ken smiled at his leader and headed for his motorcycle, intent on getting home and taking a shower after his long day. He was stopped by Aya's hand on his shoulder, a light pressure all it took to hold him in place. "I don't suppose you need a dining partner?" Aya asked gently. Ken froze. Aya was offering to come to dinner with him? He turned to look into the redhead's violet eyes, shocked at the wealth of emotion he found there. His smile grew, if possible, even wider. He reached down and took Aya's hand in his, watching the look of surprise that ran fleetingly across Aya's face.
"I sure could," he answered softly. Aya's lips quirked upward into a tiny smile. Together, they set off down the street, hand in hand under the fading twilight. Vaguely, Ken recalled something he wanted to tell Aya, and began to chuckle. Aya looked at him questioningly.
"Hey Aya, you'll -never- guess what happened to me when I delivered those flowers today. . . "
********************
"-so Aya-kun made Ken-kun sweep the whole shop all by himself!"
Yohji laughed, pleased with the story he'd just heard. Omi joined in his laughter, and Yohji watched his companion closely. Omi looked so happy that Yohji wished he could prompt that expression from the young blonde all the time. He smiled as Omi launched into yet another story of their hapless companions.
He'd enjoyed this evening with Omi so much that he wished it would never end. But when the check finally came and the restaurant closed, he led Omi, still chattering, down the sidewalk in an attempt to prolong their evening, if just a bit. As they reached the darkened park, however, a thought Yohji'd been trying to avoid made its way into his mind. Omi was in love. And not with him either. Yohji sighed sadly, and it caught Omi's attention.
"Anou. . . Yohji-kun," Omi said as he stopped walking, "is something bothering you? You seem kinda sad."
Yohji met Omi's cerulean eyes thoughtfully. Very gently, he put a hand on Omi's cheek and leaned forward to place a kiss on the boy's forehead. Omi blushed at the brief contact. Yohji sighed again, turning away. "Who do you love, Omi?" he asked finally. "Ken said you loved someone - who is it?"
Omi's breath caught. He hadn't expected that question. "Why - why do you want to know, Yohji-kun?" he asked softly.
Yohji gave him a sad smile. "Because whoever it is, I need to meet them, and make sure they're god enough for you," he answered. "I need to make sure whoever it is loves you. . . more than I do." Omi gasped, then looked at his feet.
Yohji just stared at his friend. He knew he'd just admitted his love to Omi, but he couldn't help it - his feelings were driving him crazy. He was so busy studying Omi's profile that he almost missed the boy's next words.
"You already know him Yohji-kun." Yohji was stunned. Omi looked up and met his gaze, fear and some emotion Yohji couldn't quiet identify in his friend's eyes. Omi took a deep breath. "It's you, Yohji-kun. I love you."
Absolute silence descended on the pair as even the breeze held its breath. Then Yohji smiled a dazzling bishounen smile and gave a low chuckle. In two strides he had Omi in his arms, nestled up against his chest. Omi looked at him in awe. Yohji just kept on laughing, brushing the hair out of Omi's eyes with one hand, the other firmly around his friend's waist.
"Why the hell didn't you -say- something, Omittchi?" Omi blinked, then his eyes widened and he smiled brightly. Omi threw his arms tightly around Yohji's neck. Taking Omi's cheek in hand, Yohji leaned down and touched their lips together. It was meant to be gentle and short, but Omi deepened the kiss instantly and Yohji found himself caught up in the sheer pleasure of the experience. When they finally broke apart, they gazed lovingly at each other for a moment before Yohji said, "Let's go home, Omi."
Omi smiled and tightened his hold, happier than he'd ever been before as he and Yohji headed for home together. //Together,// Omi thought to himself.
//Together.//
End Day 6
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End of the last day! I guess Yohji fails then. But it's okay, since he ended up with Omi and they'll live happily ever after, ne? But what's Aya going to say about Yohji losing the bet? Will there be any kind of punishment? Next chapter ends it - resolution and conclusion. R + R please! I got Schwartz in it after all!
A/N: This is it, the climax! Will Yohji win or lose the bet? What about Omi - will Yohji finally sort out his feelings? Are we -ever- going to find out who Ken likes? Well, I've been dropping hints forever, but as far as explicitly stating it. . . we'll just have to wait and see. This chapter will also have Schwartz in it somewhere, because I love them but they just didn't fit into the storyline very well, you know? Oh yes, and Schuldich would like to say that, in fact, NO, Yohji CANNOT out-flirt him, and if he were in this situation, he'd have won the bet within the first day. I'm not sure I believe THAT, but whatever Schu. Anyway, here we go!
____________________________________________________________________________ __________
When Yohji stumbled down the stairs in the morning, still confused about the night before and groggy from lack of sleep, he found Ken and Aya arguing about the care of the gentians and Omi sweeping the back closet. Over the loud discussion in the shop, Yohji managed to ask Omi about the 'dream' he'd had last night - namely, Omi visiting his room and kissing him. Omi denied everything, but his face got very red and he hurried away to help a waiting customer. Yohji watched him go with a thoughtful expression on his face. //If only Omi could've been the one to walk in that door instead of Ken,// Yohji thought, then slapped his forehead. NO! He was NOT in love with Omi. He'd decided this. Omi didn't love him and he didn't love Omi. It was plain and simple.
Except, of course, that it was a lie, and one he was having a hard time instigating in his mind. He cared too much about the boy for the lie to settle well with him, and lying to oneself is always hard to do. Yohji shook his head. No, not now. He'd have to wait until he was done winning this bet to think such things about Omi. Otherwise, he'd never manage to seduce Ken.
As he'd been lying awake last night, Yohji's mind had drifted back to what Aya had said during their chess game - a haphazard aggressive strategy, not regarding his opponent seriously, failing to strategize and take in his opponent's weaknesses. He'd been too forward, too forceful with Ken - he should have been subtle, slow, and realistic. Ken was real person, not like the endless women he dated, and wouldn't fall over every time Yohji so much as winked. Yohji shook his head mournfully. Apparently flirting was a mental game, too.
Well anyway, now that he had that figured out, it ought to be easier to get to Ken's heart, right? The problem was, he only had a day left, and that was short even for Yohji. He steeled himself and opted to give it his all anyway. What good would it do him to give up now? Walking over to where Aya and Ken were arguing, he waited for them to finish, and when they showed no signs of doing so, broke in gracefully.
"The gentians were supposed to be delivered in prime condition, but you've left them long enough that-"
"You're absolutely right, Aya," Yohji interrupted their leader. Aya gave him his iciest glare. "Can I borrow Kenken for just a minute?" Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed said brunette and steered him away. Ken sighed in relief.
"Thanks Yohji. I was starting to fear for my life there." Yohji gave him a wry smile.
"Nah, don't be scared of Aya, Kenken - he seems harsh, but deep down he really loves you." Ken blushed scarlet, and Yohji noted this with interest.
"Yohji!" Ken growled, obviously embarrassed. He glanced at Aya, then back to his feet. "Shut up," he commanded weakly of his comrade.
Yohji put his hands up in a don't-shoot-me pose. "Hey, hey - take it easy. It's not like you -care- or anything, right?"
"Of course not," Ken answered, still not meeting his gaze. Yohji was suspicious, and raised a blonde eyebrow to convey his doubt. Ken glared at him.
"You needed to speak to me?" he asked icily, obviously having picked the tone up from his redheaded comrade. Yohji smiled slightly.
"I need you to meet me for dinner," he answered. "7:30 at Joe's - I'll pick you up, okay?"
Ken got a curious expression on his face, and glanced over his shoulder to where Omi was watering the flowers. "Actually, Yohji, why don't I just meet you there? It's that restaurant downtown, right?" Yohji nodded. "I've got some things I need to deliver for Aya about that time, so I'll be a little late getting home and I wouldn't want you to wait for me." He gave Yohji a half-hearted smile. "'Kay?"
Yohji was surprised, but nodded amicably. At least Ken hadn't turned him down - he'd been worried that Ken wouldn't even give him a chance to explain everything. Smiling, he moved to the register and gave Omi a wink, which Omi returned with a confused expression. //Just let me get through these two days, Chibi,// Yohji thought to himself. //Then I'll think of something. . . I'll come up with something. . . hopefully I'll be able to steal your heart from whoever has it now.// Yohji sighed and began ringing up purchases, flirting with anyone female. He noticed Ken going out the door with the deliveries eventually, and tried hard to think about the brunette he was supposed to be wooing, but his thoughts kept drifting to a certain blonde-haired, blue-eyed comrade instead. . .
******************
Ken sped along the highway on his motorcycle, flowers held steadily in the saddlebags. He was only vaguely paying attention to the road - most of his thoughts were on his lanky blonde comrade. Yohji wanted to take Ken out to dinner - at a nice place, too, not a club or run-down bar. Maybe Yohji wanted to explain everything that had been going on. Maybe Yohji had a good reason for flirting with Ken and ignoring Omi this past week. Ken just hoped everything could go back to normal soon.
He snapped to attention as he turned off of the freeway and onto the city streets. He paused by the curb to glance once more at the address Aya had given him. Frowning, he found the connecting street and started off. After a few more minutes of riding, he arrived at a large brick structure that looked slightly run-down. He wrinkled his nose at the smell coming from the alleyway, but grabbed the huge bushels of flowers the customer had requested and headed to the door, forced to ring the doorbell with his nose since his arms were full.
There were footsteps in the entryway, and then the door opened to reveal a tall orange-haired man in a pink bathrobe, his long hair pulled back into a simple ponytail. Ken gaped first at his attire, then at the man himself.
"Schwartz!" he cried, stepping backwards. Schuldich blinked at him.
"Weiss?" he said, sounding slightly amused. "What are you doing here, Katzchen?"
Ken blinked several times, then looked down at his arms, full to bursting with lilies and tulips. "I - I was supposed to deliver these flowers. . . " he started, but was cut off at Schuldich's squeal.
"Ooh! Nagi, Farfie! Bradley's flowers are here!" He grabbed Ken's arm and pulled the startled assassin inside. Ken tried to jerk away, but Schuldich kept a firm grip on his captive. He was led through a main hallway and into the living room, which, he was surprised to see, looked fairly normal. There was a TV, a couch and two overstuffed armchairs, in which were lounging Schwartz's Naoe Nagi and Farfello. Ken steeled himself. If there were a fight, he'd be badly outnumbered.
But no one seemed in the mood for a confrontation. Nagi jumped up with a happy yipping sound and snatched the flowers out of Ken's arms, dropping a few. The psychotic Irishman picked up the few flowers on the floor and followed the chibi into the kitchen, where they grabbed several vases and began setting the flowers around the house. Schuldich watched their antics for a moment, then turned to Ken, still smiling. "I'm glad they're so enthusiastic," he said conversationally. "It was hard to get them to agree to the party at first, but Bradley -is- turning thirty, and I thought we should have a big celebration." Ken's mind spun. A birthday party? Schwartz wasn't normal enough to have a birthday party, right? He shook his head, but Schuldich, catching his thoughts, said, "Everyone had birthday parties, Kenken. We're not monsters, you know." He winked. "By the way, it was so nice of that redhead of yours to deliver the flowers for us."
Ken blushed and nodded, still somewhat confused. It didn't seem right - Schwartz ordering flowers and all. But then he thought about Schuldich's words and smiled. The German was right. Schwartz might be enemies, but they weren't monsters, and everyone needed a break now and then. Schuldich nodded to him, then joined his teammates in decorating the otherwise sparse apartment. Ken watched them for a few minutes, then noticed the time.
//7:00! Crap, I'm going to be late!// he thought. Rushing out the door, he called back, "Bye Schwartz! Tell Crawford happy birthday for me!" With that, he boarded his motorcycle and roared away.
Schuldich watched him go, a wry smile on his features. "Goodbye Kenken," he said softly. "And good luck with that secret of yours." That said, he turned back to Nagi and Farfie, who were trying to put flowers in each other's hair. His smile spread rapidly across his face. "Bradley- chan will love this!" he cried exuberantly. His teammates stared at him for a moment, then continued attacking each other with the tulips.
******************
Yohji sat in the restaurant, tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. Ken was ten minutes late, and he was getting rather hungry. He also had butterflies in his stomach for the first time in quite a while. What if Ken wasn't willing to help him? What if Ken was? Would Ken want more out of the relationship than what it took to win the bet? What was Yohji going to do about Omi.
As his thoughts were wandering haphazardly, he heard someone clearing their throat beside him. Looking up, he saw not Ken's face, but Omi's. The younger man was dressed well, and looked extremely nervous. Yohji watched his friend's face for a moment until Omi blurted out, "Ken-kun can't come, Yohji-kun. He was too tired when he got back from the deliveries."
Yohji sighed at this information. "Well damn," he said aloud, starting to rise out of his chair. "I guess I'd better just get home then." He started to walk away from the table, but stopped at a soft grip on his arm.
"Anou, Yohji-kun. . . I know you really wanted to have dinner with Ken-kun, but I - I was thinking. . . maybe we could - maybe you could have dinner with me instead?" Yohji looked at his friend in surprise, but Omi refused to meet his eyes. Yohji studied Omi's blushing countenance for a moment, then smiled.
"Sure thing Omittchi," he said, sitting down again. "I'd love to have dinner with you." Omi looked up at him and his eyes sparkled, reminding Yohji of stars at twilight. He thought about mentioning this, but it seemed too cliché, so he kept his mouth shut. Happily, Omi seated himself across from Yohji, and their conversation drifted away into the darkening sky.
*******************
Ken hurriedly parked his motorcycle on the curb of Joe's restaurant, trying to straighten his wrinkled shirt as he rushed up the steps. He was at least thirty minutes late, and Yohji would no doubt be furious at the brunette for making him wait. Ken brushed his hair out of his eyes and headed into the restaurant, ignoring the waitress who asked to seat him. He glanced this way and that, looking hard for a familiar figure with long blonde hair and ever-present sunglasses.
Finding none, he headed out onto the balcony, where the gentle lamplight was just beginning to cover the dark tables in a dream-like haze. And that's when he saw Yohji, seated at a table by the railing, sipping contentedly at some drink or another. But he wasn't alone. Omi was seated across the table from Yohji, talking excitedly, his eyes bright. Ken stopped and smiled. Apparently, Omi had decided to take matters into his own hands. Ken shook his head and Omi, noticing the movement, looked up and blushed. Ken gave him a thumbs-up sign, and the boy smiled gently. Then Ken made his way back through the restaurant, a huge smile firmly ensconced on his face.
When he reached his motorcycle, he got yet another surprise. There, leaning casually against Ken's bike, was Aya, a small smile playing across his lips at Ken's shocked expression. His eartails waved in the light breeze as he met Ken halfway down the steps. Quietly, he lifted a hand to Ken's shoulder, making the brunette shiver.
"I wanted to warn you that Omi took your place at the restaurant," he said, an almost amused tone playing in his words. "I was a bit late, I see." Ken nodded and shrugged.
"Oh well. I'm glad he and Omi are going to work things out. They've been dancing around each other -forever-." Aya's eyes glinted in amusement.
"Hn." Ken smiled at his leader and headed for his motorcycle, intent on getting home and taking a shower after his long day. He was stopped by Aya's hand on his shoulder, a light pressure all it took to hold him in place. "I don't suppose you need a dining partner?" Aya asked gently. Ken froze. Aya was offering to come to dinner with him? He turned to look into the redhead's violet eyes, shocked at the wealth of emotion he found there. His smile grew, if possible, even wider. He reached down and took Aya's hand in his, watching the look of surprise that ran fleetingly across Aya's face.
"I sure could," he answered softly. Aya's lips quirked upward into a tiny smile. Together, they set off down the street, hand in hand under the fading twilight. Vaguely, Ken recalled something he wanted to tell Aya, and began to chuckle. Aya looked at him questioningly.
"Hey Aya, you'll -never- guess what happened to me when I delivered those flowers today. . . "
********************
"-so Aya-kun made Ken-kun sweep the whole shop all by himself!"
Yohji laughed, pleased with the story he'd just heard. Omi joined in his laughter, and Yohji watched his companion closely. Omi looked so happy that Yohji wished he could prompt that expression from the young blonde all the time. He smiled as Omi launched into yet another story of their hapless companions.
He'd enjoyed this evening with Omi so much that he wished it would never end. But when the check finally came and the restaurant closed, he led Omi, still chattering, down the sidewalk in an attempt to prolong their evening, if just a bit. As they reached the darkened park, however, a thought Yohji'd been trying to avoid made its way into his mind. Omi was in love. And not with him either. Yohji sighed sadly, and it caught Omi's attention.
"Anou. . . Yohji-kun," Omi said as he stopped walking, "is something bothering you? You seem kinda sad."
Yohji met Omi's cerulean eyes thoughtfully. Very gently, he put a hand on Omi's cheek and leaned forward to place a kiss on the boy's forehead. Omi blushed at the brief contact. Yohji sighed again, turning away. "Who do you love, Omi?" he asked finally. "Ken said you loved someone - who is it?"
Omi's breath caught. He hadn't expected that question. "Why - why do you want to know, Yohji-kun?" he asked softly.
Yohji gave him a sad smile. "Because whoever it is, I need to meet them, and make sure they're god enough for you," he answered. "I need to make sure whoever it is loves you. . . more than I do." Omi gasped, then looked at his feet.
Yohji just stared at his friend. He knew he'd just admitted his love to Omi, but he couldn't help it - his feelings were driving him crazy. He was so busy studying Omi's profile that he almost missed the boy's next words.
"You already know him Yohji-kun." Yohji was stunned. Omi looked up and met his gaze, fear and some emotion Yohji couldn't quiet identify in his friend's eyes. Omi took a deep breath. "It's you, Yohji-kun. I love you."
Absolute silence descended on the pair as even the breeze held its breath. Then Yohji smiled a dazzling bishounen smile and gave a low chuckle. In two strides he had Omi in his arms, nestled up against his chest. Omi looked at him in awe. Yohji just kept on laughing, brushing the hair out of Omi's eyes with one hand, the other firmly around his friend's waist.
"Why the hell didn't you -say- something, Omittchi?" Omi blinked, then his eyes widened and he smiled brightly. Omi threw his arms tightly around Yohji's neck. Taking Omi's cheek in hand, Yohji leaned down and touched their lips together. It was meant to be gentle and short, but Omi deepened the kiss instantly and Yohji found himself caught up in the sheer pleasure of the experience. When they finally broke apart, they gazed lovingly at each other for a moment before Yohji said, "Let's go home, Omi."
Omi smiled and tightened his hold, happier than he'd ever been before as he and Yohji headed for home together. //Together,// Omi thought to himself.
//Together.//
End Day 6
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End of the last day! I guess Yohji fails then. But it's okay, since he ended up with Omi and they'll live happily ever after, ne? But what's Aya going to say about Yohji losing the bet? Will there be any kind of punishment? Next chapter ends it - resolution and conclusion. R + R please! I got Schwartz in it after all!