*Whines a little* That was why I wanted to write pure, meaningless fluff. Nobody's feelings get hurt and nobody's pet gets tortured. We all have our character pets. No matter how much I adore Shuichi and want to be him, Yuki is my pet. *blush* Er, anyhow…I apologize for torturing Touma-pet. *sigh* He's just so conniving. I speak too much. Let the characters talk, selfish witch. ^.^

Sidenote…I'm so flattered by you all. Maybe you don't really mean it, but geez. *blush*

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"Why now?" the pink-haired boy mumbled, trying not to move his lip too much. Yuki had a pretty tight hold on it with his teeth and it almost hurt. That only made it all the more arousing, but the mood was seconds away from being totally shattered. Shuichi would have grabbed his sexy seducer and demanded that they simply ignore the person at the door, but his hands were not free. He couldn't move at all. "Please stay," he whispered to his love huskily. "Stay with me today."

Yuki let go of Shuichi's lip, one corner of his skilled mouth lifting in a tiny smile. It was beautifully swollen, even moreso because the boy was pouting, and the writer longed to do the same to his top lip…and then many different parts of his neck. He loved the way his skin bruised so easily. Shuichi looked heavenly.

"Why?"

Violet eyes widened, obviously hurt. Yuki had meant to tease him, but the emotionally fragile boy was…well, just that. Sensitive.

"Because," Shuichi murmured. "We haven't spent any time together lately. I thought maybe we could have today just for us. We can stay here or we can go to the park or you can take us shopping!, but only if you buy something too, or we can…we can…um…uh…Yuki…" The boy trailed off, eyes and mouth both closing. While Shuichi had been excitedly rambling off suggestions, Yuki had released his hands, got up off his oxygen-deprived body, and removed the only article of clothing he had slipped on earlier. The bathroom tiles were cold against his bare flesh and it made him shiver.

The bell resounded again. Unwanted. Untimely. Twice.

"Damn it," Yuki swore violently. Of course there would be someone at the door at this time of the morning, interrupting at this precise moment, uninvi-. Wait. "Shit," he hissed. He stood up quickly, putting on what he realized were his own boxers – no wonder they looked so big on Shuichi – and growled loudly at the door. Yes, he figured he would spend the day with the little puppy-like creature named Shuichi. If he didn't, the boy would never let him live it down. But Yuki had totally forgotten that Touma was coming over to discuss something. The subtle man had not told him what. How could he have forgotten?

Shuichi was about to throw a fit. A hissy. A tizzy. A tantrum. Of course. He had sat up, fists clenched, eyes shaking in that damned determined way. "Tell them to go away! Just don't answer it. Yuki, wait. Wait, YUKI!!"

"Get in the shower, brat. Be quiet."

"But-"

"Just do it!" Yuki snapped, irritated at both his guests. And himself. He shut the bathroom door behind him, hoping Shuichi would do as he was told. As Yuki tried to figure out what to do about his obviously aroused state, Shuichi whined loudly. Sometimes it was cute, like having an animal or a small child around to remind him that not everyone and everything was as mature as himself. Now was not one of those times. Please, Yuki thought to himself, please let the boy shut up. Much to Yuki's surprise, within moments he ceased to hear Shuichi's raucous, high-pitched ranting and simultaneously started to hear the water in the shower start running. Thank God.

A muffled voice came from out in the hall. Sighing, hoping he was unable to be aggravated any further – afraid of what he might do if it was possible – Yuki finally just answered the damn door.

A bright, green-eyed face smiled wonderfully at him, head cocking to the side slightly. "Gomen nasai, Eiri-san, for obviously interrupting you-"

"Just come in," Yuki told him roughly, leaving him in the doorway, stalking toward the kitchen. It was not exactly embarrassing for Touma to see him flustered like this, just uncomfortable. Plus, at this perilous moment, his continuously smiling face was almost as difficult to tolerate as Shuichi's. He was losing it. He needed a serious break. "I forgot you were coming this morning. I'm sorry."

"It's quite alright." Touma shut the door quietly behind him, glancing around, figuring the object of his friend's joy was hiding somewhere. Lately, Shuichi had been avoiding him. "I guess I should have called to remind you."

"It's fine." His first cigarette of the day graced the room with a sudden scent of high quality tobacco. Yuki despised cutting back. Made him more irritable. Damn Shuichi. A warm, welcome feeling washed over him immediately as he took another long drag, exhaling slowly, savoring this haven, this sanctuary he found himself being wrapped in. He vaguely recalled seeing how underdressed, both literally and figuratively, he was as Touma's host. His meticulous old friend looked as perfect as he usually did. Today he was sporting spotless deep, dark green pants and jacket with a white undershirt and amazingly immaculately white shoes. He wasn't wearing a tie. Yuki would never understand how Touma pulled off such outfits with grace, with comfort, and without looking idiotic. He tried to hide himself behind the counter, much like Shuichi did earlier that morning, sitting on a barstool and leaning back. What the hell was that he had stepped in? Oh…just Shuichi's noodles from earlier. He had seen the bowl, overturned, but in his elation of smoking, he hadn't thought anything else of it. It was so peaceful. He loved to smoke. Suddenly, his friend's interruption didn't seem so bad.

Collecting his oddly random thoughts, Yuki cleared his throat. "So, Touma. Why do you honor me this morning?"

Touma's eyes danced, mouth twitching. Yuki was the only person who could read Seguchi Touma. He was amused, or at least pleased with something. He took the liberty of seating himself opposite his friend.

"I wanted to apologize about that phone call the other night, Eiri-san. I was rude."

Yuki let his head fall back lazily, hair dangling. He then remembered how disgusting he must look…Oh well. He'd shower later. Shuichi was in the shower now, at this very moment. His thighs trembled somewhat at the thought. "You just usually aren't that straightforward." He rubbed a crusty noodle off the bottom of one foot with the other. Gross.

"Was I too blunt?" the guest asked rhetorically, kidding. He rubbed his chin for a moment and shrugged. "I thought I was being my normal self. When it comes to your matters, I can never keep myself straight, Eiri-san."

A wry grin twisted Yuki's lips. He was not stupid. He knew when he was being hit on and when he was not, even if the "hitter," so to speak, was the most enigmatic person he knew. And even if the words were not in any way suggestive to anything…it was the vocal undertow. Yuki could just tell. He was a people watcher, a scrutinizer of characters. That's what he did for a living; it was his job to know about people, why they act the way they do. Take Shuichi, for example. A total and complete brat because of his insecurity brought on from being born with pink hair…Okay, bad example. Yuki had no idea why Shuichi acted the way he did. He never would. Why the hell did his thoughts always revolve back to that little horror, anyway?

"Want some tea? Coffee? Candy?"

"No, I'm already late."

"What time is it?"

"Almost eight-thirty."

"Hm. You stop by for two minutes to tell me you're sorry?"

Touma smiled a tolerant, secretive smile (which would have looked like a normal happy smile to the unknowing). "Mika insists on feeding you and Shindou-san and myself tomorrow night. She wants to see her brother and I think Shindou-san would enjoy talking some things over with me about the new album."

"Always on the job, aren't you." Yuki began to pull nicotine again from his cigarette, but not much happened. He looked at his precious butt painfully. That one sure didn't take long. Snuffing it in the empty ashtray, he glanced for the rest of the pack. Forget cutting back.

And so, Touma's grin was lost on Yuki. "More than you know."

***

"Shuichi?"

At the sound of Yuki's deep, soft voice, my eyes pop open. Even with the water running over my hair, face, and ears, I can hear Yuki's voice as plain as day. I grin like a schoolgirl. I guess that's kind of what I am.

"Yes?" An innocent reply would work best. Yuki likes it when I pretend not to know what he's after, likes for me to play games with him. Then again, the esteemed writer likes everything about me and reacts the same way to anything I do – with the utmost love and worship.

"Can I come in?" The sincere plea flutters in my chest, making it feel like my heart is cramped, like it doesn't have enough room to hold all the love I feel. I hold so, so much. Yuki is my life, my drive, my desire. Where would I be without him? On the streets? We share a home because we love each other. Because he loves me.

"Of course," I reply softly, turning my back to the sliding glass door. I rinse the shampoo from my hair as I hear it slide open and closed. I can feel his presence, behind me, watching me, loving me. "Yuki…"

And then he is helping me wash, gently running his soapy hands up and down my arms, rubbing my shoulders and then my back. He pulls me from the stream of water and turns me toward him, kissing my forehead as he carefully caresses my constricted chest. Does he know he makes me feel like this? It's getting hard to breathe. The air is so humid and warm, and Yuki is so close. He is so handsome. The tenderness in his palms and fingertips is killing me. I cry. I cry because I don't know why I deserve so much love. I cry because he's whispering in my ear that he doesn't want anyone but me. He wants to hold me close and never let go.

"Oh, Shuichi…don't cry, hun. It hurts to see you crying."

I look up at him, see that genuine concern in his beautiful eyes, and I smile. He takes my face in his long hands and kisses me. This is what love really is. It's not sex and it's not roses and champagne. It's a kiss. God, Yuki, I love you.

***

Shuichi was shocked to realize that his tears, of all things, were real. He blinked them away stubbornly. Silly dreams. Hadn't he already talked it over with himself that he loved the real-life Yuki more than the dream one? Hmh. Guess he wasn't convinced totally yet.

And who would come over at this time of the morning? How rude is that, especially unexpectedly! It was probably Tatsuha, Yuki's younger brother, wondering if Shuichi had seen Ryuichi lately or knew where he was and where he could find him and molest him. The boy chuckled to himself as he dipped his head back and let the water wash the soap from his hair. Tatsuha had tried to put the moves on Shuichi nearly every time they would see each other – until Yuki honestly threatened his life.

He's so protective of me. Why doesn't he act that way when it's just us? Possessive. Protective. Proud. …What's with the p-words?

He had to admit, Yuki had been acting different lately. In a very, very general sense, the normally distant writer had been more responsive to Shuichi's incessant chatter, his kisses, and his work. Today in particular! Being between books was great. Of course, his publisher was already begging to know when he would get inspiration for his next piece, dying to know when it could be announced. Yuki would still sit in his office most of the day, working on…whatever. Lyrics, lists of things to do. He had told the pink-topped boy that he usually came up with ideas when he would just type. On more than one occasion, Shuichi had snuck in while Yuki was drooling and snoring on the desktop and read some interesting words about himself. He grinned gleefully at the memory, turning off the water.

Grabbing a king-size towel, he wrapped it around his wet self and stepped out of the shower stall, looking in the mirror. Of course, all he saw was steam. Frowning, he wiped it away with the palm of his hand, squeaking it against the glass. Yuki hated him to do that. He didn't know why; it was just one of those Yuki things. Hair dripping, eyelashes full and brimming with beaded droplets, he looked like a girl. He frowned again. Determined to see a man in his reflection, he secured the towel around his waist and took a deep breath, expanding his chest only a fraction. His tiny frame was pathetic. He wanted at least a build like Hiro's. His friend was taller and not at all brawny, but at least he wasn't bony. Shuichi was bony. Yuki wasn't big, either, but…He bit his lip, running his hands over his own chest. Yuki was gorgeous. His broad shoulders, defined arms, (Shuichi would beg and beg and BEG for him to flex, but he never would; he would have to catch him lifting something or harassing someone), a beautifully sculpted stomach, strong legs, firm backside...gorgeous. How else could he be described? Shuichi longed to buy Yuki something terribly revealing. Anything. A tight shirt. Kinky underwear. But he would not waste hard earned money on something his lover would never even consider putting on. The thought of it, though, made his face flush from more than the warmth in the bathroom.

Yuki prayed Shuichi would not notice him yet. He would have a fit when he smelled the cigarettes on him. He would have an even bigger fit – consisting of 'Oh Yuki, you DO love me!'s and 'You really think I'm cute?!'s and…ugh – if he caught the man watching him.

What was he doing? Examining himself? Yuki didn't care much for mirrors. Shuichi looked good in front of one, however; he could see two of the pretty boy instead of just one.

What was that? Gah, Touma is so right. What is happening to me? All I think lately when I see Shuichi is how much I…adore him. He cringed at the thought. Yes, Shuichi was adorable and yes, he was annoyingly addictive. He found himself wanting to spend more time with him. He wanted to please him, make him laugh. It wasn't hard; Shuichi seemed to find the joke in everything.

I don't like that, though. It makes me uncomfortable, he admitted to himself, for Shuichi to know I care enough to do that. He looks at me differently. Like I'm the best thing in the world. He nearly laughed. And the next minute he's throwing a fit because I light a cigarette or drink a beer. Gah, sometimes he's like a mother. He can be so mature…Yuki silently closed the bathroom door behind him, hoping the boy wouldn't feel the draft. Shuichi seemed to be thinking intently, though. Watching him touch his own skin like that made Yuki want to tackle him. And he had just gotten over the problem in his boxers. He's so much fun to make…to play with in bed. It's like he knows exactly when to be serious and when to be an imp. I love that about him.

He was cutting it too close. Shuichi would discover him any second.

"I know what you're thinking, Shuichi."

The boy jumped a little, catching his towel. "Y-Yuki, uhm…"

He leaned against the door, arms folded, scrutinizing the pink-haired bundle. In his embarrassment of looking at himself, Shuichi had drawn the towel all the way around his body and was blushing deeply. How cute. It made Yuki want to rip it off and throw the boy down. But, he would refrain.

"You were wishing it wasn't the second time we'd been interrupted this morning."

Shuichi just gulped. He plopped down on the toilet seat, keeping himself covered, trying to hide in his towel. Sometimes Yuki made him feel so young and…and…naïve.

"Who was at the door?"

"Your esteemed producer."

Shuichi's eyes widened. He knew the way Seguchi Touma felt about Yuki…and about him. He wished he hadn't winced. "What did he want this early?"

Yuki shrugged, as if he could care less. Shuichi knew better. His lover cared about Touma. If he was the jealous type, it would have made him jealous. But since he wasn't, it just made him worry. Touma had been eyeing Shuichi at NG lately, and it made him very uncomfortable.

"He and my sister want us to have dinner with them tomorrow."

He brightened at the mention of food. "That's great!" Yuki snorted. Sometimes he was so condescending. "We're going to go, aren't we?"

"If I'm not busy. I'm close to finding my next story."

When Shuichi's face fell for that brief moment before popping back to life with a cheery comment about how his Yuki was so smart and good at writing, Yuki felt like shit. Why? It's not like that's a lie. I am close to putting my ideas together. Why does it make me feel so terrible if his feelings get hurt? He always bounces back.

"Uh, Yuki?"

"What?"

"You just looked a little sick for a second."

"I'm fine," he snapped. Damn it, Shuichi. Stop making me want to care about you.  

"And…have you been SMOKING?!"

Yuki rolled his eyes. God, here it came.

"Yuuuuuki," Shuichi drawled out sadly, moving to wrap his arms around him, not seeming to notice when his towel fell to the floor. His hair dripped all over his chest, but he didn't push the boy away. "You promised me…"

The tall blond sighed softly, touching Shuichi's wet head gently.

"You promised me you'd stop!"

"I did not."

"Well, you said you'd stop so much! How dare you!"

"It was only two. And a half."

"Yuki!"

"Give me a break, brat. You're the one who drove me to smoke!"

Now Shuichi was angry. He pushed himself away and stomped about, glaring daggers at the one on trial. "That's no excuse! You PROMISED me, Yuki; how can you just throw something like that away for some disgusting habit?!"

"Shuichi…"

"How do you do it?" He smacked the hand away that was slowly reaching to cup his face. "How do you go on day after day knowing you break your promises to me all the time and you hurt me and you kick me out and…" Now Shuichi was emotional. Now Yuki could get a word in. "And y-you don't care what I want or wh-what I think or what I feel."

"Now now, little brat," Yuki soothed, drawing him back against his damp chest. He bent down and retrieved the fallen towel, tucking it around Shuichi's shoulders. "It's okay."

Shuichi continued to sniffle, but it died down. He nuzzled Yuki's neck tentatively, affectionately. "Are we still going to do something together today? I miss you, Yuki…"

Yuki smiled. "Sure."

"How does the amusement park sound? Or maybe the, uh….the, uhm…" Shuichi trailed off, finding it hard to catch his breath. Yuki was…he was smiling at him. His eyes were bright and soft, hands gentle on his face, lips fervent against his own.

Love…it's in this kiss. The real Yuki loves me…

Shuichi, Yuki thought to himself, I'm not letting you out of my sight today. He wanted to say that, but what came out was just as well.

"How about we just stay in bed?"

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*grumbles about the closeness of Yuki getting OOC* It's just so hard. I want Yuki and Shuichi to dote on each other and be all mushy and lovey and stuff. I think this chapter is longer than the others...woo hoo! More of a plot develops beneath the meaningless fluff. Dun dun duhhhhhh! I love you people. I really do.

Revisions may be necessary later…*sigh* I didn't get a good chance to. Forgive me!