R_M : Well , this is the third chappie ! First of all ... I'd like to
apologize if there are parts that are really lame and disgusting .
The truth is , this is the *first* ever time I've tried to write a normal- life kind of fic .
If you've noticed , I write action-y fics , with violence and killing and stuff , so I don't really know how to deal with these kinds of things . Second of all , I don't really cope well with transitions and stuff .
I still hope that you guys would still support this fic . Because no matter what anybody says , I'm really proud of it - it being the first and all ! ^__^
- - -
Schuldich's flat was at the penthouse of the building . He paid a fortune every month so it was just logical that everyone , from the bellhop to the manager treated him like he was some sort of demigod .
He puffed one last drag on his cigarette , inhaling the smoke appreciatively and noticed with amusement Ken's veiled attempt to avoid sniffing the smoke grey haze . The brunette was almost as red as a ripe tomato as he hold his breath , making Schuldich want to laugh out loud .
He slid the cardkey down the slot and opened the door to his flat before motioning Ken to enter .
Ken stood there , awed .
The place was beautiful ! - and large !
The truth was , Schuldich's suite occupied almost the entire floor . Floor to ceiling windows let in a glorious amount of light and stylish thick curtains of expensive quality hanged along the sides , half-drawn . At the end , to their left was a kitchen with aluminum-surfaced appliances and counter , a rack lay suspended above for the pans and pots .
The large glass dining table stood regally before the kitchen armed with at least ten contemporarily styled chairs . To their right was a large living room with the most complete entertainment system Ken had ever seen in his life . At the end was a door that led to a large walk-in closet , and another to a larger master bedroom equipped with its own luxurious bathroom , sauna and Jacuzzi .
Schuldich chuckled at the boy's astonishment . " Welcome to my humble abode , Ken Hidaka ."
But his comment was lost upon the brunette as he , like a little child , rushed to window and stared at the streets below , his breath fogging the glass . " Woooow ." He let a long breath of admiration .
Schuldich laughed . " Make yourself comfortable . Would you mind if I take a quick shower ?"
" No ." Ken breathed as he watched the passersby scuttle below like ants .
Chuckling , Schuldich discarded his rumpled clothing and stepped into the bathroom connected to his bedroom while musing . He tossed the glowing butt into the trashcan carelessly .
He had never encountered anyone with Ken's attitude before .
Certainly not in the world he was living in . Maybe that was what possessed him to be acquainted with the boy a few minutes ago .
Was it just minutes ago ?
Schuldich felt like he knew everything about Ken Hidaka .
The boy had an honest quality to him that made you feel like you want to entrust all your secrets to him .
He twisted the knob of the shower and felt the tepid water pelt his naked body . The luxury of a shower barely pervaded his thoughts as he continued to muse on the boy who was still probably ooh-ing and aah-ing on the view .
Such enthusiasm for just a view of a busy street stories below . Schuldich himself never noticed nor appreciated that , he realized . But Schuldich never exactly noticed nor appreciated anything that wasn't involved with his projects . Until now , he'd never paid any attention to that spectacle of passersby . Nor had he ever been awed by the luxury of his flat . It all came simply to him .
He just ignored everything that wasn't a part of his job .
He lathered himself with soap and turned on the shower , feeling it wash away form his slick skin .
Finally through , he took a towel from the rack (it was changed everyday by the personnel) and ran it through his hair and then his body .
" Mr. Schuldich ?" a tentative call came from outside .
" I'm here , kid ."
" Is it okay if I come in ?"
" Yeah ." Schuldich replied , momentarily forgetting his nudity . The door opened and the brunette stood there , his jaw on the floor , a flush forming on his cheeks . He turned his head discreetly away .
" Dear God ." Schuldich muttered as he quickly wrapped the towel around his waist .
He had never been ashamed of his fantastic physique - he knew it as well as anybody that he had a great body ; what made him so embarrassed was the fact that Ken had become flustered by the sight of him .
" Was I taking too long ?" He asked easily , wringing his long red hair dry .
" I uh ... I changed ... well , I changed my mind , uh - maybe - I think , maybe I should go ." Ken stuttered , his eyes trained on the wall , his face as red as a cooked crab . Schuldich had definitely caught him off- guard .
Schuldich chuckled . " I won't let you do that . We're going to have breakfast ." He insisted . How had he become so familiar ; so intimate with this boy when they had spent barely an hour together ?
" I think ... maybe I should go ." Ken had never taken his eyes off the dark blue tiles that compose the walls of the beautiful bathroom .
" No way , kid . We're going to have a great breakfast down at Altrino's and that's final . If you don't mind , I'd be dressing up in decent clothes ."
Schuldich had never seen someone hurry out of a room so fast .
- - -
The walk to Altrino's was short and silent . Ken was still obviously flustered with what happened and he pocketed his hands in his jacket while Schuldich , dressed in a thin midnight-coloured sweater , jeans and leather boots with a black coat over , walked effortlessly beside him . Out of habit , Schuldich's black camera was hanging around his neck .
Ken was wearing Schuldich's old leather boots - expensive (and almost new , despite what he said about it being worn out) , which had grown a size too small for him but was just perfect for the brunette . Ken had , of course , tried to refuse ; but Schuldich had insisted , saying that he might just throw it out anyway since it didn't fit anymore .
" I'm sorry about that ." Schuldich said , offering an apologetic smile , referring to the scene at the shower .
Ken nodded but kept his gaze straight ahead on the pavement . The dripping sneakers dangled from his neck by the laces .
They were seated in the nearly deserted café near the window and Schuldich almost had to force the brunette to order .
The heavy breakfasts Schuldich had ordered for both of them now lay on the table , steaming .
Ken had refused to meet his eyes and faint tinge of red still lingered on his cheeks .
Amused , Schuldich stirred his coffee and took a sip of the strong black substance , it's aroma was heavenly , but its taste was even more addicting . " Hey , don't look so glum . Don't tell me you've never seen a naked man before !" He joked lightly .
Ken flushed .
" Eat your breakfast , it's getting cold ." He nudged the plate towards the blushing brunette . " So , are you in college ?" He asked , taking another sip of his coffee .
" I'm a freshman - well , I was ."
Schuldich glanced at him quizzically " What do you mean ?"
" I had to drop out last week . Financial problems ."
" I thought your brother's a working man , how could he let you just drop out of your schooling like that ?"
" I don't mind . We have a lot of stuff to pay for , his salary's not enough to keep me in school , even on a part-time scholarship . I told him I wanted to work instead , since I have nothing to do - but - he doesn't want me to ." Ken explained . He stabbed at the scrambled eggs and swallowed it without chewing .
" If you want , I can pay for your tuition and books ."
" What ?! No way ! I can't accept your offer sir ! Besides , my brother will kill me ! He doesn't want anybody's sympathy ." Ken sighed glumly and swallowed another mouthful of his breakfast .
" First of all , I'm Schuldich . Not mister 'Schuldich' not mister Schwarz , certainly not Sir 'Schuldich' . Second of all , I think you should go to school if you'd want to have a future ahead of you and third of all , I'd say your brother is a total asshole ."
Ken looked surprised at his statement , he sat there , staring at Schuldich , taken aback .
" You don't understand ." He said softly , his eyes clouding in misery .
Schuldich wondered what he said so wrong . Maybe he shouldn't have taken a crack at Ken's brother like that , not when he barely even knew him . " Sorry ; I didn't mean that kid ."
Ken shook his head sadly .
He loved his brother more than anyone in the world because he had always taken care of Ken . He sacrificed everything just to make sure that Ken was doing fine even when it meant that there were things he couldn't afford to buy for himself . He worked full time from early evening to early morning at the bar and worked at a flower shop during the day , dropping off in their small apartment in the afternoon to take a few hours of sleep before he had to start work at the bar again .
Aya may sometimes be hotheaded and moody , but Ken understood him . Aya was always tired , but he always had the time to fix Ken food between jobs so he had something to eat at school . *
He knew that they could never afford him finish his college education , they couldn't even afford to keep him through the next semester . They had to scrimp Aya's meager earnings from both jobs to pay for the rent and all the other expenses .
Aya was just twenty-six . He was eight years older than Ken , but he had acted as a surrogate parent for Ken when both their father and mother had died in a fire while they were at school when Ken was just ten years old .
Ken's voice was choked , Schuldich could feel that he was trying to keep his emotions from seeping to his voice and it made him all the more guilty that he had said those words . " It's okay ... Aya's a beautiful person . He's the best brother anyone could ask for ... I - I love my brother . He's the only family I got left ."
Schuldich had never seen such profound sadness before .
" I hope you don't mind if I take a picture of you ." Schuldich suddenly . He regretted on having being such an ass and he wanted to steer the subject around .
Ken's gaze was resting at something outside and he said hollowly , still lost in the thoughts of his brother . " No , I guess not ."
Schuldich adjusted the lens and the shutter speed . Perfect .
Ken was staring out the window with a far , sad expression on his face .
Click .
Click .
Click .
He knew one picture was enough , but ... well Ken was the best subject he had ever come across , he portrayed feelings well . He knew there was another reason - that maybe he was ...
- he tried to bury the feeling .
Click .
Click .
Slowly , Ken turned to him , as if suddenly startled into reality . " Oh , damn ." He said , jumping to his feet . " I gotta go . I have to do - uhm - stuff ." He said in a hurry , he took his coat , which he draped on the seat and turned to go . " Thanks for the breakfast , Schuldich ." He said , giving the redhead a warm smile . " Nice meeting you !"
" Hey ! Give me your number !" He called out after Ken , who was already half-outside the door .
" We don't have a phone !" Ken shouted back , running as if his life depended on it . " Thanks !"
Schuldich sank back on his seat with a rueful smile . At least he had gotten pictures right ?
With a small chuckle , he lit a cigarette and leaned back against his chair , lost in thought .
He'd develop the pictures later and leave Yohji high and dry tomorrow morning .
He smirked and blew a smoke ring in the air . Forget about dinner at Yohji's flat . He had something better to do .
- - -
R_M : I am so psyched ! Yeah !
You'll be pleased to know that the 17th chapter of this fic is already all typed out ! Yessss ! I finished 17 ½ chapters in five days !!! *LARGE LARGE grin* of course ... *smiles demurely* I have to make you curse me and coax me before I dole them out - meaning write your reviews ! BWAHAHAHArdiharhar !!!!! ^____~ kidding !
Misura : Hhmmmm ... *wonders* is it Manx or isn't it ? Yesh . Maybe I have to look for that Alice ne ? Really ? Hmm , I had thought that they were chummy all too quickly , but I guess I was wrong . After all , as Mariki so enthusiastically said : it was love at first sight . Is it or isn't it I wonder ? *scratches her chin*
Mariki : Waiii ! Really ? Yes ! I will e-mail youuuu !!! *runs off to mail Mariki* Arigatou ! ^__^
Jenken : Arigatou for the compliments . BTW , are you in the WKML ? I saw your post I think . ^__~
Schu-chan : O_____O;;;;;;;;; ( ( . ,)
Ran Mouri : Waaii ! I remember you ! You're the person who named yourself after the Mouri in Meitantei Conan ! Wahahaha ! Kawaii ! Hmm . Guess you didn't expect Aya to be Ken's brother ? I was thinking that maybe people would expect Aya to be the third wheel here , but that just puts him out of the love triangle picture .
The truth is , this is the *first* ever time I've tried to write a normal- life kind of fic .
If you've noticed , I write action-y fics , with violence and killing and stuff , so I don't really know how to deal with these kinds of things . Second of all , I don't really cope well with transitions and stuff .
I still hope that you guys would still support this fic . Because no matter what anybody says , I'm really proud of it - it being the first and all ! ^__^
- - -
Schuldich's flat was at the penthouse of the building . He paid a fortune every month so it was just logical that everyone , from the bellhop to the manager treated him like he was some sort of demigod .
He puffed one last drag on his cigarette , inhaling the smoke appreciatively and noticed with amusement Ken's veiled attempt to avoid sniffing the smoke grey haze . The brunette was almost as red as a ripe tomato as he hold his breath , making Schuldich want to laugh out loud .
He slid the cardkey down the slot and opened the door to his flat before motioning Ken to enter .
Ken stood there , awed .
The place was beautiful ! - and large !
The truth was , Schuldich's suite occupied almost the entire floor . Floor to ceiling windows let in a glorious amount of light and stylish thick curtains of expensive quality hanged along the sides , half-drawn . At the end , to their left was a kitchen with aluminum-surfaced appliances and counter , a rack lay suspended above for the pans and pots .
The large glass dining table stood regally before the kitchen armed with at least ten contemporarily styled chairs . To their right was a large living room with the most complete entertainment system Ken had ever seen in his life . At the end was a door that led to a large walk-in closet , and another to a larger master bedroom equipped with its own luxurious bathroom , sauna and Jacuzzi .
Schuldich chuckled at the boy's astonishment . " Welcome to my humble abode , Ken Hidaka ."
But his comment was lost upon the brunette as he , like a little child , rushed to window and stared at the streets below , his breath fogging the glass . " Woooow ." He let a long breath of admiration .
Schuldich laughed . " Make yourself comfortable . Would you mind if I take a quick shower ?"
" No ." Ken breathed as he watched the passersby scuttle below like ants .
Chuckling , Schuldich discarded his rumpled clothing and stepped into the bathroom connected to his bedroom while musing . He tossed the glowing butt into the trashcan carelessly .
He had never encountered anyone with Ken's attitude before .
Certainly not in the world he was living in . Maybe that was what possessed him to be acquainted with the boy a few minutes ago .
Was it just minutes ago ?
Schuldich felt like he knew everything about Ken Hidaka .
The boy had an honest quality to him that made you feel like you want to entrust all your secrets to him .
He twisted the knob of the shower and felt the tepid water pelt his naked body . The luxury of a shower barely pervaded his thoughts as he continued to muse on the boy who was still probably ooh-ing and aah-ing on the view .
Such enthusiasm for just a view of a busy street stories below . Schuldich himself never noticed nor appreciated that , he realized . But Schuldich never exactly noticed nor appreciated anything that wasn't involved with his projects . Until now , he'd never paid any attention to that spectacle of passersby . Nor had he ever been awed by the luxury of his flat . It all came simply to him .
He just ignored everything that wasn't a part of his job .
He lathered himself with soap and turned on the shower , feeling it wash away form his slick skin .
Finally through , he took a towel from the rack (it was changed everyday by the personnel) and ran it through his hair and then his body .
" Mr. Schuldich ?" a tentative call came from outside .
" I'm here , kid ."
" Is it okay if I come in ?"
" Yeah ." Schuldich replied , momentarily forgetting his nudity . The door opened and the brunette stood there , his jaw on the floor , a flush forming on his cheeks . He turned his head discreetly away .
" Dear God ." Schuldich muttered as he quickly wrapped the towel around his waist .
He had never been ashamed of his fantastic physique - he knew it as well as anybody that he had a great body ; what made him so embarrassed was the fact that Ken had become flustered by the sight of him .
" Was I taking too long ?" He asked easily , wringing his long red hair dry .
" I uh ... I changed ... well , I changed my mind , uh - maybe - I think , maybe I should go ." Ken stuttered , his eyes trained on the wall , his face as red as a cooked crab . Schuldich had definitely caught him off- guard .
Schuldich chuckled . " I won't let you do that . We're going to have breakfast ." He insisted . How had he become so familiar ; so intimate with this boy when they had spent barely an hour together ?
" I think ... maybe I should go ." Ken had never taken his eyes off the dark blue tiles that compose the walls of the beautiful bathroom .
" No way , kid . We're going to have a great breakfast down at Altrino's and that's final . If you don't mind , I'd be dressing up in decent clothes ."
Schuldich had never seen someone hurry out of a room so fast .
- - -
The walk to Altrino's was short and silent . Ken was still obviously flustered with what happened and he pocketed his hands in his jacket while Schuldich , dressed in a thin midnight-coloured sweater , jeans and leather boots with a black coat over , walked effortlessly beside him . Out of habit , Schuldich's black camera was hanging around his neck .
Ken was wearing Schuldich's old leather boots - expensive (and almost new , despite what he said about it being worn out) , which had grown a size too small for him but was just perfect for the brunette . Ken had , of course , tried to refuse ; but Schuldich had insisted , saying that he might just throw it out anyway since it didn't fit anymore .
" I'm sorry about that ." Schuldich said , offering an apologetic smile , referring to the scene at the shower .
Ken nodded but kept his gaze straight ahead on the pavement . The dripping sneakers dangled from his neck by the laces .
They were seated in the nearly deserted café near the window and Schuldich almost had to force the brunette to order .
The heavy breakfasts Schuldich had ordered for both of them now lay on the table , steaming .
Ken had refused to meet his eyes and faint tinge of red still lingered on his cheeks .
Amused , Schuldich stirred his coffee and took a sip of the strong black substance , it's aroma was heavenly , but its taste was even more addicting . " Hey , don't look so glum . Don't tell me you've never seen a naked man before !" He joked lightly .
Ken flushed .
" Eat your breakfast , it's getting cold ." He nudged the plate towards the blushing brunette . " So , are you in college ?" He asked , taking another sip of his coffee .
" I'm a freshman - well , I was ."
Schuldich glanced at him quizzically " What do you mean ?"
" I had to drop out last week . Financial problems ."
" I thought your brother's a working man , how could he let you just drop out of your schooling like that ?"
" I don't mind . We have a lot of stuff to pay for , his salary's not enough to keep me in school , even on a part-time scholarship . I told him I wanted to work instead , since I have nothing to do - but - he doesn't want me to ." Ken explained . He stabbed at the scrambled eggs and swallowed it without chewing .
" If you want , I can pay for your tuition and books ."
" What ?! No way ! I can't accept your offer sir ! Besides , my brother will kill me ! He doesn't want anybody's sympathy ." Ken sighed glumly and swallowed another mouthful of his breakfast .
" First of all , I'm Schuldich . Not mister 'Schuldich' not mister Schwarz , certainly not Sir 'Schuldich' . Second of all , I think you should go to school if you'd want to have a future ahead of you and third of all , I'd say your brother is a total asshole ."
Ken looked surprised at his statement , he sat there , staring at Schuldich , taken aback .
" You don't understand ." He said softly , his eyes clouding in misery .
Schuldich wondered what he said so wrong . Maybe he shouldn't have taken a crack at Ken's brother like that , not when he barely even knew him . " Sorry ; I didn't mean that kid ."
Ken shook his head sadly .
He loved his brother more than anyone in the world because he had always taken care of Ken . He sacrificed everything just to make sure that Ken was doing fine even when it meant that there were things he couldn't afford to buy for himself . He worked full time from early evening to early morning at the bar and worked at a flower shop during the day , dropping off in their small apartment in the afternoon to take a few hours of sleep before he had to start work at the bar again .
Aya may sometimes be hotheaded and moody , but Ken understood him . Aya was always tired , but he always had the time to fix Ken food between jobs so he had something to eat at school . *
He knew that they could never afford him finish his college education , they couldn't even afford to keep him through the next semester . They had to scrimp Aya's meager earnings from both jobs to pay for the rent and all the other expenses .
Aya was just twenty-six . He was eight years older than Ken , but he had acted as a surrogate parent for Ken when both their father and mother had died in a fire while they were at school when Ken was just ten years old .
Ken's voice was choked , Schuldich could feel that he was trying to keep his emotions from seeping to his voice and it made him all the more guilty that he had said those words . " It's okay ... Aya's a beautiful person . He's the best brother anyone could ask for ... I - I love my brother . He's the only family I got left ."
Schuldich had never seen such profound sadness before .
" I hope you don't mind if I take a picture of you ." Schuldich suddenly . He regretted on having being such an ass and he wanted to steer the subject around .
Ken's gaze was resting at something outside and he said hollowly , still lost in the thoughts of his brother . " No , I guess not ."
Schuldich adjusted the lens and the shutter speed . Perfect .
Ken was staring out the window with a far , sad expression on his face .
Click .
Click .
Click .
He knew one picture was enough , but ... well Ken was the best subject he had ever come across , he portrayed feelings well . He knew there was another reason - that maybe he was ...
- he tried to bury the feeling .
Click .
Click .
Slowly , Ken turned to him , as if suddenly startled into reality . " Oh , damn ." He said , jumping to his feet . " I gotta go . I have to do - uhm - stuff ." He said in a hurry , he took his coat , which he draped on the seat and turned to go . " Thanks for the breakfast , Schuldich ." He said , giving the redhead a warm smile . " Nice meeting you !"
" Hey ! Give me your number !" He called out after Ken , who was already half-outside the door .
" We don't have a phone !" Ken shouted back , running as if his life depended on it . " Thanks !"
Schuldich sank back on his seat with a rueful smile . At least he had gotten pictures right ?
With a small chuckle , he lit a cigarette and leaned back against his chair , lost in thought .
He'd develop the pictures later and leave Yohji high and dry tomorrow morning .
He smirked and blew a smoke ring in the air . Forget about dinner at Yohji's flat . He had something better to do .
- - -
R_M : I am so psyched ! Yeah !
You'll be pleased to know that the 17th chapter of this fic is already all typed out ! Yessss ! I finished 17 ½ chapters in five days !!! *LARGE LARGE grin* of course ... *smiles demurely* I have to make you curse me and coax me before I dole them out - meaning write your reviews ! BWAHAHAHArdiharhar !!!!! ^____~ kidding !
Misura : Hhmmmm ... *wonders* is it Manx or isn't it ? Yesh . Maybe I have to look for that Alice ne ? Really ? Hmm , I had thought that they were chummy all too quickly , but I guess I was wrong . After all , as Mariki so enthusiastically said : it was love at first sight . Is it or isn't it I wonder ? *scratches her chin*
Mariki : Waiii ! Really ? Yes ! I will e-mail youuuu !!! *runs off to mail Mariki* Arigatou ! ^__^
Jenken : Arigatou for the compliments . BTW , are you in the WKML ? I saw your post I think . ^__~
Schu-chan : O_____O;;;;;;;;; ( ( . ,)
Ran Mouri : Waaii ! I remember you ! You're the person who named yourself after the Mouri in Meitantei Conan ! Wahahaha ! Kawaii ! Hmm . Guess you didn't expect Aya to be Ken's brother ? I was thinking that maybe people would expect Aya to be the third wheel here , but that just puts him out of the love triangle picture .