Something was wrong. Aoshi didn't yet know what it was, but something was definitely wrong. What was it?
There!
There is was again – the faintest noise, the smallest disturbance in the air. But it was definitely there. What …?
Tsukioka.
Thought was action, and Aoshi was up and moving to the other man's futon before he even realized his legs had moved. Tsukioka was asleep, but not soundly so. Dreaming, most likely.
Dreaming nightmares.
At least, Aoshi wasn't sure how someone could have that look on their face and still be having pleasant dreams. He looked halfway between screaming and crying, except that he wasn't making any sound more than the occasional suppressed whimper – which was what woke Aoshi in the first place.
"Tsukioka?" He didn't speak softly – what was the point when you were trying to wake someone? – but he didn't yell, either. No point in letting everyone else know there was something wrong, though.
He didn't respond, so Aoshi went the next step. He placed one hand on the artist's shoulder and shook lightly.
"Tsukioka, wake up. You are having a nightmare." Again that calm, steady voice – Aoshi had found that yelling at someone who was having unpleasant dreams was rarely as effective as everyone believed.
But there was still not reaction from Tsukioka – not to Aoshi anyways. He did react to something in his own mind – a slight gasp, a noticeable increase in perspiration on his forehead, though his skin was ice to the touch – all of which only made Aoshi more resolute in that he would be woken.
"Wake up Tsukioka. Katsuhiro. Wake up." He stirred slightly at that and Aoshi paused. Well, if that worked …
"Katsu. Katsu, wake up. Wake –"
And then he was awake, and Aoshi was staring directly into a pair of not-quite-sane gray-blue eyes. Awake or not, it was some time before Katsu had stopped hyperventilating, and in the meantime, Aoshi found it necessary to put a hand on his back to keep him steady. When Katsu finally looked up, it was obvious that he hadn't expected Aoshi to be there. The artist opened and closed his mouth a few times (looking remarkably like a fish) before he actually said anything.
"Aoshi." He sounded surprised. Why would that be?
"Harmless." Aoshi had no real way of know what the dream was about, but he had a pretty good guess. And an accurate one, by Katsu's expression.
Katsu lowered his head – in shame, or something else, Aoshi didn't know – and that did it. Unbalanced and probably more than a little shaken, that was all it took to send him falling straight forward into Aoshi's chest.
Aoshi blinked down at the dark crown that was all he could see of Katsu by now, and decided it was probably for the best, all things considered. Wouldn't have wanted him to injure himself on the hardwood floor – tatami gave very little cushion. Well, if that was enough to make him fall over, who knew what else would send him toppling again …
With a sigh that was purely internal, Aoshi gently put his arms around the younger man's frame.
Besides, he probably needed a little comfort …
Well, that was proved when hands tightened on his yukata (and now he was glad he had worn something to sleep in), and Katsu didn't move.
"Maybe …" it barely broke the silence as it was, and was muffled by Aoshi's chest to boot, but the ninja had no trouble hearing Katsu. "Maybe she's … not so harmless, after all."
"Ah." Well, that was fairly obvious, wasn't it? Still, Aoshi said nothing – it would not do to rush him now.
Katsu sighed again, and it was obvious that he was going to elaborate this time. Aoshi shifted so that the artist was sitting less on his lap and more cradled against his chest – so they would be more comfortable in the event of an extended story.
"Her name is Tatamisu Kijou," now, that was something to file away for later use, "and, as I said, she used to be my lover …"
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Lychee2: yes, Aoshi will make it allllll better … *sigh* not really, not yet I'm afraid, actually. Spellcheck is very good, isn't it? I'm a terrible speller, so it's always a must. And hooray for anal-retentiveness! *is also Scorpio*
Kuroiyousei: Okay, think of the most psychotic, obsessed, controlling, mentally abusive lover you can. Now add money. Lots of money. You have Kijou. She and Katsu have a History – and he's not at all happy about that. And really, very silly Japanese – they have what, five words for four? *throws hands into air* I'll remember it next time, though. Aoshi is just sexy. No variables, he just is. *drools* And um … sorry for the wait … but you can hold your breath for what … two, three days, right? Easy. Err … gottagosorrybyedon'tkillme! *disappears*
Nicky: Pyhsical contact is always good, yes indeedy! And score one for Katsu, too!
dragoneyes: *sniff* I love the smell of yaoi in the morning! (and in the afternoon, and in the evening, and at teatime …) And yes, Kijou has very serious control problems. Poor, poor Katsu. But I do hope the story is somewhat interesting, at least.