Chapter 5
Summary: Ken has woken up snuggled up against Aya. Ken panicked and fell on the floor. Now read on for more…
Author's note: And another apology from me (yikes). I like to write personal thank you's to everyone for sending me a review, so I'm sorry that it takes up so much space before the fic starts. I love reviews and I really want to tell you lovely reviewers how much I appreciate your comments. Besides I like getting personal thank you's myself! Hope you do too!
Hugs and almond pocky (the best!) to:
Ashen Skies – Thank you! Yes I like gratuitous cameos! Why make up a OC when you can just pinch some bishies from another series? *laugh* I hope this update is fast enough?!
les-mizerable – Yes Aya is a cold cold man in this fic. But my reasoning is, he's just heard Ken declare he's not in love with him. He's actually devastated, you know?! He's still coming to terms with his feelings. I haven't given too much away have I? *laugh* Oh well, you KNOW it's a Aya-Ken fic!
Minerva Teller of tales – Ooh! Thank you! I like the saying 'give you props'. No one ever said that to me before… So happy you like my Ken!
Zeto – Two reviews?! Ah – you spoil me! I don't know if it's Nagi or not yet (haven't decided yet) and yes Tas-chan is my FY fave! The fangs are too damn cute! And Ken will get what he wants… sooner or later…
Wildfire2 – Thank you! *laugh* More action? Coming up! But they gotta get together first, ne?!
Xellas – Tas and Chiri should be thankful I'm not torturing them… yet! Poor Aya – but he had to bring up the issue, Ken is too damn shy! How do you want Ken to make it up to him, ne? *hentai smile*
Moonraven – I was seeing if you were paying attention or not! Ok, so you were! Aya is a stubborn man - but he can't hold out forever against my cute klutzy Ken… Y-O coming up sooner or later too…
Red River – Thank you so much! Love is not an easy business, especially if you wanna be in love with your ultra cool katana-wielding leader. So glad you like my little fic!
Kira – Bishie torture is a must! I just can't see the path of true love being easy for any of these guys, well that's my excuse anyway! Btw, since your review was anonymous, are you the Kira who wrote 'Warmth'? 'Cause if you are, then please update 'cause it's really good!
Heather – Glad you like! Feel free to nag Moonraven, but I know she's working extra hard on the next FY bit. Umm, I didn't think their relationship was that slow, maybe it just seems that way with the way I write. It's only been a few days since the beginning of the fic… Besides if they jumped into bed together straight away, what would I have to write about? Apart from a gratuitous lemon? *laugh* And so happy you like my Yuriko!
forbidding – Ken so needs to confess, doesn't he? And Aya get the wrong idea? As if that would happen! Okay, enough sarcasm… I wanna torture the bishies some more, but Kenken appreciates your concern!
And finally to my Ne-chan and Mi-chan - Thanks for the comments before this went to air! *huggles* You guys are the best!
Okay, enough babbling! Action please!
A freshly showered Ken finally emerged from the bathroom to find Aya sitting up in bed, reading a magazine.
"I plan to go back to the Koneko to check in with the others before we are required this afternoon. Is that acceptable?"
Ken nodded mutely. He couldn't quite bring himself to look Aya in the eye. Since Aya was half naked, he also couldn't look at his chest so thus he ended up looking at Aya's blanket covered feet. At least his damn blush was under control.
"It's only seven thirty. Do you want to sleep more before we go?" Aya seemed very normal this morning. As if the past day hadn't happened and they were just conversing like normal.
"Iie. I'm up now. I can take the opportunity to go for a run. Didn't have a chance yesterday." Ken stretched his arms out as he flexed his shoulders.
If Ken had been an observant man he might have noticed the way Aya's gaze lingered on his semi-clad body, but he wasn't, so all he saw was Aya getting out of the bed and walking to the bathroom.
The door closed and Ken sighed as he picked up his pile of clothes from the dresser and put them on the bed to get dressed. He pulled down his pants but then Aya opened the bathroom door.
"Argh! Aya!" Ken yelped as he yanked his pants back up again.
"Sumimasen. I forgot my towel." Aya strolled over to retrieve said towel and returned to the bathroom leaving a flustered Ken behind.
Ken hadn't thought he could be any more embarrassed today. Seems he was wrong. He'd just mooned Aya. Well not intentionally, but Aya had just seen his naked butt. He moaned as he shook his head.
Ken waited until he heard the sound of the shower beginning and then got dressed as quickly as he could. But the water sounds conjured up images of Aya, naked and wet, running a soapy hand down his chest as he cleaned himself... It wasn't helping Ken's state of mind at all.
Ken debated whether he should leave the room but then Aya wouldn't know where he went to. So he sighed and sat down to wait at the desk, leafing through the magazine.
Aya emerged after a short period of time and proceeded to get dressed, with no concern that Ken was still in the room. Ken couldn't help attempting a surreptitious glance at the slim redhead and sighed longingly at the expanse of white skin on Aya's back as Aya slipped on his shirt.
"Are you ready?" Ken nodded at Aya's question and they departed the room.
After thanking the housekeeper and leaving a note for Yuriko, they were met by one the family chauffeurs. As they walked into the large garage, Ken couldn't help staring at the gleaming row of motorbikes lined up against the wall.
"Would you prefer to take a bike instead?" The chauffeur smiled at Ken's obvious interest.
"Nah, it's okay." Even as Ken said the sentence, his expert eye was noting the modifications on the Kawasakis. Some of the models he couldn't even recognise. Several were replicas of the bikes used in the Moto GP series. He whistled in admiration and walked over to have a better look.
"I insist Hidaka-san!" The booming voice of Hiroshi Kawasaki was heard as their host entered via a side door. "Yuriko-chan has told me about your love of bikes, you must try one of ours. Try one of the new models. We're trying out 1400cc for the first time. Let Koichi know what you think. We're always pleased to hear from a fellow enthusiast."
Ken couldn't refuse the Kawasaki head's offer so he bowed politely in acceptance. Inwardly he was quite excited to try out a new bike – 1400cc! More power than his 1000cc bike.
He absentmindedly chose a helmet from the selection and was happily admiring the bike wheeled out for him when Aya tapped him on the shoulder.
"Are you ready Ken?" Aya was holding a helmet too.
It was at this stage that Ken realised that Aya didn't have a bike licence. Damn! How could he forget that! Aya was going to be sitting behind him.
Aya put his helmet on and gestured for Ken to follow suit.
Ken straddled the bike and Aya got on behind him, sitting close to Ken's back and wrapping his arms around Ken's waist. Ken could feel his ears start to flush and was thankful for the helmet.
On the ride home, all Ken could feel were Aya's arms around him. Damn but it felt good. Aya's chest was pressed against his back and when Ken leaned in for the turns he could feel Aya's grip tighten. It was so distracting that Ken belatedly realised that Aya was trying to get his attention while they were stopped at a traffic light.
"I asked if you wanted to stop at the French bakery to pick up some breakfast." Aya leaned closer to Ken as he repeated his statement.
"Sure, they make great fresh bread!" Ken was revving the engine as he anticipated the light change. This bike was really something else. However it couldn't compare the main attraction which was sitting behind him.
"I know you like it, that's why I suggested it." Aya's quiet comment took a moment to register.
Ken blinked, astounded that Aya knew his preference. It was really quite amazing and suddenly Ken's day was just that little bit brighter.
They stopped to buy bread and pastries to take back to the Koneko, buying extra for Yohji and Omi too.
"Anything else with that sirs? Some cakes perhaps? They're all freshly made this morning." The saleslady smiled at them.
"They do look good. Aya, do you want anything?" Ken turned to Aya to find the redhead already perusing the display.
"Hmm… I think I will. I'll have a piece of the dark chocolate mousse cake. And you, Ken?"
"I didn't know you liked chocolate. Finally, you show a weakness!" Ken laughed.
"I like dark chocolate. It's sweet and rich, but yet slightly bitter at the same time." Aya looked at Ken. "It's my one indulgence."
Why was Aya's voice slightly deeper than usual? Ken couldn't read the expression in Aya's eyes so he just nodded earnestly. "Whatever you like, fearless leader."
A brief flicker of annoyance graced Aya's face before he turned away. "Hurry up and choose so we can go home."
Ken hastily picked some other cakes and hurried after Aya. What had he done now to annoy Aya? He sighed again.
The day was not turning out right, but Ken knew that he wouldn't give up this day for anything. He's woken up in bed with Aya and had Aya's arms around him. If he died tomorrow, at least he'd be a happy man.
They arrived back at the Koneko and met a sleepy Omi in the kitchen.
"Yum! Thanks guys for getting breakfast. I didn't know you were coming back today?" Omi looked at them inquiringly.
"I wanted to check your progress with Sato's location and the Black Devil's leader too. Ken and I will need to return to the Kawasaki household before 12." Aya informed him.
"Can I go for my run first? Can't run on a full stomach." Ken stretched and bounced on his feet. He needed the chance to get away and think by himself. And he liked exercising. Old habits die hard.
"Fine. We'll meet at 10. Omi, can you arrange for Momoe-san to cover for you in the shop and let Kudou know too." Aya looked at his watch.
"I'll let Yohji know. I gotta go get changed anyway. See ya guys." Ken was quickly out the door so he missed the two assessing glances directed at his back.
Ken ran up the stairs taking them two at a time. He pounded on Yohji's door. "Yohji! Yohji! Open up!"
After he received no response, Ken tried the door handle and found it unlocked. He opened the door and peeked inside.
"Yotan, wake up!" He shook the slumbering blonde on the shoulder.
"Hey Ken. Watcha doing waking me up from my beauty sleep?" Yohji opened one bleary eye.
"Just wanted to tell you we're meeting at 10 to discuss the mission. Oh and there's breakfast in the kitchen. See ya."
"Why are you so perky this morning Kenken? You're just a bundle of energy today." Yohji sat up and leaned back on the wall. The blanket dropped to his waist revealing Yohji's bare chest.
"Aa… No reason," lied Ken cheerfully. He didn't want to tell Yohji about his embarrassing incidents from this morning.
"You know Kenken, when a person tells a lie, their eyes roll up to the left because they're using the right hemisphere of the brain – the side which is used for creative and imaginative things. When they're telling the truth, their eyes unconsciously roll up to the right because that's using the left part of your brain used for facts, figures and logical thought. Wanna know which way your eyes just went Ken?" Yohji reached for the box of cigarettes and lit one, looking back at the slightly flustered brunette. [1]
"Yohji!" growled Ken. "Do you have to know everything?" he continued exasperatedly.
"How can I help you if I don't know what you've been doing?" Yohji asked innocently. "Why don't you sit down on the bed and tell Uncle Yotan what you're been up to?"
"Do I have to? I really wanted to go for a run this morning. I didn't get the chance yesterday and I feel a bit stodgy because of that." Ken protested.
"A run huh? If you make it a very slow jog, I'll drag my weary body out of bed and join you." Yohji stubbed out his cigarette.
"Nani? You're going to join me?" Ken gave Yohji an incredulous look. "Are you kidding me?"
"What? Think I can't keep up with you soccer boy? I am a professional assassin too, you know!" Yohji pouted.
"Fine fine!" laughed Ken. "But be quick, I'm leaving in five minutes and you better be ready or I'm going without you."
"Make it ten. I've gotta look good in case we run into any women, y'know." Yohji raised an eyebrow.
"We're just going for a run. Just put on a shirt. You look just fine Yohji." Ken rolled his eyes.
"Yohji-kun! Oh. Ken-kun. You're still here." Omi appeared at the doorway, taking in Yohji's appearance and hearing Ken's last comment.
"Shoo Kenken. I'll see you downstairs in ten minutes." Yohji got out of bed lazily. "Now bishounen, what can I do for you?"
"I was just checking that Ken had told you about the meeting," said Omi. He blinked as he smiled brightly.
"Thanks Omitchi. That he has. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get ready." Yohji wondered what the young blonde was thinking, but it was an impossible task trying to work that out. Omi was a master at disguising his true feelings and covering it up with a bright happy smile.
"Where are you going Yohji-kun?"
"Aa… Ken's making me go for a run with him." Yohji walked to his closet to look for a jogging outfit. Did he even own one?
"Nani?" Omi sounded shocked.
"Why the surprise, chibi?" Yohji looked over his shoulder at Omi. "Che! Both of you don't think I can do exercise?"
"I don't think I've ever seen you do any form of exercise," was Omi's reply.
"Omitchi, I get exercise every night I go out." Yohji waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "I'm in terrific shape." He raised his arms into a body-builders pose, showing off the lean muscles in his arms.
Omi giggled and Yohji smiled down at him. "Are you laughing at my muscles Omi-chan?" He reached out to ruffle Omi's hair before grabbing him in a head lock, pulling the young blonde against his bare chest.
"Argh! Stop it Yohji-kun!" Omi struggled weakly as his giggles continued.
"I'll stop when you apologise," said Yohji as he commenced the second part of his plan – tickling.
"Yohji-kun!"
The knock on his door was heard over the sounds of their play.
"Yotan! You better be getting ready in there! I'll be waiting downstairs for you!" Ken shouted through the door.
Yohji dropped his arms. "Aa. Better not keep Ken waiting too long. He might leave without me."
"I'm sure he won't." Yohji couldn't read the expression in Omi's eyes and gave up as he turned back to his closet in search of sporting clothing.
"Well I better leave you to it then." Omi disappeared as silently as he arrived.
Yohji shook his head. Omi confused him sometimes. Yes he did.
Now where were the damn t-shirts in his closet?
****
Ken looked up from his seat on the stairs as he heard Yohji's door slam.
"Will you hurry up?" he yelled.
"Nani?" Aya opened the basement door.
"Oh nothing. I was just yelling for Yohji." Ken looked back at the still empty stairs. "Yohji, I'm gonna leave without you!"
Yohji appeared at the landing of the stairs. "Keep your shirt on Kenken. I'm here now."
Ken looked up and couldn't help laughing as he shook his head. Yohji's t-shirt read 'Blondes do it better.'
"Do you have no other t-shirts? I do have to be seen with you, y'know!"
"What's wrong with this one? Sweet Yuka-chan gave it to me." Yohji gave Ken an affronted look. "Anyway it's true. Let's go soccer boy. I'll show you how much stamina the Kudou has."
Ken laughed. Even when Yohji talked normally, there was always an element of suggestiveness in his words.
"Where are you going?" The clipped tones of Aya brought Ken back to earth.
"Ah Aya. Didn't see you there. Ken's making me go for a run with him. It's the only way he'll give me any time." Yohji sighed dramatically.
Aya's eyes narrowed. "Fine. But don't be late for the meeting." He closed the basement door and walked past them to the kitchen.
Yohji slapped Ken on the shoulder as Ken's eyes followed Aya's slim form from the hallway. "Let's go." Yohji's voice was quiet, without the joviality of their previous comments.
They put on their shoes silently and exited out the back door.
****
They ran to the park and did several laps of the running path. Yohji was breathing a little bit heavier. Damn but Ken had a lot of energy.
"I'm gonna sit down over there," Yohji pointed at a park bench, "Go ahead and run, I'll wait for you here."
"No stamina Kudou." Ken shook his head as he laughed.
"I've got plenty of stamina. But there's a good looking woman over there. I'll go introduce myself and see what's she's doing. Can't leave a pretty woman alone by herself. When you're done, we can have our little talk. Ja ne." And Yohji left.
Ken smiled. Yohji had an excuse for everything. He continued to run, enjoying the feel of the air against his heated skin and the sunshine on his skin.
Left alone with his thoughts, they began to queue up in his mind. The way Aya looked in bed, reclining against the wall, a blanket covering him up to hips. Aya towelling his hair dry. The way Aya's muscles moved as he shrugged on his shirt. The feel of Aya's body against his on the bike. Aya suggesting they stop to buy breakfast. Aya liking chocolate! Now that was a surprise. Ken filed that away for future use.
But then the thoughts changed. Aya looking coldly furious as he declared Ken to be disgusted by him. Aya staring at him from the doorway of the bakery. Aya ignoring him all yesterday. And where did the redhead go in the afternoon when he had disappeared for a few hours. Ken had asked him during the night, but Aya had merely said "Out" and that was it. Ken sighed. Aya was still as mysterious as the day he arrived. Who knew what he was feeling at all?
'But he let you snuggle against him this morning,' a little voice in his head said. 'Well maybe he didn't have any choice in that, you know you're a snuggler in bed,' came the reply to that. 'He put his arms around you on the bike'. 'But Kawasaki-san made you take the bike, it was only polite.' 'He thought that you were disgusted by him.'. 'But I've cleared that up, haven't I?'
Ken sighed. The voices in his head were just bringing him to the conclusion that he was just imagining that there was anything between him and Aya. He rounded the last curve and jogged over to where Yohji was smoking on the bench.
"She's gone already?" Ken raised an eyebrow at the absence of women.
"She had to get to work. Got her phone number though. I'll give her a call tomorrow," was Yohji's nonchalant response. "So tell me what happened to you since yesterday."
Ken started the story, telling about the shopping, the dinner, how they had to share a room and the blanket incident.
"Well in my professional opinion," Yohji cleared his throat, "I think there's no way that Aya would let you wrap yourself around him if he didn't like you. After all, this is Aya we're talking about. If he didn't like it, I'm sure he'd let you know pretty quickly."
"But maybe he didn't have any choice. I… ummm… stretch out a lot in bed." Ken flushed slightly.
"I think it's a positive sign. I already had a hunch that he feels something for you. Did you see the look in his eyes when we left this morning? That was jealousy all right." Yohji nodded his head in affirmation.
"What?! You were deliberately baiting him?" Ken was aghast. Then he realised what Yohji had said. "Jealous? Really? I'm not so sure…" Ken trailed off, but his tone was slightly hopeful.
"I don't think Aya's going to be the one to declare himself first. The question is, are you willing to take the chance at love?" Yohji's eyes were suddenly very serious.
"But what if it doesn't work. What if he doesn't feel anything for me." Ken looked at the ground.
"There's an English saying, Ken. It's better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all." Yohji turned to Ken and his eyes were full of emotion. "I've been there Ken. I had the love of my life and it was the best time of my life. She's gone now and I'm still here, but I hope that someday I will find that love again. I'll keep searching because if I don't, then what do I have? I have nothing. Ken we're assassins. We're killing people nearly every week. Don't you need something to keep yourself out of the darkness? At this stage in our lives, I think love is the only thing that can save any of us." Yohji's voice trailed off and Ken looked up into sympathetic green eyes.
"I don't know if I could face him if Aya rejected me. I'll still have to work with him."
"I never thought of you as a quitter Ken. I always thought you'd try your best at anything you put your mind to do. And the game of love is no different. Until you reveal yourself, you don't know what the outcome is going to be."
"You're right. Thanks Yohji. I won't give up until I know what Aya's really feeling. Funny… some guys I met last night told me the same thing." Ken sat up, feeling better for the first time in the conversation.
"They were smart guys then. We better head back. I don't want Aya coming after me with his bloody katana if we get back late." With that comment Yohji stood up and the sombre mood of the conversation was broken.
"Sure. Thanks Yotan. You're my best friend, y'know." Ken made a move to give Yohji a hug but Yohji pulled away.
"I don't particularly want your sweat on me, Kenken. You can save that for Aya." Yohji smirked and then started running.
"You hentai! Yohji! I'm gonna kill you for that one!" Ken gave chase to the fleeing blonde.
****
They arrived back at the Koneko, laughing and gasping for breath. When Ken looked at Yohji, he burst into fresh laughter again.
"What are you guys laughing about?" Omi opened the back door, looking out with a curious expression.
"Nothing. Kenken's just realised what a razor wit I have." Yohji drawled.
"That's an… interesting t-shirt you have Yohji-kun." Omi gave said t-shirt a look.
"He he! You like Omitchi? I'll let you borrow it if you like. After all, we blondes have to stick together." Yohji walked over and draped an affectionate arm over the young blonde's shoulders.
"I don't wanna borrow your clothes Yohji-kun!"
"You sure, chibi? Many people have wanted to get into the clothes of Yohji Kudou." Yohji's voice deepened as he winked suggestively at Omi.
"I'm sure many people already have gotten into your clothes," was Omi's sharp reply.
"Ouch! Chibi! That was harsh!" Yohji put on his best hurt expression. "You've hurt my feelings."
Omi sighed in exasperation at Yohji then his gaze softened. "Sorry Yohji-kun. That was mean of me. I'll make it up to you. I'll cook your favourite dinner tonight, okay?"
"And dessert?" Yohji maintained his expression.
Omi sighed as he shook his head. "Fine, I'll go buy your Haagen-daas ice cream too."
"Just kidding!" Yohji laughed as he squeezed Omi's shoulder. "If you cook dinner, I'll take you out for ice cream, okay?"
"Sure! I'd like that! I'm gonna order the biggest sundae on the menu!" Omi giggled at Yohji's resigned smile. "Oops. Gotta go. Aya's calling me."
"That kid! Amazing how much ice cream he can put away." Yohji shook his head in remembrance.
"Better take a lot of cash with you then. And bring me home some takeaway. I'll eat it tomorrow." Ken wasn't sympathetic at all as he took off his sneakers.
"You get to the shower! Don't wanna be late to the meeting now, do we? And whilst we all love you Kenken, no one's gonna like the smell coming from you." Yohji pinched his nose as he looked playfully at the brunette.
"I don't smell! You smell!" Ken tackled Yohji and began trying to rub himself against the taller blonde's back.
"Argh! Get off! Ken!" Yohji tried to squirm out of Ken's rough embrace.
Aya opened the kitchen door. "Shut up you two." The door closed again.
"It's okay. He knows we were just playing around." Yohji looked worriedly at Ken's horrified expression.
Ken dropped his arms from around Yohji's waist. He didn't even want to imagine what Aya had thought of their current scene.
"Does he?" Ken looked at Yohji. "I think I will go shower now."
Ken departed the room downcast whilst Yohji just watched him go.
~ tbc ~
[1] I love my smart all-knowing Yotan! This stuff is true too! Well, it's supported by a number of scientists anyway… O_o
Hmm… even I was surprised by this chapter. It wasn't in my original plot bunny at all. *shrugs* Oh well… Hope you still liked it!
Summary: Ken has woken up snuggled up against Aya. Ken panicked and fell on the floor. Now read on for more…
Author's note: And another apology from me (yikes). I like to write personal thank you's to everyone for sending me a review, so I'm sorry that it takes up so much space before the fic starts. I love reviews and I really want to tell you lovely reviewers how much I appreciate your comments. Besides I like getting personal thank you's myself! Hope you do too!
Hugs and almond pocky (the best!) to:
Ashen Skies – Thank you! Yes I like gratuitous cameos! Why make up a OC when you can just pinch some bishies from another series? *laugh* I hope this update is fast enough?!
les-mizerable – Yes Aya is a cold cold man in this fic. But my reasoning is, he's just heard Ken declare he's not in love with him. He's actually devastated, you know?! He's still coming to terms with his feelings. I haven't given too much away have I? *laugh* Oh well, you KNOW it's a Aya-Ken fic!
Minerva Teller of tales – Ooh! Thank you! I like the saying 'give you props'. No one ever said that to me before… So happy you like my Ken!
Zeto – Two reviews?! Ah – you spoil me! I don't know if it's Nagi or not yet (haven't decided yet) and yes Tas-chan is my FY fave! The fangs are too damn cute! And Ken will get what he wants… sooner or later…
Wildfire2 – Thank you! *laugh* More action? Coming up! But they gotta get together first, ne?!
Xellas – Tas and Chiri should be thankful I'm not torturing them… yet! Poor Aya – but he had to bring up the issue, Ken is too damn shy! How do you want Ken to make it up to him, ne? *hentai smile*
Moonraven – I was seeing if you were paying attention or not! Ok, so you were! Aya is a stubborn man - but he can't hold out forever against my cute klutzy Ken… Y-O coming up sooner or later too…
Red River – Thank you so much! Love is not an easy business, especially if you wanna be in love with your ultra cool katana-wielding leader. So glad you like my little fic!
Kira – Bishie torture is a must! I just can't see the path of true love being easy for any of these guys, well that's my excuse anyway! Btw, since your review was anonymous, are you the Kira who wrote 'Warmth'? 'Cause if you are, then please update 'cause it's really good!
Heather – Glad you like! Feel free to nag Moonraven, but I know she's working extra hard on the next FY bit. Umm, I didn't think their relationship was that slow, maybe it just seems that way with the way I write. It's only been a few days since the beginning of the fic… Besides if they jumped into bed together straight away, what would I have to write about? Apart from a gratuitous lemon? *laugh* And so happy you like my Yuriko!
forbidding – Ken so needs to confess, doesn't he? And Aya get the wrong idea? As if that would happen! Okay, enough sarcasm… I wanna torture the bishies some more, but Kenken appreciates your concern!
And finally to my Ne-chan and Mi-chan - Thanks for the comments before this went to air! *huggles* You guys are the best!
Okay, enough babbling! Action please!
A freshly showered Ken finally emerged from the bathroom to find Aya sitting up in bed, reading a magazine.
"I plan to go back to the Koneko to check in with the others before we are required this afternoon. Is that acceptable?"
Ken nodded mutely. He couldn't quite bring himself to look Aya in the eye. Since Aya was half naked, he also couldn't look at his chest so thus he ended up looking at Aya's blanket covered feet. At least his damn blush was under control.
"It's only seven thirty. Do you want to sleep more before we go?" Aya seemed very normal this morning. As if the past day hadn't happened and they were just conversing like normal.
"Iie. I'm up now. I can take the opportunity to go for a run. Didn't have a chance yesterday." Ken stretched his arms out as he flexed his shoulders.
If Ken had been an observant man he might have noticed the way Aya's gaze lingered on his semi-clad body, but he wasn't, so all he saw was Aya getting out of the bed and walking to the bathroom.
The door closed and Ken sighed as he picked up his pile of clothes from the dresser and put them on the bed to get dressed. He pulled down his pants but then Aya opened the bathroom door.
"Argh! Aya!" Ken yelped as he yanked his pants back up again.
"Sumimasen. I forgot my towel." Aya strolled over to retrieve said towel and returned to the bathroom leaving a flustered Ken behind.
Ken hadn't thought he could be any more embarrassed today. Seems he was wrong. He'd just mooned Aya. Well not intentionally, but Aya had just seen his naked butt. He moaned as he shook his head.
Ken waited until he heard the sound of the shower beginning and then got dressed as quickly as he could. But the water sounds conjured up images of Aya, naked and wet, running a soapy hand down his chest as he cleaned himself... It wasn't helping Ken's state of mind at all.
Ken debated whether he should leave the room but then Aya wouldn't know where he went to. So he sighed and sat down to wait at the desk, leafing through the magazine.
Aya emerged after a short period of time and proceeded to get dressed, with no concern that Ken was still in the room. Ken couldn't help attempting a surreptitious glance at the slim redhead and sighed longingly at the expanse of white skin on Aya's back as Aya slipped on his shirt.
"Are you ready?" Ken nodded at Aya's question and they departed the room.
After thanking the housekeeper and leaving a note for Yuriko, they were met by one the family chauffeurs. As they walked into the large garage, Ken couldn't help staring at the gleaming row of motorbikes lined up against the wall.
"Would you prefer to take a bike instead?" The chauffeur smiled at Ken's obvious interest.
"Nah, it's okay." Even as Ken said the sentence, his expert eye was noting the modifications on the Kawasakis. Some of the models he couldn't even recognise. Several were replicas of the bikes used in the Moto GP series. He whistled in admiration and walked over to have a better look.
"I insist Hidaka-san!" The booming voice of Hiroshi Kawasaki was heard as their host entered via a side door. "Yuriko-chan has told me about your love of bikes, you must try one of ours. Try one of the new models. We're trying out 1400cc for the first time. Let Koichi know what you think. We're always pleased to hear from a fellow enthusiast."
Ken couldn't refuse the Kawasaki head's offer so he bowed politely in acceptance. Inwardly he was quite excited to try out a new bike – 1400cc! More power than his 1000cc bike.
He absentmindedly chose a helmet from the selection and was happily admiring the bike wheeled out for him when Aya tapped him on the shoulder.
"Are you ready Ken?" Aya was holding a helmet too.
It was at this stage that Ken realised that Aya didn't have a bike licence. Damn! How could he forget that! Aya was going to be sitting behind him.
Aya put his helmet on and gestured for Ken to follow suit.
Ken straddled the bike and Aya got on behind him, sitting close to Ken's back and wrapping his arms around Ken's waist. Ken could feel his ears start to flush and was thankful for the helmet.
On the ride home, all Ken could feel were Aya's arms around him. Damn but it felt good. Aya's chest was pressed against his back and when Ken leaned in for the turns he could feel Aya's grip tighten. It was so distracting that Ken belatedly realised that Aya was trying to get his attention while they were stopped at a traffic light.
"I asked if you wanted to stop at the French bakery to pick up some breakfast." Aya leaned closer to Ken as he repeated his statement.
"Sure, they make great fresh bread!" Ken was revving the engine as he anticipated the light change. This bike was really something else. However it couldn't compare the main attraction which was sitting behind him.
"I know you like it, that's why I suggested it." Aya's quiet comment took a moment to register.
Ken blinked, astounded that Aya knew his preference. It was really quite amazing and suddenly Ken's day was just that little bit brighter.
They stopped to buy bread and pastries to take back to the Koneko, buying extra for Yohji and Omi too.
"Anything else with that sirs? Some cakes perhaps? They're all freshly made this morning." The saleslady smiled at them.
"They do look good. Aya, do you want anything?" Ken turned to Aya to find the redhead already perusing the display.
"Hmm… I think I will. I'll have a piece of the dark chocolate mousse cake. And you, Ken?"
"I didn't know you liked chocolate. Finally, you show a weakness!" Ken laughed.
"I like dark chocolate. It's sweet and rich, but yet slightly bitter at the same time." Aya looked at Ken. "It's my one indulgence."
Why was Aya's voice slightly deeper than usual? Ken couldn't read the expression in Aya's eyes so he just nodded earnestly. "Whatever you like, fearless leader."
A brief flicker of annoyance graced Aya's face before he turned away. "Hurry up and choose so we can go home."
Ken hastily picked some other cakes and hurried after Aya. What had he done now to annoy Aya? He sighed again.
The day was not turning out right, but Ken knew that he wouldn't give up this day for anything. He's woken up in bed with Aya and had Aya's arms around him. If he died tomorrow, at least he'd be a happy man.
They arrived back at the Koneko and met a sleepy Omi in the kitchen.
"Yum! Thanks guys for getting breakfast. I didn't know you were coming back today?" Omi looked at them inquiringly.
"I wanted to check your progress with Sato's location and the Black Devil's leader too. Ken and I will need to return to the Kawasaki household before 12." Aya informed him.
"Can I go for my run first? Can't run on a full stomach." Ken stretched and bounced on his feet. He needed the chance to get away and think by himself. And he liked exercising. Old habits die hard.
"Fine. We'll meet at 10. Omi, can you arrange for Momoe-san to cover for you in the shop and let Kudou know too." Aya looked at his watch.
"I'll let Yohji know. I gotta go get changed anyway. See ya guys." Ken was quickly out the door so he missed the two assessing glances directed at his back.
Ken ran up the stairs taking them two at a time. He pounded on Yohji's door. "Yohji! Yohji! Open up!"
After he received no response, Ken tried the door handle and found it unlocked. He opened the door and peeked inside.
"Yotan, wake up!" He shook the slumbering blonde on the shoulder.
"Hey Ken. Watcha doing waking me up from my beauty sleep?" Yohji opened one bleary eye.
"Just wanted to tell you we're meeting at 10 to discuss the mission. Oh and there's breakfast in the kitchen. See ya."
"Why are you so perky this morning Kenken? You're just a bundle of energy today." Yohji sat up and leaned back on the wall. The blanket dropped to his waist revealing Yohji's bare chest.
"Aa… No reason," lied Ken cheerfully. He didn't want to tell Yohji about his embarrassing incidents from this morning.
"You know Kenken, when a person tells a lie, their eyes roll up to the left because they're using the right hemisphere of the brain – the side which is used for creative and imaginative things. When they're telling the truth, their eyes unconsciously roll up to the right because that's using the left part of your brain used for facts, figures and logical thought. Wanna know which way your eyes just went Ken?" Yohji reached for the box of cigarettes and lit one, looking back at the slightly flustered brunette. [1]
"Yohji!" growled Ken. "Do you have to know everything?" he continued exasperatedly.
"How can I help you if I don't know what you've been doing?" Yohji asked innocently. "Why don't you sit down on the bed and tell Uncle Yotan what you're been up to?"
"Do I have to? I really wanted to go for a run this morning. I didn't get the chance yesterday and I feel a bit stodgy because of that." Ken protested.
"A run huh? If you make it a very slow jog, I'll drag my weary body out of bed and join you." Yohji stubbed out his cigarette.
"Nani? You're going to join me?" Ken gave Yohji an incredulous look. "Are you kidding me?"
"What? Think I can't keep up with you soccer boy? I am a professional assassin too, you know!" Yohji pouted.
"Fine fine!" laughed Ken. "But be quick, I'm leaving in five minutes and you better be ready or I'm going without you."
"Make it ten. I've gotta look good in case we run into any women, y'know." Yohji raised an eyebrow.
"We're just going for a run. Just put on a shirt. You look just fine Yohji." Ken rolled his eyes.
"Yohji-kun! Oh. Ken-kun. You're still here." Omi appeared at the doorway, taking in Yohji's appearance and hearing Ken's last comment.
"Shoo Kenken. I'll see you downstairs in ten minutes." Yohji got out of bed lazily. "Now bishounen, what can I do for you?"
"I was just checking that Ken had told you about the meeting," said Omi. He blinked as he smiled brightly.
"Thanks Omitchi. That he has. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get ready." Yohji wondered what the young blonde was thinking, but it was an impossible task trying to work that out. Omi was a master at disguising his true feelings and covering it up with a bright happy smile.
"Where are you going Yohji-kun?"
"Aa… Ken's making me go for a run with him." Yohji walked to his closet to look for a jogging outfit. Did he even own one?
"Nani?" Omi sounded shocked.
"Why the surprise, chibi?" Yohji looked over his shoulder at Omi. "Che! Both of you don't think I can do exercise?"
"I don't think I've ever seen you do any form of exercise," was Omi's reply.
"Omitchi, I get exercise every night I go out." Yohji waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "I'm in terrific shape." He raised his arms into a body-builders pose, showing off the lean muscles in his arms.
Omi giggled and Yohji smiled down at him. "Are you laughing at my muscles Omi-chan?" He reached out to ruffle Omi's hair before grabbing him in a head lock, pulling the young blonde against his bare chest.
"Argh! Stop it Yohji-kun!" Omi struggled weakly as his giggles continued.
"I'll stop when you apologise," said Yohji as he commenced the second part of his plan – tickling.
"Yohji-kun!"
The knock on his door was heard over the sounds of their play.
"Yotan! You better be getting ready in there! I'll be waiting downstairs for you!" Ken shouted through the door.
Yohji dropped his arms. "Aa. Better not keep Ken waiting too long. He might leave without me."
"I'm sure he won't." Yohji couldn't read the expression in Omi's eyes and gave up as he turned back to his closet in search of sporting clothing.
"Well I better leave you to it then." Omi disappeared as silently as he arrived.
Yohji shook his head. Omi confused him sometimes. Yes he did.
Now where were the damn t-shirts in his closet?
****
Ken looked up from his seat on the stairs as he heard Yohji's door slam.
"Will you hurry up?" he yelled.
"Nani?" Aya opened the basement door.
"Oh nothing. I was just yelling for Yohji." Ken looked back at the still empty stairs. "Yohji, I'm gonna leave without you!"
Yohji appeared at the landing of the stairs. "Keep your shirt on Kenken. I'm here now."
Ken looked up and couldn't help laughing as he shook his head. Yohji's t-shirt read 'Blondes do it better.'
"Do you have no other t-shirts? I do have to be seen with you, y'know!"
"What's wrong with this one? Sweet Yuka-chan gave it to me." Yohji gave Ken an affronted look. "Anyway it's true. Let's go soccer boy. I'll show you how much stamina the Kudou has."
Ken laughed. Even when Yohji talked normally, there was always an element of suggestiveness in his words.
"Where are you going?" The clipped tones of Aya brought Ken back to earth.
"Ah Aya. Didn't see you there. Ken's making me go for a run with him. It's the only way he'll give me any time." Yohji sighed dramatically.
Aya's eyes narrowed. "Fine. But don't be late for the meeting." He closed the basement door and walked past them to the kitchen.
Yohji slapped Ken on the shoulder as Ken's eyes followed Aya's slim form from the hallway. "Let's go." Yohji's voice was quiet, without the joviality of their previous comments.
They put on their shoes silently and exited out the back door.
****
They ran to the park and did several laps of the running path. Yohji was breathing a little bit heavier. Damn but Ken had a lot of energy.
"I'm gonna sit down over there," Yohji pointed at a park bench, "Go ahead and run, I'll wait for you here."
"No stamina Kudou." Ken shook his head as he laughed.
"I've got plenty of stamina. But there's a good looking woman over there. I'll go introduce myself and see what's she's doing. Can't leave a pretty woman alone by herself. When you're done, we can have our little talk. Ja ne." And Yohji left.
Ken smiled. Yohji had an excuse for everything. He continued to run, enjoying the feel of the air against his heated skin and the sunshine on his skin.
Left alone with his thoughts, they began to queue up in his mind. The way Aya looked in bed, reclining against the wall, a blanket covering him up to hips. Aya towelling his hair dry. The way Aya's muscles moved as he shrugged on his shirt. The feel of Aya's body against his on the bike. Aya suggesting they stop to buy breakfast. Aya liking chocolate! Now that was a surprise. Ken filed that away for future use.
But then the thoughts changed. Aya looking coldly furious as he declared Ken to be disgusted by him. Aya staring at him from the doorway of the bakery. Aya ignoring him all yesterday. And where did the redhead go in the afternoon when he had disappeared for a few hours. Ken had asked him during the night, but Aya had merely said "Out" and that was it. Ken sighed. Aya was still as mysterious as the day he arrived. Who knew what he was feeling at all?
'But he let you snuggle against him this morning,' a little voice in his head said. 'Well maybe he didn't have any choice in that, you know you're a snuggler in bed,' came the reply to that. 'He put his arms around you on the bike'. 'But Kawasaki-san made you take the bike, it was only polite.' 'He thought that you were disgusted by him.'. 'But I've cleared that up, haven't I?'
Ken sighed. The voices in his head were just bringing him to the conclusion that he was just imagining that there was anything between him and Aya. He rounded the last curve and jogged over to where Yohji was smoking on the bench.
"She's gone already?" Ken raised an eyebrow at the absence of women.
"She had to get to work. Got her phone number though. I'll give her a call tomorrow," was Yohji's nonchalant response. "So tell me what happened to you since yesterday."
Ken started the story, telling about the shopping, the dinner, how they had to share a room and the blanket incident.
"Well in my professional opinion," Yohji cleared his throat, "I think there's no way that Aya would let you wrap yourself around him if he didn't like you. After all, this is Aya we're talking about. If he didn't like it, I'm sure he'd let you know pretty quickly."
"But maybe he didn't have any choice. I… ummm… stretch out a lot in bed." Ken flushed slightly.
"I think it's a positive sign. I already had a hunch that he feels something for you. Did you see the look in his eyes when we left this morning? That was jealousy all right." Yohji nodded his head in affirmation.
"What?! You were deliberately baiting him?" Ken was aghast. Then he realised what Yohji had said. "Jealous? Really? I'm not so sure…" Ken trailed off, but his tone was slightly hopeful.
"I don't think Aya's going to be the one to declare himself first. The question is, are you willing to take the chance at love?" Yohji's eyes were suddenly very serious.
"But what if it doesn't work. What if he doesn't feel anything for me." Ken looked at the ground.
"There's an English saying, Ken. It's better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all." Yohji turned to Ken and his eyes were full of emotion. "I've been there Ken. I had the love of my life and it was the best time of my life. She's gone now and I'm still here, but I hope that someday I will find that love again. I'll keep searching because if I don't, then what do I have? I have nothing. Ken we're assassins. We're killing people nearly every week. Don't you need something to keep yourself out of the darkness? At this stage in our lives, I think love is the only thing that can save any of us." Yohji's voice trailed off and Ken looked up into sympathetic green eyes.
"I don't know if I could face him if Aya rejected me. I'll still have to work with him."
"I never thought of you as a quitter Ken. I always thought you'd try your best at anything you put your mind to do. And the game of love is no different. Until you reveal yourself, you don't know what the outcome is going to be."
"You're right. Thanks Yohji. I won't give up until I know what Aya's really feeling. Funny… some guys I met last night told me the same thing." Ken sat up, feeling better for the first time in the conversation.
"They were smart guys then. We better head back. I don't want Aya coming after me with his bloody katana if we get back late." With that comment Yohji stood up and the sombre mood of the conversation was broken.
"Sure. Thanks Yotan. You're my best friend, y'know." Ken made a move to give Yohji a hug but Yohji pulled away.
"I don't particularly want your sweat on me, Kenken. You can save that for Aya." Yohji smirked and then started running.
"You hentai! Yohji! I'm gonna kill you for that one!" Ken gave chase to the fleeing blonde.
****
They arrived back at the Koneko, laughing and gasping for breath. When Ken looked at Yohji, he burst into fresh laughter again.
"What are you guys laughing about?" Omi opened the back door, looking out with a curious expression.
"Nothing. Kenken's just realised what a razor wit I have." Yohji drawled.
"That's an… interesting t-shirt you have Yohji-kun." Omi gave said t-shirt a look.
"He he! You like Omitchi? I'll let you borrow it if you like. After all, we blondes have to stick together." Yohji walked over and draped an affectionate arm over the young blonde's shoulders.
"I don't wanna borrow your clothes Yohji-kun!"
"You sure, chibi? Many people have wanted to get into the clothes of Yohji Kudou." Yohji's voice deepened as he winked suggestively at Omi.
"I'm sure many people already have gotten into your clothes," was Omi's sharp reply.
"Ouch! Chibi! That was harsh!" Yohji put on his best hurt expression. "You've hurt my feelings."
Omi sighed in exasperation at Yohji then his gaze softened. "Sorry Yohji-kun. That was mean of me. I'll make it up to you. I'll cook your favourite dinner tonight, okay?"
"And dessert?" Yohji maintained his expression.
Omi sighed as he shook his head. "Fine, I'll go buy your Haagen-daas ice cream too."
"Just kidding!" Yohji laughed as he squeezed Omi's shoulder. "If you cook dinner, I'll take you out for ice cream, okay?"
"Sure! I'd like that! I'm gonna order the biggest sundae on the menu!" Omi giggled at Yohji's resigned smile. "Oops. Gotta go. Aya's calling me."
"That kid! Amazing how much ice cream he can put away." Yohji shook his head in remembrance.
"Better take a lot of cash with you then. And bring me home some takeaway. I'll eat it tomorrow." Ken wasn't sympathetic at all as he took off his sneakers.
"You get to the shower! Don't wanna be late to the meeting now, do we? And whilst we all love you Kenken, no one's gonna like the smell coming from you." Yohji pinched his nose as he looked playfully at the brunette.
"I don't smell! You smell!" Ken tackled Yohji and began trying to rub himself against the taller blonde's back.
"Argh! Get off! Ken!" Yohji tried to squirm out of Ken's rough embrace.
Aya opened the kitchen door. "Shut up you two." The door closed again.
"It's okay. He knows we were just playing around." Yohji looked worriedly at Ken's horrified expression.
Ken dropped his arms from around Yohji's waist. He didn't even want to imagine what Aya had thought of their current scene.
"Does he?" Ken looked at Yohji. "I think I will go shower now."
Ken departed the room downcast whilst Yohji just watched him go.
~ tbc ~
[1] I love my smart all-knowing Yotan! This stuff is true too! Well, it's supported by a number of scientists anyway… O_o
Hmm… even I was surprised by this chapter. It wasn't in my original plot bunny at all. *shrugs* Oh well… Hope you still liked it!