Chapter 9
Summary: Aya and Ken have finally gotten together. Yohji thinks Omi has a boyfriend. What's Omi going to say to Yohji? And then there's the mission too...
Much love to everyone who's reading this! I am honestly enormously wibbly with love for the readers who are still with me after nine months, and for the new ones who've joined my saga, welcome and enjoy the ride!
Huggles and enormous amounts of love to: Moonraven, Sara-chan, Stef, Mondtanz, Chibi-Chibi, Mystik, B Hidaka, Moon without a Sun, Heather, Sugar-Goddess, Zavijah, Yami-kurama, Mia le Slice and last, but never least Sakusha! You guys rock!
- Y&O -
Omi knocked lightly on Yohji's door. He shuffled the papers he was holding in one hand as he waited.
No reply. He knocked again. "Yohji-kun?"
He wondered if Yohji had slipped out again for the night. Omi frowned at the thought.
After waiting for a few more seconds with no response, Omi tried to open the door. It was unlocked so he pushed it open, peering inside to see if the tall blond was in residence.
Yohji was sitting on his bed with his back to the door. He was smoking and gazing out the window. A half-filled glass was on one side of the ashtray on the windowsill. A bottle of whiskey, with a good proportion missing, sat on the other side.
Yohji had discarded his coat, shirt and sunglasses and was simply sitting in a pair of black leather pants. His tanned skin gleamed in the moonlight. The sight reminded Omi of a documentary he'd watched on lions. The sleek golden cats had an underlying power that was nearly unrivalled on the African plains. It was an apt description of the man in front of him. For all of his handsome playboy actions, the core of Yohji was pure steel.
"Yohji-kun?" Omi enquired softly, as he padded forward on socked feet.
Yohji turned around, a startled expression on his face. "Omi! You almost gave me a heart attack!" In contrast to his words however, his body movements were perfectly controlled. The instincts of a well trained assassin.
"Sorry. I knocked, but you didn't answer." Omi stopped at the foot of the bed.
Yohji smiled sheepishly. "Must have been wool gathering. So what can I do for you, bishounen?"
Omi held out the sheaf of papers. "Here are the plans for tomorrow. Can you have a quick skim through and let me know if you have any questions."
"Thanks." Yohji waved a hand at the sofa in his room. "Have a seat. Anywhere you want."
Omi smiled, and walked around the side of the bed to sit next to Yohji.
Yohji blinked at him for a moment, before turning to the plans.
Omi stretched his legs out and rubbed absently at a dry spot on his left knee.
Yohji suddenly wished he hadn't stripped off when he'd gotten to his room. He could really use his sunglasses, right about now. Damn, but Omi's legs were really shown to advantage in those shorts. He forced his attention back onto the papers.
"You're going in without a weapon?" Yohji's voice rose in consternation.
"Where can I conceal a weapon?" Omi looked back steadily. "I was going to wear my boots with the concealed holders for darts, but it'll be risky if they search me. Aya will bring my darts when you guys come."
"I don't like the idea..." Yohji muttered. He paused as he considered the options. "Even if your hand-to-hand combat skills are good, that's no defence against a weapon like a gun. Ken, Aya and I should all carry some of your darts, in case Aya gets delayed or something."
"Good idea." Omi made a mental note to update the plans.
Yohji snapped his fingers. "I know. You can take one of my watches."
"But I'm not good at using your wires," Omi protested.
"You've been trained in the basics of them, right?" Yohji paused to wait for Omi's reply.
"Yes, but that was years ago."
"Once you practice with them for a few hours tomorrow, you'll be fine. I trust in your abilities," Yohji continued, "I'll give you a refresher course, if you want."
"Thanks Yohji-kun, I'd like that." Omi beamed up at Yohji, his thanks plainly expressed in his eyes. "I didn't like the thought of going in with no weapon and Aya and I didn't even think about your wires."
"No worries. Glad to know that this old man is still useful around here."
"You're not old!" protested Omi. "You're only four years older than me."
"Only four years, huh?" Yohji repeated slowly. It really wasn't that large an age gap, and it sounded like Omi didn't think it was a problem. Had Omi had a boyfriend that was Yohji's age? Yohji's brow crinkled in thought, without him even realising it.
Omi, however, did see the movement and his smile widened marginally. "So, what're you drinking?" He reached over to pick up Yohji's glass.
"Whisky. Want some?" Yohji knew Omi was going to refuse his offer.
Omi sniffed the contents of the glass and wrinkled his nose cutely as he passed the glass to Yohji. "No thanks."
"Okay. That's good." Yohji took a big sip. "It's not good for school kids to drink alcohol anyway," he said absently.
Omi snatched the glass back within a heartbeat, and was already tilting the glass up to his lips.
"What the?!" Yohji wanted to smack himself in the head. Omi had taken his words as a challenge!
"Yuk," said Omi after he swallowed.
Yohji laughed. "Take it easy, bishounen."
"It's an... interesting taste." Omi licked his upper lip as he pushed the glass onto the windowsill. He leaned back but instead of sitting back down, he lay down across Yohji's bed. His little vest rode up, revealing a few inches of toned stomach.
Yohji swallowed. Omi was killing him. He forced himself to look away from the tempting sight in front of him, to the mundane objects on the windowsill, reminding himself to breathe normally.
He'd have to get Omi out of room. And soon. Omi was temptation personified.
Omi remained silent in his position, stretched across the width of the bed.
"So, was there anything else..." Yohji said casually.
"Why are you drinking?" Omi asked suddenly. "What's wrong, Yohji-kun?"
"Who said there was anything wrong?" Yohji smiled lazily. "Sometimes I just want to have a few drinks and relax."
Omi turned to look directly at him. "A few drinks?" The young blond looked pointedly at the bottle, which was half empty.
"It's cool, Omitchi. I can hold my liquor." Yohji wondered why Omi was being so persistent.
"But I'm sure it's not good for you..." Omi's voice trailed off in frustration.
"Well, I'm sure I won't live long enough for it to be a problem." Yohji shrugged. He reached over and poured himself another half glass.
"I don't like it when you talk like that Yohji-kun!" Omi reached out and took the filled glass from Yohji. Yohji raised an eyebrow as Omi pushed the glass to the furthermost position against the window.
Yohji frowned. He reached over to get his drink but Omi hurriedly stood up and blocked his arm. "No more. You've had enough tonight."
"Omi." Yohji was getting annoyed. He was nowhere near drunk enough yet. "Get out of the way."
"No!" Seeing Yohji about to stand up and knowing he was no match for the taller blond, Omi turned around, picked up the glass again and quickly downed the alcohol. The whole glass.
"Omitchi!" Yohji could not believe the young blond had just sculled that much whiskey.
"Ewwww... How can you drink so much?" Omi wrinkled his nose as the taste lingered in his mouth.
"Baka! Who told you to scull it? You're supposed to sip it." Yohji stood up and pulled Omi back to sit on the bed. "You okay? Not going to throw up?" He peered closely at the younger boy.
"I'm fine. Do you think I've never drank alcohol before?" Omi pouted, but he leaned sideways against Yohji's shoulder.
That comment made Yohji stop for a moment to think. Just tonight, he'd realised that Omi was an adult and he really should treat him like one.
Well, he'd do that. But he still needed to get Omi out of his room.
"Fine then. I'll stop drinking," said Yohji. 'Until you leave,' he thought.
"You don't need to stay here and babysit me," he addressed the blond head snuggled against his shoulder. His bare shoulder. He wished again that he hadn't taken his shirt off. Hindsight was a bitch.
"But I know you, Yohji-kun." Omi lifted his head and Yohji felt a sense of disappointment as the soft wispy strands lifted off his skin. "I know what methods you use to make yourself forget." He looked directly at Yohji, his eyes surprisingly clear and bright.
Yohji frowned. What was Omi saying? "I see." Why couldn't he look away from Omi's big blue eyes? There was absolutely no hint of alcohol intoxication in them.
Omi continued, "You smoke, you drink and you pick up. All of which, you do in excess." His tone changed to a challenging one. "Am I right, or not?"
Yohji's jaw dropped to the floor. Well, it wasn't like it was a secret, but somehow it sounded so much worse coming from Omi. "Well..."
Omi's eyes clouded over suddenly. The young blond looked away for a moment, then turned back to Yohji, before glancing away again.
Yohji raised one eyebrow. What was the chibi getting so worked up about now?
He didn't have to wait long, because Omi turned back to him with a determined look on his face.
"Yohji-kun... Are you..." Omi trailed off, lowering his gaze to the bedcover. "Is it because... Are you mad about Ken?"
"What the?! Ken? What are you talking about? I'm not letting you drink any more alcohol ever, Omitchi!" Yohji tried to reach over to grab Omi's chin to check for signs of pupil dilation, but Omi frowned and moved out of the way, causing Yohji to crawl after him.
"Stop it! I'm fine!" Omi swatted away Yohji's hands. "What are you doing?"
"I think that alcohol's having an effect on you, Omitchi." Yohji grunted as Omi avoided him again.
"Let me go!" Omi tried to pull away as Yohji grabbed his wrist. It was unsuccessful, but it didn't stop him from trying. He rolled to the side, trying to dislodge Yohji by using his body weight.
"Omi!"
Yohji finally grabbed Omi firmly, and anchored the younger boy in front of him.
Omi wriggled indignantly and Yohji resorted to wrapping one arm around the younger boy's waist and keeping the other locked on Omi's wrist. Obviously, the alcohol was having some effect on Omi. He wouldn't have imagined it to be so easy to pin the younger blond down.
Omi finally subsided and nestled back against Yohji's chest. Yohji's breath caught in his throat. Omi was in the perfect position for cuddling. 'No. Concentrate.' Yohji told himself sternly.
"So... bishounen... What did you mean about Ken?"
Omi stilled. "I'm not blind or stupid, Yohji-kun. I saw what Ken was wearing. It was Aya's jacket. And tonight... Aya was so agreeable to my every suggestion when we were making the plans. He's never normally this agreeable. It made me wonder if he had somewhere else to go... Or someone else to see..."
"I see." Yohji rested his chin on Omi's head momentarily before releasing Omi completely. Was that all? "It's okay. I knew what was going on." He reached over for his cigarettes on the side table.
"You knew?" Omi's eyes widened. "Oh... I see. Aya-kun is your rival."
Yohji nearly dropped the box of cigarettes. He juggled it in the air for a moment. "What?! Rival?!"
"Yes. For Ken-kun's affections."
Yohji started laughing. "Omitchi! Have you ever got it wrong!"
"What?!" Omi's half-puzzled, half-sympathetic look changed and he looked away from Yohji. His voice was quiet as he spoke, "I saw you two, you know. At the club, a few days ago. I wasn't sure if it was Ken, but I knew it was you. I didn't know you'd seen me too. But after what Ken said tonight to me when he saw me, I knew it was him that night too." Omi paused. He sounded like he'd finished talking and Yohji opened his mouth to say something, but then Omi continued, blurting out quickly, "I saw you kissing him..."
Yohji snorted and shook his head. "Omi, Omi, Omi. I was just rescuing Ken from some girl who wouldn't take no for an answer. I've known all along that he has a thing for Aya."
"You did?"
"Yeah. Though Kenken's got his work cut out for him. Aya is some piece of work." Yohji smirked at the thought.
"So... you're not upset about Ken?" Omi spoke slowly.
"Nope. I've been giving him advice on how to melt the iceberg." Yohji winked as he reached for his lighter. "That's me, Yohji the love guru." He really needed a cigarette now.
He reached over, lit up and inhaled, feeling the nicotine soothing his nerves. That must've been why he stupidly continued, "If you need any advice for your relationship, then feel free to come and ask me."
"What relationship?" Omi looked cautiously at Yohji.
"Your boyfriend. The guy I saw tonight." Somehow, Yohji managed to maintain a casual tone as he said it.
Omi looked away, almost shyly. "I don't have a boyfriend."
"Sure you do. Black hair. Gorgeous. About the same height and build as you." Yohji thought he could really use another drink. Right about now.
"I'm serious. He's not my boyfriend." Omi shifted position on the bed and Yohji couldn't prevent himself from watching as Omi moved legs and body. There was a lot of skin on display. He wished, not for the first time since Omi had entered his room, that Omi had changed clothes before stopping by.
"You thought he was good looking?" Omi asked casually, almost as an afterthought.
"Sure. He reminded me a little bit of you." Yohji answered without thinking. "So if he's not your boyfriend, but... you guys were giving the club quite a show. Tonight and the other night too."
"So? You were kissing Ken-kun, who's not your boyfriend." Omi shrugged.
"It's not the same! I was helping him out!" Yohji exclaimed. And he remembered there had been quite a bit of difference in the way he'd kissed Ken, and the way that Omi had been kissing that boy.
"Why is it okay for you to kiss a friend, and not for me?" Omi's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I didn't mean it like that." Yohji paused for a moment. "I was just surprised that you'd do it, that's all."
"Because why? You think I'm too young?" Omi sat back. Now his back was to the window and his face was shadowed.
"Well, you are still in school," Yohji said somewhat lamely.
"Yohji-kun. I've been part of Kritiker for most of my life. I've grown up, constantly faced with the evils in this world. I may only be eighteen yo you, but I've seen so many things that my classmates will never see. I can't relate to them."
"Omi..." Yohji whispered. He didn't know what to say.
"I envy them. They're worried about things like girlfriends and boyfriends, the latest clothing styles and going to the games arcade after school," Omi paused, "What do I do? I come home, work in the shop, and at night, I go out to eliminate the dark side of Tokyo."
"Ah... young love. It's overrated anyway." Yohji tried to make light of the situation.
Omi glanced sideways, directly at Yohji. "I don't think love should be set by age or gender. You fall in love with a person. It shouldn't matter how old you are." Omi shrugged.
Yohji blinked at Omi's comment. My God, his little Omitchi really was all grown up. And in love? His heart clenched again.
"So, who's the lucky guy?" Yohji worked hard to sound casual, but yet concerned, in a big brother type of way. This really was torture.
"It's..." Omi smiled as he paused, "a secret." He leaned back on his hands nonchalantly. "But we're not together at the moment, so who's to say if it's love or lust?" In the darkness, Omi's slight flush went unnoticed by Yohji.
Yohji didn't notice because he'd nearly dropped the cigarette from his lips. He couldn't believe Omi was saying this to him.
Omi was in love or lust with someone. But they weren't together yet... So Omi was... not taken... Omi was available?
Was this the chance Yohji needed? A chance to show Omi that he cared, and could be a better boyfriend than that other loser out there, who didn't know half the things about his Omitchi!
Yohji hurriedly stubbed out his cigarette, before he did embarrass himself by dropping it.
Omi stretched. It'd been a long night. He rubbed the back of his neck. The collar was really starting to annoy him. That's right. He wanted to ask Yohji about his clothing selection.
"Hey Yohji-kun..."
"What?" Yohji turned quickly back to Omi.
"I wanted to know why you bought me this exact outfit." Omi looked expectantly over at Yohji.
'Oh shit,' thought Yohji. "Ano... Well... I saw that guy at the club, I mean... I saw you... but I didn't know it was you... and I thought 'Hey! He looks good'. So I thought I'd buy the same for you to attract the attention of our target." 'Hey! Not a bad excuse, Kudou!' Yohji congratulated himself silently.
"I see." Omi nodded. "Well, that certainly worked." A slight flicker of emotion flittered across his face. If Yohji hadn't been paying such close attention, he surely would have missed it. It almost looked like... disappointment?
"Omitchi, I thought you looked great tonight." Yohji offered the compliment, almost shyly.
Omi's face brightened. "Really?"
Yohji nodded and their gazes met and clung for a moment.
Omi broke the moment by looking away. "Well, if you have no problems with the plans, I've got to send through the tentative plans to Manx and confirm tomorrow's arrangements." He glanced darkly at the whisky bottle, before climbing off the bed.
"Don't worry, bishounen. I said I wasn't going to drink anymore, didn't I? You can take it with you." Yohji hadn't missed Omi's look, and now he was rewarded with a look of surprise from Omi.
"You'd... let me do that, Yohji-kun?" Omi blinked.
"Sure. Don't need it." Yohji waved a hand in invitation.
Omi frowned. "Are you trying to do reverse psychology on me? So I won't take it and leave it with you?"
Yohji mock pouted. "Omitchi! You wound me by suggesting that I'd try something like that on you!"
Omi just gave Yohji a look.
"I'm serious. I'm fine. Just wanted a few drinks, and I didn't open the bottle today. Scout's honour." Yohji held up his hand in a mock Scout salute.
Omi smiled. Yohji was so silly sometimes. "You watch too many American movies. Good night." He turned to leave and had nearly reached the door when Yohji spoke again.
"Omi." Yohji had turned to watch Omi's exit. "Thank you."
"For what?" Omi's reply was equally soft.
"I didn't open the bottle today, but I might've finished it, if you hadn't stopped me." Yohji twisted his body to be aligned with his head, so he could look directly at Omi. "I wasn't keeping tabs on how much I was drinking. Thanks for looking out for me."
"Yohji-kun! That's what friends are for!" Omi's smile was brilliant.
Yohji felt his lips moving in a reciprocal smile.
"Well... Good night then." Omi moved towards the door. He paused at the door. "What time are you free tomorrow to help me with the wires?"
"Anytime. Come and wake me up if you want to do it in the morning, else anytime during the day is fine."
"Thanks Yohji-kun!" Omi left and Yohji flopped onto his back on the bed.
He felt like a man who'd been given another chance at life. And he was determined not to waste it this time.
Yohji lit up as he looked out at the night sky. His thoughts turned to the first love of his life. 'Asuka, if you're still looking out for me, wish me luck. I won't make the same mistake. I can't make the same mistake again.'
- A&K -
Ken rolled over, snuggling against the warm body beside him. This was a familiar dream.
Getting a lock of hair tickling his nose however, was not a usual part of the dream.
Ken stirred groggily, pushing the offending strands away from his face. He stretched languidly against the warm bulk in front of him.
He blinked heavy eyelids open once and registered a mass of red in front of him. When he blinked open again, a second later, this time he was fully awake.
Ken's startled eyes met Aya's slightly amused gaze.
"Do you always wake up like this?" Yep, Aya was definitely amused.
Ken was sure his mouth was open. "Aya!"
"It's almost an invitation..." Aya ran his thumb over Ken's lower lip.
"What?" Ken wondered what Aya was talking about. Aya was here! In his bed!
Aya smirked and pulled Ken closer. Ken closed his eyes as Aya's lips settled firmly onto his. He wrapped his right arm around Aya's waist.
It was a gentle kiss. A 'good morning' type of kiss.
Ken's hand moved rhythmically, stroking against the side of Aya's hip, revelling in the feeling of Aya's smooth skin and the arch of the bone beneath it. His hand ventured a little lower.
Aya growled and broke the kiss. "Ken, what are you doing?"
Ken smiled archly. "You don't know what I'm doing?" He pouted and sighed. "I guess I'm not doing it right." His hand slid a little bit lower.
Aya gasped. His hand tightened warningly on Ken's shoulder.
Ken watched transfixed as Aya's eyes darkened, passion sparking to life almost instantly.
"You're not sore?" Aya ran a hand down Ken's back.
Ken shook his head emphatically, prompting a small smile from Aya.
"You'll be okay for the mission tonight?"
"Aya! How can you think about the mission at a time like this?" Ken ground his hips against Aya in frustration.
"Because someone needs to worry about you," Aya replied simply.
"Aya..." Ken's voice died off, but his eyes softened at Aya's statement. "Well, that's nice and all, but I've got something else for you to worry about right here." Ken raised an eyebrow suggestively.
"Baka." Aya swooped in on the sensitive piece of skin on the side of Ken's neck.
"Not... a... baka..." Ken managed to gasp out.
"Yes, you are. But a sexy one." Aya nipped at the skin and Ken briefly wondered if Aya was leaving his mark on him.
"Sexy? Me?" Ken blinked in astonishment.
Aya looked up. "Yes. You." He traced a path up Ken's abdomen, admiring the ripple of taut muscle.
This time, it was Ken's turn to gasp as Aya's exploring fingers worked up to his chest.
Ken reached out to pull Aya's head closer, wanting more, needing more.
Aya responded eagerly. Lips and tongues met hungrily. Skin pressed against skin, so closely, the feeling so exquisite, Ken couldn't help trying to press even closer.
Aya, lying on his back, pulled Ken onto his chest. Ken wrapped himself around his red haired lover and let himself drown in the overwhelming sensations.
- tbc -
Giggle, they're young and full of hormones. Of course, they'll be jumping each other's bones as much as they can!
But apologies, but there's no actual lemon in this chapter. The last time I posted lemon on ff dot net, I got reported. (makes face) Since I don't want that to happen again, I will not post any explicit scenes here anymore. Xellas is working on a site to archive her, Moonraven and my unabridged fics (squee! love my ne-chans!) and I'll put up the link when it's ready.
Apologies for the long time for updates, school is ultra busy, but I will honestly try my best for the next chapter!
And squee! This is my first fic with over 100 reviews! Wow! I'm so shocked that you guys like it that much! Thank you so much!
Now, I'd love to hear what you think of this latest instalment! Let me know, ne?
K 28/09/04