Author: Hikari Donya

Rating: PG-13, possibly R

Pairings: KaixRei, YuriyBoris, TakaoHiromi, and TakaoMax

Warnings: Mild language, and hints of lime

Disclaimer: I don't own it.

Notes: This is the third time I've written this prologue. I've lost it twice due to the computer spazzing out on me. So I hope that this means that it's third time lucky, ne?

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill,

Of things unknown but longed for still,

And his tune is heard on the distant hill,

For the caged bird sings of freedom.

Prologue – Caged bird

Music pulsed out of the speakers as people toddled around the room, the occasional head bobbing along to the beat, some random words being strung together in an attempt to match the lyrics of the song. This was true happiness; how all the random pieces merged together to make something special and worthwhile. This was the celebration of his happiness, how he had taken the big step up from just being a part of someone's life, to living in it.

He swirled his drink, and took a gulp. He placed down the glass and watched some people dance together. It had been a long and difficult journey to get to where he was today. He'd had his share of heartaches, and disappointments, he'd shed tears, done things he regretted. In retrospect all of the pain he had suffered had been worth it, for him to have this sense of euphoria now, and he would gladly take the brunt of said pain a second time to keep his happiness.

He could live like this forever.

"A penny for your thoughts?" Yuriy pulled out the chair next to him, and flopped down into it.

"Just thinking about how happy I am right now."

Yuriy laughed. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Rei, and then some more."

Rei took a sip from his drink. "So you say."

"And I mean it too. Hey, you haven't seen Takao at all, have you?"

"No. Why?"

"Hiromi is looking for him. She can't find him anywhere."

Rei laughed. "Tell her to try the kitchen, or failing that the bedroom. I think I moved the Playstation in there, and you know Takao's weakness for games."

"I do indeed. If it's not 'blading, then its video games, or board games, and on occasion card games. He's obsessed."

"That's for sure." Rei tilted his head in Yuriy's direction. "Looks like someone is coming to take you away."

Yuriy turned, and smiled as he saw who was approaching. "Boris! I was wondering where you got to."

"I was with Hiwatari." Boris placed a kiss on Yuriy's forehead. "Congratulations on the apartment, Rei. It's a nice place."

"Thanks." Rei smiled as Yuriy was dragged from his seat.

"I hope you don't mind if steal him away for a while."

Rei shook his head. "Not at all, Boris. Do what you want with him, but make sure he doesn't come back hurt."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that." Boris smirked, and clasped Yuriy's hand in his own. "We'll speak later, alright?"

"Sure." Rei waved as they retreated, and sighed. He began to wonder where Kai was. He had been with Boris, but now? Rei rested his head on his palm and took up watching people again.

He saw Takao walk out of the bathroom, looking a little flushed, and he laughed as Hiromi latched herself onto his arm and dragged him away. Max emerged a moment later looking equally as flushed, and Rei decided instantly that he didn't want to know.

"You going to sit there all night?"

Rei looked up. "I wasn't planning on doing so, but if I have to." He felt himself being lifted away from the chair. "What are you doing?"

"Making you smile."

"You don't even have to try." Rei smiled, and Kai pulled him into a tight embrace.

"I love you." Kai let his head rest a-top Rei's.

"You don't need to tell me, I know."

As they began to dance along to the steady beat, Rei couldn't help but think that everything was perfect.

Eheh, I know that it's short, and that it's not particularly good. However, this is just a short introduction. I intend for the first chapter to be a lot longer.

Hope you enjoy this fanfiction.

Hikari Donya xxx