Disclaimer: I do not own Super GALS! in any way. I understand and fully comply that I do not write for profit, but for the sole enjoyment of the minority that likes a Rei and Yuuya pairing.

Rant section: (By and by, when I find some things of interest in the episodes, I'll write this section rather than endlessly making a scene with my dragon muse.)

I am writing this chapter on the bed and was sooo terribly excited with the 6th street episode. The certain episode dealt with Ran and the gang going on to the water amusement park. Certain hints have been dropped here and there with how intimate Rei and Yuuya's relationship really is.

Hint # 1: When Rei and Yuuya held their photo shoot at a street stairway, the photographer asked Yuuya to move closer because the shot might not fit both of them. Yuuya took the advantage and, read this, situated himself closer on towards Rei. Not that it was casual, but my sight wouldn't have deceived me. His right hand slid on Rei's back and planted itself on Rei's free side. I'm still searching for a website that hosts screenshots of the episode to confirm this.

Hint # 2: Rei, as in the somehow introvert guy, willingly (and coolly, I might add) refused the girl's invitations to go with them to the said water park, saying that he had some things better to do at home. Yuuya really did a number on him, because when he repeatedly sobbed (pathetically I might add) that Rei could at least accompany him with the girls, Rei finally complied…with Yuuya having a flower grow on his head (which signifies great joy over an accomplishment…usually with someone they have a relationship with)

Hint # 3: All were in the water park. Yamato was slobbering over Miyu; Yuuya was slobbering over Ran (!). Rei had that irritated look with the specific thought that "Why did I ever come here? I should have just stayed home…" Seems he's not as remotely interested with girls, even on Aya (as the anime' really hopes to imply). Although, I can salute Yuuya with his stomach to attempt kissing Ran…(ugh)

Other than my perverted mind, my beliefs led me to the following observations:

Rei is not interested with the girls (or any other for that matter)

You could always see him with Yuuya, and knowing Rei, if he doesn't want to do something, you can't force him…so does that mean, he enjoys being in Yuuya's company?

Rei can't seemingly say no when Yuuya goes overly pathetic on him (as given example by the 6th Street episode)

Rei enjoys long walks on the streets of Shibuya with Yuuya (What? Every episode, I always seem to catch both of them "walking" along downtown…) Even at night (example is in 5th street episode)

Yuuya is the only person that can make Rei react out of his usual manner. (As shown in 5th street episode, Yuuya teased Rei that he made Aya-chan cry, Rei…really got hyped up on that…

Conclusion: Rei is hiding his feelings for Yuuya, does not want to be tagged as…you-know-what…and is just being forced into a relationship with Aya so that it'd look like he's…'normal'. But c'mon, just look at how Rei clearly feels disgusted being associated with girls! Yuuya clearly doesn't know the amount of attention and feelings Rei has for him.

Or the hormones in my brain are making me see a different view of the world (sighs)

More to come! Stay tuned!

This chapter is more of Rei's thoughts. If some readers are still confused, all italicized sentences are Rei's thoughts, not Yuuya's or anybody else's.

-

Chapter 7

"Yuuya?"

Rei snuck a quick look inside Yuuya's room, the morning sun peeking through the windows. The blonde was still fast asleep, his breathing slightly above normal from the fever.

"He's still asleep Mrs. Asou…" Rei turned back to the cordless phone at hand. He'd been talking to Yuuya's parents, who upon hearing the news were distraught.

"Yes, he's fine now. The doctor said it's only a slight fever…yes…yes…we don't know…maybe…I'm not sure…yes…I understand…I'll tell him when he wakes up…don't worry Mrs. Asou, he'll be fine…ok…goodbye…" Rei conversed as he walked down the stairway, finally saying goodbye and placing the phone back to its stand.

Walking to the kitchen, he reheated some leftover meat and chopped up some vegetables, cooking some rice on the rice cooker. He'd planned some congee when Yuuya would wake up, Rei thinking he'd need some soft food for a while.

"That idiot…" Rei chuckled softly, while chopping some bok choy cabbage. "I wonder what he was thinking back then…" He continued chopping the vegetables some more.

"Did I upset him so much when I fooled around him? Did he really take it seriously? Why?" Rei's mind wandered off a bit, not realizing the leaves were all minced up.

Think, Rei…try to recall all that you've experienced with Yuuya…

"Since I met him…" Rei conversed with himself. "…he was very comfortable around me. It was me to whom he would always listen. He always believed in me. He never showed any sign of hostility of any sort, as if…he's content being around me."

Rei somehow realized the mangled remains of the cabbage and unceremoniously dumped it in the colander, turning his attention to the leftover chicken and pork on the microwave.

"Does he…love…me? Not in the way as a brother or as a friend…but a lover? Could that be it? I've seen the way he acts in front of me. He seems so flippant everytime I ask him whether he has a girlfriend or not…" Rei shredded the pieces of meat with two forks, his mind still occupied in his thoughts.

"Especially last night…when I held him…I knew I was joking around. When I held him close, he shivered somewhat. He felt more warm. I could feel his heart beat faster by the minute. When I gazed at him, he was blushing so hard…" Rei slightly reddened at the thought. He quickly took the shredded meat and dumped it on the boiling rice.

Taking some garlic from the cupboard, he minced it and stirred it along on the rice as well. "He wasn't resisting, whether he'd be outraged at finding a man holding him or thinking it was all a joke. Could that it be then? Was I the cause of his delusions? Had I frustrated him that much?"

Rei sat on the chair waiting for the rice to boil to the brim. "And what about me? I hate to admit it…but somehow I liked it. His soft skin…his well-toned body…" Rei laughed softly. "…Whether he'd get a tan or not. I really wouldn't mind at all."

He stared at the steam rising slowly from the cooker. "Screw the whole act of just being acquaintances. I could care less if the whole of Shibuya would make a big deal when they'd find Rei Otohata, having another teenage boy as his lover…"

He took the cooker out of the kitchen and into the table. "But how would Yuuya feel about it? I knew I'd frustrated him this first time. I wouldn't know how he'd react the second time around, when…when I'd confess my feelings for him…"

Rei stirred the contents a bit, before serving them in prepared bowls on a tray. "I don't think he'd even believe me if I told him that I like him in the way he wants me to. Maybe he'd be thinking I'm just joking around him and then he'd be in ruins…"

"Maybe you have to find a new approach to convince him, dear…"

Rei shot up, surprised and nervous. He looked back, seeing his mother smiling at him so tenderly by the doorway.

"Was I really that loud?" Rei erased all traces of surprise and went back to his work, preparing orange juice for Yuuya. Great. Now mom knows I have a thing for Yuuya…

"If you really love a person, you should erase all doubts within yourself first. With that, you can allow that person to root his trust on you…" His mother came forward, cleaning up the mess of Rei's cooking.

Rei shot a bewildered look at his mother. "Aren't you at least surprised I'm…this? I'd been meaning to keep it to myself. Every sane mother would immediately cane their sons who would be thinking otherwise towards their friends…"

"I'm your mother, Rei. I'd known the fact that you'd grow up to be like this one day. No girlfriends, keeps to himself and refuses to associate with girls of your age… I trusted you, Rei. I don't want you to grow up having to behave what is expected of you…but I want you to grow up being who you are…and true to yourself." His mother finished cleaning, walking away. Rei stared at her, a bit slack in awe and wonder.

"Your father knows too, Rei. He didn't like it at first, but after considering things, he came to understand. We hope you'd be happy with the path you've chosen." Mrs. Otohata looked at him one last time. "Although, I'd regret not having any grandchildren, I think your father and I can live with that as long as you're happy."

Rei turned back to his work, determined more than ever. He'd thank his mother for the support later on. Right now, Yuuya might have woken up. He'd need his breakfast.

This would be his last chance to earn a go signal from Yuuya.

-

Rei slid in Yuuya's room noiselessly, his bare foot making simple pit-pats on the floor.

Yuuya was sweating heavily, amidst his fever. Rei decided to place the tray with the food on Yuuya's study table for a while, as he retrieved a wet washcloth from the bathroom and used it to cool Yuuya down a bit.

He ran the cool washcloth on Yuuya's sweat flecked chest, admiring it for its tautness and tone. He was tempted to run his fingers on them, but resisted for a moment, remembering his words of not ever feeling Yuuya up while asleep.

Folding the washcloth, he placed it on the boy's forehead. Rei simply sat at his side, his eyes running across his face down to his body.

A soft moan was heard, and Rei felt the shifting of Yuuya's body and the fluttering of his eyes.

"Rei…" Yuuya moaned, his eyes adjusting from the glare of the nearing midday sun.

"Yuuya…you're awake…" Rei took the other's hand, massaging it in his own. Yuuya had felt it immediately and tugged at it softly, refusing further contact.

Rei sighed in disappointment, but stood up and took the tray from the table. Placing it nearby, he signaled Yuuya to sit up on his bed.

Yuuya sat up, his bare body showing from the blanket. All forms of abuse had disappeared, only the mild paling of his skin showing more visibly. Rei took the bowl from the tray, a spoon and a pair of chopsticks on hand.

"Would you want me to…or would you rather alone?" Rei gazed at him steadily, probing the boy's eyes for any sign or hint of feelings buried.

"No…I…I'll do it. I don't want to be a bother to you…" Yuuya reached for the bowl and chopsticks, but Rei bought it back a few inch short from his reach.

"It isn't a bother, Yuuya. I don't think it will be…" Rei took the spoon from the tray and lifted some of the congee to Yuuya's lips.

Yuuya gazed at him, understanding the remorse and concern Rei was showing. Feeling a bit hungry himself, he took it in his mouth, savoring the pieces of meat and the softness of the rice.

"Do you like it?" Rei offered a smile, content on seeing Yuuya swallow it with gusto.

"Mm. Did Auntie do something to her recipe? It tastes kind of different and more tasty…" Yuuya weakly gave a smile back, accepting the second spoonful of congee.

"No…I did it myself." Rei simply answered, then took the third serving to Yuuya.

Yuuya gaped back at him, not understanding it all. Rei frowned a bit, seeing the shock on the other's face, a hint of regret and sadness etched in as well.

"You shouldn't have…its too much trouble for you…I…" Yuuya refused the third serving, looking down at himself. He felt overly helpless.

"So is that it?" Rei spoke with a hint of anger. "Are you going to waste all my efforts cooking something for you? I spent all night watching over you, minding each and every gasp that you make, wanting you to be comfortable. I spent all morning reaching your parents to tell them what happened to you, and cooking for you, because I'd thought you'd be hungry for not eating dinner last night."

Rei placed the bowl down, clasping his hands together. "Are you going to waste all the time I spent taking care of you? I chose to do so, Yuuya! Not you! And whether you like it or not, I'm taking care of you until you recover. With or without your consent..." He took the bowl up and lifted the contents of the spoon once more towards Yuuya's mouth.

Yuuya stared back at him, this time a hard gaze. "Why? Tell me why, Rei? Why did you do all of those things for me? I never dreamt of being a burden for you, not in the future, much less now. Why?"

"Why, Yuuya? You ask me why!" Rei answered back, heatedly, placing the obstructing spoon away. "I don't need a damn reason why! I care for you, that's all that matters! You mean something to me, Yuuya. At least let me mean something to you! But I'm not asking that. You're in my house; you're under our roof! I have every damn right of taking care of you!"

Rei realized he was raising his voice significantly, and noticed Yuuya wincing on his side, somehow hurt by the anger wavering in his voice.

"I…sorry. Forgive me, Yuuya. I never meant to shout. It was a rough night…and I haven't had much sleep…that's all." Rei looked away, shamed in his behavior.

Yuuya sensed the humiliation, and saw Rei looking down at his hands, reflecting.

"You always taught me to stay away from you…I can only be your friend if you want to; but you can never be mine if I asked. Have you forgotten? You told me to stay away from you…that I should never touch you. I took it by heart, Rei…and when you did offer your friendship to me, I accepted without hesitation. Wherever you go, I go…I can't ask you to accompany me to places I want to, so I never did."

Rei listened, understanding started to dawn on his face.

"I can only stay behind you…not by your side. I can only follow, but never go forward before you…It's how much I respect you, Rei. So, everything that you've been doing for me…for the past few days has been quite a shock for me."

"Was that it? The cause of your delusions?" Rei asked cautiously.

"No…those were my reasons. I'm really sorry I made all of you worry…I just wasn't able to hold all of my emotions back…" Yuuya spoke softly, a lump forming in his throat.

Yuuya gazed back at Rei, who had grown silent over time. Yuuya grew uncomfortable, not used to seeing Rei this silent.

"Yuuya…" Rei hitched, before coming in close and embracing the blonde tightly.

Yuuya had been paralyzed, surprised when Rei suddenly brought himself on the blonde. Rei embraced him comfortably, neither possessive or loosely. He rested his head on the crook of Yuuya's neck and made soft sighing sounds. Yuuya closed his eyes and returned the warm embrace back, unable to resist the moment.

"Yuuya…" Rei whispered. "…Don't think of yourself like that. You're also a human being…one that can love and be loved. Don't stand as a pet and as a guard. You have your own right and dignity. I wish you not to remain as my shadow…but as a friend."

Yuuya felt tears in his eyes; relieved to hear the things he never thought to hear.

"I never thought of you like that, Yuuya. I always thought of you as a friend, as someone I can trust to share my thoughts and feelings with. You mean so much to me…more than what you can imagine. Always remember that…" Rei held tighter, Yuuya felt the gentle pressure of that hug.

"Rei? Are you okay…" Yuuya drew Rei back, when he felt warm liquid flow from his shoulder. "You cried…"

"Silly you…look at what you made me do…" Rei scolded him, then laughed a bit. Yuuya smiled, finally understanding his role in Rei's life.

"As a friend…" Yuuya whispered, Rei resuming his duty of serving Yuuya for the day.

He'd felt this was the day he'd never forget…

-

Oh wow…I never thought I'd make Rei cry on Yuuya's shoulders.

I've been watching too much Samurai X, and this is what I get. My TV schedule is a bit interesting for the last few weeks. Seven episodes of Ruruoni Kenshin, followed by two episodes of SuperGALS! and one episode of GetBackers and one episode of Beyblade (I rarely watch Beyblade, I skip it as always.)

Sigh, but the thing is…my summer vacation is up for two weeks only. (sobs pathetically)

Chapter 8 in a few days time!