Wow, so much positive response to this! Thank you everyone for taking the time to read and let me know what you thought, it's meant more to me than you could know.
Bridges
Chapter 3
Outside the movie theatre, trying to wade through the crowd. It was impossibly busy by nine on a Friday night – it was a good thing they had already bought their tickets. Aya had to hold onto Yohji's hand to keep from being separated from the blonde.
"Sorry," Yohji offered sheepishly, grinning at him over his shoulder. "We should have done something else. I forgot what a zoo this place is on date night."
Truth be told, Aya wasn't bothered by the crowd. For a wonder, he was having a good time with Yohji.
Of course, to admit that would have been beyond stupid.
"Fujimiya-san! What a pleasant surprise!"
Aya lost his hold on Yohji as he turned to the sound of the familiar, slightly irritating voice. When he turned back for his former teammate, he could not find the man.
Mei Teng approached, trailing a boy that had to have still been in high school. Her skirt was so short she nearly flashed her undergarments with every step, and her low-cut shirt would have exposed an indecent amount of cleavage had she had any. Her eyes seemed to be literally caked in glittery shadow.
"Imagine seeing you here!" She gushed, pushing her companion's hands away as he attempted to put his arms around her. "Are you alone?" She asked, the finest hint of suggestion in her voice as she batted her eyelashes.
"I…"
"There you are, sweetheart!" Yohji was suddenly there at his side, Aya didn't move as the taller man wrapped his arms around his waist and nuzzled his neck. "I missed you." The blonde purred, long strands of hair slipping into Aya's collar and tickling the bare skin of his shoulder. "Didn't I tell you not to let us get separated?"
"Yohji…"
"Oh! I didn't know you found someone you knew! Hi, I'm Yohji." Grinning, he somehow managed to offer his hand to Mei Teng without releasing his hold on Aya. "I'm Aya's…special friend."
"Why, Fujimiya-san!" She gushed. "I didn't know you were involved!"
Everyone was staring at him. Aya realized that Yohji was giving him the chance he needed to get Mei Teng off his back without damaging business.
He leaned back against Yohji, surprised at how it felt to have his back pressed to the other man's strong chest, the blonde's arms tight around him, his breath on his neck. It felt…nice. Safe.
"I didn't want my personal life to interfere with business." He answered quietly, covering Yohji's hands with his own and attempting a smile. He shivered involuntarily at the feel of lips brushing the skin where neck met shoulder.
The Chinese woman laughed. "Why, you shouldn't have worried! I think it's sweet. It's obvious the way you two look at each other that you're deeply in love – and love is nothing to be ashamed of!"
Aya grunted, a noncommittal sound that the woman could take however she wished.
"What movie are you seeing?"
Yohji told her. A large smile spread across her overly made-up face. "Why, that's what we're seeing!" She exclaimed. "We should all sit together!"
"That sounds great!" Yohji answered with a grin.
Aya caught his arm as he made to follow the couple into the theatre, smiling weakly at Teng and her boy-toy.
"We'll catch up with you."
"Ooh, are we gonna get it on in the bathroom again?"
Aya glared him to silence. He waited until the others were out of earshot before turning back to Yohji and was quite surprised when the blonde pressed close. Quite suddenly he found himself trapped between the larger man and the wall.
"She's watching." The former assassin explained, lips soft against Aya's jaw.
"We'll have to continue this farce all night now, thanks to you." He hissed.
"You don't want to? I thought you were tired of having her hitting on you."
"I think her believing that I'm with someone is the perfect solution." Aya answered truthfully. "I just want to make sure you understand what you've done. I want to make sure you're willing to continue to pretend to be my lover for the rest of the evening. If you'd rather not, we can stage a fight just as easily."
Yohji looked at him then, eyes dark and serious despite the grin on his face.
"I'm up for it if you are, Aya."
Aya nodded sharply. "All right then," He decided, "Let's go."
Yohji took his hand and kissed it, the softest brush of lips. Together they went to join Mei Teng and her toy.
The ride home was silent, although Aya had yet to decide if that silence was awkward or not. The night outside the car was dark and still, the streets nearly deserted. It felt as if he and his companion were alone in all the world.
A night spent as Yohji's lover. Well, pretending to be his lover, anyway. In either case, it was certainly a position he had never expected to find himself in.
Yohji had been attentive and considerate and, though he seemed to have forgotten the meaning of the term "personal space," Aya had quickly found that, a part of him at least, enjoyed the attention. As well he had enjoyed the way the eyes of the other movie patrons had followed him and the blonde, envious. For once in his life, Aya had known what it felt like to feel beautiful. For a few short hours, he had felt like something other than a freak. He had felt…important. Desirable.
It had been an uncomfortable, but extremely enjoyable experience.
He took a moment to briefly wonder if Yohji treated the women he dated the way he had treated Aya, or if the whole thing that merely been an act for the benefit of Mei Teng. He wasn't sure if the knowledge that it was an act, or the possibility that it had been a well-practiced routine bothered him more.
He quickly shut down that train of thought. They had snuggled in a darkened movie, nothing more. He had enjoyed himself, and he wouldn't allow himself to taint that enjoyment with his dark and suspicious thoughts. Yohji was so confident and bright and…fun. Aya didn't deserve it, but it had been nice to have that kind of attention focused on him for once.
"Didn't it ever affect you?" He asked suddenly, voice breaking the silence. Yohji actually gave a small, surprised jump and the car swerved a little. He stopped at a red light and chanced a glance at Aya.
"Didn't what affect me?"
"Looking gaijin." Aya found that he couldn't bear to look at his companion. Something, whether it was the soft fall of that gorgeous golden hair or the intensity of those brilliant green eyes, was making him very, very uncomfortable. Through the window he could see Yohji's reflection watching him as he stared straight ahead, but somehow that, at least, was bearable.
"You're too confident for it to have hurt you." He heard himself say in a quiet voice. "I suppose it's one of the reasons you and I have never gotten along. I was always so envious of how comfortable you are with yourself…I held it against you that you were what I could never be. I suppose I should apologize for that, at least."
"Confident? Aya…"
"The way you smile. The way you look. You wouldn't be able to do that, otherwise."
Yohji gave a small, bitter laugh. "Aya, no one sleeps around as much as I did because they feel good about themselves. No one puts that much harmful shit in their system because they're happy with who they are."
Aya shook his head, unable to accept that.
"You still aren't as damaged as I am."
The ghostly specter of Yohji in the window shook his head, smiling as if amused. The light turned green but the car did not move.
"Aya…"
"It's because you're so attractive. People generally act better toward beautiful people."
A hand reached out, fingertips brushed his face. Aya flinched away.
"I'm trying to get my life back on track, Aya, but that's only because I'm a stubborn son of a bitch who took twenty-three years to decide his life was worth living." The light became red once more. Out in the middle of the deserted street, surrounded by the heavy press of darkness, it was as if they were the only two people in the world. "That's it though, Aya. Other than the fact I've started to care about my life, you and I are the same."
Yohji's reflection turned, and Aya knew the other man was watching the road once more.
"Anyway, if anyone's beautiful, it's you."
Aya snorted. "Looks like those drugs fucked up your mind after all." He grumbled under his breath, crossing his arms.
The light turned green and the car took off, Yohji's bright, warm laughter filling the small space.
Aya's dark mood lightened somewhat by the time they reached the hotel. Yohji's laughter had that effect on him.
"Seriously, Aya. You need to get an apartment." Yohji was saying lightly. "I'll help you move. If you're going to be here a while, there's no reason for you to be uncomfortable. Other than pure, stubborn masochism, that is."
"Apartments are expensive." Aya stated, finding that he did not want to get out of the car.
"What else are you going to do with all that money I know you've got squirreled away?" Yohji asked with his own strange brand of wisdom. "What use is money if you don't spend it? What are you working for if you don't plan on spending your earnings?"
The truth was, horrifyingly enough, that he didn't know. He had considered sending money to his sister, but wanted to avoid it unless she needed it. He didn't kill anymore, but he still felt as if any money in his possession was somehow tainted.
"I'll…think about it." He answered grudgingly.
"Not good enough. Next weekend."
"Kudoh…"
"There's an apartment in my building up for rent. I can make sure you get it, and then help you move in. Piece of cake."
"I don't even have any furniture, Kudoh."
"We'll buy some. Come on, I'll take you to yard sales. You like having a good time. Come on, Aya!"
He hesitated, but Yohji Kudoh had always been a difficult man to argue with.
"You'll take care of the legwork for me?"
"You can trust me."
Aya gave a sharp nod and forced himself to get out of the car. Somehow, doing so made him feel very cold. Wrong, somehow. As if he should have been going with his former teammate.
"Next weekend, then?"
Another nod. "But I want you to call me before you do anything final." He said sharply. "I want to see this place before I let you tie me to it."
"I have your number." The playboy winked.
Aya hesitated.
"Thank you for tonight, Kudoh." He finally said, voice quiet. "I appreciate your helping me out."
"Don't you know that I'd do anything for you?" He asked with a sincerity that made Aya uneasy. He stepped away from the car, muttered a quiet 'goodnight,' and watched Yohji drive away.
Monday morning, Yohji called.
"That was fast." Aya murmured ruefully.
"You want the apartment or not?"
"Do you honestly want me to answer that?"
Yohji's laughter filled the line, warm and bright and golden. Aya felt something stir deep within him in response – something that felt suspiciously like happiness.
"Can you have lunch with me today?"
"When?"
"Right now?"
Aya glanced down at his lunch. "If it's somewhere nearby." He agreed reluctantly.
"You need to see the place, right?"
"…yes." He agreed grudgingly. ""All right, I'll be there. Where do you want me to meet you?"
Less than five minutes later, Aya had shrugged on his coat and was standing outside flagging down a taxi. Yohji wanted him to first meet him at the apartment to look at the place, then they would do to lunch afterwards.
Aya had never been to Yohji's place of residence before. It was a little closer to the old flowershop than Aya would normally be comfortable with, and much too large and new.
It was going to be expensive.
Yohji stood outside the apartment complex waiting for him. Tight faded blue jeans, oversized green sweater, hair pulled back into a ponytail, dark glasses over his eyes. Typical, Yohji. He didn't even have to try to make himself look good.
Aya's heart did a strange thing at the sight of him, speeding up. He found he had to fight the urge to smile.
He did not want to think about how the sight of the man had suddenly brightened his day. Aside from his sister Aya had not had any friends in all his life. It was an interesting experience.
"Nice suit." Yohji greeted as he approached, snorting in amusement.
"Bite me, Kudoh."
"Where?" He asked, wagging his eyebrows suggestively.
The man beside him cleared his throat, fighting a smile. Aya hadn't even noticed him there before. The man was tall, attractive in a traditional sense. Sleek black hair only long enough to fall into large, dark eyes. Pretty face, healthy tan, broad shoulders, and a trim figure.
"You must be Fujimiya-san." The man greeted with an open, friendly smile. "Yohji-kun's told me good things about you."
"He must have been lying, then."
Yohji laughed, throwing an arm around Aya's shoulders. "Is he not as pretty as I told you?" He asked lightly.
"Prettier." He smiled into Aya's eyes and the redhead had to fight the urge to squirm. Something about the man made him uneasy. He decided that he didn't like him.
"Aya, this is Taro Noda. He's an old friend of mine."
"My family owns the building." Noda smiled, holding out his hand to shake. Aya forced himself to comply, although truthfully he had no desire to touch the other man. "I'm being trained to take over ownership in a year or two." He explained. His grip was not firm enough and he shook too vigorously. Aya drew back his hand a little more quickly than was polite.
"Yohji tells me that you're interested in the apartment I have up for rent."
The redhead grunted noncommittally and Noda laughed.
"Oh, I like him." He informed Yohji.
"I do, too." The blonde grinned.
The other man fished a key from his pocket. "Shall we take a look at the place, then?"
Aya glared.
"You go on ahead, Taro." Yohji offered, squeezing Aya around the shoulders. "We'll meet you up there." He waited until the other man left before turning to face Aya. "All right, spill it. What's wrong?"
His hand was still on Aya's shoulder. The redhead shrugged grumpily away from the touch.
"How do you two know each other?" He asked sharply.
"Taro and I? We go way back."
"How far back?"
"What's wrong, Aya?"
He looked away. Whatever good mood seeing Yohji had put him in was certainly ruined by now. Stolen away.
"I don't like that guy." He answered finally.
Yohji laughed. For once, the sound did nothing to lighten Aya's mood.
"You probably feel uncomfortable because he's gay – and you happen to be just his type."
Aya felt his jaw drop – which made Yohji laugh all the harder. Throwing an arm around his shoulders, the blonde cheerfully led him into the building.
"Taro's all right, Aya. He and I used to date. Actually, he's the first guy I ever went out with. Don't let him bother you."
"Are you…are you trying to set me up?"
"No!" Yohji faltered, his teasing cheer momentarily slipping away. He replaced it quickly, but somehow it seemed less real. "Unless you're interested?" He asked uncertainly.
Aya shook his head firmly.
"Good." Yohji breathed."
"You sound relieved. I thought you said he was a good guy."
Yohji stopped, turning to face him once more. He was very serious now, no trace of a smile on his face.
"Taro's one of the best men I've ever met." He assured him solemnly. "He's generous, kind, attractive…he's damn near perfect, to tell you the truth. I couldn't think of anyone better for you, if that's what you want."
"Yet the knowledge that I'm not interested brings you relief." Aya mused, staring suspiciously at him. "Do you have feelings for him, then?"
"I don't want to talk about this anymore, okay?"
The apartment was on the fifth floor – located directly below Yohji's. It was very large, and so nice that it only took one look for Aya to know that it would cost him more money than he was willing to spend.
A large, bright living area, complete with balcony. A sunny kitchen with plenty of room. One bedroom, large enough to fit a king sized bed and still have room left over. The tub in the bathroom could have fit three people.
"The last occupant is moving to Europe and would prefer not to have to ship her furniture. She's willing to sell it for a pretty good price." Noda was saying.
"Damn, this place is much nicer than mine." Yohji observed, standing neat the balcony with his hands in his pockets.
"Take your time looking around." Taro smiled.
Aya moved toward Yohji, pretending to be taking in the view.
"What do you think?" The blonde asked quietly.
"It's expensive."
"It's only a few months. And it's a hell of a lot better than that hotel room."
"Yohji…"
"You know you want it."
Aya sighed.
He signed the contract, sitting at an outdoor table at a little café, the sun in his eyes giving him a headache. He warned Noda that he probably wouldn't be staying for more than half a year, and agreed to buy whatever furniture the former tenant wished to sell.
"Now, as long was you run everything by me first, you can feel free to paint any of the rooms, even change the flooring if you want to." Noda smiled, getting the papers in order and slipping them into a folder.
"We'll have to repaint the bedroom for sure." Yohji laughed, tucking his hands behind his head. "Can you imagine Aya sleeping in a pink room? And the kitchen is just a little too grandma for me. What do you think?"
"Don't care." Aya grunted. "Do whatever you want."
Noda checked his watch and the smile left his face. "I'm afraid I have an appointment which I must be getting to." He said apologetically, as if he truly regretted leaving them. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Fujimiya-san. Yohji? I expect to be invited to your next party."
"I don't party anymore, Taro." Yohji said, tone implying that these were words he repeated often. Aya wondered how much his former teammate missed the wildness of his old lifestyle – and how much he regretted the medical conditions which had caused him to give it up.
Surely spending his weekends with Aya was boring as hell for the playboy.
"Can I give you a ride?" Noda offered, looking at Aya.
"I'm taking him back to his office." Yohji said quickly. "Just as soon as he finishes eating. He's getting too skinny – it's not good for him."
"You're his caretaker now?" Noda asked, eyes cool.
"Yeah." Yohji answered with a glare. "I am."
Aya waited until Noda had left before kicking his companion under the table.
"Bright and early Saturday morning." Yohji was saying cheerfully as he pulled up in front of Aya's office. "We'll do breakfast, then go looking for the paint for your new bedroom."
"Stupid to be spending so much money on a place I'll only be in for a few months." He grunted.
"Aya, for once in your life, would you just unclench and let yourself be comfortable?" He sighed. "Leave Bob at the hotel. Let fun Aya live in the apartment."
"Fun Aya does not exist." He stated stonily. He found that he did not want to get out of the car, did not want to leave the presence of Yohji, who made him feel so comfortable.
Aya got out of the car.
"Saturday morning." He agreed reluctantly.
"Fujimiya-san! Yoohoo!"
He turned. Mei Teng was leaving her office, her secretary on her arm.
"Just coming back from lunch? Why, that explains why I couldn't find you! And Kudoh-san is with you – how splendid!" She gushed. "Listen you two, make sure you clear your calendars for Wednesday night of next week."
"What happens Wednesday?" Yohji asked pleasantly, sliding his sunglasses down over his eyes.
"Big business dinner – black suit. Dates are required."
"I…"
"I will be very upset if you two aren't there, understand?" She demanded with mock severity. A bright smile spread itself across her face as they both nodded helplessly. "Great!" She exclaimed. "See you then!" Humming cheerfully, she and her toy strolled off.
To Be continued. Thanks for reading, everyone, see you next time!
Response to reviews:
Moon without a Sun - hope you enjoy!
moimoi-chan- wow, thanks. Hope I continue to hold your interest!
bewsbud - snort that's one of my favorite parts, too...Yotan just couldn't resist making that comment...
meghan - looks like you may have caught on to my evil plot...)
Thanks again!Keep reviewing, please! It makes me so happy...(Does the happy dance. Frightens several people. Stops.) Eh heh...
