No, I didn't forget about all of you. I've just been busy.
Warnings for this chapter? Sappy Aya. Fluff. So much fun. Sappy, fluffy fun.
Fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy fluffy
(Z)
It was so easy sometimes, when he was with Yohji, to forget.
Forget his pain, his past. Forget who he was "supposed" to be – the person he had made himself into – and be someone else.
He didn't know who he was when he was with Yohji. He wasn't the cold and unfeeling weapon he had molded himself into after his sister's accident, but neither was he the same person he had been before that tragedy had touched his life.
Whoever he was with Yohji though, he was happy
These thoughts had been going through Aya's head in an endless loop in the week since he and Yohji had made their little wager, as the small redhead began to recognize the strange change in himself and attempted to recognize just what said change was.
Yohji's love was…affecting…him.
Often lately, when he was alone, Aya would catch himself thinking about something Yohji had done or said, or remembering a particular look on the other man's face, and he would have to make a real, conscious effort to keep from smiling.
It was difficult, however, not to smile when he had been having such a good week. Work had proven surprisingly successful, as Narumoto had at last begun to show up for recordings, and not only was the boy always on time, but he had the grace to sound spectacular, too.
And then, once Aya got off work, there would be Yohji waiting for him, mind brimming with new and devious plots designed to make Aya "break" first. It was…amazing…to come home and find someone waiting there for him, smiling, with a warm hug and a comforting kiss.
The kisses!
Aya shifted, covering his mouth with his hand to hide a sudden smile.
He had never imagined…! Even as Ran, he had never once dared imagine he could feel this way. Green eyes haunted his days; knowing hands tormented his nights.
Every instinct was screaming at him. It was stupid to be giving himself over so freely to his emotions. Emotions led to pain. Yohji would hurt him. Yohji was beautiful and wild and spontaneous. He could have anyone he wanted – why would he ever want a damaged, grumpy, blood-stained man with no idea what he was doing?
Surely Yohji would soon realize what a huge mistake he was making. Surely he would grow tired of the fumbling of an inexperienced man and wish to seek out someone just as good and exciting and beautiful as he was.
Some days these thoughts would haunt him ceaselessly, an endless loop of pain and torment until, by the time his work day was over and he was headed home, he would have successfully convinced himself that it was true. That Yohji had, in fact, already begun to regret his decision to chase after him.
Then Aya would walk into his apartment and find that Yohji had broken in and was waiting for him with a wide grin and one of those hugs that warmed him through-and-through. His painful thoughts would then fly away as if they had never been and Aya would set himself to glaring and demanding that the other man stop breaking into his apartment and Yohji would laugh – a sound like warm honey sliding down his skin.
Aya wondered if it was possible that he actually loved Yohji.
He wondered how Yohji could possibly love him.
He realized he didn't care.
It was Friday, and Aya had barely been able to concentrate all day. The entire weekend stretched out before him like a beautiful promise – time in which he would have nothing to do but be with Yohji.
He didn't think that, by the time Monday rolled around, their bet would remain unresolved. Three times already since their wager had begun Yohji had come very close to getting what he wanted.
The first time had been Sunday evening. They had been on Aya's couch watching the news when Yohji had pounced, assaulting Aya's senses in a way that the redhead had been completely unprepared for. He would have agreed to anything Yohji wanted.
But the blonde's cell phone had begun to ring before things had gotten too out of hand, effectively shattering the spell.
The second time had been much more sneaky. Aya had prepared himself for another attack, but Yohji was much more devious than that.
Rather than attacking, the blonde had set to teasing Aya with light kisses and gentle caresses. This had lasted until Wednesday, when Aya had at last reached the end of his rope and attacked.
But they had been in Yohji's car and a policeman had kindly interrupted them before things went too far.
Thursday, Aya had thought himself prepared for everything – except what had actually happened. He had returned home from work to find that Yohji had once more broken into his apartment and had fixed him a romantic dinner.
While they ate, Yohji had sipped at his wine and, in full detail, calmly told Aya everything he wanted to do to him.
It still made Aya remember the look in his eyes, the slight smile to his sensuous lips. His words were still ringing in Aya's head, along with the images those words had brought to mind.
Yohji hadn't touched him except when he had kissed him goodnight, but Aya had almost – almost – gone after him and begged him to do the things he had been talking about.
No, Aya very much doubted that his chastity would survive the weekend.
But he was intent to put up a fight. It was time to go on the offensive and at least try to make Yohji break first. He hadn't done anything, himself, yet; he felt awkward doing something like that when he had no previous experience.
But he would try. After Yohji's speech last night, Aya was certain he wouldn't mind losing the bet – but his pride demanded that he at last make an attempt to earn himself dominance.
His mind was full of plots and plans as he walked through the parking garage after work, arguing with himself over what had a possibility of working and what didn't. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even see the tall, lanky man leaning against his car until he was nearly there.
"Yohji."
"Yo," the blonde grinned. He was as beautiful and wild as ever in his tight jeans and a clinging t-shirt, his hair a lovely, curling mass around his face, dark glasses covering his eyes.
Aya wanted to rip those sunglasses off. He wanted to see Yohji's eyes.
For once, Aya didn't try to fight his initial impulse.
Yohji's eyes were bright with warmth and love. They only looked like that when he was looking at Aya, and the redhead wondered a moment at how he had ever missed that expression.
Yohji placed his hands on Aya's waist as he leaned down to kiss him, and Aya wondered how he had ever survived without those kisses.
When Yohji pulled back, Aya knew by the expression on his face alone that his little speech last night had merely been a small part of a bigger plan.
Aya didn't care. He pressed closer and closed his eyes, so comfortable, so happy to be in Yohji's arms.
"What's wrong?" Yohji asked softly.
"Nothing. I'm just really happy to see you."
Yohji's arms tightened around him and Aya knew that, whatever plans the other man had made, the blonde would never pull away. Yohji would hold him for however long he wanted.
Aya drew back at last, allowing himself a smile.
"Beautiful." Yohji grinned. "You take my breath away every time, bunny-thong."
Aya felt his smile fall away, replaced by a glare.
Yohji had the audacity to laugh.
(Z)
It was nice to get back to their little routine, Yohji reflected as he and Aya walked through the parking lot to the movie theatre. Their plans for the night had been chosen by Yohji for the specific purpose of making Aya feel comfortable and remind him that he was safe with Yohji.
He hoped the pale man had been thinking about his words last night. His speech had been part of his plot for breaking Aya, of course, but he had also wanted to make sure that Aya understood exactly what a physical relationship between the two of them would mean. Surely Aya had some understanding of sex, even if he never had experienced it, but Yohji suspected it was more of an academic knowledge, and the last thing he wanted of needed was to have the redhead stop at a crucial moment demanding explanations. ("Kudoh. What the hell do you think you're doing?") Additionally, Yohji was certain that surprising the small man would lead to irreversible injury. ("You want to put that where?")
The movie itself was also part of his "master plan" in that Yohji had carefully done his research, had, in fact, had this night planned out for weeks. This movie was supposed to be romantic as hell.Youhi reached out and hooked a finger in Aya's back pocket, and Aya glanced back at him through eyes that Yohji couldn't read.
"What's up, bunny thong?" he asked lightly. Aya had been so quiet, yet so affectionate tonight that Yohji couldn't help but to feel a little worried.
Aya frowned, a bit of his usual self flashing in his eyes.
"I was thinking about how happy you make me," he answered coldly, "Now, however, I believe I may have thought too soon."
"I make you happy?"
He grimaced, looking away.
"Not when you call me by that horrid name." he answered.
Yohji laughed, sliding his arm around his companion's waist and pulling him close, brushing his lips across his temple.
"I'm in love with you," he explained in a fond murmur. "That gives me the right to call you any stupid name I want."
Aya grunted.
Yohji couldn't believe his luck sometimes. After waiting for so long, Aya was finally his. He could hold him and kiss him and tease him without fear. One day, hopefully soon, he would have permission to do more. He was certainly looking forward to having Aya stretched out beneath him, pale and perfect and quivering with anticipation; however, for the first time in Yohji Kudoh's dating experience, sex wasn't the most important thing. Yohji was just having fun spending time with the smaller man – teasing him, yes, but also just enjoying his company.
It was truly his first experience with something like this. Even his relationship with Asuka hadn't been this way until much later – they had started out physical, and become emotionally close later.
This new thing was…wonderful and exhilarating and oh so amazingly exciting.
Yohji bought their tickets with a grin on his face that made the young girl behind the counter giggle and blush and drop her eyes, not noticing Aya's glare.
"You want popcorn, or do you wanna wait dinner to…" Yohji trailed off as Aya froze beside him. He followed the redhead's gaze across the lobby mere moments before they were spotted.
"Yohji!...Aya?"
Waving enthusiastically, Ken Hideka began to wade through the crowd.
"Can we pretend we didn't see him?" Aya asked quietly.
Yohji glanced at him, and was surprised to see how far his companion's expression had closed off. Beside him no longer stood the sweet and sexy man he was dating, but the cold and untouchable leader of Weiss. Yohji kept his arm around him, but he might as well have been holding a statue.
"I think it's too late." Yohji answered, hoping the smaller man would look at him – praying he would still see some sign of his Aya in those eyes.
Aya didn't look at him.
"I can't believe it; it really is you guys!" Ken laughed as he reached them, running a hand through his hair. "Man! It feels like it's been forever!"
Yohji laughed, clasping his former teammate's forearm, but he was beginning to grow concerned once more with Aya's silence.
"Ken! Ken, you go to fast!"
A girl laden with popcorn and drinks came pushing through the crowd, a good-natured smile on her face. She was small and bubbly, with curves that might have caught Yohji's attention a year ago.
"I'm sorry, Miyo!" Ken said quickly, blushing to the roots of his hair as he rushed to help her with her snacks.
She giggled like it was the funniest thing ever.
"Guys," Ken said as soon as the snacks were safe, "This is my girlfriend, Miyoko Nodaki. Miyo, meet Yohji Kudoh and Aya Fujimiya."
Her eyes grew large in her pretty face.
"Oh! Of course! I've heard so much about you two!"
"Really?" Yohji asked, genuinely surprised. The last time he had seen Ken had been about three months before he'd found Aya again, and the meeting had been both brief and awkward.
It had been even longer, Yohji realized suddenly, since he had seen Omi. The boys of Weiss had fallen out of touch, no longer to look at each other when they all held such dark secrets.
Ken's face grew red once more.
"Yeah, well…" he scratched his head a moment, clearly uncomfortable. "What are you two doing here, anyway?"
"We're on a date." Aya answered before Yohji had the chance.
"Really? You too, Aya? Where is she?"
Aya remained silent, glaring, and Yohji watched in awe as the grin slowly slid from his former teammate's face.
It had just begun to become truly awkward when Aya pointedly pulled Yohji's arm more tightly around himself and settled back against the lanky blonde. Yohji let out all the breath in his body, completely and utterly floored. He wouldn't have been surprised if his jaw had actually hit the floor.
Aya craned his head back to look at him, and Yohji found it impossible to read his eyes.
"I don't want to miss the previews." The small redhead stated.
Yohji found himself nodding dumbly.
"Right," he agreed, fighting the urge to just stand there and stare at the pale man's lips. It was almost painful to pull his eyes away and look at Ken. "We better get going, then."
"What are you two doing tomorrow night?" Miyoko asked quickly. If Aya glared at her, she didn't notice. "Ken and I are having a dinner party for some friends. Please say you'll come!"
Aya didn't answer either way.
"We'll see if we can make it." Yohji answered, neither a yes nor a no. Aya didn't want to go. Yohji didn't think that he did, either.
"Great!" Miyoko cheered. "Do you know where Ken's apartment is? It'll be there, seven o'clock."
Aya gave a brisk nod before pulling Yohji away.
Yohji waited as they ducked into the darkened theatre, knowing that he was about to feel the brunt of Aya's annoyance with the situation.
The theatre was nearly empty and the previews had already begun. It felt very private as Aya took him by the hand and led him to the center of the very back row.
"Aya…"
"Shh."
Uneasy, Yohji settled back in his chair.
(Z)
Yohji hoped the damn movie was having its planned effect on Aya, because it was boring the hell out of Yohji. Halfway through the movie and he was fighting off the urge to fall asleep. It was like torture. He felt as if he had been there forever.
He jumped at the sudden feel of a hand on his thigh.
"I'm bored." Aya whispered, breath warm against his ear.
Yohji shivered, leaning closer. "Do you want to leave?"
Aya's hand slid from Yohji's thigh and into his lap, and he raised his eyebrows at Yohji's sudden, strangled gasp. Yohji stared at his companion, unable to do anything but gape as Aya rose and repositioned himself in his lap.
"Aya! What - ?"
The smaller man smirked at him, an expression Yohji had never seen on his lovely face.
"I have a better idea." Aya whispered, shifting in such a way as to make the blonde gasp.
Aya took full advantage, leaning in to kiss him – the slow exploration of mouths. Though Aya had begun their relationship with no experience, he had proven himself a surprisingly fast learner. It was amazing to Yohji how someone with so little practice could be such an amazing kisser, and even more amazing when he realized that the man was turning his own tricks back on him. He wondered if Aya was even aware of his strong effect on Yohji.
Aya's hands slid into his hair and he pulled, tilting Yohji's head to the side as he deepened the kiss, pressing even closer.
Whatever Aya's objections to being the submissive in their relationship, he had always before taken a more passive role, leaving it to Yohji to be the aggressor. There was something very exciting about Aya being the one to initiate, something about the hint of violence to Aya's hands pulling his hair, the rough desperation of his mouth on his own, that set Yohji's blood aflame.
Aya's mouth moved to his neck, and he only hesitated for a fraction of a second before attacking a spot right under Yohji's ear. There was something about that hesitation, the light trickle of breath against his skin, that was nearly enough to undo Yohji.
"Say the word." Aya whispered. "Say the word and we're out of here."
Yohji's eyes widened as he caught on to the redhead's plan.
"Sneaky…bastard!"
Aya smiled, licking his lips luxuriously before leaning back in.
"Are you going to argue?"
No, Yohji thought to himself as one of Aya's hands slipped into his lap. No, he certainly was not going to argue.
(Z)
"I could have gotten it myself, Miyoko," Ken teased as he and his girlfriend went for refills on their drinks, leaving the darkened theatre behind.
"I like to be with you," she answered cheerfully, "And truthfully, the movie isn't all that great."
Ken couldn't keep from grinning; Miyoko always affected him that way. Simple and cheerful and bright and optimistic – she simply made him happy. They had met during a dark time in Ken's life, nearly three months after Weiss had disbanded.
She had saved him from the deepest of darkness, and for that he would love her forever. She didn't believe in marriage, but was finally willing to begin discussing moving in together. They almost had it all worked out now.
Laughter from somewhere behind him distracted him from his thoughts, and he could only stare as two young men in very rumpled clothes were escorted from a theatre, laughing and hanging all over each other.
"The movies are no place for that kind of…behavior!" the wildly blushing usher was attempting to scold them. "You're both men, for heaven's sake!"
Ken was staring rudely, but he didn't care.
He had never before seen Aya smile like that – and he'd certainly never seen him laugh. Or blush.
And it had never once occurred to him that there was a possibility of witnessing him pulling Yohji Kudoh's arms around himself.
"Wow," Miyoko commented from beside him, "It's like they're horny highschoolers."
Ken shook his head, too bewildered for much else, and stared until his two former teammates left.
To Be Continued
Response to unsigned reviews:
incrazoweisslover - thanks so much for reading!I don't know about any flowers yet, but as for a lemon - well, it's looking more and more likley. Now, if I can just find the time to sit down and write the darn thing...
talietim - there's only one thing to be said about Aya: he's one stubborn s-o-b.
JB - thanks!
Kirai - thankies!
Moon without a Sun - squee is one of my fav words. Thanks for using it!
ycpss - ack! So many differences of opinion!
Miss Macabre - yes, yes, huggles and muffins!
CaT70 - well, I haven't been impressed by the small bit I have seen of Gluhen, but it's necessary I be more familiar with it...
Himitsu79 - Yohji and I enjoy it, too.
amethyst rulzz - Yohji's always horny. As for the rest...no comment.
Someone tried to send me a link to a Gluhen summery (sorry, I can't find the name right now...) Anyway, erm, links don't show up through ff. Either spaces need to be placed within the address, or it needs to be sent via e-mail. Sorry for the trouble - I really appreciate the help though!
Thanks everyone! See ya next time!
