Disclaimer/Warnings/Summary/Etc: see chapter one.

Notes: There's a reason this chapter is so late! The more I worked on it, the worse it seemed. To tell you the truth, I hate it. However, I owe it to my reviewers, so here you guys go anyway. Hopefully next chapter will be better written.

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Yuriy had returned home late the previous night after his visit with Kai to the hospital. He had been completely drained, his only comfort that he would be able to rest properly since the next day was a Saturday and therefore he did not have work. Nonetheless, he was woken up by the ringing of the phone earlier than he would have liked. It rang incessantly, and after a few moments of trying to ignore it, he dropped the act and shuffled closer to his bedside table. He picked it up angrily, about to disconnect the line for the caller to get a hint and to resume his sleep only to hear Bryan's voice.

"Yuriy?"

The addressed man fought the urge to curse at him and instead snapped into the receiver, "What do you want?"

"Hey, ease up. What crawled up your ass and died?" the voice sounded infuriatingly amused.

"You inconsiderate jerk. I was trying to sleep!" he ground out.

"Calm down. It's past 11, since when did you sleep in that long?"

Sighing in resignation, Yuriy shifted into a more comfortable position on the bed, "Came back late last night. And I needed to catch up on sleep."

"Don't tell me you were out clubbing."

"Not even close. Why are you calling, anyway?"

"I'll be dropping by. Mind, baby?"

"Don't call me that and depends. When?"

"Right now. Don't try to object, I'm coming anyway; just though I'd warn you."

"Whatever," he groaned, and threw the wireless phone across the room after cutting the line.

It landed on the carpeting with a muffled thud. Ignoring it, he flipped over and tried to go back to sleep. Fifteen minutes later found him getting increasingly distraught with his failed attempts. When his door phone rang, indicating the arrival of the lilac-haired man, he reluctantly got up to press the open button and unlock his front door. He then made his way for a shower without waiting for the other, which helped to ease his body and refresh him. Feeling considerably better, he dried his hair partially and wrapped a towel around his waist, grabbing his brush on his way to his bedroom. Yuriy figured that his friend would be eating his way through the fridge right then, but when he opened the door he found him lying back on his mattress, hands under his head. Bryan looked up and grinned.

"What is this, an early birthday present?"

Yuriy found his face heating up at his current state of nudity, and, not knowing what else to do with his shameless friend, chucked the brush in his hand at him. Bryan rolled out of its way effortlessly on the king-sized bed, causing it to land on the comforter.

Yuriy scowled, "Get out. I need to get dressed."

"Sure you mind me watching?"

Feeling uncomfortable under the other's gaze and wiggling eyebrows, the redhead crossed his arms, "I mean it, Get. The. Fuck. Out."

"Alright," Bryan subjected to the threatening glares shot his way.

He made his way to the door, unable to resist shooting him a smirk before closing it behind him. Visibly easing from his stiff posture, Yuriy crossed to his dresser, mindless of the towel that slipped off his hips. He picked out a black tank top and a pair of grey sweatpants before brushing out and blow-drying his hair. It took some time to dry its many layers, the longest strands reaching past his shoulders. He'd always wanted it cut shorter, but Kai had interjected to that musing, telling him that he really liked it the way it was. Feeling a slight pang at the reminder of the blunette, he made his way to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and something to eat.

Yuriy found a steaming mug attached to Bryan's hand, whom sat at the table and motioned to the coffeemaker when he saw him.

"Thanks," he said appreciatively, pulling out another mug and filling it with the extra coffee. He was about to reach for the fridge to sate his hunger when Bryan spoke.

"If you're going to eat something, don't. I ordered take out for lunch; it should be here soon."

Yuriy raised an eyebrow and glanced toward the stove's digital clock, not at all surprised to find it nearing to 12:30. Nodding in thanks, he leaned against the counter and sipped his drink, observing the other. The silence did not last for long as Bryan soon looked up, eyebrows raised.

"I know I'm sexy but any other reason you've been scrutinizing me?"

Rolling his eyes at the statement, Yuriy set the mug down and rubbed the back of his neck, "Can I talk to you about something?"

"I'm at your place, it's not like I have an option," Bryan replied, though he folded his arms before him and directed his full attention to the other despite his misleading words.

Yuriy looked down, fingering the handle of his mug as he speculated on how to tell his friend the truth. Finally, he said, "I was at the hospital last night. With Kai."

The other raised a brow, "Something happened to him?"

Yuriy shook his head, "No," he replied before reconsidering, "Well, kind of. Not directly."

"Okay, stop right there. If you want me to listen then you have to stop being so vague," once again Bryan's direct approach didn't fail him.

"I found out what he'd been meaning to tell me," Yuriy compensated, knowing that the words were not meant to discourage him, "I don't know what to do."

"What, he's gone bankrupt and you want to end it, because you've only been with him for his money?"

Yuriy was about to throw in an exasperated comment before changing his mind, "Do you really think that?" he asked instead, frowning.

Bryan rolled his eyes to indicate that he'd been joking, "He's a multi-millionaire with one hell of a business mind, he'd never go bankrupt," seeing that the redhead was still bothered he said, more softly, "No; just trying to lighten the mood."

Sighing and nodding, Yuriy continued, "This had happened five years ago, that's why I don't know how to take it. I'm hurt, and angry, but at the same time I feel bad for what he's going through. Even though I haven't even sorted out my stand on the matter, let alone forgiven him, I went to the hospital with him yesterday because—he asked me to come. He needed me, I just—"

"What happened?" Bryan's voice cut through his babble like a hot knife through butter.

Closing his eyes and deciding to just serve the blow, Yuriy opened his mouth only to be interrupted by the ringing of the door phone.

Bryan got up and fiercely jabbed the open button, turning to the redhead who shook his head. Seemingly irritated, he walked back and sat in his previous chair, crossing his legs, head titled in impatient inquiry. Yuriy was about to obtain money for the takeout, but Bryan pulled out his wallet and pushed a bill across the table. Ignoring it, he turned only to be stopped by the other's voice.

"Just take it; I'm the one who ordered."

Submitting at the man's tone, he walked over and plucked the bill off the wood. He then opened the door to wait for the delivery guy, who seemed surprised that his customer was standing at the front door like he had nothing better to do. Unabashedly sending him a half smile, Yuriy paid and closed the door before he could get another word in. He dropped their food-carrying cartons on the kitchen table along with Bryan's change, but neither of them made a move to eat. The smell of delicious noodles filled the kitchen, reminding Yuriy of his empty stomach.

"Aren't you going to eat?" he asked, sitting in the opposite chair.

"Don't try to stall. Something is wrong and I want to know what. I can see it on your face."

Yuriy decided to say it outright, "He cheated on me."

The words burned him even as he said them. He gulped back a lump in his throat at the effect, unable to meet the other's eyes. A moment of silence passed, in which something in Bryan seemed to explode.

"WHAT?"

He closed his eyes, "Five years ago," he whispered, "With a woman and it resulted in him having a son."

When the silence grew too painfully long, he opened them to find an absolutely livid Bryan glaring at him.

"He cheated on you," he repeated slowly as though trying to keep his voice in check. The words seemed to resound infinitely. "Did you say that you fucking went with him to the hospital for whatever god forsaken reason last night?"

"That's just it!" Yuriy pushed away from the table and stood up, turning around to face away from him, "The mother of the kid died in a car accident. We went to see him; he's injured and might not make it."

"God damn it, Yuriy," Bryan's voice was harsh, "He cheated on you, why would you give a damn about his son!"

"He might die," his voice shook, "It's affecting Kai really badly."

"Like hell it is! What about you, huh?"

When he didn't answer, he heard Bryan taking a deep breath.

"Hiwatari's hurt you many times. I hate seeing you hurt, that motherfucker is going to pay for this."

Yuriy found himself shaking his head, "Bryan…"

"Fuck! Think of yourself for one damned second!"

Yuriy buried his face in his hands. Everything was bubbling back at once; the rush of pain, the burning of anger. But mostly the definite feeling of being lost in a situation that hurt too much for him to handle. The tears were surfacing fast; he shut his eyes tightly to keep them in only to fail against the insistent flow. He bit back a sob against his will, repeatedly cursing himself mentally for letting himself cry in front of Bryan. He heard the slide of a chair against the floor moments before strong arms embraced him from behind, Bryan's larger form engulfing him.

"He doesn't deserve you," he said firmly.

"I love him, Bryan!" Yuriy choked out, quivering with emotion. The other's grip tightened.

"He's a fucking bastard who doesn't deserve you," Bryan's voice was now bordering on frighteningly enraged, "Why are you doing this to yourself?"

He spun the redhead around and took his hands away from his face, staring into Yuriy's tear-stained, scrunched up features. Another tear leaked out and rushed downwards, dripping off his chin and into his collar. Bryan's hand reached up to brush the second one that followed.

"Don't cry, damn it," he murmured, "I'm going to make that asshole regret everything."

Yuriy shook his head again, holding back the urge to sob his heart out, "I love him," he repeated.

"Stop this, Yuriy! He cheated on you, and lied to you! And then what, he made you visit his son with him for his own selfish reasons!"

"I can't help my feelings!" Yuriy countered, a fresh wave of tears building in his eyes, "I can't just break it off and get over him. I fucking love him! But what would you know about that!"

Bryan stepped back as though he'd been slapped. A bitter smile curled his lips, though hurt was evident in his eyes, "Just like you to assume," he said, his voice a disguise of suppressed emotions, "Do you think I have never felt that way toward someone, that I do not understand?" his hand gripped Yuriy's shoulder tightly, "Then why are you coming to me? Am I someone you come to when you're in need?"

Yuriy's heart felt like it was breaking all over again. He lunged forward and wrapped his arms around the other, burying his face into his chest.

"I can't believe you said that; I need you, Bryan. You're my closest friend," he shut his eyes tightly against the flow of his tears, "I'm sorry; I didn't mean what I said."

Bryan sighed and rubbed the red hair gently, his other arm returning the embrace.

"A friend," he whispered, "That's all I'll ever be to you."

It was Yuriy who stepped back this time, shaking his head in denial, "Bryan," he started, his eyes meeting the other's; they clearly swam with unsaid emotions. He felt his tears increase tenfold, blurring the image, "B-Bryan, what are you trying to say?"

Bryan pushed the hair away from Yuriy's face, his gaze boring into his eyes, "You may love him, but just know this, Yuriy. There is someone who truly cares for you. Someone who'd never hurt you. And yet that someone is the one you always look over." He turned and began making his way to the door.

Yuriy was now sobbing uncontrollably, "I-I need y-your h-help in wha-at to do, B-Bryan! Not hav-ve y-your feel-lings thr-rown at m-me now!"

Bryan's fist was tightly clenched, "Just follow your heart."

"My heart belongs to Kai!" he cried.

The lilac-haired man disappeared down the hall, and moments later, the front door clicked shut behind him.

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Yuriy cried for what felt like hours after his friend's departure. Through it all, he couldn't stop thinking about Bryan. Bryan who flirted with him on a daily basis. Bryan who teased him and annoyed him to no end. Bryan who had always stood up for him since childhood. Bryan who was selfish to uncover his feelings at such an inconvenient time. But most of all the Bryan he must have hurt; must have been hurting all these years. And even so, deep inside, he knew that it was Kai whom he loved. Kai was hurting him just like he was hurting Bryan, yet he loved him just as Bryan cared for him. It was a thought he could not bare, a thought that constricted his chest; something he was helpless about. He was stuck in a delicate game of feelings, but he couldn't lie.

When his tears subsided, the silence became too unnerving for him. More than tired and emotionally drained, he looked across the table at their untouched takeout but couldn't bring himself to eat. The acidity in his empty stomach hurt but he knew that he wouldn't be able to consume a bite. Instead he stood up on unsteady legs and went to his bedroom, a thought singled out from the unsorted mess. He pulled out his cell phone and dialled a painfully familiar number, staring at it silently until Kai picked up.

"Hey," the voice said softly.

For a moment Yuri wanted to disconnect the line, but he knew that Kai had caller's ID. Hearing the other's voice made something within him crumble and he gulped back fresh tears as he said tiredly, "Kai…"

"Yuriy, are you okay?"

Yuri bit his lip, angry at himself for his stinging eyes. He held back a sarcastic fantastic! and instead said, "Kai, I've thought it through."

Silence met his words.

"Say something," he urged with a whisper, a tear falling down to trail his cheek against his will.

"There's nothing I can say. It's what you have to say about this now."

The lack of reaction made it harder for him to hold back his emotions. He wished that the other would give a more charged answer; anything but the indifference he received. But he also knew that Kai was always collected, rarely letting on much emotion.

"First I want to say that I'm really hurt, and angry. It tears me apart every time I think that you cheated on me and then kept something as big as having a son, but I also—" he gave in to his urges and cried softly, "I-I also love you, Kai. I'm not going to end what we have."

"I'm sorry," he heard Kai whisper.

"I haven't f-forgiven you yet," Yuriy continued, his tears blinding him, "And this whol-le thing has changed something between us. I want you to show me that you truly regret it. I want you to explain to me why you kept the ordeal from me."

"There's nothing to explain," a sigh, and then, "I'm not going to make up an excuse. I just want you to know that I truly am sorry. You mean the world to me, Yuriy. I was foolish, and then I was afraid to tell you. The concept of you leaving me, it scared me."

"Kai…"

"I did not expect you to forgive me. It's more than I can ask."

Yuriy merely cried, attempting to muffle the sound.

"Please stop crying, I can't bare it," the voice now sounded pained.

His words might have seemed blatantly selfish, but Yuri knew the real meaning behind them.

"I miss you," Kai spoke once again, "Can I come see you?"

Yuriy began to nod, before realizing that the other couldn't see him. His 'yeah' was barely coherent even to his own ears, but Kai shut the line after promising to be there shortly. He stayed seated for a while, contemplating the situation. Finally, he changed before going to the bathroom to wash up and make himself more presentable. The mirror mocked him with his terrible reflection; his eyes were red and puffy, and the bruise on his cheek was still evident. You look like shit, Bryan's amused voice floated in his mind, painfully. He ran his hands through his hair and tried to suppress the thought, only for the lilac-haired man's voice to multiply and fill his very being. He knew that they would need to speak. He loved Bryan; the other was everything—but a lover—to him. He couldn't afford for their awkward confrontation to turn into distance and cost him their friendship. But he knew that it was going to take time before either of them would be ready to discuss the issue.

The door phone rang, distracting him and announcing the arrival of Kai. Ignoring it for the third time that day, Yuriy pressed the open button for the complex's front doors and waited tentatively for his boyfriend. Kai managed to knock only once before Yuriy threw the door open.

"I love you," Kai greeted softly, offering him a large bouquet of red roses.

Their hands touched as Yuriy reached for them, their sweet smell filling his nose. Kai wrapped his fingers around his before he hand a chance to pull away, and their eyes locked. For a long moment he stared into Kai's eyes. The eyes that, for once, were open to him. Kai's grip tightened on his fingers, conveying his emotions through unspoken words. It was Yuriy who finally broke both contacts, stepping aside to let Kai in. The blunette took off his shoes before following him to the kitchen. Yuriy set the roses on the table, his stomach twisting painfully in hunger when he saw the untouched takeout. Bryan… he thought sadly as he turned, only to be pulled into a deep embrace.

"Didn't have time to get you something better," Kai murmured into his ear.

"Thank you," he replied in a whisper against the other's neck, "You know I appreciate them more than I would any fancy or expensive thing." He returned the embrace briefly before Kai pulled back.

"How long have you been crying?" he asked, looking imploringly into his eyes.

Yuriy tried to evade the question, "I look like shit, I know."

Kai shook his head, "You're beautiful."

The redhead was spared replying when the other leaned in and caught his lips in a chaste kiss, and Yuri wrapped his arms around the other's neck. Kai broke their lip-lock softly before moving to kiss every centimetre of his face. The smooth lips felt soothing against his tired features, and he relaxed into the fluttering touches contently.

"You didn't answer my question," the bluenette said when he finally pulled back.

Yuriy kept his eyes closed, "I don't know," he said, truthfully.

"Am I the only reason for your tears?" Kai asked after a pause.

Opening his eyes, Yuriy found the other's burning with guilt and another emotion lurking beyond the surface.

"A big part of it," he confessed, "I—had an argument with Bryan."

The violet eyes darkened, "Did he hurt you?"

Ironic, Yuriy mused before shaking his head, "I think it's more so the other way around."

Kai nodded and didn't question him further. He pulled the redhead back into his arms and rested his head on his shoulder. His embrace was tight but comforting; he seemed to never want to let go. Yuriy clung back to him tiredly.

"Can I stay the night?" he was asked after a while.

"Why?" Yuriy replied, his question lacking in inquiry. The answer he received, however, brought a small, bittersweet ache into his chest.

"I feel incomplete without you," Kai told him honestly, "But I also want to make it up to you."

"You have a lot of making up to do," Yuriy sighed, but moved back and pushed him to sit at the table, "But I need to eat first; haven't had anything all day."

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See what I mean? It just seems badly put-together. I cringe every time I read over it. Hopefully I will still get some reviews, however.