Urban theory; chapter 18Introduction

"So who's coming?" Tatsumaru asked over the table as Rikimaru came back from making a few phone calls.

Rikimaru grinned to his friend who already had had a few before they left home. "…Ayame as she gets from the cell, Dan, probably Jin too, few of my friends from practise…" This was a total lie, he knew that. He had called one and got at least twenty. Well what could he say, they really liked a big party, with a pool table and Irish beer, partly the reason why they where in this particular bar. "And Oni and Mat, of course, as you haven't met them… Thought Mat wasn't sure if he would make it at all…"

Tatsumaru played with an empty class and stared at its bottom. "So… Mat is Kiku's father, right?"

"Yeah…"

"And he's just a year older than me?"

Rikimaru nodded silently.

"You all ways this quiet when you're not drinking?"

"No."

"Right… so when, are they gona come…?" The end just fell on it's place like a slip, but Rikimaru didn't seem to notice anything. Tatsumaru couldn't stop stare at the door or not the door but the person who had just walked in. It was that guy he had, no, might have had sex with at the night before Hitoha left. What a coincidence, what an unpleasant coincidence! Hopes up he don't want to chat, Tatsumaru thought.

"Um…" Rikimaru hadn't got the time to go further with his answer as his phone rang.

Oh no, something was terribly wrong now, Tatsumaru realized as he noticed that the 'guy' was holding a phone on his ear when he turned towards the voice of Rikimaru's cell phone and eyes stopped at the exact spot Tatsumaru was sitting. Oh no, these things shouldn't happen in real life, Tatsumaru shared a severe look with this man.

Rikimaru finally found his phone and answered. "What's keeping you?"

Tatsumaru could swear that he heard that in small technical replay from few feet's away. Oni had a moment of doubt; to leave or not to leave; now there's a question. But how would it make him seem to run off now?

In the meanwhile Rikimaru was beginning to wonder why Oni was so quiet, but then he suddenly felt someone very close to his ear.

"Nothing…" He sat down next to Rikimaru all most opposite to Tatsumaru.

"Oh, hi…?"

"Didn't see you two from there…"

"Right, Oni this is Tatsu and Tatsu this is Oni…" Rikimaru introduced the two who just looked at each other like they were playing Russian roulette, one loaded gun between them. Rikimaru couldn't help but to notice the weird twist in the loose atmosphere of the bar. "Oh come on, shake hands or something…"

Oni was still thinking should he come clean and say that they had already met, once, as Tatsumaru gave out his hand across the table.

A small quiet greeting was all he said as Oni shook his hand and gave Tatsumaru a grin to misinterpret in any way he might have liked with that lame salutation. Over all conclusions still seemed to be an act of sudden memory loss or was it?

"…Tatsu works for the TMA…" Rikimaru threw it out lazily.

"Oh really…? That sounds interesting, eh?" Oni hoped his voice didn't sound too fake, but as long as it didn't rise too much of Rikimaru's attention it was perfect. Tatsumaru thought seemed to get the hint. It was perfectly understandable for this Tatsu-chap not wanting to know him and explain something neither of them remembered, but then again, was it perfectly okay? Why didn't Tatsu really want to say that they knew each other from before, possibly connected by a steamy, sweltering shag session?

"No really, it's not… They are all about one thing, which is… coffee of course… How about you… Rikimaru tells me you're a real artist?"

"A real artist?" Oni looked over to Rikimaru who just gave it a shrug. "You suppose to know what all the 'real artists' do?"

Rikimaru ignored his spiky tone and lectured. "They never leave their home, unless to get paintbrushes, canvas or whatever, usually they sleep around the clock and only pretend to be busy or looking for their inspiration if someone catches them doing nothing, most likely someone who's given them their last check…" He paused as if to think of something else he was forgetting. "And they feed them self's only with drugs…"

Oni took the matter slightly. "And how does the life style differ from yours?"

"…I don't need paintbrushes or canvases…?"

"Exactly…! Now if you'll excuse me, I go and get us served, what are you having?"

Two and half an hour later the place was packed full. The background was humming lazily in tones of Garbage.

I can't use what I can't abuse

And I can't stop when it comes to you

You burned me out but I'm back at your door

Like Joan of Arc coming back for more

Oni had lost the rest of the gang while drinking something that tasted very much like pure alcohol. The sweet taste that made your brain turn inside out right after the face. After a moment of search he could see Rikimaru talking friendly to two, probably his mates from the practice. Tatsumaru had most likely gone hiding, not in the bathroom, Oni had checked. Jin was looming over Gohda while Dan tried to have a decent conversation with him. What was that all about anyway? And talking about strange things, Rikimaru was sober. More sober than him at least and god that was scary. When that had ever happened, he thought worried and took more of the liquid to clear his mind.

Right then Ayame stepped in to the bar and first thing she saw was Oni. Perfect, he thought and nearly mentally swallowed the class whole.

I nearly died…

I thought it was going to be a small party, Ayame thought as she came down the steps and eyes the room for any familiar faces to witness what she was about to do.

I came to cut you up

I came to knock you down

I came around to tear your little world apart

I came to shut you up

I came to drag you down

I came around to tear your little world apart

And break your soul apart

"Hi…" She said as she got to Oni. He raises an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Ayame continued. "I would offer you a drink as a peace offer, but it seems you have had enough already…"

"...Well, well, the psycho is trying to say… what exactly…?"

If a smile could kill…

They looked at each other. "I'm sorry, that I threatened to cut off your balls and feed them to the blender, and then to you… Yeah, I don't know what went into me…"

You burn and burn to get under my skin

You've gone too far now I won't give in

You crucified me but I'm back in your bed

Like Jesus Christ coming from the dead

Rikimaru saw that Ayame had finally got off from work. They could smile and talk all they wanted but he could feel the tension across the room. Wonder what they are saying he thought while the music filled the air. Maybe he should go between before it got out of hand.

I nearly died…

"So you made it finally…? What where you talking about so keenly…?" Rikimaru couldn't hep but to be curious.

Ayame seemed somewhat sincere. "Nothing much… You've seen Mat?"

I nearly died…

Ayame and Rikimaru kept on talking while the annoying chorus filled Oni's head.

I came to cut you up

I came to knock you down

I came around to tear your little world apart

I came to shut you up

I came to suck you down

I came around to tear your little world apart

Suddenly Ayame left and he stayed with Rikimaru. He took her place, leaning against the bar desk. Oni couldn't help but to think how fine he looked when he did that. Then again he thought that thank god he wasn't too drunk to act upon his brain.

…Tear your little world apart

And break your soul apart

"…God damn, I hate this stupid song…"

Rikimaru looked surprised but amused. "Why on earth…?"

"I dunno… Maybe because it's so fucking… realistic…" Green eyes met the dark brown ones, just like once when they started to realize who the other one really was.

…I can't stop when it comes to you

When it comes to you…

When it comes to you...

Now he whished he wouldn't have spoken for his mind, Oni thought while Rikimaru digested his stare and listened. Something caught his eye, behind Rikimaru. "…Oh dear…"

Rikimaru looked over his shoulder. "What?"

"…I think I just saw Jin going to the balcony…"

Mat had managed to get away from the crowed and was enjoying a peaceful moment in the night air over the balcony. Real reason for him to be there was that he hoped Ayame to find him and they could steal some time together with out the nosy eyes. The door opened behind him, but with out looking Mat was sure it wasn't the one he hoped it to be.

He looked behind his back. "…Hi Jin…" He said sighting heavily.

Jin walked next to him with his usual mood. "Why, so sad to see me?" He smirked and then seeming to calm down in a manor that wasn't Jin at all.

"…Jin…?" Mat started uncertain about his speech. This was the first time he actually had to deal with someone like Jin. By that he meant over social, over happy, over weird and over liking of him. Usually, people like Jin, were afraid of him and didn't come even close.

"Uh-huh?"

How should he tell this, he had no idea how to handle him? As much as the thought spooked him, it would have been good to have his daughter here as an interpreter. "Listen …I'm not gay…"

Jin smiled so widely that his face nearly burst. "Yeah, I know…" He put his cigarette back to his lips after blowing out a long breath of grey smoke. "…But that doesn't stop me from trying, does it?"

Seeing Jin this serious made Mat smile for some reason he couldn't tell. "…Whatever you say…"

"Whatever I say…?! Careful now Mat… Don't tempt me, cause you could never have my heart… It belongs to someone else, even thought he doesn't know it. And I don't want him to know, that's why I have to pretend focus on you, so they won't notice…" Jin laughed shortly. "Why am I telling you this…? I dunno? Jin shook his head and smiled. "Too much to drink maybe…?"

Mat looked at him lost for words and Jin patted his shoulder. He dumped his cigarette edging closer to the other man. "…Your girlfriend is here…" Jin whispered to his ear before he left, passing Ayame at the door. She gave him angry look for harassing, but smiled to Mat.

"Was Jin being Jin again?" She said over his lips.

Jin walked inside and bumps into Tatsumaru in the middle of the crowd. Jin laughs as they try to keep from falling to the floor by taking a support from one another.

"Oh hi there, or here… Where have you been hiding…?"

Tatsumaru who was more drunk than his friend, was just smiling widely. "…Here and there…"

"You've been a busy boy, Tatsu?"

"Yeah…! Too busy, for my own good…"

"Right, Tatsu… Have you seen Riki or that other guy, what was his name again…?"

"…Oni…"

"Yeah, that was it… Well have you?"

"Have I what?"

"Never mind, Tatsu. Maybe we should find a seat for you… I mean no offence, but you are quite heavy for a girl…"

"…Sorry… I don't mean to be…" Tatsumaru smiled.

"Yeah, yeah…"

"You need help?" Oni came to the other side of Tatsumaru and helped him to walk. Tatsumaru shared a look with him and thought he was way too in-touching-him-distance. Like he really needed to be reminded about that morning and Hitoha.

"…Thanks… Boy, he's heavy…!" Jin sighted as he got away under Tatsumaru's arm and sit next to him.

"…You two wanna play pool with me and Rikimaru… On the second thought, can you stand?" Oni asked.

"I think I'll pass this one…" Tatsumaru said, meaning to say no.

Rikimaru suddenly came seemingly from nowhere. "So are you in or out…?"

Jin evaluated Tatsumaru's condition to hit even to a fall. "…I think I'll team up with Riki…"

"Don't think so, dear-Jin… You really do suck when it comes to playing pool… Nothing personal though…"

"You're not exactly a master, your self, duh!?"

"Besides… I already teamed up with Oni…" Rikimaru gave others a vicious and victorious grin.

"Oh that's just great…! He just has to be good, 'cause he's totally like made for this place with those cursed tables…" Jin burst and then looked up to Oni's plank, slightly amused, face and said. "Nothing personal though…"

"…Guess you're playing with Mr. Can't-stand-by-him self, then…"

Tatsumaru didn't feel very cheerful.

"I can cover him, if that's okay with you?" Dan asked to Tatsumaru. He just waved his hand in a way of saying; be my guest. Rikimaru had gotten the table ready. "Okay so it's me and Oni against Jin and Dan? So none of us really knows how to play this by the book, but I assume it's a good thing… Saves me from the embarrassment, so who's gona start?"

Oni and Rikimaru were winning the game. Mainly because Jin all ways managed to hit the white ball over the edge of the table. "If someone laughs right now…" Jin had said and a second later even Tatsumaru was laughing like insane.

"Jin… It's not a basketball game…" Dan said as he was the first who stopped howling. "Come on, let me show you…"

Rikimaru hunted the ball and gave it to Dan. "Maybe we should give them some mercy…?" He looked to Oni who was sitting next to the table and putting away the stick.

"Yeah, it's not like there would be any doubt about the winners…eh?"

"Oh shut up, you two…" Jin said sour while Dan tried to make him pay attention to his teachings.

"Pay attention, Jordan"

"Yeah, yeah…"

Rikimaru sit between Tatsumaru and Oni, all three facing the pool table, but not really looking. "Has anyone seen Ayame?" Rikimaru asked taking his class from the table.

"Not really…" Oni said searching something from his pockets. "Oh, yeah and by the way… Has anyone seen Mat?"

"You sure are trying to imply something, I whish I would know what that might be, Oni?"

Oni shook his head. "Denial, denial… Well, excuse me; I think I left my inspiration in my jacket pocket…" He rose up. "I'll be there if anyone's interested…" And walked away.

Stay away, Tatsumaru thought and looked at his watch. It wasn't even 1 a.m. yet.

"Tatsu…?" He heard Rikimaru saying his name even thought he didn't look at him.

"…What?"

"What was it that you wanted to talk about earlier this day?"

"…I can't remember anymore…" He lied.

"Sure you can…" Rikimaru cell phone beeped, but he ignored it. Tatsumaru made an absent remark while he counted the hours in his mind for Hitoha to come back and possibly bag his bags and leave.

"It might be important…?"

Reluctantly Rikimaru concentrated to his phone; Ayame had sent him a text message. Calling for that favour you OWE ME; don't come home until noon!

While Rikimaru puzzled what was that all about, partly worried, partly dead curious, Tatsumaru slip away. Now he really whished that Ayame would have arrested him for that once, and not let him get away. Yeah he might have lost his license to practice law, but who cared about things like that? Oh yeah, he had once cared a great deal.

Jin stretched over the table and aimed. Too bad he was a bit too tipsy to keep his target locked. His hand shook a bit and for some reason he found it very funny, trying to keep from laughing.

"Can't be that hard Jin…" Dan said biting his lip.

"Crying out loud… Let me…" Rikimaru pushed Ayame out of his thoughts and walked up to Jin who wasn't going to give up.

"No…!"

Rikimaru bend over Jin and put his hand over his. Jin looked at his friend in the eye corner and got a grin back. "…Just focus on my hands."

"Ou? I really thought that the balls were the important part…?"

"What?" Rikimaru hit the ball that hit to another two that rolled down in the sack. "…Were you talking about yours or mine…?"

"You gotta be kidding me…" Dan rolled his eyes and waved a hand to them, leaving the scene.

'The couple' got up from the table surprised by Dan's reaction. "Hey Dan? Where are you going?!" Rikimaru yelled after him but Dan had already disappeared to the crowd.

"…Some people have no sense of humour, do they?" Jin asked playfully.

"No… No they don't…" Rikimaru thought it for a moment. "…Or… Am I missing something?"

Jin rose up from the pool table he had been sitting on and took his drink from side table. "…Like?"

"…Like, stepping onto his toes or something…?"

"No, you were not." Jin looked at the crowd not really seeing Dan anywhere. "Probably something like, he's too tired to fuck around with us, goddamn brood… Or maybe it's about the place? It's kinda like dead here, don't you think?"

"How should it be then?"

"…Loud music… loud people, more people like me… more… energy in the air, anyone in here will end up as calm as him…"

Jin walked away to the opposite direction he had nodded. It seemed that it had been a weird night for everyone, except and maybe for him self. Rikimaru found him self alone for a while and wondered who had Jin meant; he found Oni, smoking under a sign that told it was forbidden.

"Don't you know smoking is bad for you?"

Oni looked shortly over him and then continued to look at Tatsumaru and Dan dancing. Other people kept their distance to them looking very normal compared to the two who were the only ones dancing in the bar. "…I'm not 'smoking'"

"You're not?"

"No, I'm not"

Rikimaru was stunned by the outlook, before moving his thoughts back to the dancers. "Have they been there for long?"

"The other one has…"

And the music went on, regardless of the many questioning looks.

Don't stop, don't stop the feet
Won't stop, won't stop the beat
and GO

Everybody,
move you're feet,
and feel united ohohoh


Yeah, got the dance energy, oh yeah

"Where are my manners…" Oni handed the cigarette to Rikimaru.

He looked at it motionless. "You know I don't smoke. Very least of something from the bottom of your pockets…"

"…No?" Oni asked patiently.

"…No"

"No?" He inhaled the smoke and tried to convince him of how good it tasted, smiling wicked to the other.

"No."

"No?"

d-d-don't stop the beat
I c-c-can't control the feet
p-p-people in the streets
com'on everybody, move you're feet
Don't stop, (don't stop) don't stop, the beat
I can't stop, (can't stop) can't stop the beat
I won't stop, won't stop (won't stop)…

"No…" Rikimaru said crowing more bored than irritated. He thought Oni had stopped using. Or that was what he had told him, that the stuff made him all weird sometimes. Why did Oni think it was an illegal drug otherwise, really?

"Are you sure?"

"Yes…!"

"Okay then…" Oni looked away grinning, taking a very long breath from his cigarette.


s-s-sing my song and
y-y-you sing along, just
p-p-put my record on
and all of you're troubles are dead and gone

Then Oni turned back to him. Very casually he took a firm grip behind Rikimaru's neck, preventing any escape plans to come true and but his mouth against Rikimaru's, conveniently his lips happened to be open for the surprise.


Don't stop, (don't stop) don't stop, the beat…

Smoke that he had just said no to a hundred times filled his lungs when Oni pulled away.

Oni looked at him for a while. "…Hypocrite." Oni stated and leant back against the fall and looked at the dancers. "Not a single couch, my gods, you are all most worst than… some people I know…"

"Oh?…You goddamnasshole…! Give me that…!" Rikimaru slapped him on back of his head and grabbed the smoke. "…I was supposed to stay sober for this night…"

"Hey…!? Don't hog all to your self…"

"You started this… stop complaining… What is this?"

"If you don't know, I don't have to tell you. At least you won't get hooked…"

After a few long breaths the night turned out to be a bit more cheerful, but surely not more sober.

A/n: Song: Move your feet by Junior senior