Chapter Ten: Dinner Date

The wind whipped violently making the snow fly through the starry sky like billions of tiny diamonds. He sat on a rod iron bench underneath a bright red canopy with the words: Le Mirage scrawled across it in fancy, white, calligraphy. Golden light poured forth from the elegant restaurant and onto his face giving him a small, very small, ridiculously small sense of warmth.

A chill shot through him as the wind blew. He hunched overmore sliding his gloved hands further up the inside of his thighs to warm his numb fingers. How long had they been waiting outside now – two minutes, five minutes, twenty minutes?! Shivering he tightened his scarf around his face covering up his icicle of a nose; he tucked his hands back between his thighs.

The smell of cigarette smoke tickled his nose. About a foot away from him Naoe stood in a black, knee length coat with a cream colored scarf around his neck. He held a cigarette between his slender fingers and would press it to his lips occasionally; he seemed very intent on watching the smoke drift through the frigid air.

Damn he looked good enough to eat! He just stood by the ashtray puffing away in that refined style of his. When the wind blew, his coat seemed to dance around his legs, which were clad in dark gray slacks. He knew, too, that Naoe wore a crisp, white, button down, black tie and suit jacket to match his pants. Until most recently Takaya was certain that was all he owned.

A few steps away from both the bench and the ashtray, was Haruie. She walked along the curb; her shoes clicking in a rather annoying rhythm as she watched the street for oncoming cars.

He could not contain his relief and joy that Haruie was in town. She and Naoe had picked him up at his apartment. She had tackled him in his own doorway saying she was "overjoyed" to see him. He always felt calm around Haruie probably because out of the other three members of their band, they had the most normal relationship.

With Nagahide he always felt on guard; there was no secret to the fact that Nagahide thought he was stupid; thought he could not handle the position of leader, and thought he was more powerful and would do a better job than Takaya ever could. Funny, though now that he thought about it, Nagahide never once tried to overthrow him. Huh…

And, his relationship with Naoe was, well, a disaster to say the least and would probably take up miles an miles of brain space. So it was best, he figured, not to think of that right now. Later, after this dinner date, he knew he would go home and stew upon it keeping him awake until the wee hours of the morning. Bastard…

But, truly, his relationship with Haruie was fine. She never seemed to want anything from him and always stood behind him. So now that his "sister" had shown up, and he had no idea what or how to feel about her, he was thankful for Haruie's presence. She might not be able to give him the advice he craved, but she would support him in whatever outcome he chose.

Sweeping his gaze to the pacing woman he could not help but smile softly. While Naoe was dressed in black, Haruie was in red – fire engine red! Her coat was white and fell to her thighs with a sparkly, red swatch of cloth that could definitely not be called a scarf, but indubitably was. Under that she wore a red dress that fell just above her knees and off the shoulder, it was cut low and showed off her chest. Simple, bright and flashy yet also very elegant it was all Haruie.

Unlike Naoe and Haruie, he did not own nice, "fancy" clothes. Instead he wore one of his school uniform shirts and tie with a pair of black pants. Yuzuru had been kind enough to lend him a dark blazer to complete the outfit. But he still felt out of place and 'common' among the many sophisticatedly dressed people waiting in line with him.

They had arrived at the restaurant ahead of Nagahide and Hanairo. It was a large building that just oozed high class. There was also a rather long line leading out the door. He hoped that Hanairo had made a reservation; places like this one tended to have a two to six month waiting list. How on earth were they going to eat here?

Sighing he blew a lock of hair out of his eyes. Shivering, he huddled more in on himself.

"Are you okay, Takaya?" Naoe asked putting out his cigarette to come and stand in front of the teen.

The golden light hit him and cast shadows along the deeper planes of his face. For a moment Takaya could not breath then he grumbled, in a rather disgruntled tone, "Yeah, fine. I'm just really frikin' cold!"

Chuckling lightly Naoe nodded. "They should be here soon."

Haruie, who had been stalking the sidewalk's curb and tormenting the poor valet, ran over to them jumping up and down on her stilettos. "They're here! They're here!" Tears started to fall down her face as a powder blue Mini Cooper pulled up in front of the restaurant.

The door opened and Nagahide stepped out dressed in a pair of black pants and a dark gray coat. "Hi!" he waved smiling brightly. "Sorry we're late. Women take so long to get ready."

Haruie literally pushed him out of her way as she ran around the car to the young woman giving her keys to the valet.

"Hanairo!" she screamed and embraced her, tears still streaming down her face.

Takaya saw the look of joy upon his sister's face from over the top of the tiny car. Something tightened in his chest. Even though she practically abandoned all of them to the thought that she was dead, she still cared deeply for the members of the Uesugi - so he gathered.

Nagahide walked over to the two men and shook his head, but smiled. "Takaya, Naoe… how's it goin'?"

"Chiaki, when did you get back in town?"

Smiling the other teen pushed his glasses up on his nose. "Oh, earlier this afternoon, but I had a fake lunch date to go to." He grinned and gave a small, off hand, salute to Naoe.

The older man nodded. "You're welcome. I was not sure if she was going to meet up with you before dinner. I figured you needed a good reunion."

Turning back towards his lover Nagahide smiled. "And was it ever!"

Takaya gagged slightly and the other possessor smirked. "You sound like a true brother."

Before Takaya could retort the women returned arm in arm. His sister wore her charcoal colored pea coat along with a pair of tight black pants. Her coat was open exposing a silky, baby blue top with a tiny bow in a navy color right under the bust, which was cut low and slightly ruffled.

"Oh my!" Hanairo gushed, grinning brightly. "Everyone looks so nice! I hope you all saved room for dinner. We might have six or seven courses tonight."

"Six or seven courses?" Takaya echoed his eyes slightly wide.

A look of puzzlement crossed her face, but she smiled sweetly. "Why yes. We are at a French restaurant. French cuisine is known for having multiple courses. I mean some places can go as high as thirteen!" she said making her way up to the head of the line and dragging the rest of them along with her. They were given some rather disgruntled looks. "Personally, I think I'd explode if I ate thirteen courses of something. But," she waved her hand, "whatever."

"Hanairo," Haruie piped up as they made their way to the host station. "Do you have reservations? This places looks really busy; I hope we can get a table."

His sister ignored her as she walked up to the host station and placed her hands on the podium. A tall, thin, young man with pristinely gelled blond hair and a perfectly tailored suite stood there, unflinching by her presence, as he wrote something in the reservation book. "Nom?" he asked coldly without even looking up at her.

"Non. Il ne fait aucun besion."

The man's spine stiffened as he slowly straightened about to snub the woman who claimed there was no need to give her name, when, upon seeing her face, he smiled brightly.

"Amiee!" He ran around the podium and grabbed her hands, kissing her cheeks. "How are you, my precious darling?"

Laughing she spoke to him in flawless French. "Oh, Pierre, I'm wonderful. How are things?"

Takaya had no idea she knew the language or could speak it so well. At least he was not the only one who could not understand the pair. Nagahide and Haruie were also just as confused as he was. Naoe, however, seemed to understand what they were saying.

Raking his dark eyes across the small group, Pierre grinned darkly. Stopping his gaze on Nagahide he asked, "Oh and is this the lover you were talking about?"

"Oui, oui!" she smiled brightly, love in her eyes, and planted a kiss on Nagahide's cheek.

Pierre gave a slight swoon and then asked, "And that beautiful lady… she and the stoic hottie are together, n'est pas?"

Naoe choked and everyone turned to him in puzzlement.

But Hanairo, her smile tight on her face, nodded. "Why… oui!"

"Amiee?" Naoe nearly growled, but she ignored him with a wave of her hand.

"Aren't they cute?"

"Oui… but what about that one?" he asked with a lick of his lips. "Does he like cock or pussy?"

Hanairo clearly blanched, but that smile remained plastered on her face. Naoe, however, had the look of murder in his eyes. Quickly she took Pierre's thin arm and loped hers around it. "Um… he's confused."

Blonde eyebrows shot up his forehead and his eyes clouded with lust. "Really?"

"Oui, but I don't think he needs your help at trying to figure it out." She laughed lightly dragging him into the restaurant some.

"Oh but I…"

"How's Chef?"

Smiling Pierre grabbed a stack of menus. "Oh, fabulous as always," he said leading the way to their table, Hanairo still on his arm.

Takaya looked at his four companions, two of whom were just as confused as he, and asked, "What just happened?"

"This way!" Pierre called.

"I have no clue," Haruie said with a slight shrug. "I suppose I should have paid more attention in my high school French class. I could only understand the words 'yes', chicken' and 'cat' I think, but I'm not sure." She paused tapping her index finger against her chin.

"Chicken… why would they be talking about a chicken and… a cat? That's odd." Nagahide said then a smirk worked its way across his lips. "Maybe that's what we're having for dinner!" he chuckled.

Everyone else clearly blanched.

Clearing his throat, Naoe interrupted the conversation. "We better follow them or we'll lose them."

"Oh I doubt that," Haruie said with a smile following after the duo. Shrugging, Nagahide did the same.

Glancing at Naoe, Takaya asked, "Did you know what they were talking about, Naoe? You seemed to understand."

Touching the small of his back, gently ushering him forward, Naoe shook his head. "It was not important. Your sister did a well enough job of protecting you."

"What?" he asked puzzled.

But Naoe did not answer him instead they followed after the rest of their party.

Takaya scanned the lavish restaurant. Tables and booths with large plush chairs and cushions were dressed in rich creams and golds. More china than he had ever seen in his life was set at each table all of it trimmed in gold. High vaulted ceilings covered in pressed-tin; the large, crystal chandeliers seemed to glisten like stars. Heavy, cream-colored velvet swags hung from said ceiling like fluffy clouds.

Pierre led them to an opulent, half-moon shaped table with a bouquet of white roses in the center. "Jacque will be your server. He is our best, after all," he said placing menus at each seating.

"Thank you, Pierre. I appreciate it. And… will you tell Chef I'm here?"

"Of course!" he smiled kissing her cheeks once again. "I'll see you off when you've finished. Enjoy your food." Turning to the rest of the group he bowed slightly and in Japanese he said, "Enjoy." At that he left them.

After a small debate on seating, they ended up with Nagahide on the end, Hanairo between him and Haruie with Takaya next to her and finally Naoe occupying the other end seat, Hanairo smiled. "Well, what do you guys think? Nice place, huh?"

"It's so elegant," Haruie whispered opening her menu.

"This is my former chef's dream. Chef Dominic Gasto, certified Master Chef, thank you very much." She smiled proudly. "I was his sous chef back in France. His wife is Japanese and she had been begging him for years to return to Japan. She finally convinced him not long before I left to come back here last year."

"Then why aren't you working for him?" Takaya asked scanning his menu. Mercifully it was in both French and Japanese.

" 'Cause I got bored. But don't tell him that."

Suddenly an older, rather short, portly man with an enormous white chef's hat came barreling towards them. "Amiee!" he bellowed his accent thick.

Grinning she jumped from her seat and greeted the man with a hug. "Chef! I'm so happy to see you!" This time, however, she continued to speak in Japanese.

Chef Dominic, very fluent in the language, kissed her cheeks and said, "I'm pleased to see you as well, my dearest. How are you? I hope my fishy friend is treating you well, hmm?"

"Oh yes, Chef Jun is wonderful. Thank you for recommending him."

"Anything for you. I just wish you would come back to me. Oh, no one is nearly as good as you."

"Don't I know it!" she laughed and then turned to the table. "Chef, I want you to meet my friends… Tachibana Yoshiaki, Ohgi Takaya, Kadowaki Ayako, and Chiaki Shuhei. Everyone… this is Chef Dominic Gasto."

He bowed slightly to them and they returned the gesture. "I am glad that my Amiee has such nice friends. She is like another daughter to me. The best sous chef I ever had. I was so sad to see her go, but," he chuckled pinching her cheek fondly, "you are now only a few blocks away from my grand dream. Don't think I will not torment you to come and cook with me."

"It's not torment at all," she smiled.

"Good. I will leave you lovely ladies and gentlemen to your meal. It's on the house. Drink whatever you like, also. Amiee… I will have Jacque bring some of that champagne you like, hmm?"

Beaming brightly she hugged him one last time. "Yes! Wonderful. Thank you so much, Chef."

"Anytime." Bowing at the group, he walked away.

Sitting back in her seat, she said, "Free food and drink… can't beat that!"

"You had this planed, didn't you, minx?" Nagahide asked eyeing her.

Blinking in mock horror she shook her head. "Me? Never! Just 'cause I've got connection… doesn't mean I planned it."

They laughed lightly.

Quietly a short, middle aged man with dark hair approached their table and bowed ever so slightly. He wore dark slacks with a white button down, black tie and black, satin vest. "Good evening. I am Jacque. Amiee… nice to see you again."

She nodded and smiled.

Another server, wearing the same outfit, approached the table with a silver ice bucket holding a bottle of rather expensive champagne. "Complements from the owner," he bowed and left.

"I will give you some time with the menu," Jacque said and departed.

Hanairo scrambled to the bottle and pulled it from its icy encasement. Smiling she peeled off the shimmery green foil. "This stuff is so good. It's sweet so it's like you're drinking bubbly juice. Oh many a time have I suffered hangovers from this stuff."

"Aren't you a little young to be drinking?" Naoe asked eyeing her as she struggled with the highly pressurized cork.

"Oh pish, nonsense… kids in France drink wine straight from the womb."

The cork released with a resounding pop.

She reached for Takaya's glass. "Brother… you first." She smiled.

Naoe's hand shot out like lightening gripping the top of the flute. "I don't think it's wise for the three of you, especially Lord Kagetora, to be drinking."

"Naoe-kun," she said with a beaming smile, her hand gripped tightly around the steam of the glass; she gave it a slight shake. "This is a celebration! One drink will not hurt." She touched his hand and, for a split second, it seemed as if the older man could not move.

He frowned deeply as she yanked the glass away with that smile still firmly in place. "I don't think this is a good idea," he said ignoring the stares and slight protests of his master and Nagahide. "The three of you are underage. It's bad for your body and mental development."

"According to my license, which is French, I am legal. So it's only the duo there." She thumbed towards them as she poured the bubbly liquid into the delicate crystal flutes. "But I won't tell." She winked at Naoe and Haruie. "Besides… it's almost like an order." Her gaze locked onto Naoe's and his frown deepened. Those icy eyes seemed to peer into his soul. But then she smiled and drew her gaze towards Haruie.

"I wouldn't dream of telling!" Haruie grinned. "We are celebrating, after all."

"See," Hanairo said sticking her tongue out at the oldest possessor as she passed the glasses around the table.

Naoe frowned but said nothing.

Takaya sat back and watched the exchange with avid interest and confusion. He was starting to realize that she smiled to hide her thoughts and that made her dangerous. When was a joker serious? When was he not? He did not like that fact one bit. She was hiding behind that smile of hers, but what, exactly, was she hiding?

His sister passed the glasses around the table making sure that each person got one. Then she held hers up and smiled. "A toast… to the Uesugi. Know that I have missed you… all of you… and I'm happy to be back."

"To the Uesugi," they repeated in unison clinking their glasses together.

They stepped outside into the wintry wonderland. Two valets jumped into action bringing each vehicle around to the front of the restaurant.

"Oh my… I am stuffed! I'll never be able to eat another bite. I think I even popped a seam on my dress. Hanairo, look, do you see one?"

Grinning, her arm still looped around Nagahide's, Hanairo touched the right side of Haruie's red satin dress and shook her head. "Nope. They look fine to me."

Sighing in relief she threw her arm around Hanairo's shoulders, effectively dislodging the lovebirds. "Will you take me back to my hotel?" she asked her voice slightly breathy. She nuzzled her face against the crook of Hanairo's neck and sighed. "You smell like lemons."

Smiling Hanairo patted her slightly inebriated friend's head. "Thank you, Haruie. Hey… let's go shopping tomorrow, hmm?"

Lifting her head, Haruie smiled brightly at her. "Yes! That would be lovely. I've missed doing that."

"Wonderful. Tomorrow evening then?"

Nodding Haruie hugged her tightly then slipped into the backseat of Hanairo's tiny car.

"Don't worry, I'll take Lord Kagetora home," Naoe said gesturing towards his sleek black vehicle.

"Okay!" she said with a smile.

Takaya clearly paled. Haruie had been his buffer for the agonizing car ride. And now, with his limbs feeling heavy and his head fuzzy from the champagne, he was not so sure he trusted being locked in a car with Naoe for any extended period of time.

He wanted to protest, but his sister smiled at him. A kind of smile that he knew, knew without a reason of a doubt, that she understood the inner workings of his mind.

"That is okay, isn't it, brother?"

By asking his permission in said manner he could not deny that it was not 'okay', for if he did it would show a sense of weakness to the group. Takaya did not want such a thing to occur, and his sister knew it. Glaring at her smiling face he gave a little snort and said, "Yeah. It's fine. Whatever."

Beaming at him she ran to the drivers side of her car. "Great! I'll call upon you tomorrow then, Takaya." At that she got in and started the engine.

Nagahide waved out the window as they disappeared.

The smell of cigarette smoke tickled his nose. He heard Naoe take a deep drag and exhale slowly. That smell combined with Naoe's own musk always sent waves of desire through his body causing him to shake. This particular moment was no exception only it seemed to be more intense than normal. He swayed on his feet slightly wanting to cuddle into the man with that intoxicating smell.

Grunting in annoyance at how powerful that desire was, he said, "Will you put that thing out?"

"I thought you did not have a problem with my smoking?" he asked blinking in slight confusion.

"Yeah, well, it's making me sick, all right? Put the damn thing out!" he snapped.

Sighing he did as his master instructed, squashing the butt in the ashtray. "Better?" he asked in a rather sarcastic tone.

"Yes. It's a bad habit, anyway."

Naoe snorted as he got in the car and climbed in. Takaya stood outside the passenger door for a moment. Taking a deep breath he tried to calm his nerves and refocus his slightly fuzzy brain. The car started making him jump slightly. Taking another deep breath, fingers trembling on the ice-cold handle, he opened the door and slid in.

Leather crunched under the weight of his body as he buckled himself in. Naoe adjusted the heater turning it on full blast. The loud hiss was oddly soothing to Takaya's slightly hazy brain.

"Are you ready, Takaya?" Naoe asked quietly, putting a CD into the player without even looking at the teen.

Leaning his head against the rest he said, "Yes. Go."

He could feel Naoe's eyes on him. Feel them moving from the top of his head to the tips of his shoes. His sent was all around tantalizing his senses. He tried to ignore the tremors that coursed through his body. Mental images danced through his mind like naked ballerinas all with Naoe's face and hands and body and lips and… He shook his head and gazed out the window as they pulled out of the parking lot.

Naoe fiddled with the volume on the CD player allowing the sultry, Italian, opera to fill the silence of the car. Ten minutes later the heater finally started blowing out hot air at a very rapid rate bringing a few beads of perspiration to Takaya's upper lip.

Damn it was hot in the car! The opera singer's voice crescendo-ed and Takaya felt like he was going to pass out. The hiss and whoosh of the heater was oddly soothing along with the passing lights. If only he had a blanket he could fall asleep peacefully. And this whole feeling of sleep and dizziness had nothing, absolutely nothing to do with the four glasses of champagne he had at the restaurant – nothing at all.

He moaned and shifted in his seat moving his face away from the blast of the heater to press it up against the cold window. "Naoe… isn't it hot in here?"

The older man casually reached over and turned the heat from four to two. Takaya instantly found relief, but it was short lived as he realized Naoe was eyeing him from his side of the car.

"W-what?" he snapped and was sure his speech slurred.

"Are you… okay?" the last word came out very cautiously. Naoe turned at the stop sign and drove down Takaya's street. In a few moments the teen knew he would be at his apartment. He would get out into the cold and finally get away from the maddening heat of the car.

Of course it was not just the heater or the alcohol it was his own blood. It had started to simmer at dinner when Naoe had been seated next to him. Their hands would brush as the rolls were passed about. Their thighs would casually touch whenever either of them moved in their seats; and then there was the game of footsie they seemed to be playing all night long. The champagne, of course, helped to turn up the temperature and Naoe's blatant stares of desire, as Takaya ate, simply increased the heat of his blood until he all but wanted to rip his clothes off in the middle of the restaurant.

So, here he was trapped in the car nearly boiling to death desperately wanting Naoe to do something. Part of him feared that something. He feared that he would get out of the car and nothing would happen. Then again he also feared that part of him that craved Naoe's touch so desperately he could taste it.

The possessor parked the car right across from the apartment building. He turned and looked at the teen. Takaya knew his cheeks were flushed and his eyes heavily lidded, but he wondered if Naoe noticed, too.

"Did you have a good time tonight?" he asked softly, casually.

"Yes…" he said though his voice, he knew, sounded a bit too breathy. He could not help himself from staring at Naoe's mouth. Even though his lips were constantly in a frown, they were lush and full and just perfect for kissing. Not that he would know seeing as he had never been kissed before. But at that moment he desperately wanted to be. At that very moment, at that very second, he wanted Naoe to lean over and kiss him.

His eyes widened as they met the older possessor's. Deep brown with slight gold flecks, that was the color of Naoe's eyes. And he was sure those sexy eyes were reading his every thought. Kiss me… no, don't kiss me. Kiss me… no don't… kiss me… no… kiss me… no… yes… no… yes!

Naoe leaned over, the leather squeaking as he did so. Takaya's heart flew into his throat as his stomach plummeted to his toes.

Naoe reached over and touched his cheek; his fingers threading into the silken ebony strands of hair that fell against his face. They touched his nape, pushing his head forward. "Takaya…" he whispered.

Takaya did not fuss; he did not pull away; instead he followed the motion as Naoe's cool fingers lit his skin on fire.

"Let me… kiss you…" he breathed as his lips made contact.

Heat. Soft, velvety, blessed heat. At first he was running from it, but now he relished in it. Naoe's lips pressed against his then opened slightly and nipped. Takaya opened his mouth in a gasp as a slick, hot tongue invaded. He tasted like wine and cigarettes yet there was something else there, something earthier, something more addicting, something all Naoe.

Takaya let out a startled moan and fought against the invading tongue. Naoe made a noise in the back of his throat; a noise that sent jolts of lust straight to his groin as the older man pulled them closer together.

He touched his chest grabbing fistfuls of lien as he tried to claw his way closer to the glorious heat source. His whole body was on fire as Naoe deepened the kiss plundering his mouth like a conquering invader; and Takaya let him.

Naoe broke the kiss first in a gasp as his swiftly moved onto the teen's neck kissing, licking and suckling the smooth column of flesh. Takaya whimpered arching against the door that Naoe now had him pressed against.

He felt alive and warm and cherished, but most of all he felt like this was right. Somehow, someway, Naoe was meant to be his first kiss, his first everything. Moaning he whimpered his name, "Naoe…"

Something must have clicked in the possessor's head as he heard his name for he slowed his onslaught of his master's body. He removed his hands and – trembling for control – moved back over to his side of the car.

Takaya blinked widely. He doesn't want me? "Naoe…?"

"You're drunk. I can't." He turned away from him and focused on the dark road before him. His hands were white knuckled against the steering wheel.

"I'm not drunk!" he hissed, but truly he was no longer certain what he was drunk on – champagne or Naoe.

"Yes," his said evenly yet his voice sounded hoarse and strained. "You are."

Takaya exploded. Lashing out he swung at Naoe and landed his fist at the bottom of his chin. He could see Naoe's shocked expressed in his reflection from the driver's side window.

Those lovely chocolate eyes that Takaya had just been admiring moments ago closed painfully. "Get out of my car," he said calmly; there was a hint of sorrow lingering in his tone.

For a moment Takaya felt remorsefully for his actions, but it was short lived as Naoe repeated himself with much more force. "Get out of my car!"

Instantly the teen realized he wanted to fight. Flying fists with sweat and blood, angry cursing and pure adrenaline that was what he wanted – needed. And yet he could not move, frozen in his seat like a statue.

Suddenly Naoe swung at him startling the teen out of his daze. He missed intentionally and they both knew it, but the bluff worked.

"Get out!"

Takaya yelled at the top of his lungs. "FINE!" He got out of the car, his whole body shaking as he slammed the door hard enough to make the vehicle rock. The tires squealed as the car sped away. He watched it disappear into the dark; his heart a million pieces in his chest. Closing his eyes against the onslaught of tears he screamed into the darkness, "Fuck you, Naoe!"

Of course there was no response other than his former self-whispering, "I told you so."

Next Chapter: Sibling Bonding

"Come on... come on... it'll be so much fun!"