Notes: Who loves an enraged Takumi? Because I definitely DO! Inspired by re-watching Takumi-kun series 3 Bibou no Detail for the 238th time (yes, I counted, really). I so love Takumi having had enough of Gii that he raised his voice on him. Really, it's a welcome change from the all soft-spoken adorable boy *cuddles* Oh and before I forget again, I DO NOT OWN TAKUMI-KUN series. Just this fanfiction.
This chap is for Sallindra, Akkadia, and all of you, my beloved readers and reviewers. You know who you are… thank you so much for keeping me company and giving me the inspiration I need in writing this.
Warning: A little OOC-ness
SUMMARY: Takumi has had enough. It's time to give them a piece of his mind.
"Now, finally, I am free." That's what Takumi heard Yuki-chan told him. He doesn't like the sound of it, though. It doesn't sound good. It's as if she-
She closed her eyes.
"Yuki-chan!" he panicked, literally. "No, no, please open your eyes. Yuki-chan!" He was now shaking her a little violently, Gii trying to restrain him. No response from the redhead, her head rested on the side, hands lay limp on the cold dusty floor, pale lips pursed in a little smile. She doesn't look like in pain. In fact, she looked… serene. As he felt himself being hoisted up by Gii and pulling him back away, his eyes never left Yuki. Even when Akaike tended to her again, his gaze never wavered. He whimpered, noting the blood stains in her dress, the same color as her long hair now sprawled messily on the floor, in contrast with the pure whiteness of the dress.
Takumi felt horrible. He had caused this. Yuki-chan got hurt because of me. She might die because of me. Oh my God! He felt sick. Feeling his legs wobble, he clutched on Gii's arms tightly. Still not taking his eyes off Yuki, his vision blurred and felt his body go numb. Before he falls in his lover's embrace, he barely registered the sounds of sirens and wailing of an ambulance that has just arrived.
oOo
He woke up in a hospital bed, still troubled by the events earlier on the day, feeling drained. His wrists had been bandaged, and now that he sees it, realized that they sting, done by his futile efforts to free himself from the strong string. He feels a bit dizzy, from the blow he received earlier and the rush and shock of the events that followed. Takumi sat up slowly, careful not to force himself. That's when he noted a presence beside him, sitting on a chair, arms and head lay on the bed. Judging from the person's hair color, he knew it was Gii. It wasn't only him who must have been tired. Silently, he reached out a bandaged arm and strokes his boyfriend's hair, loving the silky feel of the strands and absentmindedly took a calming breath. Gii purred, subconsciously relaxing in the touch. Then slowly opened his eyes. "Takumi…"
"Gii." He smiled.
The blonde boy straightened up, scratching his eyes and stretching his back and waist muscles. "How are you feeling? The doc said you only have minor bruises and scratches in your wrists. They did not find any concussion either. But you may be having dizziness and a little pain now and then. It's okay to stay here for a while."
Takumi nodded. "Yes, I'm feeling dizzy now. My wrists sting a bit. But I can handle it. How is Yuki? She's safe, right?" He refused to think she's not.
"She's still in the operating room. It's been 3 hours, I think. I was just waiting for you to wake up but I fell asleep. Akaike is waiting outside for any news. I'll go check up on him. You still need to rest. Go back to sleep. I will be right back." With that, Gii stood up and placed a kiss on the raven-haired's forehead. But before he can turn around, he felt a tug on his shirt. "I'll go with you." Takumi said with pleading eyes. Gii was about to refuse. "Please Gii. I need to know how she is. It's because of me she's in there right now. I can't rest until I know she's safe." The blonde sighed and shook his head but helped Takumi on his feet. "Okay then. But when you feel bad, you have to tell me immediately and you will rest. Got it?" Takumi nodded in affirmative.
As they were walking down the hallway, Takumi remembered something. "Nee, Gii. I thought you will be back tomorrow? You asked for a 2-day leave, right?"
Gii shifted on his side so he can support Takumi better. "Yes, I did. But it was only a show. It was part of Yuki's plan to thwart Yoshinaga's plan against you. Of course, that time I didn't know it was Yoshinaga. She said he will take action when I'm not around. So I asked for 2 days when I can talk to Father for only a day then came back as soon as I can. When Yuki sent me a message where Yoshinaga brought you, I was already on my way back."
The brunette stopped walking and faced Gii. "What do you mean Yuki's plan? So she knew all along about this? And you too?" Seeing that he's not mad at him but was just plainly interested, the blonde told him everything that Yuki told him before. "I'm very sorry, love. I did not mean to keep it from you. I know I should've told you but I don't want you to worry anymore. Especially with all the stress you had since Yuki arrived." He felt Gii's sincerity and saw it in his eyes. "It's alright, Gii. I'm not angry at you and what you did. They looked deep in each other's eyes and smiled.
"So that's why Yuki-chan always hangs around me these past few days." Takumi mumbled when they resumed walking, Gii still on his side holding his waist firmly, offering support.
"Yes. She was watching over you. But we never expected what he did. We only assumed he would threaten you to stay away from me. We never thought he'd go as far as to trying to harm you. My God, Takumi… I don't know what I would have done if he really… had harmed you… that way." His grip on his lover's waist tightening the only indication of his anger and fear of loss for his face remained calm.
"But instead, Yuki-chan… took the blow that was meant for me." So much guilt on Takumi's part.
It was now Gii who stopped and turned Takumi's face towards him. "I understand how you're feeling right now, love. But it was not your fault. Nothing of this is your fault. Please keep that in mind. Yuki saved you because she considers you her best friend; she did not want you to get hurt. I am sorry too, because I asked her to keep you safe. Because she promised me nothing will happen to you. But do you really thing Yuki will appreciate it if she knows we're blaming ourselves for what happened to her? It will come out as an insult to her. So we should give her what she needed right now, our love for her. She will be alright."
Feeling tears about to pour out of his eyes, Takumi blinked them all back and nodded at Gii. "You're right. We have to be strong for her." She has to be alright. She now has friends who love her.
They resumed walking and in no time, reached the waiting area outside the operating room where they saw Akaike sitting on a bench, sipping on a styroform cup of what seemed to be hospital cafeteria coffee. "Any news yet?" Gii inquired as he helped Takumi sit comfortably on one of the bench near the wall.
Akaike shook his head. "Not yet. There were just a few nurses who went out and back again, carrying supplies they needed inside but they can't tell how she is at the moment. We have to wait for the surgeon himself to come out." The trio sighed in unison. "I see. We will wait then." Gii said.
'Well, you both wait here. I'll buy us dinner outside. It's past 7 already." Akaike stood up and threw the cup in the nearby trashcan. Before he went his way, he turned to Takumi. "It's good to see you're fine, Hayama. Get well soon."
"Arigatou, Akaike-kun."
oOo
After dinner, it was a couple of hours of crucial waiting before the surgeon finally emerged from the operating room. The three guys were swiftly on their feet and approached the doctor. "How is she? Will she be alright?" Takumi asked worriedly.
The doctor wiped his sweating forehead and removed his mask. "It was a difficult operation but she is now out of harm's way." They sighed in relief. Oh Thank you Kami-sama! "The wound was deep but not really fatal. She suffered mainly from blood loss. Fortunately, we have supplies of the same blood type as she. So I can safely say she will live."
Takumi nearly went limp with joy but Gii managed to catch him and held him up to his feet, supporting his weight. Akaike shook hands with the surgeon. "Thank you so much, Doc. When can we see her?"
"She's still unconscious and will be for quite some time. She will be transferred to a private room later. But she still needs rest. You can check up on her tomorrow." With a last reassurance, he left.
"Now that we are sure she's alright, let's take our rest too. We'll visit her tomorrow, Takumi." Gii is now ushering him to his room, with Akaike behind them.
oOo
Yuki's been in and out of consciousness the next day they visited her. She can barely move her mouth to speak but her eyes show she understands what they're telling her. Gii informed her that Yoshinaga was arrested and has been put to jail, the evidence against him strong enough that even his father slapped and almost disowned him. Takumi had stayed beside her in comfort all day, encouraging and thanking her over and over again. Akaike, always the stoic one, had teased her about her silence, noting that it's the first time a room is quiet when she's around. Takumi had glared at him and shooed him outside while Gii was chuckling in a corner and, since she doesn't have enough energy to retort, Yuki just rolled her eyes showing her exasperation. Misu and Shingyouji had also called, eager for news on her and were quite ecstatic when they learned she's out of danger. All in all, it was quite a day of celebration for her.
"Yuki-chan, please recover soon. You know we have a lot of catching up to do. I've yet to tell you so many things and I miss your bubbly personality." Takumi said the next day; he is lounged again next to her bed. He has been given the discharge today and will be going back to the dorms later. His head doesn't hurt anymore and his wrists had healed fairly but still had bandages on them. "We'll be waiting for you at school. You won't go home yet, will you? Please, can you stay a little longer?" he pleaded. The redhead nodded weakly and tried to smile. This made the raven-haired boy smile happily. "We'll visit you again. Don't worry; I heard Gii said Akaike-kun and Misu-kun will stay here with you. And I bet Shingyouji-kun will drop by as well. We all miss you."
Yuki's eyes watered. "Eh? Please don't cry now. It won't be good for you." Takumi caressed her hair, calming her. "You are our friend. Of course we'll miss you and will always be here for you. Like how we know you will be, with us." Though still a little weak, Yuki managed to say "Thank you."
They both turned when the door opened and Gii entered, smiling. "Well, if you two best friends are done crying on each other's shoulders, it's time for us to go back." His eyes fell on Yuki, then with an impressed expression, reached out to touch her hands. "We'll be back soon. You be good here, okay? And thank you, Yuki, very much." He bowed. "Our engagement is off. Father already agreed when I spoke to him. He will inform your father the next time they meet to discuss the details of the merger. So now, you can relax. Don't think too much about anything."
Before she can respond, a knock on the door distracted them. "This must be your companions now." Gii said, opening the door, and true enough, Akaike and Misu walked in, each carrying something. Akaike holding two bouquets of sunflower and carnation while Misu is carrying a basket of assorted fruits. After a series of greetings and how-are-you's, the couple Gii and Takumi excused themselves and went out, leaving a promise of visiting Yuki again.
Once outside the room, Takumi quickly gave Gii a kiss on his cheeks. "Thank you, Gii." The blonde chuckled and wrapped an arm around the other's shoulders. "Anything for you, love. You're welcome."
Side by side, they walked. But before they reach the end of the hospital corridor leading to the stairs, Gii stopped dead in his tracks. Surprised, Takumi also stopped and looked ahead where his boyfriend is also looking. Approaching them is a distinguished-looking gray-haired man in his fifties (somewhat), dressed in a suit, looking smug and a bit irritated, and his every stride clearly showing an air of authority. Behind him, a younger distinguished-looking black-haired man also in suit, followed. But unlike the old man, he doesn't wear a scowl in his face. He looks rather pleasant. He tugged on his boyfriend's arm, "Gii, do you know them?" Without taking his eyes off the two men, Gii only nodded.
Straightening his back, Gii took a couple of steps forward, Takumi following, and bowed. "Yamamoto-sama, it's good to see you." Takumi stiffened but quickly recovered himself and bowed down as well. So this is Yuki's father, the School Director. He looks… intimidating.
"Ah! Giichi-kun! I'm so pleased to see you here." The older one spoke, tapping Gii's shoulder. The other one bowed and simply stood behind the Director. Takumi felt small in the Director's presence and was about to step back behind Gii but the other grabbed his arm firmly, silently ordering him to stay where he was. But the old man never took notice of his presence whatsoever as he smiled at Gii. "Yes, it's very good that you're here. I heard you're the one who brought my daughter in this hospital. On behalf of all of us, I thank you." He bowed albeit a quick one.
"Not really. I'm not the only one. My friends helped too." Was the blonde's simple answer. The coldness of the response made Takumi cringed a bit but the gray-haired man doesn't seem to be deterred of it. "I see. Now Giichi-kun, I believe my daughter already told you about your engagement, right? It was the best decision we've come up with, your father and I. Since we all know you were good friends in your childhood, we believe it will work for both of you."
You mean it will work for you. Takumi can't help but thought.
"Actually, Yamamoto-sama, I-" Gii started to explain but the Director cut him off. "I know what you're thinking. You're still young and still studying. But nowadays, youngsters like both of you can still have the benefit of going to school even when you're already married. What's the difference between getting married now and getting married after school? It's not really that important since in the end, you will still get married. You understand the logic?"
Your logic is twisted. What I don't understand is your rudeness. Takumi almost said that out loud but he bit his lip.
"It's not that, Yamamoto-sama. Will you let me speak please?" Gii was still calm. When the Director gave his consent, he continued. "Yuki and I are friends. I don't deny that fact. And I know you and my father are friends too. But I won't agree to this marriage or this engagement just because of that. I have my own life. And I want to live my life the way I want it, not the way my father or my family wants. I believe Yuki feels the same way."
Obviously disappointed, the gray-haired Director shook his head. "That's where you're wrong. My daughter knows this is the best for her and she will never question my orders nor would she go against them. She was raised a very good child. Not like you who have no qualms in going up against your father's wishes. Don't you want to help your family? This merger between our families could strengthen and ensure a place for us in the business. You're only thinking of yourself."
Alright, that's it. Takumi snapped. "You don't have the right to say that, Director Yamamoto-san. First of all, you are not Gii's father. Second and most important of all, don't talk like that when you yourself was NEVER a father to your own daughter!" The man was taken aback by the words, clearly surprised to see Takumi as he never paid him attention earlier, shocked that a stranger dared raise his voice against him. He looked at Gii, who was also looking at Takumi with a bizarre expression on his face a cross between shock, disbelief and pride.
Without letting the Director speak, the now red-faced boy continued, "You really think you know your daughter to say that she is a good child, she will never question you, and she will never go against you? Of course, Yuki-chan is a good child; she might even be a better person than you are. But her goodness isn't just because she's always following orders and demands and never questioning them. She's good because, even being raised like a lifeless, spineless doll to be turned and used any way you want, she has a big kind heart capable of love." He took in big, gulping breaths. "That's where you're wrong, Director. You do not know your own daughter. Because if you do, you should have known her suffering long time ago and you should have known she never wanted any of your arranged marriages for her. She's got feelings, for God's sake! You never knew that, did you?"
"That's ridiculous! Who do you think you are to tell me those things? You are just an outsider; you know nothing about what goes on in our family." The old man demanded, face flushed in embarrassment and fury.
Takumi met his gaze with a cold, unflinching look. "I am an outsider, yes, but I know more about your daughter than you do. I bet you don't even remember your daughter's full name, do you? I believe you can't even recall her birthday, can you? And I know you never knew your daughter managed to have all of your arranged marriages for her declined or taken back, did you?"
This startled Gii as he looked questioningly at his lover. The younger man who came with the Director also gasps and stared with wonder at the angry lad. The statement made the gray-haired old man's eyes grow wide. "No! You're not telling me… all this time…she went against me?" Slumping on the nearest bench, he shook his head, unable to believe what he just heard. Turning towards him, Takumi shook his head. "No, it wasn't all the time. It was only with the arranged marriages thing that she went against your wishes. But not without good reason. Your daughter just wants to be happy. And with all those guys you set her up with, she found no happiness. She wants love. That's what's lacking in her life." Remembering her talk with Yuki-chan a few days ago, the black-haired boy can't help but feel a clench of his heart. And seeing the broken expression on the Director's face, his anger subsided a bit. Maybe he's not that bad, after all.
With a sigh and another deep breath to calm his emotions, the brunette pleaded the old man for understanding. "I know this is hardly an appropriate thing to ask of you, considering the snap of attitude I just showed you, but as Yuki-chan's friend, I'll still give it a shot. Please consider your daughter's feelings first before you make a decision that concerns her. Please listen to her; really listen to what she has to say and what she wants."
The shaken Director was silent for a moment before he nodded his head in agreement, and then looked at Takumi intently. "You said you are my daughter's- my Yuki's- friend? Who are you, young man?"
"I am Hayama Takumi, Director Yamamoto-san." He bowed in response.
"And he is my partner, Yamamoto-sama. My one and only." Gii added confidently, holding Takumi close to him and gripping his waist in emphasis. This made Takumi turn even redder, the blush adding more color to his still crimson face.
The wide-eyed look returned in the gray-haired Director's face, now complete with a gaping mouth as he tried to process the innuendo of Gii's words. His look mirrored that of his younger companion, who was quicker to recover and strode to the older man's side. After collecting himself, Yamamoto-san stood up, "Is that so? Well… I'm not going to say anything against it. But it doesn't mean it's acceptable to me. I just hope you know what you're doing." This was directed to Gii, who stood firmly on his ground. "Then please excuse us for now. I'd like to see how my daughter is."
The couple bowed down as the Director walked past through them. The young executive-looking man is following behind. But when he reached them, he stopped and bowed down as well. "It was really good to see you again, Saki Giichi-san. And nice to know you as well, Hayama Takumi-san. I'm sorry about my boss' behavior. On behalf of him and myself, I sincerely thank you for helping Miyuki-chan and for staying with her."
Gii replied, "It was not a big deal, Tachimura-san. It is us who are grateful to Yuki. She saved Takumi's life and spared me a lifetime of misery."
Takumi gasped. "Tachimura-san?" I think I heard that somewhere just recently. [I find myself always thinking about him. I fantasize we're together. I dream of him. I thought I was going crazy. His name's Tachimura Seichi."]
Said guy smiled, "Ah! Pardon my rudeness, Hayama-san. I haven't introduced myself to you yet. I'm Tachimura Seichi. I'm Director Yamamoto-sama's assistant. Again I'm sorry and nice meeting you." After another bow, he slowly turned to go on his way after the Director, to Yuki's room.
"You! Don't even think about showing your face to Yuki! Especially in her current condition." Both Gii and Tachimura froze when Takumi yelled after him. "Takumi, what has gotten into you?" Gii asked, surprised by his sudden outburst. What happened earlier with Director Yamamoto, he understands. But now, he can't think of any reason why his lover would forbid Tachimura-san to see Yuki. "It's alright, love. Tachimura-san is also a good friend of Yuki's."
But Takumi just shook his head on him. "It's not that, Gii. And Tachimura-san knows what I mean, don't you Tachimura-san?" The young executive merely stood there, shocked as comprehension slowly sinked in. With disbelief, he tried to speak and defend himself but Takumi beats him to it. "After what you've done to her, you will show up like nothing happened? You never even cared when you hurt her. And now you act as if you care? Please, if you are half of a good man Yuki-chan said you are, don't add up to her pain now."
Crying silently, Tachimura-san argued, "You don't understand. I love her! That's why I care for her. I've loved her since I first laid my eyes on her." Needless to say, the couple was way beyond shock and surprise with his revelation. But Takumi retorted angrily, "Well I'm sorry, Mister. I didn't know 'I love you' is now being pronounced as 'I'm sorry'! And do you really have to keep repeating those words to her? It was a flat-out rejection on her part, in case you haven't realized it yet!"
"Okay, you two stop it!" Gii interjected. "I don't know the whole story behind all this but I can clearly assume that you, Tachimura-san" he pointed at the guy, "was in love with Yuki all this time. And based on what Takumi" he glanced at his lover, "said, I believe Yuki somehow confessed her feelings for you but instead of accepting it and revealing that you're also in love with her, you only said 'I'm sorry'. Am I right?" He looked at them alternately. They both nodded. "Alright. I'm not taking sides here but I guess my Takumi does right on not wanting to have Yuki see you. For now. She might break down when she sees you and we don't want that to happen, do we? Consider it as your punishment for withholding from her and hurting her feelings instead. Wait until she had completely recovered, then you do the right thing."
Without waiting for Tachimura-san to answer, Gii firmly took hold of Takumi's hand and dragged him to walk beside him, pausing only to leave Tachimura-san an advice. "Think about it. But I guess you don't have much of a choice."
Walking briskly and a little fast for him, Takumi lets his boyfriend drag him. Once downstairs, he tried to yank his arm off but Gii only tightened his hold more and instead of turning right where the exit is, he took him left and continued walking. "Ummm, Gii, where are we going? Aren't we supposed to go right?" But the blonde ignored him.
When they reached a door marked 'MAINTENANCE ROOM. PERSONNEL AND STAFF ONLY.' he opened it and led Takumi inside, following soon and locking the door behind them. "Gii, what are we doing here? Let's ge-Mmmmppphh!" Gii's lips cut him off in a bruising kiss. He was pushed onto the wall a little hard and he felt his boyfriend's body lining against him. Without breaking the kiss, Gii tilted his head with a hand on his chin, slanting his lips against Takumi's in a rather hungry manner. Takumi, who was too shocked with Gii's behavior, only closed his eyes and let his boyfriend's lips taste him. But Gii, as he will realize sooner, had other ideas. Biting on Takumi's lower lip, which elicited a gasp from the brunette, he slid his tongue inside and explored every crevice he could reach then drew the other's tongue against his, challenging, and soon they were both battling with their tongues. Takumi moaned. He gripped Gii's shirt on front with one of his hands while the other made way to his boyfriend's neck and up to his hair, caressing as it made its way. He really loves the feel of his hair. Gii, on the other hand, wrapped an arm around Takumi's waist; pressing his body closer to his that even air can't pass through them.
They broke the kiss, panting heavily. "Takumi…" Gii whispered, lips just a few centimeters from his beloved's, eyes locked on his. Takumi can see the evident passion in the blonde's eyes, coupled with strong desire and love. And pure unadulterated lust. He leaned in to press their lips again and he almost drowned in the sensation. Then Gii ground his hips against Takumi, groaning in the kiss. Takumi gasped out loud when he felt something hard pressing against his thighs. He's feeling hot, too. And it's running down in his body. Letting go of his lips, Gii trailed kisses in his jaw up to his ears, licking and nibbling. "I want you." He said hoarsely. To prove his point, he ground his hips again, this time rubbing their front parts against each other. Takumi moaned a little loud, then bit his lip when he realized his mistake, shivering with the contact. "Gii…we can't. Not here-(gasp)-"
"Just this once, love. Please." The blonde pleaded, now biting and licking Takumi's neck, still occasionally rubbing them against each other, hands finding their way inside the brunette's shirt and caressing the skin underneath. "I can't help it. You looked so good when you're furious. It really turned me on." The arm holding Takumi's waist is now unbuckling the raven-haired's belt while the caressing hand found a sensitive nub on his chest, rubbing and pinching. Takumi's breath hitched. He can't deny the fact that it feels good. Cupping Gii's face and turning it up to him again for another kiss, his dissolve melted. "Just this once…" was all he murmured before they closed the gap between them, silently reminding himself not to lose his temper again with Gii around, especially in public places.
"I love you, Gii"
"As I love you, Takumi."
A/N: OMG! I think I might have given Gii a new fetish! *facepalmed myself*
Yes, this is the last chapter of Love and Strategies. Hopefully, it was to your satisfaction. The little smut scene at the end was a last-minute addition when I was about to post this. Sorry I had to cut it, I really don't know how to proceed and I am not very confident to write an all-the-way smut. Yet. Maybe you can boost up my confidence a little and I might go crazy and write a sequel picking up from here? (With a different rating, of course) Just a YES or a NO will do.
Review and let me know. If I get at least 5 "YES" reviews, I'll whack my brains out and overcome my biggest writing problem: smex/smut. Oh! And another thing, did you notice something from my story's chapters? If someone gets the right answer, he/she will have a full dedication on a new fic that I will be doing. CLUE: check each chapter thoroughly and count.
See you! Thanks!