Chapter 5: Coming on Strong

Author's Notes: Hey everyone! Hope you guys have been enjoying the holidays. I know I have! I've been just typing away at my computer while listening to some holiday jingles. 'Tis the season, after all! Thanks to those who have been reading this story, and thanks especially to the person who left a review on the previous chapter. As a follow-up to the previous chapter, the helpful reviewer pointed out that Third World Yuki did, in fact, know Moe Wakaba as he was seen walking and interacting with her along with his parents in episode 26 of the Future Diary series. I totally missed that scene when I first watched the series! How cool!

That being said, I realize that somewhere in chapter 3 of this story, Yuki mentions that he believes that Moe doesn't know he exists. However, this cannot be the case if Third World Yuki was seen interacting with her in the series. Thus, to correspond with the original series, I will edit out the part where Yuki says, ". . . . She probably doesn't even know I exist" in chapter 3. That way, the plot of this story works. Yuki still would've interacted with Moe, as was the case in the original series, but he just decides not to ask her out as he explains in chapter 4 of this story. Just wanted to give you all a heads up! Thanks again to IAmBehindYou123 for catching that! You're awesome!

As for this chapter, Aru might've just taken things a little too far with his curiosity. So, without further ado, read on to chapter #5 . . . .

...

When Yuki arrived at Aru's house, he was greeted by a silver-haired boy with crimson eyes. Aru had given him a warm smile, opening the door further for him to go through, and had even offered to show him around the house. Yuki noted that Aru's house appeared relatively clean and organized, unlike the tornado he had going up in his room. When he asked about Aru's parents, Aru had explained that his parents worked the night shift at their jobs, which is why they weren't present, and Yuki replied that he understood since his own mother wasn't home very often due to her busy work schedule.

Aru then invited Yuki to the living room where they decided to hang out on the couch and watch old detective movies on TV. Things had felt considerably less tense than Yuki had expected. Aru hadn't brought up his peculiar reaction yesterday at all, much to his relief considering that he was debating on showing up to Aru's house at all.

Then, out of the blue . . . .

"Yuki, what happened to your father?"

Yuki blinked, his head turning sharply to Aru. "Wha?"

Aru smiled, his crimson gaze set on Yuki's. "I've noticed your dining room table has placemats and seating areas for three people, yet any picture frames with your father are either hidden in desk drawers or shelved between books," he explained.

Yuki arched a brow. "When did you have time to go looking through our desk drawers?"

"It was during the time you left for the bathroom yesterday," he replied.

"Oh," Yuki said, shifting uncomfortably. His eyes lowered to the floor. "My dad, he's . . . away on a business trip."

"You're lying."

Yuki looked up at him in surprise. "Huh?"

Aru's smile faded. "Your father's in jail. It seems he has a bit of a gambling problem and almost left you and your mother without a house two years ago," he answered. "Recently, he was caught embezzling funds from a bank he worked at for a few months. I take it you're aware because your house received a collect call from him about a month ago from jail asking for bail money, which I presume your mother denied as he's still in jail."

Yuki blinked. "How did you-"

"Let's just say I've done my research," Aru responded with a meaningful smile. "You're looking at an internationally renowned detective in the making." Then, he frowned. "Still, the fact that your father's in jail right now must be painful for you considering that you wished to take your telescope and see the stars with your family. I read it all in that phone diary you left sitting on the counter after you rushed to the bathroom last night."

Yuki's eyes widened. Then, he clenched his fist, his body trembling in anger. "You . . . ." he said. "Just what gives you the right to go through someone's things without their permission?! And who the hell told you that you can look into my family life?!" he exclaimed, frowning. "I- . . . I even told you that I didn't want you looking at my diary because it was personal! Yet you looked anyway!"

"I told you before that I was curious. I wanted to know more about you. I suspected you wouldn't tell me everything, so I went looking for answers on my own," Aru replied calmly. "And if you're asking yourself why I told you, it's because I wanted there to be no secrets between us."

Yuki could hardly believe his ears. "What else did you read from my diary?!" he sputtered.

"Yuki-"

"I asked you a question."

Aru's crimson eyes darted away from his, a slight blush appearing on his cheeks. "You, uh . . . you feel nervous in a good way when I'm around you, huh?" he said.

Yuki's eyes widened in realization. His eyes narrowed. "You knew, didn't you?!" he accused. "You knew I decided not to ask Moe Wakaba out. You knew, and yet, you lead me to believe you were hearing it for the first time!"

"Please believe me, Yuki. I never-"

"I don't know what to believe," Yuki asserted. "I can't trust you. I can't trust anything that comes out of your mouth. You've gone too far."

Aru felt an intense pain shoot through his heart. "Yuki, please-" he begged.

"Goodbye, Akise," Yuki interjected, and Aru shot him the saddest look he had ever seen. "We're through being friends. From this point on, I don't ever want to see you again."

Aru didn't know what hurt worse, the fact that Yuki opted to use his family name or that he no longer wanted anything to do with him.

Yuki made his way over to the door, but Aru blocked him.

"Move," Yuki said.

"You're the one," Aru replied quietly.

Yuki's eyes furrowed. "What?"

"You're the one I was talking about yesterday. The one I view as most precious to me," he answered. "In other words . . . I'm in love with you, Yuki."

Yuki's eyes widened, the weight of Aru's words hitting him like a ton of bricks. He frowned. "I don't care." He reached for the doorknob, managing to open it only a crack before Aru slammed it shut with his back.

Aru narrowed his eyes. "Look me straight in the eyes, Yuki. Tell me you don't have feelings for me," he said, his crimson eyes unwavering. "Do that, and I'll never bother you again."

Yuki met Aru's gaze. "I don't have any feelings for-"

His words were cut off by Aru's lips suddenly meeting his. A gasp passed through Yuki's lips, his eyes going wide. His body reacted to the sensation of soft lips moving against his own, his lips responding fervently with a mind of their own. He shivered when he felt a hand run through his hair. It had felt so good, his own body leaning into Aru's feather-like touch. His eyes popped open then, regaining control of his senses. He broke off from the kiss, looking up at Aru.

His entire face felt warm, his breathing coming in short gasps. Aru's face held no reaction as he met Yuki's gaze, not saying a word. They stared at each other for a long moment before Yuki pushed past Aru, Aru not exerting any force against him.

Yuki ran out the door and down the block, not looking back.

His heart drummed loudly in his chest. Whether it was attributed to adrenaline from running or kissing Aru, Yuki wasn't sure.

All he knew was that something was very, very wrong.

And he hated himself for liking it.

…

Author's Notes: . . . .Well, that escalated quickly. Aru certainly has to work on his impatience, and his idea of personal space and boundaries. I would definitely side with Yuki on this one about Aru going too far. What are your thoughts on this? In any case, we'll just have to see what happens between them in this next chapter, won't we?

I'll try to have the next chapter out Sunday. Until next time . . . stay tuned!

As always, reviews are greatly appreciated!

Cheers!