A/N: Thanks again for all the reviews; I'm really happy you are interested in the story :D
I'm just going to throw this out there: updates are going to take a little longer than usual, since I'm back in school and my classes this semester require a lot of time for study and writing. Don't worry though, I promise to reserve some time for my private writing a.k.a my stories posted here.
That said, please enjoy chapter three of Vermilion Rose...with some new appearances D
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Last Time In Vermilion Rose
"Really Akihiko, what were you thinking? That scrawny little brat is pathetic! Out of all the humans in Tokyo, why did you choose him?"
If Usami had known that Hiroki was going to nag at him, then he would have happily stayed in bed with Misaki. However, he had to accomplish something or his coworker would complain and yell at him for being lazy.
"Misaki...he's different. All humans are greedy and selfish, but Misaki...Misaki...he-" Usami was cut off as his cell phone rang.
"Akihiko, it's been a while! How's work coming along? You're not slacking off again, right?" a voice asked on the other line.
"Isaka-san, you may be my boss, but don't forget that without me Tokyo would be an utter mess." Usami replied, ignoring Hiroki's indignant shout of 'Hey! What about me?' in the background.
"You ass, you better be grateful for all the things I've done for you! Anyway there seems to be some weird cases that have appeared the past couple of days in the Red District. Some inside information points to that fact that he has had something to do with them."
Usami gripped his phone tighter. "Are you saying that it's-"
"Yeah, Haruhiko's back."
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Usami glared at the wall with an unreadable expression on his face. He tightened his hold on the phone and sighed angrily.
"Are you sure it's him?"
"As far we know, yes. Listen, I don't want a repeat of what happened last time so I'm going to be sending over back up."
"...Whatever," Usami said in a monotone voice before hanging up and shoving the phone in his pocket.
"Well, what did he say?" Hiroki ventured, looking up at the man who was staring at the floor with a glazed look in his eyes. After witnessing the sudden change in Usami's mood he wondered what their boss had said to piss off the demon that much.
Usami blinked and turned towards his partner.
"They think Haruhiko is back. Do me a favor and welcome the recruits from the agency...I need to take care of something." With that said Usami left the room.
"Oi, Baka-hiro! What the hell? What do you mean 'welcome the recruits'? Hey I'm talking to you!" Hiroki, annoyed at the other for not explaining anything, sighed. "Well, I guess I can't really blame him for being that way...especially after that incident."
He stared off into space before shaking his head to rid himself of bad memories. Mumbling something incoherent he decided to get some work done before the so called 'recruits' showed up.
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Misaki felt incredibly warm yet he couldn't figure out why. The blankets were of normal thickness so it wasn't them causing his discomfort and the temperature in the room, as far he could remember, was not above the typical setting. He really did not want to move from his curled up position on the bed but the heat was starting to get to him. Misaki groaned and went to stretch but found that he couldn't. Turning his head to see what was inhibiting his movement he was met with the sight of the demon curled around his body. Somehow he had snuck into the room while Misaki was sleeping and decided it would be okay to use him as a pillow.
That was a good decision on his part, right?
Hell no.
Misaki struggled to leave the embrace without awakening the man. Carefully he encircled the large hand resting on his chest with both of his and gently lifted it up. He was surprised when the hand smoothly grabbed his fingers and resumed its resting spot upon Misaki's chest.
"Don't even think about it," a slurred voice said gruffly, clearly not happy at being awake. Misaki glanced over his shoulder to see Usami staring at him with one amethyst eye open. The demon tightened his hold on the boy and pulled him closer. Forcing Misaki's head under his chin, he nuzzled his hair and inhaled deeply. Usami proceeded to run one hand up and down Misaki's spine in a slow, teasing manner. Turning red, the younger did not know how to react to the demon's odd behavior.
"Sto- What are you doing?" he stuttered, lying still and letting Usami continue to cuddle him. The devilish fingers gently prodded the indent just below his hips, causing Misaki to stifle a moan with the back of his hand. He shivered as the demon continued his journey of exploring the soft spots on his body.
"Sleeping I believe. Is there a problem?" His hand continued to trace random patterns on Misaki's upper body, making the boy writhe with pleasure.
"...nhh...No." Misaki was too tired to argue and decided the heat felt...good. He convinced himself the warm butterfly feeling he was currently experiencing wasn't because of Usami's caresses, but because of a broken thermostat.
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After a good hour of napping Misaki was completely rejuvenated. He had never felt so relaxed before in his life. Deciding that five more minutes wasn't going to hurt anyone, he snuggled deeper into the warmth of his pillow.
This pillow is kinda...bulky…I wonder what's inside it?
Blearily opening his eyes, he discovered that his "pillow" was actually the lap of Usami who was preoccupied with running his hand through Misaki's hair.
Commence freak out session.
"AHHHHHH!!! What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Misaki yelled, backing up to the corner of the bed. He pointed his hand towards the demon in anger and continued to ramble on about how you are supposed to respect other people's personal space.
Usami raised his eyebrow and chuckled at Misaki's outburst. He snapped the novel he was reading shut and placed it on the bedside table.
"Hey, you're the one who decided to use me as a pillow. It's not my fault that you find me undeniably comfortable, so I do believe you owe me an apology."
Misaki stared at the man with his mouth open; he couldn't believe that he had been the one to...cuddle...with Usami. Cuddle is an understatement, it was more like I curled up next to Usagi-san like a cat. Gah! What's wrong with me?
Ignoring Usami's request for an apology, Misaki opted to have a staring contest with the sheets on the bed. Absentmindedly he curled his fingers around the sheets while thinking about what had transpired a short time ago.
That's right...I told Usagi-san that I would take my brother's place. I'll be living here for the rest of my life. Shaking his head, Misaki looked down at his current attire in mild disgust; he had been wearing the same outfit since yesterday. Maybe he could ask Usami if it would be okay to get his clothes from home...and maybe talk to his brother one last time.
"Um...Usagi-san? Can I ask you something?"
Usami turned his head towards the boy, awaiting his question.
"Can I get some things from my apartment? I really need a change of clothes." Misaki glanced up at the older man. "And it would be great to see my brother again," he added in a small voice.
"No," Usami replied automatically, frowning at Misaki's request. "You live here now. I'll buy you anything you need." He stood and made his way towards the door.
"Wait!" Misaki jumped off the bed and grabbed onto his sleeve.
Well isn't this deja vu?
"Why can't I go back? I only want to see my brother one more time and get my stuff! It's not like I'm going to stay there!"
Usami turned around angrily, shaking Misaki's grip off his clothing.
"Fine…" Misaki smiled; he didn't think the demon would agree. "I'll go to your apartment and get your belongings." Misaki frowned. "Happy now?" Not waiting for Misaki's response, he turned to leave the room once more.
"NO! No, I'm not happy! Just let me come with you then!" Misaki ran towards the door, and stood with both arms spread out, blocking the exit. "Please, I want to see my brother!"
Usami narrowed his eyes at Misaki. He did not want him to see Takahiro again; it would only cause problems for them in the future. Opening his mouth to tell him to get out of the way, he closed it when he saw tears in the corner of Misaki's eyes.
"Damn brat," he mumbled and rubbed his head to quell an oncoming headache. Usami sighed, realizing that this kid already had too much power over him. "Fine, I'll take you with me. You'll have ten minutes, okay? You owe me one."
"Thank you." Misaki smiled and dropped his arms. Usami reached out to ruffle his hair and laughed when Misaki swatted his hand away.
"Let's go." He hugged Misaki to his chest and transported.
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Misaki landed face first on the carpet in his room while Usami appeared next to Misaki's bed, not the slightest bit disturbed.
"Damn, wish you would've told me you were going to do that," Misaki said, referring to the mode of transportation, while rubbing his head. He look around his room and couldn't help but feel a bit nostalgic; although he had only been away from home for one day, time had passed so slowly.
"Ten minutes," Usami reminded him as he walked towards Misaki's door leading to the kitchen. He leaned against the frame, keeping an eye on the boy's movements.
"...Yeah, I know." Misaki lifted himself up and walked towards his closet. He opened the sliding door and pulled out a suitcase and a small duffle bag. Unzipping the large traveling suitcase he started to throw shirts and jeans inside, not caring that they weren't folded. If someone had said you had ten minutes to pack your entire room, the last thing you are going to worry about is neatly folded clothes.
Misaki glanced at the clock on his nightstand.
4:15...Nii-chan doesn't get home until 5:00 o'clock. I wish I had a phone in here...I'll just go to the living room and get my cell! Then I'll be able to text him.
Shoving the rest of his belongings and other random necessities in his suitcase he looked at Usami, who had lit a cigarette.
"Hey! Don't smoke in here!" Misaki stared at Usami, who was still blocking the only exit, while trying to think of a plan to get by him.
I could just try to dodge him but he's really big; he could extend his arm and grab me. Uh, maybe I can distract him...but how?
The sound of the front door opening snapped Misaki out of his thoughts. He smiled, realizing that had to be his brother coming home early. Usami even looked surprised, Misaki noted, at Takahiro's arrival.
This will work!
Thanking whatever deity had answered his prayers, he ran towards the door.
"Nii-chan!" he shouted happily. Takahiro looked up at the sound of his voice in disbelief. Misaki frowned when he saw what state his brother was in; there were dark circles under his eyes, his hair was sticking up in odd directions and his clothes were disheveled. He looked like he hadn't slept since he last saw him; in fact, he had been up all night looking for his little brother on the streets of Tokyo.
Usami cursed as he grabbed Misaki's wrist and pulled him back. He was not aware that Takahiro would be coming home early. He dragged Misaki into the room and swiftly picked up the luggage with his free hand. Takahiro, still in a state of shock of seeing his brother, only looked on as the demon held his only family member.
"Mi...Mi...Misaki!" Snapping out of his daze, he sprinted towards the pair. No one was going to take away his younger brother again! He would do anything to ensure his safety.
Feeling the familiar sensation of transporting run through his body, Misaki struggled against Usami's chest, pushing with all of his strength to get away. He was able to free one of his arms and reached out towards Takahiro. He only had a few seconds now!
"Nii-chan, don't wo-" he was cut off as they disappeared, leaving behind Takahiro who had just missed Misaki's hand. He fell to his knees and gripped the carpet the frustration.
"WHY? Misaki! Not again...not again…"
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Enraged, Misaki punched Usami's arm as they landed back in the mansion. He gripped the fabric in his hands and began to pound his fists against the man's chest.
"Why." punch. "Did." punch. "You." punch. "Do." punch. "That?!"
He stopped his frail attempt at causing the other harm and wiped the back of his arm against his mouth. Taking deep breaths, he tried to calm down but failed when Usami reached out to touch his shoulder. He angrily pushed the man away and ran down the hallway, wanting to get away from the demon who wouldn't even let him say two words to his brother.
Usami watched as Misaki rounded the corner with a forlorn look in his eyes. Sighing, he leaned down to grab Misaki's things. Deciding to give the boy some time to cool off, he walked the opposite direction and tried not to think of what had just transpired.
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"What the hell? Watch where you're going!" Hiroki yelled, pissed off that Akihiko's boy toy knocked both of them to the ground when he came barreling down the hallway. Humans these days…I swear.
"I-I'm sorry…" he apologized, carefully getting off the other.
Hiroki was about to say something sarcastic but when he looked at the boy's face he noticed tears gathering in the corner of his eyes. He sighed and stood, offering a hand to the human.
"Come with me, I believe we have some things to discuss. I'm Kamijo Hiroki," he said, trying his hardest to sound friendly. He even tried to smile but unknown to him it came out as a cross between a grimace and a scowl. Akihiko must have done this to him...Damn! He always leaves his problems to me.
Misaki was hesitant at first; he wasn't sure if he could trust this man. Deciding to take a chance, he grasped Hiroki's hand and pulled himself up.
"Thank you Kamijo-san," he said while dusting off his pants. "My name is Takahashi Misaki."
"Takahashi, huh? All right, follow me." Hiroki hated to admit it but Misaki seemed well mannered, unlike the other humans he had dealt with in the past. He led the boy to the kitchen and told him to take a seat at the table. Pulling out two glasses from a cabinet located above the stove, he placed them on the counter and walked to the fridge. He pulled out a yellow pitcher and poured the contents into the cups.
Misaki thanked him when he placed the drink in front of him. Gently wrapping his hands around the cool glass, he took a sip and relished the sweet taste of lemonade. He cleared his throat and examined the man across from him, who was staring at the drink in disgust. Maybe he didn't like sweet things?
"Uh...Kamijo-san, what did you want to talk about?"
Hiroki sighed and sat the glass down on the table. Today definitely wasn't his day.
"Akihiko...he isn't always an inconsiderate jerk. Don't get me wrong, he is still completely incompetent and obnoxious; it's just that he has had some family issues in the past that made him the way he is today. How can I say this?" Hiroki paused and thought of how to word his next sentence. "I guess the best way I can explain is that he has trouble understanding other's emotions. He's never really had any solid relationships."
Misaki listened carefully to what Kamijo was saying. Although he was still pissed off at the demon for not letting him talk to his brother, he couldn't help but feel bad for him. Family troubles? No friends?
He must be lonely.
"Kamijo-san, what about you? Aren't you Usagi-san's friend?" Misaki questioned, tilting his head in confusion. Earlier that day it seemed like the two had been getting along...
Kamijo stared at Misaki, wondering who exactly this human was. He chuckled and replied, "Yeah, we're friends...I'm one of the few though. I've only known Akihiko for about three years now. Unfortunately I was partnered up with a guy who does whatever he wants and doesn't care about the consequences."
Misaki nodded his head. Maybe I can...maybe I can help him somehow.
"There is something else you should know. You see his brother, he ki-" Hiroki was interrupted when three people suddenly appeared in thin air and landed on the kitchen table they were sitting at, breaking it.
Misaki blinked, afraid to move from his seat. He looked at Hiroki, who had ended up on the bottom of the pile somehow, in horror. Was he okay?
"YOU OLD MAN! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?" a blonde haired boy, who looked a little younger than himself, yelled. He landed on top and was currently yelling at the older person under him.
"SHUT UP BRAT! I haven't transported in a while; you know back in the old days we used to WALK everywhere!" a man who appeared to be in his early thirties said to the younger one. He pushed the blonde boy off of him and the two began to argue about whose fault it was that the table was broken.
"Hey are you okay?" the man above Hiroki asked, reaching a hand out in case the other needed help to get up. He looked genuinely concerned for him. Misaki was surprised at how tall the man was...he could definitely be a basketball star, no question!
"WHAT DO YOU THINK? WHO ASKS SUCH A RIDICULOUS QUESTION?" Hiroki cradled his forehead. He glanced up at the oaf who had landed on him, about to say another nasty retort, but shut his mouth when he noticed how…attractive...the other was. Blushing, he swatted the man's hand away and stood up.
"Who the hell are you people?!" he shouted, trying not to stare at the tall male.
"Hirokiiiiiiiiiiiii! My sweet honey!" the older male who was arguing with the younger one ran to hug Hiroki, but was stopped when the blonde boy grabbed his arm.
"Miyagi? What are you doing here?" Hiroki looked like he wanted to run far far away from the man.
"We are your backup for the upcoming mission! Isn't this great? Now we can spend all day together. Ah wait...I have to train this brat-" Miyagi was cut off as the younger boy punched him in the arm.
"The name's Shinobu old man!" Shinobu yelled, quite loudly, at Miyagi and the two began to argue again. Hiroki shook his head and turned towards the taller man.
"And who are you?" he mumbled, not expecting the male to perk up and smile. He's just like a big dog...
"My name is Nowaki, I look forward to working with you. I graduated at the top of my class from the academy three months ago, but don't worry, I've had plenty of training."
"...JUST GREAT! Isaka's idea of backup is a newbie, an old man and a brat that likes to brag! Perfect!" Hiroki complained, feeling the stress build up.
Nowaki furrowed his brows. "I can show you my power or you can train me yourself. You can do whatever you like Hiro-san."
"What did you just say!" Hiroki pointed at Nowaki. "Look here, don't go calling people who you don't even know by their first name!" He couldn't believe the nerve of this guy! He sighed loudly. "You three, go pick an empty room and get out of my sight." Hiroki turned and left to go back to his study. Books didn't yell...books didn't talk back...and books weren't physically attractive in any way shape or form. Yes, right now Hiroki wanted to sit in front of the quiet fireplace and read a book.
Miyagi went to follow Hiroki, but was dragged out of the room by Shinobu who declared he wanted to train. Nowaki turned towards Misaki, who watched the whole spectacle from his seat, and smiled.
"Hello." A simple greeting.
"Uh...hello. I'm Misaki," he said, offering a shaky smile in return. How many more of these people was he going to meet while living here?
"What do you make of Hiro-san?" he asked, leaning against the counter. Misaki thought for a few moments before replying.
"I'm sure he has a soft side although he loses his temper quickly…" he trailed off, thinking of his encounter with the demon earlier that day and just a few minutes before the other's arrival.
"I see. Thank you Misaki-kun." Nowaki waved goodbye and walked down the same hallway Hiroki had taken.
"...Weird. This whole house is weird." Misaki walked around the broken table and randomly picked a direction to travel.
I wonder what Kamijo-san was saying before he was interrupted...something about his brother?
Misaki shrugged and continued his journey in search of Usagi-san.
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A/N: All right, all three couples are now introduced! Sorry this chapter was a filler, but it needed to be done to introduce the characters. Looking back I feel bad for Takahiro...well this isn't the last time we see him! The ACTION will continue, don't worry :D
Please review, they encourage me to write. (*cough*lemonsnextchapter*cough*) ….there is a reason for my madness….and why this fic is rated M for mature xD