Addiction: Chapter 7

By Catrina

A/N: I think that it is about time that someone figures things out…

00-00-00-00

Ayame walked through the house, planning on sleeping where ever there was a bed empty. Shigure was already in bed sprawled all over and he really didn't feel the need to wake the dog, just to share his bed, and he had snuck in with both Kyo and Yuki before so he planned to do the same tonight. Walking on soft feet he opened his brother's door and was surprised to find the room empty. Instead of turning around and walking in Kyo's door he decided to allow curiosity to take over and he wondered downstairs to look for Yuki. His odd colored eyes penetrated through the darkness and his senses told him that there was really nothing out of place. The small house was dark and quiet. Nothing seemed out of place at all, and that in itself seemed odd. Without really thinking the cursed man walked out into the cold closing the door behind him, and with a slight poof turned into his cursed form.

The snake moved out of the pile of clothes and slithered back into the building under the door and made its way slowly up the stairs. After looking the Tohru's room to find the girl peacefully sleeping, Ayame thought to go sleep with the cat. It was always fun to hear his reaction when he woke to find that he had a naked bed partner. That was why Kyo usually locked his door, or put something along the door when he knew that he was here. But no one but Ayame and Shigure knew that the snake would be here tonight. Sneaking under the door and slithering to the bed the snake wound himself up the bed post and stopped.

WOW!

Yuki lay on his back, hair spread out on Kyo's pillow, face turned toward Kyo. His hand was entangled in Kyo's hair. Kyo was sprawled across Yuki, arm and leg thrown possessively over his brother anchoring him to the bed. Their faces where mere inches away from each other, Kyo's soft breathes were actually moving Yuki's hair. For a moment Ayame started and watched as Kyo moved slightly, but Yuki's arm came up around his waist while his other hand instinctively found Kyo's and their fingers tangled together. They were far too comfortable together for this to be out of the ordinary. This was normal for them. A cold breeze came through the window and Ayame shivered slightly, and his brother did the same. Amazingly Kyo shifted in the bed and using his feet and taking his hand back from Yuki, he covered the rat-cursed boy and then settled back into a deeper sleep. These two obviously knew each other well.

Ayame thought back over the last few days, but couldn't think of anything different they had done, any words that they had or hadn't said. They simply acted the same but he knew that they were sleeping way to comfortably together for this to be a one time thing. For once, Ayame decided to act with dignity and he snuck out of the room, across the hall to sleep in Yuki's bed. He thought that it might be best to have a small talk with his younger brother in the morning. With another poof he changed back to normal and covered himself with sheets that seemed to smell more of Kyo then his brother, and fell into a dreamless, restless sleep.

00-00-00-00

"Mmmmm." Yuki moaned as he felt the wondering hands and soft lips as his lover woke him slowly. He really loved this part of the morning. When he was awake but not really, and everything that Kyo did was softer and slower and he tried to bring him out of the world of the sleeping. Kyo was never rude, shaking him or pulling off the blanket, no he just used his slightly calloused hands and lips to pull him awake, then he would send him to his room so that he could change and get ready for school. He came awake slowly as a wondering hand moved down side and across his waist circling his navel for a moment.

"Good morning." It was whispered in his ear, soft breath sending tingles down the left side of his body.

"What's so good about it?" He whispered back turning into the warmth at his side, without opening his eyes.

"I let you sleep in an extra 10 minutes." Kyo answered nibbling on his ear slightly.

"Mmmmmm," Drowsy eyes opened slowly, to indeed see his partner, still slightly laying on top of him wide awake. "You are evil." A red eyebrow arched in silent question, "How can you be so awake at this ungodly hour?"

"Habit." He stated softly, before sitting up pulling Yuki with him. They both sat on the edge of the bed, while Yuki laid his head on Kyo's shoulder still fighting to stay awake. Kyo's shoulder shook with laughter. He could never understand why Yuki had such a hard time waking up in the morning. Where his dreams so great that he didn't want to leave them behind?

Yuki stood and Kyo watched as he gracefully donned his clothes, though his shirt was inside out, and mutter something about 'stupid school starts way too damn early.' He stood up as well grabbing his towel, knowing full well that Yuki would stumble over to his room, and doze lightly before he would knock and the door after his shower. It was routine for them. Though Yuki hardly ever slept in his bed, every morning he would go in there, and sleep lightly for about 20 minutes messing his bed enough for people not to suspect anything. Plus they would always see him come from his room. Kyo walked out of the room and looked behind him. Grey hair covered his face, getting in his way, and Yuki's large grey eyes were still dull with sleep. He raised a hand and wiped his eyes hoping indeed to make it better but that never really worked. His cheeks were flushed and when he looked up to see Kyo he smiled before walking towards him to the door.

Yuki watched Kyo head to the shower then went across the hall to his own room. He opened the door and headed to his bed stopping mere feet from it, realizing that, yes…it was already occupied.

"What the hell are you doing here?" It was said in a soft voice but it carried angry undertones. Large silver greenish eyes opened and while sleepy quickly processed what was going on.

"Oh brother dearest, your bed was empty last night, so I made myself at home."

"Oh, really? And why exactly did you do that?"

"Well, I came to say hi to you, and found the bed empty. So…" That was when Yuki's heart tripped. It was obvious that his brother had more to say, and knowing Ayame he was going to say it, but he already had a feeling of what he was going to say. "I went looking for you. And guess where you were?"

Yuki stayed silent, staring at his brother part in anger, part in surprise, and part in distress.

"I found you in bed with a cat…our cat exactly… Now I wonder how did that happen?" Ayame asked. The question itself was innocent, but his eyes gleamed with honest curiosity.

"That is none of your business. And neither is my life? What the hell do you think that you are doing? This is none of your concern. What I do is my concern." Ayame seemed hurt by what he said, and for a moment he felt a twinge of guilt.

"I ask because I care…I'm your brother."

"So what, I don't stick my nose in your business." It came out more of a growl then anything else.

"But you could, it's your brotherly right." It almost sounded as though Ayame wanted him to do exactly that.

"Listen…"

"How long has this been going on?"

"A while…okay?"

"How?"

"It just happened." Yuki muttered exasperated.

"Who started it?" Ayame didn't seem to want to give up.

"I did."

"Why?"

"Have you looked at him lately?"

"Lust?"

"Not exactly."

"Not exactly?" Ayame questioned.

"Well it started out that way."

"Really? And now what?"

"That is none of your business."

"But you started it."

"Yes!"

"But not just lust? Why not?"

"He wouldn't let me."

"What do you mean, let me?"

"Listen Ayame, I don't want to talk about it."

"Why not, maybe I could help." That idea caused the snake to get up and wrap a sheet around his waist instead of sitting on the bed watching Yuki pace. There was a tap on the door, and Yuki looked up as did Ayame. "What was that?"

"Kyo making sure that I was awake." A blush stole across his cheek, not really noticing how sweet the gesture was until someone was here with him.

"That is absolutely the cutest thing ever." Yuki looked over to his brother and realized that Aya seemed really happy for him. His smile was wide and his eyes were shinning.

"Yeah, he does a lot of sweet stuff like that." Yuki found himself stuttering the sentence and blushing even more.

"Isn't this nice…talking about it?" Ayame had a knowing look on his face, and while that look annoyed Yuki, he realized that for some reason it was kind of nice talking to someone about what was going on. Looking at his brother he grabbed his items for a shower and looked at Ayame once again.

"I know that you are close to Shigure and Hatori, but please, can you keep this a secret. Can you not tell anyone about what is going on? This is something between Kyo and myself and we would like to keep it that way until we decide that this is something that we want to share with everyone."

"For you, my brother, anything. But you'll meet me later today for tea right?" Yuki looked at Ayame and when he looked like he was indeed serious, even though dramatically so, he nodded then went of to take his shower.

Kyo looked up from his breakfast quickly when he realized that there was more then one person coming. His crimson eyes narrowed when he noted who was following Yuki. "What are you doing here, you damn snake?" it came out more of a growl then an actual question.

"Well, I have come to grace you all with my presence." Ayame purred, slithering beside his cousin and placing an arm around Kyo's shoulders. Yuki looked on unblinking, from shock, someone else was touching Kyo?

Kyo shrugged the arm off of his shoulders and as customs dictated drank milk from the carton.

"Ayame, how odd for you to be awake this early." Shigure's statement was that as much as a question.

"I know, I was sleeping so peacefully, but was awoke by Yuki when he had to wake for school." Luckily, Shigure was looking at the beautiful snake instead of Kyo, because no one could have not noticed the sudden lack of color or the wide eyes that went straight to Yuki's, and calmed when Yuki showed no outward signs of worry.

Yuki shook his head, indicating that this was not the time and without anymore words the trio of students left the best friends together.

"Ayame is everything alright?" Shigure asked watching with serious eyes as his friend and cousin watched the group leave.

"Yes!" The snake turned toward his friend and let out a bright smile, "Everything is wonderful."

00-00-00-00

Yuki approached the store with trepidation. He was never really comfortable in his brother's store. While he had come steps to accept his brother into his life, he still had troubles understanding him. He had a feeling though that he would be spending more time with his brother now that he had something to blackmail Yuki with. He opened the door and the bell above his head jingled softly. He watched as his brother peeked out from the back room.

"Ahhh, Yuki, would you like to stay here or head out for tea? Oh what am I thinking of course you'll want to head out." The second part was said more to himself then Yuki, but he quickly came out from around the counter. "I'll be back later, watch the store please?" He was answered with a quick and cheerful affirmative and before Yuki new what was going on he was swept out the door and was seated at a near by restaurant with tea placed in front of him.

"So…" Yuki started at a loss for word, for once his brain was at a lack of anything to say.

"It's not my place to judge you or your actions, if you and Kyo are happy that is all that matters." Aya looked at his brother and realized that Yuki had yet to think all this through, that he was still naught but a confused teenager, that had hormones running torrents through his body. But with that said, he brother seemed to breath a sigh of relief.

"I'm not sure how it happened really. It was like one day I looked at him, really looked at him. Then I started to notice thing, little things here or there. Then everything went to hell. Then it got physical, really physical, then he stopped it. Now its just…" Yuki seemed at a loss again after the outpouring to Aya. This was someone he could actually talk to, someone besides Kyo, someone who wanted to listen and wanted to care.

"It's just…"

"Its getting messy." Yuki looked up from his tea begging his brother to understand.

"Messy? Like emotional?" Ayame was amazingly adept.

"Yeah..." Yuki again looked at his tea, stirring slightly, while his other hand tapped the table softly. That stopped suddenly when Ayame laid his hand over the rat's.

"So clean it up."

"It's not that easy."

"Why not?"

"Because..." What had he been thinking sharing this with his brother?

"Why?" Again?

"Because I'm not sure why its messy."

"When did it start to feel complicated?"

"When he said no."

"He said no?"

"He wanted to be more then…then…" He looked up at Ayame a blush stealing across his features.

"…"

"Pleasure partners." Yuki finished quietly.

"Fuck buddies?" Had he ever heard his brother be this blunt before?

"Yeah."

"That was smart on his part and yours." Ayame nodded in satisfaction.

"Why?" Yuki asked.

"Respect. Would you have had more or less respect for him had he agreed to your request? Less with out a doubt." The snake answered for him, "You should have know better, our cat is very proud."

"Mine." It was barely a sigh but he heard it.

"Yours is he?"

"Yes." Why did he feel better admitting it to someone then keeping it hidden, why in the world did he have a smile on his face when he said that? Why did everything feel more secure, like the world wasn't tilting when he finally said what he already knew, Kyo was his.

"So tell me, with Christmas approaching what will you buy him?" Ayame laughed when Yuki paled. "You didn't even think about it did you?"

"No."

"Well, isn't you student council trip coming up soon? They used to go to the hot springs every year before the normal senior outing. Maybe you can get him something there?"

The council trip…two weeks away…leaving on Saturday…

No Sunday visit with Akito…

Three days away from Kyo…

"You forgot didn't you?" Ayame sighed the breath slightly moving his hair before it fell again over his eyes.

"Yeah."

"Wow this thing really has you messed up." The snake stated on a joking laugh.

"Its not bad though. Not really."

"Bad?"

"Well, sometimes I'm just all…" This was so abnormal for him, admitting to these emotions, and all of his confusions about Kyo and how his lifestyle had changed. But here he was talking to his brother of all people and it helped. Maybe in a way his relationship with Kyo was mending his relationship with his brother.

"Confused…Clarity will come with time."

"You seem sure."

"I am, brother, Thanks for talking with me." Ayame looked at him seriously again and smiled.

"Yeah, it's not so bad." Yuki looked out the window noticing that the sky had gotten dark. "Its going to rain."

"Yes, not cold enough for snow yet."

"I'm going to head home, but Ayame…" Yuki waited until he had his brother's full attention, "Not a word." The snake nodded but Yuki didn't see, he also didn't see the wistful smile on his brother's face.

"Ahh, young love," he whispered as he waved to the waitress for the bill.

00-00-00-00

Someone knew, that wasn't good. And what was worse was that it was the snake, and he…he was a loud mouth. He was the worse possible one to find out…he would tell Shigure, then Shigure would tell Akito, then Akito would have him thrown in his cage even earlier. There was no doubt in his mind that that would happen. In less then a week, he would lose everything, just because…because… he wanted to sleep with Yuki. Just because he wanted to have the rat to call his own. It was stupid…so stupid to jeopardize what was left of his future for a few months with Yuki. It was insane there was no purpose.

He hadn't had much of a chance to talk to Yuki today, they had been running late, and Tohru had talked all the way to school, all he knew was that Yuki was meeting Ayame for tea right now, as he finished up showering and getting ready to walk home. Grey clouds heavy with rain, were speedily moving his way, and he knew that he wouldn't make it home before the rain hit.

That just made this day perfect.

It had started all right, then the snake showed up, then he found out that the snake found out, then Yuki and he couldn't even talk about it, his mile time was slow, the showers wouldn't run hot water, and now…now it was going to rain.

Why did he even bother to get out of bed today?

He walked slow, the rain and dreary weather already causing his muscle to feel lethargic as he walked the distance home. He made it to the woods before it started to sprinkle. He made it another 10 feet before the downpour hit. Kyo cursed himself blue for not remembering his umbrella. Usually he knew when it was going to rain, but he had been so distracted lately he hadn't looked at or watched the news.

That rat was nothing but trouble…

To bad he enjoyed it for all it was worth.

The rain pelted his skin and if it wasn't for the tiredness in his muscles and the wearyness in his bones he might have appreciated the rain for what it was, fresh and cleansing. But as the rain drops started to pelt his skin stinging ever so gently, he just stopped

Stopped moving…

Stopped thinking…

Why did it seem like today his life was over. That he didn't have just a few more months until everything was over, truly over. For some reason he felt overwhelmed and confused. And all of it started this morning with the snake.

A shiver ran through him as his skin was completely soaked by the cold rain. The mild weather held he snow at bay, but he wished that it would be snowy. This just drained his strength. All he wanted now was to get home but he really didn't want to move either. He closed his eyes for a moment just a moment.

The rain stopped.

Kyo opened his eyes slowly and looked up, it was still raining. But there was a warm hand intertwining with his.

"How romantic, holding hands in the rain." Kyo scoffed, but Yuki just squeezed his hand and pulled him forward. Slowly they walked toward the house and as the got within seeing distance of the house. Yuki dropped his hand. Kyo instantly felt the lack of warmth.

"Is everything okay?" His voice was soft, tired.

"Yeah." Yuki stated softly before, looking back at him.

"The snake knows."

"I think it will be okay. He would do anything for me, I think."

"Think?"

"I know, he is happy for us."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's not a problem."

"Okay." And just like that it was okay, because Yuki said so, and Kyo trusted Yuki. Crimson eyes widened when he realized that it was true… When had he placed his trust in Yuki. When did he take what he said at face value? When did all this… this thing between them become mushy…

"You look like you just bit into something sour." Yuki commented on a laugh. "What are you thinking?"

"Nothing?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, nothing, drop it." They walked into the house, and he realized that Yuki did indeed drop it. "I'm gonna shower, and then sleep."

"Its early." Yuki noted, "We have homework."

"I'll do it in the morning."

"Shower, we will do homework now, then you can sleep."

"You just don't want to wake up when I do."

"Damn straight, it would be before the damn sunrise."

"Lazy…"

"Idiot…"

"Bastard…"

"Hungry?"

"Not if you're cooking."

"No, Tohru will be home soon." Yuki stated looking at the clock, though she already seemed to be running late.

"She's late." Kyo stated grumpily.

"Maybe I'll go pick her up and walk her home." Yuki put back on his coat and grabbed his umbrella, nodded to Kyo and left out the door.

Kyo frowned, lines creasing his forehead. He knew that it was an issue that they had never brought up, what each of them felt for Tohru. But right now he was just a little insulted. For a while they could have had the house to themselves, been more relaxed around each other and …

Well never mind about that then. He trudged up the stairs and walked to the bathroom, then stripped to take his shower. His clothes landed on the floor with a wet thump, he stepped in under the hot spray and stood for a quick moment before washing and rinsing. He draped a towel around his hips and walked to his room, starting his homework without Yuki. After finishing both English and Trig he realized that he was indeed done. Looking at the clock Yuki had been gone for almost an hour. But that could be about right. Either way he was tired, and while he was hungry, he had no motivation what so ever to go downstairs and make a snack. The time was quickly approaching 8:30, it was apparent that Yuki wished to spend his time with Tohru tonight.

That's okay…he understood.

So why did his heart hurt?

00-00-00-00

Yuki walked into town, along the way that Tohru always came home from work only to find her just exiting the building. She was carrying her backpack seemed to be waiting under the awning. It seemed like everyone was forgetting their umbrellas today, He walked to the canopy and smiled.

"Would you like to share my umbrella?" He asked softly, while looking at the young girl. She looked tired, but it was funny, while he was somewhat concerned about her, most of his thoughts were on Kyo who was at home alone.

"Oh, Yuki! I forgot my umbrella that would be great. Are you here to pick me up?"

"Of course, only fitting of a princess, don't you think?" He watched as she blushed at the statement. Then a soft rumbling sound echoed in his ears. "Hungry?" He asked knowing that he was as well. They stopped on the way home at a sushi restaurant and ordered their meals, along with two to-go for Kyo and Shigure. By the time the got home it was almost 9:30

Tohru found Shigure and they were sitting at the table eating a very late supper.

"Where's Kyo?" Shigure asked noticing the quietness of the night. Tohru jumped up quickly and rushed up the stairs, only to come back alone.

"He's asleep, so I thought it would be best just to let him sleep. I'll put his meal in the fridge so that if he wakes up hungry he can eat it then." The smile on her face was bright. Shigure and Yuki both frowned, but continued to eat, with small conversation buzzing around the table about this, that, or the other. Torhu grabbed their chopsticks and then went to go clean up in the kitchen. Yuki excused himself before walking up the stairs peeking in Kyo's room to see that indeed he was asleep. He snuck in walking to the desk where his books were put away. Digging through his book back he realized that Kyo had already done his homework. For some reason his heart sunk a little, he had wanted them to do it together. He walked over to the bed and gently brushed the hair away from his eyes. He was laying on his stomach sprawled over what was usually Yuki's pillow, face turned towards the door. He wondered momentarily if Kyo had been watching his door waiting for him. He smiled not sure if he would do that or not, he had learned that the cat did have a soft side to him. He watched eyes gentling as he gazed at his lover. His dark lashes were fanned over his slightly red cheeks and he shifted slightly before settling back in. He left the room as quietly as he came in, then went to his own room to do his homework and then shower. When he was finished it was about 10:30 and he thought that Kyo had a good idea going to sleep early. Sticking his head out of the door he listened for any noise, but the house had fallen silent. He pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, and went over to Kyo's room. Closing the door, he walked over to the bed quickly, the chill of the cold November night starting to seep into his skin. Pulling back the covers he climbed in and instinctively started to inch toward Kyo.

Slowly pulling from sleep, Kyo realized that he was no longer in bed alone. Turning his head he looked over to see Yuki crawling into bed beside him.

"Whatcha doing?" He asked gruffly a scowl, crossing his features.

"Going to bed, dumbass, go back to sleep." Yuki snarled before he found himself pushed out of bed

"Not here, go sleep with Tohru." He grumbled before turning over presenting Yuki with his back.

Yuki on the other hand just sat on the floor disheveled and blinking. "What the hell are you talking about?" Yuki waited but Kyo didn't answer. "You so did not just fall back asleep." Yuki angered jumped back up on the bed and Kyo still laid back facing Yuki ignoring him. "What is your problem?"

"Why are you here?" Kyo asked him turning over somewhat angry.

"Because I sleep here." With you.

"Why are you here instead of with Tohru…you felt the need to spend all night with her…"

"Oh don't even start!"

"What?"

"Don't start. I just went to pick her up, but I couldn't find her."

"It's almost 11:00, it doesn't take 5 hours to pick her up!" Yuki looked at Kyo. It was obvious that he was angry but for some reason Kyo wouldn't meet his gaze.

"No it doesn't, but she didn't have an umbrella, so I picked her up at the building entrance, then we stopped for sushi, there's some for you down stairs…she didn't want to wake you, so we ate, then I did my homework. I didn't ditch you to be with her." By Kyo's flinch he realized that he had hit the nail on the head. Kyo was feeling rejected and probably a little jealous. He didn't really think that Kyo would feel like that. But hadn't that been where so much of Kyo's hatred of him had come from. Everyone choose Yuki over Kyo, and Yuki always had the attention of others while Kyo never did. Why would he think any different now?

Why would Yuki not choose someone else over Kyo, just like everyone else had?

Not really knowing what else to do, he decided to make it as simple as he could for the sometimes thick-skulled cat. He reached out, pulling Kyo close to him. Instantly he could fell the other's warmth and the racing heartbeat that was slamming against his chest. Instantly Kyo fought pushing Yuki away.

"I'm not some damn girl, being held..." won't help.

"I hold you because I want to hold you and not anyone else. I kiss you because, I love kissing you." He paused a moment to just softly do that, brush his lips across Kyo's. "I sleep with you because I don't want to sleep anywhere else. It really is simple. I'm here because I want to be here, not there."

"Simple…"

"Really simple." Yuki agreed, relaxing as Kyo brought his arms up to pull Yuki closer.

"Why do you want to be here?" Kyo asked the question softly, breathing it into his ear.

"Because I like it here." For a moment neither really said anything, but soon, they became uncomfortable sitting, so Yuki lay on his back pulling Kyo over him like a warm heavy blanket.

Kyo didn't turn away, he didn't move from where Yuki placed him. Usually it was Yuki cuddled against him, head on his heart as the rhythm lulled Yuki to sleep. But Kyo realized that Yuki's heart was still beating fast, so he brought a hand up, rubbing his chest in a soothing stroke. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You're heart is racing." He accused.

"It always does when I'm in bed with you." Yuki said on a laugh. "Now stop thinking and go to sleep." Yuki watched as Kyo drifted back to sleep and he came to a slow conclusion.

He never wanted to lose this.

00-00-00-00

Anyway tell me what you think! Thanks for reading.

Cat