In another part of the city, Gene was alone with Fred in a secluded spot in the park so they could have some peace. They had found a spot on the grass to sit, so they could watch the moonlight. Fred had cried for two hours since they had gotten there, and Gene could feel every string in his heart slowly breaking.
"It's getting late, we should head back to your place", Gene said somberly after the third hour had passed. Fred had quieted by then, but still looked like a wreck. He slowly stood up without a word, and started walking down the sidewalk.
Gene watched him, then slowly followed behind. They walked in silence for some time, until Fred decided to speak up, in a soft tone. "I don't know why I was surprised that this happened. I knew this day was bound to come eventually, and it frightened me knowing that I had to make a slip of the tongue those years back in order to save myself. That's all it is, fear. The fear of being rejected by my family, and the fear of being rejected by you. But now that I know you haven't rejected me Gene, I thought all of my fear would subside. Guess I was wrong in that assumption, I guess I just tried to push away my fear so that it wouldn't be obvious to you", he said, sighing a bit, then giving Gene a smile.
Gene listened to Fred speak, and couldn't help but feel bad. He felt like it was his own fault, like he was the cause of Fred's suffering. He decided not to word those thoughts for fear of upsetting Fred more, so he decided to take a different route.
Catching up to Fred, Gene put an arm around his shoulders and pulled Fred near him as they walked. "Don't talk like that Freddy boy, you're going to make me worry about you. If I have to start worrying about you now, I won't be able to concentrate on other things. I don't know how many times I have to tell you, but if it takes some time for you to get it into your head, I'll keep saying it. Don't get worked up over something you can change, something you can get through and come out knowing that you succeeded. I'm sure you know how to do that, right?", he stated matter-of-factly, returning Fred's smile.
This caused Fred's smile to brighten, and he leaned his head against Gene's shoulder. They continued to walk onward to Fred's place, talking quietly to each other. "Maybe you shouldn't walk like that Fred, it doesn't look comfortable", Gene suggested, to which Fred glanced over to him.
"Maybe if you grew a few inches...", Fred mumbled in response, but Gene heard him and nudged Fred off his shoulder. Gene scowled at Fred, much to Fred's amusement, who just giggled and started running.
"H-Hey! Don't run off on me, wait up! Fred, come back!", Gene shouted, then took off after Fred, both of them around the bend from the enterprise building by then.
----------------------------------------------Back at Fred's Place----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Both men walked into the younger Luo's building hand-in-hand, to which Fred called "an accident". It was quiet in the building, and some of the lights in the hallways had gone off because of how late it was.
Fred began to ascend the stairs, to which Gene took a glance at the elevator and then curiously watched Fred before following him up the stairs. Once at the top, Fred walked down a dark hallway to a dim light coming from his office. Once inside, Fred shut off that light, filling the room with darkness and moonlight.
Gene went in after Fred, and glanced around, noticing they were alone. Reiko had left the building a few hours prior, but Gene thought the lack of guards was odd. "Hey Fred, shouldn't your bodyguards be watching this place?", he questioned, looking to Fred for the answer.
Fred looked back to Gene, raising an eyebrow curiously before realizing Gene wasn't familiar with the schedules. "Oh, well they usually are but they're on a schedule so they go down to the monitoring room after hours and take turns sleeping and watching the building", he replied, before heading towards the window.
Gene blushed a bit in embarrassment for asking such a stupid question, and rubbed the back of his head. A larger amount of moonlight caught his eye, and he looked up to see the source. Fred had pulled back the curtain on the window and was staring outside at the city below. Gene took note of how the moonlight seemed to illuminate Fred's features, then slowly made his way over to Fred.
The city below was quieter than usual because of the late hour, and most of the lights had gone out. The moon was beginning to make it's way to the other side of the world, so that the sun could rise and start the new day. Fred emitted a heavy sigh as he watched the city and mused, then spoke aloud.
"It's a city full of glamour and wealth, the city everyone wants to live in one day. This part of the world is full of happy memories, or at least it should be. However, I should not be in this part of the world because I am not happy. I do not belong to this city of fame and fortune, where the noise is too loud and there is too much energy for my tastes. Sure I've lived and been raised with that kind of lifestyle, so I'm used to it. It's not where I'm happy though, and I want to get out of this prison, this hellhole I'm damned to live in and have been my whole life. I want to be free to find the place I truly belong", he said thoughtfully yet softly, and Gene's eyes widened a bit.
Never has there been a time where Gene heard Fred speak so thoughtfully and so deeply, and it intrigued him. Fred had just earned more respect out of Gene, for being able to speak out of his facade. Gene went up behind Fred and slowly wrapped his arms around Fred's waist, and pulled Fred against him. "You're brooding again, you're no fun when you're sad. Have I not given you enough love? You seem satisfied with me, and yet you still speak of sorrow", Gene said in response to Fred's musing.
Fred just smiled at Gene and leaned his head back into Gene's neck, gently nuzzling into it. Gene took this as an apology, and just allowed Fred to continue. After a moment, Gene let go of Fred and turned to head towards the door. He was stopped, however, when he felt Fred's hand grab his arm.
"Don't leave, if you wouldn't mind I'd like you to stay here with me. Please Gene, I can't stand being without you after all I've had to deal with today, so stay the night", Fred pleaded, his eyes bearing into Gene's. Gene saw the pleading look in Fred's eyes, and was unable to protest. He just nodded, and placed a hand over Fred's.
"I'll stay here with you then, just so I can watch over you", he replied, earning a gentle smile out of Fred. Fred walked away from Gene then to head out of his office and toward his bedroom, and Gene just stood there. I'll keep you safe and make sure you sleep well, but I can't promise it will be a constant thing, he thought, afterwards heading after Fred.
Once Gene entered Fred's bedroom, he had to stop and stare as he noticed Fred was undressing for the night. He looked down and his face turned a light pink. He has a manly figure and girlish skin, so don't even think about touching him in any perverse manners, even if he makes any passes at you. Ah shit, now I'm going to be thinking about that for a while, Gene thought to himself, and his body tensed and he was snapped out of his daydreaming as he felt hands on his chest.
He looked up to see Fred standing there, wearing only his boxers and his headband. "You know, you shouldn't make a habit of standing in other peoples' doorways when they're changing, they might get the wrong idea", Fred teased, winking at Gene before heading over to his dresser to grab some slacks to wear.
Gene blushed even more, and emitted a soft growl as he began to pull his shirt off over his head, since his body had gotten quite heated in the past five minutes. He wondered if it would seem wrong if he kept his shirt over his face so that Fred couldn't see what he did to Gene. Nevertheless, he got undressed down to his boxers and climbed onto Fred's bed.
By the time Fred had turned around from his dresser, he saw Gene curled up on his bed with a pillow over his face. He couldn't help but chuckle as he saw this, and went over to his bed and got in it beside Gene.
Fred began to run his fingers over Gene's chest and stomach, tracing his many scars. It was his favorite way to tease Gene physically, because Gene always shivered afterwards. Which is what Gene happened to do, and also made a noise that sounded like a mixture of a whine and a moan. Hearing that, Fred had to calm the fire that began to rage inside of him that was begging him to take this relationship he had with Gene to the next level.
Gene reached out and caught Fred's wrist, since he had the same feeling Fred had and still wasn't ready to go to that next level. He uncovered his face and stared at Fred with half-lidded eyes. "Shouldn't you be going to sleep instead of molesting me?", he asked, which made Fred grin.
"You didn't seem like you wanted to sleep", Fred replied in a teasing tone, then curled up beside Gene and wrapped his arms around him. Gene smiled at the warmth he felt from Fred's body, and he turned around in Fred's arms so that he could face Fred and be able to feel more of this warmth.
"Thank you for staying by my side when I was having a tough time earlier", Fred whispered to Gene, who gave a slight nod in response. Fred then reached out and petted Gene's hair affectionately, mouthing the words "I love you" with his lips.
Seeing Fred mouth his affection, Gene moved closer to Fred's face, closing his eyes as he captured Fred's lips with his own. Fred closed his eyes as he felt Gene's lips against his own, and began to kiss Gene deeply, and then this sweet moment turned into a make-out session that went on until both men fell asleep.
---------------------------------THE NEXT MORNING--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gene had a dream that he was walking through a vortex that led to nowhere it seemed, and the air was really cold. However, he was covered in a large, very warm blanket that helped him to be able to continue walking. He was almost near the end of the vortex when loud knocking filled his ears.
His eyes shot open as he was startled awake. His "blanket" made a soft groaning noise as he woke up. Fred slowly sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. Gene looked up to see that a window had been left open. That explains why my head is cold, he thought. "What's going on? Who woke me up this early?", Fred asked, sounding slightly peeved. A voice behind the bedroom door answered him.
"Master Luo, it's almost noon and you also have a phone call", the voice of one of Fred's bodyguards said. Fred just stared at the door, then slowly lied back on his bed.
"Tell them I'm not available, and will call back later", Fred called out, and there was a brief silence before the guard spoke up again.
"It's the elder Master on the phone for you", the guard added, and Fred gasped as he sat up again. He slowly stood up and got dressed, then fixed himself up before turning to Gene.
"Stay in here, if my father sees you here with me, we'll both be in a lot of trouble", Fred whispered, before heading out of his bedroom to take the call from his father. He went to his office, and took a seat at his desk, then pressed the blinking "Hold" button on the phone, and his father's face appeared on the screen, and he looked seriously pissed off.
"Good morning Dad, what did you need to talk to me about?", Fred asked in a calm tone, his eyebrows twitching a bit as he saw the look on his father's face. Something is up..., he thought, then his father spoke up.
"You know exactly the reason why I am calling you young man. I cannot speak of the matter right now, but I expect you to come by here at two o'clock sharp. I will expect you no later, otherwise you'll face the consequences. Do I make myself clear?", Yang replied in a hard, stern tone. Fred lowered his eyelids a bit, and didn't answer at first.
I'm not your little boy anymore you bastard, so don't treat me like I am, he thought, before putting on a calm face. "I understand, I'll be there. See you then, good-bye", he replied, disconnecting the call. He put his head down on his desk, and sighed, before standing up and going into his room.
Gene watched Fred enter once more, and watched as Fred grabbed some clothes and headed into the bathroom to shower, without even looking at Gene. Gene blinked as he sensed a strange air of uneasiness. He decided not to question it, and just got dressed.
Fred returned to the bedroom after some time, all dressed and cleaned up. He went over to Gene and gave him a hug and a kiss. "Morning darling, make me breakfast okay?", he teased, hiding a smirk. Gene knew Fred was joking by his tone, yet rolled his eyes.
"Do it yourself, I'm not your slave", Gene replied, and Fred pouted at him. Fred took hold of Gene's hand and led him out of the bedroom and over to the kitchen, which smelled of food. On the table, breakfast foods were already cooked and ready to eat. Fred and Gene both took seats at the table, since Gene had stayed at Fred's for breakfast before.
They both made plates and began to eat, saying some minor things to each other now and then. It was a quiet breakfast otherwise, and afterwards their plates were cleared. The two of them began to take a walk through the hallways, and Gene decided to ask Fred about the call.
"What did your old man have to say? It doesn't sound good based on the way you looked after you got off the phone with him", Gene said, as he looked at Fred. Fred made a soft noise in his throat, then sighed a bit.
"He's treating me like a kid, as usual. He also wants me to stop by and see him in a couple of hours, he says we need to talk about something important. He seemed pissed off for some reason, so I'm not sure what's up", Fred replied, taking hold of Gene's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Gene knew Fred only did that so he wouldn't lose his composure, and he understood completely. He knew Fred's father to be a spoiled rich man, and had tried bringing Fred up to be the same way. He counted his lucky stars knowing that Fred didn't turn out to be like his father.
"I hate to send you away, but I'll probably be out for some time, and I don't know when I'll get back", Fred added after a moment of silence, then stopped to give Gene a warm hug, which was returned.
"Don't stress out over it, I'm sure it's nothing", Gene said, trying to comfort Fred. Fred nodded then, and let go of Gene. They began to head towards the front of the building then, so Fred could see Gene off.
Once there, they exchanged a deep but promising kiss, and Gene waved bye to Fred as he headed off towards Starwind & Hawking's. Fred watched him go, feeling aggravated at his father for interrupting them.
----------------------------------To Starwind & Hawking's------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim looked up from his magazine as he heard the door open, signaling someone had just returned. Gene walked into the room, and Jim gave him a knowing glance. "Good afternoon Mr. Starwind, here to collect your things to go live with your lover?", Jim asked in a mock host voice.
"Why don't you bite me?", Gene replied with sarcasm, muttering to himself as he walked past Jim, and Jim caught something that sounded like "Damn punk, maybe I will get the hell out of here".
Gene walked around, until he came to his room. He headed inside, and looked around as he walked over to his bedside table and opened a drawer. He pulled out a small box that was inside, and examined it contents before closing the box.
He held the box in his hand for a moment as he stared at it, then put it back inside the drawer. Soon...I'll give it to him, he thought to himself. He looked out the window, staring at the afternoon sky.
--------------------------------------Back at Fred's Place-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was almost two, and Fred was making some final adjustments to some new transactions, before he shut down his computer and headed out. He got into the car that was waiting for him, and sat there as the car took off and headed towards his father's mansion. I have this really weird feeling, like something really horrible is about to take place, he thought to himself as he crossed his arms while waiting for the car to arrive.
----------------------------------To The Luo Family Mansion--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soon, the car pulled up to the gate of the mansion, and then into the driveway once the gate was opened. Fred exited the car, and headed into the mansion, walking through the hallways until he reached his father's office.
Once inside, Fred took a seat in front of his father's desk. His father meanwhile, had watched him come in and still looked none too happy. "You know why you're here, and I want an explanation", Yang said in a scolding tone.
Fred looked around, then shrugged. "No I don't actually, why don't you tell me why I'm here?", Fred replied, staring his father straight in the eyes. Yang then stood up from his seat, and leaned over his desk a bit.
"I was informed last night by Reiko that you are currently engaged in a relationship. A relationship, with a MAN no less! This is unacceptable, as it is blasphemy. You are well aware of our family's tradition, which states you must marry a WOMAN, and you must produce an heir to pass on our family business. So you WILL obey this tradition and stop this relationship you are in", Yang explained, and his words set a nerve off inside of Fred. Fred was not only angry at Reiko for finding out and then telling his father, but that his father was making decisions for him again.
Fred stood up in his chair, and faced his father with a cold stare. "I am sick of being treated like a child. How dare you tell me what is right and what is wrong. Are you so selfish that you only think of your own needs instead of those around you, even your own family?! I'm surprised you didn't realize it sooner, that I never looked at women that way, and that I always enjoyed the company of men. You expect me to get married to some woman who is probably more of a man than I am, just so you can make me miserable?! I don't think so, I'm making my own decisions. I will not marry Reiko, no matter if I die in the process!", Fred exclaimed, before sitting down and facing away from his father.
Yang was in shock, he was speechless for some time as he took in all of his son's words. Finally, he began to blurt out his thoughts in a rage. "I...will...NOT tolerate your incompetence! You have no right to speak to me that way, so you will do EVERYTHING I say. I will not have a fag for a son, so if I catch you with that guy you're so fond of, I will personally have him eliminated as well as isolate you here for the rest of your life!", he yelled out, and his words hit their mark.
Fred twitched as his father called him a "fag" for one, and then his heart twisted in his chest as he heard his father's threat. He fought back the strong urge to burst into tears, and just stood up slowly. "Fine...have it your way. I won't see him anymore, if that's your wish", he simply said, then turned to walk out of the office. He stopped at the door, then turned to his father.
"By the way, I told Mom about my orientation before you made her kill herself. If she was alive today, she would understand my pain, and maybe she would be able to show you what a bastard you really are", Fred said in a cold tone, his voice cracking a bit. He then opened the door and headed out, and Yang's eyes filled with what could've been remorse as he turned to look out the window.
Fred left the mansion and got into the car again, and he was driven back to his building. Once inside, he headed up into his bedroom, and lied on his bed. He couldn't hold back anymore, so he burst into heavy sobs.
--------------------------------RANDOM SCENE CHANGE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, Gene and crew were busy working on the Outlaw Star at the spaceport. Gene and Jim had gone out to buy some necessary supplies to make some adjustments, while Melfina was cooking dinner.
Once they had all finished working and eaten dinner, Gene looked over at the clock for what seemed like the twentieth time that day. It read 9:30 PM, nine and a half hours since he had left Fred's place. Jim saw this happening, and rolled his eyes.
"I'm sure he would've called if he got back. He'd want to tell you how everything went", Jim said, trying to give Gene minor comfort. Gene looked at Jim for a moment, then back to the clock.
Gene gave a sigh, then sat down on the couch in what they called the living room. "I guess you're right, but he's usually back by now", Gene said, then closed his eyes. I must be getting too paranoid, he thought.
As ten rolled by, Gene couldn't stand waiting any longer. He went to the phone and dialed Fred's place, and after three rings, a bodyguard answered.
"Hello, Luo Enterprises. How may we be of service?", the guard answered in a business-like tone. Gene rolled his eyes, then spoke up.
"Yeah, is Fred around? He was supposed to call me", Gene replied, watching the guard and the area around him for any signs of Fred. The guard looked to the side however, then at Gene.
"I'm sorry Mr. Starwind, but Master Luo is currently not accepting personal calls. You'll have to try tomorrow", he said, and Gene was about to say something, but the call was cut off.
"What the hell was that all about?", Gene asked himself, as he held the receiver away from his ear. And why wouldn't Fred be accepting calls? Something is seriously wrong here, he thought to himself, then hung up the receiver and headed out.
Gene ran the whole way towards Fred's building, and stopped to catch his breath once he got in the vicinity of the building. He looked up in time to see a figure walking around the corner and away from the building. Closer inspection showed it to be Fred, and Gene ran off after him, calling out to him as well.
"Fred! Where are you going? I want to talk to you!", Gene yelled out, but to no avail. Fred didn't stop walking, nor did he seem to hear Gene. He turned into the park that Gene had confessed his love for him in, and stood at the fountain.
Gene panted as he caught up to Fred in the park, and just watched him. This air, it's not right. I feel as if there is someone watching me from nearby, aiming a gun at me and getting ready to shoot, he thought, approaching Fred and gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Fred...why didn't you answer me? I was calling and calling you", Gene said, and Fred reached a hand up to gently remove Gene's hand from his shoulder. He turned to face Gene, and Gene saw tears in Fred's eyes, as well as traces of tears on his cheeks.
Fred took Gene's hands in his gently, and stared into Gene's eyes. A calm wind blew through both men's hair, as they stared at each other for what seemed like forever, before Fred finally spoke up.
"It's done Gene, I can't do it anymore. We can no longer be together, so you'll have to forget me. Move on with your life and find someone else, but don't come looking for me anymore", Fred simply said in a soft tone, then let go of Gene's hands and walked away from him.
Gene stood there frozen in place, not believing what he had just heard. He could've sworn he heard a gunshot, because he felt a bullet pierce his heart and kill his soul.
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A/N: Here it is, it's FINALLY written. I am so, so, SO very sorry about not updating this a while ago, but real life caught up to me. I went to two cons, had stuff to do on weekends, and I caught the procrastination bug very badly. But here it is, another chapter full of questions. What's going to happen next? What is the gift Gene wants to give to Fred? Is the relationship officially over?! Find out in chapter seven for answers! And as always, if you flame this, Gene will be forced into bondage and will suffer at Fred's mercy. Do you really want that? Didn't think so flamers/haters