A/N: Hey guys! So I'm back for the new year with a fresh chapter. I'm not even going to lie to you guys, I bullshitted for a while before I wrote this, but during the past few days I got the inspiration I needed to finish it. This first A/N is just to introduce a few key phrases I used in the story so you don't have to pause and google them for yourself.

Arema - Somewhat like the Japanese equivalent to the American "Oh my god!", but it's not a literal translation, it's more of just "Oh my!"

Yabai - A way to say something seems risky or dangerous.

Ok! So without further delay, please enjoy this chapter. See you soon at the end of it!

Chapter 3: One Good Turn Deserves Another

"Kiku, you're okay. I've got you."

Even though he was speechless, Kiku knew that Heracles had just saved him from mortal peril. All he could do was wrap his arms around Heracles' torso as tears silently fell from his cheek. After a while, Heracles let go of Kiku. The absence of Heracles' touch was unsettling to Kiku, but he raised no objection being that he already caused Heracles great worry. They began to walk back to Kiku's apartment; apart from night-time sounds of the city and their footsteps, it was silent. Once they reached Kiku's building, Kiku turned to his friend and bowed with his head down. He couldn't describe in English how grateful he was to Heracles for not only saving him, but comforting him as well.

"A-arigatou gosaimasu…"

"Ah, don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're ok. I'd never want to see you hurt. I'll text you tomorrow. Make sure to get some rest, ok?"

"Hai."

Kiku turned and headed towards the outer door to his building. Before going in, he turned around and bowed once more, and Heracles' responded with a head nod before going home himself. Once in his apartment, Kiku greeted his parents who were just about to go to bed themselves. They asked how his evening was, so he told them it was fun, skipping over a detail or two. When they retired to their room, Kiku went to his and began to undress. He took off jeans and shirt and put on a pair of light shorts. He put his phone on the charger and walked over to his bed. Kiku turned down the covers and slipped in; glad he was able to enjoy the solace of his bed like a desert traveler does an oasis. He reflected back on the nights events. The most surprising thing that happened that night, aside from almost being run over, was what happened after Heracles pulled him back onto the sidewalk. As he reminisced about the kiss shared between him and Heracles, Kiku traced his bottom lip with his index finger, and let out a small sigh. The fact that Heracles said nothing about it afterwards the also intrigued Kiku. The whole walk home, Heracles acted as if everything was normal. After a short time rationalizing his actions, Kiku decided it wouldn't do any good to make aimless conjectures. He figured that the only reason he dwelled on it so much was because it was his first kiss, and given the circumstances, he was sure it would be one he would never forget. Kiku promised himself to find a way to show his gratitude to Heracles, and with that final thought, he slipped into a peaceful slumber.

Kiku woke up around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. He laid in bed for a few minutes just listening to the sounds of the city. He sat up and got out of bed feeling the early chill. Kiku's mother was sitting at the kitchen table making a shopping list, so he sat down and joined her.

"What's on the list?"

"Nothing much as of now, can you think of anything special you would like for dinner?"

Kiku remembered he wanted to find a way to properly thank Heracles. Since he and Heracles shared a mutual interest in culinary arts, he thought a traditional, hand-made Japanese dish would do nicely.

"Umm, I want to make nikujaga."

"Hontou? I can make you something fancier than that if you would like, I don't mind."

"Oh no it's okay, Oka-san, I want to make it myself."

"Well, alright then. What do you have planned for today?"

"I don't have plans for today. I think I might just take a walk, and then come back and read."

"Sounds delightful. Well, I'm off to the grocery store, be safe out there please."

"Hai, Oka-san."

Kiku kissed his mother goodbye as she stepped out the door. He returned to his room to get dressed. He searched through his closet for outfits to wear. Kiku wasn't the most fashionable person out there, but he had a 6th sense when it came down to putting together a nice outfit. He put on a burgundy tee shirt, black jeans, and a black cardigan. He switched out the regular laces in his black boots for a special burgundy and black mix. He laced them so they made a checkered pattern once tied. On his way out the door he put on his half-palm leather gloves and his Ear Fun beanie hat he got from a CNBLUE concert when they were on tour. On the way down in the elevator, Kiku pondered about where to walk. He decided he would go down to Time Square and see where the day took him. As he walked down Broadway, he took time to look at all the different advertisements for plays currently running. Even in daytime, the constantly glowing neon signs gave the city a certain something you couldn't find anywhere else. From Time Square, Kiku made his way back to the east side, stopping in stores that piqued his interest. Around 11:30 Kiku's stomach started a riot, so he decided to quell the rebellion with a pastry and cup of hot tea from Café Au Lait. Weekends were always a very busy time for the café, so it was packed with other city residents enjoying a leisurely brunch. Kiku stood in line waiting for his turn to order. Due to the number of people in such close quarters, he wanted to hurry and place his order so he didn't have to deal with rubbing shoulders with everyone. After about a 10 minute wait, he was finally able to place his order, and he stepped to the side of the counter waiting to receive his food. Kiku looked at the workers as they hustled and bustled behind the counter, struggling to keep up with all the orders. He turned his attention to the different types of pastries they had on display. Not being too adventurous, he opted for the standard glazed donut, no sprinkles. The one that really stood out to him was the heart-shaped shortbread cookie with a chocolate covering. Kiku liked shortbread cookies, but didn't want to cause more trouble for the workers with what he considered to be a complicated order. A pair of arms suddenly wrapped themselves around Kiku's body as a voice whispered into his ear.

"If you stare any harder you'll melt the chocolate off that cookie."

The feeling of gentle, warm air entering Kiku's ear made him shiver and he knees go slightly weak, but he quickly regained his composure and turned to see what stranger would be so bold as to randomly address him, and even go so far as to hug him unsolicited. He quickly broke free from the stranger's grasp and whirled around to see Heracles smiling back at him. There was an evident look of surprise on Kiku's face, which only made Heracles chuckle.

"O-oh, good morning, Heracles…" Kiku said, slightly embarrassed.

"Heh, you too. So you're into Ear Fun? Sounds like you know how to party."

Kiku blushed at that statement.

"N-no, not at all. It's just the name of an album of a band I like…"

"Oh really? You should let me listen to it sometime."

"Hai, that is, if you want to."

"Of course. So what're you up to right now?"

"I was just wandering around. I'm on my way back home though."

The worker behind the counter handed Kiku his tea and donut.

"Well, if you get bored, hit me up and we can find something to do. Maybe we can even have some 'ear fun'".

"Ahaha…ha…," Kiku laughed nervously. He waved goodbye to Heracles and made his way out of the crowded store. On his way back home he thought about taking his friend up on his offer. It was noon when Kiku got home, and his mother was still out buying groceries. He said hello to his father who was watching television in the living room before going back to his own room. Once inside he sipped his tea and looked for his Playstation Vita. Since he had a bit of free time he decided to play a bit of Persona 4 Golden. He became so engulfed in his game it was already 5 p.m. the next time he looked at the clock, so he saved the game and picked up his phone. Kiku opened the messaging app and pressed on Heracles' name.

"Hello Heracles, are you busy right now?"

In less than a minute, his phone vibrated with a response.

"Heyy, decided to take me up on my offer to do something fun?"

"Uhh, hai. Was there something particular you had in mind?"

"Actually, yeah there was. Get dressed, I'll be there in 10."

"Ok… But where are we going?"

"Lol, just get ready. I promise it'll be cool. Well, maybe not as exciting as that Ear Fun you're into, but we'll make due."

Kiku was uncomfortable with the vague answer, but knew it wouldn't do any good to press the issue. Although Kiku had only known Heracles for a few months, he learned he wasn't easily coerced, and plus Kiku always enjoyed doings things with a touch of mystère. He got off his bed and entered the living room. During the time he was playing his game, his mother had come back from shopping and was cooking dinner. Kiku crossed the room to the door to put on his jacket, scarf, and gloves.

"Oh, are you going somewhere Ki-kun?"

"Ah, hai Oka-san."

"Don't you want to have some dinner before you go? It'll be done quite soon."

"Oh, it's ok, you and Otou-san can eat first. I don't mind reheating some up when I come back."

"Okay then. Please be sure to be careful, and it's cold out there, make sure to keep warm!"

"Hai, hai. Ja ne, Oka-san."

Kiku left his apartment and made his way downstairs. Outside, he found Heracles leaning against the building in his usual spot, waiting for him.

"Hey there. Ready to go?"

"H-hai. But to where?"

Heracles started walking down the street. Kiku noticed he had no intention of answering him, or slowing down for that matter, so he picked up his pace to catch up with him. They made their way through the crowded streets of the city, with Kiku paying extra attention whenever there was traffic around. The sun was beginning to set as they got to 5th Avenue with shades of purple and orange filling the sky. The duo made a left turn and walked a few streets south, and soon after Heracles announced they had reached their destination.

"We're here!"

"U-umm, Heracles, what is this?"

"This, good sir, is Rockefeller Plaza."

Kiku saw people leaning over a rail while peering into some sort of ditch, so he wandered over to see what they were all looking at. Once he found a break in the crowd, he looked down to see an ice skating rink with people casually gliding across the ice. He continued to scout the area, noticing the ornate golden statue that sat atop the opposite of the rink, and behind that was a massive green conifer tree. Heracles took hooked his arm in Kiku's and began pulling him toward a nearby staircase that led down to the rink.

"Ch-chotto matte kudasai… Have you gone mad?"

"Of course not. Well, not yet. At least I don't think so," Heracles responded with a chuckle.

"Come on, this session will end soon and the next one begins right after."

Heracles continued to pull his friend along. This idea did not sit well with Kiku at all. They made their way down the stairs and got in line to rent skates. Heracles got a size 12 for himself, while Kiku got a size 8. They took off their shoes and readjusted the laces to make sure the skates would be properly secure. The current skaters had vacated the rink, and the buzzer sounded to signify the beginning of the next session. Music began to play and the more seasoned skaters wasted no time getting onto the rink. Heracles stood and made his way to the opening in barrier that surrounded the rink, but Kiku was still extremely apprehensive. Heracles stepped on the ice but waited near the barrier for Kiku.

"I-I've never ice skated before… I don't even know how to move forward."

"It'll be fine, there's not many people on right now anyway, so it's a perfect time to learn."

Hesitantly, Kiku stood up and cautiously stepped onto the ice, steadying himself on the wall. He constantly looked at his feet in disbelief that he was standing upright at the moment.

"I-I'm riterarry terrified… H-have you done this before?"

"Not at all!" replied a vibrant Heracles.

"N-NANI!?"

Kiku whirled around to face Heracles, but in the midst of him being shocked and appalled he had let go of the wall. As he lost his footing a look of sheer terror crossed his face as the realization that he was going down became apparent. Kiku reached out towards Heracles who reached right back, which only caused Heracles to fall with Kiku, right on top of him to be exact. Heracles was able to brace himself by placing his hands at sides of Kiku's shoulders, which stopped his face from slamming into Kiku's. Their noses were about 3 inches away from each other.

"WOOOOOO! DON'T MELT THE ICE!" someone yelled at the top of the railing.

This generated a roar of laughter and whistles from everyone at the top of the railing and fellow skaters around the rink. Kiku could do nothing but blush, and Heracles burst out laughing. He pushed himself off top of Kiku and used the wall to hoist himself up. Smiling, he held out his hand toward Kiku.

"If you've never done this before, why did you want to come here?" Kiku asked.

"I figured we could do something new and fun, together. So come on Kiku, won't you take this chance with me?"

Heracles used one hand to steady himself on the barrier while extending the other out to help Kiku up, all while giving a naturally gorgeous smile. Kiku couldn't help the slight grin that crept across his face as he reached out towards Heracles. Once they were both back on their legs, it took a whole 10 minutes and one more fall before they had successfully completed one lap around the rink. Although still very new, they both got the basics down enough to where the rest of the session was enjoyable enough to make it worth their time and effort. Their time on the rink was coming to a close, so the boys made their way to the edge and traded their skates back for their shoes. As they climbed the stairway back to street level a barrage of colorful lights assaulted Kiku's peripheral vision. Once back on the top level Kiku turned to see the source of the light, and found the giant conifer tree aglow with beautifully coordinated lights of every color, with a shining golden star on top.

"Sugoi… It looks so beautiful. Is it always like this?"

"Nah, it's only because Christmas is coming up soon, but it's always something you'll remember once you see it. Let's sit down for a bit, my legs still need some time to adjust to land, haha."

They made their way over to a nearby stone bench. They were able to sit facing the illuminated tree and enjoy the cool air and beautiful sight of Rockefeller Plaza in winter. An icy breeze swept through the buildings, and Kiku's body gave a small, involuntary shiver.

"Are you cold?" asked Heracles.

"Just a bit, but it's so pretty I don't feel like leaving yet, so I can endure."

Kiku readjusted his scarf and fastened another button on his coat. Heracles noticed Kiku was still fairly chilly, so he slipped his arm around his back and pulled him closer.

"A-arigatou gosaimasu…"

Kiku could feel the warmth radiating from Heracles and was quite thankful for it given the current temperature. Normally Kiku wouldn't want to be in such close contact with another person, but something about Heracles allowed him to relax more than usual. The music at the rink began playing a slow-paced cello and piano instrumental of the song 'White Christmas'. Kiku leaned his head on Heracles' shoulder, and he in turn lightly rested his head on Kiku's. As they sat and admired the atmosphere snow began to lightly fall, glistening against the bright tree lights.

"I think you are right, Heracles. Today will make a great memory."

"I think so too. The best part about a memory is that even if you have nothing else, you still have it."

Time passed, and Kiku and Heracles made their way home. As per custom, Heracles walked Kiku to the front of his building to make sure he got in safely. Before going in, Kiku turned towards Heracles one last time.

"Sankyu again for tonight. I'm sure I'll remember this for a very long time." Kiku said while bowing slightly.

"It's no problem. Hey, will you do me a favor?"

Kiku wasn't sure what it could be, but he had no reason not to oblige him.

"Of course, Heracles. What is it?"

"Will you remember this, too?"

Heracles stepped forward, transfixing Kiku in his gaze as he did so. He took his hand out of his pocket, and using his thumb and index finger he tilted Kiku's face upward and kissed him deeply yet gently, on the lips. At the end of their kiss it was as if Heracles took the breath right out of Kiku's body.

"I'll see you Monday morning," Heracles said.

Heracles stepped back, eyes still locked in Kiku's. He lightly bit his bottom lip before turning around and walking toward his own house. Kiku entered his own building and rode the elevator to his floor. When he entered he saw his parents watching the news in the living room. He greeted them and announced he was going to take a shower before bed. Kiku took off his outerwear and walked into his room to grab his towel, some underwear, and a pair of shorts. After spending so much time outside, Kiku wanted a hot, steamy shower to remove the chill. Once the water reached a hot enough temperature, Kiku undressed and stepped inside. He followed his is usual routine of washing his hair first and then applying the conditioner. Kiku took a moment and thought about the evening he shared with Heracles, from slipping on the cold ice, to the passionate kiss they shared at his doorstep. Kiku had never met anyone as bold as Heracles, but he enjoyed the way Heracles took charge of the moment.

"Mmm…" Kiku moaned quietly to himself. He recalled how soft and full Heracles' lips were. He picked up his body wash and his shower sponge and began to wash his upper body. The warm water felt good cascading down his teenaged frame. He washed his arms and worked his way to his chest. As he rubbed the sponge over his nipples he noticed two things; the first being that they were firm, and the second was they felt more sensitive than they normally did. He rubbed over them once more, but slowly this time. Kiku moaned; it felt so nice he gently circled them before slowly washing down to his belly button. His hand moved further down, and Kiku became aware that he was becoming erect rather quickly. The slickness from the soap and water furthered the excitement he felt as he washed up and down his shaft. When he reached the head, Kiku dropped the sponge entirely and started stroking himself using the soap as lubricant. His breathing became noticeably heavier as he began picking up speed. While he used one hand to stroke himself, he used the other to tease his nipples. Kiku alternated between rolling it between his thumb and index finger and lightly pinching it. Kiku's heart rate was on a steady ascent.

"Mmm… hah…"

Each second Kiku grew more rigid and the increased sensitivity meant he would be climaxing soon.

"Unnf… unh… H-Hera…cles…"

Kiku stopped playing with his nipples and used his hand to steady himself on the shower wall. He thrust himself into his hand filling it with a warm, thick, sticky liquid as an intense orgasm ravished his body. He panted heavily while trying to stand upright.

"Ki-kun, daijobu desu ka? Don't stay in a hot shower too long, you'll lose your strength and faint."

"H-hai, Oka-san. Daijobu desu."

Kiku picked up his sponge and finished his shower. He came out the bathroom and bid his parents a goodnight before returning to his room. Kiku slipped into bed tired from the night outing, in addition to the shower. As he drifted to sleep, the last thought on his mind was the wonderful kiss from that evening.

A ray of sunlight shone brightly onto Kiku's face Sunday morning, beckoning him to wake up and see what the day had in store. He got out of bed, brushed his teeth, and washed his face. He stayed in his pajamas since they felt so comfortable at the moment. He entered the living room to see his mother sitting on the couch reading on her Nook.

"Ohayo, Oka-san."

"Ohayo, Kiku~. Genki desu ka?"

"Genki desu."

"Have you got any plans for today? You've been going out quite a bit here lately. I remember when there was no place you'd rather be other than your room, but I'm happy to see you adjusting so well."

"Ahaha, arigatou. I think I'm going to make my nikujaga today. I want to give some to a friend; he's never had it before."

"Oh okay, I want a taste too, you know! If you need any help with anything just let me know."

"Hai~."

Kiku went into the kitchen and started pulling out the pots and dishes he would need. Nikujaga is a well known meat and potato stew in Japan, and it's something Kiku always enjoyed when his mother made it. Kiku's mother noticed his interest in cooking, and each time she made the dish she would invite him to help in some way, shape, or form. After watching his mother make it for a few years, Kiku tried it himself. Trial and error along with his mother's guidance helped him to improve each time he tried. Although he could never surpass his mother's original, Kiku's nikujaga would be a fine substitute for anyone.

He began by peeling, washing, and chopping his potatoes into chunks. Next he sliced an onion and finely chopped some ginger, sautéing them in a bit of oil in a pan. Afterwards, he added the potatoes and sautéed them briefly before adding just enough dashi stock to cover the potatoes. Then he added sugar, sake, mirin, soy sauce, and dark sesame oil and brought it to a boil. He placed a lid that was small enough to fit inside the pot on top of the potatoes. The lid was to act as a sort of weight to aid in cooking the soup. Now all he had to do was turn the heat down and allow the soup to simmer until most of the liquid had been absorbed. While he waited for his dish to finish, Kiku went to get his phone. He opened his messenger app and clicked on the thread with Heracles' name.

"Ohayo gosaimasu. How is your morning? If you have some free time today, I would like to meet up. I have something I want to give you as an appreciation present for Friday and Saturday."

About 15 minutes passed before Kiku's phone vibrated with a response. During this time he checked on his stew and put some rice into the rice cooker so it would be fresh to go with the soup.

"Heyyy, what's up? Yeah, I'm free today. Do you want to come over and hang out?"

Kiku wasn't expecting to receive an invitation to Heracles' house, although the idea did excite him a little.

"Hai, that would be fine, if you're ok with it. When would you like me to come?"

"Don't come without my permission. Lol, jk. The address is 217 East 48th street, apt. K. Once you come into the building the elevators are straight ahead, so just come up to the 32nd floor. Come whenever you're ready, I'll be here."

Kiku's cheeks went from vanilla to a light shade of rose. He got up to go check on his nikujaga which was pretty much done. He got out a plastic bowl and layered it with a nice bed of rice before adding the stew on top. He got a small canvas shopping bag and placed the bowl inside.

"It's done now, Oka-san. I'm going to get dressed and go out for a bit."

"Hai, Ki-kun. Have fun and enjoy your meal with your friend."

Kiku went to his room and slipped on a simple pair of blue jeans and white t-shirt with grey lines and a silver dragon on the front. He picked up his food from the kitchen, put his jacket and shoes on at the door, and was on his way. After exiting the elevator on the bottom floor Kiku stepped outside into the chilly December morning. He was only a few streets up from Heracles so the walk wouldn't take long at all. As he drew closer to 48th street he could feel butterflies in his stomach. He had been over friends' houses before, but never one he was as close to as Heracles.

He arrived at the front of the building and took a deep, slightly hesitant breath before entering. Kiku stood in front of the big, silver elevator doors and pressed the up button. When it opened, he stepped inside and checked his phone to make sure he pressed the correct floor. He hit the 32nd button that glowed white, and was instantly being whisked skyward. The doors opened with a chime and Kiku stepped into the hallway. The sign on the wall told him the direction he was supposed to go, so he turned right and scanned for apartment K, which was at the end of the hall. A mixture of nervousness and happiness washed over Kiku when he stepped in front of the door. He formed a fist and knocked on the door three times; his heart gave a small thud with each tap. The door swung open in about seven seconds, revealing a quite comfortable but still very handsome looking Heracles. He was barefoot with a pair of grey sweatpants and a black tank top that really showcased his broad shoulders and muscular arms. His hair was in its usual tousled state, but given the home setting and his easy-going attire, it tremendously added to his attractiveness.

"Hey, come on in." Heracles stepped back to allow Kiku entrance.

"Arigatou." Kiku smiled sheepishly while stepping into the apartment.

He took off his jacket and hung it on the nearby coat rack, then removed his boots on the linoleum entrance way before stepping onto the lush carpet inside the living room.

"O-Oh, this is for you. It's nikujaga, a type of meat stew that's popular back in Japan. This would be our version of comfort food."

Kiku handed the bundle to his friend with a short bow. Heracles took the bag and walked further in the apartment towards the kitchen. Kiku followed him and marveled at the quaint décor. A beautiful leather couch with silver studs sat against the back wall with a still life painting of fruit and flowers behind it. A wooden curio stood against the wall adjacent to that of the couch. On the wall opposite of the sofa was a very large flat screen television. It was a bit longer than the span of Kiku's arms.

"Wow, this smells great. Can we eat some now?"

"Oh, of course you can, but I made it for you, so please indulge."

"Aw, come on and eat with me, it'll be more enjoyable that way."

Heracles reached into a cabinet and brought down two ceramic bowls. He used a large serving spoon to fill both bowls and handed one to Kiku. Heracles got two sodas from the refrigerator and motioned Kiku to follow him towards the back of the apartment.

"We can sit on my bed and eat. Did you bring your iPod with you? I'm still interested in that band you were talking about."

Kiku sat on his bed and reached for his iPod in his pocket. He pulled it out and scrolled to albums and searched for 'Ear Fun'. Kiku handed the iPod to Heracles and he hooked it up to his iHome. Soon the sound of a piano intro filled the room's surround sound speakers. The song currently playing was 'Hey You', Kiku's favorite off the album.

"Hmm, I like it. It's cool how it transitions back and forth between rock and piano."

"Ahaha, yes, I think so too."

"Heyy, you should make this my ringtone for you."

"You want this song?"

"Yeah, I think it suits me nicely, don't you?"

"Yes, indeed."

Kiku and Heracles ate their nikujaga while listening to the entire album, with a bit of idle chit-chat throughout. Heracles took their empty bowls and placed them in the kitchen sink, then sat down on the edge of his bed; Kiku sat in the middle with his legs crossed. They talked a bit more until they noticed the room was silent. The album had ended and the iPod wasn't set to shuffle. Kiku was enjoying just being in Heracles' room with him. He looked around and noticed he had a nice size television mounted on the wall across from his bed. On one side of the room he had his desk for schoolwork, and on the other was a window overlooking the city streets. Sunlight shone through and warmed the spot where Kiku was sitting. Heracles had quite a large bed since he was tall and broad-shouldered. Kiku sat and looked at his hands in his lap, unsure of what to do now that he had delivered his present and the music had ended.

"Kiku?" Heracles said breaking the silence.

"H-Hai?" Kiku responded. He gave a small nervous laugh as he looked up at Heracles. He noticed Heracles' usual smile was replaced with a look of seriousness. Kiku smiled shyly, but the longer he stared into Heracles' eyes, the more it faded. Heracles narrowed his eyes but kept his gaze locked on Kiku. He reached out his hand towards Kiku and leaned over in his direction. Heracles caressed the side of Kiku's face and brought his closer. Their noses touched, and Heracles kissed Kiku lightly on the lips once. Kiku closed his eyes and put up no opposition, so Heracles closed his and kissed him again, but this time longer and with more force. Kiku's mouth was slightly agape, so Heracles took the opportunity to slide his tongue into Kiku's mouth. Kiku welcomed the addition and cautiously greeted it with his own. Heracles slowly leaned Kiku backwards so he lay flat on the bed, their kissing growing more intense each time. He reached for his hands, locked them in his, and raised them above Kiku's head. Heracles moved his lips, kissing along Kiku's jaw line until he got to his ear.

"Kiku." He whispered hotly into his ear before nibbling on his earlobe.

"Unh… ha-hai…" Kiku replied through jagged breaths.

Heracles moved from his earlobe to sucking on his neck, which cause Kiku to let out a loud whimper.

"Mmm, I see," was all Heracles said when he heard Kiku's response. He continued his oral assault on the tender, porcelain skin of Kiku's neck, causing him to moan uncontrollably. Heracles moved one of Kiku's hands down his body into his pants, and gripped his prominent erection with Kiku's own hand.

'A-Arema… yabai…' Kiku thought to himself. He guessed that given Heracles' stature he would be well endowed, but could never have imagined that in reality it would longer than his hand and about as thick as his wrist. Heracles guided Kiku's hands in a stroking motion along his shaft before releasing it. Heracles gathered some of the clear, slick fluid leaking from the head on his thumb as he brought his hand out of his pants. He used his other hand to lift up Kiku's shirt and tweak his nipples. Kiku was breathing heavily through his mouth until Heracles placed his thumb inside. Kiku closed his mouth around Heracles' thumb and swirled his tongue around it tasting the fluid. Once it hit Kiku's taste buds, his loud moan showed his approval. Heracles spent another five minutes sucking on Kiku's neck. He made sure that not only would he leave a mark, but that it would be large and visible.

His lips traced their way down Kiku's chest towards his navel. Heracles licked around the smooth dip in Kiku's stomach before licking the belly button itself. Kiku sucked feverishly on Heracles' thumb and ran his fingers through the tousled hair. Heracles stopped playing with Kiku's nipple and began pressing and rubbing firmly on the mound in Kiku's jeans. He dragged his tongue up Kiku's torso, stopping and giving attention to each nipple before returning to Kiku's mouth. The sound of unspoken passions and desires of both boys filled the room as sunlight from the window warmed their bodies. Heracles began to grind the erection in his sweats on the one inside Kiku's jeans. Kiku writhed in ecstasy at the feeling. The way Heracles was orally dominating Kiku combined with his presence on top of him sent Kiku into a hormonal sensory overload.

An electronic progression of high and low chimes suddenly pierced the air. Both boys opened their eyes simultaneously for a second, but when Heracles tried to go back to kissing Kiku, he pulled away.

"Y-Your phone is ringing."

"I know," he replied while returning to sucking on Kiku's neck.

"Y-You should answer it, it might be important."

"It's not."

"B-But what if it is?"

Heracles let out an exasperated sigh in Kiku's ear before sitting up and reaching for his phone.

"Hello…? Hey Dad… I'm hanging out with a friend at the moment so-… What? When…? Why now…? No, it's just that I was busy and now you-… I know, but still you could have-… *sigh* Fine, fine. It doesn't matter Dad, it's whatever. I'll be there. Yeah, you too… Bye."

"FUCK," Heracles shouted while tossing his phone across the bed.

Kiku had been trying to catch his breath during Heracles' conversation with his father. When he hung up the phone, Kiku noticed the sudden change in his friend's disposition.

"Is everything ok?"

"It was until he called. He wants me to go to dinner with him and one of his coworkers. His friend's wife is an admission officer for N.Y.U. so he wants me to go and kiss ass. What really pisses me off though is that he wants me to drop everything I'm doing to go eat with people I don't even fucking know or care about."

"O-Oh, I see…" Kiku wasn't sure what to say to try and alleviate the tension.

"W-Well, I'll leave first then." Kiku fixed his shirt and rolled off the bed. He smoothed his hair down with his hands as best he could and made his way toward the entrance. He kept his head down while he put on his jacket. Kiku turned towards Heracles who was standing close by and bowed, thanking him for his hospitality. As he turned towards the door Heracles wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him into his chest.

"I'm sorry Kiku, seriously."

"No, please don't apologize, it's ok. I could never stand in the way of you and opportunity. I hope it goes well for you."

Heracles kissed his neck a few more times.

"Don't go to sleep early tonight, okay?" Heracles said before he released him.

"H-Hai," Kiku replied. He opened the door and thanked Heracles once more. He closed the door behind him and walked to the elevator. Kiku replayed the impromptu make-out session over and over again all the way to his own apartment. He stepped inside and greeted his mother and father while taking off his shoes.

"Tadaima."

"Okairi, Kiku," his father replied. His mother turned to welcome him back when she paused, regarding him with a look of concern.

"Kiku, are you ok? What happened to your neck? Does it hurt?"

She stepped towards him but Kiku put his head down and hurriedly excused himself to his room. He let some time pass before he came out of his room again, and once he did he crossed swiftly into the bathroom. Kiku turned on the light and examined his neck in the mirror. There was a large reddish-pink mark on the side that was about the size of a golf ball. His first reaction was terror being that his mother was the one to point it out to him, but the more he looked at it the more he began to admire it. Not only was it given to him by a guy he liked, the guy also happened to be his best friend Heracles. Kiku remembered to make a conscious effort to hide it when he knew he would be around his parents. Kiku passed the rest of the day inside his room playing with his Vita and idly touching himself with the memories of the day fresh in his mind. At around 10 p.m. Kiku's phone chimed, alerting him he had a text message.

"Hey, I just wanted to say I'm sorry again for how things got cut short so unexpectedly. You should come over again sometime soon so I can make it up to you. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning. Night Kiku, get some rest."

"Hai, oyasumi Heracles."

Kiku changed into pajamas and climbed into his bed. He stroked the passion mark on his neck and fell asleep, thinking only of Heracles Karpouzi.

Kiku's alarm went off as usual on Monday mornings, so he woke up and prepared himself for the day. Outside Heracles was waiting for him so they could get their tea and coffee and walk to school.

"Ohayo~" Kiku said while exiting his building.

"Good morning," Heracles replied. He stepped forward and kissed Kiku briefly on the lips.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Hai," Kiku responded. The kiss caught him off guard, but it made him smile nonetheless.

They walked to Café Au Lait and then to Sylvarant. Aside from the morning kiss, everything went as usual. During art class, Kiku's teacher had approached him with a proposition. The drama club was putting on a play and they needed someone to make a vase with specific designs, as it would be necessary for the plot. His teacher noted that Kiku showed uncanny skill with clay and asked him if he would undertake the project. Kiku agreed and his teacher told him to speak to the drama advisor after school. Kiku brought his sketchbook and met with the drama advisor to talk about the details of the design. When the advisor extended his hand to thank Kiku for his assistance, he set his sketchbook down but forgot to pick it up before leaving the drama office. He didn't realize he left it until he and Heracles were already out front of the school. He excused himself and went in quickly to retrieve it. Kiku noticed the light in the office was on even though the advisor had gone home for the day. There was a tall man inside wearing a green jacket and dark tan pants. Kiku noticed the man flipping through his book, so he opened the door to the office and spoke.

"Su-sumimasen…" he said meekly.

"Hm? Is this yours?" the man asked, waving the notebook in the air. He turned around to face Kiku, but Kiku couldn't identify the man behind his white mask.

A/N: Welcome back! So tell me, was this chapter worth the wait or not? I personally had a lot of fun writing this once I got into the mood to do it. I had to really immerse myself in the story to be able to write this, but in the end I went for what I thought would be pleasurable for anyone. On a side note guys, I need suggestions for names for Kiku's parents. I tried and I just can't think of anything that I like, so consider the suggestion box open for that topic. As always, please leave a review on how you thought this chapter turned out. I even got to slip our new character in this one, which makes me really happy. I'm sure most if not all of you already know who it is, but he's going to be an important part of this story. Once again, big thanks to my best friend and beta reader WeWriteSins, and also to you guys. The few of you who took the time to leave a review were a major inspiration to me, and I want you to know you guys pretty much motivated me to stop being lazy and get this chapter out. See you all at chapter 4, and please remember

If you're going to sin,

SinWithNoRegrets~