Disclaimer: I by no means own any of the rights to the Clamp manga story of Legal Drug or its characters.

Third Tuesday

By Crystal Delphina

Completed: December 24, 2006

Revised: April 20, 2008

Part II of III

Kazahaya heaved a sigh of relief when he finally managed to make it to the relative safety of his apartment; the door slammed firmly behind him as he leaned against it for support. Kakei and Saiga were now safely locked far, far away from him downstairs. He wouldn't have to see them till Wednesday evening, considering Kakei had a meeting of some sort he had to attend tomorrow and Saiga would be accompanying him. In fact, he could go to bed early, have nice normal dreams without being haunted by bosses and their lovers frolicking around naked, and possibly sleep in tomorrow. Kakei said they could open the store later than normal, however, it was unlikely his co-worker would let him off so easy.

He allowed himself to sneak a look at the small box still clutched in his hands and regarded it with outright suspicion. Unassuming and plain as it was, he knew it held the secrets to a life he had yet to explore and the gods forbid Rikuo introduce him to such a world as Saiga suggested. However, suddenly those unusual heart palpitations had returned combined now with feeling slightly light headed. Along with a heat that not only invaded his cheeks but also seemed to thread its way down into the pit of his stomach. He definitely felt an unusual… 'twitch' at the thought of Rikuo using those- those- things with him in their intended usage.

"What you got there kitten?" Jumping in surprise, the young man quickly put his hand behind his back at the sound of Rikuo's voice, attempting to hide the item from his roommate's view. So intent on hiding the damning evidence, he even managed to overlook the annoying pet name suddenly adopted by the other male. Normally he would have been irate, but right now there were more important things to worry about. "N-Nothing," the brunette spluttered.

"Really now," Rikuo raised his dark eyebrows in amusement, his interest suddenly peeked with this new bashfulness of Kazahaya's. He decided it would be rather entertaining to see exactly what the other teen was hiding form him. He took a step forward, and then another. Kazahaya attempted to put distance between himself and the suddenly wolfish looking young man by taking a step back – when he remembered the door was directly behind him. Panic overtook his features almost instantaneously and Rikuo gave a small devilish grin. "So…what do you have behind your back Kazahaya?" And Rikuo took another step.

"I-I-I told you…nothing…" Nervous laugher accompanied the flimsy excuse -- and died upon Kazahaya's lips when Rikuo took another step toward him. "Well then, you wouldn't mind showing me your hands right? Since there's nothing behind your back," Rikuo said, smirking at the other boy. Kazahaya, being desperate and nervous, was unable to articulate any type of rationale response that would dissuade his enemy from continuing the intended siege. He resorted to what he had previously stated in hopes that this time the outcome would be different. "There's nothing in my hands." Obviously, that was a foolish strategy.

"You won't mind if I look myself then." And Rikuo was there, right beside him, hands placed on either side of his head against the door and leaning down so his face was alongside his, his mouth resting right above his ear. His warm breath tickled the shell of the sensitive flesh, just as it had earlier in the day. "Right?" And Kazahaya's mouth went dry, absolutely dry and the whole beating heart thing, that had been previously mentioned, was now in a critical state. He was pretty sure that the fact he wasn't breathing, coupled with the irregular heartbeats, spelled certain death for him. 'Panic' was a vast understatement as he launched into full on dread and alarm. Why the hell couldn't his powers involve moving thru walls? Or in this case, very solid doors that prevented him from escaping?

"I-I-I …uh.. um…"

"Come now Kazahaya," Rikuo purred. "show me your 'empty' hands."

"Uh…well…see…"

Rikuo enjoyed seeing the caramel haired teenager squirm like this. Sure, events such as these had become a somewhat daily occurrence, because it was so terribly easy to make the boy blush. But this… It was highly gratifying watching Kazahaya's eyes flicker between panic, terror, embarrassment, and… something else. Rikuo wasn't quite sure what that final emotion was but he was sure his roommate didn't mean to reveal it. Playing with Kazahaya like this, despite how much he would shout and complain, was really satisfying for Rikuo when he could witness those lovely golden eyes glaze over, even momentarily; it was such a rare occurrence but something he knew to be important.

"Show me, Kaza-ha-ya," Rikuo whispered into his ear, drawing out the last few syllables of his name to cause the light haired brunette to visibly shudder, his eyes fluttering shut briefly. "No," Kazahaya managed to breathe out between slightly parted lips, maintaining his resolve despite frazzled senses that had gone into overdrive fearing for his life. However, his breathy 'no' turned into a sudden gasp when he felt fingers slide down onto his shoulder and down the side of his arm, wrapping around to make their way to his hand. Kazahaya froze, unable to act in either a way of resistance or retreat from the black haired boy's touch.

He knew it was all over when he felt fingers slide along his own, and trap his appendages between the waxed cardboard box and the soft flesh of Rikuo's hand. 'Fuck' ran through his head like a mantra. Kazahaya dimly realized he wasn't sure what meaning the phrase really had at the moment, which caused him to mentally curse himself further.

"My, my, what's this we have here?" Rikuo brought both of their hands up between them, the box still held tightly by their entwined fingers. Although it may have seemed impossible, Kazahaya's blush turned an even darker shade of red. However, he didn't fail to note that Rikuo's eyes widened for a split second when he finally took stock of what he was reading on the box's label. The small indication of surprise filled him with momentary joy, but was quickly forgotten when he realized those dark forest eyes were now fixed on him with a questioning stare, barely concealed laughter in the dark depths. "Rikuo…it's not what it looks like. Saiga. He-he gave these to me. As a joke. A joke!" He was babbling at this point to try and make up any reasonable and semi logical excuse.

The silence stretched between the two when his explanations began to dwindle and falter and Rikuo stood transfixed, looking between the box and Kazahaya every now and again. Kazahaya had been well aware that his own breathing was on the heavy side but when he held his breath to try and calm his frazzled nerves, he realized that Rikuo's heavy breathing filled the air as well. Why the hell was he breathing heavily? Upon closer inspection of his roommate, he realized that not only was Rikuo's breathing ragged but that his hands had yet to move, one still beside his head and the other holding his own hand. Additionally, Rikuo's eyes had a rather odd and glazed look about them that only intensified when his gaze shifted to Kazahaya. Rikuo was looking…weird. "Rikuo?" Kazahaya prodded gently, afraid of the unexpected comatose state his co-worker had adopted.

Rikuo recognized he was in a rather delicate situation at this point. However, the full effect of the current state of affairs had taken a while to process. Was poor, sweet, innocent, naïve Kazahaya really holding these? Rikuo wasn't sure the boy had such a tight grasp on the box out of necessity or embarrassment. Although he was glad to have the long day at the store be over with and he had rejoiced in previous plans of a long hot shower, dinner, and then bed, he was now rethinking his plans. Scenarios including the empath were beginning to sound mildly appealing; for teasing purposes only of course. Or at least, that was the excuse Rikuo tried to make to himself.

"Rikuo??"

However, he did still want his shower.

"Rikuo!!"

Snapped out of his devious scheming by the worried and frustrated shouting of his roommate, Rikuo's eyes regained their clarity with a new ferocity behind them. Kazahaya shuddered, worrying over what those eyes meant, along with a small twinge of excitement. Wait, excitement? Over what??

Rikuo's head lowered down towards Kazahaya's left ear again and this time the brunette was sure he felt more than just warm breath on his neck. He felt the feather light touches of lips against the shell of his ear, causing him to question his sanity; Rikuo would never do something like that. "Ka-za-ha-yaa…" he whispered. The name was drawn out in a precise fashion, his lips brushing against the other's ear as he formed each new syllable. Out of his periphery vision, Rikuo was able to see golden eyes flutter shut again in what looked to be surrender. "W-what?"

"Give me these." To emphasize what he meant, Rikuo began to gently pull on the box that was still latched between their two hands. Kazahaya could have sworn he felt a soft wet tongue against his ear as Rikuo spoke but did his best to ignore the imagined sensation. He reluctantly loosened his grip around the box, allowing the taller young man to take them. Kazahaya vaguely realized that he missed the feel of Rikuo's warm hand on his own, even if it was the briefest of touches. He began to bite his bottom lip softly, more out of a nervous habit than anything else. Because his eyes were still closed though, he didn't see the color in Rikuo's gaze darken in fascination at the small act.

"What are you going to do with them?"

"I'm going to save them."

"For what?" Kazahaya asked, his forehead furrowing into confusion even with his eyes still closed. He was positive he had felt a tongue this time, dipping in behind his ear in a sensitive spot he never even knew he had there. Despite it being an unsettling thought, it had almost been enough to make him gasp, but he quickly bit his tongue. Nothing could have prepared him though for the other psychic's even more unsettling response.

"For when I teach you how to use them."

Kazahaya's eyes shot open immediately, perfecting a classic 'deer in the headlights' look. And they nearly closed again when he felt soft kisses being placed down the side of his neck from his ear to his collarbone. This time he did gasp when he felt Rikuo apply steady amounts of increasing pressure with each kiss so that when he did reach the top of Kazahaya's exposed collarbone, he pressed his lips firmly to the spot. "Ri…Rikuo…"Kazahaya heard a small grunt beneath his chin in answer to his breathy words. The smallest of moans escaped his lips when he felt teeth nip gently at the soft skin of his neck and he could feel the smile Rikuo give in response against his sensitive flesh. However, instead of feeling continued kisses along his neck – that did a remarkable job of heating his skin – he felt Rikuo's lips return to his ear and felt a small nip given to the soft cartilage at the top. "Kazahaya."

"Yea?" Kazahaya bit his lip again and Rikuo had to muster all of his resolve to not let out a small moan at seeing the young man do the innocent gesture. Rikuo vaguely wondered if the light color of pink that dusted Kazahaya's nose and cheekbones was no longer from embarrassment but more from hormones, the thought giving him a small thrill.

"Kazahaya, you need to…" Pausing in his instructions, Rikuo licked the rim of Kazahaya's ear forcing the brunette to suck in a deep breath of anticipation. "You need to go set the table and finish dinner while I take my shower."

The haze that covered the gold of Kazahaya's eyes when he finally opened them rapidly dissipated as realization hit him that Rikuo was serious. The lips that had previously been assaulting his neck in a way he had never even considered before were now smirking at him with barely veiled amusement. However, Rikuo's hand was still on one side of his head, effectively caging him between the door and his co-worker. "You're kidding? Right?"

"Dinner will burn if you wait much longer." With that, Rikuo began walking away, heading for their shared bathroom so he could take a shower. Kazahaya didn't fail to notice that he still held the box at his side.

For a moment the empath stood their shocked and then quickly bristled in righteous indignation. What- what- whatever the hell that had just happened…was most definitely not supposed to have happened. And now the instigator of it all was sauntering away around the corner like a proud rooster. "You…you… You bastard!" Kazahaya finally managed, spluttering and sounding much as his old self, as if Rikuo had only just thrown a shoe at him instead of the potential for leaving a few hickies to appear on his neck. Oh Kami, did he have hickies? From his worst enemy? The thought was frankly mortifying and he rapidly began running a hand down the side of his neck, as if he could feel them to check.

"Kazahaya! Dinner!"

He looked up at the now empty hallway and realized Rikuo was shouting at him from the bathroom. Despite prevailing annoyance at his horrifying roommate, he was hungry and wanted an edible meal, preferably not charred. Therefore, he reluctantly began moving down the hallway to the kitchen, aware that his legs seemed a tad more unsteady than he remembered. He cursed mentally, and realized that seemed to have become a recurring pattern today.

-- -- -- --

Kazahaya sat impatiently in his chair, elbows up on the table with his hands clasped in front of him with his chin resting atop. He wasn't sure if he was impatient because he was truly hungry and eager to start dinner or anxious with the thought of his co-worker coming out of the bathroom any moment now to begin the meal. So far, this third Tuesday of the month was the worst one he'd ever been forced to endure -- or the best. He wasn't sure which. That thought unnerved him as well. Because by all logical counts, it should rank pretty damn high up on 'days to be expunged from history for ever', while at the same time an annoying voice in his head hoped the day wouldn't end anytime soon.

Who the hell's voice was that anyway? Certainly couldn't be Kazahaya's. Maybe it was Kakei using some weird warped mind trick on him. Or Saiga. He still wasn't sure what that man was capable of and it was obvious he had some power of some kind, otherwise he wouldn't be hanging out with Kakei. Maybe it was Rikuo. Maybe he'd finally found some purely sinister way to poison Kazahaya's mind as the ultimate show of torture. What the hell had possessed Rikuo to…to… kiss him like that though? Although Kazahaya was aware he was not as well informed about the finer points of physical relationships as perhaps some people, he did know full well that kisses like that were not meant for strictly friendly purposes.

Possession! That was it! Rikuo was possessed. He had to be. Kakei probably set some weird deal up with a client and just chose not to inform either of his employees. He'd have to make a point of collecting pay and a bonus for being harassed like that by a possessed Rikuo. It was quite a sobering feeling when Kazahaya realized that possession was his expertise and not Rikuo's. Plus, he was fairly certain that he and some lost soul were not sharing the same vessel at the moment. Damn.

So wrapped up in his contemplation, he didn't notice when the sound of running water stopped. Or a few minutes later when the door down the hallway had opened. He did notice however when suddenly his roommate seemed to appear directly across from him with dark eyes starring at him intently. Really though, he had just been oblivious to him walking in the room and dragging the chair out to take a seat. "Gah! Where'd you come from?"

Rikuo only needed to point at his still wet hair for Kazahaya to remember what a foolish question that was. Instead of making a snide remark of some sort, Kazahaya merely sighed and handed a bowl of rice to the young man across from him along with the meat that had been prepared for dinner. And thus began the 45 minute meal of silence with Kazahaya gazing intently at his bowl as if it held the secrets to the universe in its white grainy depths. Rikuo on the other hand divided his attention evenly between his plate of food and glancing at the rather forlorn looking young man across from him.

The shower had not only been nice but a needed retreat to think as well. Rikuo spent a majority of it standing under the water and scolding himself for his behavior. Gently teasing the smaller young man was one thing; making out with him was downright wrong and unnecessary. What on earth had possessed him to do such a thing? He might have entertained the thought in the back of his mind a few times but he never thought he'd actually act on such an impulse. Except the blushing man had been tempting; just as he had been so many times before. And when he had revealed the intriguing item that had been hidden behind his back, Rikuo had trouble keeping out thoughts of Kazahaya and himself involved together in much more 'adult ways' than they had ever been in the past. Sure they may have kissed a few times, , held hands, or even exchanged tender hugs, those were all in the line of duty and strictly associated with their work. Never had they incorporated physical contact in their confusing relationship that teetered between reluctant friends and annoyed acquaintances. Rikuo had spent a considerable amount of time in the shower and not once during that time did his thoughts stray away from his psychic teammate. When he had shut off the water, and dried himself off with a towel, he realized he still held no real solution to the problem.

What was the problem again exactly? Oh right, Kazahaya more or less hated him and despite a brief, clumsy, and spontaneous moment of 'passion', he was sure the caramel haired boy would not be willing to have a repeat performance. Furthermore, he was unsure if he even wanted a repeat performance. Admitting he wanted to have Kazahaya pressed up against a wall, on the kitchen table, in Rikuo's bed, etc., were all scenarios that ventured into dangerous territory. It meant admitting that Kazahaya was more than just a co-worker, a partner, and a roommate to Rikuo. Hell, it meant admitting that he was even more than just a simple friend. But then again…who was to say he wasn't?

Dark jade eyes steeled their gaze as Rikuo made a decision. It was time to abandon false pretenses and take a step towards a realm he had been interested in exploring for a very long time. He scooted his chair back and began clearing his dishes, done with his meal. Kazahaya still scrutinized his rice bowl, despite most of the contents having been consumed, and refused to meet Rikuo's gaze. Even when the other boy spoke, his eyes did not rise in acknowledgment. "Yo."

"Yea?" Kazahaya replied quietly. Suddenly, a hand swept down and cleared away his plate and glass. "Go take a shower. I'll clean up." This caused Kazahaya to look up towards Rikuo, surprised at the generous offer. Not only did he start dinner but he was willing to clean up now too? This must be a record setting day for the broody teen to be so generous. Kami knew he certainly wasn't most of the time. Not wanting to question Rikuo's generosity or motives for fear of the kind offer being retracted, Kazahaya slowly stood up from his seat. He moved towards the doorway when a hand closed around his shoulder, slowly spinning him around. Nervous gold eyes finally were forced to meet the steady dark green. "W-what?" Kazahaya was petrified with the momentary thought that perhaps Rikuo was going to try and kiss him again. But that'd be silly, right? Wouldn't it?

"You need to give me this," Rikuo moved closer into Kazahaya's body space, causing him to go rigid in trepidation. He was going to kiss him! Even worse, he was demanding that Kazahaya kiss him! He wasn't sure whether to be furious with such a demand or to swoon and fall into Rikuo's arms. Wait…when was swooning ever part of the damn equation? Kazahaya mentally berated himself and insisted there would be no 'swoon' involved during any interactions with Rikuo. The idea was just preposterous.

Rikuo leaned forward slightly, and Kazahaya prepared himself for the ki-

for the bowl to be taken away from him?

He blushed profusely when he realized he had mistakenly left the table with the rice bowl still clutched in his hands and Rikuo had merely stopped him so he could wash it. They both held the bowl now and he was briefly reminded of the incident in the front entryway just a short while before. The memory was rekindled further when he felt Rikuo's long warm fingers brush his own and over the back of his hand. He realized then that the touch, although brief, had been completely unnecessary and Rikuo was not one who made unnecessary movements. Additionally, Rikuo's other hand was still resting casually on his shoulder, the fingers lightly digging into the soft flesh of his shoulder blade. The feeling sent a small electrical charge through him. "Give me this. And go take your shower," Rikuo repeated, waiting for Kazahaya to release the small black ceramic bowl.

"Oh right." Giving a small nervous laugh, he let the bowl go. Rikuo looked at him a moment longer before turning towards the sink and turned on the water to begin washing dishes. Kazahaya quickly scrambled out of the room, heading for the bathroom. All he wanted at this point was a shower. A cold shower, a hot shower, he really didn't care. He just wanted a locked door between him and the newly confusing specimen of Rikuo. Hopefully, he could wash himself of any possible souls possessing him or lingering spiritual energies he must have picked up from something he touched. Honestly, this was the most confusing third Tuesday of the month he'd ever had the misfortune of having to live through. He just hoped he could make it to bed and go to sleep tonight without going crazy.

-- -- -- --

December 2006

Consider this a Christmas Present. Although I didn't receive a lot of reviews, the ones I did were great, and in addition to that I got close to 200 hits. I'll take that as a good sign. Though, I would appreciate more reviews.

-Crystal Delphina