-Reiji's POV-

Reiji decided he was wrong after all. Something strange was going on. For one thing, the new arrival's behavior toward each other on their way to the hotel was a dead giveaway. He had expected a certain seating arrangement upon the quartet entering the spacious confines of the limo. Naoya's choice of sitting right beside him was a given, but having the other two do likewise with each other opposite of them was a different story. Considering the professional relationship that the two were in, Kuroda Imai practically snuggling right up to his friend spoke volumes of another relationship entirely.

That slender frame continuously brushed up against his friend most familiarly. A hand on the thigh there and a leg brushing up against each other here, oh there was definitely something between the two alright. He hadn't expected his earlier conjecture regarding the brat to be true. It was a shock indeed, the last time the B&B owner heard about the two, they were living out their happily-ever-after in England. In truth, Reiji didn't know what to make of this new development.

As the other two couple conversed with each other, Reiji caught a glimpse of Naoya from his peripheral vision and had to do a double take. He turned his full attention towards his young lover and smirked at the expression on Naoya's face.

With his hands fisted tightly atop his thighs and his body stiffening with every familiar gesture the other couple made, the scowl on Naoya's sweet face became prominently more visible as he fixated his eyes on the couple. Somehow this display from his young lover seem very endearing to Reiji. He knew that Naoya considers the brat a close friend. They were only a year apart after all and both had to deal with a gay relationship with a much older lover. If Naoya is reacting this way, Reiji briefly wondered how the whole situation had turned out with the brat.

The boy genuinely did learn to care and eventually love his friend as Takamiya loved the boy. It was unfortunate that Takamiya's feelings could change so easily. Reiji really thought that his friend had found his 'most precious' someone and the two would last. Suddenly he felt sorry for the little brat.

Kashima greeted the quartet upon they're arrival to the hotel that currently serves as Reiji's and Naoya's residence for the past months. Reiji had to hand it to his personal assistant and confidant for his professional discretion though. The man hadn't even batted an eye as he was introduced to Takamiya's change in companion and led the way to their accommodations for the next two weeks.

"Both of your luggage had yet to arrive from the shuttle service, I'll have a bell boy send it up as soon as it does," supplied Kashima politely.

"Oh we wouldn't want to inconvenience you, Kashima-san," Kuroda Imai worried prettily.

"It is my pleasure, I assure you," replied Kashima matter-of-factly.

As the two continue to make polite small talk, Naoya suddenly pulled Reiji to the side while Takamiya continue to follow a few steps behind the other two.

Reiji raised a quizzical brow at his young lover. He hadn't needed to wait long for his answer.

With a disgusted look on his face, Naoya's thin pressed lips opened to fume in a quiet whisper, "I'm sorry Aoe-san, but I've had enough. I'm heading back to our room."

Reiji nodded in understanding and gently informed his young love, "I'll pick you up for dinner at six."

"Do I really have to attend, Aoe-san?" grimaced Naoya with a slight pout.

Naoya's slightly protruding lower lip caught Reiji's attention. Other thoughts on what he wanted to do to those lips ran through his mind but he settled for a chaste kiss on Naoya's lips instead, before he reminded simply, "don't be late."

Crestfallen, Naoya turned and headed back towards the elevator. Reiji watched him leave with a shake of his head.

Kashima stopped behind two large wooden, polished double doors. He reached inside his left breast pocket and pulled out a room key. He handed it over to Kuroda Imai who then swiped the card swiftly across the electronic key reader above the handle. The doors clicked and it swung open slowly.

"Oh my," gasped the assistant editor upon entering the room.

Oh, Reiji almost forgot about that. The accommodations was nice indeed, Takamiya had specifically requested the executive suite to be furnished in a romantic getaway setting. He discretely pulled the translator aside as Kuroda Imai roamed around the room and praised the lavish accommodations. But before Reiji could voice his question to his friend, Kuroda Imai let out a loud yawn behind slender fingers and apologized with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry. The jet lag must be affecting me more than I realize, despite my own excitement. Takamiya-san, I believe I shall rest a bit before our dinner meeting tonight. Thank you once again for inviting sensei and I, Aoe-san. I look forward to hearing more stories regarding sensei from you. Kashima-san, thank you once again for all your efforts in making our stay a welcoming one. If you will please excuse me," said Kuroda Imai politely as he bowed to each one respectively.

The trio mentioned, quickly bows in return then gaped after the assistant editor as he glided toward the bedroom doors and close it behind him. Reiji smirked inwardly to himself. Kuroda Imai certainly has a way with words and body gesture. He would make a good host, the B&B owner side of him thought. Reiji actually found it amusing for once, rather than disgusted with that thought.

Well then, now that he has Takamiya to himself, Reiji intended to pry some answers from his friend. He flashed Kashima a knowing look and the man left discretely out the doors. Reiji immediately turned back towards his friend and quipped dryly, "Need a drink?"

Takamiya's reply was rather quick in coming, "Yes, please."

Reiji smirked at the man's response as he led Takamiya out the doors and towards the elevator.

The skylight bar at the top of the hotel had relatively few patrons lounging around for a few drinks. The night was still young after all. So it was an ideal place for their chat. Unfortunately, Takamiya was not cooperating however. A glass of red wine and two shots of whiskey later, Takamiya have yet to enlighten him on the missing brat, the new assistant, and his friend's consequent odd behavior. A vein became visibly clearer on Reiji's temple as his patience diminished exponentially. Then all of a sudden, his friend's polite face began to crumble as he bodily collapsed on top of the bar and banged his head not so gently against the counter.

The Blue Boy's owner hadn't expected that. His eyes widen in alarm before he realized the time has come for his friend to finally spill the beans. Inwardly smirking at his friend's display, Reiji took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips as he readied himself for a long counseling session.

Soon after he lit the stick, Reiji heard his friend mumbled, "I've lost him."