. . . Duuuude! BD
Title: Earth Story, pt. III
Pairings: mainly Yuda/Shin here (heeheehee), Goh/Saki, Mentions of SURPRISE/Shin
Warnings: AU, Human-universe, BoyxBoy, Overly dramatic summary, My random humour, VERY plotless chapter ahead of ye, Zeh alcohol, Horribly, horribly unbetaed . . . Same old, same old :3
Summary of 'Earth Story' thus far: Yuda, young yet high-ranking soldier, is seeking solitude from his own government's cruel ways in a small, foreign city named Antenora. His childhood friend Luca, Air Pilot, has told him of this city. Now Luca has joined him in Antenora, after struggling with his superiors for months, and he and a local chef, Rei, have confessed their feelings for each other. Yuda finds himself longing for the chef's friend, a young librarian; and as he moves into foreign territories of the ancient city, he must come to face foreign depths in himself and what he's capable of. . .
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A/N: Hey guys! Remember this? Remember me?
Sooooo sorry about the lack of update D: Real Life distracted me :3 . . . I've been busy: work and education-ish stuff, friends and family. . . Needless to say that when I actually had a little time off, I got lazy - Like REALLY lazy, lazy - as soon as I got home from work or whatever I was like bleeeeeeh. . . *snore* And then, when finally inspired to write, I went and got all excited in an all different fandom x3 SORRY! I promise that I am not abandoning this!
Anyhoo, this chapter is dedicated to ecl1ps3 for making me go 'SQUEEEEEE' for an hour and a half (approximately)! She sent me a gorgeous picture of our favourite Seme-angels in soldier-uniforms *drool* It's made of 100 percent WIN . . . Thank you, girl! (for the piccy and for boosting my Ego :3 . . . )
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Please Read and leave a Review – Anonymous Reviews are finally enabled, as well! I'm technically challenged, so it took a while to figure out how. . . D'oh!
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Proceed, my friends, Antenora awaits you . . . *Palm. Meet face.*
It was a warm, pleasant late-afternoon, Yuda mused. The vague rhythms of music flowed from the bars on the streets and the cicadas sang lazily, the sounds connected and caused an ever-flowing stream of dizzying melodies. Antenora's passionate, sensual side came to life at night.
The red-haired soldier gazed shortly at the blue-haired man walking at his left; his white shirt's sleeves had been folded up, showing the pale skin of his forearms. He had apparently cut his finger on a page in a book recently; he wore a band-aid. It had a sunflower-pattern on it.
Shin was approximately a head shorter than him, Yuda guessed. If they ever were to kiss he would either have to bend down a little or Shin would have to stand on his toes to reach. Or both.
Nice mental image, really. . .
"Rei told me the most . . . fascinating thing," Shin suddenly said, soft smile playing on his lips.
"Oh?"
"Yes. Something about you giving him a 'pep-talk' of sorts? And Rei himself attacking Luca?"
Yuda couldn't suppress the laughter building and bubbling from deep within his chest. It came out joyous and mildly triumphant; blessedly free of previous worries and fears.
"It's true," his eyes smiled at Shin's. ". . . Though I never specifically told him to throw himself onto Luca, exhausted from travelling. And in public even."
"I wish I could have seen it," Shin chuckled. "Rei rarely does something that spontaneous! All though, in the presence of Luca, there is nothing I think him incapable of."
Yuda grinned and nodded in agreement.
"And, again, thank you for taking me out- I mean, for letting them have a chance of re-acquainting themselves, alone."
"You're quite welcome, Yuda. Remember how we met in my Book-Store? You admitted that you were worried about getting in their way."
"I remember. Although, our first real meeting was at the bistro. . . You were defending Rei," the red-haired male studied the mild flush on the other's cheeks. "You're very perceptive and protective of your friends, aren't you?"
". . . Am I that transparent?" Shin looked slightly startled, golden eyes wide. "I-I mean, you're right, I guess."
"I don't think you're transparent, Shin," Yuda spoke carefully, not wanting to overwhelm the younger. "I merely paid close attention to you. You're difficult not to notice."
"Mmm. . . Rei tells me that I am too invisible, at times."
"You're not. He's wrong."
"Let's please not discuss Rei, Yuda," came the soft request, aqua-coloured hair shining in the bright colours of the setting sun.
Yuda was silent for a moment, until, unable to conceal his next statement, he spoke fondly:
"You really are very protective of the people you love, Shin. I admire that quality in people."
Shin guided Yuda further away from the centre of the city, away from the Rambla, away from the noises of people getting in the mood for partying and socializing. The music faded.
"Thank you," the librarian smiled gently, fingers opening the top button of his clean, white shirt, exposing an inch of pale, smooth skin. "And I suppose I am acting this way because of how my friends and family always acted around me, since childhood. My brother, Goh, always took good care of me. I never feel afraid when he's near."
Yuda felt a vague pang of envy at that, but it faded with the brilliant smile Shin sent at him.
My God, my creator, whom I don't believe in, this man is beautiful. . .
"For me it's almost a religious experience, this trust between people. . . To let down one's guard, to feel perfectly at ease, to feel safe and loved around someone. It's beautiful. It's a beautiful and wonderful thing to share. . ."
Let me have this man. Please. Let me have him. . .
"Yuda?"
The soldier nodded quietly, hands burrowed in black denim pockets. He felt the other's searching eyes on his face.
"I don't believe in God or a 'Higher Being'. The Great Wars ruined those fantasies for me, unfortunately."
Shin put a hand on his shoulder, comforted him by his mere presence. The cicadas sang.
"If you . . . ever feel the need to talk, to get things off your heart, just come to me. When I'm off from work, when I'm busy with customers, it doesn't matter. I'll be ready to listen when and if you need me."
The red-head put a hand on Shin's, squeezed lightly.
"I'll hold you to that, my friend," Yuda smiled gratefully, turned to catch a full glimpse of the other's face, his cheek-bones, his calm eyes, his soft-looking lips. But Shin suddenly withdrew, taking a small step back, smiled at someone over Yuda's shoulder.
"I'm sorry I'm late, Goh."
Footsteps approached briskly.
"Who's he?"
"Manners, brother, manners. . ." Shin sighed but chuckled.
Yuda turned and faced the man the Bistro-owner, Jacob, had warned him about nearly a week ago, the ex-boxer, the 'so-called brother'. Goh.
He was nearly as tall as Yuda himself, a bit broader and more muscular. He wore dark, worn denim-pants, a tight, white t-shirt and a dark-brown leather-jacket. His brown, spiky hair framed a handsome, sculpted face and the most unusual-coloured eyes he had ever seen. One blue, one red. Eyes that studied Yuda in return, suspicion and curiosity clear in his scrutinizing glare.
"Brother, this is Yuda. He's a friend of mine."
"He's the foreigner you met?" the brunette asked bluntly, eyes still locked with Yuda's. "The one at the bistro, the one from the Book-Store? The one for whom Shiva practically threw himself at his feet?"
Well, he certainly was well-informed. . .
Shin flushed.
"Y-yes. Of course I'd go and tell you all that," he muttered a little regretfully, fidgeting with his sleeve, gazing shortly and nervously at the red-head. ". . . Oh, for pity's sake, Goh. Please. Be nice."
Goh 'hmph'ed shortly, but offered his rough hand to the red-haired male. Yuda shook it. He was surprised by the gentle feel of it, he realized. He had expected something unpleasant and perhaps callous, but the handshake was firm and warm if not a little hesitant.
"I'm Goh. I grew up in the old orphanage with Shin. We're like brothers, even if not by blood." The silent warning almost had Yuda redrawing his hand. 'I'm watching you' his words seemed to say.
"My name is Yuda. I'm. . . on leave for an undecided period of time, and my friend Luca told me about Antenora."
"Luca?" Goh's eyes lit up. "You're a friend of Luca's?"
"Yes. We go a long way back," Yuda was delighted by the growing warmth in the bi-coloured man's eyes. He seemed to like Luca. The again, who didn't? . ."You've met him, I suppose."
"Oh, yeah. Back when he first visited. Rei practically paraded him around the city, all love-struck and hopelessly devoted. . . I met him multiple times. Good man. Sensible and caring."
"He's back in town, you know," Shin remarked with a relieved smile, obviously happy about the change of moods. "He and Rei are. . . Well. . ."
Goh was silent for a moment, mentally putting two and two together. Then his face split in a grin followed by a snort of laughter. "Geez, why am I not surprised. . . Silly romantics. But I guess we're celebrating then, tonight?"
"If you don't mind?" Shin smirked back, twining his arms around the taller men's. "And Yuda's coming along," he added at his 'brother'. "He's currently staying at Rei's, until he finds a place of his own. But until he gets his own he'll have to settle for us; for tonight at least."
"Yeah, yeah, alright, I get it," Goh nodded mock-solemnly, eying Yuda with amusement. "Can't have you ruining Rei's fun."
"Goh, please don't start that."
"- Then, if you'll please, Yuda, come with me to Shin's and help me bully him into cleaning up in his books."
"Goh!"
They walked together towards Shin's apartment, chatting mildly and easily. But on their way they stopped by the old orphanage, ruined during the bombings years ago; watched it in silence. Yuda felt a pricking sensation behind his eyes. It hurt to swallow.
Ruins. Bricks, splintered doors, old, worm-eaten furniture . . . chaos in the worst kind of ways. Only one wall was still standing, its window cracked so that it looked like a spider's cobweb. A single, child-made drawing of a rainbow and a blue-black cow covered the otherwise bare grey bricks.
Shin seemed to sense his quiet distress and ushered them onwards, down the deserted street. A hungry-looking stray cat watched them go.
"As it is right now, we're still collecting the rest of the money to officially buy the land from the Mayor. . . All the construction-plans are nearly finished. Goh and I have been working almost 5 years now to complete the final drawings of the future 'Antenora Orphanage'."
"And we were slowed even further during the forth year since I, apparently, couldn't just up and build a public building without the proper education. . . But I graduated my class 6 months ago and finally we can get started!"
Yuda nodded a little numbly.
"Where. . . Where do the children stay?"
"In the beginning they had to live on the streets," Goh admitted, though he noticed Yuda's depression at his truthful words. "It's hard to accept, but that was how it was. Was, Yuda."
"Kind people took as many as possible in," Shin added softly, putting a comforting hand on the red-head's arm. "There are also temporary, communal orphanages which houses several children around the city. No one is starved or mistreated, we've made sure of that. . . But for us it's important to build this so we can unite the children, have some sort of adoption-system and scholar-system, as well."
"I have a pair of brothers staying at my place, actually," Goh suddenly said, eye-brow twitching. "Life's. . . quite interesting with those two."
Yuda felt more than heard Shin's chuckle.
"Kira and Maya are not as young as the other orphans we know. But they've wanted to be part of our work since we started. And so they decided it easier to simply stay with one of us, shorten the distance, assist in whatever ways they can."
". . . 'Little bastards are eating me out of my own house."
"Goh, of course, won't admit that he deep inside is very fond of them and will go through Heaven and Hell to protect them," Shin smiled innocently at Yuda, leading him towards a large, red apartment-building in a crowded neighbourhood.
"Hey!"
Shin put a key in the door, unlocked it and Yuda followed him up 'till the sixth floor, to a dark-wooden door with a copper-plate, the number '13' written on it.
"Before we enter," Shin started at Yuda, biting his lips subconsciously. "I'd just like to say: sorry about the mess."
"What me-" Yuda nearly asked, but stopped as Shin pushed the door open, pushing an invisible obstacle away from the door-way before entering and carefully stepping over a pile of books, then another, then a pile of work and/or Orphanage-related papers, then books again. . .
"That mess," Goh sighed as he passed the surprised red-head, taking off his leather-jacket and threw it in a random direction. "Shin, seriously, you need to get yourself a bigger place to live."
"I know, brother, I know. . ."
"Someplace spacious with room for book-shelves, closets, something."
"That takes money, Goh."
"HOW DO YOU JUSTIFY BUYING ALL THESE DAMNABLE BOOKS, THEN?" he roared, but Shin ignored him, turned to face the still unmoving soldier.
"I'm really sorry, Yuda. . . But I can guarantee you that it's only books and paper, nothing like old food or dirty clothes."
Yuda cautiously entered, looked around. It turned out that Shin's apartment was a lot smaller than Rei's. A kitchen, a bathroom, and a small living-area/bedroom. That was it. And every corner and shelf was filled to the brim with books.
Even if Yuda knew that one couldn't truly judge a person that one had only just met, he had still never expected the blue-haired librarian to live like this, in such untidy conditions. But still. . . As he watched his secret crush rush around, trying hurriedly to make room for his guests by putting all the book-piles into one giant book-pile in a far-away corner, Goh shaking his head in a sad manner meanwhile, like he was giving up on telling Shin what to do, Yuda realized that he actually really liked this place.
It was full of the things Shin loved: books, old photos of friends and orphan-children, memories. It was simply very Shin.
"You better not be lying about the old-food-statement, Shin," Goh mumbled, idly peeking under a small table. "It makes me think about rats. And that whole rodent-infestation-problem with the Orphanage is really putting me on edge. . ."
"Oh, that's right," Shin said, quickly sweeping a chair from random objects and . . . books, gestured at Yuda to take a seat in it. "How did that meeting with the 'Animal-expert' go?"
Goh shuddered lightly, shook his head.
"His name is Gai. He's from the outer countries and rather peculiar," he gazed shortly at Yuda. "- Not that all foreigners are. . ."
"Peculiar?"
"Well, yeah. . . He came by train. I was there to greet him, to show him the way to the Orphanage so that he could be the judge of the severity of the situation."
"And. . ?"
"He brought his cats along with him. All 17 of them."
Shin dropped the heavy-looking encyclopaedia he was carrying. Yuda coughed, hiding an inappropriate cuss-word he had spoken in his shock.
"S-seventeen?"
"Oh, yes. He has names for all of them, too."
"Wow. . ."
Goh let himself fall with a flop on Shin's bed, causing his head to hit a . . . book. He growled.
"My poor brother, you've been through a lot today," Shin sighed, but a snicker betrayed him. He was openly amused. "Let me get you a drink. Yuda, you want something?"
"How about some food before you get me drunk, you little devil," Goh rumbled before Yuda got a chance to answer, his face still buried in the pillows and cushions of Shin's bed.
"'Devil'? Me?"
"You hide it well, I'll admit, but I still sense evil in you," came the retort, made in a joke-like manner, but Yuda still noticed that Shin looked visibly startled for a second. "I'll have a glass after I've gotten something to eat."
"I thought that perhaps we could go visit Jacob's-"
"Absolutely not," Goh said, hand pointing accusingly at his 'brother'. "Let's for once, try some home-cooking and save a little money for ourselves, for yourself. Heaven knows you've earned it."
"You and I, Goh. Cooking?"
"We got your friend, too." Emphasis on the word 'friend'.
Shin looked pale.
"Yuda and I'll go search your kitchen for anything edible," Goh smirked, waving at Yuda, indication that he was to follow. "You stay here and make some room for us to eat. Perhaps a book-burning will be necessary. . ."
". . . Careful, brother. Suggestions like that could easily have me disown you."
Goh snickered as he and Yuda entered the small kitchen, the lights dim. The brunette opened the windows, letting the vague sounds of club-music and evening birds fill the room. He spent a moment staring out into the falling darkness of the night, hands on his hips. He inhaled deeply, finally turning around, faced the red-haired soldier.
"Right. Got much cooking-experience?"
"Not exactly," he admitted.
"That's okay, we'll make this work anyway," he sighed, looked at the small refrigerator as if it was dangerous. ". . . I guess we should get it over with, see if there's anything in there to be considered edible."
"Should I be worried?" a soft grin.
"Nah. Just. . . mentally prepare yourself for any surprises this kitchen may hold."
Yuda honestly didn't know whether Goh was joking or not. Nonetheless they walked the short distance to the fridge in unison, shared a look and a nod (in jest or in all seriousness?) and pulled it open.
No monsters, no stench, no horror-like foods rotting in decay. Not really a lot of things, really, the red-head mused. He started looking through the shelves.
"Oh," Yuda noticed something. "Shrimps."
". . . I have shrimps?" came the surprised question from the living-area.
"How about that. . . Gambas." (1)
"You don't know the content of your own refrigerator?" Yuda asked Shin as the youngest of the three entered the kitchen, wine-bottle in hands. He winched at the question.
"Well. . . Honestly, I rarely buy groceries or prepare meals at home. I never really grasped the fundamentals in cooking. I can toast bread, brew tea and coffee, warm pasta. . . But beyond that I'm unfortunate helpless."
"Try 'clueless'," Goh remarked dryly from below them, currently searching through a shelf of cheeses and vegetables. "It's a wonder you managed to live on your own for this long. . ."
"I have Rei," the librarian protested mildly, chuckling at the sceptic glare he received from his 'brother'. "And I've always enjoyed eating out."
"Perhaps that's the real reason for your lack of money, the reason that you can't move someplace bigger. . ."
"What are we cooking?" Yuda asked softly, accepting the various ingredients Goh passed at him from his crouched position by the refrigerator.
". . . Something Rei made once, something that tastes really good."
"With shrimp?"
". . . Sure. I honestly don't remember what meats he used-"
"Not chicken, definitely," Shin chimed, pouring water into a pot, added salt.
"- Not chicken, no. Shrimps will do. . . It was this 'spaghetti-dish' that really intrigued me. Oh, good, you have gorgonzola-cheese!"
"Spaghetti with blue cheese?" Yuda was sceptic, but hesitantly watched in curiosity as Goh moved through the room, warmed a small pot on the stove, and began adding butter and cream to the melting cheese.
"Hey, have some faith in us," the brunette grinned softly, smiling. "Rei taught us this, after all. . ."
Yuda nodded and was surprised with himself as he found the scent of the 'sauce' very appealing.
"The shrimps, Goh?"
"I got it. You two prepare a salad or something," Goh instructed, busying himself with the boiling spaghetti, the cheese-sauce, and the cleansed shell-fishes.
Shin smiled at Yuda, offered him a glass of red-wine and a seat by a small dining-table, barely big enough for the two of them. The red-haired male clinked his drink to Shin's gently, sipped and began cutting lettuce and leeks.
A domestic calm settled over the kitchen, the only sounds knives cutting through vegetables and the spluttering hisses from the stove, a delightful scent spreading in the room. Goh stirred the sauce, humming faintly, while Shin put the onions he had just prepared into a bowl between them. The red-head though for a short while, then decided to ask:
"Rei said that you like salads with vinegar?" Yuda spoke, eyeing the aqua-haired beauty across the table from him. Long strays of blue hair kept falling into his eyes.
Despite the fact that he looks sweet when he brushing it back behind his ears that has got to be annoying. . .
Shin gazed at him, surprised.
"I-I do, actually. Maybe we could add some?"
"I wouldn't mind," Yuda smiled,
"Okay," the younger smiled back. "Goh? Could you check if I got any vinegar? No, on the top shelf, behind the- Oh!"
"What happened?" Goh immediately demanded, abandoning the hissing pots and pans on the stove in favour of checking if Shin was in any mortal danger.
"You cut your finger?" Yuda asked, reaching over the small table, taking Shin's hands in his. Indeed, a small, harmless cut in the forefinger. Right next to the band-aided thumb. "You need to take better care of yourself. . ."
"It was an accident," Shin offered at the men hovering over him, overwhelmed by their proximity.
"Let me see," Goh ordered, pulling Shin out of the chair, into some better light. He looked grim. "It's bleeding, Shin. Let's wait a minute and if the finger turns black we'll know that your blood has been poisoned. . . Which vegetables were you cutting?"
". . . Cucumber?"
"Cucumber!" Goh looked absolutely mortified. Yuda stepped closer, swallowed a gentle chuckle at the display of utter hopelessness written on Shin's face and the panicked expression of the brunette.
"Forgive me, Goh," he started carefully. "But during my military-training I had multiple medicine- and first-aid-courses. . . Perhaps I should have a look?"
Goh stared, hesitated. The pots hissed and sputtered on the heated stove. Shin's free hand touched his shoulder.
"It's alright, Goh. I have a small first-aid kit in the bathroom. We'll fix this. . ."
Goh reluctantly released the shorter man's hand, let the red-head take it and lead the two of them out of the kitchen.
"It's okay, Goh, I promise," Shin called softly.
The brunette silently returned to the stove, spatula in hand. He kept all his senses alert so that he could react quickly if Shin cried for help. Or if the door remained locked for too long.
"I can see what you meant by being surrounded by very protective people," Yuda chuckled softly, while rinsing the quiet-mannered librarian's hand under the running tap. His companion was very quiet.
Are you shy about being alone with me?
"Does it hurt?"
Shin blinked at him, fingers twitching between the soldier's warm hands.
"N-no, it's nice. . . Just cold."
"Mmm," Yuda reached for the first-aid kit, pulled out a small bottle of disinfectant. He gently dabbed it onto the tiny wound, blew warm air onto it, dried it, and started over. The finger was slightly pink from all the attention. Likewise were the blue-haired male's cheeks.
Yuda relished in their short moment alone together, enjoyed the soft breathing-sounds from the other. It was calm, yet the butterflies in his stomach fluttered around, made him experience hectic sensations.
"You're quiet."
"Sorry," a gentle, if a little shay sigh. "I'm just embarrassed about getting hurt like that, I think."
"It happens often?" Yuda conversed, inspecting the cut.
"I tend to be a little bit clumsy- ah. . ."
Yuda winced inwardly, having accidently run his adoring, yet callous thumb over the tender flesh.
"Sorry."
"It's fine, really. Don't worry."
The sound of hissing pans had Yuda remembering that they probably soon had to make their re-appearances. Goh was most likely anxious and suspicious by now. . . Still, Yuda mused, it might be the only chance he got at making a delicate pass at Shin, indicate that he adored him, was attracted to him. He had the fresh and clean band-aid in his free hand, ready to wrap things up, literally.
But instead. . .
"I now it stings, Shin. But my mother once taught me a trick which ought to help…"
Gently, adoringly he pressed his lips to the wound, kissed the hurt away. He tasted no bitter tastes of blood or disinfectant, only clean skin, warm and soft. Shin gasped in surprise,
"Better?" Yuda smiled carefully, hopefully, not wanting to appear smug. He watched his crush's reaction while covering the cut with the small piece of cloth. Shin was quiet, cheeks warm and pink, but his lips curved into the faintest of smiles, almost unseen. Their eyes were locked. The room was quiet.
Ask him now. Remember your promise to Luca.
A voice, suddenly right outside the door, had them both jump.
"Is something wrong? You've taken a long time in there. Dinner's ready, I've set a table!"
Curses. . .
Well. . . To say that Goh had set a 'table' was a bit of an overstatement. He had arranged it so that they could dine in Shin's living-room/bedroom, since the kitchen was too small. One chair was positioned right by the bed, a coffee-table serving as their dining-table.
It was a little chaotic trying to fit all of their plates, their wine-glasses, and the pot with Spaghetti and shrimp onto the small surface of the table, and as Goh called the chair this time, back hurting from work-overload, Yuda and Shin sat insanely close on the bed and ate.
Yuda really, really liked it here.
"It didn't turn out that bad," Goh praised the salad and the rest of the foods. "But we'll never win a cooking-contest against Rei or Jacob."
"I think this is excellent," Yuda smiled.
"Yeah? What kinds of food do you have in your country? Surely you've had spaghetti before. . ."
Shin seemed very delighted in the soft interest Goh showed in the red-head, looking fondly from the one to the other.
They engaged in conversation about everything they could think of: the countries of their world and their cultures, favourite foods, movies and artists, Antenora's night-life (which Yuda learned could be rather hectic and exciting if one knew where to go), and a long indulgence about their youth in the Orphanage:
"I was transferred to Antenora and the Orphanage from another place because I was constantly causing trouble, getting in fights and pulling pranks on teachers, my co-students. Everybody, really. When I arrived in this quiet town I realized that my reputation had arrived long before me. Everybody kept their distance, for which I don't blame them, and in the beginning I thought that I would be fine like that."
"However, after two weeks' time, he was very miserable and lonely, and one night I found him crying in his bed. I sat by his side, asked him if I could read him a book of mine."
Goh didn't seem angry at all that Shin had revealed to the soldier that he had, in his childhood, been crying and comforted by the younger. He sighed in nostalgic bliss.
"I never let you have one minute alone ever since then, did I?"
Shin laughed and confirmed his question.
"It seems that the Orphanage holds a very special place in your hearts," Yuda smiled. "I can see why this project of yours is so important."
"It is important to us, and apparently Zeus agrees with us that our city will be richer with its revival. He's normally not the kind of man to let small, unimportant social figures buy up land and rebuild the past."
"Zeus?"
"Yup, 'Mayor Zeus – for the Future of a Glorious Antenora'. . . That was his campaign when he was elected Mayor for the first time, almost 10 years ago. Before that he was a local loan shark and land owner, a very powerful man. There is evidence that points at him still dealing in such underground activities up to this date."
"Goh, let's not. . ." Shin started weakly. "Not politics and conspiracy-assumptions now, please."
"Shin, if Yuda here is to live in Antenora he deserves to know a little about our past, our present and the possible threats to our future. My only advice to you, Yuda, is: watch out for the Mayor. He's a schemer, powerful, and the people he socializes with are nearly just as bad. I mean, take Pandora!"
Yuda was curious despite the pleading look in the blue-haired male's eyes to 'drop it, please'.
"The one with the Hotel?"
"Oooh, you do know a little of our world!" Goh smirked. "But that's him, alright, the one with the Hotel. . . He's a cross-dressing, manipulative mastermind, and a companion of sorts to the Mayor."
"How can one be a 'companion of sorts' to someone?"
"Well, honestly none of us know if they're lovers, friends, co-workers, enemies. . . The point is that they've been together for as long as time is," Shin explained miserably, voice pleading at them to change the subject. Yuda swallowed his curiosity and complied:
"How come you don't box any longer, Goh?"
"Heaven, how I miss boxing. . . I quit because Shin thought it to be too violent."
"It is a sport that encourages young men to fight each other, fist to fist. Most people with common sense would consider that violent."
"It kept me in perfect form, mentally and physically," Goh huffed, taking a large sip from his glass.
A sudden, soft smirk played on the librarian's lips. Lips red from red-wine.
"You're saying that you're out of shape?"
"Shin! Behave, you. . . Jacob's definitely been a bad influence on you, cheeky devil. Go to Rei's, at least, when you're eating out; I'll accept nothing else!"
Yuda hid his smile by filling his mouth with spaghetti. Goh scowled mildly at both of them.
". . . And as if I'd ever get out of shape. . . I'm the lead-construction worker out there, spend my freakin' day carrying around tools and wood. . ."
"How's your back now?"
"Mmm, it's been better," truthfully spoken. Yuda frowned and Shin poured some more blood-red liquid into the brunette's glass.
"You know how I don't like you straining your body," the blue-haired man mumbled while letting the remains of the bottle dribble into the red-head's.
"I know, I know. . . Tsk, at least all I get from you is a few disapproving words. I fear that Saki will give me an earful, again. . . Tell me to abandon our project."
"Are things still. . . tense between the two of you?" The wine had obviously loosened their tongues a bit. Yuda doubted that they'd discuss something like this with him in the room were they a tad more sober.
Yuda himself felt a pleasant buzz in his mind; his body relaxed and sated. Shin's bed was soft, inviting and he would like nothing more than to put his arms around the other, pull him against his chest, fall back in the sheets and, for the lack of a more mature and fitting word: snuggle.
Goh groaned, bringing Yuda back to reality.
"It all depends on the weather, the positions of the stars and planets, I think," he finished his third refill. "I never know which 'Saki' I'm waking up to, anymore. . . All my past partners, I swear, have been crazy!"
"You've had many?" Yuda asked before he could stop himself. Goh chuckled, not offended.
"I wouldn't say 'many', but I've had my share of lovers in my life. All of them more or less insane as it seems that I attract those types like bees to honey. I mean, today with Gai? The 'cat-boy'?"
"Seventeen. . ." Shin mused to himself, still awed at the mere thought of it.
"Did he also appear attracted to you?" the red-head blurted, again without thinking properly, immediately regretting it.
How much did I have?
Goh seemed surprised by the question, silent, thoughtful. Hesitant. Shin caught on quickly, face impressively neutral.
"Did he, brother?"
"I. . . No, I don't think-, I mean-" Goh shook his head, clearly trying to deny something his mind had already proven. "No. He, urr, was more interested in the stray cats' living conditions than in my personal-life. He asked for my private number, but only so that he could keep me updated on the rat-issue. And on his house-hunt, asked of me to give him a little piece of advice or two in finding a place to stay."
"He's moving to Antenora?"
". . .Yes," Goh confirmed, seeming uneasy and fidgety. "But only until he finds a permanent solution for better life-conditions for the animals living on the streets! Not so that he could keep in touch with me."
"But he asked for your address, your number? And asked you to help him move into the city, probably show him around, too?"
Yuda put his empty wine-glass on the table, crossed his arms.
"I apologize, Goh, but it does sound like he'll want to get to know you better."
". . ." Goh hung his head in defeat, sighed tiredly. "What is it with crazy men and me? Why me? What do I do?"
"You can choose to befriend him, or you can choose not to, Goh," Shin smiled gently, comfortingly. "It should always be your decision how far you want to take your relationships, without letting others getting in the way of your happiness, even if you believe yourself selfless that way. It never truly works out like that."
Shin gathered their plates, the pots and their empty glasses.
"If this Gai really is a little infatuated with you, which we can only assume, not really know, yet, then you can choose to tell him that you're with Saki, or that you don't return the feelings. Decisions like that should be respected by the pursuer."
"And yet the pursuers sometimes decide not to, isn't that right, Shin?" Goh mumbled darkly, the question sending uncomfortable shivers down the red-head's spine. Shin looked utterly shocked for a second; but then, for the first time, Yuda saw what an angry Shin looked like.
"How dare you bring that up? How dare you throw that in my face, now, where I've finally tried to put it behind me?"
Goh seemed to understand the severity of what he had just said, whatever it meant, and his shame and guilt made his superior height look childishly shorter than his 'brother' as he flew up from his seat, arms reaching for the hurt librarian in desperation, in apology.
"Shin, I'm sorry, I don't know why I said that and I'm so ashamed with myself," he took the blue-haired man in his arms, Shin was unresisting. "- I let my emotions and the alcohol speak for me, and I apologize. It was way out of line, very unjust of me. . . I'm so sorry, Shin, I'm so sorry."
Yuda sat awkwardly and watched the tall brunette embrace his currently passive crush, mumbling apologies in his ear. A moment passed like that.
"Perhaps. . . I should take my leave," the red-head spoke softly, getting up from his position on the bed. The blue-haired male pulled out of Goh's arms.
"Perhaps Goh will be a gentleman and show you the fastest way to the Rambla, so that you'll walk the safe road home to Rei."
The brunette nodded, swallowed mutedly.
"Are we okay. . ?"
"Yes, yes, we're okay, my brother," Shin sighed, meanwhile Goh visibly relaxed. "And I'll see you tomorrow for the final 'go-through' of the construction-plans. You're paying for lunch, though."
"Of course, Shin, of course," Goh turned to face Yuda. "Perhaps I can figure something out for you soon, as well."
"Pardon?"
"An apartment or something. I have connections around the city, I can most definitely find you a place to live."
"Oh!" Yuda was surprised. Shin smiled faintly at both of them, deciding not to shoo them out of his home without proving to them that he felt better, his mood lighter. "I. . . Thank you, I would be very grateful."
"That's very honourable of you," Shin praised.
Goh nodded, happy about the change of mood, but still understanding of the silent request to leave for the night.
"It's nothing. It's the right thing to do," he hesitated for a moment "You seem like a sincerely noble, caring person. Antenora needs more men like you. . . It's no mystery why my brother would like-"
"Goh."
"Sorry, sorry. Maybe we should go, Yuda. . ." 'Before I get in anymore trouble was added in silence'.
Yuda put an arm around Shin's shoulder, embraced him shortly. The red-head felt it against his neck as Shin's face heated at the contact.
"Thank you for tonight, I needed this."
"Y-you're always welcome, I told you that. . ."
"Oi, oi, come on, let's get going!"
Yuda and Goh descended the stairs and stepped out on the streets, the door locking itself behind them. Shin opened a window in his living-room, leaned out and smiled softly at them, the dimmed lights of his apartment making his hair shine like a halo, his body surrounded by an aura of mystique.
The red-head waved wistfully before turning his attention back on the road through the quiet neighbourhood, the long road back. Goh kept glancing at him, obviously struggling with wanting to say something.
"Again, Goh, I'm thankful that I could spend the night with you instead of sitting awkwardly at a table at Rei's, watching him and my child-hood friend stare longingly at each other."
"Eh? It's, ah, not a problem. If anything I actually had a good time; like I said: you're a good person. . . And I'm sorry you had to witness my drunken blunder, my collision with Shin's past."
"Would it. . . Would you mind me asking why you call each other 'brothers'? I mean, I understand that you are close, that you grew up together and shared a lot of different experiences, but that makes you more 'child-hood friends' like me and Luca, doesn't it?"
The brunette stopped walking, hugged his leather-jacket closer to his chest. He gazed shortly over his shoulder.
"The story behind our 'brotherhood' and our recent argument are connected, I'll admit as much. . . Can I trust you with this story?"
Yuda was taken aback.
You're gonna tell me? Just like that?
"Of course you can; unless you're going to tell me something about a burried body somewhere."
"Nothing of that sort, no worries," a serious face. "But some underground boxing took place, against some of the Elites of Antenora."
"Boxing? How did you earn your title as Shin's brother by boxing?"
". . . You promise not to go and tell everybody you just happen to meet? It's something between a very few, trusted people."
"Yes, I promise."
Goh sighed heavily, looking at the moonlight reflecting in the dusty pavement.
"I happened years ago, 4 years to be exact. Shin and I were having trouble getting legitimate permission to buy the ruined Orphanage, buy the land. We spent months trying to get an appointment with the Mayor since we figured it would speed up things if we told him how rebuilding the Orphanage would put Antenora and himself in a good light."
"Did you get to speak to him?"
"No. Heaven knows we tried, but no. It was utterly hopeless for the likes of us, ordinary people, orphans, to get a chance at having a meeting with him. . . But Shin got an idea. A bad idea."
"What was it?"
"Not 'what was it', more like 'who was it'. . . He suggested that contacting Zeus' most confided and influential secretary. A man named Gabriel," Goh's knuckles clenched involuntary. "He's a handsome, smart man from a rich family, single child, always gets what he wants. And if he doesn't get it freely, he'll put every sneaky, manipulative, cruel trick he knows into getting it."
With an uneasy growl building in his throat, Yuda spoke what he had seen coming:
"He wanted Shin, didn't he?"
"Oh yes. All of a sudden, during a meeting of ours, he begins hinting at a lone dinner-meeting between him and Shin, speaking of 'business' and 'co-worker etiquette'. . . Don't get me wrong, he seemed very smooth and gentleman-like about it; but everyone knows of his love-life, his trophy-men. . . That man can't fall in love, won't fall in love. It's a game for him: seducing and having countless admirers, leaving people broken-hearted after he's been sated. Shin never wanted to experience such an ordeal and so he declined politely, subtly changed the subject to issues about sanitary conditions. . . How he does that I'll never understand."
"But the boxing?"
"Oh, right. Well, you see, Gabriel didn't give up. He began seeking him out outside meeting-arrangements, when Shin was working. I know for certain that he more than once showed up at Shin current apartment, demanded to be let in."
"He stalked him? That's not very. . . elegant or smooth as you described Gabriel as."
"No, I guess not. But Shin told me something that makes sense. Shin had, in Gabriel's mind, become 'the one that got away'. . . And he'd be damned if he let that happen! Shin slept at Rei's or at my place, good enough of an actor to make it seem like it didn't scare him to death. But he had nightmares, you know? I couldn't stand to watch him live like that!"
Goh quieted down as a pair of drunken women passed them giggling, unaware of how their dresses were stained from all the drinks they had consumed, how their stiletto heels were sinking into puddles of water, emerging covered in mud and dirt.
". . . I had had enough, as I said. I sought Gabriel out, swore on the graves of my unknown parents that if he didn't leave Shin alone I would kill him. I was desperate myself, causing quite a scene. Gabriel refused to raise his voice, he just told me that it was only something that concerned Shin and him. Eventually I decided to challenge him to a duel of fists and the winner would get to decide how things went from there. . . He underestimated me, agreed. . . and lost. I never fought as whole-heartedly as I did that night."
"You fought for his honour?" Yuda couldn't help but smile a little at the thought.
"That's what everybody's kept saying ever since, the people that know of the episode. They all thought it a very brother-ish thing to do and so we were dubbed 'brothers'. . . People like Jacob, Kira or Maya, who don't know the full story, merely decided to copy others, found it fitting. . . Shin found it endearing, or so he told me. . . I was honoured, considered myself blessed, that he would call me that."
Goh gestured at Yuda to follow him. They continued on their way onwards on the Rambla, the street buzzing with night-life music.
"I, as the winner, decided that Gabriel would have to travel away for a period of time, without contacting my brother. Ever the 'honourable' man he is he complied, went on a business-trip the week after, been gone ever since."
"I'm glad," the red-haired soldier said, thinking of the rage in the librarian's eyes at what Goh had accidently said. "He deserves to be happy."
Goh studied him out of the corner of his eyes, silent.
"He does. . ."
Yuda noticed a familiar-looking bistro, heard Jacob's merry and booming laughter, the sound of clinking glasses loud in the dark Plaza. Goh smiled softly, stretched his aching back carefully.
"Yeah, you probably know your way home from here, don't you? I live further down the road so we'll separate our ways here."
They shook hands, this time Goh's grip on his hand felt firm, friendly and fond.
"It has been a pleasure, Yuda. I'd be delighted if you decided to stay for a long time. And I'll hurry up with finding a place for you to stay, but let's meet again beforehand, talk about where you'd like to live. . . Midtown, mountainside, near the forests, ocean-view-"
"Ocean-view would be spectacular. . ."
"Yeah? I'll look into that! Take care, tell Rei and Luca that I said 'Hi' and 'Congratulations'."
"I will, Goh. Get home safe."
Goh waved and walked off. Yuda remained were he was; not because he was lost, but because his head was spinning with everything that had happened that day.
Luca and Rei. . . Yuda wouldn't be surprised if he walked home now only to walk in on them kissing; or something else. . . And that was alright, fine really. Excellent, actually.
It felt right.
Everything about Antenora felt right: its people, its night-time music, its drunken citizens' chatter and good spirit. Luca and Rei were in love, the Orphanage was finally being rebuild, Gabriel, whom Shin had been stalked by, had been evicted by Goh.
. . . But it didn't feel right to have abandoned Shin home alone, after an evening of companion-ship, food and wine, and not knowing when he would see him again, not knowing if Shin was okay with seeing him again in the way Yuda wanted to see him.
His promise to Luca, was it too late?
An elderly, staggering man was crossing the Plaza, perhaps heading for the Bistro.
"Excuse me, what time is it?"
"H-hunh, a q-quarter to midnight or som'thin'. . ." the old man slurred before he stumbled onwards, spilling most of his bottle's content all over his jacket.
That's good enough for me. . . I still have time.
Yuda turned on his heels and ran. He left behind the Plaza, Jacob's, the short distance to Rei's apartment. He knew that he could find it again, he had memorized the road during his walk with Goh. And after he had asked Shin that one important question he would return, hopefully not upsetting Rei with his late return. . .
Shin's street was still deserted and dark, but Yuda sensed people behind the drapes of the windows. He pulled the door. Locked, of courses. Yuda cursed silently, stepping back to look up at Shin's window. It was closed, but he spotted the dim lights of the bathroom somewhere inside. The blue-haired man was still up.
"Shin!" he called loudly, taking another step backwards, tried to catch a glimpse of movement from inside. He didn't care if the neighbours could hear him.
"SHIN!"
He waited another moment, and just as he was about to yell again, the lights were turned on in the living-area, the window was opened and Shin poked his head out.
He looked startled and fragile, wearing nothing but a light-blue kimono, clutching it together around his slender chest with a hand. He wasn't wearing his glasses.
"Yuda?" timidly spoken, head tilted so that his wet, aqua-coloured hair fell into his eyes. Yuda was speechless.
Let me have this man, please. . . I'll do anything.
"Yuda? What's the matter?" he sounded concerned, a little afraid.
"You left me waiting for almost a minute, Shin." Yuda called, relieved that he was given this chance of talking to him again, alone. . . If one didn't count all the neighbours, suspiciously quiet in their homes.
". . . ." Shin seemed confused, amused and startled; all at once. He gave a short laugh, eyes bright in his own relief that nothing serious had happened, curios to know what the soldier wanted now, ". . . I, uh, please forgive me. I was in the shower."
"I forgive you," the soldier smiled, feeling the rare sensation of butterflies fluttering around his stomach. He hadn't experienced something quite like that in decades. But was it too soon? Would Shin we scared off? No. It had to be now.
"Shin? Will you do me the great honour of going out on a date with me?"
Silence. Shin gave a short laugh, disbelieving, stopped abruptly. He then blushed fiercely, kimono nearly dropping in his shock. Yuda didn't have the ability to read all of the billion emotions flashing in those amber, golden eyes.
". . . Y-Yuda, the neighbours. . !"
"I won't leave until you give me an answer, Shin. One date, that's all I'm asking you for. I will never hold it against you if you decide to say 'no', I will honour your wishes, your boundaries. . . Even if it will break my heart to have you decline."
The neighbours had obviously been spying behind the drapes because now windows were opening at random around them. Some, without much discretion, had begun to peek out at them in curiosity and excitement.
". . . Yuda."
". . . Please?" Yuda tried gently, conveying all his affection and admiration into his slowly spoken words. "- This soldier has wanted to ask you out since he met you. Don't crush his dreams…"
Shin couldn't suppress a little chuckle at that, a delighted and shy happiness slipping into his eyes, onto his face. Yuda smiled back.
The nosy neighbours couldn't contain themselves for a second longer:
"Just say 'Yes' so we can get some sleep, already!"
"Yeah, Shin, come on!"
"You absolutely have to agree, Shin! He's drop-dead gorgeous. . !"
"Oh, I can't wait to tell my friends about this tomorrow! It's so romantic!"
Yuda laughed as the modest librarian's cheeks turned impossibly redder, his eyes darting around on the spectators. His eyes found Yuda's again. He nodded.
"Was that- w-was that a 'yes', Shin?"
Shin smiled, flustered in joy and embarrassment.
"Yes, yes, it's a 'yes'," he laughed. "I'll go out with you on a date. But please don't make a habit out of standing on the street in the middle of the night, calling for me. Otherwise, I'll be homeless soon…"
"I promise. Sweet dreams, Shin."
"You, too. . . Goodnight."
Yuda grinned, tried to ignore the cheering, whistling and applauding of the neighbours, even as their joyous celebration followed him all the way into the darkness as he strutted on his way back home. . .
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~ ~ ~ TBC ~ ~ ~
WAUGH! Gabriel/Shin! *insert evil laugh*
(1) Gambas = shrimps
And, yes, before you ask: Shin is the male, shyer version of Carrie Bradshaw ;3
I was grinning like a lunatic all the while I was writing that 'balcony/window-scene'. I am sappy and cliché in that way :'D Whoooo – SPOILERS: part IV of Earth Story will contain drunken uke-bishies, hang-overs, a 'romantic' date (?) aaand perhaps a special appearance of zeh evilz mayor! :O Consider yerselves warned!
The plot (YES! OMG, this story has an actual plot now!) is nearly fully developed, sketched and tended to. I'll slowly let it integrate with the present storyline; and before you know it this baby'll have them nerve-wracking turns of events, humorous interludes, smexual situations, tragic angst-sessions and revealed secrets *oh boy*. It's gonna be exciting, I hope!
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Also: I hope no one feels offended by the whole 'I believe in God versus I don't'-thingy. I'm sorry if you do. I mean no harm with this and I respect all beliefs. *This* silly thing is written in the name of fiction.
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Ps: How many people will hate me forever if the next one-shot is a Zeus/Pandora experiment? *hides*