A/N: Thar be angst afoot! And some silliness...
Necessity
Chapter 2
OoO
"Huh...?" Perplexity settled across Suoh's visage as he became submerged in the customs and lifestyles Reisi had laid about in physical manifestations. For a moment, Suoh felt as if he had transcended through a portal somewhere upon entering the room. It had been a long time since he last visited this place. Seeing it now, in the morning, was like a whole new entity. Kakejiku(掛け軸), bamboo poles, the strong aroma of matcha (抹茶), and other native items made an immediate impression on Suoh first and foremost. Straight ahead was a rather small kitchen with a pile of only a few uncleaned dishes. Just over an adjacent counter, a rack of bottled alcohol sat against the wall. Reisi's decorative interest hadn't seemed to miss something that minuscule either; even its practical structure had some sort of vineyard-inspired design that Suoh didn't care much for. His brow creased more than usual at the display and he sent his eyes elsewhere. To the far right was a door that Suoh remembered led to the bathroom. Off to the west side of the room was the entryway to Reisi's bedroom. Close to its frame was a cozy looking sofa with a large flat-screen television and two stands stacked with DVDs before it. It almost looked out of place in contrast to the nativity of almost everything else. Soon, Suoh's eyes fell into step with his host's movements in whichever location he went. As the eloquent man turned his back to Mikoto in order to address a matter in the kitchen sink, it was then taken into account that Reisi was swathed in a lightly hued yukata.
Was that for the special occasion of company, or did he truly just want to wear one? Well, it was rather hot outside. As his mind aimlessly pondered through the speculations, Suoh's gaze trickled down to Reisi's waist; it lingered there briefly before daring a bit lower. His hands clenched in his pockets. When had he last grasped that backside of his? How long had it been since his fingers ached to run through that dark hair or entwine within Reisi's own? What length of time had been wedged between the two of them in which they spent their last breaths before slumber, shouting the other's name?
"...Reisi..." The word was birthed in a whisper, too hushed for any ears to hear. Although the one's name that was spoken thought he heard something odd, he didn't catch its actuality, "Did you say something, Suoh?" he asked, finishing his task and turning to his audience.
"Nothing," he lied. His droll tone was of natural mastery. He silently studied Reisi's face as he simply gave the benefit of the doubt and discarded the situation. After drying his hands on a towel, the cool-headed male practically floated over to the smaller table where he had set the tea and sat on on the floor. While Suoh chose to wade in speechlessness, Reisi poured himself a cup, "Please remove your shoes," he reminded.
"...Ah...yeah..." Suoh uttered, absentmindedly doing just as requested. As he did, Reisi's eyes feasted upon him. That Suoh was one of a kind. He was almost like a big kid with too much temptation set in front of him. But that was all right. The blue king also felt burdened with such similarities. Yet, he believed that it was his duty to keep his protests mum towards it and to just bear them. Calmly; the exact opposite of Suoh. Unknown to even Reisi himself, a warm expression tinged his features momentarily before a more practiced one took its place, "Would you like some tea, Suoh?"
"Nah. I would like my ice cream back," he replied, utilizing Reisi's polite mannerism to mock him.
"I ate it," came the nonchalant response. And that was true. While Suoh's attention was hovering all over the room earlier, Reisi had slid the ice cream pop to the back of his throat and swallowed it whole, save for the stick. That was disposed of in the waste-bin in the kitchen. Because Suoh did not see the method used, the absence of his snack made him snort, "That was fast."
"I have my ways," Munakata quipped, with a light upwards curve to his lips and lowered lids. His lashes feathered over his cheeks, casting his appearance in dualities of being trustworthy and its opposite. Then slowly, his violet eyes revealed themselves, "Or have you forgotten? In any case, what would you like to do?"
The vague context of the inquiry had Suoh lifting a lazy arm to scratch the back of his head. Of course, he didn't do this the way a person normally would. His hip jutted slightly to one side and he turned his neck in a way a model may have. Noticing this, Reisi's expression became one of frustration as he couldn't quite figure out Suoh's current action. 'Is he striking a pose in front of me?'
"Ahhh... ...mmn... from the looks of things, I'm interrupting something," he expressed with uncertainty, glancing Munakata's way.
"Hmm?" Reisi looked up from taking a sip of his tea. He eyed Suoh calculatingly, "What do you mean?"
"You practically had a ceremony in here without me," he joked in a flat tone while gesturing with an impassive arm sweep. He then pocketed his hands and cocked his head in direction of the bedroom, "Who else is here with you?"
"No one," Reisi replied quickly, closing his eyes; a finger went to his glasses to calibrate them. Such was a conditioned method of hiding certain emotions; a type of barricade. It was a reflex that worked best on colleagues and subordinates and those who took this man at face value only. Suoh, however, was none of those and could see straight through such behaviors regardless of if Reisi wore those things or not. Suoh could easily tell when his other was embarrassed, yet he played along anyway, "Ah.. is that so?"
Reisi must have been quite expectant to see him. Suoh couldn't blame him, he supposed. The guy didn't really have anyone else carrying the title of "friend".
"Does it bother you...? If it does, I can change clothes," Reisi admitted. After quickly finishing his tea, he pushed himself to his feet. He glanced in his guest's direction but Suoh's attention was off to another part of the room, silently recalling memories. Reisi's features swiftly became unreadable and his body tensed. He wanted to avoid at all costs the very thoughts that must have been channeling through Mikoto's head. Feeling a glare nearly burning through him, Suoh looked up at Reisi and offered a faint smile the other knew better than to trust, "...You don't have to..."
"I think I do," Reisi finalized, choosing to ignore the evidence of longing in Suoh's voice, "I'll return shortly. Make yourself comfortable."
"Uh huh..."
Instinctively, a finger went to the center of his spectacles and Reisi made a beeline for his bedroom. The moment he closed the door, his body unconsciously acted on its own and began to strip the cloth from his body. As his limbs acted on auto-pilot, his mind swam with thoughts and recollections that should have remained in the distance they dared to rise from. How many months had it been? Years? The last instance Suoh was here in his place was- well it was a haze.
No, that's what Reisi wanted to pretend it was. He remembered every detail to its finest fragment, despite him being very drunk at the time. His need, his rage, his sorrows—inflicted all upon Suoh in ways only the two of them would understand and accept together. One knew what the other endured and took them into himself—all of it; all of him. Every hungered kiss, each searing bite, all swirls of emotion and touch were confined to memory and inflamed about the skin like a tattoo. Afterward, Reisi's bedroom was a complete mess and in disarray. Both men had surrendered and succeeded in a realm they would dare not embark with someone else. For Reisi, more than Suoh, it was an event that must never be forgotten and that absolutely could not happen again. Never. He lost track of himself; his self control had slipped into the palms of another who guided his hands and aided his thrusts.
Never. Again.
Their first time held no method, only movements and responses. It happened in their earlier days of being new kings. Munakata was drunk but still retained his own will over his actions. Mikoto just wanted. It was an complete mistake. Yet in the days that followed, they both still sought after the other's company.
The second time was far worse than the first, but not in negative context; for some reason possibly blinded out of need and lust, they united in bar Homra. Granted, while the others were away, a certain barkeep found out anyhow. Even though Izumo was on tolerant terms with Munakata already through his own means and from Seri's praise of him, he forbade a similar occurrence to ever take place there again. That was understandable, of course. The bar was his; and Mikoto was his friend first.
Thrice was interrupted in light of an emergency.
The fourth was the most frenzied and the closest to endearing as they had ever physically explored, despite how anguished Munakata had been. He was horribly lonely that night when Suoh happened upon him at the same bar. How sad was it that the only one he could truly consider as a dear friend "hated" him due to a past opinion they both disagreed on? Munakata was very drunk; Suoh walked him home; he didn't return to Homra until afternoon the next day; Reisi's bedroom, and his better judgment, were in dissonance. It was from that instance onward when he had convinced himself that he and Suoh would never have such flighty sex again. Not only did it obstruct their roles as kings, but their "relationship" lacked stability. Being the other's fling seemed to have only worked in younger days. They couldn't keep getting mixed up in the other like this forever. A conclusion needed to be issued at some point.
This wasn't fair to Suoh anyway; it wasn't fair to himself. Yet, no matter how much he would rather put distance between them, Reisi found Suoh's existence far too fascinating. Ironically, just as he had once griped at being displeased towards the red king's behaviors and actions, he was as equally drawn to it and the man of whom exhibited them. He was attracted to him and knew it wouldn't be long before he completely fell for him. He hated to even admit it in musing, but he felt as if he needed Suoh and that soured Reisi tremendously. Who was he to burden another with his needs? He had to find the answers himself, for his method was true and pure.
...That's what he kept telling himself anyway. Such things were better suited as a moral booster in battle-pretty words with many a casualty tied to it.
Speaking of battles, in his absentmindedness, he had dressed himself in 2 different types of shirts and was in the process of fastening a third pair of pants. In an elegant tongue, he made the dirtiest of swears sound poetic from betwixt his lips. He was behaving foolishly while his guest was left alone. Knowing Suoh, he had gotten himself into something he should not have. With a tiresome sigh, Reisi shook his head. He then properly clothed himself in a shirt and pair of pants with a simple belt and exited the room. Any and all troubled thoughts remained with the clothing left behind.
"Suoh...?" Reisi called gingerly, poking his head from the doorway to look for his other. His breath then hitched in his throat upon pinpointing him immediately in front of the liquor rack. He hadn't been gone 10 minutes and already his stash had been tampered with! "SUOH!"
"Mm?" the culprit gazed haplessly over at Reisi while holding a bottle of opened bourbon in one hand and uncorked sake in the other. Caught red-handed, he gave a devilish grin that carried as much allure as it did childishness, "Heh heh..."
"And who exactly gave you permission to raid my alcohol?"
"You're lookin' at 'im..."
"Suoh Mikoto, it is too early for a drink! Especially on an empty stomach! Do you WANT to puke all over the place? I will personally have to gag you should it come to that," Reisi warned with narrowing eyes. As to how serious he really was on his threat was anyone's guess.
In fake defense, Suoh shrugged and formed an expression that could be surmised as perilous as well as charming, "What? I ate before I had any," One brow arched and he tilted his head; his voice dropped huskily, "But then you went and stole my snack..."
"You need more than ice cream on your stomach before you decide to drink yourself into abandon!"
"Mmm...but it was milk," Suoh continued, referring to the ice cream. His lackadaisical way of speech made every point he attempted to make cocooned with gravelly dubiousness, however, "Milk coats the stomach. I wanted a drink," To emphasize his point, he took a long swig from one of the bottles. Amongst the sound of the liquid sloshing and Suoh's gulps, something in the room snapped. Supposedly, it was Reisi's patience. His socked feet stomped over the carpet and he snatched one of the items from Suoh, "Show some restraint!"
"I do what I want. You know that, Munakata. If you have a problem with it, tell me to leave," he added with a smirk that dared a response. When none was given, he purposely took another drink to irate Reisi even further. He had already heard enough grousing about his drinking habits from Izumo. He didn't need it from Reisi too.
While noisily guzzling the liquor from its container, he eyed the other man in front of him. Chilled orchid remained fixated on Suoh, not showing any semblance of emotion. While such a display could have been a test or provocation, it was certainly a mood-killer. It was a reaction, but not one that was very entertaining. A little annoyed by the lack of retaliation, Suoh slowed in his drinking and rested the other bottle atop the kitchen counter, "...Hey..."
"..."
"...Ah...?"
"You still...will not heed my warning, will you?"
"Huh...? Oh...to not drink this so early, right?"
"Yes."
"Nope."
"In that case..." Reisi trailed off, lowering his head in a way that lured the ceiling lights to reflect from his lenses.
"...Hmmn...?" Mikoto blinked, then took another drink.
Without a word, Munakata snatched the liquor out of Suoh's hands and away from his lips to force it between his own. In 6 large gulps, Reisi had downed the entire bottle of sake. The burst of a heavy exhale followed after as reaction to the taste as well to catch his breath. Suoh said nothing for a moment, taking in the sight of a panting Munakata with awe and entertainment, "Ohh?"
"There...!" Munakata heaved, "You see?! Haa...haaa..." He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before slamming the bottle down atop the counter, next to the bourbon, "You... have been ...stopped."
"Hey... You didn't have to go and drink the whole thing, Munakata...! I would have shared...!" Suoh chortled in partial disbelief at what he had just witnessed.
"If... there... is nothing...for you to drink... you can't...drink it...! Suoh!" Reisi practically wheezed.
"Tch...what kind of logic is that...?! To get me to not drink any, you decide to drink it all before me? How stupid."
"Do not test me, Suoh! And you're wrong. I'm only doing this for your sake so you may see what drinking on an empty stomach will do to you!"
Of course, they both knew he was lying. Reisi was able to hide many things, but a lie was far from one of them. However, it was amusing and that was something Suoh wanted more of, "I'd be careful if I were you...You're a lightweight when it comes to drinking, aren't you?"
He certainly was, in comparison to Suoh. But, like that of a child, Munakata absolutely hated to lose and appear weaker than someone else if he could help it. When met with a challenge, he felt he had to carry it through to the very end with himself as the victor. When the situation dealt with Suoh as its centerpiece, the urge increased a hundredfold. In that respect, he and Suoh both shared an equivalent trait.
Recklessness.
"Is this not enough of a lesson for you?"
"Hey, Munakata, watch this!" Suoh chortled, grabbing up the bottle of whiskey and draining it in a matter of seconds. There were four very loud, and very large, gulps; not a drop was wasted. And throughout it all, Reisi glared dirks and daggers at him.
"Top...that..." Mikoto breathed, his deep voice reveling with raspy taunting and sensual dare. Instantly, Reisi's eyes contracted and a wicked smirk made its crooked way to his lips. The ordeal that had just been unveiled provoked them both in the same language. A gauntlet had been thrown and backing out had become invalid. Understanding perfectly, Suoh returned the expression with an impish one of his own. He watched in earnest as Reisi smoothly reached for another bottle of alcohol from the rack behind him. There was a transient moment of contact, cloth to skin, as Reisi's arm brushed against Suoh's while retracting the bottle. Both men's eyes were transfixed within the others, their faces mere centimeters apart. In the same measure of span that it happened, Reisi stepped back and doomed the beverage to the same fate as the last.
Enticement brewed within the fiery royal and a sensual growl floated from him. Crassly, his tongue rimmed his lips as he laughed, "Now it's gotten interesting!"
OoO
-Japanese-
Kakejiku- hanging scrolls
Matcha/maccha- finely powered green tea
A/N- Why the crap am I still writing this ridiculous story...?! *kicks it*
This chapter was going to be a bit longer but pfffft. From the way things are going, the smex may come around in the 4th chapter or so. Not that it really matters =3
Mikoto is absolutely toxic to Moona, but he still wants more of it.
-Mel