No Money, No Love
By: Witch Baby
A/N: I have the BEST FIANCEE in the world! He sent me a brand new, 1,000 dollar, Dell laptop. So I can no longer use my old shitty laptop as an excuse for no new chapters. Enjoy the latest installment of NMNL. There aren't a lot of chapters left... D:
"Feelings scare you, you never look me in the eye
Don't ever change, I just want you to know the complacency's always been staged
I was blinded until you opened up my eyes
I've always believed in you
Want to be more than that tonight, and live for the moment
But that takes too much pride
You will stay, when I'll never have if I tried
Damned if I don't, what if I died without being with you
I can try all I want
The feelings would taunt saying 'loser, we see through you.'
And forgive me, love, these thoughts are not my own
They were put in my mind by aliens to keep me home alone
And forgive me love, for wanting you
Blame it on those eyebrows arching over baby blues
Oh you, oh you..."
Chapter Seventeen: Some Things Never Change
Usually Ayase was the first to wake in the mornings, the type that always valued an early start to the day. This morning however, Kanou found himself to be the only one blinking against the morning sunlight that filtered in through the window. His blond angel was still sleeping peacefully, tucked contentedly at his side. He closed his eyes, thinking he could get a couple more hour of sleep, but his mind just wouldn't let him rest. He sighed, tightening his arms around Ayase as his thoughts began to circle.
It was hard to admit, but he knew when he made a mistake. If he wanted to be with Ayase now, he had to start trying to fix it. He couldn't run away, couldn't throw his power around, or just assume he knew what Ayase wanted. Above everything, he wanted Ayase safe and happy. To force him to come home would destroy what little relationship he had left with the younger man. Besides, even if he did somehow force him, he knew Ayase would be truly miserable, and that was one thing he couldn't bare to think about.
He had said before that he would do anything for Ayase. Now, he had to step up, be a man, and give him what he wanted most: his freedom. He just hoped that Someya was correct when she said Ayase might let him be a part of his life. He wasn't sure what he would do if Ayase decided he didn't want him.
As he gazed at Ayase's peaceful face, he wondered what he was dreaming. What his ideas or plans where. He wished he could go back, ask those things, right the wrongs he had made. For now though, he would just make the best of this chance he had been given.
All too soon Ayase was stirring, breathtakingly blue eyes opened to meet Kanou's dark, intense gaze. "G-good morning..." he whispered softly, fighting the urge to squirm away from the warm body next to him.
"Good morning." Kanou replied, fingers tracing Ayase's cheek lovingly.
The younger male never knew what to do when Kanou acted like this. So sweet and gentle, as if Ayase might actually mean something more to him. The blond turned his eyes away, not able to look at the older male when he showed such signs of affection. He escaped from that warm touch, turning to gather some clothes from his drawer. Busying himself with the task of dressing, Ayase racked his brain for something to say.
As he watched Ayase dressed, Kanou had to resists the urge to pull the younger male back into his arms. All he wanted to do was stay in that bed forever, content to just be with Ayase, away from all the blood, death, and deceit. He hoped there would be a time they could just be together, without fear, no holding back. It was hard to say, but it scared the hell out of Kanou to feel that way about someone. But with Ayase, he felt it down in his bones that this was right. That he could do something good for once.
When Ayase finally turned to look at him, Kanou couldn't hold back anymore and reached a hand out to pull him into his lap. Ayase blushed, all to aware of how naked Kanou still was. "Um... Kanou?"
The older male sighed, burying his face in Ayase's pale blond hair. "I'm not very good with this... talking thing..." he said softly.
Ayase swallowed thickly, not sure why he had the sudden urge to cry. He stayed silent though, waiting for Kanou to finish. "But for you, I'm willing to try. I realize now that I never gave you a chance to live. I just... assumed that everything was fine. I was... wrong..."
Ayase nodded, unsure of what to say to that. All the feelings he'd been holding back rushed to the surface. He still couldn't tell the difference between what his true feelings were, and what Kanou had forced upon him throughout the years, but if Kanou was willing to try and work it out, then so was he.
"Thank you." he whispered, hugging the man. He wasn't completely ready to forgive Kanou, not until he could understand him a little more, but it felt like a step in the right direction.
He pulled himself away, smiling shyly as he wiped away the few tears that had gathered in his eyes. "I'll go downstairs and get some breakfast while you get dressed, okay? And then we'll talk some more."
Kanou nodded, the happiness evident in his eyes. To see it shining in their dark depths made Ayase smile, it wasn't often that the blond got to see such emotion from the older male. Kanou wasn't able to resist stealing a small kiss, before gathering his clothes and sauntering into the bathroom. Ayase blushed, still smiling as he thought how some things, like how he always managed to steal a quick kiss, never changed.
Slipping on his shoes, he took the outside stairway down to the back door of the building. His land-lady said he could help himself to any of the baked goods downstairs. It was a nice perk to living above a bakery.
He picked up some breakfast and coffee from the the land-lady, his blush deepening when she commented on how happy he was looking. He didn't say anything as to why he was feeling this good, it would be too hard to explain, so he just continued to smile and left to go back up stairs. He wasn't sure if there was anything that could bring his mood down.
"Well, hello again pretty thing."
Ayase's blood ran cold at the smooth voice coming from behind him. He didn't have to turn around to know who it was, though for the life of him he couldn't figure out what they would want with him. Then again, judging by the bruises he saw when he turned around, Eito was probably here to get back at Homare.
The thug's smile made Ayase's stomach turn, and he glanced back up the stairs towards his front door. Should he try to make a run for it? Scream? "Don't even think about it." he heard Eito growl, the distant click of a gun being cocked echoing in ears.
As the other mans hand covered his mouth, he could feel the cold steel pressing into his back as he was lead to a waiting car. The only thought his hysterical mind could think was that he was right about one thing.
Somethings never change.
Homare told himself that he was only doing this to make sure Ayase was safe. That he had to check up on this to make sure that no harm would come of their relationship. That was what he kept saying as he made his way up to Skyler's apartment. That goon that had showed up before ran with a small, but well known, street gang that was trying to make a name for themselves. If Skyler was mixing with those types of people, then it was Homare's duty to check him out and make sure that Ayase wouldn't be effected in anyway.
After brief moment of hesitation, he knocked one the door, waiting patiently for an answer. He faintly heard the sound of a soft curse and shuffling feet. A moment later, the door opened, Homare looking into Skyler's frowning face. "Can I help you?" he asked icily, not inviting him inside.
Homare was momentarily flustered by Skyler's hostile attitude. What was the blond angry about? If anything he would think that Skyler would be grateful to Homare for taking care of those lackeys! "I came to... make sure you were all right..."
Skyler paused, assessing Homare with his dark eyes, brow raising in skepticism. "Something tells me that isn't your usually style Homare. What is it you really want?"
Homare tried not to let the informal use of his name get to him. Especially with what happened the night before last, the twin really had no right to chastise Skyler over it. He was right anyway, and the uncanny way that Skyler just seemed to know everything was really unnerving him. "I know who that man from earlier was. I want to know what your relationship with Ginji is."
Homare almost felt like smirking in triumphant at the way Skyler stiffened. It was nice to get under the blonds skin instead of the other way around. "That is none of your business." he said defensively, taking a step back as if he would slam the door in Homare's face.
"Where Ayase is concerned, it is. I know you know who Kanou is, I saw the recognition in your eyes. It is my job that his business and his personal life are separated."
Skyler couldn't help a sly smile. "Isn't it already a bit late for that? Mixing business and pleasure I mean."
Homare swallowed thickly as his thoughts drifted to the night before. Tanned skin, a halo of blond hair and angelic blue eyes. A soft caress of words that whispered 'I can be whatever you want me to be...'
He shook his head, knowing he couldn't deter from his task. He wasn't here for Skyler, not at all. "Tell me what Ginji has to do with this." he demanded again, his voice holding more of a threat then before.
Skyler shook his head. "Nothing that concerns you," he reiterated again, "I'm taking care of it."
Homare's eyes asked all sorts of questions. The biggest one being how Skyler thought he was 'taking care of it'. "If you are in some king of trouble I can-"
" You can what?" he spat, some of that earlier fire returning to his eyes, "You've helped enough thank you very much. I can take care of myself. I've always taken care of myself, without the help of any man!"
Homare was quickly becoming frustrated. He wanted to help Skyler, but the blond was so damn infuriating! How was he supposed to take care of him if he didn't let him!
As he realized his train of thought, he froze in surprise. He wasn't here for Skyler, he was here for Ayase! He took a step back in uncertainty, and Skyler could see he had won. "Just leave Homare." he said again, "Don't worry about me anymore."
Homare nodded silently, his usual cold demeanor returning in a last ditch effort to keep this relationship as impersonal as possible. A part of Skyler was sad to see it, but inside he knew it was for the best. Whatever this was between them, whatever happened last night, needed to be left in the past.
He paused just before shutting the door. "Hey, one last thing? Tell Ayase good luck for me? I... I have to go visit some family for awhile and I'm not sure I'll get to say goodbye."
The Kuba twin nodded once before Skyler shut the door. Without looking back, Homare walked away.
A/N: DUN DUN DUUUUUUNNN! I couldn't help myself with the cliff hanger. I have a mental image of everyone screaming 'NOOOOOOO!' at there computer screens and crying. :D
I also couldn't help throwing in the small bit with Homare and Skyler. It was a legitimate scene though, that sets up for the next chapter. But I really do love Homare and Skyler, and I'm happy everyone else does too. :3
Big thanks to See1like, Onige-a, Bellaliciouss, lolcari, and Kitty in the Box from being with me from the beginning and always leaving reviews that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Love you!
Also, one more thing, I started a fanfiction blog to give better updates on my stories, previews of upcoming stories, and general randomness about my fanfiction. Its (thewitchbaby.)(blogspot.)(com) just remove the parentheses to see it.
Song used for this chapter is by Say Anything. My all time favorite band in the WHOLE WORLD!
Until next time chicklets!