Title: The Imperial Palace Chapter 5.
Setting: Strip Club AU.
Rating: Borderline T? Sorry it's not as smutty as you hoped it would be.
Pairing: Alpha Pair again (I'm biased that way). With mentions of Perfect Pair.
Reason: I finally got a day off from work. !writing time
Warnings: Uncreative content, possible OOC-ness, cheesy lines, OMG SANADA STOP COCKBLOCKING YOURSELF GODDAMMIT, scented pillows, etc.
Disclaimer: Konomi-sensei owns le prince of tennis~
~o~o~o~
"You should say yes."
"…Perhaps."
"You like him a lot. I can tell."
"I've liked many people in the past," said Yukimura, the words bitter in his mouth. He regarded Fuji with narrowed eyes. "Besides, this is my business, Fuji. I have the right to decide."
Fuji pursed his lips. "Oh, but just look at him. He looks so lonely," said the brunette, pointing in the direction of a single man sitting alone at one of the tables. "How can you say no to that?"
Yukimura sighed, looking in the direction of Sanada. Really, that man just didn't learn.
"I have rejected Sanada-kun's offer twice already," said Yukimura. "He doesn't get the message."
"Sanada-kun's just determined. It's good that he doesn't give up because you happen to be rather hard to get," said Fuji.
"It's a nuisance," said Yukimura, frowning. "You know, he's completely serious about me." They were practically strangers yet Yukimura could sense how deeply Sanada felt about him. It was overwhelming and scary, the way Sanada always looked at him with nothing but complete adoration in his eyes. It was quite easy to see that Sanada liked Yukimura a little too much.
Fuji chuckled. "That's usually a good thing, Yukimura. Give him a chance," he said. "You don't know what he's really like. You don't know if he's the jealous type, so stop assuming all serious commitments you engage in will end in a disaster. Get to know him. I'm sure you'll have a good time together."
Yukimura still didn't look convinced. The bluenette's gaze shifted back to Sanada, who was alone at a nearby table. Sanada was almost a regular now, showing up nearly every night presumably to see Yukimura. Samada always bought a drink so he wouldn't get kicked out for loitering, but he rarely drank it. Sanada didn't always talk to Yukimura either. Most often, Yukimura was busy working and Atobe would not appreciate it if Yukimura took time out of client-interaction time to chat with Sanada.
But even so... Yukimura had a hard time concentrating on his work when he could feel the burn of Sanada's stare on him at all times.
The few times they had talked lately had been short and brief. Yukimura did not invite Sanada backstage anymore. Sanada would sometimes just smile at him, uttering a greeting under his breath and that would be their only interaction for the whole evening. But twice, Sanada had actually taken the initiative during some down time. With his voice hoarse and cracked with nervousness, Sanada had asked Yukimura out. Both times, Yukimura had looked away and uttered a half-hearted excuse such as "Sorry, I'm too busy right now" or "I already have plans on that day". Yukimura hated the look of complete disappointment on Sanada's face immediately after. It was like Yukimura could hear Sanada's heart shattering, his face looking letdown like a kid who broke his favorite toy.
"At least give him a straight answer. Don't keep on torturing the poor man like that," said Fuji. "He comes back because he still thinks he has a chance."
Yukimura bit his lip. God, why must he be so indecisive?
"You're making this more complicated than it really is," said Fuji, appearing as if he knew exactly what was on Yukimura's mind. "Don't be selfish. It's been a while since you've been in a relationship. It'll be good for you."
"I don't know. I barely know Sanada-kun."
"Yet you took him backstage twice," said Fuji. Yukimura flushed. "Obviously there is something you like about him."
"I admit I did do that, but there is a difference in simple desire and wanting a long-lasting relationship," said Yukimura.
"So what then? You want him as your sex buddy?"
Yukimura did nothing but exhale loudly. "I don't know," he said. Before they could talk much more, there was a sudden influx of people entering the club. It was a large group of college students, some guys and a lot more girls. Soon the place would be packed, as it usually was on Friday nights. It wasn't bad though. They made more money with tips this way.
But again, Yukimura could still feel a prickling sensation on the back of his neck and he knew Sanada was looking at him again. This was going to be another long shift.
Fuji began fixing his headwear, a German-styled military hat. They didn't want Atobe yelling at them to work so they attempted to appear busy, fixing their new uniforms. Yukimura straightened up his own garb, smoothing the lines out of the sleeves. The theme Atobe had decided upon today was military outfits.
Fuji was attired with a dark sleek military jacket, complete with badges and golden buttons, making him look like some high ranking colonel when combined with the hat. He would have looked like an important war officer if no one looked at his bottom half.
Yukimura smiled. "Somehow, I don't think army generals wear booty shorts." He pointed to the tiny shorts that were part of Fuji's uniform. "Perhaps we should mention it to Atobe-san."
"I don't think Atobe-san will care as long as it looks sexy to the clients," said Fuji. He held up his whip, which apparently came with the outfit. "Sometimes I wish not every outfit needed so much tight leather though."
"Yes, I got lucky this time," said Yukimura, pointing at his own garb. Yukimura had an easier outfit on with the camouflage-patterned top, tiny khaki shorts and absolutely no leather on his person. He did not envy Fuji's attire at all. "Hopefully Atobe-san will tire of this theme soon as well."
"Hm... yes. Or perhaps this will be another weapon used to my advantage." Fuji branded his whip like some sadistic general, looking at the direction of the bar with a mischievous curve of lips. Yukimura followed Fuji's line of sight and smiled too. At the bar, Tezuka was oblivious to their stares and continued working along the counter, taking drink orders at a breakneck pace.
"You know, with the way you tease Tezuka, I'm surprised he hasn't burst yet," said Yukimura.
"Everyone has a breaking point, Yukimura," replied Fuji, his eyes wielding a determined flare. "I'll find Tezuka's limit. It's only a matter of time before his self control breaks."
Yukimura had no doubt about that. A determined Fuji was not something anyone should mess around with. Especially not when Fuji happened to be holding a whip while wearing a pair of extremely revealing shorts.
"I'm going," Fuji announced. He hauled himself up on the stage. Immediately, he got many stares from everyone in the area. "And Yukimura, do try to give him a chance." Fuji nodded in Sanada's direction. "He looks like a kicked puppy. It hurts even me to see that." With that said, Fuji strutted to the center stage, his steps promising a fantastic show.
Yukimura pursed his lips at Fuji's final comment. The place was starting to get crowded and Yukimura could already see a few customers looming at him, or more specifically, looming at his ass. He wasn't in the mood to work today, especially not when he knew Sanada would be sitting there the entire time watching his every moves again. He hoped he wouldn't have to deal with too many perverts today. If he was lucky, he could get away with doing nothing more than dancing with a few clients.
And then, against his better judgement, Yukimura looked over at Sanada's table out of the corner of his eyes.
He groaned, once again stuck in a dilemma. Sanada was really his type… tall and dark and handsome, yet still so innocently naïve in a way that made him appear adorable in Yukimura's eyes.
No. Seiichi, don't do this, Yukimura told himself. This will only end badly like it always does. But…
Yukimura felt his will weakening. Maybe just one date wouldn't hurt. One night of passion never killed anyone. Yukimura found his legs approaching in the direction of Sanada's table in slow hesitant steps. One date... just maybe...
The capped man looked up when he noticed Yukimura was headed in his direction. Yukimura stopped for a second before gathering the courage to stand right in front of Sanada's table and say "Good evening, Sanada-kun," with a tiny smile on his face.
"Hello Yukimura-kun," said Sanada. Already he looked so happy, smiling up at the dancer.
Yukimura swallowed. "How are you today?"
"Good. I'm great, even," said Sanada, his hands now appearing restless on the table. Yukimura saw Sanada wipe his palms on his pants. "You look very nice today, Yukimura-kun. I-I mean, not that you looked bad on the other days... I think you always look nice."
Yukimura found himself chuckling at Sanada's stuttering. "Thank you. I'll tell Atobe-san that his new outfits are a success then." He almost wanted to sit down with Sanada and just talk for a while. The heavy gazes of others around him reminded him of his job. "So, Sanada-kun, how is your internship going? I believe you've mentionned you started one last time we spoke."
"Oh it's going very good." Sanada was rather jittery, moving a lot in his seat as if unable to sit still. "Yes, I really enjoy it."
"I do hope you aren't tired in the morning," said Yukimura. "You spend quite a while here at night. I wouldn't want you to be lacking sleep or falling behind on your work."
"Don't worry about me. I know my limits," said Sanada. "I'm always happy to come here and see you."
"Ah…"
"Have you been very busy lately?" asked Sanada. "I hope you aren't overworking yourself either, Yukimura-kun. I noticed you work nearly every night." His voice held genuine concern.
"Oh no, not at all. Actually I have a few days off this week so I'll have time to rest up." said Yukimura.
Before Yukimura could say anything more, Sanada spoke out again, seizing the opportunity the moment it was presented to him. "That's good. Well, if you aren't too busy, then... I was wondering if…" Sanada stopped to clear his throat, his eyes shifting to the side away from Yukimura's face. "Maybe you'd like to go out with me for supper sometime this week?"
The question hung in the air for a silent moment. Yukimura bit the inside of his cheek. He had fallen right into that one. Sanada sure was a fast one, grabbing his chance the moment Yukimura had let his guard down. But after the past two rejections, perhaps Sanada was not expecting anything to come out of it again.
Yukimura remembered the disappointed expression on Sanada's face from the last two times and he was not eager to see it again. He pondered it for a second, remembering Fuji's words of encouragement from before. He thought about the last time he had brought Sanada over inside his dressing room... perhaps they could have a continuation.
Just one date, Yukimura repeated to himself. It's not a big deal. Just once. After a pause, Yukimura nodded.
"Sure," said Yukimura as if admitting defeat. "I'm free tomorrow if that's okay."
Sanada looked back at Yukimura, shocked. "Really?" he asked.
Yukimura laughed at Sanada's expression of pure joy. "Yes, really."
"I… oh, thank you!" Sanada stood up and bowed.
"No need to be so formal. It's only one date," said Yukimura.
"Oh, yes, yes of course," said Sanada, feeling exhilaration all throughout his body. He did it! He had a date with Yukimura! His heart thumped rapidly in glee. Already his mind was whirling with decisions such as where they should go to eat, what they could talk about, what to do afterwards.
"Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow. I'd love to stay and chat but I have to get back to work."
"Yes, I completely understand," said Sanada, bowing again. "Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow."
The conversation ended just like that. Yukimura turned around, feeling not too bad about his decision. He only got a few steps away before he bumped straight into someone's chest.
"I'm sor- Oh, it's you," said Yukimura, seeing that it was just Atobe in his usual suit and strong smelling cologne. "What do you want, Atobe-san?"
"What do you think you are doing?" Atobe demanded, hand on his hip. He looked absolutely furious. "Did you honestly think you could get away with this?"
"I spoke to Sanada-kun for only a minute. I'm going to work now, so if you'll excuse me-" Yukimura walked around Atobe only to be stopped and hauled back by one of Atobe's arms. "What is it this time?" He really hoped Atobe wasn't going to scold him for talking to Sanada. Really, it had barely taken any time at all.
"Your clothes. What the hell are you wearing?" said Atobe, his voice strained as he looked at Yukimura up and down.
"The kinky military outfit that was delivered in my dressing room," answered Yukimura, crossing his arms.
"In what universe is your hair color ever allowed to be worn with khaki?" said Atobe. He looked absolutely furious. "Are you trying to ruin my club's reputation? Go change right this instant!"
"You chose this outfit," Yukimura retorted, standing his ground.
"No. Your outfit, as I recall, was supposed to be naval officer white and had a very commandant-esque appeal to it. Ore-sama would not mistaken such radically different attires," said Atobe.
Yukimura's head jolted up. White naval officer outfit? "Is that what Shiraishi is wearing?"
A quick look at the dance floor in the direction of Shiraishi was enough proof to show that Yukimura and Shiraishi had probably mistakened their attires and accidentally switched them. Atobe looked like he was having a nervous breakdown just looking at Shiraishi's clothes.
"Relax, boss," said Yukimura. "It's fine. We'll just go change. It was an honest mistake." Yukimura was really not in the mood to change. Shiraishi's navy garment didn't look too bad and white would look much nicer on Yukimura, but the boots were so high that they might as well have been stockings. Shiraishi already appeared to be experiencing discomfort. Yukimura was not looking forward to putting those on.
Atobe made a very strange sound in the back of his throat; one that sounded like a dying cat.
"Atobe-san, go sit down and have a drink. It's alright. We'll go change before anyone notices," said Yukimura. He doubted anyone besides Atobe had noticed. Most customers were either staring at Fuji's stage dance or hypnotized by the other's dancers' behinds. Yukimura doubted the clients came to the Imperial Palace for the outfits.
Atobe gave him a look that screamed "How could anyone have not noticed this monstrosity?"
"Fuji is keeping the attention of the clients. I'll grab Shiraishi and we'll be back before you know it," said Yukimura and rushed off to do just that before Atobe could spontaneously combust and call the cavalry over skimpy sovereign clothes. Back on the stage, Fuji was more than just grabbing attention with his pole dance. At the bar, Tezuka had actually spilt a drink and was trying and failing miserably at cleaning it up properly. Poor Tezuka looked flustered and far too distracted for his own good.
Well at least it would be a good night for one of them, thought Yukimura. Tezuka was a ticking bomb at this point, just instances away from his self-control exploding. It was only a matter of time.
~o~o~o~
This was supposed to be immensely simple. It was supposed to be an easy and relaxed event. Really, it was only a date. Yukimura had been on many dates in the past. This was nothing new to him. It was just a quick dinner date and then a nice trip to Sanada's apartment where he would spend the night. Just one regular, simple date.
Then why was this so difficult?
Yukimura angrily threw his clothes down on his bed. He had nothing to wear. His wardrobe literally consisted of the sweats he wore when he stayed home and the ridiculous outfits he had been allowed to keep from past themes at work. The problem was that dressing up in a sexy maid outfit in public was definitely not okay, let alone wearing it on a date.
A furious exhale escaped Yukimura's mouth. Okay, relax, he told himself. This was not the end of the world. It was just one date, just like he kept on telling himself over and over in his head. He could deal with his wardrobe looking like an erotic Halloween shop later. It was not a big deal.
Even so, the following two hours consisted of Yukimura furiously losing patience with his wardrobe as it took him that long to decide on an outfit. Once he decided on appropriate clothes, he ran out of his apartment in a hurry after realizing he was late. He had rushed to brush his teeth and comb his hair and had ended up wearing a pair of faded jeans, a regular black shirt and a scarf around his neck. Apparently that was the best his wardrobe could do at the moment besides making him late for his date.
Yukimura ran. He ran fast, bumping into a few people on the way without apologizing. This was just fantastic. Now he was going to arrive late and his clothes would be all sweaty from his run.
He stopped across the street from their meeting spot. Yukimura panted, leaning back against the near building to catch his breath. He pushed his hair off of his damp forehead. Yukimura could easily spot Sanada across the street, pacing in place and looking eagerly at his wristwatch every few seconds. Yukimura looked into the nearby window, inspecting his reflection. God, he really did look like a mess. His hair was having one of those bad days and running hadn't helped at all.
Either way, it was too late to turn back now. Yukimura walked towards Sanada, acting nonchalant as if he had totally not been running like a maniac to get there on time. The moment Sanada spotted Yukimura, his brown eyes melted into something warmer.
"You came," breathed Sanada, as if amazed at Yukimura's presence.
"Of course I did. I don't go back on my words you know," said Yukimura. His finger twirled one of his wavy strands into place. He felt rather self-conscious with how intensely Sanada stared at him.
"What is it? Do I have something on my face?" Yukimura asked when Sanada continued staring.
"Oh, no I was just… it's strange seeing you outside and in regular clothes," said Sanada, showing a sheepish smile. "You look nice."
"Thank you. And you look…" Yukimura paused to look at Sanada up and down. Sanada definitely looked different, as if he had tried too hard to look appropriate for their date. He had put on a dress shirt, ironed pants and his hair was slicked back out of his eyes by what seemed to be an enormous amount of gel. Yukimura couldn't help the small laugh that escaped him. "What did you do to your hair?" he asked, hiding his laugh behind the back of his hand.
Sanada scratched the side of his head. "It was being very unruly and I figured wearing my cap wouldn't be appropriate for our date."
"Hm… I'm not picky about what you wear," said Yukimura. His hand reached out and touched Sanada's arm. "We're not here to be fashion critics. Shall we go find a restaurant to eat?" He only now realized how hungry he was.
"Actually, I already reserved us a table. I hope you don't mind," said Sanada.
"Oh? Where are we going?"
"The Tsubame Gaeshi."
Yukimura stopped dead in the middle of the street. "You can't be serious. That place is pricey, especially for a student like yourself."
"Don't worry about it. I want to take you out to a nice place."
Yukimura frowned during the entire walk to the Tsubame Gaeshi. It was a popular restaurant in the area but Yukimura had never actually gone in, mostly because he had better things to do than spend money on overpriced plates. Nonetheless, Yukimura didn't protest as they entered the fancy-looking building and were greeted by a hostess who led them to their table. They had a nice seat next to the window and Yukimura couldn't help but wonder what Sanada had to do in order to get a table in such a place on such short notice.
But right as he thought that, Yukimura stopped and gaped at the place. The restaurant was huge. The walls were elaborately decorated with various paintings and professionally-made pieces of calligraphy. The ceiling had glittering chandeliers in various abstract shapes. But what caught Yukimura's attention the most was the large section in the middle of the restaurant where chefs were preparing the food, right in front of the client's eyes. Yukimura was impressed by the display. Chefs grilled meat and fish then sliced it up perfectly and swiftly with a wide variety of knives. The plates were then presented beautifully and delivered to some lucky person's table. Yukimura felt ravenous just looking at it.
The bluenette eventually tore his eyes away from the surroundings and actually looked down at the menu. At that point, Yukimura bit his tongue to stop himself from saying anything when he saw the prices. He knew it would do no good to protest at this point. Fuji had been right in saying that Sanada was determined or, for a better word, stubborn. Sanada had not given up asking Yukimura out on a date and he certainly would not give up until Yukimura ordered something.
"Don't agonize yourself, Yukimura-kun," said Sanada. He looked over the top of his menu to stare at Yukimura's troubled face. "Order whatever you want. I insist that you have a good time."
"If you say so," said Yukimura. The waiter soon arrived to take their orders. Since he had no choice, Yukimura made the point of ordering the cheapest fish plate on the menu. If Sanada noticed, he didn't say a word about it. "It's the first time my date brings me to such a place, you know," Yukimura said once they were alone at their table again.
"Really? I can't imagine why. I think you deserve even more than this," said Sanada.
"Mm, I suppose the price must have been a turn off."
"Still, you're worth much more than the price on these plates," said Sanada. "A million times more."
"Ah…" Yukimura looked away. He felt himself flush at Sanada's words. No one had ever told him such a stupid and cheesy thing before. Yukimura found his heart thumping faster anyways. "Thank you."
"No need. It's only the truth," said Sanada. He looked adorable like this, smiling with fondness in his eyes and his hair glazed over with whatever he had put in it. Even if Sanada was a full grown man and was much bigger than Yukimura, the bluenette couldn't help but think of Sanada as cute. Yukimura was already looking forward to later, where he would be able to strip Sanada of those abysmally fancy clothes and watched that face flush adorably.
"I'm very happy you agreed to come with me today," continued Sanada. "To be honest, I was a bit afraid you would reject me again. I was starting to think you no longer liked me."
Yukimura sipped from his glass of water. "Yes, I apologize for rejecting you those other times. I was busy," he lied. He cleared his throat and shuffled his feet.
"Well it's fine now. I'm glad you took time out of your schedule in order to come here."
"Ah, yes," Yukimura had trouble meeting Sanada's eyes. Yukimura wondered if he should say something about this... maybe place boundaries and explain that he hadn't agreed on any serious and long-term commitments by accepting one date. He certainly didn't want Sanada getting his hopes up for nothing.
Their plates soon arrived and they were nothing short of exquisite. The presentation of the dish was sublime, with the vegetables curled into bouquets and the sauce drawn in detailed patterns on the white fish. The Tsubame Gaeshi clearly lived up to its reputation both in looks and taste.
Yukimura cut his fish and chewed softly while looking up at Sanada every once in a while. Even with Yukimura's hesitation, he couldn't deny that Sanada made him feel so… special. Yukimura felt cared for, like he was all Sanada was concerned about. Yukimura could definitely see himself falling for Sanada quite easily and that was why this was so dangerous.
Yukimura lowered his chopsticks. "You didn't have to do all this," said the dancer. He felt bad making Sanada spend this much money on him.
"I don't mind at all," said Sanada. "It was my pleasure. To be honest, I was a bit nervous about this date... but I want you to know that I really do like you a lot and you don't know how happy I am that you came here with me."
Yukimura felt the fish run down his throat, down to the cold knot in his stomach. "It's just one date, Sanada-kun," said Yukimura, his voice cool. "I'm flattered but you didn't have to go through so much."
Sanada showed that smile again. "I know that. But I was so happy when you agreed that I just wanted nothing more than for you to have a good time. I was afraid you were still angry with me... over that other time..."
"That time in the dressing room?" asked Yukimura.
"Yes. I'm sorry if my comment that time came off the wrong way. I know that dancing and s-stripping is your job and I didn't mean to sound…"
"Possessive?" Yukimura supplied. Sanada nodded apologetically. "It's fine. You aren't the first, trust me on that."
"Yes, well, I am sorry and I won't make such comments again," said Sanada. "You have my word."
Yukimura drank his water slowly, taking his time to put down the glass and swallow. "It's behind us now. There is no need to dwell upon it."
"Ah, I guess not," said Sanada. He took a few more bites out of his own plate, finishing it. Yukimura did the same, his stomach feeling stuffed to its maximum capacity. Yukimura wiped his mouth and thanked Sanada for the meal.
Sanada responded by leaning over the table and grabbing Yukimura's hand. Yukimura was surprised, shooting a questionning look in Sanada's direction.
"Yukimura-kun, I like you regardless of your profession. Since the moment I saw you, I don't think I ever felt so strongly about someone," said Sanada.
The blue-haired man blinked, a little bit unsure about the sudden serious tone Sanada had put on. He laughed nervously in attempt to disperse the mood to something lighter. "If I remember correctly, you released inside your pants the first time we met," said Yukimura, teasing. "This strong emotion you are describing is most likely arousal."
Sanada blushed furiously from the base of his neck to the tip on his ears. He opened his mouth a few times but no words came out. "W-Well, I couldn't help it," said Sanada, flabbergasted. "You began g-grinding on me and it wasn't like I had any experience doing that kind of stuff."
"Oh? So you are some pure and innocent virgin then?" Yukimura's curve of lips was mischievous, loving the look of complete mortification on Sanada's face. "Nice to know I'm the only one who can make you feel so good that you spoil your pants."
The couple at the table next to them looked equally mortified at Yukimura and Sanada's new topic of conversation.
Sanada cleared his throat, willing his red face to return to its normal hue. "Only you, Yukimura-kun," he whispred. He tightened his grasp on Yukimura's hand. "Only you have such an effect on me. Each time I look at you I feel so lucky that you are giving me a chance to get close to you."
Yukimura felt breathless, his hand so hot in Sanada's hold. Why did this always happen? Why did Sanada have such a strong effect on him? Sanada just kept on saying such awful cheesy things and it was making Yukimura feel all fuzzy inside and he hated himself for feeling that. By all means, Yukimura should be laughing at Sanada, laughing at how silly it sounded. What made it worse was how Sanada looked at him with complete seriousness and Yukimura just knew he couldn't laugh at it now.
This was bad.
"We should go." said Yukimura in a tone lower than usual. He pulled his hand back.
He let Sanada get up and pay the bill without a word of protest. Yukimura sunk back in his chair, catching his breath. Again, he felt that confused and overwhelmed sensation taking over. His hand still tingled from Sanada's hold, his body feeling hypersensitive to the man's every touch. Yukimura shivered. He should be running away from this and fast. Instead, Yukimura found himself longing for more. After this they would be alone and Yukimura would ask to go to Sanada's apartment. He thought back to those times in the dressing room and suddenly he was eager to go, his whole person heating up even more at the thought of being alone and touching Sanada, kissing him and hearing him say his name in a breathless whimper... God, this man was too addictive.
"Yukimura, are you coming?" said Sanada. Yukimura blinked out of his haze, seeing that Sanada was back and holding out his hand. "I paid. We can go now."
Yukimura hesitated, his rational mind still throwing protests at him, running round and round in his head. Yukimura grazed his eyes up the line of Sanada's toned body.
"Is something wrong?" asked Sanada, concerned when Yukimura didn't move from his seat.
Yukimura shook his head. Oh shut up! he told his brain. He smiled and nested his hand into Sanada's awaiting one, pulling himself up. Yukimura focussed on the warm feeling in his hand as they walked out of the restaurant, their fingers twined together. He sighed contently, feeling at ease without the thoughts constantly stabbing at his mind. Right now, he only wanted to focus on what he wanted and what felt good.
"Thank you for today, Sanada-kun," said Yukimura. There would be no harm in letting his guard down and spending one night together. He could have fun and let himself go just for a bit in the arms of someone who cared for him. Sanada had done so much already... surely Sanada deserved a type of reward as well.
"It was my pleasure. I'm glad you liked it," said Sanada, sounding pleased with how the date had gone and even happier with the way Yukimura was holding his arm. The evening air felt cool against Yukimura's heated cheeks. The bluenette shifted, putting his plan immediately into action.
"Now…" Yukimura crowded his body up against Sanada's side. "Shall we move on to the second part of the date?" he asked, his voice now taking on a flirtier tone. He dragged his nails down along Sanada's torso. Yukimura could feel goosebumps rising on Sanada's arm.
"W-What do you mean?" said Sanada, visibly jolted by the change in atmosphere. Yukimura craned his face closer, nearly hanging off Sanada.
"I mean, let's go over to your place," said Yukimura, a heated whisper against Sanada's ear. Yes, this was exactly what he needed. Fuji had been right about one thing: it had been far too long since Yukimura had gone on a date, even longer since he had actually slept in someone else's bed. Yukimura's whole body was thrumming with eagerness.
"Oh. Um, alright. It's not too far," said Sanada. He looked both confused and a little worried as he changed their direction, heading along a different street.
"No need to be nervous, Sanada-kun," said Yukimura. "There's nothing you need to worry about."
"Ah… actually, I was thinking about the state of my apartment," said Sanada. "I hope Renji remembered to take out the garbage."
"I'm sure it's fine. But your friend Renji… he's at your place?"
"We live together. On the university campus. It's a bit like a dorm." said Sanada. "Oh, but I do recall that Renji was supposed to be out all night so I'm sure he won't mind you coming over. He's always studying at his friend's house and doing mathematics and statistics or something like that."
Good, thought Yukimura. He wasn't eager to have a third person eavesdropping on his private time with Sanada. "Well, I'm glad your friend is so studious," Yukimura replied.
The walk to the university campus took nearly half an hour and Yukimura was growing more and more impatient by the second. The apartment building was an ordinary one made of grey bricks with a rusty fire escape along the back and ugly curtains visible through most windows. They walked up a few flights of stairs, passing by hallways that were very noisy, as if students were having parties, and others that were quiet.
"It's here," said Sanada once they reached the fifth floor and stopped in front of a brown door. He fumbled around with his keys, opening the door with a screech. He turned on the lights, illuminating the space inside. "Um… please, come in." Sanada walked right in, throwing his keys on the near table.
Yukimura followed him inside. He barely registered the area at all, nothing of the books on the table nor the pillows on the small couch stayed in his mind. All he saw was Sanada's broad back and undeniably attractive figure. Yukimura closed the door, already feeling breathless as Sanada mumbled something, maybe apologizing about the mess in the room. It was when Sanada turned back to stare at him with those gentle brown eyes that Yukimura's control slipped. He shoved Sanada back against the door and kissed him square on the mouth.
Yukimura sighed in relief, loosening his scarf. His lips worked Sanada's mouth open, demanding more of that sweet addicting taste. Sanada was frozen in shock, pinned tightly against the door and helpless to Yukimura's attack. The stripper's tongue licked at Sanada's parted lips, his teeth, touching every part of that moist mouth. Sanada made a sound in the back of his throat and Yukimura swallowed it.
He pulled back for air, working his mouth down to Sanada's throat, pressing fleeting bites against the skin. His hands mussed Sanada's hair and pulled on the hairs along the back of his neck. The heat radiating from Sanada was amazing and all Yukimura could think of was wanting more.
"Yukimura-kun…" said Sanada, his voice breathless. "Wait a second."
"It's fine." Yukimura kissed his collar, pleased with the red marks coating the raven's neck. He sucked on them harder, licking and biting and making Sanada emit gasps over and over as his neck was thoroughly ravaged. "Just let me take care of you," said the bluenette. He took hold of Sanada's dress shirt and pulled it up high enough for his nipples to show. "Hold this." Yukimura bunched up the shirt, indicated for Sanada to hold it up.
"But I- Mmph!" Sanada found Yukimura stuffing the ends of the shirt's material into Sanada's mouth.
"Keep it up like this please," said Yukimura, pleased when Sanada merely looked helpless and bit down to keep the shirt in place, displaying a perfectly unobstructed view of his chest. Yukimura then began preying upon his newest targets: Sanada's dusky nipples. They were erect on his tanned skin, just begging to be fondled. Yukimura pinched one hard, getting a muffled moan from Sanada. The taller man squirmed as Yukimura continued and took the other nipple into his mouth. Yukimura licked around the bud in light and teasing touches, giving Sanada a false sense of docileness before he bit it.
Sanada buckled, his face contorted in a mixture of pain and pleasure. Yukimura sucked on the red nipples, playing with them until he was sure Sanada would be moaning loudly if he didn't have part of his shirt in his mouth. It didn't take long for Yukimura to remove said shirt, wanting to actually hear the noises Sanada made. He kissed Sanada's swollen lips and their tongues made a sloppy mess, dripping drool down their chins.
"Oh... a-ah… hold on," Sanada seemed to be having a lot of difficulty thinking and so forming coherent words was a real challenge for him at the moment. "I mean, I thought we would… ahh, s-sit down and… and talk. I can make tea- Yukimura!" He cried out when Yukimura brushed the front of his crotch. His thighs clenched together.
"I didn't come here for tea, Sanada-kun," purred Yukimura, taking delight in watching the emotions play across Sanada's face. "Where has the bold Sanada from last time gone?"
They kissed again and Sanada moaned into Yukimura's mouth, each moan dragging into another. Yukimura's hand ventured under Sanada's pants, touching heated flesh and feeling it harden under his fingertips.
"Bed?" Yukimura asked against Sanada's mouth. He felt Sanada's cock twitch against his palm so he rubbed harder.
"Nhnn... oh, wait," Sanada rasped, hitting his head against the door. His head flailed side to side, his hips unable to stay still. "Please!"
Yukimura let out an impatient growl, removing his hand from between Sanada's trembling thighs and licking his sticky fingers. "What?" he demanded.
Sanada paused to catch his breath. He looked completely desirable in that state, with his messed up hair, reddened cheeks and dishevelled clothes, shirt ripped open to expose a toned chest and jutted hipbones.
"I-I don't think we should… do this," whispered Sanada.
"What?" Yukimura repeated, this time more in disbelief at what he was hearing.
"I want to wait," said Sanada, a bit more firmly this time.
Yukimura blinked in surprise. "You don't want to do it with me?"
"No, it's not that!" Sanada was quick to reassure Yukimura. "I really do like you and of course I want to do… it with you. But," He grabbed Yukimura's hands, holding them as if they were something sacred. "I want it to be special. I like you very much, Yukimura-kun, and that's why I want to wait before we do it." Sanada then leaned down and kissed Yukimura's palm, looking at Yukimura with pleading eyes. "Please."
Yukimura sucked in a breath. He couldn't deny how disappointed he felt, yet he was powerless to the look Sanada was giving him. He felt himself nod numbly and then Sanada was kissing him. This time it was a slow and languid kiss that spread tender passion from his head to the tips of his toes. Yukimura could do nothing but stand on jellified legs and kiss him back, craving for more but unable to get it.
"I hope you don't mind," murmured Sanada, his mouth moving against Yukimura's.
Yukimura nipped at Sanada's lips. "Mm… you are the first man to reject me like this."
Sanada pulled back. He brushed his thumb over Yukimura's swollen red lips. Yukimura's tongue darted out and touched the pad of his finger. "Are you sure?" Yukimura asked him.
Sanada nodded. "I'm positive."
"Then I suppose tea would be good, yes."
Sanada laughed. They finally dislodged themselves from the door and made their way further inside the apartment. Sanada set out to prepare tea and Yukimura sat down on the small table to observe the other man. Yukimura was still breathing heavily, his eyes glazed over in desire. He felt cold without Sanada's body heat close to him.
"Is green tea okay?" asked Sanada.
"Fine," replied Yukimura. He watched Sanada preparing it, stumbling over opening a package of tea leaves and dropping some water on the floor. Maybe Sanada was nervous to have him here. Or maybe the hard-on in his pants was distracting. Yukimura was betting on the latter.
"You can still spend the night here if you wish," said Sanada. "I can lend you my bed. Renji's out tonight anyways."
Yukimura thought about it for a second. It would be torturous to stay in the same place as Sanada all night knowing they weren't going to do anything. But on second thought, Yukimura's apartment was quite a ways away even by bus and it was quite late. "Maybe I will, thank you," said Yukimura. He took the hot cup Sanada poured him and blew on it to cool it down. Sanada sat on his opposite side and did the same.
"Maybe next time we can go out elsewhere," said Sanada. "Perhaps see a movie or take a walk downtown."
Yukimura sipped his tea. He looked up at Sanada's hopeful gaze and smiled. "Sure, that would be lovely," he said. A few dates never hurt anybody. They were just getting to know each other. It was nothing more than that. And Yukimura would have a second chance at getting to spend the night with Sanada.
"Thank you," said Sanada, excited.
"But no more expensive restaurants. I insist on paying next time," warned Yukimura.
"Yes, as you wish," said Sanada. He stood up and leaned over the table. He kissed Yukimura sweetly, showing him just how happy he was.
They finished their tea and spent time on the couch for a while afterwards, seated side by side and talking about one thing or another. Sanada yawned first and it was decided that it was time to go to sleep. Sanada showed Yukimura to the bathroom and then to his bedroom. Sanada's bedroom was small and only had the bare necessities such as a bed, a desk and a wardrobe, but it was cozy nonetheless.
And so, Yukimura lay there that night, in a bed that smelled of Sanada and left to wonder how everything had somehow turned completely different from how Yukimura had expected it to. Yukimura was in Sanada's bed, but by himself. He was spending the night, but it was to actually sleep. However… it wasn't a bad change of plans, thought Yukimura. He had had a lovely evening with a man who thought of him as a human being worth cherishing. Yukimura smiled like a lovestruck girl at the thought of another date like this one.
"Sanada…" he whispered and dug his face deeper into his Sanada-scented pillow.
~o~o~o~