Chapter 10: Discovered
"Yuu-chaaann~~," Mikaela sings, twisting him around by the waist.
"Yeeaaahhh….?"
"It's my birthday! Where's my present?"
"Huh?"
"I guess you don't love me," he frowns sadly.
"I didn't even know it was your birthday!"
"A good friend would've known."
Friend huh? "Well I guess we're not friends then."
"I'm joking! You can give me a kiss instead!"
"Right now?"
"Are you coming over tonight?"
"What? I didn't know I was supposed to."
"Now you do. Are you coming?"
"Who else is?"
"Me, Lacus, Rene, some other people…" he finishes vaguely.
He's torn, on one hand, he relishes the time he gets to spend with Mikaela, but he prefers it to be one-on-one. When other people are around, Mikaela's spread thin and he's left to fend for himself surrounded by strangers as Mikaela talks to everyone else. "Can't we just hang out another time?"
"It won't be my birthday another time."
"But Mika, it's always weird when there's a lot of people around."
"Please."
"Fine," he sighs, "But you better not leave me like last time."
"Of course not! We'll all be in the same room! Yes, right now."
"Huh?"
"You asked if I wanted a kiss right now, I do."
"But I'm coming over tonight...?"
"So?" Mikaela counters, clasping each one of Yuu's hands within his own and pulling him closer.
He glances around to make sure no one's watching before leaning up on his tiptoes to press his lips to Mikaela's. Mikaela squeezes their joined hands tighter as he returns the kiss with a smile, he knew Yuu would never give up a chance for a kiss. In fact, he'll have to break this off soon before the younger boy turns it into a full blown public make out.
Yuu pulls his hands free to wind around Mikaela's neck and pull him closer, opening his mouth and encouraging him to do the same, but he simply grabs hold of Yuu's hands and pulls them away, breaking the kiss much to Yuu's annoyance. "We can't go that far right now, Yuu-chan. If you want, we can continue later when you come over."
"Now or never."
Yuu gets a laugh in response, "See you tonight, I'll message you."
"Yeah, yeah." He watches with what he knows is an infatuated look on his face. Probably one Kimizuki would say is borderline stupid if he was here, but he can't help it, he really likes Mikaela, even if he knows he's hurting himself more in the long run. After their post ice cream make out following his first karate class, they'd talked more and Mikaela had finally given him a real apology for keeping it from him for his own entertainment and reassured him that the strangling incident was a one time thing. Since then, things have been pretty smooth, Mikaela's still handsy when they're alone, but careful to keep his distance during karate classes in case he gets aroused again. Although, he'd like to hope he's gotten it under control, it's better not to risk it.
"Who was that, Yuu?"
He whirls around, eyes widening in panic as his gaze locks on Shinya. "Uhh…" Think fast! "Who was who?"
"That blonde guy."
"What blonde guy?"
Shinya narrows his eyes at him, "Don't play games, Yuuichirou. The blonde guy who looked nowhere near sixteen."
"Oh. Haha. Him. He was just a friend."
"A friend." Shinya repeats flatly.
"Yeah and I..uh..gotta go now, so I'll see you later!"
Shinya shoots out a hand to grab him by the back of the neck and stares him down, "I don't think so."
"Let go!" Yuu attempts to wiggle free, causing several pairs of eyes to turn their way. "Only Guren can do that!"
"Do you want me to call him?"
Yuu lets his body go slack, "No.."
"How old is he?"
"18?"
"Why are you asking me? You should be telling me."
"18," Yuu repeats firmly.
"I don't believe you. What school?"
"Umm…" Yuu frantically searches his brain for the name of a school he can give, but comes up empty. He doesn't even know what college Mikaela goes to.
"Yuu…"
"...What?"
"Does Guren know?"
"He doesn't have to."
"Let's get lunch."
"No, that's okay. I'm not really hungry." The older male's fingers tighten on the back of his neck and Yuu sighs in acceptance. "Fine."
Shinya leads them to a small cafe and Yuu quickly tries to come up with a believable story in the course of their five minute walk, but every story he thinks up has a million holes in it. He considers making a break for it, but he has no doubt Shinya would either catch him or call Guren, then he'd be even worse off.
Maybe Shinya won't tell, though he's not hopeful. The ash blonde male has been trying to get in Guren's good graces for weeks, there's no chance he'll keep a secret from him. He's not really doing anything wrong either, Mika's a little older than him and he may occasionally do some questionable things, but they're not hurting anyone. Besides, Yuu thinks with a sting in his chest, they're not even dating anyway.
"We're here," Shinya announces as he prods Yuu impatiently through the door much to his tries to take as much time as possible ordering, but Shinya grows impatient and snatches his menu, ordering for them both, then turns to look at him expectantly.
"What're you looking at me for?"
"Who is he?"
"No one, he's just a friend."
"You don't kiss friends."
"I bet you'd like to kiss Guren."
Shinya glares back at him, "Guess you're not as oblivious as he says."
"Nope," Yuu responds proudly, "I'm not a kid anymore."
"I'm sure your 'friend' has something to do with it."
His confident grin morphs into a pout, "Leave him out of it."
"Yuu, seriously how old is he?"
"He's only 21. Well 22 as of today." Yuu hurries on when he sees Shinya's eye widen, "But we're not dating or anything. Like I said he's just a friend. Please don't tell."
Their food arrives and Yuu begins to eat quickly while Shinya eats slowly, thinking about what decision to make.
He sighs and takes in the earnest look on Yuu's face. 'Only 21,' but that's still far too experienced for a 16 year old, not to mention Yuu clearly likes the guy. That was plain to see the entire time he was watching them and he's pretty sure that guy knew, yet they're not dating. Which could only mean one thing, Yuu's being toyed with and doesn't even realize it. He's a little afraid to know how long it's been going on and how far it's gone because it's clear Yuu's out of his depth. "It's not my place to keep secrets from Guren, Yuu."
"Not to tell either!"
"What's his name?"
"Why?"
"So, if this ends badly, I have a name to give."
"Then you won't tell?"
"Just be careful," he sighs.
Yuu's eyes light up in gratitude, "His name's Mikaela! And you don't have to worry, he's nice! Well...actually he's not…"
"Yuu…"
"But, not like in a mean way!" He corrects hastily. "He's just embarrassing."
"You know Guren will find out eventually, right?"
"And we won't say you knew." Yuu finishes eating and shoves his chair back. "Thanks Shinya, I owe you, bye!"
He watches Yuu hightail it out the door before he can change his mind and shakes his head, hoping he made the right choice.
~~~~~
Yuu lets out a relieved sigh when he's put some distance between himself and Shinya. He trusts Shinya to keep his word, but he didn't want to hang around and let Shinya drag more information from him that might cause him to change his mind. If Shinya knew everything that had happened, he'd probably blackmail him into staying away from Mikaela and that might be for the best, but….
The blonde really has gotten better about respecting his personal space. He's not so quick to grab or do want he wants anymore which is great and he's more comfortable when they're together, unfortunately it also means less kisses.
They were the one thing he did really like and he's sure it's Mikaela being 'considerate,' but to him it just feels like he's being stingy with affection. Who could blame him for trying to make the most of it when Mikaela was actually kissing him for once? He certainly didn't know having his boundaries respected meant the distance between them would widen. He knows he said he'd play the game and be over it when it ended, but it was easier to think that than to actually be okay with him pulling away.
What's it take for Mikaela to see him as an actual potential partner?
Yuu sighs and shoves open the door to his home, entering the kitchen and hopping on a stool to watch Guren mess around the kitchen. Even Guren seems to have a better chance at love than him and he blatantly ignores Shinya's advances. Just the other day, he caught Shinya trying to cuddle up to Guren on the couch and Guren had simply gotten up to get something to drink, then put a pillow between them when he came back without uttering a single word, the same way he always spurned Shinya's flirtations. Yet, Shinya keeps trying and he's pretty sure they haven't even held hands and definitely nothing even remotely sexual. It must be nice for someone to feel that way about you.
"What are you so sulky about? If you sigh one more time, I might actually start to worry."
His gaze flicks to Guren, surprised he missed when the other man had stopped messing around the kitchen to come stand in front of him. "Why don't you like Shinya?"
Guren freezes for a split second, but Yuu's watching close enough that he catches the cessation of movement. "Why aren't you dating someone?"
"Because there's no one," he answers without missing a beat. "But Shinya likes you."
"And how do you know?"
"He's always flirting with you!"
Guren snorts, "Like you of all people would know flirting."
"I recognize when he's flirting with you!" Yuu bristles, "So clearly I'm not that dumb despite what all of you think!"
Guren frowns, "No one thinks you're dumb, just oblivious."
"I am not! I-"
"Yeah, yeah," Guren cuts him off with an impatient wave of his hand. "You know Shinya flirts with me, but you can't even tell when someone is flirting with you."
"H-huh? Who flirts with me?" Yuu's thoughts race trying to figure out who Guren could be talking about. The only person who might remotely flirt with him would be Mikaela and Guren knows nothing about him or he wouldn't be that calm.
"See? Oblivious. I'm not going to tell you. Maybe you'll figure it out one day. After all, if you keep hanging out with the same people, I'm sure you're bound to notice eventually."
"Tell me!"
"Nah, not my place. What'd you do all day?"
Yuu glares and ignores the question, "Why don't you like Shinya back?"
"Yuu!"
"What?!"
"Just because he flirts with me, I'm supposed to respond?!"
"Why can't you give him a chance?
"What I choose to do is my own business."
"How can you not give someone who clearly cares about you a chance? You'd be so lucky to be with someone who likes you just as much as you like them!"
Guren gives him a searching look, eyes darting over his face, "Who is it?"
"Who's who?"
"Who is it you like."
"I don't like anyone," he mutters at the countertop.
"Then don't ask me any more questions about my love life."
Yuu glares back at him, but lets the subject drop, reaching for his phone instead to check his missed alerts.
[hey yuu!]
[what's up yoichi]
[nothing, you've just been busy lately, we haven't seen you much]
[you see me at school every day?]
[okay, we haven't hung out much especially recently]
[oh..yeah, i've been kind of busy with karate and shit]
[how's that going]
Hmm..well it's not going badly if I ignore Mikaela.. [it's fine, just gotta get used to it, i'll be winning tournaments in no time!]
[that's great! When you're number one, don't forget us little people ;) ]
[of course not]
[hey yuu...before that happens, do you want to hang out next weekend?]
[sure, what'd you have in mind?]
[i was thinking a movie and then getting something to eat?]
[sounds good, the others coming?]
[no...they have plans already. It'll just be me and you. Is that fine?]
[duh it's fine! Its not like we always have to hang out in a group]
[:D okay yuu, i'll send you details later!]
[k]
He tucks his phone away, Yoichi has a point. They haven't all hung out as much lately. Between school, homework, and the addition of Mikaela, he hasn't had as much free time recently. Then starting karate classes took up even more time. Now whenever it's pointed out, he kind of feels like a jerk for not noticing. He's been spending all his time with someone who's nowhere near as important to him as his friends are and he's doing it again tonight. Yuu makes a mental note to spend more time with the whole squad. He looks up. And Guren too. I'm surprised he hasn't gotten more suspicious about the times I've been gone all night…
"Who was that?" Guren questions, putting lids on several containers.
"My love life is my business," he jokes.
Guren raises an eyebrow at him.
"It was Yoichi, geez! He wants to see a movie and get something to eat next week." Guren eyes roam over his face speculatively before turning away. "What? I'm not lying."
"Didn't say you were. Are you coming with me?"
"With you where?"
"We're having a potluck at the office."
"You guys never have potlucks."
"...It was Shinya's idea."
Yuu laughs, "Guess everyone else likes him!"
"Shut up," Guren growls out. "You coming or not?"
"Nah I have plans."
"You always have plans lately, Goshi's been asking about you."
"I'm sixteen, I can't tag along forever."
Guren scoffs, "Just a few months ago, you were still coming by the agency."
"Maybe...later."
"Uh huh. Well whether you do or not, I'll be back later tonight. Will you be home?"
"Probably."
"Alright, stay out of trouble."
He nods as Guren carries the containers outside and almost changes his mind. It would be so much easier to go hang out at the agency, eat delicious food, and forget about everything else. On the other hand, Mikaela would never forgive him if he bailed on his birthday, so his apartment it is.
After a few hours of Netflix and exchanging a few messages with his friends, Yuu takes the train over to Mikaela's apartment that evening. He's already a little anxious about how tonight will go with all of Mikaela's friends there, but it's too late to back out now.
Mikaela greets him with a hug and a kiss to the cheek that Yuu tries to correct to his mouth, but he gets laughed off and tugged into the apartment. Mikaela introduces him to everyone and vice versa, he only recognizes Lacus, Rene, and the two girls from the club, the other people crowding around are strangers to him.
"Here Yuu." An open bottle is placed in his hands, "It's a wine cooler, I don't think you need anything harder than this tonight."
"Thanks?"
"You're welcome. The food's over there," he gestures towards the kitchen. "I even got a lot of sweets for you and there's ice cream in the freezer. Help yourself."
"Are you leaving me?" He reaches out to wrap his hands around the other male's arm.
"No, Lacus needs help with the stereo. I'll be back."
"Wait!" He sighs in frustration when Mikaela unwraps his fingers and nudges him towards the fridge. I knew I shouldn't have come.
:
:
:
Yuu rips a piece of teriyaki chicken off the skewer with his teeth and sends another scathing glare in Mikaela's direction. Not that the blonde notices, he's too busy entertaining everyone else he invited...namely the purple haired girl in his lap whose name he can't remember and some other guy sitting next to him who Yuu's never seen before. Another person infatuated with the blonde, if the lack of personal space between them means anything, especially the hand resting on his thigh.
He could have gone to Shinya's potluck for this. He's not having fun at all, in fact he's angry. Mikaela's been too busy keeping everyone else happy to pay much attention to him other than a quick comment about how 'he likes them thick' when he saw how much chicken and ice cream Yuu was eating. He's not even sure if that was a joke or not, the ass squeeze afterwards made him think it wasn't.
It's not like he has anything to do other than eat. Everyone else is college age and enjoying themselves, but Mikaela's keeping the alcohol far away from him which is probably a good thing. He doesn't remember all the details, but he's pretty sure the blonde wasn't the only one who got kind of inappropriate. Though before that...everything was great and warm...too bad that's over.
Yuu nearly chokes on his skewer when the other guy leans in to kiss Mikaela, only his laughter at something the girl said keeping him from catching his mouth. His fingers grip the stick tight, various scenarios about stabbing the guy running through his head. The worst thing is that it's not even the guy's fault, Mikaela's been flirting with everyone, of course they're going to get the wrong idea! His thoughts switch to throwing his skewer at Mikaela instead and hoping it hits him in his stupid pink mouth.
And then after that he just feels sad...and hurt. Why was he even invited here if he's going to be ignored? To have everything he doesn't have thrown in his face as the other male flirts? Mikaela really is the worst.
"Yuu-chan."
He glares over at Mikaela who's gesturing for him to come over, "What?"
"Doesn't the birthday boy get a kiss?"
"You've kissed enough people," he retorts crossly.
"Don't be jealous, Yuu-chan!"
"I'm not!"
"You want my attention too?"
"Nope because I'm about to leave."
"Sorry guys, Yuu-chan wants me all to himself." He smiles and lifts the girl off his lap to come sit next him, "Better?"
"Do you what you want."
Mikaela leans over and pulls him in for a kiss, "I'm all yours."
Yuu yanks him closer, digging nails into his arms, "Only when you want to be."
He sees Mikaela wince and try to loosen his fingers, "I get it! Right now isn't good enough."
"No it's not."
"All the time? Everyday?"
"Yes!"
"Just yours?"
"You already know that! You've known what I wanted forever!"
"How was I supposed to know? You hate me half the time!" He exclaims with a quirk of his lips.
"It isn't funny!" Yuu releases his arm to squeeze the blonde's nose tightly. "Apologize for being such an ass!"
"Ugh fine. I'm sorry," his nasally voice comes out and Yuu lets go satisfied. "I'm all yours. But you know, I expect the same from you."
"You already have it!"
Mikaela pulls him into his lap the rest of the night, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't happy, even if he can't trust Mikaela an inch.
~~~~~
He's pretty sure Yuu doesn't realize how comfortable he's made himself. The younger teen has gone completely slack in his arms, content to just sit there for once.
It seems like Yuu's still going to be easy to please and he's looking forward to it. He can't wait to spoil Yuu, to ruin him for anyone else.
Pulling away really did make a difference, not that his only goal was to get Yuu to forgive him and want him more. He also genuinely wanted to keep his word and show Yuu that he could be respectful of his boundaries. If the raven haired teen didn't fully trust him, they wouldn't progress much farther than they were.
Let's face it, he's done a lot of questionable things to Yuu, from punching him in the stomach to that disastrous ending to their night at the club. Though in his defense he was protecting himself with that punch and the club...that just got out of hand. But, at least they're here now.
He smooths his hands down Yuu's arms, smiling lightly when Yuu grasps them within his own, "At least you finally stopped being stingy with affection."
"What?" He laughs, "I was respecting your boundaries! That's what you told me you wanted!"
"You can respect my boundaries without only kissing me once a week."
"I kissed you twice today."
"One day."
"Nothing's good enough for you, is it? Not even me..."
"Wait! Wait!" Yuu turns around in alarm, "Yes you are! I just meant you don't have to be that considerate. Just kind of considerate...like...not public? Wait, I mean I don't mind public kisses, but not…" He makes a vague gesture with his hands.
"Calm down," he laughs again. "I know what you mean, I was kidding."
"Oh okay, as long as you get it."
"I do."
Yuu drops back against him with an oomph and he opens his mouth to make a comment, but Yuu cuts him off first. "Do not start with the weight jokes."
"...Wouldn't dream of it."
"Yeah right."
"Wanna come with us to the beach next weekend?"
"Who's 'us?'
"..."
"I'm not going if it's going to be like tonight."
"Of course it won't be. I promise I won't let go of you."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah?"
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"See you Saturday morning."
"Maybe, I have to ask Guren." Yuu pushes himself up, "I'm leaving. Don't kiss anyone else while I'm gone."
"You have so little faith in me."
"And you know why."
He watches Yuu leave out the door and smiles to himself. Yuu agreeing to a relationship was the best gift he could hope for. He hasn't been fair to the younger boy and he has been playing with his feelings somewhat. But, if someone his age could cheat, a sixteen year old would think even less of it. Besides, who knew if Yuu actually wanted to date him or not, he never said so.
Honestly he didn't know what Yuu was thinking half the time. At least now they're finally on the same page.
~~~~~
After leaving Mikaela's, Yuu's halfway home when he remembers Shinya's potluck. He's already eaten plenty tonight, but Guren had a point in saying he hadn't been by the agency in a while. It wouldn't kill him to stop by. His friends feel neglected maybe Guren does too. Making a u-turn, he heads back to the train station and takes it to the agency's stop.
Yuu steps through the doorway and his eyes immediately zero in on Guren seated at his desk with none other Shinya sitting atop his desk, facing him. They're both pretty focused on their conversation, eyes locked on each other and speaking in low voices. Shinya has a quiet smile pulling up the corner of his mouth and Guren has that blank expression he wears when he's trying to hide something.
A movement catches his eye and he's surprised to see Shinya's hand moving to rest atop Guren's, weaving their fingers together with little resistance and shooting the darker haired male a smirk. It looks like Guren listened to him after all...or Shinya was really persistent.
"Yuu!" He jumps when a heavy arm is thrown around his shoulders. He's not the only one, Guren snatches his hand back immediately and sends Yuu a glare.
"Why don't you say something when you get here?"
"Sorry," he grins, "Was I interrupting something?"
"Actually ye-"
"No," Guren interrupts, cutting Shinya off and pushing himself away from his desk. "I was getting ready to leave soon."
"Yuu!" He turns back to see Goshi, one of Guren's close friends, beaming at him. He looks the same as ever mischievous brown eyes with disheveled blonde hair and a loose ponytail.
"What's up Goshi?"
"Nothing for me! But, you, what have you been up to? Guren says you're out all the time now." He leans in secretively, "Got a girl you're hiding away?"
Yuu flushes at the proximity and the way everyone's curious eyes dart to him, "N-no, I've just been busy with karate."
"Uh huh." He nods knowingly. "Or maybe you take after Guren here and prefer your eye candy of the male persuasion?"
"Uh…"
"Nothing to be ashamed of, you don't have to hide it like Guren tries to with his obvious attraction to Shinya."
"Goshi!" Guren barks, "Shut up!"
"What? I'm sure he knows. He lives with you."
"Is that true, Goshi?" Shinya questions with raised eyebrows and a small smirk hidden behind his hand. "Does Guren have an obvious attraction to me?"
"You know it! We've known Guren for years, we know when his heart is fluttering."
Shinya chokes back a laugh and Guren gives a well placed kick to Goshi's leg, "Let's go Yuu."
"What? But I just got here!"
"Next time maybe you should come earlier."
Yuu rolls his eyes in annoyance and quickly darts around the room so Shigure, Sayuri, Mito can give him quick hugs. He's never been the overly affectionate type, not including Mikaela, but he learned from an early age that since Guren wasn't affectionate either, they would take it out on his kid. By now, he's grown used to it and they don't overdo it, except Goshi who would squeeze him until he screamed.
"Come back again soon Yuu when Guren isn't here. We can talk more," Goshi adds with a wink in his direction.
Yuu grins back, "I'll make sure to."
"I thought you were too old to come by," Guren remarks sarcastically.
"I can always make time to hear stories about how your heart flutters." Guren glares back in Goshi's direction before pointing him at the door.
"Oh Yuu wait." Shinya calls as they're leaving. "I made these for you." He shoves a container in his hands and squeezes his arm meaningfully. "They're much better for you."
"Huh?"
"See you guys later."
"What did he make you?" Guren questions as they head towards home.
Yuu opens the container and grimaces when he sees what's inside. "Blondies."
"What? Those aren't healthy at all."
Yuu shakes his head, but he got the message loud and clear. Shinya wants him to break it off with Mikaela, but the blonde man doesn't plan on telling Guren yet. His words of caution came too late though, now that Mikaela's finally being less of a jerk, there's no way he's going to stop seeing him, not when he's so close to actually getting what he wants.
Shinya will just have to trust him.
P.S. I'm writing a Yuumika story with demon yuu and vampire mika, it's either going to be split into a few chapters or one 30k one shot, look for it!