Secret Whispers ~ Chapter Eleven | part one
Title: Secret Whispers
Authors: aroruae& fighter_of_moon
Pairings: Akame, Ryokame & others along the way
Genre: AU, angst, fluff, drama, smut
Disclaimer: If the boys were ours, you'd be seeing more of them on TV and we'd have them in RL too
Summary: For those who don't give a damn on things like destiny, let me tell you one thing. They are real. And that's what Akanishi Jin was going to find out.
First song ~ Without notice
Second song ~ Water dance
Third song ~ Our story ~ Prologue
Fourth song ~ Crazy Love
Fifth song ~ Affection
Sixth song ~ I.N.P
Seventh song ~ Miracle
Eigth song ~ Change Ur World
Ninth song ~ She said
Tenth song ~ Sun Burns Down
Chapter eleven
Eleventh song ~ Love or Like
Saying I love you somehow makes
The weight of love heavier
And that's just kind of lonesome.
It was already the third day since they had shared such intimate moments and Kazuya couldn’t deny the fact that he - for once - felt happy to be together with Jin. Maybe they needed to get closer physically and this way have him accept everything more easily. Or maybe not. Kazuya would be a total jerk and fool if he believed that he was starting to get used to the idea that there might be chances for him and Jin just because they had been together for a night and done certain things. No, it wasn’t that. Of course, he desired Jin, but he had come to need him in other ways too. He wanted the actor to be there for him if something good or bad was going to happen, he wanted Jin to look only at him, he wanted…
Jin.
Kazuya had passed the bridge he had sworn not to pass. He had broken his resolve that he had sworn to complete. And all of this happened just because of some silly actions of Jin’s, some clumsy words and some expressions that had pierced through his stubbornness. And now he only had to walk towards Jin, he only had to let himself accept what he had denied in the first place. He wasn’t sure where all of this will lead or how it will change him, but life had always been this way and Kazuya had learned more than once that sometimes you just have to bend to its way. And he was most certainly afraid of what will come and how he and Jin will develop, but he had to try. He had to see for himself, even if - maybe - he’ll be hurt at the end. After all, what was life without risks?
And for once, Kazuya was feeling a bit reckless - with the help of Yuuya, of course, who was more than rooting for the two of them. The assistant had to smile at this part. His younger brother had helped him a lot in clearing most of his feelings, had told him that it wasn’t that wrong to fall for a man or to even accept Jin’s love. And maybe he had missed talking like this with his brother, had missed his advices and his soothing words, telling him that he deserved the best and he should look for it in every person he encountered. And if Jin was the best for Kazuya, Yuuya was more than happy to support them. Having a brother like him, the assistant felt more than blessed. Without Yuuya, he might have not taken well his parents’ death, might have not even lived until now. He was grateful to have Yuuya and now… he had Jin too, for the time being anyway.
And Sayuri had left too. He had been a little bit surprised when he had found out about this - especially after the girl had claimed that she didn’t want them to be together - but both Jin and Ryo had assured him that this was a normal thing to happen and that she often did such things, threatening Jin’s lovers because she was too protective of the singer and then leaving suddenly to another country because she had found something more entertaining than this - usually a man.
The younger was still smiling as he inserted the key to let himself in Jin’s apartment. As the small click was heard and he pushed the door open, Kazuya was surprised to suddenly hear voices. They weren’t loud but they were definitely audible even from the hallway. He wondered who was this early at Jin’s and for a moment he thought of Sayuri, but the girl hadn’t been in the country for two days now. But leaving this aside… who was in Jin’s apartment at this hour?!
Not knowing why, he walked silently into the living, expecting to see Jin and someone else, but there was no one and a voice in his left made him realize that they were in fact in the kitchen. And suddenly a familiar voice had him rooted to the spot.
“You have to leave until he sees you!” Jin’s voice sounded desperate and pleading, making Kazuya feel that something was not right and…
Without being fully aware, Kazuya headed towards the kitchen, his eyes opened wide and you could notice the mistrust in them. He stopped a few steps away from the kitchen’s door which stood ajar, in his vision being a disheveled and clearly just woken up Jin. He couldn’t see the other person, but he was sure that if Jin turned to look towards the door, he’d see Kazuya standing and looking back.
“Why should I do that?” the voice of another man replied with a little chuckle as he seemed to be really amused by this situation.
“I don’t want Kazuya to see you here!” Jin answered on a nervous tone, ruffling his hair and pacing a little through the kitchen, his head down and trying to think of different ways to make the man leave. He should beg. Or threaten him. Or something! Jin was determined to get what he wanted before Kazuya came to wake him up so he raised his head, ready to say something back when his eyes fell on his lover who was still standing in the door’s frame. “Kazuya…” the name slipped his lips before realizing what was happening and exactly how bad did the whole picture look.
The door opened wide and a blond man appeared in Kazuya’s sight. “So you are Kazuya!” he chirped happily, his eyes studying the boy from head to toes in a very obvious way and then nodding his head, like he was approving him.
Jin just groaned, feeling really helpless in that moment.
Kazuya’s eyes flickered from the unknown man to Jin, looking a bit puzzled and something else. Then he focused on the man in front of him. “Yes, I am.” He nodded, giving a slight bow. “And you are…?” he asked then, seeing that no one was eager to do the introductions any soon now.
“Oh, sorry, where are my manners?” the man chuckled a little embarrassed and stretched out his hand towards Kazuya. “My name is Ueda Tatsuya, I’m Jin’s manager.” He said with a wide smile while Jin rolled his eyes next to him.
And suddenly Kazuya’s brooding expression changed to a surprised one, then the mask of politeness replaced it, taking the manager’s hand with another slight bow. “Nice to meet you, Ueda-san.” He replied and gave a small smile. “If I had known,” his eyes fleeted accusingly for a moment towards Jin, “I wouldn’t have come today and bothered you from your discussion. I’m sorry for disturbing you two.” He released Tatsuya’s hand and bowed once more.
“You aren’t bothering us!” Jin hurried to interfere in the discussion, afraid that Kazuya will flee away as soon as he would get the chance. “In fact, Tat-chan was just leaving, weren’t you?” he said, looking pleadingly at his manager but the other just cocked an eyebrow and didn’t say anything.
“Tat-chan?” Kazuya looked puzzled at both of them. It was a funny name for a manager, was Jin always acting this close to others? Answer - yes. Inwardly, the younger sighed to himself. “Jin, you don’t need to be rude. We’ll see each other anyway at work.” He smiled and took a step back. “I’ll excuse myself now.” He gave another bow.
“No!” Jin said quickly and hurried to catch Kazuya’s arm, stopping him from leaving.
“That’s right, you don’t need to leave.” Ueda came on his other side, also catching his free hand. “Besides, I’d love to hear more about the person who had taken care of Jin while I was gone.” He said, his eyes glowing with something hidden which gave Jin shudders as soon as he looked at the older one.
Kazuya looked at both men and fought back the urge to laugh at their similar reactions. “I-I haven’t done anything out of ordinary for Jin. I just helped him as I was his assistant.” He said to Tatsuya, looking slightly embarrassed, though he glanced at Jin a bit helpless. He wasn’t good with strangers that wanted to hear more about him as being the person who had taken care of Jin. Ironically enough, it reminded him of what they did a few days ago. Was that counted as care too?
“Come on, we’re talking about Jin here.” Ueda answered as he pulled on Kazuya’s arm and took him from Jin, heading to the table but not sitting down yet. “I’m sure he was impossible.” He added as a matter of fact.
“Tat-chan…” Jin immediately whined. “Leave Kazuya alone, I beg of you.” He pleaded, using his puppy eyes attack.
“I haven’t done anything yet.” The older pouted, looking a little offended. He then glanced at Kazuya and seemed to study him once more, letting him go and circling him to have a better look. Then, without any explanations, he pinched Kazuya’s ass. “Until now.” He said with an amused voice.
Kazuya froze to the spot. He looked at Jin with a shocked expression before turning to Tatsuya. “Is this an American greeting?” he asked, his eyes almost begging to be told that it was indeed an overseas greeting and that his thoughts of Tatsuya swinging the other way were not true.
“Nope.” Ueda replied still smiling while Jin looked at them confused, not understanding what they were talking about as he hadn’t seen anything happening.
Kazuya opened his mouth and closed it back again without a word coming out. He took a deep breath and tried once more. “I-is not?” he stuttered, his lips curling up trembling. “T-then?” he looked almost hopeful, the way he was staring at the manager.
“My way of greeting you?” Ueda chuckled, becoming even more amused because of Kazuya’s reaction. “You’re so cute.” He added with a giggle and proceeded to pat the younger’s head.
Kazuya didn’t know if he should take this as a compliment or not. He decided for the first and smiled at Tatsuya, licking his lips a bit nervous. “An unusual way of greeting, if I may say so.” He remarked with a soft chuckle, trying to relax. After all, nothing was going to happen, Jin was the only one infatuated with him, there won’t be other men too. It was a one in a million chance that Jin happened to be attracted to him and wanted him enough to have a relationship.
“Do you really think so?” Ueda asked with a soft voice, leaning closer to Kazuya and smirking like he had something prepared for the other.
“What greeting are you talking about?!” Jin finally exploded after watching their conversation and feeling frustrated because he didn’t understand what just happened and pouting because he was left out of their little world. “You’re ignoring me…” he then whined with a pitiful voice.
Kazuya looked at Jin and quickly went to his side, smiling a bit too much. “No, Jin, no one’s ignoring you.” He said with a rather hurried voice as if he was being a bit evasive of something. “Ueda-san is just playing jokes on me.” He gave a shaky laugh, looking a bit hyper. Well, this was the normal reaction that Kazuya had when unusual situations came up and he didn’t know how to deal with them.
“Of course we’re not ignoring you.” Ueda also said and followed Kazuya, settling on Jin’s other side. “I can greet you too.” He then added and pinched the actor’s ass also, earning a yelp from him as Jin jumped a little at the sudden reaction.
“Ueda, I told you to stop doing that!” Jin complained and looked with a scolding gaze at his manager who backed away, wanting to look hurt but not succeeding to hide his amusement.
“Now he’s mad!” the older said as he hid behind Kazuya, using him as a shield.
Jin groaned.
Kazuya had to chuckle at this childish behavior and somehow he felt relieved that Jin had also been felt up by Tatsuya’s lonely hands. And as much he didn’t like this fact, it was kind of impossible to hate Tatsuya for being so freely touchy. Kazuya suspected that this was his charming point. “I see you get along very well.” The younger remarked, his lips still curled into a smile, a genuine one this time. “When we first met we were at loggerheads. I really wanted to kill him.” He grinned and then looked at Jin, his tongue in his cheek.
The actor sulked while Ueda hurried to take Kazuya’s side. “I really did try to kill him when I became his manager.” He said with a chuckle and turned his back on them, sitting on a chair and crossing his legs like a diva as his gaze rested once more on the couple in front of him.
Kazuya laughed and leaned on the counter. “Was he that horrible?” he asked, glancing maliciously at the singer. “Well, we’re talking about Jin, I’m sure he was.” He added and chuckled.
“Even more than that.” Ueda sighed dramatically. “I became his manager about a week before he left for America and you can only imagine how smug he was.” He chuckled evilly, looking at the actor and enjoying seeing him pout and feel like a little child who knew that he had done something bad but didn’t want to admit. “And when he arrived on the first day of filming his movie, he looked completely different that I thought I brought someone else with me.” He added, now laughing out loud at the image of a Jin hiding behind him and gaping every time a big start would cross his way.
“I wasn’t that bad.”Jin denied, pursing his lips and trying to look innocent. “I was just excited.” He said with a smirk, looking proud of himself.
“Yeah, that’s why you stalked the women’s bathroom for a week just to get Cameron’s Diaz autograph.” Ueda scoffed, clearly mocking him at which Jin pouted again and pretended to study the walls to not face his manager or to see Kazuya’s reaction at his embarrassing past.
Kazuya laughed and glanced at Jin, before suddenly remembering that Jin had once stalked him to the bathroom too. “You stalked the women’s bathroom?” he asked out loud, laughing some more. “You do like stalking people when they go to the bathroom, don’t you?” The younger asked and looked at Jin with maliciously amused eyes.
“Well, it wasn’t like you didn’t like it either when I pushed you to the stall.” Jin replied without blinking, his eyes staring into Kazuya’s as he too remembered those days.
Kazuya stared back and blushed furiously. “I don’t think there is anyone who likes being pushed into a stall.” He shot back, not wanting to admit that he might have liked it back then. “And it still doesn’t change your status of a stalker.” The younger added with a smug smile.
“And the fact that you like being stalked by me doesn’t change either, no matter what you say.” Jin smirked and put his hand on Kazuya’s waist, bringing him closer and licking his lips provocatively.
Ueda continued to watch, wishing that he had some popcorn to enjoy this scene more.
Kazuya elbowed Jin, making him back away from him. He didn’t expect Jin to do such a thing especially in front of his manager. He glared at the actor, before risking a glance to Tatsuya who was kind of amused. His blush became redder. “Umm…” he muttered, not knowing what exactly to say. If he was going to say that Jin liked to play this kind of pranks of him, then the actor would get hurt again and they will end in another misunderstanding. But he wasn’t sure if he should say anything about him and Jin being together either…
“See?” Jin continued smugly, not realizing why did Kazuya suddenly shut up. “Even the silence is an answer, you know…” he said with a teasing voice, clearly enjoying his little victory and forgetting that there are other people around them. After all, it wasn’t the first time that Jin got lost into his own little world and completely ignored the ones who didn’t matter.
Kazuya glared at Jin once more. “I’ll show you answer if you keep talking.” He threatened and stomped on Jin’s foot, making him yelp. “Ueda-san, sorry about this.” Kazuya said suddenly and bowed his head a little, hoping that Jin realized that they hadn’t been alone from the beginning. Though he wasn’t one to talk - he hadn’t thought of Tatsuya for a split moment as Jin had gotten close enough to him to cloud his mind.
“No worries,” Ueda chuckled happily, “I always enjoy Jin being bullied.” He confessed with a wide smile. “Anyway,” the manager continued as he saw Jin opening his mouth so say something back, “it’s late so go get ready.” He ordered and the actor only sighed in defeat, turning his back on them and stepping towards the door. He seemed to remember something though and then he suddenly returned to Kazuya’s side, stole a kiss on his cheek and then quickly left the room with a silly grin on his face.
Kazuya sighed and smiled despite himself. He then chewed on his lower lip and looked at Tatsuya, seeming a bit fidgeting. “If it’s not rude, how come you weren’t with Jin when he started this movie?”The younger asked, feeling the need to make some conversation.
“Had some problems.” Ueda answered mysteriously, not showing any sign to prologue this subject. He stod up and headed to the counter, pouring two cups of coffee and sipping from one with a delighted expression, pushing the other one towards Kazuya. “But I have to say, you’re nothing as I imagined when Jin told me about you.” He commented as if he was talking about the weather, but the curiosity and maybe the little warning present in his voice, masked though by the gentleness he displayed, betrayed his actual intentions.
Kazuya thanked through a nod and took the coffee, looking a bit apprehensive at the subject approached by Tatsuya. “Jin told you about me?” he asked and drank from his mug. “And… may I ask what did you imagine of me?” Kazuya’s brown eyes locked with Tatsuya’s.
“Different.” The older replied vaguely, shrugging a little. “Jin has the habit to exaggerate in his stories so you never know what to expect from him.” He added as an explanation, heading to the table and sitting back on his chair, legs crossed and eyes defiant.
Kazuya stood where he was, looking a bit pensive. “Jin is this type of person, no?” He said mostly to himself, but loud enough for Tatsuya to hear too. “In what way different?” Kazuya asked, now that curiosity got the best of him; he wanted to know how Jin described him in front of others.
“Sweet. Cute. Adorable. Like he was crazy about you. Like he had really fallen in love with you.” Ueda simply replied as he stood up, his cup of coffee forgotten on the table as he approached Kazuya with every word he said. “I think he used these words several times.” He admitted, stopping in front of the younger and pinning him down with his eyes. “For me, it just sounded like you are very dangerous.” Ueda continued with a slightly threatening tone, his expression changing completely and becoming intimidating and powerful, one that would give shivers to anyone.
The sudden warmth provoked by the words Jin apparently said about him froze in the pit of Kazuya’s stomach. He looked warily at the other one, having a faint idea where the manager was heading with this discussion. “Because of his career?” he asked with a serious tone. “Because the press might find out he has fallen in love with a man, I am dangerous?” He continued and there was a faint curl of his lips. “Am I right, Ueda-san?”
“That and many others.” Ueda said back, crossing his arms, his eyes not wavering from Kazuya’s. “Tell me one thing though.” He continued, wanting to find out just a thing. “Do you think Jin is a playboy?” he asked with a shrug, like it was a simple curiosity of his. “Not from what the other had said about him, but from what you know about Jin until now.” He demanded with a confident tone.
Was this a trap? Kazuya looked at Tatsuya and smiled. “Yes.” He answered, his eyes twinkling. “I thought he was.” He then added, his smile disappearing from his lips. “But whether he is or not now, I want to believe he isn’t. I want to believe in his words of love and I want to answer them back.” He continued and licked his lips. “I didn’t turn to liking guys over night and I’m sure Jin hasn’t either. And as dangerous our relationship may be, I don’t intend to let it go out into the press’s light.” Kazuya said with a defiant and confident voice. “If I can, I want to keep Jin for me as much as possible.” The younger man smiled and took another sip from his coffee.
Ueda sighed, looking a little disappointed at Kazuya’s answer but chose to not say what he said wrong in his assumptions. “I’m not saying that you’re not involved in this relationship as deep as Jin is.” He said, backing away one step. “I just want you to be careful and not hurt Jin. Because the moment this relationship will be over, I’ll want you out of Jin’s sight and never bother him again.” He asked, looking a little tired and stifling a yawn as he sat back on his chair. “And it will.” He added, as if he knew that Kazuya wanted to say the opposite and not even giving him the chance.
Kazuya gritted his teeth, but gave a short nod. “Sure, every story has its ending.” He chose to say, putting his mug on the counter, now the bitter taste of the coffee bothering him. “And I will not hurt Jin as long as he doesn’t hurt me. For me, even if he is a star, I won’t back away from returning what it has been done to me.” Kazuya said with a slight shrug. After all he wasn’t going to lie and say that if Jin hurt him, he’ll simply back away and let the actor live his beautiful life. “Oh, and he knows this too and accepted it. So, outsiders don’t have a say in this.” He added with an adorable smile. He might have been a bit impolite here, but whatever was going to happen between him and Jin was their problem, right? And Kazuya was going to treat it accordingly.
“Of course, I have no right to interfere with your relationship.” Ueda nodded his head, completely agreeing with the younger as he continued to sip from his coffee. “But when it ends, I’ll be the one to make sure that it stays like that.” He added with an innocent smile, like they were talking about something casual. “Though no hard feelings, I’m just doing my job.” Ueda continued, taking another sip, his eyes studying Kazuya carefully.
Kazuya chuckled. “I know, don’t worry about it. And I don’t need anyone to show me how an end should be like.” He said with a quick lick of his lips. Somehow he was bothered by such a blunt and aggressive attitude from Jin’s manager. It made him think of stupidities like when Sayuri had come in sight. “Besides, I prefer ends to stay closed.” Kazuya added and went to the sink to throw the coffee and clean the mug.
Ueda chuckled too and sat up, approaching Kazuya at the counter and waiting for him to finish before flashing a bright smile at him. “Then I think we’re going to get along just fine.” He chirped happily, stretching his hand towards the younger as a sign of peace.
Kazuya looked at the hand, feeling a bit reluctant in accepting it. But he did in the end and smiled politely to the other. “I hope so.” He said with a slight nod.
“We’re late!!!” Jin’s loud voice came into the room as the actor appeared in front of them, looking a little desperate but then becoming suspicious as he saw their joined hands. “What are you doing?” he asked with a frown.
“Nothing that you should worry about.” Ueda answered with a fake interest. “I’m going to bed so see you later.” He added, stretching his body and yawning. He proceeded to pinch Kazuya’s ass one more time before leaving and disappearing from their sights with a laugh, heading to Jin’s bedroom to get his well deserved rest. After all, his plane had landed just a few hours ago and this was his first stop in Japan.
Kazuya looked after Tatsuya with a perplexed expression. “W-wait a second.” He said on a small voice, not loud enough to be heard by Tatsuya. “Jin!” he then rounded at his lover, looking a bit - more - bothered. “Care to explain?” he asked with a threatening gleam in his eyes.
“That we’re late?” Jin blinked, not understanding what was there to explain.
“If I wanted that I wouldn’t need an explanation, it’s clearly why.” Kazuya fumed some more and ruffled his hair. “Why is Ueda-san sleeping in o- your bed?” he asked with a calm tone, hating his almost slip of the tongue.
“Because he does that often?” Jin replied, a little unsure of his words and if he was making a mistake by admitting the truth. “He’s not my only friend that has slept in my bed.” He added with a nonchalant tone, thinking that his friends had the habit to plop unannounced and jump on his bed, sometimes even crushing Jin in the process. He snorted in his mind when he realized that the same thing kept happening with his American friends too, like he had some kind of tag that said anyone was free to use his bed or something.
Kazuya’s mind blanked. “I see.” He said with a much too calmer tone. “Then maybe I should call some friends to sleep in my bed too. We’d even share it.” He added with a shrug, waiting to see Jin’s reaction. “And we’d have to squeeze and hold each other because my bed is small and there’s not enough space…” Kazuya sighed dramatically.
“Sure, if they’re only friends.” Jin shrugged in response, still not understanding what was the big deal with Ueda sleeping in his bed if he was tired. “I’d love to join you though!” he then added with an excited voice, thinking that if someone had to hold Kazuya in his arms, Jin was the perfect one for that, seeing as he was his boyfriend and all that shit. “Who are those friends?” he proceeded to ask, wanting a little bit of information about the ones who use to spend their time at Kazuya’s house. But… didn’t Yuuya say that Kazuya doesn’t really have friends?
Kazuya glared at Jin. “Idiot.” He muttered and turned towards the door. “Let’s go, we’re late.” He looked over his shoulder, not wanting to thread on that subject of Tatsuya sleeping in Jin’s bed. It was clear that Jin had no problem and that neither he should have, though he couldn’t help but be bothered by it. After all, he wasn’t a very sharing person.
Jin whined, still having no idea why was Kazuya so upset, but followed him to the door and locked it after they left the apartment. He kept glancing at his lover the whole way to the car, but he didn’t say anything, sensing that he was in danger if he dared to do something wrong. In the end, Jin couldn’t keep his mouth shut and as soon as he started the car to head towards the filming set, he asked the question that had been tormenting him: “Are you mad?”
Kazuya looked at Jin for a moment, then smiled and shook his head in denial. He wasn’t mad at Jin, he was mostly brooding over the fact that Ueda had said those things and then - as if provocatively - had gone into Jin’s bedroom to sleep. This wasn’t on Kazuya’s taste at all. “I’m not mad, though I won’t hide the fact that I am bothered by the fact that you let people crawl so easily in your bed.” Kazuya finally said, staring in front of him.
“Then you’re jealous.” Jin stated with a smirk as he glanced at Kazuya to see his expression.
Kazuya glanced back. “And if I am, will you kick Ueda-san out of your bed?” the younger asked, apparently nonchalant about all this situation.
“Nope, I just thought you’re cute when you’re jealous.” Jin chuckled, suddenly feeling a warm sensation enveloping him.
“Then I’m not jealous.” Kazuya replied immediately as if the words had been dying to slip from his lips. “But wait…” He turned with a frown looking at Jin. “I am cute if I’m jealous? What about the rest of the time?” He arched an eyebrow inquiringly.
Jin laughed. “And I was worried that you’d be mad at me for calling you cute.” He said with an amused voice, thinking that most men hated to be called cute and preferred the term ‘handsome’ or something along those lines.
Kazuya pouted, Jin was avoiding his question. “Yuuya called me cute since forever and I got used to hear such a word.” He replied, crossing his arms and still pouting. “You haven’t answered my question…” His words lingered on his lips.
“I know.” Jin said back, biting his lips to prevent himself from laughing out loud.
“And?” Kazuya pressed, straightening himself on his seat and looking threatening. If Jin won’t open his mouth any soon now, I’ll make him eat the wheel, Kazuya thought evilly.
“And what?” Jin asked back, faking ignorance as he concentrated on the road ahead of him.
“Jiiiiiiiiin!” The younger suddenly whined and stomped his foot angrily. “I’ll make you eat the wheel if you keep playing dumb with me.” Kazuya threatened as he revealed his thoughts, his lips pursed.
Jin chuckled, obviously enjoying the game that was unfolding between them. “What would I receive if I say what you want to hear?” he suddenly asked, thinking that it wouldn’t be that bad to hear what Kazuya thought about him too. After all, the images with Kazuya and Kimura Takuya or Kazuya and Ryo were still vivid in his mind. Who could blame Jin if he wanted some praise too from his boyfriend?
“A whack over the head.” Kazuya replied promptly. “Because you took too long in answering. And maybe - maybe! - if I like what I’ll hear from you, I might reconsider.” Then he added, smiling all pleasantly.
“And what would that be?” Jin asked with a teasing tone. “That I find you cute? Sweet? Adorable? That I love you so much that I feel like I’m going crazy?” he continued with a sincere tone this time, unintentionally saying the exact words Ueda had said earlier to the assistant.
And Kazuya’s heart started to race faster. Of course Jin would say this to him, after all he had said so to other people too. It made the younger one feel all warm and fuzzy. “Stop the car.” He demanded on an indecipherable voice. His expression was the same and it didn’t change when Jin looked at him confused, but complying nonetheless and parking the car between two buildings. And as he did so, Kazuya grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and kissed him passionately.
“I feel like I should tell you this more often.” Jin laughed in the kiss, as he brought his hands around Kazuya’s waist, though a little hindered by the safety belt, and responded to the younger’s advance by kissing him back hard and needy, his hand clutching into his hair while the other one settled on the back of Kazuya’s neck and held him close.
“Don’t feel, just do it.” Kazuya said with a rasp breath as they parted from their kiss and looked at each other. “And I’m still considering that whack, you know.” He added with a mean smile, his hands releasing the collar and settling on Jin’s chest.
“Then I’ll answer back saying everyday how much I love you.” Jin smiled and turned to the back of the car to get something, smiling even wider when he presented to Kazuya a little lily-of-the-valley, his present for the day.
Kazuya smiled back and looked at the flower with warm eyes. He took it gently, his fingers brushing against Jin’s ones. “Thank you.” He muttered and placed a kiss on the flower’s white bells. “I’m happy.” The younger added and kissed Jin’s cheek. “And you saved yourself from the whack.” He added with amusement, now kissing Jin’s lips.
“Glad to hear that.” Jin chuckled and looked at Kazuya with loving eyes. “Can we go now?” he asked, wanting to remind the younger that they were already late and this little stop had only made it worse.
Kazuya looked at his watch and gasped. “Yes, hurry.” He looked back at Jin and you could see a tinge of nervousness on his face, though he was half amused. Both of them laughed as Jin started the engine, speeding up a little to get quicker to the studio. But on the way, Kazuya recalled something.
“You have to leave until he sees you!”
He looked at Jin and bit down his lip. What had Jin meant through that? Evidently, Tatsuya was aware of their relationship so there wasn’t any need for him to hide or anything like that, was there? But apparently there was and now that he had remembered this, the desire to ask was gnawing at him. He chewed a bit more on his lips before finally deciding to ask.
“Jin… why did you tell Ueda-san to leave before my arrival?” Kazuya asked, eyeing his lover with mixed feelings.
“Eh?” Jin jolted, sounding a little confused. “Did I say something like that?” he asked, trying to look innocent but failing badly.
Kazuya narrowed his eyes, he was glad that he asked. There seemed to be something fishy about all this Ueda-san. “Yes, you said. I overheard you two talking.” He replied and his voice was a tad cooler than normal.
“Were you eavesdropping?” Jin attacked back, wanting to blame the younger and avoid answering his questions.
Kazuya made a cat-like noise. “No, I overheard. I don’t eavesdrop.” He hissed, obviously upset by such an accusation. “And don’t think you’re getting away by making me feel guilty, ‘cause I don’t feel.” He continued and narrowed his eyes. “So? Why should have Ueda-san left before me?” He insisted, now dying to know the reason.
Jin groaned, obviously not happy to share this with Kazuya. “Ueda is my manager.” He then said, as if this explained everything.
“No shit.” Kazuya scoffed. “And here I thought he was your pet.” He added with an ironic tone, his eyes glued to Jin’s face.
Jin sighed, being obvious that he didn’t want to say this, even more as it seemed that Kazuya hadn’t realized it yet. “He’s hired to take care of me, not only to bring me contracts and new jobs.” The actor continued, finally accepting his fate. “This means that he needs to make sure that I wake up in the mornings to be in time at work.” He added, hoping that this was enough for Kazuya to realize what he was trying to say.
Kazuya frowned upon hearing this. “I really didn’t think you needed a babysitter.” He remarked bitterly and leaned in his seat. “I get it. I don’t need to come by your place in the mornings.” He shrugged as it wasn’t that big of a thing. Though it was because it meant there was going to be another person to wake Jin up.
Jin’s eyes suddenly darkened and he stopped the car once again, not caring that he wasn’t allowed to park there and that there were other drivers shouting and cursing at him. He turned to look at Kazuya, his eyes narrowing and looking dangerous. “I can’t believe you.” He said, wanting to sound powerful but ending up whining. “I was yelling at Ueda to get out so that you wouldn’t see him and wouldn’t know that you don’t have to wake me up in the mornings again. I wanted to continue like this because I want you and only you and not that stupid Ueda. I didn’t want you to know about him and meet and get stupid ideas like you don’t need to come at my apartment again.” He groaned, frustrated that Kazuya was jumping yet again at the possibility that Jin didn’t want him, not thinking that it was exactly the opposite. “That’s all.” He finished and turned back to start the car but not doing it just yet.
Kazuya looked at Jin surprised, not knowing if to laugh or to… laugh. He was kind of amused by this outburst of Jin, but nevertheless touched by it. He touched gently Jin’s thigh, feeling him jolt a little. “Thanks for yelling at him and still wanting me to wake you up.” He said with a smile. “And I didn’t say I won’t come to your apartment again. But if Ueda-san wakes you up, then I can only come and pick you up.” He continued, realizing that this idea had been in his mind for a long time, since Sayuri had announced her presence at Jin’s house. “And I still hope that there might be days when Ueda-san won’t be able to wake you up, that’s why I’m not giving your spare key back.” Kazuya retreated his hand from Jin’s thigh and leaned back into his seat. Somehow, he was feeling better.
“But I don’t want Tat-chan to wake me up at all…” Jin muttered and pouted, settling on his seat and totally forgetting of being late, concentrating now only on sulking.
“Then I’ll give you a call each morning.” Kazuya proposed and thought that it might be funny this way. “How about it?” He smiled, seeming quite excited at the idea.
“And how many times have I woken up from that?” the older cocked an eyebrow, thinking that if it was that easy, he could just set up a damned alarm clock. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter anymore…” he then added, turning back to look in front of them, pouting and muttering for himself. “It’s okay if Tat-chan wakes me up… I’ll be lonely, but it’s not like you care. We’ll just see each other at work if I have the luck because now you work…”
“You really like to lament, don’t you?” Kazuya interrupted him quite amused. “If Ueda-san wakes you up, then you can hear the phone ringing, right? And I did say that I was going to come and pick you up for work, didn’t I?” He continued a bit tired of his lover’s whines. “And also you can hang out at my place. There isn’t any set rule for me to see you at your place, right?” Kazuya shrugged as if such options had been okay from the start.
Jin looked up at Kazuya with puppy eyes. “Then can I also sleep at your place?” he hurried to ask, this being the only thing he had learned from all of the younger’s words.
Kazuya sighed. “If Yuuya isn’t home, then you can sleep over.” He said, not wanting to have a scene like the one from last time repeated again.
“How soon?” the older interrogated, not wanting Kazuya to just say these words and then postpone the moment saying that Yuuya was never not home at night.
Kazuya looked a bit taken aback. “I-I don’t know… Yuuya has moments when he sleeps over to a friend or goes for a study group, though I suspect it to be a party.” He added, looking a bit thoughtful. “But you can call me and see if I’m alone.” Kazuya then teased with a broad smile.
“Then I’ll call you tonight.” Jin concluded with a smile as he turned to start the car again. They were already way too late. “And if not, you can come to my place.” He added with a smirk, glancing at Kazuya and starting the engine.
Kazuya laughed. “We’ll see about that.” He said and glanced once more at his watch. They were so late.
But, at least, they were together.
PART TWO
Authors: aroruae& fighter_of_moon
Pairings: Akame, Ryokame & others along the way
Genre: AU, angst, fluff, drama, smut
Disclaimer: If the boys were ours, you'd be seeing more of them on TV and we'd have them in RL too
Summary: For those who don't give a damn on things like destiny, let me tell you one thing. They are real. And that's what Akanishi Jin was going to find out.
First song ~ Without notice
Second song ~ Water dance
Third song ~ Our story ~ Prologue
Fourth song ~ Crazy Love
Fifth song ~ Affection
Sixth song ~ I.N.P
Seventh song ~ Miracle
Eigth song ~ Change Ur World
Ninth song ~ She said
Tenth song ~ Sun Burns Down
Chapter eleven
Eleventh song ~ Love or Like
Saying I love you somehow makes
The weight of love heavier
And that's just kind of lonesome.
It was already the third day since they had shared such intimate moments and Kazuya couldn’t deny the fact that he - for once - felt happy to be together with Jin. Maybe they needed to get closer physically and this way have him accept everything more easily. Or maybe not. Kazuya would be a total jerk and fool if he believed that he was starting to get used to the idea that there might be chances for him and Jin just because they had been together for a night and done certain things. No, it wasn’t that. Of course, he desired Jin, but he had come to need him in other ways too. He wanted the actor to be there for him if something good or bad was going to happen, he wanted Jin to look only at him, he wanted…
Jin.
Kazuya had passed the bridge he had sworn not to pass. He had broken his resolve that he had sworn to complete. And all of this happened just because of some silly actions of Jin’s, some clumsy words and some expressions that had pierced through his stubbornness. And now he only had to walk towards Jin, he only had to let himself accept what he had denied in the first place. He wasn’t sure where all of this will lead or how it will change him, but life had always been this way and Kazuya had learned more than once that sometimes you just have to bend to its way. And he was most certainly afraid of what will come and how he and Jin will develop, but he had to try. He had to see for himself, even if - maybe - he’ll be hurt at the end. After all, what was life without risks?
And for once, Kazuya was feeling a bit reckless - with the help of Yuuya, of course, who was more than rooting for the two of them. The assistant had to smile at this part. His younger brother had helped him a lot in clearing most of his feelings, had told him that it wasn’t that wrong to fall for a man or to even accept Jin’s love. And maybe he had missed talking like this with his brother, had missed his advices and his soothing words, telling him that he deserved the best and he should look for it in every person he encountered. And if Jin was the best for Kazuya, Yuuya was more than happy to support them. Having a brother like him, the assistant felt more than blessed. Without Yuuya, he might have not taken well his parents’ death, might have not even lived until now. He was grateful to have Yuuya and now… he had Jin too, for the time being anyway.
And Sayuri had left too. He had been a little bit surprised when he had found out about this - especially after the girl had claimed that she didn’t want them to be together - but both Jin and Ryo had assured him that this was a normal thing to happen and that she often did such things, threatening Jin’s lovers because she was too protective of the singer and then leaving suddenly to another country because she had found something more entertaining than this - usually a man.
The younger was still smiling as he inserted the key to let himself in Jin’s apartment. As the small click was heard and he pushed the door open, Kazuya was surprised to suddenly hear voices. They weren’t loud but they were definitely audible even from the hallway. He wondered who was this early at Jin’s and for a moment he thought of Sayuri, but the girl hadn’t been in the country for two days now. But leaving this aside… who was in Jin’s apartment at this hour?!
Not knowing why, he walked silently into the living, expecting to see Jin and someone else, but there was no one and a voice in his left made him realize that they were in fact in the kitchen. And suddenly a familiar voice had him rooted to the spot.
“You have to leave until he sees you!” Jin’s voice sounded desperate and pleading, making Kazuya feel that something was not right and…
Without being fully aware, Kazuya headed towards the kitchen, his eyes opened wide and you could notice the mistrust in them. He stopped a few steps away from the kitchen’s door which stood ajar, in his vision being a disheveled and clearly just woken up Jin. He couldn’t see the other person, but he was sure that if Jin turned to look towards the door, he’d see Kazuya standing and looking back.
“Why should I do that?” the voice of another man replied with a little chuckle as he seemed to be really amused by this situation.
“I don’t want Kazuya to see you here!” Jin answered on a nervous tone, ruffling his hair and pacing a little through the kitchen, his head down and trying to think of different ways to make the man leave. He should beg. Or threaten him. Or something! Jin was determined to get what he wanted before Kazuya came to wake him up so he raised his head, ready to say something back when his eyes fell on his lover who was still standing in the door’s frame. “Kazuya…” the name slipped his lips before realizing what was happening and exactly how bad did the whole picture look.
The door opened wide and a blond man appeared in Kazuya’s sight. “So you are Kazuya!” he chirped happily, his eyes studying the boy from head to toes in a very obvious way and then nodding his head, like he was approving him.
Jin just groaned, feeling really helpless in that moment.
Kazuya’s eyes flickered from the unknown man to Jin, looking a bit puzzled and something else. Then he focused on the man in front of him. “Yes, I am.” He nodded, giving a slight bow. “And you are…?” he asked then, seeing that no one was eager to do the introductions any soon now.
“Oh, sorry, where are my manners?” the man chuckled a little embarrassed and stretched out his hand towards Kazuya. “My name is Ueda Tatsuya, I’m Jin’s manager.” He said with a wide smile while Jin rolled his eyes next to him.
And suddenly Kazuya’s brooding expression changed to a surprised one, then the mask of politeness replaced it, taking the manager’s hand with another slight bow. “Nice to meet you, Ueda-san.” He replied and gave a small smile. “If I had known,” his eyes fleeted accusingly for a moment towards Jin, “I wouldn’t have come today and bothered you from your discussion. I’m sorry for disturbing you two.” He released Tatsuya’s hand and bowed once more.
“You aren’t bothering us!” Jin hurried to interfere in the discussion, afraid that Kazuya will flee away as soon as he would get the chance. “In fact, Tat-chan was just leaving, weren’t you?” he said, looking pleadingly at his manager but the other just cocked an eyebrow and didn’t say anything.
“Tat-chan?” Kazuya looked puzzled at both of them. It was a funny name for a manager, was Jin always acting this close to others? Answer - yes. Inwardly, the younger sighed to himself. “Jin, you don’t need to be rude. We’ll see each other anyway at work.” He smiled and took a step back. “I’ll excuse myself now.” He gave another bow.
“No!” Jin said quickly and hurried to catch Kazuya’s arm, stopping him from leaving.
“That’s right, you don’t need to leave.” Ueda came on his other side, also catching his free hand. “Besides, I’d love to hear more about the person who had taken care of Jin while I was gone.” He said, his eyes glowing with something hidden which gave Jin shudders as soon as he looked at the older one.
Kazuya looked at both men and fought back the urge to laugh at their similar reactions. “I-I haven’t done anything out of ordinary for Jin. I just helped him as I was his assistant.” He said to Tatsuya, looking slightly embarrassed, though he glanced at Jin a bit helpless. He wasn’t good with strangers that wanted to hear more about him as being the person who had taken care of Jin. Ironically enough, it reminded him of what they did a few days ago. Was that counted as care too?
“Come on, we’re talking about Jin here.” Ueda answered as he pulled on Kazuya’s arm and took him from Jin, heading to the table but not sitting down yet. “I’m sure he was impossible.” He added as a matter of fact.
“Tat-chan…” Jin immediately whined. “Leave Kazuya alone, I beg of you.” He pleaded, using his puppy eyes attack.
“I haven’t done anything yet.” The older pouted, looking a little offended. He then glanced at Kazuya and seemed to study him once more, letting him go and circling him to have a better look. Then, without any explanations, he pinched Kazuya’s ass. “Until now.” He said with an amused voice.
Kazuya froze to the spot. He looked at Jin with a shocked expression before turning to Tatsuya. “Is this an American greeting?” he asked, his eyes almost begging to be told that it was indeed an overseas greeting and that his thoughts of Tatsuya swinging the other way were not true.
“Nope.” Ueda replied still smiling while Jin looked at them confused, not understanding what they were talking about as he hadn’t seen anything happening.
Kazuya opened his mouth and closed it back again without a word coming out. He took a deep breath and tried once more. “I-is not?” he stuttered, his lips curling up trembling. “T-then?” he looked almost hopeful, the way he was staring at the manager.
“My way of greeting you?” Ueda chuckled, becoming even more amused because of Kazuya’s reaction. “You’re so cute.” He added with a giggle and proceeded to pat the younger’s head.
Kazuya didn’t know if he should take this as a compliment or not. He decided for the first and smiled at Tatsuya, licking his lips a bit nervous. “An unusual way of greeting, if I may say so.” He remarked with a soft chuckle, trying to relax. After all, nothing was going to happen, Jin was the only one infatuated with him, there won’t be other men too. It was a one in a million chance that Jin happened to be attracted to him and wanted him enough to have a relationship.
“Do you really think so?” Ueda asked with a soft voice, leaning closer to Kazuya and smirking like he had something prepared for the other.
“What greeting are you talking about?!” Jin finally exploded after watching their conversation and feeling frustrated because he didn’t understand what just happened and pouting because he was left out of their little world. “You’re ignoring me…” he then whined with a pitiful voice.
Kazuya looked at Jin and quickly went to his side, smiling a bit too much. “No, Jin, no one’s ignoring you.” He said with a rather hurried voice as if he was being a bit evasive of something. “Ueda-san is just playing jokes on me.” He gave a shaky laugh, looking a bit hyper. Well, this was the normal reaction that Kazuya had when unusual situations came up and he didn’t know how to deal with them.
“Of course we’re not ignoring you.” Ueda also said and followed Kazuya, settling on Jin’s other side. “I can greet you too.” He then added and pinched the actor’s ass also, earning a yelp from him as Jin jumped a little at the sudden reaction.
“Ueda, I told you to stop doing that!” Jin complained and looked with a scolding gaze at his manager who backed away, wanting to look hurt but not succeeding to hide his amusement.
“Now he’s mad!” the older said as he hid behind Kazuya, using him as a shield.
Jin groaned.
Kazuya had to chuckle at this childish behavior and somehow he felt relieved that Jin had also been felt up by Tatsuya’s lonely hands. And as much he didn’t like this fact, it was kind of impossible to hate Tatsuya for being so freely touchy. Kazuya suspected that this was his charming point. “I see you get along very well.” The younger remarked, his lips still curled into a smile, a genuine one this time. “When we first met we were at loggerheads. I really wanted to kill him.” He grinned and then looked at Jin, his tongue in his cheek.
The actor sulked while Ueda hurried to take Kazuya’s side. “I really did try to kill him when I became his manager.” He said with a chuckle and turned his back on them, sitting on a chair and crossing his legs like a diva as his gaze rested once more on the couple in front of him.
Kazuya laughed and leaned on the counter. “Was he that horrible?” he asked, glancing maliciously at the singer. “Well, we’re talking about Jin, I’m sure he was.” He added and chuckled.
“Even more than that.” Ueda sighed dramatically. “I became his manager about a week before he left for America and you can only imagine how smug he was.” He chuckled evilly, looking at the actor and enjoying seeing him pout and feel like a little child who knew that he had done something bad but didn’t want to admit. “And when he arrived on the first day of filming his movie, he looked completely different that I thought I brought someone else with me.” He added, now laughing out loud at the image of a Jin hiding behind him and gaping every time a big start would cross his way.
“I wasn’t that bad.”Jin denied, pursing his lips and trying to look innocent. “I was just excited.” He said with a smirk, looking proud of himself.
“Yeah, that’s why you stalked the women’s bathroom for a week just to get Cameron’s Diaz autograph.” Ueda scoffed, clearly mocking him at which Jin pouted again and pretended to study the walls to not face his manager or to see Kazuya’s reaction at his embarrassing past.
Kazuya laughed and glanced at Jin, before suddenly remembering that Jin had once stalked him to the bathroom too. “You stalked the women’s bathroom?” he asked out loud, laughing some more. “You do like stalking people when they go to the bathroom, don’t you?” The younger asked and looked at Jin with maliciously amused eyes.
“Well, it wasn’t like you didn’t like it either when I pushed you to the stall.” Jin replied without blinking, his eyes staring into Kazuya’s as he too remembered those days.
Kazuya stared back and blushed furiously. “I don’t think there is anyone who likes being pushed into a stall.” He shot back, not wanting to admit that he might have liked it back then. “And it still doesn’t change your status of a stalker.” The younger added with a smug smile.
“And the fact that you like being stalked by me doesn’t change either, no matter what you say.” Jin smirked and put his hand on Kazuya’s waist, bringing him closer and licking his lips provocatively.
Ueda continued to watch, wishing that he had some popcorn to enjoy this scene more.
Kazuya elbowed Jin, making him back away from him. He didn’t expect Jin to do such a thing especially in front of his manager. He glared at the actor, before risking a glance to Tatsuya who was kind of amused. His blush became redder. “Umm…” he muttered, not knowing what exactly to say. If he was going to say that Jin liked to play this kind of pranks of him, then the actor would get hurt again and they will end in another misunderstanding. But he wasn’t sure if he should say anything about him and Jin being together either…
“See?” Jin continued smugly, not realizing why did Kazuya suddenly shut up. “Even the silence is an answer, you know…” he said with a teasing voice, clearly enjoying his little victory and forgetting that there are other people around them. After all, it wasn’t the first time that Jin got lost into his own little world and completely ignored the ones who didn’t matter.
Kazuya glared at Jin once more. “I’ll show you answer if you keep talking.” He threatened and stomped on Jin’s foot, making him yelp. “Ueda-san, sorry about this.” Kazuya said suddenly and bowed his head a little, hoping that Jin realized that they hadn’t been alone from the beginning. Though he wasn’t one to talk - he hadn’t thought of Tatsuya for a split moment as Jin had gotten close enough to him to cloud his mind.
“No worries,” Ueda chuckled happily, “I always enjoy Jin being bullied.” He confessed with a wide smile. “Anyway,” the manager continued as he saw Jin opening his mouth so say something back, “it’s late so go get ready.” He ordered and the actor only sighed in defeat, turning his back on them and stepping towards the door. He seemed to remember something though and then he suddenly returned to Kazuya’s side, stole a kiss on his cheek and then quickly left the room with a silly grin on his face.
Kazuya sighed and smiled despite himself. He then chewed on his lower lip and looked at Tatsuya, seeming a bit fidgeting. “If it’s not rude, how come you weren’t with Jin when he started this movie?”The younger asked, feeling the need to make some conversation.
“Had some problems.” Ueda answered mysteriously, not showing any sign to prologue this subject. He stod up and headed to the counter, pouring two cups of coffee and sipping from one with a delighted expression, pushing the other one towards Kazuya. “But I have to say, you’re nothing as I imagined when Jin told me about you.” He commented as if he was talking about the weather, but the curiosity and maybe the little warning present in his voice, masked though by the gentleness he displayed, betrayed his actual intentions.
Kazuya thanked through a nod and took the coffee, looking a bit apprehensive at the subject approached by Tatsuya. “Jin told you about me?” he asked and drank from his mug. “And… may I ask what did you imagine of me?” Kazuya’s brown eyes locked with Tatsuya’s.
“Different.” The older replied vaguely, shrugging a little. “Jin has the habit to exaggerate in his stories so you never know what to expect from him.” He added as an explanation, heading to the table and sitting back on his chair, legs crossed and eyes defiant.
Kazuya stood where he was, looking a bit pensive. “Jin is this type of person, no?” He said mostly to himself, but loud enough for Tatsuya to hear too. “In what way different?” Kazuya asked, now that curiosity got the best of him; he wanted to know how Jin described him in front of others.
“Sweet. Cute. Adorable. Like he was crazy about you. Like he had really fallen in love with you.” Ueda simply replied as he stood up, his cup of coffee forgotten on the table as he approached Kazuya with every word he said. “I think he used these words several times.” He admitted, stopping in front of the younger and pinning him down with his eyes. “For me, it just sounded like you are very dangerous.” Ueda continued with a slightly threatening tone, his expression changing completely and becoming intimidating and powerful, one that would give shivers to anyone.
The sudden warmth provoked by the words Jin apparently said about him froze in the pit of Kazuya’s stomach. He looked warily at the other one, having a faint idea where the manager was heading with this discussion. “Because of his career?” he asked with a serious tone. “Because the press might find out he has fallen in love with a man, I am dangerous?” He continued and there was a faint curl of his lips. “Am I right, Ueda-san?”
“That and many others.” Ueda said back, crossing his arms, his eyes not wavering from Kazuya’s. “Tell me one thing though.” He continued, wanting to find out just a thing. “Do you think Jin is a playboy?” he asked with a shrug, like it was a simple curiosity of his. “Not from what the other had said about him, but from what you know about Jin until now.” He demanded with a confident tone.
Was this a trap? Kazuya looked at Tatsuya and smiled. “Yes.” He answered, his eyes twinkling. “I thought he was.” He then added, his smile disappearing from his lips. “But whether he is or not now, I want to believe he isn’t. I want to believe in his words of love and I want to answer them back.” He continued and licked his lips. “I didn’t turn to liking guys over night and I’m sure Jin hasn’t either. And as dangerous our relationship may be, I don’t intend to let it go out into the press’s light.” Kazuya said with a defiant and confident voice. “If I can, I want to keep Jin for me as much as possible.” The younger man smiled and took another sip from his coffee.
Ueda sighed, looking a little disappointed at Kazuya’s answer but chose to not say what he said wrong in his assumptions. “I’m not saying that you’re not involved in this relationship as deep as Jin is.” He said, backing away one step. “I just want you to be careful and not hurt Jin. Because the moment this relationship will be over, I’ll want you out of Jin’s sight and never bother him again.” He asked, looking a little tired and stifling a yawn as he sat back on his chair. “And it will.” He added, as if he knew that Kazuya wanted to say the opposite and not even giving him the chance.
Kazuya gritted his teeth, but gave a short nod. “Sure, every story has its ending.” He chose to say, putting his mug on the counter, now the bitter taste of the coffee bothering him. “And I will not hurt Jin as long as he doesn’t hurt me. For me, even if he is a star, I won’t back away from returning what it has been done to me.” Kazuya said with a slight shrug. After all he wasn’t going to lie and say that if Jin hurt him, he’ll simply back away and let the actor live his beautiful life. “Oh, and he knows this too and accepted it. So, outsiders don’t have a say in this.” He added with an adorable smile. He might have been a bit impolite here, but whatever was going to happen between him and Jin was their problem, right? And Kazuya was going to treat it accordingly.
“Of course, I have no right to interfere with your relationship.” Ueda nodded his head, completely agreeing with the younger as he continued to sip from his coffee. “But when it ends, I’ll be the one to make sure that it stays like that.” He added with an innocent smile, like they were talking about something casual. “Though no hard feelings, I’m just doing my job.” Ueda continued, taking another sip, his eyes studying Kazuya carefully.
Kazuya chuckled. “I know, don’t worry about it. And I don’t need anyone to show me how an end should be like.” He said with a quick lick of his lips. Somehow he was bothered by such a blunt and aggressive attitude from Jin’s manager. It made him think of stupidities like when Sayuri had come in sight. “Besides, I prefer ends to stay closed.” Kazuya added and went to the sink to throw the coffee and clean the mug.
Ueda chuckled too and sat up, approaching Kazuya at the counter and waiting for him to finish before flashing a bright smile at him. “Then I think we’re going to get along just fine.” He chirped happily, stretching his hand towards the younger as a sign of peace.
Kazuya looked at the hand, feeling a bit reluctant in accepting it. But he did in the end and smiled politely to the other. “I hope so.” He said with a slight nod.
“We’re late!!!” Jin’s loud voice came into the room as the actor appeared in front of them, looking a little desperate but then becoming suspicious as he saw their joined hands. “What are you doing?” he asked with a frown.
“Nothing that you should worry about.” Ueda answered with a fake interest. “I’m going to bed so see you later.” He added, stretching his body and yawning. He proceeded to pinch Kazuya’s ass one more time before leaving and disappearing from their sights with a laugh, heading to Jin’s bedroom to get his well deserved rest. After all, his plane had landed just a few hours ago and this was his first stop in Japan.
Kazuya looked after Tatsuya with a perplexed expression. “W-wait a second.” He said on a small voice, not loud enough to be heard by Tatsuya. “Jin!” he then rounded at his lover, looking a bit - more - bothered. “Care to explain?” he asked with a threatening gleam in his eyes.
“That we’re late?” Jin blinked, not understanding what was there to explain.
“If I wanted that I wouldn’t need an explanation, it’s clearly why.” Kazuya fumed some more and ruffled his hair. “Why is Ueda-san sleeping in o- your bed?” he asked with a calm tone, hating his almost slip of the tongue.
“Because he does that often?” Jin replied, a little unsure of his words and if he was making a mistake by admitting the truth. “He’s not my only friend that has slept in my bed.” He added with a nonchalant tone, thinking that his friends had the habit to plop unannounced and jump on his bed, sometimes even crushing Jin in the process. He snorted in his mind when he realized that the same thing kept happening with his American friends too, like he had some kind of tag that said anyone was free to use his bed or something.
Kazuya’s mind blanked. “I see.” He said with a much too calmer tone. “Then maybe I should call some friends to sleep in my bed too. We’d even share it.” He added with a shrug, waiting to see Jin’s reaction. “And we’d have to squeeze and hold each other because my bed is small and there’s not enough space…” Kazuya sighed dramatically.
“Sure, if they’re only friends.” Jin shrugged in response, still not understanding what was the big deal with Ueda sleeping in his bed if he was tired. “I’d love to join you though!” he then added with an excited voice, thinking that if someone had to hold Kazuya in his arms, Jin was the perfect one for that, seeing as he was his boyfriend and all that shit. “Who are those friends?” he proceeded to ask, wanting a little bit of information about the ones who use to spend their time at Kazuya’s house. But… didn’t Yuuya say that Kazuya doesn’t really have friends?
Kazuya glared at Jin. “Idiot.” He muttered and turned towards the door. “Let’s go, we’re late.” He looked over his shoulder, not wanting to thread on that subject of Tatsuya sleeping in Jin’s bed. It was clear that Jin had no problem and that neither he should have, though he couldn’t help but be bothered by it. After all, he wasn’t a very sharing person.
Jin whined, still having no idea why was Kazuya so upset, but followed him to the door and locked it after they left the apartment. He kept glancing at his lover the whole way to the car, but he didn’t say anything, sensing that he was in danger if he dared to do something wrong. In the end, Jin couldn’t keep his mouth shut and as soon as he started the car to head towards the filming set, he asked the question that had been tormenting him: “Are you mad?”
Kazuya looked at Jin for a moment, then smiled and shook his head in denial. He wasn’t mad at Jin, he was mostly brooding over the fact that Ueda had said those things and then - as if provocatively - had gone into Jin’s bedroom to sleep. This wasn’t on Kazuya’s taste at all. “I’m not mad, though I won’t hide the fact that I am bothered by the fact that you let people crawl so easily in your bed.” Kazuya finally said, staring in front of him.
“Then you’re jealous.” Jin stated with a smirk as he glanced at Kazuya to see his expression.
Kazuya glanced back. “And if I am, will you kick Ueda-san out of your bed?” the younger asked, apparently nonchalant about all this situation.
“Nope, I just thought you’re cute when you’re jealous.” Jin chuckled, suddenly feeling a warm sensation enveloping him.
“Then I’m not jealous.” Kazuya replied immediately as if the words had been dying to slip from his lips. “But wait…” He turned with a frown looking at Jin. “I am cute if I’m jealous? What about the rest of the time?” He arched an eyebrow inquiringly.
Jin laughed. “And I was worried that you’d be mad at me for calling you cute.” He said with an amused voice, thinking that most men hated to be called cute and preferred the term ‘handsome’ or something along those lines.
Kazuya pouted, Jin was avoiding his question. “Yuuya called me cute since forever and I got used to hear such a word.” He replied, crossing his arms and still pouting. “You haven’t answered my question…” His words lingered on his lips.
“I know.” Jin said back, biting his lips to prevent himself from laughing out loud.
“And?” Kazuya pressed, straightening himself on his seat and looking threatening. If Jin won’t open his mouth any soon now, I’ll make him eat the wheel, Kazuya thought evilly.
“And what?” Jin asked back, faking ignorance as he concentrated on the road ahead of him.
“Jiiiiiiiiin!” The younger suddenly whined and stomped his foot angrily. “I’ll make you eat the wheel if you keep playing dumb with me.” Kazuya threatened as he revealed his thoughts, his lips pursed.
Jin chuckled, obviously enjoying the game that was unfolding between them. “What would I receive if I say what you want to hear?” he suddenly asked, thinking that it wouldn’t be that bad to hear what Kazuya thought about him too. After all, the images with Kazuya and Kimura Takuya or Kazuya and Ryo were still vivid in his mind. Who could blame Jin if he wanted some praise too from his boyfriend?
“A whack over the head.” Kazuya replied promptly. “Because you took too long in answering. And maybe - maybe! - if I like what I’ll hear from you, I might reconsider.” Then he added, smiling all pleasantly.
“And what would that be?” Jin asked with a teasing tone. “That I find you cute? Sweet? Adorable? That I love you so much that I feel like I’m going crazy?” he continued with a sincere tone this time, unintentionally saying the exact words Ueda had said earlier to the assistant.
And Kazuya’s heart started to race faster. Of course Jin would say this to him, after all he had said so to other people too. It made the younger one feel all warm and fuzzy. “Stop the car.” He demanded on an indecipherable voice. His expression was the same and it didn’t change when Jin looked at him confused, but complying nonetheless and parking the car between two buildings. And as he did so, Kazuya grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and kissed him passionately.
“I feel like I should tell you this more often.” Jin laughed in the kiss, as he brought his hands around Kazuya’s waist, though a little hindered by the safety belt, and responded to the younger’s advance by kissing him back hard and needy, his hand clutching into his hair while the other one settled on the back of Kazuya’s neck and held him close.
“Don’t feel, just do it.” Kazuya said with a rasp breath as they parted from their kiss and looked at each other. “And I’m still considering that whack, you know.” He added with a mean smile, his hands releasing the collar and settling on Jin’s chest.
“Then I’ll answer back saying everyday how much I love you.” Jin smiled and turned to the back of the car to get something, smiling even wider when he presented to Kazuya a little lily-of-the-valley, his present for the day.
Kazuya smiled back and looked at the flower with warm eyes. He took it gently, his fingers brushing against Jin’s ones. “Thank you.” He muttered and placed a kiss on the flower’s white bells. “I’m happy.” The younger added and kissed Jin’s cheek. “And you saved yourself from the whack.” He added with amusement, now kissing Jin’s lips.
“Glad to hear that.” Jin chuckled and looked at Kazuya with loving eyes. “Can we go now?” he asked, wanting to remind the younger that they were already late and this little stop had only made it worse.
Kazuya looked at his watch and gasped. “Yes, hurry.” He looked back at Jin and you could see a tinge of nervousness on his face, though he was half amused. Both of them laughed as Jin started the engine, speeding up a little to get quicker to the studio. But on the way, Kazuya recalled something.
“You have to leave until he sees you!”
He looked at Jin and bit down his lip. What had Jin meant through that? Evidently, Tatsuya was aware of their relationship so there wasn’t any need for him to hide or anything like that, was there? But apparently there was and now that he had remembered this, the desire to ask was gnawing at him. He chewed a bit more on his lips before finally deciding to ask.
“Jin… why did you tell Ueda-san to leave before my arrival?” Kazuya asked, eyeing his lover with mixed feelings.
“Eh?” Jin jolted, sounding a little confused. “Did I say something like that?” he asked, trying to look innocent but failing badly.
Kazuya narrowed his eyes, he was glad that he asked. There seemed to be something fishy about all this Ueda-san. “Yes, you said. I overheard you two talking.” He replied and his voice was a tad cooler than normal.
“Were you eavesdropping?” Jin attacked back, wanting to blame the younger and avoid answering his questions.
Kazuya made a cat-like noise. “No, I overheard. I don’t eavesdrop.” He hissed, obviously upset by such an accusation. “And don’t think you’re getting away by making me feel guilty, ‘cause I don’t feel.” He continued and narrowed his eyes. “So? Why should have Ueda-san left before me?” He insisted, now dying to know the reason.
Jin groaned, obviously not happy to share this with Kazuya. “Ueda is my manager.” He then said, as if this explained everything.
“No shit.” Kazuya scoffed. “And here I thought he was your pet.” He added with an ironic tone, his eyes glued to Jin’s face.
Jin sighed, being obvious that he didn’t want to say this, even more as it seemed that Kazuya hadn’t realized it yet. “He’s hired to take care of me, not only to bring me contracts and new jobs.” The actor continued, finally accepting his fate. “This means that he needs to make sure that I wake up in the mornings to be in time at work.” He added, hoping that this was enough for Kazuya to realize what he was trying to say.
Kazuya frowned upon hearing this. “I really didn’t think you needed a babysitter.” He remarked bitterly and leaned in his seat. “I get it. I don’t need to come by your place in the mornings.” He shrugged as it wasn’t that big of a thing. Though it was because it meant there was going to be another person to wake Jin up.
Jin’s eyes suddenly darkened and he stopped the car once again, not caring that he wasn’t allowed to park there and that there were other drivers shouting and cursing at him. He turned to look at Kazuya, his eyes narrowing and looking dangerous. “I can’t believe you.” He said, wanting to sound powerful but ending up whining. “I was yelling at Ueda to get out so that you wouldn’t see him and wouldn’t know that you don’t have to wake me up in the mornings again. I wanted to continue like this because I want you and only you and not that stupid Ueda. I didn’t want you to know about him and meet and get stupid ideas like you don’t need to come at my apartment again.” He groaned, frustrated that Kazuya was jumping yet again at the possibility that Jin didn’t want him, not thinking that it was exactly the opposite. “That’s all.” He finished and turned back to start the car but not doing it just yet.
Kazuya looked at Jin surprised, not knowing if to laugh or to… laugh. He was kind of amused by this outburst of Jin, but nevertheless touched by it. He touched gently Jin’s thigh, feeling him jolt a little. “Thanks for yelling at him and still wanting me to wake you up.” He said with a smile. “And I didn’t say I won’t come to your apartment again. But if Ueda-san wakes you up, then I can only come and pick you up.” He continued, realizing that this idea had been in his mind for a long time, since Sayuri had announced her presence at Jin’s house. “And I still hope that there might be days when Ueda-san won’t be able to wake you up, that’s why I’m not giving your spare key back.” Kazuya retreated his hand from Jin’s thigh and leaned back into his seat. Somehow, he was feeling better.
“But I don’t want Tat-chan to wake me up at all…” Jin muttered and pouted, settling on his seat and totally forgetting of being late, concentrating now only on sulking.
“Then I’ll give you a call each morning.” Kazuya proposed and thought that it might be funny this way. “How about it?” He smiled, seeming quite excited at the idea.
“And how many times have I woken up from that?” the older cocked an eyebrow, thinking that if it was that easy, he could just set up a damned alarm clock. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter anymore…” he then added, turning back to look in front of them, pouting and muttering for himself. “It’s okay if Tat-chan wakes me up… I’ll be lonely, but it’s not like you care. We’ll just see each other at work if I have the luck because now you work…”
“You really like to lament, don’t you?” Kazuya interrupted him quite amused. “If Ueda-san wakes you up, then you can hear the phone ringing, right? And I did say that I was going to come and pick you up for work, didn’t I?” He continued a bit tired of his lover’s whines. “And also you can hang out at my place. There isn’t any set rule for me to see you at your place, right?” Kazuya shrugged as if such options had been okay from the start.
Jin looked up at Kazuya with puppy eyes. “Then can I also sleep at your place?” he hurried to ask, this being the only thing he had learned from all of the younger’s words.
Kazuya sighed. “If Yuuya isn’t home, then you can sleep over.” He said, not wanting to have a scene like the one from last time repeated again.
“How soon?” the older interrogated, not wanting Kazuya to just say these words and then postpone the moment saying that Yuuya was never not home at night.
Kazuya looked a bit taken aback. “I-I don’t know… Yuuya has moments when he sleeps over to a friend or goes for a study group, though I suspect it to be a party.” He added, looking a bit thoughtful. “But you can call me and see if I’m alone.” Kazuya then teased with a broad smile.
“Then I’ll call you tonight.” Jin concluded with a smile as he turned to start the car again. They were already way too late. “And if not, you can come to my place.” He added with a smirk, glancing at Kazuya and starting the engine.
Kazuya laughed. “We’ll see about that.” He said and glanced once more at his watch. They were so late.
But, at least, they were together.
PART TWO