[fanfic: ulterior motives]
“Neku, can you please explain to me why you so feverishly insisted that I accompany you here?”
Neku pointedly ignored his friend’s condescending voice and continued roaming D+B, avoiding the stares that a few girls in the corner were giving him. The sixteen year old red-head sheepishly slipped in and out of isles, glancing halfheartedly at the clothing that was displayed so neatly. Joshua, who was still ranting about something in his sickeningly sarcastic voice, was following close behind, not about to be ditched at 104 on a Saturday.
“I told you already,” Neku murmured once he was safely out of sight from prying eyes. “Shiki’s birthday is tomorrow and I want to get her something special,” he stated and indifferently shrugged his shoulders.
“How sweet,” Joshua cooed sarcastically, hands shuffling into his pockets. His lavender gaze danced around the crowded D+B and then back onto the lanky teen before him. “And you dragged me along, why?”
Neku sighed and shook his head. “You’re more feminine than I am. I figured you’d have a better idea on what to give her,” the teen confessed and sheepishly rubbed at his nape, trying his hardest not to snicker at his own subtle insult.
“How rude,” Joshua scoffed, narrowing his eyes childishly.
“You look like a girl and sound like one. Why wouldn’t I call you feminine?” Neku wondered and stared up at the ceiling in thought before chancing a look back at his friend. “Listen…the store closes in like twenty minutes. I need to pick out the perfect present for her. Are you going to help me? If not, go back to your stupid sewer and I’ll apologize for dragging you out of your hole in the first place.”
“So resentful,” Joshua sighed and histrionically stepped closer to the ex-player. Nonchalantly, the Composer draped an arm around the shorter’s shoulders. “Oh, I suppose I can help my little proxy just this once.”
Neku sighed heavily and pushed Joshua’s arm off at once. “All right…now let’s find something she’ll actually like.”
Without another word, Neku began walking away, off to look for something that the brunette would enjoy. As the skinny teenager meandered through the familiar store, he began spacing out. How long had he known Shiki? Almost a year now? Neku sighed, a smile creeping onto his face. Shiki was his best friend…there was no denying that. The cheerful brunette was always there for him when he needed help and advice…and the least he could do was get her a nice birthday present for her sixteenth birthday. Thing was, he had no idea what to get her…which was why he bit back his pride and sought out the Composer’s help.
Joshua.
Ugh, Josh.
Joshua had contacted him a month after Neku’s treacherous three weeks. The Composer acted as if nothing ill had transpired between them. Neku was, of course, infuriated for the first few months, but he eventually began adjusting to Joshua’s presence once again. It was a good thing to have the Composer of Shibuya on your side, right? Regardless, Neku wasn’t sure if he could call the silveret a friend, but he was here,nonetheless, in his time of need.
“Neku, you’re going to walk into a wall if you keep spacing out like that~” lilted the Composer from behind Neku.
Ugh. Why didn’t he shoot the smug bastard when he had the chance?
Growing irritated, Neku clenched his hands by his sides and peered over his shoulder at Joshua, frowning. “I don’t see how ridiculing me is going to solve my present-problem, Josh.” Because really, Neku was the only person save for Mr. Hanekoma that could get away with calling the Composer his true name.
The Composer sighed and lifted a pair of pants into t he air. “Oh, just get her these. She’s a girl-she’ll end up returning whatever you get her.”
“Not funny,” Neku grumbled and shook his head.
“Oh, then just get her a card. Girls love that sort of thing,” Joshua sighed dramatically and placed the black jeans back down onto their pile. “Just write a few mushy words and presto, she’ll be charmed.”
“…I’m already getting her a card,” Neku defended and chewed at his bottom lip. “I want something other than a card. You know, to say that I actually care about her.”
Joshua paused, hand rising to stroke his chin. “Does my proxy have a teenage crush?”
Neku bristled, blanched, and attempted to readjust his fallen jaw. “…Excuse me?”
“You heard me, Neku. I asked if you like liked her~” Joshua purred teasingly and strummed his fingers against the display.
“What the hell, Josh. We’re not ten. And no, I don’t like her like that. She’s my best friend,” Neku responded stubbornly and continued chewing his lip. “Now, stop being an ass and help me pick out a gift before the damn store closes.”
“Oh fine~” Joshua sighed and dragged a hand flamboyantly through his hair.
After ten minutes of individually searching, Joshua and Neku met up near the dressing rooms. In the Composer’s arms were a few shirts, pants, and accessories. In Neku’s were a sweatshirt, a skirt, and shoes. The red-head glanced at the items in Joshua’s arms and then the ones in his own. His blue gaze continued wandering between the two piles as Joshua set down his items on a small table near the fitting rooms.
“Well?” Joshua questioned, hand coming to rest on his hip.
“…Those aren’t her at all,” Neku decided, placing his pile next to Joshua’s. Carefully, Neku began plucking the clothes up and into the air, one by one, for inspection. Needless to say, he wasn’t pleased.
“What?” Joshua huffed, noting the disgusted look on Neku’s face.
“She hates yellow,” Neku stated slowly as he gestured to the yellow and green shirt Joshua had picked out.
“Are you positive?” the Composer hummed. “I remember the girl wearing yellow frequently.”
Neku frowned. “She’s my friend, of course I’m positive!” He rolled his eyes and set the shirt down before picking up a pair of slim pants. He chewed on his lip uneasily. “…Shiki hates tight clothes.”
“Oh, but you’d love them on her~” Joshua pointed out knowingly, leaning offhandedly against Neku with amusement.
“S-shut up,” Neku growled and set the pants down before picking up yet another shirt. “T-the hell is this? It’s like…barely a shirt! She’d never wear this!”
“If she’s around you, she will,” Joshua purred.
“…What the hell does that mean?” Neku asked accusingly, looking to the Composer incredulously.
“Silly Neku,” Joshua giggled and patted his proxy on the head before gesturing to the lacework on the shirt. “If she likes you, she’ll want to impress you. Teenage boys are expected to like revealing clothing that shows off a woman’s assets-”
“Stop. Right. There,” Neku deadpanned and closed his eyes, resisting the urge to bash his head against the dressing room. “Shiki isn’t like that. She’s not like those kind of girls, Josh.”
“Is that why you like her?” Joshua questioned, a hum in his voice. “Because she’s bland and basic?”
“What?” Neku nearly seethed. “I-I didn’t say any of that! I just said she dressed conservatively and!...And!...”
“And you’re basically telling me you have no interest whatsoever in her ‘assets’,” the Composer finished with a knowing giggle. “Oh Neku, you baffle me.”
“And you’re a creep,” Neku retorted and shifted further away from the Composer, needing his personal space. “I don’t even know why I asked you to come. You obviously have no control over your hormones, pervert.”
Joshua tilted his head to the side, silver bangs hiding his eyes. “I don’t, hm?”
“No, you don’t,” Neku agreed stubbornly. “You’re picking out all the clothes that’ll satisfy some pervert’s fantasies, so stop it!”
“Neku,” Joshua stated sternly and placed a hand casually on the red-head’s shoulder. “I’m not interested in female’s assets.”
Neku blinked. “…Huh?”
“I’m not interested in your friend wearing any of these clothes.” A smirk suddenly appeared. “In fact, I really didn’t pick the clothes out for her at all,” he cooed, trailing off dangerously.
“…What?” Neku was lost.
Joshua’s eyes shimmered mischievously. “I picked them out for you, Neku~”
Neku blanched and forcefully shoved Joshua away. “Real funny, Josh,” he muttered, cheeks burning hotly.
Joshua giggled and twirled a strand of silver around his finger innocently. “I’m not joking, dear.”
Neku frowned. “These clothes wouldn’t even fit me.”
Another shimmer appeared in the Composer’s eyes. “Is that so?”
Without warning, the Composer of Shibuya forcefully snagged Neku’s wrist, the pile of his chosen clothes, and pushed the red-head into the nearest dressing room. Instead of politely remaining outside to allow Neku his last strand of dignity, he instead entered the dressing room with Neku and locked the wooden door behind the pair of teens. Casually, Joshua flung the selected clothing onto the small bench and let go of Neku’s flailing arm.
“Let me go!” Neku growled, attempting to push his way to the dressing room door. “This is so ridiculous! Let me out!”
“Uh uh uh, you questioned my intelligence, Neku,” Joshua hummed and wagged his finger at the redhead. “Now, to prove me right, you’re going to put these clothes on. All of them.”
“No!”
“If you don’t, I’ll erase Shibuya,” Joshua cooed.
“No, you won’t.”
“Oh really?” Joshua arched a brow and nonchalantly strummed his fingers against his arm. Without a single warning, the lights in D+B began to flicker, causing a few startled yelps to emit through the room.
Neku groaned, defeated. “Fine,” he seethed. However, before conceding entirely, the red-head made one last attempt to open the door, but failed. Joshua had somehow managed to seal the damn thing with his Composer’s powers. Damnit.
“Now, take your shirt off.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Neku spat, turning around. Wearily, the red head stripped his black t-shirt off and reached for a random shirt in the massive pile of clothes. Shivers appeared on his skinny back, knowing that the damn creepy was barely a foot away, probably staring at him like some lecher. But…was Joshua even gay? He sure acted it…sometimes.
“Now, the pants,” Joshua insisted as he leaned back against the dressing-room door.
Neku groaned and began unbuttoning his pants after having slipped on a random, tight-fitting green shirt that he himself had picked out for Shiki. Of course, on the brunette, it would have fit her perfectly, but him…well, it just looked outrageous.
“You’re so skinny, Neku. You really ought to eat more,” Joshua chided.
“Screw you,” Neku muttered as he slipped his pants off around his ankles and grabbed for a random pair of pants, trying not to blush. His hand was stopped, however, when Joshua’s hand found his own. At once, Neku recoiled his own, as if he had just touched a stove.
“The skirt,” Joshua insisted and smiled sweetly as he handed the red-head the short miniskirt.
“No,” Neku groaned. “I’ll play stupid dress up…but you’re not getting me into a skirt.”
Joshua’s smirk grew dark as the lights began to flicker again. This time, though, the ground rumbled a bit. “Don’t test me, Neku.”
“You need help,” Neku moaned in despair and weakly took the skirt. Gulping back his pride, the teen stepped into the denim skirt and lifted it up his body. The skirt surprisingly fit snuggly around his waist, not leaving much of his body up to imagination.
“I told you you’d fit,” Joshua purred appreciatively. “Too bad you have those obnoxious boxers on.”
“Stop looking, creep,” Neku mumbled as he looked away. “Can I change back now? The store is closing and I need to pay for the clothes I’m actually getting Shiki.”
“Mm…nope,” Joshua decided and met Neku’s flustered gaze. “You’re too cute this way, my little proxy.”
“I’m not cute!” Neku groaned, hands flying up to tug at his hair. He felt so stupid standing here, cross-dressing, in the same dressing room with Joshua. It was like a nightmare. A bad, bad, lame nightmare.
“Hm…I beg to differ,” Joshua sighed and casually reached out to touch Neku’s chest. The red-head instinctively tensed and eyed his ‘friend’ wearily. “Relax, I’m fixing it,” the Composer giggled and began gingerly fixing the messily down buttons.
Neku sucked in a shaky breath and fixed his gaze on the ceiling. Out of nowhere, the lights to the store shut off, leaving the pair in total darkness. He then heard the faint clicking of a door locking in the distance, and then the sound of high-heels growing farther and farther away and…and…
“She left?!” Neku yelped and fell backwards, hit smacking the back of the dressing room. “Josh! We need to get out of here now! We’re going to be locked in and damnit! I still need to pay for these and…and what the hell are you…doing?”
Neku faltered as he glanced down at the Composer, meeting the boy’s violet gaze. He fell silent as the pale-haired teen nonchalantly continued undoing the buttons to the green shirt. The pads of his pale fingers traced over Neku’s naval and stomach soothingly.
“Josh…” Neku groaned in frustration, heat rising in his body as he tried to wriggle free. “Stop…stop that, you’re creeping me out…”
“And why’s that?” Joshua hummed as he used his right hand to undo the last remaining buttons. His left, however, continued tracing patterns onto Neku’s now exposed chest.
“Y-you’re like…freakin’ molesting me,” Neku murmured and closed his eyes, unable to stop from shaking. “And you’re…”
“Dear, it’s only molestation if you’re not willing,” Joshua pointed out knowingly.
“I’m not!... I’m not!...” Neku began stubbornly but once again faltered. Faintly, he opened his fragile blue eyes and met Joshua’s stern gaze. “I’m…not into you,” he muttered, not sounding convincing whatsoever.
“Lying is a sin, Neku,” Joshua reminded as he stood up. His right came to rest under Neku’s chin, tilting it up, as his left drifted over the small bronze button to the mini-skirt. His gaze met Neku’s flustered one moments later.
“I’m not lying… ‘m not…like this,” Neku stated and sucked in a shaky breath as Joshua’s fingers stroked under his chin. “D-damnit…”
“You’re so strong,” Joshua noted as he undid the button to the skirt. “Your Soul is so bright…but when it comes down it, you’re soft when you want to be,” the Composer purred, his fingers stroking under the red-head’s chin and down his throat.
“Josh…” Neku averted his gaze, uncertain whether to be ashamed or not. “Just because… Just because I don’t like Shiki doesn’t mean I like you.”
“But you do,” Joshua pointed out and smirked. “She told me.”
“…What?” Neku paled.
“She told me,” Joshua giggled and deftly began sliding the skirt down Neku’s hips, amused at Neku’s sudden, undeniable, struggle. He was such a hard horse to break.
“She did what?!” Neku hollered, besieged.
“She told me that you were interested in me,” Joshua stated, licking his lips as he ran a hand lightly over the hem of Neku’s boxers. “She said that you said…oh what was it… ‘I can’t help but be attracted to the asshole for some reason’.”
Neku gulped and closed his eyes. “…She…I…I’m not…”
“Her present is on me,” Joshua hummed as he pressed a chaste kiss onto his proxy’s throat, giggling at the gasp that fled from Neku’s obstinate lips.
“Josh…” He was defeated. Defeated.
“Yes, Neku?”
“What I said was, ‘I can’t help but want to punch the asshole’s pretty face in’,” Neku explained with a snarl but then softened. “…But I also said that I may…for some some stupid, unbelievable reason, have missed you and missed how close we were during that week and uh well…I…Hey! What the hell are you doing?!”
Joshua’s fingers slithered down the front of Neku’s boxers, a smirk plastered on his face. “Hm?”
“You’re!...”
“Giving you your punishment for lying~ Heehee.”
“What?! No…! Joshua, don’t you dare…Ngh…S-stop. Just because I may like you doesn’t mean you can just touch me like…Ahh… like that!”
“I think it does~”
“Josh… Josh… Oh screw it…”
Neku pointedly ignored his friend’s condescending voice and continued roaming D+B, avoiding the stares that a few girls in the corner were giving him. The sixteen year old red-head sheepishly slipped in and out of isles, glancing halfheartedly at the clothing that was displayed so neatly. Joshua, who was still ranting about something in his sickeningly sarcastic voice, was following close behind, not about to be ditched at 104 on a Saturday.
“I told you already,” Neku murmured once he was safely out of sight from prying eyes. “Shiki’s birthday is tomorrow and I want to get her something special,” he stated and indifferently shrugged his shoulders.
“How sweet,” Joshua cooed sarcastically, hands shuffling into his pockets. His lavender gaze danced around the crowded D+B and then back onto the lanky teen before him. “And you dragged me along, why?”
Neku sighed and shook his head. “You’re more feminine than I am. I figured you’d have a better idea on what to give her,” the teen confessed and sheepishly rubbed at his nape, trying his hardest not to snicker at his own subtle insult.
“How rude,” Joshua scoffed, narrowing his eyes childishly.
“You look like a girl and sound like one. Why wouldn’t I call you feminine?” Neku wondered and stared up at the ceiling in thought before chancing a look back at his friend. “Listen…the store closes in like twenty minutes. I need to pick out the perfect present for her. Are you going to help me? If not, go back to your stupid sewer and I’ll apologize for dragging you out of your hole in the first place.”
“So resentful,” Joshua sighed and histrionically stepped closer to the ex-player. Nonchalantly, the Composer draped an arm around the shorter’s shoulders. “Oh, I suppose I can help my little proxy just this once.”
Neku sighed heavily and pushed Joshua’s arm off at once. “All right…now let’s find something she’ll actually like.”
Without another word, Neku began walking away, off to look for something that the brunette would enjoy. As the skinny teenager meandered through the familiar store, he began spacing out. How long had he known Shiki? Almost a year now? Neku sighed, a smile creeping onto his face. Shiki was his best friend…there was no denying that. The cheerful brunette was always there for him when he needed help and advice…and the least he could do was get her a nice birthday present for her sixteenth birthday. Thing was, he had no idea what to get her…which was why he bit back his pride and sought out the Composer’s help.
Joshua.
Ugh, Josh.
Joshua had contacted him a month after Neku’s treacherous three weeks. The Composer acted as if nothing ill had transpired between them. Neku was, of course, infuriated for the first few months, but he eventually began adjusting to Joshua’s presence once again. It was a good thing to have the Composer of Shibuya on your side, right? Regardless, Neku wasn’t sure if he could call the silveret a friend, but he was here,nonetheless, in his time of need.
“Neku, you’re going to walk into a wall if you keep spacing out like that~” lilted the Composer from behind Neku.
Ugh. Why didn’t he shoot the smug bastard when he had the chance?
Growing irritated, Neku clenched his hands by his sides and peered over his shoulder at Joshua, frowning. “I don’t see how ridiculing me is going to solve my present-problem, Josh.” Because really, Neku was the only person save for Mr. Hanekoma that could get away with calling the Composer his true name.
The Composer sighed and lifted a pair of pants into t he air. “Oh, just get her these. She’s a girl-she’ll end up returning whatever you get her.”
“Not funny,” Neku grumbled and shook his head.
“Oh, then just get her a card. Girls love that sort of thing,” Joshua sighed dramatically and placed the black jeans back down onto their pile. “Just write a few mushy words and presto, she’ll be charmed.”
“…I’m already getting her a card,” Neku defended and chewed at his bottom lip. “I want something other than a card. You know, to say that I actually care about her.”
Joshua paused, hand rising to stroke his chin. “Does my proxy have a teenage crush?”
Neku bristled, blanched, and attempted to readjust his fallen jaw. “…Excuse me?”
“You heard me, Neku. I asked if you like liked her~” Joshua purred teasingly and strummed his fingers against the display.
“What the hell, Josh. We’re not ten. And no, I don’t like her like that. She’s my best friend,” Neku responded stubbornly and continued chewing his lip. “Now, stop being an ass and help me pick out a gift before the damn store closes.”
“Oh fine~” Joshua sighed and dragged a hand flamboyantly through his hair.
After ten minutes of individually searching, Joshua and Neku met up near the dressing rooms. In the Composer’s arms were a few shirts, pants, and accessories. In Neku’s were a sweatshirt, a skirt, and shoes. The red-head glanced at the items in Joshua’s arms and then the ones in his own. His blue gaze continued wandering between the two piles as Joshua set down his items on a small table near the fitting rooms.
“Well?” Joshua questioned, hand coming to rest on his hip.
“…Those aren’t her at all,” Neku decided, placing his pile next to Joshua’s. Carefully, Neku began plucking the clothes up and into the air, one by one, for inspection. Needless to say, he wasn’t pleased.
“What?” Joshua huffed, noting the disgusted look on Neku’s face.
“She hates yellow,” Neku stated slowly as he gestured to the yellow and green shirt Joshua had picked out.
“Are you positive?” the Composer hummed. “I remember the girl wearing yellow frequently.”
Neku frowned. “She’s my friend, of course I’m positive!” He rolled his eyes and set the shirt down before picking up a pair of slim pants. He chewed on his lip uneasily. “…Shiki hates tight clothes.”
“Oh, but you’d love them on her~” Joshua pointed out knowingly, leaning offhandedly against Neku with amusement.
“S-shut up,” Neku growled and set the pants down before picking up yet another shirt. “T-the hell is this? It’s like…barely a shirt! She’d never wear this!”
“If she’s around you, she will,” Joshua purred.
“…What the hell does that mean?” Neku asked accusingly, looking to the Composer incredulously.
“Silly Neku,” Joshua giggled and patted his proxy on the head before gesturing to the lacework on the shirt. “If she likes you, she’ll want to impress you. Teenage boys are expected to like revealing clothing that shows off a woman’s assets-”
“Stop. Right. There,” Neku deadpanned and closed his eyes, resisting the urge to bash his head against the dressing room. “Shiki isn’t like that. She’s not like those kind of girls, Josh.”
“Is that why you like her?” Joshua questioned, a hum in his voice. “Because she’s bland and basic?”
“What?” Neku nearly seethed. “I-I didn’t say any of that! I just said she dressed conservatively and!...And!...”
“And you’re basically telling me you have no interest whatsoever in her ‘assets’,” the Composer finished with a knowing giggle. “Oh Neku, you baffle me.”
“And you’re a creep,” Neku retorted and shifted further away from the Composer, needing his personal space. “I don’t even know why I asked you to come. You obviously have no control over your hormones, pervert.”
Joshua tilted his head to the side, silver bangs hiding his eyes. “I don’t, hm?”
“No, you don’t,” Neku agreed stubbornly. “You’re picking out all the clothes that’ll satisfy some pervert’s fantasies, so stop it!”
“Neku,” Joshua stated sternly and placed a hand casually on the red-head’s shoulder. “I’m not interested in female’s assets.”
Neku blinked. “…Huh?”
“I’m not interested in your friend wearing any of these clothes.” A smirk suddenly appeared. “In fact, I really didn’t pick the clothes out for her at all,” he cooed, trailing off dangerously.
“…What?” Neku was lost.
Joshua’s eyes shimmered mischievously. “I picked them out for you, Neku~”
Neku blanched and forcefully shoved Joshua away. “Real funny, Josh,” he muttered, cheeks burning hotly.
Joshua giggled and twirled a strand of silver around his finger innocently. “I’m not joking, dear.”
Neku frowned. “These clothes wouldn’t even fit me.”
Another shimmer appeared in the Composer’s eyes. “Is that so?”
Without warning, the Composer of Shibuya forcefully snagged Neku’s wrist, the pile of his chosen clothes, and pushed the red-head into the nearest dressing room. Instead of politely remaining outside to allow Neku his last strand of dignity, he instead entered the dressing room with Neku and locked the wooden door behind the pair of teens. Casually, Joshua flung the selected clothing onto the small bench and let go of Neku’s flailing arm.
“Let me go!” Neku growled, attempting to push his way to the dressing room door. “This is so ridiculous! Let me out!”
“Uh uh uh, you questioned my intelligence, Neku,” Joshua hummed and wagged his finger at the redhead. “Now, to prove me right, you’re going to put these clothes on. All of them.”
“No!”
“If you don’t, I’ll erase Shibuya,” Joshua cooed.
“No, you won’t.”
“Oh really?” Joshua arched a brow and nonchalantly strummed his fingers against his arm. Without a single warning, the lights in D+B began to flicker, causing a few startled yelps to emit through the room.
Neku groaned, defeated. “Fine,” he seethed. However, before conceding entirely, the red-head made one last attempt to open the door, but failed. Joshua had somehow managed to seal the damn thing with his Composer’s powers. Damnit.
“Now, take your shirt off.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Neku spat, turning around. Wearily, the red head stripped his black t-shirt off and reached for a random shirt in the massive pile of clothes. Shivers appeared on his skinny back, knowing that the damn creepy was barely a foot away, probably staring at him like some lecher. But…was Joshua even gay? He sure acted it…sometimes.
“Now, the pants,” Joshua insisted as he leaned back against the dressing-room door.
Neku groaned and began unbuttoning his pants after having slipped on a random, tight-fitting green shirt that he himself had picked out for Shiki. Of course, on the brunette, it would have fit her perfectly, but him…well, it just looked outrageous.
“You’re so skinny, Neku. You really ought to eat more,” Joshua chided.
“Screw you,” Neku muttered as he slipped his pants off around his ankles and grabbed for a random pair of pants, trying not to blush. His hand was stopped, however, when Joshua’s hand found his own. At once, Neku recoiled his own, as if he had just touched a stove.
“The skirt,” Joshua insisted and smiled sweetly as he handed the red-head the short miniskirt.
“No,” Neku groaned. “I’ll play stupid dress up…but you’re not getting me into a skirt.”
Joshua’s smirk grew dark as the lights began to flicker again. This time, though, the ground rumbled a bit. “Don’t test me, Neku.”
“You need help,” Neku moaned in despair and weakly took the skirt. Gulping back his pride, the teen stepped into the denim skirt and lifted it up his body. The skirt surprisingly fit snuggly around his waist, not leaving much of his body up to imagination.
“I told you you’d fit,” Joshua purred appreciatively. “Too bad you have those obnoxious boxers on.”
“Stop looking, creep,” Neku mumbled as he looked away. “Can I change back now? The store is closing and I need to pay for the clothes I’m actually getting Shiki.”
“Mm…nope,” Joshua decided and met Neku’s flustered gaze. “You’re too cute this way, my little proxy.”
“I’m not cute!” Neku groaned, hands flying up to tug at his hair. He felt so stupid standing here, cross-dressing, in the same dressing room with Joshua. It was like a nightmare. A bad, bad, lame nightmare.
“Hm…I beg to differ,” Joshua sighed and casually reached out to touch Neku’s chest. The red-head instinctively tensed and eyed his ‘friend’ wearily. “Relax, I’m fixing it,” the Composer giggled and began gingerly fixing the messily down buttons.
Neku sucked in a shaky breath and fixed his gaze on the ceiling. Out of nowhere, the lights to the store shut off, leaving the pair in total darkness. He then heard the faint clicking of a door locking in the distance, and then the sound of high-heels growing farther and farther away and…and…
“She left?!” Neku yelped and fell backwards, hit smacking the back of the dressing room. “Josh! We need to get out of here now! We’re going to be locked in and damnit! I still need to pay for these and…and what the hell are you…doing?”
Neku faltered as he glanced down at the Composer, meeting the boy’s violet gaze. He fell silent as the pale-haired teen nonchalantly continued undoing the buttons to the green shirt. The pads of his pale fingers traced over Neku’s naval and stomach soothingly.
“Josh…” Neku groaned in frustration, heat rising in his body as he tried to wriggle free. “Stop…stop that, you’re creeping me out…”
“And why’s that?” Joshua hummed as he used his right hand to undo the last remaining buttons. His left, however, continued tracing patterns onto Neku’s now exposed chest.
“Y-you’re like…freakin’ molesting me,” Neku murmured and closed his eyes, unable to stop from shaking. “And you’re…”
“Dear, it’s only molestation if you’re not willing,” Joshua pointed out knowingly.
“I’m not!... I’m not!...” Neku began stubbornly but once again faltered. Faintly, he opened his fragile blue eyes and met Joshua’s stern gaze. “I’m…not into you,” he muttered, not sounding convincing whatsoever.
“Lying is a sin, Neku,” Joshua reminded as he stood up. His right came to rest under Neku’s chin, tilting it up, as his left drifted over the small bronze button to the mini-skirt. His gaze met Neku’s flustered one moments later.
“I’m not lying… ‘m not…like this,” Neku stated and sucked in a shaky breath as Joshua’s fingers stroked under his chin. “D-damnit…”
“You’re so strong,” Joshua noted as he undid the button to the skirt. “Your Soul is so bright…but when it comes down it, you’re soft when you want to be,” the Composer purred, his fingers stroking under the red-head’s chin and down his throat.
“Josh…” Neku averted his gaze, uncertain whether to be ashamed or not. “Just because… Just because I don’t like Shiki doesn’t mean I like you.”
“But you do,” Joshua pointed out and smirked. “She told me.”
“…What?” Neku paled.
“She told me,” Joshua giggled and deftly began sliding the skirt down Neku’s hips, amused at Neku’s sudden, undeniable, struggle. He was such a hard horse to break.
“She did what?!” Neku hollered, besieged.
“She told me that you were interested in me,” Joshua stated, licking his lips as he ran a hand lightly over the hem of Neku’s boxers. “She said that you said…oh what was it… ‘I can’t help but be attracted to the asshole for some reason’.”
Neku gulped and closed his eyes. “…She…I…I’m not…”
“Her present is on me,” Joshua hummed as he pressed a chaste kiss onto his proxy’s throat, giggling at the gasp that fled from Neku’s obstinate lips.
“Josh…” He was defeated. Defeated.
“Yes, Neku?”
“What I said was, ‘I can’t help but want to punch the asshole’s pretty face in’,” Neku explained with a snarl but then softened. “…But I also said that I may…for some some stupid, unbelievable reason, have missed you and missed how close we were during that week and uh well…I…Hey! What the hell are you doing?!”
Joshua’s fingers slithered down the front of Neku’s boxers, a smirk plastered on his face. “Hm?”
“You’re!...”
“Giving you your punishment for lying~ Heehee.”
“What?! No…! Joshua, don’t you dare…Ngh…S-stop. Just because I may like you doesn’t mean you can just touch me like…Ahh… like that!”
“I think it does~”
“Josh… Josh… Oh screw it…”