AIR: Hopeful Eyes - Chapter 2/33 - part 2 of 2

[luna_no_koibito]

Title: AIR: Hopeful Eyes.
Tagline: Because like air we are there, you just can't see us ...

Chapters: 2.2/ 33
Author: luna_no_koibito
Dedicated to: My beloved sister neechanwrites .

Muse: The amazing writer of "A Dirty Carnival" minka_g .

Genre: Action, romance, human drama, introspection.
Warnings: cursing
Rating: PG-14
Pairing: Shou / Yukke
Bands: Girugamesh, 12012, MUCC, Buck-Tick, SiD, Alice Nine., ScReW, D'espairsRay, Nightmare, Lynch.
Disclaimer: The story is mine, for me to share. The bands are not … like they would care.
Comment: This fiction will have a prequel called AIR: Hopeful Eyes, and a sequel called AIR: Vengeful Eyes, thus some things will be dealt in depth, in other occasions. But feel free to ask, there might be something that I might simply not have written clearly, in case there were some misunderstandings.

Summary: Something such as the perfect world, does not exist. Earth will never live in peace, because for it be so, war must exist. Just as countless bad things will continue happening, in order for us to appreciate the few good ones, or unfairness will continue to reign undisputed, in order for us to be willing to fight for righteousness. It is just in the natural balance of things, yet as humans we believe in change, we believe in an eventual final victory of the good over the bad; ideally, as humans we have learned to always hope for the best. In doing so, we should be inspired to actually make the change, and not simply sit, and watch. That being said, the reality of things, is that the majority of us will still find it easier to merely accept whatever injustice or harm, and merely run with the flow, but there do exist, even if only a few, some us, who have decided to make the change, and run their own flow...

AIR.

A/N: The parts of speech written in Blue, are sentences replied by those using sign language, I will of course be indicating, which person is “signing”. Light Magenta will be for conversations that happen through some sort of transmission device (radio, TV, transmitters etc …).

---### Main ###---

---### Chapter 2 part 1 ###---

Chapter 2 part 2


Day. 22nd Heisi year (2010), April. Kobe.

11:03 AM. Kuma hospital, room 314.

It was always the weirdest feeling, when a brain would regain consciousness without one's eyes opening along side, it was always the clear indicator that that something was obviously wrong, and wrong wasn't good. Thus, using all the might he had, Kazuki pried his heavy feeling lids open, and was not too surprised, yet completely unhappy, to find that his body seemed to have the same “I am to tired to move” reaction, as he lightly sighed, and quickly came to the realization that his left hand did however feel much heavier than the rest of his reluctantly moving body. Turning his head to the left, he noticed the shape of a very familiar body, sitting on a chair, but whose upper half was bent sleeping next to him, and over his left hand.

-... Manabu? … - worriedly whispered Kazuki, as his eyes finally recognized his son in the body of the teen that was still sleeping. Attempting to raise his head to take a clearer look, and hopefully find out that the person who was looking at wasn't indeed his son, he however instantly stopped in his action, after his head felt as if the bullet train had suddenly decided to forcefully create a platform through his skull, which quickly brought him back to why he apparently was in a hospital.

Newly trying to muster all the strength he could find, and at the same time trying to be as gentle as possible, he carefully managed to slip his hand from beneath the younger, which action caused Manabu to rapidly blink his eyes wide opened, and stare right back at him with a visibly happy expression, which Kazuki, replied with an endearing smile, while using his now freed hand lightly ruffled his son's black locks, momentarily forgetting that Manabu wasn't supposed to be there

-Sorry ... to make you worry … - signed Kazuki, after which he received a very angry scowl from the younger, who swiftly sat up, and began to sign back in frantic vigor

-You are always doing this! You said it wasn't anything dangerous and now you are laying in a hospital bed … liar!- finished signing the younger brunette, annoyingly staring back at his father, who merely produced an apologetic sigh, as he resumed to wonder how did the younger find out that he was in a hospital in the first place. Because of the nature of his job, Kazuki had made sure that in the eventuality something where to have happened to himself, his son wouldn't be traceable, just for safety measure., Whereas, if Manabu were to be the one in a perilous situation, then Kazuki and himself only, would have to be notified, with the exception of Naoyuki, in the extremely weird case in which Kazuzi were not to be available.

However, as his jumbled up mind proceeded in recollecting scenes from his and Naoyuki's went-wrong evening, it suddenly dawned on him that the last image he'd scene of his cameraman, was the one of him laying unmoving on the ground, after the sounds of gunshots. Swiftly turning his head towards his right side, and hissing in pain because of the lacerating pain that such action caused to his head, he checked to see that the only other bed in the room was empty.

-Something … wrong? ...- hesitantly signed Manabu, studying his father's futures with a deeply concerned expression, as Kazuki lightly shook his head, while smiling the best he could. How was he to tell him that Naoyuki had … that Naoyuki was … dead? Simple; he couldn't. Not when he himself had accept the fact, yet, because as he kept thinking through it, he really hadn't found anything that would prove him wrong, and the reality of facts was slowly sinking in. Naoyuki is dead; and it was all his fault. Receiving a light shake from Manabu, who was still looking at him in perplexity, he then gritted his teeth, and pulled himself up to a sitting position as his brains kept pounding in his head

-Who … told you I was here? ...- Kazuki absently signed, and spoke at the same time in a listless manner, as images of Naoyuki kept crossing his mind … and I am never doing that again, you hear me? never again! … he had yelled at him, in his usual irritated tone, on the day of the chase, without knowing just how right he would have been.

-I did, of course, who else ...- suddenly spoke a strangely calm and familiar voice, as Kazuki turned his head towards the entrance of the room in an hesitantly slow manner, after which he instantly preformed a never-ending series of blinking movements, as he witnessed Naoyuki nonchalantly making his way towards his bed, sipping something from a Starbucks cup, while sitting in another chair next to him, on the opposite side from where Manabu was seated.

-Na ...Naoyuki? … you … you … - bemusedly whispered Kazuki, staring at his lightly chubby and 'alive' cameraman, who was quietly staring back at him as if he had some serious issues, while he kept sipping his drink -... I thought … you ...- kept rambling Kazuki, as he observed the cameraman place his cup on a the table next to him, and very blatantly overlook his flabbergasted expression

-So, apparently, what we were being shot, weren't bullets, but soporifics ...- began to explain Nao in a surprisingly calm way, which completely throw off Kazuki, not only because he was still trying to digest the idea that a person he was mentally mourning just some seconds ago, was talking to him like nothing had happen, but also because calmness and Nao didn't exactly mix -... and when I woke up, however, you were still knocked-out, so I called the ambulance, after I tried to wake you up countless times, like, I kept shaking and shaking you, but nothing, you just wouldn't wake up! ...- he continued narrating, as light traces of the frustration that was typical of the cameraman randomly began to appear in his blurt out words, which strangely enough, made Kazuki feel a whole lot better, for it proved that he was indeed in front of none other than Nao, and even though he would have gladly done without the bitching, he was immensely glad about that -... and it turns out that you had a concussion, meaning someone hit you, and giving that you were most likely hit form behind, we have no clue who it could have been, which is great! Just fantastic! Anyways now … what are you smiling for?!- culminated the younger in his renewed irritated tone, squinting his gaze on Kazuki's relieved smile, who merely shook his head, as he realized just how much he would have missed all this overreacting

-Don't mind that, and hold that thought for a second ...- he quickly requested sharply turning his head towards Manabu, while hissing a curse for he newly forgot his lacerating headache -you … you should have been in school! You wasted a class day because of a stupid concussion … - he signed with a serious expression, as he reprimanded the younger -and you do not call Manabu in occasions such as this, how many times do I have to tell you that … fuck my head hurts!- he then added, sharply turning towards Naoyuki, whom merely pointed back Manabu, making Kazuki, this time slowly turn towards his son

-It is not fair that I am not allowed to know when something happens to you or not! If one day you weren't to come back after some days, I would worry regardless to whether I knew or not about what happened to you, so I think it is fairer for me to know! - angrily signed Manabu, fiercely glaring at Kazuki, who raised an eye-brow in annoyed skepticism, and promptly signed back

-Do not argue with my decisions! Until you stay under my roof and as your father, I'll do what I think is necessary, and of which you need not to know the reason, end of discussion! - concluded Kazuki, staring at Manabu's mouth which was now wide open in what seemed like deep offense and bemusement, soon after which, he rapidly got to his feet

-So much for caring ...- he quickly signed, and speed-walked towards the exit of the room

-Manabu wait, I am sorry ... wait! Manabu! ...- began to call Kazuki in an apologetic tone that culminated in a yell, but the younger was already out of the door, which he slammed on his way, and even if, it wasn't like he would have been able to hear him anyways

-... he can't hear you~ … - teasingly whispered Nao, while drinking his face, and quickly lowering away his face, after glancing at Kazuki's rather vexed expression -wnat me to go cal-I mean, grab him? ...- he then quickly proposed, correcting his sentence mid way, while he stood to his feet

-It's fine ...- lowly replied Kazuki, revolving his face to the wall in front of himself -he doesn't like to be bothered, when he is in this state anyways, it's like he PMSs, I swear it's like ...it's like I have daughter instead of a son, but ... anyways ...- he quickly added, trying to calm himself a little, such as much as trying not to start worrying while he thought of whether Manabu would get home safe and sound, which he had absolutely no reason to worry about. Being a single father of a teenager, truly sucked big time; and most of the times at that -... what else did you have to say? ...- he then inquired, while slowly massaging his left side temple.

-Ooo … I'll let the TV say it, that has been the only news ever since early this morning … I am pretty sure it is still on right now - explained now, grabbing the remote control on the table beside himself, as he zapped through channels, and suddenly stopped on a news one -... there!- he announced, raising the volume

… the body was found inside a brand new black Lamborghini, and at the moment Kobe's police department is saying that they cannot release any further information regarding either the culprit or the motive. Sakurai Satoshi san was twenty-eight years old, and only son of Sak-

-Why?! - shockingly inquired Nao as he observed Kazuki, turn of the electronic device

-Because out of all the reporters in the world that bitch got the scoop that we risked our shitting lives for, that's why! ...- loudly hissed Kazuki, ungracefully throwing the remote back on the side-table -Fucking Koda Kumi … Bitch! That … bitch! … I swear one of these days I might just … grr- he continued in his series of insults, as the satisfied grin on the female reporter's extremely made up features, kept flashing in front of his eyes, along side with all his reports that she had been able to either steal, or get a hold of before himself. The competition and animosity between the two wasn't a secret to anybody, to the point that it was safe to say, that if she were ever to be found life-less; he would most certainly be the first candidates on the list of suspects … if not the only.

However, as he calmed himself and quickly though their present situation through, Koda's interrelation might have actually come at a perfect time, if what he was hoping for at the moment had actually happened, something he was sure, he was too soon find out from Naoyuki. Something that could save their necks, for if he'd though the situation carefully enough, he knew, from past experience, they'd entered dangerous waters

-Forget about her for a second … - calmly interjected Nao, newly grabbing his Starbucks cup from the table -.... for the first time ... you seem to be missing the actual point here Morisaki-san ...- condescendingly whispered Naoyuki, as he slowly swallowed the remaining contents of his drink, while looking at Kazuki's expressionless features, whom however was intently listening, and praying to hear the words he'd hoped to hear, for he wasn't missing any point at all, in fact he was seeing everything; way too clearly -... we … - lowly began the younger, placing the empty cup on the desk, with an expression that usually preceded bad news, which was exactly what Kazuki was hoping for -...still have all the documented discussions! I checked them, and they don't appear to be tampered with, so we still have the real scoop!- then excitedly announced Nao, resting both his hands on the side of Kazuki's bed, in order to raise himself and get extremely close to elder, who now looked extremely mortified; … and that was exactly what he didn't want to hear -... hello? Anybody there? ...- called Nao, waving one hand in front of Kazuki, whom slowly turned around to face Naoyuki, and kindly smile, as he wondered whether it was to be considered a curse or a blessing that the cameraman was just so naive.

But seriously, how could anyone be as naïve? They had been followed all the way to an abandoned port, by someone, who had been skilled enough to wait until the exact moment to finally hit, once the shooting soporifics had missed one of their targets, in this case himself, and exactly when Satoshi was supposedly about to reveal something to whomever. After all of this well executed movements, they were still alive and; … the tape was still there? Didn't that just shout “suspicious”?

They had been left alive for a purpose, it was clear, but unfortunately only to himself. Someone wanted them to play their game, someone whom at the moment very much could decided whether they could live or not, which was probably why they had used soporifics that day, as a demonstration of what they were capable of. Even in this exact moment, they could have been watching them. There could have been a camera hidden somewhere, maybe inside the clock, maybe the TV, maybe they were spying on them from the building in front of the hospital, and maybe; … he was just being paranoid.

-Ne Naoyuki … - he then softly called, as he revolved his head to the left where the windows in his room were, and calmly began to scrutinize those of the tall building in front of them, as the other merely hummed in reply -... You don't find it … even just a little weird .. that people who seemed so skilled, as to prevent us from listening to whatever … could have actually forgot the tape inside the car?- he cautiously inquired, as he continued his futile window watch

-Well … I hadn't thought … that far … ? - hesitantly admitted Naoyuki, nervously looking at Kazuki, as if he were under examination, expression however, that didn't last too long, as he quietly lowered his head, and seemingly absently fidgeted his fingers in his laps -... how ...- he then dejectedly whispered, as if acting “rational” for a second, which was another side of Naoyuki he had never seen, and that for some reason, he already knew he wasn't going to like - … how did you know that we … how do you know all this stuff? … - he then firmly inquired, raising his head to sternly gaze at him, and just as he though; he didn't like where this would have gone, not one bit

-What do you mean? ...- sighed the elder, abandoning the sight of the building, and turning towards the now extremely serious looking cameraman

-It's like … you had been through shit like this before, or maybe you are a secret agent, or something … I don't know I … if something … I think that you knowing how to dodged bullets, and noticing such details ... is weird- hesitantly confessed Naoyuki, newly lowering his head

-Tsk, don't be stupid! Me? A secret agent? ...- defensively exclaimed the elder -... the reason why I was surprised to your lack of “perception” is that you watch as many investigation sitcoms as I do, maybe even more! That's where I got all the stuff, it was pure imitation … I mean … the way it seemed we were fucked anyways, so why not? - Kazuki explained, and apparently sounding convincing enough, as he observed Naoyuki slowly nod in understanding. Though his profession required him to constantly lie his way out of situation, he truly despised the action, when it had to be used with people whom he considered dear, and Naoyuki, no matter how much he didn't want to admit it, was part of those people. What made it even worse about lying to the cameraman, was the he knew just how much trust the other laid on him, and Kazuki truly wished he could do the same. However, he could at least take comfort in the fact that this time, he wasn't completely lying, for must certainly wasn't a secret agent, nonetheless, it was true that he knew exactly how to deal with said situations; but the reason was another -Common we've been working together like what? Six years? When have I ever been so “clever” as you are putting it?- he then calmly resumed, kindly smiling at the cameraman, who newly nodded -... it was just share luck, and random occasional usage of this ...- he concluded, playfully pressing his index and middle fingers against the younger's temple, who lightly snickered, as his head was raised by the teasing gesture

-So .. what do we do now?!- hesitantly questioned the younger, who resumed his absent staring of the buildings outside -... we could … hand the tape to Koda … and end it there … - suddenly added the cameraman, turning towards the elder with an expression that clearly looked for approval, which Kazuki unfortunately couldn't give

-Well regrettably … if my reasoning hasn't been wrong so far … its too late for that now ...- honestly replied the elder, receiving a slightly panicked expression from the cameraman, whom clearly expected him to agree -... we are alive and we have the tape, I think, that whomever wanted us to listen to the conversation later, and not during the actual thing ...so I suppose we could listen to them ...- he concluded, while slowly nodding his head to himself

-Can't we just give this to the police, and make them handle this? ...- swiftly, and nervously inquired Naoyuki, while still staring at the window in front of himself, while Kazuki calmly shook his head

-... Once again ... I am not too sure about this … but … I wouldn't do that … though … we could try ... - calmly repeated the elder, as it occurred to him, that the police as well, should have been the one to have taken the tape in the first place ones the got to the crime scene; … what the hell was going on? -... but you know though … I think I have been watching to much shit lately, I mean, going by this logic again … if they wanted us dead we would be already right? And if they need something form us they will have to come and tell us … so … - he then swiftly added, sounding much more confident; or so he hoped

-So? … - dragged out Naoyuki, keeping his head forward, but shifting his gaze towards the elder

-So I say we still go ahead and finish what we started … as you said … we still have the scoop- firmly stated Kazuki, who was hoping with all his might to be successful in clearing the younger's mind with all the panic he had unconsciously filled it with -... this is the one Naoyuki … this is it - he repeated as if to make it more meaningful by doing so

-Mmm ...yeah … you are right …- confidently nodded the cameraman -...man you had me scared there though ...- he quietly added, ungraciously dropping his back on the chair, looking visibly relaxed - … okay let's do this ...- he then concluded

-Hai, let's do this! - readily confirmed Kazuki confidently nodding in agreement, glad to see the younger in a calmer state, even if just a little, though, unfortunately, he had a horrible feeling about all of this, he just couldn't quite pin point it, or rather, he didn't want to pin point it.

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Day. 22nd Heisi year (2010), April 5. Kobe.

12:45 PM. Restaurant & Pizzeria “Come a Napoli”. Apartment on the second floor above the store.

How many, out all the people that lived in this world, could positively say; “Yes, I am really happy”?

How many could wake up in the morning and hope that everything was exactly as the previous day, how many could look back at their despicably miserable past and laugh about it, and how many could take a few extra minutes to do nothing in bed, while turning over and delightfully savor the scent of their lover that still lingered on their pillow? Kazumasa had no idea, and though he felt sorry for those who couldn't, he wouldn't punish himself for just so happening to be one of those who could. He was happy, he had been darn happy for quite a while now; and it was darn about time for it to be so.

Newly turning around on his own pillow, and idiotically smiling at nothing, he raised his left hand to the ceiling and allowed his smile to get even wider and more idiotic, while serenely gazing at his wedding band, and think about Yukke as his lawful husband, which it obviously wasn't so in Kobe, or in the whole of Japan as that, but knowing that somewhere in Washington D.C., they were actually so, counted just as much. The funny thing, if one should call it so, is that hey had been officially married for almost a year now, yet, every morning it would be almost the same “Smile for me world I am free, gay, married, and happy, woo!” ritual.

And it wasn't like he particularly liked to brag about things, but he just couldn't stop feeling grateful about what he had at the moment, for even though he knew he theoretically could “laugh” about his past, there really wasn't anything “laughable” per-say about it. Kazumasa was very aware of the fact that he had been probably the luckiest of men, because it was rare, extremely rare to hear about people, who actually could get out of such a situation and live to tell about it.

Lifting up his right arm as well, he leisurely yawned, while roughly stretching, and finally conclude that it was “now” okay to get up, and be a productive part of the society. As usual, he spent five minutes in taking a quick shower and a good twenty to get himself ready for the day, which Yukke had stopped complaining about given that he had considerably improved from when he used to take “at least” an hour to do so.

Thus, after playfully making sure that the mirror was finally agreeing with him, with the fact that his black fringes needed to bend to the right, he apologetically stuck his tongue between his teeth, while he glimpsed at the clock hanging in the hallway on his way to the entrance of their apartment. His workplace had officially opened at 12:30 PM; it was now 1:28PM. In his weak defense, he could say that he wasn't so late all the times, moreover, he also so happened to be the co-owner of the restaurant where he was heading to anyways; which he knew wasn't a valid excuse but … oh well. However, what might have made his lateness a bit disputable, was the fact that said restaurant, was located at the bottom of the stairs he was about to descend. Yes, his apartment was situated right on top of the pizza restaurant that him and Yukke had constructed and named together, “Come a Napoli”, which was Italian for “Like in Naples”. Once half way through the staircase, he stopped and decided that it wouldn't have hurt to take a few more minutes to just look around and rejoice at what they, him and Yukke, had accomplished together, in this long eight years since they began this business.

Turning his head all the way to the left he saw Zero, Karyu and Shuu, eagerly and serenely working on making pizzas, behind a counter, which had a wall, and a clear glass that separated them from the customers, but also allowed said customers to observe them at work. He had seen that style of restaurant on their honeymoon trip to the united states, eight years ago when himself and Yukke decided to “pronounce themselves” husband and husband, and he thought it was a neat way. Not only because he figured that people would like to see the pizza-makers at work, but also he figured that it would build trust between employees and customers, who could see with their own eyes what their were about to put inside their bodies; which nowadays, was more of a mystery than not.

Moving from his workers to the dining area, he could see already quite the amount of people, and the one person whom would always come and eat every other day. After some years, clearly noticing his constant pattern, they learned that his name was Toda Yuuto, and he would always order the three slice combo of sausage, onions, and cheese pizza, and would always be there as son as the restaurant opened. They had got so used to Yuuto, that it almost felt like he was one of them, to the point where, every once in a while, he would notice Yukke discounting him, or giving him a free meal. Kazumasa didn't know exactly why, but it felt like there was some sort of importance in having a “habitual customer”, it was as if it gave some kind of prestige to the name their very small restaurant, which considering its dimensions, it was to have been considered a miracle that it had become this popular. Then again, the food was really good, and they were quite the fun personnel those, thus he could confidently state it was just the result of some good old hard work.

Last, but not least, he turn to face straight ahead, at the bottom of the stairs, where the cashier-counter was situated, and where he could marvel at the perfection of Yukke's back. Stretching out his black shirt once more, he then lowly coughed to clear his throat, and resumed his decent assuming the air of someone who wasn't a good hour and some extra minutes late, as he placed himself side by side with Yukke, who was helping a customer, while subtly smiling at the same time, which was his way to acknowledge his presence. Been acknowledged in such an implicit way, was alright, but the truth was that what he really wanted to do was to stamp a big fat kiss on those amazing lips, or hug him to no end, and more. However, not only they wouldn't have been the most professional of actions, but the true fact was that majority of people still weren't comfortable around homosexual couples, which was a detail they had worked very hard to keep to themselves with their customers; though it might have been possible that people such as Yuuto might have caught a clue by now.

Thus, reluctantly holding himself from “loving” his husband, he walked out of the counter, and welcomed a of trio of giddy looking girls, still in their high school uniform, who stared, and blushed at him like they were in a daze, while he grabbed some menus from the antique looking cabinet next to himself

-I shall accompany you to your table … please do follow me - politely smiled and instructed Kazumasa, receiving an as well delighted smile and bow form the trio, whom followed him while giggling and whispering to themselves, out of which he was able to discern sentence such as “He so handsome”, “He is probably married” and “... no, he is probably gay”; … funny how, in all modesty, everything was just right on spot

Another peculiar, and probably the most important fact about Come a Napoli, was its particular location. The situation in Kobe between different social classes, hadn't been one of the best for as long as he could remember; in fact, it really wasn't good, period. Thus, just like in a any city, people knew exactly where to and not to go if they wanted to keep out of trouble. However, their restaurant had a whole different deal for it was located in what was known as “the Neutral”, because it separated the areas where “respectable citizens” were from “the lowlife”, which however, Kazumasa knew very well that there was an extremely fine line between the two subcategories; in both directions.

The Neutral, had been created out of an agreement among all “sorts of gents”, which stated that trouble wasn't allowed. Reason why, Kazumasa would often see all types of people coming to eat at his restaurant, and because of the second job that himself, Yukke, and his employees had bestowed on themselves to be doing, they knew exactly who was who. Thus, it wasn't rare to have the occasional yakuza dining at a table behind the occasional police officer, and just as agreed, they would both sit, eat their meals in tranquility, and leave without any issues. Now that, was something to be truly happy and proud about, and it was all thanks to Yukke. Even though he had his own tiny part in the agreement, it had been Yukke's hard work and sacrifice that brought fort said agreement, and in the arc of eight years there were now ten apartment complexes and a few other stores currently situated in the Neutral. The living conditions might have not been of the best, but it was a formidable price to pay in exchange of peace and security.

All in all, Kazumasa knew he had no right or true reason to complain about anything, but as he smiled at his seated guest, and informed that he would be back in a few to check their order, it quickly occurred to him that there was no way he would have aspect Yukke to welcome and cashier at the same time, and he knew that the elder eye-glassed brunette wouldn't have wanted to come and call him down from his “doing nothing” and help him, because he was just too kind of a person, which it was a nice quality; but in this case it was quite frustrating. Because Kazumasa would have ran down and help, if he hadn't assumed that the only little peck in his life was missing in action; again.

-Where is Hiroto? - Kazumasa dryly and quickly inquired, once he got back to the cashier-counter by Yukke side, who turned to face him with that nonchalantly smiling expression, which considering his present state of emotions, and the person he was about to deal with, it would have quickly made him lose his temper

-Where else but school? … - calmly replied Yukke giving turning around to completely flash a reassuring smile at the younger brunette, who readily replied with a vexed raised eye brow, as he folded his arms in his chest

-You know as well as hell, that his sorry little ass wasn't seated in any chair in that expensive school we have been paying for him to be at, which is why he should be here helping you like I had instr- he angrily exclaimed, and quickly stopped, as some of the customers turned around to check the cause of the turmoil -.... instructed - he then resumed, lowering his tone by a few notches - All I am saying here … is that I know you've followed him, cause I have done that too, and I know he knows we have, so why keep on going on with this shitting little game, and just blast his ass once and for all!- he loudly hissed, taking a few calming breaths

-Clam down baby ...- sedately whispered Yukke, as he turned around, and began typing something on the register's screen - … just give him some time, he is a teenager, ordering around will not serve at nothing - he quietly explained, receiving an incredibly shocked expression form Kazumasa

-This is why he acts like a fucking little prick, because you are always so … so … so permissive with all the shit he does! - he newly exclaimed but this time trying to control his voice tone the best he could

-Give him some time to figure out what he want to do with his life … he doesn't exactly have the same life of any other teenager now does he? ...- reinforced Yukke, as he tried his best to keep Kazumasa from exploding -... though it was his decision to join us … I think he is finally trying to evaluate if he still wants to be doing this … so give him some time okay? - he ended turning around smile at the younger, who merely sight in frustrated resignation, while lightly rolling his eyes -... plus he reminds me exactly of someone else when they were eighteen years old such as Hiroto right now … in fact … I think this person did far worse ...- he teasingly added, nonchalantly replacing his gaze on the register, while lightly smirking

-Whatever … do not compare him to me … - coldly replied Kazumasa, turning around to absently play with some of the menus that were on the counter -.you little ungrateful … thing, watch me - he whispered to himself -Has he already forgotten who took care of his sorry little ass, when our parents decided to bail ... and there was a reason I did half of the things I did, which you should know very well - he swiftly added

-I know, I know ...- calmly added Yukke -though, if you ask me, I wouldn't mind if he kept up with this … you become so vulgar, and so similar to what you were back in the day … and I kinda like it, quite sexy, very arousing ...- he then whispered, turning around to swiftly wink at him, who playfully rolled his eyes, and opened his mouth to reply something as daringly playful, when the front door suddenly opened, ushering the object of their dispute, whom nonchalantly walked in, headphones in his ears, and the air of someone who wasn't now almost two hours late. As Hiroto passed by the counter he slightly nudged his head as a greeting at Yukke, and completely ignored Kazumasa

-Hello there … - serenely greeted Yukke, nudging his head back at the younger, who walked behind the counter, and was about the climb the stairs to get to their apartment, when he was quickly grabbed by Kazumasa

-Oi! ...- angrily exclaimed Kazumasa, as Hiroto, pulled his arm free form the elder's grip, making Yukke sigh, and calmly turn around, and stare at the pair of siblings -... you are late, where were you all day? ...- he swiftly inquired, as the younger, pulled one headphone out of his ear

-I don't know … somewhere? - nonchalantly replied the youngest brunette, while shrugging

-Look! … - exclaimed Kazumasa, turning to regard Yukke with a sarcastic surprised expression -... he doesn't even try to make it seem like he “might have gone to school - he concluded, resignedly slapping both his hands on his thighs

-I am here now what's the big deal … - dejectedly replied Hiroto rolling his eyes, at which gesture, Kazumasa felt this strong feeling of plastering his right hand all over the younger's left cheek, but his sadistic intent was interrupted by Yukke, who intervened

-Just go quickly change, come back, an take Shuu's place … baby you've kept that table of high school girls waiting for too long, you need to go … we'll pick this up later- he instructed in a firm tone, that had lost all its friendly manner, and at which neither Kazumasa or Hiroto ever dared to disobey; for they all knew what Yukke was truly capable of, behind the tender smiles and geeky eye-glasses

-Hai hai ...- calmly replied Hiroto, disappearing upstairs, while Kazumasa merely walked out form behind the counter, and in direction of said table, when Yukke suddenly resumed talking

-Let's see what happens after tomorrow morning's meeting ...- calmly stated Yukke, while keeping his gaze on the register's screen -... and if needed I'll personally take care of it, so don't worry, and relax, it will all be fine - he concluded, receiving a nod form Kazumasa, who resumed his speedy walk towards the trio, to whom he deeply apologized, and began jotting their orders, after promising free dessert in excuse for such “despicable” behavior

It will all be fine … Yukke had said the same exact words ten years ago, and it ended up to be so, hadn't it? So he just had to hope it would be true this time around as well, for he really had no intention of waking up in any different way than staring at his ring, and keep thinking about just how happy he was.

No matter how truly precarious he knew happiness to be.

---### Chapter 3 part 1 ###---

A/N: Finally done with chapter two! Yei!

So lets see … we have introduced two completely new scenes, which are the one with Hideo (Jin) and Yuuto, and the one of “the Neutral”, with Shou and company, whom so far is the happiest out of all the characters isn't he? And ... we've also saw that Kazuki and Naoyuki are still alive (rejoices). So the mystery gets deeper, and something is lurking somewhere, and some are more clued than other … so stick around and find out just what other lives will be involved in this mystery in Chapter 3 of Air: Hopeful eyes where will have as main stars Reo(Lynch), Tatsuro(MUCC), Manabu(ScReW), and Hizumi(D'espairs Ray). Thanks for reading and commenting.

Much Love -LnK♥(^_~! )/-