Chemistry of tripping hearts [oneshot, NC-17, U/K, K/R, drama, AU]
Title: Chemistry of tripping hearts [oneshot] part 1/2
Author: gaussianblur89 / 89_archives
Rating: NC-17
Beta: None
Pairings: Uruha/Kai (main), Kai/Ruki, Uruha/OC
Genre: hooker-AU, drama, romance, het
Warnings: sex, swearing, prostitution,
Summary: “Yutaka remembered he started prostituting himself a few years ago, at the tender age of twenty-two, when he got tired of doing shitty hours for little pay.”
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story.
Comments: Written for the uruai winter challenge, with the prompt to make it a hooker AU featuring a client-hooker set up. The rest was up for me. I hope you like the result, which wanted to get totally out of hands at some points. Sometimes the idea grows like a monster, haha~
Sadly, no pictures this time, but a soundtrack is embed to the scenes. The full list can be found at the very end of the fic. Happy reading!
Word count: 13 758.
-*-
play
Uruha's flight was delayed and he wasn't that happy about it. Had he been aware of this, he would've taken the bullet train instead, possibly paid more, but been on time. One hour delayed. Unforgivable, he thought as he sent a text while waiting for his luggage to arrive from the cargo hold.
Uruha had been to Osaka to discuss a fusion between two power companies, which had been a struggle, yet a successful one, because the company he was running was becoming more dominant. With this successful fusion, he would soon have monopoly in the market. It had been a risk, but one he had been confident taking and his team had been there for him, doing the research and negotiations. This had been a tiring trip, and he felt bad for not buying some souvenirs to bring home and purchasing something from the airport was just too obvious. He was doomed, in one way or another. Uruha smiled a little, not because he was particularly happy or something, but that he now had a free afternoon he could spend like he wanted, before he'd go back to his office and work six days a week for at least ten hours a day.
Now that he thought about it, he felt like having insanely expensive champagne and Kobe beef on the side. He was worth it.
Uruha wouldn't be irritated about being on a delayed flight, if it wasn't for the fact that he was late for an appointment and he would hear about it for the rest of the day. He fidgeted in the taxi and looked at his phone for clues about how his associate was handling his unplanned delay. Finally, almost an hour later, making him two hours late now, they stopped at a posh hotel and Uruha scratched the back of his neck. He wasn't nervous, just embarrassed. He paid his driver and let the hotel staff bother themselves with his luggage. He had checked in a day before he had even gone to Osaka.
“You're late.” Uruha was greeted with a sour tone from the living area of the suite before he even had the chance to take off his shoes and coat.
“Didn't you get my text?”
“I did, I've just always wanted to say that,” The sourness faded and was replaced with a smile. “Welcome back to Tokyo, mister Uruha.”
“Been enjoying your stay, mister Kai?” Uruha walked into the suite and found Kai splayed on the couch, apparently watching TV and being bored out of his skull.
“It was fun the first two days, but now I'm just fed up with all the “yes sir, right away sir” stuff. No one has an opinion and just waits for me to boss them around.” Kai sighed and sat upright to look at Uruha.
“It's their job, silly.” Uruha smiled and sat himself next to Kai on the couch. “How about we have some champagne and then dinner?” He petted Kai's knee.
“Can we have Dom Perignon?” Kai bit his lip in anticipation. He knew where this was going. He always knew and all he had to do was ask. Kai knew Uruha was filthy rich and asking for expensive champagne was no big deal. It wouldn't throw him off financially for months.
“Of course.”
“Good, because I think we both deserve it.” Kai drew a heart on Uruha's chest. “I'll make a call, you make yourself comfortable.” He winked and got up to get room-service.
“Yes sir.” Uruha teased back, because he knew how much Kai hated that phrase by now. Kai glared back at him, phone in one hand, the other pushed down in the back pocket of his jeans.
Uruha licked away the drops of Dom on Kai's body. Kai had been right; the champagne tasted better when licked off his skin and he had shamelessly poured it over his chest and stomach, watched it pool in his navel and Uruha had marvelled it. They had forgotten about their dinner at some point and proceeded to dessert. Uruha had picked Kai up, pressed him against the wall and they had kissed. Kai's arms wrapped around Uruha and pulled him closer and closer, and he ground their hips together because he needed it. Uruha needed it.
Uruha kissed Kai's quivering lips while they fucked and held him close after climax. Kai nuzzled Uruha's neck, kissed it gently and didn't mind that the mix of champagne and cum was getting really sticky on their skin. Uruha stroke chestnut coloured strands away from Kai's face and he fought against falling asleep. He was tired, but he had to get home sometimes soon too.
“You're thinking about something again.” Kai mumbled silently.
“How could you tell?” Uruha rose a curious brow and looked down at Kai's spent form. “Did I frown?”
“Yeah. You'll become wrinkly, so relax.”
“Can't, I'll fall asleep if I do and I have to get home soon.” Uruha sighed. He really wanted to sleep.
“Tell her your flight was delayed.” Kai settled better against Uruha's chest. It felt nice and comfortable.
“I did. I'm not expected until really late anyway,” Uruha stretched a little on the bed. “You can stay though. I've made all payments.”
“I won't. I'll have to study and my plants will have to be watered,” Kai sighed and sat up from beside Uruha. When payment was mentioned between them, he knew it was his cue to leave. “I'll go shower first if it's okay.”
Uruha nodded and relaxed against the pillows. He didn't pay much attention to Kai now that he had gotten what he had needed for a week.
*
play
Yutaka remembered he started prostituting himself a few years ago, at the tender age of twenty-two, when he got tired of doing shitty hours for little pay. He knew some other students did it too, and that it was fairly easy to find clients. In Yutaka's case he had been very lucky, because he managed to establish a few regulars with a nice amount of nickels in their wallets. He was thankful his clients weren't violent, neither called him foul names. Few had and Yutaka hadn't answered their attempts to contact him after that. He had managed, though it sometimes was tight. About a year later he had found Uruha and Yutaka knew this was it, when Uruha after a few fucks asked him to rid himself of his other clients, because Uruha would see to that Yutaka was okay financially, if he could take care of Uruha's needs. Yutaka knew Uruha wasn't the new patron's name, like this new man knew Yutaka hadn't given him his real name when he had introduced himself as Kai.
Yutaka's life was considerably easier now that he was loyal to Uruha and vice versa. Uruha was quite cold on the outside, because he needed to be. Yutaka guessed he was some corporate CEO or something, because Yutaka would just have to ask and he could have it. Uruha was generous, kind in the way that he didn't beat Yutaka or call him names, and he didn't want to see him too often. Usually it was once a week, sometimes every other week. What made Yutaka like Uruha, was that he fed the emotional side of him. Yutaka was a romantic and liked kisses and being close to his partner. Uruha hadn't liked the idea at the beginning and consciously pushed Yutaka away after sex, for it reminded him too much of a relationship which they didn't have. It had taken them months before Uruha had agreed to kiss him and some more before he was okay with the affection after sex. Yutaka had tried to explain this, but failed every time and Uruha wasn't that good with emotions. Sure, he smiled and laughed, but deep down he was a cold businessman who only was interested in the deal if it was profitable for him. Yutaka was okay with it, he didn't love Uruha.
“Hey 'Taka, are we going out tonight?”
Yutaka had a flat-mate who was of the eccentric nature and gay as the fourth of July. His name was Takanori, but he had forbidden everyone to call him that and wished to be referred to as Ruki. Takanori, or Ruki, had dropped out of university when he got a chance to start working as an apprentice for a tattoo-artist and quickly evolved into a successful artist himself. He could've lived on his own, but he preferred to have a flat-mate, because Ruki hated being alone and Yutaka was good at cooking. Ruki, now a tattoo-artist, and part-time designer for a jewellery shop, led an insane amount of art projects on the side of his day job and ran to parties at least every other day. Yutaka sometimes wondered if he slept at all. Ruki draped himself over Yutaka's shoulders and studied the rows of text he had produced.
“I'm in the middle of a paper and have work later tonight.” Yutaka sighed and stared at the screen of his laptop, which was a gift from Uruha, when Yutaka once told him his old one suddenly emptied itself and died with a pitiful sound.
“Don't fuck them in our bed, please?” Ruki whined and pursed his lips. He knew of Yutaka's odd profession, not all the details like there only was one client, but chose to not be interested in it. “I'd hate that.”
“Have I ever brought home clients?” Yutaka smiled and patted Ruki's colourfully decorated arm.
“You don't know what kind of weird-ass kinks they come up with all of a sudden. Suddenly they might want to have sex in a shitty rat hole like ours, just because it sounds romantic in an apocalyptic sense.”
“We don't live in a rat hole and our decoration isn't that apocalyptic, now is it?” Yutaka rose an eyebrow and Ruki grimaced.
“Not the point. Just-”
“- don't fuck them at home. I won't, don't worry mum.”
“Fuck you. Now let's make you look pretty. That analysis on Aristotle’s shit won't run anywhere. Your client might, if you look like a cave troll.”
“I love you too,” Yutaka laughed and let Ruki kiss him on the cheek before he was dragged to sit in front of a mirror. Ruki was meticulous about Yutaka's appearance before his clients. Yutaka didn't know why, but he was touched by his friend's care for him, even if it in the beginning had felt like it was Ruki who was pimping him and taking all the money. This wasn't true, for Ruki never asked for money, his own profits kept him well-fed and happy and his pride didn't let him ask for extra.
“There's a gallery opening to night in Ginza, so if you can make it, you're welcome to attend.” Ruki mumbled from waxing Kai's hair into some intricate up-do.
“I'll try, but I can't promise it.” Yutaka looked apologetically at Ruki through the mirror.
“It's okay. I just thought it'll do you some good to see something else than a computer screen.” Ruki patted Kai on the shoulder. “I'd love to put some make-up on you, but you never allow me...” He sighed and finished his work with a careful sprinkle of cologne on Yutaka's collar.
Ruki had many times asked if he could give Yutaka a light make-up to make him pretty, but had always been denied, for Yutaka didn't want to be pretty and he didn't want Kai to be pretty either. Kai was hard and could take anything that was thrown at him, because he didn't exist like Yutaka or Ruki did.
“Hey. We'll go to that exhibition some other day, together, right?” Yutaka grabbed Ruki's hand in his. Ruki was silent for a moment, before he smiled softly and squeezed Yutaka's hand.
*
play
Uruha was in a weird mood that night. He apologized for it the instant Kai stood behind the door of their hotel room and Kai was baffled. Instead of sleeping with him, Kai ended up drinking expensive wine and listening to Uruha talk about how he was stressed and angry. Angry about business not going how he had wanted it to go and how he had fired three people that day and how he felt like a fuck-up. It wasn't that Kai would not be used to nights like these, no. There were nights when Uruha wanted Kai to just sit there and share his thoughts on life and philosophy, which unbeknownst to Uruha, in fact was Kai's major subject. Kai had told him he was becoming a doctor, because he didn't want to be linked to back to his real self. Now they had been talking for two hours, Kai never giving Uruha any straight answers, because he didn't have them, but neither did he want to seem rude. A careful glance at the clock told him he had missed the opening of the exhibition with an hour and a half already and that Ruki would be sulky, despite knowing Kai didn't mean to miss things on purpose.
“I forgot my wife's birthday today.” Uruha huffed. He sat on the edge of the bed, his shirtsleeves rolled up to his elbows and tie loose. He had thrown his expensive coat on the TV-set and his head hung low. He took a swig out of his glass and looked for his cigarettes.
“Ouch. She must've been upset.” Kai sipped on his wine and then set his glass aside. He had had enough of the talking.
“Not really, no,” Uruha sighed and lit a cigarette. “She's not even home at the moment.” Kai stole Uruha's cigarette, took a drag from it before he presented it to him again and sat down next to him.
“Oh. So, are you making it up to her?”
“Nothing a piece of jewellery and red roses can't fix,” Uruha sucked on his cigarette and looked at Kai. “I'm a total fuck-up of a husband, right?” He asked, a bitter smile on his lips.
“I'm not one to judge,” Kai avoided eye contact and busied himself with removing Uruha's glass from his hand. “But I guess it will have to be a lot of roses.” He glanced up at Uruha with a careful smile and Uruha actually chuckled.
“Fuck, I'll buy her all the roses in the country if it'll make her stop pouting.” Kai smiled and hummed in agreement, while he nuzzled Uruha's neck and cautiously slipped his hand down his thigh, rubbing gently along the inner seam of Uruha's pants.
“It will. I'm sure.” He breathed against Uruha's ear and kissed the lobe. He felt Uruha tense momentarily, before the man relaxed against his touch.
“You make it hard for me to be angry at myself, Kai...” Uruha muttered and tilted his head so Kai could kiss and lick his way up to Uruha's jaw and lips. “So very hard.” He muttered against Kai's mouth before he kissed Kai fully on the lips and Kai let his hand slip between Uruha's thighs to palm the growing bulge.
Uruha was soon on his back, his body arching up while Kai rode him in a agonizingly slow pace. Kai pushed Uruha down every time he wanted to sit up and switch their positions so he could ram into Kai, because there was so much passive aggressive energy in the air just now. Uruha scraped his nails against Kai's legs and stomach, making the latter hiss between the quiet groans. Kai looked down at Uruha and saw so much impatient want and lust in those dark orbs. Uruha's black hair stuck to his forehead and Kai let himself be tempted to lean down and bruise their lips in a kiss. He steadied himself with one hand on the mattress, the other on Uruha's peck, and broke the kiss to loom over Uruha's body, their foreheads almost touching.
“Quit stalling.” Uruha groaned and thrust upwards forcefully, making Kai falter for a second.
“No. You're angry and I don't want your anger.” Kai ground down hard on Uruha. He had had his share of angry clients that had taken out both frustration and anger on him, leaving ugly bruises from cuffs and teeth on his body, though he had said it wasn't okay. Kai pushed down on Uruha with more force and their foreheads collided and all became erratic. Uruha's fingers pressed into the flesh of his thighs and Kai knew there would be bruises in the shapes of half moons from his short nails. Kai's hand twisted the bedsheets and the other rubbed over Uruha's chest, teasing and wanting him to let go. Orgasm wasn't far and Kai wanted to hold on for just a second longer. So much that Uruha would cum first so he could finish himself off.
Uruha came with a strangled groan, his short nails leaving angry red marks on Kai's skin. Kai smiled quietly as he palmed his own erection and came with a sharp intake of air. He got off Uruha and laid down on his back beside him in the bed, both men heavy in breath. They lay silent for a minute, before Kai rolled over on his side, to face Uruha. Uruha stared at the ceiling, as if he was lost in thoughts.
“What are you thinking about?” Kai asked carefully, as if he'd break something if he spoke louder and he noticed Uruha sat up, reached for his cigarettes and a lighter. A flick, click and sigh later, Uruha was on his back, still staring up into the ceiling.
“Tell me something nice Kai.” Uruha's voice sounded a little raspy, which it usually never did. His hand shook a little when he reached over the edge of the bed and flicked some ashes into the ashtray.
“Excuse me?” Kai was taken aback of the sudden request.
“Tell me something. Anything.” Uruha's voice was firmer, like he was finding his protective walls again and he turned his head, so he could look at Kai's rosy cheeks and baffled gaze.
“I, uhm..” Kai had so far never had to tell anyone anything 'nice'. He had no idea what he would tell Uruha to cheer the man up and he even smiled expectantly at him, fuck. “My friend had an gallery opening tonight.” Was the first thing to pop into his head. Jesus fuck, how lame.
“Oh?” Uruha took a drag and turned to lie on his side. “Modern or old?”
“Modern. Or, he doesn't paint, he just runs the projects, I believe it's called curating?” Kai realized he was telling Uruha all about Ruki, which probably wasn't so smart. “Anyway, it's in Ginza.”
“Pity I'm not into modern art,” Uruha pursed his lips and rolled back onto his back. “Maybe I otherwise would've gone and taken a look....” He spoke mostly to himself and stubbed the cigarette before he got up, rid himself of the condom and rummaged through his belongings. “I'll go shower now,” He found what he had been looking for; his chequebook and scribbled a few rows of text. “Fill in your own name and the amount of money I owe you. Don't be shy about the amount.” Uruha handed Kai the signed paper. 'Restaurant bill' it said. Kai nodded and looked up at Uruha who folded his things neatly before he disappeared into the en suite bathroom.
“Fill in what I owe you...” Kai mumbled and huffed. He didn't want to be outrageous, but he had spent a good four hours in that room. Uruha's mood had changed one-hundred and eighty degrees in about a minute and that made Kai question the man's sanity. Or, it was as if he had just showed Kai he had control and wasn't interested in anything he did and could end the discussion the way he preferred it. Kai looked at the cheque and the kanjis that marked Uruha's name. They said everything else but Uruha, but Kai guessed it wasn't so important. Corporate was corporate and he was a Bachelor of arts, trying to write his Master's thesis while prostituting himself. Uruha probably owned the bank too. Kai shivered lightly and rolled into a ball on the bed, waiting for his turn to shower, so he could go home and fall asleep. He briefly wondered if Ruki had come home, or would he be out partying.
*
play
A bunch of roses had been some what of a saviour and that thirty diamond necklace too. Kouyou had been forgiven, when his wife returned home from her trip to London. Kouyou didn't feel a pang of guilt when he said he had missed her and she told him with a smile on her lips, he was lying. Truth to be told; he had forgotten she'd left. He had remembered it when he forgot his key inside his apartment and she wasn't there to open the door to him. It's hard to miss someone you forgot left just a couple a days ago. Kouyou mostly wondered how he had forgotten his keys. He usually never did, but lately his mind had been occupied by rebellious forces.
“Nice shoes.”
“Thank you, I know.” Kameko smiled. She was confident in her choice of couture and very particular about her shoes. She could do without Kouyou any day, but their marriage was set up for them, mostly to guarantee there was a future for the Takashima family and to Kameko's too in some sense. Kameko was a strong female and could've gone her whole life unmarried, but now they lived in a relationship that wasn't very loving but that strongly fed off both of them. Kameko knew Kouyou would never inherit the family fortune if he didn't marry and produced children. Yes, it had been presented to them like that.
“How was London?” Kouyou tried, he honestly did.
“Rainy, but nice.” She mused and pretty much killed Kouyou's attempt at small-talk. Kouyou sometimes wondered why he even tried. Oh, right. He was married to her, had been a couple of years already and it was no better than it had been in the beginning. Okay, they fought less, because they've learnt it was no use. They were pretty much stuck.
“I thought we could go abroad for Christmas,” Kouyou tried after a moment of silence. Their living room seemed to grow three square metres for every second it was quiet in it. “I thought maybe the Seychelles would be nice. A couple of weeks in the sun, snorkelling and white beaches.” He knew Kameko's passion in life was travelling and she had been to pretty much everywhere after their marriage. She did that to escape from what was awaited from both of them. Kouyou wasn't ungrateful.
Kameko was quiet for a while, flipping some pages in her Korean Vogue which she couldn't read, but seemed to enjoy despite that. Kouyou almost gave up again because of her silence.
“Just make sure room-service is included.” She looked up at him and smiled. It was cold, but it was a smile.
*
play
“Have you got any plans for Christmas?” Yutaka looked up from his notes and books to Ruki who looked like he was falling asleep at any moment now. He had had a rough week of running errands and employing new tattoo-artists to his studio to share the rent on it and the work load too. His oversized t-shirt looked rather ridiculous on him, Yutaka noted, and it made him seem even tinier.
“Not that I know of, why?”
“I was wondering if you'd want to spend it with me, because my family isn't expecting me to come home and stuff. I know it's a ridiculous lovers holiday and shit, but I don't know. A nice vacation somewhere?” Ruki muttered and scratched the back of his head.
“It would be fun,” Yutaka smiled up at him. Ruki looked baffled for a moment, before his face split in two by the widest smile in a while. “Have you thought of where we could go?”
“Hot springs. I know, cliché as fuck, but I've never been to one and now that I've saved up I thought I'd treat us...” His voice faded and he looked away, clearly embarrassed that he had even thought about it. Ruki had never been good with the emotional stuff. Not that he wasn't affectionate, but he had a hard time saying what he felt. He rather showed and Yutaka was the constant subject to his undying love for human contact. Ruki simply liked to snuggle close when they slept and he it was no problem for him to drape himself over Yutaka at random occurrences.
“It sounds wonderful, but I'm afraid I can't let you pay for it all by yourself.” Yutaka turned around in his chair and leaned against the backrest of it.
“Yutaka, I can pay and I want to.” Ruki whined and walked across the minimal living space-office-dining room combination they called it. What it really was, was a rickety dining table, stacked with Yutaka's notes and books and laptop, Ruki's sketchbooks and coffee cups. If they ate together, they sat in the couch in front of the TV and if it was really festive, they cleared the table of Yutaka's books. That was usually when he cooked, or Ruki brought home something else than past 12 o'clock bento he bought on his way home after a party, from the convenience store around the corner which they frequented. It was those nights when Yutaka had forgotten he should sleep and not stress so much about his paper. Ruki would, with slightly tipsy fingers, massage his shoulders and tell him slurry stories and Yutaka would smile and rub his eyes, before they crash landed in bed and Ruki would wrap his hands around Yutaka's skinny waist.
Ruki loomed over Yutaka's sitting figure and looked like he would pass out any minute, but there still was that stubborn glare under his eyebrows.
“I know, but my pride won't let me,” Yutaka whined back. “Let me pay the food then, you stubborn arse.”
“Fine, idiot. Now get to bed, I'm going to be cold.” Ruki pursed his lips and Yutaka noted a lip piercing he hadn't seen before and it looked angry.
“When did you take that?” Yutaka stared at it, because it almost penetrated his eyes anyway.
“Today. I was bored,” Ruki yawned and stretched a little, before he took Yutaka's arm and tugged at it. “Bed, now.”
Yutaka sighed and then he smiled. Many had thought he and Ruki were a couple since long ago because of their relationship towards each other. They were in fact just very close friends whom happened to live together for a longer time. The weird sleeping habit was just Ruki's ingenious plan on how to keep warm in the winters and summers and he knew Yutaka was a hopeless romantic that enjoyed to be held in his sleep. So it was a good deal for them both, eventually.
“Yes sir.” Yutaka could hear the satisfied smirk on Ruki's face when he was dragged to their shared, roughly four feet wide, bed.
*
play
Kouyou had burned himself in the sun while they were abroad. Kameko had snickered at him and refused to feel any sort of empathy towards him, because it was his own fault he thought he wouldn't burn in the strong sunlight. Eventually he had gotten a nice tan, but before that he had writhed in agony for a couple of nights, because of his own stupidity as Kameko had put it most lovingly. She agreed to rub soothing aloe vera gel on his back and arms where he couldn't reach and even gave him an affectionate pat on the shoulder, to which Kouyou flinched. It fucking hurt he said and glared at her smiling face. She knew.
Despite that, they had enjoyed each others company to at least some extent. Kouyou had gone snorkelling around in the sea and deep-sea fishing and Kameko had enjoyed her time in the sun. Or shade, she wasn't too keen on getting colour, but had wanted to stay on the beach none the less. Overall, it was a good two weeks they were away from civilisation and they even managed to go through it without major disagreements. One night they had even kissed each other good night, because the white wine was strong and the seafood light. Kouyou almost thought he was in love when they strutted down the sandy beach and held each other around the middle and dodged seashells that tried to penetrate their bare feet. That night they had sex, something they didn't really bother with when they were at home, because their moods were so icy, but it tonight might have been the atmosphere and the wine. Kouyou even admitted he liked it, despite he almost had forgotten what it was like with a woman, what it was like with Kameko. His heart tripped over a soft ball of guilt, but he pushed it aside and concentrated on enjoying his wife and make her enjoy him.
Maybe it was the wine.
On the other side of the planet, Yutaka and Ruki enjoyed a calm and quiet weekend doing pretty much nothing at the inn they were staying at. Ruki wasn't sure if he liked the hot springs after all, but Yutaka was happy like a kid on Christmas and it showed in both his mood and the overall atmosphere. He even agreed on singing karaoke, something he disliked strongly, but because it was Christmas and he was a little tipsy from the sake and warm water, he didn't really care.
Yutaka had suggested hiking in the mountains, but Ruki had looked at him with disbelief written all over his face. Like hell, he had said and suggested they'd go test the gym instead. Yutaka had a hard time believing Ruki was the type to hit the gym and actually do some work out, but lo and behold, his flat-mate indeed did.
Yutaka did get Ruki out into the mountains after some nagging and whining, or a lot of whining and then bribing with massages and expensive food. It had been a slight surprise that Ruki was motivated by food too. It reminded him a little too much about a dog his aunt once had. It answered only to bribes with food and pretty much nothing else. Ruki as his aunt's dog... Yutaka snorted and pulled his beanie over his ears and Ruki looked at him as if he was stupid.
Ruki had despite all his protesting fallen in love with the mountainside view. He had grabbed onto Yutaka and told him to slap him across the face because he had to be dreaming. Yutaka had laughed and patted Ruki on the shoulder and told him no, you're not dreaming, this is real and Ruki said he was turning poetic, because fuck, he thought this was stuff you only saw in films by Kurosawa or read in National Geographic. He had almost foamed by the mouth so Yutaka thought it might be best to bring him back into the hotel and take him bathing, but Ruki had kept on foaming that he needed to draw and design and get the mountains on his skin.
Yutaka eventually slapped him on the arm and told him to calm down before it would get really embarrassing.
*
play
That day - no, that whole week for Yutaka had been quite horrible. He was glad Uruha hadn't required his presence, not until today, after Yutaka had as politely as possible tried to push it further and further into the week. Knowing that Uruha was married, he couldn't set a date for them on a weekend, because it would've been even more suspicious than disappearing in the middle of the week.
It had been rough sex, Uruha had been frustrated and angry at something or someone and talking it out at first hadn't been an option. He had been sorry afterwards and promised to make it up, both money-wise and with some gifts he would let Yutaka choose. Yutaka blushed into his scarf when he remembered all the lavish vacations he had been offered and hurried home to take a bath, to wash the lingering ache away. He would look black and blue around his hips and shoulders; like he just had been used for worse. His keys rattled against the door on the fifth floor and he got in. To his surprise Ruki was home and watching TV.
“I'm home,” He called out and took off his outer layer of clothing. Ruki waved at him and stuffed his face with instant ramen. “No work or party tonight?” Yutaka teased, knowing Ruki's schedule usually left little room for anything else than occasional sleep and maybe a toilet break.
“I was invited out okay, but I must be getting sick since I declined every date.” Ruki mused and pushed his thick-rimmed glasses a little higher on his nose and then continued to stare at the news he was indulging in. Yutaka disposed of his satchel into their bedroom and plopped down next to Ruki.
“Why did you do that? Knowing your friends it would've been an awesome party.” He asked and reached for the remote. Ruki did some meek kicking to protest, but Yutaka had the advantage in height and length of arms to win and soon they were watching some drama.
“I... I just didn't feel like it, I guess,” Ruki muttered and set the noodle cup aside on the floor, much to Yutaka's dismay, before he pulled his legs up against his chest and leaned on Yutaka's shoulder. “It's nice to be home sometimes.”
Yutaka hummed and leaned against Ruki in return. The shorter man was tense and Yutaka could feel it and it irritated him that he couldn't do much about it. If Ruki didn't want to, he usually wouldn't open up about what was eating him inside. They sat like that for a while, before Yutaka remembered he was going to go take a bath and then sleep some before he'd study like mad on Saturday.
“I'm gonna go take a bath now, want to massage me a bit afterwards?” Yutaka nudged free from the warm and numbing pit they were sinking into and got up to head towards their bathroom.
“Sure.” Ruki answered quite listlessly, wrapped his arms around his legs instead and leaned his chin on his knees.
“Ruki,” Yutaka turned back to the couch and Ruki merely turned his gaze in Yutaka's direction. “Is everything okay?”
“Bath first, then we'll talk, okay?” Ruki sighed and Yutaka caught the hint to let Ruki have a little space. It still gnawed at him when he sat with warm water up to his jaw and tried to not scrub too vigorously on his scuffs. Uruha had pulled, shoved, bit and bruised. He had said he wasn't okay with it and when they finished, he had been anxious to get away. Uruha had held onto him and apologized profusely and indeed promised some sort of extra compensation for his stupidity. Sometimes Yutaka thought the man cared too much. He had his alter-ego Kai, who was a freaking prostitute, not Uruha's boyfriend or lover or anything. They weren't even that close friends for Heaven's sake! Sure, Uruha sometimes talked about his private life and asked him more personal questions, but they weren't really buddy-buddy. Kai groaned and sank under the surface for half a minute. He didn't dislike Uruha, but he wasn't in love with him or anything... He liked the man, as much as you can like someone that pays you for sex. Yutaka frowned and came back up from underneath the water.
Their tiny and run-down bathroom was all fogged up from his bathing and Yutaka felt how sleep crept into his body slowly and it wasn't even sly about it. He dried himself up and padded out, through their living room and into their bedroom. Ruki was still sitting by the TV, as if mesmerized by it. Kai pulled on some sweat pants and a band t-shirt he had gotten from his brother. He left his towel on his shoulders, walked back into the living room and sat himself beside Ruki on the couch.
“Now can we talk?” He asked quietly and he saw how uncomfortable Ruki became in front of him. Something was eating him up on the inside and the poor man bit nervously on his lip-piercing. “Hey, what is it?” Yutaka laid a hand on Ruki's shoulder to grasp his attention.
“I don't know how to... I...” Ruki grasped Yutaka's hand in his and sniffed, trying to avoid Yutaka's questioning gaze. He then let go of Yutaka's hand and rubbed his nose. “Fuck.” A nervous laugh.
“Ruki-”
“I'm in love with you Yutaka,” Ruki blurted unceremoniously. “I'm in love with you and I can't take keeping it to myself any more.” He turned his face towards Yutaka and Yutaka would have to be stupid to not understand the honesty that shone through Ruki's eyes. Ruki's chest hurt, like something was splitting in twos and threes in his heart.
“Please say something.” Ruki pleaded, when Yutaka only sat silent and stared in front of himself like an idiot.
“Why?” Was the only thing Yutaka could utter. He was shocked and scared and honestly he didn't know what to feel.
“Why? Because you're beautiful and you're kind and you're the only one who doesn't laugh at my disgust for spiders and- fuck...” Ruki stood up from the couch and started pacing around the room.
“Ruki, I'm honoured, I am, but I'm sorry. I can't accept your feelings.” Yutaka sighed and looked at his hands in his lap.
“Don't say that...” Ruki pleaded. He was grasping at the shards that were what was left of his breaking heart and the silence that formed between them was heavy like smog. “Don't say that 'Taka.”
“I can't, Ruki,” Yutaka got up from the couch and faced Ruki, who was shaking slightly. He was holding back his feelings and he was holding back the disappointment, and it took all his might. “I-”
“It's because of him, right? You like him? Your client.” Ruki muttered and looked at Yutaka with a frown.
“What? No! He pays me for sex, not-”
“So if I could pay you, would you like me too?” Ruki regretted the words that flew out his mouth the instant he saw how hurt Yutaka was by them. The taller of the two stood there, absolutely silent, towel still on his shoulders and just stared at his friend.
“Yutaka, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-”
“You can't buy love, Ruki,” Yutaka's tone was icy cold and he looked at Ruki with so much hurt in his eyes it could've pierced through bedrock. “And you certainly cannot buy mine.” Yutaka delivered his last words with an angry sob; he had never been so insulted in his life. He bit his lip and turned to get out of the house. He needed to get away, he didn't know where he would go, maybe to Akira's and sleep on his couch, but he just wanted out and away from this shit. He grabbed his phone and coat, almost forgetting his keys in the middle of Ruki's colourful protesting and was about to leave when a hand grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back into their home.
“You're not leaving!” Ruki's grip of Yutaka's arm was firm and he didn't let go when the other tried to get away. Pull became push, push became shove and before they noticed they were fighting. Ruki's glasses cracked when they hit the floor and his lower lip bled, Yutaka doubled over to a fist in his stomach and his cheek would bruise. It hurt, and the tears that spilled over his cheeks rubbed salt into the tender flesh, their breaths ragged. Ruki had Yutaka by the collar and Yutaka was ready to take another beating, but instead, he felt Ruki's breath on his cheek and his bleeding lips on his. It was desperate and nothing near gentle and Ruki's piercing stung and he could taste blood.
“Ru, no...” Yutaka mumbled against Ruki's lips and he felt how the grip Ruki had of his shirt tightened in protest. Ruki broke the kiss and buried his head against Yutaka's shoulder, and he felt how Yutaka wrapped his arms tightly around him. Ruki couldn't hold back the angry tears that had just waited to spill throughout the stupid fight and everything hurt, but what hurt the most was his heart.
“I'm sorry 'Taka,” He choked out and felt Yutaka rub gentle circles on his back. “I'm so fucking sorry.”
“Shh...” Yutaka whispered into Ruki's hair as his own anger slowly faded away and he could concentrate on being there for Ruki.
“No, listen!” Ruki groaned and pulled away from the embrace so he could see Yutaka's face. “This kills me for fucks sake,” He wiped his cheeks, but couldn't stop the sobs from pushing new tears to the surface. “It kills me to see everyone else getting a piece of you and when I present you my heart I'm dismissed. I feel so fucking bad for even loving you in the first place and this shit just adds to it.” Ruki felt how his heart was tearing itself apart, piece by piece and he couldn't stop it no matter how much he wanted. He wrapped his arms around himself and looked at his socks, for he didn't know what he should say any more.
Yutaka felt equally bad on the inside too. He had never seen Ruki this upset and knowing he was part of his pain just added to the feeling. It was like nausea. Yutaka swallowed and rubbed his sore stomach. What should he do now? Apologize? Or what? He was afraid, he loved Ruki a lot, but not in the way Ruki apparently loved him and it made him feel like shit to see Ruki this upset.
“Don't feel bad for loving me,” He finally said and reached for Ruki's hand to take it in his own. “I just wish you could've fallen in love with someone that would love you back like you deserve to be loved.” It broke his heart to see more tears on Ruki's cheeks after what he said. He pulled the smaller man into his arms and let Ruki ventilate his emotions.
“I'm sorry I hit you and told you those things I did... I didn't mean to.” Ruki muttered between his hiccups. Yutaka's shirt got stained with both blood and tears from Ruki's split lip and his crying.
“I know you didn't. I'm sorry I've made you feel bad. I didn't mean to either,” Yutaka could feel Ruki smile against his chest and it felt like a small victory. “Let's take care of these bruises, okay?” Ruki nodded and sniffed and let Yutaka lead him to their bathroom to tidy up and put antibacterial cream on his split lip.
Going to sleep had never been so awkward between the two of them. Yutaka saw Ruki was uneasy when he lay down on their bed and turned away from him, hesitant about how far away it was suitable for him to stay. Apparently Ruki had wished for him to at least consider his confession. It was selfish, but Ruki had always been selfish to some extent. Yutaka just had no idea how he was supposed to have a relationship Ruki and keep up with Uruha at the same time. Sure, he could've quit his “job” and do something else for a living, but he was accustomed to the easy lifestyle Uruha's money provided. Yutaka laid on his back and stared into the ceiling and he knew Ruki was just as awake as he was. Both were too afraid to fall asleep, fearing they might revolve back into past behaviour during the night and wake up tangled in each others limbs.
He was going to miss it.
God forbid he already did.
*
Part two
Author: gaussianblur89 / 89_archives
Rating: NC-17
Beta: None
Pairings: Uruha/Kai (main), Kai/Ruki, Uruha/OC
Genre: hooker-AU, drama, romance, het
Warnings: sex, swearing, prostitution,
Summary: “Yutaka remembered he started prostituting himself a few years ago, at the tender age of twenty-two, when he got tired of doing shitty hours for little pay.”
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story.
Comments: Written for the uruai winter challenge, with the prompt to make it a hooker AU featuring a client-hooker set up. The rest was up for me. I hope you like the result, which wanted to get totally out of hands at some points. Sometimes the idea grows like a monster, haha~
Sadly, no pictures this time, but a soundtrack is embed to the scenes. The full list can be found at the very end of the fic. Happy reading!
Word count: 13 758.
-*-
play
Uruha's flight was delayed and he wasn't that happy about it. Had he been aware of this, he would've taken the bullet train instead, possibly paid more, but been on time. One hour delayed. Unforgivable, he thought as he sent a text while waiting for his luggage to arrive from the cargo hold.
Uruha had been to Osaka to discuss a fusion between two power companies, which had been a struggle, yet a successful one, because the company he was running was becoming more dominant. With this successful fusion, he would soon have monopoly in the market. It had been a risk, but one he had been confident taking and his team had been there for him, doing the research and negotiations. This had been a tiring trip, and he felt bad for not buying some souvenirs to bring home and purchasing something from the airport was just too obvious. He was doomed, in one way or another. Uruha smiled a little, not because he was particularly happy or something, but that he now had a free afternoon he could spend like he wanted, before he'd go back to his office and work six days a week for at least ten hours a day.
Now that he thought about it, he felt like having insanely expensive champagne and Kobe beef on the side. He was worth it.
Uruha wouldn't be irritated about being on a delayed flight, if it wasn't for the fact that he was late for an appointment and he would hear about it for the rest of the day. He fidgeted in the taxi and looked at his phone for clues about how his associate was handling his unplanned delay. Finally, almost an hour later, making him two hours late now, they stopped at a posh hotel and Uruha scratched the back of his neck. He wasn't nervous, just embarrassed. He paid his driver and let the hotel staff bother themselves with his luggage. He had checked in a day before he had even gone to Osaka.
“You're late.” Uruha was greeted with a sour tone from the living area of the suite before he even had the chance to take off his shoes and coat.
“Didn't you get my text?”
“I did, I've just always wanted to say that,” The sourness faded and was replaced with a smile. “Welcome back to Tokyo, mister Uruha.”
“Been enjoying your stay, mister Kai?” Uruha walked into the suite and found Kai splayed on the couch, apparently watching TV and being bored out of his skull.
“It was fun the first two days, but now I'm just fed up with all the “yes sir, right away sir” stuff. No one has an opinion and just waits for me to boss them around.” Kai sighed and sat upright to look at Uruha.
“It's their job, silly.” Uruha smiled and sat himself next to Kai on the couch. “How about we have some champagne and then dinner?” He petted Kai's knee.
“Can we have Dom Perignon?” Kai bit his lip in anticipation. He knew where this was going. He always knew and all he had to do was ask. Kai knew Uruha was filthy rich and asking for expensive champagne was no big deal. It wouldn't throw him off financially for months.
“Of course.”
“Good, because I think we both deserve it.” Kai drew a heart on Uruha's chest. “I'll make a call, you make yourself comfortable.” He winked and got up to get room-service.
“Yes sir.” Uruha teased back, because he knew how much Kai hated that phrase by now. Kai glared back at him, phone in one hand, the other pushed down in the back pocket of his jeans.
Uruha licked away the drops of Dom on Kai's body. Kai had been right; the champagne tasted better when licked off his skin and he had shamelessly poured it over his chest and stomach, watched it pool in his navel and Uruha had marvelled it. They had forgotten about their dinner at some point and proceeded to dessert. Uruha had picked Kai up, pressed him against the wall and they had kissed. Kai's arms wrapped around Uruha and pulled him closer and closer, and he ground their hips together because he needed it. Uruha needed it.
Uruha kissed Kai's quivering lips while they fucked and held him close after climax. Kai nuzzled Uruha's neck, kissed it gently and didn't mind that the mix of champagne and cum was getting really sticky on their skin. Uruha stroke chestnut coloured strands away from Kai's face and he fought against falling asleep. He was tired, but he had to get home sometimes soon too.
“You're thinking about something again.” Kai mumbled silently.
“How could you tell?” Uruha rose a curious brow and looked down at Kai's spent form. “Did I frown?”
“Yeah. You'll become wrinkly, so relax.”
“Can't, I'll fall asleep if I do and I have to get home soon.” Uruha sighed. He really wanted to sleep.
“Tell her your flight was delayed.” Kai settled better against Uruha's chest. It felt nice and comfortable.
“I did. I'm not expected until really late anyway,” Uruha stretched a little on the bed. “You can stay though. I've made all payments.”
“I won't. I'll have to study and my plants will have to be watered,” Kai sighed and sat up from beside Uruha. When payment was mentioned between them, he knew it was his cue to leave. “I'll go shower first if it's okay.”
Uruha nodded and relaxed against the pillows. He didn't pay much attention to Kai now that he had gotten what he had needed for a week.
*
play
Yutaka remembered he started prostituting himself a few years ago, at the tender age of twenty-two, when he got tired of doing shitty hours for little pay. He knew some other students did it too, and that it was fairly easy to find clients. In Yutaka's case he had been very lucky, because he managed to establish a few regulars with a nice amount of nickels in their wallets. He was thankful his clients weren't violent, neither called him foul names. Few had and Yutaka hadn't answered their attempts to contact him after that. He had managed, though it sometimes was tight. About a year later he had found Uruha and Yutaka knew this was it, when Uruha after a few fucks asked him to rid himself of his other clients, because Uruha would see to that Yutaka was okay financially, if he could take care of Uruha's needs. Yutaka knew Uruha wasn't the new patron's name, like this new man knew Yutaka hadn't given him his real name when he had introduced himself as Kai.
Yutaka's life was considerably easier now that he was loyal to Uruha and vice versa. Uruha was quite cold on the outside, because he needed to be. Yutaka guessed he was some corporate CEO or something, because Yutaka would just have to ask and he could have it. Uruha was generous, kind in the way that he didn't beat Yutaka or call him names, and he didn't want to see him too often. Usually it was once a week, sometimes every other week. What made Yutaka like Uruha, was that he fed the emotional side of him. Yutaka was a romantic and liked kisses and being close to his partner. Uruha hadn't liked the idea at the beginning and consciously pushed Yutaka away after sex, for it reminded him too much of a relationship which they didn't have. It had taken them months before Uruha had agreed to kiss him and some more before he was okay with the affection after sex. Yutaka had tried to explain this, but failed every time and Uruha wasn't that good with emotions. Sure, he smiled and laughed, but deep down he was a cold businessman who only was interested in the deal if it was profitable for him. Yutaka was okay with it, he didn't love Uruha.
“Hey 'Taka, are we going out tonight?”
Yutaka had a flat-mate who was of the eccentric nature and gay as the fourth of July. His name was Takanori, but he had forbidden everyone to call him that and wished to be referred to as Ruki. Takanori, or Ruki, had dropped out of university when he got a chance to start working as an apprentice for a tattoo-artist and quickly evolved into a successful artist himself. He could've lived on his own, but he preferred to have a flat-mate, because Ruki hated being alone and Yutaka was good at cooking. Ruki, now a tattoo-artist, and part-time designer for a jewellery shop, led an insane amount of art projects on the side of his day job and ran to parties at least every other day. Yutaka sometimes wondered if he slept at all. Ruki draped himself over Yutaka's shoulders and studied the rows of text he had produced.
“I'm in the middle of a paper and have work later tonight.” Yutaka sighed and stared at the screen of his laptop, which was a gift from Uruha, when Yutaka once told him his old one suddenly emptied itself and died with a pitiful sound.
“Don't fuck them in our bed, please?” Ruki whined and pursed his lips. He knew of Yutaka's odd profession, not all the details like there only was one client, but chose to not be interested in it. “I'd hate that.”
“Have I ever brought home clients?” Yutaka smiled and patted Ruki's colourfully decorated arm.
“You don't know what kind of weird-ass kinks they come up with all of a sudden. Suddenly they might want to have sex in a shitty rat hole like ours, just because it sounds romantic in an apocalyptic sense.”
“We don't live in a rat hole and our decoration isn't that apocalyptic, now is it?” Yutaka rose an eyebrow and Ruki grimaced.
“Not the point. Just-”
“- don't fuck them at home. I won't, don't worry mum.”
“Fuck you. Now let's make you look pretty. That analysis on Aristotle’s shit won't run anywhere. Your client might, if you look like a cave troll.”
“I love you too,” Yutaka laughed and let Ruki kiss him on the cheek before he was dragged to sit in front of a mirror. Ruki was meticulous about Yutaka's appearance before his clients. Yutaka didn't know why, but he was touched by his friend's care for him, even if it in the beginning had felt like it was Ruki who was pimping him and taking all the money. This wasn't true, for Ruki never asked for money, his own profits kept him well-fed and happy and his pride didn't let him ask for extra.
“There's a gallery opening to night in Ginza, so if you can make it, you're welcome to attend.” Ruki mumbled from waxing Kai's hair into some intricate up-do.
“I'll try, but I can't promise it.” Yutaka looked apologetically at Ruki through the mirror.
“It's okay. I just thought it'll do you some good to see something else than a computer screen.” Ruki patted Kai on the shoulder. “I'd love to put some make-up on you, but you never allow me...” He sighed and finished his work with a careful sprinkle of cologne on Yutaka's collar.
Ruki had many times asked if he could give Yutaka a light make-up to make him pretty, but had always been denied, for Yutaka didn't want to be pretty and he didn't want Kai to be pretty either. Kai was hard and could take anything that was thrown at him, because he didn't exist like Yutaka or Ruki did.
“Hey. We'll go to that exhibition some other day, together, right?” Yutaka grabbed Ruki's hand in his. Ruki was silent for a moment, before he smiled softly and squeezed Yutaka's hand.
*
play
Uruha was in a weird mood that night. He apologized for it the instant Kai stood behind the door of their hotel room and Kai was baffled. Instead of sleeping with him, Kai ended up drinking expensive wine and listening to Uruha talk about how he was stressed and angry. Angry about business not going how he had wanted it to go and how he had fired three people that day and how he felt like a fuck-up. It wasn't that Kai would not be used to nights like these, no. There were nights when Uruha wanted Kai to just sit there and share his thoughts on life and philosophy, which unbeknownst to Uruha, in fact was Kai's major subject. Kai had told him he was becoming a doctor, because he didn't want to be linked to back to his real self. Now they had been talking for two hours, Kai never giving Uruha any straight answers, because he didn't have them, but neither did he want to seem rude. A careful glance at the clock told him he had missed the opening of the exhibition with an hour and a half already and that Ruki would be sulky, despite knowing Kai didn't mean to miss things on purpose.
“I forgot my wife's birthday today.” Uruha huffed. He sat on the edge of the bed, his shirtsleeves rolled up to his elbows and tie loose. He had thrown his expensive coat on the TV-set and his head hung low. He took a swig out of his glass and looked for his cigarettes.
“Ouch. She must've been upset.” Kai sipped on his wine and then set his glass aside. He had had enough of the talking.
“Not really, no,” Uruha sighed and lit a cigarette. “She's not even home at the moment.” Kai stole Uruha's cigarette, took a drag from it before he presented it to him again and sat down next to him.
“Oh. So, are you making it up to her?”
“Nothing a piece of jewellery and red roses can't fix,” Uruha sucked on his cigarette and looked at Kai. “I'm a total fuck-up of a husband, right?” He asked, a bitter smile on his lips.
“I'm not one to judge,” Kai avoided eye contact and busied himself with removing Uruha's glass from his hand. “But I guess it will have to be a lot of roses.” He glanced up at Uruha with a careful smile and Uruha actually chuckled.
“Fuck, I'll buy her all the roses in the country if it'll make her stop pouting.” Kai smiled and hummed in agreement, while he nuzzled Uruha's neck and cautiously slipped his hand down his thigh, rubbing gently along the inner seam of Uruha's pants.
“It will. I'm sure.” He breathed against Uruha's ear and kissed the lobe. He felt Uruha tense momentarily, before the man relaxed against his touch.
“You make it hard for me to be angry at myself, Kai...” Uruha muttered and tilted his head so Kai could kiss and lick his way up to Uruha's jaw and lips. “So very hard.” He muttered against Kai's mouth before he kissed Kai fully on the lips and Kai let his hand slip between Uruha's thighs to palm the growing bulge.
Uruha was soon on his back, his body arching up while Kai rode him in a agonizingly slow pace. Kai pushed Uruha down every time he wanted to sit up and switch their positions so he could ram into Kai, because there was so much passive aggressive energy in the air just now. Uruha scraped his nails against Kai's legs and stomach, making the latter hiss between the quiet groans. Kai looked down at Uruha and saw so much impatient want and lust in those dark orbs. Uruha's black hair stuck to his forehead and Kai let himself be tempted to lean down and bruise their lips in a kiss. He steadied himself with one hand on the mattress, the other on Uruha's peck, and broke the kiss to loom over Uruha's body, their foreheads almost touching.
“Quit stalling.” Uruha groaned and thrust upwards forcefully, making Kai falter for a second.
“No. You're angry and I don't want your anger.” Kai ground down hard on Uruha. He had had his share of angry clients that had taken out both frustration and anger on him, leaving ugly bruises from cuffs and teeth on his body, though he had said it wasn't okay. Kai pushed down on Uruha with more force and their foreheads collided and all became erratic. Uruha's fingers pressed into the flesh of his thighs and Kai knew there would be bruises in the shapes of half moons from his short nails. Kai's hand twisted the bedsheets and the other rubbed over Uruha's chest, teasing and wanting him to let go. Orgasm wasn't far and Kai wanted to hold on for just a second longer. So much that Uruha would cum first so he could finish himself off.
Uruha came with a strangled groan, his short nails leaving angry red marks on Kai's skin. Kai smiled quietly as he palmed his own erection and came with a sharp intake of air. He got off Uruha and laid down on his back beside him in the bed, both men heavy in breath. They lay silent for a minute, before Kai rolled over on his side, to face Uruha. Uruha stared at the ceiling, as if he was lost in thoughts.
“What are you thinking about?” Kai asked carefully, as if he'd break something if he spoke louder and he noticed Uruha sat up, reached for his cigarettes and a lighter. A flick, click and sigh later, Uruha was on his back, still staring up into the ceiling.
“Tell me something nice Kai.” Uruha's voice sounded a little raspy, which it usually never did. His hand shook a little when he reached over the edge of the bed and flicked some ashes into the ashtray.
“Excuse me?” Kai was taken aback of the sudden request.
“Tell me something. Anything.” Uruha's voice was firmer, like he was finding his protective walls again and he turned his head, so he could look at Kai's rosy cheeks and baffled gaze.
“I, uhm..” Kai had so far never had to tell anyone anything 'nice'. He had no idea what he would tell Uruha to cheer the man up and he even smiled expectantly at him, fuck. “My friend had an gallery opening tonight.” Was the first thing to pop into his head. Jesus fuck, how lame.
“Oh?” Uruha took a drag and turned to lie on his side. “Modern or old?”
“Modern. Or, he doesn't paint, he just runs the projects, I believe it's called curating?” Kai realized he was telling Uruha all about Ruki, which probably wasn't so smart. “Anyway, it's in Ginza.”
“Pity I'm not into modern art,” Uruha pursed his lips and rolled back onto his back. “Maybe I otherwise would've gone and taken a look....” He spoke mostly to himself and stubbed the cigarette before he got up, rid himself of the condom and rummaged through his belongings. “I'll go shower now,” He found what he had been looking for; his chequebook and scribbled a few rows of text. “Fill in your own name and the amount of money I owe you. Don't be shy about the amount.” Uruha handed Kai the signed paper. 'Restaurant bill' it said. Kai nodded and looked up at Uruha who folded his things neatly before he disappeared into the en suite bathroom.
“Fill in what I owe you...” Kai mumbled and huffed. He didn't want to be outrageous, but he had spent a good four hours in that room. Uruha's mood had changed one-hundred and eighty degrees in about a minute and that made Kai question the man's sanity. Or, it was as if he had just showed Kai he had control and wasn't interested in anything he did and could end the discussion the way he preferred it. Kai looked at the cheque and the kanjis that marked Uruha's name. They said everything else but Uruha, but Kai guessed it wasn't so important. Corporate was corporate and he was a Bachelor of arts, trying to write his Master's thesis while prostituting himself. Uruha probably owned the bank too. Kai shivered lightly and rolled into a ball on the bed, waiting for his turn to shower, so he could go home and fall asleep. He briefly wondered if Ruki had come home, or would he be out partying.
*
play
A bunch of roses had been some what of a saviour and that thirty diamond necklace too. Kouyou had been forgiven, when his wife returned home from her trip to London. Kouyou didn't feel a pang of guilt when he said he had missed her and she told him with a smile on her lips, he was lying. Truth to be told; he had forgotten she'd left. He had remembered it when he forgot his key inside his apartment and she wasn't there to open the door to him. It's hard to miss someone you forgot left just a couple a days ago. Kouyou mostly wondered how he had forgotten his keys. He usually never did, but lately his mind had been occupied by rebellious forces.
“Nice shoes.”
“Thank you, I know.” Kameko smiled. She was confident in her choice of couture and very particular about her shoes. She could do without Kouyou any day, but their marriage was set up for them, mostly to guarantee there was a future for the Takashima family and to Kameko's too in some sense. Kameko was a strong female and could've gone her whole life unmarried, but now they lived in a relationship that wasn't very loving but that strongly fed off both of them. Kameko knew Kouyou would never inherit the family fortune if he didn't marry and produced children. Yes, it had been presented to them like that.
“How was London?” Kouyou tried, he honestly did.
“Rainy, but nice.” She mused and pretty much killed Kouyou's attempt at small-talk. Kouyou sometimes wondered why he even tried. Oh, right. He was married to her, had been a couple of years already and it was no better than it had been in the beginning. Okay, they fought less, because they've learnt it was no use. They were pretty much stuck.
“I thought we could go abroad for Christmas,” Kouyou tried after a moment of silence. Their living room seemed to grow three square metres for every second it was quiet in it. “I thought maybe the Seychelles would be nice. A couple of weeks in the sun, snorkelling and white beaches.” He knew Kameko's passion in life was travelling and she had been to pretty much everywhere after their marriage. She did that to escape from what was awaited from both of them. Kouyou wasn't ungrateful.
Kameko was quiet for a while, flipping some pages in her Korean Vogue which she couldn't read, but seemed to enjoy despite that. Kouyou almost gave up again because of her silence.
“Just make sure room-service is included.” She looked up at him and smiled. It was cold, but it was a smile.
*
play
“Have you got any plans for Christmas?” Yutaka looked up from his notes and books to Ruki who looked like he was falling asleep at any moment now. He had had a rough week of running errands and employing new tattoo-artists to his studio to share the rent on it and the work load too. His oversized t-shirt looked rather ridiculous on him, Yutaka noted, and it made him seem even tinier.
“Not that I know of, why?”
“I was wondering if you'd want to spend it with me, because my family isn't expecting me to come home and stuff. I know it's a ridiculous lovers holiday and shit, but I don't know. A nice vacation somewhere?” Ruki muttered and scratched the back of his head.
“It would be fun,” Yutaka smiled up at him. Ruki looked baffled for a moment, before his face split in two by the widest smile in a while. “Have you thought of where we could go?”
“Hot springs. I know, cliché as fuck, but I've never been to one and now that I've saved up I thought I'd treat us...” His voice faded and he looked away, clearly embarrassed that he had even thought about it. Ruki had never been good with the emotional stuff. Not that he wasn't affectionate, but he had a hard time saying what he felt. He rather showed and Yutaka was the constant subject to his undying love for human contact. Ruki simply liked to snuggle close when they slept and he it was no problem for him to drape himself over Yutaka at random occurrences.
“It sounds wonderful, but I'm afraid I can't let you pay for it all by yourself.” Yutaka turned around in his chair and leaned against the backrest of it.
“Yutaka, I can pay and I want to.” Ruki whined and walked across the minimal living space-office-dining room combination they called it. What it really was, was a rickety dining table, stacked with Yutaka's notes and books and laptop, Ruki's sketchbooks and coffee cups. If they ate together, they sat in the couch in front of the TV and if it was really festive, they cleared the table of Yutaka's books. That was usually when he cooked, or Ruki brought home something else than past 12 o'clock bento he bought on his way home after a party, from the convenience store around the corner which they frequented. It was those nights when Yutaka had forgotten he should sleep and not stress so much about his paper. Ruki would, with slightly tipsy fingers, massage his shoulders and tell him slurry stories and Yutaka would smile and rub his eyes, before they crash landed in bed and Ruki would wrap his hands around Yutaka's skinny waist.
Ruki loomed over Yutaka's sitting figure and looked like he would pass out any minute, but there still was that stubborn glare under his eyebrows.
“I know, but my pride won't let me,” Yutaka whined back. “Let me pay the food then, you stubborn arse.”
“Fine, idiot. Now get to bed, I'm going to be cold.” Ruki pursed his lips and Yutaka noted a lip piercing he hadn't seen before and it looked angry.
“When did you take that?” Yutaka stared at it, because it almost penetrated his eyes anyway.
“Today. I was bored,” Ruki yawned and stretched a little, before he took Yutaka's arm and tugged at it. “Bed, now.”
Yutaka sighed and then he smiled. Many had thought he and Ruki were a couple since long ago because of their relationship towards each other. They were in fact just very close friends whom happened to live together for a longer time. The weird sleeping habit was just Ruki's ingenious plan on how to keep warm in the winters and summers and he knew Yutaka was a hopeless romantic that enjoyed to be held in his sleep. So it was a good deal for them both, eventually.
“Yes sir.” Yutaka could hear the satisfied smirk on Ruki's face when he was dragged to their shared, roughly four feet wide, bed.
*
play
Kouyou had burned himself in the sun while they were abroad. Kameko had snickered at him and refused to feel any sort of empathy towards him, because it was his own fault he thought he wouldn't burn in the strong sunlight. Eventually he had gotten a nice tan, but before that he had writhed in agony for a couple of nights, because of his own stupidity as Kameko had put it most lovingly. She agreed to rub soothing aloe vera gel on his back and arms where he couldn't reach and even gave him an affectionate pat on the shoulder, to which Kouyou flinched. It fucking hurt he said and glared at her smiling face. She knew.
Despite that, they had enjoyed each others company to at least some extent. Kouyou had gone snorkelling around in the sea and deep-sea fishing and Kameko had enjoyed her time in the sun. Or shade, she wasn't too keen on getting colour, but had wanted to stay on the beach none the less. Overall, it was a good two weeks they were away from civilisation and they even managed to go through it without major disagreements. One night they had even kissed each other good night, because the white wine was strong and the seafood light. Kouyou almost thought he was in love when they strutted down the sandy beach and held each other around the middle and dodged seashells that tried to penetrate their bare feet. That night they had sex, something they didn't really bother with when they were at home, because their moods were so icy, but it tonight might have been the atmosphere and the wine. Kouyou even admitted he liked it, despite he almost had forgotten what it was like with a woman, what it was like with Kameko. His heart tripped over a soft ball of guilt, but he pushed it aside and concentrated on enjoying his wife and make her enjoy him.
Maybe it was the wine.
On the other side of the planet, Yutaka and Ruki enjoyed a calm and quiet weekend doing pretty much nothing at the inn they were staying at. Ruki wasn't sure if he liked the hot springs after all, but Yutaka was happy like a kid on Christmas and it showed in both his mood and the overall atmosphere. He even agreed on singing karaoke, something he disliked strongly, but because it was Christmas and he was a little tipsy from the sake and warm water, he didn't really care.
Yutaka had suggested hiking in the mountains, but Ruki had looked at him with disbelief written all over his face. Like hell, he had said and suggested they'd go test the gym instead. Yutaka had a hard time believing Ruki was the type to hit the gym and actually do some work out, but lo and behold, his flat-mate indeed did.
Yutaka did get Ruki out into the mountains after some nagging and whining, or a lot of whining and then bribing with massages and expensive food. It had been a slight surprise that Ruki was motivated by food too. It reminded him a little too much about a dog his aunt once had. It answered only to bribes with food and pretty much nothing else. Ruki as his aunt's dog... Yutaka snorted and pulled his beanie over his ears and Ruki looked at him as if he was stupid.
Ruki had despite all his protesting fallen in love with the mountainside view. He had grabbed onto Yutaka and told him to slap him across the face because he had to be dreaming. Yutaka had laughed and patted Ruki on the shoulder and told him no, you're not dreaming, this is real and Ruki said he was turning poetic, because fuck, he thought this was stuff you only saw in films by Kurosawa or read in National Geographic. He had almost foamed by the mouth so Yutaka thought it might be best to bring him back into the hotel and take him bathing, but Ruki had kept on foaming that he needed to draw and design and get the mountains on his skin.
Yutaka eventually slapped him on the arm and told him to calm down before it would get really embarrassing.
*
play
That day - no, that whole week for Yutaka had been quite horrible. He was glad Uruha hadn't required his presence, not until today, after Yutaka had as politely as possible tried to push it further and further into the week. Knowing that Uruha was married, he couldn't set a date for them on a weekend, because it would've been even more suspicious than disappearing in the middle of the week.
It had been rough sex, Uruha had been frustrated and angry at something or someone and talking it out at first hadn't been an option. He had been sorry afterwards and promised to make it up, both money-wise and with some gifts he would let Yutaka choose. Yutaka blushed into his scarf when he remembered all the lavish vacations he had been offered and hurried home to take a bath, to wash the lingering ache away. He would look black and blue around his hips and shoulders; like he just had been used for worse. His keys rattled against the door on the fifth floor and he got in. To his surprise Ruki was home and watching TV.
“I'm home,” He called out and took off his outer layer of clothing. Ruki waved at him and stuffed his face with instant ramen. “No work or party tonight?” Yutaka teased, knowing Ruki's schedule usually left little room for anything else than occasional sleep and maybe a toilet break.
“I was invited out okay, but I must be getting sick since I declined every date.” Ruki mused and pushed his thick-rimmed glasses a little higher on his nose and then continued to stare at the news he was indulging in. Yutaka disposed of his satchel into their bedroom and plopped down next to Ruki.
“Why did you do that? Knowing your friends it would've been an awesome party.” He asked and reached for the remote. Ruki did some meek kicking to protest, but Yutaka had the advantage in height and length of arms to win and soon they were watching some drama.
“I... I just didn't feel like it, I guess,” Ruki muttered and set the noodle cup aside on the floor, much to Yutaka's dismay, before he pulled his legs up against his chest and leaned on Yutaka's shoulder. “It's nice to be home sometimes.”
Yutaka hummed and leaned against Ruki in return. The shorter man was tense and Yutaka could feel it and it irritated him that he couldn't do much about it. If Ruki didn't want to, he usually wouldn't open up about what was eating him inside. They sat like that for a while, before Yutaka remembered he was going to go take a bath and then sleep some before he'd study like mad on Saturday.
“I'm gonna go take a bath now, want to massage me a bit afterwards?” Yutaka nudged free from the warm and numbing pit they were sinking into and got up to head towards their bathroom.
“Sure.” Ruki answered quite listlessly, wrapped his arms around his legs instead and leaned his chin on his knees.
“Ruki,” Yutaka turned back to the couch and Ruki merely turned his gaze in Yutaka's direction. “Is everything okay?”
“Bath first, then we'll talk, okay?” Ruki sighed and Yutaka caught the hint to let Ruki have a little space. It still gnawed at him when he sat with warm water up to his jaw and tried to not scrub too vigorously on his scuffs. Uruha had pulled, shoved, bit and bruised. He had said he wasn't okay with it and when they finished, he had been anxious to get away. Uruha had held onto him and apologized profusely and indeed promised some sort of extra compensation for his stupidity. Sometimes Yutaka thought the man cared too much. He had his alter-ego Kai, who was a freaking prostitute, not Uruha's boyfriend or lover or anything. They weren't even that close friends for Heaven's sake! Sure, Uruha sometimes talked about his private life and asked him more personal questions, but they weren't really buddy-buddy. Kai groaned and sank under the surface for half a minute. He didn't dislike Uruha, but he wasn't in love with him or anything... He liked the man, as much as you can like someone that pays you for sex. Yutaka frowned and came back up from underneath the water.
Their tiny and run-down bathroom was all fogged up from his bathing and Yutaka felt how sleep crept into his body slowly and it wasn't even sly about it. He dried himself up and padded out, through their living room and into their bedroom. Ruki was still sitting by the TV, as if mesmerized by it. Kai pulled on some sweat pants and a band t-shirt he had gotten from his brother. He left his towel on his shoulders, walked back into the living room and sat himself beside Ruki on the couch.
“Now can we talk?” He asked quietly and he saw how uncomfortable Ruki became in front of him. Something was eating him up on the inside and the poor man bit nervously on his lip-piercing. “Hey, what is it?” Yutaka laid a hand on Ruki's shoulder to grasp his attention.
“I don't know how to... I...” Ruki grasped Yutaka's hand in his and sniffed, trying to avoid Yutaka's questioning gaze. He then let go of Yutaka's hand and rubbed his nose. “Fuck.” A nervous laugh.
“Ruki-”
“I'm in love with you Yutaka,” Ruki blurted unceremoniously. “I'm in love with you and I can't take keeping it to myself any more.” He turned his face towards Yutaka and Yutaka would have to be stupid to not understand the honesty that shone through Ruki's eyes. Ruki's chest hurt, like something was splitting in twos and threes in his heart.
“Please say something.” Ruki pleaded, when Yutaka only sat silent and stared in front of himself like an idiot.
“Why?” Was the only thing Yutaka could utter. He was shocked and scared and honestly he didn't know what to feel.
“Why? Because you're beautiful and you're kind and you're the only one who doesn't laugh at my disgust for spiders and- fuck...” Ruki stood up from the couch and started pacing around the room.
“Ruki, I'm honoured, I am, but I'm sorry. I can't accept your feelings.” Yutaka sighed and looked at his hands in his lap.
“Don't say that...” Ruki pleaded. He was grasping at the shards that were what was left of his breaking heart and the silence that formed between them was heavy like smog. “Don't say that 'Taka.”
“I can't, Ruki,” Yutaka got up from the couch and faced Ruki, who was shaking slightly. He was holding back his feelings and he was holding back the disappointment, and it took all his might. “I-”
“It's because of him, right? You like him? Your client.” Ruki muttered and looked at Yutaka with a frown.
“What? No! He pays me for sex, not-”
“So if I could pay you, would you like me too?” Ruki regretted the words that flew out his mouth the instant he saw how hurt Yutaka was by them. The taller of the two stood there, absolutely silent, towel still on his shoulders and just stared at his friend.
“Yutaka, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-”
“You can't buy love, Ruki,” Yutaka's tone was icy cold and he looked at Ruki with so much hurt in his eyes it could've pierced through bedrock. “And you certainly cannot buy mine.” Yutaka delivered his last words with an angry sob; he had never been so insulted in his life. He bit his lip and turned to get out of the house. He needed to get away, he didn't know where he would go, maybe to Akira's and sleep on his couch, but he just wanted out and away from this shit. He grabbed his phone and coat, almost forgetting his keys in the middle of Ruki's colourful protesting and was about to leave when a hand grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back into their home.
“You're not leaving!” Ruki's grip of Yutaka's arm was firm and he didn't let go when the other tried to get away. Pull became push, push became shove and before they noticed they were fighting. Ruki's glasses cracked when they hit the floor and his lower lip bled, Yutaka doubled over to a fist in his stomach and his cheek would bruise. It hurt, and the tears that spilled over his cheeks rubbed salt into the tender flesh, their breaths ragged. Ruki had Yutaka by the collar and Yutaka was ready to take another beating, but instead, he felt Ruki's breath on his cheek and his bleeding lips on his. It was desperate and nothing near gentle and Ruki's piercing stung and he could taste blood.
“Ru, no...” Yutaka mumbled against Ruki's lips and he felt how the grip Ruki had of his shirt tightened in protest. Ruki broke the kiss and buried his head against Yutaka's shoulder, and he felt how Yutaka wrapped his arms tightly around him. Ruki couldn't hold back the angry tears that had just waited to spill throughout the stupid fight and everything hurt, but what hurt the most was his heart.
“I'm sorry 'Taka,” He choked out and felt Yutaka rub gentle circles on his back. “I'm so fucking sorry.”
“Shh...” Yutaka whispered into Ruki's hair as his own anger slowly faded away and he could concentrate on being there for Ruki.
“No, listen!” Ruki groaned and pulled away from the embrace so he could see Yutaka's face. “This kills me for fucks sake,” He wiped his cheeks, but couldn't stop the sobs from pushing new tears to the surface. “It kills me to see everyone else getting a piece of you and when I present you my heart I'm dismissed. I feel so fucking bad for even loving you in the first place and this shit just adds to it.” Ruki felt how his heart was tearing itself apart, piece by piece and he couldn't stop it no matter how much he wanted. He wrapped his arms around himself and looked at his socks, for he didn't know what he should say any more.
Yutaka felt equally bad on the inside too. He had never seen Ruki this upset and knowing he was part of his pain just added to the feeling. It was like nausea. Yutaka swallowed and rubbed his sore stomach. What should he do now? Apologize? Or what? He was afraid, he loved Ruki a lot, but not in the way Ruki apparently loved him and it made him feel like shit to see Ruki this upset.
“Don't feel bad for loving me,” He finally said and reached for Ruki's hand to take it in his own. “I just wish you could've fallen in love with someone that would love you back like you deserve to be loved.” It broke his heart to see more tears on Ruki's cheeks after what he said. He pulled the smaller man into his arms and let Ruki ventilate his emotions.
“I'm sorry I hit you and told you those things I did... I didn't mean to.” Ruki muttered between his hiccups. Yutaka's shirt got stained with both blood and tears from Ruki's split lip and his crying.
“I know you didn't. I'm sorry I've made you feel bad. I didn't mean to either,” Yutaka could feel Ruki smile against his chest and it felt like a small victory. “Let's take care of these bruises, okay?” Ruki nodded and sniffed and let Yutaka lead him to their bathroom to tidy up and put antibacterial cream on his split lip.
Going to sleep had never been so awkward between the two of them. Yutaka saw Ruki was uneasy when he lay down on their bed and turned away from him, hesitant about how far away it was suitable for him to stay. Apparently Ruki had wished for him to at least consider his confession. It was selfish, but Ruki had always been selfish to some extent. Yutaka just had no idea how he was supposed to have a relationship Ruki and keep up with Uruha at the same time. Sure, he could've quit his “job” and do something else for a living, but he was accustomed to the easy lifestyle Uruha's money provided. Yutaka laid on his back and stared into the ceiling and he knew Ruki was just as awake as he was. Both were too afraid to fall asleep, fearing they might revolve back into past behaviour during the night and wake up tangled in each others limbs.
He was going to miss it.
God forbid he already did.
*
Part two