[ushikai]
OUTSIDE OF THE LINES
by aishuu
Warning: explicit sexual content
Part 3:
Touya wakes up early the next Saturday and gets dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt, with a headband pulling his hair back from his face. He collects his Ipod, which is full of a mish-mash of songs that get his blood pumping, and then heads out to run. He has about a week to send in his next chapter, and the progress he's made is very slight. Non-existent, if he's to be honest.
He's never been overly fond of physical exercise, but he finds it sometimes helps him get thinking clearly. He hits the road and starts toward the park, where he can use the trails and think on his story. It only takes him a couple of minutes to get there. He sets off at a steady, ground-eating lope on his favorite trail. The music is cranked up high, but he hardly hears it as he mulls on what he already knows.
It should be simple from here; he's got all his characters in place, and all he needs is some kind of climatic battle. Then he can decide if he's going to kill his female lead, Rukia, who's currently on death row. Ichigo, his protagonist, is racing against the clock to save her. His editor, Ichikawa Harumi, is encouraging him to just have Ichigo save Rukia and take her off into the sunset for a happily ever after, but he vehemently rejects that idea. He doesn't think they're meant to be lovers.
He doesn't want to cram his characters into roles that aren't right for them. He wants them to walk their own paths, no matter how frustrating the idea is right now. Besides, if he settles, he knows the ending is going to be a dud.
"News from the Front," a song which he's assigned as his protagonist's "theme," comes on and he listens to the lyrics carefully, hoping for some inspiration to come. He likes working to music, drawing ideas from it. But the only thing that comes to him is a vivid image of Hikaru, and the way he had looked the last time they met. He tries to brush the memory aside, but he can't.
Always before, Touya could claim a single-minded devotion to his goals. He has to live up to his legacy as his father's son, and his characters deserve his attention. He has never let anything get in his way before, but suddenly there is someone else. There is something about Hikaru that distracts him.
He can't afford that, he tells himself. He needs to focus on Bleach, because there's nothing more important than finishing the story.
The sky's threatening rain, and Touya tilts his head back, slowing down to make sure he gets caught in the storm. Maybe he can ask for a vacation and take a bit more time to think; it's not like Zama hasn't taken year-long sabbaticals from writing Hunter x Hunter. Of course, Zama has a not-entirely-respectable reputation in the business, and Touya doesn't want to get called arrogant. He's going to need to come to a solution, and quick.
He turns back to his apartment, letting the rain wash over his body. It's coming down in sheets, penetrating Touya's workout gear. Many people would find the sensation unpleasant, but Touya revels in it. Getting soaked suits his rapidly darkening mood.
He arrives home about fifteen minutes later, kicking off sodden running shoes and stripping on the way to the bathroom. He's normally a neat person, but today he wants to leave a mess in his wake. He has a cleaning service that is due to come in tomorrow, and the childish part of his personality decides to make them actually work for once.
Intellectually, he understands that he's acting like a sulky brat, and spreading a bit of his frustration around. Emotionally, he doesn't care. Misery loves company.
He's got a cover to do for Shonen Jump, one which needs to be finished in three days. Covers are a bit different than normal chapters. They have to be done much further out, which is galling because this time he's going to have to draw something completely unrelated to his plot. He doesn't even know which character to feature.
The Copic markers sit accusingly on his worktable, but he brushes passed them as he heads to the shower. There's a reception he's committed to attending this afternoon, and he doesn't want to chance getting interrupted. Tomorrow he will work, he promises himself. If he can't find an acceptable idea by tomorrow morning, he'll follow Ichikawa's plans. Any ending is better than no ending at all, he tries to console himself.
He sets the water temperature high, feeling the heat seep through his skin as he steps under the pounding spray. He likes it better than the cold showers he's been taking lately, but flashbacks of that night with Hikaru keep assaulting him at inopportune moments. He tries to take a couple of deep breaths, reminding himself that his sex life is not his primary concern right now. Unfortunately his body doesn't agree.
He soaps up a hand and then moves to take care of it - for the second time in less than twelve hours. He shuts his eyes, letting his imagination kick in. There's only one person he wants to have right now, a man with bleach blond bangs and a well-shaped mouth.
The sound of water fades into the background as he loses himself in the fantasy. He imagines Hikaru's mouth tracing his cock, sucking him like he had that time. Then Hikaru looks up, and after offering a sly smile, swallows Touya to the base of his balls, a deep slurping sound echoing in Touya's head.
Touya pushes Hikaru away, and towards a bed - the same one as Touya has in his apartment. He imagines bending Hikaru over this time, and fucking him hard. He pictures the expression on Hikaru's face as he takes him, the rough sound of Hikaru's voice as he begs to be used anyway Touya wants to.
Touya's imaginary self obliges, using impossible stamina to run Hikaru through every sexual position he's ever heard of. Hikaru's body is tight and sweet, and Touya can't get enough of him. Hikaru gasps compliments and pleas, saying obscene things whenever Touya keeps him from climaxing.
It's a wonderful fantasy. Touya grips his cock in his hand, rhythmically pumping it as the water pours over him. Then he's there and one more jerk of his hand sends him over the edge, and he comes hard.
He's feeling a bit off-kilter as he steps out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his hyper-sensitive hips. He has never masturbated so frequently in his life. Thank god he doesn't have a roommate, because he just screamed so loud he's embarrassed.
*
A couple of hours later, Touya is at a reception being held by the industry. The fantasy of the morning has been put away, and he's dressed in a suit, his face cool and in control. He tries to avoid these gatherings like the plague, but this is one event he can't get out of. He's here to see his father get the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.
It's the most prestigious award in the manga industry, and it's the second time that Touya Kouyo is going to be honored. He is to be presented with a special award for his mentorship of the current generation of mangaka. All of his father's protegees are on hand, along with other notable personalities. It's a bit overwhelming to realize the extent of Touya Kouyo's influence.
Touya knows most of them. His father has always had a bevy of assistants on hand, who help with the manga at all phases. Many of them move on to become best-selling mangaka in their own right. All of them know who Touya is, and most are friendly. They know that he's had to work to gain his skills, and that it hasn't been a free ride, even for him.
It's only the ones who haven't actually worked with Touya Kouyo that offer him unwelcoming glances. Notable among them is Morishita Shigeo, who trained under Tezuka Osamu himself, but has only found moderate success since. There's plenty of people who want to become professional mangaka, and the industry is ruthless.
Touya is always on the edge of these gatherings, since he's shy by nature and reclusive by choice. He sips at the glass of sparkling grape juice, wondering when things are going to start. He hasn't seen his father yet, but it's likely Kouyo's running the gauntlet of reporters on the way in. There's international interest in this award, since manga is becoming a major entertainment export. There's only six accredited journalists allowed in, so many have to wait outside.
He's not going to be left alone, he notes with disappointment. The journalists all ask Touya for quotes. He gives them a rote response, about his pride in his father, but doesn't answer any questions on his own series. "This is my father's day," he demurs, before wandering away from them.
There's another person he can't blow off so easily. His editor, Ichikawa Harumi, is dressed in a plain white blouse and a maroon skirt that shows off her legs. Touya's always felt like she's the big sister he never had, but is objective enough to notice that she's an attractive woman. He's used to her loyalty and snaps of temper. He based Ise Nanao off of her, though he will never admit it.
"How are you doing, Akira-kun?" she asks as she comes to stand beside him.
"Fine," he replies, bracing for the question he knows she's going to ask, the one he doesn't want to answer.
"Really? I've been worried - I haven't gotten any new chapters from you," she says, and there's no condemnation in her voice. She's going to be in hot water with her superiors if he doesn't meet deadline, but she's not actually applying pressure on him. Yet.
"It's a challenging part to write," he says, shrugging his shoulders. "I want to make sure I do it justice."
"I'm sure whatever Akira-kun comes up with will be wonderful," she says, patting him on the shoulder comfortingly. She's smart enough not to interfere in his story, although she's obviously getting antsy about him falling out of his usual habits. He's not Ashiwara who rides the deadlines the way some thrill seekers walk along the edges of cliffs. She can offer him a little more leeway.
Touya knows he can't let her down. "I hope you enjoy it," he replies, a vague answer that doesn't commit him.
She smiles, and kisses him on the cheek. "I have faith in you," she tells him, then winks as she sashays away toward to Ogata Seiji, a former assistant of his father's.
He watches them for a moment, reflecting that they'd make a good couple. Unfortunately Ogata is obsessed with his series, and doesn't notice the inviting way Ichikawa is leaning toward him. Touya starts to think about dropping hints to the older man when he observes Ogata steal a peek down Ichikawa's blouse.
Ah. Maybe it would go more smoothly than he thought.
He's smiling slightly when he turns away, glancing at his watch. It's ten minutes passed the scheduled start. He tries not to be irritated since these things always start late.
"Patience, young man," a cracking voice says into his ear, and Touya turns to find he's acquired respected, although unwelcome, company.
Kuwabara, the old geezer who is currently working on Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure, is grinning at him. Touya thinks the expression is vaguely terrifying, but there's no way he's going to show the old man he's intimidated. "Hello, Kuwabara-sensei."
The man pulls out a cigarette, ignoring the fact the whole hotel is a non-smoking facility. He lights it with a specialized lighter - decorated with his characters - before taking a long drag. "I've been hearing some interesting rumors about you," the old man says. "Experiencing a bit of drought, are you?"
Touya keeps his face expressionless, although he really wants to hunt down and kill whoever is spreading that tale. "It will pass," he says, shrugging his shoulders. "I haven't been worried about it."
For some reason, that prompts a wheezing laugh from Kuwabara. "Then you're stupider than I thought. If you're facing a block, you have to acknowledge it."
"My father has never had such issues," Touya replies, although that is another reason he's worried. "He just keeps working on through."
"You're not your father, boy," Kuwabara responds, before displaying his uneven teeth in a scary grin. "Sooner you learn that, the better off you'll be."
Touya opens his mouth to retort, but the old man is already moving away. He almost chokes from the smoke cloud Kuwabara blows in his face as he leaves.
Thankfully the ceremony starts two minutes later. As the son of the honoree, Touya is forced to step forward to accompany his father. His father looks healthy, he thinks, since he's lightened his workload by taking on additional assistants and letting someone else handle the anime-side of his empire.
They sit together listening as the Tezuka awards are given. The special award is announced last, and the emcee reads a long litany of Kouyo's accomplishments that are nothing short of impressive - and intimidating. Touya has a lot to live up to. It's funny that stories about a mechanical cat can spark so much devotion.
Touya Kouyo is the epitome of grace as he accepts the crystal award. He makes a thoughtful, although short, speech about the pleasure he derives from everyone he's ever worked with, and his pride in what they've all accomplished.
"And I hope none of you are offended by my blatant nepotism, but my favorite assistant was always my son, Akira," he says, after listing off over a dozen of the successful individuals he had mentored. There's a roar of laughter at that. "He's done me very proud, coming up with one of the current best-selling manga."
Touya smiles as they acknowledge him with another round of applause, but inwardly wishes for the whole ceremony to just end so he can go home. He hates public attention. He knows that he's going to need alcohol after this. Lots and lots of double shots.
His father wraps up the speech, and there's a reception next. Touya wonders if this will ever end.
He stands beside his father as others come over to offer their congratulations. He's starting to space out, but then he catches sight of an unexpected face across the room. He nearly chokes on his own tongue as he sees Shindou Hikaru.
Touya chides himself a second later, because he's being stupid. Of course Hikaru would have an invite. His manga is one of the current bestsellers.
Hikaru is talking to Waya Yoshitaka, another relatively new mangaka. His series, M×0, is amusing, but it lacks the true mastery that Hikaru displays. Touya wonders if he should approach them, but Waya notices him first, and offers him an unwelcoming glare. Touya nods to him, and decides that he'll approach Hikaru later.
If at all. He's still not sure what to make of their date.
But he does know that they're going to be around each other for quite a while, since they're both at the top of the industry. There's conventions and gatherings every week. While Touya keeps a low profile on the circuit, he can't avoid it entirely. He knows they will inevitably meet again, and it's best to sort things out.
Touya decides he's paid enough attention to filial duty for a while, and tells his father he's going to get a drink. Touya Kouyo acknowledges the statement before turning back to Nase Asumi, the head of the CLAMP group.
Touya heads over to the drinks table, and collected a glass of punch. He tries to come up with a plan on how to approach Hikaru. Then his thunder is completely stolen.
"Yo! Akira!" Hikaru says, and he leaves Waya behind. Touya tries not to look smug, because Waya's going to take offense anyway. Best not rub it in.
"Hello, Shindou," Touya responds. This is the first time they're meeting in a professional capacity, and he's going to treat Hikaru like a business acquaintance. It's not like the whole manga community doesn't know he's out of the closet, but he can imagine the gossip if it ever comes out that he slept with Shindou Hikaru. Now if he can just invite Hikaru somewhere private to talk, he can fix things. He hopes.
A series of emotions passes over Hikaru's face, but they're gone too quickly for Touya to judge. Hikaru nods his head. "Hello, Touya," he replies.
Touya lets his eyes wander over the room, indicating without words that he doesn't want an audience.
Hikaru catches on quickly. "Would you like to get a cup of coffee?" he asks. "I saw a shop about two blocks from here that looks a bit quieter."
Since they're starting the karaoke contest, anywhere is going to be quieter. Touya agrees, and ten minutes later they've left the conference and are in the shop. They place their orders and find a corner table.
It's that weird lull time, nearly four in the afternoon, and the shop is fairly vacant. Touya takes a sip of his black coffee, and studies his companion. Hikaru's blue suit is ill-fitting, but he still looks good. The man's probably incapable of looking bad.
"Maybe you should loosen your tie," Hikaru suggests as he does the same. "You look a bit tense."
Touya follows the advice. "I just hate those kind of events. I'd rather be working."
"It's cool to meet everyone," Hikaru responds. "Most of them are kind of weird, though."
"It's a job requirement," Touya replies with a deadpan expression.
Hikaru laughs. "Must be. My mom always thought I was pretty strange since I was always scribbling in my sketch pads. I still can't believe I can make a living doing this."
"Not many people can." Touya starts to feel that bit of guilt creep up on him. If he hadn't been Touya Kouyo's son...
"I think it works out the way it should," Hikaru says. "Talent rises to the top."
Touya looks down at his coffee, swirling it around in the mug. "I guess."
"I know," Hikaru replies, and there's certainty in how he's speaking. "It doesn't matter what the companies say; in the end, it's the fans who decide what they like. You could have all the connections in the world, but if you're not any good, they won't embrace your story."
Touya looks into Hikaru's eyes, and sees the sincerity there. Hikaru's words set his heart racing, undermining the sense of inadequacy that's been overwhelming him lately. "Thank you," he whispers.
Hikaru reaches across the table and squeezes Touya's hands. "What does your father think of Bleach?"
Touya's sense of relief vanishes. "You would have to ask him," Touya answers. He's never asked what his father thinks because he doubts he would like the answer. Bleach is nothing like his father's series, and doesn't convey the same values. His father is proud of his success, and that has to be enough.
"Don't you ever talk about it with him?" Hikaru asks incredulously.
"No," Touya says. "I don't want to need anyone else."
"Talking doesn't mean you aren't standing on your own," Hikaru replies. "It's knowing you have someone to support you when things get difficult."
Touya considers that, and wonders if it's a possible solution. His father has written thousands of chapters of Doraemon, and he might be able to offer some insight. His father is famous for never missing a deadline.
"Maybe," Touya says, before dropping his eyes. "How's Death Note going?"
"Well enough. I'm about to add another character, so I've been doing the basic concept drawings, and a bit of research. I haven't drawn that many girls before."
"Oh?" Touya lifts his eyebrows to signify his curiosity. The latest development in Hikaru's story has another figure entering with the same power over death as the protagonist. "Is this the second Kira?"
Hikaru gives a wicked smile. "I'm not telling you anything else."
Touya feigns a pout, before bursting into laughter. Seconds later, Hikaru joins in, and they're soon laughing so hard that Touya feels tears start to form in the corners of his eyes. He raises a hand to brush them aside. "I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard," he confesses. "And I'm not even sure what I'm laughing at."
"You know what? Neither am I." And they break down again, earning curious looks from the staff.
It takes a while for them to regain their composure. "How long are you in Tokyo?" Touya asks, dropping his voice to a more seductive pitch.
"Going back tonight," Hikaru replies warily.
"Do you have to?"
The question hangs in the air between them, and Touya knows he's just said something wrong. Hikaru drains the rest of his coffee in three gulps, then sets his cup down. "I like you, Akira, but I want you to like me, too," Hikaru replies. "I don't want to just be the nearest convenient warm body."
Touya flushes. He certainly didn't make a good first impression. "I think I like you, too," he says.
"Then why didn't you call?"
Touya can't think of a reply that won't sound offensive. "Because I'm lousy at having relationships with anyone three-dimensional."
"That's no reason not to try."
"I don't want to hurt you... and I would." Touya knows he doesn't have the skills to make a relationship work. He's always so awkward around other people.
"Being alive means I'm going to get hurt. But it also means I'm going to find things that make me happy, and I think you can do that for me." Hikaru pushes back from the table to rise to his feet. "I won't wait forever for you," he says, before leaning across the table to brush a gentle kiss across Touya's lips. "If you're not careful, you're going to end up chasing me."
Touya watches him leave, wondering if he's making a mistake. But he can't have Hikaru in his life until he manages to resolve the uncertainty he's feeling. Hikaru doesn't deserve to be saddled with a basket case for a lover.
next part
previous part
by aishuu
Warning: explicit sexual content
Part 3:
Touya wakes up early the next Saturday and gets dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt, with a headband pulling his hair back from his face. He collects his Ipod, which is full of a mish-mash of songs that get his blood pumping, and then heads out to run. He has about a week to send in his next chapter, and the progress he's made is very slight. Non-existent, if he's to be honest.
He's never been overly fond of physical exercise, but he finds it sometimes helps him get thinking clearly. He hits the road and starts toward the park, where he can use the trails and think on his story. It only takes him a couple of minutes to get there. He sets off at a steady, ground-eating lope on his favorite trail. The music is cranked up high, but he hardly hears it as he mulls on what he already knows.
It should be simple from here; he's got all his characters in place, and all he needs is some kind of climatic battle. Then he can decide if he's going to kill his female lead, Rukia, who's currently on death row. Ichigo, his protagonist, is racing against the clock to save her. His editor, Ichikawa Harumi, is encouraging him to just have Ichigo save Rukia and take her off into the sunset for a happily ever after, but he vehemently rejects that idea. He doesn't think they're meant to be lovers.
He doesn't want to cram his characters into roles that aren't right for them. He wants them to walk their own paths, no matter how frustrating the idea is right now. Besides, if he settles, he knows the ending is going to be a dud.
"News from the Front," a song which he's assigned as his protagonist's "theme," comes on and he listens to the lyrics carefully, hoping for some inspiration to come. He likes working to music, drawing ideas from it. But the only thing that comes to him is a vivid image of Hikaru, and the way he had looked the last time they met. He tries to brush the memory aside, but he can't.
Always before, Touya could claim a single-minded devotion to his goals. He has to live up to his legacy as his father's son, and his characters deserve his attention. He has never let anything get in his way before, but suddenly there is someone else. There is something about Hikaru that distracts him.
He can't afford that, he tells himself. He needs to focus on Bleach, because there's nothing more important than finishing the story.
The sky's threatening rain, and Touya tilts his head back, slowing down to make sure he gets caught in the storm. Maybe he can ask for a vacation and take a bit more time to think; it's not like Zama hasn't taken year-long sabbaticals from writing Hunter x Hunter. Of course, Zama has a not-entirely-respectable reputation in the business, and Touya doesn't want to get called arrogant. He's going to need to come to a solution, and quick.
He turns back to his apartment, letting the rain wash over his body. It's coming down in sheets, penetrating Touya's workout gear. Many people would find the sensation unpleasant, but Touya revels in it. Getting soaked suits his rapidly darkening mood.
He arrives home about fifteen minutes later, kicking off sodden running shoes and stripping on the way to the bathroom. He's normally a neat person, but today he wants to leave a mess in his wake. He has a cleaning service that is due to come in tomorrow, and the childish part of his personality decides to make them actually work for once.
Intellectually, he understands that he's acting like a sulky brat, and spreading a bit of his frustration around. Emotionally, he doesn't care. Misery loves company.
He's got a cover to do for Shonen Jump, one which needs to be finished in three days. Covers are a bit different than normal chapters. They have to be done much further out, which is galling because this time he's going to have to draw something completely unrelated to his plot. He doesn't even know which character to feature.
The Copic markers sit accusingly on his worktable, but he brushes passed them as he heads to the shower. There's a reception he's committed to attending this afternoon, and he doesn't want to chance getting interrupted. Tomorrow he will work, he promises himself. If he can't find an acceptable idea by tomorrow morning, he'll follow Ichikawa's plans. Any ending is better than no ending at all, he tries to console himself.
He sets the water temperature high, feeling the heat seep through his skin as he steps under the pounding spray. He likes it better than the cold showers he's been taking lately, but flashbacks of that night with Hikaru keep assaulting him at inopportune moments. He tries to take a couple of deep breaths, reminding himself that his sex life is not his primary concern right now. Unfortunately his body doesn't agree.
He soaps up a hand and then moves to take care of it - for the second time in less than twelve hours. He shuts his eyes, letting his imagination kick in. There's only one person he wants to have right now, a man with bleach blond bangs and a well-shaped mouth.
The sound of water fades into the background as he loses himself in the fantasy. He imagines Hikaru's mouth tracing his cock, sucking him like he had that time. Then Hikaru looks up, and after offering a sly smile, swallows Touya to the base of his balls, a deep slurping sound echoing in Touya's head.
Touya pushes Hikaru away, and towards a bed - the same one as Touya has in his apartment. He imagines bending Hikaru over this time, and fucking him hard. He pictures the expression on Hikaru's face as he takes him, the rough sound of Hikaru's voice as he begs to be used anyway Touya wants to.
Touya's imaginary self obliges, using impossible stamina to run Hikaru through every sexual position he's ever heard of. Hikaru's body is tight and sweet, and Touya can't get enough of him. Hikaru gasps compliments and pleas, saying obscene things whenever Touya keeps him from climaxing.
It's a wonderful fantasy. Touya grips his cock in his hand, rhythmically pumping it as the water pours over him. Then he's there and one more jerk of his hand sends him over the edge, and he comes hard.
He's feeling a bit off-kilter as he steps out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his hyper-sensitive hips. He has never masturbated so frequently in his life. Thank god he doesn't have a roommate, because he just screamed so loud he's embarrassed.
*
A couple of hours later, Touya is at a reception being held by the industry. The fantasy of the morning has been put away, and he's dressed in a suit, his face cool and in control. He tries to avoid these gatherings like the plague, but this is one event he can't get out of. He's here to see his father get the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.
It's the most prestigious award in the manga industry, and it's the second time that Touya Kouyo is going to be honored. He is to be presented with a special award for his mentorship of the current generation of mangaka. All of his father's protegees are on hand, along with other notable personalities. It's a bit overwhelming to realize the extent of Touya Kouyo's influence.
Touya knows most of them. His father has always had a bevy of assistants on hand, who help with the manga at all phases. Many of them move on to become best-selling mangaka in their own right. All of them know who Touya is, and most are friendly. They know that he's had to work to gain his skills, and that it hasn't been a free ride, even for him.
It's only the ones who haven't actually worked with Touya Kouyo that offer him unwelcoming glances. Notable among them is Morishita Shigeo, who trained under Tezuka Osamu himself, but has only found moderate success since. There's plenty of people who want to become professional mangaka, and the industry is ruthless.
Touya is always on the edge of these gatherings, since he's shy by nature and reclusive by choice. He sips at the glass of sparkling grape juice, wondering when things are going to start. He hasn't seen his father yet, but it's likely Kouyo's running the gauntlet of reporters on the way in. There's international interest in this award, since manga is becoming a major entertainment export. There's only six accredited journalists allowed in, so many have to wait outside.
He's not going to be left alone, he notes with disappointment. The journalists all ask Touya for quotes. He gives them a rote response, about his pride in his father, but doesn't answer any questions on his own series. "This is my father's day," he demurs, before wandering away from them.
There's another person he can't blow off so easily. His editor, Ichikawa Harumi, is dressed in a plain white blouse and a maroon skirt that shows off her legs. Touya's always felt like she's the big sister he never had, but is objective enough to notice that she's an attractive woman. He's used to her loyalty and snaps of temper. He based Ise Nanao off of her, though he will never admit it.
"How are you doing, Akira-kun?" she asks as she comes to stand beside him.
"Fine," he replies, bracing for the question he knows she's going to ask, the one he doesn't want to answer.
"Really? I've been worried - I haven't gotten any new chapters from you," she says, and there's no condemnation in her voice. She's going to be in hot water with her superiors if he doesn't meet deadline, but she's not actually applying pressure on him. Yet.
"It's a challenging part to write," he says, shrugging his shoulders. "I want to make sure I do it justice."
"I'm sure whatever Akira-kun comes up with will be wonderful," she says, patting him on the shoulder comfortingly. She's smart enough not to interfere in his story, although she's obviously getting antsy about him falling out of his usual habits. He's not Ashiwara who rides the deadlines the way some thrill seekers walk along the edges of cliffs. She can offer him a little more leeway.
Touya knows he can't let her down. "I hope you enjoy it," he replies, a vague answer that doesn't commit him.
She smiles, and kisses him on the cheek. "I have faith in you," she tells him, then winks as she sashays away toward to Ogata Seiji, a former assistant of his father's.
He watches them for a moment, reflecting that they'd make a good couple. Unfortunately Ogata is obsessed with his series, and doesn't notice the inviting way Ichikawa is leaning toward him. Touya starts to think about dropping hints to the older man when he observes Ogata steal a peek down Ichikawa's blouse.
Ah. Maybe it would go more smoothly than he thought.
He's smiling slightly when he turns away, glancing at his watch. It's ten minutes passed the scheduled start. He tries not to be irritated since these things always start late.
"Patience, young man," a cracking voice says into his ear, and Touya turns to find he's acquired respected, although unwelcome, company.
Kuwabara, the old geezer who is currently working on Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure, is grinning at him. Touya thinks the expression is vaguely terrifying, but there's no way he's going to show the old man he's intimidated. "Hello, Kuwabara-sensei."
The man pulls out a cigarette, ignoring the fact the whole hotel is a non-smoking facility. He lights it with a specialized lighter - decorated with his characters - before taking a long drag. "I've been hearing some interesting rumors about you," the old man says. "Experiencing a bit of drought, are you?"
Touya keeps his face expressionless, although he really wants to hunt down and kill whoever is spreading that tale. "It will pass," he says, shrugging his shoulders. "I haven't been worried about it."
For some reason, that prompts a wheezing laugh from Kuwabara. "Then you're stupider than I thought. If you're facing a block, you have to acknowledge it."
"My father has never had such issues," Touya replies, although that is another reason he's worried. "He just keeps working on through."
"You're not your father, boy," Kuwabara responds, before displaying his uneven teeth in a scary grin. "Sooner you learn that, the better off you'll be."
Touya opens his mouth to retort, but the old man is already moving away. He almost chokes from the smoke cloud Kuwabara blows in his face as he leaves.
Thankfully the ceremony starts two minutes later. As the son of the honoree, Touya is forced to step forward to accompany his father. His father looks healthy, he thinks, since he's lightened his workload by taking on additional assistants and letting someone else handle the anime-side of his empire.
They sit together listening as the Tezuka awards are given. The special award is announced last, and the emcee reads a long litany of Kouyo's accomplishments that are nothing short of impressive - and intimidating. Touya has a lot to live up to. It's funny that stories about a mechanical cat can spark so much devotion.
Touya Kouyo is the epitome of grace as he accepts the crystal award. He makes a thoughtful, although short, speech about the pleasure he derives from everyone he's ever worked with, and his pride in what they've all accomplished.
"And I hope none of you are offended by my blatant nepotism, but my favorite assistant was always my son, Akira," he says, after listing off over a dozen of the successful individuals he had mentored. There's a roar of laughter at that. "He's done me very proud, coming up with one of the current best-selling manga."
Touya smiles as they acknowledge him with another round of applause, but inwardly wishes for the whole ceremony to just end so he can go home. He hates public attention. He knows that he's going to need alcohol after this. Lots and lots of double shots.
His father wraps up the speech, and there's a reception next. Touya wonders if this will ever end.
He stands beside his father as others come over to offer their congratulations. He's starting to space out, but then he catches sight of an unexpected face across the room. He nearly chokes on his own tongue as he sees Shindou Hikaru.
Touya chides himself a second later, because he's being stupid. Of course Hikaru would have an invite. His manga is one of the current bestsellers.
Hikaru is talking to Waya Yoshitaka, another relatively new mangaka. His series, M×0, is amusing, but it lacks the true mastery that Hikaru displays. Touya wonders if he should approach them, but Waya notices him first, and offers him an unwelcoming glare. Touya nods to him, and decides that he'll approach Hikaru later.
If at all. He's still not sure what to make of their date.
But he does know that they're going to be around each other for quite a while, since they're both at the top of the industry. There's conventions and gatherings every week. While Touya keeps a low profile on the circuit, he can't avoid it entirely. He knows they will inevitably meet again, and it's best to sort things out.
Touya decides he's paid enough attention to filial duty for a while, and tells his father he's going to get a drink. Touya Kouyo acknowledges the statement before turning back to Nase Asumi, the head of the CLAMP group.
Touya heads over to the drinks table, and collected a glass of punch. He tries to come up with a plan on how to approach Hikaru. Then his thunder is completely stolen.
"Yo! Akira!" Hikaru says, and he leaves Waya behind. Touya tries not to look smug, because Waya's going to take offense anyway. Best not rub it in.
"Hello, Shindou," Touya responds. This is the first time they're meeting in a professional capacity, and he's going to treat Hikaru like a business acquaintance. It's not like the whole manga community doesn't know he's out of the closet, but he can imagine the gossip if it ever comes out that he slept with Shindou Hikaru. Now if he can just invite Hikaru somewhere private to talk, he can fix things. He hopes.
A series of emotions passes over Hikaru's face, but they're gone too quickly for Touya to judge. Hikaru nods his head. "Hello, Touya," he replies.
Touya lets his eyes wander over the room, indicating without words that he doesn't want an audience.
Hikaru catches on quickly. "Would you like to get a cup of coffee?" he asks. "I saw a shop about two blocks from here that looks a bit quieter."
Since they're starting the karaoke contest, anywhere is going to be quieter. Touya agrees, and ten minutes later they've left the conference and are in the shop. They place their orders and find a corner table.
It's that weird lull time, nearly four in the afternoon, and the shop is fairly vacant. Touya takes a sip of his black coffee, and studies his companion. Hikaru's blue suit is ill-fitting, but he still looks good. The man's probably incapable of looking bad.
"Maybe you should loosen your tie," Hikaru suggests as he does the same. "You look a bit tense."
Touya follows the advice. "I just hate those kind of events. I'd rather be working."
"It's cool to meet everyone," Hikaru responds. "Most of them are kind of weird, though."
"It's a job requirement," Touya replies with a deadpan expression.
Hikaru laughs. "Must be. My mom always thought I was pretty strange since I was always scribbling in my sketch pads. I still can't believe I can make a living doing this."
"Not many people can." Touya starts to feel that bit of guilt creep up on him. If he hadn't been Touya Kouyo's son...
"I think it works out the way it should," Hikaru says. "Talent rises to the top."
Touya looks down at his coffee, swirling it around in the mug. "I guess."
"I know," Hikaru replies, and there's certainty in how he's speaking. "It doesn't matter what the companies say; in the end, it's the fans who decide what they like. You could have all the connections in the world, but if you're not any good, they won't embrace your story."
Touya looks into Hikaru's eyes, and sees the sincerity there. Hikaru's words set his heart racing, undermining the sense of inadequacy that's been overwhelming him lately. "Thank you," he whispers.
Hikaru reaches across the table and squeezes Touya's hands. "What does your father think of Bleach?"
Touya's sense of relief vanishes. "You would have to ask him," Touya answers. He's never asked what his father thinks because he doubts he would like the answer. Bleach is nothing like his father's series, and doesn't convey the same values. His father is proud of his success, and that has to be enough.
"Don't you ever talk about it with him?" Hikaru asks incredulously.
"No," Touya says. "I don't want to need anyone else."
"Talking doesn't mean you aren't standing on your own," Hikaru replies. "It's knowing you have someone to support you when things get difficult."
Touya considers that, and wonders if it's a possible solution. His father has written thousands of chapters of Doraemon, and he might be able to offer some insight. His father is famous for never missing a deadline.
"Maybe," Touya says, before dropping his eyes. "How's Death Note going?"
"Well enough. I'm about to add another character, so I've been doing the basic concept drawings, and a bit of research. I haven't drawn that many girls before."
"Oh?" Touya lifts his eyebrows to signify his curiosity. The latest development in Hikaru's story has another figure entering with the same power over death as the protagonist. "Is this the second Kira?"
Hikaru gives a wicked smile. "I'm not telling you anything else."
Touya feigns a pout, before bursting into laughter. Seconds later, Hikaru joins in, and they're soon laughing so hard that Touya feels tears start to form in the corners of his eyes. He raises a hand to brush them aside. "I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard," he confesses. "And I'm not even sure what I'm laughing at."
"You know what? Neither am I." And they break down again, earning curious looks from the staff.
It takes a while for them to regain their composure. "How long are you in Tokyo?" Touya asks, dropping his voice to a more seductive pitch.
"Going back tonight," Hikaru replies warily.
"Do you have to?"
The question hangs in the air between them, and Touya knows he's just said something wrong. Hikaru drains the rest of his coffee in three gulps, then sets his cup down. "I like you, Akira, but I want you to like me, too," Hikaru replies. "I don't want to just be the nearest convenient warm body."
Touya flushes. He certainly didn't make a good first impression. "I think I like you, too," he says.
"Then why didn't you call?"
Touya can't think of a reply that won't sound offensive. "Because I'm lousy at having relationships with anyone three-dimensional."
"That's no reason not to try."
"I don't want to hurt you... and I would." Touya knows he doesn't have the skills to make a relationship work. He's always so awkward around other people.
"Being alive means I'm going to get hurt. But it also means I'm going to find things that make me happy, and I think you can do that for me." Hikaru pushes back from the table to rise to his feet. "I won't wait forever for you," he says, before leaning across the table to brush a gentle kiss across Touya's lips. "If you're not careful, you're going to end up chasing me."
Touya watches him leave, wondering if he's making a mistake. But he can't have Hikaru in his life until he manages to resolve the uncertainty he's feeling. Hikaru doesn't deserve to be saddled with a basket case for a lover.
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