(no subject)
Title:Reflections through glass
Pairing: Tora/Shou, Kai/Nao, Saga/Hiroto,Ruki/Aoi, and some original charactors
Genre: NC-17(later)
Summary: He felt empty and he wondered if his soul was missing.His mothers cry's pierced the sky and a purple butterfly landed on his shoulder,the train started moving again.
The sun was barely high on the horizon, causing small wisps of light to dance across the tall buildings that stood like pillars in the distance. Black birds flew against the sky, like dots of black stars, just out of reach, spreading their wings as the soared against the fresh spring breeze. The town was located on the outskirts of New York City, small but cozy, with its wide countrysides and great hangout spots, were kids would go to and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The town was called Iceford; in the winter, it was freeze-your-balls-off cold. Many people liked to see how long they could endure it, before they got hyperthermia. Shou and his best friend, used to go out after school in the winter and just stand there. Nao would give up after five minutes, with his pudgy cheeks a rosy red color and his teeth chattering, and fingers a nice shade of blue. Shou would always laugh and they’d race through the snow and burrow under thick covers in his bedroom, warming their hands with Hot Chocolate and exchanging small pecks every now and then, since Nao’s lips were chapped and Shou wouldn’t share his chap stick. Then they’d sneak out and go to a small coffee shop called, ‘Sunshine.’ Nao claimed that he’d work there when he was older and Shou said he’d be a famous model and come and get eat pastries there all day. Nao claimed that he couldn’t because models had to be skinny and Shou had just waved his hand shoving another pastry in his mouth, strawberry filling oozing out.
Soft hazel eyes concealed by large black sunglasses scanned the articles in the magazine resting on a slender thigh encased by tight black jeans. A plain pink t-shirt hugged a slim torso and black rubber bracelets adorned thin wrists. Long, slender fingers leafed through the magazine as a yawn passed full lips. The young man on the subway began to doze off with music blaring into his ears from the stereo headphones covering his ears that were connected to an iPod tucked away in black denim. His eyes drooped closed and he let his slim body relaxed, unaware of the hungry violet eyes watching him from the shadows. Pale, slender hands rested on top of the magazine as golden-blonde locks brushed round, ivory cheeks. The subway came to a stop, causing the young man to sway and his eyes to snap open. When he lifted his head and looked in the window across from him, he could see a reflection that was not his own, one of a man with chin-length black hair streaked with bright purple and black eye patch that covered his right eye and his other sparkled like an amethyst. With a few blinks, the image was gone and the young man found himself wondering if he was even fully awake. He was snapped back to reality when the subway began to move again and his doe eyes widened behind his sunglasses when he realized he’d missed his stop.
“Shit!” The curse seemed out of place on the beautiful young man’s lips. A frown soon replaced the curse and he sat back, knowing there was nothing he could do about it. Tapping his foot, he began to grow more and more irritated. He had been running late already and his boss would surely chew him out for being late again. Slender fingers pulled at a loose pink string, tossing it to the floor. The subway finally rolled smoothly to the next stop, nearly five miles away from his destination. He quickly stood and rushed off the subway, pushing past people to work his way up to the pavement above. The sun was already high in the sky, telling the young man that it was close to noon already. Another swear passed from full lips and the young man almost ran down the street. Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed the number of one of his best friends. On the fourth ring, he heard a cheery voice.
“Hello?”
“Hiroto?”
“Is that you, Shou? Where are you? Alan’s pissed.”
“I missed my stop on the subway. I’m downtown. Do you think you can send someone for me?”
“Um, sure…I’ll check. Someone should be coming in a couple minutes.”
“Okay. Thanks, Pon!” Shou heard his friend laugh.
“You owe me. Again.”
“I owe you.” Shou hung up and slowed his pace once he knew someone was coming to get him anyway. Invisible to his eyes, a black butterfly with a long bright purple tail fluttered around him. It flitted back and forth, keeping a close eye on him as he walked down the street, his eyes focused on the screen of his cell phone. After a few more minutes, a black limo pulled up next to him and he quickly climbed in before anyone could recognize him and ask him for an autograph. The limo sped off and Shou smiled at the driver.
“Hi, Charlie.” Deep blue eyes regarded the young man warmly and the corners of the kind eyes crinkled as a smile formed on thin lips.
“Hello, Shou.” Said a smooth, deep voice.
“Is Alan really mad?”
“He’s pretty mad.” Shou frowned and sank lower in his seat. He watched the buildings pass in the window and sighed. Living on the outskirts of New York City in such a small town had its benefits. Though it was too far to walk sometimes, he could easily take the subway or have someone come get him. He smiled as they passed a small coffee shop and he could see a smiling man about his age through the window of the shop. Dark hair framed a round face and Shou could see a bright patch of orange on the right side of his bangs. A happy smile was spread onto his face. The coffee shop left his view and the limo pulled up to a studio at one end of the town. Shou climbed out reluctantly and went inside. Immediately, he was confronted by a tall, stick-skinny man with short blonde hair that was slicked back away from his fierce face.
“Shou, where the hell have you been?” He demanded.
“I’m really sorry, Alan. I missed my stop on the subway and I ended up downtown.”
“You’ve just got an excuse for everything, don’t you?” Shou frowned again. It seemed like he’d been doing a lot of it that day, “Just get to work.” Shou nodded and walked off. He walked through a set of double doors and into a large high-ceilinged room where people were rushing around to get ready for the photo shoot that day. Shou was a famous model in that town and he was even famous in New York City. He had been modeling for five years, having started at eighteen. His eyes scanned the room as he slipped the sunglasses from his face and his gaze finally came to rest on a man that looked even younger than he did. Medium-length brown hair was swept to one side and a woman was putting extensions in the back and braiding them. Full, plump lips were formed into a slight frown and big light green eyes were unfocused, as if the young man’s mind was somewhere else. He stared into his reflection, not really seeing it. Shou walked up behind him and the man’s eyes focused, brightening. He smiled at Shou’s reflection, unable to turn his head.
“You made it.”
“Of course, Hiro.” Hiroto smiled.
“Was Alan really mad?” Shou shrugged.
“He’s about as threatening as Nao.” Hiroto laughed at the comparison between their temperamental manager and their other best friend, the one he had seen working in the coffee shop.
“Nao-Pooh’s so scary when he’s mad.” Shou sighed, giving a dramatic quiver as he took a seat next to Hiroto. Another woman ran over to him, her long black hair swirling around her. She was Shou’s personal hairdresser and she was quit ditzy, “Lilly…” Shou sighed as he was spun to face the mirror and the woman began to do his hair, making the normal tousle of mess lay flat and seem to shine like silk. She was good for one thing at least. Hiroto gave him a sweet smile and stood when his hair was done. He had on tight red jeans and a black vest pulled over a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a long chain hanging from his pants. His outfit was complete by a pair of white high-top boots, which made him a few inches taller. Shou grinned and stood when his hair and makeup was done. His eyes had been brushed with yellow and red eyeliner and he had to go a change into the beautiful gothic Lolita dress that was all the rage in Japan, with its aristocratic flared out skirt and long sleeves. It was red and black, with knee-length stockings that were bright yellow and held up by black garter belts, with silver buckles on them.
Hiroto gave a low whistle when he came out and brushed his fingers against his exposed collarbones.
“Shou, you should eat more.” Hiroto said, his voice laced with worry. Shou brushed his hand aside and shook his head.
“I do eat, Pon. Honestly, you worry too much. I am fine. If it makes you happy, we can go to Sunshine today and you and Nao can watch me eat.” He snapped at the end, moving away from the shorter man. Hiroto was unconvinced but nodded anyway, not really wanting to get on Shou’s cranky side; Alan was already throwing a bitch fit at some poor cameraman, who was trying to set everything up. The photo shoot went pretty well, except for the numerous occasions where Alan would throw in his opinions on the pictures, and they’d have to take some over again. Shou sighed and leaned against the black couch, sipping at a bottle of water. Hiroto was asleep next to him, listening to his iPod on full blast, a small trail of drool flowing out of his mouth onto the armrest. The sound of bustling people as they packed all the cameras and equipment up was comforting to Shou and maybe it was because he really hated silence, because bad things always seemed to happen when the silence carried on for too long. He reached for the remote that was on the plain wooden table next to him and switched on the TV. It blared loudly for a few minutes and Hiroto stirred a little and snuggled deeper into the couch, curling his feet underneath him. The white boots he’d been wearing earlier were strewn about on different sides of the room, along with Shou’s after they’d played “boot wars”. This involved trying to hit the other person with the sole of the boot. The news, as always, was boring and hardly mentioned anything important, besides deaths and teenage suicide rates increasing over the past years. However, that wasn’t really news. Shou turned the TV off and threw the remote onto the table. He hated talking about death because in the far corners of his memory, he faintly remembered something that always made him shake, made him want to bend over and puke his guts out. He remembered his mother begging somebody for something and then an intense pain and the feeling of emptiness.
The door opened and Shou looked up, staring into their manager’s cold eyes.
“Hi, Alan.” He said, giving a small wave.
“Shou…you and Hiroto were supposed to take the outfits off. It’s not like you can just keep them.” Alan said, rolling his hazel eyes and running a hand through his slicked back hair. Shou frowned and replied:
“But…they said we could.” Alan sighed and shook his head, indicating he really didn’t care anymore and he was ready to jump on them for something else.
“Well…anyway. Shou, you need to cut back on your calorie intake, so I had my assistant make you a brand new diet plan and you are to stay on it for at least three weeks, I want you to lose about five more pounds.” Shou frowned and looked down at himself. Beneath the outfit, he knew he was a little too skinny, but he was willing to do anything to keep his job. Even if that meant starving himself. He gave Alan a small nod and looked around the table, looking for his cell phone. He frowned again when he didn’t see it. He stood and moved his things, searching through his bag, “What are you doing now?” Alan asked as Shou dumped the contents of his bag out onto the table. When he couldn’t find his phone, his head began to spin. With trembling hands, he searched the pockets of his clothes.
“Where the hell is my phone?!” He yelled, rushing around the room like a madman, searching everywhere he could think of for his phone. When he passed the couch, he accidently bumped into Hiroto, snapping the man from his slumber. Hiroto looked around with a dazed expression on his face. He finally processed Shou running around the room aimlessly.
“Hey, Shou. What are you doing?” Shou didn’t answer him, irrational fear filling him as he searched frantically for something so relatively unimportant. Hiroto stood, turning his iPod off, “Shou.” Shou looked at him.
“Have you seen my phone? I-I had it just a second ago.”
“Look, Shou…calm down-”
“I won’t calm down!” Shou threw things around and turned things upside-down searching for his phone, only to find it between the cushions in the couch. He let out a sigh and swooned slightly when he stomach rumbled violently. He looked around, relieved the no one had heard it. He went back over to his bag and replaced the contents with still-shaking hands. Hiroto frowned, still not used to his friend’s panic attacks. He’d been having them for as long as he’d known him. They had met when Shou had gone to an interview with Alan. Hiroto had already been working there for nine months and Alan had hired Shou immediately. Hiroto wasn’t surprised, though. Shou was the perfect model: skinny, beautiful and he had the most intense gaze Hiroto had ever seen. They had become friends almost immediately and enjoyed each other’s company very much. Then, Hiroto and Shou had meet Nao and they’d become an inseparable trio. They frequently would have to drag Nao out of bookstores sometimes because he would buy way too many cookbooks.
Hiroto sighed and sank back to the couch. Shou walked over and sat next to him, leaning against his shoulder. Shou’s hazel eyes closed. The less he ate, the more tired he got. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was even healthy. Hiroto looked at his friend’s protruding collarbone and felt his concern rising, but he wouldn’t pester the man about it. He didn’t want him to be angry with him for being so annoying about it. So instead, he kept his mouth shut, hoping the man would realize what he was doing to himself.
Nao smiled sweetly at Kai, the tall owner of the coffee shop Sunshine, who gave him a gentle, wise smile.
“Something wrong, Nao?” The man asked, dark brown eyes twinkling softly, as he began to make a pastry for his youngest employee. Nao shook his head and whispered, ducking his head:
“Is that for me?” Kai nodded and put the pastry in the oven, closing it and setting the temperature. The shop was very comforting in its atmosphere and coloring. It was very famous around the town and many people floated in and out, wanting to try the delicious foods and sweets the shop offered. The newest sweet that Kai had made was small dough stars that melted when you popped them into your mouth and small crystals came out that just made you want to eat them forever. Nao sometimes wondered if you could OD on sweetness. The shop was a deep-red color with dark-wooden chairs and tables, with small bowls of fresh sweets in them, for the children that ran in and out causing the bell to ring overhead constantly. Jazz music danced through the room like a seductive lover, dancing over skin and just making you want to sway your hips and dance forever. Nao swore that the shop was enchanted because whenever he walked in, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace. He blinked when a soft, large hand covered his cheek and a thumb stroked it softly. Dark eyes stared at his face with concern and something else that Nao couldn’t quite place. He remembered when he had first walked into the place with and how he’d fallen head over heels for the beautiful owner, with his dark hair and smooth walk that radiated confidence. However, the thing that had made his heart skip a beat every time was the beautiful smile he’d been given and how he’d wanted to see it forever, vowing to one day work there just so he could be closer to the older man.
“I’m okay, Kai…I was just remembering something. “ Kai leaned forward and kissed his forward, brushing his bangs away from his face.
“Don’t stay locked in memories forever, Nao.” Kai breathed against his forehead, giving him a wink when he pulled back and moved back toward the oven to pull out the pastry, which emitted such a sweet smell that Nao couldn’t help but smile.
“I was just remembering when I first met you.” Kai smiled as he placed the pastry on clear blue plate that was decorated by an opaque rust-coloured swirl. He placed it down in front of Nao and seated himself next to the young man. Nao gave him a smile sweeter than the pastries he loved so much. Kai found himself wondering how those sweet lips would feel against his own. He quickly brushed the thought aside before he could be tempted and urged the boy to eat with a nod towards the pastry in front of him.
“Careful. It’s very hot, Nao-Pooh.” A frown spread across Nao’s lips.
“Do you have to call me that?”
“I think it’s a very appropriate nickname.” Nao looked away when Kai’s trademark smile spread onto his face, revealing his dimples. He picked up the pastry and took a bite, a smile replacing his frown.
“It’s so good, Kai! Amazing!” Kai chuckled.
“You tried it yesterday, Nao.” Nao’s eyes sparkled when he looked at the older man.
“I know. But, it’s so good.” Nao quickly finished off the pastry and sat back, content, as he always was after eating Kai’s cooking. Kai ran a hand through the younger man’s soft black hair and stood, picking up the plate. Nao moved to stand.
“I can do that, Kai.” Kai held up a slender hand.
“Just relax, Nao.” Nao gave him another sweet smile and sat back down. Kai walked into the back of the restaurant, and washed the plate, placing it in the dish drainer. When he walked back out, he saw Nao cleaning the tables for the night, being that it was nearing closing time. The shop was open from nine to eleven, then it closed and re-opened at one, staying open until ten. Nao came in every morning at eight-fifteen to help him get ready and stayed through his lunch break. He even stayed to help clean up at night, no matter how many times Kai would tell him he could go home. Kai crossed the room to him and gave him a light tap on the hip. Nao tilted his head and gazed at him, love and respect in his eyes.
“Yeah?”
“Go home, Nao.” Nao smiled at him and shook his head.
“I can stay for a little longer. I stay ‘til eleven most nights.”
“True. You’re the only one that stays.” Nao laughed, looking around the beautiful shop, then finally let his eyes rest on its beautiful owner.
“Why would I ever want to leave?”
“You must get tired of this place. I mean, you’re here all the time. Don’t you get sick of coming to the same place and doing the same thing every day?”
“I love it here, Kai. I don’t ever want to leave.” Kai smiled at the beautiful young man, then gave him a gentle kiss on his forehead.
“You’re a good boy, Nao.” Nao smiled up at him, “Go on home. I’ll finish up here.” Nao nodded and went towards the door, “Perhaps I’ll have something special for you tomorrow.” Nao spun towards him, beautiful aqua eyes twinkling brilliantly.
“Really?”
“Maybe if you get here early enough.”
“I’ll be here at eight o’clock!” Nao promised, giving the man a big grin. Kai chuckled and waved to him as he ran out the door, a black and blue butterfly following closely behind. He sank to one of the chairs, letting a sigh pass from full lips. He leaned his head all the way back and gazed up into bright violet eyes, a smile spreading onto his face.
“Hello, Tora. What brings you here?”
Pairing: Tora/Shou, Kai/Nao, Saga/Hiroto,Ruki/Aoi, and some original charactors
Genre: NC-17(later)
Summary: He felt empty and he wondered if his soul was missing.His mothers cry's pierced the sky and a purple butterfly landed on his shoulder,the train started moving again.
The sun was barely high on the horizon, causing small wisps of light to dance across the tall buildings that stood like pillars in the distance. Black birds flew against the sky, like dots of black stars, just out of reach, spreading their wings as the soared against the fresh spring breeze. The town was located on the outskirts of New York City, small but cozy, with its wide countrysides and great hangout spots, were kids would go to and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The town was called Iceford; in the winter, it was freeze-your-balls-off cold. Many people liked to see how long they could endure it, before they got hyperthermia. Shou and his best friend, used to go out after school in the winter and just stand there. Nao would give up after five minutes, with his pudgy cheeks a rosy red color and his teeth chattering, and fingers a nice shade of blue. Shou would always laugh and they’d race through the snow and burrow under thick covers in his bedroom, warming their hands with Hot Chocolate and exchanging small pecks every now and then, since Nao’s lips were chapped and Shou wouldn’t share his chap stick. Then they’d sneak out and go to a small coffee shop called, ‘Sunshine.’ Nao claimed that he’d work there when he was older and Shou said he’d be a famous model and come and get eat pastries there all day. Nao claimed that he couldn’t because models had to be skinny and Shou had just waved his hand shoving another pastry in his mouth, strawberry filling oozing out.
Soft hazel eyes concealed by large black sunglasses scanned the articles in the magazine resting on a slender thigh encased by tight black jeans. A plain pink t-shirt hugged a slim torso and black rubber bracelets adorned thin wrists. Long, slender fingers leafed through the magazine as a yawn passed full lips. The young man on the subway began to doze off with music blaring into his ears from the stereo headphones covering his ears that were connected to an iPod tucked away in black denim. His eyes drooped closed and he let his slim body relaxed, unaware of the hungry violet eyes watching him from the shadows. Pale, slender hands rested on top of the magazine as golden-blonde locks brushed round, ivory cheeks. The subway came to a stop, causing the young man to sway and his eyes to snap open. When he lifted his head and looked in the window across from him, he could see a reflection that was not his own, one of a man with chin-length black hair streaked with bright purple and black eye patch that covered his right eye and his other sparkled like an amethyst. With a few blinks, the image was gone and the young man found himself wondering if he was even fully awake. He was snapped back to reality when the subway began to move again and his doe eyes widened behind his sunglasses when he realized he’d missed his stop.
“Shit!” The curse seemed out of place on the beautiful young man’s lips. A frown soon replaced the curse and he sat back, knowing there was nothing he could do about it. Tapping his foot, he began to grow more and more irritated. He had been running late already and his boss would surely chew him out for being late again. Slender fingers pulled at a loose pink string, tossing it to the floor. The subway finally rolled smoothly to the next stop, nearly five miles away from his destination. He quickly stood and rushed off the subway, pushing past people to work his way up to the pavement above. The sun was already high in the sky, telling the young man that it was close to noon already. Another swear passed from full lips and the young man almost ran down the street. Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed the number of one of his best friends. On the fourth ring, he heard a cheery voice.
“Hello?”
“Hiroto?”
“Is that you, Shou? Where are you? Alan’s pissed.”
“I missed my stop on the subway. I’m downtown. Do you think you can send someone for me?”
“Um, sure…I’ll check. Someone should be coming in a couple minutes.”
“Okay. Thanks, Pon!” Shou heard his friend laugh.
“You owe me. Again.”
“I owe you.” Shou hung up and slowed his pace once he knew someone was coming to get him anyway. Invisible to his eyes, a black butterfly with a long bright purple tail fluttered around him. It flitted back and forth, keeping a close eye on him as he walked down the street, his eyes focused on the screen of his cell phone. After a few more minutes, a black limo pulled up next to him and he quickly climbed in before anyone could recognize him and ask him for an autograph. The limo sped off and Shou smiled at the driver.
“Hi, Charlie.” Deep blue eyes regarded the young man warmly and the corners of the kind eyes crinkled as a smile formed on thin lips.
“Hello, Shou.” Said a smooth, deep voice.
“Is Alan really mad?”
“He’s pretty mad.” Shou frowned and sank lower in his seat. He watched the buildings pass in the window and sighed. Living on the outskirts of New York City in such a small town had its benefits. Though it was too far to walk sometimes, he could easily take the subway or have someone come get him. He smiled as they passed a small coffee shop and he could see a smiling man about his age through the window of the shop. Dark hair framed a round face and Shou could see a bright patch of orange on the right side of his bangs. A happy smile was spread onto his face. The coffee shop left his view and the limo pulled up to a studio at one end of the town. Shou climbed out reluctantly and went inside. Immediately, he was confronted by a tall, stick-skinny man with short blonde hair that was slicked back away from his fierce face.
“Shou, where the hell have you been?” He demanded.
“I’m really sorry, Alan. I missed my stop on the subway and I ended up downtown.”
“You’ve just got an excuse for everything, don’t you?” Shou frowned again. It seemed like he’d been doing a lot of it that day, “Just get to work.” Shou nodded and walked off. He walked through a set of double doors and into a large high-ceilinged room where people were rushing around to get ready for the photo shoot that day. Shou was a famous model in that town and he was even famous in New York City. He had been modeling for five years, having started at eighteen. His eyes scanned the room as he slipped the sunglasses from his face and his gaze finally came to rest on a man that looked even younger than he did. Medium-length brown hair was swept to one side and a woman was putting extensions in the back and braiding them. Full, plump lips were formed into a slight frown and big light green eyes were unfocused, as if the young man’s mind was somewhere else. He stared into his reflection, not really seeing it. Shou walked up behind him and the man’s eyes focused, brightening. He smiled at Shou’s reflection, unable to turn his head.
“You made it.”
“Of course, Hiro.” Hiroto smiled.
“Was Alan really mad?” Shou shrugged.
“He’s about as threatening as Nao.” Hiroto laughed at the comparison between their temperamental manager and their other best friend, the one he had seen working in the coffee shop.
“Nao-Pooh’s so scary when he’s mad.” Shou sighed, giving a dramatic quiver as he took a seat next to Hiroto. Another woman ran over to him, her long black hair swirling around her. She was Shou’s personal hairdresser and she was quit ditzy, “Lilly…” Shou sighed as he was spun to face the mirror and the woman began to do his hair, making the normal tousle of mess lay flat and seem to shine like silk. She was good for one thing at least. Hiroto gave him a sweet smile and stood when his hair was done. He had on tight red jeans and a black vest pulled over a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a long chain hanging from his pants. His outfit was complete by a pair of white high-top boots, which made him a few inches taller. Shou grinned and stood when his hair and makeup was done. His eyes had been brushed with yellow and red eyeliner and he had to go a change into the beautiful gothic Lolita dress that was all the rage in Japan, with its aristocratic flared out skirt and long sleeves. It was red and black, with knee-length stockings that were bright yellow and held up by black garter belts, with silver buckles on them.
Hiroto gave a low whistle when he came out and brushed his fingers against his exposed collarbones.
“Shou, you should eat more.” Hiroto said, his voice laced with worry. Shou brushed his hand aside and shook his head.
“I do eat, Pon. Honestly, you worry too much. I am fine. If it makes you happy, we can go to Sunshine today and you and Nao can watch me eat.” He snapped at the end, moving away from the shorter man. Hiroto was unconvinced but nodded anyway, not really wanting to get on Shou’s cranky side; Alan was already throwing a bitch fit at some poor cameraman, who was trying to set everything up. The photo shoot went pretty well, except for the numerous occasions where Alan would throw in his opinions on the pictures, and they’d have to take some over again. Shou sighed and leaned against the black couch, sipping at a bottle of water. Hiroto was asleep next to him, listening to his iPod on full blast, a small trail of drool flowing out of his mouth onto the armrest. The sound of bustling people as they packed all the cameras and equipment up was comforting to Shou and maybe it was because he really hated silence, because bad things always seemed to happen when the silence carried on for too long. He reached for the remote that was on the plain wooden table next to him and switched on the TV. It blared loudly for a few minutes and Hiroto stirred a little and snuggled deeper into the couch, curling his feet underneath him. The white boots he’d been wearing earlier were strewn about on different sides of the room, along with Shou’s after they’d played “boot wars”. This involved trying to hit the other person with the sole of the boot. The news, as always, was boring and hardly mentioned anything important, besides deaths and teenage suicide rates increasing over the past years. However, that wasn’t really news. Shou turned the TV off and threw the remote onto the table. He hated talking about death because in the far corners of his memory, he faintly remembered something that always made him shake, made him want to bend over and puke his guts out. He remembered his mother begging somebody for something and then an intense pain and the feeling of emptiness.
The door opened and Shou looked up, staring into their manager’s cold eyes.
“Hi, Alan.” He said, giving a small wave.
“Shou…you and Hiroto were supposed to take the outfits off. It’s not like you can just keep them.” Alan said, rolling his hazel eyes and running a hand through his slicked back hair. Shou frowned and replied:
“But…they said we could.” Alan sighed and shook his head, indicating he really didn’t care anymore and he was ready to jump on them for something else.
“Well…anyway. Shou, you need to cut back on your calorie intake, so I had my assistant make you a brand new diet plan and you are to stay on it for at least three weeks, I want you to lose about five more pounds.” Shou frowned and looked down at himself. Beneath the outfit, he knew he was a little too skinny, but he was willing to do anything to keep his job. Even if that meant starving himself. He gave Alan a small nod and looked around the table, looking for his cell phone. He frowned again when he didn’t see it. He stood and moved his things, searching through his bag, “What are you doing now?” Alan asked as Shou dumped the contents of his bag out onto the table. When he couldn’t find his phone, his head began to spin. With trembling hands, he searched the pockets of his clothes.
“Where the hell is my phone?!” He yelled, rushing around the room like a madman, searching everywhere he could think of for his phone. When he passed the couch, he accidently bumped into Hiroto, snapping the man from his slumber. Hiroto looked around with a dazed expression on his face. He finally processed Shou running around the room aimlessly.
“Hey, Shou. What are you doing?” Shou didn’t answer him, irrational fear filling him as he searched frantically for something so relatively unimportant. Hiroto stood, turning his iPod off, “Shou.” Shou looked at him.
“Have you seen my phone? I-I had it just a second ago.”
“Look, Shou…calm down-”
“I won’t calm down!” Shou threw things around and turned things upside-down searching for his phone, only to find it between the cushions in the couch. He let out a sigh and swooned slightly when he stomach rumbled violently. He looked around, relieved the no one had heard it. He went back over to his bag and replaced the contents with still-shaking hands. Hiroto frowned, still not used to his friend’s panic attacks. He’d been having them for as long as he’d known him. They had met when Shou had gone to an interview with Alan. Hiroto had already been working there for nine months and Alan had hired Shou immediately. Hiroto wasn’t surprised, though. Shou was the perfect model: skinny, beautiful and he had the most intense gaze Hiroto had ever seen. They had become friends almost immediately and enjoyed each other’s company very much. Then, Hiroto and Shou had meet Nao and they’d become an inseparable trio. They frequently would have to drag Nao out of bookstores sometimes because he would buy way too many cookbooks.
Hiroto sighed and sank back to the couch. Shou walked over and sat next to him, leaning against his shoulder. Shou’s hazel eyes closed. The less he ate, the more tired he got. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was even healthy. Hiroto looked at his friend’s protruding collarbone and felt his concern rising, but he wouldn’t pester the man about it. He didn’t want him to be angry with him for being so annoying about it. So instead, he kept his mouth shut, hoping the man would realize what he was doing to himself.
Nao smiled sweetly at Kai, the tall owner of the coffee shop Sunshine, who gave him a gentle, wise smile.
“Something wrong, Nao?” The man asked, dark brown eyes twinkling softly, as he began to make a pastry for his youngest employee. Nao shook his head and whispered, ducking his head:
“Is that for me?” Kai nodded and put the pastry in the oven, closing it and setting the temperature. The shop was very comforting in its atmosphere and coloring. It was very famous around the town and many people floated in and out, wanting to try the delicious foods and sweets the shop offered. The newest sweet that Kai had made was small dough stars that melted when you popped them into your mouth and small crystals came out that just made you want to eat them forever. Nao sometimes wondered if you could OD on sweetness. The shop was a deep-red color with dark-wooden chairs and tables, with small bowls of fresh sweets in them, for the children that ran in and out causing the bell to ring overhead constantly. Jazz music danced through the room like a seductive lover, dancing over skin and just making you want to sway your hips and dance forever. Nao swore that the shop was enchanted because whenever he walked in, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace. He blinked when a soft, large hand covered his cheek and a thumb stroked it softly. Dark eyes stared at his face with concern and something else that Nao couldn’t quite place. He remembered when he had first walked into the place with and how he’d fallen head over heels for the beautiful owner, with his dark hair and smooth walk that radiated confidence. However, the thing that had made his heart skip a beat every time was the beautiful smile he’d been given and how he’d wanted to see it forever, vowing to one day work there just so he could be closer to the older man.
“I’m okay, Kai…I was just remembering something. “ Kai leaned forward and kissed his forward, brushing his bangs away from his face.
“Don’t stay locked in memories forever, Nao.” Kai breathed against his forehead, giving him a wink when he pulled back and moved back toward the oven to pull out the pastry, which emitted such a sweet smell that Nao couldn’t help but smile.
“I was just remembering when I first met you.” Kai smiled as he placed the pastry on clear blue plate that was decorated by an opaque rust-coloured swirl. He placed it down in front of Nao and seated himself next to the young man. Nao gave him a smile sweeter than the pastries he loved so much. Kai found himself wondering how those sweet lips would feel against his own. He quickly brushed the thought aside before he could be tempted and urged the boy to eat with a nod towards the pastry in front of him.
“Careful. It’s very hot, Nao-Pooh.” A frown spread across Nao’s lips.
“Do you have to call me that?”
“I think it’s a very appropriate nickname.” Nao looked away when Kai’s trademark smile spread onto his face, revealing his dimples. He picked up the pastry and took a bite, a smile replacing his frown.
“It’s so good, Kai! Amazing!” Kai chuckled.
“You tried it yesterday, Nao.” Nao’s eyes sparkled when he looked at the older man.
“I know. But, it’s so good.” Nao quickly finished off the pastry and sat back, content, as he always was after eating Kai’s cooking. Kai ran a hand through the younger man’s soft black hair and stood, picking up the plate. Nao moved to stand.
“I can do that, Kai.” Kai held up a slender hand.
“Just relax, Nao.” Nao gave him another sweet smile and sat back down. Kai walked into the back of the restaurant, and washed the plate, placing it in the dish drainer. When he walked back out, he saw Nao cleaning the tables for the night, being that it was nearing closing time. The shop was open from nine to eleven, then it closed and re-opened at one, staying open until ten. Nao came in every morning at eight-fifteen to help him get ready and stayed through his lunch break. He even stayed to help clean up at night, no matter how many times Kai would tell him he could go home. Kai crossed the room to him and gave him a light tap on the hip. Nao tilted his head and gazed at him, love and respect in his eyes.
“Yeah?”
“Go home, Nao.” Nao smiled at him and shook his head.
“I can stay for a little longer. I stay ‘til eleven most nights.”
“True. You’re the only one that stays.” Nao laughed, looking around the beautiful shop, then finally let his eyes rest on its beautiful owner.
“Why would I ever want to leave?”
“You must get tired of this place. I mean, you’re here all the time. Don’t you get sick of coming to the same place and doing the same thing every day?”
“I love it here, Kai. I don’t ever want to leave.” Kai smiled at the beautiful young man, then gave him a gentle kiss on his forehead.
“You’re a good boy, Nao.” Nao smiled up at him, “Go on home. I’ll finish up here.” Nao nodded and went towards the door, “Perhaps I’ll have something special for you tomorrow.” Nao spun towards him, beautiful aqua eyes twinkling brilliantly.
“Really?”
“Maybe if you get here early enough.”
“I’ll be here at eight o’clock!” Nao promised, giving the man a big grin. Kai chuckled and waved to him as he ran out the door, a black and blue butterfly following closely behind. He sank to one of the chairs, letting a sigh pass from full lips. He leaned his head all the way back and gazed up into bright violet eyes, a smile spreading onto his face.
“Hello, Tora. What brings you here?”