Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Dazzling ❯ Dinner and a Story ( Chapter 3 )

Dazzling

 

Tamahome stared at his food and then back out to the door where Terry had just escaped the clutches of a crazy man. He considered the best plan of action as he looked from one to the other. He sighed, left money and got up, chasing after the date he had just chased away. "Terry, wait!" He called as he ran out the door. "Terry."

 

Terry's eyes went wide as Tamahome came out the door behind him and darted to the left. His heart was thumping with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Was Tama crazy? Maybe he was drunk and was talking out of his head? Whatever it was, it freaked him out a little bit. He slid around the side of a building and pressed against it, hoping that Tamahome might pass him by and he could make his way home without worrying about being followed.

 

Had it been anyone else, anyone from this world, Terry's cover would have been fine, but the ancient China that Tamahome came from forced one to be much more aware and alert than the modern world of comfort did. He saw the man slip around the building at the last moment, and as he ran closer, he heard the frightened breathing. He paused. Tamahome could easily jump out around the building and tackle the poor stripper, but that wouldn't do much for the notion that he wasn't crazy. He decided on the less martial arts-y approach. "I promise I won't come near you, you can run at any time, but could you just hear me out?" He listened, getting no response, but the startled breath. "The story is crazy and long, but..." He laughed, it was dry and short. "The more I insist I'm not crazy, the crazier I sound, so I won't. You can think I'm a lunatic, I just need someone else to know this story here. It's terribly lonely in a world you're foreign to without anyone to follow." He paused and listened again. The breathing had stopped. Had the man run away without him knowing? Some kind of latent Tasuki speed? Tamahome shook his head. There were plenty of guys out there with red hair, ones who could possibly have a friend named Chiri (not even ChiCHIri) who talked like a bandit from the mountains, right? He had to stop insisting.

 

Terry held his breath as he listened to Tamahome talk to him. He had to admit that he was sounding rational and there weren't anymore references to him being this Tasuki guy anymore, but could he actually step out and trust the dark haired man and not end up in some strange and odd world? "Arright, Tama." He said shakily as he came around the corner. "But, ya better make sense. What you were telling me back in that restaurant was makin' ya sound like some kinda fruit cake. I know ya miss your friend, but as long as ya know I ain't him, then we'll be okay. Arright?" He put his hands on his hips and tried for a smile. Every muscle was tensed and ready to bolt at the first sign of insanity. But, when he looked Tamahome in the eye, he felt more comfortable. There wasn't madness in his eyes, only bone deep sadness.

 

Tamahome nodded and gave a weak smile. "Thank you." he turned around and glanced at the doors to the restaurant they had bolted from. "You think our seats are still saved, or do you want to go somewhere you don't feel so barred in with a madman?" He was grateful that Terry had agreed to listen and he wanted to be careful not to scare him any more than he already had, but he didn't think he could tell the story of The Universe of the Four Gods without sounding like he was cracking up. "The story itself is kind of nutty, so you might need to jet in the middle of it if you feel frightened." he warned him.

 

Terry twisted his fingers in his sweater for a moment, lip caught between his teeth as he tried to decide where they should go. "I doubt that our table is still there. How about we wait to tell me your story until we grab something from the market and I'll cook. Would you mind going to my apartment or does that sound like I'm trying to get you in bed again? I'm not- well, I wouldn't argue, but that isn't why I wanna go to my place. I feel comfortable there and Josh could throw you out if you scared me again." He shook his head as he realized what that sounded like. "Josh is my door man, not my boyfriend." He explained, hitching his bag back up onto his shoulder. "So, yes to shopping and home cooking, or no and we grab a burger and go to a park?"

 

Tamahome smiled, "If you feel comfortable at your own place, then I'll go there. I could use food that didn't come in a package, or... Tasted like death." he said, shivering at the memory of the taste of Miaka's cooking. "Let's go." he said, and led the way to the market. "By the way, Terry, Thank you ... for trusting me. Means a lot."

 

Terry smiled and caught up to Tamahome's side, looping their arms together. "Like I could say 'no' to that pretty face." He teased, content to walk with him. It felt odd to be on an actual date. The last guy he'd dated had always wanted to meet at his apartment and screw him senseless, never took him anywhere really and made it a habit to leave presents when their plans to go out had to be cancelled at the last minute. Turns out that the guy had been married and had three kids. Terry hadn't known about it until he'd been in a mall one day and saw them out buying soccer equipment for the youngest boy. Seeing that had hurt him. He'd been ready to say those words that would have - or so he thought - made them an actual couple and take his mother's advice about either dancing or starting his own studio. Maybe dating Tama - if he didn't turn out to be a psycho- would be a good thing for him. He seemed gentle enough, wild when the time was right, and easy to get along with. Walking into the local market, he peered over the fresh cut meats and tried to decide what he would cook. "You have a preference? I c'n go for anything."

 

"Anything edible." he said, his eyes closed and his hands in his pockets. He felt relaxed and calm. Someone was going to hear him out, someone not Miaka. He probably wouldn't have cared what Terry cooked, even if it DID taste like crap because of that. His stomach was iron cast after four years of eating just barely digestible food from Miaka's kitchen. Most of the time, Tamahome was the one to cook, but on special occasions, like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries, she took charge without his consent and always left him in the bathroom come sun set. "Do you have Miso paste at home? I could go for some soup."

 

Terry nodded, "Yeah, I got some. That'll be good with a stir-fry. Mm, choose some nice lookin' cuts while I run over and grab a few things from the other isle." He leaned up and kissed Tamahome's cheek without thinking about it and turned for the isle. He wanted to get some fresh vegetables to go in the main dish, grabbing up some sesame oil, since his stock was low, sugar and the vegetables he was going to use, and he hurried back.

 

Tamahome blushed at the sudden affection. He hadn't been expecting any more physical contact from a man who thought he might be crazy. It took him a bit to get to the task he was given because of it, but by the time Terry returned, he had chosen a nice looking cut of beef for their stir-fry. "You know. It feels like we've been doing this forever. You always make people this comfortable?" he commented with a warm smile as he threw in the package of stir-fry steak tips.

 

Terry laughed. "Nope, I'm wingin' it. Most guys I dated in the past didn't go in public with me. After they'd break it off I'd find out they were married, which is why I keep trying to make sure I'm not stealin' ya from anybody. Last guy I dated, I had to go and apologize to the guy's wife. Don't like that kinda thing, but it would be better than keepin' quiet and lettin' him do it to someone else." Shrugging and looking into their basket, he eyed the tips. "These look pretty good. You cook often?" He had to ask. Most men in a long-term relationship with a woman didn't really cook that often.

 

"Yeah, for my stomach's sake." he grinned. "I learned it from my father and was pretty much in charge of the cooking for the other, thank the gods. If I hadn't learned to cook when I was younger, I might be pretty friendly with the hospital staff by now." He said it with a smile on his face in a joking way, but it was pretty much true. Miaka had tried to learn, but everything she touched seemed to wilt flowers, and she expected him to eat it all if she made it with love.

 

Terry quirked a brow, "For your stomach's sake? Was your girl not too much of a cook? I ain't tryin' to pry, just curious about ya sayin' it that way." He bit his lip to keep from laughing, he could imagine Tamahome hugged up to the toilet, worshiping the porcelain god. "I take it ya made plenty a calls to 'Ralph', he was a good friend, na?" He snickered, then burst out laughing.

 

Tamahome furrowed his brows and frowned at Terry. "Who? I only visited the hospital twice actually, I was just making a joke." Having only really made contact with Miaka and Miaka's friends, Tamahome was in the dark when it came to puns. "Miaka was pretty terrible though." He paused, wondering why Terry was laughing and who Ralph was and suddenly realizing that he just referred to Miaka in the past tense.

 

Terry laughed harder, "No, honey, no. 'Ralph' is the term that people in America use to describe getting violently ill. They say 'Callin' Ralph on the porcelain telephone' as a way to say they're gonna be sick so they don't gross everyone out." He panted, trying to get enough air in his lungs to keep breathing. Clutching Tamahome's shoulder, he leaned against him and laughed a little more, finding it highly amusing that Tama had misunderstood him. "Babe, you are too cute when you're clueless." He leaned up and kissed his cheek again, laughter in his eyes as he lowered his heels to the floor and steered Tamahome to the check out. "Anythin' else ya want before we go?"

 

Tamahome smiled, a bit self-consciously now that he knew he was being laughed at and was pushed over to the check out counter. "I'm not clueless, just unfamiliar with a few things in this... well, just unfamiliar with things." he said with a little pout, "I'm ok, let's get this and head up."

 

The woman behind the counter gave him a big shiny smile and started ringing them up, eyeing the pretty red-head boy standing oh so very close to the tall dark-haired one. She blushed lightly and looked back to her register. "Seventeen sixty." she said politely, turning the digital readout towards them.

 

Tamahome reached in his pocket for his wallet. He pulled out a twenty and handed it over to the girl behind the counter.

 

Terry gripped his wrist, "Hey now, that ain't gonna work. Hon, put it on my bill. Terry Rowe is the account name, seven, two, one, nine is the account number." He took Tamahome's twenty and slipped it back into the leather wallet. "Thanks, but my treat since I forced us outta the restaurant." He grinned up at Tama and neatly walked around him with their bags in tow. "I don't mind kisses in payment though." He winked teasingly, eager to just go back to flirting instead of thinking about the scary, crazy story that he'd hear later on. He wandered out of the store, hoping that Tama was coming too.

 

Tamahome blushed darkly and gave an embarrassed bow to the girl behind the counter, who was stifling a giggle with her hand over her mouth. Then, he ran after the man. "How much would you think that would be Terry? You couldn't possibly charge just one dollar for the kisses you give." he said as he caught up to his date.

 

Terry cocked a teasing grin over his shoulder, a tiny fang peeking over his lower lip. "Hmm, depends on what kind a kisses we're talkin'. Pecks on the cheek are pretty cheap. Teasing kisses on the lips are cheap too. Other kisses that don't include your mouth are pretty expensive." He had the grace to blush as he added that last bit. He wasn't intending to seduce Tamahome again, but if it happened he wasn't going to complain. "What kinds of kisses do ya want me t'give you? I owe ya a few, especially since I promised t'drink... um." He broke off, feeling silly repeating that out of context. That night it was arousing to hear, in the broad light of day it sounded vulgar.

 

The rush of blood to his face kept the last comment from hitting his ears, thankfully enough for Terry. "I- um… well, I don't expect ... let's just get back to your place for now." he said with an accompaniment of nervous laughter.

 

Terry laughed and agreed, taking the crosswalk over to an older building fitted in faded red brick. "Top floor is mine." He said as he swung open the door and stepped inside.

 

Pale creme walls with decorative floral patterns greeted them, followed closely by the doorman, Josh, resplendent in a blue tailored uniform. "Welcome back Mr. Rowe. Your mother left a message and it's been taped to your door. Would you like me to carry your things up or is your gentleman friend going to help you?" He asked in a pleasant manner, white teeth sparkling out of a darkly tanned face.

 

"Nice t'see ya, too, Joshie. Tama's gonna help me with the bags, thanks for takin' a message for Ma. She ain't figured out that you aren't my secretary." He laughed and waved as he pulled Tamahome into the elevator.

 

Tamahome needed to be pulled, because he was frozen and gawking. "A Doorman?" he asked as the elevator closed on them. "I thought you were joking around, but... A DOORMAN?" This building was pretty ritzy and Tamahome felt suddenly out of place, like being back in Hotohori's palace for the first time with just simple farming background. He looked around, amazed that such a nice building existed in such a crowded part of town. He was entranced. So much so that he forgot to actually help with the bags until they got to his door. "Oh, shoot, I'm sorry Terry." he said, remembering himself and trying to hold out his hand for the packages even if it was too late.

 

Terry cocked his head at Tamahome's outburst. "What? I told ya that Ma owns a premiere ballet studio. Ya think that even if she doesn't like me she's gonna let me live in a place that ain't to her standards? Come on, Tama, I'll show ya that my apartment ain't nothin' like the downstairs." He hooked the bags over Tamahome's arms and fished his keys out of his pocket. Opening the door and ushering Tamahome inside, Terry felt a little awkward that his part of the building wasn't as nice as the rest of it. A faded but comfortable couch, a single rocking chair, a small entertainment center and a desk was all of the furniture that he owned. The bedroom was much more lavish, but Tama didn't need to know that. "See?" he asked showing him into the spacious room as he kicked off his shoes and took the bags to the kitchen. "Told ya it wasn't nothin' to write home about."

 

Tamahome relaxed a bit. The place was normal inside. "I like this better." he said, slipping off his shoes and finding his way to the kitchen. "Bring the bags over here and let's get to work. I'm starving." The apartment was spacious, which maybe accentuated the fact that there were very few pieces of furniture in there, but it was nice. It had two double glass doors leading out onto a balcony that Terry had failed to point out. It was bright because of them and airy feeling. "I don't really feel comfortable in a palace," he said, trying to ease the embarrassment that was showing on Terry's face.

 

Terry shook his head and grinned. "Good. 'Cause I don't like bein' looked at funny when my place doesn't meet up to the standard that the rest of the building seems to put on me. It's not like I need much anyway," he continued as he followed and found Tamahome making himself comfortable in his kitchen. "It's just me here, I rarely have company. I like my privacy. It's much easier to relax if ya don't gotta worry over things like how good the floors shine or if the couch gets a stain. Ya know?" Setting the bags on the counter, he pulled out an old wok and moved to turn on the stove. Though the rest of the apartment was less than stellar, his kitchen was top of the line. He couldn't cook if he didn't have the right tools and having the best appliances made the cooking easier. He washed his hands and opened the package of meat, then realized that Tama had said something about soup earlier. "Oh, Miso paste is in the fridge, top shelf in the door if ya wanna get it out while I start this?"

 

Tamahome laughed. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Still, living with some one is nice. You have someone to come home to after work. You know you can talk to them when you had a bad day. You can cuddle up with them when it's time for bed." He stopped and shook his head. That was a stupid rant. "I'll get the water started, where are your pots?" he said, pulling the Miso paste from the fridge and washing his own hands.

 

Terry noted the way Tamahome's face seemed to soften when he spoke of living with someone and knew it meant that girl from earlier. "Yeah, I can see that bein' a good thing, too." He said carefully, then turned his attention back to the job at hand. "That cupboard." he pointed with a foot to one of the lower cupboards, not bothering to look back. He was busily getting the sesame oil to the right temperature and cutting the beef tips into smaller pieces.

 

Tamahome squatted down and grabbed the pot from the lower cupboard. "It's harder when they dump you though." he said with a forced smile.

He filled the pot with water and set it on the stove next to Terry's station. "Leeks? Tofu? Seaweed?" he asked for the rest of the ingredients as the water was set to boil.

 

Terry gestured over his shoulder, "In the fridge. I think the bottom left hand drawer." He added the cut tips into the wok and grabbed a wooden spoon, stirring it around to sear the meat evenly. "I think that's why I don't ever have people live with me." He said slowly, "I don't take break-ups well. You should a seen me after Michael. Gods, I was a wreck. Didn't get outta bed for three days. Well, maybe it's good ya didn't see me then, ya wouldn't a looked twice even if I'd a dropped my clothes and tried to seduce ya. I was really torn up."

 

Tamahome was silent, not sure as to what the best answer would be. He just hummed a signal that he'd heard him and pulled out a knife to start chopping. The water boiled, the paste was put in and stirred, the tofu and leeks were in and boiling. He threw a handful of wakame in and lowered the temperature, placing the top on and letting it simmer. "Do you need any help? The Miso will be done in a few."

 

Terry shook his head. "I'm not used to help in the kitchen, I got it. You can go get lost in my squishy couch while I finish up. Unless ya just wanna chop vegetables or put plates on the bar?" It was nice to have help, even though he wasn't used to it. The most that his ex-boyfriend's would do was sit and wait for dinner to be brought to them. He hadn't questioned it because that's what all of them seemed to do. He felt fuzzy inside because Tamahome seemed more interested in trying a real relationship rather than just a quick fuck before he left.

 

Tamahome grabbed up a pepper and got chopping. He was hungry, he wanted to help, and it wasn't a big deal. He actually really liked cooking and the helping out made him feel comfortable. "Aahh." he instructed, holding a neatly sliced bit of yellow pepper up to Terry's mouth and grinning.

 

Terry blinked then opened his mouth, biting down on the piece of pepper offered to him. He grinned and gripped Tamahome's wrist, kissing the fingers that had held the pepper. "Thank you." He turned and grabbed a handful of chopped peppers and tossed them in the wok, stirring them around. "Toss me that bundle of snow peas, please." he gestured to the bundle he'd bought earlier.

 

Tamahome did as instructed and as he moved the bundle over to Terry he grabbed a quick kiss from the sexy redhead's lips. "No problem." he said with a little shrug and tilt of his head. "Anything else?" he asked as he looked around the counter.

 

Terry smiled, liking that Tamahome had taken the initiative to kiss him, even if it was just a quick one. "Yeah, how about ya give me another a those sweet kisses. It helps me cook better." He winked as he stirred the vegetables and meat once more. Setting his spoon down, he turned the heat off and set the wok aside. "Just a quick one? I won't keep ya from your food, trust me."

 

Tamahome smiled and nodded, seeming distracted by cleaning off the countertop until he tossed the paper towel, grabbed Terry around the shoulders and waist and dramatically dipped him back in a long kiss. Loose strands of his dark hair fell softly to Terry's cheek. "Better?" he said with a sly smile, breaking the lip lock and straightening. "Now I expect the food to be perfection." he teased and picked up the bowls to set them on the table.

 

Terry was stunned that he'd been maneuvered into a dip so easily, and the kiss didn't help his brain function too well either. "Much better," he replied dazedly, gripping the counter with a silly smile on his face. "Ya do that much more, an' I'm gonna kidnap ya and keep you all to myself." He adjusted the goofy smile into a smirk and took plates down from the cupboard. He covertly watched Tamahome's backside as he walked around to the table, admiring the view. "Just sit down, I'll bring it in."

 

"Ok." Tamahome called back from the table. He sat with his arms crossed and a small frown on his mouth. All the playing around was nice, but he was afraid that as soon as he started the real story, Terry was going to have him thrown out on his ass. Still, he waited with a little bit of anxious anticipation to begin.

 

Terry set the table and then brought out the soup, leaving the stir-fry to cool for a little bit. "You okay? You look kinda upset." He asked as he moved around to Tama's side and perched himself on his knee. "Ya not comfortable here?" He hoped that it wasn't another nostalgic 'Miaka' moment, he'd have to kiss that thought right out of his head if it was.

 

Tamahome gave a little defeated shrug, "I like being with you, and I'm afraid that you're going to boot me out as soon as I start telling you where I'm really from," he told Terry the truth behind the frown.

 

Terry grinned and slung an arm over Tamahome's shoulder. "If I was going to do that, I wouldn't have come out of the alley. I like spendin' time with you, too. In the restaurant, ya kinda started talkin' outta your head and actin' like I was Tasuki." Pressing a quick kiss to Tamahome's pouting lips, he got up and brought in the stir-fry, setting it on the table with a set of chopsticks for each of them. He took a seat beside Tama, and nudged him with his thigh. "No pouting, you make me wanna kiss ya when ya do that."

 

"How is that supposed to be a deterrent?" he came back with a teasing smile. "Well, Itadakimasu!" He picked up the chopsticks and dug in. They say that hunger makes the best spice, but Tamahome had a feeling that it wasn't just his hunger that was making his mouth water for more. "That's delicious. Thank you." he said around a mouth full of carrots and peppers, holding his hand up to cover the impoliteness. The melancholy thoughts fell out of his mind as he filled his belly.

 

Terry grinned at the smart-ass comment but let it slide in favor of putting food in his belly. He echoed Tamahome's sentiments and sipped his soup, "Thanks, you don't do too bad yourself, Tama-chan." He watched Tama eating, putting a bite of stir-fry in his mouth and appeared thoughtful. "Ya know, I think it tastes so good because we both made it. Team effort. You're welcome in my kitchen any time."

 

"And you in mine." Tamahome extended the offer back. He waited a few minuets, getting some facts straight in his head and sipping the soup he made. Then, he started up with the crazy. "So, are you ready to take back that offer?" he said with a joke in his voice, but a sad smile on his lips. ""Cause it's a long story, so I should get started."

 

Terry waved a hand to indicate he should go ahead, his mouth too full to verbally answer. He wiped his mouth and set down his chopsticks, swallowing down the bite of food in his mouth. "I wanna keep from chokin' when ya tell me this." He explained, then snagged another kiss for just in case. "Arright, fire away."

 

Tamahome took a breath. He thought he would know where to start in his own life story, but it was actually difficult. "Well, I'm not from Tokyo." he started after a moment of two of hesitation. "I'm not from Japan at all. I'd like to say I'm from China, but I don't think that's true either, actually. Hell, I'd love to say I'm from Ancient China, but I can't even say that." Tamahome leaned back and shook his head, this would be so much easier with the book as proof. "The truth is. I'm not from your world at all." he paused for an inevitable scoff or chuckle or eye roll. "I'm a character in a book." he continued, with the renewed sadness that he wasn't quite real, setting in like it was the first time.

 

"The book was in the Tokyo library. Miaka and her friend found it and when they opened it, a spell placed on the book brought them into the story. It wrote itself as you read it, I'm pretty sure, but I wasn't there, so I couldn't tell you. To tell you the truth, I still haven't figured out if I actually lived the memories I had before that first page was turned, or if I was just written with them." He had another pause, longer this time, to consider again that terrible thought, that he was nothing more than words on paper.

 

"I met Miaka when she was sucked into the book world. I think I was wandering around looking for work, I was a fighter for hire in that world; but as I said, I still don't know if I actually WAS or if I was only written that I was. In the story, in my world as a kid, I learned about the legend that everyone knew. A girl from another world would appear one day when our land was in trouble and gather her seishi and call our god to grant her three wishes and save the country. I would have thought it was just a myth if it wasn't for a mark I was born with on my forehead." He touched where the mark was.

 

Tamahome stopped again, realizing he actually did have something he could show him. He shut his eyes and pulled his fingers away from his forehead, concentrating his ki to the mark to make it shine. Soon, the quiet room was glittering with red light coming from under Tamahome's bangs. With his eyes still closed, he swept them aside to let Terry see what he really was. "Ogre. It's the mark of my star pattern," He said glancing up to meet Terry's stunned eyes. "The mark that named me Tamahome in my world and chose me as a Seishi to the phoenix god of the south, Suzaku... Miaka's warrior" he said the last part as an echo of what she had accused him of this afternoon.

 

Terry blinked, then blinked again. Eyes glued to the glowing mark on his forehead, he didn't know why but it made his shoulder ache where the tattoo had been put when he turned fifteen. "So, wait. I mean, the... oh the girl. Is that why you were so teary eyed when she left at the restaurant? Because you guys have... wait, if she's a priestess and you're her warrior, then what the fuck is Tasuki? He from that world, too?" His head was going in circles. Tamahome was from another world. That sort of made the comment about not getting into college easier to understand. Hard to send for transcripts if they were in another world. He laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Arright, I think I'm with ya. Any more to this weird as shit story?"

 

"Plenty, I guess the rest will explain the other two questions too." he said, letting his bangs fall again and toning down the light that emanated from him till it dimmed to black and then faded again. He took a few more bites of the food that was in front of him and continued. Tamahome told him about meeting Miaka and her friend Yui, protecting them from the bandits, finding out she was the miko, going to the palace to find Hotohori and eventually Nuriko. He told him about how they traveled around Konan looking for the other seishi seven in total, so they could summon Suzaku and help their land. The sun was setting by the time he got to Chichiri and his strange quirks. He explained about the Seiryuu side and how Miaka and her friend were pitted against each other, how he went over to the other side to save them. He told what he could about that part, the memories still hazy and then, he got to Tasuki.

 

"Genrou. The phantom wolf. He was a leader of a group of bandits from mount Reikaku. I wasn't there when the others first met him. My first meeting with him would be as a brainwashed servant to the enemy side." He lowered his eyes and his voice got low. "I was about to fight him to the death and that idiot wouldn't use his tessen against me, because Miaka asked him not to hurt me." He went on about the sword fight, how Hotohori stabbed him and Miaka' love finally got thorough to him and he couldn't kill her. He sipped a bit of the soup, not tasting much, but needing the warmth from it. After that, the story picked up again. He told some funny stories and antics between Tasuki and him. How his mark of "Tsubasa" gave hive speed and how he would always use that to escape from him when he was about to win a fight. "It was cheating really, but he claimed that if I could use my martial arts, then he could use his speed. I tried to tell him that Martial arts were something I trained for, but he didn't listen. Baka." he said with a nostalgic smile.

 

Terry found himself getting caught up in the story. Tamahome's voice was soothing and calm, hypnotic in a way and he closed his eyes to listen. When Tama's voice shifted to a deeper, more serious note, he opened his eyes and cocked his head but didn't interrupt. It was obvious that he regretted hurting the bandit.

He was entrenched in the story of how they fought and played, a small smile on his lips, but the smile died as soon as the word 'tsubasa' passed Tamahome's lips. He unconsciously reached a hand over his shoulder and rubbed the black tattoo on his shoulder. "Sounds to me like ya had lots a fun with him.” He noted, feeling petty for being jealous that Tasuki had more time with Tama than he did, but he could always fix that. Just because Tamahome was from some other world didn't make him off limits. He pushed his plate away and scooted over to sit on Tama's knee again, taking his chopsticks and feeding him a bite. “Arright, go on.”

 

Tamahome smiled, relived that his story wasn't scaring the hell out of Terry. He chewed the bite he gave him and continued. The rest of the story fell from his lips; the failed summoning, finding Chiriko, how Miaka had finally gotten to her world, then came back to get Yui and to be with him. Tears gathered and fell to his lap as he listed off Nuriko's death and Mitsukake, Chiriko, how they were told the priestess couldn't have her wish granted, how they had fought against Nakago. The moon was rising high when he finally told of Hotohori's death and the final battle with their enemy, how he had come to this world to fight for Miaka's sake and how they had finally defeated him by combining all of their powers.

 

Tamahome closed his eyes and tried to keep the sobs from hitting him as the words slipped out. "My siblings were there." he said, not having fully explained how he found them slaughtered by one of the Seiryuu. "Their spirits helped hold him down as I put my fist through his chest." There was a strange mingling of relief, sorrow, bittersweet memory and pain as he said those final lines. Tamahome snatched up a napkin from the table and wiped his eyes. "I haven't seen anyone since." he finished after he got his breath under control again. "I was perfectly happy with Miaka. It was supposed to be destiny right...?" he shook his head and took a breath. "They all gave their lives to get her home and to make her wish come true. Now it all seems so tin; faded and thin like old paper. She's happy, so I let her go. It's the only thing I ever wanted for her, but...I'm still here." There was nothing more to say. The night had gotten dark around them and they hadn't paused to switch on any lights. His tale was over. He felt better, but still at a loss with what to do with himself now that his reason for existing in this world didn't want him anymore. I'm not in love with you. The words stung his heart.

 

Terry waited a few extra moments in silence, just leaning his head against Tamahome's and enjoying the darkness that surrounded them both. "Sounds like you all had a real hard time of things, Tama. I'm glad that ya came to this world, though, even if things didn't go accordin' to plan. I got to meet ya. Even if things don't go with us, at least ya know ya always have me t'talk to. I wouldn't mind playin' with ya like Tasuki used to. It sounds fun." Leaning away, he pressed a kiss to Tama's temple and stood. "It's late. Ya wanna stay here or want me t'drive ya home?"

 

"Could I..." he cleared his throat from the tears. "Could I stay? I don't really want to be back at the apartment." As much as Terry assured him, and made him feel hopeful, Tamahome felt like a bit of him was broken. That bit that used to believe in fate and eternal love. It made him feel aimless and futile. "I miss him, but Terry, you're not him, so I don't want you trying to fill his shoes. It was really wrong of me to start in with that at the restaurant. I just thought that maybe, maybe, his soul might have reincarnated and fate had me meet up with yo-... him again. But, I freaked you out, so I'm sorry." He stretched his neck and arched his back. "I'm actually feeling pretty tired, if you don't mind me staying, I think I might crash."

 

Terry sighed and gently brushed his thumbs under Tamahome's eyes. "Babe, I didn't understand what you was talkin' about. If I started in with a rant midways through and you were left to figure out what was goin' on, you'd freak out too. I'm sorry for runnin' earlier." He stood back and gave him a thumbs up. "Just let me find ya something to sleep in. I'm sure that ya don't wanna sleep in that and after an emotional story tellin', I'm really sure ya don't wanna sleep naked." He turned and went to his room, closing the door behind him. Once out of sight, he slid down the door and stared at his feet. "There's a big chance I'm this Tasuki guy reincarnated." he whispered to the silence of his room. "What am I gonna do if I am? Will I stop bein' me? Will I hafta like that girl? Will it change what I'm startin' to feel for Tama?" He buried his head in his folded arms and cried for a moment, afraid of being someone else but even more afraid of if he turned out to be Tasuki how it might affect Tamahome.

 

Tamahome sat in the dark, alone with his own thoughts. It was really the first time he had gotten a chance to reflect on his feelings. Two nights ago he had slept with not only someone else, but another guy. It wasn't bad, and he couldn't deny the fact that he had enjoyed it, but he was finally thinking about it. Did he want to be WITH another guy? The funny thing was, he expected the answer to be; 'No it was just a drunken thing that was magnified by your loneliness and his resemblance to someone you knew', but it wasn't. He actually FELT something for him and not just a very strong friend-love, this was something that made his body tingle and his lips want to kiss him. Strange, but he wasn't one to question his feelings. He looked around, Terry was still gone. That was something strange he was going to investigate. "Terry?" he called as he made his way tot he closed door. "You need... help?" He put his hand on the bedroom door and knocked.

 

Terry got to his feet, hurriedly wiping his eyes, "It's okay, I'm fine. Just uh, lookin' to find ya somethin' that'll fit ya." He called back, hurrying to his closet and flinging open the door so that he appeared to actually be doing as he said in case Tamahome came in. He tried to calm his tears, wiping at them furiously for another few moments before giving up. "Come on in, maybe you'll have more luck with findin' something to fit." He called as he passed the door and went into the bathroom to wash his face.

 

Tamahome turned the latch and pushed open the door. Forget the rest of the building, the bedroom looked like royal bedchamber. His eyes were stuck for a good long while taking in everything. "Terry... this is... NICE." he said astonished.

 

Feeling as if his face were finally free of tear tracks, Terry dried his skin and moved to lean against the doorframe. He eyed the blue-green silk dripping off of his bed and shrugged. "Just comfortable." He murmured, liking that Tamahome was enjoying the view of his bedroom. "Redecorated a few weeks ago, that's why everything looks so new." Gauzy curtains were pulled back to display the bed, midnight colored the walls, and an obscure constellation decorated the ceiling. "I know that ya don't feel comfortable in posh rooms, so we can sleep on the couch if ya want. It pulls out into a bed." He offered, embarrassed that his bedroom showed much more of his taste than the rest of his home. It didn't help that he spent most of his time there with his past boyfriends.

 

Tamahome nodded and took a stroll around to the bed, reaching out and sliding a hand over the smooth sheets. "I can sleep here, it's... it looks smooth." he said, still admiring the texture. A silly grin spreading on his face as he enjoyed the feel of them. "IIIIII" he murmured a happy noise and he flopped on the bed.

 

Terry laughed at his child-like behavior, moving into the room and back to the closet. "Bet you was too busy molestin' my bed to find clothes to sleep in, right?" He snatched out two pairs of soft, linen pants from the first section of the closet and tossed a pair at Tamahome. He tossed aside his shirt, hitting the wicker basket hidden behind one of the curtains before reaching for his pants. "Uh," he stopped and glanced up at Tamahome. "Do I need to go into the bathroom to change? Guess it's kinda late to ask that, but at least I ain't naked, na?"

 

Tamahome peeked open an eye to catch the pants flung at him. Then, accidentally got an eye full of a shirtless, very sexy man grinning at him. "Hey," he said giving Terry a smile. "How about you skip the changing and just come here for a little while?" He held out his arms and waited.

 

Terry gave Tamahome a seductive smile and swayed over to him slowly. He crawled up onto the bed and leaned over Tamahome, cupping his face in a warm palm. "Yes, honey?" He asked teasingly, flicking at the shirt below him with distaste. "I kinda feel naked here, you're fully dressed but I'm not." Smirking down at Tama, he cocked an eyebrow. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say ya planned it like that."

 

Tamahome returned the smirk, "Maybe I did." he said, the playfulness more because he wanted to feel close to him than for foreplay. "Just come here." He draped his arms over Terry's back and urged him closer, teasing his lips with a hovering closeness as he shut his eyes and enjoyed how warm his body felt on his.

 

Terry decided that after the emotional out pouring earlier, that it was better to tuck his head under Tamahome's chin, his arms curling around his neck as he just closed his eyes and breathed him in. Lavender and mint filled his nose and he sighed happily. "You didn't plan anything, you're too much of a nice guy for that." He teased lightly, pressing a chaste kiss to the side of Tama's neck. It felt good to just be held, to not have anything but the need to feel another person pressed close to color the embrace. "I like this, Tama-chan." He whispered softly.

 

Tamahome smiled, his heartbeat steady and strong again. He squeezed tight and his fingers wound around a red strand as he kissed the top of the man's head. "I do too." he confessed and pet his hair. "You better watch out." he warned as he closed his eyes and let his mind rest along with his body. "When I fall, I fall hard." A smile slipped to his lips as exhaustion both mentally and physically washed over him.

 

Terry smiled against Tamahome's neck, a tingle working through him at those words. "I'll catch you, Tama, I promise." Leaning up, he smiled again. "Okay, now ya have to get out of those clothes before I strip you and put you in those sleep pants myself. And ya ain't gonna like it if I do it." He laughed, then hid a yawn behind his hand. Crawling off of Tamahome had to be the worst idea of his life. The comforting warmth was missing, the feel of strong arms holding him, the press of body to body in a way that wasn't sexual and was at the same time filled him with a sense of loss. He turned and stripped out of his pants, then tugged on the sleeping pants he'd gotten for himself earlier and tied his hair back in a braid to keep from strangling Tamahome with it. The moment cool air touched his back, though, he spun to face the bed and prayed that Tamahome was too tired to see the tsubasa tattoo on his left shoulder. "Well, uh, am I gonna hafta do it for ya?"

 

Tamahome smiled languidly up at him and shook his head, his eyelids already getting too heavy to keep up. "Hmm? No, no, I'll," he paused to yawn, "do it." He lifted up his waist and pushed off the pants, resting his weight on his shoulders to get them over his hips. Then, he flung them off his ankle and crawled up to the head of the bed, fully intending to just sleep as is, no pants. He remembered the shirt before he crawled under the covers and tossed it aside. Laying his head on the pillow, he peeked open an eye again. "Come on, unless you have somewhere else you have to be." he said, lifting the lip of the covers and inviting Terry to join him.

 

Terry just shook his head, amused to see Tamahome curled up in his bed in nothing but a pair of boxer shorts and a sleepy smile. He was adorable, hair splayed over the soft silk pillows, eyes closed and valiantly trying to hold the blanket up for him even though he was about to fall asleep. Taking pity on the poor, sleepy man, he hurried to crawl in bed and cuddled up to Tamahome's chest. "G'night Tamahome, sleep well." he whispered and brushed a barely there kiss to his cheek before adjusting himself lower and wrapping his arms around his hips.

 

"Mmmm, g'night." he mumbled sleepily and held the man close to him as he let sleep cuddle him down to dreams.