Mirage Of Blaze Fan Fiction ❯ Cruel Paradise ❯ Chapter 7

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Mirage of Blaze, or any of it's characters. They belong to Kuwabara Mizuna.

Author's Note: Okay. I'm so embarrassed that this chapter took so long. I did post it several weeks ago, but then quickly took it down to fix a few things. (See, I don't know what the hell I'm doing ^_^)

Chapter Seven

"I'm grateful for your kindness- buying me dinner last night and lunch today, but I want to go home now," Yuzuru said as he poked his rice with his chopsticks. "I don't want to talk about Takaya with you anymore."

Kousaka smiled and sipped his tea. "As I recall, you were more than willing to take my advice a few days ago." He set his cup onto the table. "Were you not?"

Yuzuru sighed deeply. "Yes, but now I think that was a big mistake," he mumbled as he set his chopsticks down. "Listening to you seems to have made things worse for everyone."

Kousaka put his hand over his heart, feigning pain. "Are you saying you don't trust me?" he asked. His eyes flickered with mischief. "I can't believe you would say that." He leaned forward. "You should have a little more faith in me, my friend. After all, you WERE briefly my Lord." He grinned with amusement.

Yuzuru stared blankly at him and shook his head. "I shouldn't be here with you. Naoe warned me to stay away from you."

"I'm sure he did," Kousaka chuckled. "That's because he knows that I know the truth about his shameful past. Wake up, Yuzuru. Don't you see how dangerous he is to Takaya?"

"So you say, but I'm not so sure now," Yuzuru replied. He fidgeted in the seat. "When you dropped me off at the hotel the other day, you had me convinced that Takaya was in peril. I was expecting to find him seriously hurt or something. Instead, I found him showering and Naoe got really pissed off at me," he explained.

Kousaka groaned with irritation. "Of course he was pissed at you," he scoffed. "He thinks of Kagetora as his, and his only. He sees you as a threat." He combed his fingers through his shoulder-length black hair. "It's precisely that insane jealousy that makes him so dangerously unpredictable. Do you really want your best friend around someone like that?"

Yuzuru pondered Kousaka's words. I don't know what to do. I usually don't take anyone's advice except Takaya's. I was only trying to help my friend, so why does it feel as though I've betrayed him?

"You're lucky I happened to see you that day," Kousaka broke the silence. "Poor, lonely Yuzuru, walking to the hotel to check on his friend. How fortunate Takaya is to have such a caring friend as you." He took another sip of tea. "But, he's too blinded by Naoe to see that now, isn't he? I know everything about those two. I'm the one who can help you get your friend back."

"If you know everything about them, why have all your plans failed? When I barged into Naoe's room that night, the only thing I accomplished was putting Takaya between me and a very angry Naoe," he explained. "And worse yet! When I called you later that night, you told me to have Takaya take me to the mountains. That was a catastrophe! I thought Naoe was going to kill Takaya! Then, I thought Takaya was going to jump to his death! It was horrible!" He wrung his hands nervously.

"My poor naive friend," Kousaka said, standing. My plans have not failed, because toying with your emotions to help you realize your full potential has been my agenda all along. Your concern for Takaya has made it so easy. And watching Kagetora and Naoe suffer as a result is merely a bonus. He walked around the table and slid onto the seat next to Yuzuru. I thought surely that little scenario would stimulate your awareness of your powers, but I need a better plan now. "I never said Takaya wouldn't resist. Let's not forget that he returns Naoe's love, so of course he'll drag his feet on the issue." He grasped Yuzuru's arm and pulled up his sleeve. Good, he did as I asked and removed the wristband. "But if you don't save him soon, I assure you he will be in mortal danger."

Yuzuru narrowed his eyes and pulled his arm away. "I decided up in the mountains that I would have to stand by Takaya regardless of whether or not I agree with his decisions. If he loves Naoe, as his best friend, I have no choice but to respect that." I even told him to apologize to Naoe for my barging into his room. "I don't want to cause any more problems between them."

"Don't be a fool," Kousaka sneered. "When I picked you up that day and gave you a ride to the hotel, you asked me if Takaya was in danger by being with Naoe. The fact that you asked that question proves that you already felt that he was."

"But….I still don't understand why you're helping me," Yuzuru blurted. "Aren't you Takaya's enemy?" He eyed Kousaka with suspicion. "Why do you care what happens to him?"

"We've already been through this," Kousaka answered, somewhat annoyed. "I don't care what happens to Takaya. He's neither my friend nor enemy. I simply took pity on your plight." He smirked. "Besides, if you really think I'm Takaya's enemy, then why did you take my advice in the first place?"

Yuzuru lowered his head. Because your words confirmed my worst fears.

Kousaka let out an exasperated sigh. "I give up. If you're content to have Takaya led down a path to ruin, fine. I don't really give a shit either way." He stood up as if he intended to leave.

"Wait, Kousaka," Yuzuru said, grasping the man's arm. Path to ruin? I feel like a traitor, but I'm desperate to save Takaya from a fate such as that. Here's a man that's known them for 400 years, saying he can help me. Is he lying? What's his real motive? "I have no other choice than to trust you," he mumbled, looking down. "But, just so you know, I feel horrible about going behind his back like this."

Kousaka smiled smugly. "Of course you do, but like you said, what choice do you have?" He sat down on his previous seat. Once you and your awakened powers are on my side, no one will be able to stop me.

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ```````````````````````````````

Takaya awakened when the bright, warm sunlight shone through the window onto his face. He rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath, noting the musky scent of sex and stale cigarette smoke that still lingered. The room was eerily quiet, and only the faint murmur of the city sounds penetrated the wall from outside. The air felt hot and stagnant, and his skin was clammy with sweat.

He rolled over, expecting to find Naoe lying beside him, but instead found his own clothing neatly folded, lying on top of the sheets. Using the back of his hand to wipe the perspiration from his brow, he glanced around the room for a clock. He was irritated when he was unable to find one. What kind of shitty hotel is this? From the corner of his eye, the broken window caught his attention. He leaned forward to take a closer look, and noticed shards of glass strewn over the blood stained carpet below the window. Naoe....what did you do? Did you do this the night I left with Yuzuru?

He jumped out of bed, grabbed his clothes, and headed for the bathroom. His legs were stiff as he walked, and he was exhausted. Naoe had kept him awake until well after dawn, pushing him to his physical limits, contorting his body into every imaginable position. Not that he had any complaints, he just wondered if the man's lust was ever quenched. Is mine? He threw the bathroom door open and rushed into the steamy bathroom, running right into Naoe.

"Good morning, Takaya," Naoe greeted him as he toweled his hair dry.

Takaya was startled to see Naoe's forearm covered in scabbed-over gashes. Some of them appeared to be deep wounds. He'd had no idea that Naoe was hurt. He felt guilty when he remembered the way he'd clawed Naoe's arm to free himself the previous night. No wonder he cried out in pain! I'm such a fucking asshole. Suddenly, it occurred to him that Naoe was stark naked.

Takaya admired Naoe's nude body. Tingles of excitement skittered over him as the memories of the previous night replayed in his mind. His face heated as he recalled the things Naoe had whispered as he made love to him. And he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed about how much he'd gotten caught up in the moment. He quickly averted his eyes when Naoe noticed him staring.

Takaya could no longer deny his feelings, nor run from them. Naoe's protective embrace, forgiving nature, and loyalty (despite the tribulations he put him through) were the only real comfort he had in the world. The way Naoe knew exactly what words he needed to hear, and how he needed to be touched; these were things that nobody else could ever hope to do for him.

"Takaya?" Naoe uttered. The strange expression on his lover's face worried him. He wrapped the towel around his waist. "Are you in pain?" He looked Takaya over. That's when he noticed the five distinct fingertip-sized, dark purple bruises on each of Takaya's sides; the evidence of Naoe's lack of self control. I didn't realize I was that rough with him. He thought about apologizing for hurting him so, but he didn't want his apology mistaken for pity; something Kagetora didn't take too kindly. Besides, given the nature of their long and tempestuous relationship, it wasn't a surprise that their bodies were bruised, battered, and scarred; much like their souls.

"I'm fine," Takaya muttered sheepishly as he walked past him to set his clothes down on the bathroom counter. Noticing Naoe's watch lying beside the sink, he reached to pick it up. He swore under his breath when he realized it was nearly noon. Good morning?! Fuck!

Naoe approached Takaya from behind. He reached around and slipped the watch out of Takaya's hand, tossing it back near the sink. He wrapped his arms around him. "Are you sure?" he asked, still concerned. He gently tilted Takaya's chin up so he could see his beautiful brown eyes in the mirror.

As much as Takaya wanted to avert his eyes, he was immediately entranced by their reflected image. To actually SEE himself standing beside the man he'd loved for so long made his heart race. He stared, motionless, holding his breath without even realizing it until Naoe gently shook him- snapping him out of his daze.

"Takaya?" Naoe stroked the man's cheek.

"Nothing's wrong," Takaya reassured him. The intensity of the events of the past few days had left him emotionally drained. But, letting Naoe have him again quelled the ache in his heart that had worsened during the several day separation since their roadside tryst. And this time he got to sleep beside the man he loved afterward, and that left him with a feeling of contentment he'd never experienced before. "I'm just tired."

Naoe turned Takaya to face him. "Then let me take care of you," he murmured as his hands smoothed up and down the man's back. He reveled in the feeling of holding him protectively in his arms. It satisfied his possessive nature and made him feel like he was needed by the man he loved. He leaned to kiss Takaya's forehead, then slowly moved his lips down the man's cheek to his neck.

Takaya fought to keep Naoe's touch from affecting him. He made a feeble attempt to free himself. "Stop, Naoe. I need to take a shower," he mumbled, half hoping that Naoe wouldn't listen to him this time.

"Not until you let me hold you," Naoe stated calmly, but with every intention of keeping his word. "Just for a minute," he murmured against Takaya's ear. "Please." His hand moved down Takaya's back to grab his ass, pulling his body closer.

Takaya's reserve began to slowly slip away with each gentle stroke of Naoe's fingertips as they caressed his naked flesh. Unable to resist any longer, he finally laid his head on Naoe's shoulder.

Naoe sighed with contentment. He rested his head against Takaya's and wished that he could stop time to hold him this way forever.

As Naoe's fingers lazily explored Takaya's skin, he thought about how different Takaya was this time when they made love as opposed to their roadside rendezvous several days prior. This time, he had been so willing, so responsive; his lust more apparent. The more Takaya wanted, the more he gave, and the more Takaya gave, the more he wanted. It was like a passionate tug-of-war. Each time Naoe thought he'd reached the pinnacle of his libido, all it took was hearing his name on Takaya's lips to send him spiraling out of control. A couple of times, he'd completely lost it, consumed by a feeling he could only describe as insane passion.

Finally, after so many agonizing years, Kagetora was his. The same man who'd tormented him, cruelly manipulating his feelings of lust until he'd been driven to insanity. But all of that no longer mattered. He had what he wanted now. He squeezed Takaya tightly. "I said I'll never let you go, and I mean that," Naoe said softly, his deep voice strained with emotion.

Takaya let his body relax in Naoe's arms. You say you'll never let me go, but it is I who've never let you go. I've kept you wanting me for 400 years. Don't you see that? I need you by my side. Forever. His hands tentatively moved to Naoe's waist as he thought about embracing the man. In doing so, he accidentally loosened Naoe's towel. It slid down between their bodies and dropped to the floor. He gasped and looked up at Naoe, eyes widened in shock. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the flicker of lust in Naoe's eyes. "Agh! That was an accident!" he exclaimed, trying to conceal his embarrassment. He quickly let go of Naoe and tried to back away.

"Is that so?" Naoe purred as he spun with Takaya in his arms, and forced the man against the bathroom wall. You look so cute when you blush. He leaned to capture Takaya's lips with his own, coaxing him into a soft, sensual kiss.

Takaya clung to him as their mouths passionately slanted against each other's. Trembling fingers roamed exposed skin as their tongues fervently intertwined. When they pulled apart, they were both gasping for breath.

"I love you so much," Naoe panted. He stared at the man with adoration. He would stand by him always, even at the cost of his own life. He kissed him on the forehead. "After your shower, I'll take you to lunch if you'd like," he murmured. "There's something I want to talk to you about." He grabbed his watch and rushed out of the bathroom before he was tempted any further. The only thing that had prevented him from taking Takaya again, right there against the wall, was how fatigued Takaya appeared to be.

Takaya watched him go, surprised that Naoe walked away. He looked in the mirror. Is my exhaustion that evident? He walked to the shower and turned on the water.

He wasted no time getting in and relaxing under the warm, soothing spray of water. As he shampooed his hair, he wondered if Naoe thought less of him as a leader now that he'd let him have his way with him after so many years. What, if anything, would change between them if Takaya admitted his love to Naoe? He wanted to tell Naoe that he loved him so much it hurt. When he's not with me, I can think of nothing but him. He's filled an emptiness in my heart that I never knew I had. I love him more than anything, so why do I cling to this one last act of defiance?

Takaya felt his tumultuous sentiments rising to the surface. His throat ached as he tried to keep himself under control. All of the emotional drama of the past few days had begun to sink in now that things had calmed down. And the exhilaration of finally submitting to Naoe after a four hundred year turbulent relationship brought forth tears of joy. But mingled with those tears were ones of despair, self-loathing, and guilt as the painful memories of their past loomed in his mind. He felt as though he couldn't breathe, and was left to wonder if he even had the capacity to deal with such anguish. Would admitting his love to Naoe heal their fractured past? He took a deep, shaky breath and tried to regain his composure.

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` `````````````````````````````

Naoe cinched his tie and slipped on his suit jacket, when a loud knock on the door caused him to nearly jump. That better not be Yuzuru. He marched to the door and opened it, expecting the worst. He was surprised to see Chiaki standing there. "Chiaki?"

"We need to talk," Chiaki informed him.

Naoe stepped back to let him into the room. "What is it?" he asked.

Chiaki held up Yuzuru's wristband. "Yuzuru is gone."

"What do you mean, gone?" Naoe asked.

Chiaki plopped onto a chair by the door. "I dropped him off at his house yesterday morning, and when I returned today, his mother said he'd left last night and hadn't returned yet. He didn't tell her where he was going, but she assumed he was meeting Takaya. But that's not the case, is it? Isn't Takaya here? I saw his bike nearby."

Naoe nodded. "He's in the shower." He walked to the night stand to grab a cigarette from his pack. He lit it, took a drag, then exhaled slowly. "Where did you find the wristband?" he asked.

"In his room," Chiaki replied. "And after speaking with his mother, it seems rather unlikely that anyone other than Yuzuru removed the wristband. That leaves us with the question of WHY he took it off."

Naoe took another drag of his cigarette. This was not how he wanted the day to turn out. "What do you suggest?" he asked.

"I suggest we look for him right away," Chiaki answered.

When Takaya stepped out of the shower, he heard voices through the wall. Who the hell is that? He quickly dried off and got dressed. He combed his hair, and stepped out of the bathroom. "Chiaki? What are you doing here?"

Chiaki held up the wristband. "Yuzuru is gone," he muttered.

"What?" Takaya exclaimed. "I thought you were keeping an eye on him!" he shouted.

Chiaki's face contorted with anger. "It's not my fault!"

Takaya stormed toward him. "You're the one who took him home yesterday!"

Chiaki glared at him. "Did you call him last night like you told him you would?" he snapped.

Takaya stared at him, stunned for a moment. Oh shit! I totally forgot! "No," he confessed.

"Hmph," Chiaki grunted as he glanced around the room. The pile of Naoe's clothing on the floor, the untidy bed, and the late hour they were showering told the story of their tryst. "You're both so selfish," he grumbled. "Have you forgotten that you have a job to do?" He shook his head with disgust. He pointed at Takaya. "Especially you. You're Uesugi Kagetora, Commander of the Yashashu and Uesugi specter army. Don't you think it's time you acted like a leader?"

Takaya didn't answer. Chiaki was right.

"That's enough," Naoe interjected. "Leave him alone." He crushed his cigarette out in the ashtray. This is my fault. If I hadn't gotten upset at Yuzuru, the situation wouldn't have escalated to this point.

"Any ideas where he could be?" Chiaki asked Takaya.

Takaya sat on the edge of the bed and buried his face in his hands as panic took hold of him. If something horrible happened to Yuzuru, I'll never forgive myself. "I have no idea," he muttered. "Unless he went to Saori's, but I doubt that." He looked up to Naoe.

Naoe felt a twinge of jealousy when he saw the worry in Takaya's eyes. But, he realized that although Takaya cared for Yuzuru, watching over him was his duty. In fact, part of him admired the way Kagetora had tried his best to protect his friend during the drama of the past few days. But, he still felt uneasy about Yuzuru. He couldn't shake the feeling that Yuzuru didn't like him for some reason. Is he jealous, or is it something else?

Chiaki stood. "If we split up, we'll probably find him faster," he said before he walked out the door.

Takaya grabbed his shoes, and quickly laced them up. As he rushed toward the door, he was stopped when Naoe grabbed his hand.

"Takaya. Let me drive you," Naoe pleaded. I don't want to let you out of my sight ever again.

Takaya, moved by the desperation in the man's eyes, finally nodded. "Alright, Naoe." I understand.

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ````````````````````````````````

to be continued....

Author's Note: Thank you for all of the great reviews I've received. Hopefully, you won't want to retract them after this chapter! ^_^ I'm sure the appearance of Kousaka was an unexpected twist, but it just wouldn't seem right if he weren't involved somehow. Mirage of Blaze wouldn't be the same without him slinking around in the shadows, plotting things and manipulating people. I love Kousaka! Anyway, I also want to thank Nikki for taking a look at this chapter for me and offering your thoughts and suggestions. ^_^