Mirage Of Blaze Fan Fiction ❯ Cruel Paradise ❯ Chapter 8

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

Chapter Eight

After nearly an hour of searching the city streets with no sign of Yuzuru, Takaya began to fear the worst. Panic seized him as he contemplated various horrible scenarios that could've befallen his best friend. If I hadn't become so distracted by my feelings for Naoe, this never would've happened. Chiaki's right. Some leader I am. He sighed deeply. "Naoe. Take a right at the next intersection," Takaya instructed, trying not to sound worried. "He's got to be somewhere nearby." I can sense it.

Naoe nodded and turned at the next traffic light. Dammit, Yuzuru! Is your sudden disappearance simply a ploy to bring Takaya to your side yet again? The muscles in his jaw tensed as he pondered the way Yuzuru's world seemed to revolve around Takaya. It made him uneasy.

"If something has happened to him, I'll never forgive myself," Takaya mumbled. "He's my best friend. I'm not supposed to let him down," he continued. He slumped against the door as he looked out the window. "These past few years," he whispered hoarsely, "he's the only person I had besides my sister, Miya."

Naoe stared straight ahead. Solitude was an emotion he understood all too well. You're not the only one who's suffered in this life. If Takaya only knew how much Naoe had agonized throughout his years as Tachibana Yoshiaki, not knowing if his beloved Lord Kagetora was alive. At times, the excruciating loneliness and guilt became so unbearable that he contemplated ending his own life. Sure, he had a family who loved and cared for him, and tried their best to keep him happy. But NOTHING could or would ever extinguish the fire in his soul that burned for Kagetora. NOTHING.

Naoe glanced at Takaya. He could see that his master struggled to keep a level head. In an instinctive urge to console his lord, his hand moved to rest on Takaya's thigh, but when that seemed to have no effect on Takaya's melancholy demeanor, he promptly pulled it away. "Do you think Chiaki's right about Yuzuru being the one who removed the wristband?" he asked.

Although Takaya pretended not to notice the hand on his leg, he did enjoy Naoe's touch and was disappointed that he withdrew his hand so quickly. "I don't know," he muttered. I don't know anything anymore. He stared out the window, shielding his eyes from the bright midday sun with his hand. He scrutinized each person and landmark they passed. Yuzuru, where ARE you?

Naoe clutched his fists repeatedly around the steering wheel. How could he voice his suspicions about Yuzuru without offending Takaya? Surely Takaya wasn't blind to his friend's preoccupation with him. "Is it possible that he removed the wristband and disappeared simply because he knew you would look for him?" he finally worked up the nerve to ask.

"What?" Takaya replied as he turned his gaze to Naoe. He could see that something was really bothering the man.

Naoe exhaled deeply. "Are you sure this isn't some sort of childish game he's playing with you?" he asked, expecting a harsh reply. He slowed the car to a halt for a red light and turned to his master.

Takaya dismissed Naoe's suggestion. "No," he replied. "He would never..." Suddenly, beyond Naoe, on the other side of the street, he caught a glimpse of someone who looked like Yuzuru through a restaurant window. He leaned toward Naoe to get a better look through the busy traffic. "Hey! It's Yuzuru!" he exclaimed as he pointed at the restaurant. "There!" He glanced at Naoe. "And he's not alone," he added angrily.

Before Naoe could do or say anything, Takaya flung the door open and jumped out. "Fucking Kousaka!" he huffed as he ran around the back of the car, then sprinted across the asphalt. "What's he doing with Yuzuru?" He darted into traffic as he tried to cross the street. What the fuck is going on?

Naoe watched in horror as several cars honked and screeched on their brakes, nearly hitting Takaya as he dashed across the busy road. Burying his head in his hand, he heaved a sigh of relief that Takaya hadn't been struck by a car. He can be so impulsive sometimes. He frantically surveyed the area for a nearby place to park. After whipping his car into the closest available space, he jumped out and raced toward the restaurant where Takaya claimed to have seen Yuzuru. Takaya, please don't do anything rash.

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Takaya plowed through the crowded restaurant. With each shove to make his way past someone, his rage escalated. When he finally reached the table where Kousaka sat with Yuzuru, he was met with a snide smile.

"Kagetora. What a surprise," Kousaka purred with amusement. Good! I managed to keep Yuzuru here long enough for them to find us! He looked around for Naoe. "What? No sidekick today?" he asked sarcastically.

Yuzuru turned his head to look behind him, his eyes wide with surprise. "T...Takaya?" he stammered. No! This isn't how things were supposed to happen! You weren't supposed to find me with Kousaka! His heart pounded with fear when he saw Takaya's withering glare.

"What are you up to, Kousaka?" Takaya snarled. He stood at the edge of the table, beside the seated Yuzuru.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Kousaka replied in his usual eloquent manner. He sipped his tea. "Can't a guy enjoy a cup of tea with a friend?"

"Don't fuck with me! I know you're up to something!" Takaya roared as he lurched forward to slam his fists onto the table so loudly that the restaurant fell silent. "I caught you in the act! Now, tell me what you're doing with Yuzuru!"

Kousaka barely managed to stifle the laughter that Takaya's words invited. I never get `caught'! Unless, of course, that was my intention. He'd instructed Yuzuru to remove the wristband not only to secure extra time with him, but to also lure Kagetora into a frantic search thinking Yuzuru was in danger. I knew you'd eventually find us here while I was convincing Yuzuru we needed a plan to save you. Too bad Yuzuru didn't realize that he and I being found by you WAS the plan. He gingerly set his cup down and looked across the table to Yuzuru, who was staring at up at Takaya completely mortified. I can see the shame in Yuzuru's eyes right now, which means things are going exactly as planned. Once he's aware of his own abilities, he's that much closer to realizing who he really is. He's useless to me until then.

"So you're just going to sit there and play stupid, huh?" Takaya sneered when Kousaka didn't reply. He grabbed Yuzuru's arm. "Come on, Yuzuru," he instructed as he tried to yank his friend to his feet. "It's going to be okay, I'm here now. You can tell me what happened after we get outside." He pointed at Kousaka. "I'll be right back to deal with you!"

Kousaka reached across the table to seize Yuzuru's other arm. "If you don't mind, we were in the middle of a conversation," he informed Takaya, seemingly unconcerned with the man's anger. "In fact, we were discussing you. Weren't we, Yuzuru?"

"What?" Takaya replied, stunned by Kousaka's words. He looked down at Yuzuru with bewilderment. Why would you talk to Kousaka about me? Am I missing something here? Since when would you consort with someone like him, especially after all that he's put you through?

Kousaka, with a triumphant glint in his eyes at Takaya's momentary stupor, motioned for Takaya to sit down beside Yuzuru. "Have a seat."

"I'm not going to sit with you!" Takaya snarled at Kousaka. He looked to Yuzuru. "Let's go! Now!" He tugged on Yuzuru's arm. He paused when Kousaka began to chuckle. "What's so funny?" he fumed.

"Ah, Takaya. Discourteous as always." Kousaka tightened his grip on Yuzuru's other arm. "Don't you want to know what Yuzuru's been up to lately? And aren't you the least bit concerned where he spent last night?" he taunted. "Why don't you ask him?"

Yuzuru gulped. What are you doing, Kousaka? Are you going to tell Takaya about what I've done? You wouldn't dare! Would you? You're supposed to be helping me! He anxiously glanced up at Takaya who gazed down at him with a puzzled, albeit troubled expression. What should I do?

"Don't play innocent, Yuzuru," Kousaka prodded as he leaned forward. "Why don't you tell him how worried you've been about him?" A mischievous smile played on the corners of his lips.

Yuzuru, feeling completely dejected and humiliated, hung his head. He knew he should admit his wrongdoings, but was unable to find the words at that moment to explain what he'd done, let alone apologize for it. His stomach knotted with anxiety...and confusion. Was Kousaka still trying to help him? Were his verbal prods still part of a plan to help him get his friend back?

At that moment, Naoe arrived at Takaya's side. "Kousaka! What's the meaning of this?" he demanded, slightly out of breath from running. He tried to assess the situation. Kousaka's smirk, Yuzuru's defeated demeanor, and Takaya's furious expression- things didn't look good. And judging from the stares of the other restaurant patrons, the three men had already made quite a scene.

"I should've known the pseudo-faithful servant wouldn't be far behind," Kousaka snickered when he saw Naoe. This'll be a fun little game! Hopefully one with an explosive finale, courtesy of Yuzuru, if things go as planned.

Naoe glared at Kousaka before turning his attention to Takaya. "What's Shingen plotting this time?" he asked his master, his chest still heaving a bit.

Kousaka chuckled. "What makes you think I'm here on Lord Shingen's orders?" he derided. "This may come as a surprise to you both, but I do have my own life outside of serving Lord Shingen. And unlike a certain person I know, I don't always have to be right at my lord's side to feel a sense of self-worth!"

"That's enough!" Takaya shouted. "Somebody better fucking tell me what's going on here," he angrily demanded. Patience was something he had very little of, especially when he felt as though he was being toyed with in some way.

Yuzuru stared down at the table. He'd never felt so ashamed in his life. Perhaps now was the time to confess what he'd done. He could only hope his friend would overlook this dreadful mistake he'd made. "I'm so sorry, Takaya," he finally murmured, his voice quavering almost as much as the rest of him. "Please forgive me."

Takaya stared at his friend with confusion. "Forgive you?" he implored. He already didn't like where this was going.

"Actually, I think it should be the other way around," Kousaka snidely interrupted. "Takaya should be asking for your forgiveness, Yuzuru."

Yuzuru shot Kousaka a worried look. What are you doing, Kousaka? Are you trying to make him hate me?

Takaya glared at Kousaka. "What the hell are you talking about?" he spat out the words with contempt.

"For treating Yuzuru the way you have," Kousaka answered. "He was your best friend until Naoe came along, and now you've tossed him aside like a broken toy; as though your friendship meant nothing."

"You don't know shit!" Takaya snapped. He didn't have time to play Kousaka's ridiculous games. He'd had enough drama in the past few days. Listening to Kousaka spew more of his idiotic verbal bullshit was the last thing he needed. All he wanted was to get Yuzuru home. Maybe then, he could find out what was REALLY going on. But, if Kousaka wanted to fight...

Kousaka's dark brown eyes met Takaya's in a level stare. "I know plenty," he replied, his eyes dancing with menace. "For instance, you know as well as I do, that your friendship with Yuzuru was only to fill the void left by Naoe's absence. And now that Naoe's back in your life, you have no need for Yuzuru." He couldn't suppress a complacent grin when he saw that his words struck a nerve in both Takaya and Yuzuru. "Deny it if you must, but deep down you know I'm right."

"That's not true," Yuzuru quietly interjected. Kousaka's words cut to the very core of his soul. The little voice of doubt in the back of his mind whispered. But what if he's right? Was his entire friendship with Takaya really based on him being a replacement for Naoe? Would Takaya do something like that? No. He's my best friend.

"Oh, isn't it?" Kousaka scoffed. "I wouldn't put anything past him. He would go to any extent to satisfy his own selfish desires. You don't understand how fucked up these two are, Yuzuru. Why don't you ask Takaya what happened to Kagetora's last `so-called' friend?" His face lit up with triumph when he saw how his words infuriated Takaya.

Yuzuru shook his head defiantly. Kousaka didn't really know Takaya at all. How could he say these awful things about his best friend? Takaya had been selfish at times, but he would never intentionally hurt a friend. His breaths became shallow as he clenched his fists beneath the table.

Kousaka, delighted that his words had the effect he'd hoped for, looked at Naoe and continued. "Or...better yet, let's ask the person who knows ALL about it. Right, Naoe? Perhaps you'd like to tell Yuzuru what you do to people who get too close to your beloved master."

Takaya suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Kousaka's shirt. "Shut up!" he growled. "We've heard enough out of you!"

Yuzuru stared wide-eyed at the frightening scene playing out in front of him. Who was the `friend' Kousaka was talking about? Why did the mere mention of this person drive Takaya into such a rage? None of this was what he and Kousaka had planned. He began to question what Kousaka's real intentions were. He glanced around the nearly-empty restaurant; the last few patrons were leaving. A waitress was on the phone behind the counter. Probably calling the police.

Kousaka's smile broadened when he saw indignation flash in Naoe's face. "Tell him about Minako," he pressed on. "Tell Yuzuru what you did to her while your precious Lord Kagetora was away."

"I said shut up, you fucking bastard!" Takaya yelled. His eyes blazed murderously. He jerked Kousaka to his feet.

Kousaka's smug expression remained despite being nearly throttled by an infuriated Takaya. He maintained eye contact with Naoe. "Are you going to do to Yuzuru what you did to that poor girl? After all, Takaya did kiss Yuzuru."

Naoe's nostrils flared as he shot Kousaka a keep-your-mouth-shut look. He'd rip the man's fucking head off with his bare hands, if only Takaya would let him. "Takaya," he began, his voice tinged with murderous furor. "Let me..."

Takaya shook his head before Naoe could even finish. This is my fight. Yuzuru is supposed to be my responsibility.

Kousaka sneered at Takaya. "He never answered my question, so I guess I'll ask you," he simpered. "Are you going to let him do to Yuzuru what he did to Minako? Maybe you could even watch this time," he taunted. All I have to do is provoke Takaya to fight me. Then, Yuzuru will no doubt try to intervene. He wouldn't want any harm to come to his best friend.

Takaya's face distorted with rage. "You'll wish you'd never said that!" he roared as he punched Kousaka in the side of the face. Blood spattered out of the man's mouth.

Yuzuru winced at the dull thud Takaya's fist made against Kousaka's face. He watched Kousaka turn his head and spit more blood onto the floor, then wipe his mouth- leaving a crimson smear across his smooth cheek. Kousaka's smirk never waned, as if he enjoyed what was going on. What kind of masochistic freak is this guy?

Naoe observed, completely enthralled, as Takaya grappled with Kousaka. His master's eyes scorched with a hauntingly familiar cold and cruel intensity he hadn't seen for so long. So beautiful…so ferocious. His entire body shivered with excitement...and fear. Those eyes... There was something undeniably sexy about seeing Kagetora's anger.

Kousaka tried to wrench free of Takaya's grasp. They wrestled, each trying to overpower the other as they slammed into nearby tables with a loud crash. Takaya's expletives mingled amidst the clattering of dinnerware and tables being hurled aside. Naoe and Yuzuru watched the two men knock over everything in their way.

Yuzuru was unable to stand by any longer and let his best friend fight with Kousaka for something that he, himself was at fault for. The tears in his eyes finally spilled down his cheeks. "Stop it! Stop it now!" he cried. "This is all my fault!" He let his head fall onto the table. "I'm the one to blame for this whole thing, Takaya! I tried to get you away from Naoe!" he admitted tearfully. "But, then I realized that you two are...well...I didn't want to interfere anymore. But then Kousaka...." his voice degenerated into a raspy sob.

Takaya violently shoved Kousaka aside, causing the man to stumble backward and fall. He knelt beside Yuzuru and put his hand on his distraught friend's shoulder. Oh, Yuzuru. What have you done? He glared at Kousaka. His lips curled with disgust. "You..." he ground out between clenched teeth. "How dare you do this to him...especially to get to me."

Kousaka scowled at him as he clambered to his feet and brushed himself off. "I find your arrogance entertaining, Kagetora. But why does it always have to be about you?" he derided.

Takaya's heart pounded with rage, and seeing Yuzuru cry only intensified his wrath. "You're going to pay for this," he threatened, a homicidal gleam in his eyes as he stood to face Kousaka.

A bright violet light began to emanate around Kousaka. His long, dark hair swayed with the tremendous energy coursing through his body. Come on, Yuzuru! How far do I have to go?

"You want to fight like that, huh?" Takaya remarked sarcastically as he moved away from Yuzuru and Naoe. He would've preferred to slug it out, but if Kousaka wanted to do things the hard way, then that was fine with him. "Alright, but you'll wish you'd never worn those leather pants! After I kick your ass, give my regards to Shingen by way of your leather-chafed balls!" he quipped. A bright aura materialized around him as he readied himself for a battle with Kousaka.

Kousaka snickered at Takaya's words, but didn't reply. Suddenly, the restaurant became a war zone as flashes of light collided as both men unleashed their fury.

Yuzuru watched, horrified at what was happening. He turned to Naoe. "Do something!" he pleaded as he tugged Naoe's sleeve. "Make them stop...please!" Tears rolled down his cheeks.

Naoe looked down at Yuzuru. You're partially responsible for this, and now you want me to stop it? "I can't. Takaya instructed me not to interfere," he replied matter-of-factly. "Besides, he can handle himself just fine against Kousaka." He turned to watch Takaya again, his eyes filled with admiration.

Yuzuru jumped to his feet. "Fine!" he snapped. "If you won't stop them, then I will!" He pushed past Naoe.

Naoe grabbed his arm. "Don't," he warned. "Takaya wouldn't want you to get involved." You've caused enough trouble as it is!

Yuzuru, now irate, jerked his arm away from Naoe. "I'm already involved!" he angrily informed Naoe, then proceeded to march toward Takaya and Kousaka.

Naoe watched Yuzuru go. He noticed Yuzuru starting to emit a bright golden aura. The same one he'd seen the other night. Oh shit!

"Kousaka!" Yuzuru shouted as the illumination surrounding him grew brighter. "I won't let you hurt Takaya!"

Kousaka and Takaya both stopped dead in their tracks. Kousaka was ecstatic. He'd managed to upset Yuzuru enough to cause him to evoke his power. And it was immense. His excitement quickly turned to horror, however, when Yuzuru continued toward him. His face paled as an icy chill traveled down his spine. No, Yuzuru. Don't come any closer to me. He pointed to Naoe. "Don't forget who the REAL danger to Takaya is!" he shouted.

Takaya panicked. Yuzuru's power was increasing by the second, and that was extremely dangerous. "No, Yuzuru," he hollered. "Calm down!"

Yuzuru ignored his friend and steadily approached Kousaka. I've had enough of you!

Kousaka tried to remain stoic as Yuzuru stood face to face with him- his expression one of malicious intent. Kousaka's skin prickled with terror and his breath quickened. This was a power he'd been up against in the past... I've got to be careful. I don't want to completely piss him off. I still need him.

Naoe ran to his master's side. "Takaya!" he called out.

Upon hearing Naoe's voice, Yuzuru spun to face him. "Naoe," he muttered peevishly. He stared at him hatefully. He took a few steps toward him. I've got to get rid of you before you bring harm to Takaya! He felt a mysterious force roil inside him as he focused on the man.

Kousaka breathed a sigh of relief that Yuzuru's attention had been distracted. That was close! This was a dangerous strategy.

When it appeared as though Yuzuru intended to attack Naoe, Takaya stepped in front of him. "Yuzuru!" Takaya exclaimed. "Stop this!" He gave his friend a pleading look.

Yuzuru was slightly unnerved by his friend's interference. "Please move," he begged. "I want to help you, Takaya. Can't you sense the loneliness and despair within the souls of these new acquaintances of yours? I don't want to see you suffer like them. Let me free you. Especially from Naoe."

Takaya took a step toward his friend. "Yuzuru. I know you want to help me, but Naoe hasn't done anything." He felt Naoe's hand momentarily clutch the back of his shirt as if warning him to be cautious.

Yuzuru stared indifferently. "Please move aside, Takaya."

Takaya shook his head. "I won't move," he replied softly. "If you really want to get to him that badly, you'll have to go through me first." Yuzuru. Don't do this.

Yuzuru was crushed by Takaya's words. I'm trying to liberate you, Takaya! Can't you see that? He was overcome with a profound sadness. He was alone now. Kousaka had deceived him, and his friendship with Takaya- the last piece of his `normal' life had crumbled at his feet and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. Feeling defeated and humiliated, he collapsed into a heap on the floor, his body no longer glowing. He began to sob loudly. No! I'm the deceitful one! Too ashamed to face anybody, he jumped to his feet and darted toward the gaping hole in the wall where the restaurant entrance used to be.

Kousaka watched him go, disappointed that he hadn't used more of his power, but happy that he seemed more aware of the immense energy he possessed. It was a step in the right direction, Kousaka smirked. "I'm not through with you, Narita Yuzuru!" he called out to him right before he disappeared outside. Running away won't do you any good. You can't fight fate.

Suddenly, sirens sounded in the distance. Takaya looked at Naoe. "I'm going after Yuzuru, you settle things with him!" he instructed, pointing at Kousaka. He spun around and ran after Yuzuru.

Naoe surveyed the restaurant that was now in shambles. Broken glass littered the floor and pieces of splintered, overturned tables were strewn everywhere along with other miscellaneous debris. A large section of one wall had collapsed, including the door, onto the sidewalk. He turned to Kousaka. "Shall we take this elsewhere?"

Kousaka smirked. "Whatever you'd like."

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"Yuzuru! Wait!" Takaya shouted as he chased his friend down the sidewalk, weaving in and out of pedestrians. "Where are you going?"

"Leave me alone!" Yuzuru cried as he rounded a corner. How could he ever look at Takaya again? He'd let Kousaka talk him into attempting to destroy Takaya's relationship with Naoe. Then, he'd actually attempted to hurt Naoe in front of his friend. As much as he regretted being manipulated by Kousaka, he didn't regret his dislike for Naoe. No matter how hard he tried, he was unable to like the guy. As a matter of fact, he didn't like any of Takaya's new friends. He wondered if his friendship with Takaya was over. Perhaps that was the real reason he wouldn't stop running- the fear of hearing the word `goodbye'. He increased his stride.

Takaya couldn't believe how fast Yuzuru could run. He chased his friend block after block, until they were both so tired that they were merely jogging at an exhausted pace. Finally, Takaya managed to catch up with him. He forced him against a building, caging him with his body, one arm on each side of Yuzuru. "Why are you running from me?" he gasped, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.

Yuzuru's red, puffy eyes still glistened with tears. "Because I have to get away from you," he choked out in ragged breaths. "I've done a horrible thing." He leaned his head back against the building behind him, his chest rapidly rising and falling. "I...don't even know who I am anymore."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Takaya replied, his breathing labored.

Yuzuru sniffled. "So many strange things are happening to me. I'm scared." His lip quivered as he spoke. "You saw what happened back there."

Takaya felt pity for his friend. Yuzuru looked like a frightened child. "Yeah, I saw," Takaya panted. "But that's no reason to run from ME. I'm your friend! How could you think I wouldn't understand what you're going through? You were there for me when I struggled to come to terms with the fact that I am Kagetora. That's what friends do."

Yuzuru groaned with frustration. "You don't get it! I betrayed you! I wanted to get Naoe away from you...forever!" he exclaimed to his stunned friend. "Barging into your hotel room! Luring you into the mountains! Disappearing yesterday! They were all Kousaka's ideas and I went along with him!" I wanted to like Naoe for your sake, but I hate him! I hate them ALL! They're going to get you killed!

Takaya was speechless. You conspired with Kousaka? He'd never imagined Yuzuru to be so conniving. "But why?" he breathed. "Why would you do that?"

Yuzuru felt his emotions rising to the surface. "Because Kousaka's words confirmed what I already feared more than anything- that Naoe would only bring you pain and misery in the end."

"But, we've already been through this," Takaya replied. I thought you realized Naoe is part of my life now.

A tear slid down Yuzuru's cheek. "I know," he rasped. "That's the only reason I agreed to meet with Kousaka again," he explained. "After you and I had our talk in the mountains, I tried my best to accept that Naoe was the one who makes you happy." He sniveled. "And I met with Kousaka this time to explain that to him. But, he assured me that Naoe will only lead you down a path to ruin, and other horrible things that frightened me." He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "I know you think I'm foolish for ever listening to him, but I was just worried." A strangled sob escaped his throat. "Please don't be mad at me. I was only trying to look out for you."

Takaya pulled his friend into his arms. "I'm not mad at you," he sighed. Considering the way in which both of their lives had been suddenly turned upside down, how could he blame his friend for feeling insecure? Especially with Kousaka manipulating him, playing on his fears. "But, please, stop worrying about Naoe. And from now on avoid Kousaka. He's not to be trusted."

Yuzuru nodded as he wrapped his arms around his friend. He'd always seen that Takaya was truly a caring and forgiving person underneath that apathetic exterior.

Takaya let go of Yuzuru and looked at his friend with concern. "Kousaka won't be the last person to try to manipulate you, or attempt to use your abilities." He glanced at Yuzuru's forehead. The Seed of Evil Kings...

Yuzuru nodded again. "I want to use any abilities I have to help you, Takaya. I can protect you," he said. Since Naoe can't seem to. Besides, it'll be a good way to remain close to you.

After a few moments of silence, Takaya finally agreed. "Alright, Yuzuru." He just couldn't say no to his friend, especially when he looked so determined. "I'm sure that we could use your help from time to time."

Yuzuru hugged his friend. "Thank you," he murmured. "I won't ever let you down again," he promised as he buried his face in Takaya's neck.

Suddenly, a man cleared his throat beside them. "Am I interrupting something?"

Both men turned to see a rather annoyed looking Chiaki. Yuzuru let go of Takaya and stepped back.

"It's about time you showed up!" Takaya snapped.

Chiaki glared at the man. "I got here as fast as I could! I was slightly distracted by the chaos that Kousaka and Naoe are creating near Matsumoto Station!" he retorted. "I don't know what's going on, but Naoe refused my help, and instead sent me to find Yuzuru. You'd better get over there. I'll take Yuzuru home." He glanced at Yuzuru with suspicion. Are you the one responsible for all of this turmoil?

"Can't I go with you?" Yuzuru asked his friend.

Takaya shook his head. "No. This is personal. I've got a few things to say to that fucking bastard, Kousaka." He put his hand on Yuzuru's shoulder. "Go with Chiaki. I promise I'll call you in a few days," he assured him. "And don't worry about Kousaka. I can easily kick HIS ass!" He glared threateningly at Chiaki when he heard the man scoff at his words.

"Okay," Yuzuru conceded with a sigh.

"Cheer up, Yuzuru," Takaya patted his shoulder. "I'm not your only friend, you know. Why don't you give Saori a call," he suggested.

Yuzuru stared at him blankly. He finally shook his head. "Oh no, I don't want to bother her with my problems."

Takaya chuckled under his breath. Are you blind? Can't you see she likes you? "Suit yourself," he shrugged and began to walk away. "Talk to you soon, Yuzuru." He turned to Chiaki and mumbled. "This time, don't let him out of your sight." With that, he ran off in the direction of the station.

"It's always my fault, isn't it?" Chiaki snapped after Takaya was gone.

As Takaya neared the vicinity of the station, he encountered a mob of panicked people running toward him. He cautiously continued on his way, noting how desolate the street had become. No more cars or people, only the sounds of sirens in the distance. As the station came into view, he suddenly noticed a man lying face down on the sidewalk. His heart flip-flopped when he recognized him. "Naoe?" he barely managed to utter through the lump in his throat. He suddenly snapped out of his daze and let out a guttural scream. "Naoe!" He raced toward the man.

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to be continued…

Author's Note: Thank you for continuing to read this story despite my gross lack of timely updates! And thank you for the wonderful reviews! I apologize for taking so long to update…again. *sigh* Now that the summer is over, though, I'll have more time to write. ^_^ And Nikki, thanks again for looking at this chapter for me! You're the greatest!