Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ The Boy on Page One ❯ Chapter One: Be calm ( Chapter 13 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

"Have a nice day." Hakuo says to a woman, once he's finished ringing up her groceries.

He didn't realize how nosey he could be until getting this job as a cashier. But he really likes seeing what groceries people buy. There's a lot of samesies: fruits: apples, strawberries, and big love going to oranges and bananas. You've got the soup crowd grabbing up chicken noodle, as they seem not ready to release winter just as the wacky weather that blows hot or cold in the same week, then the bread brands, they always get the same ones. Rarely is a different brand of bread purchased. It made him curious, not only about what was wrong with other brands but that maybe he should buy a loaf after work hours and see for himself. That stuff is just going bad sitting on the shelf ignored like that.

'That's actually a really good video idea.' He greets the next customer with a smile. "Hello."

Since his mini baking sessions were shelved he could do comparisons. People watch that, right? If not, he'll retire from the solo video life - how ironic, again, that he couldn't get people to stop watching him and now he can't get anyone to start. He's gonna have a good laugh about that later.

The customer smiled at him and waited for his bags to be filled before passing through the narrow space to load them into his cart. Hakuo wondered if anyone has ever noticed him tensing up during that part? In the looking glass that he sees through darkly, the customer goes by then knifes him while his back is turned as he clears the screen to start ringing up the next customer. It could happen.

Smelling the pre-made foods all day sure makes him hungry. Checking the clock, he sighed quietly. A few more hours to go. He felt a hole burning into the back of his head, turning around, he locked eyes with the man he just checked out. What? Did he screw him on the bill or something? He thought the change was correct.

"It is you." The man pointed.

"Even if it is me, I don't know you. I'm not a celebrity. So don't act as if recognizing me is only natural. I did my job, so do yours and go home."

"Alright, okay. I just wanted to thank you, for deciding against having gone to the re-evaluation of my case last Summer. The judge gave me parole." He grinned, pride there.

As if Hakuo had truly done him a solid as a friend on the down-low, when really Krenn doesn't recognize the guy at all. But, he does recognize the asshole content of his words: parole, judge and parole, and the ever popular "I know you". When, no, they don't.

"You seem confused. I saw about the coma on the news; guess it wasn't by the kindness of your heart that you didn't show up - just good luck." His smile never waned as he took in the young man. "Either way, thanks."

"Let's go, pal." Says a burly black man, more muscle than fat - despite how it rests on his husky build.

He appeared at the man's 'overstayed' side, after being sent a distress signal from register 10. Everyone in the community knows about Hakuo Krenn, either because they followed the news or someone told them about it. But when he came to work for the store, he was assured safety. And so he'll promptly receive it.

"Get the hell out of our store. We can't have you harassing our employees."

The man protested, mainly because his cart of food remained where he was not. "I was only thanking him. What's the big deal? I'm clean. I was granted parole.." he mumbled, seeming not to want that part broadcast so loudly. Is that the smell of shame and embarrassment in the air?

"The nerve of that guy." Krenn muttered to himself. And grabbing the microphone, he ends the disagreeable moment asking Sara to replace the items in the cart to the shelves.

Meanwhile, in another part of the town.

Yakusoku walked into JR Jude's Violins, the music store where Ludwig works. Looking around for him, he smiles when spotting him in the test area playing a Cello for some giggling fan girls. Ugh. Walking over, with a bag in his hand that has a coffee and fruit juice inside, sitting in a hard cardboard cup holder; he cleared his throat to break up the party.

"Talented and good-looking; that's why he's so loved." He says before leaning down to his seated husband to kiss the lips. "I brought your drink and bagel," he held up the bag.

"Thanks."

With a pout, a blonde admirer all but stamped her foot down when saying. "You're gay? How is that fair?"

"Sorry. That's just the way it is." replied Ludwig.

With a sigh, the musician's entourage took their leave due to whom they spoke rapidly to each other about, which is "Some goofball who works at a yogurt place".

Overhearing the girl's description of whom he presumed was himself, Yakusoku shrugged his hand. "So much for loyalty."

"Isn't it interesting that girls are finally into me now that I'm in this body?" He shakes his head looking after them as he sips his juice. "Where did I go wrong?" He held his forehead after an "ow" because of being flicked there by Yakusoku.

"Stop being straight, you bum."

"Or what? You'll dump me? According to them I can have my pick of - ow!" He waved a hand of truce. "Sorry, sorry." He chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah." Smoothing the place where he'd flicked the musician, he placed a kiss there.

"Do you wanna go for a walk tonight? Or after work, rather?" asks Ludwig.

"Yeah, sure." Taking a seat on the unoccupied stool placed before his husband, he sips on his double mocha cappuccino. "…Has Gev been acting kinda weird to you, Ludo?"

Ludwig furrowed his brows. "Weird to me how? He hasn't done anything to me."

"No, not specifically to you, I'm talking about his behavior. Has he been acting funny?" Picking at the lid on his sealed paper cup, he then looked up at Ludwig, his eyes full of concerned wonder. "Like maybe he's restless, I don't know - I don't even know what I'm saying."

"I know what you're saying and, rest assured, you're wrong. This is Gev we're talking about." He shrugs his hand. "Gev loves the same always; he can change his mind or expand on everything else, but when it's love it... remains stable. Us. Bands. Food - god knows he won't expand his pallet without whining from a high point with a rifle." He smiled.

"That's true."

He's feeling much better, and he's glad that he brought it up instead of stewing with it. Lately he's been feeling like nothing but a means to slap flesh against. He has sex with Ludwig, but Gev seems like he's belting out frustrations. Maybe it's not loss of interest and going through the motions, but feeling obligated to participate - they all know sex isn't a "hey we're doing this, so get over here, too" kind of thing. In pairs, in threes, alone; sexually, it's however you please between them. It's been that way since their never-minding triangle began.

He was wrong to doubt Gev; it could be work related stress. Good thing they're taking a trip during their breaks from the grindstone.

Kicking Yakusoku's foot with a gentle tapping, he asks. "Where is this coming from?"

"He just seemed somewhere else last night."

Ludwig thought about last night, Gev didn't seem any different to him. They messed around with the most painful leg wrestling he's ever participated in, they watched television while thinking of three places they'd really like to go, then they folded up the nine pieces of paper and drew one from the bowl. They're going to open it three days before they leave, pack accordingly then head out. Afterwards, they played video games, then went on to bed. Nothing seemed unusual.

But now he's curious. Why would Gev be acting strangely? What could be the cause?

It's closing time at Wegmans market.

Hakuo said good-bye to everyone from work that he saw on his way out that evening. What a great day. He's decided.

According to his therapist, he has to think positive when he knows he's sinking. And so this week of trying has begun. Chapter 1: Be a calm, strong, individual. He can do that. He can do that like it's his job - and working behind a register, it kinda is. People can be so snotty and restless. That alone is motivation to keep that chin up, baby; it's better than coming off like those people were: nose in the air, pinched expressions, exasperated at nothing while being completely ready to take it out on the poor fool just trying to hasten, brighten, and assist them through their day.

Why don't they go through self-checkout, he wonders? Well, no need to wonder because you can't get a rise out of a machine.

'Yuck.' He thinks when seeing a dandelion sticking up from the crack in the sidewalk. 'You are not a flower.' He declared it irrelevant on the scene.

Now that's a plant that really freaks him out. How does it go from a blossoming yellow weed then into a creepy fluff ball of seeds the next day. He'd love to see that video footage, because he knows it'll be fascinating.

"Hakuo?"

Every part of his instincts had to be schooled down from growling - actual feral dog growling, because if there's one thing he can't stand, is someone saying his name as if they should know it. That has only ever been from one kind of person so far, and that would be those fucking nasty-ass, ephebophiliacs, and pedophile shits from his ruined past.

"What did you do, wait around?" He muttered over his shoulder.

His first instinctual response was not to engage, to keep on moving and ignore that creep. But he knew it would do no good. And he certainly wasn't going to let the lurking dick trail him to his car. So he chose to wait by the store, right beneath the security camera. Those assholes like being filmed, don't they? The place is still filled with customers exiting, and employees meandering about as well. He is in no immediate danger.

Plus, he's been going to the gym, taking muscle builders, and boxing lessons with his brother. He's not ripped but he can throw a better punch than he could two years ago - and without his gift to help him become Ali, at that.

"Considering I had to repurchase my groceries at a different store, I actually did not." He replied to the rhetorical question. "I came back when I thought you'd be getting off." He smiled, for what he hoped looked kindly and warm.

Hakuo gave the man no expression whatsoever. He just stared at him, with his trademark stone expression combined with his usual aura of: drop dead, and fertilize the grass like a pile of shit is meant to.

"I won't bother you anymore, but, I really just wanted to see you." The man explained, then quickly expanded from there as he realized it sounded wrong. "I wanted to say I'm sorry... for what I did."

"Yeah, specifically choosing my register was a stink move, because you must know that I don't want anything to do with you."

"No. I mean about before… In the past." He lowered his voice. "That's why I'm sorry. Why I must apologize."

"I don't know you." And he really can't place the face. It's a real problem with facial forgetting, especially if it continues to be like this if less obvious creeps pop up.

"I'm Roy Backer. You saw me at the hearing about six or so years back, in Connecticut."

"Ohh, you're the violent rapist" He says this as loud as he pleases, with a finger pointing at the man who's trying so very hard to be discreet of his past crime. "Who was videotaped, and agreed to rat on his friends if his sentence was shortened. Guess it worked out, huh?"

"Actually... could you keep it down?" The man looked around, waving away the truth when a mother and her husband exited the store at the right moment to have heard Hakuo. "I'm kinda trying to start over; that's why I came to apologize."

"And get what out of it exactly? A "Thank you; you're forgiven…" or a "No hard feelings". Or maybe you want me to cry and say that's all I ever wanted to hear?" Hakuo's laughter was so sudden it almost sent him into a fit of coughing. That had to be the biggest load of shit he's ever heard. Good thing they're outside, the dandelion looks decidedly ready to puff off from overgrowth. "Not gonna happen. Good evening." He began to walk away but he stopped. "Don't follow me."

"Hakuo, wait! I really am sorry." He took a step in his direction, but stopped when the young man spun on him.

The animosity in his eyes spooked him a bit, upon remembering he's just a boy, he relaxed. He's no threat. If anything, he's the one scaring Hakuo.

"Look, I've been re-evaluated, and the judge said I could get out on good behavior."

Hakuo nods. "I see… So, what, you cleaned some toilets; fell in line when it was time to leave the cafeteria and head back to the cells; didn't start any fights? Or maybe you gave your cell to someone else while you slept in The Hole?" He scoffed and waved his hand. "They can't have trained you not to see children as sex dolls - that would make too much sense. So remind me of the reason why you've been labeled as redeemed?" He waited for a reply, then spoke before the man could flounder for words to come from nothing. "Yeah. I could tear the head off of a stuffed animal like it's a nasty reflex, and decide I'm reformed because for a month there have been no stuffed toys in my vicinity to mutilate,"

"I see where you're going with this, but.."

"There is no "but"." His eyes are hard and serpent-like as he coils them around the man's psyche like a snake. If only he had his gift, he'd pull this fucker's brain matter apart, just as he had in that horrific nightmare about him and his sister being abused by men such as this. "If you were truly sorry, then you'd still be in prison, because you know that that's where you belong for what you did. If you're sorry you'd know that's where you need to stay to prove it - because that's a fair punishment. It's not good enough, but it's fair."

Roy flinched.

"Living under the watchful eye of a parole officer is a laugh. People treating you like shit because they might remember what you did, is too merciful. You need to be locked away forever... And after dropping the soap every single day... You need to be put down."

The man gaped. Did he really just say that? Doesn't he understand how cruel that is? "I've done my time; I've seen a shrink; I'm doing community service… Everyone agrees that I'm better."

"Right. And does that make you feel better? Huh? Does it help you get over having done what you did? Because how does being "sorry" help me, or anyone else you've hurt? Because it doesn't. You only have to live with knowing what you did. We have to live through what you did and still be expected to get over it… So tell me how your being out of prison is fair?"

Roy had nothing to say. He wanted to say something, but he didn't. He couldn't, because he doesn't know what will help to prove that he's truly changed, and is remorseful for what he did. Truly.

"When do I get to be redeemed for a mistake."

"By having never made it." Hakuo spat. "Where the hell was this show of good consciousness before the beatings and rapes, and the belittling a child who already had it bad; you had to call names like they asked for it, and it was their fault..." He can still hear those filthy words.

"A little slut like you likes this, don't you?"

"You should never be relieved from what you've done, I sure as hell can't! I cannot escape your one time... and you wanna label it a mere mistake." Hakuo growled. "...Go back to prison or, preferably, die; nobody needs your existence." Walking away then - unfollowed - to his car, he climbed in and left for home.

When the bitter young man walked into the apartment, he sees his roommate seated on the floor watching television. With an unintentionally hard voice, a voice not meant for Nathen, he says in a growl. "Cover your ears, Nathe."

Wondering what's up he does as he's commanded rather than asked, but even with his ears covered and what's obviously an attempt to muffle sound with a pillow, he still heard his best friend scream. He isn't sure what happened exactly, but a sound like that doesn't come from a bad day at work. Hakuo's self containing anguish made Nathen cry. The tears ran hot and quick down his face. What kind of guy is he to have heard that and not go in there? Good thing he'd never find out, because he left his place on the floor to go to his friend.

Nathen did not knock on the door, he let himself in. Kindness offered doesn't need to be polite towards tears wanting to be unseen. It just acts on impulse. His impulse said to give his friend a hug. A nice tight, big hug. And surprisingly, Hakuo took it and gave it back. Nathen was hugged so tightly it hurt, but he took it because it was worth every bruised rib to hear Hakuo whisper.

"Thank you."

He smiled but said nothing in return. The moment called for silence, at least it seemed so on his end, because Hakuo then said…

"There's a lot of bread left in my car."

The pair shook with quiet then audible, then back to quiet laughter.

The next day.

It's Easter Sunday. A joyous time… sort of…

'How did I get stuck in the rabbit costume?' wonders Hakuo as he busts a move outside of the store, up until he spots a child in need of a plastic egg filled with candy and a little puzzle or a Lego man to assemble.

So far he's been laughed at, kicked, his costume's rear has been slapped a few times by kids that didn't want to assault the costumed weirdo to his face. A few dozen kids really dug him; they wanted pictures, or a high-five, low-five, or combo-five. And he was kissed by five babies and three kids under four-years-old.

'At least it's cool out today,' He'd hate to be sweating inside the costume all morning.

He asked for a half day today. Elias is coming over to spend Easter with him at Brandon park. They're gonna play games, win prizes, eat sickening amounts of the forbidden food group, then head to the theater to watch a kids-get-in-free showing of some rabbit animated movie. He hopes it's good.

He has no problem watching children's programs and such. It's a nice escape from the overly bawdy television for the rest of the world, with the constant name drops, or news about some dumb reality star, and whom they're dating or married to; however, it can be as dull as a goldfish and often puts him to sleep. How would it look if he checked out during father and son time? Bad. Real bad. Oh he'd be livid if either of his parents fell asleep while he enthusiastically watched or did something.

Hakuo is tired because he and Nathen stayed up late putting together a great Easter basket, so he could avoid nightmares. The kid was in for a real treat. Lindt chocolate bunny all wrapped up in golden foil, Starburst jelly beans, deemed the greatest by Hakuo's jelly bean standards, with some hidden Beanboozled mixed in. What's childhood if you're not ribbed a little? Edible grass, M&Ms, of course. And the list goes on. Being irrationally afraid of the marshmallow peeps, Hakuo made sure they were heavily left on the rejection table.

Nathen suggested rabbit shaped peeps, but his friend explained that the shape wasn't the issue, but that texture. Nathen didn't understand, and hid his laughter at how cute such an odd fear was. Just like Hakuo's fear of frogs.

He explained to Nathen about why he bought five things of bread, and the techie loved it! He said they could film right when they do the movie, because they need a crafts table. The crew could unknowingly be taste testers. Hakuo was then reminded that he hadn't asked Celes about being in the movie, so he called her earlier this morning.

She asked "Why", listened to the reason, then declined. Her explanation was that 30 thousand people watch Nathen's channel, even if it's not all of the videos, the last thing she wanted is to be seen doing something like that. She'd be too embarrassed! However, she left him with her friend Miyo's email and Twitter account, and said she'd probably love to do it.

Nathen was given the information after Hakuo brought up Miyo's page, and the deal was sealed. He submitted an old video he'd done for the class assignment, he didn't want his new work judged so harshly when his friends won't have seen it first. He wants his confidence intact.

A familiar car slowed around the parking lot at the Wegmans market. Hakuo spotted the license plate through the eyeholes of his rabbit head. 'Crap. What are they doing here?' he wondered.

He hasn't seen Gev in ages; and dressed as a big blue rabbit isn't exactly heart stopping attractive. Oh well, who could recognize him? A kid came up to him laughing and pointing, then he betrayed his cool by spreading his arms out for a hug, he so happy to receive one from the big goofy rabbit that not 10 seconds ago he'd laughed at.

"Thank you." He said when walking off with a treat egg.

Just one more hour to go and he can set off to have fun.

The trio crossed the lot talking to each other, though Gev seemed less chatty than his lovers. Maybe Hakuo was just imagining it, but he seemed pretty glum.

'Good.' He grinned.

If Gev misses him, that'll make him more likely to stop playing games and just tag-out of his romantic relationship with the pair. He will not carry on with this bromance. He needs and wants something stable. If only Gev could see him around Sunny, then get all made-for-TV mad, and snatch him away from the hopelessly love-struck hippie. He'll then dip him before dramatically confessing that he loves him, leave the pair behind in a tearful goodbye, and they'll live happily ever after.

He laughed into his gloved hands.

"Hey, Mr. Rabbit," Ludwig greeted as they rolled up on the distracted bunny man.

Hakuo jumped from the sudden voice. And with an embarrassed hand behind his fuzzy head while the other waved-off their laughter at him, and Gev's comment of "Scared the hell out of that guy" from the peanut gallery, he went back to dancing merrily for the kids as they passed by into the store while teasing him to each other. Who next, his parents?!

"Mommy, I want a picture!" A little girl shouted before running towards him. "Hi, mister rabbit."

He waved down at her.

"Can you talk?"

He shook his head.

"But you're blue, so you must be enchanted."

"I'm shy." He said quietly in a cartoon voice.

"That's ok." Hugging him, she then turned and grinned while saying "Cheeese!"

When the trio left the store, Gev whacked him on the back of the head. 'That butt!' Hakuo grabbed a treat egg and lobbed it right at him once he passed by, nailing him! When the trio turned around seeing the rabbit offering the peace sign, they were gonna let it go, except Hakuo pointed to his index with his other hand then dropped the finger. Seeing the look on their faces he knew they got the message; he hopped up and down then bolted into the store. By the time he slipped out of the rabbit costume and made for the exit, the chasing duo - because Ludwig didn't come after him, he was never one for violence no matter how mild - he sees their car pulling from the lot.

"Ahaha, bastards. That'll learn 'em to pick on defenseless costumed people." Removing his ringing phone, he knows it's Elias, his ringtone is a children's song Bingo. Gotta love total customization. Three times today a kid whipped their head about thinking the ice cream man was passing through the lot. "I just got off. Where are you?" Elias said his uncle is bringing him to the apartment even as they speak. "I'll be there probably four minutes after you arrive. If a blond guy answers the door, you'll be a good kid for him, okay?"

He hung up after saying goodbye. Looking at the departing car, he sees Gev through the back window; he smiled and waved, then repeating his little gesture from when he was in the costume, he was pleased to see the goth's jaw drop in realization. He smiled even more broadly then waved a sincere goodbye.

Brandon park was packed with people. Picnickers, musicians, people not celebrating Easter but just enjoying the grilling going on in the area-wide merriment. There are game booths set up, treat stands - as if the kids aren't bursting piñatas of sugar already. Although some aren't, because of low budget homes, so for them this is paradise. And the few kids who have illnesses like Diabetes, they're enjoying the merriment and savory foods.

"Here. Let that change your life," he hands a corn dog to his son.

Biting into it, the child's eyes bugged out. "There's cheese!"

"Welcome to flavor country." He bit into his own. They couldn't very well eat sugar all day. Leaning his dog to Nathen, who's videotaping all this, he's denied.

But the cameraman did buy his own to partake of. The trio were all over the place. They played bean bag toss, egg races, egg toss, and scavenger hunt is a festivity must. He only found six eggs, but he got some quality prizes: spinning tops, dinosaurs, puzzles, and a party popper that held candy and a bunny face ring.

They indulged in the sing along at the stage, and got their faces painted. Hakuo was a rabbit, Elias was a chick, and Nathen opted just to have his cheek painted with a picture of an egg with a chick popping out.

They spread out a blanket for a late lunch of chopped egg and ham cube sandwiches, to stick with the Easter theme. Hakuo packed the basket nicely and thermally sound to protect the perishable content; nobody should be made sick when they're supposed to be having a good time. They also feasted on some of the candy in the basket the roommates prepared for the six year old. Elias said he really liked the chocolate, he's never had anything but Hershey or Nestle. That's a real shame, thought Hakuo. Hershey chocolate tastes like your mouth after a dentist appointment involving a root canal. Just an old tooth and oddly old milk.

They did have some chicken nuggets from one of the nearby barbecue stations cooking them up skinless but marinated in BBQ sauce.

"Hey kid," Nathen says, holding the camera up, aiming it at Elias. "Say something funny."

Elias eyed the camera, then said. "Something funny."

Hakuo laughed.

"No. I mean, do you know any good jokes."

Elias nodded, then cheekily he said. "Yeah, it's something funny that's laughed at." He was pleased to make his father laugh so much. He even got a 'good job' pat on his shoulder.

"The whole world is gently against me," mumbled Nathen. Setting his camera down in a huff of mock sadness; he resumes to eating his lunch. "When I become rich and famous, I'm not giving you bums any shout-outs."

"What's a shout-out?" Elias asks.

"He's gonna tell people he knows us when he's on television."

Holding up his hand, Elias says firmly. "No." He laughed merrily when a grape flew at him, landing him right on the side of his nose. Seeing as it had not hit the grass, the boy scooped it up and ate it. "I like grapes."

"Euw. Why?" asks Hakuo.

Elias and Nathen both replied. "Because they're delicious."

"Bleh!" Hakuo turned up his nose. He turned himself around, something just screamed to do so. 'Well, what do ya know,' he thinks when spotting Yakusoku and Ludwig crossing through the park.

When the pair saw Hakuo they waved and invited themselves over. Ludwig's steady pace slowed when seeing his cousin seated on the blanket. His feet are swaying back and forth as he happily eats a sandwich, switching to a juice pouch right before the awkward eye contact unintentionally is had with him.

"Hey guys, this is my son Elias," Hakuo introduced them properly before Ludwig could make a spectacle of himself; judging by the green look on his face, he would have. "Eli, this is Eason and Siegfried."

"Hi." Yakusoku greeted, before sitting down.

Elias shrugged his shoulders as if he had a crick in them before saying 'hello' back to the both of them.

"Hey." Ludwig wanted so much to say something, anything to let his cousin know that he's alright. But, that would never do. Not with him looking like this. Not after what happened. Six is too young to have to know such strange realities.

A Grinch's - or rather, a Joker's grin grew on Hakuo's face.

He wouldn't dare?! Wondered Ludwig's expression. His wide-eyed light browns begged, dear God, don't.

"Elias, how's everything at home? Is your sister still around, how are your aunt and uncle?" Hakuo asked casually.

Nathen filmed the newcomers, saying, "Smile for the camera."

Yakusoku smiled, but Ludwig looked like he could kick the guy for interrupting his listening in on the father and son's conversation, benefiting just for him. Maybe Hakuo isn't such a crooked bastard after all? Not that he thought such things, but sometimes he would hear these tales or he'd see first-hand his doing something sneaky.

"Sister's great! She's really smart too, she's teaching me French."

"Whaaat? Get outta here,"

"Really. It's fun, she makes up rhymes or songs so I can remember." Elias gasped. "Will you teach me Japanese someday?"

Hakuo nods. "Ja. Und auch Deutsche sparche."

The look on the boy's face, you'd swear Hakuo just said the worst thing anyone could hear their entire life - and backwards at that.

"Huh?" Because he had to be sure.

"Ease your eyeballs, that's German. You're mixed all over the place, remember?" he begins cleaning up the mess.

"You're German?"

"I'm both." He squinted a 'seriously' expression at the child. Surely he'd told him this before?

"Neat." Replying to the rest of the question, he informed him that his aunt and uncle are doing just fine. They went to see Ludwig before coming over, to wish him a Happy Easter.

Maybe Hakuo is cruel, because Ludwig certainly feels like getting emotional now.

They all hung out for just a bit, playing a few of the little games setup. Then with a wish of a Happy Easter, the pair, who just happened upon the trio took their leave to get back to their reason for being at the park, which was for Ludwig to play in the band.

As they exited the park, the mixed young man let out a breather. He didn't have to ask the duo where Gev was, he saw him working one the grills for the smokehouse that he works for. He and an older woman were making sausages and hot dogs. Hakuo sent Nathen over to get him a bratwurst; he couldn't engage with Gev. Not when he's decided to play mirage with him. And Nathen, with his camera, could easily be seen as a filming spectator - not that the day is just for the kids, many people at the park have no children, but, y'know Gev might assume that since he's there, Hakuo might be as well.

Nathen had never been so nervous, he was sure his dark blond armpit pubes were a simpering white by the end of the encounter. He strolled up to Gev, asked for three brats, then balanced the camera and plate while under heavy fire of a burst Q&A session.

"Awful lot of food for a scrawny guy like you. You sharing it with someone?"

Nathen shook his head. "I've been on my feet most of the day, I need the meal for strength."

The grill chef risked looking foolish, then changed his mind and blatantly said. "Let's cut the bull, blondie! Where's Hakuo? Is he here?"

"He was, but then he took Elias to some theme park, there's a kiddy coaster he wanted him to experience." Nathen looked perplexed over how to eat a bite of food without setting his camera down, or dropping the plate. Leaning forward he dove in at them with his mouth open, and removing a bite from whichever dog's tip went in.

Gev's expression said it all: misery. They again, just missed each other? Why does this keep happening!? Is someone playing some sick joke on him? Choose Hakuo or never see him again, except maybe on birthdays or Christmas like he's some relative? This will not do. He practically exploded in the car when seeing him earlier, he couldn't believe he was that goofy dancing rabbit. He should have put it together though, knowing the Asian's lame dance skills. But, it's Sunday, he shouldn't have been at work, that's what was throwing him. Damn it.

"But, wait," he says to Nathen's near retreat. "You said he's with Eli? Right? Just Eli?"

"Of course, who else? I mean, I might join them later, but,"

"There's no beach-colored dread-head with him?" Gev has to know.

"What? Who's that?" Before Gev could reply, the person came to Nathen. "Oh, you mean Sunny! Yeah, no, he hasn't been around today."

Relief hit Gev like a waterfall, washing away the angry tension resting between his shoulder blades.

"But, the day is young. He could catch up to him later on," Nathen, with verbal brick and mortar, began reconstructing the tension. "He just comes by sometimes."

Gev grit his teeth, but schooling down a hard tone he asked casually. "Does he? And how often have they been seeing each other?"

"Mm? Just about," he paused while chewing the steadily cooling food. He'd better get a move on and stop teasing the poor guy. "Just about every weekend."

As if conjured by rage, the grill flames jumped up through the grate then shrank back down. "Oh."

"Doesn't matter, though, you're not with him. Bye, Gev!" He sped off, disappearing into the crowd leaving the stationary chef perplexed and angry.

There just… can't be someone else? What happened to staying single? Hating people and being completely A-sexual? That liar! Just wait until today is over, he'll show him.

Hakuo watched the footage on the camera's screen with glee. Therapies working. It's all thanks to detaching the 'T' from the 'A' when being 'At ease'. And so, off they went to the theater which ended their day. Mr. Ballantyne came with his wife, and niece, to retrieve Elias. Hakuo asked for a picture of the four of them for his scrapbook, and by scrapbook he meant Ludwig. After a pepper of good bye and festive greeting was sent, he kissed Elias's temple, asked that he stay as awesome as he's become. He then went home to crash. He's pooped. Having energy for a kid is not easy.

At the London home.

They're getting ready for lounge wear, and sitting about watching television - granted there's something on other than reruns, but they can always work through that pile of DVR recordings they have.

"I can't believe how much Elias grew up. Freakiest thing is that he looks more like Hakuo now." Setting down the bottle of lotion, he begins rubbing the concoction onto his legs.

"Maybe Hakuo sucked the cheerful expression right out his face," Yakusoku poked fun.

As he had noticed the strengthening resemblances on the boy's face to match his father's. His eyes still hold an adorable brightness, and his emotions don't match his looks. It could just be a Krenn trait, because Emiko looks pinched and sometimes expressionless as well. Although, on her, it holds well. She looks distinguished and lovely. Hakuo just looks dead.

"I'm glad everyone is doing better. That they still think about me."

Yakusoku admitted that it was nice to still be thought about. The few scattered visits with Ai have elevated his spirit, and keep him in the loop. It's hard to let go.

The pair jump from start when hearing a loud thump from the living room.

"What was that?" Ludwig was the first to ask.

"Sounded like the front door. Gev?!" He waited for an answer, "Gev?!" with a shrug he commented. "I guess he left for somewhere." And he has a sickly feeling that he knows where. He just wished he knew why?

At the Grampian Hills apartment.

Nathen and Hakuo are winding down as well.

"I don't know who invented Pringles," Small says. "But they win."

"Hey, Google, who invented Pringles?" Hakuo calls into his phone that's on the counter.

The doorbell rang while the spy informed them of all it knows about the mighty potato chip.

"I'll bet on it." Hakuo remarked to the device before he got up from the sofa. Stretched his arms up, he casually loosened his muscles on the way to the door. Pulling it open, his shock was very evident. 'Gev!' He yelped when he was suddenly hoisted off his feet and draped over a very firm shoulder. "Hey! Put me down! Nathen, help!"

"I can't. Sorry, dude, only for the really big emergencies."

"You suck. Ow! Hey, this is a spank-free booty," he says to his abductor.

Nathen closed the door. Poor bastards just need to stop messing around and be together.

Hakuo squirmed around in the hold trying to break free. He'd long since stopped protesting when each word earned him a firm slap on the rear; however, the wiggling stopped when they hit the stairs, he wanted freedom not falldom. And Gev's trek doesn't cease until they're at his car, where he's then set down before the door is pulled open for them to enter.

Hakuo thought he'd locked it, but then he realized he didn't trigger the alarm, just pushed the locks down. Gev must have picked the lock. Sneaky bastard.

"Watch your head," he says while tucking his kidnapped lover into his vehicle before climbing into the backseat after him, closing the door.

"I guess you're ready for night driving lessons, then?" Hakuo teased with a voice as innocent as a toddler.

Gev just sat there, staring at him, taking it all in, absorbing him. Up close. Oh how he's missed him: his hair, forehead, brows and eyes, his nose and lips and chin. His body, the Cyan blue he chose to wear with dark blue jeans, he's even wearing the silver hoop that he gave to Mamoru so long ago. Reaching out, he touched it gently. He loves the warmth coming from the absent Krenn's flesh. How do you miss a body temperature? Holding Hakuo by his cheeks he brings him in for a kiss as luscious as the dew drunk grass in mid-spring. This is how you miss temperature. His pleasing 92 degrees blended with his 98. In tongue, teeth, lips, and hands. They both held each other outwardly and roamed each other inwardly. The kiss went from sweet to almost feral.

But when Gev tipped them back he was stopped from lowering his mouth where Hakuo was just unzipped.

"What are you doing?" Asked Krenn.

"You've been ignoring me, and it's fucked up. And I wanna see you." Gev ground out.

"I wasn't ignoring you, you've been ignoring me. Yeah! You have, don't shake your head." He does up his zipper, then rights himself from the slant. What was he planning on doing? Blowing his mind? In a car! Was he insane?

"Mhmm. Uh huh.. And you mind telling me what you're doing with that beach bum? What was it.. Sunny? Dopey, obvious name for a surfer bum." He spewed out the name like a sickness that's been afflicting him, but the medicine has finally begun to work to clear it out.

"Sunny and I are sorta dating. It was my therapist's idea." Explained the - not guilty of the charges - completely blameless. "He's sorting out his feelings and I'm harmlessly expanding my horizon."

"That's completely idiotic! Who the hell is this quack?"

"She's not a quack, she happens to be a very fine therapist; and she's been guiding me through my pain better than any of the others - especially little miss get-recognition-quick Mrs. Simpson. Because of Mrs. Rhett I was able to realize that I'm worth it."

She also taught him that the assholes from his past can't get to him. Not verbally, but her encouraging words let him just wonder about relationships. It really opened his eyes. It isn't scary or hard, and it doesn't make people crazy if they're rejected. Look at Sunny, he told him that it was nice, but he just doesn't feel anything for him. Sunny understood and agreed that just friendship is fine. No worry of asking him out again attached to it.

He's known that from the start, but it never quite materialized as anything other than words and wants. Touching Gev's cheek, he smiled fondly at him. "I can't let seeing them affect how strong I am; they don't get to own any part of me - my past included. My being being into no one - or gay - was never because of what they've done, so why let any other part of me be assigned to feel a certain way? I'm in love with you Gev, I'm not even joking. And it isn't because you're who I knew first, so that makes it easy and less scary; Sunny is easy, and he's not scary, either… but he's not you."

"So then what the fuck are we avoiding each other for?"

Hakuo scooted back from Gev's advance. "Because you need to decide, them or me? I've made my choice. I love you, I wanna be with you. Nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my weird life with you. But I'm not gonna do it as your Himstress."

Gev cringed. "Stop making up words, let's just go with my guy on the side."

"Because that makes it better? Gev… I'm not a toy. You can't whip me out to play with me when the mood strikes you. Not choosing… you may as well just leave me alone. I'm more than something to look at or screw. I'm a person, and when I want to be loved it should be by someone who loves me."

"Like Nathen?"

"Yeah, like Nathen. Come off it; unlike you, our sense of friendship isn't warped." He scoffed. "Is that why you fantasize about me being with him? It's so normal for you, that you just assume that's everyone?" Crossing his arms, he says with assessment. "That's so uncool."

Gev hated to hear it, but Hakuo isn't wrong. He's had a crush on Yakusoku for so long that nibbling on him and stealing romantic affection just became normal friendliness to him. Shit.

"Yeah. You treat me like a boyfriend, but you don't want me as one. How do you think that makes me - who loves you - feel?" Looking him in the eyes he asked. "Please. Before the next month… decide."

"Or?"

"There is no or. I'll be friends with you, proper friends… It'll suck, but my feelings might eventually fade so they don't hurt anymore." Rubbing Gev's arm, he softly said. "I admire loyalty, which is why it stings that I'm the one asking you to break it. But, I am asking you. I can't change that."

The door pops open, as he makes to leave, but he's pulled back inside into a hug from behind. And in his ear he hears Gev say…

"I choose you."