Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ The Boy on Page One ❯ Is it me or the disagree ( Chapter 17 )

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

Hakuo was sure he wouldn't be able to sleep. Gev wants to talk to him today: Something has changed, he declared. What? What's changed? He wondered this to madness as he runs along the cadet miles for the day, with the others at the police academy.

It's hot out. The sun is screaming down on them, but it was chilly this morning for May. It's like a push and pull of spring weather competing to have some time on Earth where winter went on for too long. So it blows hot and cold. Why not? Fall does it. The delicate balance of in-between, are the two. That's how Hakuo Krenn feels sometimes. Half and half. Half a person of care, half a person who doesn't. He can never just be.

Mrs. Rhett gave him homework to do something out of his comfort zone for one month. And so far the best he's done is to not tell Nathen that he doesn't want to be in his best friend's personal vlogs, and the second is that he'd gone out with Sunny now and then. He told Sunny they should just be friends, but still, that friend tends to ask him out for lunch dates whenever he feels he's free for it. Or to a movie. Sunny says a lunch date doesn't necessarily have to involve food. It's just a date that happens in the afternoon.

Hakuo tends to decline, preferring to spend time with Gev on his days off. The guy gave up his free Thursdays and had it moved to Saturday so they could hang out two times a week instead of one. But, they don't really get time off at the academy. So he doesn't even get that anymore. It's as if he's sailed off to his own island, existing only for himself. Cut off from the world…

But now there's this. Gev wanting to talk to him. He'll have to do it around 10 pm when he goes home. Tomorrow they start Big-Boy training, so says their officers in command. He wondered how that was going to go? It sounds tough.

"Guess what I heard?" Toshiyuki Arai showed up at Hakuo's side, bringing the thoughtful runner from his head.

"Hmm?"

"We're getting shaved later - are you nervous?"

"It's just hair." He shrugged.

"I'm nervous," brushing a hand through his rather man-bun worthy locks, he sighs. "I guess I'll just have to hide it under a hat."

Hakuo informs. "It's too hot for hats,"

"Not always." A frown on his pointed features he envisions himself with a shaved head, gulping. "Oh man."

Hakuo chuckled over the needless stress. It really is just hair. What's the big deal? It grows back - unless you've got alopecia - which Toshi does not. He's more concerned for the wall. He stinks at climbing. He can remember the kids at school chuckling as he was dubbed a 'kangaroo', when they did rope climbing in gym back in the first grade. He had no arm strength. What did they want from him?! Well, he's got arm strength now, thanks to his brother.

He busted out laughing internally, for some reason flexing guns always makes him think of Wario from the Mario Bros. games.

"So, do you think your lover will like it?"

Hakuo's gaze snapped over to his unwanted run partner. "What makes you say that awful word?"

Toshiyuki waved his hand through the air above is head. "Love is a spirit, too, my friend. It spoke to me."

Mouth dropped, he looked up at the sky before asking. "It did?"

Snickering, the empath gave cadet Krenn a little shove. "I'm messing with you, no, the reason I asked is because you've got that love-is-kicking-me-in-the-crotch look in your eyes."

Well, he wasn't wrong about either, the distant stare and the love-kick. Hakuo's shoulder rose in a shrug. "Officer's orders, so he doesn't get a say in the matter."

Cadet Arai whistled, thinking that loving Hakuo must be tough on a person. Which is why he doesn't take offense when he goes to pat him on the back for luck, and the apprehensive to humanity fellow cadet slinked away from his touch, with the addition of a death glare. He must be sensitive.

Hakuo checked his watch as cadet Arai sped on ahead of him. He'd have to call Mrs. Rhett about coming to the academy for their appointments. He'd already told Nathen he might be spending some nights in the cadet dorms, so that he wouldn't wait up or hold dinner for him. And he regredibly told his family not to expect him on too many Fridays for dinner for the next six to eight months.

'Six to eight months.' He blew out a breath; his pace slowed and he stopped running to line up with the rest of the cadets. 'It's nice just knowing I'll be planning that far ahead in life, and can actually get there.' Existing in shifts was really starting to wear on his sanity. How can he get comfortable in life when he feels, always, that he's on borrowed time?

At least lately things have begun to feel more real, solidified. He's going to school. He'll have a job. He has a home. A best friend. His sister isn't mad at him, and he still and always will have his family's love - no matter what he's like. He's normal. This is what normal is. He felt a grin break out over his face, the sudden silent joy scooted a few cadets away from him.

"Cadets!"

The recruits snap to attention, chins high, backs straight, bodies perfect stocks on the concrete field. "Sir!" They ask in unison.

"As you know, you are going to have off the first week of June," the girthy officer paced before them, looking into the multitude of colors of their eyes. "You are to get yourselves together insofar as medical, dental, kissing family members and loved ones goodbye. If you have pets, find a nice place to keep them. Once you come back through the gate, you will not leave unless permitted otherwise. Do I make myself clear?!"

"Sir, yes sir!"

The officer looked them over one last time, in search of those who looked like they'd get cold feet, or shirk on their duties, finding it all a joke of rules they don't have to obey. But, he saw none. This was a fine class this year. However, they have yet to really sink their teeth into the course. They're still new to it all, still half hearted and half worried they might be missing out on the newest movie premier, or a girlfriend that gives good head.

Ha! They're in officer Henderson's house now. And he doesn't have time for people who care about any of that nonsense. Hopefully, less will leave than last year. But, one never knows.

# #

At the Texas Grill and Smokehouse. Gev is annihilating the slabs of pork for the pulled pork sandwiches. His mind just can't get over the punch in the jaw, that Yakusoku thinks he is the only one in life who's suffered a great blow of bitchassness. How wrong of him! How dare he! Does he remember none of their past talks? Does he think it's easy for him to open up to people? Fuck it all, he hadn't even told Ludwig about his family. And he loves Ludwig!

"Hey, London," called the other chef. "You wanna keep your head out of your ass? People want meat not mush."

Though his expression read: fuck you, he mumbled an apology and tore at the meat accordingly with the meat claws. Taking a whiff of the smoky and spiced air, he sighed. He can focus. No more distraction. Besides, he still has to figure out what the hell to say to Hakuo later. He texted him early in the morning that he could see him around ten tonight. That was perfect, since he gets off at nine he'll have just enough time to change then drive over to the Grampian apartment.

'Hakuo,' he practices in thought. 'I like you, and I think we can go from there.'

Gawd, that sounded so cheesy, he wants to beat himself up. Fuck. Why does expressing oneself have to be so fucking hard? Why? People should just know how you feel. It could have been a human hard-wiring. They could have at least tried to, when man was being created. Organs. Check. Flesh, bone, and sinew. Check. Ability to know how someone feels about you without your saying it, to avoid your looking like a dumbass. Double check. But no, people have to express themselves verbally to get their point across.

Gev knows it's easier to express himself with his fist. His body. If his beloved Yakusoku had been anyone else saying something that snide and careless to him, he'd of laid him flat. But to punch Yakusoku, as he has once or twice in the past, he wouldn't dream of it as of late. He and Ludwig have gone through enough, he gets that, but he has as well.

Rather than fight, misunderstand, and make comments so crudely to measure pain, it's best if they just retreat to their corner of red and blue and tap out. The match is over; a double knock out. A blow of hurt matched with a blow not willing to resolve; which to the dealer will hurt far more than a half - or possibly truly spoken - apology. The inability to be granted the chance to make up. Gev can fight dirty as well.

The pissed-off Russian ate his lunch without tasting it, and the cigarette at the corner for a chaser has lost its appeal as well. Nicotine was beginning to be just what everyone calls it, an auto-addiction, because he no longer gets the buzz or mellowed mood he once had, now it's just some thing rolling between his lips as he half smoked it while half ignoring it to just burn away.

Like his marriage. Would it have ended up like this had Hakuo not been in the picture? Because Yakusoku would still be - well, visually still be - the same guy. The same with Ludwig, granted the events of his murder never took place. Would they, all 3, have ended up married and living together in wedded bliss, had the fear of never having anyone not gripped Gev so intensely after having learned about Hakuo's coma? It's likely not. Oh they'd still be together, just not as officially as papers and legality was concerned.

He touched his wedding ring. The little blood red ruby caught a bit of light as he twirled the silver band. They all have little red rubies. It was a symbolism, that they are blood and soul together. Always. So decreed by the hardest stone to cut in the infinite round shape.

'Yeah, I'm so loved… if I was then why did they leave the district, and still not want me? I get it when his parents weren't aware of our relationship, but when they threw him out… neither of them said "Come on, Gev, now we can live as we've wanted". They just left.'

Oh how the scarlet ribbons decorated his arms with the pain that that blow dealt. Good ol' Gev; Gev can be counted on; Gev loves deep; Gev doesn't change… So why do they? Why is good old dependable Gev more of a loving sap instead of in the fold with them? When did he become some side-piece who was granted a taste of the inside? It's not a trust issue. No. That's not even on the table, they can at least trust each other with their lives… But what about the equality of care?

Straightening from the dour lean he had against the smokehouse, he drops his addiction, unappreciated and ineffective, to the ground, twisting it out under the weight of his boot. Fuck it all! He thought, returning from his break.

# #

A whole week off. A whole week before the police force unleashed screaming Hell unto the cadets. Hakuo wondered what it will be like? He heard all kinds of wild rumors going around today from the other cadets. Some of them even speculate that the sergeants allow the dogs to attack them with, and without, the protective suit! What nonsense. They wouldn't be allowed to do that… Right?

'I'm slugging it tonight,' he walked into the apartment, expecting Nathen to be fast asleep, or at least in his bedroom zoning out until he falls asleep.

But there he sat, on the couch, next to Gev. Hakuo smirked. 'If this was some cheesy, dirt-bag, novel they'd be making out with each other, and I'd be all mad and demanding to know what's going on? ...I guess in this case, I'm the dirt-bag, because I'm the one causing Gev to cheat - sort of. It's not like I'm forcing him, and I'm certainly not asking for sex - well, maybe not every time.' He thought about the last time in his bedroom. He'd been proud of that, he actually wanted to have sex, and so he did. And it was great. No testing, no "fine, whatever" going along with it. It was all him. It was kind of cool.

"What took you so long?" Gev asked getting up from the couch.

Nathen released a breath like he had a knife held at his side. "Yeah, what took you? Because it turns out, we've got company. Claims he's here for you - obviously. And I'm going to bed now."

"Night." He says to the retreating, then addresses his guest. "My leg fell off on the way home, so I had to pull over to put it on - ever put on a leg? It's not easy, especially when you haven't done it before." Pointing a finger that dared Gev to contradict him, he dropped it then went to the fridge to see what Nathen set aside for him from dinner.

"What? What leg?" Gev takes a seat at the kitchenette table, watching Hakuo busy himself around the kitchen heating his food and getting a drink. "Are you hurt?"

Hakuo shot Gev a look that insisted that he'd better be joking with that question, then he answered while his meal was getting nauseous on the microwave's Teacup ride. "My legs are killing me, we're about to start intensive training, and they wanted to give us a sneak peek for what the week after is going to bring." Leaning forward he rubs his thighs. "I had to run up six flights of stairs, hop a wall - I couldn't,"

Hakuo opened the microwave just in time to miss that Gev smiled at his shortcomings; not a mean one. It was just sweet, the scenario. He can see it.

"Hn. People think yoga is relaxing. Try running up and down stairs then ending it with an arms free, head to the grass downward dog for several minutes." He crudely dropped his tupperware of food onto the table. "Basically, I had a ball - an exhausting ball, but a ball all the same."

Shaking his head, Gev smiled; his hand just absently reached out caressing Hakuo's hair while the Asian fueled up. "You are such a weirdo."

"Better get that out of your system," Informed said weirdo. With a sweep of his hand and a windy sound effect, he says. "They're cropping us all during intense."

"Seriously? ...You gotta send me pictures, I need a good laugh session - especially after yesterday."

'Ah, now we're at the reason he's wants to see me.' Krenn thinks. Setting down his fork, he folds his hands onto the tabletop giving his full attention to Gev. "Go on." Let the electronic chef's masterpiece get a little cold, it didn't cook it, it just heated it up. It did it before and the microwave can damn well do it again, if need be.

Removing his large studded bracelet, he shows off some nasty heal marks upon his wrist. "What does this say to you?"

Having never really studied the healed cuts, especially within a lit room, he blinked in utter shock of just how nasty they look. His own are pretty bad - especially where dear Yakusoku decided to go all zombie on his body and bite into his flesh. He really should punch that guy in the nuts - with a hammer. Yeah. That'll teach him. Of course, it's also kind of a low-blow, since he didn't even know he wasn't a real person. He supposed that let him off the hook.

"It says you're very troubled, and like to relieve it through physical - instead of verbal - release." Hakuo frowned. "Psychotically depressed."

"Yes. Thank you. Psh!" He threw up angry, scar-wristed hands. "I'm not saying I corner the market for depression, God knows a lot of people have it worse than me," he grinds out. "but that doesn't make mine any less."

"Of course not. Why would you even think it?"

Gev felt like a dick just now. Like one of those jackasses you always see in the movies or read about in dirty books, guys who confide their troubles into their mistress instead of talking to their wife, girlfriend, or who the hell ever. Oh, dear gawd. He's Reeve Land. He shuddered.

Watching his friend's internal struggle, he lifts the fork and took a bite of the brown rice with quinoa and vegetable medley, then followed it with a slice from the salisbury steak before chewing it up. He has all the patience in the world, yes, and he'd wait through some of it until Gev decided either to talk or just blow it off and divert. Either way, unfortunately, Gev has until he's through with his meal because sleep is coming easy; and Gev is holding that up. Sleep trumps patience for him, because when he's tired enough he'll drop like a sack. Whether he wants to or not.

"Yakusoku thinks because I haven't been raped,"

Hakuo looked down at his shoulder where Gev's hand landed, as if telling him that he's sorry and he should brace himself for the contents of the conversation. But, that's ok, he knows he was raped. It's not exactly a secret. He doesn't need coddling over it.

"That my understanding of how to help you through your depression is null-and-void, because I don't understand your exact pain."

Hakuo blinked like something had suddenly drifted into his eye. "You're joking?"

"No."

"That… is so dumb… How could he say that? Why would he say that? What? Because I told him I was glad he was there to help me?" He scoffed. "I mean, I was glad he was there, and yeah, he does understand, but - wow… What a terrible thing to say. You could just as easily have talked me down off the ledge, hell, I didn't need either of you - Nathen made me feel better. And he's a Mr. Fine-and-dandy!"

Gev nodded on a bob, as if to say "There ya go - see!". He let out an exasperated sigh, then fell silent.

"Maybe he was just trying to get under your skin?"

Gev snapped. "Well it worked."

"No. I mean, how we've been hanging out like it's all special.. He's jealous, obviously, so for us to have something in common that you'll never have.." Hakuo shrugged out his hand. "He figured it'd be a wedge between us."

Gev blustered and shook his head. "Looks like it backfired, I'm not mad at you."

"...Thanks.." He wasn't a hundred percent sure Gev understood, but whatever. He's half asleep, half fed, and half dead. "So.. what's changed? You said something about it in your text."

"I wanna date you."

Hakuo smiled then resumed his dinner. "You make me wanna blush when you get all macho on me,"

"I'm serious."

"Why are you serious?" He set down his fork once again. His tepid meal mostly finished. "Because you two are having a disagreement? A fight? You'll make up." He finishes the last four bites of his food in two scoops. "There's no need to make grand gestures you don't mean."

Gev turned Hakuo in his chair, and says in a voice as serious as he can make it. "I do mean it. It's just gotten to be enough… I like you, and I know you like me..."

"I'm deeply-taken to you."

"Right. And, I think that we can be together. I wanna be with you."

"Yeah, but… And I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't believe it. Not really." He shrugged. "Is it me you wanna be with, because of me? Or do you wanna be with me because of the disagree?"

Gev lowered his hands from Hakuo's shoulders. He's got his point.

"I won't let you do that to me, or to our budding relationship together. It'll be pretty lame to tell people we got together because you got mad at your husband, and decided you could trade him in for someone who's more agreeable."

"You don't have to pour salt, I get it." Gev mumbled. "But you're wrong. This isn't about arguments now, not really. I've been feeling slighted by them ever since they left the Land's that night Yaku' came out. It's been just one brush off after another. This was the final 'fuck you' from him."

"Okay. And I believe you." Standing, he leans over and kisses Gev's cheek. "But, I'm not a rebound. Be with me because it feels natural, not just because you want a place to land from the fall." Taking his dirty container over to the sink, he rinses it then shoved it into the dishwasher. Seeing it's nearing full from the weeks dishes, he tossed in a detergent packet then turned it on. Leaning his butt on the counter, arms across over his chest, he sighed. "I'd love to be here for you, and I am… Just, make sure it's because of me and not rebellion."

Gev looked like he wanted to flip the table, not from anger, just from lack of proper reciprocation.

Hakuo dropped his posture. "I do care about you - deeply. In my head we're already together - you're just holding us up,"

"But I'm telling you.."

"That you're upset, and it's a bunch of reasons why. But, come on, Gev… You like having sex with me. But when you think about me, do you think about me or it?" Walking over to the table, he gently rubs his should-be boyfriend's tense shoulders. "You've got a place with me, come when you're ready. For now, you're just visiting."

Gev hadn't realized Hakuo could speak so whimsically.

"You're welcome to stay here tonight. But, I'm really tired, and I wanna sleep before I insult you by passing out." Releasing his touch, he then heads for his bedroom.

Gev's gaze was on his thighs as he thought about what just happened. This truly doesn't have anything to do with using Hakuo as a landing pad for his decided split from Yakusoku. But, he can understand how the guy must feel a lot like himself, every time Yakusoku and Ludwig make grand gestures and leave him out of it. More reasons to curse. Fuck! But make up with him… He's still not ready. He's not sure if he'll ever be ready, not this month. That could stretch into a year.

Looking over at Hakuo's bedroom, he sees that the door has been left open; a rustle of clothing is heard from the opening from where he's changing into night clothes. Getting up from the table, he headed into the bedroom and closed the door. Let him be missed at home. What does he care?

Yanking off his pants, Gev climbed into bed with the exhausted soon-to-be policeman. He closed his eyes, but opened them upon hearing a voice.

"I'm sorry. If I hurt your feelings, before."

Gev blinked, at a complete loss of what in the world Hakuo was talking about. "When?"

"When I said you only wanna have sex with me."

He smiled into the hiding darkness. He's not sure what star this weird alien posing as a human came from, but he's glad that he's here, and that he's befriended him. Apologizing for something like that… It's certainly a first.

"I know it's a part of it, but I also know that you like me enough at least to tell me so," Rolling onto his side, he looks at the featureless void that is Gev's face. "So, for accusing you of being a sexaholic, I apologize. I know there's more to you than that."

Circling his finger around Krenn's shirt covered naval, he teased. "It hurt pretty bad, now that you mention it. You'd better strip and let me have ten minutes of miscelaneous touching to make up for it."

Hakuo laughed. "You wish."

"Not gonna lie, I do wish."

Hakuo gave him a 'There-there' pat on the head. "Mm, well... Think of me like rice or eggs; if you don't devour me while I'm hot, I'll be lukewarm to cold every time."

Gev's nod was felt by Hakuo, whose bed-buddy's forehead is pressed against his own, as he agreed. It was a very accurate simile. They fell into a short silence broken by Hakuo, asking.

"Do you sleep hot? Wanna cuddle?"

Gev wrapped his arms around his bed-mate answering the question through actions. Hakuo easily rolled them over so that he's lying on his back with Gev resting over top of him; he then fondly strokes his hair. Having rarely to almost never being on the majority end of an embrace, the Russian squirmed to find comfort in the foreign territory. He isn't uncomfortable physically, it's more of an emotional type thing.

"Uum.." He began, but got shushed.

"Just relax. Get some sleep." Smiling, Hakuo says humorously. "Don't think just because you're bigger than me that it means you own the position." It's just like he told Sunny Quispe, he may be smaller than normal guys stature because he was born premature, but that doesn't put him any lower on the totem pole for machismo than the next man.

"Okay, tough guy, you win." He rubbed gently upon Hakuo's slow rising and falling stomach.

Holy shit - he's like an ice cube tray! Not from cold, no, he's actually really warmer than he's ever known a touch of Hakuo. But his body. His torso is toned. When did this happen? Life with him is passing Gev by. Was this training at the academy's doing? So much is being missed. He never realized how little they do exist with each other. It made him feel… well, lonely. The whole reason he'd wanted to jump states was to be closer to.. to be with, Hakuo. He was seriously beginning to see why Hakuo hates hugs. It's making him all emotional.

This is fucking weird. Thinks London. He was going to comment on it, but the steady breathing kept him silent. Poor bastard was exhausted but stuck it out as long as he could for him. There was no question about it, he likes him - deeply likes him. It's not just for now, just because Yakusoku pissed him off and betrayed his feelings by labeling him a typical sulking goth. And like he doesn't know the depravity of some sexual sicko. True enough, it didn't really bother him having to suck his solicitor's dick when he couldn't sell enough product, but it was better than getting the shit beat out of him by a room full of assholes.

'I wonder what they're doing right now?' He looked out of the window as if the answer were there.

He supposed it no longer mattered. He'd made his choice. He will leave them. Not in cruelty, but through kindness. He does still love them, dearly. But, he doesn't feel it's returned. Not to the appropriate magnitude as it's given. Does that sound unappreciative? No. Shouldn't they love as equals? He always thought of himself as a side piece. At least in the beginning.

How could he not? Ludwig wanted him for sex, that he couldn't have with Yakusoku - at first. But once he could, the two of them did it less and less. And Yakusoku, always afraid to let him be with him. Really be with him. As if he'd get carried away and break him or hurt him… Why would he do such a thing? Despite the thorough bedroom habits of he and Mamoru, he would not be that way with Yakusoku.

He's had the pleasure now, now that he's inhabiting Siegfried Walker. Is it the same thing? Of course. Was it the same thing when he was alone inside of Will? Of course - gross, but of course. But Yakusoku only did it, only wanted it, not for their relationship's sake, but simply because he thought it would keep him interested in him, and back him off of Hakuo. Which even then, Yakusoku could see he was falling for him - eavesdropped conversation with Nono or not. The attraction was there and noticeable to him.

And with Hakuo it was only sexual - at first. But as time passed… every stoic expression, every bit of goofiness that came from seemingly nowhere, to his sangfroid attitude towards most subjects.. He's really come to like and care about him.

Touching sleeping Krenn's hair, he closed his eyes. 'Sleep well, officer Krenn. Even if it takes forever, I'll win you over, that I'm telling you the truth.' Giving the Asian mixed chest a peck goodnight, he awaited sleep; enjoying being cared for in an embrace. Somehow, it felt as though he's been here before…

When Gev opened his eyes that morning, he stretched to a sort of strange feeling, strange until he dropped his arms to see he's been assaulted by sticky notes again. They went from 'Good morning' all the way to 'have breakfast, and don't bother Nathen'. He smiled, stuck the notes together then got himself ready for work. Keeping one note in particular, that told him never to feel lonely, because anytime he needs a friend, he'll be there for him. Pocketing the kindly message, he starts his own routine before work.

He'd noticed something as he ate his bowl of cereal while checking his emails; that his inbox is empty. No: Where are you? No: What are you doing? Not even a rude, you're with HIM aren't you? Just nothing. Maybe they hadn't even noticed that he came home, changed and went out right after? Maybe they're trying to prove their own point about not needing him. Never had, never will again.

Fuck 'em. They can just be that way then. Clearing his dishes, he exited the home before Nathen got out of his bedroom, where the blond had gone to dress after breakfast.

1 hour and a half earlier.

Hakuo was up at 3:40 am to get ready to head off to school. He ate, brushed, showered, then set to work riddling Gev with love notes of the non-romantic kind. Just little touches from words to linger his presence where he is not. He's headed down the stairs towards the street at a pretty good speed; however, it slowed to a stop when seeing he's been waited for. Or, perhaps it's Gev the guard is on watch for?

Continuing his descend, he nods to Ludwig. "Good morning."

"Good morning."

Seeing that Ludwig planned to say nothing more, he stuck the key into the lock in his car's door to unlock it. The visitor watched all this up to the door opening, and then he realized his reason for being their was about to get away.

"Wait!" He grabbed the door before it could close; thankfully, Hakuo doesn't pull a jerk move and close the door on his fingers, despite having seen and felt him holding the door. "Please, I need to talk to you."

"You picked one hell of a time to do so."

Getting out of the car because he doesn't want to come off as rude by sitting there, visually telling Ludwig Ballantyne to get lost, he stood before him. Facing him. He knows what's coming: a tell-off, a punch to the face, maybe even a threat or two. It's all very typical stuff in situations like these. So he'll accept it with aplomb.

"Don't make me late, okay? The academy has a strict rule about it." Which is why they prefer trainees to remain in the dorms. But, not everyone can or would like to - not at first.

"I won't take up to much of your time, I just need something cleared up… He's with you, isn't he? Inside - he spent the night?"

Hakuo's expression sagged. "Don't ask questions you already know the answer. What do you really want to know?"

"Why you're doing this? Why are you taking Gev from us?" He asked. "Is it because of your going into a coma from helping us? That wasn't our fault… Don't punish me and Yakusoku for it. Or… is it because you really like Gev? Do you like Gev?"

Hakuo gave a single nod. "Very much."

Ludwig felt tears sting his eyes. Not because of Hakuo's confession of truth, but because Yakusoku was right about something going on between the pair. "I never would have pegged you as the mistress type. I thought that you hated sex, and that relationships don't interest you…"

"You're correct on both counts, but wrong of the accusation. I am not a male mistress."

"Then why are you taking Gev from us?"

"I'm not doing any such thing. I'm friends with Gev, he's allowed to have them - isn't he?"

Ludwig chewed at his dry lips. He hates confrontation. But, dammit, Yakusoku was up in silent tears all night, sure that Gev was here, at Hakuo's apartment, sleeping with him. Spilling tales about their fight. Just painting them a bad picture, until eventually the volcano erupts and they actually give Gev a reason to go. He's likely just flirting with the idea right now, and will eventually start fight after fight between them until they're glad he's gone. Hearing those words, if television is anything to go by, it all is very possible.

"Friends? And that's all? You two aren't having sex with each other?"

"We have, but we aren't planning these things. We don't meet up to do it."

The violinist's mouth parted in shock. "Then you are trying to take him?"

"I assure you I'm not trying to take Gev. But, if he wants to be with me, that's his choice. I won't turn him away out of courtesy to you and Yakusoku."

"But it's not fair. We can't stop you, because…"

Because? That gave Hakuo pause from his decided return to leave for school. The birds have grown noisy, and dawn is bluing the sky. "What 'because'?"

Ludwig seemed almost reluctant to spill it, since Hakuo had to ask what he's talking about. Maybe it didn't dawn on him to flex his muscle, that he's that confident he'll take Gev from them.

"Again, time crunch. Please, Ludwig, just tell me… or I'm gonna leave,"

"If Yakusoku and I fight for Gev, you might take…"

Hakuo cupped his ear with his hand having missed that last part. "What? I might take a Shock-Photo to commemorate your loss? A celebratory selfie? You have to speak up."

"You might decide to take our bodies back." There. He said it.

Said soul reaper drew in an audible breath letting it out in the same. "That was me suppressing a painful laugh. Why in the world would you think I'd take your bodies from you?" He then added. "And I expect an answer to that,"

Ludwig shrugged his shoulder, feeling like a nervous kid talking to a strange adult. This must be that side of Hakuo that Yakusoku told him about, when they spoke to each other on the inside. Businesslike, mature, and unapproachable - especially if you intend to babble or lie.

"You hold all the cards here. You're the reason we're even alive to still be with Gev and each other; there was no guarantee of that in our dying together, just that we'd both be gone. So, if you want him.." He let that hang a moment. "But we're standing in your way... You could just unplug us, and that's it. Music's over."

"Ludwig, I'm only gonna say this one time; absorb it, hold on to it, and know that I only tell the truth. I will not now, nor will I ever… take your or Yakusoku's body from you." He let that sink in then went on. "I gave them to you. Once you were inside the contract closed. It's no longer up to me - even if I did have my gift. My word is always sincere. If you die in your new body, there's nothing I can do about that. We're all going to go at some point..." Obviously.

"And I am not trying to take Gev," Completely true statement. He's trying to gain him. Completely different things. "If he wants to be with me, as my love, then wonderful. I won't turn him away. Because I do have feelings for him - I know, I'm Asexual, disinterested in romances; and you'd better be amazing for me to tolerate your company. But somehow he found his way in. But, that doesn't mean I'm out to wreck your marriage as a payback for your existence having hurt me. I'm not petty." Waving his hands he then thrusts them forward giving Ludwig a pat on the chest. "I seal thee." He declared his words heard and received.

It felt good to hear that. He's been terrified all through Hakuo's recovery that he'd blame them, and he'd kill them. When that didn't come to pass, a new horror arose of Yakusoku being an upstart about Gev. It's why he's here now. He wanted to sooth the beast, but as it turns out he placed a monster under his bed, not Hakuo. He openly admits to wanting love, but that he won't fight for it. He can understand that, even respect it in some way. Because what can they do if Gev decides to jump ship? It will be his choice. If Hakuo truly isn't trying to drive a wedge between them, then the problem is within their own house, not on the outside.

"What will you do if Gev wants to be with me?" Hakuo wondered.

Ludwig closed his eyes, when he opened them, he could only shrug his shoulder. "There's nothing I can do but to be sad for the loss. Maybe even blame myself a little, for not trying harder to hold onto him."

"You sound as if you'd be fine with it,"

"Resigned to be fine." Corrects Ballantyne without a haughty air.

"And Yakusoku?"

"I imagine he'll be heart broken worse than me." Again, he shrugs. "But what can we do besides be upset about it? If he wants to go to you, or anyone, he'll do so."

Hakuo pats Ludwig's shoulder. "Keep that level head. If you're going to talk to Gev, wait until he's awake. Good day." Climbing into the car, he starts the engine then rolls away.

Ludwig looked back in the direction Hakuo had come from. He wants to talk to Gev. But he can't. He's just not ready to right now. Climbing back into his car, he went home.

...

Academy has been hilarious today! All around them they watched as men were reduced to boys just from getting their haircut. You couldn't get this kind of funny anywhere but Top Model when it's makeover day. Two guys actually decided to leave - over hair! How ridiculously uncommitted.

'I'm gonna look so funny. i wonder if I can get a picture to send to my parents?' Krenn thinks watching his fellow officers who don't mind getting theirs' out of the way lickety-split.

"Next!" Called the barber, or rather the word floating around, butcher.

'I believe that's me.' Stepping away from the wall he was leaned on, he walked over to the emptied chair, plopping down into it. Closing his eyes, he smiled when the electric razor hit his head. It tickled like mad. Best part was he could laugh all he wanted since it wouldn't affect the end result of a brushy little porcupining.

"Presto, you're clean."

Removing the smock, he glanced at himself in the mirror getting a good laugh. He's never seen the shape of his head so magnified before. Is that what everyone was so worried about? He supposed if you have a funny shaped head, it could be troubling to get picked-on about it. But, he doesn't, sweat that notion, he'd still be cool about it, even if he does get the business from the other cadets. Most people don't usually pick on him. And when they do, they grow tired of it because he doesn't respond as they want. It can be so embarrassing for bullies. It really showcases a person being an ass for no reason whatsoever.

"Look what they did to my boy!" Toshiyuki said, when Hakuo walked by with his new do.

"And you're next."

"Crap." He swept a hand through his back-to-natural-black hair. The academy also ordered all dyed hair be restored to birth condition.

"And I'm not your boy." He pushed open the door after receiving an okay-okay sign. When he walked out into the sunshine, he - like the others freed from the den of sorrow - brushed a hand over his head. The sun beat down on it in the most delightfully warm way. "Hey, George!" He called when spotting the giant.

"Look at what they did to this boy." Toshi declared when exiting the building.

Hakuo cocked his head.

"Do you think the spirit cadet will go in?"

"Not sure. Maybe he didn't make it this far in the program, so technically he can't? I don't know how this works, I only just started seeing spirits." Hakuo shrugged, again reminding the ever pestering.

"It's possible for a spirit to change their appearance, when we leave offerings on grave sites… As it's a gift, a ghost can acquire it."

"That's really interesting. I should leave something for my grandmother then." Asking, he wonders. "So what happens to all that stuff? Does the funeral home take it and donate, or dump it in the trash or something?"

Toshi shuddered. "Are you kidding? I avoid funeral homes like the plague. Too much energy, it can be consuming. You ever walk around wanting to just hit someone?" Judging by the look on Hakuo's face he knows exactly what he's talking about. "Yeah, brief possession is like that, and they all wanna tell their story or pass on a message. I used to listen, but the rage they get when you've had enough already… Not fun."

"It sounds fun. Listening to all those tales, and sending them off happy. I'd like to try that."

Toshi felt sorry for Hakuo right then, as it certainly isn't always fun.

"Did you call me?" George asks.

"Yes. Walk with me." Guiding him along by a hand on his back, he asked. "So, partners… got anybody specific in mind, or can I call dibs for you and me?"

"I think the sergeant assigns partners, sorry bro."

"Aw, what? That sucks." Shoulders slumped, he sighed. "I'll keep my thumbs up then." Always jokingly saying it wrong.

"Um, I don't think so. I'm hoping to get cadet Elle," He nods his chin over to a lovely young woman doing stretches on the grass.

She'd obviously gotten her cut over with, her now bob-length black hair curtained her face from view as she bent over to work out her lower back. Straightening up, she spots the pair looking her way, and waves 'hello' to them.

"Nnnn, she saw me." George glowed.

'You're kinda hard to miss, you're pretty big.' Thinks Krenn. He's not disheartened. If George is right, there's a chance they could still be partners.

…

The day ended with bruises and exhausted limbs. Hakuo came home to an empty house. Gev either chose a hotel or he's at home working things out with the pair. He's glad he doesn't have to around while they have 'The Talk'. It's never easy that discussion. Accusations. Pointed fingers. Anger. And all the time with the yelling into silence. Ugh. They should just take the clean break and end it.

'I can't believe I didn't just scoop him up.' Thinks Hakuo changing for bed. 'But, I mean what I said. I don't wanna be some rebound, or get-back-at-others romance. I want the real thing. Hanging out, going on dates, being sick to death or seeing each other to the point of questioning if we made a dumb decision? Then we grow closer.' He smiled.

He sees love that way. No one can be happy, and going "hee hee hee" all the time. It's love, not insanity. Climbing into bed, he closed his eyes and fell fast asleep.

X x X

Commentary: I just wanna say if you've been with me from the start, wow and thank you. If you're just reading this story independently, I hope you're enjoying it, and are not too lost - I think it can read well on it's own *nods*

Such a beautiful day, it's misty raining, and my view is beautiful. Wish it wasn't nippy though.