Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Zweiter Chancen ❯ Youji ( Chapter 5 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

*****5*****


Even in the midst of dark and dreary surroundings, masked by sunshine and brilliant smiles, a person can discover what being true to themselves really means. It isn’t always easy, being who we are, doing what we have to do, but sometimes, by some miracle, it happens. Right before our eyes, it happens, and we couldn’t be more thankful that it does.

Such a shame it takes so long to even come close.

“Are you ready for a day with me, Emmy-chan?” Omi beams, walking with young Schuldrich down the apartment stairs and into the shop. “I thought a nice quiet day inside would be good for you. Besides...” he adds, looking around carefully before pulling in close to whisper. “Aya-kun has deliveries today, so he won’t be around much.”

Emery smiles with the breath of a blush on his cheeks, but says nothing. It had been an unsettled night with much tossing and turning after his encounter with Fujimiya Ran, and he isn’t in any mood to relive it.

Already moving about, opening doors and windows, Ken is bustling around the shop, and offers a joyful wave and greeting to his young companions. Perhaps things won’t be so bad after all, as long as there isn’t too much excitement today.

“Yo, minna! Beautiful morning, ne?” Youji calls, far too chipper compared to his normal demeanor, especially since he had been mysteriously missing most of the day yesterday. “Hmmm...Ran out and about...Ken opening up...Omi tying back his apron...and our young apprentice hard at work! How is life treatin’ ya, chibi?”

“It isn’t life we’re worried about.” Ken grumbles, narrowing his ocean eyes from across the shop.

“What do you mean by that, KenKen?”

“He means...” Omi begins in explanation. “...*who* we are worried about, for Emery’s sake, anyway...is Aya. They had a little run in last night.”

Deeply intrigued, Youji moves to block Emery’s path as the young boy makes his way to the back of the shop. “You okay? I’d hate to think Aya-the-ice-queen got the better of you. He has a tendency to violently overreact sometimes. Didn’t hurt you, I hope?”

Emery shakes his head in a ripple of loose, orange waves, before slipping quickly passed the older man standing in his way. Right now, the very last thing he would like to talk about is his frightening stand-off the night before.

Taking the hint, Youji keeps his mouth shut concerning what happened, even if he would truthfully like to know every detail there is to tell. Nevertheless, he always knows how to brighten a person’s spirits, and there is a certain someone right now who definitely needs cheering up.

“Take off that apron, Emery. You’re not staying with Omi today.” the sly playboy grins, advancing on the young German once again. “You’re coming with me.”

“Matte, Youji-kun!” Omi cries protectively. “Emery needs to relax today. We can’t have you sneaking him into some sleazy bar or running him ragged all night.”

Attempting to look deeply injured by such an accusation, the tall blonde holds his hands up in defense. “I’d never do anything of the sort, Omiitchi. A quiet drive is all I have in mind. It isn’t your decision, anyway. Come on, Emery, how do you feel about spending the day with me?”

Feeling quite cornered now, Emery stands rigid, clearly fightened at the idea of being alone with Youji all afternoon, all evening, and even - God forbid - well into the night. It isn’t that he doesn’t trust the playboy, he just isn’t sure how much he actually does.

“I...guess it...wouldn’t be so bad...”

“Then it’s settled!” Youji commands, spinning Emery around to undo the young boy’s apron. He isn’t met with much protest, but how could he be when the poor thing is too frightened to move? “Don’t worry, I’ll have you back by curfew.” he teases, and then suddenly pulls the small red-head almost inappropriately close, whispering beside his ear. “That is...unless we find something truly constructive to keep us occupied.”

Suddenly, Emery fears he has been roped in to a very one-sided situation, but his naive politeness forced him not to object before, and now there is no way out.

“Ja ne, Ken! Omi! Don’t wait up!” Youji calls happily, while practically dragging Emery through the door. The panicked face the young boy looks back at the others with is rather heartbreaking, but they are gone before Ken and Omi can do anything to protest.

Outside, it is a lovely day - subtle sunshine, marshmallow clouds, and just enough of a breeze to keep it from getting too hot. Inside Youji’s signature “Super 7” car, however, it is far too warm for Emery, feeling his entire face is becoming more and more like the color of his hair as they speed down the street.

“Relax, chibi, I don’t bite.” Youji winks, noticing that the boy is pressed as close to the other side of the car as he can get. “That can change upon request, of course, but we have all day to get that far.”

Emery’s bright blue eyes dart nervously to Youji’s alluring grin, and he finds it hard to take a deep breath, let alone reply.

Tossing back his golden locks with the will of the wind, Youji laughs heartily, and reaches a hand to rest momentarily on Emery’s knee. “No need to be afraid; I’m just having a little fun at your expense.” And just as swiftly, the hand is removed, and Emery can’t help releasing a loud and trembling sigh to be free of it. “I figured we could drive around awhile and see if anything looks familiar. Then later...if you’re up for it...we’ll hit one of my favorite clubs. Nothing too rowdy, I promise. And don’t worry about being underage. I’m good friends with the bouncers there, so they won’t give us any trouble.”

Gradually, Emery finds himself relaxing, despite the odd shiver that had shot up his leg upon Youji’s touch. He isn’t completely at ease, but he isn’t all out afraid anymore, either. Youji’s advances are probably more talk than anything, anyway, so there’s nothing to be worried about. Yet. Besides, getting a lay of the land sounds like a wonderful idea.

Sadly, very little of the scenery appears familiar as they drive, but Youji’s constant narration helps Emery understand more and more the country he has found himself in. Soon enough, the conversation is no longer one-sided, and he realizes he is rather enjoying their afternoon together.

“Arigato...Youji-san...I really appreciate you taking me out.” Emery smiles, watching as streets they have seen before reappear. Their drive is coming to an end. “I don’t remember any more than I did before, but it was nice to get away from the shop for awhile.”

“I figured you’d loosen up eventually.” Youji grins back, slowing down and searching for a place to park in front of a brightly lit building with a sign that reads ‘Yoru no Hinan-jo’. Rightly named, and certainly Youji’s favorite night spot. “Now we can really loosen up, chibi. You’re gonna love this place.”

The engine is brought to a dead stop almost right in front of the club, but as Youji pulls out the keys, the jingle catches Emery’s attention. His eyes focus on the key*chains* more than anything - one advertising the shop, much like their business card, a small figurine of a buxom woman in a bikini, and the model of a white car, very similar to the one he is riding in now.

“Where did you get that made?” the young German inquires, indicating the miniaturized model. “Did you have it done specially to match your car?”

“*My* car?” Youji laughs, toying with the keychain between his fingers. “This isn’t a copy of *my* car, chibi, but I guess you don’t know your cars that well, do you?. *This* masterpiece...this is a ‘57 Chevy convertible. Best car ever made. I used to think I’d do anything to get one.”

There is an unmistakable wave of nostalgia that crosses Youji’s features while eyeing the keychain, and Emery’s curiosity gets the better of him. “Why didn’t you?”

“I couldn’t. I don’t have the right.”

“...the right? I don’t understand.”

Youji’s smile dims, and his gaze seems to lose itself within the details of his cherished model car, so simple, but so much more than it seems. “I used to be a Private “I”. Years ago. Me and my partner, we had so many plans for after we made it big, and getting this car together was one of ‘em. But...she died. She died before we could do any of the things we planned to do. This keychain...it was a gift...something she gave me to remind me of all the promises we made. It just never seemed right to get the real thing without her. Don’t know why I’ve hung on to this old thing for so long...”

For countless, soundless moments, Emery sits there watching his companion without a word spoken between them, until a sudden jolt signals Youji’s return from the discomfort of his memories.

“Enough melancholy, chibi. Time to hit the town!”


-----


There is little doubt that Emery has absolutely no clue as to what he should expect from a night with Kudo Youji, but he won’t have to wait very long to find out.

The club is dark, with flashing lights coming out of the corners, the ceiling, and the stage far up front. Bodies cram together on the dance floor, whether the couples and groups are of the opposite sex or not, and there are very few open spots at the bar. Luckily, Youji’s influence over the waitresses prove just as successful as it had been over the bouncer at the door, and they are seated at a booth in the back.

Despite Youji’s stance against it, Emery orders a Shirley Temple, and is quite content to keep his blood-alcohol level at next to nothing. Youji, naturally, orders his favorite - a screwdriver - and is even more content to allow his alcohol level to swiftly climb up.

“Uhhh...Youji-san...should you be drinking so much?” Emery softly inquires, after Youji’s third glass. “I don’t remember if I know how to drive or not, and it’s dangerous if -”

“Don’t worry, Emery, I wouldn’t dream of driving.” Youji dismisses, tossing back a hearty swallow of his drink. “They don’t mind if I leave my car overnight, and the shop is just down the street from here.”

Oddly enough, Emery isn’t all that reassured. He trusts Youji far more than he did before, and they are having a good time, but alcohol rarely makes an evening less complicated. In fact, it has a tendency to make it more.

“How about a dance, chibi?” Youji asks suddenly, tugging on Emery’s delicate hand. “Sitting here all night won’t get us anywhere.”

Instantly, the younger boy’s eyes grow three sizes larger. “Da..dance? But...we...we’re both -”

“What? Men? You wouldn’t let that get in the way, would you?”

“I...I don’t know. I guess...not.”

“Then come on!”

Emery is semi-willingly dragged onto the dance floor, feeling more than a little intimidated by so many unfamiliar faces around him, but Youji’s insistence and the beat of the music help him regain his nerves until he is easily moving with the rhythm.

Playfully pushing Youji away whenever the eager man gets too close, they spend a good amount of time in motion, but the younger boy’s body isn’t used to so much exertion at such a late hour, and they are forced to head home before too long. That is, after resting a bit more in their booth, and after Youji had consumed a few more drinks.

True to his word, Youji leads the way down the few blocks to “Kitty in the House”, and stumbles inside with Emery following behind. The shop is dark, but they make it to the apartment door and up the stairs, careful not to make much noise since the others appear to be in bed already. Being in bed himself sounds perfectly wonderful to Emery, and with a smile and word of gratitude, he turns to retire to his room.

“Hang on, chibi. Don’t be slipping away now.” Youji commands, taking hold of Emery’s hands and leading the boy to sit beside him on the couch. Their surrounding are still veiled in shadows with only a light in the kitchen and what is coming from outside to offer them illumination. “We’ve had fun tonight, ne? You were a little squeamish at first, but you enjoyed yourself, I think.”

“It *was* fun, Youji-san, but I’m really tired. I just want to go to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning -”

“Morning? But I want your company now.” Youji grins, his eyes somewhat glazed from the alcohol, while he slides closer to Emery on the couch and leans over him, pushing him down into the cushions. “I want *you*...chibi. That isn’t asking too much, ne?”

“...n...nani...?” Emery breathes, his heart beating painfully fast as he pushes at Youji to keep him away. “Stop teasing...Youji-san. I just...want to go to bed...”

Purring beside his ear, Youji laughs lightly, running a hand through Emery’s long, sunset hair. “Then come to bed with me. I guarantee you’ll have more fun that way.”

“I think I’d...rather sleep...”

“And *I* think...you’ll change your mind...”

By now, Emery is flat on his back on the couch with Youji on top of him, gently, but firmly, holding him down. The poor boy can’t move, can’t think. He doesn’t want this, but his words don’t seem enough to change his companions mind.

While Youji’s lips brush the young red-head’s neck, strong hands trail down his sides, down the length of his legs, and trail up again, forcing shivers up Emery’s spine. Those lips move on, tasting the flesh of his small ears, his cheek, and to his own trembling lips where they press harder, deeper. Deep enough for him to soon feel Youji’s silky tongue searching for his own, and he almost wants to bite down just to get it away.

Those straying hands move to his chest and further down, slipping up under his shirt. His stomach churns with a million angry butterflies devouring him from within. Every touch is too much. Every renewed kiss is more unbearable. He wants to scream, but can’t. He wants to cry, but finds he already is.

“...don’t fight so much...chibi...if you let yourself relax...it is so much more enjoyable...”

“Youji-san...I don’t...want to do this...” Emery pleads, finding a voice in the freedom of his released lips. “...yameru...please...”

Perhaps the boy’s voice has grown so soft Youji does not hear him, but whether he does or not, he doesn’t listen. Those same, large hands slide down again, pawing at the waist of Emery’s pants, and all too soon have them undone.

(...nein...bitte halt...bitte...)

Emery flinches as those hands stray further, beneath the elastic of his somewhat exposed boxers, and further yet until...

“Youji! Get away from him! Now!!”

Until a blessing from the powers that be stops their advance with the harshness of a deep, angry voice. Youji’s hands free themselves quickly, but before he can move away, a new pair of hands pull him from the couch, throwing him roughly to the floor.

“What are you thinking?! Drunk off your ass again, for God’s sake?! He’s a child!”

If Emery wasn’t seeing this with his own eyes, he wouldn’t believe it. Fujimiya Ran has come to his rescue, after attacking the boy himself the night before, and even in the darkness he is a threatening image, whether you are on the receiving end of his anger or not.

“What the hell is the matter with you, forcing yourself on him like some -”

“Shut up, Aya!” Youji cuts in, struggling clumsily to his feet. “What’s it to you? Just because he’s not of age doesn’t mean he’s a child. If he want this then -”

“If *he* wants this?!” Ran screams back, grabbing Youji by the front of the shirt to pull him menacingly close. “He’s scared out of his mind, and you’re too drunk to see it! Use your head! How would you feel tomorrow, knowing you had taken him against his will? Go to bed before you hate yourself in the morning.” With that, Ran pushes him away, sending the blonde stumbling backwards.

There is a deafening moment of silence while Youji regains his footing, but as he does, he suddenly looks as if his mind has been forced to clear and realize the truth behind what he almost did. “Oh God...what was I doing? Forgive me...Emery...I...I didn’t realize...”

“It’s all right...Youji-san...” Emery mends with a weak smile, sitting himself up on the couch. “I know you’d never hurt me on purpose.”

“I am so sorry...” Youji breathes, despite the comforting words the boy has offered him. “Maybe...maybe sleep *is* a good idea.”

Dispiritedly, Youji gives his goodnights, and drags himself down the hallway, leaving Emery and Ran alone in the living room. There is a long pause of silence, with Emery huddled on the couch and Ran hovering beside it, but eventually, Emery decides to brave the most difficult obstacle he has yet to face.

Ran.

“Aya-san...I...I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come...”

“Don’t thank me.” Ran bites back, slightly less hostile than usual, but not by much. “He would never have been able to forgive himself. *That* is why I did what I did. It wasn’t for you.”

“I understand...but...I was so scared...I...I’m just glad you were...here...”

“Hn.” the stoic red-head replies. “Get to bed. You can do deliveries with Omi tomorrow. He still hasn’t uncovered anything to help us deal with you, but one of these days he will, and all this will become a memory you will be more than happy to forget.”

Heading for his own bedroom now, Ran turns for the hallway, but stops dead when hearing the soft, barely perceptible whisper that rises up from the couch behind him.

“...danke...” Emery offers in his native tongue, hoping to hide the meaning. Whether he is successful or not, he had to say it, even if Ran told him not to.

Unbelievably, a voice nearly as soft and deceiving itself replies. “...do itashimashite...Emery...”

And dear Emery can’t help smiling, brilliantly bright from ear to ear. After all the chaotic events of the day, it hasn’t turned out so bad, and maybe there is hope yet for tomorrow.