XXXHolic Fan Fiction ❯ Osaka ❯ The Competition ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Meph Kurama
What happens at the competition. Slight crossovers, but nothing major. Heed warnings!

Anime/Manga: XXXHolic Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 05.08.2008 | Pages: 30 | Words: 32.9K | Visits: 620 | Status: Completed

Domeki threw things in his suitcase, not caring if his clothes got wrinkled. How annoying was it that for the whole week everyone in the world seemed to conspire with Watanuki to push him away?! Everyone, and Domeki was pretty sure he was accurate when he said everyone, seemed to have a dire need to speak with him all the time. From the moment one of his idiot so-called friends met him at his gate in the morning, to the annoying girls who pulled him away with more of his so-called friends to have lunch with them, to his damn archery coach who made him stay after school to practice, to his crazy, insane parents who felt the need to engage him in conversation every night when Domeki would have rather been waiting for Watanuki to get off work- his day was packed with irritating distractions. And Watanuki seemed completely oblivious.
 
Domeki threw down his extra school uniform on his bed and scowled. Just when he thought they might be moving past that stupid hostility! And why in the hell did Watanuki look like he wasn't getting any sleep? What? Were his parent and Yuuto completely blind? Even the teachers at school whispered to each other but never actually pulled the boy aside and made sure he was okay. What in the HELL was up with that?!! When Domeki's hair was out of place, everyone fluttered around him as though it was the sign on the apocalypse. What had to happen before someone reached out to Watanuki to make sure he was okay?
 
And why couldn't that someone be HIM? What did Watanuki have against him? What did he ever do to Watanuki but care? Okay, and stalk him a little. And maybe raze him now and again? Hell, if he didn't, no one would? What? Was he the only person to really see Watanuki?
 
Domeki looked at the clock and then again at his suitcase. He groaned. He had to be at the train station in an hour. The coach was having them take the first train out to Osaka so they could go to their hotel and rest up before the afternoon trials. Normally Domeki would be happy that he didn't have to deal with the idiots at school for yet another day, but his lack of Watanuki time was starting to wear on him. And to make it worse, Watanuki hadn't even wished him good luck.
 
Domeki dumped out his suitcase and quickly repacked it. It didn't matter. He didn't care. It wasn't as if he was disappointed or anything. Christ, everyone else had stopped him to wish him well. Domeki slammed his suitcase closed and locked it up. He straightened out his uniform and carried his suitcase to the front door.
 
Great. 55 minutes early. Maybe he should eat breakfast.
 
Domeki had slipped on his shoes and was sliding his door closed before he registered what he was doing. He purposely didn't think as his feet carried him to Watanuki's building. Domeki looked up at the dark building and was surprised that a futon was already hanging off a balcony and the windows were bright in the darkness. Domeki forced himself to count the windows again. Seventh floor, Watanuki's apartment.
 
Before he could stop himself Domeki crossed the street and walked into the lighted entryway for the first time. He looked up at the mailboxes, fourth one from the right, fifth row. Watanuki. Domeki pressed the button under the name and held his breath.
 
“Yes?” Watanuki's voice sounded tinny and surprised over the intercom.
 
Domeki jumped. “Um, hey.”
 
“Domeki?!” Watanuki's voice was sharp with surprise.
 
Domeki wanted to run away, certain that this might be the most stupid thing he had ever done. “Yea.”
 
“Give me a minute, I'll be right down.” Watanuki said before turning off the speaker.
 
Domeki stared at the mailboxes. What was he doing?!?! He shook his head and was suddenly thankful that he didn't wake up Watanuki's parents. He didn't think he wanted to meet with Watanuki's parents for the first time at 5:20 in the morning. Hell, what was Watanuki doing up at 5:20?
 
The elevator pinged and Domeki turned to look through the glass doors in to the spacious lobby. The floor was a shimmery black marble. The white lights reflected off the chrome and light blue walls. It was even nicer than Domeki had imagined. It seemed so high tech and modern. Watanuki appeared from around the corner.
 
Watanuki was already wearing his school uniform, pressed and perfect. His glossy black hair was held back by a white handkerchief, a sign that he had been cooking. His eyes focused on Domeki as he pushed opened the door and motioned for Domeki to come in.
 
Domeki drank in the sight of the other boy. He hadn't realized how much he missed being close to him. He fretted over the dark gray shadows under his eyes and the thinness of his face. He frowned at the slight slump in the other boy's shoulders as he faced him.
 
“I was going to come over to the shrine…” Watanuki was saying. He held up a large blue wrapped package for Domeki.
 
“What's this?” Domeki asked.
 
Watanuki flushed and turned away. “I figured you might get hungry on the train.”
 
Domeki realized his hands were shaking slightly as he reached up to take the bento. Did Watanuki get up this early just to make him something to eat? His fingertips brushed against Watanuki's warm hand as he took the knot holding the bundle. Watanuki's cheeks got brighter red and he made to move away. Domeki quickly put the bento on the chrome and onyx table next to them and took Watanuki's hand in both of his. Watanuki looked up at him.
 
“You never wished me well.” Domeki said evenly. “Aren't you going to shake my hand for good luck?”
 
Watanuki blinked at him. The delicate hand was warm and soft in Domeki's calloused paws. Domeki's eyes never left Watanuki's as he brought the hand closer to him. Watanuki took a reluctant step closer and bowed.
 
Domeki leaned forward so that his head was only inches away from Watanuki's. His eyes glanced down quickly at Watanuki's pink lips and he could hear his heart beating in his ears. He leaned in ever so slightly closer, his fingertips caressing the smooth skin of Watanuki's wrist. He glanced up at Watanuki's wide eyes and could feel Watanuki's warm breath on his face. He reached up with one hand to cup Watanuki's cheek as he licked his dry lips.
 
Watanuki stepped back before the hand could touch his face. He averted his eyes and pulled his hand back. “Good luck.” He said quickly.
 
Domeki blinked, trying to force his brain to engage. Was he just about to kiss Watanuki? Is that why he was there? Did he really feel that way about him?
 
Would Watanuki have kissed him back?
 
“You better get going or else you'll be late.” Watanuki said still looking at the floor.
 
Domeki's hands felt cold as Watanuki's warmth faded. He couldn't remember where he had to go and it didn't really matter. “I want to stay.”
 
Watanuki's eyes glanced at him quickly before he slipped further away. “Don't be ridiculous. Good luck on your tournament.”
 
“Wait,” Domeki said, forcing his voice to sound normal despite the desperation he was feeling. “Don't go yet.”
 
Watanuki sighed. “Will you give it a rest?” He finally looked back up, his blue eyes distant.
 
“When I get back, can't we…”
 
“No.” Watanuki interrupted quickly. “We can't.”
 
“Why not?” Domeki asked.
 
“Because you have your friends and I have my job. Just because Yuuto gets a kick out of mixing us together, doesn't mean we have to do so voluntarily.”
 
“You're my best friend.” Domeki's words slipped out before he could stop them.
 
Watanuki froze and looked at him.
 
“You're the only one who really sees me.” Domeki said. It sounded lame even to his own ears.
 
Watanuki's eyes grew huge, the blue becoming noticeably deeper. Domeki's breath caught as they focused on him. There wasn't a name that matched the beauty of those eyes. I love him. I really, really love him.
 
Watanuki stepped back. “Get out.”
 
“Watanuki,” Domeki took a step closer.
 
Watanuki backed up against and collided with a chair. “No. Get out. I never want to talk to you again.”
 
“No, please...”
 
“I hate you.”
 
Domeki stopped cold. “You don't mean that.”
 
“I do.” Watanuki's voice was flat. “I hate you.”
 
“I don't believe you.”
 
Watanuki turned as the sound of a door opening and closing cut through the air. “Mr. Watanuki, is there a problem?”
 
Domeki tore his eyes away from Watanuki and looked at the large, uniformed guard. Domeki blinked. He didn't know Watanuki's building had a security guard.
 
“No, Mr. Akechi. My school mate was just leaving.” Watanuki said looking at the man.
 
The man looked at Domeki with unfriendly eyes. “Oh. Well. Let me get the door for you.” He said motioning to Domeki.
 
Domeki was at a loss. His brain was obviously packed away somewhere, maybe still asleep.
 
“Don't forget your package.” Akechi said pointing to the bento Watanuki had packed for him.
 
Domeki picked up the bento with numb hands and followed Akechi to the door. He turned around to glance back at Watanuki as he stepped through the door, but Akechi blocked his view. “Have a good day, sir.” Akechi said bowing formally.
 
Domeki bowed back and his feet turned him toward the shrine. He couldn't have possibly meant it. Watanuki couldn't hate him. Domeki felt unfamiliar stinging in his eyes as he trudged along. Watanuki didn't really hate him. He couldn't.
 
“Ah, Domeki!”
 
Domeki couldn't swallow past the knot in his throat as he looked up at his father.
 
“I was just wondering where you had gone off to.” His father smiled brightly at him, oblivious to his despair. “I see now.”
 
Domeki wanted to fall to his knees and just start sobbing like he hadn't done since he was in kindergarten.
 
“I called a taxi for you so you wouldn't be late going to the station,” his father chattered on. He put his hand on Domeki's shoulder and peered into this face. “I would have given you extra money so you could buy yourself something for the ride, but I see your friend has already thought of that.”
 
Domeki went cold.
 
His father's smile grew brighter. “That friend of yours really must care for you if he was up this early to pack you a bento.” The man chuckled. “When I was your age, I was too concerned with being tough and independent to have done something so thoughtful for any of my friends.”
 
A taxi stopped at the entrance of the shrine and his father pointed to the suitcase as the driver stepped out of the car.
 
“Remember, Domeki, a man's actions speak for him. His words are just bluster. Carry yourself like a man and all will respect you.” The man said as he pushed him into the cab. “Good luck, and call when you get to your hotel.”
 
Domeki could only nod, his thoughts flying too quickly. He held the bento close to him and closed his eyes as the taxi took off toward the station. Maybe his father was right. Maybe there was hope.
 
 
 
Domeki flopped himself of his large kind sized bed and closed his eyes. The hotel was grander than he had imagined. He knew nationals were a big deal, but apparently he had underestimated how big of a big deal! His room wasn't huge, but he had a large flat screen TV and a huge traditional bathroom with a Jacuzzi soaking tub that looked like it would fit four of him. Outside of the bathroom as a wall of floor to ceiling mirrors that opened up to a spacious closet. And the bed was just a huge western bed that was high and soft. Domeki was tempted to crawl under the down comforter and take a nap.
 
The train ride was okay. Made a lot better when he had finally been able to open up the bento Watanuki had packed. Watanuki had spared no expense at filling the box with special snacks he loved. And from the taste of everything, Watanuki had gone to the fish market that morning. Everyone, even his coach had eyed his bento jealously and Domeki could only smile inwardly. No one would go through so much for someone they hated. No one, not even crazy Watanuki.
 
Domeki stared at the ceiling. The bento was proof that there was hope. When Domeki brought the bento back to Watanuki on Sunday he would get Watanuki to talk to him. He would prove to his strange friend that they were indeed friends.
 
And, maybe, just maybe he would get that kiss.
 
Domeki thought back to the warmth of Watanuki's hand. For a guy he cooks a lot and cleans like a maniac, his hands were certainly soft. Domeki wondered what other parts of Watanuki would be soft. His hair? His skin? His lips.
 
Domeki shook himself as he sat up. He glanced at the large clock on his bedside table. Trials were in about 2 hours. He would call his parents and unpack before heading down to the arena to watch the other archers. With Watanuki's good wishes, he was certain he would do well.
 
 
Watanuki closed his school case, ignoring the chattering around him. He had made plans to meet with Ryo at a coffee shop not far from the school.
 
“I heard that the trials are almost over. Terazume and Domeki scored really well. I heard…”
 
Watanuki turned to see who was talking; one of the girls in his class who constantly followed Domeki around. Watanuki nodded absently. Domeki would do well. He was certainly good when he wasn't distracted. Watanuki pushed aside the uneasiness that rose in him at his thoughts about him. The scene from that morning was a little too intense for him to think about. Domeki couldn't have meant what he had said. Domeki obviously had only wanted something. Watanuki didn't know what Domeki would have wanted, but that had to be what it was. No one would ever just choose to spend time with him. And no one would ever think of calling him best friend.
 
“Watanuki?”
 
Watanuki turned and saw Himawari looking up at him. He smiled at her. “Yes, Himawari-chan?”
 
“I was wondering if you had heard the news?” she asked walking along side of him. “Domeki did well in his trial.”
 
“Yes, I heard.”
 
Himawari looked at him with her wide eyes. “Are you going down to Osaka to watch him shoot tomorrow?”
 
Watanuki shook his head. “No, I have work.” He did. With Yuuto gone, he planned on cleaning her main room really well. Maru and Moro seemed to be a little less enthusiastic, almost worried about something, so he had wanted to cheer them up a little.
 
Himawari pouted a little. “Oh.” She touched his sleeve, causing him to stop. “Risa said that she saw Ryo waiting at the gate. You aren't going out with him tonight, are you?”
 
Watanuki frowned slightly. He was sure he told Ryo that he would meet him at the coffee shop. “Yes, but only for a little while.”
 
“Domeki thinks Ryo's up to no good,” Himawari blurted out.
 
“Domeki hasn't even met Ryo.”
 
Himawari flushed slightly. “Domeki and I were talking about Ryo the other day. Domeki told me to stay away from him. And I think you should too.”
 
“Himawari-chan, I'm fine. I'm just going to have coffee with him.”
 
“Can't you wait for Domeki to come back? Then you can all have coffee together,” she pleaded.
 
“No,” Watanuki shook his head. That would be the last thing he would want. “Himawari, don't worry. I don't need Domeki with me all the time.”
 
“But you and he are such good friends!” Himawari seemed genuinely distressed. “Please wait for him.”
 
Watanuki smiled at her gently. “Not everything in my life revolves around Domeki. I can do things on my own.”
 
“I know, Watanuki.” Himawari said. “But…”
 
Watanuki looked up and caught sight of Ryo's timid smile. “Hey, I have to go. I'll see you on Monday?”
 
Himawari looked as though she wanted to finish the conversation, but she only nodded.
 
Watanuki waved to her and walked over to Ryo who bowed to him quickly. “I couldn't remember where we agreed to meet,” Ryo said apologetically.
 
Watanuki's suspicions settled as he led them to the coffee shop. “It's okay. How was school?” he asked politely.
 
“The same.” Ryo grinned as they sat down at a booth. “Mom and Dad were hoping you could stop by the house sometime soon. They want to see how you've grown up too. Maybe you could come over for dinner on Sunday? My mom makes really good teppinyaki.”
 
“I thought you said they were gone this weekend.”
 
Ryo nodded while looking at the menu. “They are. Mom and Dad will be back late tomorrow. Akino, my older brother, said he was going to stop by a few times this weekend. Don't worry, he isn't as much of an ass as he was when we were kids. In fact he's pretty cool now. He has an apartment near here. Hey, do you remember when he would hide our ball and then tease us about it?”
 
When Watanuki shook his head, Ryo launched into another lengthy story that almost seemed familiar to Watanuki. Ryo's smiles and laughter made Watanuki feel foolish for doubting him. It wasn't as thought Ryo could actually get anything out of befriending him. And even if Ryo had mistaken him for someone else, Ryo didn't seem all that bad. Who would blame Watanuki for just accepting Ryo's easy, uncomplicated friendship? After that morning, Watanuki needed something uncomplicated.
 
“Hey.”
 
Watanuki looked up.
 
“You were doing it again,” Ryo smiled at him. You're spacing out on me again.
 
Watanuki flushed and looked out the window. “Give me a minute,” he said softly. He needed to wash his face or something. He couldn't really focus on what Ryo was saying.
 
“Okay. I'll order your coffee,” Ryo offered easily.
 
Watanuki nodded at him as he slipped out of his seat. Watanuki entered the bathroom and locked the door. He pulled out his pristine white handkerchief and put it on the sink before turning on the cold water. He splashed his face a few times, taking care not to get his uniform wet. He dried his face with his handkerchief and absently turned away from the mirror. He was so tired and restless. If he could only take care of one part of his life that was going crazy, then maybe he could relax enough to get some sleep. With Domeki and Yuuto gone, this was his chance to settle his doubts about Ryo. That's what he had decided.
 
Ryo said he would bring pictures of them when they were kids. All he had to do was look at them, right? Nothing simpler. Then why was it so hard for him just to ask for the pictures?
 
Watanuki took a breath and folded his handkerchief. He would leave the bathroom, go up to the Ryo, ask to see the pictures and be done with it. It was really that simple. He could get his answer, and then if Ryo was wrong Watanuki could just walk away, none the worse for hoping. Right?
 
Watanuki sighed and put his handkerchief in his pocket and walked out of the bathroom, rehearsing in his head what he would say. He just had to ask. He just needed to see the pictures and then he would know.
 
“I ordered the café au lait,” Ryo smiled up at him. “Watanuki, it's really okay. I know you have something else on your mind.”
 
Watanuki stopped and looked at him.
 
Ryo smiled at him as Watanuki sat back down. “You've been preoccupied for the last week. Even when we would talk at your school. Something's wrong. What is it?”
 
“Nothing's wrong,” Watanuki said out of habit.
 
“Come on, don't be like that. Didn't you ever learn that it's not good to keep things in?” Ryo said. He took a sip from his cup, eyeing Watanuki over the rim.
 
Watanuki casually bought time by adding sugar to his coffee.
 
“You aren't fighting with your friend who was at the archery tournament, are you?” Ryo asked.
 
Watanuki grimaced at the bitter taste of the coffee. “Domeki isn't really a friend.” Watanuki said adding more sugar.
 
“Oh, I was talking about the girl, Himawari.”
 
Watanuki flushed.
 
“So, is there something going on between you and Domeki? Are you fighting?”
 
Watanuki sipped his coffee again, getting used to the bitterness. “It's nothing really. I just… Things are complicated.”
 
“We're teenagers, things are supposed to be complicated.”
 
Watanuki blinked at Ryo's easy humor.
 
“Come on, tell one time in your life that things weren't complicated. I can't think of one time in my life that I wasn't worried about something. And usually, there wasn't anything I could do about it anyways.” Ryo's smile was soft. “But it usually does help when I talk to someone about it.”
 
“Well,” Watanuki put his cup down. He felt foolish suddenly. “Actually. This might sound crazy, but did you bring the pictures?”
 
Ryo's smiled brightened as he reached into his coat. “I brought some, they aren't very good. Most of the good ones are in the photo albums my mom put together. When you come over I'll show them to you.” He handed Watanuki the pictures.
 
Watanuki looked through them slowly. They weren't very clear but if they were rejects from the photo album Ryo's mother had made, then he could understand.
 
“See, this one is me and Akino. I warned you before I don't have very many pictures of you not moving, so it's a little blurry. And that's you and me looking out over the lake by my grandparent's house. That's your dad in the background talking to my grandfather. And that's you and me at that festival. You look so different without your glasses, don't you…”
 
Watanuki studied the pictures carefully. The pictures weren't clear. The people weren't even slightly familiar. Even the boy Ryo thought was him didn't feel right. True there was some resemblance, but Watanuki felt like he was looking at a stranger. Watanuki looked through the pictures again, slowly.
 
“You still don't remember, do you?” Ryo said mournfully.
 
Watanuki put the pictures down and picked up his coffee cup. “No.”
 
“That must have been some accident,” Ryo said shaking his head. He looked at Watanuki sadly. “Maybe when you come over and meet mom and dad and talk with them you'll…”
 
“No,” Watanuki was a little disconcerted to see that his hands were shaking. He took another sip of the bitter liquid. “Ryo, I don't think I'm the person you think I am.”
 
“But you have to be. I recognized you as soon as I saw you!” Ryo pleaded with him.
 
“That was a really long time ago. You have me confused with someone else.” Watanuki looked out the window. He felt a little dizzy now that he had his answer.
 
“But you're so much like the Kimihiro Watanuki I remember. I've been looking for you for so long.”
 
“I'm sorry I'm not who you think I am.” Watanuki rubbed his eyes. He pulled out his wallet to pay for his coffee, when Ryo's hand stopped him.
 
“Even if you're not my Watanuki, will you still meet me for coffee?”
 
Watanuki looked up and had to blink as his vision swam slightly. “Why would you want to have coffee with me? I'm not him.”
 
“I like you,” Ryo said plaintively. “Since the tournament, it's been like I've had my best friend back.”
 
Best friend. Watanuki's jumped, knocking away Ryo's hand. “I'm not your best friend,” he said slightly sharper than he had intended.
 
“But I feel like I've known you all my life,” Ryo said watching Watanuki closely.
 
Watanuki put a bill down and went to stand up. He swayed and had to catch himself on the back of the booth. He really needed to get home. Between the lack of sleep and this…
 
“Are you okay?” Ryo asked hovering close.
 
Watanuki took a step back. “Yea, I'm fine.” Watanuki shook his head and pasted a fake smile on his face.
 
“Let's get you outside where you can get some air,” Ryo walked with him out of the café.
 
Once outside, Watanuki stumbled to a bench. He shut his eyes and waited for another wave of dizziness to pass. Suddenly, he felt very hot.
 
“Watanuki?” Ryo's voice seemed to be coming for very far away. “My brother has an apartment really close. Let's go there for a little while so you can rest.”
 
“No,” Watanuki's words felt heavy on his lips. “I want to go home.”
 
“No,” Ryo said, a smiled tugging his lips. “I can't have your parents seeing you like this.”
 
A very faint alarm bell went off in Watanuki's head. He stood up a little straighter and tried to focus on the warning, but the closer he got to it, the further it slipped away. “Let me call a cab, Ryo.” He said, forcing his eyes open.
 
Ryo's smile seemed feral to Watanuki as a spark of fear started the burn at his consciousness. “No, he'll be here in a minute.”
 
Watanuki shook his head. The action of shaking his head made him dizzy and he had to close his eyes as the faint buzzing of conversation tickled his ears. All he needed to do was catch his breath. Once he got a cab and got home he would just lie down. He was just really dizzy.
 
“Watanuki?” a voice called to him.
 
Watanuki tried to focus his eyes, but he was just too tired. Arms took hold of him and forced him to walk. “If you just get me a cab, I'll be fine,” he tried to say, but he could hear himself so he didn't know if he actually said the words.
 
“We'll take care of you,” an unfamiliar voice whispered in his ear.
 
A shiver ran down Watanuki's back as he turned to the speaker. “Ryo?” he asked doubtfully.
 
“This is Akino,” Ryo answered from his other side. “I called him so he could help me get you to his place.”
 
“I want to go home,” Watanuki was annoyed that his voice sounded so weak and his words were so slurred.
 
“Why would you want to do that, Babe?” the stranger, Akino, crooned into his ear. “The party's at my place.”
 
“He is a pretty one,” Akino's voice floated over Watanuki's head. “You did good, Ryo.”
 
“Of course I did,” Ryo's voice was decidedly cocky and for a minute. Watanuki slowly turned his head to face him. All the colors around him were so pronounced and interesting that Watanuki really had to fight to keep his focus. He felt them push at him and heard something that sounded like a door closing.
 
“Momo's already there. I'll have to see this one without his clothes, but I bet the camera will love him.”
 
Watanuki went to push Akino away, but the taller man grinned at him and caught him by the wrist. “None of that, babe.”
 
Watanuki weakly wrestled his arm away. “Don't touch me.” He said as Akino dumped him in grimy upholstered chair.
 
Akino hunched down in front of Watanuki and leered at him. “Oh, I'm going to do a lot more that just touch you, sweetness.” With that he planted a wet kiss on Watanuki's cheek. Watanuki recoiled from him. The older man just laughed. “I'm going to get ready.”
 
Watanuki struggled to stand, but Ryo easily just pushed him back down on the chair as another man walked through the door. “Hey, Ryo.”
 
Much to Watanuki's discomfort, the strange man started devouring Ryo's mouth like he was a starving man at a feast. And based on how Ryo rubbed up and down on him and moaned, he was enjoying the greeting. Watanuki took their distraction as a sign to leave, but his feet seemed unnaturally heavy as he stumbled up from the chair. “Where do you think you're going?”
 
Rough hands turned him, and Watanuki was grabbed by the shoulders and pressed against the wall. “Let me go,” Watanuki whimpered.
 
Akino nuzzled Watanuki's neck as Watanuki tried to push him away. Watanuki looked around the room for help, but the others just eyed him with hungry expressions.
 
“The bedroom's all ready. Let's get started,” Akino said pulling Watanuki down the hall as the others followed closely behind. Watanuki's footsteps faltered as he looked through the threshold of the room. A huge bed with black sheets and pillows was in the middle of a room that walls were lined with mirrors and cameras.
 
“No,” Watanuki said turning away. Akino caught him and pressed him against the door frame.
 
“Come on, babe, don't knock it until you've tried it.” He said before kissing Watanuki's neck.
 
Watanuki's breath hissed as the feel of Akino's lips caused his skin to burn. His heart began to beat unsteadily as he weakly pushed Akino away. Akino's hands skimmed Watanuki's sides. Watanuki closed his eyes as one of Akino's hands ran across his stomach then traveled lower, rubbing him through his uniform pants. Watanuki could only shake his head as he tried to pull Akino's hand out of his pants. “Oh, he's fucking gorgeous,” Akino said teasing Watanuki with his fingers.
 
Watanuki was pushed roughly into the room and fell to his hands and knees a few feet from the bed. His skin prickled, his heart raced, his body was so hot and cold at the same time. He couldn't catch his breath. His mind screamed at him as strange hands picked him up and forced him on the bed.
 
“Leave the uniform on. He looks like a debauched angel.” Akino said from behind a camera. “Christ, he has good bedroom eyes. Ryo get in there.”
 
Watanuki looked at the boy who betrayed him and his eyes grew shimmery. “Why are you doing this?” he asked.
 
Ryo took hold of his wrists and pulled them above his head as he straddled Watanuki's hips. “You're going to make us a lot of money,” Ryo said as he rubbed his crotch against Watanuki's. “People will pay a fortune for a face like yours.”
 
Watanuki's eyes squeezed shut as sensation overwhelmed him. He clenched his fist tightly as Ryo fell forward against Watanuki, grinding his hips into him.
 
“What's it,” Akino called. “Make him want it. Ryo sit up. I want to see his face. Yea, perfect.”
 
Tears gathered in the edges of Watanuki's eyes and fell from the corners. Watanuki's body was spiraling tighter and tighter around him as he body responded to the friction.
 
“Now, pull back, I want to see his face when you go down on him.”
 
Watanuki's eyes shot open when Ryo slid off him. He looked down, panting, unfulfilled, to see Ryo smiling at him, hovering over his tented pants. In the distance he could hear clicking, but he could only stare at Ryo and Ryo's smile. “You want it don't you?” Ryo said softly.
 
“No…” Watanuki groaned as Ryo mouthed the wet spot on his pants.
 
“Oh my god, he's so hot,” Momo said from behind Akino.
 
“Get in there,” Akino ordered.
 
Watanuki's eyes opened when the bed moved. Hands tore at his uniform jacket, ripping buttons off his dress shirt, pulling up his undershirt. Watanuki tried to push his shirt down and sit up as Ryo went to unlatch his belt and Momo's hands caressed his skin. “No!” Watanuki shook his head and pushed Momo into Ryo. Momo jumped forward and pinned Watanuki down by the shoulders and went to kiss him.
 
As Momo's lips touched Watanuki's, Watanuki's mind cleared and time seemed to slow.
 
This isn't what I want.
 
Momo's tongue lapped at his lips, seeking entrance.
 
He isn't the one.
 
Momo's hand jerked at Watanuki's hair, causing Watanuki to gasp. Momo's tongue invaded his mouth.
 
I don't feel safe here.
 
Watanuki shook his head, but Momo persisted, forcefully sucking on his tongue.
 
I want to be with Him.
 
Watanuki's eyes shot open and he pushed Momo from him and sat up. Momo and Ryo looked at him surprised. “I want to go now.” Watanuki said softly to Ryo. He stumbled off the bed.
 
“That's not how this goes,” Akino snorted.
 
Watanuki fell against one of the mirrored walls and rested his head against its cool surface. His body was too hot and too tight for him to catch his breath. As hands grabbed for him again, his body throbbed and he moaned. Momo pulled him away from the mirror and grabbed him by his thin wrists. Watanuki leaned away from him only to back up against Ryo. The Ryo's hands slipped up under Watanuki's shirt as he sucked on Watanuki's neck.
 
“No,” Watanuki said shaking his head. Momo stepped closer, pressing his body tightly against Watanuki's, thrusting him into the other man. “Let me go,” Watanuki tried to twist out of the way, but Momo and Ryo held him too tightly.
 
The other man's hand slipped down into Watanuki's pants and started pumping his already over sensitive erection. Watanuki gasped for breath as the other hand pinched his nipple. Watanuki's head fell down on Ryo's shoulder.
 
“Step away, Momo, let me get a picture of his face.”
 
Watanuki's legs gave out on him and all he could feel was the hands touching him, stroking him. Lips once again kissed his neck and he was dimly aware or the hardness of the man behind him.
 
“Kiss him, Momo. Use plenty of tongue.”
 
Watanuki's head turned as Momo stepped closer to him. Momo's lips traced his mouth and Watanuki clamped his mouth close.
 
“Ryo stroke him hard, I want to hear him to beg for it.”
 
Watanuki's clenched as his the edges of his consciousness started whiting out. “No,” he hissed.
 
A tongue snaked into his mouth. Watanuki shook his head, his heart beating so quickly he was sure it was going to explode. When the tongue persisted, Watanuki bit it, and shoved Momo away as hard as he could, falling forward. Ryo was so surprised that his hands slipped out from under Watanuki's clothes.
 
Momo wiped a spot of blood off the corner of his mouth and scowled. Watanuki head swam. I have to get away.
 
Momo stepped forward and backhanded Watanuki so hard that his glasses flew off his face and hit the wall. Watanuki's neck snapped back, and he fell back against Ryo's legs. Ryo kicked him and Watanuki crumbled on his side, looking at himself in the mirror.
 
Help me.
 
The lights in the apartment seemed to flicker as Momo pulled Watanuki up by his hair. Watanuki's eyes stayed focused on a spot on the mirror.
 
Help me.
 
Voiced buzzed around him as Watanuki felt the others hitting him. The lights flickered around him and then went out.
 
Watanuki was dropped on the ground as Momo, Akino, and Ryo scrambled to see what was wrong.
 
The mirror Watanuki was staring at started to glow. Every quickly the room was bathed in a golden light.
 
Ryo and Akino backed away as they noticed that the mirror Watanuki was staring at was no longer reflecting him, only the brilliant light.
 
“Master,” a deep, gravelly voice called. “How may I serve you?”
 
“I want to go where I am safe,” Watanuki wished softly. “Please. I want to go to Him.”
 
“And these others?”
 
Watanuki just shook his head and closed his eyes.
 
The golden light solidified in the mirror in front of Watanuki. A golden brown horned monster gazed down at the men behind Watanuki. He had four heavily muscled arms and two hoofed feet. He stepped forward, and his hand reached out of the mirror slowly, followed by the rest of him. Watanuki was vaguely aware of the whimpering from behind him as the creature helped him stand. “I don't know where He is,” Watanuki said in a small voice.
 
“I will bring you to him as my brothers take care of them,” he said looking at the three others. The creature's mouth opened slightly to reveal huge pointed teeth. He picked Watanuki up easily. Watanuki closed his eyes and seemed like a tiny child against the creature's massive body.
 
“Thank you, Yoshi.” Watanuki's voice was a whisper as the creature stepped back into the mirror. The golden light faded, leaving the three men not quite alone in the darkness.
 
 
 
 
 
It was like the oppressive tension that stifled everything right before a big thunderstorm, Domeki decided as he restlessly looked out his window. The glowing lights of the city did nothing to calm the unease that prickled him. It bothered him all through dinner and made him irritable. His coach told him to relax, but Domeki didn't think his nervousness had anything to do with the tournament. But compared to high strung twitching of the other archers, both from his school and the others, Domeki could understand why his coach thought he has.
 
Domeki picked up his cell phone and toyed with the idea of calling up directory assistance and trying to get Watanuki's number. Hearing his voice might settle his nerves. Domeki snorted and put the phone down. If he called Watanuki, he would have nothing to say and the other boy would probably end up yelling at him before he hung up on him. Domeki dimmed the lights in his room and looked back out the window.
 
It's not like having Watanuki yell at him would necessarily be a bad thing. Domeki was used to it, and Watanuki probably enjoyed it. Domeki took hold of the phone again. And he could tell Watanuki about the tournament. He might be interested, maybe.
 
Okay, Watanuki probably didn't care about the tournament or about Domeki, but even if they spoke to each other for even just a few minutes, Domeki would feel more at ease. Domeki knew he wouldn't get any sleep if he didn't find a way to relax.
 
Domeki forced himself to put the phone down and walk into the bathroom. Hell, he had the biggest tub in the world, he might as well use it, right? He knelt by the tub and started the water, slightly warmer than normal, but the heat, he reasoned, would relax him. He quickly disrobed and turned on the shower and quickly soaped himself up. Domeki washed his hair and then stood under the water spray for several minutes.
 
It was funny, Domeki thought to himself, how obsessive he was. Watanuki was probably in bed asleep, probably not sparing a thought on him. Domeki idly wondered what it would take to get Watanuki to think of him as obsessively as Domeki thought of the blue eyed boy. Domeki tried to think of an answer as he faced the spray of water, but kept drawing a blank.
 
With a sigh, Domeki turned off the water and stepped into the tub. He looked at the control panel and randomly started pressing buttons. Water shot through vents hitting Domeki's back with almost painful pressure. Domeki quickly turned the intensity down and touched another button. Air bubble rose up from holes on the floor and the seats, causing Domeki to squirm. Domeki turned the air bubbles off and played with the vents for a few minutes more until he found the intensity and the current that didn't annoy him.
 
Domeki sank back into the seat and rest his head on the headrest behind him and closed his eyes. He tried centering himself. When that didn't work he sank below the water line and listened to the water, focusing on the feeling of the water moving over his skin.
 
Finally, he turned off the currents and the vents and sat in the tub wishing he had thought to bring his cell phone with him to the bathroom.
 
With an irritated sigh, Domeki stepped out of the tub and dried himself off. He pressed the button that opened the drain and brushed his teeth.
 
Just as he finished rinsing his mouth, his skin prickled. Domeki frowned and slipped on his robe. He walked out of the bathroom and almost walked past the mirrors when they started shining brightly. As he watched, a golden form started to grow, as though coming from a great distance. Soon the figure filled the wall of mirrors. Domeki felt slightly alarmed as cold eyes seemed to glare at him. Then the golden form seemed to darken in its center. A human hand reached out to Domeki.
 
Domeki automatically reached out and put his palm against the mirror over the hand. He felt his heart thump when he realized that it was warm. His eyes slowly looked up from the hand until he was looking at Watanuki.
 
Domeki could only stare in disbelief as Watanuki stepped through his mirror. Watatnuki's face was swollen and his glasses missing. Chills ran down Domeki's back when he felt the blue eyes focus on him. “Watanuki?” He reached out as Watanuki fell forward. “What happened?” He eased Watanuki to the ground.
 
Watanuki reached up and touched Domeki's cheek. “Domeki.”
 
Domeki blinked. “Let me get some ice for your cheek and…” Domeki's brain stopped functioning as Watanuki's hand slipped around his neck and pulled him close. Domeki couldn't move as Watanuki's lips pressed against his. Watanuki's tongue touched Domeki's lower lip, tasting him. Domeki's eyes slid closed as he parted his lips slightly. Watanuki's teeth worried his lower lip before his tongue invaded his mouth. Watanuki's other hand pushed on his chest and Domeki leaned back. Watanuki broke the kiss and looked down at Domeki.
 
Domeki opened his eyes and was once again caught by Watanuki's feverish blue eyes. “Wata…”
 
Watanuki leaned back down and kissed him again. The time the kiss was hungry and more aggressive. Domeki whimpered slightly as Watanuki climbed on top of him, straddling his thighs. Watanuki's hands ran from Domeki's ears to his cheeks, then brushed against his neck before opening his robe. Domeki panted as Watanuki released his mouth and rubbed against him. Domeki's head fell back as his hips bucked. Watanuki pressed his body against Domeki as he leaned down and kissed him again. Domeki moaned as Watanuki thrust against him before slithering down his body. Domeki groaned and looked down to see Watanuki hovering over him. Watanuki mouthed his hardness.
 
“Christ.” Domeki hissed as Watanuki's hands and mouth worked him. His hands fisted as he felt his insides coil. He dug his heels into the carpet and thrust himself into Watanuki's mouth as Watanuki sucked him mercilessly. Domeki's toes curled and his unseeing eyes shot open as his body released. He bit through him bottom lip and was oblivious to the blood.
 
Watanuki's lips once again pressed against his and Domeki automatically opened his mouth, tasting himself on Watanuki's tongue. “I need…” Watanuki said breaking the kiss and pushing Domeki's arms away. Domeki bonelessly allowed Watanuki to push his legs further apart. Pain tore through Domeki as Watanuki started sliding himself inside. Domeki's eyes focused and he stared at Watanuki's huge, unfocused eyes. The pain in Watanuki's face matched the pain that was stealing Domeki's breath. Bit by bit Watanuki slid himself in even as Domeki's body tried to force him out. Watanuki's tears hit Domeki's face.
 
Domeki hands tore at Watanuki's uniform jacket as the Watanuki sheathed himself inside of Domeki. Watanuki took a few deep breaths as his eyes finally closed. “Watanuki…” Domeki cried in pain as Watanuki pulled himself out only to thrust himself back in.
 
Watanuki lifted Domeki's legs and thrust back in again.
 
Something inside of Domeki exploded. Domeki's eyes closed as he pressed down on Watanuki, trying to recapture that feeling. Watanuki nailed the spot again and a moan slipped out of Domeki's mouth. Watanuki opened his eyes and peered down at Domeki's face as he continued. Domeki's pole grew hard again and Watanuki took hold of it and started pumping it in time of his thrusts. The thrusts became increasingly harder as Domeki's breathe wooshed out of him. He couldn't think as he felt himself climax all over Watanuki's hand. Watanuki growled as Domeki's body tensed around him, milking his release. Domeki blacked out.
 
 
 
Domeki opened his eyes slowly. Watanuki was lying on top of him, his silent tears cooling on his chest. Domeki gently wrapped his arms around him, sore, and aware of Watanuki's member still inside of him. Domeki kissed Watanuki's hair.
 
“I'm sorry.” Watanuki whispered. He shook out of Domeki's arms and shifted out of him. He crawled into a fetal position, facing away from Domeki.
 
Domeki rolled over and placed his hand on Watanuki's arm. He could feel the tremors that racked the dark haired boy's body through his uniform. “It's okay.” Domeki said.
 
Watanuki just curled tighter. Domeki sighed and stood up. He surveyed the blood stain on his robe and made his way to the bathroom, winching at the pain. He cleaned himself up quickly and ran a wash rag under the warm water before wringing it out. He walked back to the other boy and forced him to turn on his back. Watanuki threw his arm across his eyes, but didn't say anything as Domeki washed him off and zipped up his pants. “You okay?” he asked as he buckled Watanuki's belt.
 
Watanuki didn't respond. Domeki spared a glance at his bloody robe and his boxers before scooping up Watanuki and carrying him to the bed. Domeki pulled off Watanuki's shoes and tucked him in. “We can talk about this tomorrow.” He said yawning. He turned off the lights and climbed into bed. Domeki wrapped his arms around Watanuki and kissed his hair until he drifted off.
 
 
 
 
 
Domeki's eyes opened as he tightened his arms around Watanuki. Watanuki had turned sometime in the night and his head was resting on Domeki's shoulder, his hands wrapped around his waist. Domeki smiled and took a deep breath of Watanuki's hair. A buzzing reminded him unpleasantly of what had woken him us and he looked over at his phone across the room. He closed his eyes and counted the rings, waiting for his voicemail to kick in. He ran his hand down Watanuki's uniformed covered back and wondered what his skin would feel like.
 
Domeki frowned as his phone buzzed again. Domeki eased himself out from under Watanuki and crossed the room, winching a little at the pain from walking. “Yea?”
 
“Domeki,” Yuuto's voice was clipped. “Watanuki is missing. He did not return to the shop or go home. There was a great surge of magically energy that was released and …”
 
“He's with me,” Domeki said turning around and looking at Watanuki. “He stepped though my mirror.”
 
Yuuto was quiet for so long that Domeki almost forgot he was talking to her as he pushed Watanuki's hair out of his eyes. “I see,” she said finally. “I would like to speak with him.”
 
“He's asleep. I'll have him…”
 
“He is… well?” Yuuto cut him off.
 
Domeki's smile faded as he touched the large bruise of Watanuki's cheek. “He looks as though he was in a fight.”
 
“I see,” she said again. “One of my associates will be there in a few hours to examine him. He has medical training and will be able to assess his condition. His name is Kakei. Please have Watanuki wait until Kakei examines him before allowing him to…”
 
“Is that really necessary? I'm sure Watanuki's fine.”
 
“When was the last time Watanuki was in a fight by himself?” Yuuto asked pointedly.
 
“We don't know what happened,” Domeki argued. “He may just have been mugged or something.”
 
“Or something,” Yuuto said flatly. “Domeki, a great deal of magic was used this night. So much so that my associates and I can still feel the aftershocks. It is still not outside the realm of possibility that this release of magic has triggered something… cataclysmic.”
 
“And you think Watanuki had something to do with that?” Domeki said pulling the covers up to Watanuki's chin.
 
Yuuto sighed. “Watanuki's the only magic user alive in this world who could have caused it. He's special, Domeki. A lot more special than he himself knows.”
 
Domeki felt a chill and went to stare out the window. “Maybe you're wrong.”
 
“Then I'm wrong. But if it was Watanuki, then something had to have happened that caused him to do whatever he did. We have to know.”
 
“What do his parents say?” Domeki asked suddenly.
 
Yuuto was quiet. “Watanuki's parents are dead,” she said finally. “He has no family.”
 
Domeki's breath was stolen from him.
 
“Didn't you know?”
 
No. Domeki's vision blurred.
 
“Domeki?”
 
“Your associate's name is Kakei?” Domeki said woodenly.
 
“Domeki?”
 
“I'll make sure Watanuki's still here.”
 
“Domeki…”
 
Domeki hung up the phone and turned the ringer off before resting his head on the cool window. Why hadn't he known? He sighed and turned back to the bed. Watanuki hadn't moved. Domeki slipped under the covers behind him and held him tightly.
 
 
 
 
 
Domeki jerked awake as the telephone by the bed rang. He let Watanuki go and groped for it as he blinked awake. His eyes felt grimy and his head felt stuffy. “Yea?”
 
“Mr. Domeki? Dr. Kakei is here. Should we send him up?”
 
“Give me a few minutes,” he said slipping out of bed. He hung up the phone and quickly picked up his bloody robe and the towels in front of his mirror. He threw them in the bathroom and frowned as he looked at himself in the mirror above the sink. His eyes were swollen and there were traces of tears down his cheeks. Domeki quickly washed his face and brushed his teeth before throwing on a pair of boxers and sweats. Just as he checked the room the bell rang.
 
Domeki opened the door. A blond looked at him with a soft smile that reminded Domeki of Yuuto's cat like grins.
 
“Mr. Domeki?” the blond asked.
 
Domeki nodded and noticed the mountain of a man hovering behind the blond.
 
“I am Kakei, and this is Sango, Ritsu, and Kazakaya,” the blond said pointing out the boys behind Sango. One of them had dark hair and looked at Domeki with a frown. The other blinked sleepily.
 
“Come in,” Domeki said moving to the side. The four others came in and Domeki shut and locked the door. Kakei walked over to the bed and turned on the bedside lamp.
 
“Watanuki-sama?” Kakei said gently shaking Watanuki's shoulder.
 
Watanuki didn't respond.
 
“Sama?” the sleepy blond blinked at the younger dark haired man.
 
Kakei frowned and forced Watanuki's eyes open. “Sango my bag.”
 
Sango held out a medical bag and looked around the room. Domeki's eyes narrowed when it registered that the dark haired man was wearing sunglasses. Kakei took Watanuki's hand and lanced his pointer finger. He squeezed a drop of blood in each of four test tube looking things and handed it back to Sango who capped it and shook it. “When did Watanuki-sama step though your mirror?” Kakei asked, bandaging up Watanuki's finger.
 
“Um, around 9.” Domeki said. “What are you doing?”
 
“His pupils are not dilating properly, which usually indicates that some kind of pharmacological intervention was called into play,” Kakei said smoothly. “I am trying to determine what was used.”
 
“Pharmacological?” Domeki's mind stuttered. “You mean he was drugged?”
 
Kakei took the test tubes from Sango and held them to the light. “Yes,” he said in a distracted voice. “Hmmm. Sango, help me with his clothes.” Sango and Kakei eased Watanuki up and took off his uniform jacket, after pausing and shooting each other meaningful glances at the missing buttons and the tears on his shirt. “Kazakaya?”
 
The sleepy blond stood up and took hold of Watanuki's jacket. Domeki's eyes left Watanuki as Kazakaya flinched. Ritsu caught the blond who was staring vacantly ahead. “Ritsu, we need to know what happened before Watanuki-sama arrived here.” Kakei's smooth voice was lightly tinged with concern.
 
The dark haired boy nodded and pushed Kazakaya into a chair, murmuring softly into his ear. “It's warm,” Kazakaya's voice was eerily hollow. “Shizuka's arms are…”
 
“Go back farther,” Ritsu's soft voice was just barely audible. “Go back before Osaka.”
 
Kazakaya nodded, but then flushed brightly.
 
“Before Osaka.” Ritsu repeated.
 
A hiss from the bed made Domeki turn from Kazakaya and Ritsu. Sango was holding Watanuki's tee shirt and frowning as Kakei's pale hands traced a large pale scar in the middle of Watanuki's chest, over his heart.
 
“Help me turn him over,” Kakei order softly.
 
Domeki took a step closer to the bed and saw a matching scar on Watanuki's back. There were bruises all over Watanuki's too thin body, but Domeki couldn't focus past the terrible scar. Watanuki whimpered as Kakei touched the scar again.
 
“Ritsu, there were three of them. One of the drugged his coffee with a sedative. There were cameras and a bed and…” Kazakaya's voice was shaking as he looked at Ritsu.
 
Ritsu took Kazakaya's face in his hands. “It's okay. Watanuki-sama's safe now.”
 
“But he didn't like them touching him. They got mad, they hit him.” Kazakaya said shaking his head.
 
“Kaze, it's okay.” Ritsu said still looking intently into Kazakaya's eyes.
 
“They were going to…”
 
“Ritsu, Kazakaya, take Mr. Domeki to get some coffee.” Kakei ordered.
 
“No! I'm not leaving…” Domeki objected.
 
“Take a walk kid,” Sango said tightly.
 
Domeki shook his head and Ritsu dragged him and Kazakaya out the door quickly. Ritsu didn't release his hold on Domeki until they were in the elevator. Domeki's eyes flickered around the elevator wildly as he tried to put his thoughts on order. The door opened and Ritsu stepped out. Domeki followed him without thinking.
 
“There's a coffee shop next door,” Kaze said softly.
 
Ritsu nodded without looking back and quickly led them out.
 
“Here,” Ritsu handed Domeki a hot cup of tea.
 
Domeki took the cup without looking up.
 
“So…” Kaze looked at Domeki nervously. “How long have you known Watanuki-sama?”
 
Domeki looked up. “What?”
 
Kaze flushed and looked away.
 
Ritsu smirked. “Kaze's a postcog. By touching Watanuki's jacket, Kaze was able to see everything that happened around that jacket for the last few hours, if not more.”
 
Domkei nodded once, then turned slowly to Kaze. Kaze turned a bright red. Domkei blinked at him for a few seconds then flushed. “Oh.”
 
“I didn't mean to pry,” Kaze said embarrassed. “I just sometimes see…”
 
“You don't have to apologize,” Ritsu said sternly, glaring at Domeki as if daring him to contradict him. Kaze gave Ritsu a shy smile before looking down.
 
Domeki stared into his cup.
 
 
 
 
 
Ritsu led Domeki and Kaze back up to the room after what felt like forever. Sanga was waiting for them outside the door. “Hey, we need to go clean some things up in Kyoto.” He said to Kaze and Ritsu.
 
“How is…”
 
Sanga just waved away his questions and knocked softly on the door before opening it. “Kakei?”
 
Domeki pushed through the door. Kakei was facing the window staring at the lightening sky. “Domkei,” he turned.
 
Domeki's eyes immediately went to Watanuki who was still sleeping in his bed. “How is he?” he asked.
 
“He is a bit bruised and battered, physically, but nothing that a few hours sleep won't heal.”
 
“What about those scars?”
 
Kakei sighed. “I don't know. The scars are very old, yet they don't seem to have ever healed properly. I've spoken with Yuuto and she doesn't know anything about them.”
 
“Yuuto said there was a magic thing that happened last night, was Watanuki involved?”
 
“Watanuki-sama is the only magic user strong enough to have cause the shockwave yesterday,” Kakei walked over to the bed and smoothed out Watanuki's hair. “I think to get the whole story we're going to have to question the people who tried to detain him.”
 
Domeki frowned. “What will you do once you find them?” He took a step back as Kakei smiled at him. There was something so cold and terrifying about the older man that Domeki's blood chilled.
 
“It doesn't do for someone to bring harm to a fellow magic user. Especially one as precious as Watanuki-sama,” Kakei said easily. He stood up and walked toward the door. “Take care of him.”
 
Domeki went to the bed as Kakei walked out of the room. Domeki lay down and wrapped his arms around Watanuki and held him tightly.
 
 
 
Watanuki's eyes slowly opened. He stared at the ceiling and felt the swell of panic as he tried to remember where he was.
 
“Watanuki?”
 
Watanuki flinched away from the voice, but had to close his eyes when his world started spinning.
 
“Shhhh, it's okay. Just rest.”
 
Watanuki opened his eyes again and found Domeki looking down at him. Watanuki tried to get away from him, but his nausea crippled him. Domeki watched him for a minute before getting out of bed and going into the bathroom.
 
“Where am I?” Watanuki's was scratchy and weak.
 
Domeki came out of the bathroom with a wet washrag and a bottle of water. “Osaka.” He sat on the bed next to Watanuki and handed him the bottle of water.
 
Watanuki reached up to take the water, but froze when he realized he was naked. His face turned beet red and he pulled the blankets up to his nose. “What in the hell and I doing here? And why am I naked?” he asked harshly.
 
Domeki looked out the window. “Don't you remember?”
 
Watanuki shook his head. Domeki turned to him and opened the water. “Here.”
 
Watanuki eyed the water suspiciously. Domeki waited patiently until the other boy's hand snacked out from under the covers and took the bottle. Watanuki's hand shook as he brought it to his lips. Watanuki's eyes closed as he drank. When the bottle was half empty he tilted it up. Domeki took the bottle from him before his shaking spilt it all over. Watanuki's eyes snapped open accusingly. “What happened?”
 
“I don't know. You stepped out of my mirror yesterday.” Domeki decided not to remind Watanuki about the other stuff. He looked considerably freaked out as it were. “Yuuto called first thing this morning worried about you. She sent one of her doctor friends to come examine you to make sure you were okay.”
 
“What do you mean, okay?” Watanuki frowned.
 
“You look like you were in a fight last night. Yuuto said something about magic shockwaves or something that I didn't understand. The doctor, Kakei pricked your finger and figured out you were drugged and wanted to make sure there was no other damage done to you.”
 
Watanuki's eye's became huge, and Domeki could see the blankets move as Watanuki's hands flew to his chest. Watanuki looked away. “Did… he say anything?”
 
Domeki took a breath and held it. “No,” he said finally. He looked back out the window. “He sent me out to get tea while he examined you. He didn't tell me what happened.” Domeki cursed himself for his cowardice. When Watanuki didn't make a sound Domeki looked back at him.
 
Watanuki's eyes were closed. Domeki reached over and put the cool rag over his eyes. “Here, this might help.” Watanuki struggled for a second, but once his eyes were covered he sighed.
 
“What time is it?” Watanuki asked.
 
“It's almost 10.”
 
“When do you shoot?”
 
“What? Oh, I think I was supposed to be there at 10:30.” Watanuki reached up and took the rag off his eyes and looked at Domeki. “I'm not sure if I should leave you.”
 
“You should.” Watanuki tried to sit up, but had to close his eyes and lay back down. Domeki put the rag back over his eyes. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Watanuki groaned. “I feel like hell.”
 
“Then stay. I'll stay with you and we can…”
 
“No, you had better go shoot.” Watanuki took a breath. “I'll be fine.”
 
“Will you be here when I return?”
 
Watanuki was quiet.
 
Domeki sighed. “Look, I sent your clothes out to be cleaned. They'll be back in a few hours. At least wait until I come back.” He took a breath. “Please?”
 
Watanuki didn't move. Domeki stood up. “Then I guess I just have to stay here and make sure you don't do anything foolish.”
 
“No,” Watanuki grimaced. “Go shoot. It's not as if I can get anywhere now.”
 
Domeki's heart fluttered. “Okay. Do you want me to order up breakfast or anything?”
 
Watanuki groaned. “NO!”
 
Domeki's hand ghosted over Watanuki's cheek before he tore himself off the bed. He jumped into the shower and realized how sore he was. He let the hot water relax him, and promised himself that he would find a way to get Watanuki in the hot tub with him. With that thought, Domeki smiled and stepped out of the shower. He carefully dried himself and walked out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his hips. He went through his closet and took out his archery uniform. He froze when he caught sight of Watanuki's reflection peering at him. Watanuki's eyes slid up his body until they made eye contact through the mirror. Watanuki flushed and closed his eyes. Domeki dropped his uniform on the bed and took the rag from the bedside table and went into the bathroom to rewet it. He came back and placed it on Watanuki's eyes.
 
Watanuki's eyes were closed tightly and he licked his lips nervously. “You're limping.” He said with just a trace of fear in his voice. “Why?”
 
Domeki wondered if Watanuki was lying about his memories from the night before. “It's nothing.” He got off the bed and started changing. “I liked it.”
 
Watanuki stopped breathing. “You liked what?”
 
Domeki finished tying his robe and ran a hand through his hair. “Being with you,” he said nonchalantly, hoping that Watanuki would start breathing again.
 
“Being with…”
 
“Hey, I have to go now,” Domeki cut him off. “We'll talk when I get back?”
 
“Um, yea,” Watanuki burrowed under the covers a little more. “Good Luck.”
 
Domeki smiled and was tempted to go over and kiss the pale boy, but elected not to… Who knew what Watanuki's reaction would be. Domeki picked up his phone and then scribbled his number on the hotel pad next to the phone. “My number's by the phone if you need anything.” He forced himself not to look back as he stepped out of the room.
 
 
 
Domeki groaned. Another break? There seemed to be a 10 minute break after every single group. At this rate, he wouldn't be finished until well into the afternoon. He pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open. He had forgotten that he had turned the ringer off the night before and was surprised to see that he had two messages. He brought the phone to his ear. The first message was Yuuto checking up on him and Watanuki. The second message was from Kakei.
 
“Domeki- things here at slightly more complicated than we had originally thought. Watanuki needs to stay out of town for a few more days. Give me a call and I'll work out a hand off so you won't have to stay with him.”
 
Domeki peered at his phone and quickly dialed up the number Kakei had called from as he stood up and walked out to the arena. “Kakei.”
 
“I'll stay with him.”
 
“Domeki?” Kakei's voice sounded surprised.
 
“Yea, how long does he need to stay out of Kyoto?”
 
“Until Wednesday or Thursday,” Kakei answered. “Kaze and Ritsu can come and…”
 
“No, I'll stay with him.” Domeki insisted. “I just need to call my parents.”
 
“Good, then. I'll wire you a card for expenses. Domeki, we can't find any of his affects. Kaze very clearly saw him leave the café with his school bag and wallet, but he didn't seem to bring them with him and they weren't in the room. Kaze also saw his glasses break against a wall. We found a notch in the wall, but no glasses”
 
“What about the people who were with him? Ryo?”
 
There was a pause. “We no longer have to worry about them.” Kakei said softly.
 
“Meaning?”
 
“Meaning that something destroyed them before our arrival. We are not sure if these people were the targets or if Watanuki-sama was the target of this attack or if the creature who took care of these people was an ally. Either way, the fact that someone or something came by and took Watanuki-sama's affect is troubling.”
 
“I don't understand.”
 
“The people were torn apart and most likely eaten while still alive. A creature like that probably wouldn't have thought to pick up Watanuki-sama's things unless controlled by something a little more dangerous.”
 
“I see.” Domeki looked around the crowded hallway. “I'll keep him safe.”
 
“Thank you.”
 
Domeki hung up the phone before Kakei could say anything more. He quickly dialed up to the room.
 
“Hello?” Watanuki's voice was soft.
 
“Hey,” Domeki felt relieved just hearing his voice.
 
“How did you shoot?” Watanuki asked.
 
Domeki started. “Um, I haven't yet.”
 
“Well, I hope you aren't planning on doing a half assed job just so you can come back and throw me out of your room.” Watanuki's voice was cross. “The last thing I want to hear on Monday is that you choked at Nationals.”
 
“Like that could happen.”
 
“Well, you better focus a little better than you have been this morning.” Watanuki said scornfully. “I'd come down and watch you, but my clothes are conveniently being cleaned.”
 
“You could always wear some of mine.”
 
Watanuki snorted. “Yea, if you weren't such a Neanderthal.”
 
Domeki got an image of Watanuki lounging around in bed with only one of his school shirts. His body flashed hot and he had to shake his head. “Whatever. They're calling us.”
 
“Bye,” Watanuki said shortly. Domeki waited for a second and heard the phone disconnect before disconnect his phone.
 
 
 
 
 
Domeki knocked on his door before sliding in the keycard. “Watanuki?” he called softly just incase the other boy was still asleep. He heard the sound of the shower as he walked past the bathroom. He nodded to himself and looked around the bedroom. Domeki idly checked the made bed and found that it had new sheets. He settled into an armchair and looked out the window at the breathtaking view. He fell into a daydream and didn't notice until Watanuki called out his name that the sound of the shower had stopped.
 
“Domeki?” Watanuki was standing in the hall looking at him.
 
Domeki looked at him. Watanuki's face was bruised and his lip was cut. The swelling on his cheek was partially obscured by his damp, black hair. “Hey.” He was already wearing his black pants and his white tee shirt. His white shirt was buttoned up properly but not tucked in.
 
“How did it go?”
 
Domeki shrugged. “I have to shoot in the finals tomorrow to find out.”
 
“Good.” He looked around the room uncomfortably.
 
“Kakei called. Asked if we would stay here for a few days…” Domeki asked in his safe, bored tone.
 
“Domeki,” Watanuki's tone was soft. “I found your robe in the bathroom. And the bed sheets were stained. What happened last night?”
 
Domeki's pulse started to race. He forced himself to take a breath. “When you walked out of the mirror last night we… kissed. And then some other stuff happened. And we had sex.” He forced another breath and struggled to keep his indifferent demeanor.
 
Watanuki looked shell shocked. His blue eyes widened in pain. His hands fisted at his side and he looked away. “Did I… force you?” he whispered.
 
“No,” Domeki said sternly. “You did not. It was mutual. If anything I took advantage of you.”
 
Watanuki's eyes flew to Domeki.
 
“Yea, I knew something was wrong, but I didn't stop you.”
 
“But you hate me.”
 
“No, I've never hated you.”
 
Watanuki looked away and wrapped his arms around himself. “You're only saying this because you want something.”
 
“You're right.”
 
Watanuki looked at him, fear pooling in his bright eyes.
 
“I want you.”
 
Watanuki blinked.
 
Domeki stood up from his chair and walked over to Watanuki. Watanuki stood as though frozen. Domeki put his hands on Watanuki's thin shoulders and pressed his lips gently against Watanuki's. He kissed his forehead, then his temple, then brushed his lips lightly against his bruised eye and then the other eye. Mindful of Watanuki's shaking, Domeki released his shoulders and enveloped Watanuki loosely in his arms as he kissed his ears.
 
Watanuki made a soft noise and titled his head just slightly as his eyes slide closed. Domeki kissed down his neck gently aware of Watanuki's heat. Watanuki brought his head down and captured Domeki's lips with his. His lips parted and his tongue gently caressed Domeki's lower lip. Domeki sighed into the kiss and opened his mouth.
 
It was then that Watanuki taught Domeki how to kiss. As Domeki's eyes slid closed, he couldn't be sure that he wasn't floating above the ground as Watanuki's arms wrapped around him. Watanuki tasted like mysteries and magic, but was sweet and gentle. Watanuki broke the kiss slowly and rested his forehead against Domeki's. “I'm sorry.” He whispered, his hands fluttered down the front of Domeki's archery uniform. Domeki leaned forward and Watanuki met his lips halfway. Domeki felt lightheaded as Watanuki kissed him slowly and completely. Watanuki finally looked at him and stepped away. Domeki grimaced from the lack of Watanuki's heat. “I have to go.”
 
“What?”
 
“I have to go,” Watanuki repeated. “This is all...” he looked around then back at Domeki. “I can not allow myself to take advantage of your… kindness.”
 
“Kindness? It's not my kindness I'm hoping you'll take advantage of!” Domeki blurted out before his brain caught up with his mouth.
 
Watanuki flushed.
 
“Didn't Yuuto call you?”
 
Watanuki nodded and studied the folds of Domeki's uniform. “She did, but I can't…”
 
“Sure you can. Kakei called and said that they were wiring up funds, so don't worry about that. I've already called my parents and told them I was staying here for a few days and Yuuto said…” Domeki stopped, horrified at what he almost blurted.
 
Watanuki looked at him for a second then looked away quickly.
 
“Yuuto told me, when I…” Domeki tried to explain.
 
Watanuki shook his head. “It's okay,” he said walking to the window.
 
“What happened?” Domeki asked.
 
“I don't remember.”
 
Domeki waited.
 
“I woke up in a hospital a few years ago.” Watanuki took a shaky breath. “It was explained that there was an accident and my parents… had died saving me. I…” Watanuki cleared his throat. “I can't remember the accident or anything else that happened before I awoke.”
 
“Nothing?”
 
Watanuki shook his head. “No. I had been… asleep for a long time. There was nothing left of my parent's estate that hadn't been stored away somewhere. I don't even know what they look like.” Watanuki's voice was so thin it was brittle.
 
Domeki walked over behind Watanuki and enveloped the smaller boy in his arms. Watanuki was stiff. Domeki leaned forward and kissed his temple. “I'm sorry.”
 
Watanuki tensed. “There's nothing for you to be sorry about.”
 
“Tell me about Ryo.” Domeki said softly.
 
“There's nothing to say. He said he knew me from before. I hoped he did.”
 
“But he didn't.”
 
“No.”
 
Silence stretched between them.
 
“It's just so hard,” Watanuki relaxed just slightly. “All I can remember is being on my own. Being alone. I wanted…”
 
“You aren't alone any more.” Domeki whispered.
 
Watanuki looked down. Domeki turned him around and took hold of his hands. “I'm not going to leave you.”
 
Watanuki make a noise as Domeki wrapped his arms around him. Watanuki's arms came up slowly. Watanuki hid his face in Domeki's neck. Domeki kissed his hair. “Come on, why don't you and I go out to get some food and walk around this place.”
 
Watanuki shook his head.
 
“Why not?”
 
Watanuki pulled away. “I really doubt you want to be seen in public with me looking like this.” He laughed uneasily. “Plus, I'm almost blind without my glasses. It would be wasted on me.”
 
“We'll go by one of those one hour glass places before we go to lunch,” Domeki smiled. “And you're kind of cute this way.”
 
“You did not just call me cute,” Watanuki said rolling his eyes.
 
“Of course I did.” Domeki laughed. His kissed Watanuki's forehead once more before releasing him. “Let me change and we'll go.”
 
Watanuki nodded. He watched Domeki open his closet and start digging out his clothes. “Hey, do you know what happened to your school bag and wallet?”
 
“No, Yuuto said that the people she had sent would get my things.”
 
“Kakei said he couldn't find it. That's why he wanted you out of Kyoto for the next few days.”
 
“That's crazy.” Watanuki laughed. “What does he think someone's out to get me?”
 
Domeki stopped buttoning up his shirt and looked at him. “That's exactly what he thinks.”
 
Watanuki shook his head. “Who would be interested in me?”
 
“You know that Yuuto and Kakei think you're the strongest magic user out there these days.”
 
Watanuki shook his head. “They know I don't have any magic.”
 
Domeki ran a hand though his hair and shrugged. “I can only understand maybe every third word Yuuto says. She was really worried about you though.”
 
“Sure she was,” Watanuki laughed. “She was probably worried that I wouldn't be able to cook for her anymore. You ready?”
 
Domeki nodded. He opened the door and waited for Watanuki. Watanuki followed him.
 
“Hey Domeki!” someone shouted.
 
Domeki turned around and nodded to one of his teammates. “Congrats on making it to the finals,” Domeki couldn't remember the guy's name, so he just nodded. “A bunch of us are going out tonight. You want to come?”
 
“Na,” Domeki shook his head and looked around, noticing for the first time that Watanuki had disappeared. “I'm going to grab something and take a look around town.”
 
“Oh,” the guy looked disappointed. “If you change your mind, give me a call, k?”
 
“Sure,” Domeki waved. He hurried to the elevator and was stopped by a few others. His eyes drifted over the people who spoke with him as he searched for Watanuki. When he was finally able to break away from the others he walked over to the exit. The uniformed doorman opened the door for him. He walked out the door and blinked in the sunlight. His heart calmed when he caught sight of Watanuki window shopping almost a block away. He hurried to catch up with him. “Hey.”
 
Watanuki kept walking.
 
“Is there a reason you're ignoring me?” Domeki asked. When Watanuki kept walking, Domeki touched his arm. Watanuki literally jumped and spun around. “Hey, it's me.”
 
“Don't do that!” Watanuki yelled.
 
“You don't have to scream. I can hear your just fine.” Domeki kept walking. “I think there's a glass place over there.” Watanuki followed him.
 
Domeki waited patiently as Watanuki went through his eyes exam and was fitted for new glasses. Watanuki turned away from the desk and walked over to Domeki. “They will be ready in an hour. May I use your phone?”
 
Domeki shot him a look but handed it to him. Watanuki flipped it up and dialed a number quickly as they exited the store. “Hello, Sakaki, this is Kimihiro. Yes, I am fine. No, really, you and Akito don't have to come. I am fine. Yes. I am safe. Really. Yes, I will come for a visit soon. No, please. Really. Yes. The reason I'm calling is I was wondering if you could help me replace my wallet. I am in Osaka and I am planning on staying here a few days. Thank you. Of course.” Watanuki disconnected the call and closed it. He handed it back to Domeki. “Where do you want to go to eat?”
 
Domeki blinked. “Who was that you called?”
 
Watanuki shook his head. “Akito is the executor of my parents' estate. What do you think about pizza?”
 
“Um, pizza's okay.”
 
Watanuki lead Domeki into a shiny pizza parlor. They quickly were seated and Watanuki opened his menu. “What do you think of buffalo wings?” Watanuki asked.
 
“Sure,” Domeki still hadn't opened his menu.
 
“I like white pizzas. What about you?”
 
“What is white pizza?” Domeki asked.
 
“If you opened your menu, you would probably know,” Watanuki said tartly. The quirk of his lips took the sting out of his words.
 
Domeki colored and opened his menu. “You're different.”
 
A waitress took their drink orders and flirted with Domeki before leaving them alone. Domeki's eyes flicked back to Watanuki who was reading the menu. “So… White pizza?”
 
“Actually, Margarita pizza.” Watanuki said glancing up. “What do you think?”
 
“I think I've never had pizza before.” Domeki admitted.
 
Watanuki tilted his head. “There are some good places around school.”
 
“Really? Why haven't we gone?”
 
“Because I don't like you and you don't like me,” Watanuki shrugged. “And because Yuuto likes homemade cooking.”
 
“Oh,” Domeki looked around.
 
“What? Afraid someone from school will see us together?” Watanuki asked neutrally.
 
Domeki blinked.
 
The waitress came back with their sodas and Watanuki ordered for them. The waitress gave Domeki a puzzled smile but quickly left. “So it is really okay with your parents that you take most of next week off to stay here?”
 
“He didn't have a problem with it when I called. I think the teachers will even be okay with it if I win tomorrow. And no, I'm not afraid someone will see us together. They've all seen us together before.”
 
“When do you shoot?”
 
“At noon the last 20 archers are up,” Domeki took a sip of his soda. “If they take breaks like they did today, we might be there for hours. Have you ever thought of getting contacts?”
 
“No,” Watanuki shot him a funny look.
 
“Good.”
 
“Why?”
 
“I don't want to have to fight off all those stupid girls to get to you.”
 
Watanuki rolled his eyes. “Like that would ever happen. Himawari-chan adores you.”
 
“Don't you like her?”
 
Watanuki frowned. “Sure. She adorable and sweet and beautiful.” Watanuki looked off into the distance and smiled. “She's perfect.”
 
But you're here with me. Domeki thought. That means something, right?
 
Domeki and Watanuki lapsed into a thoughtful silence as the pizza was delivered. Domeki looked at it skeptically. Watanuki cut him a piece and plated it before cutting a piece for himself. “Is it supposed to look like this?” Domeki asked.
 
Watanuki blew on his and took a bite. He sipped his soda and watched Domeki bite his piece. After the first bite, Domeki quickly finished off his piece and grabbed a second. “You eat like you're starving,” Watanuki observed.
 
“I am starving.”
 
“Of course you are.”
 
“This is good. We should go out more often.”
 
“Why? You don't like me, remember?” Watanuki averted his eyes.
 
“Stop saying that.” Domeki frowned. “You know it's not true.”
 
Watanuki finished his first piece. He dished out another piece for himself and for Domeki. “It's easier to pretend.”
 
“Why?”
 
Watanuki avoided his eyes. “It's hard to watch all the girls hover over you.”
 
“When you say all the girls, do you really mean Himawari?”
 
“Maybe.”
 
“You really like her don't you,” Domeki was surprised at how much it hurt to ask.
 
“Of course I do.” Watanuki took another sip of his soda, carefully not meeting Domeki's eyes. “Like I said, she's perfect.”
 
Domeki sighed. “If she's so perfect then why didn't you…”
 
“Kimihiro?”
 
Watanuki smiled brilliantly as he turned to the two men who were standing next to the table. “Akito, Sakaki! I didn't mean for you to come…”
 
“Nonsense, Kimihiro!” the older of the two said benignly. “And this is…”
 
“This is my friend, Shizuka Domeki,” Watanuki said motioned to Domeki. “Domeki, this is Akito and Sakaki.” Watanuki turned to the strangers. “Would you like to join us?”
 
Domeki could only stare at the two men. Both were wearing elegant suits. They were not exactly beautiful so much as they were striking. However, the only thing Domeki could think about was the fact that they were on a first make basis with Watanuki.
 
“No, no,” Akito smiled. “I don't want to interrupt you on your holiday. I just wanted to make sure you were okay and to replace your wallet while Sakaki and I search for your things.” Sakaki held out a small gift bag. “When you get back to Kyoto, you'll drop by, right Kimihiro? We would very much like to hear what happened.” There was just a trace of sternness in his voice.
 
Watanuki just smiled. “It was nothing, really.”
 
Akito sighed and looked at Sakaki. Sakaki stepped closer to Watanuki and touched the young man's face. “This doesn't look like nothing, Kimihiro.” He murmured. He slowly traced Watanuki's face with his hands and a faint glowing light radiated from his palm.
 
“Kimihiro will be staying with you?” Akito asked Domeki.
 
Domeki tore his eyes away from Watanuki and looked at the older man. “Yes.” He noticed that the man's dark eyes weren't very friendly as they regarded him. Domeki felt a traced of fear as the man studied him.
 
“You will keep him safe.” The man's words were like orders that Domeki couldn't help but follow. He nodded mutely as Sakaki let got of Watanuki.
 
Domeki looked over and froze. Watanuki's face was completely healed. Watanuki's blue eyes fluttered opened as he turned to Akito. “I really am fine.” He insisted. He locked eyes with the older man and they stared at each other until Sakaki put his hand on Akito's arm.
 
“Master, I am sure Kimihiro will call us if he needs anything. Right, Kimihiro?”
 
Watanuki nodded. “I will, I promise.”
 
The older man's face melted into a gentle smile. He touched Watanuki's face fondly. Watanuki met his smile with one of his own and muzzled his hand slightly. “Anytime you want to leave this world and stay with us, you need only ask,” Akito said softly.
 
Watanuki shook his head. “I am happy here.”
 
“Then I will leave you.” Akito nodded. He flashed Domeki a warning look before glancing adoringly at Sakaki. “What do you think…” their words faded as they walked away from the table.
 
Domeki looked around and noticed for the first time that all noise aside for their conversation had stopped for a time around them. The people suddenly started moving as though someone has taken them off pause. Domeki turned and looked at Watanuki who was finishing up his soda.
 
“What was that?!?” Domeki exclaimed.
 
Watanuki looked surprised. “What was what?”
 
“Who were those people?!”
 
“I told you, Akito's the executor of my parent's estate. Sakaki is his… friend, or something. I don't really know what they are in relation to each other, but I always see them together.” Watanuki said nonchalantly. “Hey, are you finished here? I think my glasses are done.”
 
Domeki was too busy studying Watanuki's flawless face. “Your bruises are gone.”
 
Watanuki looked at him quizzically. “I know.” He waved to the waitress.
 
Domeki frowned as Watanuki took a wallet out of the gift bag Sakaki had handed to him and hand the waitress a few bills.
 
Watanuki stood up. “Come on, let's pick up my glasses and go site seeing this afternoon.”
 
“If you knew they could heal you, why didn't you call them before?” Domeki sputtered as they walked out of the restaurant.
 
Watanuki made a face. “I don't really like to bother them.” He looked around thoughtfully. I sense that they have a lot more important things to do that check up on me.”
 
Domeki shook his head. “How did they find you so quickly?” He asked.
 
“I don't know,” Watanuki shrugged. “If Yuuto was here she'd say it was hitsuzen,” He smiled as they walked into the eye glass shop.
 
Domeki watched as the lady behind the counter helped Watanuki. Watanuki waited patiently as the lady fit him with his glasses. He handed the lady a credit card and turned to Domeki. Domeki frowned when the lady flashed Watanuki a surprised look before scurrying off to run his card. “Out of everything, why does this bother you?” Watanuki asked.
 
Domeki looked from where the lady was excitedly chatting and pointing to them to Watanuki. “It doesn't.” he lied casually, dimly aware at the stir behind the counter.
 
Watanuki studied him thoughtfully. “You're a terrible liar.”
 
“Mr. Watanuki-san,” the lady said breathlessly.
 
Watanuki turned from Domeki to face the lady. “Yes?”
 
“Here is your receipt,” the lady smiled at him brightly. “And here is my card. If there is anything you need…” she didn't even look at Domeki as Watanuki nodded and accepted the silver tray with the receipt and her card. Domeki caught sight of Watanuki's credit card as Watanuki slipped it into his wallet. Watanuki flashed him a lopsided smile as he led him to the door.
 
“What kind of credit card is just black?” Domeki mused aloud.
 
Watanuki frowned. “One that comes from Akito's bank I assume. Are you going to pick apart everything I do today?”
 
“No, I was just curious.” Domeki looked around at the crowded street, aware of Watanuki's growing distemper. “Hey look at that!” he said pointing to a store window. He took Watanuki by the wrist and pulled him to the window. “I am pretty curious too, about this,” he said as he leaned down and kissed Watanuki.
 
Watanuki stood stiffly for a second before melting into Domeki's kiss. Watanuki sighed softly as Domeki kissed down his neck. “Stop,” Watanuki breathed. “Domeki.”
 
“Shizuka.”
 
“What?” Watanuki blinked.
 
“Call me Shizuka,” Domeki smiled.into Watanuki's neck. “And I'm going to call you Kimihiro.”
 
Watanuki shivered as Domeki's teeth worried his ear. “That's a little forward, don't you think?”
 
“Yea, but being forward isn't completely a bad thing,” Domeki's hands slid down Watanuki's back.
 
Watanuki pushed Domeki away but grabbed his hand and started walking and muttering to himself.
 
“Where are we going?” Domeki asked amused.
 
“To the hotel, you dolt!” Watanuki hissed. “Before you get us arrested!”
 
Domeki laughed out loud and followed him.