Staked

Staked


By SailorLight22


Chapter 4 - Once Bitten..

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Heh, Here's some lime, one more after this and it's D-U-N, DONE (Thank GOD!)

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Turning away from the closed doors, Hiro shook his head wearily. 'I should be happy, but all I can think about is K and his stupid games.' He scowled, leaning on the balcony railing. "Why does it have to be K?" He asked the night, "Out of the whole crazy bunch, why did it have to be someone that isn't an option? To him, we're just stupid kids trying to be somebody." Closing his eyes, he muttered to himself, his voice quiet and bitter. "We aren't friends, we're responsibility. Clients to protect, people that need a watcher.. There's nothing else there, just duty."

"God, I can't believe it.. Some dreams and a few jokes and flowers, and I'm ready to just jump off the building to get it out of my head.." He leaned his head over the edge of the rail, looking at the ground below. "Maybe it just means that I'm going to be alone." He snorted at himself. "Not like I'm interested in anyone else, but what good is it.. if he doesn't see me as anything more than some dumbass kid.." He stopped, feeling a strange sensation.

He turned his head, hearing a slight rustle of..wind? Sighing, he shook his head. "Paranoia. Just great, now I'm taking on his traits.." The sound came again, and he turned again, his eyes widening in an attempt to peer along the darkened length of the balcony. He thought that he could almost see a hint of something.. Dark, darker than the wall of the building, something that moved. He stiffened, opening his mouth, and the form abruptly shifted away from the building.

He had only the barest moment to process what was happening before he was pressed to the wall, the silken feeling of cloth against his skin startling. He yelped, seizing the front of his 'assailant's shirt.

"What the hell..!" He gasped, feeling a sharp prickling sensation at his throat, not quite painful but more.. "Get off me! What is this, some sad attempt at a creepy seduction? I swear, you've got about three seconds..!"

A low chuckle cut him off, wide eyed as a teasing voice finished his statement. "..Until you forget that I'm twice your size, Hiro? Hm, almost twice your age is more like it, though. Why are you so concerned with how much bigger than you I am?" he laughed again, imagining the expression on the younger man's face. "Were you afraid that the boogieman had come to get you, Hi~ro~shi?"

Hiro growled in annoyance. "Get off! You're not funny, and I was not afraid! What are you doing out here anyway, stalking around waiting for innocent bystanders to scare? God, sometimes I think you must be about ten, acting like that. Did you pick that up from Ryuichi, or did he get it from being with you all that time?"

The blonde grinned, shaking his head before remembering that the guitarist couldn't see. "Nah, I just like to loosen up a little at parties. Why aren't you enjoying the festivities? You just missed Sakano, he came as The Flash.." He snorted, and cleared his throat. "I couldn't believe it, but he looks like he's riding a rooster, with those skinny little legs. It's classic, even Yuki was snickering in his beer. Shuichi promised to get loads of pictures, you should see it for yourself."

The redhead smiled, grudgingly. "God, we really are a bunch of idiots.. Who else came in? I know that Yuki said Ryuichi would be a little late.. And he said that Tatsuha was on his way too." The American nodded, stepping back a bit.

"Yeah, the kid's here, but I'm not going to tell you what he came as. Ryuichi still hasn't shown though. But that doesn't answer my question, you know. Why are you out here all by yourself in the dark? I haven't even seen your costume." He patted the shorter man's arms and chest experimentally, earning a sharp smack on the hands.

"Quit that! I came out here to get some air. I didn't think anyone would notice, after seeing Shu's... whatever. Suguru almost choked to death, you know. I hope Yuki doesn't kill his brother for staring, 'cause you know he's going to.." He trailed off, squinting in the darkness. "What are you, anyway? And why the hell did you sneak out here like that? I didn't even hear you until you moved, asshole." K laughed.

"You should pay more attention, Hiro. I've been out here the entire time, I came out right after you did. You know, someone once said, 'If you keep on talking to yourself like that, people are going to think you're crazy.' "

The teen snorted. "Thanks for the tip."

K faked scratching his head. "What? I wasn't talking to you.."

Hiro shoved him, shaking his head at the man's foolishness. "See? You're like a big kid. And what do you mean, almost the entire time? I've been out here for all of 10 minutes..." He froze, backing up until he hit the wall. "Why the fuck didn't you say anything? You just stood there and eavesdropped? Jesus, I can't believe you! First the shit with the flowers, and now this!"

The blonde stepped closer. "Well, it wasn't really eavesdropping, since there wasn't anyone else here. And I didn't say anything because I was curious." He stopped, inches away from the nervous guitarist. "See, I have this thing about people mentioning my name. It makes me wonder what they're saying about me, especially when they obviously think there's no way I'll hear about it."

Hiro stared at the ground, clenching his fists. "So, it's all right because of a technicality? That's great. Very clever way to step around common courtesy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm missing my best friend's party." He tried to pass by the taller man, but he lifted his arm, palm to the wall to block the teen's escape.

"Hold on, Hiro." He said, ignoring the other's sharp inhale. "I'm still curious. Do you really think that I don't like you? Or that I think of you all as just another bunch of stupid kids? Because I don't." He leaned even closer, his breath warm on the guitarist's cheek as he spoke. "I don't think you understand, Hiro. I do my job, and you three are my clients. But as soon as you leave that building, you're off the clock. Then, I thought we were friends." Hiro stared up at him, nothing but the slightest gleam of his eyes visible in the darkened space. "Don't you want to be my friend, Hiro? I'd like to think that you already are."

"I..I don't.. I mean, you..I.." He managed, pressing harder against the rough brick, avoiding the man's eyes. "I do think of you as a friend, really! I gotta go, please move!" He pushed on the man's arm, still averting his face. "Look, I'm sorry that I said you don't like us, I was mouthing off to myself. Please, just leave it."

The blonde sighed, shaking his head. "That isn't what bothers me though." He said, gripping the shorter man's chin with his free hand, forcing him to look up. "You didn't say 'us', you said 'me', didn't you? Maybe you'd like to explain why you feel that way, or why it bothers you enough to miss a chance at seeing your friends make fools of themselves?"

Hiro stiffened, holding his breath. Closing his eyes, he spoke softly. "I told you, I was just thinking out loud. I didn't really mean that. I'm sorry." K chuckled, the sound seeming to echo in the almost silent night.

"You're avoiding the question, Hiro. Why does it bother you that much?" He was so close now that Hiro could smell the faint scent of his cologne, and something else, a smell that was uniquely K. He shivered, remembering the odd feeling of what must have been teeth against his skin. Knowing that K had been the one pressed against him was too unnerving for his muddles brain to accept. He opened his eyes, straightening in determination.

"Why are you worried about it? I said it was nothing, so why can't you drop it? You act like it's some huge secr...!" He gasped, feeling the blonde's grip on his face tighten. "Wha-"

K shook his head, frowning. "I'm not really worried about it, it's more that I'm worried about you, Hiro. If you think I don't like you, then maybe I'm not getting my point across as well as I thought I was." The level of his voice dropped, as he leaned close enough to whisper. "Maybe I should just stop talking, since you obviously don't get it?" Hiro made a strangled sound at his closeness, his eyes wide.

"Don't.. Don't get..?"

K sighed, smirking to himself. "Mhmm. I think that would be best." He moved his hand from it's place on the wall, sliding it between the stunned redhead's waist and the stone behind him, the hand on his chin moving to cup the back of his head. "Hiro.." He mumbled, "You really need to pay closer attention to people." Before the other could even begin to reply, he pulled him forward, pressing his lips to the younger man's in a searching kiss.

Hiro stiffened, his faint cry of shock lost as he closed his eyes, his hands clenching the blonde's shirt with desperate strength. He relaxed, responding quickly to the taller man's questioning display with a quiet whimper. Forcing his fingers to obey, he released his hold on the American's clothing, his arms wrapping around his shoulders as he arched away from the wall to press against the man's body.

K hummed appreciatively, opening his mouth to bite down gently on the guitarist's bottom lip, a teasing nip that he soothed with his tongue. Hiro shivered, noting absently that K had left his hair down for the occasion. He twined his fingers into the loose strands, parting his lips in a wordless invitation that the older man gladly accepted.

Deepening the kiss, K allowed his hand to drop from the redhead's waist, fingers splayed across what he recognized as leather, slung low on narrow hips. He pushed gently, urging the smaller man back to the wall before tracing his other hand down the smooth silk of his shirt to rest beside it's mate, gripping him tightly. Pulling away just enough to catch a breath, he buried his face against the crook of the guitarist's neck, repeating his earlier actions with a careful press of teeth, drawing a choked gasp from the other.

Hiro moaned softly, inclining his head to give him better access as his hands smoothed over his back and shoulders, hands tightening in surprise as he felt the man's tongue sweep across his skin. He panted quickly, unable to catch his breath against the onslaught of sensation coursing over him like molten waves. K nipped him again, nudging one leg between his knees and stepping in to press closer as he obliged. The blonde's arms tightened, lifting him easily by the hips, resting his back against the wall as he continued to lave his tongue over the pounding pulse at his throat.

Startled, Hiro gripped his waist tightly with his thighs, gasping as he felt the man's obvious arousal. K grunted with approval, rocking forward sharply. Hiro cried out, fingers clenching convulsively as he almost sobbed at the jolt of heat brought on by the feeling. Locking his ankles together, he ground his hips against the older man's, desperately seeking more contact.

K hissed, shifting his hold from the teenager's hips to his rear. With a quiet murmur of satisfaction, he began to move, pressing their bodies together firmly. "God, Hiro," He growled, his breath catching. "You feel so damned good.." He nipped the lobe of his ear, drawing a shiver from the smaller man. "You like that, don't you? You're burning up.."

Hiro nodded frantically, his legs shaking. "Yes! God yes, please..!" He whimpered loudly, his head buzzing with the need for more.

The taller man sighed, lifting his head to claim the guitarist's lips again, exploring his mouth as he slowed his thrusts. Pulling back, he rested his head against the smaller man's shoulder. "Is this what you wanted, Hiro? Do you want me like this? Tell me, I'll stop if you don't."

The reply was breathy, but clear. "I want it, I do! I think about it all the time, K." He shook his head, embarrassed. "I..I dream about you doing this to me.. I just thought you didn't.." He trailed off, swallowing harshly.

The blonde smiled, nuzzling his neck affectionately. "Thought I didn't what, Hiro? Didn't think about you like that?" He sighed, moving to meet his eyes. "I thought it was impossible. I've been watching you for a long time, but I don't think I really looked until you flipped out on me. That's when I started to understand what I was feeling, that it wasn't just a fluke. I admit that the flowers may not have been the best idea, but I wasn't sure what else to do on such short notice."

Hiro's eyes widened, incredulous. "You understand..? What do you understand, K? What do you feel, right now?" He lowered his voice, shaking is head slowly. "Nevermind, I know what you feel now, I feel that too. But still, it's not the same, is it?"

He shivered, unable to meet the man's questioning gaze. "I'm sorry, I didn't really mean to ruin the moment. You can put me down, now.." He sighed, closing his eyes tightly. K chuckled quietly, surprising him when he only tightened his hold.

"You still don't get it, do you? It isn't like that, even if you do make me hot as hell. I want a lot more than just this, Hiro." He shook his head, smiling. "I want this too, but more than that, I want to love you. Is that all right?" He felt the redhead stiffen, his body shaking with nerves.

"Love..?" He choked, "You want to.. But.. what about your wife, your family? You can't just desert them, you aren't like that! I'm not going to take you away from them, it wouldn't be right!" He struggled, pushing at the man's shoulders. "Put me down! Let go, I can't let you do this, K!"

The blonde shook his head, waiting for him to finish speaking. "Hiro, calm down. It isn't like you think, you wouldn't be taking me away from anything."

The guitarist stilled so abruptly that it was almost frightening. "What are you suggesting, K?" He growled, shaking. "Are you saying that you want to have your cake and eat it too? You want me to be your.. your toy?! I'd never do something like that, I won't settle for being someone's replacement. Let me go. Now." He felt K shake his head, ready to reply, but he cut him off.

He closed his eyes, drawing a breath. "I thought that you were a good person. I trusted you, even when I didn't trust anyone else. I believed you when you said that we were more than just a job to you, I never doubted that you would keep us safe. I watched you, and I thought about you all the time... I didn't want to say or do anything about it because you had something special, something that no one should have to lose." He pushed away from the older man again, calmly.

"I would never come between someone and their family, K. You should know better than anyone else that family is one of the most important things to me. Please, if you do feel anything for me at all, don't make me be the reason for you to start to lose yours." He forced himself to breathe, to push back his urge to cry that it wasn't fair, that it shouldn't be like this. Resting his head on the older man's shoulder, he sighed brokenly.

K moved, turning his own back to the cool stonework. Keeping his grip, he sank gently to the ground, cradling the shaking body against his chest. "I know you wouldn't want that, Hiro. You didn't let me finish." He smoothed a hand over the smaller man's hair comfortingly. "You wouldn't be a toy to me. And there isn't anything for you to be worried about, I'm not married anymore. I..Judy left, months ago. She took Michael with her, and since the papers came, I haven't heard from either of them." He tightened his hold, his face buried in the other's hair. "I don't have a family to lose anymore, Hiro. That's why I didn't try to think about what I felt, I didn't want to use this as a way to forget. I think it was a long time coming, but I didn't see it for what it was, because I didn't want to."

Hiro jerked back, his eyes wide with horror. "Months..? You mean, when I went off that day, the things I said about.." He shook his head, denying. "You stood there and let me say those things to you, and you didn't even... You tried to help me, when there was something like that happening, and you never said a thing?" He scrambled back, but the man refused to let go.

"Stop! If you hadn't have told me, I would never have known that anything was wrong with you! I stood there and said you weren't concerned about me, but I didn't even see that.. How can you stand it? Aren't you angry, K? Don't you hate me for being like that, for having the nerve to overlook you and still say that I'm something to you?" He clenched his fists until his nails dug into his palms. "I deserve to have you hate me. We all do! While we were worried about bullshit, you were losing your whole LIFE, and we didn't even care enough to see what was happening! How can you even look at us?"

He closed his eyes, unable to face the other man. Feeling him shift, he cringed, prepared for what would surely be the last time he would feel the man's breath on his skin as he whispered. "I don't hate you, or anyone else, Hiro. I knew that things were going bad, but I didn't want to face it, make it more real by seeing it." He wiped the teenager's face, brushing away tears that he wasn't even aware of shedding. "When I started to see what was happening, it was already too late. I realized that I hadn't loved my wife the way she deserved, not in a long time. If I had, I never could have stayed away so easily. I brought this on myself, Hiro. There's no one else to blame." He placed a finger to the boy's lips, stilling his protests.

"No, it's the truth. She shouldn't have done it like this, but she has as much right to go or stay as I did. We both made our choices." He shook his head, suddenly amused. "And after the idea had really sank in, there was you. I just woke up one day, and I couldn't get you out of my head. I realized that there was something that set you apart from the rest of Bad Luck, that I knew things about you that I couldn't have learned from just doing my job." He smirked. "I know for a fact that you aren't afraid of bugs, too. So I wonder what was wrong that day? Was there something that you needed to get off your chest besides just being upset, Hiro?"

The redhead stared at him, astonished. "What are you saying, that you started to... You felt like this for that long, and you didn't know it? That's crazy!" He shook his head. "Look who I'm talking to. Of course it's crazy.." He mumbled, frowning. K tipped his head, forcing him to meet his eyes.

"Well? Are you going to say anything about that, or are you going to avoid the obvious question? Is it because you were thinking about something.. you dreamed?" He chuckled at the blush that spread over the guitar player's face. "Was it something I said? All I remember saying was that you needed to stop being so quiet about your problems, because if you couldn't work I would.." He paused, grinning impishly. "I see, no wonder. You were thinking about how to relieve your stress, hmm?"

Hiro jumped, shaking his head frantically. "I was not! Besides, you were the one saying that stuff, so you were thinking it too!" He clapped his hand to his mouth, as if the gesture could force the statement back in. K laughed out loud, nodding.

"Right. Blame the senile old guy for your hormones controlling your hearing. But beside the obvious reply, maybe you should tell me about these dreams of yours. Then I won't say anything to remind you by accident." He shifted, his hands smoothing over the back of the smaller man's shirt. "Was there anything like this? Or maybe.." He paused, running his lips over the side of his neck. "Does that ring any bells?" He asked quietly, feeling the way Hiro's breath caught.

Nodding faintly, Hiro mumbled. "Yeah, I remember that. I...I don't want to say the rest."

K hummed questioningly. "It can't be that bad, right? Didn't you like it, even a little?" He teased, pulling the other's body closer. "You liked what I did before, didn't you? Wouldn't it be better to do those things while you're awake, Hiro?" He felt the shudder that ran through the other's body at the words, leaning close to murmur in his ear like they shared a secret. "Maybe it would be easier to not say it, and let me see for myself? I can think of quite a few things that would make you blush like that.." He nuzzled against the speechless teenager's cheek, his hands once again tracing the side of his waist. "Was it good, in your dreams? Did it make you want to feel that for real, my hands on you in the dark, like this?"

He moved one hand down the boy's thigh, his thumb following the inside seam to his bent knee before making it's way back up. "I'd love to see what you dreamed about me, Hiro.." He whispered, halting his fingers just shy of their destination. "But more than that, I'd like to see if I could do it better than you imagined, to see if you taste as good as you look when you're on that stage." He sucked gently on the vein that pulsed against his lips, grazing it with his teeth before running the tip of his tongue over the damp skin.

"Did you know that I thought about that, Hiro? I wondered if you had any idea just how delicious you look up there with the lights on you, wearing those jeans that make half of Japan see stars?" He chuckled at the redhead's choked gasp. "I told you, I've been watching you for a long time. Do you wear them like that on purpose, or do you really not know that you've got the hottest little ass this side of the planet?"

He sighed, shaking his head. "Of course you don't know," He murmured, trailing a finger up the line of Hiro's zipper. "That's why it's so hot, because you'd never move like that if you did. I wonder how many people were standing there in coma's when you dropped that guitar pick at the last concert, I thought I might have to shoot half of the front row when you tried to find it. There were probably twenty people breaking their necks trying to climb up high enough to watch you.." He smirked. "Poor Fujisaki stood there gaping until Shuichi kicked him in the shin and made him stop." He snickered at the memory of the flustered indignation on the keyboardist's face as he tried to help locate the missing item without looking anywhere in the vicinity of his bandmate's rear.

He stroked his other hand down to the guitarist's lower back, holding him steady as he leaned far enough away to face him. "Sometimes I wonder how you get anything else underneath, especially the ones like these.." He ran his fingers over the supple leather. "Is there anything under there now?" Hiro shivered, biting his lip to stop himself from answering.

K smiled, pressing his palm firmly against the front of the shaking musician's pants. "I hope there isn't," He said, squeezing gently. "I hope that there's nothing but these to keep me from touching you, or to keep you from feeling it when I'm this close.." He moved his hand, watching the younger man's eyes widen. "Can you feel it, Hiro? Is it better than being asleep, knowing that it isn't real? You can forget about that, because this is most definitely real."

Hiro nodded, afraid to trust his voice. He leaned in carefully, wrapping shaky arms around the man's neck and pulling him close. "It is better," He whispered, shivering. "But we shouldn't be doing this here, someone might.." He trailed off, and at that moment, the doors slid open with a rattle that caused them both to jerk around.

"Hiro, why are..you..Oooh God, I'm so sorry!" Shuichi's voice fell to a startled squeak at the situation, his eyes wide as he backed away quickly. "Um, nevermind.. You two can just..I mean..See you when you're done!" He mumbled, slamming the door and pulling the blinds. They stared after him for a moment, then turned to each other. Hiro shook his head, beginning to laugh at the irony.

K joined him, his former intensity forgotten as he drew the boy close and rocked with barely-supressed mirth. Hiro pulled away, gasping. "The look on his face..!" He choked, his eyes beginning to tear. "Now we're even for the other day, serves him right." K smirked, nodding in agreement.

"I guess we'll have to continue this later. We should go inside before Shuichi loses his mind and tells everyone within hearing range that we're out here being naughty." Hiro snickered, climbing awkwardly to his feet and offering the blonde a hand as he replied.

"He wouldn't be too far off, if he did.. And I'm holding you to that, so don't go sneaking out the window or anything. You're not the only one who knows how to hunt someone down when you want answers." He poked the man's shoulder seriously. "You've got some explaining to do, but for now...Let's go see what these idiots have gotten themselves into, hmm?"

K nodded, dusting himself off. "Just wait until you see the kid. I can't believe he actually came up with it by himself, let alone went out in public like that, he claimed that he rode the bus." He laughed as he opened the doors, stepping back to allow the other to enter first. As they walked into the lit room, he found himself staring directly at Hiro's somewhat crumpled wings with amusement.

"Oops, it looks like I've ruffled your feathers," He joked, smoothing his hands over the fluffy accessories. Hiro snorted over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow at the man's slightly thoughtful expression.

"Don't let me catch you pulling any off, either," He warned playfully. "Save it for later." K blinked, laughing at his own perversity. He pointed ahead, drawing the guitarist's attention.

"See? What did I tell you? He looks like an idiot, but it's still hilarious!" Hiro gaped at the red-clad form of their producer, eyes taking in the bright yellow head-fins, the shudder-inducing spandex suit..

"Holy God!" He choked, seeing the man's boots, and the legs above. "You weren't kidding, that's hideous!" He gasped, averting his eyes in horror. Spotting Tatsuha, he waved. "Well, he's dressed as a hospital patient..What's so bad about that?" He asked the snickering blonde. K merely pointed again, and Hiro looked a second time, confused at his meaning until the young monk turned to speak to his brother.

"Oh God!" He said, doubling over. "That just can't be real," He snickered, gesturing. "How the hell did he sneak that past his old man? Shu says that he's really strict.." He wiped his eyes, squinting at the boy's costume. The monk-in-training had worn a hospital gown, with the words 'Mental Patient' printed across the chest. That alone was amusing, but he had also procured a very realistic fake ass, which was clearly displayed through the loosely-tied back of the garment.

After catching his breath, he took a long look at his companion, noticing his attire for the first time. "Ooh, that's why you said it sucked," He muttered, taking in the image. He couldn't help but notice the pants, his eyes following the clingy material jealously until he reached the man's booted feet. Lifting his eyes, he smirked. "I told you that boots would suit you better." He said, quietly. "I just love it when I'm right."

K swallowed at the teasing note in his voice, leaning close before replying. "I like being right too," He whispered, smiling. "And I'd be willing to bet that those will be a lot easier to get off than they were to put on." He looked at the boy's close-fitting pants, his smile widening as Hiro flushed.

As the redhead struggled to think of a reply, there was a crash behind them, and he turned to look. There, dressed in an outrageously-colored plush jacket stood the final party guest. Ryuichi had worn a bright yellow-and-black shirt, a deep green vest, and black leather slacks. There was dark liner around his eyes, and he wore the most uncomfortable looking platform boots that Hiro had ever seen. After a moment, the man jumped forward, swinging a silver-tipped cane with a crystal ball on top.

Shuichi bounded forward, squealing as he circled his fashionably-late idol. "Oh, Ryuichiiii!" He cried, rubbing the velvety cloth of the floor-length jacket, "It's great! But, what made you decide to be a pimp?"

The singer stared at him in confusion. "A pimp? Ryuichi's not a pimp!" He grinned, flinging out his arms and spinning gleefully. "I'm Tohma!" The room went silent, then erupted into laughter. As he gasped for breath, Hiro saw that even Yuki was leaning against an equally weak-kneed Shuichi as tears streamed down his face.

Hiro turned to his companion, shaking his head. "See? I told you that we were all nuts." The blonde agreed, still laughing.

"Yeah, but I already knew that," He teased, poking a finger at the snickering assembly. "Let's mingle, hm? It's probably close to 10, so I guess we should at least attempt to look like we aren't thinking dirty thoughts about each other, right?" He walked away, leaving a furiously blushing Hiro behind to gape at his back.

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All righty, the next part is the end, beware of some...citrus elements ^_^