Transaction

Disclaimer: I think we all know by now.

Author’s Notes: This is a fun chapter! This is where we find out why we put all of Opium together. It'll make sense soon enough! That's all I'm saying, because I've still got my House marathon running and this is the episode where Foreman gets tossed into quarentine with the crazy cop. Awesome.

Enjoy!
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Transaction

Chapter Fifty-Eight
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He didn't know why they were out for coffee, but Taki didn't suppose it mattered. It was strange how much time they'd really been spending together since the elevator, but Taki didn't have it in him to complain. It was just easier to enjoy it in silence, because telling Tohma how much he liked it was simply out of the question.

It would be too weird, and the idea of them together, as anything besides coworkers, was already weird enough.

The cafe they were seated in was small and dimly lit, one that Taki had often visited when he was late from getting off work, and ASK was still a signed band. The patrons since then had changed, and many of the workers had as well. The ones who hadn't didn't recognize him in a suit, and that was just fine.

Taki wasn't exactly in a recognizing sort of mood.

Tohma had woken up this morning feeling overly cuddly and attentive. Especially towards Taki. He just wanted to be near him all day, and so far, that's exactly what had happened. Tohma had wanted to go out, and wanted coffee as well. He enjoyed coffee and more than anything, knew that Taki loved it.

Taki had suggested this place, and while it wasn't anywhere that Tohma frequented, if Taki wanted it, he could have it. It was a simple place, a nice steady trickle of customers, but not jam packed.

"I think they're going to be ready," Tohma said with a smile as he sipped his drink. "The concert is soon, and it's already sold out. I have to admit, I'm a little excited for them."

Really, Taki was, too. They had sold out, and that was certainly saying something about Opium's popularity. There were so few bands that actually sold out on their debut concert. Taki knew that ASK hadn't, though he would never admit it to anyone who didn't already know, and even then, it was grudgingly.

"They've worked hard." Taki agreed, though it was mostly because he and Tohma had made sure they worked hard and didn't stop until they had reached what could only be called perfection. They were merciless, but in the end, it was worth it.

Taking a slow sip of his coffee, Taki watched Tohma from over the edge of his cup. It was a little strange, because Tohma had asked him to go out and get coffee. Taki had instantly chosen this place because it was one of his favorites, but he hadn't honestly thought they would be this comfortable here.

It really was weird.

Taki wasn't acting like himself today. There was something different in his short answers. The way he was thinking before and after his answers, how he was watching Tohma. Something was certainly throwing him off.

"I'd like to think that we get a little credit, too," Tohma said with a wry smile. "All those long nights and early mornings whipping them into shape. You coming in when you could barely walk. You really keep surprising me, Taki."

And Tohma wasn't complaining in the least. He liked whatever Taki threw his way. It was a challenge, and Tohma liked handling those.

"You don't need to be able to walk to do what I do." Most of the time, anyway. And Taki was a firm believer that he could crawl if he had to, though he would never lower himself to that. "I'm surprised they didn't complain more. Especially Kenji."

That was who Taki had expected the most complaints from. But, Kenji had been driven, with one goal in mind, and they'd worked for hours without stopping until they had to take a break. After that, they were back at it.

Taki couldn't help but be impressed.

"We'll need to have them rehearse at the club. They're getting too used to the studio."

"How about a little night out then?" Tohma suggested with a shrug. "I can get a quick hook up, send them along, we go as well. They perform for a crowd, we get a good estimate of how they'll do under pressure and nerves."

And how the crowds reacted. Even if they did mess up, if the crowds still loved it, they were a definite shoe in and all their hard work will have paid off. If you can get by with only yourself noticing the mistakes, you're doing better than most.

"I think it'll be something fun for everyone," he said with a smile. "Are you up to it?"

Taki's immediate, impulse answer was no. But, he nodded slowly, finishing the coffee he had been drinking for nearly half an hour now. He set the empty cup down on the small table between them and sat up. "It's a good chance for us to tell them what they need to improve."

That was what he and Tohma were good for, after all. They'd both spent enough time on stage to know what made a good performance and what didn't.

It wasn't really hard, but new bands needed more practice then old, seasoned ones. Taki couldn't wait until Opium knew what they were supposed to do without being told. It would be such a huge weight off of his shoulders, and...

He might actually be able to enjoy his job, as strange as it sounded.

Tohma could finally put a finger on it. What Taki was exuding. Caution. To the blond, he seemed very cautious in his choice of words and movements. He wondered why, but he wouldn't ask. If Taki wanted to talk, he would.

"Well, why don't we get out of here and I can make the plans along the way?"
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Author's Notes: BAM! Did you see that? What we pulled right there? Tohma's a sneaky bitch, yessiree-bob and boy-howdy! I hate all the needles in this show, I really do. I can live though! I know how this one plays out and ends, but I like refreshers on good episodes.

So, yes. Tohma and Taki are being sneaky. This has a reason to. We'll find out a little more next chapter.

~Subby