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Connecting wasn’t easy. It should have been.

Rin was his mother. Kyo had irrefutable proof thanks to the DNA test. Their similarities stopped there. They differed on everything else. He did not appreciate a life tied up by Kiyoshi family rules. Kyo did not want to be the good son who dressed up and spent time trying to understand the rules of the family. He did not know the right way to eat with a mind-boggling array of cutlery. What was wrong with a pair of chopsticks? He liked his hair long. Kyo hated suits and felt comfortable in his jeans and t-shirts. He painted. The painting was his life, he made a living that way.

After two months of constant turmoil, Kyo was sure he did not want to be a part of the Kiyoshi family. He missed his apartment. He missed hanging out with Kaori at Hitoiro.

Kyo sat in a sun-bright solarium a day before the agreed two months ended. He stared at the blank page on his sketchbook wondering what he was supposed to do now.

He liked the idea of having a mother. Rin was an interesting woman. She wanted Kyo to change his last name to Kiyoshi but he was unwilling. He was loyal to Grandma and Grandpa Tatsuya. They loved him enough to give him their name, and a home. Abandoning them would be wrong. He couldn’t bring himself to do it.

“You’re frowning again,” Ryuu said into the room, making Kyo drop the pen he was tapping against the sketchpad. “What did you do this time?”

Kyo sighed, unable to stop staring at Ryuu. 

Ryuu had become his knight in shining armor. He rescued Kyo from a million situations that would have turned into a nightmare.

On workdays like today, Ryuu was always impeccably dressed. He was in a black suit today with a burgundy shirt that was open at the collar. His dark hair was stylishly cut, and a lock of it fell over his forehead, making Kyo want to walk over and brush it back.

“I’m going to go back to my apartment,” Kyo said, looking away from Ryuu. “I don’t belong here.”

“Kyo,” Ryuu said in surprise. Entering the solarium, Ryuu came to sit beside him on the chaise. He picked up Kyo’s drawing pen from the floor and stared at it for a moment. “You want to run away.”

“Maybe,” Kyo said.

Ryuu held out his pen to Kyo and he took it with a shrug. He shifted on the chaise so that he was looking at Ryuu.

Kyo ran through the information that he’d learned about Ryuu. Ryuu was twenty-eight, single, and was a second-born son. His older brother was married to a Kiyoshi. It was how he had gotten the position he held with Rin’s foundation. The couple had renewed their vows after a few years of being apart on the day Ryuu picked Kyo up from the gallery.

“Of all the people who live in this house, you are the one that belongs the most,” Ryuu said. “Not the two aunts who are giving you hell for not knowing how to use the cutlery. Not the uncle who doesn’t want you working at the foundation. And none of their brats will inherit any of it even if you leave. You are Rin’s only child, her son. You are the only one who deserves her consideration.”

“But it’s too hard,” Kyo said. “I don’t have the kind of strength needed-“

“I can be your strength, Kyo,” Ryuu said. “You just have to get through tomorrow and the next day, and it will all be over.”

“I don’t know if I can,” Kyo said, staring at the blank page again.

Kyo had not been able to draw in a week now. Not being able to draw scared him. He always drew. Nothing had ever stopped that place inside him that felt the urge to create.

Kyo held his pencil, holding his hand over the page determined to make any kind of line, even a straight line would be acceptable. He was supposed to be concentrating on preparing for his thesis. His adviser was expecting a rough draft and a full concept of his final exhibition.  Yet, he couldn’t even draw a single line.  Kyo closed his eyes in frustration. He couldn’t lose his art.

A warmer hand covered his hand, and the pen was pressed to the sketchpad.

Kyo opened his eyes to find Ryuu holding his hand steady against the page. Turning his head slightly, smiling dark eyes captured his gaze.

“I can’t draw,” Ryuu said. “But I can keep the pen steady if you move it.”

Kyo laughed at the suggestion and turned his attention back to the page. Ryuu’s hand held the pen steady. Kyo moved Ryu’s hand over the page and for an inordinate amount of time, he directed the pen over the sketchpad.  

Kyo smiled wide when he stopped drawing and they both stared at the Zen garden they had drawn together. It was rough, hardly spectacular, and would need a lot more work to make it worth a longer look.  

Ryuu let go of his hand and took the sketchpad away from him holding it up.

“My first drawing,” Ryuu said into his ear with quiet excitement.

Kyo smiled.

Ryuu had that effect on him.

“Can I keep it?”

“Sure,” Kyo said.

“Thank you,” Ryuu said. He placed the sketchpad on the cushion beside him and pulled Kyo into a hug.

“Don’t leave,” Ryuu murmured into Kyo’s ear.

Kyo pressed his face into Ryuu’s chest, snuggling into the warmth of Ryuu’s body. He wrapped his arms around Ryuu. Taking in a deep breath, he filled his senses with Ryuu’s intoxicating scent.

“Stay, for me,” Ryuu said. “Stay with me, Kyo.”

Kyo’s heart answered the request, snuggling deeper into Ryuu’s chest.

“What if I lose myself here? I feel it already. I can’t lose my art, Ryuu.”

“I’ll hold the pen,” Ryuu promised. “I’ll remind you who you truly are. Please promise to stay here with us a while longer.”

Kyo couldn’t help agreeing to the request. Ryuu had that effect on him, it didn’t help that a soft kiss was pressed to the top of his head and strong arms wrapped around him tightly. He could have stayed there forever.

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Love (Ai) – Part 5

“So, you’re telling me some guy picked you up from the gallery, took you to the Peak Lounge, introduced you to your mother, and then took you to some hotel where you had dinner. Kyo, this is why I worry about you,” Kaori said the next morning sitting across from him in their favorite coffee shop.

“What? I was hungry. He offered meat. What do you expect,” Kyo said with a shrug. Sipping his hot coffee, he sighed. “Don’t worry, nothing happened. I left and headed straight home to my cold empty bed.”

“You should have come to the club,” Kaori said with a shake of her head. “If these people show up again, Kyo, you have to call me. Don’t leave with them, wait for me.”

“Are you going to babysit me?” Kyo asked with a chuckle.

“Apparently, you need it,” Kaori snapped, picking up a muffin and breaking it into two. She handed him one-half and bit into the other with an angry bite. “Wait until Daisuke hears about this.”

“Oh, please don’t tell him,” Kyo said, shuddering at the thought of the explanation he would have to give. “Did he at least meet with Rie?”

“Yes, the big question was asked and she said yes,” Kaori said, smiling wide. “I’m finally going to get a sister. I won’t have to deal with the two of you by myself.”

Kyo laughed. Happy that his brother was finally getting what he wanted. He deserved all the happiness he could get.

They all did, he thought staring at Kaori. She was a short, skinny girl with the cutest face he had ever seen. Her hair was long down her back.  It was currently all curly thanks to the hair stylists at Bovian Image salon in Harajuku. Today, she was in a white dress that hugged her figure and stopped just above her knee. Her feet were in white knee-length boots. Judging from the look, she was probably presenting a report at her office.

“What are you up to today?” she asked, studying him with piercing dark eyes that missed nothing. “The exhibition is over right?”

“Yeah,” Kyo said. He looked around the cafe taking in the warm ambiance and the chattering customers. “I was thinking of heading over to the studio and putting in some hours as a student adviser. I’ve been neglecting that for like a week now. I’m pretty sure there are students who are upset with me.”

“As long as you’re not alone,” Kaori said. “Call me at one. Hopefully, I’ll be done with my presentation by then. This project is driving me crazy. Become successful already so that I can market your art.”

Kyo laughed at her constant griping. It always happened when she was stressed at work. Watching her look through her wallet, he wondered if he should tell her who the woman he met really was. He had left out that little detail.  He picked up his mug and sipped his coffee just as Ryuu came to stand right by their table.

“We don’t want anything,” Kaori started and looked up.  

She stopped when she saw Ryuu’s tall forbidding figure. He was dressed casually today, although casual for him was still dressed up. Kyo frowned at the black polo neck that was covered by a black casual jacket, and black jeans.

Kaori gave him an appreciative look.

“Wow, who are you?”

“Good morning, Ms. Tatsuya,” Ryuu said, oozing charm like a creamy éclair. Making a face at that annoying handsome face, Kyo concentrated on his coffee. “My name is Ryuu Shin. I work for Kyo’s mother.”

“Really,” Kaori said, making Kyo glance at her with concern. He knew that tone.

She was going to start interrogating Ryuu very soon.

“It’s almost eight-thirty, Kaori, aren’t you going to be late for work?” Kyo reminded her.

“Damn,” she cursed staring at the time on her cell phone. “Mr. Shin, are you going to be talking to my brother?”

“I actually want to take him with me to see his mother,” Ryuu said.

“No,” Kaori said with a firm tone. Pulling out money for their bill, she stuck her purse in her bag and shook her head. “Whoever you are, Mr. Shin, you don’t need to put my brother through this. And why doesn’t she come to get him? Why send other people to deal with family matters? Kyo, stand up. You’re going to work with me. I’ll call Daisuke and you can spend time at his place.”

“Ms. Tatsuya,” Ryuu started.

Kaori wouldn’t hear of it, grabbing her bag, she stood up and for once didn’t gripe about getting her change. She urged Kyo up and took him by the arm dragging him out of the cafe. They must have looked like they were trying to escape after robbing the cafe. Once they were on the street, Kyo sighed and pulled at his arm.

“Kaori, will you slow down.”

“I’m late for work, and you need to be kept away from strangers. You don’t learn, do you? I was the one that picked up the pieces when you met that woman who made you think she was your mother. I’m the one who had to watch you disintegrate. I won’t do it again.”

“Ms. Tatsuya,” Ryuu said behind them. He had a habit of keeping up that was irritating as hell. Shaking his head, Kyo stopped forcing Kaori to do the same. “I can give you a ride to your workplace. Which will give you an opportunity to meet Rin-san, and your worries can be alleviated.”

“Really,” Kaori said, liking the idea.

No, Kyo thought. The ride to work was the key here, and Ryuu knew it. Ryuu smiled and pointed to a black SUV waiting on the road.

“The car is waiting,” Ryuu said urging Kaori toward the car.

Kaori paused for a moment, glanced at her watch, and sighed.

“Come on, Kyo. I need a ride, and we need to find out what is going on. If it’s too hard, I’ll send Daisuke after them.”

Kyo shook his head at the number of people trying to protect him. Giving Ryuu a glare, they walked to the black car and were settled in faster than he dared appreciate.  Inside, he found himself seated beside Rin, with Kaori by the door. Ryuu disappeared to the front passenger seat.

Closing his eyes, he frowned when Rin turned slightly to look at him. She smelled of home and he hated that it was so enticing.

“Morning, my son,” she said. “This must be your sister. Ryuu has told me about her.  Hello, Kaori.”

Opening his eyes, Kyo turned to look at his sister to find her gaping. She was clearly stunned and he knew why, but what the hell. Poking her ribs, she blinked and stared at him with accusation.

“Rin Kiyoshi is your mother,” Kaori gasped.

“No.” Kyo protested.

“Yes.” Rin reaffirmed at the same time making Kyo turn to glare at her. She smiled at him and held out a paper. “I have proof. DNA results, I had to move heaven and earth to get them, but I did, thanks to Ryuu.”

“What?” Kyo looked at the back of Ryuu’s head. Damn bastard must have gotten a hold of his ‘DNA’ last night at some point. “That’s really low, Ryuu.”

“You gave us no other choice,” Rin explained, giving the paper to Kaori. “You wouldn’t listen, but I doubt that should be a surprise. You’re as stubborn as I was. I thought the money would lure you back, but that didn’t work either.”

“Money?” Kaori asked, perusing the DNA results she held. “Kyo is not like that.”

“I know that now,” Rin said.

Rin smiled and moved to touch him.  She stopped when he flinched, and her hand dropped back on her lap. Today, she was also dressed casually, in a pair of blue jeans, and a heavy black sweater that buttoned up to the top. It looked very warm. Her hair was held in a ponytail, and her face looked freshly scrubbed. She was beautiful.

Rin met his scrutiny with one of her own.

Kyo wondered what she thought of his skinny short frame. As usual, he’d grabbed the most available clothes. He was a perpetual skinny jeans kind of guy. His faded blue t-shirt was clean at least, but the blue jacket he wore was paint-stained. He had on a wool cap over his head, mostly because he washed his hair and hadn’t dried it.

“Kaori,” Rin said into the silence. “I want to spend some time with Kyo today. Please, I hope that would be all right with you. I promise I don’t want to hurt him, just to talk.”

“Our older brother and I are very protective of him,” Kaori said, folding the paper she was holding and slipping it into her bag. “I don’t care who you are, if you cause him pain, I’ll retaliate.”

“I’m glad to see that my son has a reliable family. I only want to talk with him. Later, perhaps tomorrow, we should all have a dinner date. That way we can get to know each other.”

“Of course,” Kaori said. The car stopped and suddenly Kyo realized that they had reached Kaori’s workplace. She glanced at her watch with a frown and sighed. “Kyo, I’ll call you later. Keep your phone on you, all right. Mrs. Kiyoshi, please take care of him.”

“You have my word,” Rin answered.

Kaori gave him a concerned look before she left the car giving Rin a short bow. Kyo moved the moment they were just the two of them in the backseat. Kyo left a wide space between them, clutching the door tightly as the car started moving again. He didn’t know what to say. The fact that Rin Kiyoshi was his mother was hard to take in. If she was this wealthy, why had she given him up?

“You are very angry with me,” Rin stated.

Kyo didn’t need to answer her. What was the point if she already knew?

“I can understand your anger. I will take the anger, Kyo, but I won’t take the rejection. I’m your mother, you’re my son. I won’t let you be alone anymore.”

“I’m not alone,” Kyo replied his thoughts firmly on Kaori and Daisuke.

“Fair enough,” Rin said. “I’m letting you know that I won’t back off. You might not believe me, but I’ve been looking for you all your life.”

Kyo turned to look at her in confusion. How hard was it to find one child? He had been adopted through the state. There was no way she would have been unable to find him. As if reading his thoughts, she shifted, turning to look at him.

“You’re a very skeptical child.”

Sighing, Rin clasped her hands on her lap, and his gaze was drawn to the very large diamond sparkling on her wedding ring finger. Her nails were perfectly manicured with a shade of dark green. They were long elegant fingers. Perfect for playing an instrument and sculpting things, he wondered if she was still doing her art.

“I was born into a very strict family,” she said. “My father expected too much from me and I was very rebellious. As a result, I entered a relationship with a man working for my father and ended up pregnant. My mother was devastated. You see, I was promised to marry into another family. Our family had the habit of marrying off children for business instead of love. My dear mother could not face the humiliation of her daughter destroying the family reputation.”

Rin paused for a moment to look out the window, and Kyo suddenly realized that they were driving out of the main city to the residential areas. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, but a small part of him really wanted to know. He wanted to know who he was.

“My parents arranged for me to visit a relative living in Switzerland. I stayed there for the duration of my pregnancy, and the night I gave birth to you, they paid someone to take you away. I never even got to hold you. They wouldn’t tell me where they had taken you. They wouldn’t even give me a name. For three years, I begged my mother, but she wouldn’t even look at me when I started that topic.”

“My engagement was due, and the day before the wedding to Mr. Kiyoshi, I threatened to run away. God forgive me, but I wanted to end my life that night, unable to take it anymore.” Shaking her head, she turned to look at him with a small smile. “My mother made me a deal that day. She promised to tell me your name if I married Kiyoshi. She chose the perfect thing to blackmail me. I had given you so many names in my head. Every day, all I wanted was to know what you went by, my dear son. I can’t explain to you that need.”

Pulling out a very old paper from her sweater pocket, she held it out to him with a proud smile.

“I never wanted to lose this paper. My mother wrote it to me right after the wedding reception, it was the most beautiful gift I have ever received. Your name written on a dry cleaning receipt my mother pulled out of her bag.”

Kyo stared at the symbols of his name written on the paper with a sad smile. Handing it back to her, she refolded it carefully and put it back into her pocket. Glancing back at him, Rin bit her bottom lip for a moment before she reached out slowly with a trembling hand. It took all he had not to move. The touch of her hand on his cheek had him gasping and she pulled back fast.

Kyo stared at her in surprise. He had not hated her touch. He wished she kept doing it because she was so warm. Rin cleared her throat and returned to clasping her hands on her lap.

“You would not believe how many people go by your name Kyo. I’ve made DNA testing into an art, so many con artists want to be who you are. I was starting to lose hope. It didn’t help that your foster family seemed to stay away from modern registration. Not even credit cards,” she shook her head. “If it weren’t for the art book you published I might never have found you.”

“How did you know it was me?”

“Ryuu found you,” Rin said with a smile. “He investigated everything about you, tracing you back to the day you were born. I don’t know how he does it, but he even found the nurse my parents used to transport you back to Japan.”

Frowning, Kyo looked to the front seat where Ryuu seemed oblivious to their conversation. His attention was sorely on their destination and the driver, no wonder the man had seemed so sure yesterday.

“This might seem disturbing, but Ryuu is the head of the foundation’s security and takes care of the Kiyoshi home as well. He had to know everything about you first before we approached you. You understand we’ve had issues before, and I didn’t think I could stand another false find. I wasn’t happy to find out that it had also happened to you before. Ryuu worked hard to convince me not to file charges against the woman who betrayed you three years ago.”

“You know about that?” Kyo frowned.

Who were these people? What more did they know about him? Or should he say, Ryuu? The man probably knew how he liked his cereal.

The car stopped and Kyo looked outside to find that they had driven into very secure and impressive grounds. Before him, an astonishing modern mansion stood. Its architecture was a mixture of European styles. It was huge, mammoth, he wasn’t sure it could pass for a home, more like an intimidating symbol.

“Before we go in,” Rin said.

Kyo drew his attention back into the car to find that Ryuu and the driver had left. Rin was watching him expectantly and she didn’t stop when he frowned.

“I want to ask you to give me a chance, Kyo. I want you to give me time with you. Stay here in this cold place I call home and if you can’t stand to be near me after two months, I’ll let you go.”

“Why?” Kyo asked.

“Because, I have all this love bottled up inside for you, my dear son. It’s going to kill me very soon if you don’t accept it. But, if you really don’t want it, tell me in two months. Give me that much time to dish it out so that it doesn’t hurt as much anymore.”

“You’re more dramatic than me,” Kyo said. “As long as you don’t start throwing money at me like you had Ryuu do yesterday.”

“You have my word,” she said with a bright smile. “Does that mean you’ll do it?”

Kyo stared at her and sighed. What choice did he have? Like Daisuke, he too wanted to know who he really was. Where his roots were. Everyone wanted to know who they were. Why should he be any different?

“Fine, I’ll do it.” Kyo looked up to find tears trailing down Rin’s face. “Please don’t cry.”

“I’ll stop if you let me hug you.” She wiped her face with her palms. “Please let me hug you.”

Giving her a nod of consent, Kyo was suddenly wrapped tightly in the warmest hug he’d ever received in his life.

Rin smelled of peppermint and strawberries, and the kisses she pressed on his forehead were sweet and warm. She rubbed his back slowly, comforting him in ways he’d never felt before. Closing his eyes, Kyo basked in the warmth of his mother’s comfort for the first time since the day he was born.

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Love (Ai) – Part 4

Kyo opened his eyes when Ryuu lay him on a bed.  Sitting up in a panic, he looked around the large elegant room.  Ryuu removed his converse shoes.

“Stop that,” Kyo said, moving to get off the bed.

Kyo would be darned if hooker was added to his list of names.  He would at least keep his dignity intact if he was to be bought.

“Will you relax?” Ryuu sighed.  

Pushing Kyo back on the bed with a hand on his chest, Ryuu arranged pillows behind his back and made sure he was comfortable.

“I’ll get you something to eat. You weren’t exactly puking back there, more like dry heaves. What’s wrong with you? Don’t you take care of yourself? When was the last time you ate?”

“I don’t know, last night,” Kyo said, tired. His head was starting to hurt. He didn’t think he could go to the club anymore, but Kaori was waiting for him. 

Sighing, he started to get up again, but Ryuu pushed him back into the pillows.

“Stay,” Ryuu said grabbing the phone from the bedside table.  He talked quietly into it and Kyo suddenly realized how irritating that was. People talked loudly into their phones so that others could hear what they were saying. At least in his world that was how it worked.

“You do that a lot,” Ryuu commented replacing the phone.

Kyo stared at him confused by what he was talking about.

“You’ve been frowning and staring at me the entire evening.”

“You’re annoying,” Kyo said with a sweet smile. “In the past hour, you’ve pulled me out of a gallery, dragged me to a hotel, introduced me to my so-called mother, kidnapped me off the streets of Shibuya, and now I’m in a hotel room with you pushing me into a bed. I think my next stop should be the police station. You’re harassing me.”

“Harassing?” Ryuu chuckled. “I think you’re the one who is too weak to deal. You protest too much, you’re hard-headed, you don’t eat, and now you are so weak I’m afraid you’re going to pass out on me. Who’s a burden now?”

“You are,” Kyo said, reaching up to undo his ponytail.

Maybe releasing his hair would ease his growing headache. Pulling off the black rubber band, he tossed it on the bedside table and ran his fingers through his long hair. He moaned in relief. Yep, his hair had been too tight.

“I think I need a shower.”

“You’re welcome to use the bathroom,” Ryuu said.

Opening his eyes, Kyo found Ryuu studying him with a very intense gaze. It captured him and he could feel little tingling sensations traveling through his chest finding their way to his heart where they filled up making his heart feel like it was going to burst. He let out a soft breath and broke the gaze.

“I think I should leave,” Kyo said with a trembling tone.

“After you eat,” Ryuu said settling on the bed more fully. “Tell me, Kyo, what has you so upset about your mother finding you? You should be happy.”

“Happy,” Kyo scoffed. “I suppose her giving me up years ago was also an occasion I should be happy about. Why does she want me back now? I’m twenty-two years old. I have survived by myself for that long. I can keep going alone.”

“But you don’t need to,” Ryuu said gently. “She loves you and wants to take care of you. Is that too hard to understand?”

“Is that the reason why you have those stupid papers with you? She’s going to buy my love?”

“You don’t want the money?” Ryuu asked with a raised brow. “You’d be the first.”

“I don’t need her money,” Kyo spat out. He wasn’t for sale even to his mother. “I was contemplating accepting it, just for the sake of my friends, but I don’t want it. I don’t want anything to do with her.”

“You’re really stubborn,” Ryuu said in wonder. The sound of the doorbell interrupted them and Ryuu sighed. “Don’t move, Kyo. If you do, I’ll carry you back and tie you to the stupid bed.”

“How kinky,” Kyo replied, watching his handsome captor leave the elegant room.

Leaning back on the pillows, Kyo closed his eyes and wondered why he wasn’t doing exactly as he needed to do. He could get up and leave while the waiter was bringing in the food. Sitting up, he moved to get off the bed, but he was still weak from his earlier nausea attack.

To be truthful, he had not eaten since the day before lunchtime, when Kaori made ramen at her apartment before he rushed out to go for his classes at the university. Kyo ran a hand through his messy black hair and sighed. Judging from the size of this hotel room, he was expecting a very delicious meal. 

Five minutes later, Ryuu came into the bedroom pushing a dinner cart.  The scent of roasted meat assaulted Kyo’s senses, making his mouth fill with saliva, he wondered if he might have been a dog in his past life.  The meat seemed to hit the right spot for him. Moving his feet over the bed, Kyo watched as Ryuu brought the cart closer to him and set about opening dishes to reveal the delicious meal.

Handing him a fork, Ryuu chuckled.

“Don’t eat the plate.”

“Bastard,” Kyo said sending him a smile before he dug into the roasted beef that was now bite-sized thanks to Ryuu. “My goodness, this is really good. So good, you should have some before I eat it all.”

“Go ahead and eat,” Ryuu replied in amusement as he sank into an armchair by the bed. “You really don’t take care of yourself, Kyo.”

“I do too,” Kyo said when he could.

Picking up the glass of mixed fruit juice, he drank half the contents before he spared Ryuu a glance. At some point, the jacket and bow tie had disappeared and the pristine white shirt was now open at the collar. The sleeves pulled back to his elbows.

He is even more handsome, Kyo thought with a sigh.

Too handsome, Kyo decided. The fact that he seemed interested was not good on any scale. He might get too involved and then where would he be? Prying his eyes away from the vision of perfection before him, he returned it back to his roasted beef.

“Why are you in a tuxedo? Surely, you’re late for whatever occasion you were going to.”

“I had to cancel it,” Ryuu said. “Rin-san called to tell me she found you.  I came to pick you up straight away.”

“Just like that?” Kyo asked in surprise. “You dropped what you were doing just to get me. Aren’t you a bit much?”

“Not really, she’s the boss,” Ryuu said, his tone matter of fact. “It was important business.”

“I’m important business,” Kyo repeated slowly.

Taking a small bite of his meat, he chewed slowly thinking over that piece of information through.

“How ironic,” he said with a sigh. “Oh, well, I’m sorry you wasted your time, Ryuu. You should have gone to the party you were headed to.”

“Actually, it was a wedding,” Ryuu answered. “A friend of mine was renewing his vows tonight.”

“Really, isn’t that sad,” he frowned. “What excuses are you going to give?”

“I had to find you,” Ryuu said.

“The truth must work for you.”

“It does, it’s even better since they already know about you. I’ve been helping Rin-san search for you for a long time now.”

Kyo laughed and shook his head.

“You two deserve each other. Looking for me,” he shook his head, “I’m starting to think I’m in some sort of drama. Please bring out the cameras already, the joke is getting old.”

“No joke, Kyo.”

Kyo looked at Ryuu, biting the edges of his fork, he wondered about the tone in Ryuu’s voice. Was it him or was Ryuu staring at him?

Ignoring it, Kyo finished eating fast and just as he put his glass down, the phone in his pocket buzzed again. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, he sighed. It was already nine-thirty. He was starting to feel the effects of a very busy day. Reaching for his cell phone, he answered.

“Kaori, do you mind too much if I skip tonight? The exhibition tired me out.”

“Fine, if you promise to meet me for breakfast. You also have to tell me what’s going on today.”

“Sure,” Kyo said in relief. Promising to call her at eight in the morning, he hung up and glanced at Ryuu. “Thanks for dinner, it was really good. I think I should be going home now.”

“Where is home?” Ryuu asked leaning forward in his seat.

“I thought you knew everything about me?” he answered pushing the cart away and standing up. Yawning, he reached for the rubber band he dumped on the bedside table and tied his hair. “I’m leaving now.”

“I’ll take you home.”  

Ryuu stood, suddenly crowding Kyo in the space between the bed and the armchair. Dropping his arms, Kyo looked up to say something but found he was standing way too close to Ryuu.

“I think I really need to leave,” Kyo said when his body sang with excitement at their closeness.

He could handle a lot of things, but rejection always made him feel terrible. If Ryuu was not interested in him, he took a step back. Ryuu stopped him by sliding a hand around his waist and dragging him closer. Once again, he was in a tight hold against Ryuu’s intoxicating body.

“Let me take you home,” Ryuu insisted forcing him to look up into dark smoldering eyes.

Kyo couldn’t comprehend anymore. His hands came up to brace against strong arms covered by the softest fabric he had ever touched. Ryuu’s scent filled him, every corner of his brain filled with a heady mix of spice that had him moving closer just to retain it. He was losing his mind over a scent.

Kyo shook his head trying to gain control, but Ryuu spoiled that by pulling him into a tight hug.

Gasping at the feel of being held so tightly, Kyo closed his eyes as intense heat spread through his body. His fingers bunched Ryuu’s shirt, Kyo wondered if he’d eaten some kind of aphrodisiac to start acting this way. He wanted Ryuu to kiss him, he needed it, and his body was demanding he rub himself against Ryuu and take all that the man wanted to give him. A fire raged through him, he was fully hard, needing relief and he wanted it from Ryuu. He was getting mindless from one hug. Panicking, Kyo pushed away from Ryuu, stumbling back when the man let go of him, he bumped into the bed and scrambled over it so that they were standing separated by the bed.

“Stay there,” Kyo ordered when Ryuu started to come around concern on his face. “I don’t know what you put in the food, but I’m not playing.”

“What are you talking about?” Ryuu asked with a puzzled expression.

Kyo shook his head, locating his bag with his eyes. It was on a table by the floor-length windows that showed off a beautiful night. Stalking to the bag, he grabbed it and hurried to pick up his converse shoes.

Ryuu was clearly thinking he’d lost his mind judging from the confused expression he was wearing. Holding out a hand to make him stop moving, Kyo gripped his shoes tightly and turned to leave the bedroom. Running out into the living room and toward the exit door. Kyo didn’t stop until he was in the elevator leaning on the wall as the numbers counted down.

Taking deep breaths, he wore his shoes and breathed out trying to calm his racing heart. By the time the doors opened on the ground floor and he came out of the elevator, he felt calmer.

Once outside in the cool air, Kyo’s thoughts cleared and he decided to go home get some sleep and act like this was one of those bizarre nights everyone experienced once in a while.

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Love (Ai) – Part 2

“Are you Kyo Tatsuya?”

Glancing up from where he was busy holding a large wooden crate while one of the museum assistants nailed it shut, Kyo scowled.

“Would you help first?” he asked, straining against the weight of the crate. Groaning, he returned his attention to the assistant. “Are you almost done?”

“There are two more nails to go,” the answer came in an irritated tone.

“Oh, joy,” Kyo groaned. “Hey, monkey suit, come over here, and help me hold this up. I’m dying under this weight.”

“What did you just call me?” the man asked.

Thankfully, he didn’t waste time and came to help Kyo hold the crate. One moment the weight was pressing back at him heavily, the next it wasn’t.

Kyo sighed in relief.

“Thanks,” Kyo said. “This shouldn’t take too long. I can’t believe that three of the paintings are gone, what luck. Gosh, I’m starving. I didn’t get to eat anything all day.”

“There was a buffet table in the back,” the gallery assistant said. “Do you want me to pack you up something?”

“That would be nice,” Kyo said, elated. “I’m always forgetting to eat. There were so many things to do, food just didn’t factor in.”

“Shouldn’t you realize you’re hungry when your stomach growls?” the man helping him asked.

“My stomach doesn’t growl, thank you very much. And who wears a suit in the evening? It looks like a tuxedo. Are you going out on a date?” Kyo asked giving the man a skeptical look. “If it’s anyone from this college, you should know we’re all just looking for a sponsor. It’s not real love.”

“How romantic of you,” the man answered with a chuckle. “Are you always this cynical?”

“I’m realistic,”  Kyo answered with a shrug. He turned and leaned his back on the crate so that he could look at their visitor.

The man was tall. Kyo was a mere five foot seven inches. This man had to be in the six feet category. His body filled out: broad shoulders, lean physique. There was no fat on that handsome bod.  He was in a tailored black tuxedo that fit to perfection. Black hair combed back in a neat style.  

Meeting dark eyes, Kyo couldn’t help the grin at the handsome face looking back at him.  So, what was such a man doing looking for him?  He didn’t know any socialites.

“Are you Kyo?” the man asked with a smile.

“Maybe,” Kyo said, just in case the man wasn’t looking for him to give good news. “Why are you looking for Kyo?”

“I have some business with him,” the man replied.

Shaking his head, Kyo was relieved when the assistant called out that he was done. Three men came to help carry out the crate and Kyo couldn’t help stretching his arms to relieve his stressed muscles.

Damn, he was so tired, his stomach was cramping now with hunger. The package of food was his next order of business. After that, he was heading down to Harajuku, where he would spend a few hours getting silly drunk at his favorite club with his sister.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know Kyo,” he said to the man in the tuxedo. “Please look for him tomorrow.”

Turning away from the handsome, tall man, he started for the backstage area and the buffet table. He didn’t get far before a strong grip on his arm stopped him.

Gasping, Kyo looked up to find the man shaking his head at him.

“Let go of me,” Kyo said, worried that he was about to be assaulted by a psycho.

Stories were going around of a pervert who was robbing people on the streets. The description was vague, which meant a man in a tuxedo could be doing it. People were sick out there.

“I scream very well.”

“I know you’re Kyo,” the man said. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he produced a photo, which he held out to Kyo.

Taking it, Kyo was shocked to be staring at his own face. He took the picture for an art book he published earlier this month.  Cursing open source sharing, he handed back the photo and demanded.

“What do you want with me?”

“I have someone who wants to talk to you,” the man said, his tone quiet. He didn’t let go of his arm, instead keeping a firm grip on Kyo’s upper arm. “My name is Ryuu Shin. Please come with me.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Kyo replied.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” Ryuu Shin said through gritted teeth. “Look, if I promise to feed you, will you come?”

Food, Kyo sighed.  The food at the buffet had been there for a couple of hours. It would be lukewarm, but he wasn’t one to be choosy.

But, he frowned at the man. “What kind of food?”

“I’ll take you to a five-star hotel,” Ryuu replied with a hopeful glance.

Well, high-class tastes, Kyo could feel his stomach cramping even more now.  As much as he forgot to eat, he really loved food, the tastier the better. A high-class restaurant would undoubtedly be an experience he couldn’t miss. Not to seem too eager, he gave Ryuu a suspicious glance.

“Do I have to dress up like you?”

Kyo watched Ryuu look him up and felt a blush creep to his cheeks.  His washed-out blue jeans, converse shoes, and a white paint-stained t-shirt weren’t top-of-the-line.  His hair was in a messy ponytail, a few tendrils had escaped in the struggle to pack the paintings.  With his free hand, he pinched the fabric of his t-shirt and sniffed.  He wasn’t stinking, but compared to the tuxedo-wearing Ryuu, he was far from fresh.

“Well,” he asked when Ryuu didn’t speak.

“You’re fine,” Ryuu answered with a slight smile.  Shaking his head, he nodded towards the gallery exit.  “Let’s go, we’re running late.”

“Right now?” Kyo asked in surprise.  “Can I at least grab my bag from the back?”

“Already done,” Ryuu said nodding to a man Kyo had not noticed before.  He was holding Kyo’s black duffel bag carefully.  

What was going on here?  

“Come on, we don’t want to be late.”

“Hey,” Kyo said as Ryuu led out him firmly.  “Who the hell are you?  I’m not so easy, you know.  You can’t just walk in here and get my stuff like you own me.”

“Calm down,” Ryuu said as they stepped out into the warm evening.  

Leading him to a black car waiting at the curb, Ryuu urged him in first before following.  He nodded to the driver and the car joined traffic.

Kyo moved to the other side of the back seat giving Ryuu a skeptical glance before he looked out the windows with a sigh. Well, at least he was going to get food.  He would leave the moment he had his fill and head to Harajuku.

Fifteen minutes later, they walked into the Park Hyatt hotel, Kyo groaned under his breath at the sight of the people walking in and out of the place.  The glances he got were enough to bring out his rebellious side.  He hated being judged, damn bastards didn’t have a reason to do that when they knew nothing about him.

“Relax, Kyo,” Ryuu said placing a gentle arm around his shoulders.  “You are making faces at everyone.”

“Why are we here again?” Kyo asked irritated by the situation.  Even the air smelled stinking rich, what the hell, he sighed.  “I’ve decided not to stay.  Give me my bag, I have somewhere to be.”

“You’re insane,” Ryuu said exasperated.  “Come on, we’re almost there.”

Arm firmly around Kyo’s shoulder, Ryuu led the way into a restaurant with the name Peak Lounge at its entrance.  They walked past the man waiting at the entrance without stopping. A garden setting in the middle of the room had Kyo staring until they stopped at a table in a corner overlooking the city.  Ryuu gave him a warm squeeze on his arm bringing back his attention.

“Pay your respects,” Ryuu urged, nodding to the elegant woman seated at a table for two sipping tea.  

She was beautifully dressed in a black skirt suit, her hair held in a neat bun.  

Kyo could not see her full face since she hadn’t looked up from a folder on the table before her.  She looked like a woman who commanded an army or something.  Her type scared him.  Irritated by the feeling, he turned to Ryuu.

“Who the hell is this?” he demanded making Ryuu wince.  “What?”

Ryuu gave him a censoring glance and said quietly, his tone full of respect.

“She is Rin Kiyoshi, the head of the Biyashi Foundation, and your mother.”

“Biyashi,” Kyo gasped.

The Biyashi Foundation was renowned for its galleries in the Eurasian region.  Taking a closer look, Kyo gaped when he recognized the renowned artist Rin Kiyoshi.  She was supposed to have married a corporate mogul who left her millions when he died which she directed to the foundation.  Her paintings were celebrated, but she was a recluse who rarely allowed the public into her private life. Which was frustrating to the media since she was so freaking rich.  

The last Kyo heard about her was that her only child had died from some weird disease.  Wait, what had Ryuu said?

Kyo frowned and turned to look at the tall man standing beside him.

“What did you say?”

“She’s the head of Biyashi, and your mother,” Ryuu repeated with patience.  

This tone Ryuu was taking with him was starting to irritate him as if he was some sort of stupid child that couldn’t comprehend things.  Shaking his head, Kyo took a step back.

“My mother is dead,” Kyo said quietly, a cold shiver running down his back.  “I don’t appreciate this kind of joke.”

Kyo started to leave, but a hand clamped on his right shoulder.  He had been through this before when he left his foster home after he turned seventeen.  His older brother tried to help him find his birth parents. After a harrowing experience with a crazy woman who wanted a child so badly she kidnapped him, Kyo stopped looking.  He shook his head.  

“Let go of me, and get screwed.  I’m not this desperate for a parent.”

“At least give me a chance to explain before you leave,” Rin said.

Her soft voice made him want to turn and stay.  It made him need to hear her out and he wasn’t going to survive it.  Shrugging off the arm on his shoulder, Kyo turned around to glare at the woman sitting so calmly in her seat.  

“Why now?” Kyo asked.

Dark sad eyes stared at him and he frowned at the hidden pain he read there.  

“I couldn’t find you before,” Rin said.

“That’s rich,” Kyo said and glared at Ryuu.  “Since you know where to find me, bring my bag there tomorrow.  I gotta go.”

Giving the elegant woman a final glance, Kyo stalked out of the restaurant, angry tears flowing down his cheeks.  Wiping at them with clenched fists, he stumbled out of the hotel blindly.

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