Takeo – yay! ^_^ Chapter Three. Warnings of citrus and angst.
Chapter Three: Blue on Red
Shuu sighed as he unpacked a few of his clothes into his old dresser, Eris sitting on the bed, flopped on his back.
“A house full of guys and one girl...sounds strange Shu-bear.” Eris said as Shuu shut the dresser drawer and sat next to his boyfriend.
“I told you we go way back Eri-chan. Last time I was here, everyone was sharing one another because they all loved each other. I haven’t seen any evidence that they’ve changed, but they are my friends and I would risk my life to keep them safe.” Shuu said as he put his arm around Eris. Eris smiled as he leaned into Shuu’s embrace, stealing a quick kiss.
“You’re so sweet Shu-chan. I’m so lucky to have you.” Eris said as he and Shuu fell back on the bed and snuggled in each others arms. Shuu yawned as he placed a protective arm around Eris.
“I’m so tired from that long train ride. How about a nap?” Shuu muttered as his eyes closed in sleep.
“You’re right. Nite love.” Eris said as he kissed Shuu and promptly fell asleep. Shuu nodded off behind his lover, his soft snores settling around his old room.
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“Shuu’s gay? Why didn’t he tell us?” Touma lamented as he smacked his forehead.
“Because you were too busy getting into someone’s pants.” Shin replied as he mussed up Ryo’s head that rested in his lap.
“He wouldn’t exactly open up to us with the way with treated him.” Seiji spoke from his single seat in front of the fireplace, wrapped in a baby blue blanket. The remaining troopers remained silent as that snuck in.
“But Shuu knew we were kidding. We joke about each other all the time. Like how we say that Seiji is so uptight, which he is, so that’s not a joke.” Touma said, promptly silenced by a glare from Seiji.
“Have you ever seen Shuu sad?” Seiji asked as he turned his eyes back to the fire, “He could very easily mask any saddened emotions with a laugh. We could have unknowingly hurt his feelings.” He finished as he tugged the blanket tighter around his form. Shin nodded.
“You could say that, but we all fought Arago and his madness together. We became closer because of the bond with the yoroi. He should have been able to tell us anything...we *are* his friends you know.” Shin spoke as Ryo sat up and tucked his feet under him. Footsteps came wandering down the staircase and the Troopers ceased their conversation. A board figure in a pair of silk blank pants and an unbuttoned orange top appeared and Shuu’s face was masked by a fall of dark blue hair.
“Hey guys. Is there anything to eat? Eris is out like a light.” Shuu spoke as he sat at the foot of the stairs.
“Of course Shuu. There’s some ham and cheese sandwiches in the fridge, but they’re a bit cold.” Shin said as he proceeded to get up from his warm spot on the couch.
“You don’t have to get up Shin, I’ll get it. It’s kind of cold down here.” Shuu replied as he walked to the kitchen and came back to the living room, a sandwich in hand and a cup of green tea in the other. He sat down on the rugged floor and munched away happily, wriggling his toes in front of the fireplace.
“So Shuu, tell us a bit about Eris. He’s kind of quiet.” Touma asked as Shuu turned that he could face all his friends.
“Well, I met Eris a couple of weeks after I returned to Yokohama. I was working at my uncle’s restaurant and he came in for a meal, alone. I was on waiter duty that day so I served him and he hung around until I was done with work that day. He invited me to a movie and said that he thought I was cute.” At this point, Shuu blushed, his dark cobalt eyes fixed on the rug.
“What happened after that Shu-kun?” Shin asked as he leaned forward in his seat.
“Well, I was sort of embarrassed. Good looking guys like Eris usually don’t like guys like me, but I told him that I thought he was cute too. He asked me out on another date and we began to go out regularly. I also saw him at school, although we were in different classes. Two weeks later, he asked me to go steady and I said yes. We’ve been dating ever since, which has been like about 7 months.” Shuu spoke as he played with some of the button son his shirt.
“Awwh, that’s so sweet.” Shin said as he clapped his hands in excitement.
“Well, it’s getting late, and I’m tired. See you in the morning Shuu.” Ryo said as he clapped his hand on Shuu’s shoulder and went up the stairs.
“Ryo’s right. We’ll talk more in the morning. Nite Shu-kun.” Shin said as he hugged Shuu and dragged Touma up the stairs who yelled his farewell. Only Seiji and Shuu remained, still sitting in front of the fire.
“Well, I better head upstairs too.” Shuu said as he began to rise to his feet.
“Please, stay Shuu.” Seiji spoke as he patted the spot beside him. Shuu reluctantly sat down. He had planned to avoid Seiji if he could because out of all the Troopers, he felt that Seiji did not particularly like him, or could stand him, thus making the tension between them thick.
“Ummh, sure. So...what’s up?” Shuu asked, trying to hide his nervousness behind a hearty chuckle.
“You’re doing it again.” Seiji said, a hint of a smile peaking behind his lips. Shuu looked surprised by the show of emotion of Halo’s bearer, but he said nothing.
“Doing what?” Shuu asked in response. Seiji’s smile faded as he let his blanket drop from his broad shoulders. It settled around his waist and the blond Trooper turned to face Shuu, the flickering of the fireplace the only sound that soaked through the dark living room.
“Hiding your pain behind laughter. The day you left, Rajura sort of explained it to me. I’ve never meant for my words to hurt you Shuu.” Seiji spoke softly, his voice washing over Shuu in a wave of lost light.
“I... I mean, thank you Seiji. I knew that you guys were only kidding around, and sometimes it hurt, but thank you.” Shuu said a bit baffled.
“But that isn’t why you left, is it Shuu?” Seiji asked he moved closer to Shuu, his blue eyes, almost violet as he burrowed into Shuu’s dark cobalt eyes.
“Why I left?” Shuu asked a bit confused at what Seiji was getting at.
“You ran away from us, from me.” Seiji spoke as got up and settled behind Shuu, draping his baby blue blanket over their bodies. Shuu froze as Seiji’s fingers slid down his arms.
“I didn’t run away. I needed time to think, and time to be alone to figure out what I wanted.” Shuu spoke as tired to free himself from Seiji’s hold.
“We love you Shuu, and we could have given you anything you wanted.” Seiji spoke as his hand slipped under Shuu’s unbuttoned shirt. Shuu stopped Seiji’s hand from going any further.
“*This* was the problem Seiji. I can only love one person. I don’t go about seducing all my friends and have open relationships with them. I love you all too much to do that. That’s why I left because I knew that if I fell in love with any one of you, I would have to share and be shared alike. I don’t like that at all Seiji and that is why I left. I know that things seemed to have calmed down a bit but I’m not sure if you guys still act the same way. If that’s what makes you guys happy then I won’t stop you, but I refuse to be a part of it.” Shuu spoke as he moved away from Seiji.
“I see. If you must know, Shin, Ryo and Touma are together as a couple, I remain alone, and so do you.” Seiji spoke as Shuu finally freed himself and got to his feet.
“I have Eris, and he loves me.” Shuu replied as he turned to face Seiji. The blond Trooper walked up to Shuu and wrapped his arms around him. His pale fingers grazed across Shuu’s dark skin, sending shivers down both their spines at the contact.
“And I, love you Kongo.” Seiji whispered as he bent his head and meshed his lips against Shuu’s the shorter man yielding to the plunder of his mouth. Seiji thrust his tongue into Shuu’s mouth, teasing Shuu’s tongue with his as he held the other man captive in his arms. Shuu regained his senses and pushed Seiji away, both panting from the lack of air.
“You can’t love me.” Shuu spoke heatedly, his eyes meeting Seiji’s.
“I can and I do. That was why I was so hurt when you left without even a word between us. I felt that you hated me for how I treated you all these years and I knew that the happiness I sought was by being with you, and only you. Besides, our yoroi bond makes us feel things that we can’t feel with regular people. You may love Eris, and he you, but if you told him about the wars we fought and what we have seen, do you think that he would accept you?” Seiji asked as he drew closer to Shuu. Shuu stood for a moment, wrestling with the thoughts and emotions that whirled in his head.
“Can’t I find happiness outside of our circle? I want someone who doesn’t know about the horrors we faced while fighting Arago, someone who didn’t witness the destruction that my hands wrought, someone...” Shuu spoke, closing his eyes as tears slowly welled into his eyes. He clenched his fingers at his side, unsure about what he felt for Eris.
“Shu-kun, what we all needed was someone who understands what we went through. I’ll give you time to think, but I hope you’ll forgive my advances.” Seiji spoke softly as he caressed Shuu’s cheek once again, his fingers catching the tears that rolled down Shuu’s cheeks. “No tears Shu-chan, I don’t want to see you sad.” Seiji spoke as he kissed Shuu once again, slowly drawing Shuu into his arms. Shuu’s arms rested around Seiji’s waist as Kourin’s bearer kissed his way down Shuu’s lips. He nestled his nose in Shuu’s hair, smelling the cologne that Shuu used as well as an unmistakable scent that was distinctly Shuu. Seiji nibbled at Shuu’s neck, his hands a bit cold transversing the warm plane of Shuu’s chest.
“Seiji...I...we...I should go.” Shuu mumbled as he broke away from Seiji. Seiji’s blue eyes looked dark, filled with conflicting emotions. He blinked, forcing himself to regain control.
“I won’t stop you, but think about it.” Seiji spoke. Leaving one last lingering kiss, Seiji let go of Shuu. Shuu rose to his feet and with one last look at Seiji, Shuu went up to his room. Seiji sat back on the couch, running long fingers through his hair. Damn it, it was too fast, too soon. I should have waited until later to tell him. But maybe it’s better this way. Seiji rose from the couch and went up the stairs to his own room.
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Shuu quietly slipped into bed, mindful that Eris was sleeping. His heart and mind were in turmoil. I never imagined that *Seiji* of all people would like me...but I care about Eris. I can’t betray him by even thinking of being with Seiji. But Seiji is right about the yoroi. I felt a connection with Seiji when we kissed than with when I kiss Eris. But isn’t that I wanted? A chance at a normal life, with a guy that I’m growing to love as each day passes? But if I tell Eris about why the guys and I are really friends, will he think of me as weird? Will he want to be with me? I don’t know Shuu turned on his side, facing the window and fell into a fitful sleep.
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The next morning the house bustled in activity. The group was planning on chopping down a Christmas tree and making preparations for Christmas Eve. Eris helped Shin in the kitchen to make some of the refreshments to be served in the evening and make breakfast as well.
“Seiji and I are heading out to get the tree. We’ll be back soon.” Shuu called cheerfully as he stuck his head in the kitchen. Eris placed a woolen hat over Shuu’s head and kissed him.
“Don’t be long Shu-chan. Shin and I will have breakfast ready by the time you get back.” Eris replied with a smile. Seiji kept a cool gaze on Eris and the crimson eyed boy kept a wary eye on Seiji.
“Ryo, you and Touma go round up some firewood for tonight okay?” Nasuti called as she came down the stairs in her bathrobe.
“No problem. Bye y’all!” Touma called as the four Troopers plus Whiteblaze headed into the snow covered day. They split up and went to do their separate tasks.
“You haven’t talked to me all morning Shuu.” Seiji spoke as they ventured into the woods, looking for a particular tree.
“I’ve just been thinking, that’s all.” Shuu replied as he swung his axe over his back. The taller Trooper nodded.
“I guess so. Well, let’s talk about something else? How’s your family?” Seiji asked as they reached a crop of trees, with an old lodge not too far off in the distance.
“Oh. Everyone’s fine. How about your sisters? And the dojo?” Shuu asked as he dropped the axe and placed his hands around the tree trunk. He felt the power of Kongo kindle in him and he pulled the tree out by its roots. He lay it down on the snow and with a well placed blow with the axe, chopped away the roots.
“Oh, they’re fine. They’ll soon be moving out since some of them are getting married. They’re leaving the dojo to me.” Seiji replied as Shuu took out the rope they had brought with them and tied it around the tree.
“Umm Seiji, it’s been snowing since we got out here.” Shuu noticed as huge snowflakes drifted rather quickly and covered everything in sight.
“Let’s head for the lodge we saw to get our bearings straight. I’ll put a call out to Ryo and Touma.” Seiji spoke as he reached over the yoroi link to find Ryo and Touma. They reached the lodge and dragged in the tree, propping it against a wall.
“Are they all right?” Shuu asked after Seiji opened his eyes.
“They were trapped before, but Ryo burned them a safe hiding place in a cave not to far from here. He said he already contacted Shin and told him that we would all be late due to the storm.” Seiji replied.
“Good. Let’s see if we can start a fire, I’m freezing.” Shuu spoke as he pulled off his gloves. He dismantled a nearby wooden chair and tossed it into the old worn fireplace that the lodge had.
“Here, I’ll light it.” Seiji spoke as he drew a packet of matches from his pocket. He struck a match and the wood caught fire, singing merrily among the discarded coals that lay in the fire place.
“Thanks Seiji.” Shuu spoke as he held his hands in front of the fire. It was then he noticed a line of blood on his hand.
“Shuu, you’re bleeding. Ah, looks like there’s a splinter in your hand.” Seiji spoke as he too took off his gloves.
“Damn.” Shuu muttered as he inspected his hand.
“I’ll tend to it. I am the healer you know.” Seiji spoke as he took Shuu’s hand in his. He picked out the offending splinter and concentrated his yoroi energy. A green light surrounded Seiji’s hand and Shuu’s wound closed neatly without leaving a scar.
“Thank you Seiji.” Shuu said as he smiled, his cobalt eyes meeting Seiji’s.
“No problem. If we bundle our clothes together, we could be much warmer.” Seiji suggested, a glint in his blue eyes that Shuu missed.
“Okay I guess. But won’t we still be cold?” Shuu asked as he began to undresse, laying his clothes on the ground. Seiji did the same and they fashioned their clothes into a decent cover.
“We’ll be sharing body heat, so we’ll definately be warm Shuu. Don’t worry so much.” Seiji spoke as he and Shuu, now in just boxers snuggled under their makeshift blanket. Shuu forced himself to remain still as Seiji’s arms wrapped around him, the flickering fire making them comfortable.
“This has certainly been one weird morning.” Shuu commented as he tried to distract himself from peaking at Seiji’s defined chest. Seiji smiled as his eyes roved over Shuu. You’ve been hiding such a beautiful treasure from me Shuu.
“It has.” Seiji replied his hands locking Shuu closer to him. Shuu felt Seiji’s hand cradle his head and found his head tucked into Seiji’s neck.
“Umm Seiji, aren’t we...” Shuu tried to ask but lost his words as Seiji’s lips claimed his, hungrily devouring Shuu. Shuu felt himself sigh. It felt deliciously warm the way Seiji kissed him, his hands holding his body captive as he let himself give up.
“Shuu, I’ve always dreamed about this...about being so close to you.” Seiji murmured softly as he pulled away from Shuu, his fingers resting on the lining of Shuu’s boxers. Alarm spread through Shuu as he felt Seiji fondle him through his boxers.
“Seiji, I can’t.” Shuu hissed as he tried to pull away from Seiji whom had thrown back their blankets and rested on top of Shuu, trapping Kongo’s bearer beneath him with his strong limbs.
“You can.” Seiji countered as he kissed his way down Shuu’s dark copper skin, Shuu voicing a moan as Seiji’s lips tickled him. He felt incredibly warm and he squirmed trying to unseat Seiji.
“I can’t. I can’t betray Eris.” Shuu spoke as Seiji’s blue eyes met his.
“Can’t or won’t?” Seiji asked as he stopped his quest. Shuu looked away.
“Please Seiji.” Shuu asked as he tried to sit up.
“I know what’s wrong. You don’t love him, do you Shuu? You want to love him, but there’s something missing.” Seiji spoke as he cupped Shuu’s chin in his hand.
“I thought about it last night and I realized that I’ve never told him that I loved him, even when we slept together. Why can’t I love him?” Shuu spoke, biting his lips till they almost bled.
“This is what is missing Shuu. Let me show you.” Seiji replied as he took off both their boxers. Seiji sighed in appreciation at the delicious spread that was Shuu. He kissed Shuu again, their bodies locked in a grinding rhythm. Shuu let his doubts sail away as Seiji’s mouth enclosed his manhood. Moans tore at his thought as he thrust into Seiji’s mouth, his body twisted in agony.
“Seiji.” Shuu moaned as he felt his back arch off the wooden floor, sending his essence down Seiji’s throat. Seiji let go off Shuu’s manhood, letting the rest of the milky liquid drip down Shuu’s thighs.
“How did that feel?” Seiji asked as he licked his lips. Shuu opened his eyes, dark cobalt eye smoldering with passion.
“It felt, like...” Shuu spoke, unable to word his pleasure.
“The best is yet to come. Seiji spoke as he parted Shuu’s thighs. With another kiss. Seiji slipped two fingers into Shuu, aided by the treasure that had spilled out of Shuu moments earlier. Shuu’s eyes opened in shock at the sudden intrusion. As he felt Seiji’s fingers brush something inside of him, he moaned softly, his body losing its resistance against the pleasant throbbing that rocked it slowly. Seiji smiled as he removed his fingers. He kissed Shuu again, and slowly slid into Shuu, Kongo’s bearer arching up as Seiji entered him.
“Ah, Seiji!” Shuu cried out as Seiji was deep in Shuu, his strong legs on either side of Seiji’s waist.
“Oh gods. You’re so tight.” Seiji moaned as he breathed deeply, his golden head resting on Shuu’s shoulder as Kongo’s bearer’s arms held him close.
“Please, move.” Shuu bit back, his eyes shut at the sensation of Seiji filling him almost too much for him to bear. Seiji began to rock in and out of Shuu, their labored breathing echoing throughout the small lodge. Seiji marveled at how warm Shuu’s body was, Shuu’s body pulling tight all around Seiji’s thrusting member. Seiji pumped Shuu in time with his thrusts and Shuu came with a loud cry, something deep within him crying in release. Seiji came a moment later, his own cries tossed to the wind as Shuu’s body held him steadily.
“Gods...I love you Shu-chan.” Seiji whispered as he remained buried deep within Shuu, the warmth and intimacy comforting. He dragged the blankets over them and his eyes opened to regard Shuu.
“It was better than anything I’ve ever felt. Thank you.” Shuu whispered as Seiji kissed him.
“There’s no need for thanks. To be this close to you...it’s...mind blowing. I’m beginning to understand what Eris sees in you.” Seiji whispered in reply as he kissed Shuu. Shuu laughed as Seiji’s hair tickled him.
“I think the storm’s over. We should get dressed before Ryo and Touma find us.” Shuu spoke as Seiji rolled his hips in a lazy circle, drawing a moan from Shuu.
“Hmm. I’m tempted to let them find us like this.” Seiji replied as he pulled out of Shuu.
“Well, I still need to think about Eris. I have to tell him.” Shuu replied as he got dressed.
“That I had my wicked way with you?” Seiji said with a twinkle in his eyes. Shuu blushed.
“You don’t give up.” Shuu replied as he blew out the fire. Seiji’s arms encircled Shuu as he planted a kiss on Shuu’s neck.
“I don’t. We’re right for each other Shuu, and I won’t rest until I prove it.” Seiji spoke as Shuu pulled away from him.
“I won’t hurt Eris, Seiji. You know that.” Shuu replied as they pulled the tree out of the lodge and using the yoroi, found Ryo and Touma whom looked no worse for wear.
“Shin’s gonna have a fit.” Touma spoke as the group headed back to the house.
“Shin always has a fit.” Shuu replied as they soon reached the house. Shin stood outside waving.
“Breakfast’s ready. And when you guys have eaten, we can all shovel around the house.” Shin called as he patted Ryo on his bum as he entered the house.
“Shu-chan! I was so worried? Are you okay?” Eris called as he launched himself into Shuu’s arms.
“We were okay. Hmm, you smell like vanilla.” Shuu smiled as Eris kissed him hard, his black hair hanging loosely in its ponytail. Eris caught a smug smile from Seiji’s direction but remained quiet.
“That’s a nice tree you guys got.” Eris spoke as he pulled away from Shuu.
“Well, come in before you all freeze,” Shin called as everyone trooped in. Seiji closed the door and met Shin face to face. “Is anything wrong Seiji?” Shin asked as Seiji hung up his clothes. Seiji watched as Eris fed Shuu, Kongo laughing heartily as he kissed Eris. His blue eyes looked away.
“Nothing’s wrong Shin.” Seiji replied curtly, enshrouded himself once again in his nonchalant attitude. Shin glanced over to where Shuu and Eris were and then looked at Seiji.
“Have it your way Seiji. No one ever said that love was easy. Think of it as a battle that must be fought. One that scars will be acquired. Are you willing to sacrifice his happiness for your own?” Shin asked as he walked away, leaving Seiji questioning what he had just done.
~End of chapter three~
Takeo – Oh fun fun fun!