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Thursday, April 06, 2000 8:05:32 PM

Hidoko Matsumoto
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Notes: Thanks to Jara! And, Hyde and Tetsu's image is Dune(or earlier) period, Sakura is Zigzo before he cut his hair into that fxxkin bob, Yuki in Heart look, Ken in Snowdrop. ^-^' Hyde x Tetsu sex scene is written for Meh~ri and I know what Minako's gonna say… "Sakura is finally not the bad guy anymore!"

Disclaimer: MAFIA!! Uh… .any real-life coincidences are merely coincidental! I swear! (so if you happen to be a mafia don’t sue me… wait, sue?)
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The mirror reflected an image of a tall, dark man, well built, with an air of mysteriousness and somewhat aggressive aura about him. He looked confident, especially the way he stared at himself in the mirror. This image was poised by the few bruises and scars he had on his skin, and it suited him. He had no reason to feel otherwise; this was his match and he had won.

There was no victorious smile on his face; just the satisfaction. The rest of them were busy counting money, money which he had won from the match with his strength.

"Buddy, you are indeed a great wrestler," A rather wasted-looking muscular middle-aged man grinned, patting his back. "I gotta bet more on you next time!"

"Of course I am," He boasted. "You'll definitely win with my abilities."

The group just laughed. Unknown to him, it was scornful; they were only happy because he earned them money.

"So, where's my fair share?" He asked.

"Of course, you get the biggest fish," Lam held it out, a cigarette sticking out of a corner of his mouth. "As usual."

Sakura smirked, taking the bundle of cash over, and shoving it into his pocket. There was a lot more praises from the men, and soon every one of them were staggering drunk from the celebration. Sakura enjoyed all that; these was what made him really happy after the match. The girls all belonged to him, they were all his buddies. He was a winner, a budding winner who would win more in times to come.

***

"He's won again," A surprisingly deep voice came from a short, petite lady who donned a black robe. Around her slender shoulders white shawls were wrapped loosely, adorning her already beautiful form. She smiled slowly, and then shrugged. "What's his name?"

"Sakura, Miss. His name is Sakura."

"Really…" She smiled, and gestured to her faithful follower. "From now on, he is going to win."

"Yes, Miss."

***

By the time he reached home, he was alone, more sober, and having a headache. There was still the feeling of euphoria floating in his veins, so he was not complaining, as he placed his hand on the door, about to search his wallet for the (damn) keys. To his somewhat annoyed surprise, the door gave way. He caught himself before he fell.

"Fuck, didn't lock my door…" He murmured, entering and throwing the door closed. "Too many junkies these days stealing cash… Gotta be careful next time…"

He almost tripped on his own feet. Uttering yet more curses, now awake, he locked the door, threw the bag onto the sofa, and went into his room. The bathroom had to be built right inside, of all places. He tripped over several other things, before he opened the door to the bathroom. He didn't usually keep it closed, but he was too drunk to notice.

A fist swiped out, knocking him stumbling backwards, and for a moment his vision was blurred. Immediately his senses seemed to clear, and the fighting instincts kicked in. He moved nimbly, dodging the second blow, and gave his assailant a punch. When he raised his fists to deliver a second, he realized that he had knocked his attacker out. He switched on the light, to reveal a rather skinny looking kid having collapsed on the floor.

He almost laughed out loud when he saw that, and wondered what he had been doing. Then he turned around, to realize that his place was a mess. Mumbling some curses, he kicked the kid in the ribs to see if he was really knocked out. Sensing that there was no danger, he went into the bathroom to wash his face.

He emerged several seconds later, to stare at the intruder. Finally, he resolved to lift the kid from the floor and let him use his bed. He had intended to give him hell initially, but a second look at this pathetically scrawny kid he lost all intentions of revenge. That would be bullying the weak.

"Damn, he should at least eat…. This bastard makes me feel bad for nothing. Well, it's his fault." Sakura sighed, throwing a blanket over the unconscious body as a second thought. "I'll get some cup noodles. Don't you dare run away!"

Of course, the stranger did not stir. Sakura made a trip to the kitchen, prepared the noodles, and went back again into the room, holding two cups in his hands. He set one down on the table beside his bed, and started eating from the other.

His thoughts began to wander, as to how this kid got in. Maybe he really forgot to lock his apartment. Geez, he sure was acting weird, too. Feeding a thief instead of punishing him? That was absurd. Well, he was in a good mood, even after that silent attack. He grinned to think that he had been ambushed, but won again. Maybe he could blame it on the alcohol which lingered in his veins.

After a few minutes, about a few moments after Sakura had set his empty cup away, the small kid stirred. His somewhat overgrown cropped hair framed his face, making him seem boyish. He immediately scrambled away in fear, and fell off the bed with a loud 'thud'. "Itai!"

Sakura laughed, and moved over to help him up. The kid looked up, surprised to see Sakura's outstretched hand. "Geez, you are one stupid burglar!"

"……." The kid looked at him now somewhat rebelliously, and climbed to his feet on his own accord. "Do whatever you want to do with me, you've got me."

"Alllllll riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!" Sakura laughed even more, watching him wonder if he himself was nuts. "First, tell me your name. Or I'll call you Skinny."

"I'm not skinny!"

"Okay, skinny. Tell me your name." Sakura was even more amused. "You are under my captive, remember?"

"….Yukihiro."

"Now, Yukihiro, you shall eat that cup of noodles as a punishment for coming into my house without being invited."

Yukihiro stared at Sakura incredulously. "What?!"

Sakura shrugged. "I said, eat that cup of noodles. It's not poisoned. Or I'll turn you over to the police."

Hesitantly, Yuki stumbled over to the table. Sakura gestured for him to sit down beside him, and he did. Soon, he was wolfing down the noodles as if it was the best thing he had ever eaten in his whole life. Finally, he was done, and looked like he was ready for talk.

"……So, Yukihiro…"

The youngster looked up at him with bloodshot eyes. He looked far from healthy; he was maybe one of those junkies. He nodded.

"Well, what are you doing here?" It seemed logical to ask. At least, it was the first thing which came to mind. Sakura had a good mind to make him clean up and leave later.

"…It's up to you to believe," Smart reply.

"Fine, then… Listen, kid. I'm a wrestler, you can't beat me. It was a big mistake when you tried to ambush me, so you'd better listen to me."

"You have me in your hand," Yuki stated, annoyed at the man's ego, "Do whatever you want."

"Okay," An evil plan was forming in Sakura's head. "You will stay here for two months and clean up the house for me."

"What?!"

"Yeah, and you won't have to worry about food or lodging. No catch, I promise. You do look like you need some more cup noodles… Besides, cup noodles isn't too healthy." He was met with a sharp glare. "Of course, you can always object, but you'll have to take a trip to the police station I'm afraid."

"Are you trying to make me stay? What do you have up your sleeves?"

"Nothing," Sakura shrugged nonchalantly. "I just happened to win a match and I'm in a good mood."

Yukihiro didn't say anything, as he rubbed at his bruised face.

"So, you agree?"

"I don't have a choice, do I?" He retorted.

"I guess not," Sakura laughed. "Do you actually have a home? I guess not either. So you take the couch."

"I have a home," Yuki protested, even though he did not look too confident over his idea of 'home'.

"Well, you take the couch. You're not leaving till two months is over." He grabbed the youngster's arm and hurled him out to the living room. "Oh wait. You go back to my room and clear that mess up. I'm sleeping at the couch."

Yuki seemed to accept his punishment somewhat helplessly, and rather gratefully, even though he tried not to show it.

"Oh, here's my key," Sakura held up his key, and stuffed it into the pocket of his jeans. "And, the door is locked."

"Fine, gloat over my misery," The youngster mumbled, but, Sakura had already dozed off. Resigning, he went into Sakura's room and started putting everything back.

***

Yuki had fallen asleep waiting for Sakura to rise. Sakura woke up, and he had an urge to puke. He swallowed it back, and went into his room slowly, wondering if the kid was still there. He was not surprised to see him sleeping in his bed, stretched out like an adorable cat. Sakura smiled, wondering what the rebellious idiot would say if he had told him that he looked cuter sleeping than he would ever look awake.

Not sure of what to do, he went to brush his teeth. He gave in to the puking desire, and barfed into the toilet bowl. When he wasn't feeling half as bad as he did earlier, he washed his mouth to make sure he was as clean as possible. He would need a bath too, he reasoned, so he went into the shower room to have a quick shower.

When he emerged, dressed in a pair of red boxers, Yuki was still sleeping. Sakura decided to wake him up and make him do something. After all, Sakura did not want to treat him too well. He leaned closer so that he could pinch him on his cheeks. "Hey, wake up, skinny!"

Yuki frowned, but he did not wake up. Seeing that pinching was not going to do much, Sakura started slapping him lightly.

"W-a-k-e u-p!"

"Stop that!" He finally awoke after a couple more slaps, almost bursting his veins in anger. "What do you think you are doing, slapping me like that?!"

"Good morning!" Sakura greeted, grinning, pretending that he had done nothing. "You sure did a great job of cleaning up the room! What do you want for breakfast?"

"……Nothing."

"Good, you go and buy one nothing for yourself and one bentou for me," Sakura ordered, pulling the blanket away from Yuki, and going back to bed. "And next time, you take the couch, remember that."

"I'm not your servant!" Yuki fumed.

"Since you're staying here, treat it as your punishment," He fished out a couple of notes from his wallet which was lying on the table, and chucked it at Yuki. He wondered why Yuki hadn't taken it and ran away yesterday; he had kept another key there. Maybe he didn't dare to, after all. Or he was a nice honest thief. "And here's your key."

Yuki took the money and keys over. He frowned further, studying them closely. "Why are you trusting me with these?"

"Because I'm in a good mood and you seem like a nice guy, that's why," Sakura was almost asleep when he murmured that. Yuki was glad that he could not see him right then, for he was blushing furiously. What kind of weirdo would let a stranger who had broken into his house have his key?

"Baka," He hurriedly left the room, should he ever wake up to tease him more.

***

Somehow, the day felt more natural. Sakura was surprised to see Yuki return, and rather pleased that his trust had not been betrayed. So he had made a right choice, after all. Yuki got two bentou, and the two of them sat there eating and watching TV, in silence. It seemed that they could not seem to speak without quarreling, and the two of them were starting to enjoy quarreling. Sakura loved to make fun of Yuki and seeing his expression, while Yuki found Sakura's puns amusing, yet there was nothing much he could reply to regain his dignity, so he was somewhat annoyed too.

Silence suited Sakura just fine, anyway. It was much better than having to waste his saliva with an immature kid.

"Stupid soaps," Sakura murmured, as the ever-familiar theme song started playing. He took a sidelong glance at Yuki, and was surprised to see him looking dazed. "Hey, you okay?"

"I… I'm fine," Yuki lowered his head, suddenly flustered. Sakura was just quick enough to see him wiping his tears, much to his own surprise, however.

"What?!" Sakura burst into giggles, "You're actually crying at soaps?"

"Yeah, I know, what a sissy," Yuki mocked, turning away. "At least I know I have a good heart."

"That's great, because of your good heart the water for cleaning the floor is saved."

"Shut up!"

"Nya, nya… Anyhow, you clean up, wipe the floor, do the laundry while I go to work." He got up, stretching.

"Sure, treat me like your servant," Yuki mumbled.

"Okay, I will repeat who has said this, 'You have me in your hand, do whatever you want.'…" Sakura had used that rather freely to spite Yuki.

"Shut up!"

Sakura couldn't help laughing at Yukihiro's somewhat irritated yet amused face. "You did say that."

"I should have just went to the police," Yuki groaned, putting the last of the rice into his mouth, and then closing the boxes, piling them one on top of another before standing up, and leaving for the kitchen.

"It's not too late for you to do so, really! Why don't you do so?"

"Shut up!"

Sakura chuckled, going back into the room to pack up. Living with someone sure beat living alone, especially when it was free labor. He had missed having company since his friend had moved out after getting shot in the brain, and Sakura would have to visit him every once in a while at the cemetery. God, he missed the days when he had to fight with him for the bathroom in early mornings.

"Maybe it's because I'm an annoying dude, he always says so," He murmured. "Fuck, I won't be surprised if…"

He lit a cigarette and shuffled out of the room.

He turned into the kitchen where Yukihiro had finished putting the boxes into the appropriate trash bag, and patted him on the shoulder, before shuffling out of the kitchen with his bag slung over his shoulder. The other man turned, surprised, but Sakura had already opened the door. Yuki watched as he got out, slamming it shut, his eyebrows furrowed.

***

Once again, he had won, this time more easily than the first, and he was even more confident that he could do a third challenger right then if he came along.

"Winner of second round—Sakura, once again!"

Sakura smirked, raising his head to see the bosses who had bid on the other shaking their heads. He saw, seated among them, was a lady dressed in white—she looked so small beside the group of men. Noticing that she was looking at him, he smiled, pleased that he had seemed good in front of such a beautiful lady. Her eyes were sparkling as she smiled back, and gestured towards the exit.

Sakura left, and followed her. She was waiting right beside the exit with some bodyguards, where the others were leaving from. "Hey, miss."

She looked up at him with large, heavy-lidded eyes. Her eyelashes framed them perfectly, making her seem prettier than ever. Somewhat entranced, he studied her. Intricate beads adorned her chest instead of gold, and to his disappointment she was… flat, almost as a boy would be. But the thought of such a frail, beautiful being against his body, it made his heart beat faster. Such a beautiful person probably did not deserve to exist.

Her lips parted, "Sakura, nice to meet you."

He paused, surprised that she had such a deep voice. No way it could have belonged to a girl… No way, indefinitely. He found himself getting dumbfounded, as he looked into her—no, his… Face.

"I have heard about you," He continued. "You don't belong to any major… places?"

He shook his head. "I don't know much about the groups as well, and I had never wanted to join any."

"Well, I am here to let you know that, if the man you had defeated was another group's prize man, you would surely perish before you can stand. Such a talent like you need backup, a support," He paused, glancing up probingly into his eyes.

"You are saying…?"

"Yes, I am inviting you to join mine, the Kokuryu Clan."

"I… I don't wanna get involved," He looked away from her, shaking his head.

"If you do not, I can guarantee that you will lose badly next time," He smirked, and waited. "Well?"

"…What's your name?"

"Hyde."

"Mister Hyde, I… I'll join," He swallowed hard, not sure if it was the right choice.

"Good, I am glad this has come to terms," Hyde leaned closer, his girl-like lips pressing against his neck, his eyelids lowered. Sakura felt a chill run down his back, but before he could say anything, he had leaned back, smiling. "You'll go places with us, especially with the Kokuryu Clan, I promise."

"Wait…!"

He laughed. "I will contact you by all means. And, just listen to me. That is the best advice."

He turned, leaving Sakura standing there alone, in a daze.

***

He staggered home like a drunkard (it was his usual way of walking…), still rather confused. Instead of his usual celebrations, he had gone straight home, hoping for some comfort of nerves. Two shocks, first being that Hyde was a male and it probably meant that all the seductions were for fun, second being that he had joined a clan without meaning to. He probably had gotten himself into trouble by just wrestling in the underground rings.

It felt rather at home to see Yuki's familiar face, even though it was only yesterday that he had moved in. Sakura smiled, collapsing onto the sofa right beside him.

"Okaeri nasai," Yuki murmured, his eyes glued to the television, even though he looked like he was seeing nothing at all.

"Did you watch TV all day long?" Sakura asked, resting his arm around Yuki's shoulders on the couch, out of habit. The boy shifted uncomfortably, but decided that there was nothing to it.

"Yeah, since there's nothing to do…"

"I see. That's nice," Sakura mumbled, sounding strangely hollow. Yukihiro gave him a weird glance.

"What's wrong?"

"I won tonight's match again," Sakura fished into his pocket for a cigarette, and offered Yuki one. The boy took it, and Sakura lit up both his and Yuki's with a lighter. He had gotten used to Sakura's manners in so short a time, and Sakura was rather acquainted with the kid around as well.

"So, what's the problem with that?"

"I just joined Kokuryu Clan."

"Kokuryu—" Yukihiro blinked, suddenly freezing.

"Yes. Are you all right?" Sakura noticed that Yukihiro was turning a shade paler.

"No, nothing," Yuki forced a smile, somewhat sadly. "They'll kill you if you try to leave them, right?"

Sakura nodded, perturbed.

"Well… All I can say is good luck…" Yuki smiled gently, seeming somewhat frail, and turned back to watch TV.

He said nothing, watching Yukihiro's back for a moment, suddenly feeling like hugging him and telling him it was all right. What a weird thought.

***

That night, he couldn't sleep, so he went to the kitchen for a drink, and he had to pass by the living room. To his surprise, Yukihiro was nowhere to be found on where he was supposed to be, so Sakura headed towards the toilet to search for him. A night chill made him shiver, as his eyes darted from one dark corner to another. Where had he gone?

Somewhat worried, Sakura threw himself onto the sofa, picking up the cigarette box which he had always kept at convenient places, lit one and stuck it into his mouth. The smoke seemed to clear his mind a little, making him feel more clear and wakened.

He checked the clock, it was three thirty. No Yuki. Resigning, he snuffed out the cigarette but on a glass ash tray, before dragging himself away. "I must be stupid…"

He murmured, and fell onto the bed again. This time, he managed to sleep, somewhat deeply to his very own surprise when he woke up in the late morning. There was a sound of crinkling wrappers, and Sakura grinned to think that Yuki had gone out in the middle of the night just to buy crackers. He had himself worried over that stupid kid for nothing. Not even bothering to wash up, Sakura popped into the living room. Teasingly, he crooned, "I smell foooood…"

"You stink!" Yuki remarked, half of his face hidden right behind a manga. "Bathe, idiot!"

"Popcorn!!" Sakura dived at the couch, meaning to flatten the skinny kid.

"YEOW!" He exclaimed, the manga falling off and landing onto the floor with a small sound. "You… You're really. .. Hurting me!"

Seeing some bruises on Yukihiro's face, and the way he was wincing, Sakura hurriedly climbed off, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry…. ….You look like you just went wrestling," He blurted.

Yuki eyed him strangely, not saying anything. Almost carefully, he laid back onto the couch, closing his eyes carefully, taking some more popcorn and putting it into his mouth.

"Oi, I have painkillers."

"I got myself some," Yuki murmured. There was a strange slur to his voice, and he looked as if he was sleep-waken. "But it's wearing off, and then I feel bad."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "I imagine it's addictive?"

"Any kind of drugs is addictive, just whether it is legal," Yukihiro smiled. "Don't worry about me."

"Illegal drugs is not good."

"I feel fine enough."

"That's not the point," Sakura quarreled, annoyed. Yuki was not speaking like himself very much, sounded a bit delirious.

"I'm talking to someone who's in Kokuryu and underground wrestling," Yuki reminded him, making him flush red.

"I don't take drugs," Sakura's face was sullen. "I was forced into Kokuryu, and besides, I haven't much contact with the clan yet."

"Kokuryu is one of the most powerful and secretive associations," Yuki warned. "Street fighting is almost history for them, compared to the others."

"Street… Fighting…." It suddenly became clear to Sakura. "You went street fighting last night?"

Yuki shrugged.

"You haven't told me anything about yourself yet," Sakura became angry again, that the kid should be so secretive while he himself was so open.

"You know now," Yuki's voice sounded almost cheerful. "I'm not your kid."

***

He almost dreaded going to the next wrestling match. For a moment he thought he would just forget about it and go hide in Niigata or something, but he knew that the wrestling bosses will hunt him down before he could pack his suitcase. Rather wearily, despite the fact that he was more fearful towards Kokuryu, he stepped onto the ring. Hyde was there; it was not hard to spot him. Probably watching him with that knowing yet threatening smile on his face, too.

He shuddered inwardly, wondering if it was apparent on the surface as well. The next challenger stepped forward, a rather well-known wrestler. They probably had long queues waiting behind this one, although Sakura would only be fighting one round that day. Maybe they were betting that it was a tough guy for him.

"Today—new challenger Masaya versus young champion Sakura!" The man announced, what the tabloids of the circle had been saying ever since two days before.

The rituals, Sakura bowed, Masaya did likewise and then at the ring of the bell they started to fight. Sakura was careful to dodge Masaya's attacks; they looked lacking of strength to him. The speed was okay. Sakura warded off easily, and threw a punch at Masaya in the midst of delivering an attack. It hit his jaw squarely, making him fall back, and before he could, Sakura nimbly grabbed him and slammed him towards the cushioned floor.

Masaya recovered, they got at each other more, until Masaya's strength was running out, what little of it anyway. Sakura had won yet again. He suspected Masaya was worth more than that, but out of the corner of his eyes he could see Hyde applauding, and he did not know whether he should be glad or not.

The champion was announced once again, Sakura not so filled with pride anymore. He retreated to the resting room, now devoid of people, so called 'friends' after he had chased them away because he wanted to be alone. Smoking a cigarette, he studied his own skin. He had won this time with almost no scars at all. It felt rather fake to be receiving money which he did not deserve.

A knock sounded, and before he could respond, Hyde stood in the room, alone. The guards were outside, it was most likely so. Sakura didn't want to worry too much, but he eyed Hyde with suspicion. "Good night, Mr Hyde… Or am I supposed to call you boss?"

Hyde chuckled, a hand covering his lips in a feminine way. "Just Hyde will do. Miss Hyde will be better."

Sakura opened his mouth to inquire about his gender, but shut up again. Hyde chuckled some more; and Sakura thought that he was probably treating him like a toy.

"Does the fact that I am a man make any difference to you? It is not very hard to treat me like a lady if I don't speak, isn't it?" Hyde smiled, stepping closer. "May I sit?"

"Oh," Sakura got up and gestured at the entire sofa.

"I betted on you too, so you have quite some money on your account," Hyde spoke, his piercing eyes fixed on Sakura's. Now, he did not feel too comfortable with the other man in the room.

"Thank you," He spoke carefully. He wanted to question about the match, but did not. Hyde would get angry, and it would not make any difference.

"Oh, very welcome," Hyde tugged at his leather pants, almost whining, "Sit down with me."

Sakura, rather helplessly, did as he said. He felt like a puppet, stupid, dumb, and manipulated. Hyde smiled, pushing the beautiful black curls out of his eyes. Hyde leaned closer, and Sakura shifted away a wee bit, uncomfortably. Hyde shifted with him; placing his hand on Sakura's shoulder.

"I'm the person behind your success," Hyde warned, pulling him closer to his own body. He was strong for such a small person, and Sakura swallowed nervously, suddenly aware of what was going to happen. "I want you to join in the matters of Kokuryu."

"To.. .fight?" Sakura placed his hands cautiously on Hyde's shoulders, ready to push him off if he had to.

"No. Just some normal matters," Hyde smiled, his head tilted sideways, licking his lips. Sakura felt a rush in his own veins, and his heart beat faster than it did before. His resolve was being loosened, when, suddenly, he felt Hyde's hands pull him even closer. Sakura gulped, but before he could react, Hyde's lips were on his; the feeling was so soft. He liked the feel of it, so feminine yet muscular, coming from this strangely beautiful man in front of him.

Before he could comprehend, his eyes were closing, and his hands were holding Hyde almost firmly, as if he had been the one who initiated the kiss. It was just a kiss, yet he was sinking into the blue fire fast. The hands which had been placed to push Hyde away now pulled him closer. Sakura kissed Hyde back, feeling his delicious lips, tongue, breath…

It was almost as if they were a couple, in harmony. Sakura kissed downwards, his mind now in a blank, only feeling a basic need, only wanting to feel such a pretty creature in his hands. Hyde smiled at him whenever he glanced up, but Sakura hardly did. The flesh was white, and silky. It was so beautiful… He pulled the soft white silk from the skin, letting it fall down Hyde's shoulders and onto the couch. He tasted so good; Sakura felt as if he was being engulfed by something stronger than when he was consuming Hyde thoroughly. And he wanted more.

Then he looked up into Hyde's face. Sweat dripped from those delicate brows, as Hyde smiled naughtily, as if Sakura were a pet to be trained. He kissed Sakura back, his fingers trailing up Sakura's spine as if he were a girl, paralyzing him temporarily, chilling him. He pushed Sakura down onto the couch, still kissing passionately, pressing his body down against Sakura's. The fabric rubbed against each other sensually, a bulge somewhere against his own made it even more pleasurable. Sakura gasped in pleasure, his face reddening when he realized what it had been, when he remembered that Hyde was a man. But Hyde's kisses made it not matter. It felt so good… He almost seemed to drown himself in his own gasps and Hyde's breaths, as Hyde moved against his stomach, his lips on his nipple and his hands undoing his pants.

When he was done, Hyde pushed Sakura so that he faced the cushion, his small light form moving on top of Sakura's almost weightlessly, pulling his own robes down with the underskirt, caressing Sakura's bare butt with his hands, feeling Sakura arch slightly against his touch. Sakura could feel him kiss down his lower back, onto his cheeks. He parted them slowly, his tongue flicking out to lick Sakura's hole. Sakura gasped more, as Hyde's lips lowered to caress the ring, his tongue digging further in. Sakura shuddered stiffly when he felt something going in, and even more when Hyde started to blow it. It felt so weird, yet much too appealing. "Ah…!"

Hyde laughed, hearing Sakura almost scream at the pleasure. Heavy breathed, he murmured in a soft low voice, "Sakura, do you have any oil? It's gonna hurt, and saliva doesn't work, or smell as good."

Sakura shook when he heard his name being mentioned like that, but he did not want Hyde to stop. He gasped out, "In… In my bag, olive oil…" It was the oil which he usually used on his muscles to keep the fists and kicks from hurting more than they did. A good wrestler's companion.

"Ah, so that's why you taste so fragrant," Hyde teased, pulling Sakura's bag from the other end of the couch, inspecting it carefully, and finally found a small bottle at a small compartment among other things. Gently, he rubbed it on. Its smell was good, and Hyde pushed his fingers in, hearing Sakura moan further. He was getting impatient, his own was throbbing in madness, waiting for release…

Sakura gasped even louder when Hyde started to enter. It did hurt, a lot more than he anticipated, but somehow he liked the pain. He felt something inside him, a place he never knew existed. It felt good, and still painful. In confusion, he heard Hyde moan his name, before something warm exploded within him. Hyde lay gasping against him, still inside, tired but not through. Sakura felt Hyde pull out regrettably, his own pulse running hotter and hotter now.

He allowed Hyde to turn him back, pushing him so that he was lying entirely pressed against the cushion. Sakura felt Hyde kiss his lower stomach, down to his hair, feeling Hyde's hot saliva trickle down the strands, onto the more sensitive parts. He shivered, again, and shook when Hyde enclosed his lips around him, his tongue working nimbly around the top. Not knowing when, the magnified pleasure made him lose himself. He climaxed into the warm cave. Too soon, it ended, leaving him collapsed limply against the couch. Hyde smiled, his mouth wet with a thick liquid, kissing him. Sakura almost gagged at the taste of it, but Hyde's lips still felt so good, and the taste suddenly felt better, to him.

"So… Is it that bad that I'm a man? We can do as much, if not more," He giggled. Sakura said nothing; the feeling was too good. He had never felt so satisfied before. Hyde's voice was suddenly lowered. "……Would you be…mine?"

Now Sakura felt surprised. He thought Hyde always took what he wanted without asking. Glancing up at such a beautiful person, he wondered who would choose the option other than the one which he chose?

***

He returned home, surprised to find that Yuki was asleep. On the couch, it seemed, that it had been at least quite some time. After all, he did follow Hyde to the Kokuryu office, to see what it was like. He was supposed to meet the other members tomorrow, at least the important people.

Sakura studied the figure on the couch, looking extremely uncomfortable yet at home. He smiled, Yuki was really much cuter asleep than awake. He looked so serene right then; if he had a cover over him Sakura would have tucked him in further. Smiling stupidly, like a cat owner with affection for a sleeping cat, he watched for a bit more. Yuki was shivering and sweating, although it made no sense. Somewhat worried now, he felt Yuki's forehead, and it was cold.

He did not even stir at Sakura's touch; he seemed to be too preoccupied suffering in his sleep. Now, even more worried, Sakura went into his room and pulled out his blanket, the only one in the house which still had some warmth. Gently, carefully to not disturb him, Sakura placed it over his shoulders. He didn't feel too good leaving Yukihiro on the couch alone like that, but he was afraid that if he woke him, he would increase his suffering. Sighing, Sakura left into his room and took a bath. He still smelt of sex and olive oil.

***

Late morning again. Sakura was worried about Yukihiro, who disappeared into the toilet at frequent timings since Sakura had woken up, and emerging only a few minutes after. He tried calling Hyde to say that he could not go. Over the phone, he could almost see Hyde's calm face as he spoke, "It's nice to see your loyalty towards your friend, but you must come. He doesn't sound too sick, and if he is, I'll send someone over."

Sakura indicated that he did not feel good leaving Yuki alone. Hyde persuaded, with his strong magnetic voice that everything would be fine, the person whom he would send to Sakura's house would be very helpful indeed. He sounded somewhat amused, and thoughtful. Finally, Sakura agreed, only on the condition that he got to meet this person before he left the house. Hyde said that it was no problem.

He waited rather impatiently, Yuki looking the same as he had been yesterday, if not for the fact that he seemed to grow addicted to the toilet. Sakura noticed, that whenever he left he would be hurrying, shivering and stumbling, moving as if he was careful not to hurt himself.

It was not as if he did not ask; Yuki simply assured he was okay. Feeling far from assured, Sakura waited impatiently for the arrival of this 'person'. He did not tell Yuki that someone was coming.

About half an hour later, a knock sounded on the door. Sakura hurried to open it. A beautiful woman stood there. She was clad in black, flowing shirt and skirt, her heels making her much taller than he was, in her unique eyes a sense of desolation…

"I'm Tetsu. Hyde sent me," Sakura was not very surprised to hear a man's voice, after he had gotten over the shock with Hyde. This Tetsu was too beautiful, however, in another way which was different from Hyde—perhaps more elegant and less homely. "May I have a look at your friend?"

Sakura made a gesture for him to go in.

Tetsu moved with great ease; Sakura noticed that he had not bothered to take off his platforms as he stepped in. Sakura did not mind; he was not the one sweeping the floor, although he should, now that Yuki was sick. He looked away, distracted by his thoughts, until he heard a familiar loud yelp coming from Yukihiro.

"Don't… touch me!" Yuki's voice was strained; he was in great pain.

"Let me see what's wrong with it," Tetsu said, unmoved by Yuki's protesting look, pulling his shirt up to reveal a badly bandaged and skinny chest. "This looks bad."

Yuki winced plainly. "I'm fine."

"The average human would have gone insane with such pain if not for a very good painkiller. You used drugs, didn't you?" Tetsu voice was set in an even tone, unmoved and unchanged even when accusing him. Yukihiro said nothing. Then, he proceeded to ask, "What drugs did you use?"

He kept silent, there was nothing he wanted to say. Tetsu looked at him knowingly, letting go.

He turned to Sakura, "He'll be fine. I'll take care of him."

Sakura's raised eyebrow did not faze him; he simply looked back with a steady gaze. Feeling that he had to trust the man, Sakura nodded, picked up his bag, and left.

***

When he arrived, Hyde hurried him to the closet which he had prepared for him. "You must dress more formally, and we don't have much time."

Sakura looked at the entire room of cupboard. He opened one compartment, to reveal suits hanged on the door. "All mine?"

"All yours," Hyde nodded, smiling. "I strongly recommend that you don't wear all of it at once though."

Sakura chuckled. "Any recommendations?"

Hyde shrugged, and opened the other compartment. "Suits don't suit you."

"What if I dress like a roadie? Maybe I should," Sakura paused, taking out a dark blue, and putting it back. Hugo Boss. Dark blue did not suit him, though. He took out yet another, a black one this time. Black was better for him, and he put it on. It seemed rather perfect, just overstuffed at the chest. "This suits me well, doesn't it?"

"Maybe you should dress like a roadie," Hyde giggled, his hand shielding his mouth like a refined woman. Sakura raised an eyebrow, to say "really?". Hyde moved over, still amused, arranging his collar and tie properly. "I bet you know to dress better a roadie than like a mafia."

"Mafias don't wear Hugo Boss, they wear Hugo Mafia," Sakura joked, extracting a short, contained laughter from Hyde.

"Well, I'm glad the average size suits you, I picked part of it in a rush. The majority half is my brother's closet."

"Brother? Does he mind?" Sakura was surprised at the thought that Hyde was even human, much less have a brother.

"No, not at all," Hyde smiled. "I'm glad you chose to open the compartment with suits though, since my brother's wardrobe is lacking of it anyway. He's a bit smaller than you are though, but he can use that as well."

Sakura raised an eyebrow, and opened another compartment. He almost fell on his face when he saw long skirts, and girlish coats. Hyde laughed at his surprised gesture. "You mean this…?"

"Yeah. He is not my brother actually."

"Uh huh," Sakura waited for him to say more, but he did not.

"Let's go, the guests are waiting, and so are your superiors."

***

"Drugs are not good," Tetsu said for the umpteenth time, stopping him.

"I… I need to go…" Yuki was shivering, not only because of the coming down, but also because of the pain which his wounds gave him.

"No, you should have just taken aspirins," Tetsu pinned the weak him down. "You were just looking for a reason to get high, weren't you?"

"No… No I wasn't." Yukihiro's voice was more strained now. "I really need to go."

"Are you addicted?" Tetsu asked.

Yuki shrugged weakly, thoughtfully. "Maybe."

"Do you take more because of the pain, or because you wanted to?"

"….Both." Yuki's voice came out barely a whisper.

"For how long?"

"…yesterday."

"You should stop before you become fully addicted," Tetsu told him.

"No…!"

Tetsu continued to pin him down, as he shook and trembled in agony. In a soothing voice which Yuki had never thought he was capable of, he murmured, "You'll be fine. Trust me."

***

Finally, it was over. To Tetsu, it had not been very long, but to Yuki, it was so hard to not throw off this man, despite his delicateness. Under normal circumstances he would have been stronger than Tetsu, very much stronger.

He eyed the man carefully, his wounds now hurting like hell even with the aspirins, together with the added headache. Rather curtly, he remarked, "Your aspirins give me a headache, I might as well not use them at all."

Tetsu smiled slowly, shrugging. "It's cheaper than illegal drugs, anyway."

Yuki did not answer. Drugs did get him into trouble—Sakura's home was a trouble. Although, he did not hate it half as much as sleeping in his own damned apartment which usually got turned head over heels whenever other clan members came to visit. Besides, he liked Sakura's presence. That was weird, but he did not care to think about it, nor had he admitted to himself. "Well, I'm fine now."

Tetsu shrugged again, sitting down beside him. "I'll have to help you re-bandage and all that crap. If you don't feel fine and Sakura isn't happy, Hyde would come after me. Come here."

"Hyde…? You mean Miss Hyde, the leader of Kokuryu?"

"Yeah, who else?" Tetsu looked around. "I assume you have first aid?"

"No, it's okay really," Yuki moved uneasily.

"You need to bathe too, you stink," Tetsu told him, looking around, and was rather contented to find a first aid box in the kitchen. "I'll help you."

"I don't need your help," Yukihiro sputtered, wide-eyed. "I'm fine, really." He tried to hide his blush by looking away, but he couldn't help it. Tetsu looked so beautiful, even though he was a man, he was just like a bird, so light and fluttery, and, and and…

Tetsu laughed. "I won't do anything to you. You just need to bathe, have clean wounds before I dress them up and before they become infected. Okay?"

Yuki now blushed further, feeling silly for thinking his own thoughts. He relented, yet still not too much anticipating the feeling of water against his poor, wounded flesh. "Fine."

Seeing Tetsu's amused look, he hurried into the bathroom, only wanting to get it over with. This was so stupid, and it was all Sakura's fault. He almost jumped out of his own skin when he saw that Tetsu had followed him in.

"What—?!" Yuki exclaimed, turning redder than anything.

"Take off your shirt and let me undress the wounds," Tetsu ordered.

Yuki almost kicked himself for thinking ettchi once again, knowing that Tetsu did not seem like the dirty sort. "It's fine, I can do it myself."

"Call me when you're done," Tetsu turned and went out. Yuki heaved a sigh of relief, closing the door in a hurry. He pulled off his shirt, then stared into the mirror at his own wounded body, peeling off the gauze. It hurt, and he kept his mind on the pain, finally revealing flesh that was bruised and torn. He concentrated on studying them for no apparent reason, other than to try calming his beating heart.

***

Sakura's superiors and bosses of other clans were almost all as he had expected—half were junkies in suits, quarter were handsome men who moved like just any other bosses, the other quarter insignificant.

He had no trouble doing anything; just smiled and nodded as Hyde did the talking. Hyde made sure that each visit was individual, and by four hours they'd already met with thirty-five people. By then, Sakura was fidgeting. "Are they going to arrive endlessly like water or what?"

"Sakura, be still," Hyde smiled, amused at Sakura's choice of words. "There's just one more."

"Okay, this seems really important," Sakura sat up straight, still staring into Hyde's lovely face. It was almost like a dream that he was Hyde's lover, and he was doing this. Rather awkwardly, he wondered when would they experience something like last night again. He could not seem to keep his mind from the lovely flesh of Hyde's, and the pleasure which emerged from Hyde's touch.

Sighing, wishing his thoughts were cleaner (impossibly so), Sakura waited for Hyde to respond. Hyde was even more amused at the dog-like attention which Sakura had given him. "Yes, he is important. The head of the second strongest clan, not stronger than Kokuryu, but enough to be a threat to us."

"Oh! Who's he?" Sakura was not really interested anyway.

"He's known as Ken. That's all," Hyde shrugged. "Not much is known about him. Leaders like to keep a laid-back account, a low profile."

"Really," Sakura mused, trying to hide his half-smile.

Hyde saw that, and laughed softly. "You don't know my age, where I was born, when I was born, my real name, do you? All you know is my nickname, my gender, and how good I am at sex."

"I don't." Sakura blushed at that. He paused, and his wit came back to him. "But, I gather you aren't human at all. Probably a beautiful alien from Mars or Venus, came to dominate the earth."

"Yeah, and if you remove my clothes you'd find a body like Marilyn Manson's," Hyde giggled at the thought of it. He was much more beautiful than that, not that he disliked Manson's appeal.

"Uh… I think you were made anatomically correct," Sakura grinned, jumping up from his seat and wrapping his arms around Hyde. "Nee?"

A smile slowly spread on Hyde's face, and he said nothing, but grabbed Sakura's hair, pulling his head closer, and kissed him forcibly. Sakura's heart seemed to stop beating for a moment, then it beat faster altogether. This was the power of Hyde's touch, just his touch… Sakura felt himself melt, once again, as he had did last night, and seeking for more. But, Hyde pushed him away, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Shh, you don't wanna behave like this when Ken arrives."

"He's not gonna arrive by the window, is he?" Sakura felt Hyde's fingers leave his arm, but he did not dare to move up to Hyde. It was as if Hyde was still like an immortal, and he was undeserving.

"No, he's not," Hyde laughed quietly, "But he can arrive suddenly. That, is the danger of his clan."

Sakura was silenced, as he sat back down onto his seat, and he remembered what Yuki had told him. "Is it true that Kokuryu doesn't do street fighting anymore? Or do you go street shooting?"

Hyde's face darkened, and seemed to grow more serious. There was more power in his stance, suddenly, as he replied, "No, we don't do that. It's because it's too dangerous, and we have better ways to get what we want. Does that answer your question?"

Sakura dumbly shook his head.

Hyde smirked, fingering Sakura's hair. "We don't have to do that anymore. We are of the dark, and they are of the light, so they have to proceed with caution while we know what they are doing."

"……I see," Sakura swallowed nervously, leaning his head back towards Hyde's tummy. It felt good, like a firm human cushion, while Hyde continued toying with his hair.

***

He poked his head out of the shower room, as if with great caution. Tetsu was sitting on Sakura's bed, reading the manga which he had bought yesterday and had not finished.

"Te…tsu?"

"Un? You're done?" Tetsu looked up in the way which only he could. He set aside the comic, climbed up, and took the first aid box. "Come here."

"….Can you help me fetch some boxer?" Yuki had been using Sakura's—never mind that they fitted him like a umbrella. "In that drawer."

Tetsu opened the drawer, and looked inside it. He pulled one out. "Aren't these sort of big for you?"

Yuki blushed. "They're Sakura's."

"You're too skinny," Tetsu smiled. Once again, Yuki was surprised to actually see him smile, he looked so melancholic. "You need to get some of your own. Besides…" Tetsu's smile was gone and his voice suddenly hardened, "His is probably dirty anyway."

Yuki blinked in surprise. "But, I washed them myself!"

"That's not what I mean," Tetsu shook his head, his voice changing, his smile floating back. "You're a nice kid."

Yuki blushed, suddenly finding the floor interesting. Suddenly, the pair of boxers landed squarely on his head. Surprised, amused, and somewhat annoyed, he took it and stuck his tongue out at Tetsu. "Baka yo!" He slammed the door behind him.

Tetsu's eyebrows were raised in surprise; seeing that Yukihiro was not the 'cool' sort of person, but very homey indeed, cuter when he was funny than even when he was flustered. He laughed, although probably rather late, for the first time in his visit, out loud.

*** (I hope things turn out ok…)

Ken was surprisingly friendly. He was not too sudden; he arrived by the front door and they were informed beforehand. Hyde greeted him with a kind of friendliness which Sakura had never seen him greet other bosses before, and he gathered that they knew each other better.

The first thing Hyde did was pour him some whiskey—Sakura never saw Hyde pour it for anyone, even himself. He requested for Sakura to do it for him, and Sakura did.

"Here's my new member, Sakura," Hyde was saying, as he carefully handed Ken a glass. "A wrestler. I hope he can have your support, as usual."

"He has my full support," Ken studied the drink for a while, as if nothing else concerned him, and sipped it slowly. "He must be good to have yours, isn't he?"

Hyde smiled secretively, glancing at Sakura. "You can say so."

"It's good to have new good members," Ken puffed on his cigarette, took it out of his mouth, and drank again. "I just recruited some myself. But none of them are that outstanding, a wrestler at that. Not that I'm interested in wrestling, but I would join in the other bosses for fun. I didn't know you were into wrestling, too."

"I was, recently. Underground wrestling is more fun, and a good way to catch new men." He gestured towards Sakura again. "Don't you think he'd make a good bodyguard?"

Ken shrugged, studying Sakura as if he were the alcohol. "If he can beat me and mine, of course. You can't tell by looks."

"You just have to train them for the gun," Hyde nodded. "He fights well. And he has a good aim."

Ken laughed. "It always amazes me to find you like this, Miss Hyde. But it's a pleasure to meet your new roadie. He would look better dressed as a roadie than a bodyguard with suits."

"My sentiments exactly," Hyde laughed along with him. "Hugo Mafia, he said. Maybe you should design that brand."

"Nuh-uh. Competition," Ken was too lazy to take out his cigarette now. Instead, he stuck it to one side of his mouth, and drank from the other. Sakura watched the process, amazed. He must have had years of smoking experience. After that, Ken set the glass down, and finally looked up at Hyde, looking like a drunken smoker what with his mustache and cigarette. "Not good for my sanity."

Hyde raised an eyebrow, now saying nothing.

***

The wounds hurt, and ached after dressing. Yuki looked up, hoping that his face was not showing it much. Grimacing, he watched Tetsu pack the first aid box.

"…It should be okay now," Tetsu told him, a slight smile on his lips. Yuki's expression was too funny. "Tell Sakura to change the bandage for you since your bandaging sucks, okay? And use aspirin instead of drugs."

He blushed, murmuring, "My bandaging is not that bad."

"You weren't trained in medicine," Tetsu reminded him. "If a doctor tells you your bandaging sucks, it's so."

"Fine, it sucks," Yuki pouted without meaning to, and stood up. "…Thanks for helping."

"Welcome." Tetsu wondered what else could he say than that? He was not the one who initiated to help in the first place. He decided to leave the first aid box by Sakura's bed, after all that idiot should help sometimes too. "What's your name?"

Yuki blinked, surprised that Tetsu did not know it. "Yukihiro."

"That's good. It suits you," Tetsu smiled. He stood up, walking past Yuki. "I'll get you more aspirins."

"I can get them myself," Yuki called, but Tetsu shook his head, turning back for a moment.

"You rest," Tetsu told him, and went away, leaving Yuki standing alone beside the bed.

Yuki's feelings were mixed, as he watched Tetsu go away. It seemed so strange that Tetsu should do these for him—he seemed like almost a mother! Maybe a mother was what Yuki needed. Sakura seemed like a big brother. He sighed, suddenly feeling like a little kid. Okay, maybe he was.

Tetsu came back, his face covered by a mist of deep thought, holding an aspirin box and a cup of water. "Yukihiro, here. You take them and go to sleep, oka—"

Yuki was surprised to find that Tetsu had tripped, probably because of his platforms. The box went flying into the bed, while the cup clanged noisily onto the floor, spilling water everywhere. Yuki stumbled back, as Tetsu collapsed onto him, knocking him down against the bed.

"…Itai…" Yuki whimpered, as he looked up, ready to scold Tetsu for being so careless. He found himself looking into Tetsu's eyes, and swallowed nervously. There was something strange with those eyes; they shimmered like the sea, as they looked at him. His heart began beating faster, and he would have mentally kicked himself if Tetsu hadn't leaned closer. Pretty soon, he felt soft warm lips pressing against his own, and his breaths seemed to have stopped altogether and brought in by the other man. He felt his eyes closing, as he embraced the mild feeling. His eyes opened in shock, realizing what he was doing. Tetsu is a MAN. He is a man! Yuki yelled inwardly, suddenly more irrational than he had been. He tried to open his mouth, to speak. His limbs were dysfunctioning, refusing to move with his will to at least do something to stop him. He gasped, "Te—"

Surprised, he felt Tetsu break away, in those eyes, those beautiful melancholic eyes, sadness and horror. He stopped short, finding Tetsu staring at him for a moment, before getting up in a hurry. He turned, smiling sadly, "I'm sorry. I guess I should go now, nee…? Or… Well, I'll clean this up…"

"Tetsu…" Yuki murmured, now sitting up, his eyes on the aspirin box, and then on Tetsu. God, he seemed so… lonely. Like a distressed bird in the cold wind, he was shaking, his eyes downcast. He said what came first to his mind. "…Anata ga…Daisuki ne."

"….Daisuki…" Tetsu smiled warmly, beautifully, his eyes overflowing with happiness.

"…Hai." Yuki smiled back, awkwardly yet naturally so.

"…….Thank you…" Tetsu looked down, turned, and walked out of the room. He came back a few moments later, his eyes puffy, holding a cloth. He started cleaning the floor, bent on his fours. Yuki watched him, not sure of what he should do rather than sit there.

"I… I'll do it."

"You're sick," Tetsu replied, his voice unsteady.

Yuki shook his head, getting up, and crawling beside Tetsu. He grasped Tetsu's hand, lightly. God, what had he been thinking when he said it? He didn't know. All he knew was that was what he was thinking at the moment, and he was still thinking that. He liked Tetsu, that was it. He didn't know why, although admittedly he could see Tetsu's beauty; Tetsu was like a star, radiant yet cold. "I'm fine."

Tetsu looked at him, dumbfounded. That struck expression turned into a smile, as he shook his head. "Then I'm happy."

He continued cleaning the floor. Yuki watched his lowered face, as he moved about with such grace. He said nothing, not knowing what to say as well, not knowing how it turned out this way, although there was a warm fuzzy feeling in his stomach.

***

Sakura was in Hyde's arms again, embracing, both of them kissing passionately. He felt Hyde trail down to his neck, wordlessly. There was no need for such words, as long as it felt right, like right then.

Then Hyde broke away. "Sakura… I'm troubled."

"How so?" Sakura inwardly groaned, not wanting Hyde to stop. He could not help having a disgruntled look on his face, even though he tried to hide it. It was not his fault that he was born impatient.

Hyde frowned, pushing him away, somewhat angrily and frustrated. He didn't say anything for a moment, but Sakura suddenly felt scared.

"Hyde—" He almost begged.

"You shut up," Hyde snapped, turning to face him. "Who do you think you are?"

"I…. I…" He didn't know what to say now. Damn, he thought. He moved closer, and tried to say something again, but he failed.

"You understand that there is no need for me to treat you like this," Hyde's words struck him like a slap. "You guys are all the same, aren't you?"

"What…?" Sakura stammered. "I… I'm sorry…."

Hyde looked back into his eyes, still angrily, pulled him closer. "You don't deserve this," He whispered into his ear, and let go. "Go back home to your friend, if you like."

"I didn't mean it," Sakura explained, but Hyde glared at him mercilessly. Deciding that it would be better to leave Hyde alone till he calmed down, he obliged, feeling like a helpless boyfriend.

***

When Tetsu was done, Yuki helped him take the aspirin box and the glass beside the bed, gesturing for Tetsu to sit down beside him. Tetsu did, and it was only then that Yuki found that Tetsu was shorter than he was by a few centimeters. He smiled, it was probably because of those platforms.

"…Yukihiro, I'm sorry for kissing you just like that," Tetsu was fiddling with his own fingers.

"……I…" Yuki didn't feel good being addressed by his full name in such a way, even though he figured it was Tetsu's way of speaking. He sighed, and nodded, rather awkwardly. "It's all okay."

Tetsu sat there, Yuki felt so separated from this man. He didn't know what to do, although he figured that it would be better to do something. Finally, with a trembling hand, he reached Tetsu's shoulders, resting it against that frail birdlike frame. He didn't dare to say anything, only stealing a glance at Tetsu for a moment.

"Yuki…"

He gulped. "Yes?"

He found Tetsu's face turning to face him so endearingly, and he almost melted right on the spot. The next thing he knew, he was pulling Tetsu closer, pressing his lips against his gently, feeling the soft lips under his, before letting go. Tetsu sighed; he didn't feel too good, but he held him back. He still didn't say anything.

Yuki hugged him, too. The two of them sat embracing sweetly, not knowing when, Yuki leaned towards Tetsu again, kissing him slowly, feeling Tetsu respond under the caress of his lips. The two of them fell back towards the bed, and soon Yuki froze with a realization of what he was doing. He swallowed nervously, and Tetsu opened his eyes, his lips parted slightly. "What's wrong…?"

"I…" Yuki blushed. He kissed him slowly again, trying to calm his own beating heart. He heard a faint moan coming from the bird beneath him, and he moved slowly to kiss his neck, down to his collarbone…

'SLAM'. Footsteps sounded, and then Sakura's voice, "Yuki?"

Rather high-strung, as if they were eating the forbidden fruit, Yuki and Tetsu both turned into the direction of the sound from the door. It was not closed, and they saw Sakura stop short at the doorway.

"…Nani?!" Sakura exclaimed, seeing their unexplainable position, and his eyes trailed down to Yuki's blushing face, and Tetsu's shyly impassive face, the high collar of his prince-like costume pushed down so much that his collarbone was showing. Feeling as if he was slapped for the second time in the day, he turned gruffly. "I'm sorry for disturbing you both. Please continue as if I had never been here."

Sensing that Sakura had somewhat of a bad day, Yuki gulped nervously, getting off Tetsu's body, murmuring a soft 'sorry'. Tetsu smiled, amused, and kissed him back, a gentle encouraging kiss, before sitting up, arranging his collar properly, and standing up to leave. "…I guess… I'd better go."

"……Wait… Tetsu…." He didn't know what else to say, but it troubled him the moment he thought of it. "When will you be back?"

"…Tomorrow," Tetsu said, almost without a thought.

"…Tomorrow?" Yuki repeated, smiling slowly.

"I promise."

"Tetsu…" He laughed, relaxed now that he knew he was going to see Tetsu again, standing up beside Tetsu, taking his hand, and walked him to the door.

***

Sakura heard the door close, but he didn't care much anymore. He felt far from good, maybe because of his overprotective-ness over the kid. He probably was much older than he thought he was; besides, he did deserve his own love life. Yet he still felt angry that he had came home to seek Yuki's comfort, even though he didn't want to admit it, only to find that Yuki was engaged in a mockingly good situation compared to his own.

Maybe he was just jealous that Yuki had a better sex life, he thought, wiping his face on the towel. He was going to take a bath.

About ten minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom, feeling rather refreshed, and surprised to find Yuki sitting on his bed. He opened his mouth to argue and shoo him away. "Skinny, that's my bed. Your place is the couch."

"Sakura—"

"Now you go out and leave me alone."

Somewhat hurt and angry, Yuki turned, his expression unreadable. Sakura watched him leave, slamming the door behind him. He suddenly felt somewhat desolate, so stupidly fragile and that everything was his fault. How was he to know? He was just careless. He hoped both Yuki and Hyde would forgive him. He didn't want them to be angry at him, especially Hyde. He knew Yuki would forgive him by tomorrow, probably, even though he had never had Yuki so annoyed at him in his short stay at his house.

He sighed, wondering where he had gone wrong, how could this happen to him…? He threw a pair of boxers on, not even bothering to tie it properly, before collapsing on the bed, noticing how it had no smell. Yuki weren't going at it like rabbits, he figured, and then remembering Tetsu's elegant form, he figured that Yuki probably won't dare to go like rabbit. It just would not seem like Yuki. Oh yeah, he had walked in on them in the first place. He chuckled to himself, closing his eyes into a relaxing sleep.

***

Sakura dialed Hyde's hand phone, and Hyde actually answered. Feeling somewhat happy at the first step in success, Sakura prayed that Hyde would not hang up as the first response to his voice.

"Hi, Hyde…" He half-waited for the sound of the dial tone.

Fortunately, Hyde did not. Rather impatiently, he murmured, "What?!"

"I… I'm sorry."

"You were thinking, 'I don't care about you, I just want your sex', isn't it?!" Hyde practically yelled at him. He winced; it seemed like Hyde was more angry in the morning than he was yesterday. "You're not the only one I have when it comes to companionship."

"I… It's not that," Sakura whimpered. "Please, forgive me."

"…Okay, if you will hold on to this phone for the next twenty minutes." Sakura could hear Hyde set the phone down, and a static exchange which probably meant that he was set on speaker mode.

"Tetsu," It was a whisper from Hyde. Sakura gasped.

"I…" He could imagine Tetsu's melancholic eyes glancing at Hyde, rather reluctantly accepting Hyde's kiss. He shut his eyes in utter agony when he heard Tetsu's moans coming from the phone. Was Hyde doing this just to spite him? Then, Tetsu sounded almost tearful. "Stop, Hyde…!"

"No," He could hear Hyde's steady voice.

There were sounds of more moans, gasps, and it only reached Sakura to torment him.

"Listen, Sakura. He's much better than you are."

"Hyde—"

"No, Hyde…" Tetsu sounded as if he was sobbing now. As if it was of any wonder; if he had done it with Yuki just to spite Hyde in such a way, Yuki would probably be crying as well. But he figured that Hyde was using Tetsu because he had seen how Tetsu looked like, had known how beautiful he was, too.

His heart wrenched, as he set the phone aside, the moans seeming to reach him from a distance.

"Sakura," He turned. Yuki had waken up, and was sitting upright on the couch.

"Good morning. What do you want? I'll get it for you," Sakura offered, knowing that he would feel better if he had something to do.

"…Anything," Yuki was surprised at this strange gesture. Usually Sakura would be waiting for him to get it for him. Maybe it was because of his wounds, he reflected. He had obviously forgotten how hurt he was yesterday, as he asked, "…What's wrong?"

"I'm fine," Sakura replied without much feeling. "One usual, okay?"

Yuki nodded, and watched Sakura leave without a second glance. He felt stupid, but he supposed that it was better to let Sakura do what he felt like doing. Sighing, he sat back, gently edging his position so that he would not hurt himself too much. He had to fetch the aspirin which he left in Sakura's room, so he got up. Then, noticing that the phone was hung up, Yuki held it in his hand. Maybe if he tried, he could get Tetsu's number. He looked at the buttons, not sure of how to retrieve the caller identification. Maybe he could call back to his own clan to see how they were doing, and to tell them that he was really sick and would not be free for another week or so. He could do with the rest, and life in a organization was bad.

He picked up the phone, realizing that there was no dialing tone, but some strange sounds. It sounded like someone was crying, and in pain as well.

"Hyde…!"

"Did you hear that, Sakura? He is my Tetsu. He belongs to me, and I don't need you to feel good." Yuki gasped. It had been... Tetsu's voice… He almost could hear his own heart crack.

My Tetsu…He belongs to me…

Shaking, he set the receiver onto the phone, feeling tears flood his eyes. He really liked Tetsu. God… This was all so weird. He wiped them away before they fell, and all of the sudden his wounds did not hurt anymore. How hurting could it be compared to the pain in his heart?

***

"Sakura…?" Hyde smirked, when he realized that the latter had hung up long ago. Then he looked at Tetsu's form. Those frail shoulders heaved. Hyde could still hear some sobbing; and for an instant he was worried that he had hurt Tetsu physically. Lowering his voice in a genuinely concerned tone, he tried to call his lover, as he placed his hand on Tetsu's shoulder. "Tetsu…"

Tetsu shook him away. Hyde smiled. He liked the way Tetsu treated him, as if he was a piece of dirt.

"Tetsu, look, I'm sorry okay?" He knew he was bound to win anyway, no matter how Tetsu resolved to treat him.

"I hate you, Hyde!" Tetsu cried aloud, right into Hyde's face. "I hate you!"

He didn't say anything anymore. Suddenly, he felt bad, as he watched Tetsu pick up his clothes, and slammed the bathroom door shut. He waited, and Tetsu emerged a few minutes later, eyes puffy. He didn't even look at him once, as he headed straight for the door. "Where are you going?"

"…Sakura's place."

"For?"

"To take care of his friend. You go and find someone else to torture him with. You don't need me." Tetsu's tone was cold, even though his eyes were filling up with tears again.

"Tetsu, you know I'm really sorry. What else do you want?" Hyde couldn't understand, besides, his wish was fulfilled. He had tortured Sakura enough, only at the expense of Tetsu's tears. Tetsu was probably better melancholic anyway; he liked it that way. Anyway, Tetsu would always come back, like a sparrow to a nest. "Furthermore, do you think you will be able to face Sakura?"

"His friend… I don't have to face Sakura… And, and I don't belong to YOU!" Tetsu screamed, suddenly, shoving Hyde back with a sudden burst of might. It barely knocked the smaller man backwards, but it gave him enough time to run away as Hyde stood there, dazed.

***

Yuki found the aspirin box again, but he hadn't used it. He could not even be bothered to use his own drugs. Sighing, as he felt empty inside, he downed the bentou which Sakura had brought back. Neither of them spoke a word, but it seemed as if each others' companionship was enough.

Sakura didn't leave for the practice session that day, and there was no match during the two rest-days. The two of them simply sat by each other's side, not saying a word, feeling too bad to say a word. TV had nothing good on, and Sakura sat at the coffee table writing short stories which made no sense, while Yuki read the manga which he had bought a few days ago, getting more annoyed at himself for being reminded of Tetsu by the moment.

Sakura opened his mouth. "I feel like shit, Yuki! All these writing isn't helping much."

Yukihiro sighed, setting the manga down. Maybe it would have been better to talk to Sakura than mope in a corner. "Same here….What are you writing?"

Sakura smiled sadly, and held it up. "Random lyrics for songs stuck in my head. It's making me feel worse."

"……Reading manga doesn't help either. We should probably do something."

"…Go out?" Sakura suggested, smoking on his cigarette.

"Go out," Yuki nodded, and attempted to stand up. His wounds, without the aspirin, hurt like hell when he did so after three hours of no movement. He groaned. "Sakura…. Can you get my aspirin?"

Sakura glanced at him, shrugged, and went to his room. "You idiot shouldn't have left it there."

Yuki sulked, with that comment remembering yesterday's incidents again. God, this really wasn't doing much for his sanity. "Hurry up before I die."

"It'd be so fun if you die," Sakura replied. Yuki shook his head, smiling unhappily. He felt the same too. Definitely much more fun, if anyone asked him… Sakura handed it to him. "Where do you wanna go?"

Yuki thought for a moment. "…Shibuya or Harajyuku,"

Now Sakura gave Yuki a strange look, as if he was pondering over his decision. "Somewhere quiet, I meant."

"……River, any river." He smiled, snuffing his own cigarette out, remembering how the serene riverside looked like. Sakura nodded, and stood up, waiting for him. Yuki popped the aspirins into his mouth. The taste made him feel like puking, but it did wonders.

Sakura called a cab. It arrived some time soon, and both of them dressed and went down. After some seemingly long hours of driving, neither of them saying anything except for instructions given by Sakura, they arrived at a quiet road in the forest. Sakura told the driver to wait for them later, and he would pay him extra. The driver agreed, and drove off.

"So… Riverside," Sakura mumbled. The way the sunlight was shining through the canopy was irritating him. Yuki followed him. The trees looked irritating, too, especially when they were illustrating such a perfect day with perfect things. They crossed the road, and went towards the bridge. There was no one else about. It was a quiet place, right beside a small temple.

Standing on the bridge, the wind blowing through his hair, Yuki felt better. It was so quiet, as if he was really away from the world somewhere on Mars. It would be good, so that he didn't have to remember Tetsu and Hyde. It sucked. Sakura watched him, almost a half-smile on his lips.

He glanced at Sakura, surprised to find that he was looking at him.

"……Beautiful," He almost laughed aloud, feeling so refreshed, like a little kid again.

"Yes," Sakura murmured, and stood beside him, resting his hands on the frame. The water shimmered under the sunlight, together with the trees overhanging the still waters. He felt heavenly, now even welcoming the light. "It's beautiful."

***

"God," Tetsu almost burst into tears when no one answered. He really had nowhere to go, and he missed the little kid. It seemed as if among all things, maybe Yuki was the only one who could comfort him. Of course… If Sakura told him about it…

Then, he didn't feel like living. He almost screamed aloud in frustration and anger, keeping quiet because of the sadness which haunted his mind. He rested his hand on the door, waiting for it to open. It did, tilting inside as he leaned his weight against it. Someone had left the door unlocked, complete with the key stuck in the doorknob. Tetsu would have cheered with half-relief, but solemnly he stepped inside, and closed the door for them.

The entire house seemed to echo with his footsteps. He saw an open book on the sofa, and a manga. That manga was crap, he thought, as he moved it aside to sit down. He wondered why Yuki got them in the first place, but some things had better been left unexplained.

Feeling so soulless, he picked up the book, almost automatically. There were some random things inside, random poems and scribbling. He put it back; it was rude to intrude on others' thoughts just like that. He fell asleep waiting, until a knock sounded on the door. They had came back… No, they didn't. If they had came back, they wouldn't be knocking.

"Tetsu, I know you're there," It was Hyde's voice. "Sakura, let him out."

Tetsu froze. He bolted towards the door, careful not to make any sound on the floor with his heavy platforms, and peeped through the knothole. Hyde's face was impatient, and his brows were furrowed. He was without his usual bodyguards. He waited for a moment, and probably decided that no one was at home. He turned, tossing his long curls behind his shoulders, and left. Tetsu almost collapsed from relief, a sad relief that he wanted Hyde to stay too.

"Hyde…." He whispered, his tears returning. He decided to wait on the couch, and cried some more.

***

Sakura didn't know how long it was; but it could have been eternity. By five o'clock, he knew that they had better leave. The cab driver was waiting for them, and no matter how much he was paying, it did not feel good to let people wait. Yuki got in to sit down, while Sakura went to buy some food. He came back with plenty of snacks. Yuki figured that if he stayed with Sakura any longer, he was bound to get fat. Not that two meals a day usually helped. Yuki had been too lazy in the past days to get his own lunch, or sometimes even dinner. Plus, his wounds were hurting.

The drive was in silence, only an occasional munching sound of both Yuki and Sakura eating chocolates.

They reached Sakura's apartment, and Sakura handed Yuki the groceries to search for his keys. Suddenly, he gasped, feeling nothing in his pockets and wallet.

"Yuki, did you take the keys?"

"I thought you did," Yuki replied, his eyes wide.

Sakura turned the doorknob, expecting it to protest, but it did turn. He was so surprised he almost fell in. So he had forgotten to lock up the place again. Bad habit.

He almost grew frozen when he saw someone sleeping on his couch. Yuki stepped in, and stopped short as well, almost dropping the groceries.

"…Tetsu…?" Sakura whispered. Yuki kept silent, his expression unreadable. Then, with half-remorse, as he remembered Tetsu's sobs, "……What's he doing here?"

Tetsu's eyes fluttered open at the sound of his voice, and for an instant grew worried. Sakura tried to let his care show in his eyes, but Tetsu immediately glanced over at Yuki instead. Oh, yeah. Those two were together only yesterday.

"Yukihiro…" Tetsu looked as if he was ready to cry again.

"Tetsu, what are you doing here?" Yuki's voice sounded awkward. He swallowed, trying to calm the pain in his heart.

"…Nothing," Tetsu stole a worried glance at Sakura, as if he was afraid that he would tell Yuki. Hell, he looked like he was not too happy to see him. His heart almost skipped a beat, as his voice changed into a mere whisper. "…I… I said I'd be here again today, didn't I…?"

"…Sou…" Yuki smiled. It did not seem like a happy one, but he sat down beside Tetsu anyway. Sakura took the initiative to take the groceries from Yuki and returned to his room. He didn't know what to think, Tetsu seemed so different, as if he had been broken inside. So much unlike yesterday, when he was still cold and strong. It was all his own fault, he had to admit.

"Yuki…" Once Sakura was gone, Tetsu's face crumpled. He sat there crying, and Yuki gently held him in his arms, patting his back soothingly. He didn't know what to say, but he suddenly felt a bout of relief in his heart, and yet a weight of sadness anchoring it down.

"Don't cry…" He finally said. Tetsu looked up, his tear tracks shining on his face. Yuki wiped them away, carefully as if it would hurt Tetsu. He was afraid it would, too. Tetsu was so fragile…

"Please don't be so kind to me, Yuki…"

Yukihiro swallowed, nodding, and held him tighter. He didn't want to tell Tetsu how much he meant to him at the moment, afraid that Tetsu really belonged to Hyde.

Tetsu sobbed some more, burying his face into Yuki's shoulder. "…Thank you…"

Yuki smiled sadly. Tetsu looked up into his eyes, finally, his eyes puffy. Yuki studied him for a moment, feeling some place in his heart die off gently. Tetsu's face drew closer, and Yuki could see the beautifully curled eyelashes framing those weak beautiful eyes. Something soft touched his lips, so softly and gently. He kissed him back, slowly, his hands holding Tetsu like he was the only thing which he could want.

Tetsu's eyes overflowed again, as he hugged Yuki back. He didn't speak for a moment, but delicately reached up to caress Yuki's face, as if he were blind and wanted the last remembrance of Yuki. Yuki didn't move, but let him trail his hand down onto his chin, studying Tetsu's expression as he did that.

God, it felt so strange, like a sad fairy tale. Tetsu seemed so lonely… Tetsu kissed him again, lightly, his hand on Yuki's chest, slowly roaming over Yuki's shirt. He moaned, feeling Tetsu kiss down, over his shirt, and slowly pulling it up, to reveal his thin, pale chest. He lost himself in Tetsu's kisses, merging with the feeling which he felt in his heart towards one in his body. It felt so good, so true, and even his wounds' pain seemed to echo with that warmth. He didn't know when he lost his clothes, neither did he know when Tetsu removed his, but the next thing he knew was that Tetsu's tear-stained face wore a smile, as he parted Yuki's legs gently.

"…Tetsu…" He whispered, his heart almost overflowing.

Tetsu didn't say a word, as he gazed up slowly, and planted a kiss on his forehead. Yuki closed his eyes, hoping that he could hide the feeling from the other man. He gasped, when Tetsu's lips encircled him. Pleasure flooded him, almost covering the feeling of warmth which he'd felt inside, and for a moment it was all that mattered. Then, it left him, leaving him panting, exhausted.

When his vision finally cleared, he saw Tetsu's gaze meeting his eyes. Tetsu kissed him again, fully on the lips, taking his breath away.

"Tetsu," He murmured, pulling Tetsu closer. It didn't matter whether he was a guy or a girl, it didn't matter whether it was like or love, or whether he belonged to Hyde. He felt for him. "I… love you…"

"Ah…. It doesn't matter…" Tetsu replied, softly. He felt Tetsu lean against him, something wet rubbing against his own body. A liquid trickled down, and Yuki didn't know what it was. He didn't care, either. Everything else seemed so far away, except for Tetsu's presence and his own heart.

***

He was so angry at himself as he glanced into the mirror. For what, he did not know. He felt bad, really bad, and there was nowhere the emotion would go except in the direction of pure anger. In the mirror was an unknown face, a usually beautiful face twisted in fury. He did not recognize that one, definitely.

Wordlessly, he took out a switchblade, and slashed across the pillow several times. He stood back, his breathing deep, the white feathers flying everywhere in the room. It was a mess, but it was beautiful. He calmed down, as if everything were fluttering about like the feathers.

Then he felt depressed. He wasn't sure why he went through such an emotional swing. It had been at least a few months since the last one, and it was the time when he had met a girl. She'd left him, and every time he got into such an emotional swing, he would desire to have someone, something of his own to hold, to treasure. This way, he would never feel too lonely. He didn't own much, outside of materialistic world, and he didn't know what else was there for him.

He missed Tetsu already.

"Why isn't he coming back…?" He asked himself, blinking away tears in his eyes. His head felt heavy and he suddenly couldn't think. The feathers had settled down long ago; onto the clean white sheets, and he lay amongst them, pulling the white gauze back a little, exposing the bed entirely to the disappearing sunlight which peeked through the open window. "…Stupid Sakura."

Suddenly he felt young again, as if all these time he had been wandering around in a circle. He sighed, and decided to call Sakura. He smiled to himself, this time confidently. Sakura would never disobey him. He dialed the number. It rang, once… Twice…

"Hello," The person who had picked up was Sakura, who sounded disgruntled. Which was understandable, Hyde reasoned, even though the truth was different from his assumption.

"…Sakura."

"What do you want?" Sakura hissed, as if afraid to quarrel loudly.

No one spoke to him that way, no one dared except Tetsu. Hyde grew angry again, but decided to not let it show. "…I'm looking for you."

"…Really," Sakura was sarcastic. "You don't look like the sort to apologize. And I don't have to, either, after what you did to Tetsu."

"I didn't mean it, honest," Hyde defended himself. It was a natural reaction of his, anyway… Tetsu was indeed his. He refused to believe otherwise; he would come back. He knew he would.

"He was crying and—" Sakura faltered. He shook his head, as if Hyde were right in front, "You, you bastard."

"I promise I'll never do it again," Hyde almost whined into the phone. "……As long as you'll be by my side."

Sakura kept quiet. He was thinking, and when his voice came out it sounded like he was almost crying. Maybe he was. "I… I don't know."

"Really," Hyde was never the type to beg. "You remember that I did it because of you."

"You freak!" Sakura burst out, and slammed the phone down.

Hyde sat down to think. He really missed Sakura… And he missed Tetsu. The feeling of invincibility was not there anymore. He didn't know that he would be the one apologizing… He didn't know that Tetsu would leave him hanging there like that. He had never been slapped by anyone before, and had it been anyone else, he would have killed the person.

***

Sakura turned, to see Yuki still sleeping soundly. Tetsu, however, had woken up. He scolded himself for not putting the phone in the room instead of the living room. He smiled, awkwardly. Tetsu seemed frightened, and so sad…

"Daijyoubu," Sakura whispered, putting a finger to his lips. He went back to his room, while Tetsu clung on to Yuki further, as a frightened bird would to a branch during a storm. He came back out with a blanket, and draped it over the two's naked bodies. They seemed so beautiful together, in the fading sunset.

***

He called Sakura again. The phone was hung up, and Hyde didn't know what to do for a moment. Then he remembered, he had all the men he could want to summon. He made a phone call, to his followers, for orders to be carried out that Tetsu must be found at all costs.

Then he sat brooding again. He didn't know what he could do to Tetsu, or for him, if he ever found him again. If he had been there, Hyde wouldn't feel so helpless. And whose fault was it? He blamed himself partly, but he still did not think it was such a big deal. He thought Tetsu had gotten used to it.

So, he was still human after all. He smiled slightly at the thought, and fell asleep ten minutes later on the soft bed, among the feathers.

***

The early morning sunlight was faint, as faint as the feelings he felt last night. He was refreshed. He glanced up at the opened window, the curtains fluttering inside the rather spacious room. His mind was clear, at last.

He brought himself back to reality, trying to remember yesterday's incidents. When everything finally came back, he knew what to do. He could think properly at least, now. He wondered if his followers knew about the fact that Tetsu said he was going over to Sakura's place. It seemed most probable, and that his followers would not find Tetsu until at least a week later.

With another phone call, he hired someone to spy on Sakura's home. He was suddenly intrigued. Maybe it was because Sakura had a place for Tetsu to stay, that he did not return.

Ah well. He still had tea with Ken that afternoon, his own clan to look after, and other things. He still felt angry at Sakura, but he figured that he did not need him as yet. It would be fun, though, if he could still play with him for a little while—he was not sure how, but he would.

***

Sakura was free that day again, so he stayed at home with Tetsu and Yuki. Yuki was still sleeping, a blanket over him, looking so serene. Tetsu wore a bathrobe which Sakura had lent him after he went to bathe, and had set about making breakfast for the two after Sakura went to the market. He looked weird dressed like that, with an apron wrapped around his thin waist. Sakura decided that if Yuki woke up soon, he was going to drag both of them to get some clothes. Yuki needed boxers anyway.

Tetsu emerged from the kitchen, holding a wooden spoon in his hand, looking fine for once. Sakura smiled, to greet him a good morning and to thank him for the effort. Tetsu's lips curled up slowly, and he said nothing as he poked Yuki gently.

Yuki woke up, looking so happy. Sakura almost felt a pang of jealousy, as he saw bliss flood the couple's eyes. Then Yuki started blushing, when he realized that he was not wearing anything on his body. Sakura's jealousy were dispersed as Yuki looked so flustered, while calm Tetsu acted as if he did not know what was the matter. He burst out laughing; they were so cute.

"What are you laughing about, Sakura?!" Yuki exclaimed, turning redder than ever.

"You, you go and bathe," Sakura told him, stifling his giggles. Tetsu couldn't help looking amused, too, at the sight of Yuki's funny expression. "Don't worry, it's morning."

Yukihiro gave him a strange look, and blushed further when Tetsu nodded in agreement to that. He got ready to stand up, but stopped immediately as the blanket slid off his stomach. Tetsu giggled, this time, and gently pulled it up against Yuki's shoulders so that he could cover the entire body. "Yes, it's better if you bathe. Then you can enjoy breakfast with us, okay?"

Yuki nodded obediently, and slowly walked to the bathroom, still wrapped in the warm blanket. To Sakura, he suddenly seemed like a teddy bear, soft and adorable. He shrugged, and turned towards Tetsu.

"…How's things?"

Tetsu nodded. His smile hadn't faded, as he replied, "Everything's fine…"

"……Then that's good," Sakura stood up from the one-seat sofa, and plopped down beside Tetsu on the couch. "…I'm glad Yuki's happy, too."

Tetsu didn't say anything anymore, but he shrugged, his smile disappearing. And then, after a moment of silence, he spoke. "I'm worried for him."

"Yuki?"

It took him a moment to reply. "Yuki, and you. Both. I'm worried if Hyde ever finds out about me staying in your house and all…"

Sakura chewed on his lips thoughtfully, but he patted Tetsu on the shoulder. "It will be fine."

"Sou ka…" Tetsu's smile returned. "I sure hope so."

"Don't worry," Sakura tried to change the subject, "So, is the food ready? It smells good."

Tetsu seemed to be feeling more talkative then. "Yes, it's ready. It's just some snacks, but I hope you two will like it."

"Snacks are good for health," Sakura joked, remembering Yuki and his popcorns. "You should see how Yuki stuffs himself with it before getting sick."

Tetsu's face darkened worryingly. "….But, this is not unhealthy…"

Realizing that he had gotten the wrong message across, Sakura immediately apologized, "No, I didn't mean that. Yuki loved junk food so much that he got it first thing after he went out… And that was before he started feeling bad and stuff."

Tetsu nodded, pondering over that for a while. "I don't think dumpling's bad for health, or salad for that matter. Or the cream soup…… … Sakura."

"Un?"

"You seem to have known Yuki for a long time?" Tetsu seemed to be in a good mood again.

Sakura shook his head, as he recounted their meeting with a slight smile. "No, it's been less than a week. But it feels so long, doesn't it?"

Tetsu laughed, almost brimming. "Yes, it does."

"Yuki, you can't be with him and not feel familiar," Sakura sighed. He wanted to ask about Tetsu and Hyde, but wasn't sure if he would hurt Tetsu in any way if he did so, so he remained quiet.

After a while, Tetsu's face seemed to darken again, and it almost seemed that he could read Sakura's mind. "…I only wish I can say the same for Hyde…"

"Hyde…?"

"I've been with him for so many years and I don't know what he's thinking about, we seem to drift apart over time…" Tetsu looked like he was about to cry again, and his face nearly crumpled with sadness as he whispered, "He treats me like a dog…"

Sakura didn't know what to say. He patted Tetsu on the back again, encouragingly, and Tetsu wiped his face, returning to a smile.

"But it's fine now," Tetsu spoke fondly, remembering Yuki, even though he still felt something tearing at his heart. "Yuki… He's a really great guy."

Sakura studied Tetsu's face closely, and sighed again. Was it only him, or was Tetsu really still feeling so lonely? He didn't know, but Tetsu's eyes, even though they were overflowing with happiness, somehow seemed desolate at the same time…

*** (in breakfast time, Yuki and Tetsu spoke about Eva ^_^;)

After breakfast (it was almost a torture for Sakura to have to see Tetsu feed Yuki…), everyone was ready to set off to shopping. Tetsu expressed apology for bringing Sakura so much trouble, but Sakura told him that it didn't mean much to him. Tetsu's clothes had dried over breakfast, and he wore the same beautiful black jacket and skirt over a white shirt, which still suited him very much.

He didn't hold Yuki's hand or anything, but he tagged along like a wife with two businessmen. Sakura laughed at himself for having such a great imagination, but at the same time he felt rejuvenated. It was spring, at least for the other two. He didn't want to think about himself, either. He made sure he treated Tetsu and Yuki okay, that neither of them was left out. He and Yuki had too many things to argue about, and it was all in good humor.

"No, orange makes you look like a dead cow!" Sakura exclaimed, pulling a green shirt from the shelf. "You should wear this. Green is good for the eyes."

"Good, my ass!" Yuki stuck his tongue out, putting his orange shirt back and picking out a bright yellow one. Those shirts were all cute, with little brown kitties sewed onto them. "Yellow suits me."

"Yellow makes you look like a skinny banana," Sakura debated, and Tetsu burst out laughing. "Come on, haven't you got any sense?"

Yuki seemed to be enjoying it too. "Of course, I don't look like a piece of lawn with yellow. There, blue should be fine."

Sakura hadn't anything to say to that, and Tetsu had no comments whatsoever, so Yuki ended up getting a blue T-shirt with brown kitties on it. It was later, at the cashier, that Yuki found out that it was female and kids apparel…

"Bwahahhaa!" Sakura burst out laughing. "Never mind, it suits you. Nee, Tetsu?"

Tetsu grinned shyly, and tried to cover it with a sleeved hand. "It does suit you, Yuki."

The lady watched them, trying not to laugh out loud. Yuki simply fumed and said nothing.

Everything was fine. They even visited the female lingerie department, and Sakura persuaded Tetsu to try on some lingerie, which Tetsu flatly refused no matter what. Yuki commented on Sakura being a hentai.

"Me, hentai? Okay, next birthday I'll give you a G-string. When is your birthday anyway?"

"Not telling," Yuki shrugged, pulling Tetsu away.

"Hey, I'm only helping with your sex life."

Yuki rolled his eyes, while Tetsu almost fell down giggling, both of them turning redder than tomatoes at the realization of what Sakura was referring to. The sales people looked at them with weird expressions on their faces, but seeing Sakura's build and dressing, they didn't say anything. "Great, now I'm a wierdo because of you."

"Hey, aren't you? Someone who barges into houses and gets punched out…" Sakura whistled mockingly, as they exited the lingerie department towards the guys' department.

"Oh, shut up!" Yuki grinned, when he saw that Tetsu was laughing as well. He watched him; he was so beautiful with such a happy feeling on his face, and it seemed, right after yesterday, the rainbow after the storm… Tetsu stopped short and blushed when he realized that Yuki was studying him, but Yuki wore a smile on his face. Just as Yuki was turning away, Tetsu planted a kiss on his cheek, making him almost trip over his own feet.

"Ah, what a loving couple," Sakura whistled, picking up a box of briefs. "It's too bad male underwear is only so limited. Boxers, or this box."

Yuki hit him on the head. "Nandayo, hentai!"

"Well, no kink," Sakura joked. Yuki and Tetsu almost died of embarrassment, but they did choose a few proper underwear before the manager chased them out for disturbing the peace.

***

The day was fun. Tetsu had picked out some clothes which suited his taste (The fact that Sakura didn't feel anything about the prices even though Tetsu was worried that he might helped too), and Yuki got his boxers and several pieces of clothes that was finally of his size.

The day ended with the three of them at a restaurant. They stumbled home, almost falling over with full tummies. Sakura suddenly didn't quite feel like criticizing Yuki anymore, as he watched his sleeping form, gently propped against Tetsu's. They were such a cute couple. So cute that Sakura couldn't help but start feeling sorry for himself again, and he wished that he had a lover.

He couldn't imagine himself in Hyde's arms anymore—the thought of him with such a tyrant made him feel sick. He wondered what was going to happen at work tomorrow. Maybe he should get a proper job from then onwards.

Ah, what the hell. He might as well enjoy the silence before the storm.

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out, he leaned back against his own seat and closed his eyes, even though he knew he was unable to get to sleep unlike the other two.

***

Hyde's face darkened invariably as he stared at the photographs on the table. Tears almost flooded his eyes, of both anger and some sort of loneliness, as he stared at them. For a moment, he couldn't seem to bring himself to any movement, but it seemed as if… He didn't know. Then his mind seemed to be working; everything went back into their original time pace.

"……Who the HELL is that skinny freak, anyway?!" He yelled at the detective, pointing to the short-haired boy in the picture.

"I… I don't know. They call him Yuki. My associates tell me he's living with Sakura…" The detective shuddered at Hyde's sudden outburst. Hyde was so cool just that morning and other times earlier, but now his anger was so apparent, it scared him more than anger itself. "I will be able to retrieve more information—if you want, by tomorrow."

Hyde lay back into his chair, his breath deep, but he was calming down. There was yet a hint of threat as he spoke, "…You'd better."

"Yes, Miss Hyde," He bowed.

"Good, you may be dismissed now," Hyde ordered, his hand steadily picking up the picture. By consent, the detective hurried out of the room. Hyde watched the door close, and there was finally no one else around. He was not sure if he was supposed to see to anymore matters or people, but he didn't care either. In the picture was his Tetsu kissing that… That skinny freak… Hyde closed his eyes, suddenly there was pain in his heart. He left me for someone like that…? What's so good about him…?

God, he hated it. He looked at the other photos, they looked really good. Even Tetsu was smiling so carefreely, as Hyde had never seen him so in the long time they had been together. What had gone wrong? He didn't know. He picked up a lighter from the table, studying it slowly, and with a flick of his finger, switched the flame on. It burned steadily, and he slowly watched as the flame turned the edges of the photographs into charred ashes, as if by magic.

A tear rolled down his cheek, as he shut the flame, and watched it burn slowly. The dancing orange lights were reaching Tetsu's form…

Suddenly, he had to stop it. With a single move, he flung the lighter away and poured the glass of water onto the flame. He stared at what was left of it; Tetsu kissing a half-demolished face. Yet another tear rolled down, as the glass fell onto the table, splashing the remaining water with a soft demoralizing sound.

Why did his heart feel the same as the fallen glass?

Slowly, he held the picture close to his heart. And then, as slowly, carefully, he slid it into his pocket. The flame which spawned the picture had been put out earlier, but it was still dancing in his eyes, flickering as if it owned a separate life.

*** (hido: It's not magic. It's combustion… veggie: ^^;)

Peace lingered in the atmosphere rather comfortably; Sakura hadn't understood why it was so. Perhaps it was really the silence, as he slowly changed into the clothes he wore to work. He came out of the room, to see Tetsu sleeping in Yuki's arms. He smiled, wondering if he should have let them use the bed instead. It didn't quite seem right to see two people sharing a couch during normal days. It was too narrow for them both, even if they seemed so comfortable.

He couldn't help watching them again. He felt like an ojiisan suddenly, but he didn't care. The scene was simply divine. A smile drifted onto his lips, yet he was feeling so lonely again. Ah well, he supposed that life was unfair. Somehow he missed looking at Yuki when he was curled up alone. He chuckled when he saw that Tetsu's hand was clutching on tightly to Yuki, as if it brought him more warmth.

He sighed, as he turned and left the house.

***

His opponent had been surprisingly hard, and he knew that definitely there was something—rather, someone—behind it. He stole a glance at the audience through his swollen eye. It hurt like hell. Hyde was still there; his usual smiling playful façade was gone.

I… I must be in deep trouble… Sakura thought. Even his thoughts were stammering. Suddenly he realized the danger he was exposed to right then. It seemed to reflect in Hyde's eyes; it was so scary.

As he returned to the changing room, he felt yet worried, almost expecting to see Hyde waiting for him on the couch, with a few bodyguards ready to beat him up—or shoot him—when Hyde felt like it. Yet, there was no one, just the usual people.

"This is one bad enemy," Lam commented, as he gave Sakura the usual share for winning. "Well, everyone earned on your account."

"He is," Sakura replied, his brows furrowed. He didn't dare to chase these people out, as they gave their usual pats-on-backs, praises, and whatnot. Sakura was sure that all the blame would go to him if he lost. He closed his eyes painfully. There was no celebration, everyone was just there to be in this moneymaker's good books. If he wasn't such a star…

He shivered. God, he didn't want these to end. He felt as if he had lost a grip upon his career. Sakura expected to see Hyde waiting outside for him—or something, but he didn't see anyone in miles. He hurried on his way, wanting to reach home as soon as possible, hoping that he would be alive to look after that couple, and tease them…

He stopped short. A car was heading straight at the pavement. His eyes widened in comprehension, and fear suddenly came flooding over as he ran out of the way in a frenzy. Everything was in a blur of confusion, but there was only one thing which he knew—he knew that he wanted to be alive. He ran, as fast as he could, away from the car, anywhere. It seemed as if it was seriously out to kill. Sakura ducked into an alley, his heart beating so fast….

Please… . His mind finally uttered after a moment of blankness. He couldn't even bring himself to breathe; even his heart seemed to have stopped beating.

The loud glare of the car headlights turned in his direction, and dragged across the surface of the wall. Sparks flew with a burst of blinding orange, but the driver did not seem to care. It was almost like a mad, raging bull. Sakura couldn't get this bull off his trail, and then the next thing he knew, he was facing a wall on three sides and the car on one side.

There was nothing to help him climb up it, nothing to save him. It was real, not a movie after all…

He closed his eyes, waiting for his doom, waiting for the impact… …….

It never seemed to arrive. A screech of the tires of the car sounded, and Sakura carefully opened his eyes. The car door opened. The person who stepped out was small and petite, dressed in all black this time, instead of the beautiful pure white. A shawl was wrapped around his head, covering every part of his face but his beautiful eyes, but at a single glance, Sakura recognized them. He recognized this figure, this smooth predator-like silhouette. There was three other men in the car, who seemed like bodyguards, and they emerged, too.

He didn't dare speak. Hyde came closer, his large, lovely eyes now hideously scary. After what seemed like a moment of eternity, those perfectly shaped lips finally parted under the shawl, as he spoke, "Sakura. I suppose you know what I'm here for?"

Sakura shook his head slowly, trapped by the threat in those eyes.

"That's fine. Sakura, you are supposed to be my bodyguard, aren't you? The opponent today was a hard one; just look at the state you're in. And an accident almost occurred in this street. You sure had a bad day, bodyguard," Hyde smiled. Sakura wished that it was a smile which he was familiar to, not this one, so cold and so… It made him shiver. Seeing that he was not going to say anything, Hyde continued, "You have one chance to redeem yourself. That is, to play your role as my bodyguard."

"……Why?" Sakura finally managed to ask.

Hyde laughed inaudibly, as he stepped even closer. "There is going to be a series of street fights which will disturb the peace which Kokuryu intends to maintain for the time being and various reasons, due to the merging of two separate and smaller clans. It is to our benefits that we are doing this, Ken's associates have also agreed to help us out. All of us don't want an upheaval right now. So… What do you think?"

"……You want me to go street fighting…?" Sakura uttered, studying Hyde's face. His heart didn't seem to start beating.

"No, it's not that. As a bodyguard, you should be by my side when I see to it," Hyde paused, purposefully glancing back at him. "Well?"

Sakura nodded slowly. He felt as if he was dead before his time was up. Was that Hyde's power? "…Yes."

"Good. I'll call you, and you'd better make sure you're available." Hyde turned, gestured to his men, and went into the car. The other three stared at him for a moment, and went in after Hyde did. He still couldn't move, even as he watched the car drive away. His heart started beating again, but it was only when he realized that he was alive, and that there would be more danger in wait for him.

***

He wasn't surprised to see that the scene waiting for him was a warm one of Tetsu and Yuki playing poker together. He didn't say anything, but they turned to greet him. "Okaeri nasai, Sakura."

"…" Sakura still didn't utter a word, but he returned them a smile. Yuki and Tetsu glanced at each other, knowing that Sakura would definitely say something about them playing poker if he was in the right state of mind.

"……What's wrong?" Yuki couldn't help asking worriedly. Tetsu nodded, putting down the cards in his hands.

"There's nothing wrong," Sakura forced a smile, knowing that if they did not know about his relation with Hyde, it would be better. "Everything's fine as it is."

"Really…?" Yuki didn't believe him; who would? Even his smile was not himself.

"Yeah," Sakura replied tiredly.

Yuki opened his mouth to say something, but Tetsu nudged him gently. He shut up, and then glanced up at Sakura again. Sakura tried smiling again, and sat down beside them on the sofa. He gazed at Yuki fondly, and turned away. He wondered how did Yuki worry about someone whom he had only met for a short while?

But then again, hadn't he? Things were so weird recently. "Nee, let's play together."

"Okay," Yuki replied promptly, and looked at Tetsu. Tetsu's lips curled upwards gently, as he gathered the cards and shuffled. "Let's play Speed."

"That's good," He murmured.

Yuki felt even more worried suddenly, but he tried to brush it away. Even if there really was something, Sakura had his reasons not to tell him. Or rather, there was no reason to tell him anything at all. Why would someone tell a total stranger? He got out of his daze, when he saw Tetsu's face studying his.

"…Speed?"

"Yeah. Do you wanna play with Sakura, or let me play with Sakura?"

"You play with him," Tetsu replied, laying down the cards and then separating the rest.

"Okay, prepare to lose badly," Yuki joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"Not to you," Sakura was finally his normal self again. He grinned, as he took his share of cards, and the action began. "Slow coach!"

"I'm not! And four doesn't go with six, stupid!"

Tetsu watched them in amusement. He refused to play, no matter how Yuki persisted. Somehow, it didn't seem right that he intrude in their games. He offered to get them some tidbits instead, and they agreed.

He was in such a good mood that he would have whistled; nevertheless it just wasn't him to express his emotions so easily to the world. He was wearing a T-shirt and some jeans; it was comfortable. Everything was good, even the moonless night, or the red sky which symbolized storm. He hoped it wouldn't rain, but who cared?

He smiled inwardly to himself, as he lightly skipped across the street, almost like a happy young girl. Nothing mattered other than the present. It felt good that way.

After getting packets of Pocky, chocolates, seaweed crackers, and popcorn, he headed back for home again. Suddenly, things didn't quite feel so good anymore. He felt endangered, as if there was many people watching him, ready to attack him as soon as the chance was there.

He swallowed, not knowing where the feeling came from. He hugged the bag of snacks to his chest tightly, and walked in faster steps. There was still one more street… One street made a huge difference.

***

Yuki and Sakura stared at each other worriedly. It had been an hour and a half since Tetsu had left, and no one took more than thirty minutes to get some snacks from a nearby twenty-four hour store, at least not under normal circumstances.

"I think we should go and look for him," Yuki finally said, standing up.

Sakura nodded grimly. It had better not be Hyde, he thought, angered at the thought of it, that someone who ill-treated Tetsu so much should get him back again, by hook or by crook. Tetsu didn't want to be with Hyde anyway.

At the junction of the first street, they knew something was wrong. There, lying on the ground was a bag of groceries…

***

Hyde had received the information right on time, as he expected. Information revealed that Yuki was a member of the opposing clan. It had direct involvement with the fight, but it's support was unknown. He was even more annoyed when he found out about that; why had Tetsu kissed such an unworthy idiot?

"What's their relationship like?" Hyde asked, the pictures sandwiched between his forefingers and middle fingers. He took another look through them. Sakura's picture. He didn't quite care so much. Sakura was smiling, as he would to a little brother. Tetsu, playing poker with Yuki, his mouth forming in a happy speech. Hyde flipped again, feeling his very self burn with a desire to separate them and take Tetsu back. It didn't matter that Tetsu's smile would be gone, after all, he was better off dismal.

Tetsu walking down the stairs of a building, as if he was a just-married housewife who'd returned from honeymoon and was ready to serve her husband. Hyde was near the edge already. The next picture, Tetsu was paying for some stuff at the cashier's.

"How… How dare they treat him like their servant…" Hyde murmured, raising his head to glare at the detective.

"Yes, Miss Hyde?"

"Report the general situation of the day. Now."

"Don't you want to look through the pictures first, Miss?" He seemed uncertain.

"No, you just tell me." Hyde continued looking. Tetsu, sleeping in the couch, in Yuki's arms, curled up like a kitten…. He felt more stabs of pain in his own heart. No one had the right to hold Tetsu like that, other than himself… Tetsu making some soup, in the kitchen. From the color of the liquid in the pot which Tetsu was stirring, Hyde guessed that maybe it was melon soup. Tetsu was good at that. He was good at everything—housekeeping, especially. He would always let Hyde return to a comfortable and clean room, occasionally adding in little things to make him happy….

It was a long time ago. Where had he went wrong? Tetsu no longer did this things, Tetsu's face was slowly, more and more, stained by tears. It never mattered to him, because he was the one who had caused those tears, and he had wanted it to be so.

"It seems that Yukihiro and Tetsu are really in a relationship…" The detective winced when he saw Hyde's murderously cold face. "Tetsu takes care of him as he would a lover. And… Sakura goes off to practice in the early morning, about eight. He returns at nine. Tetsu and Yuki spent their time drawing things together, playing board and card games, and…"

He coughed.

Hyde gestured for him to continue, his eyes fixed on a certain picture. He had to hide his face behind a hand. How else could he hide the flooding pain? He couldn't let the world know that he, Hyde, was hurting because of this one person.

"…Making out." He coughed again, but saw that Hyde had no reaction. It was as if Hyde had frozen into that position which he was in even before he had said that. He shivered; it was more scary than an outburst. "…And the two of them do housework together. Sakura comes back at nine p.m.…"

Hyde managed, no matter how painful it was, to get out of the shock and flip on to the next picture. It did not help matters any; Tetsu was kissing this scrawny kid. Angered, he flipped to the next one, to see that Yuki was kissing Tetsu, who was half-naked, a hand reaching down to unbutton his trousers. He flipped; there was quite a few of that scene, each one worse than the one before. Hyde wanted to throw those pictures at the detective, and burst out like a kid, but he… Couldn't.

He just couldn't.

Tetsu playing chess with Yuki… Tetsu being held by Yuki, smiling happily… Tetsu sweeping the floor… Tetsu wiping the dishes… The two of them, together scribbling on a piece of large paper… The two of them, with their beautiful smiles…

"They were playing poker, so Tetsu stopped playing and Sakura played with Yuki. About nine-thirty, Tetsu goes down to buy some tidbits, stuff like Pocky and crackers. When he was returning to the house fifteen minutes later," The detective spoke with a serious importance. "A few people grabbed him, knocked him unconscious and took him away."

Hyde almost dropped the pictures at that. His eyes were wide, as the detective waited for his response. Hyde looked through the pile of pictures for evidence, and he found what he was looking for. Tetsu, falling to the ground and being caught by an ugly man. He demanded, "Where did they bring him?!"

"I don't know. My appointment with you was right after this, so I sent an assistant. He wouldn't be able to contact me until an appropriate time, and I don't know where he is now."

"…It's been two hours since he was captured."

"Yes, it's so."

Hyde's brows furrowed in thought. "Do you have any idea who had done so?"

"Perhaps the clan opposing Yukihiro's clan."

A loud slam was heard on the table. "That's impossible!"

The detective looked up in surprise, not daring to speak much. "Why… Why Miss?"

Hyde's eyes were burning with a fury which raged more than when he saw Tetsu and Yuki together. It was different anyway, perhaps, since it was mingled with pain, but now, it was pure hatred and anger. "They… They're the clan under Kokuryu…"

"They might not know about Tetsu," The detective pointed out.

"Everyone does. Everyone has heard that I have a pet, someone who belongs to me. Someone whom I have claimed, with a mark on him, a mark with the symbol of Kokuryu's protection. Who do you think dares to do that?!"

"….If it is so, they wouldn't dare to hurt him as well. If they are under Kokuryu, that is."

"……" Hyde couldn't find anything to say to that, so he kept silent in his thoughts. He would deal with them, but he could not afford to have an internal war before the fight… Especially if he wanted to win that invisible support behind the enemy of this small clan.

But, Tetsu…

***

The two of them had no sleep the entire night. They sat staring at each other, both like troubled zombies. The poker cards lay messily on the table, and neither of them did anything about it. Sakura didn't know what to say to Yuki, and vice versa. Sakura had called off the match for next day, much to the anger of his boss. It didn't help that there was a woman by his boss' side, but this time, instead of cowering, he was irritated.

It seemed suffocating for the two of them, right then and there. There was nothing Yuki could do to hide his anxiety; he didn't bother. There was nothing the two of them could do, other than sit and stare at each other, and wondering what was there to be done.

***

"I… I didn't contact my clan ever since Tetsu was here…" Yuki told Sakura, burying his face into his hands. It was for good reason; he didn't want Tetsu to be involved. Ironically, Tetsu's life was in the hands of the enemy. "I really didn't know about the merger… I'm not even an important member for god's sake! Why must it be Tetsu….?!"

Sakura put his arm around Yuki's shoulder comfortingly. His eyes were on the crumpled note which lay on the table, the crumpled note which came with Tetsu's shirt and a lock of hair delivered in a package straight to his home by four-hour speed post. He didn't know what to say; he was worried as well. "…You shouldn't have kept your being in a gang from me."

"….Would you have kept me here if you knew? If you were just a normal resident, would you want any member of any gang in your house?"

"….No, but it doesn't matter to me," Sakura confessed.

"….It doesn't matter anymore," Yuki sighed, looking up. His eyes were red, and he looked sick from the worry. "I only…I must find Tetsu…"

"Let's contact your clan, surely they will do something," Sakura decided. "…What can be their reasons for kidnapping him?"

"….I wouldn't know…" Yuki fretted, his eyes seeming to scream aloud in helplessness. "I really…"

"Calm down," Sakura told him, holding him tighter. "Let's contact your clan, and let them know the situation. I guess, if it doesn't matter, they wouldn't have kidnapped Tetsu as well."

"…What if…" Yuki stopped, tears freely flowing down his cheeks. He didn't say anything more. Sakura held the phone out to him, and slowly, with shaking hands, he took it, and dialed the number.

***

There was no lights around, only the small window at the top through which the sunlight shone through. A basement, it seemed. There was nothing else in the room, nothing at all, everything which surrounded him were lonely shadows and white, painted walls.

Tetsu didn't stop crying; his eyes were puffy even after he had fallen asleep from it last night. He huddled in that corner of his, trying to gain some warmth, both in his body and in his heart.

His eyes closed in the pain of the sudden attack of the memory. The table upon which he had been flung onto, was hard and cold… He held himself tighter. The insane cries at the agony of having his clothes ripped apart, and having evil assailants touching him… It seemed like a nightmare which he never woke up from. He had wondered who were these men, if they were under Hyde's order. But then, they had seen Hyde's mark on him, and retreated.

He had been saved by Hyde… Again. He could remember looking into the mirror the first time he had gotten it. It was a black dragon, the sign of Kokuryu—only that it was entwined around a rose. Hyde was that possessive, he had mused. He had felt like a cherished pet, and it felt so good, to have someone whom he wanted to give everything to.

But, Hyde wasn't what he thought he was.

Hyde was a flirt, and more than that. He treated Tetsu like the pet he was; but he did not cherish him. There was nothing he could do. He couldn't run away, because he wanted to be by Hyde's side. Even if it was hurting him like hell…

God, why are all these coming back to him?

….I miss Yuki… He opened his eyes slowly. He wasn't seeing the empty room, it was Hyde's face. He saw himself running after something, chasing… And then he fell to the ground, exhausted. It was as if something was pressing against his chest, suffocating him…. He couldn't breathe.

And then, he saw… himself. He was running through the streets, and couldn't run anymore. He had collapsed, just like that. There was nothing that he could do anymore, as he looked up in horror into the malice of those shadowed figures… And then they grabbed him. Before he knew it, he was being beaten brutally. A girl stood behind, fiercely glaring down at him.

"You don't steal my boyfriend!" She shouted.

He couldn't explain that he never even remotely liked him, that her man had pulled him away to get away from her, but there was no way which he could voice it aloud. He was lying there, breathless, whimpering in pain. And then, someone came along. Someone dressed in white, a very pretty girl. The men turned; they noticed her.

"Catch her."

"Don't come over here!" Tetsu screamed, suddenly fearing for the safety of the girl. He couldn't see clearly, but she looked so frail that he was more afraid for her than for himself. "Don't! Leave her alone!"

The men tried to approach her, but in a flash, with a strength which couldn't possibly have been her own, she grabbed one of the men by his arm and had flung him aside. Within that split second, she pulled out a gun and pointed it at the stammering man. In a voice so deep that it could not have possibly been hers, either, she spoke, "Don't move."

They stopped immediately, sweat running down their faces. Everyone stood back, as she gave them a sharp glance and sent the man sprawling towards his gang. They ran away, leaving the blonde alone with this newcomer and Tetsu.

"Come back!" She had yelled desperately.

"No… He…. He's the leader of Kokuryu!"

Before she could even turn, this newcomer had reached her side, an arm wrapped painfully around her neck. "Don't you dare harass Tetsu again."

……She knows me…? Through a half-foggy mind, he had wondered.

The bitch was set free, escaping away like a dog with its tail between its hind legs. Tetsu only had that impression, as he closed his eyes in agony and tried to get up. Then, he felt a strange warmth, as her arms were extended around his own, propping him up with her small frame. They didn't say anything. Tetsu remembered vaguely that he had felt so comfortable, despite the pain. It seemed at that time to be simply because the confusion was over, and he felt saved. Maybe there was more to that…

She helped him into a car which was parked nearby. Even though he was still in pain, he could see her beautiful face, with the moonlight shining through the glass. She tended to his wounds carefully. There was no need for any words; he felt so safe and secure, as her small hands gently rubbed against his bruises, and felt his ribs for any broken bones, making him wince in farther pain…. He knew it was necessary; from young his parents, both being physicians, had always told him to rub his bruises in case it got worse.

She didn't ask him where he lived; instead she drove him to her house. Tetsu could even remember how it looked like, exactly, with the plain, ordinary white walls and the rich black marble floor. His feet had been cold as he first stepped in, and she had set him onto a bed in one of those rooms. There were many rooms, all on the second level. She must have been rich, he thought.

She even bathed him, with plain soap and water. Her touch was enjoyable; not arousing at the time of pain, but it was so homely. Tetsu didn't know why she was doing all these; he didn't ask either. He only remembered watching her all the time, as if watching her could make him feel any better. Finally, she led him out, and threw him a bathrobe, took his clothes and walked out of the room.

He took the bathrobe. He didn't put it on, instead, he asked, "…Who are you?"

She turned, and smiled. She was really so beautiful…"I'll tell you later. This room is yours for the time being."

He stared at the door after she left, for a brief moment, and then put on the bathrobe slowly. He didn't even pause to feel a moment of embarrassment.

He had felt so… At home.

He studied the room, explored it a little. Other than the bathroom, there was also a washroom, in a separate place. The interior was carefully designed, and the furniture was antique, as if it was an ancient European mansion. It could have been; it fitted her so well. She was so out-of-the-world—that had nothing to do with the fact that she looked like a Caucasian, rather, it was because of her strangely endearing beauty….No, not only her beauty. It was because of… Everything about her.

She returned after a while, with some ointment. He let her rub it on for him, and she tucked him in to bed, as if he were a little kid. Her face was so lovely in the dim light of the night lamp, yet even though it was endearing, it was still distant.

"Good night."

"…Tell me who you are," He requested, taking her hand and not letting her go.

"…I'm Hyde."

"Hyde…" He smiled. "Thanks for saving me."

She laughed, and sat down beside him. "You're welcome…"

He didn't know what else to say; he was in a daze. She looked back at him in return, and then, he didn't know how, her face grew closer and their lips met. It was only for a moment, before she broke away, and patted him on the shoulder.

"Good night, Tetsu."

"Good night…" He watched as she left again.

The next morning, she was waiting by his side with breakfast. She watched him as he ate, laughing at his occasionally clumsy spills. "You be careful."

He didn't know what to say, so he nodded stupidly. He felt as if it was just a dream, a sweet dream which he didn't want to wake up from. Finally, he had finished, and she set the tray aside.

Silence. She waited, and asked, "Isn't there many things you want to ask me?"

"…I don't know," Tetsu replied, speaking through his heart. "…I don't feel like there is anything to ask."

She laughed at that, probably from the innocence of it. "Like… My voice? Why did I do all these? Anything?"

He shook his head. These questions didn't matter to him, either, even though it was still a mystery. "No. It makes me wonder, but I don't care."

She chuckled, and leaned closer to him. "…Tetsu, you're a wonderful person, do you know that?"

"…No." He blushed.

"You are. I like you very much."

He was surprised, naturally so. But, it didn't stop him from voicing his inner thoughts. "…I like you too."

"…I'm happy." A pause, before she asked again, her large eyes begging him to say yes—"Can you stay by my side…?"

"……What…?"

She turned away. "I've been watching you for some time… I don't know. You're all that I could ever want, Tetsu."

There was an awkward silence, but before she could get up and leave, he spoke, "Yes."

"…Yes?" She turned back, her eyes shining happily.

He nodded slowly, smiling. "You're all that I can ever want, too."

That was before he learnt more and more about Hyde, the mysterious figure. At that time, Kokuryu was not as powerful as it was now; there was a bigger clan which held the absolute power. It had broken down about five years ago, though. That incident was about… He couldn't remember. It was so long ago, ever since he was… Like, eighteen? It had been at least six years. Six years was a long time…

In six years, too much about Hyde was revealed to him. He didn't understand why he had stayed after so long. Was it because he had nowhere else? Or was it because he was afraid that Hyde would haunt him down? He didn't know. He only remembered curling up in the bed at night, alone, sobbing sadly, wishing that everything would end. Wishing, that Hyde would come back earlier, and hold him. Wishing, that Hyde would listen to him again, as he had done before.

He still wished, right then…

It was useless. Yuki loved him, and was so true to him. He would be better off by Yuki's side. At least, he wouldn't be hurt.

The door opened; for a moment he had thought it was Yuki coming to save him. Fat hope. Yuki wasn't there; it was another of those clan members. He clutched on tighter onto the blanket, pulling it further up his bare shoulders.

"Breakfast's here."

He didn't say anything, but glared at this intruder as he set the metal bowl down none-too-gently and went away with a hateful glance.

He looked at the food; he wasn't hungry. It was just fine, surprisingly edible-looking for a hostage's meal. He was afraid that it could have been drugged, so he turned away, and gazed out of the window. The sunlight was still so beautiful, so endearing…

***

Yuki's heart was beating as if it were in another time zone. He couldn't comprehend why a small member could be so important in a small clan, and now he understood the difference between big organizations and small gangs. His clan leader had even told him personally not to worry; they would help him get Tetsu out.

So, right then, Sakura and Yuki sat side by side, both of them staring at the imitation Picasso painting (which was stolen) on the wall right in front of them. Yuki was happy, but he couldn't say that he was. If, because of him, the original plan failed… How was he going to ever face them again?

Still, he was glad. He didn't know what to do, didn't know what a small clan like this could do, until they were told that they had backup. Their backup was Tsubomi, Ken's clan, much to the distress of Sakura's. Yuki didn't know about Kokuryu's involvement in this situation; Sakura didn't tell him and was finding more and more that he could not.

The situation just seemed to get more and more complicated.

Finally, Yuki was told that the other clan members were going out to look for Tetsu, and soon, he would get him back. The best way is to secretly move into the enemy's base, and then capture a small fry who might know Tetsu's whereabouts. The people had obviously solved some similar situations this way before, but never in such a important one.

He only hoped, that even if everything else failed, Tetsu would be fine.

***

He jerked his head up again at the sound of the opening door, he couldn't help it. It was so lonely in there. He couldn't stand being alone, not even when he had his active imagination and memory of a very different past.

The remembrance of Hyde was killing him, deep inside. As if he weren't dead enough already.

"Here's some clothes," The man said. He was holding a pair of clean jeans and a medium sized T-shirt out. "Wear it."

Tetsu's hand peeked slowly out from under the blanket, and he reached for it. He stared at the man blankly for a moment, and was met by a fierce glare.

"I said, wear it."

He stared at him some more, wanting him to go out. The man grew impatient. He was obviously sent there to make sure that Tetsu had something to wear, and he was going to make sure that Tetsu wore what he had to wear.

"Are you going to wear it or not?!" Reaching down suddenly, he pulled the blanket away, and seized the clothes from Tetsu's hand. With rough movements, he grabbed Tetsu, hurling him up by his arm, and then slammed him against the wall. "If not for that darned Kokuryu—"

Tetsu whimpered in distress, sliding back down into a cringing position. He was crying, but the man, full of anger and hate, did not understand his tears. He only knew his own business.

"We've seen your body before, dude… Everyone of us who'd been here." He said, sarcastically, hurling him up again, and pinning him tightly to the wall. With brute force, he threw the shirt to the floor, and pulled the jeans up Tetsu's right leg, and then pulling the other again, while the original slid down seemingly in protest. Frustrated, he let go of Tetsu, letting the jeans slide down altogether. "Wear it, or else."

With shaking hands, Tetsu reached down, and slowly pulled it up to his waist. The man knocked his hands away, and buttoned it hurriedly. He did not even bother to zip it, as he bent down and took the shirt from the floor. With a meaningful look, he held it out, waiting for Tetsu to take it. Tetsu didn't, only looked up at him blankly, as if with every action his soul was being robbed of.

Feeling angered again, the man pulled Tetsu down by his hair, forcing him into a bending position. Tetsu cried aloud, but he was not fazed. He flung Tetsu down, and forced the shirt over his head. "You idiot!"

"…Stop…" Tetsu managed to choke, finally, shaking harder than before. Tears ran down his cheeks, adorning them as streams adorned the rocks.

"You faggot! If not for that fucking dragon clan, you won't be treated like such a celebrity!" He yelled.

Tetsu didn't budge. He only sat there, crying and crying. There was nothing that he could do, so he left.

"You don't treat this hostage like a hostage, damn it!" Another voice yelled, from the outside, and footsteps appeared to indicate someone entering the room again. "…Are you okay?"

Tetsu shook his head. He didn't care anymore; he didn't care enough to force a smile and say that he was fine.

The person helped him up, almost gently, guided his arms through the shirt. He would have been taken in, but right then, he knew the only tenderness which was true would be from Yuki.

***

He was to go home, take a bath and rest. He didn't know if it would be the best thing to do, but it did make sense that he would only be foiling their plans if he went to look for Tetsu.

Maybe I could put up a false front to distract them, he thought, but decided against it. Sakura glanced up at him, as if waiting for him to answer about what to do.

"…Daijyoubu," Yuki whispered, a smile on his lips. Sakura smiled when he saw that smile, and the two of them walked side by side along the streets. "…Sakura, are you hungry?"

Sakura nodded slowly, and gestured to a nearby food stand. "Ramen?"

Yuki nodded. "Ramen is fine."

Sakura shrugged, and the two of them went in. Soon, they came out, full.

"….I really hope I can bring Tetsu here," Yuki said, looking detached. "It's a nice place."

"Sou ka…" Sakura smiled, somewhat sadly.

"All three of us," Yuki laughed, as if trying to cover up his awkwardness and his feeling for the missing Tetsu.

Sakura didn't say anything; only patted him on the back encouragingly. After all, what else could he do?

***

Early afternoon was gone, and still no sign of the detective. Neither had his people found Tetsu's whereabouts; not even after these few days given to them. Hyde felt murderous. Tetsu was his, no one else but himself could hurt him.

No one else.

He couldn't fire the detective; he couldn't start with another one when he had no clue what was going on. It would probably be a nice day to spend outside, he thought. He didn't want to sit alone in the office looking at the pictures which he had been presented with yesterday. He wanted to kill, he wanted to get the weight off his chest before anything. Maybe a drive would do him good.

Finally, deciding that he could do nothing much sitting there and rotting, Hyde went back into his house to fetch the car, his bodyguards tagging along after him. He drove down the streets, not sure where he was heading. It didn't matter to him, as long as he was heading somewhere.

His car broke down at a junction, and he had to leave it and walk down the street. His day was getting worse. He was not sure where he was; it didn't help that people were looking at him with lusty looks as he entered the bar. He wanted to get drunk, and not care about anything anymore. He was mad, mad at the world, and he was hurt.

He only wanted to forget the hurt. That was all he knew, for all his irrationality, as he sat down and drank. He tried force-feeding his guards, but they refused (it was his very own rule that no one should be drunk while on duty which was enforced straight and harsh no matter what) and he sent them back.
So there he sat, alone, like a loser, drinking…

He didn't stagger or anything when drunk, but he had fallen asleep in the bar.

"….Hey lady."

"…."

"Lady." Hyde woke up to a rather handsome face of a young punk. "Wake up."

"Leave me alone," He slurred, ready to get back to sleep.

"Let's go. You don't wanna be around here after ten," The person obviously thought that his deep voice came from the effects of alcohol.

"Leave me alone!" He yelled, pushing him away. The man fell back, crashing into a few chairs. A large crowd, presumably this fellow's friends, came to help him up. Everyone glared at them, but Hyde did not care. He sat up groggily, and ordered another drink. Seeing that Hyde was not going to budge, the person left him alone. He left with his group. Hyde finished the drink, and got up to leave, when suddenly someone stopped him. He glanced up, to see a huge man, the size of a sumo wrestler.

"Stop. No one who associates with Migi clan has the right to leave here."

"Oh, really," Hyde mocked, moving forward for a punch. It didn't faze the man, as he caught him, and heaved him up by his waist. Hyde screamed in surprise, as he was slung over the man's shoulders like a bag of potatoes. He struggled profusely, but it did not seem to affect the man. "Let me go, damnit! Let me go!!"

"No one who associates with Migi is allowed to leave," He repeated, and brought Hyde out of the pub. Hyde didn't stop yelling and struggling, but no one tried to help him. All everyone else did was stare and watch as Hyde was carried from one end of the streets to another, and finally into a small shop house which sat by a desolate corner of the street.

It was disguised as a shop selling fruits; Hyde could even see customers there. They stared at him with a strange look on the faces as Hyde was carried from one end to the other, and down the stairs.

The basement's ceiling was just a bit taller than the backyard; Hyde could see faint streetlights shining through the windows. He was thrown onto the table, and the next thing Hyde saw was a group of men towering over him.

"A beauty, isn't she?" The air stank of cheap tobacco.

"A hostage?"

"We ought to have some fun with her as well. The previous one was no fun for us…"

"What's your name, girl?"

Hyde glared at them in disgust. "Who are you and what are you doing?!"

"……Of course, holding you as hostage. Didn't Okano tell you? Anyone associated with the Migi is going to be used as hostage. We found… Five so far."

"…It's a guy. That voice…"

"A beautiful guy, I know. It didn't stop you from the last one, did it?"

They laughed, and echoed as one, "No, of course not, he was so beautiful. But we were stopped anyway."

Hyde was pushed down onto the table when he tried to move, or struggle, but he was held in a harmless position. They pinned him down, one by the legs, the other two by his arms. He couldn't move, no matter how hard he struggled. A man climbed on top. Hyde tried to stare into his eyes, to scare him off with his penetrating gaze, but it was useless. The man only looked at him with lust. Suddenly, Hyde felt a certain helplessness, when he heard the soft silk of his gown rip. His eyes closed on their own accord, so that he could no longer see those ugly faces. He only wished that he could stop feeling as well, so that he could not feel the violating touches… The resolve to struggle came back again, but he was only pinned down tighter onto the table.

He could do nothing…

"Ko… Kokuryu…" He heard a stutter. "It's the symbol of Kokuryu!"

Their grip on him loosened, and Hyde snapped back into his powerful self. Gathering all his strength, he kicked them aside, using impact instead of pain, and leapt from the table towards the other side of the room, near a door. His hand tried to pull his gown back into place, but they hung down in tatters from his chest to his hips.

Seeing that no one was moving, but everyone was getting ready to, Hyde flung himself at the door with all his might, trying to open it, but it was useless. He was sprawled against the door, and it remained closed. By that time, the men had reached him, pulling him by his hair, grabbing his limbs, and tied him to a chair. Hyde was afraid that something else would happen, but all they did was carry the chair to a room, and threw him in.

He landed with a loud thud, feeling bruised. He heard a voice echoing in the room, "Listen, dude, don't you dare untie him. If you do, we will not let you go… And just the two of you can't win us all."

"……Are you okay?" It was a familiar voice, a voice which sounded as if its owner had been crying too much. Gentle hands gathered the chair from the ground, and set it on its legs lightly. The person moved towards Hyde's front, to examine him. A familiar contour of the chest, the neck greeted his eyes, and he looked up in shock, to see…

Another shocked face staring back at him. Realization hit him, as he realized what the men had been talking about earlier, why they had stopped. "…Tetsu…?"

"…Hyde," Tetsu looked as if he was about to cry again, as he looked down into Hyde's bewildered eyes, his defeated form. "God… You're hurt."

"…I'm fine," Hyde replied soothingly, as he would to a worried pet. He wanted to hold Tetsu and run his fingers through his hair again. It seemed like a long time ago, the last time he had did that. Tetsu blinked, and looked away as if he was resisting an urge to just wrap his arms around Hyde tightly.

Tetsu grew cold again, and stood up. "Hyde… Why are you here?"

"…..It's because of you," Hyde griped, suddenly glaring at him mercilessly, now reminded of the past few days' happenings. "What were you doing with Yukihiro of Migi?!"

"I didn't…" Tetsu's eyes brimmed with tears as soon as he realized what Hyde was talking about. He had been spied on… He should have realized that. He should have realized that Hyde was not dumb.

A sudden anger rose up within him. "You didn't?! You dare say so? I have evidence. If you wanna see for yourself, they're inside the first drawer of my office desk. You want to see, don't you? Your beautiful form, against that scrawny kid." Hyde's chest heaved, after spitting it all out in one breath. "…You slut!"

"I…" Tetsu's eyes were wide with shock, and then he stepped forward, his hand raised.

"Slap me, don't you?! Slap me again, I love you doing that. Come on, I dare you. You deserve all that after all."

Tetsu withdrew his hand slowly, clenching it into a fist, and releasing it to cup his own face with it. He turned, and ran towards the other side of the room. A soft sound of weeping was heard; Hyde knew that sound well enough. That soft, distressed sound which soothed him so much. The back view of Tetsu's crying form, like a sparrow caught in a wind…

He had nothing to say. He always hurt Tetsu whenever he wanted to, and it was just wrong to have Tetsu hurt him. That had been the way all the while; he was not about to apologize for his earlier words. Leaning back against the chair, watching Tetsu's figure still, he felt half satisfied. Tetsu's tears seemed to twist his heart as well, and he loved the feeling of anguish which radiated from that form, so apparent and transparent.

"…Lover's quarrel." A jeering voice was heard, as a sound of the door shutting was heard. "Isn't it?"

Hyde's eyes jerked to the direction of the voice; Tetsu didn't budge. It was the earlier guard; a rather handsome yet scruffy looking man, of a stout build. "….What are you doing?"

He laughed. "I'm here to comfort that beautiful damsel over there."

Tetsu finally turned, his face flooded with tears, as he glared at this newcomer. The man did not say much.

"I don't care about Kokuryu. I know the others do, but I don't," He laughed. "And now, I have an audience to watch me. Isn't that quaint?"

Hyde's eyes widened, and his brows furrowed in comprehension. "…..You…"

The man did not reply, instead, he moved forward to grab Tetsu's waist, pulling the small body against himself. This action seemed to light something within Hyde, making it start to flame inside. The man did not stop; instead, his hands traveled down Tetsu's waist, into his too-loose jeans, pushing it so low that Hyde could see his fingers trace the start of his crack.

"……Stop…" Tetsu gasped, obviously at a loss of what to do. His hands tried to push the man away, but he was only held tighter against that thick body, and thick lips pressed against his own. The next thing he knew, he was crying again. To be hurt by someone else, right in front of Hyde… It was so humiliating, as if normally being just hurt by Hyde alone wasn't enough. And, even then, at least it had been Hyde… The hand continued to roam his lower body, tracing from his back to the front, slowly unbuttoning the jeans and letting it slide down his hips. "…No!……"

He did not know what Hyde's expression was like. He didn't want to know. He continued to pray that someone would rescue him, someone…

The hand caressed his length, almost lovingly, before tracing to his back again.

"……..STOP!"

The man glanced up in surprise; he really stopped in shock at the sound of the raging voice. Hyde's face was clouded over with a cold mask. Tetsu shivered; it was in truth that cold mask which signified that Hyde was really angry.

"I dare you to defy me. I am the leader of Kokuryu. I'm Hyde." His gaze was unmoving, chilling the man to his bone. "I will kill you if you do anything more to Tetsu."

For a moment, the man did not move. He was stunned, obviously. And then he started laughing, his hand pressing against Tetsu tighter. "Are you kidding?! I have you in my hands. If Tetsu went back to you, and you were still in your seat, maybe I would have been dead, but now…. I have you here. I can easily control Kokuryu with you over here, do you realize that?"

It was Hyde's turn to be rendered motionless.

The man simply laughed, and released his grip on Tetsu. "You will give me your power, or else you will die."

***

Yuki couldn't sleep at night. He woke up again to look around, and this time, even Sakura was sleeping. He was lying on the bed, his eyes closed and mouth slightly open, his expression just like a little kid. Yuki laughed silently, and stepped back out of the room. It had been a disturbing night for him. There was a dream, where he dreamt that Tetsu was having dinner with him in the candlelit place.

It hadn't been bad, not at first.

The next thing he knew was that he lost Tetsu somewhere, and he went around tagging along with the crowd trying to just catch a glimpse of Tetsu, but no matter where he went, Tetsu was not there.

He really missed Tetsu…

The pain in his heart was obvious. That was beside the fact that he was worried, and he could not fall back asleep without that comforting figure to hold.

He guessed that the dream was an indication of how much he missed him. Closing his eyes, as he plopped back down onto the couch, he started praying that everything would be fine. At least, praying that Tetsu would be fine.

Sakura came walking out, rubbing his eyes sleepily. "Yuki, you awake?"

"Yeah," Yuki replied. "I'm awake."

"May I?" Sakura asked, gesturing to the seat beside Yuki.

"Go ahead," Yuki replied, picking up a cigarette lighter and flicking the switch back and forth.

"Ah…" Sakura smiled. "Don't set this house on fire, baka."

Yuki shrugged, staring into the flame. It illuminated his face dimly, making him seem like a vampire in the darkness. Sakura studied him closely, and then turned away.

"It's not as if he will come back if you keep moping like this," Sakura couldn't help saying. Then, he realized that it was probably an invitation for Yuki to get mad at him. He turned, glancing at the smaller man worriedly, wondering if he should take it back.

The flame continued to flicker against Yuki's face, as if he hadn't heard Sakura at all. Then, Yuki broke into a smile. It was a smile so happy it seemed insane. Sakura got even more worried. He wanted to put his hand against Yuki's forehead, but it seemed so scary that Sakura couldn't seem to bring himself to do so. Yuki shook his head. "I… I had a dream…"

Sakura knew to shut his mouth this time.

Yuki heaved a sigh, and started slowly, switching the lighter on and off again. "…I was searching for Tetsu. …And I never found him."

He placed a hand onto Yuki's shoulder, waiting for him to continue. The silence seemed inviting for a moment, even for himself. The light flickered off; the lighter had ran out of gas. Sakura couldn't see Yuki's face for a moment. Yuki jerked from his touch, got up, and threw the curtains apart. Light came in by thin wisps through the window grills. He stared out to the streets below, the smile now faded. Sakura could see his expression from the side. He looked up, immobile; Yuki's expression was heartbreaking.

"…I was searching for him all these while."

Sakura stiffened. So this was how Yuki felt? He didn't know what to say, or do.

Yuki continued without his prompting. "In reality I did nothing. There's nothing I can do… No matter how much I love him, how much I think of him, how much I want to take care of him…"

He was near the verge of tears. Yuki's voice… In a single swift movement, Sakura lifted himself lightly from the couch, and the next thing he knew was that Yuki's weak, distressed form was in his embrace.

"…Sakura?"

His heart was beating so hard against his chest, as if it was going to explode in a burst of red. It hurt so much, that his friend was feeling so much pain. "I had a dream too…"

It was Yuki's turn to wait. He felt Sakura tighten his grip against him, pressed against Sakura's strong form. He almost stopped breathing, in a sudden. There was nothing he could do… But wait…

"……" Sakura took a deep breath in. "That Tetsu died."

His eyes widened when Sakura held him tighter. His vision seemed to grow focused, but he could no longer comprehend anything which he saw.

"…I don't know. I really don't know," Sakura's voice grew deeper, hazier. It felt as if he was no longer in reality, just speaking through a piece of himself, from somewhere deep inside. "It's as if you are meant for each other. I wish you the best."

"Sakura…" Yuki whispered, feeling suddenly claustrophobic.

"……" Sakura's eyes slid close, slowly letting go of him. "…You take care of yourself."

Yuki stared into the distant sky for a moment, stunned. He turned around. Sakura was gone, probably into the room. Closing his eyes, he could still feel the strong arms of Sakura's around his body. He shivered, shifting his gaze towards the door, paused for a moment, then back to the nightscape outside.

*** hido: it's not my fault. This just happened.

Tetsu's hands trembled as he reached down to pull up his pants. He didn't dare to even steal a glance at Hyde, who was glaring at the man.

"I'll make a plan for this later on," He sneered, pulling Hyde's face up by his chin. He gestured towards Tetsu. "He's your lover, isn't he?"

Hyde looked as if he might spit on him.

The man laughed. "You are really loving to each other, aren't you?"

Tetsu's shoulders jerked at that. He didn't know what he should do, if he should do anything. He was afraid that there would be more.

"Look. He's still unsatisfied. Are you going to satisfy him?"

Tetsu gasped, suddenly whirling to face Hyde and the man. "Wha… What?!"

He seemed amused. "…You two will entertain me while I think of what to do with this leader of Kokuryu. Nee?"

Strutting towards Hyde, he grabbed the remains of his white gown, and pulled it apart. As if going wild, Hyde started kicking viciously, but it did not stop the man.

"Don't…!" Tetsu found himself lunging towards the man, trying to pull him away from Hyde.

"Let go, lovely." The man shoved Tetsu to the floor, and stepped onto his back mercilessly, pinning him down with his weight. Tetsu groaned in pain, as the air escaped from his lungs. "If you don't wanna hurt more."

"No!" Tetsu cried helplessly, tears running heavily down his cheeks. "Hyde—"

Hyde continued kicking, making voices like that of a trapped beast. Tetsu whimpered. "…No…"

The man pulled Hyde up by the chair, throwing it beside Tetsu.

"Kouji, what's happening?" A voice sounded from outside.

"Oh, nothing. They're scared of cockroaches! I'm killing some cockroaches." Kouji replied nonchalantly, while he lifted his foot from Tetsu's back and kicked Hyde brutally. The chair broke, its splinters piercing into both Kouji's foot and Hyde's skin. "Stupid cockroaches."

A sound of laughter roused from outside. Kouji ignored them, pulling Hyde up by his hair. Tetsu fought to get up, and in a last struggling feat he plunged himself at Kouji, gripping him by his arms. Kouji moved despite Tetsu's actions, continued to tear Hyde's clothes off.

"Stop! I… I'll do anything!" Tetsu tried to keep his tears back, yet the stubborn teardrops fell from his eyes to the man's shoulders.

"…Anything?" He laughed. "You make sure your lover doesn't move."

Tetsu let go of Kouji, slowly, and turned to Hyde tearfully. "Please, Hyde…" He sobbed, kneeling down beside Hyde. Hyde stopped his writhing movements, and glanced up at him.

"Good. Now, undress him for me, or I'll do it myself."

It seemed as if Tetsu's limbs were suddenly laden with an invisible weight, as he bent down, his trembling fingers slowly peeled the pieces of soft silk off. Realizing what Tetsu was about to do, Hyde gathered himself and lashed out with his leg, hitting the latter on the face. A faint wisp of blood appeared by Tetsu's mouth, and Hyde suddenly felt a tinge of regret at what he had done, even though Tetsu was by far, more beautiful than he had ever seen him… That beautiful, tearstained face, wavering silhouette, adorned by just that little bit of blood…

Tetsu ignored the blow. He couldn't hide the sadness from his eyes, the unwillingness, but it was clear that he did it because he didn't want Hyde to be hurt. Hyde realized it the moment Tetsu glanced up at him, and it startled him.

"Tetsu…" There was finally a tear in Hyde's eye. He didn't move anymore, but lay limply against the broken chair, feeling the splinters dig deeper into his skin. It hurt. But the pain in his heart hurt more, that obvious pain which would never go away, as he saw Tetsu's face right there.

So near… Even in such a time.

"Good!" The disgusting voice jeered upon them. Neither of them looked at the source. "Untie him."

Right there, there was only them both.

Tetsu's hands moved mechanically. Soon, he was finished with it. He stared down at Hyde blankly, still crying. He couldn't seem to stop those tears, no matter how he tried. He wished that he could stop feeling, for once, and have his way for once. Didn't Hyde hurt him all this while?

But he knew it wasn't that which made him cry. He never wished for such a thing, never wished for revenge. He just… Didn't want to see Hyde hurt, at all. If he were to have revenge, he would rather Kouji do it for him…

It was different, just different.

"Touch him."

Tetsu's hand slowly crept up, to Hyde's chest.

"Come on! Need I show you how?!"

Tetsu shook violently, but his hand traveled as steadily as possible along Hyde's smooth skin. Hyde stared back up, as if hiding into a deeper part of himself. Tetsu couldn't tell why Hyde's eyes were glistened over by a sheen; whatever the reasons were, it only hurt him further. It seemed as if Hyde weren't seeing him, but looking through him, as if he was transparent.

"I will do it myself if you don't entertain me enough, you hear me?" The voice pierced through the center of his mind, intoxicatingly torturous. Tetsu's breaths deepened, as he leaned down to kiss Hyde's unmoving body, tears overflowing from his eyes together with a liquidated part of himself which was hurting so much inside. He couldn't tell Hyde the truth. Maybe Hyde would not even forgive him for this… This violation. It was by mutual stands that Hyde was the one in charge, but now, Tetsu was breaking the bond.

Their special, mutual bond… Tetsu wondered if Hyde felt as betrayed as he himself had, times before. As betrayed, and as violated.

However, despite himself, he continued this violation, his lips pressing against Hyde's chest lightly, as gently as possible traced down to his stomach. Suddenly, a hand yanked him away by his hair, jerking his head away painfully. He cried out in sudden shock and pain, to have a mouth against his. A disgustingly wrong taste filled his mouth. He tried to scream, but they only turned into muffled sounds which seemed like moans to the man. The other hand moved against his body roughly, making him writhe in near-agony.

"You're just too sexy, damn." Kouji whispered, breaking the kiss and studying Tetsu's face. "I don't want to make you cry so much."

"Please… No…!" Tetsu yelled aloud, struggling feebly. Kouji continued his assault, ignoring his protests.

"Don't." A deep voice seemed to growl at the two of them, and Kouji let go of Tetsu in surprise yet again, to see a bruised Hyde standing upright, beside them. Hyde pulled at Kouji's hand, and pushed Tetsu out of the way. "I am still here, remember?"

Kouji's face told Tetsu that Hyde was as appealing as Tetsu was to him right then. He glanced at Tetsu once. Hyde immediately tilted Kouji's face back to face his own, and pulled Kouji down for a kiss. Kouji was in Hyde's hands, like Sakura had been, easy to manipulate by this master of Kokuryu. Tetsu didn't understand why Hyde acted like… Like such a slut between the two of them. He couldn't take his eyes off those bodies which writhed against each other for a moment. Everything…

Hyde did not look up even once, not even to steal a glance at Tetsu. Tetsu didn't know if he belonged to Hyde anymore, suddenly, as he watched. Tears continued to roll down his cheeks, with every seemingly painful moans and gasps which reached his ears. It seemed as if Hyde would not care about who he had, as long as he had someone to touch, to make him feel.

The door burst open with a loud sound, and the room's inhabitants looked up in shock. A group of men stood by the door with uneasy looks on their faces. Hyde froze, and pushed Kouji away from his body. Tetsu blushed a shade of deep red at the realization that he was naked.

The men made way for a seemingly important man, and Hyde's eyes suddenly narrowed in caution. An unshaved, taller man stepped in, "sashaying" in steps which did not suit his masculine form. "…Ken?!"

"Hyde, are you fine?" Ken spoke, breathing out a cloud of cigarette smoke. Hyde nodded briefly, but said nothing. Tetsu could sense that Hyde was suspicious, and quite rightly so, too. "….Tetsu?"

Tetsu nodded weakly, not knowing what to say. Hyde glanced once at him, and back at Ken again, seemingly at a loss of what to do too. Kouji stumbled back when Ken glared at him.

"You, how do you want to die?" Ken smiled evilly, putting the cigarette back into his mouth, and puffed on it some more. The smell of burning peppermint lingered in the air. Kouji shook his head, his mouth agape. Ken's men moved to grab hold of Kouji, but suddenly he threw himself down against Ken's legs, yelling almost incoherently.

"Please, please don't kill me! I… I'll do anything!"

Ken glanced at Hyde and Tetsu. His eyes lingered on Tetsu for a moment, before nodding towards Hyde. "What do you say?"

Hyde couldn't respond for a while. He thought, and looked back into the eyes of Ken's, his eyes cold and sharp, glinting like a knife. "Kill him."

"No, please, NO!!"

A gunshot sounded in the air, crisp and strangely cheery. A grotesque mixture of blood, brain tissues, bits of bones, and various fluids splattered onto the floor, onto Ken's, Hyde's, and Tetsu's feet. Ken calmly put his gun back into his jacket. Hyde looked at the body, which Ken kicked towards the other side, away from himself. He gestured for his men to move out of the room. Suddenly it was quiet.

"Put on your clothes, nee," Ken spoke, bending down to pick up Tetsu's jeans and T-shirt, and strolled towards Tetsu in two quick steps. When he moved away to examine the white silk beside the broken chair, Tetsu found that he was already holding his clothes, and gratefully he put them on. "…Hyde's are unusable."

Hyde nodded, turning away. Ken studied his shamed form, smiled, gently, and patted him on the shoulder. Then he took off his jacket and threw it over Hyde's shoulders. Hyde stumbled backwards at the sudden weight; the jacket which only reached Ken's thighs covered Hyde to below his knees. Hyde cuddled into the jacket, pulling it close like a curtain.

Ken drove them back. It seemed that Hyde wanted to ask Ken something along the way. Tetsu wanted to cry again; he couldn't understand why Hyde wasn't looking at him. He felt so sad, so guilty. And he thought that Hyde probably would never love him anymore, especially after this.
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-End part one-

Notes: Please… mail… "I hate all these mail", "you suck" mail, "I love your fic" mail… …. Please help… The lights are fading… *insane screaming* *Twilight Zone music starts playing* Death! The goth girl! I love you Death! *FOOoooooooSH!*

-hidoko matsumoto

Sunday, May 21, 2000 9:13:32 PM

hidoko@hotmail.com

http://xz0ne.cjb.net
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