The Wanderer

[Birdie]

His room was made of bright colors. A velvet color it yourself poster (popular in the 90's) of a Unicorn hung on his wall, along with an varying mix of art given to him by friends. There were sage green curtains hanging from the windows. His bedspread matched. A desk sat against one wall with a laptop sitting there. A bookshelf sat next to the desk. The range of books was also strange, from classics to fantasy to sci-fi to self help. His closet was overflowing with clothes and a laundry basket full of dirty laundry sat near by awaiting the day Kouhei would decide to wash it.

Kouhei plopped down on his futon on the floor. He crossed his slender legs as he turned on his laptop. He listened while Olivia idly chatted at him about business, attempting to entice him to come out tonight. It was not long before he was able to open up a browser and begin playing some music. It was just as eclectic as his c.d. in the kitchen had been. "Now look, I can't come out tonight to play...."

"Just for an hour," the queen replied.

"I can't! I have someone over."

"Ooooh! A pretty new boy toy?"

"Well... yeah, he's really... I dunno how to describe him. Handsome? Obscenely attractive? Believe you me, if he were just a year or two older..."

"What! You have a youngin'? How'd you manage that?"

"I just sort of picked him up. Like a puppy or something. A really cute puppy."

"Mmmm, girl you have to stop that habit of yours. It'll get you in some trouble someday."

"I can't help it. I'm a sucker for those Japanese boys, you know me!"

"I know. Me too." There was a small laugh and then, "Seriously though lovely, you should come out tonight."

"I really can't Ollie. I want to, but I can't leave him alone. I'll come out tomorrow and then we can have lots of fun. I'll even stay the whole night, preform as much or as little as you'd like. I'll do anything to make up for tonight."

"We'll really miss you singing!"

"I wish I could Ollie, I'm sorry."

"It's okay lovely, as long as you swear I've got you tomorrow!"

"It's a date, gorgeous! I'll talk to you later, okay? Have a goodnight."

"You too, laters!"

Kouhei heard the phone click off and received only a dial tone. He sighed, standing up. Should he sneak out of his door to hang the phone up? Would Tsuyoi be sleeping? He stood and went to his door, opening it up.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Tsuyoi had never eavesdropped before. He never thought to. He had mixed feelings on his decision to do so. He was glad he did, he was getting pretty good information. And wasn't glad he did...he was insanely agitated on how the conversation played out. Was she calling him a puppy? Or was this an entirely different subject? No, no, he was certain Kouhei was talking about him.

And it was because of him Kouhei couldn't go out to 'play'. It was a satisfying feeling. That he had control over Kouhei's future decisions like that. But tomorrow...

He reared back quickly, eyes wide for a moment as the door swung open and he was face to face with Kouhei. Blinking back his astonishment and hiding his emberassment of being caught, he remembered the excuse he thought up before risking being so nosy.

"A book." Tsuyoi stated as his eyes narrowed and he seemed completely relaxed and normal for him to be standing at Kouhei's door like he was. "I wanted to ask for a book." He lowered his hand finally, cocking his head to the side and trying to be as nonchalant as possible. "You have some, right?"

[Birdie]

Kouhei collided into something firm. He rubbed his nose as he looked up to find those brown-golden eyes. Opening his mouth, he attempted to say something but he could think of nothing so he closed it. Brows furrowed he wondered what it was that would bring Tsuyoi to his door already. It appeared the boy was equally as shocked as some sort of emotion showed on his stoic face. It was not long before the reasoning was made clear. "Ah! Yeah, go ahead and take a looksee." He pointed a thumb behind him at his overly full bookshelf. "There should be something you find enjoyable." He grinned happily, moving past Tsuyoi so that he could properly hang up his phone.

He was glad to know that Tsuyoi was not shy about coming to ask for something. Walking back into his room, Kouhei stretched out on his bed with a satisfied sigh. He watched the boy browse his bookshelves with a certain curiosity. What would he pick? Would it also be one of Kouhei's favorites. Rolling onto his side, Kouhei propped his head up on his hand, the other rested against his hip. His legs stretched out across the bed in pure comfort. "Find anything you like?"

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Relieved about his success on not being found out, Tsuyoi moved his way triumphantly into Kouhei's room. He tried his best to ignore his surroundings, finding that Kouhei's room was a forbidden place to be. Including at this time of night. But he had to live up to his excuse! Much less reading would do him some good if he planned to somehow sleep on a couch.

He skimmed the spines with thorough concentration, even taking out a few to check the summaries before putting them back in confusion. Something's that made him blush and he acted like he didn't notice them. The longer he skimmed the more uncomfortable he became. Including when he slipped out a book from it's title only to be met with the scandalous cover and hastily putting it back in place.

Maybe it would be best to re-read a book he's already finished before. At least then it would be easy. He locked in on one he recognized before taking it off the shelf. The blush from the first few books had yet to leave his cheeks and left him agitated as he gripped the book tightly to his chest.

"This will do." he said, turning stiffly to the door. "Goodnight." He wanted to get out of there quickly. He tried to hold the book where it wouldn't be easy to notice which he'd grab.

[Birdie]

The reactions to some of the book amused Kouhei greatly. It took quite a bit to keep himself from laughing at the blush decorating those cheeks. Finally it seemed he came to a decision, one that was apparently embarrassing. "Alrighty then. Goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the couch bugs bite. Unless you wanna sleep in here," he said half jokingly. "Bed is might comfy. And the bed bugs are less ornery." Ha, what a witty joke. Kouhei obviously took pride in the severely lame humor. He also blushed slightly from the forwardness of inviting this young man into his bed. "Ah... nevermind. Sweet dreams Seishuku-san." He closed the door behind the younger male.

He spent a good portion of time surfing the internet before boredom and tiredness overthrew him. Kouhei finally shut off the light and curled up into his bed. Strange dreams overtook him. Dreams he had not had since his childhood. Dreams which involved a man with long white hair and tattoos on his face.

When Kouhei awoke the next morning, it was to a beautiful sunshiny day. It poured through his curtains and caused him to stir. Blearily he got out of bed, opened his door, and wandered down the hall. Rubbing green eyes he paused as he found the young man still here. "Good morning," he mumbled, whether or not the boy was awake. His peacock colored hair was a mess and his shirt was rumpled from his sleep. The look was majorly disheveled, but it was too early in the day for Kouhei to care.

He did not stay long. He went to the kitchen and began making himself a huge pot of coffee. Caffeine first. Then socialization. Then breakfast. And maybe words putting into sentences doing.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

That was an invitation he could barely hold back from accepting. It was why he rushed back onto the couch as if his mother had caught him out of bed back when he was a child. Ah, then he had forgotten the lights. He rushed to take care of that too before going to his own haven. The couch. With the lights off it was dim but he was able to still get a few pages done.

Tsuyoi was afraid to put the book down. He was afraid it would give his mind time to wander back into that bedroom that he had been invited into (jokingly, but still). Soon though sleep overtook him. The next morning his limbs were spread out everywhich way with the book still open against his chest.

It was the footsteps that awoke him, and with bleary eyes he was able to glimpse at Kouhei and his pathetic attempt at a greeting. Still, it was enough for him to get his act together. He groaned, forcing himself into a upright position as he rubbed at his eyes. The book fell to the floor but Tsuyoi barely noticed it.

As he rubbed at his face, he could still image the disheveled Kouhei and was extremely affected by it. Running his fingers through his hair he forced himself off the couch and stretching out his arms. If he didn't stand up now he probably never would. Not with how long he spent trying to avoid being alone with his thoughts.

[Birdie]

The coffee smell filled the apartment, allowing Kouhei to feel a little more conscious. He poured himself a cup and added a little cream and sugar to it. He sipped the wonderful warm liquid. he went through the archway between the kitchen and living room to find Tsuyoi awake. Had he greeted him already? Kouhei couldn't remember. "How did you sleep? Wanna cup?" He held up his own in inquiry. "What would you like to eat?" He realized too late it was probably an uncomfortable bombardment much too early in the day (i.e. 10:30 am). Had Kouhei not been drinking some delicious life giver, he would have been completely unable to answer anything.

"Sorry, sorry, take your time." It seemed that Tsuyoi did not want any coffee. This astonished Kouhei. How could anyone live with out it? It was absurd! He eyed the boy warily. Maybe he was an alien life form. Then again, not many Japanese people enjoyed the robust taste of coffee. "What would you like isntead? Tea maybe? I can do that. Tea it is." With out any response from Tsuyoi he went back into the kitchen to throw on the kettle. As for breakfast, it appeared Kouhei did not have much in the way of things to make. He wasn't about to feed his guest Poptarts or Lucky Charms.

"Hmmm... I'll have to go grocery shopping," he called out absently. The kettle cried and Kouhei poured Tsuyoi a mug of tea. The mug had a picture of a cute little bear and read #1 Son in English. "Nice choice of book. It's one of my favorites. Mister Darcy is so very dashing." He winked at Tsuyoi before wandering down the hall and into his bedroom with his cup of coffee. Fifteen minutes later Kouhei reemerged with his hair neatly combed, subtle make-up flawlessly applied, and a fresh wardrobe. He wore a pair of well fitted jeans which hugged the curves of his legs well, and a red empire waist shirt covered his torso. It's sleeves were puffy and clung to his upper arms as the shirt was designed to be off the shoulder.

As he exited the room, coffee in one hand, he pulled a crocheted sweater over his shoulders. Pouring himself one last glass of coffee, he quickly shotgunned it black before turning to Tsuyoi. "I'm gonna head out to the store. You can come along if you like or stay here. Your choice." He slung his purse over his shoulder and awaited his reply.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

It was indeed a bombardment of questions that Tsuyoi wasn't all too willing to answer. But he couldn't hold back his look of distaste towards coffee. No matter what he tried or how many things he put in it, nothing took away the bitter taste. But he would accept tea.

He had yet to utter a single word that morning, Kouhei seeming to know him more just from one night. He almost choked on the hot drink with the comment of his book. Tsuyoi had gotten careless and should have hidden it better. His lip curled up in annoyance. Of course Kouhei would find Darcy dashing. All woman did.

Setting his tea cup down on the coffee table, he was still too groggy to realize why Kouhei suddenly disappeared when she came back dressed and ready. Ready for grocery shopping apparantly. He blinked, taking a last swig of his tea. "Yes, let me...give me a moment." He rushed passed Kouhei to quickly get dressed back into his uniform. It was all he had, after all.

He came back soon after, still buttoning up his shirt as he rushed to the entrance and stepped into his shoes. The walk would wake him up better, and maybe keep Kouhei from going wherever he had planned to go from on the phone.

[Birdie]

He huffed a little sigh. Why didn't he get all dressed and such sooner? Now he would have to wait. Luckily it did not take very long for the boy to dress. Sometimes he forgot that it took most men less time to get ready than he. Kouhei stared at the shoes in the walkway. Tsuyois were set out nice and neat while his own were just tossed any which way. It was sort of funny.

He slipped his shoes on, pulled a purple beanie on his head, and locked the door behind them. They exited the bright pink house and were free onto the streets of Tokyo. Hands stuffed in his pockets, the day was only slightly chilly for being fall. It was pleasant. He hummed a tune to himself as he walked beside Tsuyoi. "Decide what you would like yet?" He hoped Tsuyoi would tell him something! It didn't seem to matter how he asked it, the boy never wanted to share anything! It put a pouty look on Kouhei's lips.

The grocery was only a few blocks away, part of the reason Kouhei chose to live in a house the color of pepto. The doors slid open at their approach. He lifted a little hand basket from a stack of baskets and started towards the fresh food aisle, unsure of what to make. He idly picked up fruits and vegetables, testing their firmness, pretending he knew what he was doing, but when it came to shopping for food Kouhei was a bit of a failure.

Hands lightly touched his waist. Kouhei stiffened, a pomegranate in his hands. He slowly turned to find a very familiar face very near his own. His face was bright red as he smiled brightly. "Ren!" He dropped the pomegranate with its brethren and hugged the man tightly. "It's so good to see you! What are you doing back in Tokyo?"

The man was tall, around 6'3" with black hair and bright blue eyes. He was scrawny and appeared to be some sort of anglo-asian mix. He had to bend down in order for Kouhei to wrap his arms around his neck. "The band is getting back together, so I moved out this way again." The pair let each other go.

"That's great! You guys should come out to Saturn's tonight. I'm gonna be singing and I could use some background music. I'll be going around four."

"Sure, I think we could make it... It's really good to see you Kou-chan." Kouhei blushed some more.

"Yeah, you too." Ren's fingers brushed some stray hair away from Kouhei's face. His fingers touching his cheek "Stop, we're in public." He averted his gaze to the floor. Ren immediatly retracted his hand.

"Sorry... It's just... You look gorgeous today."

"Wait till you see me tonight!" Kouhei winked and grinned. "Ah, where are my manners. Ren this is Seishuku-san. He's a friend of mine who stayed with me last night." The older male looked toward the younger and raised his eyebrow.

"Nice to meetchya." He waved a hand, totally uninterested in Tsuyoi.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

The longer he stayed the less he liked how things were turning out. Who knew Kouhei had so many friends? And how could he even be sure that it was just a friend? With narrowed eyes and a defensive stance, he scanned the area as the two talked. He was fine with just eavesdropping.

Until physical contact got involved. It struck a chord deep in his chest and as he visibly tensed, his eyes narrowed dangerously as Ren looked his way. Intimidate! It was what he was good at. Hopefully he was intimidating enough.

"Hnn..." Was his nonverbal reply to the greeting. That man had some nerve to wave him off like that. It helped him make up his mind on his next course of action. "Goodbye." He stated suddenly, gently taking a hold of Kouhei's upper arm and leading him into a random aisle.

Realizing that Kouhei might protest, he used his surroundings to distract the other person as best he could. They were in the baking section and his eyes landed on the pre-made mix boxes of chocolate chip pancakes.

"This." He stated simply, grabbing it off the shelf and showing it to Kouhei. "I would like this."

[Birdie]

It was not long before Ren turned his gaze back on Kouhei. "Here's my number, give me a call whenever you get the chance." He took Kouhei's arm and wrote a series of numbers on it in sharpie. Unfortunately the last digit could not be completed as he was being dragged away. Wide eyed and confused he followed behind the younger boy until finally they came to a stop. Just why had the run off like that? Kouhei was not very happy at all.

He frowned as he stared at the pancake box. He reached out slender fingers and took it. Tsuyoi could not have been that excited about pancakes. "Seishuku-san," he began. His tone was soft and careful and his jade eyes stared up at the boy in disappointment and confusion. "I really like pancakes too, but that was rude. I have not seen Ren for a very long time and he is-" Kouhei paused as he saw the tall mixed man peek his head around the aisle. Kouhei slowly shook his head and mimed that he would call him later. Ren nodded his understanding and disappeared. "He is someone I have known for a long time and who has helped me through a lot of troubles when I first moved to Japan. And he is a lot like you when it comes to strangers. Not wanting to talk to them much, ignoring them, and feigning disinterest."

Sighing, he looked back down at the pancake box in his hands. "I'm sorry to lecture you like this... Wouldn't you rather have homemade pancakes or do you prefer them from a box?" A small smile came back to his lips. Never had he been able to hold a grudge or stay upset in the whole entirety of his life.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

The distraction wasn't working, and he felt trapped under the disappointed stare of Kouhei. And for a moment, he felt guilty. Until he saw Kouhei's eyes shift and quickly turned his head to see Ren at the end of the aisle. Glaring daggers like no other until Ren was gone he turned back to stare down at Kouhei, seeming disinterested and feeling no more guilt.

Although he still didn't like lectures. No one did. The apology wasn't very helpful and as he frowned slightly, he turned his eyes back to the box also. "I don't care." he replied. He never had homemade anyway. But that didn't matter, something was still bugging in his mind and he was still very agitated and obsessive unlike anything he had ever felt before.

"And what does it matter? You will see him tonight, right Kou-chan?" He said the nickname dryly, remembering that Ren had said it and hated him for saying it. He sneered, and his eyes landed on the numbers on Kouhei's arm. He reached out instinctively, ready to smeer away the writing. He caught himself before he touched Kouhei, and quickly reared back his hand.

"What is Saturn, anyway?" He said, turning his back on Kouhei and acting like the other types of pancake mixes had caught his interest.

[Birdie]

Kouhei slowly set the pancake box down, breathing deeply and slowly. There was a storm brewing deep inside of him. It raged and crashed against the breakers which kept his torrent of emotions in check. He watched Tsuyoi for a long moment, unable to speak. It took a few minutes for him to gain said ability.

"How long have you and I known each other Seishuku-san? Less than a day. I do not judge how you live your life. I have said nothing in regards to your father. I opened up my home to you and gave you a place to sleep and good food to eat. I have shown you more kindness than most people in this world are willing to give to a complete stranger." His voice shook as he spoke and his jade eyes had grown vividly darker. Long fingers clenched the front of his sweater as he tried to keep himself from becoming inappropriate in a public place.

"Ren is a close friend, someone I adore and care for very much. You have no place, no right to act in this way." He fished around his his purse and pulled out a money purse. Shoving it in Tsuyoi's hands he said, "Get what ever you want to eat. I am going home. I am too disappointed in your behavior to even look at you right now. You are welcome to come back when you've grown the fuck up. Or never come back. I don't even give a damn anymore."

Kouhei turned on his heel, white and peacock colored hair flowing behind him as he sped down the aisle and out of the store. Rather than going straight home, Kouhei just walked. He was much too upset with what had just happened. He was mad at himself for getting so angry, but what place did a complete stranger have treating him and his friends that way? It was inappropriate and hugely embarrassing. Now he would have to call about ten people before he could get Ren's number correctly.

Half an hour passed before Kouhei found himself at the pink house. He stood quietly beside the gate, wondering what he was going to do for money now that he had given that high schooler his allowance for the week.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

It stung. Much more than he expected. And he realized just how he was treating Kouhei. As if he knew her forever, that he had some sway in who Kouhei hung out with or not. That...ashamed, and emberassed he didn't know what else to do but accept the hand out. He did it to fast for Tsuyoi to refuse.

But he was very much emberassed. He had forgotten Kouhei's place. Forgotten that she was just a stranger that had allowed a random and rude teenage boy into her home. And...gave him her wallet. Tsuyoi stared at it. It was burning his hand intensely.

He could fix this. Somehow.

Eyeing the pancake box mix again he took it off the shelf and rushed back to Kouhei's apartment. He was slightly surprised she wasn't there, but knew that she was intensely mad. Feeling bad again, he set to work.

Making pancakes. For the first time ever. It was strange going through Kouhei's cabinets and fridge for what he needed. It was stranger still that he didn't really know how her stove worked. It wasn't button activated with settings that cooked the right temperature for each item! Nor was he having a worker of the house cooking it for him.

But he tried his best, and soon the house was smelling like fresh pancaked. His hair was a mess, and he had gotten the powdered mix all over his clothes and face. The mess in the kitchen was a minimum except the drops of wet pancake mix on the oven and counter.

Hopefully Kouhei would come soon and not have to eat cold pancakes. She did end up coming home in time. Home in time for room-temperature pancakes and him trying to clean the mess he had made in the kitchen. The opening of the door startled him and he brushed through his hair, humiliated to see powder return to the air as he brushed it through with his fingers.

Tsuyoi turned the corner to meet Kouhei at the door. "I made you pancakes." He blurted, then stopped when his comment had been an obvious statement. He stumbled over his words, his brows furrowed and eyes narrowed he went back into the kitchen and showed Kouhei his accomplishments on one of the girliest plate he could find. He was sure it fit Kouhei and she should eat on it. They were lopsided and torn, and never the same size. He didn't have a talent for cooking, nor done it very much.

"I will take care of the mess." he said, blushing slightly in agitation that he had caused such a havoc in her kitchen.

[Birdie]

He was surprised to find the door unlocked. He came in to find a pair of shoes neatly placed on the mat. He quickly removed his own. The scent of slightly burned pancakes mixed horribly with the incense smell. Curiously, Kouhei rounded the corner to come face to face with Tsuyoi. He stared at the tall boy and the plate of pancakes. It was strange. This was a thing that had not happened since he was very small.

"I see that," he replied. The boy was covered in mix. It was cute, to say the least. There was no verbal apology for what had happened at the store. Just a plate of broken pancakes. Kouhei accepted the plate, a small smile coming to his lips. Tears sprang up at the corners of his eyes. "Don't worry about it... thank you." He set the pancakes aside for a moment and wrapped his arms around Tsuyoi's waist. The tears came freely as he cried into the younger male's chest. "I'm sorry," his whispered. "I'm so sorry. I should not have been so upset. I just... I dunno. I'm sorry."

When he let Tsuyoi go, the mix had gotten onto his own clothing and his make-up smeared his face. He attempted to wipe the wetness away. "Let's just eat and then we can clean up together, okay?" He picked up the plate again and began to eat the pancakes with his hands. Kouhei did not care that they did not taste so good. They were perfect in his eyes. No form of apology could have been better than this.

Once he finished eating he turned on some of his music and set about the task of cleaning up his ruined kitchen, singing along to the music and dancing a little. This was comfortable, this strange co-existence with a near stranger. "Oh, I forgot... I was so upset I forgot to answer your question. Saturn's Ring is a sort of bar... slash restaurant. You can come with me if you'd like. You'd just have to leave before ten O'clock." He smiled brightly at the boy, all slights forgotten.