New Beginnings

Two lazy summer days had passed since Hakuei had left to visit family in Kansai. It was the middle of the afternoon, sun shining. Weather just right for the six men lounging in Kirito's backyard.

Rose folded the newspaper over, narrow eyes scanning the classifieds.

"Here's another one that might be ok." he said, rattling off the address as Tsukasa wrote it down on their list. "Doesnt't list a price, but the location's pretty nice."

"What about that one?" Kiyoharu suggested, peering over the other blonde's shoulder. "Though it's near campus, so a little more expensive."

"Is it on Walnut or 3rd street?" Tsukasa asked, looking up from his list. "I think I might have seen it the other day."

"It's on Walnut."

"Didn't there used to be a Chinese noodle shop on 8th, by the campus?" Tora asked, brow furrowing slightly. "I remember them being really cheap but really good."

Kirito looked up from the porch swing nearby, fingers absently stroking the white-blonde head laying in his lap. "No, that was on 12th street, across the railroad tracks." He tapped the book in front of Bou's face. "Now it's a Discount Manga shop."

"But I thought that Discount Manga was on this side of town..."

Kirito shook his head. "We didnt get a DM until, what," he looked down at the younger man sharing the swing with him, "two years ago?" the blonde nodded, his eyes never leaving his manga. "Now Bou can't get enough of that place."

"Oh, ok, sorry..." Tora sighed and wiped his brow. He scooted into closer to Tsukasa, under the shade of the big oak tree. "I guess I was thinking of someplace else." he smiled slightly. "They say memories one of the first things to go..."

Bou snorted and turned the page in his manga. "Silly, you're the same age as I am and I don't have any problems. I think you're just forgetful."

"Well, a shovel to the head will do that to you." Tsukasa murmured and they all fell silent. After a moment, Rose cleared his throat and folded the paper, sitting it on the porch beside him.

"Ok, it looks like we've got a nice list of places to look at today." He clapped his hands together. "So, who all is going?"

"I have to open the bar in an hour or so." Kirito said, his head rolling back to rest against the back of the chair. "Then both Bou and I work all night."

"I see..." Rose frowned. "Where's Kisaki?" he asked, turning his attention to the two young men under the tree. "I know Tochi and Hide have their own errands to run today, so are excused from helping find a place for Tora, but I haven't seen that boy in several days."

Tsukasa rolled onto his back, eyes tracking the fluffy white clouds abiove them. "His parents have been really getting on his case about next years courses, so he's been going to a cram school on campus nearly every other day or so."

"Already?" Kiyoharu raised an eyebrow. "Damn. He still has a couple of weeks before school starts back up again, right?"

The younger man sighed. "His parents have always pressured him about schoolwork. Thats partly why they always send him money for rent and such. I guess it's there way of thinking that if he doesn't have to worry about the finances, he'll have more time to .. study, or something."

"Well, I guess its just us four then" Rose grinned and stood, extending a hand to each of the men laying on the ground. "Ready to go?"


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"Oh hell no." Rose stepped on the gas, jerking the wheel so that the car pulled away from the curb and jumped back into traffic with bone-jarring speed.

Tora gripped the seat while perring out the back window. "I didn't think the place looked that bad..."

"It wasn't that, though I doubt the outside was a nice looking as the inside." Rose merged left, resulting in a few horns honking at them as they passed. "The reason we're not going in is because I recignized the management sign out front as the same management team I rented an apartment from when I first got out of highschool." His sensuaous lips persed slightly. "If it is, the same family handling that company, you;de be andvised to stay far away from anything they have to do with."

I remember that place." Tsukasa grinned as Tora turned back around in his seat. "That whole apartment could easily have fit inside Kirito's livingroom, it was so small. And it was just.. aweful."

"Roatches, rusty pipes, leaky faucets," Rose growled, "not to mention chipping paint, stinky carpets and god knows what else. There's nothing good about those landlords, except maybe the rental price, and then then it's not all that great." He spun the wheel, nearly cutting off an angry taxi driver and turned down a small side street. "I've seen cheaper places around here, and frankly alot more safe too."

Tora wrinkled his nose. "Thanks for the save."He crossed his legs, then leaned forward to peer over Kiyoharu's shoulder. "Where are we headed next?"

"Twin Lake's Road," Kiyoharu said, tapping the address of their next destination. "It's only a couple of miles from here."

Nodding, Tora sat back against the seat, racking his brain for any familiarity, but coming up with nothing. His mind drifted off until the pulled into a small parking lot of a strip of shops. They parked and the young men climbed out.

"The apartments are above the stores." Rose said, pointing. "The one advertised the directly above the record shop."

Tsukasa nudged Tora in the ribs. "Hey, maybe you could get a job there and get a discount."

"Yoshiki's already offered me a job at the bar." Tora said.

"I swear; he ends up roping all of friends into working for him at one time o another!" sukasa laughed and patted the other man on the back. "I think it's his way of keeping all his 'kids' around."


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"So what do you think?"

Tsukasa wandered into the bedroom, practiced eye scanning the walls and carpet for signs of over-wear or damage.

"Well, it's small," he said finally, moving towards the opposite wall and closet, "but not overly so. And the price is quite reasonable." He stepped into the tiny dark room and reached up, pulling on the cord. The bulb flickered, once, then went out. "You'l need to buy more lightbulbs." He said, frowning.

He sensed more than heard movement behind him as Tora crowded theentrance to the closet behind him, a hand lightly briushing the small of hi back.

"Do you think.. I should take it?" the other man asked, his voice low.

A shiver ran down Tsukasa's spine as he contiplated Tora's words. "Well, that depends," He turned around to face the other, "on wether you really like what you see or not."

"I do." Tora ran his hands up Tsukasa's bare arms, one resting on his shoulder, the other continuing up to cup the young man's jaw. He leaned forward, gently pressing their lips together.

A small noise escaped Tsukasa's mouth as he closed his eyes, feeling himself melt into the kiss. Memories flooded his mind, chaotic, confusing, wonderful, then painful. His hands found their way to Tor's shirt, feeling the hot flesh just under his fingertips, when suddenly he pulled back, breathless.

"I can't...."

Tora looked into his eyes, saying nothing for several long moments, then nodded slightly, his hand moving to run through Tsukasa's long, silky hair.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have.."

Tsukasa sighed an dleaned foreard, forehead resting against the other's Tora's arms wrapped around him and his breath hitched slightly.

"I just... I don't know what I want right now. Every thought... every moment... no matter who I'm with" His eyes squeezed shut. "It always feels like I'm betraying someone."

Tora held the other man tight, one hand running up and down his back. "Don't ever feel like you are betraying anyone. No matter what you've done in the past, or will do, it's your life. You hjave to think about yourself for once." he chuckled. "Hell, I'd be exstaitc to know that two people loved me so much!"

Tsukasa smiled and straightened up. "I guess I am lucky. Still..." he looked away. "I can't stop feeling like I do't know what to do anymore. I don't know what is the right thing..." he looked back at the olther man. "I just want to be happy again."

With a smile, Tora took Tsukasa's hand, giving it a slight squeeze. "you will be, I know it." He stepped back and allowed the other man out o fhte small closet. "Come, let's go tell the others I've found exactly what I'm looking for."

Tsukasa glanced back over his shoulder. "I guess now all we have to do is get you some furniture."He squeezed the other man's hand slightly. "I know a place not far form here..." his voice trailed off as Tora's hand suddenly tightened around his and the other man stopped in his tracks.

Tora's free hand flew to his head, eyes screwed shut as a look of pain flashed across his face. He stumbled and would have fallen if Tsukasa hadn't caught him around his waist, slowly easing him to his knees.

"Tora, what's wrong?"

Tora took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, then shook his head. He dropped hid to his side and looked up into Tsukasa's worried face.

"I'll be ok," he said, "I'm sorry. I just.. sometimes those migraines hit very suddenly. "He managed a weak smile. "I just need to get my pills down in the car and I'll be fine."

Tsukasa nodded and helped him to his feet. He kept his arm around Tora's narrow waist, as if afraid to let him go, as they made their way to the living room to find the others.


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"I was nice of your parents to send you money." Bou said as he balanced a small box on his head and hopped up the stairs after the other man.

"Well, they definatly weren't happy when I left," Tora said, "but after a couple of long talks, we've worked things through, I think." He smiled. "Now they just want to see me happy and comfortable." He pushed the door open with one shoulder and lugged the suitcase into his new livingroom. "They really couldn't send alot, but it was at least enough for me to get by on for a short time."

Bou set the box of utensils on the small kitchen counter, then looked around. "Nice little place. Will look better once you start decorating, but for now," he grinned, "pretty cool."

Tora shrugged and tossed the bag into the corner. "It'll do for now."

"Oi, Tora! Bou!" Yoshiki called from downstairs. "You guys going to help us with this futon or what?"

"Does he really think I'm going to help carry that thing??" Bou whispered and made a funny face that Tora couldn't help laughing at. He ruffled the little man's blonde hair and headed downstairs.

Yoshiki, Atsushi and Tsukasa stood outside the back door leading to the stairs up to his apartment. A large, old, cheap futon frame lay on the grass at their feet. Tora eyes it sceptically.

"I'm not so sure about this..."

Atsushi nudged Yoshiki in the ribs as the two men grabbed one end of the futon. "Come on, old man, let's show these kids how its done."

"Old man??" the bar owner squauked indignantly, much tp the other's amusement. Tsukasa chuckled and waved for Tora to grab the other end along side him. They lifted their side high up and carefully began taking the stairs backwards, one step at a time. They managed to get about halfway up the narrow incline when somehow one side slipped and lodged itsself under the narrow railing running up the right side. The four men paused, slightly winded from their task, contemplating what to do next.

Ypshiki leaned forward over the frame, chin in his palm. "Ok.. Tora-kun, you and I are going to lift and tilt our side up as high as we can." he gestured with his hands. "The Tsukasa can kind of.. .tilt their end down and out."

The others nodded and on the count of three, Yoshiki and Tora lifted the heavy frame as high as they could while the other two struggled to do their part, pushing against the stuck frame as hard as they could.

"Oh, come on," Yoshiki grunted, "put some muscle into it! This thing is damned heavy!"

The other man grinned, took a deep breath and shoved suddenly, as hard as he could. With a groan of protest, the headboard popped out form under the railing, throwing Yoshiki and Tora off their feet with yelps of surprise. They recovered quickly and made their way the rest of the way up with out further delay.


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Bou crushed the soda can and tossed it into the bag that was serving as their trash can.

"Well, I better go." the short man stood, streching against the wall. "I told Kirito I'd help him close tonight. Plus, you know, I have his car and all."

"I'm surprised he let you use it." Yoshiki said as he stood as well. "He really loves that car."

"Yeah, uh, I had to promise a favor in return." Bou grinned mischeviously.

Yoshiki shook his head. "I really don't want to know." he reached down and helped Atsushi to his feet before turning to Tsukasa. "You coming?"

The young man shook his head. "No, I think I'll hang around a little longer and help Tora a bit. But I'll drop by the bar later. Kirito wanted me to come over for a bit tonight."

"Were did Tora disapear to anyway?" Bou asked from the doorway. "I haven't seen him in a few minutes."

"He's laying down in his room." Tsukasa said, brow furrowing. ""I think his migraines are getting worse..."

The two older men exchanged a look and frown, but said nothing. Yoshiki patted the younger man on the shoulder and the three left Tsukasa closed and locked the door behind the, then walked into the kitchen. After a moment of poking around boxes, he located a glass, filled it from the tap and carried it down the hallway to the bedroom. The door was cracked open so he walked in.

Tora lay on his stomach, streched out ofn the futon, arms raised above his heda, wrapped around him to block out th sun. His breath seemed to be coming in deep, harsh gasps as his hands clentched tightly around his elbows.

Tsukasa closed the door, then walked across the small room to the small window and closed the blinds. It was still late afternoon, but at least some of the bright light would be blocked.With a sigh he turned and sat down on the edge of the bed dominating the room, gently stroking the back oif the other man's head.

The gentle touch seemed to rouse him and Tora looked up, face flushed. Tsukasa frowned, eyes filled with concern as he stared down at his friend.

"Are you ok?" he asked, handing the other man the glass of water.

Tora nodded and propped himself up, taking a small sip. "Arigatou." He sighed. "I just needed to wait until my meds kicked in. No worries" his smile turned into a smirk. "I think I overexerted myself a bit with this damned futon."

Tsukasa nodded, then looked down at his hands. "Yoshiki... he told us that you are alot sicker than you let on."

Tora sighed. "What did he say?" He took another sip of water, then leaned back and placed it on top of a small stack of boxes.

"Not much, really," Tsukasa admitted, eyeing the other man through thick lashes, "it's just the fact that you are not well that worries me. I finally have you back and... "his throat tightened. "I don't want to loose you." he managed to finish, his vouice just barely above a whisper.

Tora closed his eyes and sighed. "You won't loose me." he ly back down on his side. "I'll be healthier one day, you'll see."

Tsukasa nodded, but still didn't look convinced. He brought his legs up onto the futon and stretched out beside the other man, head resting on his bent arm. They side by side for several long moments until Tsukasa felt his own eyes starting to close. He felt a hand encircle his and he smiled.

"What are you thinking about?" He murmered sleepily.

"Just," he could hear a rustling as the other man moved closer, "how happy I am to be here, with you right now."

Tsukasa felt a hand brush his face and he opened his eyes. Tora was propped up on one elbow, dark eyes regarding him with more love than he though possible from one person. He squeezed the other's hand, running one thumb over an old scar on Tora's palm.

"It's as if... these past few days, aren't real." He looked up into Tora's eyes. "We didn't know wnaything... how you were doing... if you had... how badly injured you were." He turned the hand over and kissed it gently. "For five years... I waited.. and died inside..."

"I would have come back sooner, but I couldn't..." Tora said softly, his hand coming up to run lazy fingers through Tsukasa's thick hair. "It's.. not been easy for me these past few years, in many ways. But even when things were at their worst, I thought of you and-" his eyes shut suddenly, a pained expression crossing his face.

"What is it?"

Tora swallowed hard. "Nothing, I'm fine." He smiled weakly. "Just a bit.. tired." He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Tsukasa's lips.

"Then I'll let you rest." Tsukasa started to ruise when a hand caught his firnly, almost deperatly.

"Stay with me," Tora looked up, eyes pleading. "Just.. for now."

Tsukasa hesitated only a moment, then smiled and lay back down on the bed. Tora rolled back onto his stomach, eyes closed, the tension slowly leaving his beautiful face as Tsukasa gently rubbed the back of his head with one hand, then slowly massaged his neck and shoulders. He felt the other man relax and after a minute, drift off into sleep. Tsukasa's hand stilled as he looked at the man he'd loved for so long, the gently laid his hand across Tora's back, scooting closer, and closed his eyes.