Altered Threesome

Tachibana tried to continue his life as normal--or as normal as he
had before the pair of Alters had appeared at his door. He spent the
next three days continuing to help around the city, working around
his house, and staring out over the horizon, hoping to see one or two
figures approaching from the coast. //If only the TV stations hadn\'t
stopped broadcasting.... I wish I knew...what was happening.//

When Kazuma at last made his dramatic return to the city it was on
the back of an old pickup truck. He was still a little sore, but
altogether proud of himself--even if he hadn\'t done all that much. He
stopped off at Kanami\'s first, just to assure her that hs als all
right and to bum a brief meal. And despite her repeated offers he
promised he already had a place for the night.

//Tachibana….// He smiled shyly as he scratched the back of his head,
stepping up to the door to rap lightly with his knuckles. //I hope
you\'re not mad.//

Tachibana jerked when he heard the knock, and though he rationally
thought it shouldn\'t be one of the others, he couldn\'t help running
out of the kitchen and throwing open the front door. His eyes widened
to see Kazuma, standing as easily as if he\'d taken a walk. \"Kazu....\"
Seeing no sign of pain, he reached out suddenly to pull the older boy
inside. \"Are you okay?\" he asked briskly, turning to shut the door
behind them. \"Are you hurt?\"

\"Hey--I\'m fine, I\'m fine,\" Kazuma assured with a laugh. He was
inordinately pleased by the warm welcome, slinging an arm over the
other\'s shoulders. \"Dead tired, but all right.\" He glanced
around. \"Heard from that bitch Ryuhou?\"

\"No,\" he replied, though as soon as he was done with the door he
turned on Kazuma with a sigh of relief. It had been probably the
hardest three days he\'d ever spent, and he pulled Kazuma into a firm
kiss before he could relax again. \"Sorry,\" he murmured, spreading
softer kisses over his lips and cheeks. \"I\'m...just glad....\"

Kazuma chuckled, dropping the few things he\'d taken with him in favor
of wrapping Tachibana in his arms. \"So am I,\" he assured. \"Damn
glad.\" He tilted his head, trying to meet him in a proper kiss, but
Tachibana was so busy covering his face it took them a while. \"Hold
still so I can kiss you.\"

Laughing softly, Tachibana brought his hands up to frame Kazuma\'s
face, kissing him fully. //God, I missed you.// After a few moments
of remembering the taste and feel of the other, Tachibana finally
pulled back.o who what happened?\" he asked briskly, beginning to lead
Kazuma into the house. \"Did you catch up to Ryuhou? Why isn\'t he with
you?\"

\"I don\'t know,\" Kazuma admitted with a shrug. \"He must have been damn
fast--the whole fleet was wiped out before I got there. But I heard
there might be another coming in, so I went after that. You haven\'t
heard from him?\"

Somewhat worried, Tachibana ushered him into the kitchen and into a
seat at the table. \"I haven\'t, but....\" His fingers curled. \"We don\'t
get much good information around here. I\'m sure...he\'s okay.\"
Tachibana quickly shook himself. \"Are you hungry? Thirsty? Need
anything?\"

\"I\'m fine, I\'m fine,\" Kazuma assured again. Before Tachibana could
slip too far away he snatched him by the wrist, tugging him into his
lap. \"Don\'t worry about Ryuhou--he\'s fine. And I\'m fine--we\'re all
fine. Okay?\" Hssedssed him. \"Are you fine?\"

Tachibana relaxed slightly, somehow unable to help it now that Kazuma
was back. \"I\'m fine,\" he said obediently. Relief filtered through him
suddenly, and he leaned a moment onto Kazuma\'s shoulder. \"Just...glad
you\'re not hurt.\"

Kazuma sobered only a little. \"I took extra care, just for you,\" he
said, rubbing Tachibana\'s back. \"Altering, and Altering back. It was
a lot easier.\" //Not a *lot* easier, maybe, but easier, yeah. Maybe
it\'ll make him feel better.//

Sighing, he nodded. //Thank God.// He remained there another moment,
just letting the fact that Kazuma really was back sink in before he
hoisted himself to his feet. \"Well, do you want to rest, then?\" He
smiled faintly. \"I got a new bit of furniture--traded some junk I
didn\'t need for it.\"

\"Oh yeah?\" Interested, Kazuma allowed the other to help him up. \"I\'m
okay--I just need to get out of these clothes. I feel filthy.\" His
eyes sparked a little. \"Maybe I should get reacquainted with your
shower.\"

\"Sure,\" he replied, leading them down the hall towards the bedroom.
Tachibana couldn\'t help blushing faintly, trying not to look at
Kazuma or the queen size bed that had replaced his smaller one. He
turned instead towards his dresser, hunting up some fresh clothes for
when Kazuma got out of the shower.

Kazuma, however, took a look. \"Hey!\" Forgetting himself for a moment
he nearly skipped into the bedroom, jumping boyishly on the larger
mattress. \"Damn, this is nice. You went all out.\"

Pleased, Tachibana turned around, offering some fresh boxers, pants,
and T-shirt. \"Well, I had been offered a bigger one when I moved out
here, but I turned it down, since....\" He smiled. \"I mean, I didn\'t
think I...would be sharing it.\"

Kazuma smirked. He was pleased, though, when he realized there was
room now for the three of them to sleep together. \"I guess I\'m off
the sofa then, huh?\" He flopped on his stomach to hide that he was
blushing--just a little.

\"Well....\" Tachibana dropped the clothes on the bed near Kazuma\'s
feet before sitting at his side. He rubbed his palm into the small of
the other\'s back, smiling to himself. \"Unless you\'d rather be out
there.\"

\"It\'d be warmer in here,\" Kazuma said thoughtfully, kicking his feet.
The truth was he was moved by the gesture; he\'d thought about it a
lot these past few days. He didn\'t want to come between Ryuhou and
Tachibana, after the history they shared, but at the same time having
a home to come back to…. He sighed, suddenly exhausted. \"Tachibana….\"

Expression softening, Tachibana continued to rub the other\'s back
slowly. \"Hmm?\" He leaned forward to touch a kiss to the side of
Kazuma\'s neck. \"I\'m glad you\'re back,\" he murmured softly.

\"Me too,\" Kazuma murmured, his voice muffled by the mattress. He was
feeling suddenly all too sentimental; it had felt like so long since
he\'d had anything like this, since he\'d been brave enough to want it.
Something as simple as...a home.... His shoulders crept up a little
despite his best efforts. \"I think...I\'m gonna stay here a while.\"

\"As long as you want,\" Tachibana replied instantly, offering another
brief kiss before sitting up. He still rubbed at Kazuma\'s back,
assuring himself. \"And if you leave...you can always come back
here.\" //And…I hope he will. I hope he\'ll keep coming back....//

//Tachibana….// Kazuma took in a slow breath, and suddenly he rolled
onto his back and sat up, pulling Tachibana in a firm kiss. //I can
come back….// He shouldn\'t have been getting so worked up about this,
but he couldn\'t help it. He blamed the long trip froe coe coast.

Tachibana returned the firm affections, wishing for a moment that
Ryuhou was with them. Aft whi while he pulled back, lips tingling as
he smiled. \"You need that shower,\" he teased softly, running his
fingers through Kazuma\'s dust-filled hair.

\"Yeah...in a while.\" Kazuma pulled him back, suddenly desperate to
taste all of him, to remind himself. It hadn\'t been that long, and
still he felt as if he needed it more than ever. \"Let\'s stay here,\"
he suggested between their lips, trapping Tachibana in his arms.

Sighing, Tachibana gave in, returning Kazuma\'s ationtions and
tangling his hands in his hair. \"Okay,\" He leaned forward, gradually
pushing Kazuma down onto the new mattress. //Yes...maybe we\'ll just
stay here for a while....//

//Good.// Kazuma rolled easily onto his back and pulled Tachibana
with him, shivering slightly. //I need this.// He chuckled a little
between them, breathlessly, as he wrapped his thighs around
Tachibana\'s hips. \"Come on, then. Welcome me home.\"

Though he was a bit surprised, Tachibana could already feel himself
growing anxious. He wondered briefly about Ryuhou--could they really
do this while he was still missing? Possibly hurt...? //He\'s fine,//
he told himself, kissing Kazuma with renewed passion. //He\'ll be back-
-he promised.// He trailed his hands down Kazuma\'s body, curling in
the fabric over his stomach and slowly peeling it off.

Kazuma wriggled a little, aiding in the removal of his shirt. He
could tell, however, that Tachibana seemed somewhat distracted. \"You
okay?\" he asked, reaching up to rub at Tachibana\'s chest. His eyes
thinned a little. \"You\'re worried about him.\"

Tachibana nodded, not bothering to deny it. \"But he\'s probably fine,
like you said.\" He offered another kiss, running his hands over
Kazuma\'s torso to memorize again the curves of his muscles. \"And he
promised he\'d come back, so...I won\'t worry.\" Smiling, he sat up a
bit to begin removing his own shirt.

\"Okay....\" Kazuma licked his lips, but it wasn\'t like he could
complain--of course they were both worried about Ryuhou. //I just
wish he knew…how much being here really means to me.// He drew his
fingertips over Tachibana\'s stomach as it was uncovered; he was going
to enjoy this.

Tachibana was a bit surprised, being given the chance to lead for
once. He didn\'t mind, though, and leaned forward to trail his lips
down Kazuma\'s neck, chest, and eventually stomach. //I missed him.SmilSmiling, he undid the other\'s pants, pulling away to slide them off
first before starting on his own pair. //He looks good,// he
reflected briefly. //His scars don\'t seem to have spread at all,
thank goodness.//

As soon as they were both undressed Kazuma drew him swiftly down,
sucking eagerly at his lips and tongue. //Come on--take me.// He
rubbed at Tachibana\'s chesidesides, and hips as encouragement.

Tachibana chuckled softly when he was granted space to breathe. \"Let
me...get the stuff,\" he gasped, quickly slipping away to the bedside
dresser to grab the tube of lubricant. He pressed it into Kazuma\'s
hand as he returned to his strong lips.

Kazuma easily unscrewed the cap and emptied some of the oil onto his
hand, working it between his fingers. He then reached out to spread
it over Tachibana\'s length. \"Let\'s see if we can break in this new
mattress, hm?\" he teased.

Smiling, Tachibana supported himself on knees and elbows, trying not
to push too much against Kazuma\'s hand--it felt so good, having those
rough fingers on him again. He was growing suddenly desperate, even
though he knew he shouldn\'t after only three days of being without
either of his lovers. //It…was probably harder for them....//
Shivering around a soft groan, Tachibana reached between them to
deliver Kazuma some of the same treatment.

Kazuma groaned, his thighs parting eagerly in welcome. \"Come on,\" he
encouraged heatedly. \"You missed me, didn\'t you?\" He drew Tachibana
down suddenly so that they rubbed together.

Tachibana gasped and leaned closer, burying his lips against Kazuma\'s
neck. //I did--I missed you.// Reaching down, he guided Kazuma\'s legs
up around his ribs, slipping a hand around behind him to lift the
other\'s hips a little. \"Okay,\" he murmured by way of wng, ng, closing
his eyes before slowly, almost torturously, sliding into him.

Kazuma winced only slightly, but the pain was no worse than the rest
of his sore muscles, and it was quickly forgotten. He tried to urge
Tachibana faster with his legs and feet. \"God, come on,\" he groaned
thickly, his heart beginning to pound in his ears.

Following the other\'s urging, Tachibana quickened his movements to
match Kazuma\'s, moaning softly. He reached out to snag a strong
wrist, pulling up to bite lightly at his palm before nudging it into
his hair. //Hold me....//

Kazuma grinned, curling his fingers in Tachibana\'s hair so he could
hold him close for a deep kiss. His other hand snaked down to curl
against Tachibana\'s hip and tug him closer. \"Harder,\" he gasped
between them as they rocked. \"I know you missed me...more than
this...\"

Shuddering at the feel of fingers against his scalp, Tachibana
groaned and pushed his body to move with stronger thrusts. His own
hands clutched at Kazuma\'s waist and shoulder, pulling himself harder
into tight, hot muscle. His breath began to hiss and catch. \"Kazu--\"

//That\'s more like it.// Kazuma sucked eagerly at his partner\'s lips
and tongue, catching his every breath and moan. It somehow felt
better than it ever had been, Tachibana pulsing deeply inside him. If
only…. But he shook those thoughts quickly aside so he could
concentrate on their rhythm, curling his knees tighter against his
chest in invitation.

Tachibana whimpered softly, feeling he was reaching his end much
faster than Kazuma was. He freed one hand to wrap it instead around
his lover\'s erection, stroking quickly to try and make up for his
waning strength, but another few thrusts proved too much for him.
Hips jerking hard he climaxed, groaning into Kazuma\'s mouth.

Kazuma growled softly, his eyelids fluttering at the feel of liquid
warmth spreading through him. He reached down, encouraging
Tachibana\'s fingers to continue their attentions a moment longer—he
climaxed soon after, pressing his hips up against Tachibana\'s stomach
as his head fell back. \"Mm...\" He chuckled breathlessly as he slumped
to the mattress once more. \"Good to be back….\"

Tachibana chuckled and leaned close for a quick, light kiss. \"I\'m
glad you are,\" he whispered, rubbing Kazuma\'s chest with his clean
hand before pushing himself away; he hissed quietly as he pulled free
of Kazuma, sitting back on his heals to regain his breath.

\"Me too.\" Kazuma sighed, closing his eyes as he took a moment to just
enjoy the warm pleasure still rippling through him. The bed may have
been new but it still smelled like Tachibana, and he turned his head
against it with a contented grin. //I want to stay here.// He
stretched his legs slowly, savoring even the subtle pain between his
thighs.

Tachibana watched all of his little movements with great attention
and interest, smiling willy.lly. Once he\'d been sitting there for
probably far too long, he urged his stiff legs to move and stood
up. \"Do you want a blanket?\" he offered quietly, touching a hand to
Kazuma\'s chest to gain his attention. \"Or are you going to shower?\"

Though he would have liked to stay there much longer, a shift of legs
reminded him that he should probably clean up a bit. \"I\'ll take that
shower now, if you don\'t mind,\" he said, carefully pushing to his
feet. He stretched broadly and took a big gulp of air.

Nodding, Tachibana bent over to retrieve cle clothes he had brought
out for Kazuma--at some point they had been kicked to the floor. \"I\'m
going to start cooking for dinner then,\" he said brightly, turning to
retrieve his own clothing. \"I\'ll have to make more, now that you\'re
back.\" //And extra, just in case Ryuhou shows up....//

\"Okay. Thanks for the trouble.\" He stole an extra kiss before
slipping away, into the bathroom. Once alone, he chuckled and
scrubbed at his hair. \"Getting damn sentimental,\" he chided as he
moved to start the water.

Tachibana worked happily around the house, starting dinner, cleaning
up a few random items he\'d left out, and remaking their bed. r
br
bed,// he thought with a blush, tugging absently at the fresh blanket
he spread on top. He made sure when Kazuma finally emerged, skin
still glistening faintly with remaining water, that he was safely in
the kitchen and stirring a large pot of tomato sauce and sucking on a
bit of watermelon.

Kazuma took his time after his shower; drying himself off, slipping
into the clothes Tachibana had left for him. It felt good to be in
something new, after having worn the same outfit three days in a
row. //I guess that\'s one of the benefits of settling down.// At last
he entered the kitchen, and was delighted to find Tachibana at the
stove. It allowed him to sneak up like he always did and snatch him
around the waist. \"Hey there, stud.\"

Tachibana laughed, overly pleased by the familiar greeting. He leaned
back easily into Kazuma\'s arms, letting his spoon rest in the
bubbling pot. He turned his nose against the other\'s temple for a
deep breath. \"Ahh, much better,\" he teased. \"I was worried you
wouldn\'t be able to get the stink off.\"

Kazuma snortightightly, plucking a section of watermelon for himself
for a bite. \"Mm, not bad. You grow this yourself?\" He tickled
Tachibana\'s stomach playfully. \"My talented little bride.\"

\"Heh, watch it,\" he retorted. \"And it\'s not mine--it\'s Urizane\'s.\"
Tachibana squirmed faintly in the other\'s hold, elbowing him
gently. //It\'s so good to have him back--the house was just so
quiet....// \"The vegetables are all mine,\" he added, poking at the
fresh tomatoes he\'d added to the sauce. He smiled to himself, proud
of the accomplishment.

\"Oh yeah? Do you grow cucumbers? \'Cause those are my favorites.\" He
held his hand out in front of them, curling his fingers and moving it
in a pumping gesture.

Tachibana rolled his eyes, tilting his head for a quick kiss before
ducking away. \"I was thinking about it, but now I\'m not so sure.\" He
moved to the beeping microwave, pulling out some steamed corn. \"I\'d
be worried you\'d try to molest them or something.\"

\"Only if I have nothing else to vent my sexual frustration on.\"
Kazuma stepped back to stay out of his way, though by now he was
thoroughly exhausted. He took a seat at the kitchen table so he could
rest his chin on his palm. \"What are you making, anyway?\"

\"Spaghetti.\" He picked up the top on another pot, checking the
noodles with a large spoon. \"I got some meat the other day I was
saving.\" //Just about done.// Tachibana pulled some fresh rolls out
of the oven, setting them aside to cool. \"Want something to drink?
Beer or something?\"

\"Hmm? Oh, yeah. Have anything with caffeine?\" Though Kazuma was
honestly pleased by all the effort Tachibana was putting into his
return meal, he hadn\'t realized until then exactly how tired he was.
He smiled lazily. \"It smells good.\"

Tachibana brought him a soda pop, smiling at the exhausted look on
his face. \"Hey, if you\'re too tired, the dinner can wait.\" He spread
his fingers through Kazuma\'s hair, suddenly overcome with fondness
for the other boy. \"It\'ll stay in the fridge well enough--we can have
it for lunch tomorrow.\"

\"No, I\'m all right--I\'m starving, and I\'ll sleep better on a full
stomach.\" Kazuma guzzled down half the soda on one breath, and
belched impressively. \"Ah, I needed that.\"

Chuckling again, Tachibana returned to the stove, judging that
everything was ready. In no time he had two plates filled with food
and was sitting down across from Kazuma with a pleased grin. //I\'m so
glad he\'s back.//

Kazuma licked his lips as he eagerly set on the food, waking up a bit
in light of a full meal. He had to laugh a little when he caught
Tachibana watching him. \"Goddamn, look at us.\" He licked spaghetti
sauce off the corner of his mouth. \"I feel like a damn newlywed.\"

Tachibana laughed, breaking off some bread as he flushed. \"Yeah,
well....\" He couldn\'t really think of an appropr res response,
since...he didn\'t really mind too much. He was just so grateful to
have one of his lover\'s returned, and he couldn\'t wait for Ryuhou to
reappear as well. Turning his embarrassed but pleased expression
down, he concentrated on eating.

Kazuma watched the other thoughtfully for a while, nibbling on some
watermelon, before lowering his eyes. \"I guess all we need is that
tight-ass Ryuhou, huh?\" he remarked, almost...testing. \"Then we\'ll be
a whole happy family.\"

Tachibana glanced up through a mouthful of noodle, swallowing
quickly. \"Well....\" //He really wants Ryuhou back, doesn\'t he….// He
smiled faintly. \"I hope...you\'ll be happy enough with just me for
now. Until he gets back.\"

\"Yeah...\" Kazuma smirked, then chuckled, flipping some of his hair
back. \"Yeah, it might be fun having you all to myself for a while.\"
He gulped down a few more bites of spaghetti. \"More food for me.\"

Somehow relieved, Tachibana returned to his food with a faint
smile. //I do want Ryuhou back, but...I\'m glad for this chance with
him. Kazuma....//

Kazuma continued to gobble down his dinner, afraid that if he took
too long he would find himself sleeping in it. Being full only made
it worse; a short nap, and he was convinced he\'d be the most content
he\'d ever be\"Ma\"Man, that was good. It\'s always surprising how much
you miss good cooking when you\'re on the road.\" He sat back in his
chair. \"You\'re gonna spoil me.\"

\"Just making sure you want to come back,\" he replied smartly,
gathering his dishes as he finished. Tachibana left them in the sink
to begin cleaning up their leftovers. \"If you want to go to bed, go
ahead. I\'m just going to clean up and....\" He blushed
faintly. \"...I\'ll join you soon.\"

Kazuma grinned, already looking forward to it; if he could stay awake
that long. \"Okay.\" On his way to the door he slipped past Tachibana,
sliding a hand over his hip and pressing a kiss to the side of his
neck. \"Thanks for dinner, honey.\"

Tachibana slapped playfully at his behind as he left, sending him a
mock dirty look. \"Keep it up, wise ass,\" he muttered, though a moment
later he was grinning, and he reflected again on just how glad he was
to have Kazuma back. //And…I won\'t have to sleep alone tonight.//

Once he was finished, Tachibana slipped into his dark room, smiling
to see that Kazuma was already stretched beneath the blankets and
snoring lightly. He changed quietly before slowly easing into bed
with him. //Kazuma....// Wiggling close, Tachibana pressed a light
kiss to his shoulder. \"Good night,\" he whispered before settling.


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