Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

Chapter Three

Now I've been hangin around you for days, but when I lean in you just turn your head away
Oh no, you didn't mean that
She said I love the way you think, but I hate the way you act

'Cause I always have to steal my kisses from you
Always have to steal my kisses from you

-Steal My Kisses By Ben Harper

It had been a month since Shizuki had begun living in Japan for his internship. He was mildly surprised at how much of a good time he was having despite Mizuki having left him here alone (not that she had done it on purpose). Akiha had taken him out every day on his days off from the hospital. The photographer had brought Shizuki on a tour of his shooting studio. He'd gotten to stay for a photo shoot and meet several beautiful models. Though a few of the girls had flirted with him rather shamelessly, he had not been interested. He'd been polite, kind, and social, but otherwise unresponsive to any of their requests to get him to go out drinking with them.

Akiha was working on bringing him around to all the big tourists' spots. They picked one to go to every week. They went to different restaurants, movies, and all kinds of other things. Akiha joked at one time that it almost felt like Umeda was trying to set them up together, because it felt like they were going on dates. Shizuki had gotten a little freaked out which made Akiha laugh and quickly apologize. They were alone most of the time on these excursions, except when Akiha invited other people along. Overall, though, Shizuki was having a great time. He enjoyed every where Akiha brought him as well as all the people he got to meet. The photographer really knew a lot of fun and interesting people. Shizuki had made a lot of friends in a short amount of time that he never thought possible before now.

However, despite Shizuki's busy schedule between running around with Akiha and his internship, he still ran into Umeda. It was so weird. Shizuki tried to deliberately go to a bar at the end of the day when he got off work that he hoped Umeda wouldn't go to. Sometimes it worked out and he was able to enjoy a quiet evening unwinding with a few drinks alone. However, more than a few times he had run into Umeda. It wasn't exactly a bad experience when they drank together, but Shizuki could never fully relax his guard in the doctor's presence. He kept thinking of those kisses Umeda had given him. Oddly, he enjoyed Umeda's company. They had good conversations, though usually kind of awkward or uncomfortable on the blond's part at some points.

It was the weird moments when they parted that put Shizuki on edge and made him try to avoid the doctor. There was always a moment where either Umeda would reach for him or the look in his eyes gave away the fact that he wanted to. It seemed like, because their first couple of times out together had ended in kisses that it was tradition or the standard. He could tell Umeda was trying to ignore the urge to continue the kiss at their parting. That was what made Shizuki not want to see him, because on some strange level he was resisting the urge as much as the doctor. It frightened him. He didn't like the weird little desire that arose when Umeda leaned towards him. He didn't like the sparks of awareness that danced across his skin when they touched, even innocently, for whatever reason. He hated the way Umeda's piercing eyes seemed to see right through him too. He rarely looked Umeda straight in the eyes, because that gaze was just to captivating and beautiful, like some kind of predatory cat.

Tonight, though, he was relieved that Umeda just happened to show up at the bar he'd chose to go to after work. Umeda had walked over and sat on the stool next to the blond like Shizuki had been waiting for him all along. He'd ordered his customary drink, lighted up a cigarette, and greeted him with a smile that always did funny things to Shizuki's insides. It was a smile that was content, pleased, and gentle. It made Umeda's already beautiful face, totally captivating. Shizuki couldn't stand to look at him like that. They talked for a time before Shizuki finally decided to broach the subject he'd wanted to talk about as soon as Umeda had arrived. He knew though that it was going to take a delicate approach to get Umeda to agree to what he was about to ask.

"Akiha's invited me to the opening of an Art gallery downtown. It's supposed to be a big sophisticated party. Formal wear, expensive food, and all that," Shizuki mentioned to Umeda, pretending nonchalance.

Umeda raised his eyebrows in interest. "Sounds expensive."

"No. He's giving me a free ticket. Some of his stuff is being displayed so he wants me to come see it."

"He would."

There was an awkward, quiet moment.

"So, uh, Akiha wanted me to invite you to come," Shizuki fiddled with his glass anxiously. He sounded like a silly girl asking out her crush. Dear God, shoot him!

Umeda's answer was prompt. "Hell no."

Shizuki tried not to show his disappointment. He really didn't want to go if he was gonna be there alone. He knew Akiha would be there with a few of his friends that Shizuki had met, but Akiha would be busy and he really didn't know those people that well. He had never been much of a party mingler. He was one of those people that worked best with a wing man in those kinds of situations. If it was formal it would it make it that much more awkward for him. Sometimes, it sucked having such distinguishing looks.

Umeda noticed his companion's expression though, and sighed. He was gonna get suckered into this somehow. He could feel it.

"He said he was saving a ticket for you," Shizuki remarked, in hopes that it might help to sway the doctor's mind.

"Do you know anyone else that's going besides Akiha?" Umeda asked shrewdly.

Shizuki shrugged. "Sort of."

"Ah," Umeda smiled, suspicions confirmed. "You could just ask me out if you want me to come."

The blond blinked. He had a bad idea of what that question had meant, but he hoped he was wrong. "What like a date?" he asked, with a slightly horrified look.

"You could call it that," the doctor smirked in amusement.

Shizuki's face turned bright red and he spluttered angrily, trying to cover up the embarrassment such an idea had caused him to have. "Hell no! Akiha wants you there! Not me!"

"Uh huh," Umeda's smirk grew wider.

"I just don't want to be stuck with only Akiha to talk to!" Shizuki snapped defensively.

"To bad for you. I'll decline. There is nothing in it for me. I don't feel like being tortured by Akiha for no reason," Umeda said, waving his hand dismissively.

Shizuki scowled. "So you're just gonna let me feel like the outsider at the party? I can't turn Akiha down! He saved me a ticket and is expecting me to be there!"

"Not my fault." The doctor shrugged carelessly.

The blond glared at him. He didn't even know why he cared so much whether Umeda was there or not. He might try to do something to Shizuki again. The guy didn't take a hint about not harassing him. Shizuki had no idea why the man had any interest in him. Or why he kept coming near the doctor despite all the harassment. For whatever reason though he enjoyed Umeda's company and wanted him at the party.

"Fine," Shizuki sighed in defeat. Umeda shrugged again, clearly thinking that the blond had given up. "Will you come to the stupid art viewing with me?"

The doctor's expression was a perfect Kodak moment. To bad Shizuki didn't have his camera. Umeda's look of utter shock lasted for half a minute before melting away into a smug smile. "Of course. I don't mind being your arm candy for the event."

Shizuki glared at him and shot to his feet. "Never mind! Forget I even asked!"

"To late. I'm going now," Umeda grinned, grabbing the younger man's arm and pulling him back into his seat. He couldn't stop smiling. He loved picking on this guy. It was just to much fun. "You know if I'm your date I want a kiss at the end of the night."

"Oh hell no!" Shizuki barked at him, yanking his arm free of Umeda's grip. "You're uninvited! I'm not taking you!" He jumped back to his feet, slammed some cash on the table before storming off. The whole time as he walked away he muttered under his breath about arrogant bastards, but could not hide the blush that stained his cheeks. Umeda's grin turned toothy, giving him the look of the Cheshire cat who took great pleasure in thoroughly upsetting the poor unwitting Alice. This art party was going to be fun.

/

"I'm going outside for a smoke break," Umeda told Shizuki.

Shizuki nodded. "I'll be here." He moved on to the next photograph.

Umeda drifted off through the crowd. The blond watched him go out of the corner of his eye. He was having a good time. He was a little amazed by that. He had expected this night to be awkward as well as humiliating if Umeda decided to pick on and harass him endlessly. The doctor had not. In fact, he saw a whole different side of the doctor tonight. One that appreciated art, was quite learned at different kinds of art and its history, and was a very pleasant conversationalist with everyone around him. He'd even managed to be polite to Akiha when the excited photographer had rushed over and gushed about how overjoyed he was to see his 'love' there at the party. Umeda had merely rolled his eyes, but maintained his gentlemanly attitude. Akiha had commented on how gorgeous Umeda looked all dressed up in a formal suit, and secretly Shizuki agreed with the other blond. Umeda looked absolutely striking.

Reluctantly, Akiha had been forced to move on to other guests. Shizuki and Umeda had moved off to view the artwork. They hadn't seen Akiha since much to their combined relief. Shizuki had found himself comparing the 'date' with Umeda to one he might have had if he'd taken a woman. He found himself picking out more pros then cons to the differences Umeda presented. Shizuki didn't feel like he needed to entertain Umeda. In fact, the doctor was actually educating him quite a bit on the different art styles and artists. Umeda was fun to talk to and very intelligent. He did not hang on Shizuki's arm, but did stay in his personal space not letting him forget they were meant to be there 'together.' Shizuki didn't really mind, weirdly enough. It was actually comforting to know the doctor was next to him when he felt awkward about people coming up to talk to them. They were attracting more attention than he had expected despite the number of top models that were there. In fact, they had both been mistaken for models. It was Umeda though that smoothly explained otherwise. Shizuki was happy Umeda had decided to come with him. He smiled at himself at that thought.

A shiver suddenly ran down his spin before he felt a hand touch his butt briefly. He started, jumping slightly sideways, and bumped into someone. He turned to apologize only to find himself face to face with a very good looking, but strange guy. The man had black liner around his eyes and two toned hair, the top was black while the bottom layer was dyed red. He was dressed all in black down to even his shirt and tie. He even had black nail polish on. Shizuki was so startled by the guy's clashing appearance with the rest of the party's crowd, that he was momentarily tongue tied. He unwittingly gave the guy the exact reaction he'd wanted.

"I usually take peoples' breath away when they meet me. You're the first to lose his voice," the guy smiled arrogantly.

Shizuki took a step away from him. It felt like his skin was crawling. "And who are you?"

"I'm Kisuke Sagaguichi. A famous model for Akiha Hara," the guy looked surprised and mildly offended.

"Oh. Never heard of you," Shizuki remarked, distaste growing towards this conceited model.

The model shrugged as though it didn't matter. He was clearly irritated though by the lack of recognition. "You must not be from around here then. What's your name?"

"Ashiya. I'm from California."

"No first name." Kisuke prodded, ruffled feathers seemingly beginning to settle back down.

Shizuki chose not to answer.

"Well, Ashiya-san, I couldn't help but try to find out who you were. I've never seen such beautiful natural blond hair. You have amazing eyes too. You caught my eye. You're very handsome." The model complimented him, laying it on way to thick.

"Yes, well, nice to meet you Sagaguchi-san," Shizuki smiled thinly, trying to excuse himself.

"Wait, wait! Don't be like that! I would really like to get to know you better. Would you like to get a drink with me?" Kisuke smiled, but it was calculating and almost hostile.

Shizuki tried to maintain his temper. He politely turned the man down before trying to walk away. He growled when the model grabbed his elbow.

"C'mon, one drink. Or are you afraid you're boyfriend will be jealous?" the model smirked.

Shizuki's expression darkened dangerously. "He's no-!"

"Is there something wrong, Shizuki? Umeda's voice interrupted.

Shizuki half turned to see the doctor staring the model down with a look that resembled that of an angry wild cat. Umeda stepped up to his side, before brushing the model's hand off his elbow. Umeda slung his arm around the blond's hip possessively. Shizuki started to protest, but one glance from that perilous gaze quelled him.

"We were just talking," Kisuke said calmly, though his step backwards betrayed how unnerved he was by Umeda's presence.

"Uh huh. Well, he's with me. And I'd appreciate if you didn't try to pick up my boyfriend when I'm not around. Just because you got your fifteen minutes of fame doesn't mean you get a free pass for having no manners," Umeda said condescendingly.

"How dare you! How did you get into this party? Clearly, no one with any kind of taste invited you," spat the model.

"As a matter of face, Akiha Hara invited us. We are personal friends of his." Shizuki spoke up.

Kisuke's mouth fell open in shock. "You're friend's of Hara's?"

"Yeah, so why don't you get lost before he finds out one of his models is behaving foolishly," the doctor snapped.

The model huffed angrily before striding off.

"Boyfriend?" Shizuki pushed Umeda's hand off his hip. He ignored the warm tingle that lingered in its absence.

Umeda shrugged, expression back to normal. "It got rid of him, didn't it?"

Shizuki snorted rudely.

"It was so sweet of you to defend me," Umeda grinned, teasingly.

"I did not!"

"Yes, you did. It was adorable."

Shizuki gritted his teeth.

"He was the one who grabbed your ass by the way. I watched him do it from the window where I was smoking," Umeda remarked.

"That asshole!" Shizuki spun in the direction the model had gone in. A vague idea to go find that weird guy and beat him crossed his mind.

"Can't really blame him," the doctor said behind him.

Shizuki glanced back at him with a bemused look on his face. "Why not?"

"It's a nice ass. Hell, I've been trying not to grab it all night," Umeda smirked.

Shizuki turned red and jumped away from him. "Why the hell are you looking!"

"Newsflash! I'm gay. And you're hot," the doctor rolled his eyes, before walking away.

The blond scowled at Umeda's back for a moment before striding after him, much to his shame. Sticking with Umeda was better than that prick of a model. He refused to examine the brief feeling of flattered pride he felt at Umeda's words.

/

The rest of the night went fairly smoothly. They saw Akiha once more before they left. They said their good byes to him as quickly as possible, which was nearly impossible because the photographer kept begging them to stay longer. They had both had enough though and were ready to get out of there. Neither one was exactly the party type. So it was like déjà vu when they stood outside Shizuki's apartment door once more.

"You owe me a kiss," Umeda said bluntly.

Shizuki backed against his door. "I don't remember saying that was part of the deal."

"You didn't. I did. That's my reward for going with you," the doctor replied. He walked forward and planted his hand on the door above Shizuki's shoulder. He leaned in, with a smirk tickling the edges of his lips, and whispered. "I'm not leaving until I get it."

The blond stared up into Umeda's intense beautiful eyes and felt like a butterfly that had been pinned to a board. He was frozen in place. His hard began to drum at a faster tempo at the closeness of the doctor's body. He could feel the other man's heat and smell the cologne on Umeda's skin. He was torn between ducking into his apartment before Umeda could kiss him and simply acquiescing to the doctor's demand. His body had already betrayed him. He tipped his head back, offering up his mouth for the doctor to take. Umeda blinked in momentary surprise before he took the invitation that had been extended to him.

Their mouths met in a chaste press of lips. It stayed that way for a few heartbeats, but Umeda wanted—no needed—to taste more of the blond. He changed the angle of his mouth, opening up and sweeping his tongue across the younger man's lips. Shizuki refused to budge. Umeda gave it up after a moment, content to just kiss with no tongues if that was what the blond wanted. They kissed for several long moments. Umeda's hands found Shizuki's shoulders, wanting to hold him, but not daring to do more than that. The kisses were gentle exchanges of mouths that felt better than Shizuki cared to admit and left Umeda wanting so much more. Finally, Umeda pulled away. Their lips paused only a breath apart. Someone's breath hitched, but neither one knew who. Maybe they were both guilty of the little sound that had betrayed them. Umeda's hands tightened minutely on Shizuki's tense shoulders before he withdrew. He reluctantly slid his hands down the blond's arms before his grip slipped free entirely. Umeda swallowed hard, hating how his body was begging him to take this man right here in the hallway.

"Why do you-?" Shizuki stopped mid-sentence like he was afraid to hear the answer to the question he so desperately wanted to know.

Umeda knew what he meant though. "I dunno. It's something about you."

"What?"

"I don't know," the doctor snapped. But he really did know. It was those deep blue eyes. It was his scent, a mix of his cologne and natural spicy smell that clung to his skin. It was his lips and the softness of his skin. It was his passion and inner fire. It was his intelligence and loyalty to family. It was everything. Umeda knew he was treading in dangerous waters. "I think it'd be best if we don't see each other anymore."

It sounded like such an odd thing to say. It was something you said when you were breaking up a relationship. They didn't even have a friendship.

"You make it sound like I'm trying to see you," Shizuki said defensively. He wasn't. It was always a coincidence. Yet, every time they bumped into each other he felt a strange thrill. He was, even if he wouldn't admit it, happy to see Umeda. If he dug down deeper he knew he would know why he felt that way, but he shut off that train of thought before it could get very far.

Umeda chuckled darkly. "Maybe it's not you."

Shizuki stared at him. The doctor had just as good as admitted that he went out of his way to see the blond. What had he done that had caused Umeda's increasingly frequent run-ins? He hadn't exactly been kind. In fact, he'd been prickly and rude. Yet, so far they'd shared three kisses, drinks, and companionship. All of those kisses had been amazing. He forced himself to admit that to himself. As much as he hated to even think of it, he realized there was some kind of strong pull between them. For him, he thought maybe it was the tantalizing mystery about Umeda and the way he made Shizuki feel with just a touch. For Umeda, it could just be all lust. Whatever it was, it was getting harder to ignore. He so desperately needed to ignore it.

"You're right," he blurted suddenly after the long silence between them. "We do need to stay away from each other. You drive me crazy with all your sexual harassment. And I really have no interest in you. You make me feel sick."

Umeda smirked. "And you're attitude is atrocious." There was a dark, almost wounded look in his eyes.

"Whatever. I'm going. Good bye," Shizuki said bluntly, turning away.

"Right, bye."

/

"Fuck," Umeda whispered, letting his head fall forward until it rested on the steering wheel of his car. How did this keep happening? He avoided anywhere the 'boy doctor' might be, yet they still ran into each other. For whatever stupid reason Shizuki had invited him out and Umeda had accepted despite himself. This time he hadn't been able to stop himself from kissing the blond. Even when everything in him screamed for him to stop playing around and leave. The magnetic force of his attraction was so fierce that it took over his rational mind whenever he was even close to Shizuki. He hated himself for it. No sooner did he give up his useless, wasted efforts on one unattainable straight guy then he seemed to find another to fixate on.

"Fuck!" he barked, banging his head on the steering wheel.

Why couldn't he just find a hot, gay guy to fall for? It would be so much easier.

/

Be a responsible reader and review!