Secrets of the Heart

A sequel to Your Song

by Cye’s girl

Disclaimer: Don’t own the Ronins.

This story is dedicated to Djinn Hashiba-Maxwell for her birthday! Happy birthday, Djinn! Thanks for all your help on the story, and all your words of encouragement! ^_~ I love you Djinn! You’re awesome!

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            Touma yawned, stumbling into the kitchen, straightening his boxers out. “Hm… morning Ryou.” He smiled lazily at the black haired boy, and gratefully took the mug of coffee he handed him. Touma sat at the kitchen table with a sigh.

            “Don’t you mean afternoon, Touma dear?” Seiji asked, walking in the back door, practice sword in hand. He kissed Touma’s forehead, sitting next to him.

            “Sure…” Touma yawned, covering his mouth.

            Seiji made a thoughtful sound and peered into the mug in front of Touma before making a face. “Coffee?”

            Touma raised an eyebrow at the blond. “Tea?” He looked down when his stomach growled. “Hm… do we have any left-overs from breakfast this morning?”

            “We didn’t have breakfast this morning.” Ryou muttered, leaning against the fridge. “Didn’t either of you notice? Shin’s shoes aren’t by the door. He never came home last night.” He crossed his arms, watching the two at the table.

            Seiji blinked. “That’s not like Shin. He hasn’t called or anything?”

            Ryou shook his head. “No. Me and Shuu tried to call his cell phone this morning. But it just kept ringing. Shuu’s out looking for him as we speak.”

            Touma’s eyebrows knit together in confusion. “He sure hasn’t been acting like himself lately. He seems… short tempered. Which is definitely not Shin. And where the hell has he been going during the day?”

            “Maybe he’s seeing someone and he doesn’t want us to know about it.” Seiji stated calmly, looking from Touma to Ryo and back to Touma. He turned his head when he heard the front door open. Seiji got up and walked into the living room, Ryou and Touma right behind him.

            “Where were you, Shin?” Ryou asked, watching Shin kick off his shoes and start for the stairs, his keys jingling loudly as he spun them on his finger.

            “Out.” Shin replied, not looking at them as he started up the stairs.

            Touma grabbed Shin’s shoulder, efficiently stopping him. “Shin, you can’t leave and not come home and expect us to take ‘out’ as an answer.”

            Shin knocked Touma’s hand off his shoulder and continued up the stairs. “Fine. Then how about, ‘I wasn’t here’?” He disappeared around the corner once he reached the top of the stairs.

            Ryou took the first couple steps up the stairs before Seiji stopped him. “Seiji, I want to find out what’s wrong with him.” Ryou pinned the blond with a look.

            “You can’t force him to tell you anything, Ryou. The only person who could get something out of Shin is Shuu.” Seiji reasoned, tilting his head slightly. “You and I both know Shin is damn good at keeping secrets.”

            “Or Touma.” Ryou’s gaze switched from the blond to the blue haired archer next to him.

            “Me?” Touma blinked, pointing at himself. “Ryou, we’re friends, but Shin doesn’t exactly tell me things he doesn’t want other people to know.” He stated, and glanced toward Seiji.

            Ryou shook his head. “Never mind…” The black haired boy turned around, and continued his trek up the stairs in Shin’s wake.

            Touma watched Ryou leave, a slightly confused look on his face.

            The door opened for a second time, and they heard a rather irritated sigh. “I take it that since Shin’s convertible is in the driveway, he’s home?” Shuu asked, shutting the door behind him, and pulling his shoes off.

            Seiji and Touma both nodded.

            “Is he upstairs?” Shuu asked, pointing toward the ceiling.

            “Yeah… but he doesn’t seem to be in a very talkative mood…” Touma’s voice trailed off.

            Shuu shrugged. “Think I care? I’ll figure out what’s wrong with him if it kills him…” With a sigh, Shuu trudged up the stairs.

            Touma looked at Seiji and plopped down on the couch. “Why would Ryou think that Shin would talk to me?” He asked, putting his chin in his hand.

            Seiji shrugged, sitting next to Touma. “I’m not sure.” He pulled Touma to him, hugging the archer close. “I think Ryou knows a tad more than we do. And I’m sure whatever Ryou knows, Shuu has known for a long time.”

            “So we’re the only ones totally left in the dark.” Touma stated, resting his head on Seiji’s shoulder, and burying his face in the blond’s neck.

            “It seems that way.” Seiji shrugged slightly. “I’m sure Shuu can figure it out…”

            Touma sighed. “I just want to know what’s wrong with him. He’s been acting like this for a few weeks…” He bit his bottom lip and absentmindedly played with the edge of Seiji’s shirt.

            “He’ll figure it out, don’t worry.” Seiji gave Touma’s waist a reassuring squeeze.

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            Shuu opened the door to his and Shin’s room, and flicked on the light. He pursed his lips slightly when Shin didn’t acknowledge him. He walked over and laid on the bed next to the auburn haired boy. “So what’s up? Why are you acting like this?” He asked, poking Shin in the side.

            Shin squirmed away, being rather ticklish and shook his head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

            “Bull crap.” Shuu put his chin in his hand. “You’ve been acting different lately. Ever since Touma told Seiji he loved him. And here I remember it being you that said he was with the right person.” He folded his arms over one of Shin’s pillows and rested his chin on his arms.

            “So?” Shin turned away from him, fluffing the pillow he was using. “Shuu, I’m tired. Will you just leave me alone?”

            Shuu shook his head even though Shin wasn’t looking at him. “No can do. Maybe next time you should come home. Then you’ll get some sleep.” He grabbed Shin’s shoulder and turned him so he had to face him. “Is that what’s bothering you? Touma and Seiji?”

            Shin sighed and nodded, looking past Shuu and out the window at the lake. “I know he’s with the right person, and that Seiji makes him happier than I ever could… but I still can’t help but feel that it should be me instead…”

            “Understandable. Just try not to think about it so much.” Shuu paused when Shin gave him a look. “I know you can’t just forget about it… What if you started seeing someone? That would get your mind off Seiji and Touma a little.” Shuu suggested, raising his eyebrows slightly.

            “I already am.” Shin muttered so softly, Shuu almost didn’t hear him.

            Shuu grinned. “So that’s where you’ve been lately. So who is…” Shuu paused waiting for Shin to fill in the appropriate pronoun.

            “He.” Shin stated, closing his eyes, and putting his arm under his pillow for extra support.

            “Okay, so who is he? What’s his name? Details, Shin, details.” Shuu poked him in the chest and watched as one sea-green eye opened to give him a warning look.

            Shin scowled slightly, closing his eye again. “Why does it matter?”

            Shuu rolled his eyes. “Because you’re my best friend and I wanted to make sure he’s not just trying to get you to sleep with him, or vise versa…” He ignored the indignant sound Shin made.

            Shin opened his eyes. “Well if you must know, his name’s Drake. And I don’t think any of you know him.”

            “Okay, so what’s he look like? Are we gonna get to meet him or what?” Shuu yawned slightly, covering his mouth.

            “What is this, the FBI?” Shin sighed slightly. “He’s about my height, black hair, blue eyes, plays soccer… Can I please go to sleep now?” Shin raised his eyebrows at Shuu.

            “In a minute. Sounds kind of familiar. Are you sure you’re not just dating him cause he looks like Ryou?” Shuu teased lightly, grinning like an idiot. “Where were you guys, and when are we meeting him?” He asked, tilting his head to the side.

            “We went clubbing and were at his apartment for about an hour. And I’ll talk to him tonight about meeting you guys.” Shin stated, watching Shuu grin again.

            “Are you sure you’re not dating him cause he reminds you of Ryou?”

            Shin rolled his eyes. “Shuu…”

            Shuu pouted slightly. “Okay, okay… So can I tell the guys what’s up? They’re all worried about you.” He paused, and then added, “Especially Ryou… that leader thing is kicking in again, I think.”

            Shin yawned. “Knock yourself out, Shuu.” The swimmer waved a hand at him, closing his eyes.

            Shuu shook his head and closed the blinds before leaving the room, closing the door behind him. He looked up when Ryo came out of his room, a couple doors down.

            “Did you get anything out of him?” Ryou asked, raising his eyebrows as he and Shuu started down the stairs.

            “Yeah… He’s seeing someone.” Shuu replied, shrugging his shoulders.

            Touma and Seiji both looked up. “He is?” Touma blinked. “Hey Seiji, you were right.” Touma patted Seiji’s chest, smiling.

            “Of course… Seiji smiled and looked back at Shuu. “So what else did he say?”

            “Not much… He said we’ll get to meet him eventually.” Shuu shrugged his shoulders and sat in front of the couch, turning the TV on.

            “Him?!” Touma’s jaw dropped. “Shin is gay? Since when is Shin gay?!”

            Shuu blinked. “Yeah… you didn’t know that?” He made a thoughtful noise, tilting his head to the side, before shrugging.

            Touma and Seiji exchanged looks. “Did you know?” Touma turned to look at Ryou who was standing behind the couch.

            Ryou nodded, not looking at Touma. “Yeah…” His voice trailed off.

            “I wonder why he didn’t tell us…” Touma’s eyebrows knit together in confusion.

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            Shin picked at the food that was in front of him, his chin in his hand. He sighed slightly, eating a small bite of chicken.

            “Shin? What’s wrong?” Drake raised his eyebrows, watching the auburn haired boy. He looked back across his small kitchen, as he put his plate in the sink.

            “Nothing… I’m just not as hungry as I thought…” Shin shrugged, putting his chopsticks down. He looked up when he felt a finger lift his chin, and his eyes locked onto blue.

            Drake gave him a look. “That’s not it. What else?”

            “The guys want to meet you.” Shin replied, and watched as Drake took his plate. “Not that that’s bad or anything… I dunno.”

            “Hey, don’t worry about it. I know what you meant.” Drake finished rinsing the plates and loaded them into the dishwasher. He pulled Shin up and to the couch. “So when are we going to do this?”

            “I don’t know.” Shin plopped down on the couch with another sigh. “Whenever I guess.”

            Drake frowned slightly. “You don’t seem like you want me to meet them.” He stated, crossing his arms. “Are you ashamed of me or something?”

            Shin shook his head. “No, Drake, that’s not it… I just… I don’t know. I guess I’m just hesitant to do it because I don’t know what they’ll think of you.” Shin explained, looking out the window.

            “Well even if they don’t like me, that’s not going to keep us apart, right?” Drake asked, smiling. The smile faded however, when Shin gave him an apologetic look.

            “They mean a lot to me, Drake.” Shin murmured, running a hand through his auburn hair. “I don’t know what will happen if they don’t like you.” He stated, and looked down at his hands.

            Drake bit his bottom lip before brightening a little. “Hey, you could always move in with me.” He squeezed Shin’s side, eliciting a small squeaking noise from Shin.

            “I don’t know…” Shin jerked away when Drake squeezed his side again. “I don’t think I could choose between you and the guys… I mean I like living there.”

            “It doesn’t seem that way lately. You’ve been here practically every day for the last week and a half and spent the night a couple times.” Drake pointed out. “I mean, maybe you used to be… did something happen that’s making you feel like you don’t want to be there?”

            Shin frowned, nodding. “Yeah… But I do still like them. I just… God I don’t know. I’m so confused.” Shin put his hands to his face, and didn’t resist when Drake pulled him closer.

            “Why don’t you stay here again? Maybe I can help you figure some things out.” Drake murmured, wrapping his arms around Shin’s waist, and kissing his neck lightly.

            “…Okay.” Shin nodded after a minute. He jumped slightly when his cell phone rang from its place on his belt. He pulled it off and was about to answer it when Drake took it from him.

            “Don’t worry about that…” He clicked the answer button and then clicked it again, hanging up on whoever was on the other line.

            “Drake, what if that was an emergency?” Shin gave him a look and reached for his phone but Drake held it out behind himself, out of Shin’s reach. Shin sighed slightly and reached past him, trying to get it. “Come on, Drake.”

            Drake only smiled at him.

            Shin glared at him, making an indignant sound. “Fine. I’m leaving.” He got up but was stopped when Drake grabbed one of the belt loops on his jeans.

            “Okay, okay. Here.” He handed the phone back to Shin and pulled him back onto the couch.

            “You sure can be a jerk sometimes.” Shin muttered, pulling up the number of the last person that called. He called back and waited for someone to answer. “Shuu? Why’d you call? No, the phone blanked out or something. (Shin shot a glare at Drake, who just smiled innocently) Oh. No. I think I’m gonna stay here tonight. Okay. Well you guys have fun. Later.” He hung up and re-hooked the phone on his belt.

            “Was it an emergency?” Drake asked, kissing Shin’s neck.

            Shin made an annoyed sound, and pulled away. “No, but you still had no right to do that.” He crossed his arms, and moved farther away from the black haired boy when he tried kissing him again.

            Drake frowned. “Oh come on Shin. It wasn’t an emergency and it’s not like he thinks you hung up on him, when in reality you did-”

            “No, you did.” Shin cut him off and got up. “Forget it. I’m going home.” Shin shrugged Drake’s hand off his shoulder and walked out the apartment door and down to his car.

            Drake followed him and stood with his arms crossed. “Shin, this is stupid. I don’t know why you’re going home if they’re the ones that made you feel the need to leave in the first place. Obviously they don’t want you there if they keep doing this.” He stated, and received a hurt look from Shin before the car pulled out of the lot and sped off. Drake sighed rolling his eyes slightly and went back inside his apartment.

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            Shin wiped the tears off his face as he pulled into the driveway. “Great. They’re still here.” He felt so stupid for crying, but Drake had hurt him. He had had no right to say that to him. The guys cared about him… didn’t they? With a frustrated sigh, Shin got out of the car and went inside.

            Shuu looked up at him when he came in. “Shin? I thought you were staying at Drake’s.”

            “Change of plans.” Shin muttered and glared at the phone when it rang. “If it’s for me, I got hit by a bus.” He started up the stairs, passing Touma and Ryou on the way.

            Touma blinked and picked up the phone. “Hello? No, sorry. He got hit by a bus.” Touma made a face at the phone. “No. He doesn’t feel the need to talk to you at the moment.” Touma pulled the phone away from his ear and hung up. “Okay...”

            “What?” Ryou asked, raising his eyebrows.

            “He hung up on me.” Touma shrugged and grinned at Seiji when he came down the stairs, still tucking his shirt in. “Oh… you don’t have to do that since it’s just gonna come back out later…” Touma gave him a seductive smile and winked at the blond.

            Seiji rolled his eyes, but couldn’t stop the slight smile. “Who hung up on you?” He asked, changing the subject.

            “Shin’s boyfriend. Apparently they had a fight or something.” Touma paused, wrapping his arms around Seiji’s waist. “I don’t think I like him.”

            Shuu raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

            Touma glanced at him. “He called me a ‘mother fucking son of a bitch’ right before he hung up.” He replied, playfully un-tucking Seiji’s shirt. “Told ya…”

            Seiji raised his eyebrows. “He what?” He half growled, starting to tuck his shirt back in.

            “Down killer.” Shuu grinned, winking playfully at the blond. “I say we just go. Maybe he wasn’t in a good mood or something.” Shuu suggested, and started up the stairs. “Hey Shin! You sure you don’t want to go?” He called out when he got to the top of the stairs.

            “No.” Shin appeared next to Shuu, pulling his jacket on.

            Shuu smiled and walked down after Shin. “Does he know where we live?” He asked, closing the front door behind him.

            Shin paused, as if thinking about it. “…Yeah…”

            “What happened? Did you guys get in a fight or something?” Seiji asked opening the driver side door of Shuu’s van.

            Shin climbed in and sat down, looking out the window. “Yeah…”

            “Shin to be perfectly honest, I don’t like him. Just by talking on the phone with him, I can tell you can do better. Much better.” Touma turned in the passenger side seat to look at Shin.

            Shin glanced at him from his place next to Ryou. "Whatever."

            Touma turned back to face the road. "I'm serious. The guy sounds like a real jerk." He ran a hand through his wild blue locks.

            “You haven’t met him so you can’t say that.” Shin objected, crossing his arms over his chest.

            “He’s got a point, Tou.” Seiji stated, and then looked over at Touma. “Although from what you said, I don’t like him either.”

            “Well that’s only cause he insulted me. Watch him be a Kendo freak and you end up getting along with him really well.” Touma pointed out, smirking slightly.

            “Actually, he plays soccer.” Shin softly corrected the archer, pulling his seatbelt on.

            Ryou raised his eyebrows, suddenly intrigued. “Oh, really? That’s cool.” He murmured. “Do you know what position he plays?”

            Shin shrugged. “He’s told me before, but I don’t remember at the moment.” He glanced at Ryou and then looked back out the window.

            “Are we there yet?” Shuu whined, leaning on the seat between Shin and Ryou.

            Touma laughed, putting his feet up on the dashboard. “Nope.”

            Seiji glanced at the blue haired boy. “Touma, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You know what’ll happen if we get in an accident?” He paused until he knew he had Touma’s attention. When the archer looked at him, Seiji continued, smirking slightly. “The air bag will come out and probably snap your legs right in half. No resistance or anything. Just…” Seiji snapped his fingers, glancing at the archer out of the corner of his eyes.

            Touma gave Seiji a slightly disgusted look. “Thanks for the graphic description.” He slid his feet back to the floor and shifted in his seat.

            “You know, you should put your seatbelt on too. I mean, what if I have to stop the car suddenly. Oh, say like this…” Seiji hit the brakes and Touma flew forward barely stopping himself before he hit the dashboard. Seiji watched him, snickering slightly.

            Touma turned his head to glare at the blond before yanking his seatbelt on. “Jerk.”

            Seiji smiled and sped the van back up.

            “You know there could have been a car behind us.” Touma scowled, crossing his arms.

            “There wasn’t. I checked. And I was just proving my point, Touma. We wouldn’t want your pretty little head splattered all over the street, now would we?” Seiji raised an eyebrow, glancing at him.

            Touma twitched slightly, and turned around in his seat. “Anyone wanna switch seats with me?”

            “Nope. We’re good, Touma.” Shuu grinned, waving a hand at him.

            Touma sighed, but nodded. “Okay, but Seiji is not driving home.”

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            Ryou munched on his popcorn, every once in awhile glancing to his right where Touma and Seiji had decided they weren’t interested in seeing any more of the movie, and had found that making out was a better use of their time. “Uh… Hey Shin?” Ryo nudged Shin in the side with his elbow.

            “Hm?” Shin briefly glanced at him, eating some of Shuu’s popcorn.

            “Wanna switch seats with me?” Ryou asked, and jerked his thumb in the direction of the two on his other side.

            Shin leaned forward slightly to look at Seiji and Touma before he shook his head. “Nope... they’re your problem Ry.” He grinned, patting the bearer of Rekka on the shoulder.

            Ryou made a small whimpering sound, and gave Seiji and Touma a sidelong glance. “Great…”

            Touma glanced at Ryou, tangling his fingers in Seiji’s hair as the blond kissed his neck. “You know Ryou, if you’re bored, you could always join us.”

            Ryou paled slightly and scrambled out of his seat. “I have to go to the bathroom…” He squeaked before quickly exiting the row of seats, muttering something along the lines of ‘oh my god’ over and over again.

            Shin watched as Ryou made his quick exit, before looking over at Seiji and Touma who were now locked at the lips again. “You know that wasn’t very nice, Touma.”

            Touma pulled away from Seiji for a minute to raise an eyebrow at Shin. “You know, you can join too, if you want.” He smiled at the look on Shin’s face and made a slight noise when Seiji grabbed his chin, and kissed him again.

            Shin shook his head, thankful that it was dark so Touma couldn’t see his blush. He took some more of Shuu’s popcorn and watched as Ryou came back and sat on the other side of Shuu instead of his original seat next to him.

            Shuu raised an eyebrow at him, and Ryou just laughed nervously, waving a hand at him. “Okay…”

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            Touma stretched and glanced at the clock before opening the fridge. “Hm…” He pulled the orange juice out, and opened it, taking a drink.

            “Get a glass, Touma. I can only think of one person that voluntarily wants your spit in their mouth.” Ryou murmured, walking into the kitchen, running a hand through his hair.

            Touma raised his eyebrows at him and twisted the cap back on, putting the orange juice back in the fridge. “What are you doing up? It’s nearly 2:30 in the morning.” He pointed out, ignoring Ryou’s comment.

            Ryou rolled his eyes. “I could ask you the same thing, Tou.” He shrugged slightly, pulling himself up onto the counter. “I just couldn’t sleep…”

            “What’s on your mind?” Touma crossed his arms over his bare chest, and leaned against the fridge, waiting for an answer.

            “I don’t know…” Ryou’s voice trailed off.

            Touma rolled his eyes and gave Ryou a look. “Spill it, Ryou.”

            Ryou sighed slightly, and out of paranoia, looked toward the entrance to the kitchen. “You promise not to say anything to Shin?”

            Touma nodded, pulling a pint size bag of chips off the top of the fridge, and opening it. “Yeah. So what’s bugging you?”

            “It’s this new boyfriend of Shin’s… I don’t know. I just don’t think that Shin actually likes him.” Ryou replied, eyes following the patterns the tiles on the floor made.

            Touma laughed slightly. “Why would Shin go out with this guy if he didn’t like him? Seems kind of silly to me…”

            “To get over someone else.” Ryou’s gaze locked onto Touma’s. “I just… I really don’t think he likes him.”

            “Oh my god…” Touma gave Ryou a lopsided grin. “You like him don’t you?”

            Ryou blushed slightly, shrugging. “I thought I did. Until I found out about this boyfriend of his.” He confessed.

            “Well, personally I think this guy sounds kind of... I don’t have a word for him right now. An extremely small part of me wants to meet this guy… but I dunno.” Touma shrugged slightly, stuffing a couple chips in his mouth. “We’ll just have to wait until Shin introduces us to him. You’ll be able to tell by the way Shin acts whether he’s actually really serious about this or not.” Touma reasoned, finishing off the little bag of chips and throwing the trash away.

            Ryou nodded. “I guess you’re right. I don’t know why I’m letting it get to me. I’ll see ya in the morning Touma.” Ryo jumped down from the counter and started out the kitchen door. He paused slightly, and turned back toward the blue haired boy. “And Touma, just for the record, Shin would have said yes, had you told him how you felt.”

            Touma blinked as Ryou disappeared, and followed after him. “What?! Wait a minute! Ryou, get back here!”

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            Shin looked out the kitchen window while he rinsed the dishes from breakfast. It had been raining when he woke up, and hadn’t let up any. He was so caught up in his thoughts he didn’t hear the phone ring.

            “Shin? You wanna talk, or are you still hit by a bus?” Touma asked, walking into the kitchen, his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone.

            Shin pursed his lips slightly before he dried his hands off and took the phone from Touma. “Hello?”

            Touma watched Shin turn back to the dishes before he wandered back out to the living room, and retook his seat on the couch, curled against Seiji.

            Seiji glanced down at Touma and wrapped his arms around the blue haired boy’s thin waist. “Who was it?”

            “I think it’s Shin’s boyfriend.” Touma replied, watching Ryou and Shuu play Mortal Kombat. He couldn’t help but notice Ryou’s involuntary twitch at the mention of ‘Shin’s boyfriend’. “Shuu, he’s kicking your ass.”

            “Thanks Touma. Like I wasn’t aware of that.” Shuu rolled his eyes, and sighed when he lost. “I give up.” He dropped the controller and stood, stretching. “Do any of you know when it’s supposed to stop raining? I wanna go do something outside…”

            Seiji shrugged a shoulder and looked up when the doorbell rang. “I guess rain doesn’t stop some people…”

            “Hn.” Ryou stood up and walked to the door. He pulled it open and was about to say something when he realized who it was. He scowled, eyes narrowing. “Drake.”

            Drake smirked slightly. “It’s nice to see you too Ryou. I didn’t know you lived here.” He muttered, running a hand through his rain soaked black hair.

            Touma leaned over the back of the couch to try to see who it was, holding onto the back of Seiji’s shirt so he wouldn’t fall. “Who the hell are you?”

            “The name’s Drake.”

            “Oh… So you’re Shin’s new boyfriend.” Shuu grinned slightly, tilting his head to the side.

            Drake smirked, a hand on his hip. “That’d be me. Where is he, anyway?” He stepped into the house, looking around the room.

            Touma twitched slightly. “I’ll go get him.” He jumped over the back of the couch and started for the kitchen. “Shin… Drake’s here…” He murmured, tapping the auburn haired boy on the shoulder.

            Shin nodded and gave a slightly irritated sigh, before starting out the kitchen door, Touma following behind him.

            Ryou’s lip curled slightly, and he shut the door a little harder than necessary, getting everyone’s attention.

            Shin raised his eyebrows, giving Ryou a questioning look as he received a hug and light kiss on the neck from Drake, but didn’t return it.

            “Wind.” Ryou muttered and walked over to the window seat across the room. He sat down, and glared at the wall across from him.

            Seiji raised an eyebrow, watching Ryou closely. He caught Ryou’s gaze and knit his eyebrows together, as if asking what was wrong.

            Ryou pursed his lips and looked away, crossing his arms over his chest.

            “Uh… guys, this is Drake.” Shin gestured to the dark haired boy next to him. “That’s Touma, Seiji, Shuu-”

            “And Ryou Sanada.” Drake finished for him, much to Shin’s surprise.

            Shin glanced at Drake out of the corner of his eyes, and then looked back at Ryou. “You guys know each other?”

            “Unfortunately.” Ryou muttered before he even realized what he had said.

            Shin frowned slightly, and watched Ryou turn to the window, still scowling.

            “Well, it’s nice to meet you all.” Drake smiled, his gaze turning back to the other three.

            “Nice to meet you too.” Seiji murmured, arms instinctively going around Touma’s waist when the blue haired boy pressed closer to him.

            Touma forced a smile. “Likewise.” He stated, and glanced Ryou’s direction.

            Drake paused, eyeing Touma somewhat keenly. “Didn’t I talk to you on the phone?”

            “Yes.” Touma replied, watching Ryou head for the kitchen before they all heard the back door open and then slam shut again.

            “Hm… Hey Shin? I really wanted to talk to you. Is there somewhere we won’t be disturbed?” He looked at the auburn haired boy, glancing at the others.

            Shin made a thoughtful noise before turning and walking toward the den, Drake following.

            “I still don’t like him.” Touma murmured, and looked out the window, keeping an eye out for the fire warrior.

            “Me either.” Seiji agreed softly. “There’s just something about him. And obviously Ryou has something against him and vise versa.”

            “I wonder why…” Shuu’s voice trailed off as he watched Touma pull his jacket out of the closet.

            “I’m gonna go find him…” He murmured, and walked out the front door before either Shuu or Seiji could protest.

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            “Shin, I wanted to apologize for what I said the other day. I shouldn’t have said it.” Drake stated, watching Shin pace around the room. He cleared his throat slightly and when Shin looked at him, he gestured to the seat next to him.

            Shin shook his head, declining the offer. “I don’t really want to talk about this, Drake.” He crossed his arms over his chest, watching the black haired boy.

            Drake frowned slightly. “I was just saying I was sorry.” He stated. “I didn’t say we had to discuss what happened.”

            “Fine. But you’re wrong, you know.” Shin gave him a sidelong look.

            “I thought you didn’t want to talk about this?” Drake leaned back in his seat, tilting his head to the side, watching Shin play with a picture on the mantel of the fireplace. His lip curled slightly, seeing that it was of Shin with Ryou.

            Shin scowled, turning away. “If that’s all you wanted to say, then you can leave.”

            Drake’s frown deepened. “Shin, we can try to work this out, you know.”

            “Drake, they don’t like you.” Shin pointed out, looking up at him. “They’re definitely not going to tolerate you around here.”

            “That’s why I told you to just move in with me. We could work everything out, and we wouldn’t have to worry about what they think!” Drake’s voice rose a little.

            Shin rolled his eyes. “I don’t want to move in with you, Drake. I want to stay here.”

            “Okay, okay. Let’s not argue over this, Shin. Please?” The tone in Drake’s voice had dropped to a subtle plead. He put his hands up in defeat, and sighed. “I just wanted to say I was sorry. I didn’t mean to start an argument. So I’m sorry for that, too.”

            Shin nodded. “Alright. But I think you’d ought to go anyhow. I’ll try to stop by your apartment for a little while tomorrow, okay?”

            Drake nodded, and stood up. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He started for the door to the den, and turned to look at Shin as he pushed it open. “I love you, Shin.”

            Shin stayed silent and watched him leave before noticing movement out of the corner of his eyes.

            Bayuken sauntered out from his resting place behind the couch Drake had been sitting on, and stretched, his tail lazily flicking back and forth before slinking up to Shin, and rubbing against his legs.

            Shin smiled slightly and scratched him behind the ears.

            Bayuken gave a soft growl of thanks, it being the closest he got to a purr.

            Seiji paused in the doorway. “Bayuken… there you are… Shin, I’m going to have to steal him from you so we can find Ryou. He’s still outside, and won’t answer us.” The blonde murmured, and whistled softly, before disappearing again.

            Bayuken’s ears perked up and he trotted out after the blonde.

            Shin sighed, and sat on the couch, putting his chin in his hand. He noticed Shuu walk in, but didn’t say anything.

            “You okay, buddy? Drake didn’t look too happy when he left…” Shuu sat next to him, watching the different emotions play across Shin’s features.

            “I don’t know, Shuu. I don’t know what to do.” Shin turned his head to look at the larger warrior. “He told me he loved me.”

            Shuu made a thoughtful noise, glancing at the picture Shin still had in his hand. “What did you tell him?”

            “I didn’t say anything…”

            “So you don’t love him back?” Shuu raised his eyebrows.

            Shin shook his head, sighing softly. “…You were right Shuu… I don’t even like him…” Shin’s voice trailed off, and he looked back down at the picture in his hands.

            Shuu smiled slightly and pulled Shin into a friendly hug.

            “Guess I screwed myself over again, huh?” Shin asked, accepting the warm embrace from Shuu.

            Shuu shook his head, smiling softly. “Nah… I think you still have him if that’s what you want.”

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            “It’s your own fault, you know. You’re the one that ran off into the rain.” Touma ignored the glare shot his direction as he stirred the soup that was on the stove.

            “I oughta-”

            “Ryou, you’re not supposed to talk when you’re taking your temperature.” Seiji put the paper down, watching as Ryou pouted around the thermometer, pulling his blanket over his head like a hood. Seiji laughed slightly, shaking his head.

            Touma walked over after a couple minutes and set a bowl of soup down in front of the black haired boy. “There’s your breakfast, your Highness.” He muttered sarcastically, plucking the thermometer out of Ryou’s mouth. “One hundred even.”

            Ryou noisily slurped some soup, watching Touma sit down, biting into an apple. “Where’s Shin and Shuu?” He asked, and blew on the soup before eating some more.

            “Shuu is outside somewhere… and Shin’s at Drake’s.” Seiji murmured, taking his empty bowl to the sink to rinse out.

            Ryou’s face darkened. “Oh.” He dropped his spoon back into his bowl, causing some of the soup to go onto the table.

            Touma gave him a sympathetic look. “And me and Seiji had plans for the day, so it’ll just be you, and Shuu until Shin gets home. Then you’re in big trouble. You know how Shin is when one of us is sick.”

            Seiji grinned slightly, pulling Touma out of his chair. “Yeah. Well we have to be off. We’ll see you later, Ryou. Feel better, okay?” The blond smiled before he and Touma disappeared, and Ryou heard the front door shut.

            Ryou made a face, and finished off his soup. He felt a little better since the heat from the soup was clearing out his stuffy nose. “Why Drake?” He muttered, pulling the blanket tighter around himself. “Stupid jerk.” Ryou pushed his chair out and trudged out of the kitchen, and up the stairs to the bathroom to take a long, hot shower. Ryou started the shower before getting undressed, and stepping under the hot stream of water. He sighed loudly, running his hands through his hair. “Why Drake?! He’s stupid, conceited, can’t play soccer to save his life…” Ryou continued to mutter to himself through the duration of his shower. He made his way to his room, and as he was getting dressed, he heard someone walk up the stairs and then into the bathroom across the hall. Ryou wandered out, towel drying his hair. “Shin? Shuu?” He peeked into the bathroom.

            Shin turned his head to look at him before sniffling and looking back toward the mirror, gently prodding his right cheekbone.

            Ryou’s eyebrows knit together in concern and he stepped into the bathroom, and gently took Shin’s face in his hands. “Shin? What happened? Why are you crying?” He asked softly, and lightly ran his fingers over the swollen, purple bruise on Shin’s cheek.

            “H-He hit me.” Shin flinched slightly at look that suddenly appeared in Ryou’s eyes.

            “He what?” Ryou growled, though gently cradling Shin’s face.

            Shin swallowed, choking back another set of tears as Ryou continued to gently stroke the bruise. “He hit me.” Shin whispered, looking down at the floor.

            Ryou gently lifted Shin’s chin, trying to keep his anger in check. “Why?” He pulled Shin to him, and hugged him.

            “B-Because I said I didn’t love him.” Shin murmured against Ryou’s neck. “And that I didn’t want to see him anymore.” Shin sniffed again, and played with a lock of Ryou’s wet hair.

            “You don’t?” Ryou’s heart felt like it was in his throat. Maybe he did have a chance after all.

            Shin shook his head. “No. I don’t think I could, knowing you guys didn’t like him.” He stated, as that new set of tears rolled down his cheeks. He tried to stop them, but found it too hard.

            Ryou clenched his teeth, and wiped the tears off Shin’s cheeks. “So you’re not seeing him anymore?” When Shin didn’t answer, Ryou pulled away to look at him. “Shin?”

            “I-I don’t want to… but… when I said that… he hit me, and I left before anything else could happen. I don’t know… Ryou, I-” Shin cut himself off, and looked up when he saw movement.

            “He hit you?” Shuu crossed his arms, leaning in the doorway, and looked from Shin to Ryou. He noticed Ryou looked just as pissed as he was.

            Shin wiped his eyes and pulled away from Ryou. He pushed past Shuu and went into his and Shuu’s room. “It’s my problem, I’ll deal with it.”

            Shuu and Ryou exchanged looks before following him. “Shin, it’s not your problem. We’re always here to help.”

            “How are you going to help?” Shin asked, sitting Indian style on the edge of his bed. He sighed, looking down at the floor.

            “Beat the crap outta Drake.” Ryou offered, which sparked a small smile to cross Shin’s features.

            Shuu grinned, cracking his knuckles. “Now there’s an idea I like.”

            Shin laughed slightly, and shook his head.

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

            Seiji opened the front door and let Touma go in before closing it behind them. He nudged Touma and nodded in Shin and Ryou’s direction when Touma looked at him.

            Shin was reading a book, and Ryou was asleep curled against him, his head on Shin’s shoulder. Shin looked up and smiled. “Hi.”

            “Hi.” Touma raised his eyebrows. “So, is there something we should know about you two?” He gestured toward them, his other hand on his hip.

            Shin blushed slightly, glancing down at Ryou. “No…”

            Seiji smirked slightly. “Sure.” He tilted his head slightly, and lightly ran his finger over Shin’s cheek. “What happened to you?”

            Shin pulled away and shook his head, looking back at the book. “I don’t want to talk about it.” He murmured.

            Touma’s eyebrows knit together and he nodded. “Alright… Shin, can I talk to you?”

            Seiji raised an eyebrow slightly, and glanced at Touma, who just smiled and winked at him.

            “Um… sure…” Shin blinked, and the book down before detangling himself from the black haired boy and following Touma into the kitchen. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

            “Ryou told me that you uh… had feelings for me.” Touma stated, and watched Shin blush, shifting uncomfortably. “And I just wanted to know if it was true...”

            Shin bit his bottom lip, not meeting Touma’s gaze. “Well… I did…”

            Touma nodded. “Is that why you’re going out with Drake?” He asked softly.

            “No… yeah… I don’t know…” Shin muttered, and ran a hand through his hair.

            “Shin…” Touma pulled Shin to him. “Shin, listen. I do like you-”

            “But you love Seiji.” Shin cut him off, resting his head on Touma’s shoulder.

            Touma nodded. “Yeah…” He murmured, and lightly ran his finger over the bruise. “What’d you do? Get smacked in the face by a door?” Touma teased lightly, smiling.

            Shin shook his head, pulling away. “Drake hit me.” He murmured, and looked away.

            Touma exhaled deeply, clenching and unclenching one of his hands. “…Oh my god… I’m gonna kill him…”

            “Take a number and wait in line.” Shuu stated, leaning back in the chair he was sitting in.

            “Were you sitting there the entire time?” Touma blinked, pointing at him.

            Shuu laughed and nodded. “Yeah… You guys didn’t exactly check to see that the kitchen was empty… And you’re behind me and Ryou on the ‘Beat the crap out of Drake’ list.” He stated, and grinned when both Touma and Shin laughed.

            Seiji cleared his throat as he walked in. “Shin, Ryou wants you… he claims you were keeping him warm.” The blond grinned, winking at the swimmer.

            Shin blushed, and shuffled past Seiji. He glanced behind him and rolled his eyes when the other three followed. “You rang?” He looked down at Ryou, smiling slightly.

            Ryou looked up and pulled Shin back down on the couch, curling up against him again. “You’re warm…” He nuzzled Shin’s chest and sighed.

            “Hm… maybe we should leave ‘em alone guys…” Touma stated, leaning on the back of the couch, and looking down at them.

            Shin rolled his eyes, and picked his book back up. “Whatever…” He muttered, absentmindedly stroking Ryou’s hair.

            Touma laughed, and started toward the door when the doorbell rang. He pulled it open, and his anger flared when he realized who was standing on the other side. “Is there something I can help you with?” He forced a slight smile as he waited for Drake to deliver an answer.

            “I wanted to talk to Shin.”

            “Shin’s a little tied up at the moment.” Touma tilted his head to the side slightly, and watched as Drake pursed his lips.

            “It’s important.” Drake murmured.

            Touma nodded. “Yeah, but so is what he’s doing right now. He doesn’t have time to talk to you… Actually, I don’t think he wants to talk to you.”

            Seiji put a hand over Touma’s mouth, and pulled Touma against him. “Sorry about that…”

            Drake raised an eyebrow, but he wasn’t paying any attention to Seiji or Touma. He pushed past the two standing in the doorway and started toward Shin. “What the fuck?! You little two-timing-” Drake was cut off when Ryou punched him in the jaw.

            “That’s for Shin…” Ryou punched Drake on the opposite jaw. “That’s for me…” A kick to the stomach sent Drake sprawling across the ground. “And that’s for the hell of it.” Ryou growled fiercely, glaring down at the other boy. “Now get the fuck out of our house.” He pointed toward the still open front door.

            “Ryou, calm down.” Shin pulled Ryou back toward the couch, planting a kiss on the black haired boy’s forehead. “You’re sick, you need rest… and that was definitely not what I would call resting. Though it was amusing as hell.”

            Touma grinned, and he and Seiji each grabbed one of Drake’s arms. “Later Drake. Looks like Shin’s time is going to be occupied by someone else…” The blue haired boy taunted before he and the blond literally threw him out the front door. He shut the front door before pretending to dust his hands off on Seiji.

            Seiji rolled his eyes and smacked Touma in the back of the head. “So… Are you two sure there’s nothing going on between you that we should know about?” He grinned, crossing his arms over his chest.

            Ryou and Shin exchanged looks before they both blushed. “Umm…” Ryou scratched the back of his head, looking away.

            Shin smiled and pulled Ryou against him, kissing him.

            When they pulled apart, Ryou grinned sheepishly. “Guess there is now…”