Disclaimer:

I don’t own any of the Ronins, or the song that’s sung in this fic. I used the version of the song that’s on the Moulin Rouge movie soundtrack, but it’s originally written by Elton John, and is supposed to be longer.

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

                Touma put his chin in his hand as he watched Shin practice some new sword movements. He had been sitting out here for nearly an hour, and had seen Shin walk out. He watched the swimmer from behind the bars of the balcony rail.

                "What're you doin'?" Ryou's voice held a hint of amusement as he walked outside, watching Shin.

                Shin only glanced at the fire warrior, staying silent.

                "Here... your stance is a little off." Ryou waited until the blade was lowered before advancing. He put his hands on Shin's hips and turned him slightly. "There." He murmured.

                Touma's lip was caught between even white teeth. Recently he'd realized he had formed a crush on the auburn haired swimmer. He had fallen, and he had fallen hard.

                "Okay." Shin nodded, glancing at Ryou.

                "So why the sudden interest?" Ryou asked, backing away from him.

                "Something different." Shin shrugged, his eyebrows knit in concentration.

                Touma sighed quietly and stood, going back into his and Seiji's room.

                Seiji turned his head to look at the archer. "You're up rather early for you. You've been out there nearly an hour. What were you doin'?" Seiji held the dark blue towel around his hips with one hand.

                Touma sat on Seiji's bed and looked up at him. "Just thinking." He replied with a shrug of his shoulders.

                Seiji nodded. "I think I'm going to go to the mall and pick up some girls. Wanna come?" Seiji smiled, very aware of Touma's preference for guys.

                "Liar."

                Seiji chuckled. "But I am going to the mall. And if we see a girl with a boyfriend, you can keep the guy. Unless he's really hot. Then I'm keeping both."

                Touma shook his head, smiling slightly. "Seiji, how did you realize you were bi?"

                "You. I've told you that before, Touma." Seiji stated, sitting next to him, the slit in the towel revealing a pale thigh.

                "Yeah, but I think you're the only one that thinks of me like that." Touma sighed, looking at Seiji.

                Seiji smiled ruefully, pulling Touma to him.

                Touma sighed into Seiji's neck. "I think he likes Ryou." He lightly ran his fingers along Seiji's thigh.

                Seiji ducked his head, placing a kiss on Touma's lips.

                Touma slowly kissed back, his hands running up Seiji's muscled stomach and chest. He slowly lowered Seiji to the bed and straddled him as they kissed.

                "Mmmm... I love you Touma." Seiji murmured, one hand at the base of Touma's neck, the other at the back of his knee.

                Touma sighed, his head dropping to Seiji's shoulder. He placed a light kiss on the blonde's collarbone. "I know... I do love you Seiji, I just-"

                "I know Tou... I know." Seiji put a finger to Touma's lips. "Are you going to the mall with me?"

                Touma nodded. "I want to take a shower, though." He sat up, running a hand through his hair.

                Seiji sat up, nodding. "Okay." He stood up and walked back to the closet.

                "I'll try to hurry." Touma murmured, starting toward the connected bathroom.

                "Take your time, Touma. I'm not in a hurry." Seiji watched him, pulling a dark green tank top from a hanger.

                Touma nodded and disappeared into the bathroom.

                Seiji watched Touma leave with a sad smile on his face. He tossed the shirt onto his bed and walked to his dresser and pulled out a pair of boxers and beige cargo pants before getting dressed and heading to the kitchen.

                "I'm tellin' you, Ryou, you're wrong." Shin stated, crossing his arms.

                "No, I'm not. I think Touma does." Ryou shook his head.

                "Touma does what?" Seiji asked, leaning against the doorframe.

                Shin looked away.

                "I'm just gonna go..." Ryou started toward the doorway but Seiji put his hand on the opposite side of the doorframe.

                "Touma does what?" Seiji's voice dropped slightly, making the question sound more like a threat.

                Ryou laughed nervously. "Nothin' Seiji." He waved his hand at the blonde.

                Seiji narrowed his eyes at Ryou, who immediately started backing away. "Ryou, if you don't tell me what you were saying about Touma-"

                "Awww, you guys are talking about me? I'm touched." Touma ducked under Seiji's arm, walking into the kitchen.

                Seiji blinked, tearing his eyes off the tight fitting jeans Touma had on. "That was fast."

                "Yeah well." Touma shrugged and pulled a coke out of the fridge before looking back at Seiji. "Dude. You went casual on me."

                Seiji looked down. "Hn." He looked back up at the archer. "Your point?" Seiji raised an eyebrow.

                Touma shrugged. "It's just different. Ya look nice though."

                Seiji laughed. "You're weird Touma. If you're coming, let's go." Seiji picked himself up off the doorframe, glancing at Ryou who smiled nervously.

                "How am I weird? I said 'ya look nice'. Sheesh, learn to take a compliment." Touma followed Seiji out of the kitchen.

                Shin made a slightly indignant sound. "That went over real well." He rolled his eyes.

                "I didn't know he was standing there. I was just trying to help, Shin." Ryou pointed out. "But I do see what you mean..."

                "Okay so let's just drop it." Shin suggested, and looked up as Shuu walked in.

                Shuu paused, noting to himself that both Ryou and Shin were watching him. "What?" He raised his eyebrows.

                Ryou shook his head, laughing slightly. "Ya wanna play Mortal Kombat?"

                Shuu nodded, opening the fridge. "Sure."

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

                Seiji watched in mild amusement as Touma stabbed his chicken repeatedly. "Touma... it's dead..."

                Touma looked down and realized his chicken no longer looked like chicken. He blushed slightly, dropping his chopsticks. "I don’t even know why I like him. God I sound stupid. I don't even know why you're still listening to me."

                "I'm your best friend, Touma. I'll listen to you even if it is pointless rambling." Seiji shrugged, putting more dressing on his salad.

                Touma gave him a grateful smile and began stabbing the chicken again. Or what was left of it. "But I don't know how you can stand to listen to me talk about Shin since you..." Touma sighed. "Never mind." He pushed his plate away and put his head down, burying his face in his arms.

                "Touma, you shouldn't analyze things so much. It can't be healthy." Seiji heard Touma mutter something that sounded like 'fuck you'. "Maybe later, Touma dear." He paused. "I'm serious though. Quit trying to make sense of it because you'll just end up getting yourself even more confused."

                Touma picked his head up and rested his chin on his arm. "Been there, done that, Seiji." He sighed, watching Seiji eat his salad.

                "You'll figure it out. Just give yourself a little bit of time." Seiji murmured, looking up at Touma.

                Touma made a face. "I wish I knew what to do now."

                Seiji licked salad dressing off his fingers. "You could always just tell Shin. What's the worst that could happen?"

                "He'll laugh in my face and tell me to get a life." Touma muttered miserably.

                The blonde made a thoughtful noise. "You said it, not me. And I honestly don't think Shin would do that... do you? He's too..." Seiji made a face. "I can't think of a word for him right now."

                "Mushy."

                "What?" Seiji blinked.

                "He's into the mushy lovey-dovey romance crap." Touma elaborated. "He 'thinks it's cute'."

                Seiji nodded. "He'll probably be really flattered you think of him that way." He gestured toward Touma's plate. "Are you through killing it?"

                Touma nodded and watched Seiji get up to throw it away, and then sit back down.

                "Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against showing affection... just not in public." Seiji stated, resting his chin in his hand.

                “But that also has to do with the way you’re brought up... I mean Shin grew up with his mom and sister.” Touma sighed. “I swear I could make a list of a thousand things about him that annoys me.”

                Seiji laughed. “There have to be some good things though, or you wouldn’t like him, genius.” Seiji stood up and pushed his chair in.

                “Well, yeah.” Touma stood and they started walking away from the food court. “He’s really nice, cute, and he can be funny when he’s not trying to be...” Touma gave an exasperated sigh.

                “Okay, what are some of the things that annoy you?” Seiji glanced at him, his hands in his pockets as the two aimlessly walked.

                “He’s a nag. And his stupid cheerfulness. How he is always smiling is totally beyond me. It’s sickening, really. And he acts like a blonde... no offense.”

                Seiji shrugged, looking in the windows of the stores they walked by. “Are you done?”

                “I’ve got more, but I’ll spare you.” Touma murmured, running his hand through his hair.

                “But that stuff doesn’t always annoy you, does it? Only when you’re not in the mood to deal with it.” Seiji pointed out, rerouting Touma into the bookstore.

                “Well, the nagging is always a turnoff... you’re actually letting me come in here?” Touma glanced at Seiji and looked down when he felt Seiji grab his arm.

                Seiji shook his head. “You’re on a leash, Touma. Where’s the science fiction?”

                Touma pointed and followed behind the blonde as he started in that direction.

                “Yeah, nagging is a turnoff.” Seiji murmured, his fingers running along the bindings of the books.

                “Oooh...” Touma started toward a book when Seiji jerked him farther down the aisle. Touma ran into him, making the blonde stumble.

                Seiji gave him a warning glance.

                Touma held his hands up, an innocent look on his face. “You pulled me, Blondie.”

                “Remember the leash, Touma...” Seiji’s voice trailed off.

                Touma made a face, sighing. “This isn’t fair... I can’t even-“

                “No.” Seiji shook his head, cutting him off. He pulled a book off the shelf and started to read the back.

                “Seiji! Come on! That’s like putting you in the woods and telling you not to meditate.” Touma put his chin on Seiji’s shoulder, giving him a sad face.

                Seiji glanced down at him. “That face isn’t going to work. Though you do get points for the analogy. You’re still on a leash, so if you want to look, you’ll have to look here.” Seiji nodded to the shelf in front of them.

                Touma groaned. “Fine.”

                “So what are you going to do about Shin?” Seiji asked, putting the book back.

                Touma shrugged, burying his face in Seiji’s neck. “Guess I’ll just see what happens.” He felt Seiji nod and let go of his arm, and instead, wrap an arm around his waist. “What do you think I should do?”

                //Stay with me.// Seiji mentally scowled at the little voice inside his head. He sighed slightly. “Do what feels right.” He replied softly.

                “I’m sorry I’m burdening you with all of this Seiji. I just... I didn’t know who else to turn to.” Touma murmured.

                Seiji shook his head. “Touma, you’re not a burden to me at all.” He squeezed Touma’s waist reassuringly.

                Touma nodded, slowly slipping his arms around Seiji. “Okay.”

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

                Shin rolled his eyes. “I have no idea what you two see in this game. I don’t understand how you can sit there and play it for 3 hours straight.” He stated, from his seat in the armchair Touma always used to read.

                “It’s stimulating, Shin. You should try it sometime.” Ryou grinned as his character beat Shuu’s. “Dude, I kicked your ass royally, if I do say so myself.”

                “Yeah, whatever.” Shuu muttered, and glanced at Shin. “Do you know where Seiji and Touma ran off to?” He asked.

                Shin shook his head. “I’m not sure... They just kind of... left.”

                Shuu grinned. “I think you’re just jealous.”

                “Bite me, Shuu.” Shin looked up as the door opened and Touma walked in with his hands over his ears, Seiji coming in behind him.

                “Touma, quit acting like a six year old.” Seiji grinned when Touma tried unsuccessfully to glare at him.

                “What’d he do?” Ryou grinned, looking between Seiji and Touma.

                Touma dropped his hands and pretended to sniffle. “He took me in a bookstore and wouldn’t let me get anything.” Touma pouted.

                Seiji rolled his eyes. “You’ll live, Tou.” He started up the stairs, but not before hitting Touma with his book.

                “Jerk.” Touma muttered, crossing his arms.

                “You know I love you, Touma.” Seiji’s voice held a hint of amusement in it, but he didn’t turn to look at the archer as he spoke.

                Touma smirked at the blonde’s back. “Or so you say.”

                Seiji didn’t reply to that comment before he disappeared around the corner.

                “So where’s you guys go?” Ryou asked, raising his eyebrows.

                “Oh... the mall.” Touma replied, running a hand through his hair. “We just walked around... Shin, you always complain about my chair so why are you sitting in it?”

                “I never said it wasn’t comfortable. It’s just ugly.” Shin replied rather coldly, his legs tucked underneath him.

                Touma whimpered, ignoring the tone of Shin’s voice. “But it’s my chair!”

                Shin rolled his eyes. “If you want to sit in the chair, sit in the fucking chair.” He got up before going up the stairs.

                Touma blinked. “What the hell’s his problem?” Touma jerked his thumb toward the stairs.

                Shuu glanced at him. “He’s... not in a very good mood.” He murmured.

                “So I noticed.” Touma plopped into his chair, sighing. “I don’t think my chair is ugly. I love my chair.” He put his hands behind his head, and watched Seiji walk back down the stairs.

                “You noticed what?” Seiji asked, sitting on the couch.

                “Shin’s not in a good mood.” Ryou replied and wandered into the kitchen.

                Touma stood, stretching. “I’m gonna go upstairs and read for awhile.” He murmured, running a hand through his hair.

                Shuu and Seiji both nodded, watching him leave.

                The archer trudged up the stairs and paused when he reached Shin and Shuu’s room. He pushed the partially open door and poked his head in. “Shin? You okay?” He asked, raising his eyebrows.

                Shin looked up from his position, sprawled across his bed. “Yeah…” His voice trailed off.

                “You don’t sound okay.” Touma gave him a look. “Where’s the smile? I don’t see the smile you always have.”

                Shin shrugged noncommittally. “I kind of just want to be alone, if you don’t mind, Touma.”

                Touma blinked and nodded. “Alright. See ya.” He pulled the door shut behind him and wandered into his and Seiji’s room. He picked up his book and sat on his bed, leaning against the headboard. He sighed slightly, and opened the book to his place and started reading, ridding himself of the thoughts that plagued him.

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

                Seiji shut the door behind him, and smiled when he saw that Touma was sprawled across his bed, asleep. He silently stripped himself of everything but his boxers and walked over to Touma’s bed, placing a light kiss on the archer’s forehead.

                Touma stirred, moaning slightly. “Mmmm… Seiji? Wha’ time ‘s it?” He slurred, rubbing his eyes.

                Seiji smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed. “It’s almost eleven.” He replied, brushing Touma’s bangs out of his face. “You slept the afternoon away.”

                “Really? It’s that late?” Touma stretched, yawning. “Do you always kiss me goodnight?” He teased lightly, pulling Seiji down next to him.

                Seiji nodded meekly. “Usually only if you’re asleep before I come in here… Do you know what you’re going to do about Shin?” Seiji asked, kissing Touma’s jaw.

                Touma sighed, and nodded. “I was thinking about it. I think I’m going to try to tell him. I mean, I think I want to try it and see what happens, ya know?” He murmured.

                Seiji suddenly got up, crossing the room to his bed. “Yeah. Well, goodnight Touma.” The blonde crawled into his bed and pulled the covers up, facing away from the archer.

                Touma bit his lip, watching Seiji. “…Goodnight…” He replied, and settled back into his bed, watching Seiji.

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

            Touma watched Seiji walk into the kitchen, get what he came for, and leave again without saying a word to him, or even acknowledging his presence. The last couple days he had been acting like that, always leaving the room when Touma walked in. Touma’s eyebrows knit together as he thought about the blonde’s actions. Did he hate him now for his decision about Shin? Touma put his chin in his hand, sighing. He missed Seiji. The archer bit his lip before blinking a couple times. // I… Oh my god! How could I have been so stupid?!// Touma gave an irritated sigh, slapping his forehead.

                “Touma?” Shin brought the archer out of his thoughts.

                “Shin?” Touma looked up at the auburn haired warrior, who was giving him a slightly weird look.

                Shin paused. “Are you mentally okay?”

                Touma grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Yeah. Just stupid… I don’t know how I didn’t realize it sooner…” He shook his head, looking back at Shin. “What did you want?”

                Shin blinked. “What do you mean you should have realized it sooner?” He gave Touma a thoughtful look.

                Touma ran a hand through his hair. “Well… to be perfectly frank… I…” He paused, looking up at Shin.

                “What is it?” Shin sat down across from Touma at the table. “You can tell me, Touma… and if you don’t want me to say anything to anyone, I won’t.”

                “I love Seiji… but now I’m not sure if he loves me back… I know he did…” Touma looked down at the table.

                Shin bit his lip. “I guess… the only way to find out is tell him.”

                “I guess you’re right…” Touma suddenly grinned. “And I think I know a way to. Thanks Shin… what were you going to say?”

                Shin waved his hand at him. “It’s not important.”

                “You sure?” Touma tilted his head to the side.

                Shin nodded. “Go tell him, Touma.” The swimmer pushed him out of the kitchen, following behind him.

                Shuu, Ryou and Seiji looked up when they walked in.

                “Hey Touma.” Ryou murmured, as he and Shuu started their game of Mortal Kombat.

                “Hey.” Touma replied, kneeling in front of the CD player.

                Shin knelt next to him. “What are you doing?” He whispered taking the CD Touma handed him.

                “You’ll see.” Touma replied, putting a CD in.

                “I’m going upstairs.” Seiji announced, and stood up, heading for the stairs.

                Touma’s heart jumped into his throat. //It’s now or never Hashiba…// Touma got to his feet, and caught Seiji’s hand before he set foot on the first step. He smiled when the blonde looked at him, then down at their hands.

                “Tou, what are-“ Seiji was cut off.

It may be quite simple but now that it’s done

Hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is, now you’re in the world

((Seiji looked up at the other three, who were watching them. Shuu and Ryou were snickering, but stopped when Shin smacked them both in the back of the head. He turned his gaze back on Touma, who was now kneeling in front of him, still holding onto his hand.))

I sat on the roof and I kicked off the moss

Well some of these verses, well, they’ve got me quite cross

But the sun’s been kind, while I wrote this song

It’s for people like you that keep me turned on

((Seiji blushed a bright pink, biting his lip as he watched Touma’s dark blue eyes. He heard Ryou and Shuu start snickering again, but couldn’t tear his eyes off Touma’s to glare at them.))

So excuse me forgetting, but these things I do

You see I’ve forgotten if they’re green or they’re blue

Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean

Yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen

((“Touma…” Seiji whispered, and dropped to his knees in front of the blue haired archer.))

I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is, now you’re in the world

I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is, now you’re in the world.” Touma licked his lips, and grinned, running his finger along Seiji’s cheek.

Seiji chuckled. “I can’t believe you just did that, Tou.” He whispered.

“Me either… I love you Seiji.” Touma murmured, and kissed him.

“I love you too, Touma… in fact, I love you so much I’ll even give you a head start.” Seiji’s soft smile turned into a crooked grin.

Touma blinked. “A head start?”

Seiji nodded. “Because I’m going to kill you for embarrassing me like that.”

“Oh crap!” Touma scrambled to his feet, and ran out the front door, Seiji hot on his heels.

Ryou looked out the window, and then looked to Shin, who was standing next to him. “Did you tell Touma?” He asked, raising his eyebrows.

Shin shook his head. “No. But it’s okay… He’s happier with Seiji. That’s all that counts.” Shin smiled when Seiji caught Touma and tackled him to the ground, both of them laughing. “I definitely think he’s with the right person.”

Ryo smiled, putting an arm around Shin. “Yeah, I think so too.”