Angel Chapter Three:New Friends, Old Friends
***********************************************************************************
'I wish your body was not so warm to me, I wish your body was not so warm to me, Just so you know, And all it was, was something beautiful, When times and dreams all seemed so dull.'
(American Head Charge- Just So You Know.)
***********************************************************************************
(You's house)
As he hung back in the shadows Masa wondered if the two figures on the sofa were really as engrossed in the myriad of images assaulting them from the television screen. It seemed from the glassy cast of Gaku's eyes that nothing interested him any more, least of all this.
He was curled up on You's lap, the right side of his head resting against the taller Japanese's chest and a small bowl of untouched popcorn nestled in the cradle of his hands. As usual You's attention was torn, his gaze flickering back down to Camui every few seconds as if the solemn man might disappear.
The sing-song themes of Domoto Kyudai echoed around the modest room and Gackt perked up slightly as his friends Koichi and Tsuyoshi popped in to view. However, they were both stricken of their constant beaming smiles.
Koichi spoke up first, tucking a strand of pale chestnut hair behind his ear self-consciously, "We'd just like to start the show by offering our condolences to Gakuto-san......as you all know he's been a regular member of our band for quite a long time now, but won't be able to join us in the studios for a few weeks."
Tsuyoshi took over with practised ease, his face almost as troubled as Koichi's, " Recently, Masa the guitarist of Gackt's band passed away and so Gakuto-san is suspending work on his new album as well as public appearances. We wish him and Masa's family love and our sincerest condolences."
The audience's shock was almost tangible and after a few torturous seconds a rush of whispers sprung up in the crowd, almost eclipsing Tsuyoshi's call for the proper start of the show. They carried on with the typical mayhem as always, but when the cameras stopped rolling each and every forced smile died.
Gaku looked up at You through the messy bracken of his fringe, "How considerate of them." He murmured and returned to staring at the screen.
Back in the darkness Masa felt his chest constrict.
*************************************************************************************************************
(Gotta wonder if this was such a good idea.....I mean it's not like they really give you a choice, but guarding the living- returning to the ones you loved, adored and even hated brings all those mortal feelings back. The pain of loss isn't just reserved for the people who still draw breath ne?)
(It's like watching your own TV series in a way- being able to sit there, while mistakes are made....shouting and cursing and pleading for them not to follow your paths, but knowing no matter how loud you scream no one can hear it.)
*************************************************************************************************************
"I thought you needed it.....that's all.....Ren? Ren? Can you even understand me?.....please.."
The little redhead blinked rapidly and sat up, but unsteady hands appeared from nowhere and pulled him close, desperate to share the heat they'd birthed and cherish this moment.
His world-weary eyes gathered alittle of their old sparkle and in the twilight Ren smiled up at the man in whom's arms he lay.
" Sumimasen, no it was...I'm just.."
Chachamaru silenced him with a kiss, lingering and innately comforting.....exactly what they both desired.
"Thinking about Masa- I know....me too and Gakuto-san.....how can we not?" He mirrored Ren's fading smile, "We have to remember him."
Ren nodded, wrinkling his nose pensively for a moment, "Hai, keep him in here." He tapped lightly against Chacha's breast bone, catching a tiny snatch of his slowing heart-beat.
"You-you did want this right?...We're still friends?" There was a hint of anxiety in Chacha's voice, his gaze shifting to the tangled sheets.
Ren nodded once again and hooked his arms round the guitarist's neck, toying with his silken locks playfully. "Of course, you're not Gaku, but I enjoyed myself anyway."
*giggle*
Chacha mock-scowled and pulled the fiery young man back down into the nest of yielding pillows, hugging him tightly, "Baka, *kiss* I'll *kiss* make *kiss* you forget he exists."
*giggle*
Masa leant back on his palms, wishing that the same wind rippling through the pale silk curtains could cool the heat trapped beneath his skin. He smiled slowly and hoped no one was listening....angels should not be allowed to have such sinful thoughts.
***********************************************************************************************************
(Hmm......never saw that one coming. Mind you, I never even knew Ren had his eyes on Gaku..... *scowl* Hell, what do I care? S'not like I can ever get a chance to even speak to Camui Gakuto again....I should blame him. Yeah, I should hate his guts.....I do....honest.)
************************************************************************************************************
The moon was full, almost bright enough to blind in the jet black sky. Far below a checkerboard of rainbowed lights blinked on and off, the roads and highways trailed like fluorescent serpents across town. Masa sighed and swung his legs over the roof edge, wondering if angels really could fly. In the interminable quiet he was both driven to distraction and bored beyond belief.
"Excuse me?"
He looked up, wondering what wayward soul could have strayed on to the roof at this time of night and quiet who they were talking to. The trio that stood before him each held a different expression and to his shock were staring plainly back at him.
The first brought a flood of memories, a past life for not only himself, but Gaku and the others. The most impenetrable wave of black hair flowed down his back, almost as stark a contrast as the shimmering moon above. His face bore a serene calm, alabaster skin marred only by the kohl swirls that painted his temples, an intricate weave of blossoms. As with Masa himself, the older man was dressed in pure white, but where Masa had been bound in a t-shirt and cords, this vision wore a floor length dress, that fluttered softly in the ethereal breeze.
"Kami-san....."
The man at his side was grinning, a tiny glint of metal flashing with every incline of his head and echoed in the silvery strands intertwined in his cornfield coloured hair. He raised his hand and waved frantically, letting out an excited squeal only to be rewarded with a pat on the head from his stoic friend. A kimono, that barely covered his tanned thighs and hung loosely over his chest was all that adorned his lithe frame.
"K-kazuki?"
The final new arrival was perhaps the most surprising and sat crouched at other side of Kami, sucking on a lollypop, a bottle of half-empty bacardi breezer in his hand and a sunnily smile on his lips. He was a shadow compared to the radiant beauty of Kami and Kazuki.....perfect white. His bright orange t-shirt proclaimed the legend 'Shit Happens' and black leather trousers stretched tightly over his shapely legs, crisscrossed with several silver chains. Electric cerise hair stuck out in every direction and from the expression on his face he was well on his way to drunken stupor.
"HIDE-SAN?!!"
Masa nearly fell straight off the roof.
************************************************************************************************************
