Mazenta

by Aiya

Part 1

Scene:

A gray Sunday in Harajuku.

A side alley filled with print-club machines and photo booths. All is quiet until…

Ryu tears around the corner- he can hear them getting closer. His breath is white in the winter air. He can’t just keep running. He pauses to find a hiding place. A few quick steps forward and a hand darts out of one of the booths, grasps his jacket, and pulls him in…

ARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH

He opens his eyes ready to face the worst, but instead of a crazed fan girl he sees a familiar shock of red hair…

I saw them chasing you. Thought I’d come to your rescue.

Shisei lets go of Ryu’s arm and swaps places with him, pushing the taller man into the corner of the booth. He peaks out of the curtain and the purple haired one leans against the seat.

What did you do to get them so excited?

Ryu pants out.

I have no idea.

His breathing begins to slow, but his face is still flushed and a bead of sweat trickles down the side of his face.

Shisei gently wipes the droplet away and pauses, he had almost forgotten how soft Ryu’s skin was. He can smell the mixture of hairspray and cologne that lingers around him.

There is a sound of scuffling and giggling outside as the fan girls back track, realizing that Ryu has hidden somewhere.

Shisei rests his fingers on red hair.

Get up on the chair.

Ryu balances hazardously, standing but bent at the waist. Shisei leans against him to give the impression that he is sitting on the stool. It works. The fan girls pass the seemingly alone pair of unfamiliar boots and the alley is silent again. Shisei peaks peaks through the curtains to double check.

Ryu’s heart had started to race again and he loses his balance and falls awkwardly into Shisei’s arms, their lips almost touching.

Shisei whispers…

You didn’t call me.

Ryu starts backwards.

I thought… I thought I was just a --- passing interest.

He blushes.

You didn’t come back after going to get drinks.

…

You didn’t try to contact me either.

Shisei looks a little happier… he just didn’t find the card. He smiles.

I gave you my number!

Ryu looks puzzled.

Shisei reaches into Ryu’s jacket pocket and produces a bent business card, holding it where Ryu can see it. The red head stares at it blankly.

I honestly didn’t know it was there.

The smile beneath red hair softens.

Would you have called if you did??

He looks at the younger man- waiting not so patiently for the answer. Hoping to hear yes, but trying not to let his eagerness show.

I, I’m not sure. I was so drunk. I don’t know how I feel.

About me or…?

Deep breath.

Both.

Shisei leans forward until they are cheek to cheek, he whispers gently…

Can I help you decide about me?

He tilts back slowly and looks into Ryu’s eyes. He kisses Ryu chastely, only lingering for a moment longer than he should.

He fights the growing feeling in his loins…he likes this one. It doesn’t happen often, and it has never happened with someone as green as Ryu. Too much too soon could be a problem. He himself is unsure how to proceed- he is the experienced one, but in such matters generally the submissive one. He has never really chased anyone before. In that way what happened in the live house a few weeks ago was a first for him too.

He leans back to give Ryu room and looks at the innocent face: eyes closed, almost frozen in the kiss… He reaches out to stroke the younger man’s hair but stops himself, just.

Are you hungry?

A little.

Well you can’t eat around here; those fan girls are probably still looking for you. My place is close…

Ryu looks uncomfortable…

I…

I mean there is a good café near my place. We could…talk.

Ryu pauses.

…

Ok. But how do we get out of here without being seen?

If we cover that purple hair of yours we might be ok. Let’s swap jackets.

Steps out and takes his off- holding it out to Ryu by the hood.

Umm, thanks.

They exchange and he steps into the colder air outside the booth.

I hope you don’t need to buy a ticket…

No- prepaid card.

Ok- don’t run... and don’t look back… keep your head down ok?

They walk out of the alley slowly, Shisei pausing at first to check for fan girls.  They move quickly to the station managing not to be seen. They both breathe sighs of relief as they step onto the train and hear the doors closing behind them.

They are both breathing heavily, but not so much due to the last run up the station steps.

One is nervous, unsure.

The other is excited by what may lie ahead, stirred by the scent of the other’s jacket.