Disclaimer: I don't own and will never own Kazuki and Wataru-kun… It hurts enough as it is so why do I have to repeatedly say it? (oh… because I have to...)

NOTES:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! [heh…sorry for the late greetings] Wah… I was so happy… glad I finished the last chapter before Christmas. Thanks to those who left me little gifts and am so sorry that this gift of mine isn't at all cheery. Anyway, since I got really nice reviews I started right away. Kyaa… I was grinning in front of the monitor that my brothers found it pretty creepy. Unfortunately, my laptop decided to take a break I had to drag him back- whew I am so glad I managed to do so….

Ah…before I forget, I am truly sorry if I confused you guys regarding my inability to mention who talks what line. But I assure you I really try… The last line was Wataru's and I'm pretty sure I mentioned him turning around all eerie like before saying the intentionally-so vague last sentence of the chapter. Ah- yes, Wataru-kun is indeed being very weird…acting different and the sort. Everything would be made clear in due time…

As for now…

The Rings Unbind

Chapter7

(The Sakura and the Snow)

"The Sakura slowly drifting towards the ground has always been a scene smiled upon. Beautiful, graceful, somewhat gentle and sweet, as they fall towards the ground; we watch. Why? The color of pink as delicate as a ladies innocent blush else of white, so pure and untainted, the petals so soft and delicate carrying with it a certain scent. Why do we describe their fall from grace so poetically? So beautifully? So appreciatively? Doesn't their fall mean that they are to wilt? That they're delicate color is about to take on the shade of death, their soft petals soon to be dry and withered. Why do we smile upon the start of the end for something we say so valuably beautiful?"

A warm smile played upon a man's face as he curiously gazed at the figure of the woman he loves as she stood beneath the Sakura's, a hand held in front of her as she let the rain of flowers envelop her senses. Upon her face was a serene smile and yet sorrowful eyes.

"Why the sudden question and philosophical ranting?" he said with an amused voice yet searching eyes. He was really curious.

She then turned and looked at him. Her long flaming hair danced with the breeze as she did so thus preventing him from seeing the changing expressions on or face and then she grinned before looking up towards the sakura. She was smiling when she answered.

"Hmn… I honestly don't know. I actually just found out that it's weird a moment ago. Is it not?" she turned to see his expression and waited for an answer, when none came she continued,

"The thought just made me feel sad…"

He walked up to her and then smiled down at her. He wasn't the type to blatantly be intimate in a public place although he never did hide that they were in a relationship. He reached a hand to her cheeks then smiled before he said,

"Just think of it this way, they fall most beautifully and that they fell while still being very pretty. They fall with grace before they wilt making sure that the tree would look ever beautiful and untainted by withering petals of former beauty."

She stared at him wide eyed for a moment before she let out a stifled laughter. Once she calmed she said, "I guess I'm rubbing of on you! Being the girlfriend of an aspiring literature writer might really have this sort of side effect."

He grinned seeing her go back to her normal self. He grinned down at her and then he smirked, "Nah… It's just part of being a charmer. Be happy, such words are exclusively for you."

She snorted as she pretended to have become irritated and then snapped back, "What are you talking about Masa-kun, you're quite well known for being a smooth talker and mood setter."

He laughed at her saying, "Well I talk about work and my expectations of them and what they ought to hear to either warn them, praise them or inspire them. Such thoughts are either factual or from my observation. I don't answer them all poetically and based solely on what I might think."

"Oh right Masa- kun, and where's the difference between the two other than the poetical thingy?"

He stared at her and then chuckled while lifting his hands before him as a sign of surrender, "Alright, alright! Let's just say this… I only sweet talk you."

She scoffed at him, "Intentionally you mean. Honestly, you're so mature and intelligent but sometimes I think you're a bit naïve." She grinned at his confused face and then added, "Better make sure to remember what you said Masa! I should really be the only person you sweet talk with poetical thingy's to!"

"Hai, hai, Yuina-chan. And please don't call me naïve while you're being so childish. Sheesh."

…

The streets were alight with Christmas decorations; everyone was celebrating and getting ready for that special occasion. Snow would be anticipated but as he glances at his silent passenger, falling pink petals are all he expects to fall.

He hated it. He wanted to steal Wataru from Kazuki by letting the younger boy to fall in love with him as he fall out of love with Kazuki. He did not wish for things to lead to this. He saw the signs… the moment he first saw Wataru he knew… he felt that something would turn out wrong. Actually, It was as if he saw himself within the situation.

The ride towards Wataru's house was dead. Dead silence was all there was. He knows not what Wataru and Kazuki talked about once he left but with the looks of Wataru he can already draw his conclusions. What bothered him the most was that for whatever it may be, he expected that Kazuki would've at least ran after Wataru if not, he would've called non stop. For the likes of him… he knew not what to say. He failed to say anything before he fails to say anything now. Kazuki better fix this. He doesn't wish to see the same case again. He can sympathize with Kazuki- all in all honesty he wish he could not.

"Asaka-san… I'll be going now. I would've invited you in for a while but…"

Wataru looked down on his hands that were clenching at his lap. He can't make himself look at Asaka…not now. He is nowhere sure if he can trust himself at the moment. A display just like the one at the restaurant was horrible enough. With how things just ended up… things might just get worst. All he wanted was leave the confines of the car at once but it was as if something is holding him back. Asaka's presence has always been a comforting relief for him that it was strange… he wanted nothing but be alone and yet he's lingering a while more… just a bit more.

"… I'm sorry Asaka-san but can I sit here for a while… just a little while longer…"

Closing his eyes he straightened up on his seat and leaned back his head on the head rest. Tea… he could smell tea. 'Asaka-san is probably the only person around who uses tea as a car freshener… its soothing.' (1)

"Asaka-san…"

Asaka had been leaning up on his seat as well… its just that his tan eyes continued to stare up ahead… He was listening… he could almost feel the sorrow from the seemingly calm and yet too deep breathing of the boy he cherish so much. And so when Wataru spoke up with an almost amused voice he was a bit startled. He tilted his head sideways looking at the boy with a serene face, eyes still closed.

"The tea… its smells like the one we drank before…"

Asaka would've smiled… heck- he would've barked out a laugh just for the heck of it, its just that…

"Heh- that tea was really delicious Asaka-san… really. It was such a pity we didn't finish it, huh?" The boy's voice cracked half way through what he was saying. He stifled a sob as he continued…

"It would've been nice if we could have finished it… heh, if only Kazuki… didn't get himself hurt neh?"

"……"

Wataru turned to look at Asaka as his eyes glimmered with unshed tears…pain was etched on his eyes as he smiled bitterly. It was something new to Asaka… it was… horrible.

"…I'm… such a hypocrite…"

Before Wataru realized it he was pulled unto a rough hug.

Déjà vu.

It was the same sensation… warm, comforting, safe… Asaka had always had this effect on him…

Asaka pulled away from the boy as he felt the boy chuckle. He looked down on him with a worried expression.

"Wataru-kun?"

"You smell like tea… actually, you're like tea…"

Wataru looked up and smiled… a sad one, yes but a heart felt one, nonetheless.

"…you make me feel relaxed… thank you, Asaka-san."

Surprised was an understatement… but Wataru's smile had been contagious. He smiled down as he held deep blue eyes with his tan ones. The things he would give for him to be the one who's reflected within those depths. He sighed. 'Not now… '

Wataru moved back to his side of the car intending to leave when a hand gently placed itself on his hair slightly ruffling it. He almost pouted but then the older one leaned on him as slender fingers moved down to his nape gently lifting his head up.

Asaka placed a small kiss on his forehead. It was chaste almost innocent and yet so warm and… comforting? He looked up to tan eyes with a confused questioning and yet worried gaze. The other man simply grinned and said in an almost playful voice.

"I'll always be here for you, Wataru-kun. Feel free to depend on me without being worried. I won't give more meaning to it than necessary. After all, I am a hero of justice when it comes to you…"

His face changed from playful to serious…

"You can always depend on me."

…

"Wah!!!! Daddy's wearing make-up!"

Shohei tried to suppress a shudder when he heard that not-so silent comment from his oh-so –energetic daughter. But well… who could frown when greeted by such sky-blue eyes? 'Oh- yes, there is one. The one who just put said make-up on him. 'Yuichi…'

Shohei looked around the table from the worried yet accusingly- so gaze his wife is giving him to the excited look of his daughter to the exasperated attempts of his mother to silence the child and finally to the confused look his father is giving him. Of course he needn't look at the other lady at the table. He already knows. Mizuho at the moment was looking at him with a faint smirk and with clear amusement on her eyes.

"Yuichi just called, he won't be able to make it. He'll be explaining that later one." He neared the table and sat next to his daughter. Mizuho had a look of understanding while his mother simply looked a bit disheartened. But of course…

" Noooooo!!!!! B-but… Daddy…I-I- I look extra pretty today!" He looked at his child smilingly, yes- he's still wondering where she got this er- attitude from. 'Maybe her mother… ' He looked side ways to his wife and sighed. 'Yup. Her mother. Deceptively sweet, yet at times she's loud and brash.'

At his side, Tsukiko had been trying and somehow failing to keep herself… calm? Takako is most definitely this guy's daughter. No doubt. 'The kid is smart, normally calm, really isn't a brat but when she acts like this… the kid is already calculating! It doest help that she uses my ehr… energy in her little antics. And… oh no….'

Yup. The child is already using her most alluring weapon. Her grandparents, parents and the other woman she doesn't care to remember is looking at her. Some are amused, some looked heartbroken and well her mother is hiding the murderous looks she oh-so like to throw to Shohei. Takako is already close to tears, her sky blue eyes glistened before she hid them from view by looking down at her lap almost dejectedly. A child shaking from suppressed tears while hiding her eyes with dusty blond hair is quite a sight. Shohei almost smiled. 'Oh his child is good.' His musing were interrupted when someone laughed.

Everyone turned to see Mizuho laughing herself to death. Literally. Kazuki's mom looked worriedly at her and said, "Mizuho dear, what's the matter? You really shouldn't be straining yourself. Albeit I love it when you laugh you still shouldn't strain yourself else you'll end up in the hospital and Kazuki would have to accompany you again. "

"Ahahaha…oh my…. Sorry…" the woman with long ebony hair tried to calm herself with utmost difficulty. After a while she looked up and said, "Really… Takako-chan you shouldn't be upset. Yuichi would see you later on. I'll try and make him ok? Besides, Takako-chan is always pretty you did take-up from your parents, right?"

"…really…?" It was shy and innocent and almost doubtful.

"Really. You resemble them in oh-so many ways." Takako almost smirked at the sigh shared by the childs parents. 'Honestly, I can't say if this child really is still innocent. How can I? Takako-chan IS Shohei's child right? Her mom … Hmn, well I can't say much about her but she DID marry Shohei. She must be something. But then again, if she married him theres no doubt she's a wonderful person.'

"Shohei… how did you get that… ehrm make-up on your face?"

Shohei looked at his wife carefully before answering. "Yuichi decided my face needs improvement. Kaa-san, please don't worry okay? It was just a little activity between brothers. Otou-san, let us handle it ourselves." His voice was firm and clear making no room for anymore argument. He then looked at his daughter and smiled, "What do you think Takako-chan? Did uncle Yuichi do a nice job?"

The child pouted and insistently shook her head. "NO! Daddy looked much better before." And then with a giggle she added. "Finally!Something Uncle Yuichi can't do properly, putting make-up! He must ask Mommy to teach him! Ne, mommy?"

"Ah, then dear please teach me as well." He looked back at his daughter and added, "I put some on Yuichi as well, two actually. I should get lessons he doesn't look better."

"Shohei! What really happened? You boys never figh-" Shohei stopped her mother with a glance and motioned to his daughter. No matter how smart the child is she is still a child.

The elder woman obliged with a sigh. She won't be getting anything out of Shohei. The child's worst than his father. Honestly.

"Daddy!!!! Look at me! Ne, ne Daddy, when can I see Auncle Yuichi and tease him about the make-up? He won't be able to remove it right?'

Shohei just raised a brow at her and then he smiled. Yup she really is his child. He lifted her from the chair and sat her at his lap. She stood up and placed a small hand at his chin touching lightly on the said make-up. "Daddy, when will you make-up with uncle Yuichi? Daddy always had that look recently… he caught you didn't he? Mommy said you worry too much. Daddy should really have Takako close by more often… "

"Hm? And why is that?"

"Because Takako is Takako and Takako can always make Daddy smile. Not that creepy smile you have when you're plotting or so mommy says I still don't get that one." The child then pouted and started thinking. "Anyway! Daddy will make-up with Uncle Yuichi soon right? Besides… I really want to see that make-up you put on him!!! I also want to see Onii-chans face if he sees that. I miss them…"

Shohei chuckled a little and fondly patted the child's hair. "Just imagine your Uncle Kazuki looking murderous and Fuji-kun looking worried, okay?" The child scrunched her face and closed her eyes imagining the scene. After a while she started giggling madly. Shohei very well knows he won't be making promises regarding those two. Takako might very well never see them together anymore anyways. Even for her, he won't approve of Fuji as is. No he won't. Not like this.

"Daddy… you have that look again…"

Shohei stared back at the pouting child and finally laughed. He looked back at his wife and said. "This is all your fault." She simply smiled at him… sweetly.

Watching from the other side of the table were smiling faces thinking the same thing. 'The demon was tamed… by someone who's far scarier.'

…

People around had been glancing over their table for a while now but none cared. They were used to it. What? An adorable child, two very attractive ladies, one of which is still single and a very attractive looking young man, how can they NOT look? Besides, who cares if he's holding a child who calls him Daddy? When said person entered the room from the private dining area he took the attention of every woman in the room. He emitted power, grace and confidence. You can almost disregard the bruise on his chin. But to see such a person with calculating cold eyes smile, chuckle and laugh? It was endearing.

"Ah- so I really made the right choice, neh?"

"hmmm… I guess you did."

…

"Explain."

"Hm? Explain what?"

"You know what!"

"You haven't answered my question yet. I did ask you before right? 'What happened?'. You haven't answered yet, so why would I answer the same question?"

Kazuki narrowed his eyes at the man on the drivers seat. The guy didn't even turn to him when he entered the car. It was as if he knew who the person who had the guts to just enter someones car without even asking any permission. Knowing the man, he probably did. Kazuki headed for Wataru's house the moment he left Asaka. He scowled at the memory of his so-called aniki. He'll think about him later. So many troublesome people surround him! If truth be told Shohei can very well be easily ignored at the moment. Why? He just saw his boyfriend cry in front of Asaka and get himself hugged inside a car, again! He was even kissed! Again! On the forehead yes but a kiss is still a kiss no matter where. Jealous would be an understatement, worried is too far off. He's scared.

'I'll let him go'

'I'm tired'

'It hurts'

He knows what it all meant… but how could he just accept it? He can't even begin to describe how shocked he was when Wataru said, 'I'll let him go.' Shocked turned to despair when he saw that smile, it never bode well- no matter how enchanting it may be. He watched as his lover left the car with an almost relaxed smile. It was heart breaking.

Answers… He needs them and he'll get them. He'll talk to Wataru. Yes, he would but that would be for later. Asaka knows something and no matter how much he hates it, he'll do anything to get things right with Wataru, even if it means asking Asaka.

When he was sure Wataru had left he moved to the light. He was hiding beside a broken lamp post. It was dark but Asaka's car was parked where it was bright due to the light post[a working one…convenient ne?]. He couldn't see well but he isn't blind no matter how vague… he saw them. And so he made his way to the car, opened the door and sat on the passenger seat. It was casual enough, it was as if it was a natural thing, something planned. They didn't look at each other. They simply sat there, not talking and then Asaka started up the car and drove away.

He got tired of the silence and so he asked. Asaka simply dismissed the question asking once again the question he himself cannot answer.

'What happened?'

Silence ensued for a while… none spoke. Kazuki sighed… nothing will come out of this and so…

"I… don't know."

Asaka raised a brow at that. Kazuki admitting that he doesn't know? It's bad.

"You know something." It was a statement. Asaka turned to Kazuki who's gray eyes were hard, cold and piercing.

Asaka looked back at the front before he said, "I guess I do. He didn't tell me anything If that's what you're thinking. I just knew."

"You expect me to just believe that? You have the tendency of not lying and yet not saying anything Asaka-senpai."

The just gave him a dry laugh and said, "You can call it personal experience Kazuki. You already know something about Yuina, correct? Let's just say we're more alike than you think and that they're more alike than I have ever expected. Yes, Wataru is indeed stronger willed than Yuina but, he had to bear worst things for you Kazuki."

"I won't let it happen. I won't let things go that far. I won't let him go." His voice was low almost a whisper. It was filled with determination and conviction and yet…

"That sounded almost desperate…."

Kazuki simply glared. "You're not telling me everything, Asaka."

"Hm? Where's –sempai got to?"

"……"

"I can't tell you just about everything Kazuki. Figure it out. I'm not telling you to let him go cause honestly speaking I don't want you to let him go, but Kazuki in making a choice within a relationship, not just you can make a decision."

Tan eyes became hooded and darker as another thought came in mind. "Ahh- but then again, her decision weren't fair as well." Kazuki didn't look at him. He didn't even reply. The statement wasn't for him. He was about to say something else when the car suddenly stopped. He looked outside the window and just noticed they were outside his apartment. He turned to the man questioningly; he was greeted by a smile. "Why did you tell me that? I thought you-"

He was cut- off when the other simply shook his head. "No. I don't want the two of you to break-off while still in love. That would be considered a foul. I won't take him away with you still in his eyes. Besides, I did say I would steal him away didn't I? There would be nothing to steal if you no longer hold him. I want to gain his love Kazuki not force it on him or take advantage of him."

Kazuki raised a brow almost mockingly. It was a look that says 'oh-yeah must have missed the hugs and kisses!'

"Alright, alright. Geez, can't a guy get away from moments of weakness?" Asaka's voice was almost cheerful but this time his smile doesn't reach his eyes. Kazuki opened the door and stepped outside but before he could leave he heard Asaka say,

"We never became happy. Her choice never made us happy. It stayed that way until she died and left. She left me alone to bear the grief of her choice. If ever the two of you stumble on that path, I'll be there for him. I'll just be there. I won't do anything. Maybe i'll try not to make obvious advances. Better make sure to try to get him back before his love for you fades. If that happened you could be sure, I managed to take him away."

Yuichi looked at him in contemplation… he knew Asaka was serious but still…

"Asaka, are sure you're not just holding unto Yuina? The way you speak of her-"

"Don't worry Kazuki. Yuina still holds a special part of me since she taught me something. I broke when she left, I died when she did. If that weren't my state of living when I met Wataru-kun I wouldn't have noticed his light. You need to be in the dark to notice the light… isn't that so, Kazuki?"

Kazuki nodded. He knows Asaka speaks the truth. He was alone, and solitude means darkness. Those eyes were like beacons that called to him… that smile was like salvation. He understood. His thoughts were interrupted when Asaka called him.

"Kazuki… "

Tan eyes filled with light as his features lightened…

"I love him. I won't let his light die."

Kazuki closed his eyes and nodded. He said his thanks and moved to his apartment. Sleep won't be coming tonight.

…

(1) [this one is actually on book 3 of the novel... its green tea. scratch green tea- i like it cinnamon]

This was difficult. I planned something for this chapter but well… the story doesn't want me to put it in right away. I ended up writing about Asaka and Shohei. The story really has a mind of its own!

"Obey ME!!! I'm the author!!!"

"……"

Sorry guys it wont listen… even so I'll make sure that Kazuki and Wataru would finally talk to each other next chapter.

"Please let them talk to each other next chapter…"

"……"

Yup. No comment. I'll try guys. Anyway, I have something in store for Shohei. It would be a surprise. But I have a question… Should I elaborate it in this story or should I make a separate fic about it? Regardless, It would be mentioned here anyway. If I were to include it here, it might end up as a multichap omake. Well I'm not sure. But in accordance to what I have in mind it would be. However that would be disregarding the fact that I am not in control of this story…[pouts]

"This is all you're fault" [glares at computer]

"……"

Huh… I really should lay off the cookies, ice cream and tea. Too…much….sugar!!!!

So… what do you guys think? If you guys were the one to set it maybe the story would listen? Maybe? I hope so…

Please comment!