Puppet

Me: Thank you, everyone, for all of the wonderful comments. I’m glad you are all enjoying Puppet.

CHAPTER 22:


The warmness of the water felt good upon their bodies. The steam helped to calm their bodies down, but the two stayed in one another’s arms as they allowed the water to cleanse them. Luke stood behind Kiyoshi; his arms tightly wrapped over Kiyoshi’s front. Luke had his head lowered over Kiyoshi’s left shoulder. Luke was silently sucking on the end of Kiyoshi’s neck with his wet lips. Kiyoshi had a smile over his lips and he had his eyes closed. The way Kiyoshi felt at the moment; it was indescribable.

Kiyoshi opened his eyes when Luke’s lips left his skin. He felt his head being turned by Luke’s soft hand and Kiyoshi grew happier when Luke’s lips were placed over his. The water soon began to turn cold, so the two figured they better step out, but this was definitely one fantasy they’d never forget.

--

Kiyoshi’s eyes opened to the sight of his alarm clock. It read 11:42 AM, but luckily it was a day off work. As his eyes adjusted to the morning sun shining through his window, Kiyoshi realized that he was not alone. He could feel the heavy rising and dropping of someone’s chest beside him. Turning, Kiyoshi could feel a sense of surprise to see that the one he proposed his love to did not leave his bed that night. Luke; he had stayed with Kiyoshi throughout the night. Kiyoshi couldn’t believe this sight, but he was thankful that Luke had stayed with him. He was thankful that Luke was finally beginning to show more then just hidden nothingness.

“Luke,” Kiyoshi whispered, reaching out to shake the man to awake, but moved his hand slightly back. Perhaps he shouldn’t wake Luke. Was Luke one of those kinds who never wake on the correct side of the bed? Or would Luke be the kind thankful for being woken up? Kiyoshi thought it best to not find out. So, as he moved the covers down his bare chest, he leaned against the side of the bed, ready to get up and set on his clothes. He nearly fell off the bed from fright when his wrist was grabbed from behind.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Luke’s voice was playful sounding; something Kiyoshi has never heard before.

“Luke,” Kiyoshi let out a little giggle, turning his body to smile down at the man he now knew he loved, “You are awake…”

“I wasn’t,” Luke said while moving into a sitting position. He had released Kiyoshi’s wrist, “But unluckily for you I’m a soft sleeper.”

“Oh,” Kiyoshi moved closer to Luke, hoping that he wasn’t drawing too much attention, “I’ll try to remember that for the future.”

“Future,” Luke gave Kiyoshi a devilish grin and for the first time Kiyoshi felt as if his heart would literally leap out of his chest from the sight, “Hmm, did I hear you right?” Kiyoshi’s cheeks grew red. He went to a new discussion, hoping to retrace Luke’s mind to something new.

“Well,” Kiyoshi let a mumble escape in the back of his throat, “We’re off work today. What do you want to do?”

“What do you suppose,” Luke then asked, but in a wisecracked manner, “I want to hear more about you.”

“Well,” Kiyoshi began to speak as Luke wrapped his strong arms around Kiyoshi, “I don’t know what else to tell you, Luke. I think I’ve spilled everything there is to know about me.”

“That’s a shame,” Luke whispered into Kiyoshi’s ear, “I assume that we’d be finished sooner or later, but I was not expecting it to be this soon. I love hearing about you.” A soft moan passed through Kiyoshi’s lips, but he felt too exhausted from the night before.

“Uh,” Kiyoshi covered his reddened cheeks. He pushed the covers off of his nude body; not caring anymore whether Luke saw his naked form or not. He moved off of the bed and headed out, “I need to use the bathroom.” Once Kiyoshi was out of the room, the smirk Luke had on his lips grew into a smile. No one was watching; Luke was smiling. He let out a sigh of gratitude. His puppet finally accepts him. Leaning back on the bed, Luke brings his arms up, resting them behind his back as he waited for his puppet to return.

--

They all turned their heads to the sound of footsteps. The immortals were hoping it’d be Luke, but instead it was Chen who glided through the opened doorway. The immortals lowered their heads, dissatisfied that their leader hasn’t been around as much as he should be lately. Chen gave a sneer to the immortals who were supposed to be her friends, but apparently Chen rather acquire satisfaction then have friends.

“Where’s Luke,” Chen then asked as her eyes searched the room.

“No clue,” Jewels answered. She had that cheery look on her face, “None of us has seen him since, oh, that day when he brought that Kiyoshi kid here.” Jewels let out a giggle, then. It still was irritating sounding.

“It would appear,” Ivalyn then spoke, getting the attention of all the immortals, “That Luke has been spending time with Kiyoshi.”

“Oh really,” Chen gave off a grunt, but not loud enough for the others to hear, “That’s quite interesting.”

“Well, well,” Ivalyn leaped off the stool she sat, crosses her arms, and gives Chen a little smirk “How come you suddenly grow in interest?”

“To be honest,” Chen began; her body leaned against the rough wall, “I’ve been thinking about that boy and think that perhaps he isn’t so bad, after all.”

“Glad to hear you finally realized this.” Ivalyn joked, still not buying Chen’s story.

“Yes,” Chen continued with closed eyes, “I’ve also been considering getting to know the boy more. That is, if Luke would allow me too. I just have to locate them…”

“Locate them,” Chen spoke to herself, “Get that rotten mortal away from Luke to meet Ra. Hell, why won’t Ra tell me why he wants to see that brat? I’m far more interesting then that kid…damned Ra...I”

“Well as you can see,” Ivalyn spread her arms open, “Luke is not here. He probably won’t be back for a while.”

“That’s fine,” Chen smiled. She pushed off of the wall and walked over to where Mai and Gil sat by a bowl of fruit, “I’ll just wait.” Chen grabs for a small violet-colored grape and pops it into her mouth. She makes her self comfortable on a stool beside Mai. The immortals stare at her with pondering eyes, but only Ivalyn’s are filled with distrust. “Yes,” Chen thought as she wiped some grape juice from her lips, “I’ll wait.”

--

It had seemed that day went by faster when Kiyoshi was having fun. What came to a shocker for him was the fact that that fun he was having was with Luke. Surprisingly, when Kiyoshi offered that they go out and do some things outside of the apartment, Luke went along with it. They saw a movie, had lunch, and went to a few stores here and there; it was a blast. But there was one thing Kiyoshi had noticed throughout the day. Luke never once left his side. If Kiyoshi had to use the restroom, Luke would follow. If Kiyoshi had to go throw something away, Luke would follow. Even when Kiyoshi stopped to admire something, Luke would stop, as well, and turn his head to listen or eye the thing too. Kiyoshi felt almost honored that Luke wanted to be with him, yet at the same time it almost frightened Kiyoshi. He almost felt safer keeping at a distance with Luke then having Luke hovering over him the whole time. Though this was what his heart felt, Kiyoshi stayed quiet.

As afternoon began to turn to evening, Kiyoshi decided to ask Luke a question.

“Um, say Luke?”

“Yes?”

“I was just wondering,” Kiyoshi began to ask, “Before you take me home, do you mind visiting Ivalyn really quick. I just want to tell her something.” Luke stopped in his tracks. Kiyoshi had walked up a tad more, but stopped and turned to stare at Luke. Luke was thinking the question over, but this didn’t’ take him long. He now knew that Kiyoshi saw Ivalyn as a good friend and sometimes he’d want to visit her or speak with her.

“Sure,” Luke answered, taking slow steps over to Kiyoshi, “Grab hold of my waist.” Kiyoshi did so; wrapping his arms tightly around Luke; snuggling his head on to Luke’s chest. Luckily for them no one was around. Luke kneeled on his foot and shot into the sky, flying Kiyoshi towards their destination.

--

They all turned their heads to hear a group of footsteps walk in from the other side of the door. It was Luke and Kiyoshi. Chen’s smirk grew wider. She twirled around in the stool.

“Well,” Chen smiled, “Look who’s finally back.”

“Luke,” Teo asked, but his voice was very low, “Where’ve you been? Huh?” Teo, along with the others, have just noticed something, well, different about Luke. He was not wearing his usual darkened clothes, but actual, daytime clothes. A wrinkled dark blue tee fell over a pair of dark blue jeans. He also wore plain old sneakers.

Though Luke was dressed differently, there was another thing. Standing beside him was Kiyoshi, of course, but the two were holding hands!

“Luke,” Teo rubbed the back of his head, “What in the hell…?”

“So Luke,” Chen hops off of the stool; setting her hands on to her hips, “Looks as if truth doesn’t lie. You really do have feelings for that kid. Oops,” Chen quickly covers over her smiling lips with her hand, “I mean, Kiyoshi.”

Luke ignores Chen’s sudden rambling. Removing his hand from over Kiyoshi’s, Luke gently pushes Kiyoshi forward. “Kiyoshi would like to speak with Ivalyn.” Luke speaks this with such a relaxed voice. The others aren’t sure of how to react to Luke’s sudden change, but they figured they’d better respect him, his puppet, and whatever they wish to do.

“Ivalyn,” Kiyoshi spoke, though his voice sounded croaky, “I just wanted to tell you something right quick. Is that okay?”

“Sure Kiyoshi,” Ivalyn walks over to the settled Kiyoshi, “What is it?”

“I just wished to tell you thank you.” Kiyoshi whispered. This formed a smile over Ivalyn’s face.

“I understand,” Ivalyn whispered back. She gave Kiyoshi a small wink, “I’m glad to help.”

Kiyoshi gave a nod in return and turned to face Luke. “Alright, we can go now.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes,” Kiyoshi set his hand back into Luke’s as he gives Luke a thanking smile, “I just wanted to tell her thank you.”

“Thank you,” Luke stared down at Luke questionably, “Thank her for what?”

“Oh, nothing really,” Kiyoshi answered as he and Luke vanished down the hall, “She just…needed a thank you for all she has done for me.”

“I—see,” Luke didn’t understand what Kiyoshi meant, though in a way it seemed clear. In the end of it all, Ivalyn had helped the two of them to realize their love for one another.

--

As Luke flew Kiyoshi for his apartment, he didn’t know that right behind them was the fast-speeding, eager Chen. She wore a long black cloak so as not to be seen by Luke. She acted as cunning as a cat in the shadows, doing her best to stay quiet. This was finally her chance. Her darling master had given her a task. Get the boy alone, tell the boy a small fiddle, and then bring the boy to ‘him.’ Chen understood this, but she still did not know what her master wanted with the boy. Perhaps it was payback?

Chen wanted answers, and she was hoping on receiving some that night.

--

The red roses by his nightstand were still in full bloom. Kiyoshi hummed his mother’s song; ready to allow sleep to take him over. Luke had dropped him off almost over an hour ago.

Luke would’ve stayed with Kiyoshi that night, but Kiyoshi claimed that they both needed their full rest, for work was the next day. Besides that, Luke had a group of immortals to run. Kiyoshi had won that battle of arguing and was now ready for sleep, but instead he was left almost screaming when a pale hand covered over his mouth.

“Kiyoshi,” Chen whispered; her voice was ghastly, “There’s some trouble. I’ve come to take you to Luke.” Kiyoshi turned his head to stare into Chen’s dark, green eyes. Her face was full of worry and Kiyoshi believed her lies.

“Where’s Luke,” Kiyoshi asked once Chen removed her hand from over his mouth, “What has happened to him?”

“I do not know the full details,” Chen answered, “But we must hurry! Luke asked for me to come and fetch you.”

“Why isn’t Ivalyn—“

“Ivalyn couldn’t,” Chen answered quickly, but not too fast to seem like a lie, “She and Teo already are on the way. Come on, put a shirt on! We must go quickly!” Kiyoshi got up and grabbed for a white t-shirt sitting over the woodened backside of his bed.

“Where are we going?”

“Don’t worry,” Chen grabs hold of Kiyoshi as they head out the window, “Just hold on tight. Remember, Luke is counting on us!”

*End of Chapter 22*