Jesters & Kings

Jesters & Kings Part 2
A Love Mode Fanfic

"That low, polished voice. The fragrance is Armani. I remember his warmth, the feel of his lips. No matter what . . .I want this man."


Parties with Noe were all the same. The man didn't like too much deviation in his life. Katsuki's responsibility at the functions he attended with his lover were simple enough. Look attractive, and agree with whatever Noe said. If asked, Katsuki would admit he didn't find either task overly hard to do. It had gotten to the point that he didn't really have to listen to Noe's words, just the influctions of his voice. He'd nod and murmur assention at regular intervals, freeing his mind to wander elsewhere.

In the months that they'd been together, he'd messed up very few times. And his recovery was usually rather swift and smooth. But when he'd found himself looking into Jin's eyes after all this time, he was rooted to the spot. He didn't even realize for a moment that Noe had asked him if he was alright. Dragging himself back to the group surrounding him he'd quickly apologized, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was doing so rather clumsily.

As if sensing his discomfort, Noe ended the conversation, moving them off through the crowd of other party guests. Katsuki found himself risking one last glance in the host's direction, only to find his eyes unwaveringly upon him. He felt self-conscious, his hand reaching up to toy with the pendant necklace Noe had given him nervously.

"Are you alright, my dove?" Noe asked, sounding worried. "It's not all like you to be so rude as to phase out during a conversation."

It didn't say much for Noe's intelligence, Katsuki reflected, that he didn't realize that that was exactly what he did during most of the conversations at the events they attended. "I'm very sorry. I glanced up and...I thought I saw someone I knew." He excused.

"Truly? Who?" Noe was curious, a frown sagging his face.

As he'd never introduced him to any of his friends, as the only ones he'd truly call such were Amagai and Touma, Noe knew well that anyone he saw at a party like this would mostly likely be an old lover. Knowing that given Noe's personality, he might leave the party rather than risk any kind of confrontation, he quickly shook his head. "As it turns out, I was mistaken. I am sorry, Noe-san. It will not happen again."

He took a deep breath, determined to keep that promise. Why should he allow Jin of all people to affect him like that? He wasn't at all the same naive boy who'd followed him into the B&B. Jin's training had changed him, and the years as a consort that followed his time with the man had only served to alter him further. The way he'd humiliated himself for Jin's amusement was nothing but a fading memory. Surely he couldn't still have feelings for him...could he?

He frowned at his own indecisiveness, and tried to push such thoughts out of his mind. They were a moot point. Jin was a part of his past. He was at the party tonight to see to his future. To find a fresh prospect. It was best to simply have nothing to do with the host, and to disconnect himself from anything that reminded him of him.

That was when he remembered he was wearing the suit Jin had bought him. If the ground had opened and swallowed him right there and then, he really wouldn't have minded...

Noe rarely spoke to anyone long who didn't agree with him on the subject of what was being discussed. He generally moved from one specific group of people to the next. All of them would agree on whatever subject was discussed, and then they'd be off to find someone else to agree with. It made for a rather boring evening, but Katsuki had grown accustomed to it. Occassionally, usually when he was going to speak to one of his colleagues for a very long time, he sent Katsuki off with a subtle hint, usually some type of request for him to get them both refreshments. It would be up to him to find some way of hanging around one area or another - usually the hor'douvre table, until Noe came to fetch him.

He didn't mind this time so much, as it gave him an opportunity to search for Noe's replacement. Maybe even flirt with a few of the guests away from Noe's sight. As he stood with his plate of appetizers, however, he was taken off-guard by a familiar voice behind him.

"He's overweight."

For a moment he froze, before setting his mouth in a firm frown. "He's solid." He countered the insult, knowing well who they were discussing.

"He's fat." Jin came around to stand beside him, holding a plate of appetizers of his own.

"He doesn't feel any heavier than you." Katsuki knew it was a crude comment, but he'd wanted to avoid Jin. Just what right had he to come over and start insulting Noe of all things?

"He's alot shorter than I am." Jin replied witheringly.

"Sometimes people like partners who don't look down on them." Katsuki replied. For a moment Jin said nothing, and Katsuki knew he'd understood the double meaning of his words. He'd hoped that would make an end to their conversation, but the host wasn't put off so easily.

"He's a terrible bore. Being his yes-boy can't possibly be very exciting." He glanced over at Katsuki who was standing stiffly, doing his best not to look at him.

"He's very rich and influential. Not to mention generous." Katsuki countered. It was ironic that at a party where he was looking for a new lover, he was defending Noe from Jin's insults.

"He has terrible taste."

Katsuki bristled, thinking that he was referring to him. "That's a matter of opinion."

"It's a fact. That chunk of cheap glitter around your neck isn't even capable of being intriguing. It's just pathetic." Jin countered, making him feel slightly foolish for misunderstanding his previous words. Still, the rules of this game were simple - he had to defend Noe. Not because he neccessarily disagreed with Jin's opinions, but simply because it was expected of him. They were supposed to be on opposite sides of the discussion...weren't they?

"It costs a fortune." He told him.

"A price tag doesn't make up for tackiness. It clashes with MY suit." Jin stressed the possessive term, his eyes glinting as they looked into Katsuki's. The younger man couldn't place the emotion in them, but he told himself it wasn't important. He didn't have time to contemplate Jin's thoughts or moods. It would lead to a weakness he couldn't afford to let him manipulate. Not tonight, of all nights.

"It wasn't meant to be worn with yo-...THIS suit." Katsuki cursed himself for the slip, but let it go. He still couldn't believe the coincedence that he'd chosen to wear the damn suit the night of his first encounter with Jin since the morning after their night of passion.

"Oh?" Jin smirked. "Then what happened to the suit it was supposed to go with?"

Realizing his mistake, Katsuki desperately tried to backpedal. "I didn't think...it couldn't be...it was damaged." He finally excused.

"Really?" Jin only grew more amused. "I see." His gaze wandered the room, letting the younger man hang for a moment - wondering just how much he did know. "So that's why you're paying so much attention to the other guests tonight. You can't have been with Noe long, or we would have met up before this. You must have quite the turn-over rate."

Katsuki's face flushed in embarrassment, his hand clenching at his side. He turned to glower up at Jin, meeting his eyes willingly for the first time. "That isn't any of your business."

Jin took a step forward, bridging the distance between them. He was close enough to be considered inappropriate by anyone watching them, so close Katsuki could feel the warmth of his body through their suits. "You are my business." He spoke in a low voice, if they weren't standing so close he'd never have caught his words. He knew he should step away from him, but he was frozen again, captured in a moment he wasn't sure he wanted to escape from. "And I know you don't want to be here. Not with Noe. Not with anyone. Why are you playing this game, Katsuki? What are running away from?"

His eyes flickered to something beyond him, and he stepped back - turning away. "Choose carefully tonight. Because if I don't approve, it won't happen." That said he walked away, leaving Katsuki confused and shaken.


To Be Continued...


Salmon


Jin and Katsuki's first meet up. One of my favorite scenes in the story. Of course, things aren't going to run so smoothly. Where would the fun be with that?