Jesters & Kings

Jesters & Kings Part 4
A Love Mode Fanfic


"The answer is...I don't mind being hurt..."


Tagawa sighed as he and Jin headed back to the main room of the party. "Back to work. It should be a crime to mix business with a social gathering."

"So you're saying you don't like mixing business with pleasure?" Jin tormented him.

Tagawa paused, his lips curling into a smile. "Only under certain circumstances." He gave the host a sideways glance.

"Ah, Tagawa-san." A voice interrupted them.

Tagawa turned, forcing a smile to his face. "Ah, Noe-san. Good evening."

"Still here, I see. I thought you might have left early. You did last year, as I recall." Noe mentioned. He paused, to glance at Jin - a frown flittering through his eyes though it never touched his face.

Jin's face was cooly casual as he observed Noe. He knew he'd witnessed part of Katsuki and his confrontation earlier, though he hadn't heard a word. He wondered what he'd understood of it, if anything. It was obvious Katsuki had yet to rejoin him, as well, and though he didn't know how Noe and Tagawa knew one another, he wondered if he'd intercepted them for a chance to speak with him more than his client.

"The party does grow so quiet as the night wears on, I grew fatigued from all the peace." Tagawa replied, keeping his own smile in place. "What of you, Noe? Here alone, again? I heard you've had a most charming companion in recent months. Could he not make it?"

"He's...needed to take a moment's rest."

"His energy seems to have returned. He's by the hor'douvre table." A new voice broke in.

The group turned, and Jin arched an eyebrow when he noticed that a frown graced both Tagawa and Noe's face's when they saw the new arrival. "Koga-san." Noe greeted.

"A good evening to you all. Noe-san, Tagawa-san...I don't believe I know your companion, Tagawa-san."

"Jinnai. Jinnai Kuniaki." Jin introduced, and waited for the return introduction. However, Koga made no such return of politeness.

"Ah." He said simply, glancing over at Noe who was looking in the direction of the hor'douvre table. "I should give you my congratulations, Noe-san. Next month, isn't it?"

Noe froze, turning back to Koga. "How did you-?"

"Oh, have I been indiscreet?" Koga smirked. "How dreadful. Forgive me."

Another frown flittered across Noe's face. "Yes, well, if you'll excuse me. We must speak again, Tagawa-san." He glanced at Jin one last time before heading away from the group.

"Off to rescue his "dove" from the clutches of other party-goers. What a waste." Koga crossed his arms.

"You're really rather crude sometimes, Koga-san." Tagawa replied.

Koga snorted. "He's marrying next month, you know. But he's keeping his pretty little companion as close as possible until then. Hardly fair...don't you think?" Koga's smile was cold. "Have a good evening, will you? I'll be trying the same." He headed after Noe.

"Noe may be a buffoon, but Koga's a snake." Tagawa glared after them. "How unpleasant." He glanced up at Jin, pausing when he saw he was watching Koga walk away. A shadow passed over his face, and he turned back to watch as well.

"What did you say your name was again?" A tall dyed-blonde japanese woman in a business suit asked Katsuki. He had a small group of four to five people around him.

Katsuki purposefully popped another appetizer in his mouth, drawing his fingers out slowly before answering. "Katsuki. Katsuki Kyousuke."

"Surely you're not here alone tonight." Another gentlemen asked. A foreigner with dark hair and eyes, his japanese was rather good, however.

"No, I suppose I'm not...not yet, anyway..." Katsuki answered, leaning back a little onto the edge of the table.

"Katsuki..." Noe approached, and Katsuki stood up, the flirtatiousness leaving his posture.

"Noe-san." He greeted.

"Are you hungry?" Noe asked, coming up to him, glancing at the group that was swiftly growing smaller as a few left before he could face them.

"I was a bit, but I'm fine now." Katsuki quickly excused, setting aside his plate.

"I see." Noe frowned at the few hangers-on, offering his arm to Katsuki pointedly. "Then, shall we rejoin the party?" He offered.

"Of course." Katsuki took his arm, nodding at his remaining admirers as Noe steered him away from them.

"You seemed to be making new friends." Noe commented cooly.

"Only polite conversation." Katsuki responded casually. "Why, did you miss me?"

"I always miss you, my dove." Noe replied.

Katsuki hesitated, realizing he was steering them out of the main hall. "I thought we were rejoining the party." He mentioned.

"We shall." Noe glanced up the empty hallway, before pulling Katsuki to him, to steal his lips into a kiss.

Katsuki forced his body to relax, feeling strangely uncompliant to Noe's advances. 'Is it because I know he's planning on leaving...? But that never bothered me before. I don't understand why. I just know that...I don't want him touching me tonight'

"I don't believe I've told you how lovely you look." Noe stepped back, reaching out a hand to brush through his hair.

"No, I don't believe you have." Katsuki admitted, forcing a smile. "Are you going to?"

"Perhaps I should." Noe leaned in closer.

"What a romantic scene." A voice interrupted.

Noe turned, startled, and Katsuki was forced to peer around him to see who had spotted them. He found himself looking at Akechi Imura.

"Imura-san, you truly are a man with no sense of tact." Noe pointed out, frowning.

Akechi only grinned cheekily. "Don't be so sour, Noe-san. You must allow me some amusement. You jumped like a highschooler caught making out behind the bleachers." He glanced at Katsuki, who swallowed. "And really, isn't it rude to stand there without atleast introducing me to your ravishing companion."

Noe shifted uncomfortably. "Katsuki, this is Akechi Imura. A very confident young business man who inherited more money than most would know what to do with. Akechi, this is Katsuki."

"By confident he means cocky. And by mentioning my inheritance he's telling you I'm spoiled. Still, I have a feeling you know how to interpret his words, ne?" Akechi grinned. "Katsuki was it?" He stepped forward to capture one of Katsuki's hands, raising the back to meet his lips. "A pleasure."

Katsuki felt a blush heat is face, and quickly yanked his hand away. "He forgot to say you weren't overly concerned with proper protocol."

"So now I'm ill-mannered?" Akechi arched an eyebrow. "You wound me." He turned to Noe. "Such a charming companion. Little wonder you were hoping for some uninterrupted time, Noe-san. Still, if that's what you desire, there are rooms for rent."

Noe frowned, reaching out to take Katsuki's arm. "Yes, well, I'm certain you know more of such matters than I do, Imura-san. If you'll excuse us."

"Oh dear, did I ruin the mood?" He asked, not sounding at all apologetic. "I'm sorry. I'm late for the party myself because of a meeting that ran over. We'll have to talk again soon, Noe-san. And, please, don't hesitate to bring your lovely friend." Grinning, he headed into the main room ahead of them.

"How impudent..." Noe scowled. "Pay him no mind, my dove."

"Naturally not." Katsuki answered as they reentered the room, though his eyes followed Akechi as he walked away.

"His behaviour is truly atrocious, no one knows how he inherited his money and business, but he's certainly never been taught proper behaviour."

"We must be speaking of Akechi."

Katsuki swallowed, inching nearer to Noe before turning to bow to Koga, who'd joined them. "Koga-san."

"A drink?" He offered, waving a waiter over.

"Perhaps a good idea." Noe admitted. "What can I do for you, Koga-san?"

"There was a small matter I wished to discuss." Taking a cup off the tray he offered it to Katsuki.

"No thank-you." Katsuki told him firmly, his eyes guarded.

Koga took a sip from the glass instead, noting as Noe indulged himself in a deep drink. Glancing at Katsuki, he allowed his eyes to wander his body, smirking when he stiffened in response. "Are you certain? It's good wine, isn't it Noe?"

"A fine year." Noe admitted, glancing over at Katsuki, who seemed uptight. "You should try a little."

"I think I'd prefer some tea." Katsuki let go of his arm. "Perhaps I'll fetch some while you finish your matters with Koga." He gave the said man a wide berth as he walked away.

"So tempermental. Did I miss something?" Koga asked innocently.

"Nothing that concerns you." Noe assured him, going to take a drink.

Koga stopped him, placing his hand on his cup mouth and pushing it down. "Ah, but everything concerns me, Noe. Because I make it my business. That's why I always get the things I want." Noe was too busy frowning at him to notice when he dropped a pill into his drink...


Koga...gods, how he hated Koga. Katsuki shivered as he made his way back to the refreshments table. The man had made more than one pass at him during the months he'd been with Noe, and he'd turned him down everytime. He didn't trust the man any farther than he could throw him. He poured some tea into a cup, spilling some in his temper.

"Was I so unforgiveable?"

Katsuki, looked up - startled - at the sound of Akechi's voice. "What are you-?"

"You didn't seem to be enjoying yourself..." Akechi mentioned, glancing around the room for Noe. "Where's your erstwhile companion?"

"In the company of someone I prefer to avoid." Katsuki admitted.

"So I have you all to myself? Splendid!" Akechi grinned.

"You really are incorrigible." Katsuki tried to frown, but found himself smiling.

"So you do smile." Akechi said suddenly, his tone subdued. "I had wondered."

"That reminds me...I should thank-you for -"

"For pretending we don't know eachother?" The other man arched an eyebrow.

"Your discretion." Katsuki corrected. "Noe is rather sensitive tonight."

"Even a fool knows a hunt when he sees one." Akechi smirked. "From what I've seen...it must be dove season."

Katsuki flushed over the reference to Noe's petname for him. He shot Akechi a glare. "That was -"

"Incorrigible?"

"Rude."

"Tsk. What's a little teasing between friends?"

"We aren't friends." Katsuki reminded him, crossing his arms.

Akechi's smile only widened. "Good." He replied. "Because my intentions are nowhere near so innocent."

"I suppose this is when you tell me you always get what you want." Katsuki replied, purposefully sounding bored. He was suprised to see Akechi's face grow serious.

"No...I've rarely gotten what I want. But isn't that what makes getting it so much more precious?" He asked of him.

Katsuki hesitated, then gave a subdued half-laugh. "Don't ask me. There's only one time I've ever really wanted something...and I made a complete fool out of myself, and a real mess of the situation." Taking a small sip of his tea, he set it aside. "I better get back to Noe. I take my leave of you."

Akechi's froze, his eyes widening slightly as he watched as Katsuki walked away. "Well, well...now where did you learn that phrase I wonder..."

Katsuki was relieved to see Noe was alone again as he approached where he was sitting. "Noe-san..." He paused when Noe looked up. He looked oddly flushed, and his eyes glazed. "Noe?" He knelt down by the chair.

"Katsuki...I do not feel well. I think perhaps the wine was bad." He ran his hand down his face.

Katsuki reached up to place his hand on Noe's forehead, taking a breath in through his teeth at the warmth he felt. "I think we should take you somewhere to rest a moment." He remembered the room he'd seen Jin kissing his client in. He scowled at the memory, but put an arm around Noe's shoulders. "Come on, I think I know a place to go..."


"What a strange evening this is turning out to be." Tagawa commented suddenly.

"Strange?" Jin arched an eyebrow.

"Mmm-hmm..." Tagawa nodded, sipping from his wine and watching the party from the corner of the main room that they'd taken refuge in. "Perhaps I should leave soon."

"Bored of my company already?" Jin smirked. Tagawa did not look at him, only raised his cup to take another sip. Jin's smug look faded to a calculating one as he continued to watch his client.

"I'm more perceptive than I seem at times. Sad as it is to say, the only taste of romance I've had has come from the hosts of the B&B. But I'm sure you know that already." Tagawa did not look at him as he spoke, but continued to stare out at the other guests at the party. "Some hosts have been better company than others. Your company has been near flawless. You've managed to make me enjoy tonight at times. That alone is an accomplishment." He turned his gaze to Jin then, his eyes sparkled though his smile was serious rather than playful. "But you're distracted Jinnai Kuniaki. Your thoughts aren't with me."

Jin's eyes widened, and he found himself frowning at the other man. "Are you saying I've failed in my duties to you?"

"Not at all. I told you, your company has been near flawless. You've made me very happy at times. Though it isn't my responsibility to return the favor, I dislike the thought I may be interfering with something important to you. And I am, aren't I?" Tagawa gazed over his glass at Jin, taking another sip of wine, before turning his eyes back to the party. "I can make this easy on you, but the question is - do you want me to? Your pride as a host is on the line, but some things are worth throwing away your pride for. So, tell me, shall we end this farce?"

Katsuki tested the coldness of the water running from the tap before soaking the handtowel he held in it. The room he'd left Noe resting in lacked a sink, and he'd been forced to return to the bathroom he'd sought refuge in earlier in the evening after his first confrontation with Jin. He frowned as he turned the water off and started wringing the towel out. 'Noe's illness is so sudden...could the wine really be to blame?' He looked up through his bangs at his reflection in the mirror. 'Koga didn't stay to talk long...'

He payed no attention to the door opening as someone else entered, looking back down at the towel he was wringing out instead. He started when a hand rested suddenly on the small of his back, and a man leaned his head around toward his neck. "Jisho!" He shoved the man off, obviously recognizing him.

The man laughed, taking a step back. "Hey, gorgeous, how have you been?"

Katsuki gave him a scathing glance. "I've done well, not that it's any of your business." Taking the towel he headed toward the door, but Jisho stepped in his path.

"Where's the fire? I thought we'd catch up. I haven't seen you in over a year..." He reached a hand out toward his face, which Katsuki dodged with ease.

"As if I'd waste my time on you again." Katsuki retorted. "I have much better options now."

"Don't be so fast to shoot me down." Jisho blocked his path when he tried to head for the door again. "I'm moving up in the world still. Might be worth your time to stroll down memory lane with me. At the very least play a little nice..." His eyes wandered Katsuki's frame.

"I'm busy."

"Oh? Is someone not feeling well?"

Katsuki's eyes widened. "How did you-?"

"Such a pity that Noe's taken ill." A new voice interrupted. Katsuki's head whipped toward the door, having missed Koga's entrance. "But you needn't worry your pretty head over him. He'll recover." He pushed a chair in front of the exit.

A cold shiver ran up Katsuki's spine. "You did drug him."

Koga smirked. "Well, I couldn't have him spoiling my fun, could I?"

"Why drag that into this?" Katsuki demanded, jerking his head toward Jisho.

"Such a barbed tongue." Jisho glared, then grew smug. "Just give me half a chance, and I'll sweeten you up."

"You were lovers." Koga reminded him. "He knows your weaknesses. It's true, this is mostly about my own enjoyment...but it'll make it sweeter if you're forced to enjoy it too."

Katsuki backed away as they advanced, glancing around for something to defend himself with and coming up empty handed. He felt the sink against his back, and gripped it with his hands until his knuckles turned white, trying to hide his shaking. There was no way he would give them the pleasure of seeing his fear.

'Stalking is bad, Akechi.' Akechi Imura told himself as he looked around the hallways of the hotel. Still, he couldn't find Katsuki anywhere in the main party, and he had to admit he was a bit concerned. It was possible Noe had decided to leave early, or taken his advice on getting a room. The latter possibility put a bad taste in his mouth. Somehow the thought of Katsuki in bed with Noe...he knew they were lovers, but it still sat wrong with him. He was about to give up when he heard muffled sounds from inside the bathroom door he'd just passed. He paused, not sure if he wanted to interrupt what might be going on. Still, just a peak wouldn't interrupt if the party's involved were busy...

He pushed lightly and found he couldn't open the door. Frowning, he pushed a little more, but the door only moved a few centimeters more. 'Blocked?'

"Behave, Katsuki. You'll be liking this before long, whether you want to or not..."

Akechi's expression darkened and he stepped back to give the door a solid kick.

The door swung only partly open before swinging back, but the sound of the chair clattering to the floor alerted them to the intrusion. Katsuki looked up from where he'd been forced to his knees, his arms being held by Koga. Jisho, who'd spoken, was kneeling in front of him, undoing his shirt. He whirled to face the door.

For a moment nothing more happened. "What caused...?" Jisho asked, nervous now.

The door opened slowly, as Akechi entered almost casually. He glanced at the chair, before turning to face the three. Despite his calm actions, his eyes were dark with anger. "Well, what do we have here?"

"Akechi?" Katsuki whispered, surprised.

"Leave." Koga ordered, twisting Katsuki's arm to silence him. "This isn't any of your business."

Akechi's smile was far from pleasant. "Perhaps not, but the hotel staff is busy...So I guess I'll have to take out the trash for them."

Jisho lept to his feet, running for the door. Akechi stuck his foot out to trip him - sending him crashing to the floor. "I didn't say you could leave." He swung the door shut. "Now, did I?"

"We-we haven't even done anything yet, man!" Jisho sat up, crawling backwards as the other man advanced on him.

"Neither have I." Akechi smirked.

Koga growled in frustration, tossing Katsuki to the floor. Katsuki pushed himself up in time to see him grab up the fallen chair."Akechi, watch out!" He shouted in warning

Akechi turned, narrowly dodging as Koga swung the chair at him. He shoved the chair after he swung by, sending him into an uncontrolled sprawl to the floor. Koga was forced to let go of the chair to catch himself. While they were busy, Jisho took the opportunity to escape out the door. Akechi planted a foot on Koga's back as Katsuki stood up. "I believe you owe our pretty friend an apology, Koga-san."

"Bastard..." Koga swore, then hissed in pain as Akechi applied pressure.

"You were saying?"

"Damn you - Ah!" Koga swore again, then shouted in pain.

"It's not neccessary, just let him go." Katsuki spoke up.

Akechi arched an eyebrow, but shrugged. "If you say so, beautiful." He stepped back, kicking the chair out of Koga's reach. "Hear that Koga? You've been spared...Leave." Koga glared daggers, but rose to his feet, and retreated from the room.

In the silence that followed his departure, Katsuki found himself unsure what to do. He paused when Akechi layed a cautious hand on his shoulder. "You alright?"

"Better than I would have been without your help." He turned hesitantly to face him. "...thank-you..."

Akechi offered a half-smile. "Don't mention it, I rather enjoyed playing hero. Can I try it again sometime?"

"As long as you avoid cheesy lines like that one about taking out the trash, you'll be fine I'm sure." He smiled, amused.

"You didn't like it? I read it in a book once. I thought it sounded really heroic."

Katsuki found himself chuckling inspite of himself. "You're a strange man, Akechi Imura...but I think I like you that way." He stepped away, bowing. "Thank-you again."

Akechi's stance relaxed, and his familiar cocky smile replaced his previous expression. "Is that all I get? Don't heros usually get kissed for their heroic deeds?"

"You'll have to ask someone who believes in fairytales."

"You shouldn't be so cynical, beautiful." He told him. "There's something to be said for fairytales."

Katsuki was caught off guard when Akechi suddenly leaned forward to brush his lips with his. "Akechi!" He stepped back, face flushing - furious.

"Hmm...nah, in a fairytale it would be like this..." Before he realized what he was doing, Akechi had wrapped an arm around his waist and tilted him back over it, his lips capturing his - his tongue shooting inside to slide coaxingly against his before withdrawing. He held the position as he ended the kiss, smiling smugly. "Yah, there's definately something to be said for fairytales..."

Katsuki found himself speechless, the taste of Akechi's mouth still on his lips. His heart was hammering in his ears, and he became aware of the urge to recapture the mouth that had abandoned his so quickly. To be swept away in the warm strength he'd felt in that kiss. It had been so long since he was honestly attracted to someone else, the desire he felt for Akechi was almost frightening in its intensity. He stared up at him, not protesting the position or speaking, uncertain what to do.

Sensing his willingness, Akechi's eyes slowly filled with desire, and he leaned in to kiss him again. He was interupted when the door swung open, and Katsuki turned his head to look. Not happy at the intrusion, he paused, however, when Katsuki tensed in his arms. Following his stunned gaze, he turned his head to find Noe standing in the doorway.


To Be Continued...


And the complications continue. Things look very different than they actually are. What do you think the odds are of Noe listening, though?

Salmon