Chapter 3: Party Blues

Night fell over New WaterSlum. Cars littered the sidewalks, all parked and present for the party at the Yamishito Household.

Takabi had just pulled into the driveway, taking a moment to himself before switching off the engine and stepping out from the car. The front door opened, a strong light casting down over him that illuimated his tired face.

Kairas was watching him from the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed. Neither addressed one another until Takabi stepped up the stairs and slipped his hands in his pockets, moving past his twin.

The living room was filled with people. Co-workers from Nana's job, as well as some of his own. His left eyebrow raised as he glanced back at Kairas and asked, "Wasn't this supposed to be just us?"

"Nana figured a party would be a good thing for you. Help you mingle and break out of that reclusive shell you grew." Each word was matter-of-fact. His tone was insensitive, but with good reason.

"Where is she?"

Kairas pointed upstairs. Takabi followed his direction, catching Nana's laughing face. With her were two people.

A woman with long blonde hair and dark brown eyes. She was wearing a strapless purple dress with thin, black stockings hugging her legs. The air around her hair was flowing softly, despite the lack of windows nearby. 

Next to the blonde woman was a tall man. Slick brown hair and dazzling blue eyes. Despite the loud noise and the simple fact they were on the second floor, he could tell his voice was deep and held an air of power. Sporting a tight blue T-Shirt and black jeans, he looked down at Nana with a gaze Takabi wasn't too fond of.

Kairas studied his reaction, a smirk forming on his face as he nudged his brother. "Careful. Green doesn't look good on you."

"Bite me," Was his quick response. Takabi cut through the crowd by the staircase, his steps extremely wary while he traveled towards Nana and her friends.

She picked up the sound of his movement and looked towards him. The smile on her face faded, replaced by worry.

He was out longer than usual, She thought. Her eyes caught the dried vomit on the corner of his mouth and her jaw went stiff. "Where were you?" She tried to keep the concern from leaking through her tone.

"Went for a long drive." His eyes fell on the handsome man across from him. "And this is?"

"Oh," Her eyes went wide as if she just remembered they weren't alone. "Takabi, this is Deo." She gestured to the man. "Deo, this is my boyfriend, Takabi."

"Pleasure," He spoke with a slight english accent.

Takabi's right eye twitched. "I'm sure."

"Deo is my boss," She said, nudging Takabi's side. "We were talking about company expansions."

"Yes. Nana has a very sharp sense of humor as well. Even at the workplace, there's never a dull moment with her." He took a sip of the wine he was holding. Swallowing, he said, "You're a lucky man. Many would kill for a woman like Nana."

At his words, her cheeks flushed faintly.

Everything inside Takabi was screaming at him to knock this man flat on his ass. Jealousy was a drug he hadn't had too much experience with in the past, but right now it dug around in his chest like a blade.

He took a deep breath, before taking Nana's hand and saying, "Yeah. I know. She's very special to me."

"How long have you two been together?"

"A couple years now," She replied.

The blonde who remained silent spoke up finally. "Aw. You both are really cute together."

"Lulu, stop it. You're gonna make me blush."

Lulu leaned in, poking her cheek. "Girl, you already are."

Takabi and Deo kept their eyes on one another. Deo was calm and cool and studying his face up close made Takabi's insides twist more.

His face was freshly shaven to expose his chiseled jawline. His teeth were purely white to compliment his perfect smile. Deo was muscular, each curve of each muscle defined greatly by his choice of clothing. "Are you okay? You're staring at me pretty hard."

Nana looked up at Takabi. His eyes were full of unsure threats. She could tell he was thinking something but was unsure of what. "Honey?"

"I'm fine. I'm just tired."

"Well go rest. We can talk about your session later."

"Session," Lulu repeated.

"Therapy. It's a very long story."

Takabi let go of her hand, nodding to Deo and Lulu. "Nice to meet you both. Excuse me."

As he stepped past, Deo muttered something softly to himself. Choosing to ignore it, he quickly made his way into their bedroom and stripped down. He glared at the orange shirt in disgust, before going through drawer after drawer of clothes. Each combination he ripped out from the dressers and stands did nothing to highlight any of his best features.

Once he settled on a white button down and black slacks, he gazed at his face in the mirror. His nerves felt shot the longer he looked at his tired face and bloodshot eyes.

The face he once would call handsome had devolved. He hated his look, and everything about himself. His mood soured, he ripped shirt and pants off then crawled into bed, shutting his eyes wishing nothing more than to disappear.

Kairas watched Takabi from a crack in the door then shut it tight. Looking at Nana, he shook his head and sighed. "He's in really bad shape."

"I know. I'm even more worried now. Never seen him glare at anyone that badly before."

"Give him time," He said, moving past her. "Meanwhile, let's enjoy the rest of the night. When he's ready, he'll come to us. That's how he's always been."