Part Ten:

“Good evening and welcome to the evening news at seven. We will begin with the most talked about event of the past week and that is the Annual International Go Competition that is being held in the city. For the past week, teams from over sixty countries have competed in grueling and tough matches, all in the quest to claim bragging rights as the best in a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity around the world. The elimination rounds have begun and as expected, the top three countries have breezed through their matches with no problems at all. Korea, China and Japan are the countries to beat in this event it seems. And as we enter the final crucial week of the tournament, you can expect the competition amongst the three rival nations to become even more heated....”

~*~*~*~*~

The orange-haired man groaned as he listened to the bulletin on the large screen TV. “Aaah...it seems like many reports still don’t see Japan as a threat. We are still the underdogs by a margin of 6-4. What a bummer.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much, Amano-san,” Ogata drawled lightly as he tapped the ash from his cigarette into the tray before him. “I think the boys enjoy the fact that they are not the heavy favorites. They have little or no pressure on them and that is why they have performed exceptionally well in their previous matches.”

Amano nodded with a grin. “Hai, you are right, Ogata-sensei. I shouldn’t be worrying too much. I just have a gut feeling that for the first time ever, we just might be able to beat those guys, ne?”

All he got was a light ‘hn’ as the teacher’s eyes had now begun to follow the rather tense figure of the young boy who was making his way out of the lobby.

Hmm...

“Eh? Isn’t that Touya-sensei?” Amano gasped in surprise as he too noticed the boy in the black raincoat step through the large glass doors. “Where is he going to?”

Ogata shrugged and downed his drink in a gulp. Getting to his feet, he sank his hands into the pockets of his pants and replied smoothly. “I am not really their keeper when it comes to their free time. They are at liberty to do whatever they want, just as long as it doesn’t interfere with their upcoming matches. And now, if you will excuse me, I have some kifu to study.”

“Aaa...of course...”

And with a light bow, he left the presence of the, very, bewildered reporter.

~*~*~*~*~

The rain was beginning to fall at a steady pace and even though it was just two in the afternoon, the thick and gray clouds made it seem as if it were late in the evening. Akira shivered and sneezed lightly before stepping over yet another puddle. He was dressed in a protective raincoat, but in his haste, he had forgotten to bring an umbrella and now he stood drenched and cold, wondering if this whole thing was worth it. But remembering what he was doing this for, he figured a little rain couldn’t hurt.

I will make you mine, Shindo. Somehow, someway...

“Yo! So you managed to find your way in this jungle. I am impressed.”

Akira spun around to face the grinning boy, who looked a whole lot worse than he. “Ma...Mark!”

“In the flesh!” Came the exuberant greeting from the American, who stood dressed in only a now soaked leather jacket over a simple t-shirt and jeans. “Come on! My car is at the other side of the street. I did tell you to wait for me in front of Thirty-fourth and Fifth, didn’t I?”

Akira scowled. “It is not easy to navigate through these streets. The directions you gave me were quite vague and I almost got lost.”

“But you didn’t, did you? So stop bitching and follow me.”

Akira opened his mouth to say something else, but decided to close it shut seeing that Mark had no intentions of listening to him anyway.

As they got into the small, black Mustang, the 6-Dan sighed inwardly as he recalled the events that led him up to this point.

The day after the night of Waya and Hikaru’s debacle, Touya had spent the hours pondering on the sort of things he could actually do with Shindo. Each thought he came up with ended up with both of them playing Go and to Akira, that scenario would just never do. How could he spend an entire day playing Go with the boy he was trying to woo? There was no way in hell that he could achieve anything and he figured that Shindo would be bored with his company at the end of the day.

It had been after their match with England, that Akira had seen the dark-haired American in the lobby. He had tried to avoid meeting with him, but Mark had been the first to hail him over. Before long, both had begun a walk around the gardens and the following conversation ensued:

“Nice game you guys played today. Whoo...if I had been your opponent, I would have resigned by the time you played that nobi.” He laughed at his own joke, only to notice that the Japanese boy had given him a wan smile in return. Mark quirked a brow and ‘hmmed’ softly.

“What’s the matter, Touya?” he finally asked. “You look as if you have a lot on your mind.” When the other boy gave no indication of having heard him, Mark raised his voice. “Hey...Touya! Snap out of it!”

“Eh? Oh...sorry...I…I didn’t hear...”

“That’s because you are spaced out. Geez...someone would think you had some hot babe waiting for you somewhere or something.” At the light blush that dusted the shy boy’s features, Mark smirked and leaned closer. “Eh? What’s this? The great Akira Touya blushing over a girl? Hehe...so who is she, huh? Come on...tell me...”

“Ah...it’s...I mean, it’s not like that...”

“Don’t lie to me now!” Mark continued in his teasing tone. “Talk to me, lover boy. Is she hot? What kind of a girl is she? Hmm? Does she like being on top or...”

“Yamero!” By this time, Akira’s face was a bright crimson and his breathing had become irregular, as if he had run a marathon. Images of he and Shindo in bed together filled his mind and he squeezed his eyes shut willing them to go away. “It’s...it’s none of your business!” He finally blurted out, not caring for the curious gazes that were thrown their way.

Mark blinked at the outburst and shrugged good-naturedly. “Okay...I’ll stop teasing you for now. But tell me...are you guys gonna go on a date? I mean, you don’t know your way around the city and being the nice guy that I am, I’m willing to show you some of the best places around town. So, whaddaya say? Think of it as my apology to you for the way those guys acted the other night, hmm?”

Akira stared at the other boy in disbelief. This was too good to be true. He had finally found someone that could help him show Shindo the best time of his life!

“Arigato!” He exclaimed with a wide smile that sent Mark gasping at how breathtaking the boy looked. Kicking himself inwardly for even thinking about the Japanese boy in such a light, he grinned and patted the other boy’s shoulder. “No problem, kiddo. Just meet me at...”

And so, here he was, ready and willing to hear any suggestions the older boy might have for him. He still wasn’t sure of how he was going to tell Mark that the ‘girl’ was actually a boy, but he decided to keep the real identity a secret for the time being.

“Oops! Gotta make a quick stop at my father’s school. I forgot to drop off the package he was supposed to have. You can come in if you like,” he added with a smile. “I’m sure most of the students would love to meet you.”

Akira really didn’t want to meet any one right now. All he wanted to do was to find out the information and then make a beeline for the hotel to get his plans in gear, but it seemed like Mark was going to prolong this day for him.

With an inward sigh, he nodded slowly and stepped out of the car, staring rather impassively at the bright sign with the words ‘Joe Jansen’s School Of Go’ written on it. The school was situated on the first level of a tall building, which housed other small businesses. Within the large glass windows, Akira could make out the groups of students playing amongst themselves. There seemed to be a youth section and an adult section and as soon as the two boys walked into the cozy atmosphere, it seemed like every one and every thing stopped.

All eyes were pinned on the now uncomfortable Akira and it took all of his strength not to bolt out of the building from the intense scrutiny. What was wrong with him? He was used to people gaping at him over the years. Why should this be any different? Was it because he was in an unfamiliar country?

“As I live and breathe...” came the awed whisper. “It’s you, isn’t it? It’s really you! Touya Akira, son of Touya Meijin, right? Right?”

This sent a ripple across the room as gasps and murmurs arose. Akira bowed politely at the plump, smiling-faced man that had called out his name. “Hai, I am. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Whoa! No, no, no! Please! The pleasure is all mine! Please have a seat!” The man pulled out a seat at an empty table and Akira’s inner misery grew as he stared at the goban and stones glaring back at him. He just knew what was coming next.

“You wouldn’t mind playing one game with me now, would you? It would be an honor to play with a top level player like yourself.”

Mark, who had left to drop the package at the back rooms, came back in to blink at the crowd of people now surrounding his companion. Cursing softly beneath his breath, he pushed his way through the throng and scowled at the two men now sitting at the table.

“Sheesh! Dad! I didn’t bring him here to play a game! We have someplace to go now!”

Akira stared at the man across him, not really seeing any resemblance between father and son. The older man looked fairer, while Mark had a dark and exotic skin tone that he couldn’t quite place. Smiling softly, he placed a hand on the agitated boy’s. “It’s okay, Mark. I can play for a while. I have nothing else to do this afternoon anyway.”

Mark didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure about this, Touya? I really didn’t want this to happen...”

“It would have happened anyway,” one of the students said with a light chuckle. “How can anyone pass up a chance to play Touya Akira, huh?”

This made every one laugh with mirth and joining them with a light giggle of his own, Akira Touya began the long Shidougo sessions with a rapt audience watching his every move in awe.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Three long hours late, found Akira chewing lightly on a sandwich, while watching Mark wolf down a plate of steak and fries in record time. They were now sitting in a bistro across the street and Touya could still see the Go school from his side of the window. Many of the students were still hovering around the table he had played Mark’s father and he couldn’t help chuckling as he watched the older man ‘shoo’ away anyone that dared to touch the game.

“My father is a nutcase,” Mark said dryly as he finished down his beer. “He has a good heart, but he is crazy, you know?” He wiped a hand across his lips and grinned. “Not bad for a step dad, huh?”

“Oh? He isn’t your real father then?”

“Nah, my real Mom and Dad were gypsies. You know...roaming around the place and all of that good stuff.” He chewed absentmindedly on a fry and smirked. “My dad ran away and left me and my mom alone. I think I was around seven at the time. Anyhoo, Dad left and Mom and I moved down to the city and then we met...him.” He pointed towards the Go school. “He is an awesome guy and my mom had every right to fall for him.”

“Where...where is your mother now?” Akira asked softly, already guessing the answer he was about to receive.

“She’s dead. She died of breast cancer about two years ago.”

“Ah...I am sorry to hear that. You must have loved her very much.”

“She was the best. Anyways...” he wiped his hands with the napkin and gave a teasing wink at the other boy. “About this big date of yours...I’m going to need details, if you want me to suggest some places for both of you to go to. So, first things first...what’s her name?”

Akira’s face flooded with color again as he choked on his sandwich. Reaching for his glass of milk, he gulped it down quickly and tried to gather his scattered wits about him.

“Wh...what...how is that important?” he asked a bit desperately.

Mark shrugged. “No reason. I just thought it would be nice to know what kind of a girl you were taking out, that’s all. Unless, you don’t really need my help after all...”

“Her name is Shin...Hi...Shihiru,” came the flustered and quick answer.

“Ah, a Japanese babe, eh? Cool! Hmmm...now let’s see...what’s Shihiru like? Physically I mean?”

Akira blinked before squeaking out a bit breathlessly. This was turning out to be an inquisition. “Wha...what do you mean?”

“Well, does she have big boobs, or long legs or is she blonde or dark-haired? Dude, I need details.”

Shindo with big boobs? That sent Akira slapping a hand over his mouth as he tried hard to stop the well of hysterical laughter that threatened to surface. Mark could only watch in confusion. “Well...didn’t know I had become a comedian...”

“Gomen...gomen nasai...it’s just that...” He composed himself quickly, although the smile remained on his features. “Shihiru is rather....flat-chested...and well built...for her size. She is athletic and you could say that she is...uh...blonde...ish.”

“Blondish, hmm? So, what kind of a girl is she? Personality-wise? Is she outgoing? Or the more indoorsy type?”

“She is very outgoing.”

“Ni~ce. So, what kinds of things does she like?”

“Huh?”

“Uh...her likes? Her dislikes? What kinds of food does she like to eat? What kind of books does she like to read? Does she like loud or soft music? Is she into making out in parks and public places or is she shy about stuff like that...?” He stopped as he noticed the pained look on the other boy’s face. “Aki...Akira? Is everything all right? I didn’t mean to pry to much, but it’s just that...”

The distraught boy got to his feet quickly. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything about her,” he muttered softly, as he lowered his lashes in shame and dismay. “I have known him for over five years and yet, I don’t know....anything...”

Him? Did he just say him? Nah...probably my ears hearing things...

“Akira...”

“Let’s just go back, okay?”

Mark looked like he was about to protest, but it quickly died as he saw the passive look on the other’s face. Sighing softly, he got to his feet. “Okay then. Give me a sec to pay the guy and I’ll meet you by the car.”

~*~*~*~*~

The drive was a silent one as both boys remained lost in their thoughts. Akira’s gaze was fixed squarely on his palms and for a moment, Mark was sure that he had heard a sniffle. How could Touya know some girl for five years and yet know nothing about her at all? Was this the classic case of having a crush and not being able to do a thing about it? Unrequited love? What?

“Home sweet home,” he announced softly as he stopped before the hotel.

Akira gave him a small smile. “Thank you for today. I am sorry if my behavior…”

Mark shook his head and peered at him in earnest. “Listen, Touya. I don’t know what kind of a girl she is or what kind of relationship you guys have, but if my hunch is correct, I will say that you really, really like this girl, right?”

The heat flooded Akira’s features again and he could only nod slowly. “I…I guess you could say that…”

“Then here’s the deal. Go with your gut. Do what feels natural to you. Take her for a walk in the park. Go see a Broadway show…oh yeah….” He snapped his fingers. “And as you said, she is outdoorsy, right? I bet she would love going to that fair that’s being held in the downtown area tomorrow. The sun’s gonna be out and what better way to spend the day, right?”

Akira could feel his dampened spirits lift at the suggestions. Taking Mark’s hand in a firm handshake, he widened his smile. “Hai. Thank you so very much for everything. I cannot thank you enough.”

The American snickered and accepted the handshake. “See, we are not so bad after all. And you can thank me by making sure that she has a good time. Let me know how it goes, okay?”

“Unh…I will do that. Have a good evening, Mark.”

“You too, Touya. You too…”

~*~*~*~*~

Waya shuffled out of the bathroom and rubbed his eyes wearily while stifling a small yawn at the same time. He hadn’t slept much the last night and it all had to do with Ochi wishing to argue some dumb point about a move he had made during a match earlier in the week.

Geez...that guy just doesn’t know when to give up, does he? I bet if I had said that the earth was round, he would have tried to tell me otherwi...huh?

He stopped in his tracks as he noticed the figure of his new rival pacing restlessly outside their bedroom door. For a moment, Waya had the familiar urge to tell the dark-haired boy to get the hell away from there, but then he saw the look of worry on the handsome features and decided otherwise.

“Oi...what do you think you are doing, Touya?” he asked with a lazy drawl as he leaned against a wall and folded his arms across his bare chest. It was relatively warm in the apartment, so the redhead had found no need to put his t-shirt on.

Akira started in surprise, barely able to stop his small gasp at the sight of the smirking boy standing a few feet from him. Suddenly feeling defensive, he clenched his fists and muttered harshly. “What’s it to you, Waya?”

“Hello? You are standing in front of my bedroom. Is there something you wanted?” His smirk grew and Touya could feel his face reddening with growing embarrassment. He knew that Waya was quite aware of his inability to ask Shindo out properly and he had spent the better part of the evening pacing in front of the door, trying to figure out the right words to say to the blond.

“Kuso! You are going to make this very difficult for me, aren’t you?” he finally grit out coldly.

Waya shrugged and gave an exaggerated yawn. “Your loss, Touya. You can stand here all night and look like a fool or you could just walk in there and tell him that you wish to take him out. I don’t think he will kill you or anything.”

“Who’s killing who?”

Shindo had stuck his head out of the door and was now staring at the two boys in the hallway with a bewildered look on his face. He had been trying to study the kifu for the next match, but the rising voices had distracted him, causing him to leave the room to find out what the chaos was all about. “Well?” he asked again, with a slight hint of impatience in his voice.

Akira opened his mouth to say something, but Waya beat him to the punch. “I think Touya wanted to ask something of you, Shindo. Right, Touya?”

The dark-haired boy muttered a curse beneath his breath and took a much needed one at the same time. He really had not wanted the redhead to be around for this, but he guessed he had no choice but to go for it. Turning to look at Shindo, he reached into his pockets and pulled out the tickets.

“I...I have two tickets to a Broadway show...and I thought that you would...you would...I mean...if you would...”

The words seemed lodged in his throat and thinking that he was going to probably die of extreme humiliation, Shindo smiled softly and stepped out of the room completely. “If you would like me to come? Sure! It sounds like fun. Is Waya coming too?”

Waya chuckled and pushed himself away from the wall. “Nah...if you noticed, there are only two tickets and I don’t think Touya needs me there...unless...” He draped an arm around the tense boy’s shoulders and drawled casually into his ear. “Unless you wish it to be a three-way.”

Akira gave a small cry and shoved the laughing redhead away from him in his distress. His cheeks flamed at the insinuation and he shook his head quickly as if trying to convince himself that such a naughty thought had never filled his mind before. “Kisama! Can’t you just think of nothing else but...”

“Sex?” Waya finished with a quick glance at Shindo, who promptly turned his face away as Touya suddenly wished the ground would open and swallow him up. A tension filled silence followed by the movements of restless shuffling of feet made them all aware of just how much that simple word had sent their hormones into overdrive.

After what seemed like eons, it was Waya who finally found his voice first, although it sounded a bit strained. “I’ve...eh...got to go now...so...see you guys later...” He spun around quickly and walked away, barely giving the other boys a chance to reply.

Shindo tried to stifle a moan at the now painful ache in his groin. He had tried to forget the incident in the steam room and had patched things up with the redhead without talking about his ‘blunder’. And now with the words ‘three-way’ and ‘sex’ hovering in the air...Shindo was sure that his nightly rituals were bound to take on a more intense feel tonight.

And wait a sec...had Touya just asked him out on a....date? There was something definitely wrong with this picture.

He stuck his hands into the pockets of his pants to hide his current state, idly noticing that Touya was doing the very same thing.

Come to think of it...this kid needs a makeover. Kami...he dresses like he is a thirty year old!

“So...what is this, Touya? Are you actually asking me to join you for something?”

Akira nodded slowly, his green eyes now blazing with an emotion that Shindo could not quite define. But he could feel it sear through his body like a jolt of electricity and he found himself almost feeling giddy with anticipation.

“We can spend the entire day together if you like.”

“An entire day with you, Touya?” came the small slightly breathless question. Can I survive without making a fool of myself again?

The 6-Dan gave a small smile that sent Shindo’s pulses racing, his beautiful green eyes seeming to twinkle with hints of promised mischief.

“Hai, Shindo,” Akira replied softly as he raised his fingers to trace the parted lips of the stunned boy before him. “Just you... and me and an entire day to do whatever we want.”