Two Sides of the Same Coin (JR and Sosuke 0549)

[Sosuke0549]

Kazuto chuckled at the others first response, finding the others stubbornness truly comical. However he was surprised that the other cursed so much, almost as if it was second nature. No doubt a delquient...

When Shinji got all serious he raised an eyebrow at the High schooler, curious and yet hesitant. He glanced at the other men sitting at the bar before sighing softly. "You sure are prideful. " He muttered. "Hey Ichiru! Watch over the bar for a sec. "

"S-sure!"

He called over a co-worker so he could leave with the other. He stepped out from behind the bar, pointing at a door. "Come on pipesqueak. "

He took Shinji to the back door exit, leading them outside in a empty and dark alley way. He quickly propped the door open, not completely shutting the door. The sound of the club and pounding music was faint but rather soothing in a odd and hypnotic way. A single lamp post was there only source of light in this dump.

 

Kazuto pulled out a pack of cigarettes, taking out a single cig to light it. "Alright kid...you got ten minutes..." He said, as he lit the deadly stick and inhaled its toxic fumes. He hoped the kid wasn't confessing to him or something....

[JR_TheRandomFan]

It couldn’t be said how ready Shinji was for the older man to just laugh it off and be turned away. It wouldn’t be anything new, just another notch to a string of painful memories. But the very fact that he called someone over so they could speak alone. He stayed silent as they made their way outside, hands balled tightly in his pockets as he was the last to step outside. It took him a few seconds before he could speak again.” Great...Great...It’s great that I can’t forget what happened last night, great that YOU seem so vivid...I wasn’t sure of myself before, but now I...I’m not even sure. I don’t even know...Why does this weird feeling still stays with me? Just...why after one night, I’m just questioning everything about myself? I don’t get it.”

[Sosuke0549]

As Kazuto listened to Shinji confusing and rather weird confession, his eyes widened and he choked on his toxic fumes, trying not to laugh. He clears his throat, putting out his cigarette. What was the other saying? "Let me stop you right there kid. " Kazuto wasn't the person to talk to about discovering your sexuality or self. He wasn't really sure how to handle this situation or what to tell the other. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I'm not really good at this sort of thing...don't you have any friends to --" he cut himself off, remembering the conversation they had last night...it would seem Shinji didn't have many friends. And since he was here...it ment he couldn't go to his parents either for some reason. He bit his lip.." Actually I do know someone who is good at this sort of thing...and I don't know if that was a confession but, if it was I suggest you try falling for someone else...its my job to be a sweet talker and make you feel special...I'm a host after all. You shouldn't believe everything we say." He muttered before shrugged. " If your still feeling conflicted and confused about your..well...sexuality then come by tomorrow morning and talk to my friend...Also..no more seeking in here...Its not a place for kids, and your not getting any alcohol from me. Not after last night. You light weight~"

He opened the door, glancing back at Shinji. He felt for the kid...and he even reminded him of his past self. All the poor kid wanted was answers , but it wasn't as simple as a yes or no. "This is your last night here during open hours got it? Come on...I'll get you something to drink."

This was as nice as Kazuto could be right now. Letting a minor in despite the rules, and not leaving him alone or calling him disgusting for having a crush on him...this was probably the best response Shinji could of gotten from the older male.

[JR_TheRandomFan]

Thinking back to what he just said, Shinji really did sound like he’d had just lost his mind. And at this point, he didn’t really care. Confusion was just running through him at the moment. Did not stop the red to rush to his cheeks.

“If you’re still feeling conflicted and confused about your...well..sexuality, then come by tomorrow morning and talk to my friend...Also,no more sneaking in here. It’s not a place for kids,and you’re not getting any alcohol from me. Not after last night, you lightweight~”

As revealed as Shinji was, he couldn’t help but to feel...a little taken aback. As he knew, hosts are to make someone feel better than they are. How stupid was he to fall for it? It was...hollow to say the least.

“This is your last night here during open hours got it? Come on...I’ll get you something to drink.”

With a nod the young man just followed back inside. He wasn’t sure what to say. For once, he had nothing else.

[Sosuke0549]

Once they were back inside, Kazuto made the dirty blonde a non-alcoholic drink, and gave it to him with a small smile. He leaned on the counter, eyeing him. He could tell he was bummed. " On the house..." He said softly, he glanced at the other men all drinking , dancing, and laughing. It appeared everyone was having a great time except for Shinji. "You stick out like a sore thumb, you know that?...The best advice someone gave me was that, ' life is too short to not be happy, you decide who you are and what you wanna be. ' Sounds really corny but...I took all that crap to heart. Try not to stress over it too much Shinji..." He winked at him before turning to the sink to do dishes.

"Yo Kazuto I need a blow job, shakin not stirred, 2 bud lights, and four fire shots"

"Got it!"

 

"Well, well, well if its isn't the shy handsome loner. Still by yourself I see."

Eric smirked, approaching the boy and taking a seat next to him. "Although...you look gloomyer than last time...is everything ok?"

[JR_TheRandomFan]

Sitting back at that bar,with so much that was running through his mind that Shinji almost noticed that a drink was being placed in front of him. By instinct he reached for his wallet but was stopped when Kazuto spike up again.

“On the house...”

With a small nod Shinji took the glass in his hand, but didn’t drink. Not just yet.” Thanks...Kazuto.” He sighed.He felt so conflicted,so whole and yet...so empty. As much as Kazuto tried to make him feel better,he just couldn’t,not then.

”Sounds really corny,but...I took all that crap to heart. Try not to stress over it too much Shinji...”

The dirty blond would just glance over him as he walked away, taking a drink from his glass.”Out of all the nights not to get wasted...When I needed it the most.”At this point he didn’t care about sticking out. This was nothing new. With this question to himself ,he’ll just stick out even more. Be hated even more. When that other man came to him again, Shinji could only give a dull look when asked if he was okay.” The short answer is no. The long answer...I really don’t think I should talk about it...”

[Sosuke0549]

Eric was a little surprised by the others response, he was less hostile now then the day they first met. What ever it was that was bothering the kid, it must be something big. Eric's flirtatious tone changed to a softer one. "Wow...something really has got you down...you know...its kind of every hosts job to turn frowns like yours upside down. You don't have to tell me what's wrong, hell, I won't even charge you. I just finished with my last client so I'm free...if you want someone to listen...or if you just wanna cut loose and cry...I'm here..."

Part of Eric's charm was his princely personality and appearance. His tone was smooth but caring. He was the top playboy and excelled at making others feel special. "How about we dance? Try and get your mind off of things. "

"He respectfully declines. " Kazuto hissed. He returned after making his drinks and now stood before the two, glaring at his co-worker.

"Ouch...always so cruel Kazuto. Last I check this boy does have a mouth and mind of his own."

"Don't you have someone else to sink your fangs into you slippy snake. "

"I'm a gentleman, unlike you, people actually want to be around me. This kid isn't your client, so why are you being so defensive, its clear that he's not having a good time- haha- and with a host like yourself this must explain his gloomy demeanor. "

" Go fuck yourself Eric--"

"Whoa whoa whoa...language! I'd hate for you to be suspended again because you lack decent vocabulary. "

"Why don't you mind your own damn business , if you don't have any one to sleep with tonight then go wack yourself off in a stall and clock out, you pretty faced, condescending piece of shit. "

 

The two males quickly got into each other's faces, throwing insult after insult. It looked like they were about to get into a fist fight. "There you go, swearing again like the hoodlum trash you are~"

"I'd rather be trash then a man hore, you slippy snake. "

"Hey!! Knock it off!!" Another co-worker quickly stepped in, separating the two. "Eric- if you have no more clients tonight then leave- stop antagonizing Kazuto...and Kazuto stop being such a dick to him and playing in his games. Your both children...seriously!"

The other quickly apologized to Shinji for the twos behavior and Eric apologized to Shinji personally for witnessing his ...less appealing side.

"I'll get going..I hope you cheer up...goonight. " He smiled a little to the other before leaving.

 

Soon it was just Shinji and Kazuto at the bar once more.

[JR_TheRandomFan]

Shinji was about to answer the other host but before he even could, Kazuto stepped in. It was somewhat of a hidden grace. He was in no mood to really dance,or hang around this other host. But what really got to him was how the pair of them argued. It just reminded him of his fights with a certain boy in that popular crowd at school. That pompous asshole Vance...it was one of his vultures that talked about this place. Looking back they probably knew that he was listening in. By proxy, it’s his fault that he’s feeling even lower...but even that was kinda bullshit. What snapped him out of his deep thought the two had been broken up, with both of them apologizing for the fight. Shinji just shrugged at them both,taking another sip of his drink. Once it was just the pair of them again the dirty blond spoke up.” You know...I might just take you up on that talk with that friend...And you really must hate that Erik guy. I could see why...and it’s just a reminder of school,and I really didn’t need that now. He tears me down every time,and if he were to ever figure this out it’ll be the death of me.”

[Sosuke0549]

Kazuto sighed softly, glancing at the time. He still had a long night ahead of him but luckily everyone else had left the bar to be with other hosts or dance, so he took this opportunity to pour himself a drink and sit next to the other.

"You know what I learned about us human beings...that's its human nature to hate the person on top..." He took a sip of his iced rum, finding something to stare at. "I hate Eric because I can see what he really is...he may be the top host but its only because he manipulated people like you... His princely demeanor is all a facade and what pisses me off the most...is that he thinks he's better than me." He shrugged , turning to Shinji.

 

"Bullys are everywhere you go. I use to get bullied, but unlike most people I fought back..which made me a delquient...funny how that works. But I'd rather get the shit beat out of me than roll over and let someone treat me like shit...I didn't win all my fights..but eventually the bullies stopped bothering, because one day..I started kicking there assess~ " He smirked misceviously.

"They say violance is never the answer...well I'd love to meet who ever said that and give them a piece of my mind.....if your letting someone bully you pipesqueak...its your choice to decide what to do...but dont let this asshole control your life just because he has nothing better to do. You don't look like a push over..."

He took a final sip of his drink before leaving his empty glass on the bar table. "As for my friend..You kinda already met Asuna but..she'll help you..I get all this smart wisdom shit from her."

[JR_TheRandomFan]

Breathing a sigh Shinji simply listened to the older man speak. No wonder that Erik seemed so familiar,so...off to him. It just wasn’t fair that a person like that could cruise so easy, while he had to fight,and fight hard to make his peace. He did fell a little better that he wasn’t the only one who went through

“Bullys are everywhere you go. I used to get bullied,but unlike most people,I fought back...which made me a delinquent...Funny how that works...If you’re letting someone bully you pipsqueak, it’s your choice to decide what to do,but don’t let this asshole control your life just because he has nothing better to do. You don’t look like a pushover.”

Shinji couldn’t help but to chuckle at that,taking a sip from his drink before he spoke.”If I’m not fighting now,then I don’t know what I’ve been doing...Thannks for that. Really,I needed that.”

“As for my friend,you kinda already met Asuna but...she’ll help you. I get all this smart,wisdom shut from her.”

Finishing his drink Shinji breathed a tired sigh before stretching his back.” Oh yeah...I remember her. She seems nice,I guess. If you say she can help me, then I don’t have any reason to not believe you. She did convinced you to take my drunk ass home yesterday. She can’t be that bad...Uh,I guess I should get myself home huh? Want me out of your hair?”

[Sosuke0549]

Kazuto gave the other a small smile. "Well...you are still in highschool...isn't it way past your bed time?" He teased.

"Kazuto- 3 beers please, and a shot of voca."

He glanced up at his co-worker before nodding and going off to prepare another set of drinks. It didn't take him long to make the beverages and get them out. "Here ya go."

"Appreciate it. "

Once the other was gone, Kazuto gave his full attention to Shinji. "What were we talking about? Ah right- something about you being a bother. I don't partically think you are but...you really shouldn't be here during these hours. So how about you swing by tomorrow morning..."

[JR_TheRandomFan]

Riding from his seat Shinji stretched his back as the other teased him.” Hey it’s the weekend. I got nowhere to be tomorrow, smart one.” He would put back on his jacket as Kazuto was making and handing over drinks to someone else.Once he drew his attention back to him,the young man would be surprised to here what he said next.

“What were we talking about? Ah right-something about you being a bother. I don’t particularly think you are but...you really shouldn’t be here during these hours. So how about you swing by tomorrow morning...”

Shinji would give a shy nod be tugging at his jacket.” Uh,yeah...I mean I’ll be talking to Ms.Asuna,so I wouldn’t mind just coming down here in the morning. I’ll keep my promise, I guess.”

[Sosuke0549]

Kazuto smirked a little, finding Shinji funny but a little fascinating. "See you there...and be careful." He gave Shinji a quick nod before getting back to work. He still had a long night ahead of him.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

{ Next Day }

 

Kazuto sighed, not really wanting to wake up this morning. It was starting to get chiller in Japan, as December neared. He thought it was kind of funny how a lot of stores would always be too early for Christmas. Playing music and putting up trees in October. Today though, he needed to come in early and help Asuna decorate the bar.

As he approached the entrance. He stopped for a second to see Shinji standing outside. He smiled a little, shouting at him.

"I'd be lying if I said I was surprised. Come on- we gotta go threw the back. "

 

The host lead Shinji down a ally way, to a metal door with a automatch password lock. He typed in a the password to the door, quickly unlocking it, he allowed Shinji to go first. "Go on."

Inside it was a lot warmer and on the dance floor were already a tone of boxes labled Christmas stuff. Asuna and two other hosts were already rumigging threw the chaos of tangled Christmas lights and garnish. "Kazuto- your finally here you slacker. Hurry up an--"

She stopped, seeing Shinji.

" Before you scolded me...just listen. This is Shinji..and I think he needs a little guidance and plus I figured you wouldn't mind some extra hands~ "

He winked at the highschool, hoping to get him roped into staying and decorating.

[JR_TheRandomFan]

Shinji couldn't remember the last time he woke up up so early,so ready and willingly than the next morning. As he pulled on his jacket,catching the late fall chill, he felt calmer than the day before. The confusion was still there, but a more certain of where he was. As he waited outside the club, hands in his pockets as to keep himself warm. When he saw Kazuto walk up he would wave him over, muzzling himself within the collar of his coat.

"I'd be lying if I said I was surprised. Come on,we go through the back."

'For once I'm trying to be serious with my shit. Can't half ass it this time." As the pair went inside he kept quite, glancing around to see just what was going on. Decorating for the holiday season, even though it was still October. He wouldn't question it but he would still stay silent as the older man spoke. Once he winked over to him he would straighten up." It's been a very confusing time for me ma'am. I don't really have anyone to turn to..."

[Sosuke0549]

Asuna stared at Shinji, hearing him speak to her. She laughed softly, unable to contain it. "Ma'am ? Haha! I kinda like this kid, but ma'am makes me feel old...just call me Asuna." She turned to Kazuto, handing him a huge bundle of tangled lights. "You take these..and I'll take Shinji to my office." Kazuto nodded, giving the high schooler a small smile. "Come on cutie. "

 

She lead Shinji to the back of the bar, taking him into her office. It was small but cozy, with a desk and chairs but she also had a couch and small tv hanging up in the corner. She had a string of white lights hanging up around the room, giving it a girly but safe vibe. "Have a seat...and ask away...I won't have the answers to everything but I hope I can point you in the right direction. " She smiled, taking a seat at her desk. She was honestly a little surprised that Kazuto brought Shinji to her, and by how close they appeared. He rarely got close to anyone.

[JR_TheRandomFan]

It was a little surprising to see this woman seem so casual about titles. Usually if he didn’t call by the right name he would get scolded. Even living alone,it stuck. Wasn’t too bad, but it gets annoying. Taking his jacket he would set it on the back of a chair and sat down.

“Ask away...I won’t have the answers to everything but I hope I can point you in the right direction.”

“Well...I’m not sure where to bring. This type of thing has always been shakey. I wasn’t very sure just who I was. And now...I don’t know if I’ll be any less outcasted by being gay...How am I even suppose to get a better feel of it? I...really don’t have anyone to go to for it.”

[Sosuke0549]

Asune blinked, understanding why Kazuto sent Shinji her way. The female had nothing but kindness for Shinji, offering him a small smile.

"I see...well...let me tell you what I tell most of my hosts or clients that come in here looking for an answer. I don't have what your looking for...you do....There is nothing wrong with liking someone...follow your heart...really listen to what its telling you. Don't let others judge you or let society decided what you can and can't do..who you can and can't love. Of course there will be people who will judge you but who cares, right? You are searching for happiness just like everyone else. As for who you are, your still young. You have plenty of time to discover who you are and what you like and who you wanna become. Becoming gay isn't something you just wake up and decide on. Its a feeling...and you are allowed to change your mind. May be you like girls..or boys ..or both. You won't know unless you try. How do you feel around girls? How do you feel around boys? Do you notice if your physically attracted to them? Just try to think about how this person or that person makes you feel and kinda analyze it. And the last question you should ask yourself is...at the end of the day ..weather it be a boy or girl...will this person really make me happy. "

[JR_TheRandomFan]

Shinji made sure that he listened carefully of what Asuna was telling him. It was all common sense, every single word. He stayed quite for some time before he would speak up again." Well I figured not. This isn't something that you can just switch on..I just feel like recently it's just been pulled together. Never really had an interest in girls. There was nothing when I'm with them. But it with what's happened recently has only brought back how...flustered I can be with,well, other guys around. I can remember just not liking the feeling...so I just tried to keep my distance..."

[Sosuke0549]

Asuna blinked, surprised to hear Shinji comment.

" Why don't you like it? Are you ashamed of feeling flustered ? Or are you worried about what others might think? " She smiled at him, speaking with a honest and heart felt voice. " May be you feel uncomfortable..but that's normal...May be because your scared of liking someone who's the same gender as you... But doesn't it feel good too? Sure its scary and uncomfortable but that's because its new to you...Next time your with someone you like..and you feel that feelings...really try to break it apart . Are you not liking the feeling because your scared...or maybe you actually do like this feeling but telling yourself you shouldn't. "

[JR_TheRandomFan]

:...." For the moment Shinji wasn't sure how to answer what he was asked. It was hard to come up with why the way he felt the way that he did. Until...a memory." I guess...I could say that family might be the reason. I can recall that I tried to tell my pops, and it didn't end well...next thing that I can really recall was that this feeling wasn't a good thing. And this feeling...will just be another reason why someone would down right despise me..." He would shake his head before putting it in his hands." It's just so much put into one. I don't know if I can shake it."

[Sosuke0549]

"I see...well...take your time. You don't have to find the answer right now do you?" She got up from her seat and came over to Shinji's side, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. " This place is a judgement free zone..and no matter what you like..or who you like...it doesn't change my view about you. Like I said before...follow your heart...not everyone will accept you...but there are people who will..okay? Don't stress over it...it'll come to you. "

She smiled pulling away.

"Now, you came to help decorate yes! Lets get too it! Any much longer and those boys will break something. "

Just as she said that, a loud crash came from the bar. She jumped, starled. "You gotta be shitting!!!" She stormed out of her office, shouting. "What'd you break this time!!"

"My bad! I didn't realize there were glass ornaments in this box. "

"Tomua you idiot! That's coming out of your paycheck!"

"W-wait...seriously ?"

 

As Asuna took out her frustaion on Tomua. Kazuto checked on Shinji. "You good?" He smirked a little, snickering as he watched Asuna yell at his other co-worker. "She's so damn good its scary... Any way...you gonna stay and help? I wouldn't mind having a extra hand to decorate that tree over there. " He winked. Hoping Shinji would stay.

[JR_TheRandomFan]

There was still so much to go through, so much that he needed to sort out. All that he needed to do couldn't happen now. All that, he couldn't do then. He did feel better at least, to get that all of that off his chest. But now was the deal of the other part of his visit. Rising from his chair he would follow Asuna, snickering under his breath with the display right in front of him. Wasn't long for Kazuto to come to him."Yeah...yeah. Certainly much more clearer than before. Still got things to work out...but I guess I got an idea on where to go." Breathing a sigh he glanced over the other man when asked if he'd stay."I litteraly have nothing else to do. Would be nice to actually decorate after so long. Lead the way."

[Sosuke0549]

Kazuto smirked, leading the way to the bare christmas tree. Next to it was a tub full of lights and ornaments. "Alright...lights first. " he handed the other a mess of tangled lights sighing softly. "But first we gotta untangle them.." He groaned grabbing the second bundle of lights and beginning to untangle his own pile. He took a seat on the floor, in no hurry. "Sit...this is gonna take a second. " He muttered, removing a knot from his lights. Now was the perfect chance to sit and have a conversation with Kazuto if Shinji wanted to get to know him better. He had his guard down and technically he wasnt working so...he'd be able to talk more freely. Perhaps show him a different side to his personality then work.

"Ugh..this is so annoying...how the hell do they get so tangled in the first place. "

[JR_TheRandomFan]

Being lead to a bare tree Shinji would look over the boxes of decorations,setting his eye on the tangled mess of light that were soon put I to his hands.

“Sit...this is gonna take a second...Ugh...this is so annoying...how the hell do they get so tangled in the first place?

Sitting across from the man the blond would shrug before trying to untangle the mess as well.” It’s kinda like dealing with taking your headphones outta your pocket...You don’t really know. Just happens,and it’s hell to untangle them.” Shinji kept to himself for a moment,trying to focus on the task.” Say Kazuto,What got you working here anyways? Not to knock ya, but it just seems that you don’t get much of guests,I guess.”

[Sosuke0549]

Kazuto listened as Shinji compared the tangled lights to headphones and he chuckled. He knew exactly what he was talking about. He glanced at the boy as he continued.

" Say Kazuto,What got you working here anyways? Not to knock ya, but it just seems that you don’t get much of guests,I guess.”[/Quote]

Kazuto laughed again, shaking his head. "Wow..thanks..." He scratched the back of his head, looking a little frustrated and caught off guard. "I get enough guests for your information. A lot of people love the arrogant but mysterious bad boy type. " He turned his attention to his tangled lights again, fiddling with them. "Not that I'm arragont.....As for why...It just sort of happened..." He shrugged. To be honest it wasn't like Kazuto needed money...he secretly had plenty of it, but he didn't want to use it since was trying to cut himself off from his family. He was certainly the outcast out of every one and couldn't withstand the constant pressure and disgust from his parents and siblings. He felt...overwhelmed.

"I could see you being a host. I bet you get all the girls. " He quickly tried to change the subject. Not liking the sudden spot like on himself.