by Shawn Bailey
Luke put his attention on the stage. The group name blazed across the prop in red and white lights. The three younger men appeared dressed in jeans and Yukizumi embossed T-shirts, along with a band to perform Phil Collins and Philip Bailey’s, rocking 1980’s hit, ‘Easy Lover.’ The singers had great harmony, were energetic, and they sang in English.
Tomahiko spoke. “Good evening everyone and welcome to the show. First, I’d like to introduce my peeps, to my left we have bass guitarist and makeup artist, Akira Maki, and to my right, choreographer and the youngest member, Daisuke Abe. And I’m the lead singer, Tomahiko Akiyama, and we are Yukizumi. Happy Birthday, Noel Charles and Luke Austin, and welcome to our world.”
The music changed and the trio slowed things down with a ballad with all three members harmonizing and singing a part of the song. This gave Luke a chance to assess their individual talent. Tomahiko was tenor like Gerard. Akira sang bass and Daisuke was a baritone like Noel and Frankie. They performed a few more songs, mostly in Japanese and then left the stage. The people in the audience clapped. They had talent and it was his job to bring out the best of it.
Adam approached the mic. “Wow, weren’t they great?” The crowd clapped again. “The show’s just beginning. We have a special treat for you guys. The Kerrys are about to perform. Happy Birthday, Noel and Luke.”
He left the stage and the curtains opened. The Kerrys appeared dressed casually too in jeans and T-shirts. Gerard Tyler was on the drums. Jonas Kerry had his guitar, and Frankie manned the electric keyboard. They immediately went into Phil Collins’s ‘One More Night.’ Luke smiled. Someone, probably Noel, had let everyone know that he was a big Phil Collins’ fan. Noel looked over and smiled at him as if reading his mind. He went back to watching The Kerrys. Luke loved the gesture, but made him kind of sad too because he and Noel usually danced to this song at the LGBTQ club back in New Orleans. They wouldn’t dance together like that anymore since Luke wasn’t his boyfriend now.
“We haven’t forgotten about you, Noel,” Frankie said. He broke out with Beyonce’s ‘Best Thing You Never Had.’
Noel clapped and laughed as Frankie sang a toned-down version of the diva’s song. Of course, Luke knew that the song was about him and Noel tumultuous ex-relationship. He playfully shook his fist at the group on stage and Noel laughed.
“Happy Birthday Noel and Luke,” the trio said. Then they, too, left the stage.
Kenji took over the mic. “Yukizumi will be returning shortly. They’re changing into costumes.” He took out his handkerchief and dabbed his eyes. “I’m going to miss these guys, but I know they’re destined for bigger and better things. Besides being great singers and dancers, Yukizumi are also great impressionists. We call it kabuki, you call it drag. Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve never seen anything quite like this before.”
The Kerrys had returned to their seats.
“It’s a great skit,” Kenji said. “You’re going to love it. Without future ado…” He left the stage and the curtain opened. The backdrop had been changed to a Japanese image. All three guys were dressed up as geishas, complete with kimonos and wigs. They sang an ancient Japanese song while one of them played the mandolin. The songs changed and the kimonos disappeared, along with the geisha wigs. The guys wore athletic pants and crop tops to perform Britney Spears’ ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time.’
Frankie, Jonas, and Gerard looked at Adam. A couple of months ago the three of them had gotten fussed at by Adam for performing the same song in front of a couple of photographers when they were in Sweden.
“This is different,” Adam tried to explain. “It’s part of their act.” All three members of The Kerrys frowned at him.
Luke went back to watching the group. These fellows are very good at shaking their hips. The next song was a little more risqué and featured Tomahiko singing Taylor Dane's ‘Tell it To My Heart.’ Luke remembered that video and the song. Tomahiko looked just like her with all that thick hair, red lipstick, and smoky eye shadow. Oh my God, he’s headed this way. The singer walked down the stairs and came over and sat down on Luke’s lap. The other two guys remained on stage, dancing. The audience loved it. Tomahiko sang the song to him. Um, he has a nice soft tushie. Oh my God, what am I thinking?
Tomahiko got up and went back on the stage to finish the song. Of course, the damage was already done. Luke crossed his legs to stave off the erection Tomahiko’s butt has caused. And Noel was staring at him like he had been offended by Tomahiko’s lap dance. What was he mad for? The song ended. The people around him clapped and Yukizumi left the stage. The DJ took over. The trio joined them at the table later sans makeup. They were dressed stylishly in suits, looking like businessmen. Edward high-fived them, obviously missing the pissed off look on Noel’s face. No doubt he was jealous of the attention his lover was giving the members of Yukizumi.
“You fellows were great,” Edward said. “Loved the makeup.”
“Akira is getting better at it,” the one named Daisuke said.
A waiter came around with champagne. Everyone took a glass. Edward made a toast. “Happy Birthday to Noel and Luke.” He turned to the members of Yukizumi. “Welcome to the big times, fellows. You’ve always wanted to tour the United States, now you’re going to get your wish.”
“Are we going to stay with you, Edward?” Daisuke asked.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t have a place yet. But I’m sure Mr. Albertson is making plans for you guys.”
“Where have you been staying?” Tomahiko asked.
“In a hotel room at first, then Noel generously invited me to stay with him until the tour began.”
Tomahiko looked at Noel. “Thank you for being nice to our Edward.”
“He has his own place?” Daisuke asked.
Adam answered him. “Yes.”
“Can I have my own place?”
“Yes, but let’s just finish the tour first. You’ll probably be staying at one of my hotels until Tory can work this out.”
Daisuke looked shocked. “You own hotels? You must be rich or something.”
“Something,” Frankie uttered.
Ooh. Luke had forgotten that Adam and Frankie were having difficulties in their relationship. Frankie was still mad at Adam because Adam did not tell him that Gerard Tyler and Giovanni Bassett were married. Noel had accidentally spilled the beans and Frankie had gotten mad at Adam for keeping secrets from him.
“You guys look different in person that you do on television,” Tomahiko said to The Kerrys. You’re just babies.”
“I’m not a baby,” Gerard said. “I’m twenty-two.”
“We’re twenty-six, like Noel, which means we’re your seniors.” He drank his glass of champagne straight down. “Bring me a Seven and Seven,” he told the waiter. The other two ordered beer.
The caterers started bringing out the food and placing it buffet-style on tables on both sides of the room. Noel, Jonas, Frankie, and Gerard, took their three new cronies over and got in line. Tomahiko brought Luke a plate of food back.
“Thank you,” Luke said.
“You’re welcome, boss. Or can I call you Luke?”
“Luke is okay,” Luke said. Tomahiko smiled at him and went to his seat. The others returned carrying two plates. Noel sat a plate down in front of Edward. Daisuke put one down in front of Ki. Jonas gave his husband Brenton Tramayne a plate, and Gerard placed one in front of his husband Giovanni. No one around them seemed to notice, except maybe Akira, who didn’t bring a plate back for anyone but himself. That one isn’t gay. He wasn’t sure about Daisuke though. Tomahiko bumping and grinding in his lap earlier was a sure sign that he definitely liked the company of men. Every now and then he caught Tomahiko looking in his direction. Luke ate his food and ignored it.
After dinner, the members of Cinnamon came over to get The Kerrys to dance with them.
“Ooh, who are these beautiful women?” Akira asked.
“This is our sister group, Cinnamon,” Frankie answered. “Ladies, th
is is Akira Maki, Daisuke Abe, and Tomahiko Akiyama.”
Luke was impressed that Frankie remembered their first and last names.
“Gents, these beautiful ladies are Tierney Avery, Bridget Johnson, Carla Bishop, and Jessica Peters.”
Akira took Jessica’s hand. “Let’s boogie.”
Carla and Bridget got tugged onto the dance floor by Tomahiko and Daisuke. Tierney took Frankie with her.
“I think I like them already,” Jonas said, chuckling.
Noel agreed with him. Usually the two of them fell victim to Cinnamon, too.
Gerard chuckled and teased Luke. “You got your hands full now.”
“What do you mean?” Luke asked him.
“Your new group. We must look like angels now compared to them.”
Ki laughed. “Yeah.”
“I wasn’t aware it was a competition for most disobedient idol,” Edward said.
“How do you think I’d look with black hair?” Jonas asked out of the blue.
“Don’t try it,” Adam said to his singer. “We only need Frenchy rocking those raven tresses.”
“Thank you,” Gerard said at the compliment. Frenchy was Adam’s nickname for Gerard.
“They really worked that Taylor Dane song though,” Jonas said. “I wonder if I can get Akira to teach me how to do my eyes.”
“There are no blond geishas,” Adam reminded him.
“I know, but if there were I’d slay,” Jonas said.
Luke nodded and allowed his gaze to wander back to the dance floor. He had promised himself that he wouldn’t jump into a relationship so soon, but for the last few minutes his mind kept envisioning all of Tomahiko’s jet black hair spread out on a white pillowcase in his bedroom.
* * * *
“Are you enjoying your party?” Luke asked Noel as the fun continued.
Noel nodded. “Yes, usually I don’t do birthdays, but this has been okay.”
“And a bit strange,” Luke added.
“Oh, you mean the geishas?”
Luke nodded, checking out Noel’s flawless skin and the cluster of freckles across the bridge of his nose. Luke’s plans were to enjoy the Asian experience with Noel, but things didn’t work out that way. Luke had hoped that Noel would have run Edward off by now, but the muscular manager seemed to be there to stay.
Tory came toward them pushing a cart with a huge cake on it. He and the others present began singing Happy Birthday to him and Noel. He handed the knife to Luke after they blew out the candles. “Happy Birthday you two.” Edward had disappeared from Noel’s side, and then he came up the same aisle with another cake.
“Are you trying to outdo me?” Tory asked him.
Edward shook his head. “Noel is lactose intolerant and vegan. This cake is dairy and sugar-free.”
“Yes,” Jonas said excitedly. He and Adam had diabetes and it wasn’t often he got to eat cake.
Edward handed a knife to Noel, and the first piece of chocolate-iced cake went to Frankie, who was also vegan.
“Thank you.”
Noel winked at him. “You’re welcome.”
Luke suspected that Tory and Edward had this planned from the beginning for those with dietary constrictions. All three members of Yukizumi were in his line. Luke handed Tomahiko a slice.
“Thank you,” Tomahiko said, rewarding him with a smile.
“I hope it’s not too sweet,” Daisuke said when he got his piece.
“You don’t like sweets?” Luke asked.
“Not really.”
“Tommy does,” Akira said as Luke gave him a slice. “Thank you.”
Tomahiko had scarfed his down while the others were talking. “Can I have another slice?”
Luke cut him a second piece. “Just this once, then tomorrow we all will have to work this off.” He swept his gaze over the singer with the pretty face. Flawless.
Tomahiko averted his glance and went back to eating his cake.
“Don’t give him too many sweets,” Ki said as he walked up on him. “It makes him hyper.”
Tomahiko kept right on eating, ignoring Ki. He locked eyes with Luke again. Apparently sugar made him horny, too.
“Do you think I’m fat?” Tomahiko asked
Luke shook his head. “No, but Ki’s right. You shouldn’t eat too much. Save it for a special occasion.”
“Like my birthday?” Tomahiko asked.
Those sexy eyes were getting to Luke. “Yes, when is it?”
“July 3rd.”
“That’s already passed. We’ll have to come up with another reason to celebrate.”
“Noel’s birthday,” Tomahiko said.
Damn if he wasn’t dealing with another intelligent bottom. Luke had never been propositioned so smartly.
Akira looked at Tomahiko then at Luke, then back at Tomahiko again. He spoke rapidly in Japanese to Tomahiko.
Tomahiko answered him back in English. “Fuck Edward.”
Luckily Edward wasn’t nearby.
Akira led Daisuke away.
Tomahiko tossed his plate into the trash and swished out of the grand ballroom.
Luke walked nonchalantly out of the room. He found Tomahiko standing by the elevator. They both entered when the door opened.
“I don’t do one night stands, and I will slit your throat if you cheat on me, Luke Austin.”
Luke chuckled sarcastically. “Now why would I do something like that?”
* * * *
Fuck. He was drowning in Tomahiko’s kisses. And his lips are so soft.
Tomahiko got him out of his jacket and shirt and ran his hand up and down Luke’s chest. “I like a man with muscles.” He ran his tongue over every inch of Luke’s pecs. Tomahiko unbuckled Luke’s belt and got him out of his pants, leaving Luke in his briefs. Tomahiko removed them, too. “Hot damn, I’ve hit the jackpot. He went down on Luke before he could stop him.
Not that he was about to. Most of the time he did the seducing, but not this time. He let Tomahiko Akiyama take control. The guy had a nice warm mouth, a wet tongue and good control of his gag reflex. “Ooh,” Luke said as the urge to come churned in his balls. He shoved his fingers through the long black hair. Tomahiko’s head bobbed up and down as he continued to suck Luke’s cock. Luke loved the sound of him slurping and acting like his dick was an all-day lollipop.
While Tomahiko held Luke’s shaft in one of his palms, he used the other hand to squeeze and caress Luke’s balls. Tomahiko had done this before. No wonder Edward looked like someone had lost his last friend when Tory took Yukizumi away from him. What a prize? He’d had lots of lovers before, but no one ever sucked his cock with such finesse before. It made him want to come.
Tomahiko lifted his head. “Do you like what I’m doing to you?”
“Hell yes,” Luke said.
“I want you to come in my mouth,” Tomahiko said. He went back down on Luke.
“Uh, oh,” Luke said after a few more minutes of the greatest fellatio he’d ever experienced. “Oh!” He came deep in Tomahiko’s throat. “Wow, usually I have more control than this.”
Tomahiko came up wiping his mouth. “I’m not complaining. You taste delicious, Luke, but I have to leave.” He stood up.
“What? But…”
“Oh, you thought we were going to have intercourse?” Tomahiko asked as he fixed his clothing and headed toward the door. “I’m not that easy. Happy Birthday.” He left.
Luke lay back and slammed his fist into the mattress. Damn little cock tease.
* * * *
Edward spotted the headlights in his rearview mirror. Shit. I don’t have time for this. The car behind him came up beside him. The driver honked the horn. Edward recognized him. It was Kacho Takashi and another male. He rolled the window down. “What?”
“The boss would like to see you,” Kacho said in English. He drove away and Edward followed down several miles of highway and then onto a familiar private road. A few minutes later, a tall fence with a guard stand appeared. Several men ar
rived and began searching both cars and then they were let into the compound. They traveled down a paved driveway, past lush lawns, a variety of trees indigenous to the area, a pond, and a beautiful garden. Kacho stopped at the curb and parked. Edward did the same thing. Everyone got out. The other guys were dressed in black suits and white shirts.
“You know the rules,” Kacho said. “Be respectful.”
Blow up one building and now he had a reputation for being a problem child. Edward went along with the game. “Yes.” The door suddenly opened and two big burly guys appeared. Edward knew them, too. They were Touno Yaguchi and Kyousuki Kashin, two of the boss’s bodyguards. After searching the three of them, they were allowed to walk through a metal detector. The two who’d escorted him there had already removed theirs.
“He’s clean,” one of the bodyguards said. He stepped aside while the other two men led him to the dining room.
Edward was no stranger to the home, especially when he started dating the boss’s nephew. It was late in the evening so there weren’t very many others around except a couple of lieutenants. The bodyguards joined them.
“Ah, Edward how nice to see you again,” Mikuni Akiyama said.
Edward moved forward, knelt and kissed the older guy’s ring. “It’s nice to see you again, sir.” The man stood about five-feet-four in his stocking feet, but wielded a hell of a lot of power. His prized possession was his gorgeous nephew, whom he’d raised since Tomahiko’s parents were killed in a hit by a rival gang. He and Tomahiko resembled each other right down to the silky dark hair. Mikuni wore his short and styled.
“You’re just in time for dinner. Please take a seat,” Mikuni said. The servers entered and began placing plates and saucers of food before them on the table.
He had plans of going back to the hotel and having dinner with Noel, but some things couldn’t be avoided. The servers left just as quickly as they had arrived. It was standard Japanese food…fish stew, vegetables, and rice.
“My nephew told me that you were returning. How was America?”