Title: Picture Perfect
Fandom: Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles
Characters: Kurogane/Fai, Yuuko, Souma, Tomoyo, Sakura
Prompt: fanfic100 040. Sight; 7_deadly_sins 1. Greed; smut_69 55. Voyeur; lemonaftertaste 41. How I feel like a beautiful child
Word Count: 10,136
Rating: Mature
Summary: AU. Fai is the top model in the country. Kurogane is one of the best photographers who intrigues Fai with his mystery. When Kurogane invites Fai to a private photo shoot, Fai uses the opporutnity to get closer to Kurogane. What they discover is that their intial passion may lead to a deeper connection.
Author's Notes: I don't own the characters.



Fai loved the feel of the cameras flashing on him as he would strut down the runway, showing off Tomoyo’s latest design. He loved everything about his job. He loved wearing the clothes his manager made for him that showed off his body in just the perfect way. He loved the rush he felt when Souma had to get rid of the people who were overzealous in their attempts to get close to him, and adored the
way Yuuko doted on him while she was applying his make-up or doing his hair. He loved the thrill when stepping onto the runway for the first time in a new outfit, and the anticipation of what the crowd’s reactions to his beauty would be on any particular evening. More than anything else, he loved the photographers. He loved how, in a flash of hot light, they could immortalize his beauty.

One evening, while wearing a new pair of jeans, white shirt and fur-trimmed denim jacket, it was a particular photographer that caught Fai’s attention. Blinded by the lights, Fai found it difficult to see the man’s face even when the camera was not covering it. He looked dark, but it was all Fai could tell. Still, he felt the man’s heated gaze on him the entire time he was on the runway.

“Tomoyo, who’s photographing tonight’s show?” he asked as she helped him into the next outfit. He was sure if that man had covered a previous show he would have noticed him before.

“I can give you a list when you’re done,” she chided as she smoothed the front of the next shirt. “Now get back out there.” She turned him around and pushed him back to the runway.

The man with the heated gaze was on his mind for the rest of the show, and Fai made sure to give his best poses when he was by that man’s camera. They were communicating somehow with his poses and the way the other man took the pictures, yet neither one of them understood the words. He had never actually connected with any of the photographers before and he finally understood what all the other models had been talking about. He was going to have to interrogate Tomoyo about everyone on the list later.

After the show, he sat in the dressing room and waited for the crowd to leave the building and for Tomoyo to bring him the list of photographers. Yuuko and Sakura had kept him company for a while, but eventually they had to leave, and he and Souma had very little to talk about together. When Tomoyo finally did return to him, she brought not a list, but a tall man with fierce eyes Fai knew as the one he had been dancing with all night.

“Fai, I’d like you to meet an old friend of mine. This is Kurogane, a photographer.” Fai rose to his feet and shook hands with the new man. “He has a favor he would like to ask you.” He let his hand linger in Kurogane’s.

“I would like to ask you to participate in a private photo shoot at my studio,” Kurogane said quickly.

“A private photo shoot?” He had no idea what that was, but the man seemed embarrassed to have asked the question and was not looking at him any longer.

“You don’t have to accept if you don’t want to. You would go to his studio to pose, then he would be able to sell the photos to whoever he wants. It benefits the photographer more than you,” Tomoyo informed him.

“I’ll do it,” Fai said without thinking about the consequences. At the very least, it would give him the opportunity to get to know the photographer.

“Is Friday afternoon okay for you, Kurogane?” Tomoyo asked while looking questioningly at Fai.

“That’s fine.” The dark-haired man seemed to have a much easier time talking to his manager than he had to him.

“We’ll be there. I’ll create a beautiful new outfit for Fai just for you.”

After thanking her, Kurogane gave Fai a curt nod before walking away. Fai rested his palm against the doorframe and watched him leave, wishing he would have stayed just a little bit longer.

“I’m surprised you agreed to the shoot so quickly,” Tomoyo commented as she started cleaning up her things from the dressing room. “Now all the photographers are going to think you’re easy, and poor Souma and I will be pushed to our limits trying to defend you.”

Fai had not really been paying attention to what she was saying. “Has Kurogane photographed any of my shows before?” He hoped he would have been able to recognize such a strong presence.

“No, he’s been in Japan for family business the past two years.” Fai had only been modeling in this country about a year, which explained why their paths had not crossed before. “He’s a decent man; a bit shy though. I was surprised he plucked up the courage to ask you for a private shoot.”

Fai sat down in the chair and spun around slowly, looking up at the ceiling. “Tomoyo, do you know Kurogane well?” Even through the camera, he had been able to feel the man’s heated gaze upon him.

“Not particularly. We’re good friends and he’s an excellent photographer, but we never truly clicked with each other.” Tomoyo placed her hand on the back of the chair to put an end to his spinning. “You should go home and get some rest.”

Fai walked between Souma and Tomoyo on the way to the car, thinking the entire time of the new photographer. He wished it was Friday already.

“Souma, I have to work diligently over the next two days and won’t be able to take any visitors. Unless, of course, it’s Sakura,” Tomoyo informed them.

Which meant he would not be about to visit her and could not ask her any more questions about what was going to happen on Friday or learn anything else about the photographer. “Tomoyo, is Kurogane married?”

“Unless he found someone in Japan, he should still be single.” Tomoyo had arranged for her own transportation and they were approaching her car. “Fai, be gentle with Kurogane. You have an overwhelming personality, and I don’t want you to distress him.”

“Kurogane and I will be just fine on our own.” He decided he would wait to learn for himself which way the photographer’s preferences leaned.

“The two of you aren’t going to be alone. I’m going to supervise the entire thing.”

“Tomoyo,” he whined, but his manager was climbing into her car.

“I’ll see you on Friday.” Tomoyo shut the car door before Fai could ask her any more questions.

“Souma, do you know Kurogane?” he asked as they continued walking towards his car.

“I know he was the first person Tomoyo allowed to photograph Sakura other than herself.” Which only revealed to Fai that Tomoyo trusted him and thought he was an excellent photographer.

***

He could hardly wait until Friday and had difficulties trying to find ways to occupy himself. He tried going to Tomoyo’s to help her with his outfit for Friday, but she refused to let him inside. On Thursday, he called Sakura, but she only had an hour to spare for lunch before she had to get back to work. He eventually ended up spending his time imagining what he and Kurogane would talk about on the following day.

Fai could barely conceal his excitement when Tomoyo finally arrived to take him to Kurogane’s studio. He had hopped into the car before it had even reached a complete stop. Tomoyo looked surprised, but she quickly offered him some tea in a travel mug. “Fai, I think you’re going to appreciate the outfit I prepared for you today,” she said as she took a sip of tea.

“Will Kurogane appreciate it?” All he really cared about was how he was going to be received by the photographer. He wanted Kurogane’s eyes to be riveted on him the entire time they were together. It was such a shame Tomoyo was going to be there the entire time or else he and Kurogane might have had the opportunity to get more intimate with each other.

“Kurogane appreciates anything that’s beautiful,” Tomoyo responded before taking a sip of her tea. “You could show up in rags and he would be appreciative.” He wasn’t sure he could deal with a man that would be distracted by every pretty thing he saw.

“What if I was naked?” he ventured. For a moment he feared Tomoyo was going to choke on her tea.

“Fai! I asked you to be gentle with him.”

“It was just a question.” Besides, if Kurogane truly liked beautiful things that much, perhaps he would prefer to see him naked.

“You are going to keep your clothes on,” Tomoyo warned before offering him a cookie.

Naturally, he was not going to be taking his clothes off in front of Tomoyo, and he knew she realized that. He knew that was why she had come with him so she could keep an eye on him. “Does Kurogane have a large studio?” he asked to make conversation on the way there.

“No, he works out of his apartment.” Fai’s imagination went wild with all the things the two of them could do in such a studio. Unfortunately, none of those things were possible when Tomoyo was going to be with them. Besides, he was not even sure Kurogane would be interested in him beyond looking at him. “Would you like some cake, Fai?”

He dismissed her offer with a wave of his hand. “Does Kurogane like cake?”

“No, Kurogane doesn’t like sweets much.” Tomoyo placed her cup of tea down immediately before the limo lurched to a stop. “We’re here.”

Fai bounded happily out of the window before the driver had even opened the car door. They were parked outside an average looking brown apartment building. A middle-aged man was walking a golden retriever in the front yard, and from the back of the building, Fai could hear the happy cries of the children jumping into water. He didn’t see the photographer through any of the open windows, but he did not know where he should be looking. He stood on the front sidewalk looking up at the building and waited for Tomoyo to catch up with him.

“You seem excited,” she commented as she walked with him to the front door.

“Kurogane seems interesting.”

“I’ve noticed your interest. ” She seemed to be amused as she rang the bell for Kurogane’s apartment. “Kurogane, I’ve brought Fai for his private photo shoot.” The front door buzzed, and Tomoyo opened the door for him. “Just remember what I told you and be nice to him.”

Fai had every intention of being very nice to Kurogane, as nice as he possibly could be to the photographer. He followed Tomoyo to the elevator, and on the ride to the fourth floor, anxiously tapped his foot. He tried unzipping the garment bag to see what Tomoyo had in store for him, but she pulled the clothes away from his inquisitive fingers with a warning scowl. She never let him see any of the new clothes before he was supposed to wear them. He went out the doors before Tomoyo could, then realized he still didn’t know which apartment he was going to. Tomoyo smiled at him, as if she knew she was making him more impatient and found it cute.

Finally, she stopped at apartment four-thirty-six and knocked gently on the door. Fai shifted his weight, wondering why the photographer had not opened the door yet when he knew they were there. The door opened abruptly, and Fai froze at the sight of the photographer. He was even more stunning then he remembered him being.

“Kurogane, I believe you remember Fai.” Kurogane leveled his gaze on him, and Fai shivered. “I believe he’s wanted to see you as well.” Kurogane stepped to the side and allowed the two of them to enter the apartment.

Fai looked around the room they entered, twirling in a small circle. The white walls were bare where he would have expected to see examples of the photographer’s work. In the corner was an area with bright lights and a futon where Fai assumed Kurogane did his work. He walked to the other side of the apartment to the sliding glass door. He placed his fingers lightly against the glass and looked out across the balcony. He could just see the edges of the pool. It was a rather nice apartment, but from what he saw, he learned nothing more about Kurogane.

“Kurogane, do you have a place where Fai can get changed?” he heard Tomoyo ask. He had almost forgotten what they were doing there. He turned around just as Tomoyo placed the garment bag down on the back of a sofa.

“The bathroom’s right over there,” Kurogane said, jerking his thumb to a door in the corner. “What’s wrong with what he’s wearing?”

Fai looked down at what he was wearing; he had just thrown on a pair of old jeans and a blue t-shirt that morning. He didn’t feel exceptionally attractive that day, but apparently Kurogane had no issues with how he looked. He was sure Tomoyo had planned something much better for the two of them.

“Kurogane, don’t be silly. You’ll like the outfit I prepare for Fai much more than that silly little thing he’s wearing now.” Kurogane looked uncomfortable as Fai made his way closer to the two of them. “Fai, get changed.”

“Can I call you Kuro-chan?” he asked, trying to remember what he had learned about Japan.

The photographer looked flustered and just a little angry. “…What?... No.”

“Fai. Get changed,” Tomoyo ordered.

With a wink and a smile for Kurogane, Fai picked up the garment bag and made his way into the bathroom the photographer had indicated earlier. He smiled gleefully as he pulled out the outfit Tomoyo had prepared for him. She had gone with a pirate theme with incredibly tight black pants, slightly heeled boots that came up to his knee, a white shirt that only buttoned halfway up, and to complete the outfit, a black hat with a large white feather protruding from it. It was a shame Yuuko could not have come with him to do his makeup, but he supposed it couldn’t be helped. After he tipped his hat slightly to the front and left, he stepped out of the bathroom. Tomoyo looked pleased with how her outfit looked; Fai only wished Kurogane would have had a more visible reaction. As it was, he could not tell what the photographer thought.

“Doesn’t Fai look lovely?” Tomoyo asked Kurogane as she sat down on the sofa to watch.

Kurogane merely grunted as he picked up his camera and turned his back to the two of them. Tomoyo sighed and indicated to Fai that he should move into position for the shoot. At least he could forget about his disappointment in Kurogane’s reaction when he was posing for the man’s camera and could concentrate on the photographer’s lens being focused on all his movements. Once or twice he tried to determine exactly what was going on in Kurogane’s mind, but he was quickly reprimanded by Tomoyo to stay focused on his job. He even lost track of time, and all too soon, Tomoyo was stopping them and telling them it was time for dinner. Fai could hardly believe so much time had passed already, but when he looked out the balcony doors, the sky was starting to get dark.

Kurogane had supplied dinner in the form of premade little sandwiches and Tomoyo offered the rest of the cake as desert. After grabbing a plate of food, Tomoyo sat back down on the sofa. Fai tried to remain close by Kurogane’s side even though the photographer acted like he was disinterested in him and ate in silence. Fai eventually decided if Kurogane was not going to initiate conversation, he was going to do it. “Kurogane,” he started to get the man’s attention while moving a little closer to him. “Tomoyo tells me you’ve been in Japan for the past two years.” Kurogane grunted in acknowledgment and continued eating his sandwich. “Are you from Japan?”

“I lived there until I was seventeen.” Kurogane’s deep voice sent shivers down his spine. He wanted to hear more from him, but Kurogane seemed reluctant to elaborate further on anything he said.

“Why did you go back?” he prodded, hoping to hear more from the man. He could have listened to that voice for hours.

“My mother died; I returned home for the funeral.” Fai placed his hand on Kurogane’s upper arm in a gesture of comfort. “I stayed with my father for two years before coming back here.” Kurogane shrugged his shoulder, causing Fai to remove his hand.

“Do you like being a photographer?” Fai hoped they could move to a lighter topic of conversation.

Kurogane placed the remainder of his sandwich down on the plate. “I like to look at things.”

Fai almost asked the question dancing on his tongue, if Kurogane liked to look at him.

“Fai, it’s getting late. We shouldn’t impose on Kurogane’s time anymore.”

Fai was starting to believe Tomoyo was purposefully trying to ruin all his fun with Kurogane.

“Kurogane, are you going to be at Fai’s next show?” Fai was overjoyed to see Kurogane’s nod.

***

Two weeks later, Fai was again asked to do a private session at Kurogane’s studio, which he readily agreed to even though he knew Tomoyo was going to be there as well. He loved going to Kurogane’s studio regardless, because instead of having Kurogane be one of many people looking at him, Fai could pose exclusively for Kurogane. He used his most seductive poses for him, and he was sure Tomoyo noticed, yet she continued to keep her presence constant during their sessions. After the photographing was done, Kurogane usually provided them with refreshments, at which point Tomoyo would sit quietly on the couch while he and Kurogane conversed quietly with each other. Actually, he would talk to Kurogane while the photographer remained silent. Fai was starting to adore those private sessions with Kurogane more than normal fashion shows. However, the shows were still good for providing him with the opportunity to talk to Yuuko about his favorite photographer.

The best moments were when he and Yuuko were alone together immediately preceding a show while she applied his make-up.

“Have you made any progress yet with your new boyfriend?” she asked one evening , as she was applying his eyeshadow.

“None at all. I can’t even tell if he’s interested in me other than professionally.” He could tell Kurogane liked looking at him, and he liked Kurogane looking at him, so in those regards the two of them were a wonderful match. Yet, if anything else could come from their interactions, he had no knowledge.

“Of course he’s interested,” Yuuko reassured him, as she brushed on his blush. “He keeps taking pictures of you and not selling them.”

“How can I get him to show more interest?” If Kurogane would look at him with the slightest bit of passion, he would know that the two of them might actually have something together.

“You could always try taking some of your clothes off in front of him to tempt him into action.”

“Tomoyo won’t let me do that.” Tomoyo’s constant presence also put a slight damper on any relationship he and Kurogane might have.

“Fai, are you almost ready?” Tomoyo asked as she stepped into the dressing room. “The show starts in three minutes.”

“He’s completely ready,” Yuuko informed her as she slid a note into Fai’s hands. He had to quickly slip the paper into his pocket to be read after the show.

He saved his best smiles for Kurogane on the runway, forgetting the presences of all other attendees. Kurogane was the one he wanted to be staring at him. After the show, while the others packed everything up, Fai secretly read the note: Yuuko promised to take care of everything. It had been signed with a butterfly.

A week later found him back in Kurogane’s studio conversing with the photographer about the weather after the shoot was over. When Tomoyo’s phone rang, since Kurogane had been talking very little, Fai paid close attention to Tomoyo’s conversation.

“Hello, Yuuko. Yes, we’re done for the day; Fai has just been making good use of Kurogane’s private company. I think they often forget my presence.” Fai felt his heart beating faster. “Yes, well I suppose they don’t really need my supervision.” Tomoyo seemed to have noticed his silence. “Fai, are you done speaking to Kurogane for the day?” Fai could hardly argue with her when the photographer chose that moment to walk away from him. “I’ll talk to you later, Yuuko. Fai and I should be leaving Kurogane to himself now.”

Fai was disappointed to be leaving, but filled with hope that next time he and Kurogane would be alone together. The photographer must have realized that as well, and Fai wondered if they shared the same excitement.

Three weeks passed, and Fai heard no word from Kurogane. He had done five shows in that intervening time; Kurogane had been present at four, yet he had not approached Fai or Tomoyo about another private shoot. Even the dance they performed when Fai was on the runway seemed to be muted with Kurogane exhibiting the same amount of interest in him that all the other photographers displayed. Yuuko seemed to have noticed his sour mood because she came to visit him at home and distract him with talk of world travel.

Just as he was starting to believe he had somehow offended Kurogane and he would never be with the photographer again, he got a message from Tomoyo saying Kurogane had requested another private photo shoot. Tomoyo also informed him that she would not be able to attend this one because she had a previous engagement with Sakura, and she simply could not miss it.

When they were not working, Fai made sure to stand close to Kurogane so that the photographer could get a clue of what he wanted. Nothing happened between the two of them that day, yet Fai was reassured Kurogane was interested in more than just looking at him. He had seen the man’s hands shake as he whispered in his ear.

The next time he went a few days later while he sat seductively on the couch watching Kurogane take pictures of him, he remembered the advice Yuuko had given him. He was fairly certain he had made it perfectly clear to Kurogane that he wanted him, but perhaps more drastic measures were needed. With a smirk towards the flashing camera, Fai pulled his shirt over his head and discarded it on the floor.

Kurogane froze and slowly lowered the camera. “What are you doing?”

“I thought Kurogane would appreciate the opportunity to get pictures no one else has,” he informed the man as he resumed posing. Kurogane hesitated a moment before raising the camera back to eye level. Fai desperately wanted to do more, but he remembered Tomoyo’s warning about Kurogane’s shyness and managed to restrain himself.

Fai had to wait longer before receiving another invitation, but within the week, he received another request for a private photo shoot. Tomoyo commented on the frequency of the requests, but Fai merely smiled at her. As long as she did not ask to come with him again.

After a few minutes of posing, Fai took his shirt off again. Kurogane had no reaction and merely continue to take pictures even as Fai was slowly stripping. Feeling bold, Fai unbuttoned his pants. Kurogane’s hands lowered for a fraction of a second but he said nothing. Fai ran one hand over a nipple and the other over his crotch, and still Kurogane continued to silently take the pictures. The camera’s hot flash was egging him on, promising the true excitement Kurogane could provide for him. Encouraged, Fai pushed his pants entirely off, not thinking about the consequences that would arise should Kurogane chose to sell those pictures. The length of time between flashes decreased, yet Kurogane still showed no signs that he was uncomfortable with the situation.

Panting hotly, Fai removed the last layer of clothing and wrapped his hand around his erection. The camera continued to flash as he started to stroke himself, imagining Kurogane walking over to him. “Kurogane,” he whimpered.

The photographer put the camera down, turned, and walked into the bathroom. Fai dropped his head to the pillow with a sigh as he as he heard the water turn on in the shower. It would seem that even if the photographer did indeed want him, the man was entirely devoted to the idea of not touching him. Disappointed, Fai sat up and pulled his clothes back on before Kurogane came out of the shower.

The next five times he went to Kurogane’s studio, he made sure to keep his clothes on. Kurogane seemed to have been embarrassed by the situation as he now avoided looking at Fai other than through a camera. The model returned to Yuuko hoping she would have more advice for him, but she didn’t seem to know what to do either. He certainly could not go to explain to Tomoyo because she would probably want to start going to Kurogane’s studio again to prevent him from further embarrassing the photographer. He was completely on his own, and he didn’t like it, especially when he thought they had been making such good progress.

One afternoon, while Kurogane was explaining a pose he wanted, a sudden thought came to Fai and he smiled a little. “Like this?” he asked, purposively moving to the wrong sitting position. Kurogane shook his head and explained it again. “Like this?” Fai exhibited a different pose he knew was equally wrong. Kurogane explained it again. “I’m sorry. You’re going to have to show me.”

The photographer slowly placed the camera down. “Mold me.” Fai could see the hesitation in the man’s movements as he approached. Fai didn’t look at Kurogane, hoping that would ease the man’s tension. Kurogane’s reluctant hand was unsteady on his shoulder. As Kurogane moved his body into position, Fai held his breath. Kurogane’s strong hand on his hip was shaking as the photographer finalized the pose he wanted. Fai only released his breath as Kurogane walked back over to his camera. He could still feel the heat from the man’s hand against his thigh.

After Kurogane had taken a good deal of photos in that pose, he requested Fai to lie down on his back. “Like this?” Fai asked as he lay down on his stomach.

“I said on your back.”

Fai shifted his position a bit, but remained on his stomach. “Is this better?”

“On your back.” Kurogane looked like he was getting frustrated.

“I’m sorry. My English is not that good. You’re going to have to show me again.”

Kurogane showed the same amount of hesitation coming back to him. Fai wished he could entice the man’s hands to touch more of his body. Kurogane rolled him over to the couch, and while the photographer was close enough, Fai leaned up to kiss the other man fully on the mouth, running his hand over a muscled arm. He wished he could have kept Kurogane there longer, but all too soon, Kurogane pulled away from him and walked back into the bathroom. At least Fai could believe they were making progress as the shower started. He wished he could have gone and joined him in the shower, but given Tomoyo’s warnings, he thought that might actually be detrimental to the progress they had made.

Two sessions later, Tomoyo had neglected to pack a shirt with his outfits. After they were done shooting, Fai continued to lounge on the futon as Kurogane came over and sat down on the edge. Fai smiled as he talked to the photographer of a time before he became a model. “Touch me, Kurogane,” Fai whispered, stretching his hand toward the other man. “You don’t have to just look anymore. I’m yours to touch and hold as much as you like.” With a shaking hand, Kurogane ran his hand along the model’s side, watching as Fai arched up into his touch. “Kurogane…”

Kurogane retracted his hand and looked at it with shame

Fai sat up and wrapped his arms around the other man’s neck. “Kurogane, I want you to touch me.” He laid back down on the bed and pulled Kurogane down on top of him, running his fingers through the photographer’s short spiky hair. He knew the man wanted him, but Kurogane had been resigned to touching for so long. He waited for Kurogane to kiss him this time, an unskilled kiss that Fai relished as he eagerly kissed the man back.

Kurogane moved over his body so he was lying fully on top of him as Fai slid his tongue into the other’s dry mouth. He could tell from Kurogane’s clumsy movements that the photographer was still hesitant about something. Fai did his best to encourage the other man, making small noises of pleasure when Kurogane’s rough hands rubbed against him and rocking his hips slightly against the other. He broke away from Kurogane’s mouth and started kissing along his jaw instead. Kurogane’s fingers fumbled with the fastening of his pants. Fai gasped when the photographer’s knuckles brushed against the heated skin of his stomach. Instead of waiting, Fai quickly unfastened Kurogane’s pants, being used to quick changes in the back room of a fashion show. A few more fumbling attempts later, Kurogane managed to get Fai’s pants undone as well.

Fai moaned and arched up against the other man as Kurogane’s large hand wrapped around both their cocks and started stroking. The photographer’s body moving against him may have been clumsy, but his hand was steady and sure. Kurogane was nipping experimentally along his neck. “Oh, Kuro-chan…”

Kurogane pulled away from him with a low growl. ‘What the hell is that supposed to be?”

Fai missed the photographer’s weight pressed against him, and the man stroking them. “Is that not right?” He thought Tomoyo had told him that was something appropriate to call Japanese people that.

“No.” At least Kurogane had resumed moving against him and stroking both of them again.

“Kuro-sama, then?” he tried, running his hand down the photographer’s spine.

“Kurogane,” he was corrected, but the photographer started nuzzling against the side of his head.

He could hear Kurogane panting heavily in his ear, and he felt the larger man’s body tense over him. Fai arched up against the other man, kissing Kuogane on the tender spot under his chin.

Almost immediately, Kurogane wrenched away from him and stalked away into the bathroom, leaving Fai alone on the futon, sweaty and perplexed. He lifted his head, wondering if he should call to the other man to make sure he was okay. He dropped his hand back down when he heard the water running in the shower, thinking Kurogane could have given him something to clean himself up with. He rolled over and pulled a cloth out of his bag normally for removing his makeup and wiped off his stomach. He would have liked to have spent more time with Kurogane, but the photographer must have still felt uneasy about being allowed to touch Fai finally. He pulled his shirt back on and waited for the photographer to come out of the shower and looked around Kurogane’s studio again, still devoid of any personality. He stood and walked around the apartment to stretch his legs, stopping in front of a closed door. Kurogane might be in the shower for a while, and he might be planning on staying there a bit longer. He slowly pushed open the door, staring inside at the massive blue-quilted bed and the giant oak desk over by the window. He walked over to it and pulled open the drawer, noticing a bunch of pictures lying inside. After looking back over his shoulder to make sure he could still hear the shower running, he pulled the pictures out and started looking through them. All the pictures were from the private photo shoots, and the ones on top were of him touching himself. The edges of the pictures were creased and dirty from frequent holdings. He was starting to believe Kurogane never had any intention of selling any of those photos.

He suddenly realized he didn’t hear the water running anymore, and he shoved the photos haphazardly into the drawer and stepped back out into the main room. Kurogane had just stepped out of the bathroom, toweling his hair and looked up just as Fai pulled the door shut behind him. Kurogane had never given him permission to go anywhere other than the studio and the bathroom, so he hoped Kurogane hadn’t noticed where he was and laughed nervously.

“You should be going home,” Kurogane told him, dropping the towel onto the back of a chair and looking out the balcony.

“Eh?” Fai let his hands drop to his side. The studio was too big, the distance between them too far. He wanted to be next to the other man, to hold that powerful hand fingering the cotton towel. “Kuro-sama?”

“You should go home.”

He hated that Kurogane’s face was half-hidden by the evening shadows.

“Tomoyo might worry about you.” The photographer turned away from him.

“I’m a big boy; Tomoyo doesn’t control me all the time.” Tomoyo really only had a say in what he did outside of modeling, and as far as he was concerned, his relationship with Kurogane was completely separate from his career.

“Go home.”

Fai jumped at the sound of a ceramic mug shattering on the floor. Kurogane bent down to pick up the pieces without turning around to look at him. “Go home, Fai.”

Fai walked slowly to the sofa and picked up his supplies, watching Kurogane pick up the tiny pieces of the shattered mug. He held the garment bag close to his chest. “I’ll see you in a few days, Kurogane.” He wondered if the photographer would ever have the courage to invite him to a private shoot again, but he knew it would be a bad idea to not leave at that moment.

Fai avoided shows for the next week, telling Tomoyo that he was horribly ill and would need some time off or else he feared he would pass out on the runway. Tomoyo came to visit him once to see how he was managing, armed with chicken noodle soup, but she did not stay long. Even if he wasn’t feeling that ill, he refused to get out of bed unless he absolutely had to. He had done something horribly wrong with Kurogane, and Tomoyo would soon learn about what he had done and stop being so nice to him. The whole world would know once there were nude pictures of him in all the newspapers and on the internet. If Kurogane went so far as to sell the pictures of him touching himself, he might as well stay in bed for the rest of his life. He had gone too far with the photographer and was resolved to never talk to anyone again.

At the end of two weeks, Tomoyo stopped by the apartment while he pretended to sleep and dropped a letter on the nightstand. Only once he heard the front door close did he turn around to read the letter. He had to reread it twice before he dared to trust the contents. The letter was from Kurogane, containing the photographer’s best wishes for a speedy recovery. He immediately called Tomoyo and told her he was feeling ready to return to work shortly. Kurogane might be at the next show, and Yuuko was probably worried about him. She would want to know everything that had happened.

They didn’t have time to talk before the show, but they agreed to talk afterwards. Tomoyo would be dealing with managerial business. “Well,” Yuuko started, leaning eloquently against the counter while Fai sat in the chair. “What ever happened with you and that photographer?”

“I followed your advice and took my clothes off for him.” He shivered, remembering Kurogane’s gaze intensifying when he had taken his clothes off.

“And?” Yuuko probed, showing obvious enjoyment in what he was saying.

“We had sex and then he kicked me out of his apartment.”

“Fai, I’m sorry,” Yuuko offered in way of comfort. She looked as if she might be contemplating giving him a hug when they were interrupted by a knock on the door. He looked over his shoulder, confused, while Yuuko scowled at the door. No one should have been coming back there that would be required to knock. “Come in.”

Fai’s breath caught in his throat as Kurogane stepped into the room. “Excuse me, but I would like to speak to the model alone. His manager knows I’m here.”

“Of course.” With a wink intended for Fai’s eyes only, Yuuko left him with Kurogane.

Fai’s slick palms gripped the arm rests of his chair, leaning slightly forward, feeling his heart fluttering against his chest.

Kurogane strode across the room, stopping so close in front of the chair Fai could smell the scent he had become so familiar with during their last session. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Kurogane’s knuckles brushed along his jaw. “I bought something special for our next session.” Kurogane’s hand moved to his hair, and Fai felt himself being enticed to rise to his feet. “A stand for the camera so I can continue to take pictures while we…”

“Kuro-sama…” He tentatively kissed the photographer, burying his fingers in the other man’s shirt.

“Kurogane, Fai.”

Fai fell back down into the chair when he tried to jump away from Kurogane as Tomoyo entered he room.

She looked back and forth between the two of them for a moment, making Fai worry about how much she had seen. “Are you two making another appointment?”

“Yes.” Kurogane took a step away from him. “He is going to come over Saturday at three.”

Tomoyo looked at him for confirmation and he nodded, not trusting his voice at the moment.

***

“Mmm, Kuro-sama,” Fai murmured, reaching behind him to caress the back of the photographer’s strong neck. They were sitting on the futon together after the shoot with Kurogane pressed firmly against his back, nibbling along the side of his neck. He didn’t mind that he was currently naked and covered in sweat, because both were Kurogane’s doing. He didn’t mind the other man’s arms wrapped around him or Kurogane pressed firmly against him from behind, because Kurogane’s body was strong and muscular, and he liked the feel of those tight muscles twitching against his skin as the photographer continued to relax behind him. Besides, Kurogane’s mouth felt nice against his heated skin, and he was content to close his eyes and make the moment last as long as he possibly could, because he knew soon enough he would have to go home before Tomoyo might call to ask him how the shoot went again.

He lazily opened his eyes to glare at the camera as it clicked with another picture since Kurogane had not yet gotten up to turn it off. He felt like the machine had ruined his private moment with the photographer. He looked at the pile of pictures Kurogane had pointed out to him earlier. “Are these the pictures from the last shoot?” he asked as he picked them up.

“Yes,” Kurogane mumbled before resuming nuzzling Fai’s neck.

Fai had already started looking through the photos. He admired how good he looked, but he liked how well he looked with Kurogane even more. As he looked at the pictures, he felt the growing urge to turn around and pin Kurogane down to the futon. He wasn’t entirely sure the photographer would be willing to go again, and would probably send him home. He found one particular picture that caught his attention. He could see Kurogane’s muscular naked body much clearer than he could see himself. While they were both in the other pictures, Kurogane situated the two of them so Fai was the focus of the resulting pictures.

“I really like this one,” he said, holding the photo up for Kurogane to see which one he was talking about.

The photographer stopped nuzzling his neck long enough to glance at the picture. “I don’t like that one. You can have it if you want it.

Fai thought he knew why the photographer was not appreciative of that photo; Kurogane was the main focus in it, and Fai’s body was half-concealed by the larger man. Fai set that picture aside to be taken home with him. It was the only picture he had claimed from their sessions.

“You should be getting home,” Kurogane mumbled before pulling away from him.

Fai whimpered at the loss of the photographer’s warm body and watched as Kurogane got dressed. “I want to stay a little bit longer,” he protested. “You can take more pictures of just me if that will help.” He knew he was losing the argument when Kurogane turned the camera off and put it away. “Can I come back tomorrow then?” If he was lucky, he could come back tomorrow morning in time for breakfast and stay until the sun went down. If Kurogane decided to get some work done during that time, also good, but he would be quite happy without the camera as a third party in their relationship. Fai pulled his clothes on as he continued to watch the other man.

“Not tomorrow,” Kurogane replied, disappearing into his bedroom temporarily with the camera and extra pictures from the last session. “Tomorrow’s too soon. People are already getting suspicious. Wait a few days.”

He didn’t see what was so wrong about people getting suspicious about things that were perfectly true. “Can I come back next Tuesday?” he asked hopefully, because he was unsure he would be capable of waiting much longer than that.

“Monday’s better,” Kurogane told him, and Fai gave him a happy kiss before leaving.

***

“Mr. Flowright! Fai!” He was not entirely sure which of the people surrounding them and taking pictures were actually calling to him. Souma stayed close by his side as he walked to the door, keeping the crowd from getting too close to him. Tomoyo was waling in front of them. “Mr. Flowright, regarding the recent rumors regarding yourself and photographer Kurogane: what do you have to say about them?”

“My client refuses to speak to anyone regarding these rumors,” Tomoyo answered for him. If Fai remembered correctly, Kurogane was supposed to be photographing at the show that night. He hoped the reporters would not be giving the same treatment to him when he arrived.

“Fai! Fai!” He wanted to talk to them, but Tomoyo would be angry with him if he did. “Just one question, please!”

“Don’t listen to them, Fai,” Tomoyo warned back over her shoulder. “They just want you to be their next headline.” Fai did not see what was so necessarily wrong about that.

“Fai, exactly what type of relationship is there between you and photographer Kurogane?”

He could not tell which particular reporters asked the question, so he simply directed his response to all of them. “Kurogane is a photographer because he likes to look at beautiful things. I am very beautiful, am I not?” He felt Souma tense beside him as some of the reporters tried to get closer.

“But, Mr. Flowright, what about the mysterious private photo shoots we’ve heard about? What do you two do then?”

Fai had been about to answer them, but they had reached the door, and Souma was ushering him inside. Behind him, he could hear Tomoyo addressing the crowd of reporters and the thunder of an approaching storm. “My client refuses to answer any more questions,” he told Tomoyo after she had shut the noise of the crowd.

“But now you’ve been giving them bait,” Tomoyo sighed, “and I fear they’ll start harassing poor Kurogane.” Tomoyo and Souma stayed on either side of him as they made their way down the all to the dressing room. Fai knew Kurogane would not speak to the reporters no matter how much the pressed him.

Yuuko was waiting for them when they arrived. “I saw the three of you had a rough time getting in here,” she said as Fai dropped down into his chair.

“If they try to talk to you, tell them you don’t know anything.” Tomoyo informed her as she shut the dressing room door. Fai thought he should have been able to talk to them and tell them everything in exquisite detail, just like he had to Yuuko. He relived every moment every time he told the stories to somebody new. “I know they’ve been suspicious and the tabloids have been trying to get stories for months, but why are they suddenly so insistent?” Tomoyo asked, turning around to look at the other three.

“This might be why,” Yuuko said, handing one copy of a tabloid to Tomoyo and one to him. He didn’t see which newspaper it was because his attention was immediately drawn to the headline of the “The sexiest pictures of top model Fai with photographer Kurogane” and the front photo of Kurogane pressing him against the wall, with his legs wrapped tightly around the other man’s waist. “Not good.” Tomoyo had been the one person he did not want to know about their relationship because she would want to start supervising their meetings again, claiming it was for their own benefit. He opened to the indicated pages, hoping to get there before Tomoyo so he could gauge how far away he should be once she looked at the other pictures.


‘Fai, do you want to explain this to me?” Unfortunately, Tomoyo reached the pages first and showed him the pictures that had been published. They were all pictures of him and Kurogane having sex, carefully censored with text, other pictures and stars. He briefly scanned the article, noting that the article was about how the private photo shoots were really just a cover for an underground porn industry with the photographer exploiting the model.

“Kurogane and I have been having sex for the past four months?” He thought it would have been silly for him to try to lie to Tomoyo when she had the pictures printed in front of her.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she closed the newspaper and handed it back to Yuuko. “If I had known you two had actually worked something out, I would have found a way to cover for you.”

He heard Yuuko looking through the magazine behind him. “I thought you wouldn’t approve,” he said, looking through the magazine to avoid Tomoyo’s guilt-trip.

“I don’t approve of the way you seemed to have let the whole world know about your relationship, but I could have made more enticing costumes for you to wear for Kurogane.” Tomoyo was actually pouting for not being allowed to be more involved in his relationship with Kurogane. She was about to say something else but was interrupted by a loud knock at the door. “Who is it?”

“Kurogane.”

Fai nearly jumped out of his chair in his excitement to open the door, but Tomoyo opened it before he could get there. “Are you all right, Kurogane?” Tomoyo asked as a dripping wet photographer stepped into the dressing room.

Fai grabbed a towel and walked over to start working on towel-drying the poor man.

“I’m fine.’ Kurogane took the towel off of Fai when he had started trying to dry his thighs. “I just had a run-in with some persistent news reporters outside.” Fai took the towel back from Kurogane and started towel-drying the photographer’s hair, noticing Yuuko watched amused.

“Where did the tabloids get these pictures?” Tomoyo asked, taking the newspaper from Yuuko and showing the pictures to Kurogane. “I hope you didn’t sell them for anything less than fifty thousand dollars.”

Kurogane snatched the towel away from him again. “I would never sell those pictures.” For the first time, Fai wondered if Kurogane kept those pictures for a reason other than he liked to look at them, and he took the towel back from Kurogane. “Someone broke into my apartment the other day and stole some of them.”

“You must have so many by now. It’s a wonder you even noticed any were missing,” Fai teased.

Kurogane snatched the towel back out of his hands. “I take great pride in all my work.”

Tomoyo took the towel away from Kurogane and tossed it back to Yuuko. “I know you do; however, the two of you were very careless.”

Fai tried to hide slightly behind Kurogane, knowing Tomoyo’s punishments could be quite scary, but he would still have to face it. “What should we do?” he asked, reaching his hand down to grab Kurogane’s hand. The photographer’s hand initially twitched away, but then it stilled and Fai was allowed to hold it.

“I’ll speak to the press and attempt to convince them the photos of the two of you having sex were photo-shopped from innocent pictures stolen from Kurogane’s studio.” Fai thought Tomoyo was never going to be able to succeed at that task, but he stayed quiet and squeezed Kurogane’s hand. “Kurogane, you are going to resume taking normal pictures of Fai during your private photo shoots and you will sell some of them.” Fai could hear the reluctance in Kurogane’s agreement. “Also, you will immediately stop taking pictures while the two of you are having sex.” Fai winced as his hand was roughly squeezed in protest. “I’m sorry, Kurogane,” Tomoyo cut him off before actual outrage started, “but you’re just going to have to find some other way to satisfy your kink.”

Tomoyo kept talking, giving them all more advice as to what they should be doing, including a few instructions specifically for him. Something along the lines of not being allowed to talk to anyone on the subject of Kurogane. He was thinking about something else entirely, wondering what he could do to make Kurogane feel more comfortable with their new situation. He had dropped Kurogane’s hand and started pacing around the dressing room. He had an idea, and he had the money to pull it off. Forgetting about the news reporters for a moment, he stopped pacing and turned to smile at Kurogane.

***

“What are those?” Kurogane asked upon Fai’s arrival at the next photo session, stepping out of the way as delivery men carried two narrow rectangular boxes into his apartment.

“I’ll explain after the shoot,” Fai teased as he watched the men place the boxes against a wall. He wanted to tell Kurogane what they were, but Tomoyo had insisted upon the two of them doing work at their next session before they started with their more physical interactions. He would just have to be patient and reveal his special surprise to Kurogane after they were done with the pictures. He watched as the delivery men left the apartment, and as soon as the door closed behind the last one, he leaned up to kiss Kurogane. “Are you ready to get to work, Kuro-sama?” He walked over to the bathroom to get changed. He knew the outfit Tomoyo had prepared was rather tame compared to the others, but he knew it was because Tomoyo actually expected Kurogane to sell those photos. He felt silly about trying to hide everything from Tomoyo when she had clearly foreseen the type of relationship they would share. She had just not accurately predicted how the two of them would handle the situation.

He was anxious for the end of the session, eager to feel Kurogane’s hands on his skin. He kept crossing and uncrossing his legs, sure that all his fidgeting could never produce many decent photos for Kurogane to sell. They needed to get at least a few good pictures to sell, or else Tomoyo and Yuuko might conspire to punish them. He tried to keep still, but he knew Kurogane was getting very few decent pictures from the agitated manner with which he was handling the camera. Still, they really only needed one or two pictures to sell, and Fai was doing his best to stay still long enough for Kurogane to get a really good image.

“We’re done,” Kurogane said as he stuffed the camera away, not looking at Fai.

“Kuro-sama, is something wrong?” he asked, disliking the rough way the photographer was treating his equipment.

“I could ask you the same thing about you,” Kurogane responded, seemingly disappointed as he looked around and saw he had nothing else to put away. “You don’t seem like you want to be here today.”

He hadn’t realized his shifting might be interpreted differently by Kurogane. “I do want to be here,” he reassured the other man who remained looking skeptical. “I was just more interested in the present I got for you rather than work,” he purred as he strutted over to Kurogane. “And I do have a very special surprise for you tonight,” he whispered, trying to entice Kurogane. Work was not nearly as much fun as what he wanted to do. The photographer finally seemed to be just as interested as he was and was leaning down to kiss him before he waltzed away. “I know how disappointed you were when Tomoyo said you were not allowed to take any more pictures,” he said as he walked over to the first box and started to open it, “so I thought I would get you something that might help you feel better.” He started to struggle when he tried to pull the present out of the box. “Could you help me, Kuro-sama?”

Kurogane sighed, but came over to help him pull the large object out of the tight box. “What is it?” Kurogane asked as Fai ran his hand over the wooden side.

“It is,” Fai said as he started dragging the large object closer to the futon, “a tri-fold full-length standing mirror,” he explained as he set up the mirror across from the futon he posed on. He turned around and noticed Kurogane had opened the second box and was running his hand along the side. At least he was now convinced that the photographer was going to enjoy his present very much indeed. “Can you bring that one over here so we can set it up next to this one?” Kurogane dragged the other mirror over to him and together they set it up next to the other one.

“What are these for?” Kurogane asked as soon as both mirrors were carefully in place.

“Exactly what you think they’re for,” Fai teased as he strolled lazily back over to the futon, discarding his shirt as he went. He sat down on the futon, crossing his legs and smiling seductively over at Kurogane who was busy looking between him and the mirror. “Is Kuro-sama going to join me?” he purred.

Kurogane seemed to reach an internal decision and sat down on the futon next to him. Fai turned his body to the other man and started kissing him slowly savoring the taste of the alcohol Kurogane had been drinking earlier in the day. Kurogane once again seemed hesitant in touching him, his hand only barely brushing his sides. After sucking briefly on Kurogane’s upper lip, Fai pulled away and rested his forehead against the photographer’s. “I know it’s not as good as the camera,” he whispered, brushing his lips against Kurogane’s, “but with the mirrors, we can still satisfy your voyeuristic tendencies.”

Kurogane scoffed, a pathetic attempt to prove it meant nothing to him, but Fai had seen him glancing furtively at the mirror whenever he had been kissing him. Fai started kissing Kurogane again, bringing his hands up to start unbuttoning Kurogane’s shirt. He made sure to work slowly, encouraging Kurogane to regain his confidence in touching, allowing his fingers to barely brush Kurogane’s chest as he worked his way slowly down. By the time he had reached the bottom of the shirt, Kurogane’s hands were fumbling at the fastenings of his jeans.

“Kuro-sama is eager,” Fai teased in between kisses as he pushed Kurogane’s shirt off his shoulder and started trailing kisses along Kurogane’s jaw and down to the sensitive area under his chin. He rubbed his hands over the photographer’s broad shoulders, feeling them twitch with pleasure as Fai nibbled gently along his neck. He knew by now all the sensitive spots that would drive Kurogane absolutely crazy if he kept repeatedly kissing only those spots. Still, teasing Kurogane would be wrong, and he pushed his own pants off in aid.

“So what do you want to do?” he asked when Kurogane stopped caressing him and looked directly at the mirror, panting lightly. Fai looked to the mirror and watched with amusement as Kurogane nervously licked his lips. “Does Kuro-sama want to watch me touch myself?” he purred, rubbing his hands up Kurogane’s chest and tweaking a nipple. “Of course, we don’t need the mirrors for that.” Kurogane grunted in response and Fai kissed him on the tip of the nose. “Or would you rather watch yourself fuck me?” Kurogane shivered under his touch

Without saying anything, Kurogane crawled behind him and pulled him into his lap so that they were both facing the mirror. Fai smirked at Kurogane’s attempts to hide behind him, and looked pointedly at Kurogane’s hand resting on his inner thigh. “So, Kuro-sama wants to see my reactions more,” he teased as he arched back against Kurogane’s chest and ran his fingers over the back of Kurogane’s hand.

“No, I want you to watch your reactions,” Kurogane said before wrapping a hand around his cock and stroking him lightly

Fai whimpered and bucked up into Kurogane’s hand. The photographer was nibbling along his neck in very pleasing ways, and Fai reached behind him to run his fingers through the short spiky hair in encouragement. “Kuro-sama,” he panted, spreading his legs and making himself more comfortable in Kurogane’s lap.

“I want you to watch,” Kuroane growled, punctuating the order with a sharp bite to his shoulder. Fai locked gazes with him in the mirror. Fai licked his upper lip, pushing his hips against Kurogane’s hand. He groaned when he saw Kurogane’s gaze shift downwards to where his palm was caressing him.

“Does Kuro-sama want me to see me come?” he asked, placing a hand on Kurogane’s thigh. Though with the way Kurogane was stroking him, they were not going to have that option for much longer. He whimpered again as Kurogane’s thumb flicked confidently over his heated skin. Fai twitched, and ran his hand down Kurogane’s thigh.

Kurogane nuzzled the side of his neck, not taking his eyes off the mirror as Fai came into his hand with a few more whimpers. “I think I like this present,” he said, as Fai panted in his lap. “I think we’ll be able to find plenty of things to do with it.”

Fai mewled happily in agreement as he turned around in Kurogane’s lap and resumed kissing the other man.

Within the next couple of days, the tabloids had a new picture of the two of them kissing sweetly in an alleyway, along with a few steamy pictures of the two of them having sex in extremely flexible positions that Kurogane accidentally dropped. Tomoyo didn’t seem to mind as much, because the shows Kurogane worked became increasingly more popular as photographers wished to catch some after show activity between the top model and his favorite photographer. The more sexual publicity he got, the more popular the shows were which made Tomoyo exceedingly happy which was why she would turn the other way when they would kiss in a place someone might be able to take a picture of them. Besides, Fai was exceedingly happy when Kurogane was watching him, growling possessively at the printed pictures. He still believed their particular kinks were made for each other, and every night he climbed into Kurogane’s bed, he smirked when he thought of all the secret pictures Kurogane had taken of him that day.