Author: The only reason I'm doing this is because I'm under a lot of stress from my upcoming test that will decide which class I'm going to be in Form 4, which is a huge deal for me. And I'm craving for some Yaoi, like literally, I'm going crazy about it. Most of the stories I've seen features an OC or pairings with them. Wait, I'm not being offensive or anything. It's just that since there is a good amount of characters in the Anime, I thought people would be more interested on writing what's going to happen next or plan some alternative plot, including AUs.

With a lot of questions and no answers so far with the characters' backgrounds, I thought I could get a few opinions from Fanfiction, but so far, none. Your stories are amazing, all of you. It's just that it's not what I'm interested in and that's a problem, for me. There are some really awesome Authors out there that is watching the Anime even though it's not popular(yet), and I hope that with this story, I can get people more interested.

Without further ado, let's continue. This is like canon-AU. That means a new enemy, a new threat and obviously, Gaosuku! A warning for the readers though, there is maybe one or two fanfics about this pairing, only difference is that their roles are reverse. Yes, some of you would disagree, but heck, it's my story, so I'm planning it how I like. My view is that I don't see their ages or slight height differences, I see their personalities. This is just a fair warning to those who doesn't agree.

Literal meaning: Gao is the top while Tasuku's the bottom. (WTF did I just typed?)

Chapter I
Misguided Sign

He opened his eyes to the world coming away in red, the distant moon glowed with an outline of red, the stars were tiny specks of light behind an erupted mass of billowing gray, the sky seemed to separate itself, leaving behind a world of burning cinder and wasted lives. He couldn't move, not when he was in the middle of it.

This is not real, he thought to himself, the fire ebbing away at the ground, drawing closer and closer, his mind a foggy mess. But it was too real to be fake, he felt it all, his burning lungs, the blisters on his skin, an eternity of torture, not knowing when it would stop. He closed his eyes. "It's not real." He winced at his own voice, cracked and hoarse.

"That's right," a voice said behind his closed eyelids. His eyes fluttered opened, feeling disoriented, his vision in dizzy spins. As everything came into focus, he stared at the face that stared back at him. "That's right," the boy said again, his strong jaw standing out. "It is never real. Because you have never belonged here. You belong to me." His voice was deep and rough, eyes made of obsidian, his silver hair flew in the wind.

The words had an affect on him, because he was scurrying back, the strength pulsing in his weakened limbs. The way how he said it, the possessiveness in it, sent a shiver down his spine, a dread settling down the pit of his stomach. As the world dissolved into nothingness, he found himself running. The flames died away, the carbon-scented air replaced by a hollow space, the moon shattered into pieces, raining down on him, the shards bouncing off him in frantic sprays. The understanding never came to him, all he wanted was to get away from there, away from him.

The same boy blocked his path, although there was no path that guided him, but seeing him standing only a feet away had him tripping back onto his butt, scrambling back on his elbows. The boy followed according to his pace. His back hit a pole of wood and he was back in the fire, ashen place. No escape. "How did you find me?" his lips moved on its own.

The boy smiled sinisterly. "I will always find you."

Thirteen-year-old Ryuenji Tasuku woke up shivering under a wave of cold air, his blanket kicked off. He tasted blood in his lips and expected Jack to be by his side in seconds, instead he saw Jack's sleeping form beside his bed, breathing deeply in his sleep. He must have been biting down onto his lip hard to muffle out the screams. Luckily he did what he did or he would have to answer to Jack. He would never hear the end of it.

Crawling to the foot of the bed, he carefully lowered himself, his feet barely touched the cold tiles when the dream washed through his mind again, feeling like he wasn't in place, like this was a dream and his real body was back in the flames, lying motionlessly at the mercy of death. He fought the images and moved silently to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He let the water ran from the tap, his hands scooping out a handful of water and splashed it across his face.

His mirror self looked worn out, his eyes bloodshot, his skin paler, the water soaking the tips of his bangs. He couldn't bring himself to look away from the fear in those scarlet eyes, standing out like a sore thumb even among the pariahs. He hated how he felt vulnerable, every muscle in his body disobeying a direct order from the brain to fight back, to retaliate and prove he was stronger. He was no weakling that needed protecting, but his tiny speech only proved futile as he saw himself trembling.

You belong to me, the same voice whispered, the lust rolling off its tone.

Shut up.

I will always find you.

Shut up shut up shut up! He grabbed his head and squeezed painfully tight, willing the voice to disappear. Surprisingly it obeyed and faded behind the back of his mind. The only sound that broke the silence was the running water and his pounding heart. He closed the tap, the silence breaking in. He stared defiantly back at the mirror. "I belong to no one."

Subject: Kamezaki Ranmaru
Age: 37
Buddy Monster: Combat Unit, Guardian Rook
World: Generic
Past Records: Murder
Crime: Escape and attempted assassination

After arrested for murdering a civilian, Kamezaki Ranmaru has been trialed for twenty years in jail. During the first five years of his confinement, he had shown obedience thus far. Opinions suggested that he had a change of heart to repent for his actions, but when news reached within the walls of his sister's death, he used a distraction to break out of prison. The victim had been found stabbed in her own apartment. Forensic pathologists confirmed that the scene of death had occurred around two hours before her roommate had returned from an outing one in the morning.

Further investigation revealed the truth of the so called 'innocent' civilian Kamezaki Ranmaru had murdered five years ago. Kamezaki's parents used to invest money to a company in charge of managing black markets all over the world. When the motive was found out, the company was shut down. The CEO, also the late civilian, Kazemaru Mitsuoka, decided to repay the offer by inserting a timed bomb into the vehicle the Kamezakis drove. On the way back, the bomb was triggered and the car exploded, causing the deaths of the couple and injuries from bystanders.

Following the story, Kamezaki escaped hoping to find the man responsible. He learned that a suspected businessman arrived Japan the same day of the murder. He was a relative toward Kazemaru Mitsuoka only confirmed his suspicion of revenge and discovered he would be present for a meeting at the highest floor of the Sky Tower.

Status: Captured and detained on top of the Sky Tower. The assassination has been prevented.

"This should do," he said to himself, humming off into an unknown rhythm. The keyboard disappeared off the screen, replaced by a saved file. He dragged the file across the screen to a dispatch box, typing in the correct address. The crystal screen faded away, leaving a single flat tube-like object in his hand. He shoved the LCD panel into the pocket of his jeans.

Tasuku smiled contently to himself. Today's mission had went better than he thought. It was a success without consequences. He had handled the situation without any help. No deaths, no injuries, just the way he liked it. He reviewed back to his report. He had done a little research on this recent criminal he had dealt with in order to report back to Commander I. This wasn't his first time writing a report on backgrounds, but the information never stopped to sadden him.

Something wrong, Tasuku? The familiar of Jack's voice whispered into his ear. He heard it loud and clear, at the same time it was far and distant, like standing close but separated by a margin of glass. To Tasuku, there wasn't any boundary between them. There was always a connection that bound them as one.

Tasuku must have noticed he was frowning, because he forced out a sad smile. "Nothing," he said simply, pulling out the LCD panel. "Just thinking." He began toying with the device, tossing it up and catching it with the other hand. "Thought maybe I could have done something for the Kamezaki-san. His life was taken." He caught the LCD panel in his right hand, fingers tightening over the handle. "I know how it feels to lose everything."

There was a sort of silence. The bad thing about Jack in card form was that Tasuku couldn't tell what he was thinking. There was nothing you could have done. Always the same sentence and advice. True, you couldn't turn back time to fix your mistakes. Or, he thought sadly, bring back the ones you've lost. What's done is done. You shouldn't worry about them. Jack's voice was convincing, convincing enough to lift off all of the self-guilt.

The feeling brought a smile to his lips. "Thanks, Jack." A crystal flat screen flickered on. He made a note to research more about the man who was suspected to kill Kamezaki's sister. He was in a better mood after Jack's usual speech. It was short, but very meaningful to slice through his jumbled thoughts. "I don't regret it," he said absent-mindedly, taping in the words to his notes. The silence from Jack gave Tasuku the idea that he was confused.

"I don't regret it," Tasuku tried again, his voice determined. "I mean, all of it." He didn't want Jack to think fate was trolling him, given him a life with no happiness. Jack was his world when he appeared out of the sky to save him from the harsh mountains. Jack was there the whole time he had slowly begun to stand on his feet. Without him, Tasuku would have fallen into an endless abyss and hit rock bottom. He wanted Jack to know how he felt. How lucky he was to have him.

I know, Jack said briskly. He could hear a hint of fondness in it, and Tasuku was happy to convey such feelings to him. Not a lowly monster that aided in fights or provided fame. Family, that was what Jack was to him. Something that could not be replaced. Jack had a special place in his heart—like his family—and nothing could take his place.

"We're running low on ingredients," Tasuku said to Jack. "Want to shop for a big feast?"

That might be better, agreed Jack.

"Knew you would say that," Tasuku replied teasingly. "I'll add in fruit salad and pudding for dessert." Jack stifled a sound of appreciation. Tasuku chuckled at the action.

"Thank you very much," Tasuku said, hefting up the bags of groceries.

The manager waved his hand dismissively, scowling at the gratitude. "It's fine," he said gruffly, his large heavy arms added a few extra items into the bags. "Here, some extra seasoning."

Tasuku gave a short bow. "Thanks again."

A woman stepped out of the staff room, wiping her hands on her apron. She offered a kind smile. "Make sure you have enough of those. Don't want those skills of yours to waste away. You remember to let me be the first one to taste your crepe." She leaned in close to his ear. "I swear, my husband needs private coaching from you. Can't always have the women doing all the work, can we?" she added in a whisper, giggling at the weird look the manager gave her.

"I heard that!"

She shook her head. "See what I mean," she said, gesturing back at her husband with a thumb. "The man has a horrible sense of humour. It's lucky that my son didn't inherit everything from him. Takumi did inherit his tsundere side though," she murmured fondly, a hand on her cheek. "Hey, honey, say goodbye to Tasuku-kun!" she shouted to the back of the shop, receiving a loud grunt instead.

The manager appeared around the corner, gritting his teeth in irritation. Tasuku thought the man wanted to strangle him, but as soon as the man laid his eyes on him, they softened almost immediately that Tasuku couldn't believe his luck. He scratched his nape like he didn't know how to give a proper goodbye. He settled by patting awkwardly on Tasuku's head. "Um, don't get robbed on the way back home."

"Kusaka!" reprimanded his wife, whacking him on the head.

Kusaka gave no response and went back to stack up the boxes. His wife sighed in exasperation before waving goodbye to Tasuku and disappeared behind a row of canned food. Before Tasuke left, Kusaka poked his head out from around the counter, deep in thought. "And thanks anyway," he said after a while, "for delivering the core deck case to Takumi. He's a better person right now."

Tasuku blinked at the comment. "You're welcome."

Kusaka realized he was confessing his emotions for the first time because his face heat up slightly. He ducked his head back without another word.

The streets were congested with people, but he could see the numbers were lessening into a certain amount. Lamps were starting to come on as the evening drew closer to darkness. Stalls were packed up, a few hanging around for some conversation. There wasn't much people around to recognize him, but occasionally he had to sign a few autographs from hyperactive kids bouncing on their feet at the sight of him or engage in conversations with the parents or shop owners. It was weird for a thirteen-year-old kid like him to be looked up upon as an idol, with the age difference and all of that, but the situation had already been drilled into his habit.

I'm considering grabbing you and flying off, Jack grumbled after Tasuku broke away from a conversation. He couldn't blame his buddy for his grumpiness since dinner had been stalled longer than he thought, and the fact that Jack kept quiet during the whole procedure was already a bonus.

"Alright, alright." Tasuku laughed lightly. "Next intersection, okay?" There was an alleyway at the next intersection between a cafe and a candy shop. If you knew the maze around it, it could take you practically throughout the city without getting notice. That was the best part about it—slipping under the radar of the paparazzi and avoiding unnecessary attention.

What he found at his little detour made him stop in his tracks. There was a boy defending off two guys who were way taller than him. His front hair was red, while peeking out from the back of his torn cap was black. He had fierce golden eyes and his arms were wrapped in bandages. Tasuku's first thought that he was hurt until some part of his mind screamed at him that it was merely decoration. He wore indigo sweatpants with a stripe going along the side and the form of a sun on his shirt.

With one hand, the boy swept the first adversary off his feet, dodging the second one and sending him sprawling on top of the first. The two groaned, tangled in arms and legs on the floor. Far off, the ringleader and a cyan-haired boy expressed astonishment. The two threw punches at him from both sides when they got up, but the boy merely took their wrists and flipped them onto their backs. It was one-sided. Whenever an attack came, he would evade or disarm, but never attack.

"Stop playing around!"

"Jack," Tasuku whispered, "this is..."

He could hear Jack nod. An aggressive defense. While avoiding injuries, he is slowly tiring them out one at a time.

The ringleader fixed the boy with an enraged scowl. "I'm angry now!" he declared, pulling out his phone. "This is your last chance to say sorry!" The boy gave him a confused stare, the two attackers panting on their knees. The ringleader shove the screen of his phone toward him. "I have fifty comrades coming right now!" The emotion glinting in his eyes was quite unnoticeable, but Tasuku spotted fear in them.

"F—fifty!?" the cyan-haired boy cried fearfully.

He had the right to panic. Things would get out of hand with a public fight. "Jack, we should—"

Be patient, Tasuku, Jack said. Look closely.

"You would need more than fifty." The boy slipped on a black and indigo jacket that covered the top half of his sun-designed undershirt. "Lighting the darkness with a bright flame... to brighten someone's heart with its light."

"What are you trying to pull!?" the ringleader shrieked, the fear evidently showing.

"I am the Sun Banchou!"

Tasuku's eye twitched. "Was this what you expected, Jack?"

Not...entirely, Jack said hesitantly.

Tasuku rolled his eyes. Of course.

"I've always wanted to face against a hundred opponents," the boy said cockily. "Come on, bring another fifty!" His excited features dazzled brightly with enthusiasm. "Come on, send them the e-mail. Tell them the Sun Banchou will fight with every single one of them."

"Is this guy serious?" Tasuku said doubtfully. He was pulled out from his thoughts when the boy groaned and picked up his phone. The next thing he knew, he could hear screaming through the other line even from this far. "His mother sure have strong lungs," he mused to himself, earning a snort from Jack.

The boy hung up, giving an apologetic look. "Sorry Senpai, I'll have to postpone our hundred person battle to another day—"

"No way, you're not running away!" The three thugs pulled back their fists, but the boy took their arms in a strong hold, sweeping their feet under them. He performed a few tricks that left them immobilized, scooped up the cyan-haired kid before making a break. "What are you two standing around for?" the ringleader screamed. "Get him!"

Now.

Tasuku didn't need Jack to say it. As they scrambled onto their feet, ready to launch into a full assault, he settled the bags down and was in their way before they could take another step. "That's enough," the authority in his voice made them freeze on the spot. Realization seemed to dawn onto them as they took a long look at him, their white faces convulsed in horror.

"Ryuenji Tasuku from the Buddy Police," one of them wheezed out. "We—I—He told me to do it! It wasn't me!"

"You traitor," barked the ringleader. "Don't you dare run out on me! He's just one guy. We can take him!" He sounded like he was trying to convince both his friend and himself. "Besides, they're on their way. He can't take on fifty of us alone." His words had an affect on the other two, because they gathered their wits and stood their ground.

"Will you really take that chance?" Tasuku's eyes narrowed, silently questioning them. "I may be alone, but since when had numbers had an affect on me? I battled twice your numbers more each day, while you decided to have your chance on a defenseless child." He held up two fingers. "You only have two paths. Leave quietly or—"

"Battle me." Jack's deep voice reverberated off the alley walls, cutting off Tasuku's. Jack's large dragon form stood protectively in front of him, looming over the three shaken individuals. His armor catching the afterglow of the sunset, cold amber eyes gazed down at them. His tail thumped against the floor, sending vibrations that rocked the pieces of trash back and forth, knocking the three off-balance.

They didn't need a smack on their faces to understand the message. Any harm that came to the Ryuenji Tasuku was a direct insult to the dragon itself. To back up his point, Jack's nostrils flared, pupils turning into slits. "W—we'll remember this!" Those were their last words before they bolted away, nearly tripping over their own feet.

Tasuku's head stuck out from behind Jack, raising an eyebrow. "Was it necessary for you to butt in like that? I could have handled the situation."

Jack snorted deliriously. "The only thing you'll be doing is being nice just because their going to regret whatever they were doing. It's a waste of time and energy."

"From time to time, we make mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance. Besides, they were a few years older then me at most, they're still children, Jack," Tasuku reprimanded. Then he broke into a smile. "Our job is to set things right, not give them heart attacks. The hospital won't be happy receiving that many patients in a day." He bumped his shoulder into Jack playfully. "Anyway, aren't you being a little overprotective much?" He twirled away and turned back with a teasing smile, his hands clasped behind him. "You're going soft, Jack."

"Only on you."

Tasuku's heart fluttered at the comment. He lifted up the groceries. "Let's go home."

"First kiss?"

Akari shrugged, devouring her tuna sandwich. She made a noise of approval, her blue eyes lit up into marbles. "Don't look at me like that," she said defensively. "It's not like I have any particular interest in that. Unlike those monsters over there, I have no say in it." She gestured pointedly at the two.

"Why bother asking?" Tasuku said. "If you hate it anyway."

"Just curious." Her tone had Tasuku narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Akari abandoned her sandwich and studied him, searching for an opening, something that would hint an answer for her. "You can't blame me for being curious," she said mildly. "With all due respect, Tasuku, but you're not exactly normal for a human being."

Tasuku rolled his eyes. "Thank you very much for comparing me to an abomination. Next time if I need your advice in a monster get-up, I'll be sure to knock on your door."

"Don't be ridiculous. What I'm trying to say is that it's not normal for one boy to be loved by everyone."

"Pay attention to your surroundings for once, it'll help."

"Please," Akari said dismissively, "I don't need every person latching themselves onto me. More importantly, back to the point where it doesn't involve being a bitch to everyone. With your popularity skyrocketing off the charts, I'm just asking whether you had your first kiss or not."

"You're too straightforward," said Tasuku, shaking his head. "My reaction applies to everybody out there."

"It's not like I'm asking whether you have lost your virginity yet."

What the hell?

Tasuku sputtered out incoherent words, his cheeks obtaining the same colour as a tomato.

"See, now that's a really good reaction." She nibbled at her sandwich, blinking innocently at him. "Straightforwardness," she said fondly, "very helpful indeed."

Tasuku glared. "Watch your back."

Akari ignored the warning. "Is it a yes or a no?"

"It's none of your business."

"Just answer the damn question or you want another round of Q and A?"

Tasuku gave up. "No," he said. "I never kiss anyone."

"Never? Like never never?"

"Yes," Tasuku snapped. "What's your point?"

Akari clucked her tongue like a teacher expressing her displeasure toward her students when disrespectful. "My point is I can give you a few pointers before your big moment happens."

Tasuku raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said you weren't interested in it?"

"Interest and knowledge are both different subjects. I wasn't lying when a first kiss is as important as your future." She gulped on the remains of her sandwich. "It could destroy you and start a spark. It's the same with either you're satisfied or disgusted. But know that a first kiss always starts something, whether it's a good thing or a bad thing, it's that neither your heart or soul would forget it. It's a will that has been forced against you to burden with."

"You're implying like it's a life-and-death scenario," he noted, confused.

Akari had the same expression. "Did I really sound that serious to you? Sorry to burst your bubble, but let me rephrase that correctly. It's important to your emotions whether you choose to stay alone or be with someone highly depends on the strength of your feelings. To stay alone, you protect yourself from such emotions. If there is no starters, there is no destruction nor changes. To be with someone, it also concerns your pride. Will you be able to share all your secrets and weaknesses? That question has no correct answer in any philosophy.

"There is also fate and destiny involvement in all of this. Some are destined for each other and some are not. People believed that a future is always set for someone, a tragic one or a fairytale one. The story never ends until death. Unless you put your faith in 'love even after death', that's another story."

Tasuku thought back to his nightmare of the boy, his eyes voided of emotions aside power and possession. There was no tender feeling in his words whatsoever. The boy had simply claimed him as an item, an object to be used. And the way how he was so convincing of the destiny that bound them together, it infuriated him to even think about it. "So you're saying it's infinite when destiny binds two people together," Tasuku said grimly. "It sounds a lot like being forced to do something suicidal."

"And you think I believe in those shit?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Remember during Greek Mythology class? Something about Fates and Olympian Gods."

"The Moirai," he helpfully added in. "Three goddesses of fate that controls the metaphorical thread of life of every mortal from birth to death."

"Yeah." She nodded. "Grandmas knitting balls of yarn. The Greek and Roman believed that they controlled everything that happens in this world, including the Gods themselves. The decisions, the roles, the emotions, they manipulate everything to their liking. It's almost too sickening for me to comprehend these things, much less recite them."

"Again, your point?"

Akari sighed exasperatedly like she was talking to a child. "It means that Greeks and Romans can yap all they want about it, I wouldn't even care in the end. And neither should you. We choose what our future is. Anything can happen. You could die in a second or live the next day to tell the truth."

Tasuku recoiled. "I don't think that's good advice."

"Maybe so, but one thing's for sure," she said, setting her lunchbox onto her lap, the grass beneath her moved when she shifted into a comfortable position. "It means proclamation of your belongings." Tasuku's silence urged her to go on. She looked straight into his eyes. "A first kiss is like a symbol saying 'this is mine'."

The fight was over and no one thought a newbie like Mikado Gao could win with a lucky draw. Paruko's voice was a blur in the background, the noise from the crowd was enough to be heard over five blocks away. There was a thousand emotions in the society. Surprised that Gao could beat the famed Ryuenji Tasuku. Angry and envy that Tasuku was giving up his strongest impact card to a nobody who recently started playing and had won his first buddyfight against a well-known strong fighter.

It had been a narrow win for him. If luck were to neglect his will to win, he would be finished by then. But he held on to it tightly and gave his best. His dream of using the rare card, Gargantua Punisher, came through. If Tasuku was regretting his decision, he didn't show it. The same serene smile was plastered on his lips. He looked relieved actually, his posture relax. Gao couldn't tell why he would hand over something that would practically come in one within a million chances. A few seniors were analyzing the scene in disbelief. Behind the racker the crowd was making, Paruko Nanana was freaking out, spiralling in loops, her voice shrilled. Gao could tell Tasuku was going to have people questioning his judgement in the future. The press, his fans, Gao pitied the guy, he was going to be bombarded by questions.

As a trade, Gao took out one of his. Tasuku blinked and studied the card. "Dragon Blade, Dragonbrave?"

Paruko flew down beside them. "It doesn't even live up to it!"

"It's thanks to this, I won. To me, it's one of my prized cards," Gao retorted. He stepped forward—

And the worst possible thing that could have happened to anyone befell on him.

His foot caught on something and he stumbled forward, crashing into Tasuku. Tasuku gasped out in surprise, and together they fell. The crowd went silent immediately and so did Paruko's rants. Was it that humiliating and funny to see someone fall? Apparently so. But the ground felt different. Instead of rough and dust, it was soft and tasted sweet, almost like...strawberries. He opened his eyes that was closed a second before impact. His hands were braced on either side of Tasuku's head so he wouldn't burden him with his weight. Scarlet eyes were as wide as saucers. His eyes wandered down.

Shit.

He was kissing Tasuku.

On the lips.