No Story

Summary: Arch has struggled with his feelings for Stay, lead singer in the band No Story, for years. Can he find the courage he needs to confess after the band is discovered? mxm1

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Hikaru reached for her hand, but she pulled back shyly. "Hey, I don't want to make you uncomfortable." Charlotte looked up quickly, shaking her head. "Do you want me here with you?" Her dark brown eyes met the sky blue of his eyes and she smiled. Then she nodded once. 3

Hikaru smiled back and set his guitar down. "I bet you could teach me a thing or two when it comes to playing this thing, huh?" He asked her, motioning towards the guitar and grinning.4

'Music is my words.' She signed. Hikaru didn't catch any part except 'music' although he was trying to learn. 'It is how I express myself with sound.' 5

After she had written her words down in the small notebook she carried, Hikaru smiled thoughtfully, flipping through the notebook. "Have you shown your lyrics to Stay or Arch?" Charlotte shook her head. "Well, I think you should. They are good. Besides, we need something fresh. Stay is tired of writing, I can tell. He likes to sing-and that's it."6

Charlotte beamed, and took Hikaru's hand. "But, I guess I could cut him some slack. Arch has been writing like crazy here lately." Hikaru laughed at Charlotte's expression and the way she nodded vigorously. "Yeah, it's tough to keep up with the guy sometimes. He only gets this way when he's depressed, though."7

Charlotte's expression turned to curiosity. Hikaru loved the way she could use her expressions to say an entire sentence. "Okay, I'll tell you why he's depressed, but you can't tell anyone." She raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips. Hikaru laughed at the irony. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by that." She smiled and waited patiently. 8

Hikaru leaned a little closer and whispered, "He's in love with Stay." Charlotte's expression turned to surprise. "Yep, that's right. He's had a huge crush on him ever since this trip they took at the beginning of High School."9

Charlotte leaned back and sighed. Her smile never wavered, however, and Hikaru chuckled. "Romantic, huh? Stay feels the same way about him." Charlotte looked back. 10

'What about his girlfriend?' Hikaru caught 'girlfriend.' 11

"You mean Stay's girlfriend? Heh, she knows. Miyuki rubs it in Arch’s face whenever she can. It makes Hiro so mad." Charlotte shook her head, dismissing it all.12

"I know. All they have to do is talk to each other. Maybe they will one day, before it's too late." Charlotte shrugged. 13

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Arch looked up from the couch were he was sitting, smiling when he saw Stay coming towards him. His sudden good mood was suddenly gone, however, when he realized Stay was drunk, and he had Miyuki in tow. 15

"Hey Arch!" He said as he plopped down on the couch. Arch could smell the alcohol on him. Miyuki smirked as she sat in Stay's lap. She giggled when Stay started playing with her necklace.16

"Look at what Stay just got me, Arch. Isn't it nice?" She said, leaning forward so the heart shaped charm fell between her breasts. Arch tried not to snarl as she pulled up her shirt a little and laughed. "Oops! Showing too much again."17

"Not at all." Stay murmured against her neck. Arch sighed, propping his head on his fist. Luckily, Hikaru stuck his head through the curtain separating the stage from their waiting room. 18

"You guys ready?"19

"No, Stay is drunk." Arch said, finding it hard to keep the bitterness from his voice. Hikaru scowled, coming through the curtain and pointing at Miyuki angrily.
"What are you thinking? You know we had a show tonight!" Miyuki humphed loudly, tossing her long black hair. 20

"It's not my fault. I told him to just have one." Stay pulled his face off Miyuki's shoulder.21

"I'm okay! I can sing just fine." And he started humming into Miyuki's shoulder, causing her to giggle again. 22

"Dammit, Stay! There are record labels in the crowd tonight! This could have been it." Hikaru threw up both hands when Charlotte came through, shrugging and gesturing towards the curtain. 23

"I'm telling you, I'm okay!" Stay shouted. Miyuki looked right at Arch, smirked, and swayed her hips side to side as she stood. Everyone caught how Stay looked at her. It made Arch sick. 24

"It's not that big of a deal, is it? I mean, can't one of you sing instead?" She said smartly. Arch rolled his eyes, and Hikaru pinched the bridge of his nose. Charlotte, looking around in a mock shyness, raised her hand. Everyone stared at her for a moment, and then Stay burst into laughter. Arch smiled and even Hikaru grinned. 25

It took Miyuki a moment to catch on. Charlotte is mute.26

Looking flustered, Miyuki said quickly, "I don't want to listen to you fight. Later." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and disappeared through the door to the parking lot. 27

"What are we going to do? We're on in less than fifteen minutes!" Hikaru wailed, falling on the end of the couch. Charlotte came over and put her hand on his shoulder. He looked up and smiled at her. "Thanks, that was friggin' awesome. Did you see the look on her face? Priceless!"28

"Come on, that's my girlfriend." Stay protested meekly. He was still grinning however. 29

"Yes, but if she costs us a contract, I'll sick Charlotte on her." Arch said, feeling a little better now that Miyuki was gone. Hikaru laughed and stood. 30

"I'm going to go and see if I can sweet talk someone about something." He threw his hands in the air again. Charlotte followed him, pausing to check her make-up in the dresser mirror as she passed. When they were both gone, Stay lay his head in Arch’s lap. Arch looked down on him and sighed. 31

Stay is beautiful. Arch thought to himself. His spiky, dusky blonde hair is always in his dark green eyes. His face is almost pretty, his body long and lean. He’s always wearing something that looks like he took hours putting it together, but in reality he just threw it on.32

“I’m sorry. I was nervous.” Arch pushed Stay’s hair out of his eyes. Stay looked up at him, cheeks flushed, eyes shining. Arch wanted to kiss him so bad his chest actually ached. 33

“Can you really sing?” He finally asked. Stay smiled. 34

“Of course.” Stay reached up and pulled on a strand of Arch’s long dark brown hair playfully. “I can sing in my sleep.”35

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Stay whistled happily. “See, I told you I could sing!” He yelled. “In my sleep!”37

“Okay, alright.” Arch said soothingly. They had gone on tonight, and had been approached by a record company. The representative had asked the band, No Story, to come in the studios on Monday. So, naturally, they had to celebrate. 38

A couple of hours later, Stay was completely plastered, Charlotte was a little buzzed, and Hikaru was drunk as well. Arch was the only one still sober. He didn’t drink. So, Charlotte agreed to take Hikaru home, and Arch said he would see to Stay, which is why they were on the sidewalk now, Stay slung over Arch’s shoulders. 39

It wasn’t the first time Arch had done this for his friend. It was exactly why he had a spare key to Stay’s apartment. It didn’t take long for him to get Stay into nightclothes, into bed, and get him to quiet down. Arch was sitting on the side of the bed, about to get up and go to the couch when Stay grabbed him.40

“What’s wrong?” 41

One dark green eye slid open and settled on Arch, begging him to come closer. Before he really knew what he was doing, he was leaning towards Stay, climbing on the bed and throwing a knee over him so he was centered right over his face. Stay grabbed Arch’s wrists, guiding them under his tee shirt. 42

His skin was so soft. Arch ran his fingertips over the small lumps in Stay’s skin that were his ribs, thoroughly enjoying the moans and gasps coming from the shorter man. He withdrew his hands before he could get carried away, only to find himself completely caught up in the lust in Stay’s eyes. 43

It was when he leaned down to kiss him that Arch caught himself. He was wary. This is what he always wanted. Stay. Only, he wanted Stay to love him the way he loved Stay. There was a deep flush on his face, and it was obvious how drunk he was. Arch started to move away for good, but Stay grabbed the front of his shirt, looking confused. 44

Arch shook his head as he backed off. “No, Stay.”45

“I was going to say the same thing.” Stay laughed. Arch rolled his eyes, knocking his hand away. 46

“I’ll tell you what,” he whispered in his ear. “If you feel the same tomorrow morning, then I’ll take you up on your offer.” Stay smiled up at him, and settled down, closing his eyes.47

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The sunlight shining through the curtains landed right in his eyes. Groaning, he rolled over, throwing an arm over his face. The couch had a bar in it that dug into his back uncomfortably. 49

Yawning, he rolled off the edge, landing on his hands and knees. He was tired. It was early, but if he went back to sleep now he would feel even worse. So, glad that Stay was still asleep, Arch got up and made his way into Stay’s kitchen.50

He knew that Stay would probably still be sick when he woke up, so he tried to be as quiet as possible as he opened the refrigerator door. It was nearly empty, which wasn’t surprising. Stay was hardly at home anymore between a part time job, band practice, and Miyuki. The thought of that woman made him decide to give up on breakfast and go to check on Stay.51

Stay was under his covers lying on his stomach, one arm hung off the side of the bed, the other curled around his head. His golden hair was splayed over his pillow and his breath came deep and even. He looked peaceful, if a little pale.
Arch reached down and touched his hair very gently, brushing it back away from his face. He let his fingers trail down Stay’s jaw and shoulder before drawing away.52

“Just what the hell are you doing?” Arch jerked his hand back as if he had been burned. Stay didn’t move. Arch whirled around, to see Miyuki standing in the doorway to Stay’s room, one hand on her hip, the other against the doorframe. He hadn’t even heard her come in.53

“I, uh…” She rolled her eyes and crossed the room, grabbing Arch’s wrist. She was shorter than Arch, so she had to look up as she got right in his face. 54

“Do not ever touch him like that again. He is mine, got it?” Arch blushed, backing away, breaking her grip. “I know you have a little crush on him, but he is in love with me. He doesn’t want you, so forget it.”55

Arch wanted to slap her. She was such a whore. He had seen her around the clubs they played at sometimes, always hanging off the arm of some other man, sometimes right in front of Stay. Even this morning she had on too much make-up and was wearing a blouse that was more net than fabric. He hated her. He hated her with a passion. 56

As he stood there, wanting to hit her so badly his palms itched, Stay rolled over, murmuring Arch’s name. Arch couldn’t help but smirk. 57

“Get out!” Miyuki yelled at him, jabbing her finger towards the door. “Get out!”58

“Miyuki? Arch? What are you two yelling about?” Stay slurred, rising up on an elbow and blinking.59

“Nothing Stay, go back to sleep.” Arch said gently. He made himself pass by Miyuki without hitting her. He managed to not even look at her. 60

“Arch?” Stay sounded lost.61

Arch didn’t turn, didn’t slow. He pulled on his shoes and jacket and went out the door. He didn’t look back.62

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“Hey, Arch. Where have you been?” Hiro asked as Arch walked through their front door. 64

“At Stay’s apartment.” Arch said as he peeled off his jacket. He threw it in a chair by the door and ducked into his room. 65

Arch stripped off his shirt just as his brother stuck his head inside Arch’s door. 66

“I’m about to head out. Kimiko wants me to go and help pick out flowers for the wedding.” He said, rolling his eyes.67

“Okay. Hey, we are going Monday to sign a contract with a label. Maybe I’ll be able to move out and leave the newlyweds to their apartment.” His voice was a little dull, even though he tried to smile brightly.68

“That’s great Arch!” Hiro clapped Arch on the back as he went by. 69

“Yeah. I’m a little nervous.” He opened the door to the bathroom.70

“Don’t be! You’ll be great! No Story is the best rock band I know.” 71

Arch laughed at the goofy expression on his brother’s face and closed the door. Hiro was a little strange, but Arch loved him. He always knew just what to say.72

“You better get going! Kimiko will kill you if you’re late.” He called. He listened to his brother’s goodbyes and the door closing. The sound of it all made him feel kind of empty and lonely. 73

After his shower, Arch felt better. He dressed in a dark blue sweater and jeans, grabbed his brush from his room and sat down on the couch. He turned on the television, parted his waist-length dark brown hair, and began to work out the tangles. Arch hated doing this, but couldn’t bring himself to cut it just yet.74

He found his thoughts wandering to Stay. He wasn’t sure of what to make of last night. Did Stay really want Arch, or was it just the alcohol talking? He didn’t know. When he realized just how close he had been to finally getting the answer to a question he had been asking his whole life, and how Miyuki was the cause of him still not knowing that answer, he threw the brush across the room before he really thought about it. His anger for her flew back to the surface. 75

He’s yours, huh? If you only knew how close I came to fucking him last night…you stupid bitch.76

He braided his hair quickly, wondering what excuse Stay had given her for not calling last night after the show. He smiled a little bitterly, wondering if they were together right now.77

Luckily, the phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. He ran to answer it. “Hello?”78

“Hey, Arch. Just calling to see if you made it home okay last night.”79

It was Hikaru. Arch found he was slightly disappointed. Had he really expected Stay?80

“Yeah. I spend the night with Stay. He was so drunk he couldn’t walk.”81

“…really?” 82

“I know what you’re thinking, but nothing like that happened.” 83

Hikaru had figured out Arch’s feelings for Stay in high school. He said a blind, deaf, and mute man could figure it out in about five seconds. Arch wasn’t so sure. Hiro had never said anything about it, after all. 84

“Okay. I believe you. Do you want to get together later and do some last minute practicing?”85

“Sure. Have you talked to Stay?” Arch just had to ask.86

“No, I called over there, but Miyuki answered and she did not sound happy at all.”87

“Yeah, I guessed as much.”88

“Care to explain?”89

“Later. When do you want to meet?”90

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Hikaru looked up when Arch knocked on the door once, then let himself in. He was seated in the floor of his small house in the suburbs; Charlotte sat on the couch across from him. Their guitars sat in their laps; Charlotte never even stopped strumming her bass as Arch plopped down in the chair. 92

“Hi Charlotte.” He greeted. She looked up and smiled her welcome. He looked around and frowned. Hikaru knew what he was about to ask.93

“Stay didn’t make it huh?”94

Hikaru shook his head. “No, Miyuki said they had something to do today. I didn’t even get to speak to him.” Arch nodded. 95

Hikaru sighed. “What happened?” Charlotte set her guitar to the side, turning her attention to Arch. He wasn’t sure he was comfortable talking about it at all. He knew that Hikaru knew about his feelings for Stay…but Charlotte?96

“I hate Miyuki so much.” He decided to focus on the other thing bothering him. Both his friends just smiled.97

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The next morning Arch found himself sitting in the lobby of a large building in the middle of the city, waiting nervously for Stay to show up. Mr. Takahashi, the representative of the record label More Music Inc., brought them here and told them they could meet with the actual CEO of the company. 99

This was their big chance.100

And Stay was missing.101

“Come on, come on, pick up.” Hikaru mumbled into his cell phone. He jumped up and started to pace, mumbling under his breath. Arch pulled on his braid nervously, and Charlotte tried to look bored. 102

A door opened to their left, and a secretary poked her head through. “No Story, has everyone arrived?”103

They all shared a look. 104

“Um…” Arch started, but was cut off. For at that exact moment, Stay came running down the hallway. Everyone turned to look at him.105

He looked…well, disheveled. Arch was surprised. He looked horrible. There were dark marks under his eyes and a bruise under his right eye. His jeans were ripped, his shirt wrinkled, and he looked like he had been crying. His eyes were red and puffy. 106

“I’m so sorry I’m late guys.” He gasped. Arch closed his mouth. Hikaru lost it. 107

“What the hell happened to you? Did they drag you behind the cab or something?” His voice was almost squeaky. Stay just stood, looking lost, until Arch stepped forward.108

“You can’t go in there looking like that.” Arch turned back to the woman, who made a face.109

“No, he can’t. I can stall for five minutes.” Arch smiled and she flushed. 110

“Thanks.” She disappeared and Arch turned to Charlotte. “Do you have your make-up with you by chance?”111

She nodded, handed him the compact, and Arch grabbed Stay’s wrist. “We’ll be right back.” He called over his shoulder as he drug him towards the restrooms. 112

Once inside, he made Stay sit on the counter so he could see better. 113

“Now that we’re by ourselves, you want to tell me what’s going on?” He said as he run cold water over a paper towel and made Stay hold it over his eyes.114

“I broke up with Miyuki.” Arch stopped dead still. “I’m sorry, Arch. I heard what she said to you yesterday.”115

It suddenly came to Arch clear as day. It was now or never. 116

“Stay, what would you say if I told you I’ve fallen in love with someone?” 117

Stay took the towel away from his eyes, surprised. “Well, the first thing I would say is that’s great. Next I would ask who it is.” He looked kind of…sad. Arch grinned, still not sure of how to word what he wanted to say.118

“I have had a crush on this person for most of my life. I just…don’t know how to tell him.”119

“Him?” Arch couldn’t stop the blush that stained his cheeks. He opened Charlotte’s compact and used the sponge to try and smooth out the discolorations on Stay’s face. 120

“How did you get this bruise?”121

“Arch. Don’t change the subject.” Stay said, narrowing his eyes.122

“You see, that’s sort of the problem. Plus, until just recently, he had a girlfriend.” Stay’s eyes widened. Arch looked down and forced himself to continue. “I’ve held this in for years and I can’t take it any more. I’ve never been out with anyone because I was waiting for him. My heart is his and always has been.” Arch looked Stay straight in the eye. “I’m trying to say I love you.”123

“Arch…” He murmured, reaching out and touching his cheek. “Was that so hard?” Then he started to laugh quietly. Arch was taken aback. 124

“What do you mean?” 125

“Remember Saturday night?” Arch nodded. “Well, I wasn’t as drunk as you thought.” 126

“So you really meant…” Suddenly the door flew open and Hikaru burst through. 127

“Are you two trying to make me crazy? What’s taking so long?”128

“Chill out, Hikaru.” Stay said calmly as he jumped off the counter. Arch slid his dress jacket off and gave it to Stay. All it took was a hand through his hair to make him look almost as good as normal. At least now he was presentable. “We’re ready. Now, let’s go and sign a contract, shall we?” 129

He grinned at Arch as he brushed passed Hikaru.130

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“Arch is just what Stay needs.” Hikaru whispered to Charlotte. She raised an eyebrow, and followed his gaze towards the two young men. Arch was showing Stay some new lyrics, and Stay was humming the melody. Arch was laughing because he was way off. They were both smiling and having a good time, but it wasn’t obvious what was going on between them unless you really knew what to look for. 132

Hikaru knew just that. It was the little things. Such as the way Stay let his hand linger on Arch’s shoulder for just a moment longer than necessary, or the way Arch would smile at him with his eyes. Charlotte picked a few notes on her bass guitar and waited for Hikaru’s explanation. 133

“Why? You’re asking. I can see it in your eyes.” He teased, snapping out of his thoughts. Charlotte glanced up and back down, pretending not to care. “Arch is stable. He’s always been Stay’s rock. Stay has these moments he goes off the deep end, usually when he waits to the last second to write a song. Arch brings him back. Aren’t they perfect for each other?” He said, smiling.134

Stay turned over his shoulder, and yelled, “Okay, guys. It’s quitting time!” 135

Suddenly Charlotte grinned wickedly. 136

“What on earth has gotten into you?” He asked, amused. Charlotte didn’t waste any time with signals she knew he wouldn’t understand. She took out her notebook and scribbled a note quickly.137

‘Would you like to go and get a drink, Hikaru?’138

He smiled sweetly. “I’d love too sweetheart.”139

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Stay was flat against the wall, panting. He was looking at him through lust-filled half-open eyes. Arch leaned down and kissed him, sucking on his bottom lip harshly. Stay pushed Arch away, gasping. 141

He pulled Stay’s shirt over his head, tossing it aside. He kissed him again. Stay moaned this time, forcing his tongue into Arch’s mouth as he fumbled with the button on Arch’s jeans.142

Arch was in heaven. Stay’s mouth was hot and wet and sweet. His skin was soft and smooth and warm. Arch leaned against him after Stay managed to push the rough fabric down his hips. 143

“Stay.” He whispered in his ear. “I want you.” He actually felt Stay shiver. The blond looked Arch straight in the eye. His eyes were dark.144

“Then I’m yours.” Arch slammed his hips into Stay’s. He cried out loudly, arching off the wall. Arch took this opportunity to wrap his arms around Stay, peeling him off the wall. 145

They shed the rest of their clothing on the way to Stay’s bedroom. When Arch finally fell atop Stay on his bed, he had convinced himself he was dreaming. Stay let himself be taken a few minutes later.146

When it was over, Arch shifted his weight so both of them would be more comfortable. Stay’s breath was hot against Arch’s neck. 147

“This was your first time, wasn’t it?” Stay asked suddenly. 148

“Yes. Why?” 149

“How did you know how to—“ Stay looked embarrassed.150

“Make you scream like that?” Arch asked playfully. “Just because you’ve never done something doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t know how to do it.”151

Stay shook his head and kissed Arch’s neck.152

“You’re weird.”153

“I know.”154

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Jorgie: Well, what about it? I’m still blushing from that scene. This is it for now, but I am planning on going back and fleshing out all the character’s back stories a little more. It was a little vague I know. 156

So, anyways, feel free to comment, especially if you have a bit of constructive criticism. 157