Above is a photo of Russell.
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"Shee-zoo! How ya doin', love? Listen, a couple of investors are gonna be at Keenan's banquet this week and my old man wants me to attend on behalf of the company. The old bloke is so greedy that all he ever sees is dollar signs!

Anyways, I was wondering if a beaut like you would be willing to accompany me as my date? I totally get it if ya don't but make sure ya get back to me with a yes or no, yeah? Later, doll."

Yukio smiled as he checked his voicemail, shutting the door behind him after entering his one bedroom apartment. Russell was such a charming man that Yukio couldn't find a reason not to attend. Even though the Englishman was still having trouble pronouncing his alias, the two of them were quite close now and had been since the day he got to London. It had been 6 months already.

Russell even help Yukio get a job as his assistant at his job at his father's advertising company.

Yukio dialed Russell's number and waited patiently as it rang, setting groceries on the counter.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Russ."

"Shee-zoo! Hey darlin', good to hear your voice. What are you up to?"

Yukio grinned, sitting down on the couch. "Just getting home from work. The taxi ride back was hell. Anyways, I got your message. I'd love to come along to the banquet."

"Fantastic, love! Maybe next time I should just take you home myself. I quite enjoy ya company."

"Oh stop it, I'm blushing."

"I wish I could see that cute little blush on your face. You make my heart all jumpy, ya know?"

For a brief moment, Shima's face flashed through Yukio's mind. His smile. His laugh. His gentle touch.

He shook it away. That wasn't his life anymore and Shima never loved him. He had overheard a phone call between the pinkette and some unknown person. The exact words from Shima's mouth were "I've successfully infiltrated the Okumuras and eliminated the threat."

He used him. He used Yukio and that's why Yukio had to leave. He could never be reminded of him again.

God, he felt like such a tool.

"Shee-zoo? I haven't scared ya off, have I?"

Russell's voice broke Yukio away from his depressing thoughts.

"Ah...no, no. I was just thinking is all."

"You sound like you could use some cheering up. How about I bring a few beers and a pizza up to your apartment and we make fun of the crazy ole bat across the hall?"

Yukio smiled again. Russell was such a nice man.

"Of course. Just text me when you get here and I'll let you right up."

#

Bon fixed his tie hurriedly as he slipped his way down the staircase. He wasn't late for work but knowing Mephisto, he'd make getting to work a lot more difficult than need be.

Being the new assistant coach for the TCU Blue Devils would be one hell of a job.

He made his way into kitchen where Rin was feeding the twins in their high chairs. His lunch was already packed and his coffee was hot and ready.

"Aw, thanks babe. You're the best." He greeted, leaning down to place his lips on Rin's. Rin smiled up at his new husband, feeding a spoonful of applesauce to Renji while Ai seemed to be refusing any more of the food.

"She's stubborn just like her daddy." Rin said, sighing in exasperation. Bon grinned and leaned down to kiss his children. "Nothing wrong with being like their father. I'm awesome." He said. Rin rolled his eyes and coaxed Ai into eating the last bit of applesauce.

"Good morning all! How are the kiddies?"

Rin cut his eyes at the kitchen door for a moment and reached over to clean Renji's face.

"Dad, are you sure about watching my babies? I don't want to catch them up watching pornos while you're sleeping on the couch."

Shiro made somewhat of a pouty face, placing his hands on his hips. He had been home for six months now and Rin still didn't trust him?

"Son, I'm a great role model!"

"You walked out on us when we needed you and then you miraculously show up with a shitload of money. You can't expect me to not be skeptical, Pops." Rin said.

Shiro dropped his shoulders in defeat. He supposed that was a fair reaction.

"I've got this. Besides, I did a fantastic job with raising you and Yukio, didn't I? Let old granddad catch a break!" He took a seat in front of the high chair, taking the liberty of cleaning up Ai's mess.

Bon sighed and scratched behind his ear. "Give the old fart a chance, babe. It could be worse. It could be Shura babysitting." He said, grabbing his things and reaching for his keys.

He gave Rin, Ai, and Renji a few more kisses before heading for the door.

#

Yukio wasn't sure how many beers he had drank, but he knew that it was enough for him to be drunk. The T.V was playing some British movie that he'd never heard of and Russell was eyeing the last slice of pizza.

Yukio noticed, giggling and handing Russell the box. Russell gladly took it and moaned in satisfaction once it hit his taste buds.

"You really know how to throw it back, huh?"

"Ay, I'm a growin' man."

"No, you're a grown man."

Russell grinned and wrapped a friendly arm around Yukio. "I like your sense of humor!" he said. Yukio gave him one of his automatic smiles and Russell frowned a little. Yukio's brows furrowed in confusion for a moment when Russell retracted his arm and sat back with a sigh.

"I may not be the brightest bulb in the box, but I can definitely tell that somethin' is wrong with ya. If ya don't wanna talk about it then that's alright but at least lemme know that you're gonna be okay."

Yukio was more than a bit taken back by this, feeling his eyes sting a bit. Was he about to cry? Dear God, please don't let this man see his tears.

"Russell..."

"I've been trying to make it better. Pronouncing your name all funny because it made you laugh. Always joking around and taking you to do fun stuff. I care about ya, Shizu."

"Russell--"

"Are you homesick? Is it me? Do I make you uncomfortable?"

"Russell!"

Russell paused and Yukio felt a small tear falling down his cheek. Russell reached out without thinking, wiping it away with his thumb. Yukio's breath hitched and he covered Russell's hand with his own, pressing his cheek against the palm.

"Nothing you could do would make me want you to go away. I appreciate everything that you've done for me and I know that you care about me. I just don't want my own feelings to get in the way and ruin our friendship." Yukio said.

Russell shook his head, confused.

"I don't understand..."

He didn't. He didn't know that Shima had completely damaged Yukio's heart or that he had unknowingly mended it with his kindness and care. He didn't know. He didn't understand.

"Russell just listen--"

"No, no. You listen, Shizu. I don't care what insecurities you have. Never question my loyalty to you, okay? Nothing you could ever say or do could run me away."

"Not even the words 'I'm in love with you' could run you away?"

There was a silence for a moment and Yukio locked his eyes to his lap. He didn't know what the hell he was doing or what he was thinking when he said it but it was too late to turn back now.

The on his cheek moved to his chin and tilted it so that he would look forward. Right into Russell's eyes.

Russell was smiling at him

"I reckon that would make me want to stay even more."