Love Potion #10

By Yai-tzu Hin

Warning: No part of this story or cast of characters may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the author, Yai-tzu Hin. If you do, dogs will wake you at 3:00 am in the morning, your hair will go gray at an early age, all you pens will run out of ink at the most inconvenient time, and your computer will always freeze up in the middle of the best part of a fic.

Haruka was asleep with her covers tucked up under her chin. The room was silent except for her breathing and the ticking of the clock. Kayumi was bored. Being a guardian angel meant long periods of boredom followed by brief moments of intense hysteria. Most guardian angels didn't need to keep a constant vigilance twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It all depended on the individual. In general, children needed the most attention followed by teenagers and young adults. Middle aged people didn't need much unless something dramatic occurred. Elderly people needed as much attention as teenagers for the simply reason that they were approaching the end of their mortal life.

Luckily for Kayumi, Haruka was one of those individuals that needed little baby-sitting. This allowed her to run errands and do other things that helped keep the fabric of the universe together. When Haruka needed her, Kayumi was always there in a blink of an eye. Over time guardian angels learned that if they kept a feather from their wing on the human, they could mentally keep tract of them. This meant an angel could detect if their charge was in jeopardy because the feather was part of them. This way they could have time off and not worry about leaving the human alone for an hour or two.

"Yet another night of nothing to do, but sit here and watch." Kayumi yawned twirling an index finger around a curl of dark red purple hair. "I think she'll be fine if I sneak off to do something else. I'll double-check all the locks on the doors before I go, though. No sense letting some creep in while I'm gone." She glided to the apartment door and found it securely bolted. Satisfied that Haruka would be fine for a bit, she sped off to another plane of existence.

Kayumi set down in front of a nice villa with a large sprawling garden. There were flowers of all sorts climbing trellises, sprouting from bushes, and tidily kept beds. Navigating her way through what resembled a Monet painting, she finally reached the front door. It was wide open, so she walked right in.

"Hello!" she called. A red head popped up from around the corner.

"Kayumi! Hi! Snuck away from your charge again didn't you?" the owner of the long red hair said smiling. Kayumi chuckled.

"I didn't sneak away. She's asleep and I thought I'd do other things instead of watching her sleep. Nothing is going to happen as long as I have all those wards in place."

"A bit over protective?"

"Hardly. I would hate for someone to break in and rape her in the middle of the night."

"Typical big sister syndrome."

"No, it's in the contract." Kayumi replied sauntering over. "I see you dyed your hair again Eros." Eros smiled.

"I got sick of blue. Anyway, what brings you by to see your old boyfriend?" Eros asked crossing his arms in front of him.

"Did you hear about Yatsurugi?" Eros nodded.

"It's about time. I've always thought that he needed to have human form. Heck, everyone should do it at least once every century. I hope he's having fun. I certainly did the last time I had it." He smiled at the memory.

"I don't know, but he's driving me nuts."

"And this is new how?" Eros commented leaning against a wall. Kayumi sighed.

"You know how he is with love relationships."

"I was here the through that forty year ordeal. Geeze, I wish they would have just gotten it over with and slept together. It was making everyone crazy." Kayumi remembered the last relationship her younger brother had embarked upon. In forty years he and his lover hadn't even gotten as far as foreplay, although they were in love. It made all their friends want to throw them into bed so they would get it over with.

"I'm hoping this one will go a bit better. He's been with Keien for about three weeks. They've gotten further than Yatsurugi did during the first three decades of the relationship." Kayumi informed Eros. He looked like he was about to faint from shock.

"Really? Hum, well this is promising." The angel smiled wickedly. "I assume that you're here for more than a chat then?" Kayumi grinned broadly.

"How did you guess?"

"Because if you didn't help them, I would." Eros replied. Suddenly he was attacked from behind. A pair of pale delicate arms wrapped around him and pulled him backwards.

"Eros-chan!" an overly enthusiastic voice squealed. "There you are, you've been hiding from me again!"

"Gah! I was not hiding from you, I was greeting a guest!" Eros choked back while Kayumi tried not to fall over laughing. The owner of the arms refused to let go. Instead they hopped onto Eros' back.

"Liar. You just didn't want to play anymore."

"Honestly, Psyche! Please, not now!" Psyche pouted, but didn't get off Eros' back.

"Hello Psyche." Kayumi greeted finally getting enough control back to talk.

"Kayumi-chan! How are you doing?" Psyche asked while Eros began gasping for air.

"Maybe you should let him go. He's turning blue." Mouthing "oh" Psyche released him and dropped to the ground. While Eros took deep breaths, Psyche asked Kayumi what she'd been up too.

When Eros had left Kayumi for Psyche, Kayumi hadn't been angry. After all, they had a loving and meaningful relationship long before Kayumi had arrived. Eros was a good looking angel, tall, well built and a charming personality. He was one of the many angels that spread love throughout the world. His father had been the original Eros that the Greeks believed to be a god of love. Eros had inherited the name and the job when his father decided that he'd rather spend some time flitting around the universe. Where Eros Sr. was currently, was anybody's guess.

"Hum, so you're little brother is in love with a mortal and he with him? Sounds exciting. Eros and I haven't had human form in a while. He's still mad about that incident in the 1800's. One of the few times he has his hair cut short and a natural color and he runs into that artist. Why he told him he was Cupid is beyond me. Of course he was drunk at the time and wearing only a bed-sheet. Now he can't go anywhere on Valentine's day without seeing a chubby little blond cherub wearing only a diaper plastered on every greeting card. How the artist mistook my darling for a baby is one of life's mysteries." Psyche complained.

"He was probably drunk too." Kayumi said. Psyche nodded.

"It's not Valentine's Day already!" Eros exclaimed in horror. Psyche laughed. Kayumi shook her head at the pair. It was fitting that Eros, one of the universe's most desirable bisexuals have a person as androgynous as Psyche as a mate. Pale with long black hair and brown eyes, Psyche looked feminine at times and masculine others. Kayumi had long believed that Psyche was a hermaphrodite, but only Eros knew for sure.

"Eros, relax. That's not for months." Eros breathed a sigh of relief. Then headed for his laboratory beckoning Kayumi and Psyche to follow. The laboratory was in the north side and separated from the rest of the house by a large covered outer walkway. The door was covered in warning signs saying; "Experiments in progress," "Enter at your own peril," "Danger! Volatile chemicals," and "No foreplay while testing."

"I would assume that you want some sort of potion to give Yatsurugi and ah…"

"Keien." Kayumi replied watching Eros unlock the door.

"Right. A potion to give them a little insensitive?"

"Oooo! This sounds like fun!" Psyche chirped. It hopped up and down excitedly before attaching itself to Eros. "I bet a love potion would do wonders!"

"But they're already in love." Kayumi pointed out.

"Not all love potions instigate love. Some help the natural process along." Eros corrected. "Psyche, could you take your hands out of my shirt for a minute. I have to think and you're very distracting." Psyche looked guilty and removed itself from Eros' side for a moment. Standing for sometime, Eros mentally ran through all the love potions in his collection. He needed some more information about Keien and Yatsurugi's relationship before he could decide. After consulting with Kayumi he finally decided that there was only one that could achieve the ends they wanted.

"Here you go. I think this should do the trick. I suggest giving it to Keien because he'll be less likely to detect it." Eros stated taking down a vial from a high shelf. It contained a brownish liquid that looked a bit like bourbon. The label said "Love Potion #10." Kayumi gave him a strange look when she read it.

"#10?"

"Yeah, #9 was over used in the 60's and is now only available only by prescription. Besides, it had the weirdest side effects. People would go after anything that moved."

"Yeah, that one guy wrote a whole song about his experience. I can't believed he kissed that icky cop." Psyche commented. Kayumi shrugged and accepted the vial. Eros invited her to stay for a bit, but since Psyche was busily trying to remove his shirt, Kayumi decided to go.

"Make sure you read the instructions carefully!" Eros called as Psyche waved bye. Kayumi noticed with satisfaction that it had succeeded in turning Eros as bright red as his hair. Psyche always did have a way with men, she thought. And women, she added after a moment's reflection.

Yatsurugi felt sick. It was the first time he'd ever felt sick and it was making him miserable. His whole body ached as if he'd been run over by a train. He was hot, his nose was stuffed up and he wanted to die. Of course he couldn't really die considering he was still an angel, but he didn't care about technicalities right now. He did care about the aspirin that Keien was bringing him.

"I didn't know angels got sick." Keien said handing a glass of water and a bottle of aspirin to him.

"We don't. But I have human form, which means I am susceptible to human diseases despite having angelic powers."

"I assumed you still had them." Keien commented sitting down on the bed. Yatsurugi scooted over to give him room. "You never said you did, but I had a feeling."

"A lot of good they're doing me now. I feel rotten." Yatsurugi grumbled pulling the covers over his head. "I don't even have the strength to go to classes today."

"Hey, I don't have the strength to go to classes and I'm not sick. I think it's because I have an exam in computer programming. They're always hard." Yatsurugi didn't reply. "Listen, I'm going now. Get some rest, drink lots of liquids and take aspirin when your headache returns. I'll see you when I get home. Okay?"

"Okay." Keien got up, turned out the light, and shut the door. He really didn't want to go to classes today, but he did have that exam. If he didn't, he would gladly stay home and nurse Yatsurugi.

"I hope this doesn't last too long." Keien murmured as he picked up his bag. "I'd hate to have to take him to the hospital." He put his shoes on and left.

Physics was boring as always, but Keien made it through without falling asleep. He got a 92% on his homework from last week, which made him happy and Meiko didn't insist upon having lunch with him. The only thing that could have made the morning better was if Yatsurugi wasn't sick.

The exam wasn't as horrid as he thought it was and he walked away feeling as if he might be rank amongst the top students this time. Feeling pretty good about himself, he picked up a special dessert before he went home. When Yatsurugi got better, they would eat it in celebration.

"I hope this is only a twenty-four hour flu. I hate seeing him so sick." Keien muttered to himself. He crossed the street, making sure that there was no speeding cars heading his way first, then headed for his apartment complex. The last thing he needed was to be hit by a car when his guardian angel was out with the flu.

"I'm home!" Keien shouted when he opened the door. There was no reply, so he took off his shoes and dumped his bag by the door. Taking the dessert to the kitchen, he placed it in the refrigerator and grabbed a package of chicken. I might as well make dinner, he thought. In the mood for a stir-fry, he cooked some of the chicken, returning the rest to the refrigerator. While the rice cooked, he heated water for tea. He planned on taking one cup to Yatsurugi and maybe enticing him to have something to eat. After cutting the vegetables and starting them in the pan, he checked to make sure the rice was cooking properly. The chicken was done and waiting for the vegetables. Deciding that vegetables were cooked enough; he threw in the chicken and some soy sauce. Then letting them continue cooking, he went to take Yatsurugi his tea.

It was almost too perfect. Kayumi couldn't believe her luck. She perched on the balcony of Keien's apartment smiling. Keien was making dinner and her brother was no where in sight. Yatsurugi must be sleeping, she mused. This is going to be easier than I thought. Pulling the vial out, she carefully read the instructions. Keeping one eye on Keien and one on the bottle, she waited for him to leave. It would be easier to slip the potion into his food if he wasn't around, she decided.

"Now's my chance!" she hissed under her breath as she watched Keien exit with a cup of tea. Carefully she teleported into the room and fluttered to the counter. A cup full of dark colored tea sat in front of her. Grinning, she slowly emptied the entire vial into the tea. Using a spoon, she stirred it until she was certain that the potion had been mixed in.

"Yeah, I'll make you some chicken soup." Keien said as he exited Yatsurugi's room. Kayumi chuckled and teleported back to the balcony. Watching Keien with great anticipation, she hoped that this worked. To her frustration he ignored his tea and went about heating some chicken broth.

"Drink the tea you moron." She growled as Keien poured the soup into a bowl.

Something caught Keien's attention. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure.

"Kayumi?" he wondered aloud turning to look straight out at the balcony. Kayumi froze. Shit! If he sees me, she worried pushing her invisibility powers to their maximum. Shaking his head, Keien decided that it must have been his imagination. He picked up the cup and took a sip. The tea had cooled so it didn't scald his throat as he drank. It had a different after taste than normal, but Keien didn't pay attention to it. He finished the entire cup in a few minutes. Kayumi was ecstatic.

"Work, work, work." She chanted happily. Keien suddenly felt a bit light-headed. It was as if something had just smacked him in the face. Then something grabbed a hold of him. Wondering if he'd caught Yatsurugi's flu, Keien ignored the feeling that was slowly creeping through him.

Picking up the bowl of soup, he went to Yatsurugi's room.

"Keien?"

"I brought the soup." Keien replied turning on the lights. He set it on the nightstand beside the bed and sat down. Yatsurugi rolled over, pushed back some of the covers, and sat up.

"I'm feeling a bit better. All those aspirin I took have apparently decided to work at the same time. Even the ones I took this morning." He said almost cheerfully. Well, he's happily drugged up, Keien thought. His system probably couldn't take the aspirin. Yatsurugi scooted a bit closer so he could reach the soup. Their eyes met and Keien couldn't help himself. He found himself running his finger over Yatsurugi's thigh. Yatsurugi stared at him curiously. Keien realized what he was doing and stopped.

"You should have your soup." He said trying to remove his hand. Unfortunately, his body wasn't listening to his mind. The hand remained where it was. An awkward silence elapsed between them as Yatsurugi began to eat.

"Keien? You look flushed. Are you feeling all right?" he asked putting the bowl back on the nightstand. Keien's hand returned to stroking his thigh.

"I was just wondering if you'd like a massage? It might make you feel better." Keien remarked. WHAT AM I SAYING! What is going on here? Why do I have the over powering urge to crawl into bed with him! Keien thought desperately. It was as if someone else was suddenly in control of his body.

"Really?" Yatsurugi stared in Keien's green eyes. No, don't stare at me with those beautiful blue eyes of yours. Keien pleaded silently. "Could you give me a massage then?"

"Of course, just face away from me."

"Okay." Yatsurugi turned away from Keien, shoving all the covers to the side of the bed. Keien situated himself directly behind him and slowly began massaging his shoulders. Moving up and down his back, Keien dug his fingers into knotted muscles.

"Ooooo…this is going better than I thought!" Kayumi giggled from the balcony. She was holding a pair of special x-ray binoculars that allowed her to view her prey without being in the same room. Snapping her fingers a tub of popcorn materialized. "This is so much better than going to the movies."

Keien was becoming frustrated. He was rubbing the lower back, but didn't feel he was massaging the muscle properly.

"I can't properly massage your back with your shirt on." Keien whispered in Yatsurugi's ear. "Could you take it off?" Yatsurugi nodded. He began to unbutton it when Keien's arms reached around him. Methodically Keien removed each button in turn as he pressed his body against Yatsurugi's. Gently he pulled the cotton shirt off the shoulders. Skilled hands slid down Yatsurugi's backbone to the lower lumbar muscles. The continual rubbing and pressing of Keien's fingers against his lower back, lulled Yatsurugi into a relaxed trance.

"That feels good Keien." He sighed. Keien's hands lingered for a moment more before strolling back towards the shoulders. Yatsurugi sighed again. Keien leaned into him more, working every inch of the shoulder region. The angel's skin grew warm under Keien's delicate touch. Breathing hot air onto Yatsurugi's neck, Keien smiled wickedly at the little shudder that went through his body.

"How does that feel?" he asked, his voice carrying a seductive undertone.

"Hmm." Yatsurugi sighed contentively.

"How about now?" Keien whispered. He blew into Yatsurugi's ear then on his neck. Continuing to blow hot air on his neck, Keien slowly leaned over. His lips pressed against the heated skin. Systematically Keien started kissing Yatsurugi's neck and shoulder, pausing every so often to nip him. The skin beneath his lips continued to grow warmer as Yatsurugi whimpered softly. Hands wound their way around the back in a circular pattern, mimicking the lips.

Off in the far part of his mind, Keien thought he heard someone chanting "go, go, go." No, I don't want to be doing this while he's sick! I want him to be agreeing while not high on medication! His conscious screamed back. His body refused to listen and remained as it was.

Yatsurugi whimpered again as Keien nipped at the base of his neck.

"Keien." He breathed. He sounded like he was pleading. Keien nipped his ear.

"What?" He began licking the ear lobe. Yatsurugi didn't answer. Moving to the reddened neck, Keien ran his tongue over the areas he'd been nipping. His tongue traveled across the base of the neck and over to the other shoulder before working its way back.

"Keien."

"Hmm?"

Again there was no answer only heavy breathing. Keien smiled in satisfaction. Gingerly he nipped Yatsurugi's other ear.

"Keien."

"Yes?"

"Could we…" Keien reached around and began to pull Yatsurugi's pants off. Yatsurugi grabbed a hold of his hands. They stopped, held each other waiting for the other to make the next move. "Keien…" Keien removed his hands. He began to move away from Yatsurugi. Keien realized that he was in control of his body again.

Feeling very exhausted suddenly; Yatsurugi fell back against him. He closed his eyes and snuggled down against Keien's chest. They remained thus for a few moments before Keien noticed that his roommate had fallen asleep. Gently laying him down, Keien tucked Yatsurugi into bed and quietly left the room.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Kayumi wailed standing up abruptly and spilling her popcorn. "How could they stop? How could Keien get a hold of himself so quickly? The potion was supposed to last for 48 hours!" She angrily pulled out the vial and read over the instructions again. She had done everything correctly, then why had it worn off? Studying the bottle intensely she finally noticed some words in small print near the bottom. It read, "Cannot guarantee effectiveness after this date." Kayumi glanced at the date and screamed. "DAMMIT!"

Keien returned to the kitchen. He was dumbfounded as to why he had started acting as he had. Maybe it was because he had been under a lot of stress that day. Or maybe because Yatsurugi had been in a vulnerable position. There was also the possibility that there had been some outside force at work. It was too hard to think right now, besides his dinner was getting cold. As he ate he thought he heard pounding. Believing it to be his neighbors, he ignored it.

"Damn, damn, damn." Kayumi repeated over and over banging her head against the wall. "They were so close! DAMMIT!!!!!"