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WARNINGS: This is a slash/bl/shonen-ai fic! If you don’t like it, or don’t know what it is, don’t read. And this contains SPOILERS for The World Ends With You for the end of the game, and for the Secret Reports. Like who the Composer is, who the Producer is, different planes/worlds, and maybe who the Fallen Angel is. So if you don’t know and don’t want to find out, I implore you, DO NOT READ.  You should probably only read if you’ve completed the whole game, meaning Secret Reports as well. Thanks.

Neku cursed his mom for what seemed to be the millionth time. “Why?” he had asked them, “Why do I have to find a job?!” His mother, Mikiko, just smiled at him and said, “Because, son, it’ll teach you responsibility. And because that CAT artwork costs a helluva amount of money. So, if money is going to be spent on CAT’s artwork, it’s going to be yours.”

Neku groaned as he fiddled with the styrofoam cup of coffee in his hands. “I suppose she’s right,” he muttered. “But there aren’t any damn jobs that look good!” He groaned once more and buried his head in his arms on the small table booth.

“Heya, Phones,” an amused voice said. “Havin’ some troubles?” “Phones” looked up with a sigh, head still on his arms. Why the hell did I even come to WildKat in the first place?! he thought.

The teen allowed himself to smile slightly at Mr. Hanekoma. “Kinda, Mr. H. I’m looking for a job. ‘M not having any luck, though.”

The older man laughed. “Hang on a minute, boss, I’ll go get the classifieds. Unless you wanna work here.” Neku gave him a look that clearly stated that he did not, and the café owner went over to his counter to grab a newspaper. Mr. Hanekoma then threw the paper on Neku’s table.

“G’luck, Phones,” the Producer hummed and walked away. The teen acknowledged the older man with a slight nod and finally sat in an upright position, pulling the newspaper in front of him.

Cashier at le Grande, he silently read to himself, no thanks, that one guy stares at me enough…Taste-tester at Ramen Don’s? Sounds good, but unhealthy…Clothing model? What the heck, this has Shiki’s number! Ugh, I need to have a talk with her… Out of the corner of his eye, Neku read something that piqued his interest.

Conductor

Strong Imagination and the ability to use psychs are required. Must appreciate Shibuya and its music. Getting along with the Composer is recommended. Pay is somewhat negotiable. Fulltime, vacation at request if approved. Call…

The orangette’s eyes widened at the number. It can’t be… he thought, stunned. Neku whipped out his cell phone and dialed the number at lightning fast speed. His hands shook slightly as he heard the phone ring, breath quickening. A month, it’s been a month since the last Game ended, since he last saw Him. Finally, the person at the other end picked up.

”Hee hee, hello? Are you calling about the job offering, dear?” an all-too familiar voice practically sang out.

Joshua.

“Y-yeah,” the angsty teen stammered. “I’m calling a-about the po-posistion.”

A relieved sigh. ”Oh, Neku, I’m terribly happy you called about that. You see, if I didn’t find someone to take the Conductor’s position within this week, the Angels in the Higher Plane would be after me faster than flies on sugar. Or, perhaps, Noise on Players, hee hee. Of course, if you hadn’t seen that ad, I’d just recruit you myself, of course.” Another giggle. “Let’s carry this out in person, shall we? I hate carrying business out over the phone. I’ll meet you in WildKat—“

“—right now.” Neku nearly jumped a foot in the air as he felt hot breath against his ear. He quickly turned his head around and almost got whiplash. There, in all his snotty (in Neku’s opinion) glory was Joshua.

“Jesus, what’s your problem!?” Neku almost yelled, face red. A smirk.

“Now now, Neku, just ‘Joshua’ would be fine,” the silverette snickered.

The other teen groaned as the Composer sat down in the seat across from him. “Egotistical, pompous, snotty little—“ he began muttering, which earned him a delicately raised eyebrow.

“Really, dear, I’m flattered you’re thinking about me so much, but let’s talk business, hm?” Joshua said, looking fairly amused. Embarrassment crossed Neku’s features, and he was about to cuss his friend out when an odd noise interrupted him.

The door opened. Mr. H actually had customers. But they were the last people who Neku thought he’d ever see.

“Lollipop and Pinky?!” he exclaimed. The two sent him an odd look.

“Well, I be,” Kariya stated, “it’s the C man and his little proxy! Spendin’ some quality time?” Uzuki giggled at this comment, and Joshua, for a reason unbeknownst to Neku, turned the faintest shade of pink. The two Reapers then sat in the same booth as Neku and Joshua, Kariya sitting on the outside of Neku, and Uzuki sitting on the outside of Joshua.

“So, boss,” Kariya questioned, "whatcha two talkin’ ‘bout?” Joshua smiled.

“Oh, Neku here is going to take the Conductor’s position,” he said casually. The two partners choked on air.

“W-what?!” Uzuki finally managed to sputter out. “This little pipsqueak?! N-no way! He’s barely old enough to have a girlfriend, much less help keep control of a whole city like Shibuya! Plus Kariya made a bet about it! Th-there’s just no way I can lose!” She began to pull on her hair as if it would help channel her rage. “ARRGH!” Well, thanks for talking about me like I’m not here, the redhead mentally deadpanned.

Kariya smirked. “Told ya so. So, Uzuki, how ‘bout that ramen?” The pink-haired girl glared.

The four went on conversing for about 10 more minutes until the bell that signaled the door opening rang again. They looked up, only to see two pairs of Players; two girls and two boys. They froze when they saw Kariya and Uzuki.

“You two!” The taller boy, a tan blonde decked out in D+B, exclaimed.

“It’s Lipstick and Sucker-man!” the shorter boy, a raven-haired youth wearing Tigre Punks, huffed. Neku sniggered at the nicknames. The two girls gave the four at the booth curious glances.

“…It’s weird seeing them without wings…” the black-haired lolita girl murmured. Neku glanced at the mentioned Reapers and noticed that their wings were, in fact, gone.

“It  sure is…” the other girl, a blonde, who was, like the tall tan boy, also decked out in D+B. The two blondes looked eerily similar to each other, as did the two brunettes.

“Oh, don’t mind them,” Joshua said flippantly. “They’re off duty right now. In this café, like in any other store with a decal, they’re the same as you.”

“Are you guys brothers and sisters or something?” Neku finally asked. The blonde boy shot his questioner a withering glare.

“What’s it to you?” he retorted. “Mind your own damn business!” The teen winced. Joshua sent the boy an icy cold glare that could make full-grown men cry. The blonde girl frowned and tugged at her partner’s arm.

“Hey now, Set, he’s just curious,” she whispered. The girl then smiled a bit at Neku. “I’m Sani,” she said, “and this is my older brother, Seto.”

The other boy then spoke up. “I-I’m Saito. And this is my twin sister, Kaito. You can call us Sai and Kai.” The orange-haired teen gave them a small, friendly smile.

“I’m Neku,” he responded. “And this is my partn—er, friend, Josh.” Kaito’s eyes widened.

“You two are Players too?” she questioned. Joshua shook his head.

“Oh no, we’re old Players. We played the Game about a month and a week ago, isn’t that right, dear?” Neku bobbed his head up and down, missing the other players’ shock at the casual use of “dear.” Joshua, however, did notice and grinned. He grabbed Neku’s hands and placed them within his own on the table.

“Poor little Nekky had to play the Game three times,” he sighed dramatically. The other teen blushed lightly and tried to pull his hands away, but to no avail. Goddamn little priss—

The silverette smirked and began to slowly stroke the other’s hands with his thumbs, as if to console him (A/N: Mm hm, console. Sure). His smirk widened when he was rewarded with an even deeper blush. Kariya chuckled and Uzuki took a picture with her phone. “Even the most talented Reapers would have a hard time keeping up with the physical, and especially mental, strain. He is quite a tough cookie, hee hee.”

“Wh-whatever,” the teen finally replied, staring at their interlocked hands. He felt like a girl on her first date. “I was fighting for y—my friends…” The redhead was thankful when he finally felt the heat die down from his face. Neku looked up when he heard sniffling.

“Ohhh, that was so sweet!” Sani cried out. Kaito and Saito had to rub a little at their faces. Seto rolled his eyes.

“Enough of this mushy crap,” he grumbled, “let’s get some food. Service! We need some service, man!” He grabbed Saito by the arm and pulled him into the booth behind Neku. They heard Sani and Kaito sit in the seat across from the two.

“Honestly, Set-Set, you’re too rough sometimes,” Saito whined. The other whispered something, which caused the raven-haired boy to scream “PERV!” Neku sweat-dropped.

“Anyways, Neku,” Joshua continued on as if their conversation had never been interrupted, “about your job. You’re going to have to die again so your Soul code can change, but don’t worry, because you can still switch back and forth between the RG and the UG just like me, Sanae, or any Reaper can. I’ll even let you choose how you will die, aren’t I the sweetest? I’ll have to guide on how to tune your vibe  your first few times, since you’re a virgin at this and all, but after that you’ll be able to do it on your own. And I should probably show you how to tune your vibe to you can travel to different planes and parallel words as well.”

“Um…okay?” Neku was a little unsure. Yeah, he had read Mr. H’s Secret Reports, so he kind of got what Joshua was talking about, but it was a little hard for him to completely wrap his head around the concept. I’ll just learn as I go.

Kariya snorted. “Make sure you know what you’re gettin’ into, kid. Bein’ Conductor is serious business.”

“I trust Josh,” Neku huffed, “I trust him with my life. Since, oh, I dunno, he’s taken it so many times.”

“Really, Neku,” the Composer giggled, “no need to be a sourpuss, but I am quite pleased you trust me so much.”

“…Whatever.”

“Honestly, my darling proxy, you mustn’t be so indifferent! Such things can be quite…catastrophic, hee hee,” rebutted the silverette. Uzuki raised an eyebrow.

“Whatevs, like a fat kid in a dodgeball game, I’m outty,” she yawned out, getting out of the booth. (A/N: No offense to anyone XD

“Yeah, I’d better boogie too,” Kariya muttered from around his lollipop. “Got some points to rack up! Gotta get movin’ ‘fore The Sarge gets all pissy with us. Later!” And like that, the two Reapers bustled out of WildKat.

“The Sarge?” Neku asked, confused. “Who the hell is that? A new Game Master?”

The other smirked. “Kudos, Nekky! Someone’s done their Game homework! A+ for you! I’d applaud, but my hands are occupied.” Neku looked down at his hands, which were still in between Joshua’s. Damn, I never even noticed he was still holding my hands! Neku silently fumed. He quickly pulled his hands away from Joshua’s and instead wrapped them around his abandoned coffee cup, which, to his delight, was still warm. The orangette took a few sips. Neku failed to see the other’s slightly disappointed look.

“So,” Neku grumbled, “what’s this new GM like?”

“Weeeell,” Joshua drawled, “Tsuma Abikari is rather strict. Hence why some of the Reapers call him Sarge. He even wears camouflage and is all buff. Tsuma is being rather strict on the Players, more so than I believe he should be.” Here, the Composer’s features formed into a scowl, and he crossed his arms. “Almost half of the Players were erased by the end of Day Two.”

Neku’s eyes widened in shock. “No way! How could he do that! He sounds almost as bad as Minamimoto!”

The silverette sighed and pursed his lips. “Well, usually the Conductor keeps the Game Master in line, but since I didn’t have one, well…Sanae and I were too busy to deal with him until recently. So, you’ll accept my offer, right?”

Neku blinked. “You’re…giving me a choice?” He was dumbstruck. I can reject him?

Joshua smiled grimly. “Of course I am, Neku. I’m not going to force you into anything.” He massaged his temples with his left hand. It was only then that Neku noticed how tired and worn out his friend looked. He bit his lip. Joshua looked…bad. His hair had some tangles in it, his skin even paler than usual, his eyes had faint lines under them, and they also weren’t as vibrant and teasing as they were before, when they were partners.

“Josh…” he murmured, “Joshua, are you okay?” It honestly scared the ex-Player to see the almighty Composer of Shibuya look so weak.

With faint smile on his pale lips, Joshua chuckled. “I’m fine, darling, I’ve just had a few, ah, sleepless nights.”

Neku shut his eyes. He never forgave him, damnit, but he still trusted him as his friend! I still can’t hate him, like it or not, he thought. “You’re scaring me, Josh,” the younger teen admitted quietly. “This is so unlike you. It’s weird seeing you so human. But I-I accept.” He opened his eyes, but they were downcast, shadowed by his bangs.

Neku’s head was eventually forced up by a pale forefinger and thumb, lifting up his chin, making him look directly into Joshua’s eyes, his beautiful amethyst eyes, now filled with an indescribable emotion. The Composer leaned over the table, getting closer to his proxy’s sculpted face.

“Don’t worry about me,” he almost spat, “I’m fine! I’m the one who needs to do the worrying.” Neku shivered. He had never seen the other so aggressive. Joshua’s surprisingly strong grip turned into a softer hold; it was practically a caress. “Things are going to be very, very difficult for you, I will not lie,” Joshua whispered, sending puffs of warm air across Neku’s face. “However, I believe you can do it.” He moved even closer, noses almost touching. “Thank you, Neku,” he breathed out, and leaned back into his seat, looking as if nothing had happened.

A faint tinge of pink was left on Neku’s face. “Eheh, um, bi-polar much?” he joked nervously. His new boss (Neku internally shuddered at the thought) smirked at the joke. It looked as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

“Anyways, perhaps we should go and train you, hm? At least until nightfall.”

“Fine,” the CAT lover groaned, “I’ll call my mom and tell her where I am.”

A devilish look made its way to Joshua’s face. “Oh no, I believe you can tell her in person, since we’re both going to your house.”

Neku choked on his coffee. “And why,” he gasped out, “are we going there?!”

“Why, to tell her about your new job, silly~! I’m sure she’ll be delighted!” the silverette giggled.

“I see you’re back to normal,” the shorter teen deadpanned as he got out of the booth.

Joshua smirked, getting up as well. “Of course, dear—whoops!” He suddenly “slipped,” and grabbed the closest thing to him to stop from falling.

Neku’s ass.

“Y-y-y-you PERVERT!!” the new Conductor screeched, turning a bright red. “And to think I even began to believe you changed!” His eye twitched as he heard laughing. It was those four Players plus Mr. H.

“Oh, dear,” Joshua cried out, “please, be a darling and help me up? It was an accident, I implore you! I would never dream of doing such a pedophilic act to you!”

The poor victim glared suspiciously, but finally gave in and held out his hand to help his fallen comrade up. “Accident my ass,” he grumbled. He was suddenly pulled down by a strong arm onto a certain someone’s lap.

“What’s that about your ass?” Joshua asked, grinning evilly. “Yes, it’s quite nice, if that’s what you’re saying.”

“Asshole!” the teen snapped when the laughing got louder, much to his embarrassment.

“Mm, yes, I suppose I am,” his captor acknowledged calmly. “But I’m a rather fine asshole, wouldn’t you agree?” This earned a glare. “Now, quit struggling, will you?”

“Bastard!”

“No, I’m afraid not, my parents were married when I was born.”

“Jack ass!”

“Now now, do I look like a donkey to you?”

“Prissy little—”

…and so on went their lovely little chat on the linoleum floor, until Mr. Hanekoma decided to break it up.

“Now, I thought you two were gonna go to Phones’s folks’ house?” the café owner chuckled. “Go on, get! I got customers to serve!” The two complied and got off the floor and out of WildKat and took a bus to the Sakuraba house, a long 20 minute ride away on the edge of Shibuya. On the way, Neku swore some people thought that they were boyfriends, if their giggles, odd looks, and blushes were anything to go by. Needless to say, Neku wasn’t too thrilled about that.

Neku sighed as he got off at the stop. The teen got off, the silverette dutifully following. It was still about another five minute walk since the bus route didn’t go on Neku’s street. Meanwhile, Joshua asked Neku questions.

“Have you been doing well in school?”

“Yes, Josh.”

“Do you still have all of the outfits I so generously let you keep that you got during the Game?”

“Yes, Josh.”

“Still like CAT?”

“Yes, Josh.”

“Did you know you were out of strawberry shampoo?”

“Yes, Jo—argh! How did you know that?! Y-you stalker!” Neku screeched as he reached the doorstep of his seemingly normal little white house.

Joshua raised his hands in defense. “Okay, you caught me,” he giggled teasingly.

“You’re a fuckin’ creep,” the new Conductor deadpanned just as the door opened.

“NEKU SAKURABA!” a woman yelled as she opened the wooden door. “What did I tell you about using foul language in this house?!”

Neku flushed darkly in embarrassment while Joshua barely refrained from kneeling over laughing. “B-but, mom,” he protested weakly, “I’m not inside the house…”

Mikiko snorted. “Smart ass.” Her expression brightened as she saw Joshua. “Neku-chan, you didn’t tell me you’d be bringing a friend over! And a new one at that! Please, come in…um…”

“You can call me Joshua, ma’am, but if you must know, my name is Yoshiya Kiryu,” the teen politely quipped. Neku’s mother was about the same height as her son, with the same untamable orange hair, only hers was chin-length and not looking like an anime character’s, and bright blue eyes. Both were equally skinny. The only difference, besides the hair, was that while Neku was wearing Jupiter of Monkey, (a light track jacket with a slim-fitting, long-sleeved polo with his favorite shorts and shoes) Mikiko was wearing Natural Puppy (blue skinny jeans with a cute-looking pink one-piece with blue mules). “I can see where little Nekky here gets his lovely looks.”

The mention teen sputtered while his mother giggled. “That’s so sweet of you! What a gentleman! And what a cute pet name! Say, Nekky, is this charming young man your boyfriend?”

The orangette choked. This was all too much. “NO, Mom. Josh is my friend! Not my boyfriend!” he cried. Joshua stifled a laugh.

Mikiko sighed in disappointment. “Too bad…” she mumbled as she ushered the two boys in, having them take off their shoes and set them next to the door.

“Where’s Dad?” Neku asked while taking off his jacket and absentmindedly throwing it on the cream-colored sofa.

The female Sakuraba frowned a little before replying. “Business trip.” Her son let out a faint sigh of relief, none of the tension being missed by a rather observant Composer. Her frown turned into a light smile. “Do you boys want something to eat or drink?” Neku shook his head, and Joshua courteously declined. “’Kay, I’ll stay out of your hair until I can think of some embarrassing stories to share about Neku!” And like that, she was gone to do mom stuff. Or something. (A/N side comment: *coughprobablytolookatsomeyaoiontheinterwebscough*)

Neku groaned as he flopped down on the sofa, Joshua sitting down gracefully beside him. “Your mother is very nice,” he commented. His friend smiled fondly.

“Yeah, I know,” he replied, looking rather happy.

“But…” the silverette continued.

“‘But’?” his companion repeated, looking confused.

Joshua crossed his arms, knowing he’d probably regret asking. “But what about your father?”

“…”

Silence.

Yes, definitely the wrong question. Joshua was about to apologize before he got his reply.

“Mom and I…don’t really get along with Dad,” he mumbled quietly. Neku fiddled with his hands, grasping them tightly. He looked a bit pained. “He’s a business worker, always on trips. Mom practically raised me alone; to me, she was Mom and Dad…” his voice trailed off. When he continued, the teen’s voice was even softer than before.

“Whenever he was home, he was drunk. And he didn’t handle alcohol very well, so to speak. He was always furious, always ranting and raving, always…violent,” Neku whispered. Why was he telling Joshua, the stuck-up prick, of all people? The Sakuraba looked up in surprise when he felt two strong hands clasp his, like in the café. Knowing violet eyes look at him comfortingly. Neku flushed, immediately feeling like a little girly-girl.

“Go on, Neku,” Joshua murmured. No Nekky, no dear, no darling. Just Neku.

The skinny teen clutched the offered hands tightly, as if they were his lifeline.

“H-he’d beat me. And mom,” he choked out. Now’s not the time to cry, damnit! “She’d try so hard to get him to stop hurting me, but he’d just hit her harder. Said that I looked like his whore of a wife, too thin and short to even possibly be his son. It’s why I never had any friends. Because of the bruises, they all thought I was in with a bad crowd. Hell, during the Game, when I was in that “coma,” he almost fucking pulled the plug on me! ‘Good riddance,’ he’d said.” Neku glared at the wooden floor sullenly. “Plus, when I was in the hospital, he was cheating on Mom. I know it. I checked some of the messages on his cell when he was sleeping a few nights after I got back.” The teen finally fell silent, looking ashamed. He hated being so weak and useless.

Joshua, on the other hand, was fuming. No, scratch that. He was fucking pissed. How dare anyone do that to any living creature, especially a defenseless child?! “Who else knows?” he growled out. Neku looked up in shock. He had never heard the other sound so angry. To be honest, it was freaky. Joshua looked goddamn scary.

“Uh…I’ve, um, told only you,” he replied nervously. The other went ballistic.

“Not even Shiki or Rhyme?!” he almost howled. “What about Beat? He would beat the hell out of him! That is if I don’t first!”

Neku visibly paled. “But what if he—” he was cut off when forcibly grabbed and hugged tightly.

“I’m the Composer, dumbass. A drunkard isn’t even going to get close to defeating me.” Neku could practically hear the confidant smirk in that voice.

“Okay, but why are you hugging me? ‘M not gonna disappear or anything,” he mumbled, but returned the hug nevertheless. It felt nice.

“Because,” Joshua said, this time very calm. Almost too calm. “If I didn’t grab on to something soon, I would’ve lost my control over my frequency and turn into my real form, which would have been very, very bad. Plus you looked like you needed one,” he giggled and let go. Neku sighed. He was back to normal, thank god.

“Jesus, Josh, you PMSing or something? I’m starting to think that you really are bipolar,” he remarked, remembering how odd the other acted in WildKat.

“Mm, I think not, dear,” Joshua commented, looking amused. “I’m not a girl, but do you want to check?”

Neku choked. He seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. “Urgh, no thanks!”

A playful smirk. “Your loss~” Neku wrinkled his nose. Insert gagging here, he thought. The CAT fan jumped as he heard a beep and saw a flash. His mom was taking freaking pictures. Why?!

As if reading his thoughts, she smirked. “You just looked so cute!” she cackled. Neku whined something back, (of course, he would never admit it) making the silverette smile. They looked like and interacted like a normal family. Minus the father, he thought sourly, but before more morbid thoughts crossed his mind, he thought of something brilliant. Neku’s back was facing him, since he was arguing (whining) to Mikiko, so it would turn out just right. The mother saw his devilish expression and got her camera ready. There was no way she or her memory card were going to miss this.

“Mom, what’re you—”

Pounce. Arms were wrapped tightly around his thin waist, and a chin rested on his left shoulder.

“Let’s give your mother and that camera a show,” a husky voice whispered, breath ghosting across the younger teen’s ear. Neku blushed hotly. Since when did Joshua sound so hot?

Click. Click. Bzzt. Click.

“Mom!” he hissed, struggling against the hold. “Not fair!” Another click.

Damnit.

;) (Wink) — Description
WARNINGS: This is a slash/bl/shonen-ai fic! If you don’t like it, or don’t know what it is, don’t read. And this contains SPOILERS for The World Ends With You for the end of the game, and for the Secret Reports. Like who the Composer is, who the Producer is, different planes/worlds, and maybe who the Fallen Angel is. So if you don’t know and don’t want to find out, I implore you, DO NOT READ.  You should probably only read if you’ve completed the whole game, meaning Secret Reports as well. Thanks.

Neku cursed his mom for what seemed to be the millionth time. “Why?” he had asked them, “Why do I have to find a job?!” His mother, Mikiko, just smiled at him and said, “Because, son, it’ll teach you responsibility. And because that CAT artwork costs a helluva amount of money. So, if money is going to be spent on CAT’s artwork, it’s going to be yours.”

Neku groaned as he fiddled with the styrofoam cup of coffee in his hands. “I suppose she’s right,” he muttered. “But there aren’t any damn jobs that look good!” He groaned once more and buried his head in his arms on the small table booth.

“Heya, Phones,” an amused voice said. “Havin’ some troubles?” “Phones” looked up with a sigh, head still on his arms. Why the hell did I even come to WildKat in the first place?! he thought.

The teen allowed himself to smile slightly at Mr. Hanekoma. “Kinda, Mr. H. I’m looking for a job. ‘M not having any luck, though.”

The older man laughed. “Hang on a minute, boss, I’ll go get the classifieds. Unless you wanna work here.” Neku gave him a look that clearly stated that he did not, and the café owner went over to his counter to grab a newspaper. Mr. Hanekoma then threw the paper on Neku’s table.

“G’luck, Phones,” the Producer hummed and walked away. The teen acknowledged the older man with a slight nod and finally sat in an upright position, pulling the newspaper in front of him.

Cashier at le Grande, he silently read to himself, no thanks, that one guy stares at me enough…Taste-tester at Ramen Don’s? Sounds good, but unhealthy…Clothing model? What the heck, this has Shiki’s number! Ugh, I need to have a talk with her… Out of the corner of his eye, Neku read something that piqued his interest.

Conductor

Strong Imagination and the ability to use psychs are required. Must appreciate Shibuya and its music. Getting along with the Composer is recommended. Pay is somewhat negotiable. Fulltime, vacation at request if approved. Call…

The orangette’s eyes widened at the number. It can’t be… he thought, stunned. Neku whipped out his cell phone and dialed the number at lightning fast speed. His hands shook slightly as he heard the phone ring, breath quickening. A month, it’s been a month since the last Game ended, since he last saw Him. Finally, the person at the other end picked up.

”Hee hee, hello? Are you calling about the job offering, dear?” an all-too familiar voice practically sang out.

Joshua.

“Y-yeah,” the angsty teen stammered. “I’m calling a-about the po-posistion.”

A relieved sigh. ”Oh, Neku, I’m terribly happy you called about that. You see, if I didn’t find someone to take the Conductor’s position within this week, the Angels in the Higher Plane would be after me faster than flies on sugar. Or, perhaps, Noise on Players, hee hee. Of course, if you hadn’t seen that ad, I’d just recruit you myself, of course.” Another giggle. “Let’s carry this out in person, shall we? I hate carrying business out over the phone. I’ll meet you in WildKat—“

“—right now.” Neku nearly jumped a foot in the air as he felt hot breath against his ear. He quickly turned his head around and almost got whiplash. There, in all his snotty (in Neku’s opinion) glory was Joshua.

“Jesus, what’s your problem!?” Neku almost yelled, face red. A smirk.

“Now now, Neku, just ‘Joshua’ would be fine,” the silverette snickered.

The other teen groaned as the Composer sat down in the seat across from him. “Egotistical, pompous, snotty little—“ he began muttering, which earned him a delicately raised eyebrow.

“Really, dear, I’m flattered you’re thinking about me so much, but let’s talk business, hm?” Joshua said, looking fairly amused. Embarrassment crossed Neku’s features, and he was about to cuss his friend out when an odd noise interrupted him.

The door opened. Mr. H actually had customers. But they were the last people who Neku thought he’d ever see.

“Lollipop and Pinky?!” he exclaimed. The two sent him an odd look.

“Well, I be,” Kariya stated, “it’s the C man and his little proxy! Spendin’ some quality time?” Uzuki giggled at this comment, and Joshua, for a reason unbeknownst to Neku, turned the faintest shade of pink. The two Reapers then sat in the same booth as Neku and Joshua, Kariya sitting on the outside of Neku, and Uzuki sitting on the outside of Joshua.

“So, boss,” Kariya questioned, "whatcha two talkin’ ‘bout?” Joshua smiled.

“Oh, Neku here is going to take the Conductor’s position,” he said casually. The two partners choked on air.

“W-what?!” Uzuki finally managed to sputter out. “This little pipsqueak?! N-no way! He’s barely old enough to have a girlfriend, much less help keep control of a whole city like Shibuya! Plus Kariya made a bet about it! Th-there’s just no way I can lose!” She began to pull on her hair as if it would help channel her rage. “ARRGH!” Well, thanks for talking about me like I’m not here, the redhead mentally deadpanned.

Kariya smirked. “Told ya so. So, Uzuki, how ‘bout that ramen?” The pink-haired girl glared.

The four went on conversing for about 10 more minutes until the bell that signaled the door opening rang again. They looked up, only to see two pairs of Players; two girls and two boys. They froze when they saw Kariya and Uzuki.

“You two!” The taller boy, a tan blonde decked out in D+B, exclaimed.

“It’s Lipstick and Sucker-man!” the shorter boy, a raven-haired youth wearing Tigre Punks, huffed. Neku sniggered at the nicknames. The two girls gave the four at the booth curious glances.

“…It’s weird seeing them without wings…” the black-haired lolita girl murmured. Neku glanced at the mentioned Reapers and noticed that their wings were, in fact, gone.

“It  sure is…” the other girl, a blonde, who was, like the tall tan boy, also decked out in D+B. The two blondes looked eerily similar to each other, as did the two brunettes.

“Oh, don’t mind them,” Joshua said flippantly. “They’re off duty right now. In this café, like in any other store with a decal, they’re the same as you.”

“Are you guys brothers and sisters or something?” Neku finally asked. The blonde boy shot his questioner a withering glare.

“What’s it to you?” he retorted. “Mind your own damn business!” The teen winced. Joshua sent the boy an icy cold glare that could make full-grown men cry. The blonde girl frowned and tugged at her partner’s arm.

“Hey now, Set, he’s just curious,” she whispered. The girl then smiled a bit at Neku. “I’m Sani,” she said, “and this is my older brother, Seto.”

The other boy then spoke up. “I-I’m Saito. And this is my twin sister, Kaito. You can call us Sai and Kai.” The orange-haired teen gave them a small, friendly smile.

“I’m Neku,” he responded. “And this is my partn—er, friend, Josh.” Kaito’s eyes widened.

“You two are Players too?” she questioned. Joshua shook his head.

“Oh no, we’re old Players. We played the Game about a month and a week ago, isn’t that right, dear?” Neku bobbed his head up and down, missing the other players’ shock at the casual use of “dear.” Joshua, however, did notice and grinned. He grabbed Neku’s hands and placed them within his own on the table.

“Poor little Nekky had to play the Game three times,” he sighed dramatically. The other teen blushed lightly and tried to pull his hands away, but to no avail. Goddamn little priss—

The silverette smirked and began to slowly stroke the other’s hands with his thumbs, as if to console him (A/N: Mm hm, console. Sure). His smirk widened when he was rewarded with an even deeper blush. Kariya chuckled and Uzuki took a picture with her phone. “Even the most talented Reapers would have a hard time keeping up with the physical, and especially mental, strain. He is quite a tough cookie, hee hee.”

“Wh-whatever,” the teen finally replied, staring at their interlocked hands. He felt like a girl on her first date. “I was fighting for y—my friends…” The redhead was thankful when he finally felt the heat die down from his face. Neku looked up when he heard sniffling.

“Ohhh, that was so sweet!” Sani cried out. Kaito and Saito had to rub a little at their faces. Seto rolled his eyes.

“Enough of this mushy crap,” he grumbled, “let’s get some food. Service! We need some service, man!” He grabbed Saito by the arm and pulled him into the booth behind Neku. They heard Sani and Kaito sit in the seat across from the two.

“Honestly, Set-Set, you’re too rough sometimes,” Saito whined. The other whispered something, which caused the raven-haired boy to scream “PERV!” Neku sweat-dropped.

“Anyways, Neku,” Joshua continued on as if their conversation had never been interrupted, “about your job. You’re going to have to die again so your Soul code can change, but don’t worry, because you can still switch back and forth between the RG and the UG just like me, Sanae, or any Reaper can. I’ll even let you choose how you will die, aren’t I the sweetest? I’ll have to guide on how to tune your vibe  your first few times, since you’re a virgin at this and all, but after that you’ll be able to do it on your own. And I should probably show you how to tune your vibe to you can travel to different planes and parallel words as well.”

“Um…okay?” Neku was a little unsure. Yeah, he had read Mr. H’s Secret Reports, so he kind of got what Joshua was talking about, but it was a little hard for him to completely wrap his head around the concept. I’ll just learn as I go.

Kariya snorted. “Make sure you know what you’re gettin’ into, kid. Bein’ Conductor is serious business.”

“I trust Josh,” Neku huffed, “I trust him with my life. Since, oh, I dunno, he’s taken it so many times.”

“Really, Neku,” the Composer giggled, “no need to be a sourpuss, but I am quite pleased you trust me so much.”

“…Whatever.”

“Honestly, my darling proxy, you mustn’t be so indifferent! Such things can be quite…catastrophic, hee hee,” rebutted the silverette. Uzuki raised an eyebrow.

“Whatevs, like a fat kid in a dodgeball game, I’m outty,” she yawned out, getting out of the booth. (A/N: No offense to anyone XD

“Yeah, I’d better boogie too,” Kariya muttered from around his lollipop. “Got some points to rack up! Gotta get movin’ ‘fore The Sarge gets all pissy with us. Later!” And like that, the two Reapers bustled out of WildKat.

“The Sarge?” Neku asked, confused. “Who the hell is that? A new Game Master?”

The other smirked. “Kudos, Nekky! Someone’s done their Game homework! A+ for you! I’d applaud, but my hands are occupied.” Neku looked down at his hands, which were still in between Joshua’s. Damn, I never even noticed he was still holding my hands! Neku silently fumed. He quickly pulled his hands away from Joshua’s and instead wrapped them around his abandoned coffee cup, which, to his delight, was still warm. The orangette took a few sips. Neku failed to see the other’s slightly disappointed look.

“So,” Neku grumbled, “what’s this new GM like?”

“Weeeell,” Joshua drawled, “Tsuma Abikari is rather strict. Hence why some of the Reapers call him Sarge. He even wears camouflage and is all buff. Tsuma is being rather strict on the Players, more so than I believe he should be.” Here, the Composer’s features formed into a scowl, and he crossed his arms. “Almost half of the Players were erased by the end of Day Two.”

Neku’s eyes widened in shock. “No way! How could he do that! He sounds almost as bad as Minamimoto!”

The silverette sighed and pursed his lips. “Well, usually the Conductor keeps the Game Master in line, but since I didn’t have one, well…Sanae and I were too busy to deal with him until recently. So, you’ll accept my offer, right?”

Neku blinked. “You’re…giving me a choice?” He was dumbstruck. I can reject him?

Joshua smiled grimly. “Of course I am, Neku. I’m not going to force you into anything.” He massaged his temples with his left hand. It was only then that Neku noticed how tired and worn out his friend looked. He bit his lip. Joshua looked…bad. His hair had some tangles in it, his skin even paler than usual, his eyes had faint lines under them, and they also weren’t as vibrant and teasing as they were before, when they were partners.

“Josh…” he murmured, “Joshua, are you okay?” It honestly scared the ex-Player to see the almighty Composer of Shibuya look so weak.

With faint smile on his pale lips, Joshua chuckled. “I’m fine, darling, I’ve just had a few, ah, sleepless nights.”

Neku shut his eyes. He never forgave him, damnit, but he still trusted him as his friend! I still can’t hate him, like it or not, he thought. “You’re scaring me, Josh,” the younger teen admitted quietly. “This is so unlike you. It’s weird seeing you so human. But I-I accept.” He opened his eyes, but they were downcast, shadowed by his bangs.

Neku’s head was eventually forced up by a pale forefinger and thumb, lifting up his chin, making him look directly into Joshua’s eyes, his beautiful amethyst eyes, now filled with an indescribable emotion. The Composer leaned over the table, getting closer to his proxy’s sculpted face.

“Don’t worry about me,” he almost spat, “I’m fine! I’m the one who needs to do the worrying.” Neku shivered. He had never seen the other so aggressive. Joshua’s surprisingly strong grip turned into a softer hold; it was practically a caress. “Things are going to be very, very difficult for you, I will not lie,” Joshua whispered, sending puffs of warm air across Neku’s face. “However, I believe you can do it.” He moved even closer, noses almost touching. “Thank you, Neku,” he breathed out, and leaned back into his seat, looking as if nothing had happened.

A faint tinge of pink was left on Neku’s face. “Eheh, um, bi-polar much?” he joked nervously. His new boss (Neku internally shuddered at the thought) smirked at the joke. It looked as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

“Anyways, perhaps we should go and train you, hm? At least until nightfall.”

“Fine,” the CAT lover groaned, “I’ll call my mom and tell her where I am.”

A devilish look made its way to Joshua’s face. “Oh no, I believe you can tell her in person, since we’re both going to your house.”

Neku choked on his coffee. “And why,” he gasped out, “are we going there?!”

“Why, to tell her about your new job, silly~! I’m sure she’ll be delighted!” the silverette giggled.

“I see you’re back to normal,” the shorter teen deadpanned as he got out of the booth.

Joshua smirked, getting up as well. “Of course, dear—whoops!” He suddenly “slipped,” and grabbed the closest thing to him to stop from falling.

Neku’s ass.

“Y-y-y-you PERVERT!!” the new Conductor screeched, turning a bright red. “And to think I even began to believe you changed!” His eye twitched as he heard laughing. It was those four Players plus Mr. H.

“Oh, dear,” Joshua cried out, “please, be a darling and help me up? It was an accident, I implore you! I would never dream of doing such a pedophilic act to you!”

The poor victim glared suspiciously, but finally gave in and held out his hand to help his fallen comrade up. “Accident my ass,” he grumbled. He was suddenly pulled down by a strong arm onto a certain someone’s lap.

“What’s that about your ass?” Joshua asked, grinning evilly. “Yes, it’s quite nice, if that’s what you’re saying.”

“Asshole!” the teen snapped when the laughing got louder, much to his embarrassment.

“Mm, yes, I suppose I am,” his captor acknowledged calmly. “But I’m a rather fine asshole, wouldn’t you agree?” This earned a glare. “Now, quit struggling, will you?”

“Bastard!”

“No, I’m afraid not, my parents were married when I was born.”

“Jack ass!”

“Now now, do I look like a donkey to you?”

“Prissy little—”

…and so on went their lovely little chat on the linoleum floor, until Mr. Hanekoma decided to break it up.

“Now, I thought you two were gonna go to Phones’s folks’ house?” the café owner chuckled. “Go on, get! I got customers to serve!” The two complied and got off the floor and out of WildKat and took a bus to the Sakuraba house, a long 20 minute ride away on the edge of Shibuya. On the way, Neku swore some people thought that they were boyfriends, if their giggles, odd looks, and blushes were anything to go by. Needless to say, Neku wasn’t too thrilled about that.

Neku sighed as he got off at the stop. The teen got off, the silverette dutifully following. It was still about another five minute walk since the bus route didn’t go on Neku’s street. Meanwhile, Joshua asked Neku questions.

“Have you been doing well in school?”

“Yes, Josh.”

“Do you still have all of the outfits I so generously let you keep that you got during the Game?”

“Yes, Josh.”

“Still like CAT?”

“Yes, Josh.”

“Did you know you were out of strawberry shampoo?”

“Yes, Jo—argh! How did you know that?! Y-you stalker!” Neku screeched as he reached the doorstep of his seemingly normal little white house.

Joshua raised his hands in defense. “Okay, you caught me,” he giggled teasingly.

“You’re a fuckin’ creep,” the new Conductor deadpanned just as the door opened.

“NEKU SAKURABA!” a woman yelled as she opened the wooden door. “What did I tell you about using foul language in this house?!”

Neku flushed darkly in embarrassment while Joshua barely refrained from kneeling over laughing. “B-but, mom,” he protested weakly, “I’m not inside the house…”

Mikiko snorted. “Smart ass.” Her expression brightened as she saw Joshua. “Neku-chan, you didn’t tell me you’d be bringing a friend over! And a new one at that! Please, come in…um…”

“You can call me Joshua, ma’am, but if you must know, my name is Yoshiya Kiryu,” the teen politely quipped. Neku’s mother was about the same height as her son, with the same untamable orange hair, only hers was chin-length and not looking like an anime character’s, and bright blue eyes. Both were equally skinny. The only difference, besides the hair, was that while Neku was wearing Jupiter of Monkey, (a light track jacket with a slim-fitting, long-sleeved polo with his favorite shorts and shoes) Mikiko was wearing Natural Puppy (blue skinny jeans with a cute-looking pink one-piece with blue mules). “I can see where little Nekky here gets his lovely looks.”

The mention teen sputtered while his mother giggled. “That’s so sweet of you! What a gentleman! And what a cute pet name! Say, Nekky, is this charming young man your boyfriend?”

The orangette choked. This was all too much. “NO, Mom. Josh is my friend! Not my boyfriend!” he cried. Joshua stifled a laugh.

Mikiko sighed in disappointment. “Too bad…” she mumbled as she ushered the two boys in, having them take off their shoes and set them next to the door.

“Where’s Dad?” Neku asked while taking off his jacket and absentmindedly throwing it on the cream-colored sofa.

The female Sakuraba frowned a little before replying. “Business trip.” Her son let out a faint sigh of relief, none of the tension being missed by a rather observant Composer. Her frown turned into a light smile. “Do you boys want something to eat or drink?” Neku shook his head, and Joshua courteously declined. “’Kay, I’ll stay out of your hair until I can think of some embarrassing stories to share about Neku!” And like that, she was gone to do mom stuff. Or something. (A/N side comment: *coughprobablytolookatsomeyaoiontheinterwebscough*)

Neku groaned as he flopped down on the sofa, Joshua sitting down gracefully beside him. “Your mother is very nice,” he commented. His friend smiled fondly.

“Yeah, I know,” he replied, looking rather happy.

“But…” the silverette continued.

“‘But’?” his companion repeated, looking confused.

Joshua crossed his arms, knowing he’d probably regret asking. “But what about your father?”

“…”

Silence.

Yes, definitely the wrong question. Joshua was about to apologize before he got his reply.

“Mom and I…don’t really get along with Dad,” he mumbled quietly. Neku fiddled with his hands, grasping them tightly. He looked a bit pained. “He’s a business worker, always on trips. Mom practically raised me alone; to me, she was Mom and Dad…” his voice trailed off. When he continued, the teen’s voice was even softer than before.

“Whenever he was home, he was drunk. And he didn’t handle alcohol very well, so to speak. He was always furious, always ranting and raving, always…violent,” Neku whispered. Why was he telling Joshua, the stuck-up prick, of all people? The Sakuraba looked up in surprise when he felt two strong hands clasp his, like in the café. Knowing violet eyes look at him comfortingly. Neku flushed, immediately feeling like a little girly-girl.

“Go on, Neku,” Joshua murmured. No Nekky, no dear, no darling. Just Neku.

The skinny teen clutched the offered hands tightly, as if they were his lifeline.

“H-he’d beat me. And mom,” he choked out. Now’s not the time to cry, damnit! “She’d try so hard to get him to stop hurting me, but he’d just hit her harder. Said that I looked like his whore of a wife, too thin and short to even possibly be his son. It’s why I never had any friends. Because of the bruises, they all thought I was in with a bad crowd. Hell, during the Game, when I was in that “coma,” he almost fucking pulled the plug on me! ‘Good riddance,’ he’d said.” Neku glared at the wooden floor sullenly. “Plus, when I was in the hospital, he was cheating on Mom. I know it. I checked some of the messages on his cell when he was sleeping a few nights after I got back.” The teen finally fell silent, looking ashamed. He hated being so weak and useless.

Joshua, on the other hand, was fuming. No, scratch that. He was fucking pissed. How dare anyone do that to any living creature, especially a defenseless child?! “Who else knows?” he growled out. Neku looked up in shock. He had never heard the other sound so angry. To be honest, it was freaky. Joshua looked goddamn scary.

“Uh…I’ve, um, told only you,” he replied nervously. The other went ballistic.

“Not even Shiki or Rhyme?!” he almost howled. “What about Beat? He would beat the hell out of him! That is if I don’t first!”

Neku visibly paled. “But what if he—” he was cut off when forcibly grabbed and hugged tightly.

“I’m the Composer, dumbass. A drunkard isn’t even going to get close to defeating me.” Neku could practically hear the confidant smirk in that voice.

“Okay, but why are you hugging me? ‘M not gonna disappear or anything,” he mumbled, but returned the hug nevertheless. It felt nice.

“Because,” Joshua said, this time very calm. Almost too calm. “If I didn’t grab on to something soon, I would’ve lost my control over my frequency and turn into my real form, which would have been very, very bad. Plus you looked like you needed one,” he giggled and let go. Neku sighed. He was back to normal, thank god.

“Jesus, Josh, you PMSing or something? I’m starting to think that you really are bipolar,” he remarked, remembering how odd the other acted in WildKat.

“Mm, I think not, dear,” Joshua commented, looking amused. “I’m not a girl, but do you want to check?”

Neku choked. He seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. “Urgh, no thanks!”

A playful smirk. “Your loss~” Neku wrinkled his nose. Insert gagging here, he thought. The CAT fan jumped as he heard a beep and saw a flash. His mom was taking freaking pictures. Why?!

As if reading his thoughts, she smirked. “You just looked so cute!” she cackled. Neku whined something back, (of course, he would never admit it) making the silverette smile. They looked like and interacted like a normal family. Minus the father, he thought sourly, but before more morbid thoughts crossed his mind, he thought of something brilliant. Neku’s back was facing him, since he was arguing (whining) to Mikiko, so it would turn out just right. The mother saw his devilish expression and got her camera ready. There was no way she or her memory card were going to miss this.

“Mom, what’re you—”

Pounce. Arms were wrapped tightly around his thin waist, and a chin rested on his left shoulder.

“Let’s give your mother and that camera a show,” a husky voice whispered, breath ghosting across the younger teen’s ear. Neku blushed hotly. Since when did Joshua sound so hot?

Click. Click. Bzzt. Click.

“Mom!” he hissed, struggling against the hold. “Not fair!” Another click.

Damnit.