Balance: Chapter 22

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Kouta and Ryuu have a brief encounter, which is a precursor to more, in Balance, Chapter 22.  Here’s a portion:

They ordered their food, having a quiet conversation about the weather, work, about everything but the most important issue. Often, Kouta locked eyes with Ryuu and so much raced through his mind. There were many things he wanted to say. He sensed Ryuu was feeling the same. This wasn’t the time or place. Yet that didn’t matter to Kouta. Right now, despite his confusion about our situation, being in Ryuu’s presence was enough.

Vaironian Tides: Chapter 22

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Darion and Tolrek meet face-to-face after months have passed with them apart in Vaironian Tides, Chapter 22.  Here is an excerpt:

The words echoed in Tolrek’s head. He hadn’t heard that Darion was seeing anyone. He searched his mind to see if he remembered anything about that. Darion looked at him out of the corner of his eye. He gave the rebel a secretive smile, enjoying his bit of cruelty.

The Architect’s Guardian: Chapter 22

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Izdahl continues to be concerned about Armando’s health in The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 22.  Here’s a bit:

Armando’s doctors still believed that it was best for him to remain at Meino’s central hospital. Izdahl’s reservations about this lingered. He’d repeatedly heard the reasons behind the decision. However, that didn’t mean he had to believe them and he consistently challenged them. Kiana shared similar concerns, as she now understood Izdahl’s worries. While she’d known that Syrik disliked Dagmar, Izdahl had only recently told her his misgivings. He and Kiana were in the middle of discussing more about the extent of his anxieties, when the cause of them came to visit Armando.

Balance: Chapter 21

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Kouta’s temper causes him to do something he regrets in Balance, Chapter 21. Here’s a portion:

As much as Kouta was looking forward to seeing Ryuu, he ended up being in a foul mood when he went to his lover. He had argued with Yosuke, since he’d been three weeks late in providing lyrics for several songs. His focus hadn’t been the same as usual and Yosuke had strongly reprimanded him. Kouta knew he’d been preoccupied over Ryuu’s situation with Alexis. However, he didn’t want to explain that to Yosuke. As his manager had demanded answers, Kouta had opted stubbornly to keep quiet. Unused to that amount of belligerence from Kouta, Yosuke had speculated that there was an issue involving Ryuu. After over a decade of managing Kouta, Yosuke could figure out what circumstances affected him the most. He’d told Kouta that he should stop having a private life if it was so difficult to control. Livid over the comment, Kouta had left Yosuke’s office, slamming his door.

Vaironian Tides: Chapter 21

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Darion hears from Tolrek and is unsure how to feel in Vaironian Tides, Chapter 21.  Here’s a peek:

The caller didn’t have to identify himself; Darion knew. He remained quiet, unsure what to say. He wrestled with his anger, his pride and his pain. He was glad that Tolrek had called but the rebel had left him. There had been no warnings, at least none that he could figure out. He’d gone over everything he could consider, trying to see where there had been a hint of what Tolrek had planned to do. He’d thought that if he couldn’t find an answer, then many other things Tolrek had said and done had been empty too.

The Architect’s Guardian: Chapter 21

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Izdahl’s concerns about the interactions between Armando and Dagmar grow in The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 21.  Here is an excerpt:

While he changed out of his suit, Izdahl watched Armando work, still bothered by their conversation. Then, he went to take his shower. As water cascaded down his body, he thought about his exchange with his lover, which had been surprisingly heated. He was unnerved by the quick rise of Armando’s anger. He wondered if moments of strife like this would occur. He was concerned that, somehow, Dagmar’s actions were designed to create conflict. He speculated that the Kelcho’s ultimate goal could be to separate him from Armando. He would do everything he could to stop that from happening. Armando meant too much to him.

Balance: Chapter 20

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Kouta and Ryuu take their activities outside the house, in Balance, Chapter 20. Here’s a snippet:

Kouta bit his lip to keep from laughing at the circumstances. He didn’t know why Ryuu wouldn’t admit who was with him. Maybe he thought his employee would automatically guess why they were behind a locked door. It was too tempting not to exploit the situation.

Vaironian Tides: Chapter 20

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Darion is dealing with the aftermath of Tolrek’s decision in Vaironian Tides, Chapter 20.  Here’s an excerpt:

During the daytime, Darion could occupy himself with the preparations to fight Ersha. However, the nights were particularly difficult. He’d had all reminders of Tolrek removed from his home but the memories were not so easily displaced. There were nights he found himself wandering towards the room where Tolrek had stayed, at least until the rebel had began spending time in Darion’s bed.