Amber 04./12. // akame
amber 04.
kame/jin // (koki/maru and surprise pairings)
pg-15 for this chapter // fluff, romance, angst // AU
word count (for this chapter). 6,600
It was devoted, it was passionate, it was love. Perfect, wonderful and so very fragile.
o4. Sardonyx
Kazuya stared blankly at the bills and documents lying in front of him, deep sighs ripping out of his throat, never-ending, and this had been going on for almost an hour now.
On the dinner table, there stood a twisted line of medicine packs and pillboxes. Kazuya picked up one or the other from time to time to take a closer look at the label, glancing at the sheet of paper at his right hand. Then he finally reached the bottom of the page and threw it away with a tired movement, leaning back in his chair.
The ring of his phone startled him a bit but a smile appeared on his face when he thought Jin would be calling him. His smile faded though when he caught a glimpse of his mother's name. He hadn't talked to her for a long time and he suspected he had to pay for that now.
“Hi, mom.”
“Kazuya, you ungrateful brat, don't 'hi, mom' to me,”
That was it. He could see it coming. “How are you doing, mom?”
There was a long sigh on the other end as his mother was trying to overcome his anger. “I should be the one asking that. Why didn't you call me?”
“I'm sorry, I was quite busy these days.”
“Is something wrong?” It was impossible to ignore the worry in her voice, so firm Kazuya could almost taste it. And that was exactly the reason why Kazuya hadn't called her. He wanted no more concern and pity, thank you so much.
“Nothing, mom, everything's fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I'm sure. Nothing's changed. Not for the worse and... not for the better.”
“Oh, Kazuya.”
“Mom, please, don't,” Kazuya's voice was hushed into a whisper, his mother's was apparently close to tears. “There's nothing wrong and we should be happy about it.”
“Yes, yes, you're right. And everything's going to be alright, you'll see.”
Kazuya nodded to himself automatically.
“What do the doctors say?”
“Nothing new. They asked for another test a few days ago. We'll see how it is going.”
“Kazuya,” she whispered, her voice trembled right into Kazuya's ear. “I know you don't want to come home but don't you need anything? I can go there for a couple of weeks or I could send you...”
“Mom, we have discussed this so many times,” Kazuya sighed in exasperation. Did he really have to fight this battle every time?
“I know but...”
“If you know then stop nagging me,” Kazuya raised his voice, immediately regretting and he changed his tone. “They need you at home and I'm doing just fine. If I need something, I'll tell you, okay?”
“I see. When will you visit us, Kazuya?”
“I don't know. I have lots of work to do now.”
“Are you sure it's a good idea to work?”
“Mom, I have no choice. And I need it to put my minds off things. Don't worry, I'm fine.”
“Kazuya, please call me sometimes.”
“Okay, but now I have to go, mom.”
“Fine, take care.”
“You too.”
Kazuya continued to stare at the medicine packs for a long time, silent and numb. Then his phone rang again and this time it really was Jin.
With a grin wider than it would be suitable for his mood, he answered.
“Kazuya, when can I see you? Don't tell me that I can't today because I won't accept that.”
Kazuya chuckled quietly at the other's voice, glancing at his watch. “Let's say... in half an hour? Your place.”
“Half an hour? Too much. Hurry up.”
“Roger.”
-
The next weeks passed as if Jin had been in trance. Although he didn't manage to get to Bora Bora yet, he found himself at somewhere similar to Heaven itself, as cheesy as it may sound.
Kazuya brought happiness into his life with such an intensity and force that Jin had to pinch himself every now and then just to know he wasn't dreaming. Because Kazuya was everything Jin could possibly dream of and much more than that. It was almost unbelieveable that one's happiness could only depend on an accidental meeting in a small, cozy café. But apparently, that was the case.
Their dates were frequent, almost daily meetings. There were a few nights where one of their jobs didn't allow them to meet and that took an audible form in Kazuya's genuine apologies and Jin's solid whining.
They usually met at Jin's place, sometimes at a restaurant and they often went to take a stroll at the park where their first date took place.
Jin soon discovered that Kazuya was a brilliant cook. And he loved to spoil Jin who constantly looked for a way to return the favour. He sometimes gave Kazuya a little and modest jewel which the latter accepted gratefully and wore all the time or he took him out to someplace romantic for which Kazuya always teased him.
There was only one thing that bothered Jin; they rarely spent the night together but Jin could see Kazuya was very conscious about his work and tried to be patient and understanding. And he was.
As much as Jin was happy about his relationship with Kazuya, he was just as worried about Koki though. It seemed when Koki took one step towards Yuichi, then instantly took three steps back. Jin couldn't blame him, no matter how tempted he was to scold Koki or preach about listening to his heart, he knew if Koki wasn't ready for throwing away his carefully-built defenses then no one could force him to do anything. The wounds were not healed yet and Koki were still fighting against himself whether to give someone a chance to love him or not.
So there was nothing left than the endless streams of complaints and Koki in his drunken stupor over empty glasses of vodka and who knew what else, drowning in self-pity and uncertainty. It caused lots of headache to Jin - though he usually didn't even drink much - and the older man just wished there was a gemstone that could heal stubborness.
“You know, my friend,” Koki stuttered, slurring his words as he threw an arm over Jin's shoulders, leaning close to his ear as if he was sharing the secret of the world with the other. “The whole thinig is just fucked up as it is. I'm telling you, Yuichi is a complete loser. I told him to get out of my life and you know what he said? He said 'You're an insensitive bastard, I don't even understand myself, I don't know why I like you so much',” Koki shrieked in an exaggeratedly distorted voice. “And I told him that I don't understand either why he keeps clinging onto me like a puppy, it would be better if he looked for someone else to run after.”
“Koki,” Jin exhaled with a long sigh, trying to stay calm. “Was it necessary to offend him this much? You really are an insensitive bastard, you know.”
Koki laughed bitterly. “So what? It's not like it matters. He still calls me every hour.”
“That's your luck. Quit being such a child.”
The shorter man's face darkened. “Do you really think it's childish?”
“Yes,” Jin replied honestly, watching the other's face change slowly, expression getting more and more serious. “That son of a bitch has ruined my life. Look at me, two years have passed and I'm still a mess. How could he do this to me?”
“Okay, Koki, that's enough,” Jin shook off Koki's arm and snatched his glass away, gulping the rest of the drink down.
“Hey,” Koki protested weakly, pouting.
“No, you're not going to drink more tonight and stop with the self-pity, please.”
“I'm scared of him, Jin,” Koki confessed quietly.
“Of who? Yuichi?”
Koki nodded, almost looking shy. “Yeah. I don't want that to happen again.”
“It's not going to happen again, Koki. You will regret for the rest of your life if you let Yuichi go. He's too nice to you, even if you're an asshole. Call him and apologize.”
Koki groaned and shook his head. “Not in this life.”
“Koki,” Jin warned him but Koki slipped down in his seat and kept shaking his head.
“Not now.”
Jin couldn't convince Koki to call Yuichi that night but he was determined not to let it go and help his silly friend to get some brain. Jin was sure that this Yuichi guy must be the most patient person on the planet for not giving up on Koki yet.
Or maybe he was just in love and love makes us overlook things that we normally would find too much or unusual. Love makes us see the other person in a different light, not caring about the faults and flaws.
Love is blind, after all.
-
Jin and Kazuya curled up against each other on the sofa after dinner, watching whatever was on, Jin's arm wrapped around Kazuya's waist, the younger man half-sitting, half-lying against Jin's chest, fondling the other's fingers sprawled on his stomach. On his wrist there was the bracelet - Jin's gift -, the small amber stone hanging and gently hitting Jin's arm as Kazuya's hand moved soothingly, rubbing his skin.
“We could go to the club tonight. Yamapi wants to meet you so bad,” Jin whispered into Kazuya's ear, making him purr in delight.
“Tonight?”
“Yeah.”
Kazuya pulled up his shoulders, a bit tense. “I don't think I can go tonight, Jin.”
“Why? We couldn't go last week, either. Please, come with me.”
Fidgeting, Kazuya sighed. “You go without me, I have work to do at home.”
“I see,” Jin gave up without much fight. He knew there was no way he could convince Kazuya if he didn't want to go. He was a bit sad that his friends hadn't met Kazuya yet but he promised himself to be patient and wait. “But will you wait for me to get ready? We can leave together then.”
Kazuya leaned back and nodded. “Sure,” he whispered, kissing Jin slowly and deeply, in a way that it made Jin want to call Yamapi and tell him he had better things to do but then Kazuya pulled away and started to get ready.
They left in half an hour and as Jin closed the door, he pulled Kazuya closer to kiss him. The younger man sighed deeply and pressed his body close to Jin's. “Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Have fun tonight,” Kazuya smiled then shivered a bit, Jin could feel it running through his body.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I just feel a bit cold.”
“Come on, I'll take you home,” Jin waved in the direction of the parking lot but Kazuya shook his head.
“No, you'll be late.”
“They can wait. Come on, let me take you home.”
Kazuya lost his smile in the next moment, the gentle lines on his face hardened, his expression got darker. “I said no.”
Jin frowned, looking at him in surprise but Kazuya let out a humorless laughter, his smile was back just like before. “I'm sorry, I just don't like if I'm treated as if... like... like a girl.”
“I don't treat you like a girl. I just saw you're cold,” Jin explained, rubbing Kazuya's arm to give him some body heat.
“I know, I'm sorry. I'm a bit tired today that's why I'm being like this.”
Jin looked at him with concerned eyes but didn't want to argue. “Let me lend you something warm at least, okay?”
Kazuya smiled and nodded, waiting for Jin to snatch a warm shirt which was two times bigger than him. Jin just chuckled and tucked Kazuya under his arms as they walked.
-
When Yamapi was drunk, he was nothing like Koki. Yamapi was much worse, incredibly annoying. Yes, that was what described the most what Jin felt at the moment.
“I know you're just afraid that he would find me much more attractive than you.”
Annoying.
“Kazuya could never feel attracted to a monster like you, Pi.”
“You're just scared. You're scared shitless, aren't you? You didn't bring him with you because you would be dying of jealousy by now.”
“I wanted to but Kazuya had other things to do.”
“Ahhh!! So it's him who doesn't want to meet me. I'm wondering why-”
Very, very, very annoying.
“Oh, shut the hell up, Pi. You're getting on my nerves when you drink.”
“So I'm right. Tell me, have you ever been to his place?”
Jin looked at his friend in shock. “What does this have to do with anything?”
“Answer me,” Yamapi moved his glass, making the amber liquid in it sway around the rim. When he didn't get an answer, he poked Jin in the ribs.
“No, we always go to my place.”
“Bingo.”
“Bingo? What do you mean by that?” Jin asked, his tone irritated and impatient.
“You don't even know where he lives, do you?”
“Pi, what the hell are you getting at?”
“An-swer-me,” Yamapi pointed at Jin, shaking his forefinger to emphasize each syllable.
“No, I have no idea where he lives. So what?”
“Maybe he has someone. And you're just a lover behind his boyfriend's back.”
“Yamapi, that's enough. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Jin's blood started to boil at the cocky grin Yamapi was sending his way.
“Why? Isn't it possible?”
“No, it isn't,” Jin answered without hesitation, his voice rising.
“Just think about it. You don't know where he lives. He always goes home for the night. And he doesn't want to meet your friends. For me it is quite obvious.”
“I'm going home,” Jin announced, grabbing his coat and almost knocking over a glass of soju.
“Don't do this, Jin. I was just kidding,” Yamapi clung onto his arm and pulled himself up, swaying on his feet.
“Pi, you have no right to talk like this about Kazuya, you don't know him.”
“Sure, sure,” Yamapi murmured, a bit slurring his words and patted Jin on the shoulder. “I'm by your side, dude. If you love him, then it doesn't matter even if he is the cheapest slut on earth.”
It didn't take a second and Yamapi found himself lying on the floor, with aching jaw and bleeding lips.
Jin massaged his knuckles as he glared at his friend, who didn't even have strength to get up.
“You're pathetic, Yamapi,” Jin said, his face twisted in disgust and just smoothed his wrinkled coat before sending a last glare at Yamapi and storming outside.
-
Next time they met, Kazuya found himself enveloped in a bone-crushing hug, Jin's face buried in his neck, arms wrapping around him so tightly that Kazuya could barely breathe.
“J-Jin,” Kazuya groaned in a strained voice and attempted to inhale some air into his lungs. “Jin, I can't breathe.”
Jin slowly loosened his grip until his arms eventually released Kazuya and the younger man stepped back, taking deep breaths.
“What did I do to deserve this?” he asked and the answer came in the form of a passionate kiss that temporarily cut the way of oxygen into Kazuya's body once again.
“Just because you're wonderful,” Jin said when they parted and shrugged his shoulders as if that was the most obvious thing that everyone would know.
Kazuya chuckled, raising an eyebrow and stepped back into Jin's embrace, wrapping the other's arms around himself. Despite the smile, now that he could take a better look at Jin's face, Kazuya had a feeling that something was bothering the older man. “Is everything okay?”
Jin nodded, not convincingly though. “Yeah.”
Kazuya narrowed his eyes and stayed silent, waiting for Jin to understand the message behind the look. Which was what happened after a while as Jin let out a sigh and gave in. “I just had a fight with Yamapi, no big deal,” he said, stroking Kazuya's cheeks with his palms. That was when Kazuya noticed the bruises on his knuckles.
He grabbed Jin's hand and pulled closer to his eyes. “What the hell happened?”
“Nothing.”
“You hit him?”
“I just punched him,” Jin threw up his hands in defense then casually added. “He deserved it.”
“What could your best friend have possibly done to deserve to be punched?” Kazuya asked quietly, softly pressing his fingertips on the bruised skin.
Jin hissed a bit then shrugged. “Nothing, he was saying bullshit. I told you I can be mean if someone hurts me.”
Kazuya continued to stare at Jin's bruised hand then cleared his throat. When he looked up at Jin, he was already smiling. “Well, I hope you two will sort this out and make up.”
“Yeah, we will, don't worry about it,” Jin assured him, pulling him close, their lips just an inch away from one another. “But I don't want to talk about Yamapi now. I have better plans for today.”
As the first pieces of clothing fell to the floor and the lock clicked into place behind them, Jin really did forget about Yamapi and every ridiculous fight they had, every ridiculous accusation his friend threw at Kazuya and which he knew couldn't be true.
Kazuya was right there in his arms, his kisses, his embrace, his moves talked about love and nothing else remained in Jin's mind, just to carve every touch and lust-filled moan into his memory.
There was no other place Jin would like to be at the moment - not even on Bora Bora.
-
A cup of coffee could do wonders - Jin had learned the truth of the statement long ago but it looked like Yamapi still hadn't.
The man was sitting behind his desk, sulking with a hangover the size of whole Japan, unshaved and nursing a gigantic purple bruise in the corner of his mouth.
Jin felt sorry for him a little bit but he would be lying if he said he regretted what he had done. He found his friend selfish for not being able to be happy for him, that he couldn't say 'dude, I'm glad that you're happy, that things are going fine with Kazuya'. Because that was what Jin needed at the moment.
Not that Jin doubted Kazuya even for one second, the whole accusation was ridiculous and it pissed him off. There was an explanation for everything and Jin didn't mind that Kazuya hadn't met his friends yet or he hadn't been to Kazuya's place before. They were together for not more than three months now and although they had already crossed some boundaries, Jin knew he couldn't demand anything and everything from Kazuya so soon.
Their way of thinking was different. Kazuya was friendly and devoted but it was clear he didn't like to be treated as someone fragile or weak. He didn't want to depend on others and he did all he could to keep his independence. There was nothing wrong with this, it was something Jin could deal with. Women were different but that wasn't the first time Jin was together with a man. Men wanted others to respect that circle that they drew around themselves. And Jin couldn't complain because within that circle that he was let in, Kazuya gave him everything he could.
Kazuya was a perfectionist. He worked the same way he cooked. He didn't really pay attention to anything else but what he was doing, he didn't stop until it was done and he wasn't satisfied until the outcome was perfect. Jin loved to watch him while he was cooking because the world ceased to exist for Kazuya and it ceased to exist for Jin as well because of him.
It was the same with his work and Jin could see no matter how boring and monotonous Kazuya found it, he couldn't not do his best. That was why Jin didn't mind Kazuya going back to his place at night and worked until he was satisfied. And most of all he didn't mind because there was always place for Jin in Kazuya's life.
Kazuya treated the relationship the same way he cooked or worked. With his whole heart, with his entire being; when they were together nothing else was important to him but Jin.
Jin was certain that the fact Kazuya hadn't asked him to go to his place meant nothing and it was not suspicious - like Yamapi said. He knew Kazuya wasn't rich and no matter how hard Jin tried to express that it wasn't important, they still belonged to different social layers, even if it apparently didn't bother either of them.
Or better to say it didn't bother Jin but sometimes it seemed Kazuya felt slightly uncomfortable or embarrassed when Jin didn't let him pay at a restaurant or he got upset when Jin gave him a valuable gift. So Jin tried to restrain himself though if he wanted to be honest, he would flood the younger man with thousands of presents just to see that angelic smile that graced Kazuya's lips when he gave the amber bracelet to him.
It was clear, that was the reason why Kazuya didn't let Jin enter his apartment. He probably felt ashamed of the modest way he lived, even if Jin wouldn't mind it the slightest bit.
And Jin was also sure that Kazuya wanted to meet his friends since his excuse was always work and Jin had no reason not to trust in what Kazuya said.
So without any hesitation, Jin was on Kazuya's side and was certain that Yamapi was somehow jealous of his happiness. Since he met Kazuya, he wanted to spend every minute with him, while Yamapi had no one who would put an end to the endless nights of drinking and hanging out with friends.
But this was a selfish move from Yamapi and Jin didn't let himself be affected by someone who is talking bullshit in his drunken stupor. And as Jin watched his friend who could barely keep himself straight in his chair, asked himself again why he should believe in anything someone like him would say.
“Here,” Jin put the steaming cup on the desk.
“Aspirin,” Yamapi groaned, face twisted but his fingers already clenched around the hot cup.
“Don't have any. Coffee is all we have,” Jin said dryly and slumped into the chair at the other end of the desk. “Have you read my report?”
At first there was only a groan that Jin got as a response, then Yamapi slowly took a sip of the strong, black coffee. “Are you still mad?”
“I examined the stones, they are still at my place. Send a car and a guard as soon as possible, let's say today.”
“Jin, come on,” Yamapi snapped with irritation written all over him.
“It would be better if you got this over with very soon, I don't want to keep such valuable stuff at my place for too long and...”
“Jin, stop being such an asshole.”
Jin jumped up and slammed his fists on the desk, Yamapi grimaced at the pain splitting his head in half.
“It wasn't me who behaved like an idiot yesterday. I don't get it, Yamapi, seriously. Why can't you be just a little bit happy for me? I finally found someone I love and who loves me and you're trying to ruin it.”
“Oh how romantic.”
“Fuck you,” Jin raked his fingers through his locks in anger, pacing back and forth. “Tell my why you're doing this. What has Kazuya done to you?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why?”
Yamapi massaged his temples wearily. “I don't know, I just... I just don't like it. It's weird.”
“You don't even know him, Pi.”
“Yeah, you're right. I don't know him,” Yamapi sighed tiredly. “Listen, Jin, let's not fight, okay? I apologize, I shouldn't have told you that and it won't happen again.”
Jin could feel his anger leave his body slowly. He hated how fast Yamapi could piss him off but he couldn't be mad at him for too long.
He sighed. “Okay.”
There was a faint and concerned smile on Yamapi's face but Jin was still too upset to notice.
“I'm sending you a car tomorrow evening, okay? First we have to go through the orders and you have to decide what we can do with those stones.”
Jin nodded and pushed the cup closer to Yamapi. “But only after you drink this coffee. I'm not going to repeat myself if you fall asleep halfway through.”
Yamapi gulped down the rest of his coffee and flashed a grin. Jin rolled his eyes and banged his head into the desk. “Idiot.”
-
Things were going just fine, Jin noted as he was enjoying the heat that was coming from Kazuya's body lying next to him.
“Jin,” Kazuya purred into his ear, one hand resting on the older man's cheek, the other on his chest, slowly inching southwards under the blanket.
Jin jumped in his lying position if that was possible and his hands automatically hugged Kazuya tighter. “Yeah?”
The younger man gave him naughty grin and moved his hands just the right way in all the right places, making Jin moan out an appreciative answer.
“Do you feel up to another round?”
Jin tried very hard to pretend that he needed some time to think about what to reply. Then with a sudden movement, he flipped Kazuya on his back, hovering over him and ground his hips to the other's to give his words some emphasis. “I don't think I have the heart to reject such a beauty. But only because you want it so much.”
“Yeah, sure,” Kazuya moaned as Jin fingers wandered all over his body. Then burst out laughing when Jin started to tickle his sides. Jin joined the laughter until he sealed their lips in a passionate kiss. “Kazuya,” he whispered because that was all he could come up with at the moment.
Kazuya smiled and pulled Jin down for another kiss - which was interrupted by Kazuya's phone as it went off, and Kazuya's body tensed just like every time someone would call him. Jin just suppressed a sigh and buried his face into Kazuya's hair for a moment. He knew what was coming.
And he was right because Kazuya pushed him away gently and slipped out from under him, out of bed and rushed into the living room, wrapping himself messily in the sheets.
“Yes?”
Jin closed his eyes and waited. Then there was a pause, a somehow pregnant silence that made Jin open his eyes again and turn his head towards the half-naked, lithe figure who was perfectly in his line of vision through the open door.
Then he saw Kazuya's face and his heart jumped into his belly. The younger man's face was deathly pale, his eyes reflected fright. Jin could feel his body fill with adrenaline.
“I-I see. I'm... on my way,” Kazuya said quietly, his voice seemed much calmer than his facial expression was, though there was something hidden in it which made Jin alarmed.
Kazuya ended the call and stumbled back into the room, hastily picking his clothes up. “I'm sorry, Jin, I-I have to go.”
“What's wrong, Kazuya?”
“Nothing, just- just my friend and-and I have to go now.”
Jin grabbed the younger man's wrist and turned Kazuya to him. He was still too pale. “I can see something's not right. Tell me, perhaps I can help.”
Kazuya flashed him a grateful smile but it didn't reach his eyes. “It's very nice of you, Jin but you can't. It was my friend, he's in trouble. He just... he needs me now.”
“The same friend who called you a couple of times before?”
“Yeah, it's him. He needs help. I can't let him down.”
Jin nodded and cupped Kazuya's face. “Are you sure there's nothing I can help with?”
Kazuya leaned closer and planted a gentle kiss on Jin's lips. “I am. But I promise I will tell you if you can. Thank you.”
Jin nodded again, this time he was the one who initiated a quick kiss then released Kazuya.
The younger man quietly closed the door behind himself and started walking down the dark street. Then he broke into a run.
-
“Tat-chan,” Kazuya panted and he fell through his doorway. He looked around in panic until he caught a glimpse of his friend stepping out of the living room.
“Everything's alright, Kame. They just called and I got scared.”
Kazuya let out a long sigh in relief and with that a part of all the tension his body had been holding up until now. “The hospital?”
Ueda nodded. “He wanted to talk to you and I panicked. But they said there is nothing wrong, the results are out and you can go get them tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Kazuya whispered, brushing over his face with his palm. “Okay, I'm going to get them tomorrow.”
Ueda nodded silently and turned away.
“What's wrong, Tat-chan?”
“Nothing,” the man whispered, barely audible as he was holding his gaze on his foot, his hands sinking deep into his pockets, rocking his body from left to right. It was clear he was upset.
“Tat-chan,” Kazuya put a hand on his friend's shoulder and Ueda looked up. His eyes were wet.
Then he shook his head, his voice is still quiet. “I'm sorry.”
“Stop it,” Kazuya scolded hiim gently then pulled him into a hug, soothing his back. “Stop it, you promised.”
“I know. I'm sorry,” Ueda murmured into his shoulder, hugging him back.
“Everything will be fine,” Kazuya said quietly and wondered why he is the one to try to convince everyone around him. “It's going to be okay.”
And who would convince him about that?
-
Jin grinned at the lady standing behind the reception desk. He was doing it out of pure happiness but the woman seemed to have misinterpret his actions because she blushed right up to her ears.
“So Bora Bora, sir?”
“Yes.”
The woman nodded and started to type on her computer with slightly trembling fingers. Jin watched her with a happy sigh, but all he could see was sand-covered beach, sweet cocktails and Kazuya's half-naked, wet body.
He wanted to suprise the younger man. It probably wouldn't be that easy to convince Kazuya to give up his job for two weeks but Jin was determined. He wanted to spend more time with Kazuya, only him and as far away from Tokyo as possible. That was the plan.
“There are many unoccupied seats on the flight on the 23th, sir. Do you wish to reserve two seats then?”
Jin rubbed his palms together in excitement. “Yes. The name is Akanishi Jin.”
“And the other passenger's name, sir?”
“Do it both with my name, please.”
The woman smiled at him apologetically. “I'm sorry, sir, for buying the tickets your name would be enough but we need the other person's name to reserve the seats.”
Jin's smile faded a bit. “Kazuya.”
The woman looked at him in confusion. “What's the family name, sir?”
And then Jin froze. The realization hit him like a lightning. No, it couldn't be that... no. Kazuya must have told him, it was just his empty brain that didn't remember. It couldn't be...
Then Jin's breath got stuck in his throat as he remembered something.
Surnames are not important. That was what Kazuya said when they talked on the phone for the very first time and he didn't tell Jin his full name since then either.
“Uhm, now that I think about it, let's just drop the reservation,” he laughed at the woman awkwardly. “I have to talk about the date with my partner. I will make the reservation later.”
The woman nodded and smiled and just stared after the man who was walking out of the office a little bit too slowly, absorbed in his thoughts.
Jin didn't understand how this could happen. Kazuya didn't tell him and he didn't ask. Was his mind really that love-stricken that he didn't think about that quite important detail? They were together for three months. Kazuya was his boyfriend, his lover and he didn't even know his name?
The more Jin thought about it, the more ridiculous he found himself. Then he could do only one thing. He threw his head back and laughed. He laughed at himself, that he was so head over heels in love.
Then he shook his head and promised himself that he would ask Kazuya that evening.
-
“This can't be true, mom has gone insane,” Koki whined as he was staring at the diamond earrings lying on his palm. “Each of these weighs at least five kilos. How can you move your head wearing this stuff anyway?”
Jin laughed as he leaned lazily over Yamapi's desk. “You know, Koki, you're completely missing the point here. It's not important to move with those.”
“Figures,” Koki said scornfully. “Jin, if you're going to keep up with this, my mom is going to divorce and marry you.”
“It's not me who buys her gemstones, Koki. That's still your father's task.”
“That's his only chance. If not, my mom would have left him long ago.”
Jin laughed again. Sure, Jin didn't know another couple who despite all the arguments, loved each other so unconditionally.
Koki and Jin were sitting in the office, trying to keep up with the obsession Koki's mother had for her precious diamond stones. Then Jin glanced at his watch and jumped up. “Shit, I'm going to be late, Kazuya is already waiting for me.”
But before Jin could grab the chance to run out and away, Yamapi stormed in, panting for air. “Jin, come with me. The owner of the Golden Bay is here and wants to talk to both of us.”
“No, Yamapi,” Jin shook his head. “I have a date and my work time is over.”
“We don't have work time, Jin, we only have work. We're going, come on.”
Jin tugged at his collar angrily. “I can't believe this. Let me at least call Kazuya.”
“Hurry up.”
Jin gave up at the eleventh ring and ran back. “Shit, he's not answering. He must be already there, though, waiting for me.”
Koki stood up. “Where are you meeting up? I'm going there and tell him where you are.”
Jin flashed him a wide grin. “Thanks, Koki. You know the Italian restaurant, my favorite one. Look for a beauty with dark brown hair, sparkling eyes, angelic smile, his body like a...”
“Jin, that's enough. You talked about him so much that I would recognize him amongst millions of other people.”
Only when he reached the corner where Jin's date was settled and it was only a crosswalk seperating him from the restaurant, where a young man was waiting, with hands tucked into his pockets, did Koki realize how wrong he was.
It was not Jin's endless babbling about his boyfriend which made him recognize the young man. It was all there that had been haunting him in his dreams; the same pair of almond-shaped eyes, the same rounded face, the same plump lips. The man who had ruined his life two years ago.
“Kame,” Koki whispered to himself in shock as he continued to stare at the young man from the other end of the crossing.
As if he heard him, the other raised his head and their gazes met.
Kazuya turned pale.
Koki was sure, he wasn't the only one. In his head, there was a complete mess and Koki wasn't even aware that he took a step forward until Kazuya's whole figure tensed.
Then Koki took a deep breath and started to walk and at the same moment, Kazuya broke into a run. Koki stumbled back in surprise then he also started to run.
“Kame,” he yelled after the man but in an instant, Kazuya was out of his sight. Koki continued to run a few more meters before his feet gave up and stopped.
Koki leaned against the wall beside him, panting and tried to think. Kame, Kame, Kame. Oh God.
It was Kame, indeed and he was waiting for Jin and...
Oh God, Jin.
Koki's rapidly beating heart picked up its pace even more and his trembling fingers reached for his phone. He tried to dial, several times missing the right buttons, mumbling incoherently in the process.
When Jin's phone was finally ringing, there was no response.
“Come on, Jin, answer the phone, dammit,” Koki pleaded silently, feeling panic wash over him on several levels. He tried again and again but to no avail. Jin must have put it on mute.
Then Koki felt himself pale even more and the line connected. “Yeah?”
“Jin, see you at your place. Now.”
“What is it?”
“Now.”
There must have been something in Koki's voice because Jin cut the line without any more questions. Koki breathed in deeply and hailed a taxi.
-
They arrived at Jin's house at the same time and the older man waited in front of the door for Koki to catch up.
Koki didn't waste time with polite and useless explanations. He just stopped in front of Jin, panting and announced. “It's Kame. Kazuya is Kame. The same person, Jin.”
As it was expected, Jin's face turned blank and his body went stiff.
There was no time for that. “Give me your keys.”
Jin didn't answer and didn't move, just continued to look at Koki with an empty gaze.
“Jin, give me the fucking keys!”
Jin slowly pulled the keychain out of his pocket and let Koki snatch it from him. The younger man immediately opened the door and ran inside then furious curses found way into Jin's clouded mind and the man slowly walked in after Koki.
Then he stopped in the middle of the living room and the world started spinning, not leaving him anything to hold onto.
The cabinet and the safe were open, both of them empty.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a stone of strength and protection. Use it to enhance willpower, integrity, stamina and vigor.
It is believed to bring lasting happiness and stability to marriage and partnerships. It attracts friends and good fortune.
Some people use sardonyx as a protection grid - placing it at each corner of the house, at doors and windows to prevent crime and misfortune.
Next: o5. Onyx >>
kame/jin // (koki/maru and surprise pairings)
pg-15 for this chapter // fluff, romance, angst // AU
word count (for this chapter). 6,600
It was devoted, it was passionate, it was love. Perfect, wonderful and so very fragile.
o4. Sardonyx
Kazuya stared blankly at the bills and documents lying in front of him, deep sighs ripping out of his throat, never-ending, and this had been going on for almost an hour now.
On the dinner table, there stood a twisted line of medicine packs and pillboxes. Kazuya picked up one or the other from time to time to take a closer look at the label, glancing at the sheet of paper at his right hand. Then he finally reached the bottom of the page and threw it away with a tired movement, leaning back in his chair.
The ring of his phone startled him a bit but a smile appeared on his face when he thought Jin would be calling him. His smile faded though when he caught a glimpse of his mother's name. He hadn't talked to her for a long time and he suspected he had to pay for that now.
“Hi, mom.”
“Kazuya, you ungrateful brat, don't 'hi, mom' to me,”
That was it. He could see it coming. “How are you doing, mom?”
There was a long sigh on the other end as his mother was trying to overcome his anger. “I should be the one asking that. Why didn't you call me?”
“I'm sorry, I was quite busy these days.”
“Is something wrong?” It was impossible to ignore the worry in her voice, so firm Kazuya could almost taste it. And that was exactly the reason why Kazuya hadn't called her. He wanted no more concern and pity, thank you so much.
“Nothing, mom, everything's fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I'm sure. Nothing's changed. Not for the worse and... not for the better.”
“Oh, Kazuya.”
“Mom, please, don't,” Kazuya's voice was hushed into a whisper, his mother's was apparently close to tears. “There's nothing wrong and we should be happy about it.”
“Yes, yes, you're right. And everything's going to be alright, you'll see.”
Kazuya nodded to himself automatically.
“What do the doctors say?”
“Nothing new. They asked for another test a few days ago. We'll see how it is going.”
“Kazuya,” she whispered, her voice trembled right into Kazuya's ear. “I know you don't want to come home but don't you need anything? I can go there for a couple of weeks or I could send you...”
“Mom, we have discussed this so many times,” Kazuya sighed in exasperation. Did he really have to fight this battle every time?
“I know but...”
“If you know then stop nagging me,” Kazuya raised his voice, immediately regretting and he changed his tone. “They need you at home and I'm doing just fine. If I need something, I'll tell you, okay?”
“I see. When will you visit us, Kazuya?”
“I don't know. I have lots of work to do now.”
“Are you sure it's a good idea to work?”
“Mom, I have no choice. And I need it to put my minds off things. Don't worry, I'm fine.”
“Kazuya, please call me sometimes.”
“Okay, but now I have to go, mom.”
“Fine, take care.”
“You too.”
Kazuya continued to stare at the medicine packs for a long time, silent and numb. Then his phone rang again and this time it really was Jin.
With a grin wider than it would be suitable for his mood, he answered.
“Kazuya, when can I see you? Don't tell me that I can't today because I won't accept that.”
Kazuya chuckled quietly at the other's voice, glancing at his watch. “Let's say... in half an hour? Your place.”
“Half an hour? Too much. Hurry up.”
“Roger.”
-
The next weeks passed as if Jin had been in trance. Although he didn't manage to get to Bora Bora yet, he found himself at somewhere similar to Heaven itself, as cheesy as it may sound.
Kazuya brought happiness into his life with such an intensity and force that Jin had to pinch himself every now and then just to know he wasn't dreaming. Because Kazuya was everything Jin could possibly dream of and much more than that. It was almost unbelieveable that one's happiness could only depend on an accidental meeting in a small, cozy café. But apparently, that was the case.
Their dates were frequent, almost daily meetings. There were a few nights where one of their jobs didn't allow them to meet and that took an audible form in Kazuya's genuine apologies and Jin's solid whining.
They usually met at Jin's place, sometimes at a restaurant and they often went to take a stroll at the park where their first date took place.
Jin soon discovered that Kazuya was a brilliant cook. And he loved to spoil Jin who constantly looked for a way to return the favour. He sometimes gave Kazuya a little and modest jewel which the latter accepted gratefully and wore all the time or he took him out to someplace romantic for which Kazuya always teased him.
There was only one thing that bothered Jin; they rarely spent the night together but Jin could see Kazuya was very conscious about his work and tried to be patient and understanding. And he was.
As much as Jin was happy about his relationship with Kazuya, he was just as worried about Koki though. It seemed when Koki took one step towards Yuichi, then instantly took three steps back. Jin couldn't blame him, no matter how tempted he was to scold Koki or preach about listening to his heart, he knew if Koki wasn't ready for throwing away his carefully-built defenses then no one could force him to do anything. The wounds were not healed yet and Koki were still fighting against himself whether to give someone a chance to love him or not.
So there was nothing left than the endless streams of complaints and Koki in his drunken stupor over empty glasses of vodka and who knew what else, drowning in self-pity and uncertainty. It caused lots of headache to Jin - though he usually didn't even drink much - and the older man just wished there was a gemstone that could heal stubborness.
“You know, my friend,” Koki stuttered, slurring his words as he threw an arm over Jin's shoulders, leaning close to his ear as if he was sharing the secret of the world with the other. “The whole thinig is just fucked up as it is. I'm telling you, Yuichi is a complete loser. I told him to get out of my life and you know what he said? He said 'You're an insensitive bastard, I don't even understand myself, I don't know why I like you so much',” Koki shrieked in an exaggeratedly distorted voice. “And I told him that I don't understand either why he keeps clinging onto me like a puppy, it would be better if he looked for someone else to run after.”
“Koki,” Jin exhaled with a long sigh, trying to stay calm. “Was it necessary to offend him this much? You really are an insensitive bastard, you know.”
Koki laughed bitterly. “So what? It's not like it matters. He still calls me every hour.”
“That's your luck. Quit being such a child.”
The shorter man's face darkened. “Do you really think it's childish?”
“Yes,” Jin replied honestly, watching the other's face change slowly, expression getting more and more serious. “That son of a bitch has ruined my life. Look at me, two years have passed and I'm still a mess. How could he do this to me?”
“Okay, Koki, that's enough,” Jin shook off Koki's arm and snatched his glass away, gulping the rest of the drink down.
“Hey,” Koki protested weakly, pouting.
“No, you're not going to drink more tonight and stop with the self-pity, please.”
“I'm scared of him, Jin,” Koki confessed quietly.
“Of who? Yuichi?”
Koki nodded, almost looking shy. “Yeah. I don't want that to happen again.”
“It's not going to happen again, Koki. You will regret for the rest of your life if you let Yuichi go. He's too nice to you, even if you're an asshole. Call him and apologize.”
Koki groaned and shook his head. “Not in this life.”
“Koki,” Jin warned him but Koki slipped down in his seat and kept shaking his head.
“Not now.”
Jin couldn't convince Koki to call Yuichi that night but he was determined not to let it go and help his silly friend to get some brain. Jin was sure that this Yuichi guy must be the most patient person on the planet for not giving up on Koki yet.
Or maybe he was just in love and love makes us overlook things that we normally would find too much or unusual. Love makes us see the other person in a different light, not caring about the faults and flaws.
Love is blind, after all.
-
Jin and Kazuya curled up against each other on the sofa after dinner, watching whatever was on, Jin's arm wrapped around Kazuya's waist, the younger man half-sitting, half-lying against Jin's chest, fondling the other's fingers sprawled on his stomach. On his wrist there was the bracelet - Jin's gift -, the small amber stone hanging and gently hitting Jin's arm as Kazuya's hand moved soothingly, rubbing his skin.
“We could go to the club tonight. Yamapi wants to meet you so bad,” Jin whispered into Kazuya's ear, making him purr in delight.
“Tonight?”
“Yeah.”
Kazuya pulled up his shoulders, a bit tense. “I don't think I can go tonight, Jin.”
“Why? We couldn't go last week, either. Please, come with me.”
Fidgeting, Kazuya sighed. “You go without me, I have work to do at home.”
“I see,” Jin gave up without much fight. He knew there was no way he could convince Kazuya if he didn't want to go. He was a bit sad that his friends hadn't met Kazuya yet but he promised himself to be patient and wait. “But will you wait for me to get ready? We can leave together then.”
Kazuya leaned back and nodded. “Sure,” he whispered, kissing Jin slowly and deeply, in a way that it made Jin want to call Yamapi and tell him he had better things to do but then Kazuya pulled away and started to get ready.
They left in half an hour and as Jin closed the door, he pulled Kazuya closer to kiss him. The younger man sighed deeply and pressed his body close to Jin's. “Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Have fun tonight,” Kazuya smiled then shivered a bit, Jin could feel it running through his body.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I just feel a bit cold.”
“Come on, I'll take you home,” Jin waved in the direction of the parking lot but Kazuya shook his head.
“No, you'll be late.”
“They can wait. Come on, let me take you home.”
Kazuya lost his smile in the next moment, the gentle lines on his face hardened, his expression got darker. “I said no.”
Jin frowned, looking at him in surprise but Kazuya let out a humorless laughter, his smile was back just like before. “I'm sorry, I just don't like if I'm treated as if... like... like a girl.”
“I don't treat you like a girl. I just saw you're cold,” Jin explained, rubbing Kazuya's arm to give him some body heat.
“I know, I'm sorry. I'm a bit tired today that's why I'm being like this.”
Jin looked at him with concerned eyes but didn't want to argue. “Let me lend you something warm at least, okay?”
Kazuya smiled and nodded, waiting for Jin to snatch a warm shirt which was two times bigger than him. Jin just chuckled and tucked Kazuya under his arms as they walked.
-
When Yamapi was drunk, he was nothing like Koki. Yamapi was much worse, incredibly annoying. Yes, that was what described the most what Jin felt at the moment.
“I know you're just afraid that he would find me much more attractive than you.”
Annoying.
“Kazuya could never feel attracted to a monster like you, Pi.”
“You're just scared. You're scared shitless, aren't you? You didn't bring him with you because you would be dying of jealousy by now.”
“I wanted to but Kazuya had other things to do.”
“Ahhh!! So it's him who doesn't want to meet me. I'm wondering why-”
Very, very, very annoying.
“Oh, shut the hell up, Pi. You're getting on my nerves when you drink.”
“So I'm right. Tell me, have you ever been to his place?”
Jin looked at his friend in shock. “What does this have to do with anything?”
“Answer me,” Yamapi moved his glass, making the amber liquid in it sway around the rim. When he didn't get an answer, he poked Jin in the ribs.
“No, we always go to my place.”
“Bingo.”
“Bingo? What do you mean by that?” Jin asked, his tone irritated and impatient.
“You don't even know where he lives, do you?”
“Pi, what the hell are you getting at?”
“An-swer-me,” Yamapi pointed at Jin, shaking his forefinger to emphasize each syllable.
“No, I have no idea where he lives. So what?”
“Maybe he has someone. And you're just a lover behind his boyfriend's back.”
“Yamapi, that's enough. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Jin's blood started to boil at the cocky grin Yamapi was sending his way.
“Why? Isn't it possible?”
“No, it isn't,” Jin answered without hesitation, his voice rising.
“Just think about it. You don't know where he lives. He always goes home for the night. And he doesn't want to meet your friends. For me it is quite obvious.”
“I'm going home,” Jin announced, grabbing his coat and almost knocking over a glass of soju.
“Don't do this, Jin. I was just kidding,” Yamapi clung onto his arm and pulled himself up, swaying on his feet.
“Pi, you have no right to talk like this about Kazuya, you don't know him.”
“Sure, sure,” Yamapi murmured, a bit slurring his words and patted Jin on the shoulder. “I'm by your side, dude. If you love him, then it doesn't matter even if he is the cheapest slut on earth.”
It didn't take a second and Yamapi found himself lying on the floor, with aching jaw and bleeding lips.
Jin massaged his knuckles as he glared at his friend, who didn't even have strength to get up.
“You're pathetic, Yamapi,” Jin said, his face twisted in disgust and just smoothed his wrinkled coat before sending a last glare at Yamapi and storming outside.
-
Next time they met, Kazuya found himself enveloped in a bone-crushing hug, Jin's face buried in his neck, arms wrapping around him so tightly that Kazuya could barely breathe.
“J-Jin,” Kazuya groaned in a strained voice and attempted to inhale some air into his lungs. “Jin, I can't breathe.”
Jin slowly loosened his grip until his arms eventually released Kazuya and the younger man stepped back, taking deep breaths.
“What did I do to deserve this?” he asked and the answer came in the form of a passionate kiss that temporarily cut the way of oxygen into Kazuya's body once again.
“Just because you're wonderful,” Jin said when they parted and shrugged his shoulders as if that was the most obvious thing that everyone would know.
Kazuya chuckled, raising an eyebrow and stepped back into Jin's embrace, wrapping the other's arms around himself. Despite the smile, now that he could take a better look at Jin's face, Kazuya had a feeling that something was bothering the older man. “Is everything okay?”
Jin nodded, not convincingly though. “Yeah.”
Kazuya narrowed his eyes and stayed silent, waiting for Jin to understand the message behind the look. Which was what happened after a while as Jin let out a sigh and gave in. “I just had a fight with Yamapi, no big deal,” he said, stroking Kazuya's cheeks with his palms. That was when Kazuya noticed the bruises on his knuckles.
He grabbed Jin's hand and pulled closer to his eyes. “What the hell happened?”
“Nothing.”
“You hit him?”
“I just punched him,” Jin threw up his hands in defense then casually added. “He deserved it.”
“What could your best friend have possibly done to deserve to be punched?” Kazuya asked quietly, softly pressing his fingertips on the bruised skin.
Jin hissed a bit then shrugged. “Nothing, he was saying bullshit. I told you I can be mean if someone hurts me.”
Kazuya continued to stare at Jin's bruised hand then cleared his throat. When he looked up at Jin, he was already smiling. “Well, I hope you two will sort this out and make up.”
“Yeah, we will, don't worry about it,” Jin assured him, pulling him close, their lips just an inch away from one another. “But I don't want to talk about Yamapi now. I have better plans for today.”
As the first pieces of clothing fell to the floor and the lock clicked into place behind them, Jin really did forget about Yamapi and every ridiculous fight they had, every ridiculous accusation his friend threw at Kazuya and which he knew couldn't be true.
Kazuya was right there in his arms, his kisses, his embrace, his moves talked about love and nothing else remained in Jin's mind, just to carve every touch and lust-filled moan into his memory.
There was no other place Jin would like to be at the moment - not even on Bora Bora.
-
A cup of coffee could do wonders - Jin had learned the truth of the statement long ago but it looked like Yamapi still hadn't.
The man was sitting behind his desk, sulking with a hangover the size of whole Japan, unshaved and nursing a gigantic purple bruise in the corner of his mouth.
Jin felt sorry for him a little bit but he would be lying if he said he regretted what he had done. He found his friend selfish for not being able to be happy for him, that he couldn't say 'dude, I'm glad that you're happy, that things are going fine with Kazuya'. Because that was what Jin needed at the moment.
Not that Jin doubted Kazuya even for one second, the whole accusation was ridiculous and it pissed him off. There was an explanation for everything and Jin didn't mind that Kazuya hadn't met his friends yet or he hadn't been to Kazuya's place before. They were together for not more than three months now and although they had already crossed some boundaries, Jin knew he couldn't demand anything and everything from Kazuya so soon.
Their way of thinking was different. Kazuya was friendly and devoted but it was clear he didn't like to be treated as someone fragile or weak. He didn't want to depend on others and he did all he could to keep his independence. There was nothing wrong with this, it was something Jin could deal with. Women were different but that wasn't the first time Jin was together with a man. Men wanted others to respect that circle that they drew around themselves. And Jin couldn't complain because within that circle that he was let in, Kazuya gave him everything he could.
Kazuya was a perfectionist. He worked the same way he cooked. He didn't really pay attention to anything else but what he was doing, he didn't stop until it was done and he wasn't satisfied until the outcome was perfect. Jin loved to watch him while he was cooking because the world ceased to exist for Kazuya and it ceased to exist for Jin as well because of him.
It was the same with his work and Jin could see no matter how boring and monotonous Kazuya found it, he couldn't not do his best. That was why Jin didn't mind Kazuya going back to his place at night and worked until he was satisfied. And most of all he didn't mind because there was always place for Jin in Kazuya's life.
Kazuya treated the relationship the same way he cooked or worked. With his whole heart, with his entire being; when they were together nothing else was important to him but Jin.
Jin was certain that the fact Kazuya hadn't asked him to go to his place meant nothing and it was not suspicious - like Yamapi said. He knew Kazuya wasn't rich and no matter how hard Jin tried to express that it wasn't important, they still belonged to different social layers, even if it apparently didn't bother either of them.
Or better to say it didn't bother Jin but sometimes it seemed Kazuya felt slightly uncomfortable or embarrassed when Jin didn't let him pay at a restaurant or he got upset when Jin gave him a valuable gift. So Jin tried to restrain himself though if he wanted to be honest, he would flood the younger man with thousands of presents just to see that angelic smile that graced Kazuya's lips when he gave the amber bracelet to him.
It was clear, that was the reason why Kazuya didn't let Jin enter his apartment. He probably felt ashamed of the modest way he lived, even if Jin wouldn't mind it the slightest bit.
And Jin was also sure that Kazuya wanted to meet his friends since his excuse was always work and Jin had no reason not to trust in what Kazuya said.
So without any hesitation, Jin was on Kazuya's side and was certain that Yamapi was somehow jealous of his happiness. Since he met Kazuya, he wanted to spend every minute with him, while Yamapi had no one who would put an end to the endless nights of drinking and hanging out with friends.
But this was a selfish move from Yamapi and Jin didn't let himself be affected by someone who is talking bullshit in his drunken stupor. And as Jin watched his friend who could barely keep himself straight in his chair, asked himself again why he should believe in anything someone like him would say.
“Here,” Jin put the steaming cup on the desk.
“Aspirin,” Yamapi groaned, face twisted but his fingers already clenched around the hot cup.
“Don't have any. Coffee is all we have,” Jin said dryly and slumped into the chair at the other end of the desk. “Have you read my report?”
At first there was only a groan that Jin got as a response, then Yamapi slowly took a sip of the strong, black coffee. “Are you still mad?”
“I examined the stones, they are still at my place. Send a car and a guard as soon as possible, let's say today.”
“Jin, come on,” Yamapi snapped with irritation written all over him.
“It would be better if you got this over with very soon, I don't want to keep such valuable stuff at my place for too long and...”
“Jin, stop being such an asshole.”
Jin jumped up and slammed his fists on the desk, Yamapi grimaced at the pain splitting his head in half.
“It wasn't me who behaved like an idiot yesterday. I don't get it, Yamapi, seriously. Why can't you be just a little bit happy for me? I finally found someone I love and who loves me and you're trying to ruin it.”
“Oh how romantic.”
“Fuck you,” Jin raked his fingers through his locks in anger, pacing back and forth. “Tell my why you're doing this. What has Kazuya done to you?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why?”
Yamapi massaged his temples wearily. “I don't know, I just... I just don't like it. It's weird.”
“You don't even know him, Pi.”
“Yeah, you're right. I don't know him,” Yamapi sighed tiredly. “Listen, Jin, let's not fight, okay? I apologize, I shouldn't have told you that and it won't happen again.”
Jin could feel his anger leave his body slowly. He hated how fast Yamapi could piss him off but he couldn't be mad at him for too long.
He sighed. “Okay.”
There was a faint and concerned smile on Yamapi's face but Jin was still too upset to notice.
“I'm sending you a car tomorrow evening, okay? First we have to go through the orders and you have to decide what we can do with those stones.”
Jin nodded and pushed the cup closer to Yamapi. “But only after you drink this coffee. I'm not going to repeat myself if you fall asleep halfway through.”
Yamapi gulped down the rest of his coffee and flashed a grin. Jin rolled his eyes and banged his head into the desk. “Idiot.”
-
Things were going just fine, Jin noted as he was enjoying the heat that was coming from Kazuya's body lying next to him.
“Jin,” Kazuya purred into his ear, one hand resting on the older man's cheek, the other on his chest, slowly inching southwards under the blanket.
Jin jumped in his lying position if that was possible and his hands automatically hugged Kazuya tighter. “Yeah?”
The younger man gave him naughty grin and moved his hands just the right way in all the right places, making Jin moan out an appreciative answer.
“Do you feel up to another round?”
Jin tried very hard to pretend that he needed some time to think about what to reply. Then with a sudden movement, he flipped Kazuya on his back, hovering over him and ground his hips to the other's to give his words some emphasis. “I don't think I have the heart to reject such a beauty. But only because you want it so much.”
“Yeah, sure,” Kazuya moaned as Jin fingers wandered all over his body. Then burst out laughing when Jin started to tickle his sides. Jin joined the laughter until he sealed their lips in a passionate kiss. “Kazuya,” he whispered because that was all he could come up with at the moment.
Kazuya smiled and pulled Jin down for another kiss - which was interrupted by Kazuya's phone as it went off, and Kazuya's body tensed just like every time someone would call him. Jin just suppressed a sigh and buried his face into Kazuya's hair for a moment. He knew what was coming.
And he was right because Kazuya pushed him away gently and slipped out from under him, out of bed and rushed into the living room, wrapping himself messily in the sheets.
“Yes?”
Jin closed his eyes and waited. Then there was a pause, a somehow pregnant silence that made Jin open his eyes again and turn his head towards the half-naked, lithe figure who was perfectly in his line of vision through the open door.
Then he saw Kazuya's face and his heart jumped into his belly. The younger man's face was deathly pale, his eyes reflected fright. Jin could feel his body fill with adrenaline.
“I-I see. I'm... on my way,” Kazuya said quietly, his voice seemed much calmer than his facial expression was, though there was something hidden in it which made Jin alarmed.
Kazuya ended the call and stumbled back into the room, hastily picking his clothes up. “I'm sorry, Jin, I-I have to go.”
“What's wrong, Kazuya?”
“Nothing, just- just my friend and-and I have to go now.”
Jin grabbed the younger man's wrist and turned Kazuya to him. He was still too pale. “I can see something's not right. Tell me, perhaps I can help.”
Kazuya flashed him a grateful smile but it didn't reach his eyes. “It's very nice of you, Jin but you can't. It was my friend, he's in trouble. He just... he needs me now.”
“The same friend who called you a couple of times before?”
“Yeah, it's him. He needs help. I can't let him down.”
Jin nodded and cupped Kazuya's face. “Are you sure there's nothing I can help with?”
Kazuya leaned closer and planted a gentle kiss on Jin's lips. “I am. But I promise I will tell you if you can. Thank you.”
Jin nodded again, this time he was the one who initiated a quick kiss then released Kazuya.
The younger man quietly closed the door behind himself and started walking down the dark street. Then he broke into a run.
-
“Tat-chan,” Kazuya panted and he fell through his doorway. He looked around in panic until he caught a glimpse of his friend stepping out of the living room.
“Everything's alright, Kame. They just called and I got scared.”
Kazuya let out a long sigh in relief and with that a part of all the tension his body had been holding up until now. “The hospital?”
Ueda nodded. “He wanted to talk to you and I panicked. But they said there is nothing wrong, the results are out and you can go get them tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Kazuya whispered, brushing over his face with his palm. “Okay, I'm going to get them tomorrow.”
Ueda nodded silently and turned away.
“What's wrong, Tat-chan?”
“Nothing,” the man whispered, barely audible as he was holding his gaze on his foot, his hands sinking deep into his pockets, rocking his body from left to right. It was clear he was upset.
“Tat-chan,” Kazuya put a hand on his friend's shoulder and Ueda looked up. His eyes were wet.
Then he shook his head, his voice is still quiet. “I'm sorry.”
“Stop it,” Kazuya scolded hiim gently then pulled him into a hug, soothing his back. “Stop it, you promised.”
“I know. I'm sorry,” Ueda murmured into his shoulder, hugging him back.
“Everything will be fine,” Kazuya said quietly and wondered why he is the one to try to convince everyone around him. “It's going to be okay.”
And who would convince him about that?
-
Jin grinned at the lady standing behind the reception desk. He was doing it out of pure happiness but the woman seemed to have misinterpret his actions because she blushed right up to her ears.
“So Bora Bora, sir?”
“Yes.”
The woman nodded and started to type on her computer with slightly trembling fingers. Jin watched her with a happy sigh, but all he could see was sand-covered beach, sweet cocktails and Kazuya's half-naked, wet body.
He wanted to suprise the younger man. It probably wouldn't be that easy to convince Kazuya to give up his job for two weeks but Jin was determined. He wanted to spend more time with Kazuya, only him and as far away from Tokyo as possible. That was the plan.
“There are many unoccupied seats on the flight on the 23th, sir. Do you wish to reserve two seats then?”
Jin rubbed his palms together in excitement. “Yes. The name is Akanishi Jin.”
“And the other passenger's name, sir?”
“Do it both with my name, please.”
The woman smiled at him apologetically. “I'm sorry, sir, for buying the tickets your name would be enough but we need the other person's name to reserve the seats.”
Jin's smile faded a bit. “Kazuya.”
The woman looked at him in confusion. “What's the family name, sir?”
And then Jin froze. The realization hit him like a lightning. No, it couldn't be that... no. Kazuya must have told him, it was just his empty brain that didn't remember. It couldn't be...
Then Jin's breath got stuck in his throat as he remembered something.
Surnames are not important. That was what Kazuya said when they talked on the phone for the very first time and he didn't tell Jin his full name since then either.
“Uhm, now that I think about it, let's just drop the reservation,” he laughed at the woman awkwardly. “I have to talk about the date with my partner. I will make the reservation later.”
The woman nodded and smiled and just stared after the man who was walking out of the office a little bit too slowly, absorbed in his thoughts.
Jin didn't understand how this could happen. Kazuya didn't tell him and he didn't ask. Was his mind really that love-stricken that he didn't think about that quite important detail? They were together for three months. Kazuya was his boyfriend, his lover and he didn't even know his name?
The more Jin thought about it, the more ridiculous he found himself. Then he could do only one thing. He threw his head back and laughed. He laughed at himself, that he was so head over heels in love.
Then he shook his head and promised himself that he would ask Kazuya that evening.
-
“This can't be true, mom has gone insane,” Koki whined as he was staring at the diamond earrings lying on his palm. “Each of these weighs at least five kilos. How can you move your head wearing this stuff anyway?”
Jin laughed as he leaned lazily over Yamapi's desk. “You know, Koki, you're completely missing the point here. It's not important to move with those.”
“Figures,” Koki said scornfully. “Jin, if you're going to keep up with this, my mom is going to divorce and marry you.”
“It's not me who buys her gemstones, Koki. That's still your father's task.”
“That's his only chance. If not, my mom would have left him long ago.”
Jin laughed again. Sure, Jin didn't know another couple who despite all the arguments, loved each other so unconditionally.
Koki and Jin were sitting in the office, trying to keep up with the obsession Koki's mother had for her precious diamond stones. Then Jin glanced at his watch and jumped up. “Shit, I'm going to be late, Kazuya is already waiting for me.”
But before Jin could grab the chance to run out and away, Yamapi stormed in, panting for air. “Jin, come with me. The owner of the Golden Bay is here and wants to talk to both of us.”
“No, Yamapi,” Jin shook his head. “I have a date and my work time is over.”
“We don't have work time, Jin, we only have work. We're going, come on.”
Jin tugged at his collar angrily. “I can't believe this. Let me at least call Kazuya.”
“Hurry up.”
Jin gave up at the eleventh ring and ran back. “Shit, he's not answering. He must be already there, though, waiting for me.”
Koki stood up. “Where are you meeting up? I'm going there and tell him where you are.”
Jin flashed him a wide grin. “Thanks, Koki. You know the Italian restaurant, my favorite one. Look for a beauty with dark brown hair, sparkling eyes, angelic smile, his body like a...”
“Jin, that's enough. You talked about him so much that I would recognize him amongst millions of other people.”
Only when he reached the corner where Jin's date was settled and it was only a crosswalk seperating him from the restaurant, where a young man was waiting, with hands tucked into his pockets, did Koki realize how wrong he was.
It was not Jin's endless babbling about his boyfriend which made him recognize the young man. It was all there that had been haunting him in his dreams; the same pair of almond-shaped eyes, the same rounded face, the same plump lips. The man who had ruined his life two years ago.
“Kame,” Koki whispered to himself in shock as he continued to stare at the young man from the other end of the crossing.
As if he heard him, the other raised his head and their gazes met.
Kazuya turned pale.
Koki was sure, he wasn't the only one. In his head, there was a complete mess and Koki wasn't even aware that he took a step forward until Kazuya's whole figure tensed.
Then Koki took a deep breath and started to walk and at the same moment, Kazuya broke into a run. Koki stumbled back in surprise then he also started to run.
“Kame,” he yelled after the man but in an instant, Kazuya was out of his sight. Koki continued to run a few more meters before his feet gave up and stopped.
Koki leaned against the wall beside him, panting and tried to think. Kame, Kame, Kame. Oh God.
It was Kame, indeed and he was waiting for Jin and...
Oh God, Jin.
Koki's rapidly beating heart picked up its pace even more and his trembling fingers reached for his phone. He tried to dial, several times missing the right buttons, mumbling incoherently in the process.
When Jin's phone was finally ringing, there was no response.
“Come on, Jin, answer the phone, dammit,” Koki pleaded silently, feeling panic wash over him on several levels. He tried again and again but to no avail. Jin must have put it on mute.
Then Koki felt himself pale even more and the line connected. “Yeah?”
“Jin, see you at your place. Now.”
“What is it?”
“Now.”
There must have been something in Koki's voice because Jin cut the line without any more questions. Koki breathed in deeply and hailed a taxi.
-
They arrived at Jin's house at the same time and the older man waited in front of the door for Koki to catch up.
Koki didn't waste time with polite and useless explanations. He just stopped in front of Jin, panting and announced. “It's Kame. Kazuya is Kame. The same person, Jin.”
As it was expected, Jin's face turned blank and his body went stiff.
There was no time for that. “Give me your keys.”
Jin didn't answer and didn't move, just continued to look at Koki with an empty gaze.
“Jin, give me the fucking keys!”
Jin slowly pulled the keychain out of his pocket and let Koki snatch it from him. The younger man immediately opened the door and ran inside then furious curses found way into Jin's clouded mind and the man slowly walked in after Koki.
Then he stopped in the middle of the living room and the world started spinning, not leaving him anything to hold onto.
The cabinet and the safe were open, both of them empty.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a stone of strength and protection. Use it to enhance willpower, integrity, stamina and vigor.
It is believed to bring lasting happiness and stability to marriage and partnerships. It attracts friends and good fortune.
Some people use sardonyx as a protection grid - placing it at each corner of the house, at doors and windows to prevent crime and misfortune.
Next: o5. Onyx >>