[fic] Step by Step; Light and Shade - (15.2/?)
TITLE: Step by Step; Light and Shade
PAIRINGS: Sakuraiba, Matsumiya, Aimiya, Ohmiya, ShoxMaki, and JunxMao
LENGTH: Multi-chaptered
BANDS Arashi (with Horikita Maki and Inoue Mao)
GENRE: Romance, drama... etc.
RATING (by chapter): G-13/14
WARNINGS: AU, language and potentially sexual situations in later chapters.
SUMMARY: "To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak" - Indian Proverb
Sakurai Sho is the Chief Financial Officer for a large corporation, he has a loving girlfriend, a strange (but friendly) co-worker, and a best friend who teaches a ballroom dance class (which Sho has been guilted into attending). At the class, Sho's encounter with another unorthodox dancer -and his partner- will be the spark needed to kindle new relationships and end others.
PREVIOUS: Step01 Step02 Step03 Step04 Step05 Step06 Step07 Step08 Step09 Step10 Step11 Step12 Step13 Step14.1 Step14.2 Step 15.1
+++
Searching for a distraction from thoughts of Sakurai, Aiba noticed the smoky smudge of residual makeup around Nino's eyes that he must have failed to scrub off completely. "Nino?" he said, breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen between them.
"Hm?"
"Why were you still in yesterday's costume when you got here this morning? Did you fall asleep with it on when you got home last night?"
Nino hesitated for a moment before answering. "Uh.... Actually I haven’t been home yet. I was in a rush to make it on time so I just changed when I got here." He shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm in the habit of keeping a spare uniform in the back."
Aiba frowned. "... If you didn't get home, where were you all night?"
"Err, Ohno-san's place." He answered quickly, turning away to rummage through the near empty box of DVD's.
Aiba's frown deepened and he clambered to his feet. "Wait, wait, wait. You spent the night there?"
"It's no big deal, you don't need to get excited." He protested, turning away from Aiba to carry the box into the next aisle.
"Then why are you turning red?" Aiba teased, dashing Nino's attempts at casually avoiding his gaze.
"I am not." He snapped, giving up and facing him.
"You are a bit." Aiba giggled, looking pointedly at the pink tips of Nino's ears. Nino rolled his eyes. "Come on," Aiba struggled to put on a straight face. "What happened?"
Nino sighed. "Nothing, honestly. We just had a few drinks and practiced dancing. It was just business."
"Uh huh. And where'd you sleep?"
"What?"
"I know you. You look like a strung out junkie when you pull all-nighters." Aiba smiled smugly. "But you look well rested today. He let you sleep over, right?"
"We didn't mean to."
Aiba's eyes widened. "Didn't mean to what? Did you guys...?"
Nino smacked his arm. "Didn't mean to fall asleep, you pervert." He growled. "We couldn't possibly have had sex. I'm supposed to be a girl, remember? I think taking my skirt off would probably blow my cover."
Aiba laughed, only amused by Nino's sarcasm. "True. That would be a bit of a surprise."
Nino snorted, moodiness melting in the face of Aiba's breathy giggle. "Would kill the mood too, I bet."
Aiba raised a finger. "Ah, ah. You never know, he could always swing both ways."
Nino's felt his ears heat up again. "Wouldn't that be my lucky day..." He grumbled.
"Oh, really?" Aiba's voice still had a teasing lilt to it, but the crease in his brow betrayed a hint of concern.
Nino sighed, shoulders slumping. "Don't worry, I'm not about to have a repeat of the Jun incident. No more flirting while I'm in disguise. I swear." He set the box down, pulling out the last handful of DVD's and setting about shelving them. "Besides, Ohno's the one who got me out of the Jun situation, and he's reassured me repeatedly that he's not interested."
Aiba considered him thoughtfully for a long moment. "...Why are you disappointed about that?" He asked curiously.
Nino was reminded once again that there was a surprisingly sharp mind underneath Aiba's ditzy goofball persona. He scrubbed a hand down his face, frustrated at being caught out. "Good question." He answered wryly. "I guess I just wish I'd met him as myself, instead of Kazuko. He's an interesting guy... I had fun last night."
Aiba smirked. "I suppose it helps that he's good looking, and since he's your dance tutor you have every excuse to get up close and personal."
"Oh shut up." He shoved him playfully as he passed, on his way to toss the empty box into the back room. Aiba was leaning against the counter when he returned, and so Nino leant up against it beside him. "It doesn't matter though." He said morosely, suddenly sobered. "Heck, he could be my 'dream guy' and it doesn't matter. To him I'm Ninomiya Kazuko, and to me that means he's off limits."
Aiba turned to look at him with sad eyes, reaching out to put a hand on his folded arms. "Nino-" He started, breaking off as they both watched a car pull up in front of the store.
Nino quickly checked his watch, shaking off the glum mood that had descended. "Toma should be back any minute now, and then it's my turn to grab some supper. Wanna try out that pub across the street?"
Aiba smiled. "Sure. I'll wait in the back ‘til you're ready to go."
Nino nodded, watching him trot off towards the back of the store before the bell jingled and he turned his attention to the lady in the doorway. He pasted on his friendly customer service face. "Hello! Can I help you find anything?"
+++
Mao sipped the last of her tea and sighed, fidgeting in her seat. "I'm tired of all this depressing stuff." She grumbled, breaking the glum silence that had fallen after they'd finished discussing their troubles.
Sho stood and stretched. "You two should come up with a cheerier topic." He suggested. "I can't think of anything." He began gathering up the empty mugs.
"Thanks, Sho-kun." Ohno mumbled sleepily, watching him carry the pottery off to the kitchen. The hot beverage had left him warm and cozy, and aching to catch up on the sleep he'd missed by staying up so late with Ninomiya.
"No problem." Sho shrugged, rinsing the mugs and setting them carefully in the kitchen sink. "These are really nice." He held the last of the three matching mugs up to inspect it, letting the glaze catch and shine in the light. "Are they handmade?"
Ohno nodded, hoping his initials carved into the bottom would go unnoticed.
"I love the colors..." Sho mused almost dreamily, running a finger reverently along the rim of the mug. "They're beautiful."
Mao snorted. "And we're all only just realizing you're gay?" She teased.
Sho rolled his eyes, pretending not to be amused. He set the mug aside with the others and returned to the living area. "You'll have to tell me where you bought them." He said to Ohno.
Ohno just hummed agreeably. He'd never felt comfortable with people seeing his artwork. Well, maybe not never. He had vague memories of being proud to show people his art as a child. Though even clearer were the memories of his father's obvious disinterest in all of it, followed in later years by his blunt disapproval.
In hindsight, his father probably had a lot to do with why he kept his hobbies secreted away in the back room like some kind of dirty secret.
Ninomiya was the first person in almost a year to have gone in there and taken a hard look at it all, and while those long minutes had been uncomfortable and seemed to stretch on for hours, he was definitely flattered by the praise she had showered on it all. Ninomiya struck him as a very honest woman, not the type to say such nice things if she didn't mean them. She had actually looked a little embarrassed with herself for saying so much.
Ohno's lip quirked at the memory. He liked her, he decided. She was sharp and witty, and easy to talk to. Maybe after all this dance tutoring was over he'd be able to call her a friend. He hoped so.
He paused his thoughts, a smile blooming on his lips. She'd make a great addition to the group. It was such a strange notion, not just having a friend, but having a group of them. He took a moment to absorb that in happy silence, watching Mao rib Sho for his poorly coordinated outfit.
"You can't ever wear that cardigan with that shirt. Never again, Sakurai." She warned, plucking at the offending articles of clothing.
Sho pouted. "Why? What's wrong with it? There's blue in both, how do they not match?"
"You're wearing plaid with checkers!" She exclaimed. "I think you might be fashion blind, dear. That should be an obvious no-no."
Sho looked to Ohno for backup, but Ohno just laughed unhelpfully. The combination of patterns was a little bit painful to look at; like an optical illusion.
Sho sighed, accepting defeat with a slouch and a huge pout. "I think we need another subject change." He grouched.
Mao giggled, reaching out to squeeze his arm. "Sorry. I'll make it up to you." She said. "I'll take you shopping."
Sho laughed despite himself. "You're going to teach me how to dress?"
"You'll be so fabulous, Aiba won't know what hit him." She smiled, leaning up against him so their shoulders bumped.
Sho smiled back, slow and a little sad. "I hope you're right." He said wryly.
She leaned against him again and reached out to squeeze his knee. Ohno couldn't help grinning at them. "You guys are adorable." He said, laughing when that earned him matching scowls from the both of them.
"Us?" Mao raised an eyebrow. "Let's talk about you for a bit." Her grin was devious. "I'm curious, did Ninomiya try to get in your pants last night?"
Ohno raised his eyebrows. Sho looked equally surprised. "No? I think we both made it clear to each other that this was strictly a business arrangement. Why would she?"
"Becaaaause," Mao continued, "I think every woman in the room was ready to pounce on you after that stunt you pulled, standing up to my mother."
Ohno looked to Sho, who shrugged sheepishly. "It was pretty brave."
"And Ninomiya was definitely star-struck. Did you not see her face?"
"No, but she was probably just terrified. Your mother is one hell of a scary lady."
"Trust me, I know." Mao groaned, flopping back on the couch. Suddenly there was a loud, dull buzzing sound. Mao froze for a second, eyes wide, before abruptly sitting up again.
Ohno frowned, and Sho peered around her curiously. "What was that?"
"Someone's phone?" Mao twisted around to look behind herself, and dug down between the back and seat cushions of the couch.
“Not mine.” Ohno tapped the bulge in his pocket.
“I’ve got mine too.” Sho said.
Mao turned back and held aloft a small black handbag. “I guess this explains why your couch was so lumpy.”
Ohno blinked at it in surprise. “It must be Ninomiya’s… She left in a hurry this morning.”
Mao flicked the clasp open and peeked inside. “Just a phone and some change inside.” She turned to the cell phone, ignoring Sho’s protests about privacy invasion. (It wasn’t password protected, so privacy be damned.) “Two missed calls from ‘Aiba-Chan’. Yep. Must be hers.”
“Well, we can’t call her to tell her it’s here.” Ohno frowned. “I hope she’s not worried.”
“Don’t you know where she lives? We could drop it off.” Sho suggested. “I wouldn’t mind going for a drive anyway, and we could grab dinner while we’re out.”
Ohno shook his head. “She’s working today, so she won’t be home. And all I know is that she works at a video store somewhere. No idea which one.” He chewed his lip. “Why don’t we call Aiba and ask him?”
Sho’s eyes widened. “Let’s not.”
Mao was still clicking through the phone. ”I’ve got a plan.” She announced, putting it on speakerphone as she hit call on the contact listen as ‘work’.
“Thank you for calling Choose Your Views Video Rental! This is Ikuta speaking, how can I help you?”
“Hello!” Mao grinned while Sho googled the store name on his own phone. “I was wondering if you had an employee there by the name of Ninomiya Kazuko?”
There was a muffled noise that sounded like a laugh before Ikuta spoke again. “Ah, yes. S-she works here. She’s on her break right now, but should be back soon. Can I pass on a message?”
They’ve only got one location. Sho mouthed, holding up a map that pinpointed the store.
“Oh, no. That’s okay. I’ll just get in touch with her later. Thanks!” She ended the call and beamed devilishly at them both. “Let’s go!”
+++
“Oh!” Sho exclaimed as he turned into the parking lot. “I’ve been here before. I bought Chubby from that pet store! Jun took me to a pub across the street.”
“Better not tell Jun he’s been frequenting a bar across the road from Ninomiya’s place of work.” Mao joked.
Ohno squinted over at the video store while Sho parked the car in a space in front of the pet shop. “… I think I’ve been here before too.” He murmured. “It looks familiar.”
Mao glanced between them both with a raised eyebrow. “That’s a really weird coincidence. This isn’t exactly a bustling part of town.”
Ohno grinned and shrugged, unbuckling his seatbelt. “Maybe it’s fate.”
“Ah!” Sho suddenly let out a strangled squeak, flailing to grab at Ohno and Mao as he slid down onto the floor. “Get down!” He hissed, pointing frantically at something out the car window. “It’s Aiba! He’ll think I’m stalking him if he sees me!”
Mao and Ohno followed his lead, sinking down and peering cautiously out the window. “What’s he doing here?” Mao asked. “I thought he left his job at the pet store.”
“He did.” Sho squinted out, watching Aiba meander up the parking lot grinning and talking animatedly to anther guy who was walking backwards in front of him. “He’s with someone.”
“An old co-worker maybe?” Ohno suggested.
“Maybe he’s on a date.” Sho mumbled glumly, watching Aiba laugh fondly at something the other guy said.
Ohno reached out to pat Sho’s shoulder. “Relax. Ninomiya woks here, remember? They’re probably just stopping in to pay her a visit.”
They stopped walking not far from the car to continue their conversation while the stranger lit up a cigarette. His face was still turned away from the three spying from inside the car.
“… My legs are falling asleep.” Mao winced, attempting to shift position on the car floor. “Can’t we just say hello and tell him the truth about why we’re here?”
“No way! We’re not moving until they leave.”
Mao groaned. “That could take ages.”
Ohno suddenly wriggled around, stretching over her from the backseat to reach the glove compartment and retrieve Ninomiya’s purse. “I have an idea.” After a moment of browsing he brandished her phone with Aiba’s cell number highlighted on the screen.
Ohno hit dial before Sho could wrestle the phone from him, and they all watched as Aiba pulled his phone from his pocket and frowned.
+++
Incoming call from Kazu-Chan…
Aiba frowned. “Are you pocket dialing me?”
“Can’t be. I left my phone at Ohno-san’s, I think. It was in my purse.”
“Oh! Maybe it’s him calling!”
“Wait, don’t answer! I’ll just call him later.”
Aiba dodged Nino’s attempt to stop him and answered the phone mid-laugh. “Hello!”
“Hi, Aiba-san? This is Ohno Satoshi calling.”
“Ohhh…. Hey, Ohno-san! You must have found Kazuko’s phone. She said she thought she left it at your place.”
“Yes, exactly. You wouldn’t happen to be seeing her tonight, would you? I’d like to get in touch…”
“You’re in luck!” Aiba beamed, and Nino’s shoulders slumped. “She’s actually with me right now. Just a second.”
Nino took the phone with a sigh and turned around to talk to Ohno without facing Aiba’s grin. He took a moment to clear his throat and adopt Kazuko’s persona before speaking, and even his stance changed in the process. “Hello?...” There was a disconcertingly long silence on the other end. “…Ohno-san? Are you still there?”
“U-um, yes. I’m-… Is this Ninomiya Kazuko?”
Nino frowned, shifting nervously. “Of course.” Had he said something strange? He thought back but nothing was out of the ordinary. “Who else would I be?” He laughed uneasily, but Ohno didn’t join in. “Are you okay?”
There was another long pause before Ohno spoke again, sounding strangely distant. “Yes. Sorry, I’m just… a little distracted. You… forgot your purse at my apartment?”
“Yeah, I thought so.” He wasn’t used to carrying one -obviously-, and hadn’t even thought of it in his rush to leave for work. “We’ll have to meet again soon so I can get it back from you.”
“… I can bring it to your workplace now if you like? I’m out right now anyway, and I think I might be nearby.”
“AH, NO!” Nino yelped, and immediately cursed himself for sounding so panicked. “No, no. I’m… quite busy. My boss would be annoyed if I had visitors. It’s fine, I’ll survive a day or two without my phone.”
“… If you’re sure.”
Nino sighed, hoping he hadn’t raised too much suspicion. “Yes, very sure. Are you free tomorrow night? We could maybe have another lesson?”
Another pause. “… Um…. Sure. My place again?”
“Sounds good. I can be there by around eight, if that works for you.”
“Yeah, sure. Eight’s fine… See you.” The line went abruptly dead with a click.
Nino frowned at the phone as he handed it back to Aiba. “Strange. He seemed really out of it.”
“How so?”
Nino shrugged, grinding out his cigarette on the asphalt. “Maybe he was high on something.”
Aiba laughed. “He seemed fine when I spoke to him. Anyway, you have to let me pretty you up for your date tomorrow. Playing dress-up with you is ridiculously fun.”
Nino rolled his eyes. “It’s not a date!” Aiba just laughed at him, of course. “Come on, let’s get inside.”
+++
The car’s three passengers all sat gaping in stunned silence until well after Aiba and Ninomiya had disappeared inside and out of sight.
“I am so confused right now.” Sho spoke finally, dragging himself back up onto the driver’s seat. Mao and Ohno followed his example.
“This day just keeps getting crazier.” Mao agreed. “Let’s get out of here while we can.”
Sho didn’t need to be told twice.
They’d been driving for several minutes before Ohno actually said anything. “Guys, I just realized what this means.” He announced. “I didn’t actually kiss a woman after all.”
Sho and Mao shared a look in the front seat. Faced with Ohno’s bizarre relief, they could only laugh.
+++
to be continued…
A/N: Thank you to everyone for reading! Love you all :) Your support and kind comments mean the world to me!
Just a few chapters left until everything is wrapped up~ I'm getting excited about the finale :3
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