His Destiny (sho's story)- Sakuraiba
Title: His Destiny (sho's Story)
Pairing: Sakuraiba
Disclaimer: I don't own...and even the plot...i don't own all of it...i have to thank the original writer, Mk_Mj.
Rating: G
Summary: Sho's story...extended from 'The Destiny' by Mk_Mj. Minna san, please read 'The Destiny' first before reading this. That, is really a great story, and it had really inspired me!
His life was planned for him. He was the heir to the Sakurai Empire, an empire that matched Doumiyoji's in terms of wealth and power. As a child, he was brought up to understand that he had to follow the family tradition, a tradition that, to many, seemed absurd. Ever since he was born, he was betrothed to a certain chosen Aiba of his generation. The Sakurai and Aiba families must always have an alliance in every generation, that was what he was told. Of course, there are more practical reasons for these alliances, aside from pure tradition. The Sakurai business empire is closely entwined with the Aiba's, and by having an alliance in every generation, they are making sure that the same level of trust and commitment will continue.
By the time he when he was nearly a year old, it was decided. He will have to marry Aiba Masaki, a sweet looking baby that was just born to the Aiba family. As part of the family tradition, Sho would have to spend his time with Aiba, to build a relationship with him. Not that he minded. He didn't have anyone one else to play with anyway, certainly not one as cute and adorable as Masaki. The life as a young Sakurai was hard. He was expected to master calligraphy, ikebana, chado, and things like piano and other finer forms of art. But for some reason, no matter how tired he was, he would be rejuvenated by the presence of Masaki. No matter how many times he felt like giving up piano, Masaki would just sit down beside him on the piano bench, and persuade him to play a simple duet with him, and he would find a renewed interest in the instrument. No matter how many times he felt like breaking down and cry, Masaki would made it bearable with his cheerful smile and a simple 'gambatte'. It was not as though Masaki did not have to go through all that as well, but Masaki, sweet Masaki, will always be the one cheering him on.
Just like a blink of the eye, 10 years has passed. He has grown to love Masaki. Sweet and simple, in his ten year old mind. But like all Sakurais, he had to undergo his 10 years of training as a person. 10 years away from Masaki. He was reluctant at first, but after Masaki had assured him that he will always be there for him, no matter how long, and how far he went, he knew he had no choice, and that he had nothing to worry about. Just as he was about to leave, he told Masaki: 'When I grow up and come back, I want to marry Masaki.' And he sealed it with a chaste kiss on Masaki's round rosy cheeks. He meant it, he really did.
It was only when he left the comfort of his family, that he began to truly understand life, and the hardships the come with it. During the first few years, it was hard. Letters and calls from Masaki was the only thing that kept him going. But as time goes by, he began to get used to it, and he started to enjoy the simpler pleasures that normal people have. He became increasing resentful of the control that his family had over him. Sure, he had a lot of achievements outside of his family, and he had done many things that made his family proud, but that just made him feel like he was a puppet on strings, held by the powerful hands of his parents. The burden of the Sakurai name had been growing heavier and heavier on his shoulders. And Masaki seemed like an extension of the far reaching controlling hands of his family. In an attempt to get away, he had sometimes refused to answer Masaki's calls, or reply his letters. Always, a pang of guilt will hit him, but that was quickly washed away by the rebellious mind of the growing teenager he was.
On his 18th birthday, a guy appeared in his life. This guy was everything he longed to be. Free, and relaxed, without a care in a world. With him, it was as if he was being let out of the cage. He could be anything he wanted to be. He could temporary let go of the Sakurai brand he carried with him since he was born. Suddenly, Masaki's encouraging letters to him seemed like a chain that bound him down, and this guy released him from it. It was such a relief, and he began to love this feeling of freedom.
On the stroke of 12 on his 20th birthday, a black limousine appeared in front of his guardian's house to bring him back to the world he was born into. Much as he would have liked to just run away with that guy, Sakurai Sho was not such an irresponsible person. It was just beyond him to leave his aging parents and his birthright behind. Reluctantly, he went back. Soon after, he married Masaki and started working in his family's company.
Masaki was every bit the perfect wife he was brought up to be. He ran his household to perfection, and satisfied his every desire. All but one. Sho could not get rid of one nagging thought in his mind. He felt that he was not given a choice. He found himself longing for the freedom that guy had provided him with. Masaki seemed to notice it, he could see it in sadness of Masaki's eyes when he hugged him half heartedly, or when he moved away from Masaki's touch and kisses. But he just could not allow himself to accept his so called destiny, just like that...
"HE is waiting for you outside...Go and be happy! And don't worry about our families. I can take care of it. You have already sacrificed too much. And I promised myself that this time it will be me to let you go." Aiba cried one night, drunk, and on the verge of a breakdown. Through the tears, a determination showed through his beautiful eyes. He was not joking.
"But..."
"GET OUT! Get out before I regret it!!" Masaki shouted, with a touch desperation in his cracked voice. Sho was shocked. He had never seen Masaki like this. But that does not matter. Masaki had given him a chance. A chance to break away. A chance to choose, for once in his life. Without thinking, he pulled Masaki into his arms. "...Thank you for letting me go. Thank you." he said. And he left.
The air had never felt fresher. Sho took a deep breath, and with a smile on his face, he set off to find that guy. This was what he had longed for. True freedom at last. Sho found him at his usual place, by the basketball hoops near the house he had been staying in for the past 10 years. He ran forward to him, and hugged him. A strong emotion swept over him, and it made him hesitate. But he waved it off, and proceeded to kiss that guy. As their lips made contact, that emotion swept over him again, stronger this time. Sho's eyes widened. It was impossible. He loves this guy. He loves freedom. He should love the way he is now, now that he had everything that he wanted... So why is he feeling like a part of him just died? Why is he feeling such a great sense of loss? Why is there pain shooting through his every cell?
Just then, a familiar melody drifted into his ears. A simple, yet sweet tune. Memories began to flood his mind. 3 year old Masaki excitedly showing him a picture that he just drew, of them playing in the big flower field and saying that it was the best picture in the world. Cute Masaki sitting beside him during his calligraphy lessons, smearing ink on his hand when the teacher was not looking. Shy Masaki blushing slightly at his declaration of love for him the day that he left. And Masaki's encouragements to him as he played that innocent love song with him on piano. The melody in the air now...
Masaki... Sweet Masaki... How could he have forgotten the times they had together? Those innocent and pure declarations of love? The promises they had made to each other? And he knows that Masaki had loved him, he still do. How could he have missed Masaki's feeling of insecurity behind his warm smiles when he greet him every day? How could he single handedly shattered the world that Masaki had so strongly believed in? Masaki had offered to sacrificed himself for him, and he had so selfishly accepted his offer...
It was like he woke up from a dream. He broke away from the kiss, and apologised. Freedom was novel, fun, it was what he didn't have, and it had a mysterious hold on him. But it was not what he want, it was not what he needed. He knows now, what was it that he truly needed, and wanted. Then, he ran. He ran faster than he had ever ran in his life. Back to his home, a home he and Masaki shared. A home that he did not give himself a chance to appreciate.
'MASAKI!' he bursted, as he open the door wide. His Masaki was still sitting on the floor, eyes red and puffy from all that crying. That image just broke Sho's heart. Masaki was so fragile then, so...defeated, and Sho hated the fact that he was the one who caused the sunshine like Masaki to become like this.
He rushed towards him, and in one smooth movement, swept Aiba tightly into his embrace. He didn't want to let go, not when the love of his life was so fragile, in his arms.
'I love you. I was lost, but now I know. I love you, I need you, I want you. Don't ever let me go again.' Sho whispered into Masaki's ears. Masaki stared right into his eyes, confused.
'But...' Masaki started, but he was not given the chance to finish. Sho covered his lips with his own, and kissed him deep, and let his emotions and thoughts flow to Masaki through that kiss. No words can explain what he felt now, but he knew he didn't need words. Masaki will understand.
He has no issues now, not anymore. He had finally found the meaning in his life. He can now embrace it wholeheartedly. His destiny.
Pairing: Sakuraiba
Disclaimer: I don't own...and even the plot...i don't own all of it...i have to thank the original writer, Mk_Mj.
Rating: G
Summary: Sho's story...extended from 'The Destiny' by Mk_Mj. Minna san, please read 'The Destiny' first before reading this. That, is really a great story, and it had really inspired me!
His life was planned for him. He was the heir to the Sakurai Empire, an empire that matched Doumiyoji's in terms of wealth and power. As a child, he was brought up to understand that he had to follow the family tradition, a tradition that, to many, seemed absurd. Ever since he was born, he was betrothed to a certain chosen Aiba of his generation. The Sakurai and Aiba families must always have an alliance in every generation, that was what he was told. Of course, there are more practical reasons for these alliances, aside from pure tradition. The Sakurai business empire is closely entwined with the Aiba's, and by having an alliance in every generation, they are making sure that the same level of trust and commitment will continue.
By the time he when he was nearly a year old, it was decided. He will have to marry Aiba Masaki, a sweet looking baby that was just born to the Aiba family. As part of the family tradition, Sho would have to spend his time with Aiba, to build a relationship with him. Not that he minded. He didn't have anyone one else to play with anyway, certainly not one as cute and adorable as Masaki. The life as a young Sakurai was hard. He was expected to master calligraphy, ikebana, chado, and things like piano and other finer forms of art. But for some reason, no matter how tired he was, he would be rejuvenated by the presence of Masaki. No matter how many times he felt like giving up piano, Masaki would just sit down beside him on the piano bench, and persuade him to play a simple duet with him, and he would find a renewed interest in the instrument. No matter how many times he felt like breaking down and cry, Masaki would made it bearable with his cheerful smile and a simple 'gambatte'. It was not as though Masaki did not have to go through all that as well, but Masaki, sweet Masaki, will always be the one cheering him on.
Just like a blink of the eye, 10 years has passed. He has grown to love Masaki. Sweet and simple, in his ten year old mind. But like all Sakurais, he had to undergo his 10 years of training as a person. 10 years away from Masaki. He was reluctant at first, but after Masaki had assured him that he will always be there for him, no matter how long, and how far he went, he knew he had no choice, and that he had nothing to worry about. Just as he was about to leave, he told Masaki: 'When I grow up and come back, I want to marry Masaki.' And he sealed it with a chaste kiss on Masaki's round rosy cheeks. He meant it, he really did.
It was only when he left the comfort of his family, that he began to truly understand life, and the hardships the come with it. During the first few years, it was hard. Letters and calls from Masaki was the only thing that kept him going. But as time goes by, he began to get used to it, and he started to enjoy the simpler pleasures that normal people have. He became increasing resentful of the control that his family had over him. Sure, he had a lot of achievements outside of his family, and he had done many things that made his family proud, but that just made him feel like he was a puppet on strings, held by the powerful hands of his parents. The burden of the Sakurai name had been growing heavier and heavier on his shoulders. And Masaki seemed like an extension of the far reaching controlling hands of his family. In an attempt to get away, he had sometimes refused to answer Masaki's calls, or reply his letters. Always, a pang of guilt will hit him, but that was quickly washed away by the rebellious mind of the growing teenager he was.
On his 18th birthday, a guy appeared in his life. This guy was everything he longed to be. Free, and relaxed, without a care in a world. With him, it was as if he was being let out of the cage. He could be anything he wanted to be. He could temporary let go of the Sakurai brand he carried with him since he was born. Suddenly, Masaki's encouraging letters to him seemed like a chain that bound him down, and this guy released him from it. It was such a relief, and he began to love this feeling of freedom.
On the stroke of 12 on his 20th birthday, a black limousine appeared in front of his guardian's house to bring him back to the world he was born into. Much as he would have liked to just run away with that guy, Sakurai Sho was not such an irresponsible person. It was just beyond him to leave his aging parents and his birthright behind. Reluctantly, he went back. Soon after, he married Masaki and started working in his family's company.
Masaki was every bit the perfect wife he was brought up to be. He ran his household to perfection, and satisfied his every desire. All but one. Sho could not get rid of one nagging thought in his mind. He felt that he was not given a choice. He found himself longing for the freedom that guy had provided him with. Masaki seemed to notice it, he could see it in sadness of Masaki's eyes when he hugged him half heartedly, or when he moved away from Masaki's touch and kisses. But he just could not allow himself to accept his so called destiny, just like that...
"HE is waiting for you outside...Go and be happy! And don't worry about our families. I can take care of it. You have already sacrificed too much. And I promised myself that this time it will be me to let you go." Aiba cried one night, drunk, and on the verge of a breakdown. Through the tears, a determination showed through his beautiful eyes. He was not joking.
"But..."
"GET OUT! Get out before I regret it!!" Masaki shouted, with a touch desperation in his cracked voice. Sho was shocked. He had never seen Masaki like this. But that does not matter. Masaki had given him a chance. A chance to break away. A chance to choose, for once in his life. Without thinking, he pulled Masaki into his arms. "...Thank you for letting me go. Thank you." he said. And he left.
The air had never felt fresher. Sho took a deep breath, and with a smile on his face, he set off to find that guy. This was what he had longed for. True freedom at last. Sho found him at his usual place, by the basketball hoops near the house he had been staying in for the past 10 years. He ran forward to him, and hugged him. A strong emotion swept over him, and it made him hesitate. But he waved it off, and proceeded to kiss that guy. As their lips made contact, that emotion swept over him again, stronger this time. Sho's eyes widened. It was impossible. He loves this guy. He loves freedom. He should love the way he is now, now that he had everything that he wanted... So why is he feeling like a part of him just died? Why is he feeling such a great sense of loss? Why is there pain shooting through his every cell?
Just then, a familiar melody drifted into his ears. A simple, yet sweet tune. Memories began to flood his mind. 3 year old Masaki excitedly showing him a picture that he just drew, of them playing in the big flower field and saying that it was the best picture in the world. Cute Masaki sitting beside him during his calligraphy lessons, smearing ink on his hand when the teacher was not looking. Shy Masaki blushing slightly at his declaration of love for him the day that he left. And Masaki's encouragements to him as he played that innocent love song with him on piano. The melody in the air now...
Masaki... Sweet Masaki... How could he have forgotten the times they had together? Those innocent and pure declarations of love? The promises they had made to each other? And he knows that Masaki had loved him, he still do. How could he have missed Masaki's feeling of insecurity behind his warm smiles when he greet him every day? How could he single handedly shattered the world that Masaki had so strongly believed in? Masaki had offered to sacrificed himself for him, and he had so selfishly accepted his offer...
It was like he woke up from a dream. He broke away from the kiss, and apologised. Freedom was novel, fun, it was what he didn't have, and it had a mysterious hold on him. But it was not what he want, it was not what he needed. He knows now, what was it that he truly needed, and wanted. Then, he ran. He ran faster than he had ever ran in his life. Back to his home, a home he and Masaki shared. A home that he did not give himself a chance to appreciate.
'MASAKI!' he bursted, as he open the door wide. His Masaki was still sitting on the floor, eyes red and puffy from all that crying. That image just broke Sho's heart. Masaki was so fragile then, so...defeated, and Sho hated the fact that he was the one who caused the sunshine like Masaki to become like this.
He rushed towards him, and in one smooth movement, swept Aiba tightly into his embrace. He didn't want to let go, not when the love of his life was so fragile, in his arms.
'I love you. I was lost, but now I know. I love you, I need you, I want you. Don't ever let me go again.' Sho whispered into Masaki's ears. Masaki stared right into his eyes, confused.
'But...' Masaki started, but he was not given the chance to finish. Sho covered his lips with his own, and kissed him deep, and let his emotions and thoughts flow to Masaki through that kiss. No words can explain what he felt now, but he knew he didn't need words. Masaki will understand.
He has no issues now, not anymore. He had finally found the meaning in his life. He can now embrace it wholeheartedly. His destiny.