[Log] Old Friends Talk (Platinum Pair)
Characters: Niou Masaharu, Yagyuu Hiroshi
Location: Yagyuu’s cabin
Time: The day of the Rikkai Dinner and Fireworks
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Old friends talk
After the Rikkai dinner, Yagyuu invited Niou-kun back to his room to talk. “We can decide if we want to go find a private place to watch the fireworks or go up to the Top Deck with everyone else, afterward,” he said. “Unless you do not have a burning urge to see Atobe’s name in lights, that is.”
Niou chuckled as he glanced over to his former partner. “I’m pretty sure that we can still see the firework show from any room. We’ll just go on your balcony to watch it, if you want to do that?”
“Sounds perfectly fine to me,” Yagyuu said. He walked along next to his best friend and former partner until they reached his room, then opened the door for Niou-kun. “Please, make yourself comfortable. May I get you a beverage?” he asked politely.
Niou shook his head. “I’m fine.” he said. “Now, it’s only the two of us; you know that you don’t have to be polite in front of me.” He patted Yagyuu on the shoulder before taking a seat on the couch. “Just relax~”
Yagyuu placed his glasses on the coffee table, then slumped down on the couch next to Niou, leaning his head against the back of the couch. “Finally.” After a moment, though, he turned his head to look at his best friend. “How are you doing, Masaharu-kun?”
“Just drop the honorifics in all, will ya?” Niou smirked for a second before he shrugged. “Okay. How are you holding up?”
There was an almost identical smirk on Yagyuu’s face for a moment. “Sure, Masaharu.” He then put his feet up on the coffee table and wiggled his toes. “Well, I’m not currently nose deep in a textbook studying for a test, so I have to say that I am definitely better than last week. However,” he looked at his friend, “there is Akaya...”
Niou laughed at Yagyuu’s actions. “I hear ya.” he said but at the mention of Akaya, he became expressionless. “I heard he has a thing for you.” he commented and gave Yagyuu a thumbs up. “You should go for it.”
Yagyuu raised an eyebrow. “Really, because I was telling him that if he had a thing for you, he should go for it and I would step aside.” Then he rolled his eyes. “He told me we were both missing the point.”
Niou kept silent for a bit. “He... wants both of us, I believe.” he said then shook his head. “But, it’ll just be better for everyone if you sought after him. You guys would make a cute couple.” he teased with a smirk on his lips.
“Really?” Yagyuu said. “I was thinking the exact same thing about the two of you.” He paused for a moment, looking up at the ceiling. “He wants both of us, huh? But you...aren’t interested in me in that way, I suppose.” He held his breath subtly, wondering what his always unpredictable former partner would say.
Niou looked down at the floor in silence. He would be lying if he said he wasn't attracted to Yagyuu, or even that he thought a while back that something could come from them, but those thoughts were pushed back a long time ago and now with this happening, he knew that it would be best to not pursue the other anyway. Niou shrugged. "What difference does it make?" he asked. "Like I told Akaya, I'm not going to get myself involved in this."
“If...if things had gone differently in High School,” Yagyuu said, his voice low and hesitant, “do you think that...our friendship might have developed into something...more?” He turned his head to look at Niou. “I never said anything, because I figured you didn’t need that stress added onto what you were already going through. Yes, I could tell that something was going on,” he told the other, “I just didn’t get the details until you told me later. By then we were both in medical school. Different ones. I value your friendship higher than any other relationship in my life, Masaharu. But I would be lying if I said that friendship was all I felt for you.”
“Hiroshi...” he breathed. “If things had gone differently during high school, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Niou slightly chuckled as he kept his eyes on the coffee table in front of them. “You know...” he paused, trying to find the right word for a moment. “You know you’re important to me, but, with everything happening with Akaya,” he looked over directly into Yagyuu’s eyes, “I don’t think it’s... right.”
Yagyuu turned in his seat so that he was facing Niou more fully. “Which part isn’t right, Masaharu? That Akaya wants us both? The fact that we...may have some unresolved issues that the two of us need to work out?” He took a deep breath and went for complete honesty. “If I had to choose between you and Akaya, I would pick you. However, if you would prefer Akaya over me...you are my best friend, my partner...former doubles partner, and the one that knows me...often better than I know myself. I will not get in your way. Masaharu...” he let his voice trail off. He did have growing feelings for Akaya, yes. But those were nothing to what he had for Niou. If Niou wanted Akaya, he would step aside. If he wanted Yagyuu, he would give himself on a silver platter to the other. If Niou wanted them both, then Yagyuu would find a way to make that happen as well. If...if he wanted neither, then Yagyuu would still have his best friend, right?
Niou took a deep breath as he leaned back against the couch as he turned to stare at the wall in front of him. He really didn’t know what to do in this situation, since it seems like someone will always end up hurt in the end, no matter what they would decide on. “Hiroshi,” he began, his voice barely above a whisper, “if you were in my position, what would you do?” he asked.
“Masaharu..” Yagyuu repeated. “I...am in your position. We have...feelings between us, plus then there is Akaya, he has feelings for both of us, we each have feelings for him.” Though he did not know how deep Niou’s feelings for either of them went. Yagyuu sighed and slumped a little more. “I don’t want to end up with my heart broken, nor do I want to break yours or Akaya’s.” Confiding in Niou was as easy as ever, so he went on, “I went and spoke to Seiichi about this first, since I felt awkward coming to you about it until I had at least some clue about my own feelings and motivations. He said that...three-way relationships are not unnatural and can work.” He shrugged then, staring at his toes. “I don’t know if that is something we want to try, however.” Yagyuu paused for a long moment, his toes seemingly fascinating him. “No matter what happens, though, I do know this. You are and always will be, my best friend. Nothing will ever change that,” he said, looking back over at Niou, his expression completely unguarded.
Niou kept his eyes on the wall. He opened his mouth to say something, but immediately closed it. “We will always be best friends.” he stated as he paused again. “But....” Nothing came out afterwards. He couldn’t really think of something to say. “I don’t think... I want to be involved with anyone really.”
“...okay,” Yagyuu responded. “Is it...because of what happened? Or school? If I may ask, of course. I will not pressure you to get involved with anyone...even me,” he said with a slight grin, “if you don’t want to.”
Niou gave Yagyuu a slight smile in return. “Sorry, it’s just... doesn’t feel like the right time.” he said. “But don’t let that stop you from being involved with someone else.”
He nodded. “No, I completely understand what you mean. Plus...I really need to get to know someone pretty well before I can relax in their company.” Yagyuu indicated his current state of relaxation. “I think that is a definite prerequisite for anything intimate. But...I might...date. Not for any ulterior motives, but just to be social and practice, as Seiichi says. He’s been trying to get me to do so for a couple of years now.” Then he smiled, slightly slyly. “Hey, Masaharu, want to go on a date with me? See some fireworks, maybe? I hear they’re going on outside tonight...”
Niou chuckled, a part of him was glad that their previous conversation had ended. “Why not?” he shrugged, his smile still on his lips.
Yagyuu smiled more naturally, something he seldom did, and reached for his glasses. “Up on the Top Deck or out on the balcony?” he asked. “We could even take some drinks with us. I have juice, water, some melon ramune, don’t judge, and cans of cold coffee,” he offered, sliding his feet back to the floor and sitting up. His glasses continued to dangle off one finger however.
“Let’s just go to the balcony since we’re here already.” Niou replied. “As for drinks, I don’t really want one.” he shrugged, but other than that, he made no other movement to get up from his seat.
Eyeing the remote on the table, Yagyuu hit a button with a toe, causing the drapes leading to the balcony to open. “We can wait until they start, if you like. I like to keep my dates low key,” he said with a straight face.
Niou laughed. “I forgot that you have almost no experience in such things.” he said, a smirk forming on his lips. He finally stood up and stretched for a brief second before holding out his hand. “Come.”
“Will you give me pointers, then, aibou?” Yagyuu asked, putting his feet on the ground, taking Niou’s hand and standing up. “Hm, holding hands on our first date. I think you might be moving a little fast for me, Masaharu,” he said with a slight smirk of his own. He hooked his glasses in the collar of his shirt and indicated that the other was to proceed him. “After you.”
“I could, but remember, I haven’t dated since high school.” Niou chuckled as he looked at their hands then back at Yagyuu, his smirk never leaving his lips. “I don’t think this is fast, but something like this would be.” he said as he pulled Yagyuu closer to him and grabbing a hold of his chin, pulling slightly downward since Niou was still a tad bit shorter than him.
Yagyuu felt his heart race at Niou’s actions, but he didn’t expect that the other would actually go so far as to kiss him since he knew how much his partner liked to tease, so he only raised an eyebrow and smirked back down at the other in response. “This being....ballroom dancing, perhaps? I don’t think that’s too fast, Masaharu, although don’t we need music?”
Niou shook his head. "Not ballroom dancing." he replied, letting out a small laugh. "Guess again." he said as he pulled Yagyuu close enough to already feel his breath on his lips.
“Is a date really the best time for CPR lessons?” Yagyuu responded, trying to keep his voice steady. Even so, it came out a little softer than his usual. A perverse streak within him, that he privately named, “Niou’s fault,” stirred then and he leaned forward just enough to brush his lips against the other’s, sending a shock through himself, clear to his toes.
Niou’s eyes widened slightly as he pulled back and took a small step from Yagyuu. He had just meant for it to be playfully teasing and wanted to see how far he could go, but didn’t really think that they would actually kiss because of it. “No, dates aren’t the best time for CPR lessons.” he mumbled as he restrained himself from touching his lips. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. “Why... why don’t you go out on the balcony and wait for the fireworks? I’m gonna use your bathroom real quick, okay?”
Now Yagyuu felt a bit guilty that he gave into his wild streak. It wasn’t obvious to anyone except likely him, but he could tell that he had overstepped his bounds. He stepped back as well and walked over to the fridge to pull out a couple of random bottles, likely of juice since he had requested the alcohol removed. “Sure, Masaharu,” he said quietly. “I’ll be outside waiting.” He slid his glasses back on as he headed for the sliding doors.
Niou quickly went to the bathroom, making sure that it didn’t seem like he was sprinting towards it, and closed the door then leaned against it. He took a deep breath to calm himself down and walked over to the sink, resting his hands on the counter. He looked at himself in the mirror, his main focus was on his lips as he could still feel the lingering touch when Yagyuu had kissed him. Something in him was telling him that he wanted more than just that one kiss, but Niou shook his head to clear away such thoughts.
Yagyuu sat the bottles down on the little table and started to walk over to the railing, when he reversed direction and went back inside to quickly grab a blanket. His partner didn’t like the cold much, and if he hadn’t chased the other completely away with his stupid move, Niou might appreciate not sitting out in the breeze, warm though it be right now.
Back outside, Yagyuu placed the blanket on the table and sat on one of the reclining deck chairs to stare up at the darkening sky. Why did he have to go and do something so stupid? Niou had said he wasn’t ready. But Yagyuu had been waiting so many years to do that...the urge had become overwhelming and, with his guard down and the other so close...he lifted his hand and ran a finger over his lips. It had been his first kiss. And now he wanted more, to feel that shock again. But it didn’t take someone like Yanagi to tell Yagyuu that the chances of that were remarkably slim. He just hoped he hadn’t taken his friend’s trust. He removed his glasses again and rubbed his eyes. How could he have been so stupid?
Niou exited the bathroom and went directly outside to the balcony. He placed a hand on Yagyuu’s shoulder from behind a frown appearing face when he saw him. “Hiroshi, don’t think too much about my reaction to that... I was just surprised, that’s all. I shouldn’t have teased you like that.” Niou shook his head as he took the seat across from him. “Sorry.”
He relaxed quite a bit when he felt Niou’s hand on his shoulder. “It’s my fault. I knew you were teasing me. I just...I’m sorry too.” Yagyuu took a deep breath. If Niou was willing to forgive him, he would put it behind him and move on. And try to ignore that part of him that wanted more. “I brought out a blanket if you get chilled. Hopefully the fireworks will start soon. I know that Atobe-kun will not resist the urge to spell his name out in lights, but hopefully the rest of the show will be worth it.” He smiled a little at Niou, then cracked open one of the juices.
Niou laughed as he leaned back against his chair. “That would be Atobe for you.” he commented as he looked out at the starry skies. “Even if it doesn’t start soon, the stars are nice to look at.”
“They are.” Yagyuu let the silence wrap around them. It had been a long time since he had been able to just sit and enjoy his best friend’s company without any distractions or crisis going on. He had missed it more than he had thought. He sipped his juice and divided his attention between the starry sky and Niou’s profile.
Niou just kept his focus on the sky, not noticing whenever Yagyuu would look at him. Since he had always lived in the city, it was almost impossible to see the stars there and this was definitely a nice change. His eyes scanned the sky, looking at every star to see if he can make something out from them though he didn’t know much about constellations. After a while, he felt a chill run down his spine and he grabbed the blanket. “If you get cold too, you can always join me.” Niou said as he wrapped himself in the blanket.
Standing up, Yagyuu moved over to where Niou was sitting and curled up next to him. “You only love me for my body heat,” he teased, echoing a conversation they’d had when they were much younger. But he had to admit, the warmth was nice. He wrapped his arms around the other and went back to staring at the sky, now that he couldn’t steal glances at Niou anymore. Although considering the trade off, he was not complaining.
“Of course~ It’s one of your most redeeming qualities.” Niou teased him back. He shifted in his seat a little so that he can wrapped his own arms around the gentleman’s waist and leaned his cheek on his shoulder. “Hey, Hiroshi.” Niou called out in a whisper.
Smiling into Niou’s hair, Yagyuu whispered back, “Yes, Masaharu?”
Niou shrugged. “I don’t know; I just want to stay like this for a bit.” He really felt comforted while holding onto Yagyuu and he didn’t want to lose that anytime soon. As Niou thought about it, he felt like he should have kept in touch with Yagyuu more than just once a month and he probably will once this cruise is over.
Yagyuu’s smile widened and he tightened his arms briefly. “We can stay here as long as you want,” he said. “We’re warm, dry, comfortable and no one is likely to bother us.” He felt like he could hold Niou like this for...a very long time. He rested his cheek on Niou’s hair. Did the other always smell that good?
Niou opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, they heard a loud bang and he pulled away to see fireworks in sky. “It’s starting.” he commented as he tried to hide the little excitement he had to see fireworks again, but also the disappointment of moving a little out of his comfortable spot to see the show.
The fireworks were certainly beautiful, but Yagyuu was frankly more enthralled with the man in his arms. He rearranged them a bit so Niou didn't have to crane his neck to see the show and he didn't have to give up his hold on the other. “They're quite spectacular,” he said, watching the dazzling display.
“Mmhmm.” The fireworks was quite amazing, not less than expected from Atobe, but Niou’s mind wavered to the man holding him a lot. He looked over to Yagyuu and watched as the fireworks helped to enhance his facial features.
Warm, happy, comfortable. One of his hands was gently rubbing Niou's back and he lacked the desire to stop it. The lights sparkled and flashed in the sky and Yagyuu stole a glance at the other, wanting to see the lights reflecting off that silver hair.
With Yagyuu rubbing his back, any restraint he had to do anything began to loosen. Niou took a deep breath to clear his mind and tried to focus back on the show, even though he was miserably failing.
Aside from the crack and sparkle of the fireworks above them, there was little other noise besides the two of them breathing. Yagyuu heard Niou take a deep breath and whispered to him, “Am I holding you too tight?” His words ruffled the other's hair a bit. He didn’t want to let go, but if need be he could loosen his grip.
“No, you’re not.” Niou replied. Nothing was really helping him from doing something. He wondered if it was because they’d been away for a while that was causing him to be the way he is right now. Probably. “Hiroshi.”
“Mm, yes, Masaharu?” Yagyuu answered. He was glad he didn't have to let go just yet.
Whatever mental battle Niou had in his mind... had definitely end in his defeat. “Close your eyes for a bit.”
Yagyuu didn’t hesitate, he shut his eyes for Niou, not caring as much about the fireworks in the sky. “All right.”
Niou moved a little to stare at the gentleman’s face before leaning in and stealing a quick kiss from him. Before he could get a reaction from Yagyuu, Niou had already turned his focus back to the show, feeling a bit better than he was before.
A flood of sparkly warmth ran through Yagyuu, as if one of the rockets had gone off inside of him. He smiled as he opened his eyes again, his arms tightening around Niou for a moment. “Nice fireworks, Masaharu,” he said softly. He leaned his head against Niou’s and watched the sky.
Niou took a quick glance at Yagyuu and nodded. “It is.” he commented, referring to both the kiss and the show. They stayed like at for rest of the show and near the end, Niou turned away and sighed. “And there goes Atobe’s name in lights.”
“Flashy,” Yagyuu commented. He didn’t want to move, to be honest. He was warm, comfortable and had his best friend by his side. Not to mention in his arms.
The longer they sat there like that, the more awkward Niou felt, though it wasn’t because he didn’t like to be held by Yagyuu. “Hiroshi,” he paused for a bit, “we should go.”
“Mm, all right,” Yagyuu said reluctantly. He untangled himself slowly from around Niou and sat up on the side of the chair. “Do you have to leave so soon?” he asked, mentally rolling his eyes at how that sounded.
Niou smirked a little. “I don’t have to leave.” he stated. “But, I’d rather get off this balcony now.” He stood up, stretching a bit.
Yagyuu picked up the blanket and stood as well. He grabbed the two bottles he had left on the table, then opened the door to his room. “After you.”
Niou entered the room then turned around to face Yagyuu. “What should we do now?” he asked. “This is still our ‘date.’”
“What else does one do on a date?” Yagyuu asked, adjusting his glasses. “We’ve had dinner. And a show. It’s rather late for miniature golf. I could invite you to sit on the porch swing with me and hold hands...but honestly I think we just did that,” he said with a slight laugh. “Would you like to sit on the couch and make awkward conversation, perhaps?”
A lot of ideas came to Niou’s mind as to what he would usually do whenever he was on a date with someone, but he decided that those should be kept secret. “Okay, awkward conversations it is!” he chuckled as he moved over and sat on the couch then patted the seat next to him. “Come.”
With another laugh, Yagyuu sat down on the couch next to Niou so that their shoulders were touching. “Which awkward topic should we discuss, then?” He paused for a moment, then added, “If we can’t think of one, I have discovered that I enjoy kissing. Unless that statement counts as an awkward topic all of its own.”
Niou blinked. A part of him wanted to interpret that as some sort of... invitation, but he decided to push back those thoughts once again. “That really is an awkward topic already.” he mumbled.
Yagyuu lost his smile and stared down at his fingers, resting on his knee. “Ah. Well, perhaps a different topic then? Tennis, perhaps?”
“Tennis, huh?” Niou leaned back against the couch as he looked at the ceiling. “When was the last time you played, Hiroshi?”
“A few months ago. Seiichi and I play once in a while to keep my skills from rusting too much. He crushes me, of course, but he usually buys me a lemonade and sits with me until my senses return,” Yagyuu said. “You haven’t played since high school, have you?” That wasn’t really a question.
Niou sighed. “I don’t even have a racket anymore since then. I do miss playing it though.” he said as he turned his head towards Yagyuu. “That reminds me, Jirou wants a doubles match against us, but I don’t know.”
“I’ve seen the tennis shop here. Atobe-kun went all out. Your favorite racket and shoes are both available,” Yagyuu said. He nodded at the idea of a doubles match. “You are hesitant because you don’t want to lose? Only way to get back into playing is to actually play, Masaharu. I would be happy to work on some basics with you, but your style was always more mental than physical...that part will have to come from within.” He smiled at his friend. “But we never had to rely on that silly synchro, I think once we start playing together again it will be only our physical condition that will slow us down.” He felt a surge of rightness at the idea of playing with his best friend again. He didn’t want to push the other, but he felt that it would be a major step forward for Niou.
“Of course I don’t want to lose, but I don’t know if I can live up to our old title of Platinum Pair in a tennis match.” Niou slightly laughed. “Thanks for the offer, but Jackal had already asked before to run drills with me later. Maybe afterwards, we can play, hm?”
Yagyuu felt a small pang that Niou would prefer to run drills with Jackal-kun, but told himself that it made sense, Jackal-kun was a professional, after all. “I will look forward to it. I’m not certain that I am in any way capable of upholding our former title either, mind you. I will practice as well so that I don’t let you down. Just...don’t put it off too long. This cruise won’t last forever, you know,” he said with a small smile, teasing Niou a bit. Maybe he would ask Seiichi-kun or Kirihara-kun for help for himself.
This cruise won’t last forever. Niou already knew that it wouldn’t, since nothing can ever last forever, but those words made him feel... a bit uneasy now. “I won’t... I’ll start practicing soon.”
“Sounds good.” Sitting like that was indeed awkward, topic or no. How had they drifted so far apart? Was it simply time and distance? Yagyuu sighed, just a little. He really did miss how it was in junior high, to be honest. “How goes your studies? And your visits to the children’s wards?”
“They’re good, I guess, and I do enjoy going to see the children there.” Niou smiled a little. “It’s nicer there than anywhere else.” He paused, there was something that he wanted to ask Yagyuu for a while now, even before they had gotten on this cruise, and Yagyuu was the only person he can ask. Niou leaned over and rested his head against Yagyuu’s shoulder. “Hiroshi, can you do me a favor when we leave this cruise?”
Yagyuu tilted his head a bit to look down at the other. “Absolutely. What do you need, Masaharu?” Niou’s head was warm and comforting against his shoulder.
Niou opened his mouth to say something, but the words didn’t come out like he wanted to. Of all the people he knew, Yagyuu was the only one he could depend on for this. He took a deep breath. “Come see her with me. It’s been over a year and I don’t want to go alone.” he whispered.
He didn’t have to ask who Niou was referring to. “I would be honored, Masaharu. I will tell her of all the good things you have been up to, since I know you don’t like talking about yourself.” Yagyuu rested his head on top of the other’s. He was touched that Niou asked him. He had thought of going by himself, but hadn’t felt right doing so.
Niou chuckled a little. “Thanks. She always did like you better.” He smiled a little. It was always nice to him to be able to talk to Yagyuu about this. “We’ll go as soon as we get back, okay?”
“Absolutely. It was tiger lilies, right? Or is that your sister?” he asked. “And she didn’t like me better. I’m positive she knew you were pretending to be me when she said that.” He smiled a little against the other’s hair. “Speaking of such things, I don’t suppose you would be interested in a small prank, for old time’s sake, would you?”
“No, those are nee-san’s favorite; kaa-san liked the stargazer lilies.” Niou laughed, but then he went quiet. “Hiroshi, after that prank this morning, I don’t think this would be the best time to do something, don’t you think?” he frowned a little.
“Not that kind of prank, I assure you,” Yagyuu said. “I was not thinking immediately either. I...sort of convinced Momoshiro that I could read his mind, so he is a little leery of me. I thought walking toward him, splitting off and walking around him to either side, might give him a start. Perhaps just before the boat docks on our way back, if you want?” Unlike the alarm that morning, this would be a harmless prank, the kind they used to prefer back in junior high. He frowned. “No one is blaming you for the prank this morning are they? I know Akaya-kun offered to smack people with his cane for you, if so. I cannot offer anything as eloquent as that, but I do not appreciate it when you are blamed for something you didn’t do. Unless I did it. But that was junior high and I had to watch you in detention anyway,” he said, watching the silver hair move as he spoke.
“To think that the gentleman, Yagyuu Hiroshi, would become more of a trickster than I; times has sure changed..” Niou laughed a little. “And no. No one has outright blamed me for this morning, but I can tell that some people are thinking it. I was the infamous trickster of Rikkai.”
Yagyuu moved his arm so they were both hopefully more comfortable. “I think some people have suspected me for years, although I always denied it. I’m...starting to try to loosen up, a little. I can be less stiff and still be the Gentleman, right?” The capital letter was definitely present in how he spoke. “And anyone who suspects you...well, your reputation did tend to blow the reality out of proportion, so I suppose those who don’t bother looking past the surface might jump to that conclusion, the idiots. Although, if you had done it...it would have been done so much better,” he said with a rare grin.
“I always knew you were, since the first time you became me... or maybe even before that.” Niou chuckled a little. “Though people had always said that I was a bad influence on you, it wasn’t like that at all.” He paused for a moment, debating on whether to say what he wanted to say next. “I... I like this Hiroshi better.” he mumbled as he looked somewhere else, but turned back when he saw Yagyuu grinned from the corner of his eye. And I like it better when you smile or laugh. But he was never going to admit to that out loud... not now anyways. “Of course it would have been better if I had done it. Since ore-sama is the best.” He impersonated Atobe’s voice in the end, just for the heck of it... though a part of him hoped that it would make the other laugh, even a little would have been nice. The thought later came to him that impersonating Atobe might not get him the result that he wanted, but too late now.
Hearing Atobe’s pretentious tones come out of his best friend’s mouth made Yagyuu laugh, which he covered up with an unconvincing cough. “You do his voice better than he does,” Yagyuu said, still smiling. He knew he was blushing a little at Niou’s compliment. “And I would say you were a good influence on me...if it weren’t for you, I’d still be living trapped in my perfect little world, or at least, what I thought was perfect. I...would hate to think of the person I would be, if we had never met,” he admitted quietly. “Not to mention all the fun I would have missed out on,” he added, trying to keep the mood lighter. “You are one in a trillion, Masaharu-sama.” His grin came back for a moment and he gave his friend a loud kiss on the forehead.
Niou felt himself really smile when he heard Yagyuu laugh, but he immediately became surprised by the kiss on his forehead. Sitting up a bit, Niou touched his forehead. Before his mind could register anything, he reached over, grabbed the front of Yagyuu's shirt and pulled him close. “I think you did it wrong.” he commented before pressing his lips on the other’s.
Yagyuu gasped at Niou’s grab, but didn’t protest at the kiss. To the contrary, he kissed back as best as he knew how. His head knew what Niou had said about not being ready, but his heart didn’t care. Besides, Niou was correct, he had done it wrong. This was the right way.
It was when Yagyuu had kissed him back did Niou finally realize the position he had gotten himself in. He abruptly broke the kiss and stood up. “I should go.” he said, ignoring the tiny voice in his head telling him to stay. He turned to Yagyuu, giving him the best smile he could conjure up at the moment. “Thanks for tonight; I had fun.”
“As did I,” Yagyuu said, hoping he covered up his disappointment well enough the other could ignore it; although Niou was rather insightful. As rude as it was, he did not get up to see the other to the door, wanting to avoid any awkwardness. Niou had been forthright and honest with him, he had to respect that. “Have a good night’s sleep, Masaharu.”
Niou sighed a little as he ruffled his own hair a bit. He could tell that Yagyuu felt disappointed by how he ended things, even though the other tried to cover it up. Niou bent down a little, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Maybe... some other time.” He gave Yagyuu a slight smile before leaving him alone in his cabin.
Location: Yagyuu’s cabin
Time: The day of the Rikkai Dinner and Fireworks
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Old friends talk
After the Rikkai dinner, Yagyuu invited Niou-kun back to his room to talk. “We can decide if we want to go find a private place to watch the fireworks or go up to the Top Deck with everyone else, afterward,” he said. “Unless you do not have a burning urge to see Atobe’s name in lights, that is.”
Niou chuckled as he glanced over to his former partner. “I’m pretty sure that we can still see the firework show from any room. We’ll just go on your balcony to watch it, if you want to do that?”
“Sounds perfectly fine to me,” Yagyuu said. He walked along next to his best friend and former partner until they reached his room, then opened the door for Niou-kun. “Please, make yourself comfortable. May I get you a beverage?” he asked politely.
Niou shook his head. “I’m fine.” he said. “Now, it’s only the two of us; you know that you don’t have to be polite in front of me.” He patted Yagyuu on the shoulder before taking a seat on the couch. “Just relax~”
Yagyuu placed his glasses on the coffee table, then slumped down on the couch next to Niou, leaning his head against the back of the couch. “Finally.” After a moment, though, he turned his head to look at his best friend. “How are you doing, Masaharu-kun?”
“Just drop the honorifics in all, will ya?” Niou smirked for a second before he shrugged. “Okay. How are you holding up?”
There was an almost identical smirk on Yagyuu’s face for a moment. “Sure, Masaharu.” He then put his feet up on the coffee table and wiggled his toes. “Well, I’m not currently nose deep in a textbook studying for a test, so I have to say that I am definitely better than last week. However,” he looked at his friend, “there is Akaya...”
Niou laughed at Yagyuu’s actions. “I hear ya.” he said but at the mention of Akaya, he became expressionless. “I heard he has a thing for you.” he commented and gave Yagyuu a thumbs up. “You should go for it.”
Yagyuu raised an eyebrow. “Really, because I was telling him that if he had a thing for you, he should go for it and I would step aside.” Then he rolled his eyes. “He told me we were both missing the point.”
Niou kept silent for a bit. “He... wants both of us, I believe.” he said then shook his head. “But, it’ll just be better for everyone if you sought after him. You guys would make a cute couple.” he teased with a smirk on his lips.
“Really?” Yagyuu said. “I was thinking the exact same thing about the two of you.” He paused for a moment, looking up at the ceiling. “He wants both of us, huh? But you...aren’t interested in me in that way, I suppose.” He held his breath subtly, wondering what his always unpredictable former partner would say.
Niou looked down at the floor in silence. He would be lying if he said he wasn't attracted to Yagyuu, or even that he thought a while back that something could come from them, but those thoughts were pushed back a long time ago and now with this happening, he knew that it would be best to not pursue the other anyway. Niou shrugged. "What difference does it make?" he asked. "Like I told Akaya, I'm not going to get myself involved in this."
“If...if things had gone differently in High School,” Yagyuu said, his voice low and hesitant, “do you think that...our friendship might have developed into something...more?” He turned his head to look at Niou. “I never said anything, because I figured you didn’t need that stress added onto what you were already going through. Yes, I could tell that something was going on,” he told the other, “I just didn’t get the details until you told me later. By then we were both in medical school. Different ones. I value your friendship higher than any other relationship in my life, Masaharu. But I would be lying if I said that friendship was all I felt for you.”
“Hiroshi...” he breathed. “If things had gone differently during high school, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Niou slightly chuckled as he kept his eyes on the coffee table in front of them. “You know...” he paused, trying to find the right word for a moment. “You know you’re important to me, but, with everything happening with Akaya,” he looked over directly into Yagyuu’s eyes, “I don’t think it’s... right.”
Yagyuu turned in his seat so that he was facing Niou more fully. “Which part isn’t right, Masaharu? That Akaya wants us both? The fact that we...may have some unresolved issues that the two of us need to work out?” He took a deep breath and went for complete honesty. “If I had to choose between you and Akaya, I would pick you. However, if you would prefer Akaya over me...you are my best friend, my partner...former doubles partner, and the one that knows me...often better than I know myself. I will not get in your way. Masaharu...” he let his voice trail off. He did have growing feelings for Akaya, yes. But those were nothing to what he had for Niou. If Niou wanted Akaya, he would step aside. If he wanted Yagyuu, he would give himself on a silver platter to the other. If Niou wanted them both, then Yagyuu would find a way to make that happen as well. If...if he wanted neither, then Yagyuu would still have his best friend, right?
Niou took a deep breath as he leaned back against the couch as he turned to stare at the wall in front of him. He really didn’t know what to do in this situation, since it seems like someone will always end up hurt in the end, no matter what they would decide on. “Hiroshi,” he began, his voice barely above a whisper, “if you were in my position, what would you do?” he asked.
“Masaharu..” Yagyuu repeated. “I...am in your position. We have...feelings between us, plus then there is Akaya, he has feelings for both of us, we each have feelings for him.” Though he did not know how deep Niou’s feelings for either of them went. Yagyuu sighed and slumped a little more. “I don’t want to end up with my heart broken, nor do I want to break yours or Akaya’s.” Confiding in Niou was as easy as ever, so he went on, “I went and spoke to Seiichi about this first, since I felt awkward coming to you about it until I had at least some clue about my own feelings and motivations. He said that...three-way relationships are not unnatural and can work.” He shrugged then, staring at his toes. “I don’t know if that is something we want to try, however.” Yagyuu paused for a long moment, his toes seemingly fascinating him. “No matter what happens, though, I do know this. You are and always will be, my best friend. Nothing will ever change that,” he said, looking back over at Niou, his expression completely unguarded.
Niou kept his eyes on the wall. He opened his mouth to say something, but immediately closed it. “We will always be best friends.” he stated as he paused again. “But....” Nothing came out afterwards. He couldn’t really think of something to say. “I don’t think... I want to be involved with anyone really.”
“...okay,” Yagyuu responded. “Is it...because of what happened? Or school? If I may ask, of course. I will not pressure you to get involved with anyone...even me,” he said with a slight grin, “if you don’t want to.”
Niou gave Yagyuu a slight smile in return. “Sorry, it’s just... doesn’t feel like the right time.” he said. “But don’t let that stop you from being involved with someone else.”
He nodded. “No, I completely understand what you mean. Plus...I really need to get to know someone pretty well before I can relax in their company.” Yagyuu indicated his current state of relaxation. “I think that is a definite prerequisite for anything intimate. But...I might...date. Not for any ulterior motives, but just to be social and practice, as Seiichi says. He’s been trying to get me to do so for a couple of years now.” Then he smiled, slightly slyly. “Hey, Masaharu, want to go on a date with me? See some fireworks, maybe? I hear they’re going on outside tonight...”
Niou chuckled, a part of him was glad that their previous conversation had ended. “Why not?” he shrugged, his smile still on his lips.
Yagyuu smiled more naturally, something he seldom did, and reached for his glasses. “Up on the Top Deck or out on the balcony?” he asked. “We could even take some drinks with us. I have juice, water, some melon ramune, don’t judge, and cans of cold coffee,” he offered, sliding his feet back to the floor and sitting up. His glasses continued to dangle off one finger however.
“Let’s just go to the balcony since we’re here already.” Niou replied. “As for drinks, I don’t really want one.” he shrugged, but other than that, he made no other movement to get up from his seat.
Eyeing the remote on the table, Yagyuu hit a button with a toe, causing the drapes leading to the balcony to open. “We can wait until they start, if you like. I like to keep my dates low key,” he said with a straight face.
Niou laughed. “I forgot that you have almost no experience in such things.” he said, a smirk forming on his lips. He finally stood up and stretched for a brief second before holding out his hand. “Come.”
“Will you give me pointers, then, aibou?” Yagyuu asked, putting his feet on the ground, taking Niou’s hand and standing up. “Hm, holding hands on our first date. I think you might be moving a little fast for me, Masaharu,” he said with a slight smirk of his own. He hooked his glasses in the collar of his shirt and indicated that the other was to proceed him. “After you.”
“I could, but remember, I haven’t dated since high school.” Niou chuckled as he looked at their hands then back at Yagyuu, his smirk never leaving his lips. “I don’t think this is fast, but something like this would be.” he said as he pulled Yagyuu closer to him and grabbing a hold of his chin, pulling slightly downward since Niou was still a tad bit shorter than him.
Yagyuu felt his heart race at Niou’s actions, but he didn’t expect that the other would actually go so far as to kiss him since he knew how much his partner liked to tease, so he only raised an eyebrow and smirked back down at the other in response. “This being....ballroom dancing, perhaps? I don’t think that’s too fast, Masaharu, although don’t we need music?”
Niou shook his head. "Not ballroom dancing." he replied, letting out a small laugh. "Guess again." he said as he pulled Yagyuu close enough to already feel his breath on his lips.
“Is a date really the best time for CPR lessons?” Yagyuu responded, trying to keep his voice steady. Even so, it came out a little softer than his usual. A perverse streak within him, that he privately named, “Niou’s fault,” stirred then and he leaned forward just enough to brush his lips against the other’s, sending a shock through himself, clear to his toes.
Niou’s eyes widened slightly as he pulled back and took a small step from Yagyuu. He had just meant for it to be playfully teasing and wanted to see how far he could go, but didn’t really think that they would actually kiss because of it. “No, dates aren’t the best time for CPR lessons.” he mumbled as he restrained himself from touching his lips. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. “Why... why don’t you go out on the balcony and wait for the fireworks? I’m gonna use your bathroom real quick, okay?”
Now Yagyuu felt a bit guilty that he gave into his wild streak. It wasn’t obvious to anyone except likely him, but he could tell that he had overstepped his bounds. He stepped back as well and walked over to the fridge to pull out a couple of random bottles, likely of juice since he had requested the alcohol removed. “Sure, Masaharu,” he said quietly. “I’ll be outside waiting.” He slid his glasses back on as he headed for the sliding doors.
Niou quickly went to the bathroom, making sure that it didn’t seem like he was sprinting towards it, and closed the door then leaned against it. He took a deep breath to calm himself down and walked over to the sink, resting his hands on the counter. He looked at himself in the mirror, his main focus was on his lips as he could still feel the lingering touch when Yagyuu had kissed him. Something in him was telling him that he wanted more than just that one kiss, but Niou shook his head to clear away such thoughts.
Yagyuu sat the bottles down on the little table and started to walk over to the railing, when he reversed direction and went back inside to quickly grab a blanket. His partner didn’t like the cold much, and if he hadn’t chased the other completely away with his stupid move, Niou might appreciate not sitting out in the breeze, warm though it be right now.
Back outside, Yagyuu placed the blanket on the table and sat on one of the reclining deck chairs to stare up at the darkening sky. Why did he have to go and do something so stupid? Niou had said he wasn’t ready. But Yagyuu had been waiting so many years to do that...the urge had become overwhelming and, with his guard down and the other so close...he lifted his hand and ran a finger over his lips. It had been his first kiss. And now he wanted more, to feel that shock again. But it didn’t take someone like Yanagi to tell Yagyuu that the chances of that were remarkably slim. He just hoped he hadn’t taken his friend’s trust. He removed his glasses again and rubbed his eyes. How could he have been so stupid?
Niou exited the bathroom and went directly outside to the balcony. He placed a hand on Yagyuu’s shoulder from behind a frown appearing face when he saw him. “Hiroshi, don’t think too much about my reaction to that... I was just surprised, that’s all. I shouldn’t have teased you like that.” Niou shook his head as he took the seat across from him. “Sorry.”
He relaxed quite a bit when he felt Niou’s hand on his shoulder. “It’s my fault. I knew you were teasing me. I just...I’m sorry too.” Yagyuu took a deep breath. If Niou was willing to forgive him, he would put it behind him and move on. And try to ignore that part of him that wanted more. “I brought out a blanket if you get chilled. Hopefully the fireworks will start soon. I know that Atobe-kun will not resist the urge to spell his name out in lights, but hopefully the rest of the show will be worth it.” He smiled a little at Niou, then cracked open one of the juices.
Niou laughed as he leaned back against his chair. “That would be Atobe for you.” he commented as he looked out at the starry skies. “Even if it doesn’t start soon, the stars are nice to look at.”
“They are.” Yagyuu let the silence wrap around them. It had been a long time since he had been able to just sit and enjoy his best friend’s company without any distractions or crisis going on. He had missed it more than he had thought. He sipped his juice and divided his attention between the starry sky and Niou’s profile.
Niou just kept his focus on the sky, not noticing whenever Yagyuu would look at him. Since he had always lived in the city, it was almost impossible to see the stars there and this was definitely a nice change. His eyes scanned the sky, looking at every star to see if he can make something out from them though he didn’t know much about constellations. After a while, he felt a chill run down his spine and he grabbed the blanket. “If you get cold too, you can always join me.” Niou said as he wrapped himself in the blanket.
Standing up, Yagyuu moved over to where Niou was sitting and curled up next to him. “You only love me for my body heat,” he teased, echoing a conversation they’d had when they were much younger. But he had to admit, the warmth was nice. He wrapped his arms around the other and went back to staring at the sky, now that he couldn’t steal glances at Niou anymore. Although considering the trade off, he was not complaining.
“Of course~ It’s one of your most redeeming qualities.” Niou teased him back. He shifted in his seat a little so that he can wrapped his own arms around the gentleman’s waist and leaned his cheek on his shoulder. “Hey, Hiroshi.” Niou called out in a whisper.
Smiling into Niou’s hair, Yagyuu whispered back, “Yes, Masaharu?”
Niou shrugged. “I don’t know; I just want to stay like this for a bit.” He really felt comforted while holding onto Yagyuu and he didn’t want to lose that anytime soon. As Niou thought about it, he felt like he should have kept in touch with Yagyuu more than just once a month and he probably will once this cruise is over.
Yagyuu’s smile widened and he tightened his arms briefly. “We can stay here as long as you want,” he said. “We’re warm, dry, comfortable and no one is likely to bother us.” He felt like he could hold Niou like this for...a very long time. He rested his cheek on Niou’s hair. Did the other always smell that good?
Niou opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, they heard a loud bang and he pulled away to see fireworks in sky. “It’s starting.” he commented as he tried to hide the little excitement he had to see fireworks again, but also the disappointment of moving a little out of his comfortable spot to see the show.
The fireworks were certainly beautiful, but Yagyuu was frankly more enthralled with the man in his arms. He rearranged them a bit so Niou didn't have to crane his neck to see the show and he didn't have to give up his hold on the other. “They're quite spectacular,” he said, watching the dazzling display.
“Mmhmm.” The fireworks was quite amazing, not less than expected from Atobe, but Niou’s mind wavered to the man holding him a lot. He looked over to Yagyuu and watched as the fireworks helped to enhance his facial features.
Warm, happy, comfortable. One of his hands was gently rubbing Niou's back and he lacked the desire to stop it. The lights sparkled and flashed in the sky and Yagyuu stole a glance at the other, wanting to see the lights reflecting off that silver hair.
With Yagyuu rubbing his back, any restraint he had to do anything began to loosen. Niou took a deep breath to clear his mind and tried to focus back on the show, even though he was miserably failing.
Aside from the crack and sparkle of the fireworks above them, there was little other noise besides the two of them breathing. Yagyuu heard Niou take a deep breath and whispered to him, “Am I holding you too tight?” His words ruffled the other's hair a bit. He didn’t want to let go, but if need be he could loosen his grip.
“No, you’re not.” Niou replied. Nothing was really helping him from doing something. He wondered if it was because they’d been away for a while that was causing him to be the way he is right now. Probably. “Hiroshi.”
“Mm, yes, Masaharu?” Yagyuu answered. He was glad he didn't have to let go just yet.
Whatever mental battle Niou had in his mind... had definitely end in his defeat. “Close your eyes for a bit.”
Yagyuu didn’t hesitate, he shut his eyes for Niou, not caring as much about the fireworks in the sky. “All right.”
Niou moved a little to stare at the gentleman’s face before leaning in and stealing a quick kiss from him. Before he could get a reaction from Yagyuu, Niou had already turned his focus back to the show, feeling a bit better than he was before.
A flood of sparkly warmth ran through Yagyuu, as if one of the rockets had gone off inside of him. He smiled as he opened his eyes again, his arms tightening around Niou for a moment. “Nice fireworks, Masaharu,” he said softly. He leaned his head against Niou’s and watched the sky.
Niou took a quick glance at Yagyuu and nodded. “It is.” he commented, referring to both the kiss and the show. They stayed like at for rest of the show and near the end, Niou turned away and sighed. “And there goes Atobe’s name in lights.”
“Flashy,” Yagyuu commented. He didn’t want to move, to be honest. He was warm, comfortable and had his best friend by his side. Not to mention in his arms.
The longer they sat there like that, the more awkward Niou felt, though it wasn’t because he didn’t like to be held by Yagyuu. “Hiroshi,” he paused for a bit, “we should go.”
“Mm, all right,” Yagyuu said reluctantly. He untangled himself slowly from around Niou and sat up on the side of the chair. “Do you have to leave so soon?” he asked, mentally rolling his eyes at how that sounded.
Niou smirked a little. “I don’t have to leave.” he stated. “But, I’d rather get off this balcony now.” He stood up, stretching a bit.
Yagyuu picked up the blanket and stood as well. He grabbed the two bottles he had left on the table, then opened the door to his room. “After you.”
Niou entered the room then turned around to face Yagyuu. “What should we do now?” he asked. “This is still our ‘date.’”
“What else does one do on a date?” Yagyuu asked, adjusting his glasses. “We’ve had dinner. And a show. It’s rather late for miniature golf. I could invite you to sit on the porch swing with me and hold hands...but honestly I think we just did that,” he said with a slight laugh. “Would you like to sit on the couch and make awkward conversation, perhaps?”
A lot of ideas came to Niou’s mind as to what he would usually do whenever he was on a date with someone, but he decided that those should be kept secret. “Okay, awkward conversations it is!” he chuckled as he moved over and sat on the couch then patted the seat next to him. “Come.”
With another laugh, Yagyuu sat down on the couch next to Niou so that their shoulders were touching. “Which awkward topic should we discuss, then?” He paused for a moment, then added, “If we can’t think of one, I have discovered that I enjoy kissing. Unless that statement counts as an awkward topic all of its own.”
Niou blinked. A part of him wanted to interpret that as some sort of... invitation, but he decided to push back those thoughts once again. “That really is an awkward topic already.” he mumbled.
Yagyuu lost his smile and stared down at his fingers, resting on his knee. “Ah. Well, perhaps a different topic then? Tennis, perhaps?”
“Tennis, huh?” Niou leaned back against the couch as he looked at the ceiling. “When was the last time you played, Hiroshi?”
“A few months ago. Seiichi and I play once in a while to keep my skills from rusting too much. He crushes me, of course, but he usually buys me a lemonade and sits with me until my senses return,” Yagyuu said. “You haven’t played since high school, have you?” That wasn’t really a question.
Niou sighed. “I don’t even have a racket anymore since then. I do miss playing it though.” he said as he turned his head towards Yagyuu. “That reminds me, Jirou wants a doubles match against us, but I don’t know.”
“I’ve seen the tennis shop here. Atobe-kun went all out. Your favorite racket and shoes are both available,” Yagyuu said. He nodded at the idea of a doubles match. “You are hesitant because you don’t want to lose? Only way to get back into playing is to actually play, Masaharu. I would be happy to work on some basics with you, but your style was always more mental than physical...that part will have to come from within.” He smiled at his friend. “But we never had to rely on that silly synchro, I think once we start playing together again it will be only our physical condition that will slow us down.” He felt a surge of rightness at the idea of playing with his best friend again. He didn’t want to push the other, but he felt that it would be a major step forward for Niou.
“Of course I don’t want to lose, but I don’t know if I can live up to our old title of Platinum Pair in a tennis match.” Niou slightly laughed. “Thanks for the offer, but Jackal had already asked before to run drills with me later. Maybe afterwards, we can play, hm?”
Yagyuu felt a small pang that Niou would prefer to run drills with Jackal-kun, but told himself that it made sense, Jackal-kun was a professional, after all. “I will look forward to it. I’m not certain that I am in any way capable of upholding our former title either, mind you. I will practice as well so that I don’t let you down. Just...don’t put it off too long. This cruise won’t last forever, you know,” he said with a small smile, teasing Niou a bit. Maybe he would ask Seiichi-kun or Kirihara-kun for help for himself.
This cruise won’t last forever. Niou already knew that it wouldn’t, since nothing can ever last forever, but those words made him feel... a bit uneasy now. “I won’t... I’ll start practicing soon.”
“Sounds good.” Sitting like that was indeed awkward, topic or no. How had they drifted so far apart? Was it simply time and distance? Yagyuu sighed, just a little. He really did miss how it was in junior high, to be honest. “How goes your studies? And your visits to the children’s wards?”
“They’re good, I guess, and I do enjoy going to see the children there.” Niou smiled a little. “It’s nicer there than anywhere else.” He paused, there was something that he wanted to ask Yagyuu for a while now, even before they had gotten on this cruise, and Yagyuu was the only person he can ask. Niou leaned over and rested his head against Yagyuu’s shoulder. “Hiroshi, can you do me a favor when we leave this cruise?”
Yagyuu tilted his head a bit to look down at the other. “Absolutely. What do you need, Masaharu?” Niou’s head was warm and comforting against his shoulder.
Niou opened his mouth to say something, but the words didn’t come out like he wanted to. Of all the people he knew, Yagyuu was the only one he could depend on for this. He took a deep breath. “Come see her with me. It’s been over a year and I don’t want to go alone.” he whispered.
He didn’t have to ask who Niou was referring to. “I would be honored, Masaharu. I will tell her of all the good things you have been up to, since I know you don’t like talking about yourself.” Yagyuu rested his head on top of the other’s. He was touched that Niou asked him. He had thought of going by himself, but hadn’t felt right doing so.
Niou chuckled a little. “Thanks. She always did like you better.” He smiled a little. It was always nice to him to be able to talk to Yagyuu about this. “We’ll go as soon as we get back, okay?”
“Absolutely. It was tiger lilies, right? Or is that your sister?” he asked. “And she didn’t like me better. I’m positive she knew you were pretending to be me when she said that.” He smiled a little against the other’s hair. “Speaking of such things, I don’t suppose you would be interested in a small prank, for old time’s sake, would you?”
“No, those are nee-san’s favorite; kaa-san liked the stargazer lilies.” Niou laughed, but then he went quiet. “Hiroshi, after that prank this morning, I don’t think this would be the best time to do something, don’t you think?” he frowned a little.
“Not that kind of prank, I assure you,” Yagyuu said. “I was not thinking immediately either. I...sort of convinced Momoshiro that I could read his mind, so he is a little leery of me. I thought walking toward him, splitting off and walking around him to either side, might give him a start. Perhaps just before the boat docks on our way back, if you want?” Unlike the alarm that morning, this would be a harmless prank, the kind they used to prefer back in junior high. He frowned. “No one is blaming you for the prank this morning are they? I know Akaya-kun offered to smack people with his cane for you, if so. I cannot offer anything as eloquent as that, but I do not appreciate it when you are blamed for something you didn’t do. Unless I did it. But that was junior high and I had to watch you in detention anyway,” he said, watching the silver hair move as he spoke.
“To think that the gentleman, Yagyuu Hiroshi, would become more of a trickster than I; times has sure changed..” Niou laughed a little. “And no. No one has outright blamed me for this morning, but I can tell that some people are thinking it. I was the infamous trickster of Rikkai.”
Yagyuu moved his arm so they were both hopefully more comfortable. “I think some people have suspected me for years, although I always denied it. I’m...starting to try to loosen up, a little. I can be less stiff and still be the Gentleman, right?” The capital letter was definitely present in how he spoke. “And anyone who suspects you...well, your reputation did tend to blow the reality out of proportion, so I suppose those who don’t bother looking past the surface might jump to that conclusion, the idiots. Although, if you had done it...it would have been done so much better,” he said with a rare grin.
“I always knew you were, since the first time you became me... or maybe even before that.” Niou chuckled a little. “Though people had always said that I was a bad influence on you, it wasn’t like that at all.” He paused for a moment, debating on whether to say what he wanted to say next. “I... I like this Hiroshi better.” he mumbled as he looked somewhere else, but turned back when he saw Yagyuu grinned from the corner of his eye. And I like it better when you smile or laugh. But he was never going to admit to that out loud... not now anyways. “Of course it would have been better if I had done it. Since ore-sama is the best.” He impersonated Atobe’s voice in the end, just for the heck of it... though a part of him hoped that it would make the other laugh, even a little would have been nice. The thought later came to him that impersonating Atobe might not get him the result that he wanted, but too late now.
Hearing Atobe’s pretentious tones come out of his best friend’s mouth made Yagyuu laugh, which he covered up with an unconvincing cough. “You do his voice better than he does,” Yagyuu said, still smiling. He knew he was blushing a little at Niou’s compliment. “And I would say you were a good influence on me...if it weren’t for you, I’d still be living trapped in my perfect little world, or at least, what I thought was perfect. I...would hate to think of the person I would be, if we had never met,” he admitted quietly. “Not to mention all the fun I would have missed out on,” he added, trying to keep the mood lighter. “You are one in a trillion, Masaharu-sama.” His grin came back for a moment and he gave his friend a loud kiss on the forehead.
Niou felt himself really smile when he heard Yagyuu laugh, but he immediately became surprised by the kiss on his forehead. Sitting up a bit, Niou touched his forehead. Before his mind could register anything, he reached over, grabbed the front of Yagyuu's shirt and pulled him close. “I think you did it wrong.” he commented before pressing his lips on the other’s.
Yagyuu gasped at Niou’s grab, but didn’t protest at the kiss. To the contrary, he kissed back as best as he knew how. His head knew what Niou had said about not being ready, but his heart didn’t care. Besides, Niou was correct, he had done it wrong. This was the right way.
It was when Yagyuu had kissed him back did Niou finally realize the position he had gotten himself in. He abruptly broke the kiss and stood up. “I should go.” he said, ignoring the tiny voice in his head telling him to stay. He turned to Yagyuu, giving him the best smile he could conjure up at the moment. “Thanks for tonight; I had fun.”
“As did I,” Yagyuu said, hoping he covered up his disappointment well enough the other could ignore it; although Niou was rather insightful. As rude as it was, he did not get up to see the other to the door, wanting to avoid any awkwardness. Niou had been forthright and honest with him, he had to respect that. “Have a good night’s sleep, Masaharu.”
Niou sighed a little as he ruffled his own hair a bit. He could tell that Yagyuu felt disappointed by how he ended things, even though the other tried to cover it up. Niou bent down a little, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Maybe... some other time.” He gave Yagyuu a slight smile before leaving him alone in his cabin.