AoixUruha - Shindig to Shoudou 16/19
Title : Shindig to Shoudou
Author : dani_25
Chapter(s) : 16/19 +epilogue
Genres : Angst, Fluff, Romance, Smut
Rating : PG15 - NC17
Fandom : the GazettE
Pairing(s) : Aoi/Uruha, Reita/Ruki side pairing
Warnings : Language, OFCs, Sex [Overall]
Disclaimer : No owning of Gazetto Boys.
Comments : Unbeta-ed. Shoudou means impulse.
Synopsis : Nights of shindies led to a strong impulse. A young and wild beauty fall to a mysterious older man. A May-December Romance?
Chapter 16: Not a blue graduation
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“She…she- said that? For real?” Uruha stammered, stupid even as he helplessly fidgets at the hem of his over-sized t-shirt. He actually sweats. What if Aoi dislike him for that? What if Aoi actually doesn’t have any romantic feeling towards him? What if he only was kind because he had find him utterly pathetic being a street prostitute? And what if Aoi disgust whores? A guy whore in particular. He was a prominent man, a father in the case. So, it was only genuine to say that he was straight all right.
Uruha bit his lower lip a little bit harder, feeling the room suddenly dropped warmer. The idea that past him brings up a very terrifying realization that made his heart ached at every corner.
“I didn’t understand her clearly because she prattles too much.” Aoi shook his head, smiling at his own thought. Uruha frowned at that. He can’t determine if he was relieved or in doubt. Maybe he had overreacted or he just hoped too much it was stupid that he left his expression totally funny. “Is that what you came here for?” Aoi suddenly interrupts, stubbing his cigarette on the black ashtray sitting atop his small table beside the amplifier.
Uruha was frozen for a moment before Aoi broke out laughing, making him snapped. He blinks a few before frowning. The man’s laughter echoed throughout the enclosed room to where Uruha felt everything were incredibly hot, especially the dark-haired man in front him.
“Haha just don’t mind her! She’s too playful to think her seriously. You know, kids…?” Cheeky as he may sound, Uruha must be careful to not slip himself out again. It’s a clear warning to him that he was almost caught on his dark lust and never did he plan on adding up his sinful intents.
“I’ll be there.”
“Huh?” Uruha was smiling like silly as he couldn’t stop fidgeting at the hem of his t-shirt until the said words reach his sense. The older man was looking at him straight in the eyes and he suddenly finds himself stupid for acting so child-like. Mouth slightly hangs open as his eyes blinked in the confusion. Aoi was staring him serious.
“Tomorrow at the ceremony. I’ll bring Megumi with me and…” Uruha’s heart pounds hard and like he was hyperventilating, Aoi was promising him…
“And…?” All he could say, anticipation runs through his veins. His lips were trembling and he doesn’t know if Aoi could see.
“Invite your friends over for dinner. We’ll have to celebrate. My treat.” Aoi smiled and Uruha knows it was for him and him only. His fidgeting fingers halted, lips closing and opening, don’t know what to say or what to react as he stood there dumb…
“You’re practically a family now Uruha. Your achievement should be given some proper appreciation. I also wish for your own family to know and be invited but I know nothing of them so, we’ll settle for a close dinner tomorrow night with your friends and some of mine.” Aoi slowly pull from where he was leaning then moved over closer to him. “Got to be proud of you in the sense.” He reach for him and Uruha just stood there stun, unable to move. And if overwhelm was the right word, it wasn’t enough to describe what Uruha was feeling right there and then.
And before Uruha could blink, Aoi’s finger tapped his forehead. A light, whole-hearted laughter came out from the man he adore so much and Uruha’s heart flutter over that. So small gesture but for him, it means so much.
He didn’t want to look even sillier and so, he bit on his bottom lip before smiling back. He then nods and that’s all he could do at the over-fleeting moment. Aoi doesn’t even have the slightest clue of what he has done.
“I- aah…ahm…well…thanks-then…I-I gotta go back to Meg…” All but he stammered. His head quickly bent low because he was shy, embarrassed and flattered, all in all. He couldn’t even look straight into Aoi’s eyes anymore. He’s speechless as he gave a one quick bow then turn on his bare heels and walks out through the double doors with the meekest shoulders.
Aoi shook his head but was smiling. He couldn’t understand but Uruha’s small gestures even if childish was amiable for him. The young man sure had the strongest charm.
*****
Still pop beat greeting him when he practically sprung to the next room. Uruha thought his eardrums would jump right out of his ears.
“Hey you young lady! You princess~” He smothered fluently as he step inside of the rowdy room. Uruha thought that the other people on the house would definitely think that this portion of the mansion was a disco club. Too much pop on the audio player and a bouncing girl on the bed.
“Umii~ you dance!” The girl jumping on the mattress called out almost breathlessly. Her hair swirling around her face made it like she was going wild in her on world. She was bouncing in a round and Uruha doesn’t have the heart to scold her.
He only raises a brow and put a hand on his hip. He waited as the little miss take a turn back at him.
“What is this? Disco?” He scoffed playfully. This scene wasn’t anymore new so his acting wasn’t anymore scary. The four year old girl only huffed back and copied his remark. She twitches her nose and lips as if there’s nothing she was afraid of and hands on her smaller hips.
“No I won’t~ you broke your promise princess.”
“Aahm- what~ Umii~” She shrug, pouting before turning again and bouncing up. Uruha rolled his eyes heavenward.
“Cheeky you are…” He shook his head, mildly amused. That bouncing girl almost slipped him off the cliff and Uruha wonder of why she had done that or what the hell could be going on her mind. He supposed she was oblivious about the things around here but then, he might be all wrong because the first step was already been done.
Now, all Uruha planned to do is to not get too obvious. He can be kicked out of the house way too early if he would be found out molesting the man of the house in his mind and dreams. That was way too dangerous, he thought.
__________
The school ground was uncommonly crowded that morning. Students, school staffs and parents were all over the area and Uruha suddenly felt a light pricking pain against his chest. Parents, siblings and relatives, why in the world he doesn’t have any of it right at the moment?
The day was supposed to be a celebration, a big day considerably and yet he was standing there outside the ceremony hall, alone. He doesn’t want to think that he was truly alone in that joyous day but what his eyes unfold to him was sky clear.
“What the heck? I’m not jealous, whatever!” He huffed, kicking the innocent ground without any care. He had planned on getting composed and at least looks happy in there but what he didn’t expect was of that he was too sensitive when it comes to family sense. Along the moment, he suddenly remembers his mother.
“Uruha! Hey!” A call of his name came up and he spin quickly. The familiarity of the voice makes him scrunch his nose. He wasn’t annoyed though, just a little bit tired.
Just last night, he was almost in total disgrace. After getting the chance to catch a wonderful sight of a half-naked Aoi, the sole man of his dreams, he had the hardest time getting decent sleep. Image of the man’s naked upper half, he was in a delirium throughout the night. He had tossed and turn, sat up and lie down, frown and pout. He couldn’t ease himself. Aside from getting heated, he’s also too worried. Too many “what if” running through his head. What if the man would get disappointed, or much worst, if Aoi would get disgusted at him if one day he would know of his true feelings? He swore he would suicide without any second thought.
Uruha could only wish that Aoi wouldn’t take his daughter’s prattle too seriously. It threatened him. As far as he could say, he had built his reputation quite good. He had behaved. Had basically done everything Aoi had requested to him. Had performed his duty to the extent and respect the people around him like he had never done before. He worked hard even if he wouldn’t deny that sometimes, it was all Aoi he was thinking of the whole time.
He blew a heavy breath before rolling his eyes upwards. Ruki had this silly grin plastered on his face as he was approaching him.
“Hey leggy…who’s with you huh?” The shorter greeted, reaching up to flick an edge of his fringe. Uruha couldn’t help but to roll his eyes again because, that was such a stupid question for him. He was obviously standing there alone and his ever friend must have been feeling devilish again to tease him with such.
“Haha…funny~ Supposed to be on time but you’re late duh~” He mocked, hoping the other would feel even just a little embarrassment.
“Yeah~ yeah…What can I do? My super boss, you know him quite well right? And you substantially know that he was such a selfish-headed old man. I told you he hadn’t approved my leave that easily so I need to do him a very critical favor.” Ruki countered on. He was folding his arms over his chest and the look in his face clearly told Uruha that he was serious on guard.
“Blah! You always can get excuses while I always have to listen to your not-so-liableness! You could at least be more responsible you know…and be more creative…” Uruha raised a brow, indicating a familiar cheekiness that can always make his friend flinch in fear.
“And what do you mean by “more creative”?” Ruki countered. His brow was raising and thrusting his chin up shortly as if challenging. Uruha grinned, knowing he has the ace.
“Well shortie…what I mean was…could you think of another excuse other than ‘how your boss limits you to everything’ because you seem to always use the same cover up. You need to think of another excuse because I won’t buy anymore of that. Hear me?” He raised back a challenging brow.
They might have been having an argument whilst outside on the crowd of graduates but it was nothing harmful. They use to be like that but in all actuality, their bond was more than bestfriends.
Uruha suddenly tilt his head lower to the side, smirking as he stares past over Ruki’s shoulders. There was a hint of mischievousness on his wink and Ruki thought for a moment if Uruha was playing prank on him.
“Hey? What’s with that look?” Ruki instantly panics, as if there’s an unpredictable aura forming far his back.
“And I think you should really stop complaining about Reita-san being all too-selfish for you.” Uruha snorted and that was the clue which made Ruki to stiffen right there and then.
“Shit! Damn, don’t tell me-” He cursed loud, not ashamed if there are people around them because he had sensed. Had sensed the devilish presence from near behind them.
“Guess you should drop your hard-to-get trick. I think the man already doesn’t buy your game anymore. Just surrender Ruki-kun. He’s the type of man that one shouldn’t dump off. Remember, he’s powerful and he’s your one and only boss.” Uruha suddenly waved up and smiled to someone behind him. Ruki’s heart had skipped a beat to the knowing and he closed his eyes in defeat.
“Damn…I thought I have escaped him. He’s impossible. Uruha I swear! I had begged him to just let me be alone in this moment.” Ruki palmed his forehead. It was never been a hindrance to him, only annoyance but that time, it’s almost a wake-up call. His boss was rather showing some signs of addiction. Or in other way, obsession. Acting so childish yet very aggressive. Extravagant and as to Ruki, was wasting money over him.
As far as Ruki could have remember, he never did show off any signs of seduction nor did show any sign of attraction towards the older man and yet, it seems like he was being trapped into a web of no return. Like he was being held down, an indirect possession of his boss out of his concern. He didn’t even have the liberty to complain.
Ruki wasn’t a socialite. He wasn’t a sucker for money. All he wanted was to finish his studies, have a nice and decent job and to have more time with his bestfriend but it then turns out to be the opposite.
Yes, he could leave or excuse himself for important errands but it was always drop on with a favor in return. His boss likes to put him on the edge. Some way treating him so selfishly. Although he could get and do whatever he wants in his work, there’s always a point where he have to go through all the demands pasted in his way. A little bit annoying but then, Ruki can’t still do anything. He knows he accepted the job wholeheartedly so, he basically doesn’t have the right to argue or complain without getting too high and almighty. He was just a worker in real life. Not the idolized singer on stage way back. Not the simple high school kid anymore.
He was now a subordinate, a secretarial job which he never had imagine himself doing in the future. And, he almost seems to be regretting. Just a tiny bit, but not that strong and seething.
“Well, goodluck shortie because he’s coming already.” Uruha teased with a cheeky grin, winking at him.
Ruki had his eyes going white. He supposed to be on his respective vacation leave and yet, his dear boss was with him. Is that even called a leave? He thought.
“Hey! Ruki! And Uruha too! I hope I’ve come on time.” There comes the voice.
“Hi! Reita-san! Don’t worry. You’re just on time. We’re about to head inside the hall.” Uruha greeted back, smiling as he nodded to Ruki. The shorter pouted as he turned back to give a forced smile and a bow to the older man. And annoyingly as it may be, Ruki couldn’t help but blushed when he saw how nice the older man was dressed and how sincere his smile was to him.
“I’m sorry for coming here unannounced. I was calling you Ruki but your phone was off.” The man said, apologizing which wasn’t normal because he was their superior and for Ruki, his boss seems to go insane. He was abnormal. And stubborn…
“It was off because I’m currently on my leave and I’m right now at my stupid graduation day. What are you doing here anyway Reita-san?” All but Ruki snapped, a pointed look he gave towards his big boss. And much to his annoyance, the older man didn’t seem to be phased with such look from him.
“I just want to accompany someone special to me. Do you have a problem with that?” Reita said haughtily. He thrust his chin up defiantly. He will going to be a complete bug even if his secretary would get too annoyed at him because he didn’t want Ruki to leave him for that long. He’s risking his reputation and all so he wasn’t going to waste the chance.
“You’re old. Do whatever you want.” Ruki huffed, already walking inside the ceremony hall.
The corridor to the venue was already crowded so Uruha did the courtesy to lead the businessman inside. He smiled at him as if silently telling him that he had done a good job at making Ruki surrender at his stubbornness. Uruha knew all along what the man had for his bestfriend. As a matter of fact, he was the first person to know.
When Reita and Aoi had strayed one faithful night back there at the nightclub where they had previously worked, the blonde man had been drinking a little much then started blabbering about how he knew Ruki all along. It was then revealed to him that Reita had really known his bestfriend before that night but never had the chance to get to Ruki and ask him over. Uruha remembered how he was almost in breathless laughter as he was listening to Reita explaining every detail he has on how he had gotten love-struck by the petite singer and how he was honestly attracted to him since he had first heard Ruki’s voice. He could practically relate to all the man was saying and unfortunately, he had the same case because he had been smitten by the dark-haired businessman that was Reita’s friend. Better like a coincidence.
The program had gone for an hour now, full of commemorative speeches from the dean, teachers and the selective honorable students. The set-up inside the ceremony hall was designative as the venue was wide enough to hold almost quarter of the school’s population including the graduating students’ parents and relatives.
Ruki and Uruha were of different section so they were far apart in seat. Across to their far left side was the row where the student’s parents and representatives were seated and there were also some of them standing over the corners. The hall was unexpectedly full. It was the rein of the year where almost all the last year students passed and it made it the more sad for Uruha as he glance around him.
Too many heads obscuring his sight, too much noises coming from all around, he nervously bit down on his bottom lip. As clear as he remember, Aoi had told him he would attend the cerermony. Yesterday afternoon, there at Aoi’s music room, Uruha had his heart jumping out of his chest right after hearing the man. He had never reacted particularly that moment. Just stood there in front of Aoi in fake innocence.
“He said he would be here and where the hell was he? Stupid old man…” He muttered and cursed under his breath. His eyes turning to slits as he roam them at the back and around. Annoyingly, he couldn’t see anything related to the man. Uruha felt so upset. It supposed to be a joyous day but unfortunately, a certain dark-haired man seems to ruin it. He blew a breath of exasperation, anger, frustration, all in one drop. “He shouldn’t have said that. I’m stupid to actually believe him. You’re an idiot Uruha…forever…” He sighed as he turned back.
Uruha felt so drain, so lifeless. Waiting for the ceremony to end, he count useless numbers in the air as his ears endure all the unnecessary event happening at the stage in front him. He never wanted to celebrate this day because he felt so alone. Ruki was just three rows ahead of him but still so distant. He had all his classmates beside him but he was never been close to them. It was useless for him to fake smile at people he didn’t even give a damn care if they were there. All Uruha wanted was to get home already. Aoi wasn’t going to show up and it was the half-way of the whole program. He’s hoping yet very distracted after searching for Aoi’s trace and found nothing.
As the role-call of the students began, Uruha had applause when Ruki went over the stage and received his certificate. He smiled widely for his bestfriend even though Ruki couldn’t notice him over the crowd. After that, he had his head hanging low, their uniform strangely felt so hot. After a few more minutes, it was their section’s turn to be called and yet, he still feels so depressed. No one cares for him. He would accept this tiny victory without anyone close to him to see. No one to give him proud and encouraging smiles. Not even Ruki could fill that loneliness in his heart.
Uruha found it hard to step up the short stair leading up to the platform of the stage. His heart was aching and his legs were lazy. He thought he was sweating wordlessly because of nervousness. Thinking it might be so awkward if he marched forward there with such a rigid body, he breathed in deep and releases a lungful of oxygen as his feet set on the stage.
And when the round of applause came in like a rolling thunder, Uruha dared glancing over the audience with apprehensive eyes. He thought he might as well get distracted by the crowd than feeling frozen over there. And as he turns his head slowly, it was so sudden that his chest pounds, eyes widening than normal as he caught first glimpse of the person he had waited for over an hour. The hopelessness faded immediately at the realization. There, at the back of the seats, far from the row where he was seated, near the hall’s double door…stood a man wearing a black business suit. He has dark-haired so natural and a little girl in pink dress beside him. Uruha wanted to cry.
He felt like fainting as he took his steps towards the school head and his adviser waiting for him at the center of the stage. If only he could hyperventilate, Uruha would. His chest felt so tight like he couldn’t breathe at all. If that was just his hallucination, he definitely wouldn’t want to wake up from that sweet daze. Aoi did just really come there? And Megumi is with him too?! Uruha couldn’t be more happy.
“Takashima Kouyou-san, congratulations.” He barely heard the speaker’s greeting and his adviser’s cheer. He was all too high. He received the certificate and get on with shake hands as he posed with them, shots from different cameras in front them wasn’t that distracting.
He nodded and gave a smile. He felt complete, thought that his day was rainbow completed because Aoi came, his promise been accomplished.
The short exit he made after was rather the opposite. For when he walked like an astronaut during his entrance, Uruha made sure to dash off as soon as his feet set back down on the ground.
“Aoi-san!” He called over, out of care even if he was yelling over the crowd. “You came…” He breathed out, running out of air as he was drained of it. His mad dash was kind of comical but he totally didn’t care. At last, he wasn’t alone anymore. The only family he knows right at the time. The family he had learned to love with all his heart.
“I’m sorry, we’re kind of late.” Aoi apologized. He deeply bowed and smiled as he pushes Megumi towards Uruha. The small girl smiling as she outstretched both her hands for Uruha to pick up.
“No, you guys weren’t that late. You see, you’ve seen me ramped there at the stage.” Uruha smiled for mostly as he bend down and carry up the giggling girl. Aoi had seemed like to protest as he knew it could wrinkle Uruha’s dress up but shook his head and chuckled. Megumi had already wrapped her arms around Uruha’s neck as the young man struggles slightly to hoist her up.
“Umii~you school?” The girl asked in her cute innocence. Uruha couldn’t help but to burst out of laughter. Aoi smirked beside them.
“Yes baby. I’m schooling and you would also be. Next year. I’ll be your tutor. You’ll go to school in cute uniform and I’ll be the one to send you over and back home…” Uruha and Megumi seem to create a conversation against the wave of noise that surrounds them.
Aoi just smiled over them. He pretends to be out of the talk but he was actually listening to them, feeling something so warm inside his chest. Uruha was so kind to his daughter when they were merely just strangers to each other. The young man had only been working for them for about half a year and yet his bond towards them was strangely strong. Aoi couldn’t make out of those odd initiations the younger had been provoking at him though, he was comfortable and trusts Uruha without any second thought. It was almost so unnatural to be having those uncommon feelings towards the younger but he can’t help it. He already started to believe that it was all but Uruha’s natural charisma.
An half an hour more had passed before the program finally ended. All the graduates overflowed the whole venue. Scattered all around and Uruha was really glad he wasn’t straying over there anymore.
“Invite Ruki-kun over tonight. I’ve already set-up our special dinner.” Aoi declared and Uruha had to halt in his giggle marathon with Megumi. He still had the small girl against his arms who kept on tugging at his meticulously styled curls. Megumi was very fond of his blonde locks to the point of calling him Barbie. Uruha somehow thought of getting a new hair colour and much shorter haircut.
“Oh, is that okay? I mean…you don’t have to really prepare something over. This is just a usual event.” He turned to Aoi, smiling though he had his brows furrowed somehow. Uruha felt like that was too much of a disturbance. He wasn’t even a member of Aoi’s family so he thought he never should be treated like one despite of how much he truly wants.
“I thought you understand. I believe I owe you enough. For taking care of my daughter, you’re the person I respected and thanked for the most.” Aoi smiled back at him. His words were so heartwarming and Uruha could believe that one could die by just receiving loving and sweet words from the person they love. He felt so blessed despite being separated from his true family. Aoi and Megumi could be his family right? That thought was the most beloved for him.
“Hmmph! Do whatever you want!” He stuck his tongue out before turning back at the girl who was still busy braiding the ends of his curled locks. He doesn’t want to look so obviously flattered.
Uruha heard Aoi chuckling behind him and caught a glimpse of the older man shaking his head in utter amusement. He doesn’t want to act like a child but whenever he’s around the man, he’s just like that automatically although he starts to wonder why.
When he was busy pouting over with a wiggly girl in his arms, he started to feel like crying for some simple reason. The fact that the ceremony ended up a bit sappy, with all the honor students giving out an exchanging outstanding speeches and commemorations, all were having precious moments as rounds of laughter and hugs filled the hall. Like a family reunion, students were being taken photos together with their respective family. All their smiles made Uruha’s eyes to water in opposition. He doesn’t want to think about his own family anymore but here again, the faithful situation seems like having a good time torturing him. He pouted even more.
“Uruha!” A sudden call coming from just around them startled Uruha and he quickly turned back, wondering if Aoi had called him.
His eyes shortly glance in Aoi’s direction but immediately got confused when he saw the older man looking around, obviously oblivious by the moment.
“Hey! Over here!” Come again the voice but now, it made it the more clear who the caller was. Uruha turned around just in time to see Ruki approaching them with a digital camera in hand. The shorter was waving as he reached them and the expression of his face was just amusing for Uruha.
“Ey Ru! What’s up? You have digicam I could see.” He then smiled back at Ruki.
“Hey babe, I have a favor to ask you.” Ruki said with an added sweetness. Uruha made an awed expression after hearing the word “babe”. Ruki was rare to call him such sweet endearment and if he does, it’s automatic that he has something he wants to request at him.
“Favor? What is it?” He asked and out the small girl down.
“Aa-well…You see…I have a camera and I swear to you I couldn’t afford stuff this expensive!” Ruki blurt out, slightly panting as he rushed over there against the sea of people. Uruha gave an amuse roll of eyes. He was patting the girl’s soft hair top as she began to fiddle with his sleeve.
“So? As if I wouldn’t know that Boss Reita had given you that flashy stuff! There’s nothing unusual anymore. You are just paranoid Ruki.” He shook his head and chuckled at Ruki’s instant frowning. He likes to tease his bestfriend about the definite “something” with his boss and he always make sure that the other would squirm on the edge.
“Huh?! Paranoid your face! I’m not! That old bug was just too annoying for me. He’s an idiot for trying to act like a qualified sugar daddy!” Ruki spat back but not that harsh to anyone’s ear. Uruha couldn’t hold back and chuckled. That was just an epic burst out! Ruki’s face getting red as he clutch the small device with much tightness.
“Oh Ru…Just let the man do whatever he feel like doing. Plus, that thing is really usable. Boss Reita is genius.” Uruha replied, amusement still in his tone. He sometimes thinks if Ruki was just plain dumb. Any teenager in their era would have die just to get one of that high-tech device and Ruki was like hating it for a more senseless reason.
“Genuis? You mean stupid boss! I couldn’t really ride that man’s way of thinking. I’m starting to believe that I act more mature than him.”
“You two might need some define action. You’re playing hard-to-get Ru. Not all of your suitors could give you high-standard stuffs like that. You’re pretty lucky if I were to say.” Uruha explained casually. He nodded matter-of-factly.
“I’m not a gold digger. I couldn’t be turn on by just these stupid pricey things. And I’m not gay!” Ruki squealed his last words. Although he strongly denied everything, Uruha could still notice the faint tint of red against his bestfriend’s cheek. Maybe Ruki was really denying for all he cares. He shrugged casually as if Ruki was too idiot for his liking. No one would even dare snubbed an almost royalty like Mr. Reita Suzuki.
“Oh, whatever~ so what favor you’re asking?”
“Oh! I almost forgot! Wait here.” Ruki said before rushing back to where he came, vanishing back to the sea of people.
“Haha! Ruumii~” Uruha was suddenly surprised as Megumi giggled loud, startling him a little. He’d been too caught up on Ruki’s whining over and forgot that he had companies there.
And when his bestfriend finally get back on them, he wasn’t alone anymore. He had a company of his own. Uruha drop a short laugh after receiving a silent glare from Ruki and a gentleman wink from Reita.
“You know what to do.” Ruki handed him the digital device as taking the girl over in return. Uruha watched as Ruki put the girl in the space between him and Reita. The older man shook his head in utter amusement at Ruki’s childish behavior.
“Sure. Alright. You guys can pose now.” Uruha announced, giving the small girl a smile before positioning the camera.
The three of them get close and Uruha pushed the button, flash over the shot which capture very nice smiles. Even if Ruki seemed to be annoyed over his boss, he had smiled practically. Reita smiled on formation, not too cheeky like Ruki’s but more of a longing sense.
And what caught Uruha the most was, Aoi’s little princess standing between the two with a wide smile of cheekiness on her cute angel face. She had grabbed both of Ruki and Reita’s hands and with pure innocence, had linked them without the two noticing. Until Uruha had clicked, he hid a smile behind the lens to where he shot the probably most adorable couple in town.
“There you go~” He smiled at them. Uruha was feeling suddenly lonely again. Ruki looks happy and may be, contented but him…he’s aching inside his chest. He thought it must have been his obvious nostalgia at the beginning of the ceremony but still, there’s really something missing he wanted to carry out. He handed back the camera to his friend.
“Umii~” Megumi reach out for him and Uruha quickly grab her small arms.
“Alright baby…We should get back to your dad before he gets lost here.” He picks her up again and turns to where her father stood over there, waiting for them obviously.
And when they got back to Aoi, he was smiling at them to where Uruha was suddenly caught. There was so much romance he could feel and yet, he still could be the only one feeling that. There’s no probable way Aoi would like him more than a mere nanny of his child. It makes him blush but with a trouble regarding his hopeless heart.
“I saw Rei there. I didn’t know he would come here too.” Aoi said, reaching forward to pat the girl’s head gently. She just giggles and wiggles up against Uruha’s arms and Uruha suddenly had a hard time catching up on her movement.
“Yeah. He hurried over here even if-” Uruha’s words were cut off by another sudden call.
“Hey Uru!” Ruki called over for him again. The short guy was almost digging ground as they struggle to get passed the people in the way. “We haven’t had a shot together.”
“Oh? Yeah. We almost forgot.” He realized. “And who’s the photographer?”
“Me.” The blonde man in a nice handsome black suit offers. Ruki made a face but didn’t last long. The most important for him at the moment was to make and collect photos of him and his bestfriend in their graduation moment. “Alright…you two should get over there and pose.” Reita advised them before positioning the camera. Aoi move to his side with Megumi in his hand.
Both newly graduates nodded and walk over the said spot. There was another group photo taking against their back but they both ignore them as their focus was on the camera in Reita’s hands.
“Okay-smile…” Reita motioned for them and the two immediately pressed their sides and put an arm on each other’s shoulder. They stretched their lips, both posing with the ever famous peace sign.
Their eyes seem to sparkle as Aoi watched them although his focus was more to the blonde one. He couldn’t help but to gaze over the smile Uruha wore. There was just something going on his chest as he looked at the young man.
Aoi remembers the same feeling he felt when they were standing under the rain one night, way back months ago. It wasn’t sympathy. It’s been the same feeling he feels whenever he admire something. Feeling he only remembers to be whenever he was with Uruha or he was seeing Uruha. It might be funny but Aoi had been too carefree. He assumed it to be just a natural feeling for someone who had a critical life but soon realized that, it’s just more than what he thought it was.
As he stare at Uruha’s smiling face, he felt so proud of himself for saving that young man from the district life he had been living for years. He couldn’t imagine what it was if he never had stray on that place and never met Uruha there. It brought a dull shot on his heart to even think of it. For Aoi, Uruha had a face worth paying for. It was so unusual to come met a person, let alone a boy to have such a pleasing face that could probably rival a natural beauty.
Aoi had been harboring an unusual feeling towards Uruha and he had known it even from the very beginning. He just couldn’t trace it for a more definite word other than admiration. He knew he like the young man as who he was and he wasn’t going to deny everything he concluded. But then, there’s only one problem about Uruha he couldn’t feel the urge to classify. The fact about what was Uruha before he came to Aoi’s life. It’s a rolling déjà vu for Aoi and that seems to make him a little bit hesitant towards the younger’s collective approach to him.
“Ao! Hey man!” An interruption to his exclusive train of thoughts snapped Aoi. “Come with me!” Before he could even react, he was dragged by the arm and was led to where Uruha and Ruki were standing. He didn’t even notice that his daughter was already posing there in between the two.
“Nah, Uru…your turn with Meg-chan and Aoi-san.” Ruki points out and quickly moved beside his boss. He snatched the camera from the man’s hand, raising a brow as if challenging the other. Reita just shook his head in amusement and that was noticed by Uruha who merely grin at the obvious display of affection. He couldn’t say it loud but the scene was a proof for him. His shorter friend was also attracted to his boss but unfortunately, doesn’t know it at all.
“Aoi-san, could you move closer to them? Beside Uruha. And Meg-chan would move forward so she was in the front.” Ruki carefully instructed the older man as he saw him merely watching them going around.
Aoi nodded as he walks and move to where Uruha and his daughter stood. There were still other people littering around and some taking photos and Aoi didn’t want to feel awkward. Uruha was practically a member of his small family and as gratitude, he’ll make this day as memorable as possible for the young man. Although he still couldn’t name something to it, Aoi knew that deep inside him, it was more than just thankfulness. Uruha made his life a much lighter and brighter side. The young man took away the dullness inside his house and became a very trustworthy person. He only deserves to have a small present and Aoi already set for that.
“Okay~ lean closer to each other. Hey Uru! You’re blushing!” Ruki blurted out much to Uruha’s horror. He couldn’t be break by that but then, he already felt his knees going weak as soon as Ruki words practically made fun of him.
“Hey smile! You’re glaring Uru…How could I click the button. Smile~’ Ruki continued teasing him. He couldn’t get the face to actually send his shoe flying towards his bestfriend’s chubby face for the annoying teases he had gotten but, he could send him a deathly glare if he wouldn’t stop his mocking over him. Although Uruha knew that Ruki might probably tells the truth, he should have had the sense to just keep it to himself rather than blurting it out to where the whole crowd could hear him. Especially Aoi. Uruha thought if that was Ruki’s tactical revenge for his earlier shot about his Boss Reita.
He rolled his eyes but feel the slight shyness when he lean and made his right shoulder to press up against Aoi. His face heating up and that was the truth. He was blushing like madly as he tilts his head to the side and put a hand over the small girl’s shoulder. It was like a family photo. A perfect portrait he so wish could be true. With Aoi, Uruha wanted to retire and be the coolest and perfect partner for the man. If ever he was born as a woman, it’s still Aoi he would choose and be everything for him.
How he wish the moment would get longer or if possible, make the time go slow. He heartily liked the pose. Him leaning against the man he adores and a small girl like his own child, Uruha couldn’t help but to daze and blush. Though his real family wasn’t there, the substitute was more than he could ever wish for.
“Okay~ one…two…and smile-” Ruki beamed and before the click was made, before the flash was shot, before Uruha felt his heartbeat stop and before everything seems to glow with pink hearts…his right hand was touched by Aoi, their palms met and fingers entwined with his. Hidden from everyone’s eyes, they hold hands. Uruha was so stun to the point that he didn’t realized he was slightly trembling and that Aoi was tightening his grip on him.
“So pretty nice!” Uruha blinked after the flash, his heartbeat stuck and had frozen arm. All the heat from his body went straight up his face. It was clamoring around but his heartbeat was louder he could hear it booming against his chest.
“You’re pretty serious there, Aoi! Give us a smile!” Reita laughed out.
“One more time! You guys, smile wider okay?!” The shorter waved over to them.
Uruha was tensing as Aoi’s grip became tighter again. He felt sweating and he couldn’t stop his hands from trembling. The more the time goes by, the more he didn’t want the moment to stop. It felt so right, felt so strong, felt so nice… Is Aoi giving him a silent hint? Uruha couldn’t blame himself if ever he was going to fall even deeper than he already does. Aoi was so nice to him, so kind, so perfect…he wanted to be with him for as long as he could breathe. Would it be selfishness to think something like that? Uruha wasn’t a self-centered person. He only wanted to be with the man who had saved his life more than one time.
And as the second shot flash fort, Uruha’s daze wasn’t even on its half way when Aoi leaned forward. “Uruha…” He faintly heard. And as they were still holding hands, Uruha was motioned the same to where they both leaning down, their cheeks almost pressed in favor of the photograph.
“Looks like a family picture to me.” Reita murmured beside Ruki who was holding the camera, leaning down to get a closer look at the captured. The screen showed a really warm shot and Ruki could only smile. Seems like his bestfriend had finally found a new meaning to his life.
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It was exactly seven in the evening when Uruha had finished putting all the dishes and porcelains in the table. He took a deep breath of relief as he saw the organized dining top. After admiring his kitchen artwork, he blew a breath while partially glaring at the older man across the table with a known critic eyes. The other had his arms crossed against his chest, monitoring every single move Uruha make.
Aoi was watching him the whole time as he goes in a dashing round all over the kitchen till the dining area, much to Uruha’s irritation. In his most recent memory, he clearly heard something about, ‘I’ve already set-up our special dinner’ words that traced a sweet promise but then, he still end up whirling like a blonde tornado inside the house.
“You really are a pro. You can beat the most promising cook in Tokyo, you know that?” Aoi smiled over at him as if in a playful mocking but Uruha wasn’t in the mood for any more dark tactics. He knew that Aoi was only saying that to ease him and probably, to lure him again to do another catering.
When Aoi had said he had set all things up, Uruha thought he had arrange a dinner at some fancy restaurant but he was all wrong. There was no dinner outside and worst of it all, Aoi had only ordered the other servants to buy the ingredients for Uruha to cook. He still did all the preparation and cooking with a little help from the female maid and that nearly popped his veins out from his temple. He was all too happy by Aoi’s presence at the ceremony and didn’t think he would do all the cooking later that night. Surprise, surprise…
“Next time you would tell me something about special dinner, I wouldn’t believe easily until I saw it with my beautiful eyes. You know that?” He retorted, quirking an eyebrow at the older man in a threatening way.
“It’s only because I would rather eat foods that were made by your skillful hand than eating at a restaurant. I could see how you prepare them and it’s nice to have someone cook for us other than Maki-san. I kind of grew tired of her dishes.” Aoi explained and by that, Uruha’s fake defense crumpled down immediately. He did try to act that he was mad for being rushed to make dinner but then again, Aoi’s words can turn it all around. He pouted, blushing as he looked down at his hands.
“You’re lucky because Maki-san wasn’t here. I’m sure you would get an earful for ever saying that you hated her cooking.” He put a hand over his hip and leaned against the table.
Aoi chuckled and just then, Uruha’s phone vibrated. He picked it up from his pocket and saw the caller as nothing else but his bestfriend forever.
“Yes, hello?”
“Hey Uru. We’re here.” The caller announced and Uruha immediately prance out towards the main door, passing by an amused Aoi. He answered the door and let the expected guest inside.
“Hey!” He greeted the shorter guy and was practically amused that Reita had come along too. “Reita-san! Good evening to you. Come in.” He also greeted the older man as he invited them inside.
The dinner started as soon as the two guests came. Reita had insisted so, saying he was hungry and all so they started eating.
“Wow! These all look so good.” Ruki commented, almost drooled over the massive amount of dish decorating the table. He had never seen so much food in various styles except in magazine and television. It was like a royal feast to his eyes and he gulped in anticipation.
“Those don’t look good. They were really good.” Reita proved with mouthful as he reached for another bowl of pasta and Ruki followed his action as his boss practically shoved the food straight into his mouth.
Speaking of etiquette, for someone like Reita who was a prominent in the society, Ruki scrunched up his face in disgust as his boss swoop everything his hands could reach in one mouthful. He doesn’t remember the man acting like that at work or when they went out to restaurants at lunch time. It was so funny and he chuckled at the unexpectedly comical scene.
“I told you he’s really good in cooking.” Aoi said and Reita points an approved sign to him.
Ruki had long known that Uruha could cook the best of foods but never had the chance to taste something this massive. He had only exclaimed his comment on the dishes but hadn’t yet to taste them and his boss was already swallowing down his second plate. He shook his head in amusement of how out of manner Reita was at the moment. The man looks like he wasn’t been feed for a month so he was gnawing everything his mouth could gather.
“Yeah, right-right! His cooking was so good! Much better than the restaurant and my wife’s.” Reita dared talking while gulping down his wine.
“Well hey Boss Rei… Don’t talk like that about Ritsuko-san.” Aoi commented over the other edge of the table. The two older men were right across each other on the dining set and the other three were over the two side and they all reacted over Reita’s choice of words.
“But I’m saying the truth. I’m not lying and you know it Boss Aoi.” Reita retorted and huffed. He continued swallowing up everything that was on his plate. Aoi shook his head in amusement. His long-time business partner still had the sour taste over his own wife.
“Hey, you’re lucky Yoko hadn’t heard you. You could be in such trouble.” Aoi laughed out. Uruha suddenly looked up from his plate and glance to his right where Aoi seated. Why did Aoi brought out the name of the woman Uruha wanted to hear the least?
A sudden feel of annoyance swept past him in a moment. He just so wish that the said woman didn’t plan on appearing right there because it would totally ruin his night. Just a “big NO” to that lady. She’s too sarcastic for Uruha to ever like her. Plus, she always seem to act sweet only around Aoi and always stay close to the man like she was some kind of a devoted secretary. She wasn’t even a secretary! Uruha pouted, halting his motion of stirring the savory pasta on his shiny plate.
“You could stick those two up but I’m never gonna take back what I’ve said. They were the same. Such a shame to the female kind.” Reita wiped his mouth with the white cloth and suddenly have the bitter face.
“Ahm…Please excuse my interruption but, is Yoko-san somewhat a relative of your wife? They kind of…they look the same, a lot. ” Ruki suddenly asked out of the blue. He was sitting across Uruha who was frowning at him.
“Excuse me Sir. Ms. Kurosawa-” The maid announced, interrupting the conversation. Aoi glance over at her and she politely motioned behind where the much unexpected guest for Uruha walked in. “Speaking of the devil” Uruha muttered in his mind. What a nice surprise! Just a playful mocking for him and, oh how he hates that woman.
The late visitor was wearing a proud smile which to Uruha was a fake flaunt over her arrogant face. She always seems to like acting so sweet and confident but he knows more than that fake façade. He made a face, appetite losing. But what caught Uruha’s attention as he suddenly put his utensil down and frown was, the woman wasn’t alone. A small, very shy looking little boy stood beside her. They both wore formal dresses and Uruha momentarily wonders. He was kind of confused.
“Oi Yoko! Come- Come here! And Hiroyuki too!” Reita chirped out and waved over to the two added guests. He immediately stood up from his seat and walk to them.
“Good evening. Greet them too Hiro.” The woman greeted, urging the little boy to do the same. Reita reached them and nodded towards her before crouching down to the boy’s level.
“Hello there Hiroyuki. How are you?” Reita asked sweetly, patting the boy’s head with a friendly smile. The boy only nodded and made a timid smile back at him.
“Hiro~” A distinct call coming from the little girl beside Uruha caught the boy’s attention. She waved over at him with a wide smile and that made the other kid to dash towards her.
Uruha made distasteful eyes towards the older woman sitting across him. Unfortunately, he didn’t know that Aoi had invited her too. She had occupied the seat where Ruki previously sat and that annoyed him much. In simple words, he just hated the woman. It’s not simply the fact that she was too close to Aoi but, more than her being so confident that she was so stunning in every aspect of herself. Uruha hated her every time she would talk and walk with Aoi. At office and sometimes outside of work, she would take every single chance just to block him out of Aoi’s sight. It was frustration and condemnation for him. The more the days come, the more he hated her silently. Aoi know nothing of this silent grudge and Uruha tends to keep it only to himself because he’s afraid of losing the man’s trust and truly most, afraid of losing Aoi completely. He couldn’t risk even the simplest of matter.
Then that very evening, he didn’t expect to know such a surprising revelation. The six year-old boy was Yoko’s son and that she was the younger sister of Reita’s wife. How funny fate could possibly go.
The dinner went on but not like the first half of the evening. When Yoko and her child came in the picture, the elders had gone talking about work in front of the dinner table where children also sat around, talking and playing with some of the foods. That worsen Uruha’s mood. So after excusing himself together with Ruki, they got outside and stayed on the porch. With glasses of juice, they chatted for a little about the future plans from now on.
Along them, the two kids began running outside to where they stood and rumble around them in simultaneous prattle and giggles. The evening felt cold and half an hour later, the guests announced their upcoming departure.
“We’re going now.” The blonde older man declared, took his friend’s hand and shook it, Aoi chuckling at the stray formality. “And… thank you for the great dinner. You’re the best.” He turned then to Uruha, smiled and gives him a short salute. The motion was so comical that Uruha had to stifle his laugh inside his stomach and that hurts, much to his regret.
“Well…thank you for coming and…careful on your way home. You got a lot of passengers this time Rei. Be more responsible.” Aoi replied as he gestures and lead their guests to the main door and outside the manor. A white dazzling car waits by the front.
“Aah- what do you mean? And what do you think of me? I’m absolutely sober man! Plus- I won’t get us into any accident because Hiroyuki is with us and I wouldn’t dare getting my wife angrier than ever. A little whiskey wouldn’t let me down, trust me.” The blonde man huffed indignantly. He run a hand through his hair and shook his head as if he was being humiliated right in front of his favorite nephew.
“Aa-well…Alright, alright…you’re the most responsible man I’ve ever known. Now, get going and see you tomorrow. You too Yoko and Ruki-kun. Hiro-kun, be a good boy and maybe another time, I’ll ask if I could bring you out to an amusement park with Megumi.” Aoi smiled to them and at the small boy who stood shyly beside his mother.
“Bye-bye Hiro! Bye-bye Uncle Re!” Megumi wave up and smiled over. Her eyes were sparkling as she sway her hands and bounce slightly with here frilly dress waving round. Uruha almost laugh out because the girl had skipped and obviously discarded the older woman, smiling cheekily to the line of people in front them. Uruha could see himself at her. Cheeky and doesn’t give a damn about the woman.
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“Goodnight. See you tomorrow Yoko. Nice boy Hiroyuki. I’ll treat you this Sunday nee?” Reita patted the boys head and smile at him.
“Sundae?” Hiroyuki asks meekly but his eyes shone nonetheless. He was stretching his small lips slightly, making Reita chuckle.
“Yeah. Sundae this Sunday.”
::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On their way to Ruki’s apartment, Reita seemed quiet and serious much to Ruki’s nervousness. It threatens him, definitely sending tendrils on his skin.
“You never told me that Ms. Yoko was your…wife’s sister. I never knew…” He suddenly blurt out, composing his position on the side of the driver. He looks straight ahead but kept chewing on his bottom lip.
“You never asked so you never knew.” Was Reita’s simple reply. Ruki instantly open his mouth, gripping at his clothed thighs a little bit obvious. He wasn’t angry at the sounding sarcasm of the older man’s answer but that wasn’t all. He saw the faint smirk lingering at the corner of Reita’s mouth.
“I guess I wasn’t all that interested in you.” He pouted away. Even if he actually didn’t mean his back point, something told him that he shouldn’t have said those words.
Reita slowly give him a glance that could have been a real threat to Ruki’s life. Narrow and dark, the older man’s nose flares up noticeably and Ruki couldn’t help but suck his breath, his hands tightening their grip at his sides.
“Well then…I also guess that I wasn’t all that interested in sending you home.” Reita snapped back, ice cold glare he throws and Ruki felt shiver run down his spine. He panic and he thought his heart had stopped beating.
He lost sight of the road they were passing on the way to his apartment as Reita suddenly and roughly pulled on the steering wheel and carelessly turned the car to the left. The left turn of the main road was elsewhere and not the right track back home for Ruki so he immediately ended up widening his two eyes in horror and gasped loud while grasping tightly at his seat for dear life.
“And where the hell do you think you’re turning?! Turn back Reita-san! You’re going the wrong way!” All but Ruki screamed. He’s going desperate every single second the wheels of the car screeching the rough road. He sweat regardless, chest pounding as they drove out to the partly dark highway.
“Scream all you want but I’m never going to turn back. You’re so stubborn Ruki. I want you to come face your match.”
And all Ruki could do was to curse under his breath.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aoi knocked softly at the door.
“Come in.” A gentle voice from inside the room.
“Is she-” He muttered, low and cautious as he peek from the open door and eventually walk in almost tip toes.
“Yeah. She’s asleep.” The blonde teen answered with a small smile. Uruha turn to the older man but gasped softly at the distinct expression drawing out of Aoi’s face. Oh…Aoi couldn’t be…
The older man came closer with unstable footsteps and Uruha shifted on the side of the bed, careful not to wake the girl sleeping soundly beside him.
“I just wanted…to kiss her goodnight…” Aoi whispered. The red skin on his nose and cheek was somehow considerable because he drunk some and Uruha had seen him when he glanced back at the dinner table earlier. The three elderly seem to have their own celebration considering they’ve open two bottle of whiskey after he and Ruki had left the table.
Uruha smiled and nodded, gesturing for the man to do as he pleased.
Aoi slowly lean down until he reached his daughter’s face then pressed his lips on her forehead.
Uruha smiled down and finds the motion to be so sweet and warm but immediately change his mind when Aoi turn and shift back to hover over him. The man’s arms on each side of him, firmly pressed against the soft mattress.
He could strongly smell liquor against Aoi. He frowned, leaning back as the man slowly leaned down over his face. The motion so familiar.
“Ahm…Aoi-san? Aa what are you-” His words were cut-off as warm firm lips pressed to his own. Uruha hadn’t even had the chance to blink, his breath caught against his throat.
“Kiss on the lips for you…” Aoi whispered, grinning sleepily after pulling from him. His face flushing red and breath strong against his nostril.
Uruha’s eyes widened in epic rush. His chest tightens instantly and he breathily wonders if he had died right at the moment.
“I’ll ask you one of these days to go out with me. Just the two of us. I’d like to treat you somewhere else. Where much more appropriate.” The strong breath blew against his still moist lips. Uruha was sure that the man was drunk though he wasn’t complaining. He just found the moment so utterly surprising. The sensation on his skin told that it was so elevating.
And even before he could react, Aoi collapsed on him and he was suddenly pinned down to the bed just beneath the girl’s feet.
“Aah-Aoi-san! You’re drunk!” He writhed but effortlessly. Uruha wasn’t a denial and he wasn’t going to struggle because he had prayed for this event to happen, unless Aoi plans to rape him beside Megumi.
Another kiss came but this time on his forehead. He shrieked slightly at the sudden weight over his body but likes the warmth nonetheless. Aoi’s face drops down on his neck.
“Goodnight. You smell so nice-” Aoi mumbled against his skin.
Uruha’s heart beat ten times faster than normal. He wasn’t so sure but it seems like he’s going to be a pillow for the night. He didn’t mind though and truly, he likes it. Being that close to the two people he cared the most at the time, it’s alright to be crashed under a heavy weight.
Feeling like taking care of his own family, Uruha holds back a sob and clenched his lips. He wrapped his arms around the man who seemed asleep already on top of him and blew a sigh. His chest pounds against the night.
If only he could be part of their family, oh how happy he would be.
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A/N: Sorry for the epic lateness. I'm currently busy with work and me and my sisters were attending a Cosplay Competition next week. Due to lateness, apologize to those who have waited and hope that this story still be interesting.
Thank you.
Author : dani_25
Chapter(s) : 16/19 +epilogue
Genres : Angst, Fluff, Romance, Smut
Rating : PG15 - NC17
Fandom : the GazettE
Pairing(s) : Aoi/Uruha, Reita/Ruki side pairing
Warnings : Language, OFCs, Sex [Overall]
Disclaimer : No owning of Gazetto Boys.
Comments : Unbeta-ed. Shoudou means impulse.
Synopsis : Nights of shindies led to a strong impulse. A young and wild beauty fall to a mysterious older man. A May-December Romance?
Chapter 16: Not a blue graduation
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“She…she- said that? For real?” Uruha stammered, stupid even as he helplessly fidgets at the hem of his over-sized t-shirt. He actually sweats. What if Aoi dislike him for that? What if Aoi actually doesn’t have any romantic feeling towards him? What if he only was kind because he had find him utterly pathetic being a street prostitute? And what if Aoi disgust whores? A guy whore in particular. He was a prominent man, a father in the case. So, it was only genuine to say that he was straight all right.
Uruha bit his lower lip a little bit harder, feeling the room suddenly dropped warmer. The idea that past him brings up a very terrifying realization that made his heart ached at every corner.
“I didn’t understand her clearly because she prattles too much.” Aoi shook his head, smiling at his own thought. Uruha frowned at that. He can’t determine if he was relieved or in doubt. Maybe he had overreacted or he just hoped too much it was stupid that he left his expression totally funny. “Is that what you came here for?” Aoi suddenly interrupts, stubbing his cigarette on the black ashtray sitting atop his small table beside the amplifier.
Uruha was frozen for a moment before Aoi broke out laughing, making him snapped. He blinks a few before frowning. The man’s laughter echoed throughout the enclosed room to where Uruha felt everything were incredibly hot, especially the dark-haired man in front him.
“Haha just don’t mind her! She’s too playful to think her seriously. You know, kids…?” Cheeky as he may sound, Uruha must be careful to not slip himself out again. It’s a clear warning to him that he was almost caught on his dark lust and never did he plan on adding up his sinful intents.
“I’ll be there.”
“Huh?” Uruha was smiling like silly as he couldn’t stop fidgeting at the hem of his t-shirt until the said words reach his sense. The older man was looking at him straight in the eyes and he suddenly finds himself stupid for acting so child-like. Mouth slightly hangs open as his eyes blinked in the confusion. Aoi was staring him serious.
“Tomorrow at the ceremony. I’ll bring Megumi with me and…” Uruha’s heart pounds hard and like he was hyperventilating, Aoi was promising him…
“And…?” All he could say, anticipation runs through his veins. His lips were trembling and he doesn’t know if Aoi could see.
“Invite your friends over for dinner. We’ll have to celebrate. My treat.” Aoi smiled and Uruha knows it was for him and him only. His fidgeting fingers halted, lips closing and opening, don’t know what to say or what to react as he stood there dumb…
“You’re practically a family now Uruha. Your achievement should be given some proper appreciation. I also wish for your own family to know and be invited but I know nothing of them so, we’ll settle for a close dinner tomorrow night with your friends and some of mine.” Aoi slowly pull from where he was leaning then moved over closer to him. “Got to be proud of you in the sense.” He reach for him and Uruha just stood there stun, unable to move. And if overwhelm was the right word, it wasn’t enough to describe what Uruha was feeling right there and then.
And before Uruha could blink, Aoi’s finger tapped his forehead. A light, whole-hearted laughter came out from the man he adore so much and Uruha’s heart flutter over that. So small gesture but for him, it means so much.
He didn’t want to look even sillier and so, he bit on his bottom lip before smiling back. He then nods and that’s all he could do at the over-fleeting moment. Aoi doesn’t even have the slightest clue of what he has done.
“I- aah…ahm…well…thanks-then…I-I gotta go back to Meg…” All but he stammered. His head quickly bent low because he was shy, embarrassed and flattered, all in all. He couldn’t even look straight into Aoi’s eyes anymore. He’s speechless as he gave a one quick bow then turn on his bare heels and walks out through the double doors with the meekest shoulders.
Aoi shook his head but was smiling. He couldn’t understand but Uruha’s small gestures even if childish was amiable for him. The young man sure had the strongest charm.
*****
Still pop beat greeting him when he practically sprung to the next room. Uruha thought his eardrums would jump right out of his ears.
“Hey you young lady! You princess~” He smothered fluently as he step inside of the rowdy room. Uruha thought that the other people on the house would definitely think that this portion of the mansion was a disco club. Too much pop on the audio player and a bouncing girl on the bed.
“Umii~ you dance!” The girl jumping on the mattress called out almost breathlessly. Her hair swirling around her face made it like she was going wild in her on world. She was bouncing in a round and Uruha doesn’t have the heart to scold her.
He only raises a brow and put a hand on his hip. He waited as the little miss take a turn back at him.
“What is this? Disco?” He scoffed playfully. This scene wasn’t anymore new so his acting wasn’t anymore scary. The four year old girl only huffed back and copied his remark. She twitches her nose and lips as if there’s nothing she was afraid of and hands on her smaller hips.
“No I won’t~ you broke your promise princess.”
“Aahm- what~ Umii~” She shrug, pouting before turning again and bouncing up. Uruha rolled his eyes heavenward.
“Cheeky you are…” He shook his head, mildly amused. That bouncing girl almost slipped him off the cliff and Uruha wonder of why she had done that or what the hell could be going on her mind. He supposed she was oblivious about the things around here but then, he might be all wrong because the first step was already been done.
Now, all Uruha planned to do is to not get too obvious. He can be kicked out of the house way too early if he would be found out molesting the man of the house in his mind and dreams. That was way too dangerous, he thought.
__________
The school ground was uncommonly crowded that morning. Students, school staffs and parents were all over the area and Uruha suddenly felt a light pricking pain against his chest. Parents, siblings and relatives, why in the world he doesn’t have any of it right at the moment?
The day was supposed to be a celebration, a big day considerably and yet he was standing there outside the ceremony hall, alone. He doesn’t want to think that he was truly alone in that joyous day but what his eyes unfold to him was sky clear.
“What the heck? I’m not jealous, whatever!” He huffed, kicking the innocent ground without any care. He had planned on getting composed and at least looks happy in there but what he didn’t expect was of that he was too sensitive when it comes to family sense. Along the moment, he suddenly remembers his mother.
“Uruha! Hey!” A call of his name came up and he spin quickly. The familiarity of the voice makes him scrunch his nose. He wasn’t annoyed though, just a little bit tired.
Just last night, he was almost in total disgrace. After getting the chance to catch a wonderful sight of a half-naked Aoi, the sole man of his dreams, he had the hardest time getting decent sleep. Image of the man’s naked upper half, he was in a delirium throughout the night. He had tossed and turn, sat up and lie down, frown and pout. He couldn’t ease himself. Aside from getting heated, he’s also too worried. Too many “what if” running through his head. What if the man would get disappointed, or much worst, if Aoi would get disgusted at him if one day he would know of his true feelings? He swore he would suicide without any second thought.
Uruha could only wish that Aoi wouldn’t take his daughter’s prattle too seriously. It threatened him. As far as he could say, he had built his reputation quite good. He had behaved. Had basically done everything Aoi had requested to him. Had performed his duty to the extent and respect the people around him like he had never done before. He worked hard even if he wouldn’t deny that sometimes, it was all Aoi he was thinking of the whole time.
He blew a heavy breath before rolling his eyes upwards. Ruki had this silly grin plastered on his face as he was approaching him.
“Hey leggy…who’s with you huh?” The shorter greeted, reaching up to flick an edge of his fringe. Uruha couldn’t help but to roll his eyes again because, that was such a stupid question for him. He was obviously standing there alone and his ever friend must have been feeling devilish again to tease him with such.
“Haha…funny~ Supposed to be on time but you’re late duh~” He mocked, hoping the other would feel even just a little embarrassment.
“Yeah~ yeah…What can I do? My super boss, you know him quite well right? And you substantially know that he was such a selfish-headed old man. I told you he hadn’t approved my leave that easily so I need to do him a very critical favor.” Ruki countered on. He was folding his arms over his chest and the look in his face clearly told Uruha that he was serious on guard.
“Blah! You always can get excuses while I always have to listen to your not-so-liableness! You could at least be more responsible you know…and be more creative…” Uruha raised a brow, indicating a familiar cheekiness that can always make his friend flinch in fear.
“And what do you mean by “more creative”?” Ruki countered. His brow was raising and thrusting his chin up shortly as if challenging. Uruha grinned, knowing he has the ace.
“Well shortie…what I mean was…could you think of another excuse other than ‘how your boss limits you to everything’ because you seem to always use the same cover up. You need to think of another excuse because I won’t buy anymore of that. Hear me?” He raised back a challenging brow.
They might have been having an argument whilst outside on the crowd of graduates but it was nothing harmful. They use to be like that but in all actuality, their bond was more than bestfriends.
Uruha suddenly tilt his head lower to the side, smirking as he stares past over Ruki’s shoulders. There was a hint of mischievousness on his wink and Ruki thought for a moment if Uruha was playing prank on him.
“Hey? What’s with that look?” Ruki instantly panics, as if there’s an unpredictable aura forming far his back.
“And I think you should really stop complaining about Reita-san being all too-selfish for you.” Uruha snorted and that was the clue which made Ruki to stiffen right there and then.
“Shit! Damn, don’t tell me-” He cursed loud, not ashamed if there are people around them because he had sensed. Had sensed the devilish presence from near behind them.
“Guess you should drop your hard-to-get trick. I think the man already doesn’t buy your game anymore. Just surrender Ruki-kun. He’s the type of man that one shouldn’t dump off. Remember, he’s powerful and he’s your one and only boss.” Uruha suddenly waved up and smiled to someone behind him. Ruki’s heart had skipped a beat to the knowing and he closed his eyes in defeat.
“Damn…I thought I have escaped him. He’s impossible. Uruha I swear! I had begged him to just let me be alone in this moment.” Ruki palmed his forehead. It was never been a hindrance to him, only annoyance but that time, it’s almost a wake-up call. His boss was rather showing some signs of addiction. Or in other way, obsession. Acting so childish yet very aggressive. Extravagant and as to Ruki, was wasting money over him.
As far as Ruki could have remember, he never did show off any signs of seduction nor did show any sign of attraction towards the older man and yet, it seems like he was being trapped into a web of no return. Like he was being held down, an indirect possession of his boss out of his concern. He didn’t even have the liberty to complain.
Ruki wasn’t a socialite. He wasn’t a sucker for money. All he wanted was to finish his studies, have a nice and decent job and to have more time with his bestfriend but it then turns out to be the opposite.
Yes, he could leave or excuse himself for important errands but it was always drop on with a favor in return. His boss likes to put him on the edge. Some way treating him so selfishly. Although he could get and do whatever he wants in his work, there’s always a point where he have to go through all the demands pasted in his way. A little bit annoying but then, Ruki can’t still do anything. He knows he accepted the job wholeheartedly so, he basically doesn’t have the right to argue or complain without getting too high and almighty. He was just a worker in real life. Not the idolized singer on stage way back. Not the simple high school kid anymore.
He was now a subordinate, a secretarial job which he never had imagine himself doing in the future. And, he almost seems to be regretting. Just a tiny bit, but not that strong and seething.
“Well, goodluck shortie because he’s coming already.” Uruha teased with a cheeky grin, winking at him.
Ruki had his eyes going white. He supposed to be on his respective vacation leave and yet, his dear boss was with him. Is that even called a leave? He thought.
“Hey! Ruki! And Uruha too! I hope I’ve come on time.” There comes the voice.
“Hi! Reita-san! Don’t worry. You’re just on time. We’re about to head inside the hall.” Uruha greeted back, smiling as he nodded to Ruki. The shorter pouted as he turned back to give a forced smile and a bow to the older man. And annoyingly as it may be, Ruki couldn’t help but blushed when he saw how nice the older man was dressed and how sincere his smile was to him.
“I’m sorry for coming here unannounced. I was calling you Ruki but your phone was off.” The man said, apologizing which wasn’t normal because he was their superior and for Ruki, his boss seems to go insane. He was abnormal. And stubborn…
“It was off because I’m currently on my leave and I’m right now at my stupid graduation day. What are you doing here anyway Reita-san?” All but Ruki snapped, a pointed look he gave towards his big boss. And much to his annoyance, the older man didn’t seem to be phased with such look from him.
“I just want to accompany someone special to me. Do you have a problem with that?” Reita said haughtily. He thrust his chin up defiantly. He will going to be a complete bug even if his secretary would get too annoyed at him because he didn’t want Ruki to leave him for that long. He’s risking his reputation and all so he wasn’t going to waste the chance.
“You’re old. Do whatever you want.” Ruki huffed, already walking inside the ceremony hall.
The corridor to the venue was already crowded so Uruha did the courtesy to lead the businessman inside. He smiled at him as if silently telling him that he had done a good job at making Ruki surrender at his stubbornness. Uruha knew all along what the man had for his bestfriend. As a matter of fact, he was the first person to know.
When Reita and Aoi had strayed one faithful night back there at the nightclub where they had previously worked, the blonde man had been drinking a little much then started blabbering about how he knew Ruki all along. It was then revealed to him that Reita had really known his bestfriend before that night but never had the chance to get to Ruki and ask him over. Uruha remembered how he was almost in breathless laughter as he was listening to Reita explaining every detail he has on how he had gotten love-struck by the petite singer and how he was honestly attracted to him since he had first heard Ruki’s voice. He could practically relate to all the man was saying and unfortunately, he had the same case because he had been smitten by the dark-haired businessman that was Reita’s friend. Better like a coincidence.
The program had gone for an hour now, full of commemorative speeches from the dean, teachers and the selective honorable students. The set-up inside the ceremony hall was designative as the venue was wide enough to hold almost quarter of the school’s population including the graduating students’ parents and relatives.
Ruki and Uruha were of different section so they were far apart in seat. Across to their far left side was the row where the student’s parents and representatives were seated and there were also some of them standing over the corners. The hall was unexpectedly full. It was the rein of the year where almost all the last year students passed and it made it the more sad for Uruha as he glance around him.
Too many heads obscuring his sight, too much noises coming from all around, he nervously bit down on his bottom lip. As clear as he remember, Aoi had told him he would attend the cerermony. Yesterday afternoon, there at Aoi’s music room, Uruha had his heart jumping out of his chest right after hearing the man. He had never reacted particularly that moment. Just stood there in front of Aoi in fake innocence.
“He said he would be here and where the hell was he? Stupid old man…” He muttered and cursed under his breath. His eyes turning to slits as he roam them at the back and around. Annoyingly, he couldn’t see anything related to the man. Uruha felt so upset. It supposed to be a joyous day but unfortunately, a certain dark-haired man seems to ruin it. He blew a breath of exasperation, anger, frustration, all in one drop. “He shouldn’t have said that. I’m stupid to actually believe him. You’re an idiot Uruha…forever…” He sighed as he turned back.
Uruha felt so drain, so lifeless. Waiting for the ceremony to end, he count useless numbers in the air as his ears endure all the unnecessary event happening at the stage in front him. He never wanted to celebrate this day because he felt so alone. Ruki was just three rows ahead of him but still so distant. He had all his classmates beside him but he was never been close to them. It was useless for him to fake smile at people he didn’t even give a damn care if they were there. All Uruha wanted was to get home already. Aoi wasn’t going to show up and it was the half-way of the whole program. He’s hoping yet very distracted after searching for Aoi’s trace and found nothing.
As the role-call of the students began, Uruha had applause when Ruki went over the stage and received his certificate. He smiled widely for his bestfriend even though Ruki couldn’t notice him over the crowd. After that, he had his head hanging low, their uniform strangely felt so hot. After a few more minutes, it was their section’s turn to be called and yet, he still feels so depressed. No one cares for him. He would accept this tiny victory without anyone close to him to see. No one to give him proud and encouraging smiles. Not even Ruki could fill that loneliness in his heart.
Uruha found it hard to step up the short stair leading up to the platform of the stage. His heart was aching and his legs were lazy. He thought he was sweating wordlessly because of nervousness. Thinking it might be so awkward if he marched forward there with such a rigid body, he breathed in deep and releases a lungful of oxygen as his feet set on the stage.
And when the round of applause came in like a rolling thunder, Uruha dared glancing over the audience with apprehensive eyes. He thought he might as well get distracted by the crowd than feeling frozen over there. And as he turns his head slowly, it was so sudden that his chest pounds, eyes widening than normal as he caught first glimpse of the person he had waited for over an hour. The hopelessness faded immediately at the realization. There, at the back of the seats, far from the row where he was seated, near the hall’s double door…stood a man wearing a black business suit. He has dark-haired so natural and a little girl in pink dress beside him. Uruha wanted to cry.
He felt like fainting as he took his steps towards the school head and his adviser waiting for him at the center of the stage. If only he could hyperventilate, Uruha would. His chest felt so tight like he couldn’t breathe at all. If that was just his hallucination, he definitely wouldn’t want to wake up from that sweet daze. Aoi did just really come there? And Megumi is with him too?! Uruha couldn’t be more happy.
“Takashima Kouyou-san, congratulations.” He barely heard the speaker’s greeting and his adviser’s cheer. He was all too high. He received the certificate and get on with shake hands as he posed with them, shots from different cameras in front them wasn’t that distracting.
He nodded and gave a smile. He felt complete, thought that his day was rainbow completed because Aoi came, his promise been accomplished.
The short exit he made after was rather the opposite. For when he walked like an astronaut during his entrance, Uruha made sure to dash off as soon as his feet set back down on the ground.
“Aoi-san!” He called over, out of care even if he was yelling over the crowd. “You came…” He breathed out, running out of air as he was drained of it. His mad dash was kind of comical but he totally didn’t care. At last, he wasn’t alone anymore. The only family he knows right at the time. The family he had learned to love with all his heart.
“I’m sorry, we’re kind of late.” Aoi apologized. He deeply bowed and smiled as he pushes Megumi towards Uruha. The small girl smiling as she outstretched both her hands for Uruha to pick up.
“No, you guys weren’t that late. You see, you’ve seen me ramped there at the stage.” Uruha smiled for mostly as he bend down and carry up the giggling girl. Aoi had seemed like to protest as he knew it could wrinkle Uruha’s dress up but shook his head and chuckled. Megumi had already wrapped her arms around Uruha’s neck as the young man struggles slightly to hoist her up.
“Umii~you school?” The girl asked in her cute innocence. Uruha couldn’t help but to burst out of laughter. Aoi smirked beside them.
“Yes baby. I’m schooling and you would also be. Next year. I’ll be your tutor. You’ll go to school in cute uniform and I’ll be the one to send you over and back home…” Uruha and Megumi seem to create a conversation against the wave of noise that surrounds them.
Aoi just smiled over them. He pretends to be out of the talk but he was actually listening to them, feeling something so warm inside his chest. Uruha was so kind to his daughter when they were merely just strangers to each other. The young man had only been working for them for about half a year and yet his bond towards them was strangely strong. Aoi couldn’t make out of those odd initiations the younger had been provoking at him though, he was comfortable and trusts Uruha without any second thought. It was almost so unnatural to be having those uncommon feelings towards the younger but he can’t help it. He already started to believe that it was all but Uruha’s natural charisma.
An half an hour more had passed before the program finally ended. All the graduates overflowed the whole venue. Scattered all around and Uruha was really glad he wasn’t straying over there anymore.
“Invite Ruki-kun over tonight. I’ve already set-up our special dinner.” Aoi declared and Uruha had to halt in his giggle marathon with Megumi. He still had the small girl against his arms who kept on tugging at his meticulously styled curls. Megumi was very fond of his blonde locks to the point of calling him Barbie. Uruha somehow thought of getting a new hair colour and much shorter haircut.
“Oh, is that okay? I mean…you don’t have to really prepare something over. This is just a usual event.” He turned to Aoi, smiling though he had his brows furrowed somehow. Uruha felt like that was too much of a disturbance. He wasn’t even a member of Aoi’s family so he thought he never should be treated like one despite of how much he truly wants.
“I thought you understand. I believe I owe you enough. For taking care of my daughter, you’re the person I respected and thanked for the most.” Aoi smiled back at him. His words were so heartwarming and Uruha could believe that one could die by just receiving loving and sweet words from the person they love. He felt so blessed despite being separated from his true family. Aoi and Megumi could be his family right? That thought was the most beloved for him.
“Hmmph! Do whatever you want!” He stuck his tongue out before turning back at the girl who was still busy braiding the ends of his curled locks. He doesn’t want to look so obviously flattered.
Uruha heard Aoi chuckling behind him and caught a glimpse of the older man shaking his head in utter amusement. He doesn’t want to act like a child but whenever he’s around the man, he’s just like that automatically although he starts to wonder why.
When he was busy pouting over with a wiggly girl in his arms, he started to feel like crying for some simple reason. The fact that the ceremony ended up a bit sappy, with all the honor students giving out an exchanging outstanding speeches and commemorations, all were having precious moments as rounds of laughter and hugs filled the hall. Like a family reunion, students were being taken photos together with their respective family. All their smiles made Uruha’s eyes to water in opposition. He doesn’t want to think about his own family anymore but here again, the faithful situation seems like having a good time torturing him. He pouted even more.
“Uruha!” A sudden call coming from just around them startled Uruha and he quickly turned back, wondering if Aoi had called him.
His eyes shortly glance in Aoi’s direction but immediately got confused when he saw the older man looking around, obviously oblivious by the moment.
“Hey! Over here!” Come again the voice but now, it made it the more clear who the caller was. Uruha turned around just in time to see Ruki approaching them with a digital camera in hand. The shorter was waving as he reached them and the expression of his face was just amusing for Uruha.
“Ey Ru! What’s up? You have digicam I could see.” He then smiled back at Ruki.
“Hey babe, I have a favor to ask you.” Ruki said with an added sweetness. Uruha made an awed expression after hearing the word “babe”. Ruki was rare to call him such sweet endearment and if he does, it’s automatic that he has something he wants to request at him.
“Favor? What is it?” He asked and out the small girl down.
“Aa-well…You see…I have a camera and I swear to you I couldn’t afford stuff this expensive!” Ruki blurt out, slightly panting as he rushed over there against the sea of people. Uruha gave an amuse roll of eyes. He was patting the girl’s soft hair top as she began to fiddle with his sleeve.
“So? As if I wouldn’t know that Boss Reita had given you that flashy stuff! There’s nothing unusual anymore. You are just paranoid Ruki.” He shook his head and chuckled at Ruki’s instant frowning. He likes to tease his bestfriend about the definite “something” with his boss and he always make sure that the other would squirm on the edge.
“Huh?! Paranoid your face! I’m not! That old bug was just too annoying for me. He’s an idiot for trying to act like a qualified sugar daddy!” Ruki spat back but not that harsh to anyone’s ear. Uruha couldn’t hold back and chuckled. That was just an epic burst out! Ruki’s face getting red as he clutch the small device with much tightness.
“Oh Ru…Just let the man do whatever he feel like doing. Plus, that thing is really usable. Boss Reita is genius.” Uruha replied, amusement still in his tone. He sometimes thinks if Ruki was just plain dumb. Any teenager in their era would have die just to get one of that high-tech device and Ruki was like hating it for a more senseless reason.
“Genuis? You mean stupid boss! I couldn’t really ride that man’s way of thinking. I’m starting to believe that I act more mature than him.”
“You two might need some define action. You’re playing hard-to-get Ru. Not all of your suitors could give you high-standard stuffs like that. You’re pretty lucky if I were to say.” Uruha explained casually. He nodded matter-of-factly.
“I’m not a gold digger. I couldn’t be turn on by just these stupid pricey things. And I’m not gay!” Ruki squealed his last words. Although he strongly denied everything, Uruha could still notice the faint tint of red against his bestfriend’s cheek. Maybe Ruki was really denying for all he cares. He shrugged casually as if Ruki was too idiot for his liking. No one would even dare snubbed an almost royalty like Mr. Reita Suzuki.
“Oh, whatever~ so what favor you’re asking?”
“Oh! I almost forgot! Wait here.” Ruki said before rushing back to where he came, vanishing back to the sea of people.
“Haha! Ruumii~” Uruha was suddenly surprised as Megumi giggled loud, startling him a little. He’d been too caught up on Ruki’s whining over and forgot that he had companies there.
And when his bestfriend finally get back on them, he wasn’t alone anymore. He had a company of his own. Uruha drop a short laugh after receiving a silent glare from Ruki and a gentleman wink from Reita.
“You know what to do.” Ruki handed him the digital device as taking the girl over in return. Uruha watched as Ruki put the girl in the space between him and Reita. The older man shook his head in utter amusement at Ruki’s childish behavior.
“Sure. Alright. You guys can pose now.” Uruha announced, giving the small girl a smile before positioning the camera.
The three of them get close and Uruha pushed the button, flash over the shot which capture very nice smiles. Even if Ruki seemed to be annoyed over his boss, he had smiled practically. Reita smiled on formation, not too cheeky like Ruki’s but more of a longing sense.
And what caught Uruha the most was, Aoi’s little princess standing between the two with a wide smile of cheekiness on her cute angel face. She had grabbed both of Ruki and Reita’s hands and with pure innocence, had linked them without the two noticing. Until Uruha had clicked, he hid a smile behind the lens to where he shot the probably most adorable couple in town.
“There you go~” He smiled at them. Uruha was feeling suddenly lonely again. Ruki looks happy and may be, contented but him…he’s aching inside his chest. He thought it must have been his obvious nostalgia at the beginning of the ceremony but still, there’s really something missing he wanted to carry out. He handed back the camera to his friend.
“Umii~” Megumi reach out for him and Uruha quickly grab her small arms.
“Alright baby…We should get back to your dad before he gets lost here.” He picks her up again and turns to where her father stood over there, waiting for them obviously.
And when they got back to Aoi, he was smiling at them to where Uruha was suddenly caught. There was so much romance he could feel and yet, he still could be the only one feeling that. There’s no probable way Aoi would like him more than a mere nanny of his child. It makes him blush but with a trouble regarding his hopeless heart.
“I saw Rei there. I didn’t know he would come here too.” Aoi said, reaching forward to pat the girl’s head gently. She just giggles and wiggles up against Uruha’s arms and Uruha suddenly had a hard time catching up on her movement.
“Yeah. He hurried over here even if-” Uruha’s words were cut off by another sudden call.
“Hey Uru!” Ruki called over for him again. The short guy was almost digging ground as they struggle to get passed the people in the way. “We haven’t had a shot together.”
“Oh? Yeah. We almost forgot.” He realized. “And who’s the photographer?”
“Me.” The blonde man in a nice handsome black suit offers. Ruki made a face but didn’t last long. The most important for him at the moment was to make and collect photos of him and his bestfriend in their graduation moment. “Alright…you two should get over there and pose.” Reita advised them before positioning the camera. Aoi move to his side with Megumi in his hand.
Both newly graduates nodded and walk over the said spot. There was another group photo taking against their back but they both ignore them as their focus was on the camera in Reita’s hands.
“Okay-smile…” Reita motioned for them and the two immediately pressed their sides and put an arm on each other’s shoulder. They stretched their lips, both posing with the ever famous peace sign.
Their eyes seem to sparkle as Aoi watched them although his focus was more to the blonde one. He couldn’t help but to gaze over the smile Uruha wore. There was just something going on his chest as he looked at the young man.
Aoi remembers the same feeling he felt when they were standing under the rain one night, way back months ago. It wasn’t sympathy. It’s been the same feeling he feels whenever he admire something. Feeling he only remembers to be whenever he was with Uruha or he was seeing Uruha. It might be funny but Aoi had been too carefree. He assumed it to be just a natural feeling for someone who had a critical life but soon realized that, it’s just more than what he thought it was.
As he stare at Uruha’s smiling face, he felt so proud of himself for saving that young man from the district life he had been living for years. He couldn’t imagine what it was if he never had stray on that place and never met Uruha there. It brought a dull shot on his heart to even think of it. For Aoi, Uruha had a face worth paying for. It was so unusual to come met a person, let alone a boy to have such a pleasing face that could probably rival a natural beauty.
Aoi had been harboring an unusual feeling towards Uruha and he had known it even from the very beginning. He just couldn’t trace it for a more definite word other than admiration. He knew he like the young man as who he was and he wasn’t going to deny everything he concluded. But then, there’s only one problem about Uruha he couldn’t feel the urge to classify. The fact about what was Uruha before he came to Aoi’s life. It’s a rolling déjà vu for Aoi and that seems to make him a little bit hesitant towards the younger’s collective approach to him.
“Ao! Hey man!” An interruption to his exclusive train of thoughts snapped Aoi. “Come with me!” Before he could even react, he was dragged by the arm and was led to where Uruha and Ruki were standing. He didn’t even notice that his daughter was already posing there in between the two.
“Nah, Uru…your turn with Meg-chan and Aoi-san.” Ruki points out and quickly moved beside his boss. He snatched the camera from the man’s hand, raising a brow as if challenging the other. Reita just shook his head in amusement and that was noticed by Uruha who merely grin at the obvious display of affection. He couldn’t say it loud but the scene was a proof for him. His shorter friend was also attracted to his boss but unfortunately, doesn’t know it at all.
“Aoi-san, could you move closer to them? Beside Uruha. And Meg-chan would move forward so she was in the front.” Ruki carefully instructed the older man as he saw him merely watching them going around.
Aoi nodded as he walks and move to where Uruha and his daughter stood. There were still other people littering around and some taking photos and Aoi didn’t want to feel awkward. Uruha was practically a member of his small family and as gratitude, he’ll make this day as memorable as possible for the young man. Although he still couldn’t name something to it, Aoi knew that deep inside him, it was more than just thankfulness. Uruha made his life a much lighter and brighter side. The young man took away the dullness inside his house and became a very trustworthy person. He only deserves to have a small present and Aoi already set for that.
“Okay~ lean closer to each other. Hey Uru! You’re blushing!” Ruki blurted out much to Uruha’s horror. He couldn’t be break by that but then, he already felt his knees going weak as soon as Ruki words practically made fun of him.
“Hey smile! You’re glaring Uru…How could I click the button. Smile~’ Ruki continued teasing him. He couldn’t get the face to actually send his shoe flying towards his bestfriend’s chubby face for the annoying teases he had gotten but, he could send him a deathly glare if he wouldn’t stop his mocking over him. Although Uruha knew that Ruki might probably tells the truth, he should have had the sense to just keep it to himself rather than blurting it out to where the whole crowd could hear him. Especially Aoi. Uruha thought if that was Ruki’s tactical revenge for his earlier shot about his Boss Reita.
He rolled his eyes but feel the slight shyness when he lean and made his right shoulder to press up against Aoi. His face heating up and that was the truth. He was blushing like madly as he tilts his head to the side and put a hand over the small girl’s shoulder. It was like a family photo. A perfect portrait he so wish could be true. With Aoi, Uruha wanted to retire and be the coolest and perfect partner for the man. If ever he was born as a woman, it’s still Aoi he would choose and be everything for him.
How he wish the moment would get longer or if possible, make the time go slow. He heartily liked the pose. Him leaning against the man he adores and a small girl like his own child, Uruha couldn’t help but to daze and blush. Though his real family wasn’t there, the substitute was more than he could ever wish for.
“Okay~ one…two…and smile-” Ruki beamed and before the click was made, before the flash was shot, before Uruha felt his heartbeat stop and before everything seems to glow with pink hearts…his right hand was touched by Aoi, their palms met and fingers entwined with his. Hidden from everyone’s eyes, they hold hands. Uruha was so stun to the point that he didn’t realized he was slightly trembling and that Aoi was tightening his grip on him.
“So pretty nice!” Uruha blinked after the flash, his heartbeat stuck and had frozen arm. All the heat from his body went straight up his face. It was clamoring around but his heartbeat was louder he could hear it booming against his chest.
“You’re pretty serious there, Aoi! Give us a smile!” Reita laughed out.
“One more time! You guys, smile wider okay?!” The shorter waved over to them.
Uruha was tensing as Aoi’s grip became tighter again. He felt sweating and he couldn’t stop his hands from trembling. The more the time goes by, the more he didn’t want the moment to stop. It felt so right, felt so strong, felt so nice… Is Aoi giving him a silent hint? Uruha couldn’t blame himself if ever he was going to fall even deeper than he already does. Aoi was so nice to him, so kind, so perfect…he wanted to be with him for as long as he could breathe. Would it be selfishness to think something like that? Uruha wasn’t a self-centered person. He only wanted to be with the man who had saved his life more than one time.
And as the second shot flash fort, Uruha’s daze wasn’t even on its half way when Aoi leaned forward. “Uruha…” He faintly heard. And as they were still holding hands, Uruha was motioned the same to where they both leaning down, their cheeks almost pressed in favor of the photograph.
“Looks like a family picture to me.” Reita murmured beside Ruki who was holding the camera, leaning down to get a closer look at the captured. The screen showed a really warm shot and Ruki could only smile. Seems like his bestfriend had finally found a new meaning to his life.
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It was exactly seven in the evening when Uruha had finished putting all the dishes and porcelains in the table. He took a deep breath of relief as he saw the organized dining top. After admiring his kitchen artwork, he blew a breath while partially glaring at the older man across the table with a known critic eyes. The other had his arms crossed against his chest, monitoring every single move Uruha make.
Aoi was watching him the whole time as he goes in a dashing round all over the kitchen till the dining area, much to Uruha’s irritation. In his most recent memory, he clearly heard something about, ‘I’ve already set-up our special dinner’ words that traced a sweet promise but then, he still end up whirling like a blonde tornado inside the house.
“You really are a pro. You can beat the most promising cook in Tokyo, you know that?” Aoi smiled over at him as if in a playful mocking but Uruha wasn’t in the mood for any more dark tactics. He knew that Aoi was only saying that to ease him and probably, to lure him again to do another catering.
When Aoi had said he had set all things up, Uruha thought he had arrange a dinner at some fancy restaurant but he was all wrong. There was no dinner outside and worst of it all, Aoi had only ordered the other servants to buy the ingredients for Uruha to cook. He still did all the preparation and cooking with a little help from the female maid and that nearly popped his veins out from his temple. He was all too happy by Aoi’s presence at the ceremony and didn’t think he would do all the cooking later that night. Surprise, surprise…
“Next time you would tell me something about special dinner, I wouldn’t believe easily until I saw it with my beautiful eyes. You know that?” He retorted, quirking an eyebrow at the older man in a threatening way.
“It’s only because I would rather eat foods that were made by your skillful hand than eating at a restaurant. I could see how you prepare them and it’s nice to have someone cook for us other than Maki-san. I kind of grew tired of her dishes.” Aoi explained and by that, Uruha’s fake defense crumpled down immediately. He did try to act that he was mad for being rushed to make dinner but then again, Aoi’s words can turn it all around. He pouted, blushing as he looked down at his hands.
“You’re lucky because Maki-san wasn’t here. I’m sure you would get an earful for ever saying that you hated her cooking.” He put a hand over his hip and leaned against the table.
Aoi chuckled and just then, Uruha’s phone vibrated. He picked it up from his pocket and saw the caller as nothing else but his bestfriend forever.
“Yes, hello?”
“Hey Uru. We’re here.” The caller announced and Uruha immediately prance out towards the main door, passing by an amused Aoi. He answered the door and let the expected guest inside.
“Hey!” He greeted the shorter guy and was practically amused that Reita had come along too. “Reita-san! Good evening to you. Come in.” He also greeted the older man as he invited them inside.
The dinner started as soon as the two guests came. Reita had insisted so, saying he was hungry and all so they started eating.
“Wow! These all look so good.” Ruki commented, almost drooled over the massive amount of dish decorating the table. He had never seen so much food in various styles except in magazine and television. It was like a royal feast to his eyes and he gulped in anticipation.
“Those don’t look good. They were really good.” Reita proved with mouthful as he reached for another bowl of pasta and Ruki followed his action as his boss practically shoved the food straight into his mouth.
Speaking of etiquette, for someone like Reita who was a prominent in the society, Ruki scrunched up his face in disgust as his boss swoop everything his hands could reach in one mouthful. He doesn’t remember the man acting like that at work or when they went out to restaurants at lunch time. It was so funny and he chuckled at the unexpectedly comical scene.
“I told you he’s really good in cooking.” Aoi said and Reita points an approved sign to him.
Ruki had long known that Uruha could cook the best of foods but never had the chance to taste something this massive. He had only exclaimed his comment on the dishes but hadn’t yet to taste them and his boss was already swallowing down his second plate. He shook his head in amusement of how out of manner Reita was at the moment. The man looks like he wasn’t been feed for a month so he was gnawing everything his mouth could gather.
“Yeah, right-right! His cooking was so good! Much better than the restaurant and my wife’s.” Reita dared talking while gulping down his wine.
“Well hey Boss Rei… Don’t talk like that about Ritsuko-san.” Aoi commented over the other edge of the table. The two older men were right across each other on the dining set and the other three were over the two side and they all reacted over Reita’s choice of words.
“But I’m saying the truth. I’m not lying and you know it Boss Aoi.” Reita retorted and huffed. He continued swallowing up everything that was on his plate. Aoi shook his head in amusement. His long-time business partner still had the sour taste over his own wife.
“Hey, you’re lucky Yoko hadn’t heard you. You could be in such trouble.” Aoi laughed out. Uruha suddenly looked up from his plate and glance to his right where Aoi seated. Why did Aoi brought out the name of the woman Uruha wanted to hear the least?
A sudden feel of annoyance swept past him in a moment. He just so wish that the said woman didn’t plan on appearing right there because it would totally ruin his night. Just a “big NO” to that lady. She’s too sarcastic for Uruha to ever like her. Plus, she always seem to act sweet only around Aoi and always stay close to the man like she was some kind of a devoted secretary. She wasn’t even a secretary! Uruha pouted, halting his motion of stirring the savory pasta on his shiny plate.
“You could stick those two up but I’m never gonna take back what I’ve said. They were the same. Such a shame to the female kind.” Reita wiped his mouth with the white cloth and suddenly have the bitter face.
“Ahm…Please excuse my interruption but, is Yoko-san somewhat a relative of your wife? They kind of…they look the same, a lot. ” Ruki suddenly asked out of the blue. He was sitting across Uruha who was frowning at him.
“Excuse me Sir. Ms. Kurosawa-” The maid announced, interrupting the conversation. Aoi glance over at her and she politely motioned behind where the much unexpected guest for Uruha walked in. “Speaking of the devil” Uruha muttered in his mind. What a nice surprise! Just a playful mocking for him and, oh how he hates that woman.
The late visitor was wearing a proud smile which to Uruha was a fake flaunt over her arrogant face. She always seems to like acting so sweet and confident but he knows more than that fake façade. He made a face, appetite losing. But what caught Uruha’s attention as he suddenly put his utensil down and frown was, the woman wasn’t alone. A small, very shy looking little boy stood beside her. They both wore formal dresses and Uruha momentarily wonders. He was kind of confused.
“Oi Yoko! Come- Come here! And Hiroyuki too!” Reita chirped out and waved over to the two added guests. He immediately stood up from his seat and walk to them.
“Good evening. Greet them too Hiro.” The woman greeted, urging the little boy to do the same. Reita reached them and nodded towards her before crouching down to the boy’s level.
“Hello there Hiroyuki. How are you?” Reita asked sweetly, patting the boy’s head with a friendly smile. The boy only nodded and made a timid smile back at him.
“Hiro~” A distinct call coming from the little girl beside Uruha caught the boy’s attention. She waved over at him with a wide smile and that made the other kid to dash towards her.
Uruha made distasteful eyes towards the older woman sitting across him. Unfortunately, he didn’t know that Aoi had invited her too. She had occupied the seat where Ruki previously sat and that annoyed him much. In simple words, he just hated the woman. It’s not simply the fact that she was too close to Aoi but, more than her being so confident that she was so stunning in every aspect of herself. Uruha hated her every time she would talk and walk with Aoi. At office and sometimes outside of work, she would take every single chance just to block him out of Aoi’s sight. It was frustration and condemnation for him. The more the days come, the more he hated her silently. Aoi know nothing of this silent grudge and Uruha tends to keep it only to himself because he’s afraid of losing the man’s trust and truly most, afraid of losing Aoi completely. He couldn’t risk even the simplest of matter.
Then that very evening, he didn’t expect to know such a surprising revelation. The six year-old boy was Yoko’s son and that she was the younger sister of Reita’s wife. How funny fate could possibly go.
The dinner went on but not like the first half of the evening. When Yoko and her child came in the picture, the elders had gone talking about work in front of the dinner table where children also sat around, talking and playing with some of the foods. That worsen Uruha’s mood. So after excusing himself together with Ruki, they got outside and stayed on the porch. With glasses of juice, they chatted for a little about the future plans from now on.
Along them, the two kids began running outside to where they stood and rumble around them in simultaneous prattle and giggles. The evening felt cold and half an hour later, the guests announced their upcoming departure.
“We’re going now.” The blonde older man declared, took his friend’s hand and shook it, Aoi chuckling at the stray formality. “And… thank you for the great dinner. You’re the best.” He turned then to Uruha, smiled and gives him a short salute. The motion was so comical that Uruha had to stifle his laugh inside his stomach and that hurts, much to his regret.
“Well…thank you for coming and…careful on your way home. You got a lot of passengers this time Rei. Be more responsible.” Aoi replied as he gestures and lead their guests to the main door and outside the manor. A white dazzling car waits by the front.
“Aah- what do you mean? And what do you think of me? I’m absolutely sober man! Plus- I won’t get us into any accident because Hiroyuki is with us and I wouldn’t dare getting my wife angrier than ever. A little whiskey wouldn’t let me down, trust me.” The blonde man huffed indignantly. He run a hand through his hair and shook his head as if he was being humiliated right in front of his favorite nephew.
“Aa-well…Alright, alright…you’re the most responsible man I’ve ever known. Now, get going and see you tomorrow. You too Yoko and Ruki-kun. Hiro-kun, be a good boy and maybe another time, I’ll ask if I could bring you out to an amusement park with Megumi.” Aoi smiled to them and at the small boy who stood shyly beside his mother.
“Bye-bye Hiro! Bye-bye Uncle Re!” Megumi wave up and smiled over. Her eyes were sparkling as she sway her hands and bounce slightly with here frilly dress waving round. Uruha almost laugh out because the girl had skipped and obviously discarded the older woman, smiling cheekily to the line of people in front them. Uruha could see himself at her. Cheeky and doesn’t give a damn about the woman.
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“Goodnight. See you tomorrow Yoko. Nice boy Hiroyuki. I’ll treat you this Sunday nee?” Reita patted the boys head and smile at him.
“Sundae?” Hiroyuki asks meekly but his eyes shone nonetheless. He was stretching his small lips slightly, making Reita chuckle.
“Yeah. Sundae this Sunday.”
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On their way to Ruki’s apartment, Reita seemed quiet and serious much to Ruki’s nervousness. It threatens him, definitely sending tendrils on his skin.
“You never told me that Ms. Yoko was your…wife’s sister. I never knew…” He suddenly blurt out, composing his position on the side of the driver. He looks straight ahead but kept chewing on his bottom lip.
“You never asked so you never knew.” Was Reita’s simple reply. Ruki instantly open his mouth, gripping at his clothed thighs a little bit obvious. He wasn’t angry at the sounding sarcasm of the older man’s answer but that wasn’t all. He saw the faint smirk lingering at the corner of Reita’s mouth.
“I guess I wasn’t all that interested in you.” He pouted away. Even if he actually didn’t mean his back point, something told him that he shouldn’t have said those words.
Reita slowly give him a glance that could have been a real threat to Ruki’s life. Narrow and dark, the older man’s nose flares up noticeably and Ruki couldn’t help but suck his breath, his hands tightening their grip at his sides.
“Well then…I also guess that I wasn’t all that interested in sending you home.” Reita snapped back, ice cold glare he throws and Ruki felt shiver run down his spine. He panic and he thought his heart had stopped beating.
He lost sight of the road they were passing on the way to his apartment as Reita suddenly and roughly pulled on the steering wheel and carelessly turned the car to the left. The left turn of the main road was elsewhere and not the right track back home for Ruki so he immediately ended up widening his two eyes in horror and gasped loud while grasping tightly at his seat for dear life.
“And where the hell do you think you’re turning?! Turn back Reita-san! You’re going the wrong way!” All but Ruki screamed. He’s going desperate every single second the wheels of the car screeching the rough road. He sweat regardless, chest pounding as they drove out to the partly dark highway.
“Scream all you want but I’m never going to turn back. You’re so stubborn Ruki. I want you to come face your match.”
And all Ruki could do was to curse under his breath.
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Aoi knocked softly at the door.
“Come in.” A gentle voice from inside the room.
“Is she-” He muttered, low and cautious as he peek from the open door and eventually walk in almost tip toes.
“Yeah. She’s asleep.” The blonde teen answered with a small smile. Uruha turn to the older man but gasped softly at the distinct expression drawing out of Aoi’s face. Oh…Aoi couldn’t be…
The older man came closer with unstable footsteps and Uruha shifted on the side of the bed, careful not to wake the girl sleeping soundly beside him.
“I just wanted…to kiss her goodnight…” Aoi whispered. The red skin on his nose and cheek was somehow considerable because he drunk some and Uruha had seen him when he glanced back at the dinner table earlier. The three elderly seem to have their own celebration considering they’ve open two bottle of whiskey after he and Ruki had left the table.
Uruha smiled and nodded, gesturing for the man to do as he pleased.
Aoi slowly lean down until he reached his daughter’s face then pressed his lips on her forehead.
Uruha smiled down and finds the motion to be so sweet and warm but immediately change his mind when Aoi turn and shift back to hover over him. The man’s arms on each side of him, firmly pressed against the soft mattress.
He could strongly smell liquor against Aoi. He frowned, leaning back as the man slowly leaned down over his face. The motion so familiar.
“Ahm…Aoi-san? Aa what are you-” His words were cut-off as warm firm lips pressed to his own. Uruha hadn’t even had the chance to blink, his breath caught against his throat.
“Kiss on the lips for you…” Aoi whispered, grinning sleepily after pulling from him. His face flushing red and breath strong against his nostril.
Uruha’s eyes widened in epic rush. His chest tightens instantly and he breathily wonders if he had died right at the moment.
“I’ll ask you one of these days to go out with me. Just the two of us. I’d like to treat you somewhere else. Where much more appropriate.” The strong breath blew against his still moist lips. Uruha was sure that the man was drunk though he wasn’t complaining. He just found the moment so utterly surprising. The sensation on his skin told that it was so elevating.
And even before he could react, Aoi collapsed on him and he was suddenly pinned down to the bed just beneath the girl’s feet.
“Aah-Aoi-san! You’re drunk!” He writhed but effortlessly. Uruha wasn’t a denial and he wasn’t going to struggle because he had prayed for this event to happen, unless Aoi plans to rape him beside Megumi.
Another kiss came but this time on his forehead. He shrieked slightly at the sudden weight over his body but likes the warmth nonetheless. Aoi’s face drops down on his neck.
“Goodnight. You smell so nice-” Aoi mumbled against his skin.
Uruha’s heart beat ten times faster than normal. He wasn’t so sure but it seems like he’s going to be a pillow for the night. He didn’t mind though and truly, he likes it. Being that close to the two people he cared the most at the time, it’s alright to be crashed under a heavy weight.
Feeling like taking care of his own family, Uruha holds back a sob and clenched his lips. He wrapped his arms around the man who seemed asleep already on top of him and blew a sigh. His chest pounds against the night.
If only he could be part of their family, oh how happy he would be.
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A/N: Sorry for the epic lateness. I'm currently busy with work and me and my sisters were attending a Cosplay Competition next week. Due to lateness, apologize to those who have waited and hope that this story still be interesting.
Thank you.