blossomdreams; Moments in Time, part two, NC-17

[nebulia]

*~*~*~*

Doumeki sneezed rubbing his eye, “Hmm someone must be talking about me. I wonder who?” He gave a small grin knowing the one person who could be talking about him. He laid back from his table which had his schoolbooks and study guides on it. He stared at the ceiling an image of a panting, flushed Watanuki above him entered his mind. He could see sweat going down his pale thin body as he moved above him. Doumeki could still hear his breathless complaints about doing the work. His complaints died the minute he started moving his hips. He could feel Watanuki lithe fingers gripping his shoulders. Each breath asking for something more as mismatched eyes looked down at him need and lust shining in their depths. He closed his eyes his shaft stirring to life in his loose slacks.

He continued to see Watanuki writhing above him as he moved harder. When Watanuki slowed down, he flipped their positions moving inside him faster. He could feel Watanuki’s fingers grip his shoulders harder as he rolled his hips. He could hear every breathless complaint turn into a request with each roll of his hips. He licked his lips tasting Watanuki’s neck under him. He could feel Watanuki’s hand in his hair as the other gripped his back. Watanuki made the most delicious sounds when he let his guard down and enjoyed the pleasure going through his body.

Doumeki loved when Watanuki arched his back his grip tightening along with his body. He could hear the breathless moan of his name from trembling lips. Sometimes it was a scream and others time Watanuki would stumble around his words. Doumeki would make some noises when he cum, but he wasn’t as loud as Watanuki. A fact he likes to point out to him, but receives quite an earful about it later. It didn’t phase him though. He became used to Watanuki’s flailing when they were still students in school. He secretly enjoyed how easy it was to rile up Watanuki.

He opened his eyes staring at the ceiling. It’s been a while since he saw Watanuki. He knew he agreed to letting him stay at home so he could study, but studying became boring after awhile. He grew used to staying and sleeping in the shop, especially sharing a futon with Watanuki. He always curled up against him in the middle of the night, but would deny the action the next morning. Doumeki chuckled it was always hard for Watanuki to admit to things.

He didn’t know he would miss hearing Watanuki complain about different things. He also missed his cooking, his smoking, and his loose yukatas that added many different scenarios to Doumeki’s imagination. He thought he had enough patience to study around Watanuki. He had no idea Watanuki would tease him in his own little way. Such as the time he talked about a client laid out on the sofa with his yukata open. When Watanuki started moving around, the yukata moved with him as he stared at Doumeki behind half lidded eyes.

He could ignore Watanuki at first, but when he stood up to get snacks the shoulder of his yukata slid down revealing a patch of smooth skin. Doumeki held back the urge to lick his lips turning back to his books, the same books that lay on his table now. Their game of cat and mouse would last until Watanuki decided to look at his books. He lean over, making sure his yukata would slip down his shoulders, as he grabbed a book. Doumeki couldn’t take it any longer. He circled his fingers around Watanuki’s wrist slowly, gently tugging him to his lap. It surprised Watanuki and earned him a yelling session, but it was worth seeing his blush, flustered face.

From there they would start a different game of their own. Doumeki could see the glint in Watanuki’s eyes as he moved gracefully like a cat. Even if he didn’t say it he loved the way Watanuki’s eyes were so expressive. He continued teasing him in their new game. Doumeki played along trying halfheartedly to study while Watanuki was in his lap. Watanuki tried to get up under the pretense that he had to make dinner, but Doumeki eased him back down. He would “accidently” brush his hand against the seer’s thigh as he reached for his notes. Watanuki noticed, but said nothing as he “accidently” brushed his hand against Doumeki to pick up a book.

Watanuki continued talking about his day during their game. Doumeki listened while maneuvering his position so he could read his notes at the same time. Watanuki would squirm and move around as much as possible. His excuse was trying to find a comfortable position in Doumeki’s lap. Doumeki responded with a request for sake knowing he would flare up. He smiled inwardly when it worked. Watanuki flailed around snapping his head towards Doumeki to give him a piece of his mind. Doumeki silenced it with a kiss on his neck. Watanuki stopped moving ushering Mokona, Maru, and Moro out the room with the promise of desert and sake. Once they were gone, their other game would begin. A game Doumeki wanted to play right now.

He sighed I’ve done all the studying I can today. Maybe I have enough time to… He looked over at the clock at the wall then towards the table the books were his books lay. He knew if he went to the shop now he wouldn’t be able to get anything done. Not to mention he would be breaking their agreement. As much as he enjoyed watching Watanuki flail around he wasn’t one to break an agreement. He stood up stretching his tired back. He rubbed his eye I can take a nap then get something to eat.

He walked to his room his mind giving him different images of Watanuki moaning, frowning, or laughing. He didn’t know he would start acting this way towards the seer. In the beginning, his feelings were of protection towards Watanuki. He knew the boy needed help getting those spirits away from him and he provided it. In turn, he received some good food. Regardless of Watanuki’s constant anger and insults towards him he stayed. He knew his insults were empty threats anyway.

His feelings started to change after Watanuki fell out the window. It was day he wanted to forget, but it had a nasty habit of showing up when his guard was down. He never told Watanuki how he dropped everything when Himawari ran to him. He felt his heart drop in the pit of his stomach when he looked out the window. He felt a wave at anger at himself for not being there to protect him and a pang of sadness at the suffering he went through. He knew he felt more than protection when he paid the price to help heal Watanuki.

After saving Watanuki with Himawari, Doumeki noticed some changes in the seer. He didn’t expect a thanks, but having his favorite bento counted as one. He noticed Watanuki didn’t flail as much when they left on missions together. He noted that he didn’t complain half as much when he asked for his bento and sake. Watanuki still complained, but he didn’t do it as much as before. It did annoy Doumeki from time to time, he couldn’t deny it, but he was able to keep his anger in. He did get back at Watanuki sometimes, but he would rather have him complaining than to not have him at all. Only once did he let the lock on his anger loose. It was after Watanuki became owner of the shop. After giving up his time to remain shopkeeper, Doumeki visited him everyday. He became a regular at the shop, the shop being visible to him since he had a reason to visit it.

It was pretty much the same routine. He would go to the shop after his classes let out. He did the shopping for Watanuki while requesting for his normal alcoholic drink. Watanuki complained on his way to the kitchen while he talked to Mokona. He told Watanuki about his day over dinner while Watanuki told him about a client of the day. It was a routine Doumeki enjoyed, even if Watanuki complained about his daily presence at the shop everyday. One day Watanuki questioned the reason why he was there. On that day Doumeki’s patience reached his breaking point.

He laid his chopsticks down walking over to the shocked seer. He didn’t listen to his sound of surprise when he pulled him against his chest. He ignored Watanuki’s protests as he wrapped his arms around his waist. He enjoyed the feel of his body, but pushed that thought out of his mind. He didn’t come up with a long explanation. He told Watanuki the truth. He confessed his feelings against his neck noticing how it warmed under his touch. He didn’t care if Watanuki yelled at him or threaten to kick him out. He could handle that. He could even handle any rejection he received. It would be hard, but he could do it.

He leaned back waiting for Watanuki to yell at him or tell him to get out. He looked down at Watanuki seeing anger and happiness in his eyes. Doumeki held back his smirk he knew Watanuki would be angry. He wouldn’t be Watanuki if he wasn’t angry about something. He noticed the change in his body language. He wasn’t trying to break away from him or hit him in the face. Doumeki took that as a good sign. He noticed how Watanuki looked he always liked his looks, but with the glasses on he looked complete. It was the only word Doumeki could call it. He used this moment to go a step further.

He placed his hand on Watanuki’s cheek turning his head to look in his eyes. He asked for the sake again waiting for Watanuki to grumble about it. When Watanuki opened his mouth to complain Doumeki took a chance. He kissed Watanuki waiting to be push away, not pulled against the lithe body. Doumeki liked the way Watanuki kissed him back. It was slow at first until he got a little more confidence. Then he was kissing him back firmly wrapping his arms around his neck as Doumeki wrapped his arms around his waist. It felt good Doumeki couldn’t be happier.

After that their relationship changed, but Doumeki felt it was for the better. Doumeki still ignored Watanuki when he yelled, he still asked for sake, and he still gave him a list of bento ingredients. They asked each other about their day. He asked about his clients while Watanuki asked about his classes. Now they did little things in between, such as Doumeki placing a kiss on Watanuki’s cheek when he least expect it. Watanuki snuggled against him when they fell asleep. Doumeki continued to tease him, but now Watanuki teased him back. Many of their games began after their kiss such as Watanuki’s favorite game. How many loose kimonos I can wear before Doumeki snaps? Doumeki could last for a good hour before pulling Watanuki into his lap or against him for a deep kiss or against the futon. The list went on and on, but it was something Doumeki enjoyed.

This agreement was currently killing him. His mind kept going back to the day he told Watanuki about his finals. Watanuki nodded in his nonchalant way his true feelings showing in his eyes. He told Doumeki he could study as long as he wanted since it was technically his house now. He couldn’t stop the small grin that appeared when Watanuki mentioned “their” home. The first day he tried, but between Mokona’s offers to drink and Watanuki’s teasing he only got through one set of notes. The second day he tried harder, but was only able to study for two hours until he pushed Watanuki against him. The third time he got through two sets of notes. He felt it was an accomplishment between playing with Maru, Moro, and Mokona and holding Watanuki while he talked about his day.

After the third day Doumeki made a decision. A decision he knew would effect both of them, but he had to make it. He told Watanuki who agreed, but Doumeki could see the reluctance in his eyes. He didn’t like seeing that look in his eyes. That night he made sure to make it a night Watanuki would remember for awhile. At least until he was done.

Doumeki laid on his futon staring at the ceiling. He placed an arm over his eyes, I wonder if this was such a good idea. I can’t study I only see him. I wonder if I…no be strong. You can make it you only have five days left. Five days left and you can go see them. He removed his arm turning to the side. I hope he still has that sake I want.

*~*~*

Watanuki sneezed, “I wonder who’s talking about me.”

Mokona smiled, “I know who…”

“That’s it I hope you’re ready to kiss that sake goodbye.” Watanuki said taking a sip of his tea.

Mokona groaned, “NO! That’s not fair Watanuki.”

“It is fair you losing the sake is the price you paid for teasing me. It’s all fair.” Watanuki said hiding his smirk behind his glass.

Mokona puffed his cheeks out, “That’s not fair! Kohane tell Watanuki to stop abusing his powers!” He exclaimed. She giggled as Mokona jumped into her lap, “I’m sure Kimihiro-kun could make a compromise.”

“I can always make one for you Kohane-chan, but for Mokona all sales are final.” Watanuki said giving Mokona a glare before turning back to his food.

Kohane giggled as Mokona groaned, “He’s so mean!”

Watanuki huffed sipping his tea, “If you can behave for the rest of the day you’ll get your sake. Since that jerk isn’t here to drink it and I don’t want it to go to waste.”

Kohane looked around before turning to Watanuki, “Where is Shizuka-kun? I haven’t seen him in a while. Is he ok?”

“I guess so I don’t know. He has finals right now so he isn’t here for once. He barely calls and when he does email me it’s something about dinner. He looked healthy the last time I saw him.” Watanuki said. He had better be healthy that stupid idiot. Who knows what he’s eating and how he’s doing. He had better be ok I need to send someone out for errands soon.

Kohane smiled, “It’s good that you keep in touch with him Kimihiro-kun. Granny made a good luck charm for him for his exams. I hoped to give it to him today.” She reached in her pocket pulling out a keychain in the shape of a bow.  She looked up at Watanuki, “Should I wait until he visits or take it to him.”

“It’s better if you take it to him. He’s not going to be visiting for a while.” Watanuki said closing his eyes as he sipped his tea.

“Why? Did something happen between you two, Kimihiro-kun?” Kohane asked her hand absently stroking Mokona’s head gently.

“Yeah they had a lover’s spat and Doumeki left. That’s why I’m here with mean Watanuki!” Mokona exclaimed.

Watanuki shot him a glare, “That’s it Kohane-chan would Granny like some more sake?”

Kohane nodded, “Yes she wouldn’t object to it.”

“Good be sure to take it when you leave. I did give you one last chance Mokona and you blew it. Now say something again and the next bottle is going to Fai and the others.” Watanuki said.

Mokona wailed, “NO! I’ll be good I promise!”

Watanuki smiled, “Good now go help Maru and Moro bring in the snacks.”

“Yes Watanuki,” Mokona said bouncing out of Kohane’s lap making his way to the kitchen.

Kohane smiled, “That’s quite a price for Mokona to pay.”

“I know, but I felt it fit his wish. He wished to tease me so his price for that wish was sake.” Watanuki said sipping his tea.

“Well as long as Kimihiro-kun isn’t cutting prices again that’s good.” Kohane said sipping her tea. She placed the cup down, “About Shizuka-kun…”

“We had an agreement. He wouldn’t come near the shop during his finals. He’ll only come by to drop off things like groceries or if I need an item to fulfill a wish. Other than that he’s finishing his finals and projects at University. I’m sure I’ll see that jerk soon. He comes here more than his own home anyway.” Watanuki said.

“How long has it been since his last visit?” Kohane asked.

“About a week ago he tried to study here, but it didn’t work.  That’s when we created the agreement. I’m sure he’s completing many things right now.” Watanuki said.

“I’m sure he is. I just finished my exams I understand what Shizuka-kun is going through.” Kohane said setting her cup on the table.

“I’m sure Granny made sure you ate well unlike that idiot who is probably living off of ramen and other junk food meals.” Watanuki grumbled shaking his head.

Kohane nodded, “She did make sure I ate well everyday during my exams. I’m worried that Shizuka-kun isn’t eating the same way.”

Watanuki sighed nodding in agreement, “Probably not,”

“Maybe we should make him something. Perhaps a bento or something he can eat for dinner.” Kohane said.

“I will if you want to Kohane.” Watanuki said. With the four, I have in the fridge that should be enough to last him through his finals.

Kohane smiled, “Great let’s start on them after our snacks. It will also give me a chance to brush up on my cooking.”

“I’m sure your cooking is fine Kohane-chan. You’re probably better than me by now.” Watanuki said smiling.

Kohane shook her head, “I don’t think I’m as good as you yet Kimihiro-kun, but my goal is to get close to that point one day.”

Watanuki smiled, “Don’t worry I know you’ll surpass me in no time.”

“Thank you Kimihiro-kun.” Kohane said smiling.

“You’re welcome Kohane-chan.” Watanuki said.

Kohane sipped her tea with a smile as Maru, Moro, and Mokona walked in with snacks.

“We have snacks!” Maru and Moro exclaimed happily.

“We also have more tea!” Mokona chirped happily.

“Thank you Maru and Moro. It’s about time Mokona I thought you were looking for the other bottle of sake.” Watanuki said.

“I was, but I know that you would take that away too. I miss Doumeki he could get you to give me some sake.” Mokona said sadly.

“Yes, but he’s not here now is he.” Watanuki said pouring some tea for Kohane. Why do I hate that he isn’t here? Something must be wrong with me.

“I know! I want him back I miss him!” Mokona exclaimed.

“We miss Doumeki too!” Maru and Moro exclaimed.

“Kimihiro-kun do you miss Shizuka-kun?” Kohane asked.

Watanuki felt his stomach twist in a knot at Kohane’s innocent question. He could make something up, but he couldn’t lie to Kohane. He swallowed the lump in his throat preparing for the teasing that was going to follow his statement.

“I miss that he’s not here to be my delivery boy.” Watanuki said. You miss having an empty side on the futon.

Damn it shut up. Watanuki scolded his mind. He hated when his mind didn’t agree with him.

Mokona laughed, “Sure you do Watanuki,”

Watanuki’s eye twitched, “That’s it that sake is going to Fai.”

“Kohane stop Watanuki from being mean!” Mokona yelled running to Kohane. He buried his face in her lap as Kohane laughed softly rubbing his head gently.

“I think I would have to pay a price for that.” Kohane said.

“For you Kohane-chan I can make an exception. Maybe if Mokona was good and didn’t bother me I could make one for him too.” Watanuki said.

Mokona sniffed, “I miss Doumeki he wouldn’t let this happen to me.”

“You’ll get your sake once you behave.” Watanuki said. I miss him too.

*~*~*~*

Doumeki stirred before opening his eyes slowly. He sat up rubbing his eyes as the dream replayed in his head. He had a dream about his childhood something he rarely dreamed about. In his dream he was a child again sitting in Haruka’s lap. He listened to his grandfather tell him the story on how he met his grandmother. She didn’t like him at first, but she warmed up to him in time. He asked Haruka why he continued trying to get her attention if she ignored him. Haruka smiled patting him on the head as he said, “If it’s meant to be it’ll work itself out.”

Sounds like something grandfather would say. Doumeki thought sliding his fingers through his hair. It’s the first time I’ve dreamed about my childhood in awhile. I wonder why. He stretched as he continued thinking about his dream. He looked at the clock he still had enough time to visit Watanuki. He shook his head, No I can’t not yet. He walked to the kitchen looking for something to eat when he heard a knock on his door. He walked out the kitchen going towards the door.

“Yes?”

“It’s me,”

Doumeki opened the door nodding at the person on his doorstep, “Hello Kohane-chan, how are you?”

“Hello Shizuka-kun I’m fine how are you?” Kohane asked.

“I’m alright would you like to come in?” Doumeki asked.

Kohane nodded, “Yes thank you, I was worried about your well being Shizuka-kun. I didn’t see you in the shop as often, but Kimihiro-kun told me that it was finals time at your school. I understand how busy that time of year is.”

“Yes I just finished my nap after finishing my studies for the day.” Doumeki said closing the door behind her. He used to study during this time as well.

“I finished my last final last week. The schedule for finals must be different at the university.” Kohane said walking in with her tote bag.

“It is it’s because different classes are on different days. We also have a day reserved for only studying. Our finals last a week, well, mine last five days.” Doumeki said.

“Sounds like you’re going to be quite busy.” Kohane said rearranging the bag on her arm.

Doumeki nodded, “Yes, but it will be over soon.” Then I can go see him. He noticed Kohane rearrange her bag again. “Kohane-chan let me get that.”

“Alright, thank you Shizuka-kun.” Kohane said handing the bag over to Doumeki. Doumeki accepted the bag testing the weight. He looked in the bag seeing different bento boxes, fruit, and other small snacks and drink inside. He looked back up at Kohane who smiled, “We didn’t know if you were eating correctly so we made you some meals to last a couple of days.”

“We?”

“Yes me and Kimihiro-kun he wanted to make sure you weren’t eating junk food all the time. Oh and Granny made you this good luck charm. She can’t wait to see you once you’re finished.” Kohane said reaching in her pocket for the keychain, but Doumeki didn’t hear her. He held back his grin as he walked to the kitchen, “I can’t wait to see her too. I’ll put these up in the kitchen and make some tea.”

“Do you need help?” Kohane asked.

Doumeki shook his head, “No I got it,”

Kohane nodded as she walked to the living room. Doumeki walked in the kitchen placing the bag on the table. He took the bentos out one by one a grin slowly making it’s way on his face. Once everything was out of the bag, he placed his hand on a bento. He noticed a note attached to the last one he took out. He took it off the cover opening it slowly.

Since I know you aren’t eating well and Kohane-chan insisted we made some lunches and dinners for you. We put some snacks and that sake you wanted in there as well. You better eat and drink up because I’m not making another one. Mokona, Maru, and Moro wishes you good luck on your finals. I’m not going to do it because knowing you, you’ll pass them with ease even if I do it. Hurry up and finish there are things I need you to do.

Talk to you later,

Kimihiro

Doumeki chuckled He didn’t sign it with his last name this time. Probably a mistake he made. He placed his hand on the box Good thing he didn’t forget the sake.

He put everything in the fridge before going to the stove to boil some water. Once he set the water he walked in the living room. Kohane looked over the books and notes on the table. She looked up when Doumeki walked in the room, “Is folk lore hard Shizuka-kun?”

Doumeki took a seat at the table shaking his head, “No it’s not although it requires a lot of studying.”

“I’m thinking of taking up the same thing in university.” Kohane said picking up a book reading the title.

“I think you would enjoy it Kohane-chan.” Doumeki said.

“I think so too.” Kohane said placing the book back on the table. “Did you see the meals we made for you? Kimihiro-kun made sure to include all the foods you normally ask for. I hope we didn’t miss anything.”

“You didn’t everything is there.” Doumeki said.

Kohane smiled, “I’m glad,”

Doumeki nodded, “Tell me Watanuki isn’t cutting prices again is he?”

Kohane shook her head, “No he’s not, he’s doing fine. I’m going back to see him tomorrow. I have some time after school.”

“That’s good I’ll give you something to take to him as thanks for the sake. The water is finished what kind of tea would you like?” Doumeki asked standing up from the table.

“Jasmine would be nice.” Kohane said.

“Alright,” Doumeki said as he stretched.

Kohane smiled, “I’m happy Kimihiro-kun has started to take care of himself.”

“Me too,” Doumeki said walking to the kitchen. He grinned again in the kitchen as he prepared the tea. The news set some of his worries to rest. He put them in the back of his mind, but his concern for the seer gnawed at him throughout the day. He was able to get a couple of hours of studying done before thoughts of Watanuki floated through his mind. It felt good to know that Watanuki is not in harm’s way. He didn’t know how long that would last. He hoped it would last until he finished his finals.

Don’t be reckless until I get back. Doumeki thought carrying the tray of tea into the living room.

*~*~*

Watanuki turned to the left then to the right on his bed. He tried to get comfortable, but it was hard when the pillows held a certain scent of an archer. He groaned in frustration turning to his back. He couldn’t sleep all he could do is think about the bentos he made. He actually remembered the foods Doumeki liked. He made sure to make enough that it would last during the whole time of his finals. He even left a note and wrote his name on it. He placed an arm over his eyes, What the hell is going on with me? I miss him I actually miss him. I’m not going to tell him though I’ll never hear the end of it if I do. Maybe I can convince him too…no I’m not going to break. I can make it through this I can.

He nodded in determination before settling down on against the covers. He grabbed one of the many pillows off the bed. He held it against him finding a comfortable position on his side to sleep on. He closed his eyes trying to get rid of the image of a sly smirk. He would eat his pipe than admit how much he enjoyed it. His mind reprimanded him for that, but he was too tired to fight back. He slipped off to sleep ignoring a nagging feeling in the back of his mind.

*~*~*

Once Doumeki walked Kohane home, he walked back to his own apartment. He made a mental list on things to do the next day. He walked in locking the door behind him. He cleaned up the mess on the table, gathered the cups, and the empty bentos they had for dinner. It felt good to know that Kohane enjoyed high school and the friends she’s made. He could tell that she was starting to heal slowly which was good. It was a good thing her mother was getting the help she deserved as well. In time maybe they could reconnect. Doumeki liked to think that they could. Once everything was clean, he walked to his bedroom with the note and his good luck charm in hand.

He placed the items on his night table before walking to the bathroom. He took his bath trying to keep his mind from wandering to a certain seer. He shook his head choosing to figure out his dream instead. Haruka gave advice when Doumeki was confused about something or wanted to point something obvious to him that he didn’t see. He sighed as he brushed his teeth. He was tired too tired to think about it now. He finished up in the bathroom walking to his futon. He looked at the note and the charm one more time before he laid down. He turned over on his side closing his eyes.

He hoped his day wouldn’t be too busy tomorrow.

*~*~*

Doumeki woke up the next day rubbing sleep out of his eyes. He had another dream about his childhood. This time Haruka explained to him that nothing was wrong about admitting your hopes and wishes. He didn’t get the meaning of this dream either. Well he did, but he wasn’t willing to admit it just yet. He looked over at his clock. He woke up before his alarm it gave him some time to go through his mental list again.

This morning he had a final in one of his general classes. Then a study session to go in the afternoon and a project to finish for one of his folklore classes in the evening. He had a break after his study session. He could go check on Watanuki and make sure he had enough food in the shop. He shook his head If I go I’m going to stay longer than I need to. I can’t do that. I’m sure he has enough food in the shop. He’ll email me if he doesn’t.

He looked at the clock again, he hit the button before the alarm sounded. He got up sliding his fingers through his hair. He looked at the note and charm on his way to the bathroom. He went through his morning routine. He used the bathroom, brushed his teeth, and brushed his hair. When he finished he walked to his room to get dress. As he buttoned up his shirt, he stopped by his night table. He slipped the note and charm in his pocket before walking out the door. He fixed breakfast reading over the notes for his morning exam. After breakfast, he packed his bag making sure he didn’t forget the lunch bento. Once he had everything, he grabbed his phone and his keys and walked out the door.

On his way to school, he noticed that he went through his morning routine flawlessly. There wasn’t Watanuki grumbling at him not to be late. No Maru and Moro to gather and pack his things for him like it was a game. No talks with Mokona about the dinner menu and the sake to accompany it, no Watanuki scowling at him to leave or he would be late. He touched his lips deciding that he didn’t like this morning routine very much.

*~*~*

Watanuki opened his eyes slowly turning to yell at Doumeki to wake up when he noticed no one was there. He looked down realizing that he snuggled his pillow all night. He frowned tossing his pillow to the side of the bed. He turned to his back glaring at the ceiling. Now he was subconsciously thinking about Doumeki in his sleep. He couldn’t believe it. When did that happen? I can tell this day is going to be annoying. He groaned as he sat up he slipped out of bed walking to the bathroom to get ready for the day. Once he finished he walked back in his room looking for an outfit for the day.

He tied the sash on his pants checking his reflection in the mirror. He nodded in satisfaction walking out of his room to the kitchen. He greeted Maru and Moro smiling at their energy and willingness to help in the kitchen. He greeted Mokona giving him a warning about the sake again if he started his little song again. He made breakfast talking with Mokona, Maru, and Moro about the menu for lunch and dinner. After breakfast he enjoyed his mid morning smoke watching Maru and Moro play with Mokona.

During his smoke he noticed something. He didn’t have to tell Doumeki to hurry up or he would be late. He didn’t grumble about the list of ingredient he had to use in order to make the meal. He didn’t hurry to make breakfast or get angry because Doumeki wanted to joke instead of eat. The most work he did was in the kitchen, but it wasn’t that much. He licked his lips noticing his tobacco had a different taste than usual. Watanuki frowned he could tell he wasn’t going to like this routine very much.

*~*~*~*

Watanuki and Doumeki went along their day like any other. Watanuki had one client today that didn’t require him to ask Kohane or Doumeki to get anything for him. Doumeki finished his final easily leaving him enough time with his thoughts. He pulled the keychain and note out of his pocket. He looked at both items with a light grin before putting them back in his pocket, One down four more to go.

Watanuki looked at the calendar while he waited for his client to bring back their payment. He frowned at the date taking a breath I can wait four days. He’s busy and I don’t want to distract him. He got up walking out the room to clear his mind. He didn’t need to see the image of a sleeping Doumeki, but his mind wouldn’t leave him alone. He groaned falling on the couch with a thump. He looked at the ceiling He better be eating. We didn’t make those bentos for nothing.

In the afternoon Doumeki went to his study session while Watanuki enjoyed his visit with Kohane. Watanuki was very happy with the stories of Kohane’s friends. He was glad Kohane enjoyed her time in high school. Hearing her stories made him think about his time in school. He smiled at the memory of eating lunch with Doumeki and Himawari. Himawari called him often he didn’t mind he knew she worried about him. It felt good to ease her concerns even if he had to listen to her coos about his relationship with Doumeki. He still didn’t mind it was Himawari after all.

After Kohane left he prepared dinner with help from Maru and Moro. Doumeki checked out the books he needed to finish his project. He checked his watch weighing his options, but the books in his hands helped him with his decision. Doumeki walked home he made sure not to take a detour along the way. Once he was home he laid the note and good luck charm on the table with the books. He grabbed a dinner bento out the fridge with a can of pop. Once he set everything down he started working on his project.

While he worked on his project, Mokona teased Watanuki. Watanuki sent a bottle of sake to Fai and the others to the dismay of Mokona. He sent a note with it assuring them that it was on the house. Mokona was quiet for the rest of the night. He whimpered and cried to Maru and Moro in between his snacks. Watanuki ignored him he decided to enjoy his smoke instead. He sat outside blowing smoke up to the stars. Doumeki laid back finished with his project. He decided to watch some t.v. to pass the time. He fell asleep during the movie with Watanuki on his mind. After his smoke Watanuki curled on the couch, he tried not to think about Doumeki. It didn’t work.

*~*~*~*

The next day they started their routine over again. Watanuki glared at the empty space while Doumeki checked his mental list again. Doumeki had another dream involving Haruka. Watanuki unconsciously snuggled his pillow in his sleep. Doumeki got ready for his next test while Watanuki prepared for his next customer. Doumeki walked to class his mind on other things besides his test. Watanuki enjoyed his morning smoke thinking of others ways to ignore Mokona.

Doumeki finished his final taking a break in the field. He pulled the charm and note out of his pocket. He noticed he looked at the note more than usual. He didn’t think anything about it, the note helped him out throughout his day. He placed it back in his pocket he leaned back to enjoy his break.

Watanuki finished with another client carrying the payment, a comforter, back to the living room. He placed the comforter on the coffee table before plopping down on the couch. He stared at the ceiling his mind going over the simplicity of his clients lately. He didn’t have to ask Doumeki to go anywhere for him. If he needed something he would ask Kohane to help him, but Doumeki could protect her. He sighed placing an arm over his eyes. He didn’t wish for hard or difficult wishes, but he noticed everything was easier. It seemed that even the spirits didn’t want to bother him for once.

That’s because Doumeki put up those charms before he left. He made sure to protect you. He’s always protecting you, but you protect him at the same time. Watanuki thought turning over on his side. He didn’t know when he felt the need to protect Doumeki, but it wasn’t going away soon. He glared at the sofa sitting up he wasn’t going to be sad. It was only a few more days he could make it. He sat back against the couch picking up the comforter placing it in his lap. He ran his hand along the material his stress leaving with each stroke. He became lost in a daydream when Mokona, Maru, and Moro bounced in.

“Watanuki! Watanuki!” they said happily.

Watanuki snapped out of his daze, “Yes guys, what is it?”

“You have a visit from some very special people.” Mokona said.

“Who are they?” Watanuki asked.

Mokona, Maru, and Moro smiled they stepped aside allowing the group of people to walk in.

Syaoran, Sakura and Kurogane smiled as Fai waved happily, “Hi Watanuki!”

Watanuki smiled warmly resting his hands on the comforter, “Hello everyone, how are you?”

part three