[ShouxHiroto] RUMWOLF [Track 14: Estranged]
TITLE: RUMWOLF
CHAPTER: 14
RATING: R (Overall Story)
GENRE: AU; Romance (BL), Drama&Comedy, Action/Adventure, slight Supernatural/Paranormal
PAIRINGS: ShouxHiroto, previous/mentions of Hirotox??, implied/hinted ToraxSaga
BAND: Alice Nine
SIDE BANDS: the GazettE, Danger Gang, SuG, Dir en Grey
CAMEOS: N/A (Ch. 14)
SUMMARY: Four years ago, there was an accident affecting two entirely different worlds of two individuals. This accident led Ogata Hiroto to grow into a jaded young adult who becomes entangled in the dark, cold world of a nightlife he never expected to lead in order to fulfill his personal ambitions. One fateful day, on a morning walk with his pet Pomeranian, Mogu, he meets a young man who calls himself Shou. Will Hiroto's four years of hard work and effort to reach his goal be thrown away to waste or will it finally be rewarded through this meeting?
WARNINGS: Intimate actions between men, sexual references, language, violence, racing, mentions of heavy chain-smoking and alcohol abuse...err, I don't think that's the end.
PREVIOUS CHAPTERS: Prologue // 01 // 02 // 03 // 04 // 05 // 06 // 07 // 08 // 09 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13
Track 14: Estranged
As promised, Shou returned the next day during his lunch break with a golden Pomeranian hidden in a black vinyl bag. Somehow, Hiroto could sense that the brown haired man was in an intensive amount of pain when he had to introduce Hiroto's own pet to him. The Pomeranian didn't hold back on the affection though. It was evident that Mogu treasured his owner with his array of kisses and cries of joy. What was slightly more opaque was whether or not the puppy understood the circumstances.
Nevertheless, the three of them left the hospital together for the Royal Kitchen for Hiroto's long desired lunch.
The two young men walked down the street -- Hiroto now carrying Mogu's bag -- with Hiroto suffering a mild panic attack. Sneaking a dog into a hospital was a success, but would they pass through a restaurant unnoticed? Shou reassured Hiroto that Mogu was welcomed into the restaurant at any time though, causing Hiroto to glance at Shou. The taller's visage showed naught an expression, but his eyes illustrated conflicting thoughts battling to the death within his head.
The older man was dressed in a silk shirt, trousers, and boots. When Hiroto had questioned about his clothing, Shou answered that it was only a part of his uniform. He couldn't completely change his clothes if he wanted to pick up Hiroto on time. "Is it a bother?" Shou had asked Hiroto. The blonde shook his head in response. It suited Shou.
When a tranquil silence consumed the pair yet again, Hiroto fiddled with his blonde hair once more. The last he had remembered, his hair was dark brown and only the fringe was dyed blonde. It was about the same length though, but he thought he had more layers. He didn't remember this change, and it came across as a shock when he saw himself in the mirror for the first time. Then when he had changed into his clothes, he was more than surprised to see the vertical incision on the front of his body. The surprise somehow shifted into a sort of admiration though -- even amusement -- as he thought about how reckless -- maybe even careless -- he must have been. The stitches reminded Hiroto of a battle scar nonetheless.
Maybe Shou was right. Maybe he hadn't changed over the years. It appeared as if he was still doing things recklessly. There were some things he didn't quite understand though: would he really go out for a drive in the rain? Hiroto would have thought about walking in the rain rather than driving...
Hiroto smiled to himself as another thought took over his mind. Shou would make an excellent stylist, he mused as he fiddled with the hem of his shirt. Shou claimed the clothes came from Hiroto's own closet, but the blonde found himself questioning Shou's words. Although he was teased by Takashi various times for his feminine appearance -- especially his baby-face -- he didn't know that he would utilize it over the past approximate four years. For instance, Hiroto was currently wearing an off-shoulders white top with frayed sleeves underneath a long black vest made out of thin fabric with a pair of blue jeans and black ankle-high boots. Shou had even brought him miscellaneous bracelets and rings to wear...although his neck felt bare.
Saying that Hiroto was flustered was an understatement. No, he was downright embarrassed. Hiroto didn't know why on earth he would buy such a shirt. Hell, he was sure that only the future Hiroto would know -- despite Shou claiming that the future Hiroto wasn't much different from him.
"We're here," Shou announced, breaking Hiroto out of his thoughts. He glanced at the smiling face of Shou before studying the white bricked establishment in front of him. In front of the double glass doors, there was a sign reading "The Royal Kitchen" in English cursive. He was then led past the entrance by Shou before gaping open-mouthed at the interior design. Upon noticing Hiroto's awed expression, hurt crossed Shou's features before he found himself explaining once more, "This restaurant was designed by the owner."
"And the owner just so happened to have an interest in Victorian accents," Hiroto picked up -- surprising both Shou and himself. He didn't know where that had come from, but he had a theory that the future Hiroto had either listened to someone talk about this restaurant or introduced this restaurant to someone before. "It serves English food, including breakfast, but some of the dishes are mixed in with some Japanese styles."
"You remembered?" Shou whispered.
Hiroto's equally wide eyes told Shou everything though, and -- even though he didn't need to -- he shrugged. He didn't know if he remembered anything; it only felt like he had spoken those words before. Again, he felt his chest tighten when he noticed the slight bit of delight and hope in Shou's features. He felt his fingers twitch, but he forced himself not to allow them to move on their own. He knew they would only reach out for Shou.
"Hiroto-kun!"
The two young men whirled around and found Waka clad in Maid Lolita attire bouncing towards them. She wrapped her arms around Hiroto's shoulders and cheered, "I'm so glad you're okay!" Hiroto, used to this sort of behavior from Waka, wrapped his arms around her waist and accepted the hug. As usual, even after about four years, Waka smelt of strawberry shampoo and vanilla body mist. However, something about the hug was missing.
The spark... Hiroto thought to himself. He used to love it when Waka would randomly jump on him and give him a hug -- especially when they were dating -- but now it felt...off. It didn't exactly feel wrong -- not even immensely wrong -- but it didn't feel right. As these thoughts floated about Hiroto's head, his hold around her waist loosened. The same bewilderment painted on Waka's face was reflected in Hiroto's own as she stepped away from Hiroto's arms.
She forced herself to smile. "I should show you to your usual table," she chirped with false merriment. "Shou-san, you can go put on the rest of your uniform." Hiroto could sense the strain in her voice -- especially when speaking to Shou. "Thanks for bringing him here." Hiroto glanced at Shou, who didn't seem to pay Waka much mind. He nodded to her and was about to leave until Hiroto found himself reaching out for his hand automatically.
Waka failed to hide the hurt and shock on her features as Shou and Hiroto exchanged hidden astonishment behind their blank faces. "You have to explain to me," Hiroto told Shou, "why my chest hurts. Kamijo-sensei says it's because of the recent surgery, but I don't believe him. He smiled when I asked him for an examination and looked like he was going to laugh. He must have told you something."
Shou chuckled. "If the doctor says it's because of the surgery, it must be so. I'm no medical specialist, Hiroto."
Hiroto pouted. "You really don't know?"
"I really don't know," Shou confirmed before gently removing Hiroto's hand. "I have to start my shift, so leave everything to Saga-kun and Waka-san." Again, he nodded towards Waka before leaving in another direction.
Hiroto pursed his lips as he felt his heart hurt yet again. A gentle tap on his shoulder alerted him to follow his -- now former -- girlfriend. She smiled at him, curtsied, and led the way to his "usual table." She stopped in front of a rectangular table by the window. He sat down although he wasn't given a menu of any sort. Instead, Waka said that Takashi would come by to deliver his "usual Monday lunch" soon. Hiroto nodded and watched as Waka retreated to double French doors on the opposite wall. Hiroto supposed that was the kitchen.
As stated, Takashi had dropped by with a tray full of food. Hiroto was in awe as Takashi laid out a plate of fried noodles the size of Russia in front of him with a green tea latte. There was also a bowl of dog kibbles for Mogu. Takashi slid into the seat in front of him and rested his elbows on the table -- fingers laced -- as he stared straight at Hiroto.
"Nothing?" he inquired.
"Nothing," Hiroto answered -- well aware of what Takashi was referring to. "I have no recollection of the past four years whatsoever."
"What's the last thing you remember?" Takashi inquired. "Maybe we can pinpoint a date and start there--"
"The last thing I remember is walking home from school," Hiroto answered with a frown. "It was a normal day. The sky looked like it was about to rain, and the school festival was coming up soon."
"So...it was before--" Takashi stopped himself abruptly as if to prevent the wrong words from leaving his lips, shook his head as if to clear his mind, and stood up. "Never mind," he muttered. "Anyways, Shinji cooked this meal for you. Nao-san prepared your drinks. Make sure to thank them later."
"Takashi, wait," Hiroto called out before he could leave the table. "I have questions."
Takashi sighed. "I would expect you to," he answered.
"Are you and Shinji together now?"
Takashi froze, blank faced, before he spat out a "Huh?" His mouth was agape.
Hiroto idly played his chopsticks. "Guess not," he muttered. "Oh, how long have I known Shou?"
After he recovered from the shock of Hiroto's last question, Takashi shrugged. "I don't really know. It might have been a week, but I'm not too sure about that. I mean, we hardly see each other outside of this restaurant anymore," he responded.
"Why?"
Takashi was resilent before adding, "Ask Shou-kun about how long you two have known each other. He's your roommate, and that's for sure. Again, I really don't know any details. I don't know how you've met or why he lives with you. It's strange, and it bothers me that I don't know."
"But we're best friends. We hate each other," Hiroto pointed out with obvious skeptism painted on his features. "I thought we tell each other everything. That's weird."
Takashi laughed. "Our definition of best friends is so warped, but we did tell each other everything even though we 'hate each other.'"
"And, Takashi," Hiroto continued after laughing with his friend, "do you still race?"
Across from him, Takashi sighed and shook his head. "I quit four years ago, a little after I told you I raced, and you shouldn't ask me why because only you would know the answer why. Even I'm not quite sure myself," he said with a light smile on his lips.
&&
Shou slid on his waistcoat, his tailcoat, and his white gloves before stepping out of the employee room and into the kitchen. The hissing of pots and pans, the fast and furious chopping of knives slicing and dicing vegetables and meats, and the hustling and bustling of the servers, kitchen hands, and chefs greeted his ears. Mixed aromas floated throughout the air, wafting around Shou's nose, as he observed the scene in front of him.
The moment when he was about to push open the "OUT" doors, Saga entered through the "IN" doors. He grinned at Shou -- ear to ear -- before explaining the reason for his eagerness. "I've figured out where his memories left off. Get me on the phone with Kamijo-sensei later, okay?" he chirped before patting Shou's back. The newly hired waiter could only nod in response before being pushed out of the doors. He roamed the floor of the restaurant -- assisting the customers -- before Waka had approached him with a frown.
He was aware that she was unhappy. Only a fool would think she was fine. He was also aware of why she was unhappy. Shou thought back to the spontaneous hug she had given Hiroto. In spite of the rage and the envy he had contained within his being, he was also able to pick out -- rationally -- the confusion amidst the scene. Waka's eyes displayed obvious pain when a revelation had occurred to Hiroto, which is why she had pulled away.
"I don't want to lose to someone I hardly know," she told him. "I especially don't want to lose Hiroto-kun to someone I hardly know."
"Are you declaring war?" Shou inquired. Softly, he whispered to Waka, "We hardly have the time for such formalities in the middle of work. I'm already well aware that we have been love rivals."
The blonde haired girl scoffed. "I'm not declaring war... I admit defeat," Waka told him with as much pride she could muster. At Shou's baffled expression, she smirked before explaining, "I knew he lost his memories, so I figured -- since it was four years of memories -- he wouldn't remember our break up. I thought I might have a chance with him again...but now I know it wasn't just his situation at the time... Things really have changed. There wasn't a spark anymore. He didn't feel it; I know he didn't feel it. I could hardly feel it either. I guess it was only one-sided, so it began to hurt."
She couldn't smirk anymore because she lost her strength, Shou noted as he watched the smirk fade into a light, bitter smile. Waka brought herself to elaborate, "I've loved him for six years, and now I've realized that the last four years could have been spent loving someone else. He doesn't love me as a lover anymore, and he probably never really did love me as a lover. All of this time, I think he might have been showing me that it's only worth loving someone who deserves it. He knew that I knew... He knew that I knew that he didn't love me like he does to..." she faltered, unsure of her next words, before wrapping up her little speech, "well, a lover."
With her monologue completed, Waka pivoted on her heel and strutted away -- rather indignantly -- from Shou. With a flick of her wrist, she pointed towards Hiroto's direction. "He's waiting for you," she notified the waiter before she was earshot. Shou turned his head and found Hiroto slurping up his ocean of noodles slowly -- visibly savoring its taste. Shou had to smile to himself when he noticed Hiroto's placid but delightful expression. Hiroto's expression would always be the same whenever he ate: delighted and enlightened. Shou was certain that was one thing that wouldn't change at all -- no matter how much time has passed.
After collecting himself, the waiter calmly sauntered over to Hiroto's table and took the seat across from the blonde. Hiroto raised his head after swallowing his noodles and smiled a smile that poked at Shou's heart. "We're going home after this, right?" he chirped. "I wonder where I live... It's probably some crappy run-down apartment, isn't it?"
Shou chuckled. "You'd be surprised," he responded, "if you think that's how you actually live. What kind of place would you want to live in?"
Hiroto tapped the edge of his chopsticks against his lower lip as he contemplated. "Well," he began, "it'd have to be spacious. I don't really care much for the interior design as long as the sofa is comfortable to nap on and so is the bed. Oh, but I would like a big flat screen TV and a collection of video games."
"There you have it," Shou replied.
Hiroto raised an eyebrow. "You're not lying, are you?"
"I could never lie to you," Shou responded smoothly with a cheeky grin.
"I don't believe you," Hiroto retorted, pointing his chopsticks at Shou suspiciously, before giggling. "I hardly know you, I hardly remember you, and yet I--" Hiroto stopped mid-sentence, cleared his throat "--I...like being around you. Did we hang out a lot before my accident?"
Shou was silent, recalling his days with Hiroto, before answering, "Well, we are roommates. We see each other every day."
Hiroto blushed. "Other than that, did we do stuff outside of work or outside of the apartment or just...you know...relax?"
"Like a date?"
Hiroto nearly choked on his noodles at the inquiry, causing Shou to smile at his embarrassment.
"Why are you so curious, hm?" Shou chimed, flicking Hiroto's nose lightheartedly.
The blonde pursed his lips and then replied seriously, in a stark contrast to Shou's playfulness, "Well... I don't have any memories of you. This must be hard for you, isn't it? I feel bad."
Shou shook his head. "I'm not the person who's been placed under pressure to remember the past four years," he told Hiroto. "I'm sure you have it far worse than I do, and I'd rather worry about you than my own problems. Your memories are locked in a box like secrets, and only you have the key to open it...but you can't find that key. That itself is overwhelming." When he stopped, he found Hiroto staring idly into space, pondering, and smiled at the sight in front of him. He cleared his throat, bringing Hiroto's focus back, and said, "As for your earlier question, we've been 'hanging out' ever since we've first met."
They only knew each other for a little more than a week, but Hiroto didn't need to know that just yet. (Was it even important?) As Hiroto's face burned scarlet and crimson, Shou left the blonde behind to finish his meal. He pushed open the "IN" door of the kitchen, where Aoi greeted him first thing. The raven haired man idly wagged his forefinger, telling the waiter to follow him into his office. Shou sucked in a breath, knowing that Aoi rarely appears to be doing his job. Now that Aoi seemed to have business with him, it most likely wasn't going to be pretty.
After Shou entered Aoi's office, he closed the door behind him. He had only been in there once, to submit his application, and the office hadn't changed over the past week. The walls were bare with only one painting of the Tokyo Radio tower. The office desk was littered with papers in front of the window, covered by blinds. The office was dimly lit by an overhead light, giving the room a slightly yellow glow. Aoi plopped down in his computer chair before picking up a stack of papers with two fingers.
It was Shou's application form.
"So, Kohara-sama, I have no problem with employing you here so long as I know your father won't get on my case. I did some digging around when I saw the name on your application," Aoi stated calmly. "I knew I saw your face somewhere before. Did you know that my grandfather was your family cook at one point? I went to the main house one time in the past to visit my grandfather. I saw you that one time. It might have been a glimpse, but you were a peculiar character. Might I add, you haven't changed a bit at all. Are you aware that you still carry that higher class atmosphere everywhere you go?"
Shou didn't know how to answer.
"If you're not careful," Aoi continued, neglecting Shou's dumbfound expression, "you'll end up causing trouble. When my grandfather told me that he visited the main house, he mentioned that some servants were whispering about how the young master went missing. Does -- did -- Hiroto know?"
Shou shook his head. "He doesn't know what family I'm from," Shou replied. "He just knows -- knew -- that I came from a wealthy lifestyle."
Shou's chest tightened, and he knew that fear was slowly overcoming him. Ichinomiya had come to pay him a warning visit, now Aoi was aware of his family, and soon...he was sure that he would have to leave -- or, at least, reveal all of his secrets. He couldn't hide forever. Despite the somewhat lax security forces of his father, they would eventually accomplish something if they were able to find him before the month was over.
"Are you going to keep this a secret?"
Aoi smirked. "What kind of person do you think I am? Of course I am. You kept it a secret in the first place, but I just had to address it to confirm my suspicions. That's all. If it interferes with business in any way though, I will have to expose it."
Shou sighed. "That's fair enough."
&&
A/N: I have another research essay (what's up with my instructors' odd fixation on essays?) and another more ready to attack me when I return to class -- especially writing in French. I'm not that good with writing French papers since it's like...my third language. I have enough trouble speaking English as it is. It took me until like...the fifth grade to understand English well.
It's been a busy past two weeks though, and I can't assure you that the next update will "be up soon!" or "next week!" I will try though. My English Lit. class is really kicking my ass though, and sometimes I wonder if my brain cells are dying on me. :P
Chapter related comments: Sooo... This was basically a transition into the more dramatic chapters up ahead. Some pretty serious shit went down though. I don't think you expected that move from Waka; it seems that most of you thought her a bitch/annoying. On the plus side, YES! Saga has a secret, too, and so does the Tora/Saga relationship. It's mostly implied and hinted throughout the story, so those of you that had wished for Saga to have some love...I think that's been fulfilled...or walked around. I'm still not sure because their relationship is abstract. Make it how you think(;
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