[FIC] One More Try: Chapter 8
Title: One More Try
Author: isha_mabin
Pairing: AKAME, JinxOC
Rating: PG-15 - NC-17
Genre: Romance, AU, Angst
Disclaimer: I only own half of the plot and the original character Stephanie Jones, nothing (and no one) else
Summary: Everything was going well for Kazuya Akanishi. He had an awesome and drop-dead hot (not to mention rich) husband that loves him very much, supportive parents and equally supportive in-laws, crazy but otherwise loyal friends...and to top it off, he had just been promoted to being a director of the biggest interior design company in New York. His life was perfect. Until his husband's past came back to haunt them. And with this past, certain things are revealed and these things threatened to destroy the perfect life Kazuya thought he had.
A/N: I've revised this many many times so I hope everyone will be satisfied ^^
For those who haven't seen the trailer for this fic yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUvpQKiZcQ8
I'm sorry the quality isn't that great. I forgot to set it to High Quality when I was uploading it to youtube. I might re-upload it when I have time though but for now, I'd be glad if you check it out ^^
And thanks to harajukyuu for the wonderful banner!!!
Previous Chapters: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Cahpter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7
CHAPTER 8:
When Stephanie found out she was pregnant, she was so scared… so uncertain. She didn’t have anyone to turn to. Her parents had died long ago and she has no siblings. Of course, she was not a teenager but even if she was a grown woman, it was still scary to think that in a few months, someone would depend on her for everything.
She thought of the father of her child…should she tell him? She should. The situation is half his fault anyway.
So after a week, she stood in front of an imposing gate. Beyond its steel bars, she could see a beautiful house. She read the small slip of paper in her hands. The address was correct. This is where Architect Akanishi Jin could be found.
It’s now or never. She took a deep breath and walked towards the gate, intending to ring the doorbell but before she could, laughter from inside caught her attention.
It was a man with wavy dark-brown hair that reached his nape. He had just came out of the house, laughing. With a squint of her eyes, she was able to recognize him as the man that showed up at the hotel room before.
Jin’s fiancé…
So the man was telling the truth then. She didn't really believe it then because Jin didn't seem to be gay. But why else would that same man be in Jin’s house, looking so comfortable and familiar with everything?
Stephanie watched as the man was followed by none other than Jin himself. Her hand hovered at the doorbell. Should she press it?
Again, the decision was made for her when both Jin and his fiancé walked towards the gate. With a pounding heart, she hid out of the way.
“I’m a bit sleepy. Can’t we just sleep in today?” Stephanie heard Jin say.
“No Jin, we’ll both end up as bloated balloons if we don’t start exercising soon,” another voice, presumably Jin’s fiancé, said.
“You’ll never end up as a bloated balloon, Kazu. But fine, whatever makes you happy,” Jin grumbled.
“Aww don’t be like that Jin. I promise a reward tonight.” The other man’s voice turned husky.
“What kind of reward?” There was unmistaken glee in Jin’s voice.
Stephanie peered from her hiding place when the voices turned quiet. She saw the two men kissing right there in the driveway for anyone to see but it wasn’t what caught her attention. It was what Jin and the man in his arms had on their ring fingers - matching wedding rings.
The man wasn’t Jin’s boyfriend anymore - he was his husband.
She shook her head. It wasn’t her place to interfere. She had to leave.
Long ago, her mother had been devastated when her father’s mistress had cruelly shown up at their door. Her father had left with his mistress. Her mother had broken down and had never been the same since. She didn’t want to do that to Jin’s husband. He and Jin obviously loved each other. It showed even through just that one moment she saw them.
She rubbed her belly. Don’t worry baby, I’ll take care of you even without your daddy. Don’t hate me okay? Don’t hate your daddy either.
When Eiji was born, she was beyond happy. She was elated. Her own little buddle of joy…but then the doctor told her that Eiji had aplastic anemia. It was a life-time disease, they told her but Eiji will be fine if he takes necessary medicine everyday. So she did all that she could to provide for his needs, for his medications.
She would do anything for her son.
That was why, right now, she needed to swallow her pride. She had to quench the guilt that hovered inside her whenever she saw Kazuya’s piercing eyes. She had to endure Kazuya’s cruel words. Because this is the only way.
She was about to get in her car, intending to drive to Jin and Kazuya’s house when someone called her name.
She turned around and saw a Japanese guy. “Yes? Do I know you?”
The guy shook his head. “No. I’m Tatsuya, Kazuya’s friend. I think we need to talk.”
The guy’s voice was calm and soft. Physically, there was nothing threatening about him. But Stephanie could still somehow feel the hostility he was giving her. His smile didn’t seem real and his eyes were cold.
“I don’t think so. I’m sorry but I’m in a hurry. Maybe next time. Nice meeting you, Tatsuya,” she said hastily. This guy screamed danger and she didn’t want to be left alone with him.
Tatsuya smirked. “Let me guess, you want to talk to Kazuya? You won’t find him in his house. He’s staying with me for the meantime since he and Jin had a fight. Now who do you think caused that?”
She frowned. “What are you trying to say?”
“You know, I was really just going to talk to Jin but you’re just unlucky that I saw you. I’m pissed off and I need someone to vent it on.” Tatsuya said all this with a smile. “Now Stephanie, why don’t you tell me exactly what you intend to say to Kazuya.”
“You’re crazy! Why would I tell you that? That’s private!”
“Huh, is that so?” He leisurely took some steps towards the girl. He stopped right in front of her and dropped the friendly act. His smile turned to a frown and he glared. “Don’t bull-shit me. Kazuya doesn’t need any more of your half-assed kindness and oh so glorified virtues. Don’t act like you’re a victim here because you’re not. If you haven’t spread your legs for a man you just met then this wouldn’t have happened.”
She attempted to slap him but Tatsuya was faster. She caught her hand mid-strike.
“Let go of me! You have no right…no right to treat me like this! I didn’t know he was going to get married! I didn’t know I was hurting someone! I didn’t know!” She was trembling.
Tatsuya let go of her. “Ignorance isn’t always bliss. I pity you. But I won’t let anyone hurt Kazuya anymore. Not while I’m still alive.”
“Tatsuya?”
They both turned to see Kazuya walking towards them. He had shopping bags on both hands. “I was worried because you took so long. What-” He paused when he noticed that Tatsuya wasn’t alone. “Stephanie? Wait, do you two know each other?”
Stephanie forcefully snatched away her arm from Tatsuya’s hold. “Your friend introduced himself to me. It seems he has issues with me talking to you.”
Kazuya’s eyes widened. “Tatsuya…you knew?”
Tatsuya nodded. “Koki told me. I vowed to your brother’s deathbed that I will protect you. I will honor that promise, no matter what.”
Kazuya smiled sadly. “I know Tatsuya. But maybe…maybe it’s time for me to face my problems for once.” He turned to Stephanie. “You wanted to talk to me? Then talk.”
“Kazuya…” Tatsuya interrupted.
“It’s fine Tatsuya. Go back inside. I’ll be there soon.” I’ll be fine.
Tatsuya recognized the look in his friend’s eyes. He gave up. There was nothing he can do for Kazuya now. He patted Kazuya’s shoulder. “I’ll be inside then.”
“Now talk.” He said coldly to Stephanie.
“Kazuya, Eiji needs his father,” she said tentatively. “So I beg you, even for just a while...even just one night is okay Kazuya…let me borrow your husband.”
Kazuya shook his head. “No. I won’t.”
“Even if I have to kneel down before you, I will. What do you want me to do, Kazuya?”
“You don’t have to do anything. I don’t even have to explain to you. I had never and I never will deprive Eiji of a father but as his husband, it is my right to keep him away from you.”
She lowered her head and cried. “Please…Please Kazuya…Please…” She begged while slowly kneeling down.
Her sobs were turning louder and uglier but she didn’t care. She didn’t care that they were in a middle of the parking lot and anyone could walk in on their little scene. She simply didn’t care. Before anything else, she is a mother, a mother that is desperate to save her child. And right now, the key to that was in Kazuya’s hands. But he was refusing to give it.
--------------
“Jin,” Tatsuya acknowledged the man outside his door.
“Tatsuya, is my husband there?” Jin craned his neck, trying to see inside the house.
“Can you tell me something Jin?” Tatsuya asked instead of answering Jin’s question.
“Yeah, sure.”
“What pushed you to cheat on Kazuya?”
Jin paled. “Kazuya…told you?”
Tatsuya shrugged. “No. Why would he? If it was me, it would hurt just to speak about it.”
“I…I don’t know. I was so drunk. And I missed him. In my twisted mind, it was him I was seeing that night.”
“That’s a lame reason and you know it. If it was Kazuya you were thinking about, you wouldn’t even glance at that woman.”
“I don’t know, okay?! I just…I just wasn’t thinking straight. She talked to me and she reminded me so much of Kazuya and I thought maybe…maybe it’ll be fun to talk to her more, dance with her…”
“And have a hot sex with her.” Tatsuya kept his eyes trained on Jin, unblinking. “You dirty asshole, Kazuya trusted you. I trusted you. I thought you wouldn’t hurt him. But you kept hurting him again and again. Do you know why Kazuya didn’t tell us about your affair with Stephanie? It wasn’t for himself. It was for you. He didn’t want us to think negatively of you. He wanted us to see that you were a good, loving husband. And you know what the funny part is? He actually believes you are just like that - a perfect husband. But we both know he’s wrong. You’re not perfect, Jin. You’re far from it. Very very very far from it.”
Every word Tatsuya uttered speared Jin’s heart. It hurt. It made him feel like he was a worthless human being. The more Tatsuya talked, the more he was starting to believe that. Kazuya’s friend had the talent to make you feel like you were nothing but a tiny, insignificant dirt on the edge of his shoe that he wants to brush off.
“I just want to talk to him,” he said.
“For what? You’ll tell him you’re going to have sex with Stephanie? Kazuya had been nothing but a devoted and faithful husband to you Jin. But you’re pushing him too far.”
“I know. But please…just let me talk to him.”
“Give me one good reason why I should let you see him again.”
“He’s still here then?” Jin breathed out a sigh of relief. He was afraid that Kazuya had moved somewhere else.
Thank God he’s okay.
He was so worried when Kazuya stormed off the other night.
His relief was short-lived however because Tatsuya immediately blocked him from entering. “The reason, Jin. I’m waiting for it.”
“What reason?” “Give me one good reason why I should let you see him again.” He glared at Tatsuya. He might be terribly sorry about hurting Kazuya but he wouldn’t stay docile if Tatsuya insists on stopping him from seeing Kazuya. “Isn’t him being my husband and me wanting to make it up to him enough reason? Move, Tatsuya.”
Tatsuya crossed his arms. “He doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“I won’t believe it unless it came from Kazuya,” he said stubbornly.
Tatsuya smirked. “Oh really?” He turned his head towards the inside of the house and said in a loud voice, “Kazuya, Jin’s here.”
“What?! Why?” came the perplexed voice of Kazuya.
“He said he wants to talk to you. Do you want to see him?”
“No!”
Tatsuya raised an eyebrow at Jin. I told you so.
Jin ignored Kazuya’s friend and yelled. “Kazu, honey, let’s talk! Come on, don’t shut me out like this!”
“Why don’t you just go bother Stephanie?!”
Finally, Kazuya showed his face. But he stayed at the living room and made no further move towards the front door. He knew he was being childish. He knew he was being unreasonable. But he couldn’t help it. Even as the memory of Stephanie begging him made him terribly guilty, he couldn’t help it.
“Please, just for one night, let me borrow your husband.” Those words…Stephanie’s wide, desperate eyes…it gnawed at him. And a part of him wished Jin would just go ahead and go to her. Maybe if that happened, he could stop feeling like a monster. At least then, his anger would be justified. At least then, he could have someone to blame, someone to be angry at, instead of blaming himself.
“Because it’s not her I want! It’s you! I love you, Kazuya! You! Not Stephanie, not anybody else. I love you, Kazuya Kamenashi-Akanishi!” Jin said adamantly. He was one hundred percent sure that it was Kazuya he wanted. He couldn’t bear the thought of Kazuya leaving him.
Tatsuya rolled his eyes at the noise the two was making. I give up. These two are way too complicated to understand. “Just go inside, Jin.”
“But I thought…?”
“Tatsuya!”
“I don’t want my neighbors filing complaints against me and with the racket you two are making, I’m sure that’s not far from happening,” he said and raised his phone. “Call me if you’ve decided what to do, Kazuya. I’m leaving this in your hand. If you want me to throw him out, I will. And you!” He pointed at Jin. “Don’t think we’re done yet. After you and Kazuya are done talking, you and I are going to have a little heart to heart talk.” He narrowed his eyes at Jin and left, closing the door behind him. He figured he’d leave the two to have some time alone first.
“Kazuya, I know even if you’re not telling me that all of this has been very difficult for you. I didn’t realize that sooner and I’m sorry. I had no right to yell at you. I had no right to slap you.” Jin’s voice dropped to a whisper at that last sentence.
It was one thing that he was ashamed of. He had never been a violent person and no matter how angry he was, what he did was inexcusable. He should never have raised his hand against Kazuya.
“It didn’t hurt much, you know. That slap. But I couldn’t believe you’d do that. Especially not because of another woman,” Kazuya spoke, his eyes downcast. Even now, his heart hurts at the reminder.
“I’m sorry.” Jin looked at Kazuya, fear seizing his very being. He didn’t want to lose Kazuya.
“I know,” came Kazuya’s quiet reply.
“I love you,” Jin uttered the words with desperation.
“I know,” Kazuya repeated.
Somehow, the fact that Kazuya didn’t tell him he loved him back scared Jin more. He cupped Kazuya’s face gently but with desperation clear in his eyes. “Kazuya, come back to me please.”
“Can we make this work?” Kazuya said tiredly.
“Yes we can, Kazuya. I’m not giving up on us. Please tell me you won’t give up too. I need you honey. I need you in my life. I’d be nothing without you.”
“I…I need you too Jin. And I love you…so much.” Kazuya sat down on the couch and looked up at Jin who remained standing. “I’m scared…” he whispered. His voice cracked.
It crushed Jin’s heart. “What are you scared of, Kazu?”
“I’m scared of losing you,” Kazuya said, tears filling his eyes.
Jin sat next to Kazuya and wrapped his arms around him. “I’m scared of losing you too. Kazuya, I’m so sorry for hurting you then and for hurting you now. I’m sorry that the only way to save Eiji is to break your heart. I’m sorry.” He broke down and cried on Kazuya’s shoulder. He didn’t want Kazuya to go through this. He had wanted to shield him from everything that could hurt him. But here he was, the reason for Kazuya’s misery and yet, he couldn’t stay away.
“If this was on my terms…maybe…no, not maybe…I can do this. If it is on my terms,” Kazuya said after a while.
“What do you mean if it’s on your terms?”
------------------------
to be continued...
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So what exactly are Kazuya’s terms? To my Filipino readers who had watched the original movie, you should already know what it is. But don't be spoilers! For the rest… well, I’d love to hear your guesses ^^
Chapter 9/a>
Author: isha_mabin
Pairing: AKAME, JinxOC
Rating: PG-15 - NC-17
Genre: Romance, AU, Angst
Disclaimer: I only own half of the plot and the original character Stephanie Jones, nothing (and no one) else
Summary: Everything was going well for Kazuya Akanishi. He had an awesome and drop-dead hot (not to mention rich) husband that loves him very much, supportive parents and equally supportive in-laws, crazy but otherwise loyal friends...and to top it off, he had just been promoted to being a director of the biggest interior design company in New York. His life was perfect. Until his husband's past came back to haunt them. And with this past, certain things are revealed and these things threatened to destroy the perfect life Kazuya thought he had.
A/N: I've revised this many many times so I hope everyone will be satisfied ^^
For those who haven't seen the trailer for this fic yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUvpQKiZcQ8
I'm sorry the quality isn't that great. I forgot to set it to High Quality when I was uploading it to youtube. I might re-upload it when I have time though but for now, I'd be glad if you check it out ^^
And thanks to harajukyuu for the wonderful banner!!!
Previous Chapters: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Cahpter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7
CHAPTER 8:
When Stephanie found out she was pregnant, she was so scared… so uncertain. She didn’t have anyone to turn to. Her parents had died long ago and she has no siblings. Of course, she was not a teenager but even if she was a grown woman, it was still scary to think that in a few months, someone would depend on her for everything.
She thought of the father of her child…should she tell him? She should. The situation is half his fault anyway.
So after a week, she stood in front of an imposing gate. Beyond its steel bars, she could see a beautiful house. She read the small slip of paper in her hands. The address was correct. This is where Architect Akanishi Jin could be found.
It’s now or never. She took a deep breath and walked towards the gate, intending to ring the doorbell but before she could, laughter from inside caught her attention.
It was a man with wavy dark-brown hair that reached his nape. He had just came out of the house, laughing. With a squint of her eyes, she was able to recognize him as the man that showed up at the hotel room before.
Jin’s fiancé…
So the man was telling the truth then. She didn't really believe it then because Jin didn't seem to be gay. But why else would that same man be in Jin’s house, looking so comfortable and familiar with everything?
Stephanie watched as the man was followed by none other than Jin himself. Her hand hovered at the doorbell. Should she press it?
Again, the decision was made for her when both Jin and his fiancé walked towards the gate. With a pounding heart, she hid out of the way.
“I’m a bit sleepy. Can’t we just sleep in today?” Stephanie heard Jin say.
“No Jin, we’ll both end up as bloated balloons if we don’t start exercising soon,” another voice, presumably Jin’s fiancé, said.
“You’ll never end up as a bloated balloon, Kazu. But fine, whatever makes you happy,” Jin grumbled.
“Aww don’t be like that Jin. I promise a reward tonight.” The other man’s voice turned husky.
“What kind of reward?” There was unmistaken glee in Jin’s voice.
Stephanie peered from her hiding place when the voices turned quiet. She saw the two men kissing right there in the driveway for anyone to see but it wasn’t what caught her attention. It was what Jin and the man in his arms had on their ring fingers - matching wedding rings.
The man wasn’t Jin’s boyfriend anymore - he was his husband.
She shook her head. It wasn’t her place to interfere. She had to leave.
Long ago, her mother had been devastated when her father’s mistress had cruelly shown up at their door. Her father had left with his mistress. Her mother had broken down and had never been the same since. She didn’t want to do that to Jin’s husband. He and Jin obviously loved each other. It showed even through just that one moment she saw them.
She rubbed her belly. Don’t worry baby, I’ll take care of you even without your daddy. Don’t hate me okay? Don’t hate your daddy either.
When Eiji was born, she was beyond happy. She was elated. Her own little buddle of joy…but then the doctor told her that Eiji had aplastic anemia. It was a life-time disease, they told her but Eiji will be fine if he takes necessary medicine everyday. So she did all that she could to provide for his needs, for his medications.
She would do anything for her son.
That was why, right now, she needed to swallow her pride. She had to quench the guilt that hovered inside her whenever she saw Kazuya’s piercing eyes. She had to endure Kazuya’s cruel words. Because this is the only way.
She was about to get in her car, intending to drive to Jin and Kazuya’s house when someone called her name.
She turned around and saw a Japanese guy. “Yes? Do I know you?”
The guy shook his head. “No. I’m Tatsuya, Kazuya’s friend. I think we need to talk.”
The guy’s voice was calm and soft. Physically, there was nothing threatening about him. But Stephanie could still somehow feel the hostility he was giving her. His smile didn’t seem real and his eyes were cold.
“I don’t think so. I’m sorry but I’m in a hurry. Maybe next time. Nice meeting you, Tatsuya,” she said hastily. This guy screamed danger and she didn’t want to be left alone with him.
Tatsuya smirked. “Let me guess, you want to talk to Kazuya? You won’t find him in his house. He’s staying with me for the meantime since he and Jin had a fight. Now who do you think caused that?”
She frowned. “What are you trying to say?”
“You know, I was really just going to talk to Jin but you’re just unlucky that I saw you. I’m pissed off and I need someone to vent it on.” Tatsuya said all this with a smile. “Now Stephanie, why don’t you tell me exactly what you intend to say to Kazuya.”
“You’re crazy! Why would I tell you that? That’s private!”
“Huh, is that so?” He leisurely took some steps towards the girl. He stopped right in front of her and dropped the friendly act. His smile turned to a frown and he glared. “Don’t bull-shit me. Kazuya doesn’t need any more of your half-assed kindness and oh so glorified virtues. Don’t act like you’re a victim here because you’re not. If you haven’t spread your legs for a man you just met then this wouldn’t have happened.”
She attempted to slap him but Tatsuya was faster. She caught her hand mid-strike.
“Let go of me! You have no right…no right to treat me like this! I didn’t know he was going to get married! I didn’t know I was hurting someone! I didn’t know!” She was trembling.
Tatsuya let go of her. “Ignorance isn’t always bliss. I pity you. But I won’t let anyone hurt Kazuya anymore. Not while I’m still alive.”
“Tatsuya?”
They both turned to see Kazuya walking towards them. He had shopping bags on both hands. “I was worried because you took so long. What-” He paused when he noticed that Tatsuya wasn’t alone. “Stephanie? Wait, do you two know each other?”
Stephanie forcefully snatched away her arm from Tatsuya’s hold. “Your friend introduced himself to me. It seems he has issues with me talking to you.”
Kazuya’s eyes widened. “Tatsuya…you knew?”
Tatsuya nodded. “Koki told me. I vowed to your brother’s deathbed that I will protect you. I will honor that promise, no matter what.”
Kazuya smiled sadly. “I know Tatsuya. But maybe…maybe it’s time for me to face my problems for once.” He turned to Stephanie. “You wanted to talk to me? Then talk.”
“Kazuya…” Tatsuya interrupted.
“It’s fine Tatsuya. Go back inside. I’ll be there soon.” I’ll be fine.
Tatsuya recognized the look in his friend’s eyes. He gave up. There was nothing he can do for Kazuya now. He patted Kazuya’s shoulder. “I’ll be inside then.”
“Now talk.” He said coldly to Stephanie.
“Kazuya, Eiji needs his father,” she said tentatively. “So I beg you, even for just a while...even just one night is okay Kazuya…let me borrow your husband.”
Kazuya shook his head. “No. I won’t.”
“Even if I have to kneel down before you, I will. What do you want me to do, Kazuya?”
“You don’t have to do anything. I don’t even have to explain to you. I had never and I never will deprive Eiji of a father but as his husband, it is my right to keep him away from you.”
She lowered her head and cried. “Please…Please Kazuya…Please…” She begged while slowly kneeling down.
Her sobs were turning louder and uglier but she didn’t care. She didn’t care that they were in a middle of the parking lot and anyone could walk in on their little scene. She simply didn’t care. Before anything else, she is a mother, a mother that is desperate to save her child. And right now, the key to that was in Kazuya’s hands. But he was refusing to give it.
--------------
“Jin,” Tatsuya acknowledged the man outside his door.
“Tatsuya, is my husband there?” Jin craned his neck, trying to see inside the house.
“Can you tell me something Jin?” Tatsuya asked instead of answering Jin’s question.
“Yeah, sure.”
“What pushed you to cheat on Kazuya?”
Jin paled. “Kazuya…told you?”
Tatsuya shrugged. “No. Why would he? If it was me, it would hurt just to speak about it.”
“I…I don’t know. I was so drunk. And I missed him. In my twisted mind, it was him I was seeing that night.”
“That’s a lame reason and you know it. If it was Kazuya you were thinking about, you wouldn’t even glance at that woman.”
“I don’t know, okay?! I just…I just wasn’t thinking straight. She talked to me and she reminded me so much of Kazuya and I thought maybe…maybe it’ll be fun to talk to her more, dance with her…”
“And have a hot sex with her.” Tatsuya kept his eyes trained on Jin, unblinking. “You dirty asshole, Kazuya trusted you. I trusted you. I thought you wouldn’t hurt him. But you kept hurting him again and again. Do you know why Kazuya didn’t tell us about your affair with Stephanie? It wasn’t for himself. It was for you. He didn’t want us to think negatively of you. He wanted us to see that you were a good, loving husband. And you know what the funny part is? He actually believes you are just like that - a perfect husband. But we both know he’s wrong. You’re not perfect, Jin. You’re far from it. Very very very far from it.”
Every word Tatsuya uttered speared Jin’s heart. It hurt. It made him feel like he was a worthless human being. The more Tatsuya talked, the more he was starting to believe that. Kazuya’s friend had the talent to make you feel like you were nothing but a tiny, insignificant dirt on the edge of his shoe that he wants to brush off.
“I just want to talk to him,” he said.
“For what? You’ll tell him you’re going to have sex with Stephanie? Kazuya had been nothing but a devoted and faithful husband to you Jin. But you’re pushing him too far.”
“I know. But please…just let me talk to him.”
“Give me one good reason why I should let you see him again.”
“He’s still here then?” Jin breathed out a sigh of relief. He was afraid that Kazuya had moved somewhere else.
Thank God he’s okay.
He was so worried when Kazuya stormed off the other night.
His relief was short-lived however because Tatsuya immediately blocked him from entering. “The reason, Jin. I’m waiting for it.”
“What reason?” “Give me one good reason why I should let you see him again.” He glared at Tatsuya. He might be terribly sorry about hurting Kazuya but he wouldn’t stay docile if Tatsuya insists on stopping him from seeing Kazuya. “Isn’t him being my husband and me wanting to make it up to him enough reason? Move, Tatsuya.”
Tatsuya crossed his arms. “He doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“I won’t believe it unless it came from Kazuya,” he said stubbornly.
Tatsuya smirked. “Oh really?” He turned his head towards the inside of the house and said in a loud voice, “Kazuya, Jin’s here.”
“What?! Why?” came the perplexed voice of Kazuya.
“He said he wants to talk to you. Do you want to see him?”
“No!”
Tatsuya raised an eyebrow at Jin. I told you so.
Jin ignored Kazuya’s friend and yelled. “Kazu, honey, let’s talk! Come on, don’t shut me out like this!”
“Why don’t you just go bother Stephanie?!”
Finally, Kazuya showed his face. But he stayed at the living room and made no further move towards the front door. He knew he was being childish. He knew he was being unreasonable. But he couldn’t help it. Even as the memory of Stephanie begging him made him terribly guilty, he couldn’t help it.
“Please, just for one night, let me borrow your husband.” Those words…Stephanie’s wide, desperate eyes…it gnawed at him. And a part of him wished Jin would just go ahead and go to her. Maybe if that happened, he could stop feeling like a monster. At least then, his anger would be justified. At least then, he could have someone to blame, someone to be angry at, instead of blaming himself.
“Because it’s not her I want! It’s you! I love you, Kazuya! You! Not Stephanie, not anybody else. I love you, Kazuya Kamenashi-Akanishi!” Jin said adamantly. He was one hundred percent sure that it was Kazuya he wanted. He couldn’t bear the thought of Kazuya leaving him.
Tatsuya rolled his eyes at the noise the two was making. I give up. These two are way too complicated to understand. “Just go inside, Jin.”
“But I thought…?”
“Tatsuya!”
“I don’t want my neighbors filing complaints against me and with the racket you two are making, I’m sure that’s not far from happening,” he said and raised his phone. “Call me if you’ve decided what to do, Kazuya. I’m leaving this in your hand. If you want me to throw him out, I will. And you!” He pointed at Jin. “Don’t think we’re done yet. After you and Kazuya are done talking, you and I are going to have a little heart to heart talk.” He narrowed his eyes at Jin and left, closing the door behind him. He figured he’d leave the two to have some time alone first.
“Kazuya, I know even if you’re not telling me that all of this has been very difficult for you. I didn’t realize that sooner and I’m sorry. I had no right to yell at you. I had no right to slap you.” Jin’s voice dropped to a whisper at that last sentence.
It was one thing that he was ashamed of. He had never been a violent person and no matter how angry he was, what he did was inexcusable. He should never have raised his hand against Kazuya.
“It didn’t hurt much, you know. That slap. But I couldn’t believe you’d do that. Especially not because of another woman,” Kazuya spoke, his eyes downcast. Even now, his heart hurts at the reminder.
“I’m sorry.” Jin looked at Kazuya, fear seizing his very being. He didn’t want to lose Kazuya.
“I know,” came Kazuya’s quiet reply.
“I love you,” Jin uttered the words with desperation.
“I know,” Kazuya repeated.
Somehow, the fact that Kazuya didn’t tell him he loved him back scared Jin more. He cupped Kazuya’s face gently but with desperation clear in his eyes. “Kazuya, come back to me please.”
“Can we make this work?” Kazuya said tiredly.
“Yes we can, Kazuya. I’m not giving up on us. Please tell me you won’t give up too. I need you honey. I need you in my life. I’d be nothing without you.”
“I…I need you too Jin. And I love you…so much.” Kazuya sat down on the couch and looked up at Jin who remained standing. “I’m scared…” he whispered. His voice cracked.
It crushed Jin’s heart. “What are you scared of, Kazu?”
“I’m scared of losing you,” Kazuya said, tears filling his eyes.
Jin sat next to Kazuya and wrapped his arms around him. “I’m scared of losing you too. Kazuya, I’m so sorry for hurting you then and for hurting you now. I’m sorry that the only way to save Eiji is to break your heart. I’m sorry.” He broke down and cried on Kazuya’s shoulder. He didn’t want Kazuya to go through this. He had wanted to shield him from everything that could hurt him. But here he was, the reason for Kazuya’s misery and yet, he couldn’t stay away.
“If this was on my terms…maybe…no, not maybe…I can do this. If it is on my terms,” Kazuya said after a while.
“What do you mean if it’s on your terms?”
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to be continued...
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So what exactly are Kazuya’s terms? To my Filipino readers who had watched the original movie, you should already know what it is. But don't be spoilers! For the rest… well, I’d love to hear your guesses ^^
Chapter 9/a>