the angel beneath - 5/6 - uruha/aoi
Title: The Angel Beneath (5/6)
Author:
mtf00gee
Pairing: Uruha/Aoi
Rating/Genre: R, AU/fluff/language/smut
Comments: this chap came out a bit long x____o either way; enjoy!
The night had turned colder and darker now; the low temperatures forced Kouyou and Yuu to huddle closer while walking down the street towards the restaurant. They looked like an adorable couple walking so close together, anyone walking near them would’ve mistaken them for an item. But both of them were too caught up in a web of denial and obliviousness to even realize that they even looked like they belonged together. “Kou, why are we taking the long way to the restaurant? We always go that way.” Yuu said as he pointed towards the street behind them, Kouyou smiled, his pearly white teeth brightening his face instantly in the obscure night. “Just follow me, okay? We’ll get there faster.” Yuu shrugged, he knew trying to get information from Kouyou was like pulling teeth, the less he tried, the better.
After walking a little further down the street, Yuu was beginning to get skeptical. He stopped Kouyou and looked at him dead in the eye, “Okay, we are lost. Let’s just go back that way!” he insisted, but Kouyou wasn’t giving in. “Dammit Yuu, just follow me, we’re almost there!” Kouyou exclaimed desperately. Yuu sighed exasperatedly, but followed the blonde nonetheless. Once the street came to a dead end, Yuu realized exactly where they were at. It was the block of fancy restaurants, the place he never dared to step foot in because he knew he couldn’t afford it. “Kou? Why are we here? “Yuu asked, “We can’t afford this.” Kouyou simply laughed roguishly, “But tonight, we can. Surprise Yuu! I made reservations for you at this restaurant, the one you’ve been dying to go to! Happy Birthday!” Yuu’s mouth dropped slightly, he wanted to pick Kouyou up and kiss him passionately and tell him thank you a thousand more times, but that would perhaps be a little too much. “Kouyou!!! I cannot believe this! Thank you so much!” That was weak, Yuu thought to himself, if only I could show him just how thankful I really am.
As soon as they walked into the exclusive restaurant, it was like the people there knew them already. One of the hostesses approached them and bowed politely, “Mr. Takashima! This way please!” Kouyou smiled proudly, and grabbed Yuu’s hand. “I got the VIP area, just for us!” That made Yuu even more excited, he didn’t know how Kouyou could afford a place that charged $100 for an appetizer, but he was glad that this was the grand surprise, he couldn’t ask for anything more. “What will you two gentlemen be drinking tonight?” A different waiter asked them as they sat down at their table. “A bottle of your finest wine, please.” Kouyou instructed, “And a bottle of Moet and Chandon.” The waiter nodded, and bowed as he walked back towards the bar. The place was definitely adequate for all the good reviews it got; just the inside was absolutely breathtaking. Yuu had never seen a place quite like it, so elegant yet modern; it was everything he had dreamt of, and then some. Every artificial light studded window was decorated with silky curtains in a deep burgundy color, and the walls were painted a cool cerulean color, it gave the place a wonderful and positive vibe. “I couldn’t ask for a better birthday gift Kou, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Yuu said quietly as he gave Kouyou an endearing look. “I’m glad you like it so far,” Kouyou replied, “I like to see you happy.”
In a matter of minutes the waiter returned with their wine, and chilled champagne. He poured them both a glass, and then left the bottle on the table. “Do you gentlemen know what you’d like to get?” he asked as he pulled out a notepad from his back pocket. “I-I haven’t really looked through the menu…” Yuu replied hesitantly, “I’ll get the fried calamari to begin with," Kouyou began. "And I’d like the filet mignon accompanied by char grilled salmon, thank you.” He handed the waiter the menu back, leaving Yuu completely baffled, since when was Kouyou so educated in fine dining? “I’ll come back for your order sir.” The waiter said, and then he took off towards the kitchen. “Wow Kou, I’m impressed.” Yuu laughed, “Have you been here before?” Kouyou blushed lightly and nodded, “Once! And I was so impressed with their food and service, I’m really glad I brought you here!” Yuu figured that a lot of older men with tons of money probably treated Kouyou to expensive dinners ever so often, it kind of made Yuu jealous, especially because he knew that his salary couldn’t afford a dinner like the one they were having. “I really don’t know what to order…” Yuu whispered shyly, “everything sounds good, but I’ve never heard of anything on the menu.” Kouyou half smiled and grabbed the menu, “Get the braised pork loin, with the caramelized pears. It’s delicious!” Yuu winced, “Braised pork? Caramelized pears? Are you sure?” Kouyou nodded confidently, “Trust me Yuu-chan!” “Okay, I guess I’m ready to order…” Yuu waited for the waiter to come back and take his order, he spoke almost as if he were unsure of everything, he felt a bit uncomfortable now, especially because Kouyou was so knowledgeable, and he wasn’t. “I just hope I don’t get sick…” Yuu mumbled, and in return he got a playful slap on his shoulder, “You’re not! You’ll love it!” Kouyou said as he shot him a devious wink. “I am paying for this! Don’t waste my hard earned money!”
Much to Yuu’s expectations, the service was fast. In a matter of minutes their meals were out and ready. And just how he imagined, the plates looked absolutely immaculate. They were set up so intricately, Yuu was afraid to stare at it for too long in fear of destroying the piece of art that lay before him. “Is this even edible?” Yuu commented, “It looks too good to eat.” Kouyou giggled to himself as he began to eat his calamari, “I told you! Everything here is absolutely beautiful! And it tastes even better! Oh my God, taste this calamari!” Kouyou stabbed a bunch of fried squid and then shoved it in Yuu’s mouth. The other let the tangy and sweet flavor of the sauce linger on his tongue then he began chewing the tiny dead animals, “Wow, this is delicious!” he found himself grabbing his fork and eating more from Kouyou’s plate. “I should’ve gotten this!” he added, “There’s plenty for the both of us.” Kouyou said, “If not, we’ll just order more. You can get anything you want tonight.” Yeah right, anything I want, Yuu thought to himself, if he really could get anything he wanted, he’d be devouring Kouyou’s face with fervent kisses right now instead of shoving squid down his throat.
“So, why did you decide to get your tongue pierced?” Kouyou asked inquisitively, “why not your lip?” Yuu took a large sip of his red wine and then set the half empty glass down. “Well, I wanted to try something new, and I pierced my lip once when I was 16, and it wasn’t really all that great. I really wanted my tongue, and truth be told, it hurt. But it’s worth it, I think it looks good.” Kouyou sipped on his Moet and smiled wide, “Your decision was wise my friend, it looks great on you.” Yuu stuck his tongue out once again, moving it teasingly up and down as the small silver ball glistened on his tongue. I wonder what it feels like, God, I just want to shove my tongue down his throat, curse me for having these urges, Kouyou thought to himself. “I see you really liked your food.” Kouyou said changing the subject; he peered down at Yuu’s almost empty plate. “I loved it! I’m glad you recommended it!” Yuu exclaimed, he gently patted his belly, “It did fill me up. But I do have room for dessert!” Kouyou grinned at that, “I’m glad you mentioned that, because I ordered us some delicious strawberry cheesecake, which is your favorite, right?” Yuu sat up straight, his eyes growing wide in interest. “Oh did you now? I love cheesecake, especially with strawberries.” Kouyou nodded, “I figured you’d be happy with that.” “Are you gentlemen done?” The waiter suddenly asked as he came walking towards them, “Would you like your dessert now Mr. Takashima?” Kouyou nodded, “Yes please!” he handed him the two plates and waited for him to leave. “Now don’t worry Yuu,” Kouyou began, “I didn’t tell them to come out here and start singing happy birthday to you, this is a five-star restaurant for a reason.” Yuu sighed in relief, “Thank you, because I hate it when people do that! I get so awkward, and I don’t know what to do.” Kouyou agreed, “I do too, that’s why I never tell anyone when my birthday is. I think only you know…”
“Your dessert.” The waiter announced as he set the two plates down on the table, he bowed politely and then excused himself. “Exactly how I expected it to look like, a fucking masterpiece,” Yuu said as he examined his plate, “this is absolutely beautiful!” the cheesecake was set on a fine piece of china, the border lined with a thin strip of gold and on top the cake had a crimson topping of fresh strawberries in a succulent marmalade. Yuu’s mouth was practically watering as he stared at the dessert. “This cheesecake is the best one I’ve ever had, “Kouyou said, “you’ll love it!” Yuu grabbed his fork and took a huge chunk into his mouth. His pupils dilated as the euphoric taste of the cheesecake engulfed him. “I cannot believe how incredibly amazing this cheesecake is.” Yuu said almost seriously, he looked completely baffled. “Happy Birthday again Aoi,” Kouyou said lowly, “you really deserved this dinner. You’re an amazing friend, thank you for everything.” Yuu could feel a tear escaping his tear duct, he was so grateful for Kouyou, and for everything he did, despite him having his doubts he knew that Kouyou was indeed a wonderful person who deserved to have the world handed down to him on a silver platter. “No Kouyou, Thank YOU for everything. You’re the best.” Yuu replied whole-heartedly, “you made today so special for me, thank you.”
It was around ten or eleven at night when both men left the restaurant, it was freezing outside as expected, and to top it all off, small white pellets were beginning to fall from the sky yet again. “I cannot believe it’s snowing again.” Kouyou observed as he walked cuddled next to Yuu, “I’m so glad my birthday’s in the summer.” Yuu chuckled, “What is with you and loathing winter so much? It hasn’t done anything to you, jeez.” Kouyou playfully nudged Yuu on the side, “You know why Yuu! I hate the cold.” But it does give me a reason to be physically closer to you, Kouyou added in his mind. “I just don’t like having so many layers on.” Kouyou replied, “You for one should know how much I hate clothes.” Yuu choked a little, a laugh and a gasp both getting caught in his throat. “I guess…” he retorted nonchalantly, “I like wearing layers though. I like feeling warm.” The blonde gingerly rung his arm around Yuu’s, their bodies pressed tightly together as they walked back to their apartment, “I guess I keep you warm, huh?” Kouyou whispered, all Yuu could do in return was nod. He couldn’t really say what was running through his mind at that precise moment.
“Home sweet home, thank the Lord.” Kouyou announced happily as he stepped inside their toasty apartment, “I am going to get myself a cup of coffee, do you want anything?” Yuu hung his coat in the coat hanger then walked into the kitchen, “Are you serious Kou? It’s almost midnight! Aren’t you tired?” Kouyou blinked cutely at Yuu and shook his head, “I’m wide awake, and I don’t even know why.” Yuu laughed, “It’s obviously because you slept on the train. But I’ll stay up with you, okay?” Kouyou bounced up and down playfully on his tip toes, “Yay you’re staying up! Yay! So coffee?” Yuu sighed as he succumbed to Kouyou’s adorableness, “Coffee would be fine…”
Yuu dragged his tired feet into his room, his body willing to give out any second, he wanted to sleep badly, but he didn’t want to leave a hyper Kouyou alone so late at night, knowing him, he’d either re-decorate the apartment, or cook something and burn the house down. He wasn’t willing to risk that, at all. Yuu changed quickly into his comfy pajamas and then slipped on his new fuzzy slippers that Kouyou bought him. He smiled as he looked down and saw the purple fuzzy slippers resting comfortably on his feet. He didn’t know what Kouyou did, but he had an extraordinary way of persuading people, it was insane. It was virtually impossible to deny a creature as adorable as Kouyou. Yuu hardly ever said no to him, Kouyou could do and say anything to him and he’d take it, maybe it was because he was madly in love with him, but Kouyou as a person was entirely too endearing.
“Oh I see you’re wearing the new slippers I got you!” Kouyou exclaimed as he saw Yuu coming down the hallway, “they look so cute!” Yuu flushed slightly, “Thank you, they’re really comfortable.” Kouyou poured the hot coffee into an oversized mug and then handed it to Yuu. “All the creamers, and sugars are on the table.” He added, “I’ll just pour myself some and I’ll go join you.” Yuu grabbed his mug of coffee and went to sit at their small dining table. He looked at the different arrangement of creamers, and picked out his favorite from the bunch. “I didn’t know we drank that much coffee.” The brunette commented, “We have like eight different creamers.” Kouyou sat down in front of Yuu and grabbed the caramel flavored creamer, “I love my coffee, and you know that. I just like to have a variety you know? Maybe tomorrow I want to have Irish cream! What’s wrong with that?” Yuu half smiled at Kouyou’s little fit, “I know you do Kou, I respect your caffeinated obsession, trust me.”
“So you enjoyed today?” Kouyou asked, “Even I enjoyed today! I think we needed that.” Yuu nodded, “I had a wonderful time, and we really did. I love spending time with you.” Kouyou blushed, “Aw, how cute!” he stood up and went to pour himself some more coffee, “Hm, how about after we finish drinking coffee we go cuddle on the couch and watch a movie? If we fall asleep it’s okay, sound good?” Yuu could really go for some cuddling at this point, he wanted nothing more than to feel Kouyou’s body next to his. “That sounds like the perfect idea.” Yuu replied, he finished drinking his coffee and set the mug in the sink. “I’ll go get everything ready!” he exclaimed happily as he sprinted towards the living room. Kouyou stood near the sink drinking the rest of his coffee carelessly, “Okay, I’ll be right there.” He called out.
Yuu went into the living room and started setting up the couch. He got the blankets out and a few pillows. Then he began to rummage through their DVD collection, he was aiming to find something boring and long so they’d get tired quickly and fall asleep faster. “What are you in the mood for watching?” he asked, “I picked out these three that I want to see.” Of course Yuu picked the three most tedious films in the entire collection, hoping that Kouyou would agree to one of them. “I’ll be there in a minute!” Kouyou shouted from the kitchen, “Hold on!” Yuu set the tree movies on the coffee table and sat down on the couch, he turned the TV on and coincidentally they were playing one of his favorite TV shows, now he just wanted to watch that instead. “Alright I’m back!” Kouyou announced as he stepped in the living room, “And I brought a few friends!” Yuu looked up and realized that the blonde was holding a brand new bottle of champagne and two glasses. “Kou, don’t you think we drank enough tonight?” Yuu asked, but Kouyou shot him down immediately. “Nonsense! It’s your birthday, still. And we should celebrate, okay?” Kouyou set down the bottle on the coffee table along with the two glasses; he popped the bottle open and then poured himself and Yuu a generous amount. “I propose a toast!” Kouyou chimed, “To you, to your health and to this new year.” And to us, Yuu let that thought linger on his mind for a bit, then he took the glass and lightly clinked it with Kouyou’s. “Cheers.” The brunette took a large sip of his champagne and felt just how strong the liquid was, this was definitely Kouyou’s favorite, he loved hard alcohol.
“Alright so what do we have here?” Kouyou wondered as he picked up the movies, but Yuu was quick to stop him. “Wait Kou, let’s just enjoy our champagne first, and then we’ll watch the movie. We’re in no rush, right?” Yuu just wanted to keep watching his show instead; he was getting too into it now, and didn’t want to put on a dumb movie that would bore them both to death. “Alright…” Kouyou replied, he took another sip of his beverage and then poured himself some more. “Do you like it?” the blonde asked, “It’s an imported brand. It was a little expensive, but it’s for a special occasion.” Yuu nodded, he wasn’t a huge fan of alcohol, but this precise champagne was exquisite, and was quick to serve himself yet another glass.
As the minutes diminished, so did the liquid inside the bottle. Both men had enjoyed the champagne a little too much, especially Yuu. He wasn’t a drinker, but for some odd reason he was drinking a bit too much. “Okay…” Kouyou said as he stood up, slightly toppling over, “I think we should put in the movie now.” Yuu agreed and then laid his head down, the entire room was now spinning around making him feel a little too dizzy. Either way, he didn’t regret enjoying the evening with his best friend, even if it meant getting a little drunk, he wouldn’t mind paying for it later in the morning. “I don’t even know where this thing goes!” Kouyou complained as he pushed a bunch of different buttons on the DVD player, “Yuu-sama! Help me!” Yuu groaned, but went to help his friend nonetheless. “It goes in here Kou…” he instructed him, “Oh okay! I’ll get the movie.” Kouyou sprinted towards the coffee table and picked up a random movie without even looking, and as he bent down to pick it up, his shirt rode up exposing his entire lower back, and what Yuu saw made him shake with worry. “Kouyou what happened to you?” Yuu asked, “Your back, it’s completely purple! You have a horrible bruise!” Kouyou pulled his shirt down quickly, and shook his head. “What? No, nothing happened. I bumped into something, it’s nothing!” But Yuu wasn’t buying it, “No I don’t believe you! W-Who did this to you?” Kouyou groaned loudly, “I told you Yuu-chan, I bumped into something, and no one did this to me!” “Kouyou,” Yuu said calmly as he held the other’s hands tenderly, “look at me in the eyes and swear to me no one did this to you.” The blonde looked down, the deplorable look on his face too obvious to ignore. “One of those sick bastards did this to you, didn’t they?” Yuu asked vehemently, “God Kou look at you! When are you going to have some self respect?” Kouyou’s pupils suddenly widened as tears began to unwillingly spill from his eyes. “How dare you say that to me Yuu?! I do have self respect, it may not be a lot but it’s the only thing keeping me sane right now!” Yuu got angry without warning as soon as he heard those words slip through Kouyou’s lips, “If you had any form of self respect you wouldn’t do what you do Kou. You’d have a REAL job, and you wouldn’t be prostituting yourself like this, and letting these sons of bitches lay their hands on you!!!” Yuu caught his breath, “Do you know how much it fucking hurts me to see you do this to yourself? I don’t say shit because I know that whatever I say isn’t going to change your mind.” Kouyou was absolutely speechless, he had nothing to add because he knew that Yuu was right, it was all true, he had no self respect, he had absolutely nothing to say for himself.
“Maybe you’re right,” Kouyou whispered, “I have nothing. I’m worthless; I don’t know why you put up with me, or why you even care. I’m a lost cause Yuu, and I know this. I’ve never been good at anything; this is the only thing I know how to do.” Yuu sighed, noticing the defeat in Kouyou’s tone, “Kouyou, please don’t think like that. Listen, I didn’t mean to yell at you. And what you’re saying; it’s not true. Do you know how intelligent you are? Or how beautiful you are? You could be out there doing better things with your life because I know you’re capable. And the best part about you doing something else would be you doing them with dignity.” Kouyou sat back down on the couch, his tears falling like an interminable cascade down on his face. “I don’t think I’m any of that Yuu.” He replied feebly, “Do you know for how long I’ve been jealous of you? Of how determined you are, and what a good person you are? I try, hell, I try harder than anything to be half as good as you, but I’ll never be like you.” Yuu sat down next to Kouyou and wiped his tears away, “You don’t have to be like me to be a good person. You just have to be yourself, and I think you’re an amazing person, and not just that, but you’re perhaps one of the most beautiful humans I’ve ever met, not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. I just don’t think you give yourself enough credit.” Kouyou looked up at Yuu, his sparkly brown eyes glistening with the remnants of his tears, “I-I love you.” His voice had diminished to a low whisper, but Yuu had heard him loud and clear. His heartbeat sped up, he palms growing sweaty, but he didn’t feel as shocked as he’d expect, he could always see it in Kouyou’s eyes that he did indeed love him, it just meant more if he got to hear it from his lips. “I love you too Kouyou,” he finally replied, “I love you so much, and I’ve never told you.” Kouyou rested his head on Yuu’s shoulder, his frail arms clinging to Yuu’s strong torso. “I never told you either, and I feel stupid for keeping it from you for so long.” Yuu kissed the top of Kouyou’s golden head and took a deep breath; suddenly he could breathe easier, the huge weight he had been carrying for years now had finally gone away.
Yuu and Kouyou sat in silence for a few minutes, they couldn’t continue on with their conversation especially after they finally confessed to each other. Yuu felt an immeasurable amount of happiness in his heart, whereas Kouyou felt happy too, but he felt relieved more than anything. It was kind of silly how things suddenly happened like that; it all just had to come down to this. Yuu couldn’t take it anymore, and seeing the bright purple bruise on Kouyou’s back was the last straw. He couldn’t bear to see his Kouyou hurt, and he agreed that his anger got the best of him, even if the alcohol did most of the talking, but at the same time he got to see a brand new side of Kouyou that he’d never witnessed before. Usually Kouyou would defend his job to no end, even if he was making shit up, he’d defend it and lie just to cover up someone else’s mess. But this time he didn’t fight it, he succumbed to reality. And Yuu believed that Kouyou was too getting sick of it, he couldn’t bear to lie anymore. He didn’t see a point to it, and Yuu was glad that Kouyou finally took off the veil, that he finally saw that all he needs has been in front of him ever since his childhood. He realized he doesn’t need people’s fake admiration to feel important and loved, all he needed was to open his eyes and see what has always been right before him.
Author:
mtf00gee
Pairing: Uruha/Aoi
Rating/Genre: R, AU/fluff/language/smut
Comments: this chap came out a bit long x____o either way; enjoy!
The night had turned colder and darker now; the low temperatures forced Kouyou and Yuu to huddle closer while walking down the street towards the restaurant. They looked like an adorable couple walking so close together, anyone walking near them would’ve mistaken them for an item. But both of them were too caught up in a web of denial and obliviousness to even realize that they even looked like they belonged together. “Kou, why are we taking the long way to the restaurant? We always go that way.” Yuu said as he pointed towards the street behind them, Kouyou smiled, his pearly white teeth brightening his face instantly in the obscure night. “Just follow me, okay? We’ll get there faster.” Yuu shrugged, he knew trying to get information from Kouyou was like pulling teeth, the less he tried, the better.
After walking a little further down the street, Yuu was beginning to get skeptical. He stopped Kouyou and looked at him dead in the eye, “Okay, we are lost. Let’s just go back that way!” he insisted, but Kouyou wasn’t giving in. “Dammit Yuu, just follow me, we’re almost there!” Kouyou exclaimed desperately. Yuu sighed exasperatedly, but followed the blonde nonetheless. Once the street came to a dead end, Yuu realized exactly where they were at. It was the block of fancy restaurants, the place he never dared to step foot in because he knew he couldn’t afford it. “Kou? Why are we here? “Yuu asked, “We can’t afford this.” Kouyou simply laughed roguishly, “But tonight, we can. Surprise Yuu! I made reservations for you at this restaurant, the one you’ve been dying to go to! Happy Birthday!” Yuu’s mouth dropped slightly, he wanted to pick Kouyou up and kiss him passionately and tell him thank you a thousand more times, but that would perhaps be a little too much. “Kouyou!!! I cannot believe this! Thank you so much!” That was weak, Yuu thought to himself, if only I could show him just how thankful I really am.
As soon as they walked into the exclusive restaurant, it was like the people there knew them already. One of the hostesses approached them and bowed politely, “Mr. Takashima! This way please!” Kouyou smiled proudly, and grabbed Yuu’s hand. “I got the VIP area, just for us!” That made Yuu even more excited, he didn’t know how Kouyou could afford a place that charged $100 for an appetizer, but he was glad that this was the grand surprise, he couldn’t ask for anything more. “What will you two gentlemen be drinking tonight?” A different waiter asked them as they sat down at their table. “A bottle of your finest wine, please.” Kouyou instructed, “And a bottle of Moet and Chandon.” The waiter nodded, and bowed as he walked back towards the bar. The place was definitely adequate for all the good reviews it got; just the inside was absolutely breathtaking. Yuu had never seen a place quite like it, so elegant yet modern; it was everything he had dreamt of, and then some. Every artificial light studded window was decorated with silky curtains in a deep burgundy color, and the walls were painted a cool cerulean color, it gave the place a wonderful and positive vibe. “I couldn’t ask for a better birthday gift Kou, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Yuu said quietly as he gave Kouyou an endearing look. “I’m glad you like it so far,” Kouyou replied, “I like to see you happy.”
In a matter of minutes the waiter returned with their wine, and chilled champagne. He poured them both a glass, and then left the bottle on the table. “Do you gentlemen know what you’d like to get?” he asked as he pulled out a notepad from his back pocket. “I-I haven’t really looked through the menu…” Yuu replied hesitantly, “I’ll get the fried calamari to begin with," Kouyou began. "And I’d like the filet mignon accompanied by char grilled salmon, thank you.” He handed the waiter the menu back, leaving Yuu completely baffled, since when was Kouyou so educated in fine dining? “I’ll come back for your order sir.” The waiter said, and then he took off towards the kitchen. “Wow Kou, I’m impressed.” Yuu laughed, “Have you been here before?” Kouyou blushed lightly and nodded, “Once! And I was so impressed with their food and service, I’m really glad I brought you here!” Yuu figured that a lot of older men with tons of money probably treated Kouyou to expensive dinners ever so often, it kind of made Yuu jealous, especially because he knew that his salary couldn’t afford a dinner like the one they were having. “I really don’t know what to order…” Yuu whispered shyly, “everything sounds good, but I’ve never heard of anything on the menu.” Kouyou half smiled and grabbed the menu, “Get the braised pork loin, with the caramelized pears. It’s delicious!” Yuu winced, “Braised pork? Caramelized pears? Are you sure?” Kouyou nodded confidently, “Trust me Yuu-chan!” “Okay, I guess I’m ready to order…” Yuu waited for the waiter to come back and take his order, he spoke almost as if he were unsure of everything, he felt a bit uncomfortable now, especially because Kouyou was so knowledgeable, and he wasn’t. “I just hope I don’t get sick…” Yuu mumbled, and in return he got a playful slap on his shoulder, “You’re not! You’ll love it!” Kouyou said as he shot him a devious wink. “I am paying for this! Don’t waste my hard earned money!”
Much to Yuu’s expectations, the service was fast. In a matter of minutes their meals were out and ready. And just how he imagined, the plates looked absolutely immaculate. They were set up so intricately, Yuu was afraid to stare at it for too long in fear of destroying the piece of art that lay before him. “Is this even edible?” Yuu commented, “It looks too good to eat.” Kouyou giggled to himself as he began to eat his calamari, “I told you! Everything here is absolutely beautiful! And it tastes even better! Oh my God, taste this calamari!” Kouyou stabbed a bunch of fried squid and then shoved it in Yuu’s mouth. The other let the tangy and sweet flavor of the sauce linger on his tongue then he began chewing the tiny dead animals, “Wow, this is delicious!” he found himself grabbing his fork and eating more from Kouyou’s plate. “I should’ve gotten this!” he added, “There’s plenty for the both of us.” Kouyou said, “If not, we’ll just order more. You can get anything you want tonight.” Yeah right, anything I want, Yuu thought to himself, if he really could get anything he wanted, he’d be devouring Kouyou’s face with fervent kisses right now instead of shoving squid down his throat.
“So, why did you decide to get your tongue pierced?” Kouyou asked inquisitively, “why not your lip?” Yuu took a large sip of his red wine and then set the half empty glass down. “Well, I wanted to try something new, and I pierced my lip once when I was 16, and it wasn’t really all that great. I really wanted my tongue, and truth be told, it hurt. But it’s worth it, I think it looks good.” Kouyou sipped on his Moet and smiled wide, “Your decision was wise my friend, it looks great on you.” Yuu stuck his tongue out once again, moving it teasingly up and down as the small silver ball glistened on his tongue. I wonder what it feels like, God, I just want to shove my tongue down his throat, curse me for having these urges, Kouyou thought to himself. “I see you really liked your food.” Kouyou said changing the subject; he peered down at Yuu’s almost empty plate. “I loved it! I’m glad you recommended it!” Yuu exclaimed, he gently patted his belly, “It did fill me up. But I do have room for dessert!” Kouyou grinned at that, “I’m glad you mentioned that, because I ordered us some delicious strawberry cheesecake, which is your favorite, right?” Yuu sat up straight, his eyes growing wide in interest. “Oh did you now? I love cheesecake, especially with strawberries.” Kouyou nodded, “I figured you’d be happy with that.” “Are you gentlemen done?” The waiter suddenly asked as he came walking towards them, “Would you like your dessert now Mr. Takashima?” Kouyou nodded, “Yes please!” he handed him the two plates and waited for him to leave. “Now don’t worry Yuu,” Kouyou began, “I didn’t tell them to come out here and start singing happy birthday to you, this is a five-star restaurant for a reason.” Yuu sighed in relief, “Thank you, because I hate it when people do that! I get so awkward, and I don’t know what to do.” Kouyou agreed, “I do too, that’s why I never tell anyone when my birthday is. I think only you know…”
“Your dessert.” The waiter announced as he set the two plates down on the table, he bowed politely and then excused himself. “Exactly how I expected it to look like, a fucking masterpiece,” Yuu said as he examined his plate, “this is absolutely beautiful!” the cheesecake was set on a fine piece of china, the border lined with a thin strip of gold and on top the cake had a crimson topping of fresh strawberries in a succulent marmalade. Yuu’s mouth was practically watering as he stared at the dessert. “This cheesecake is the best one I’ve ever had, “Kouyou said, “you’ll love it!” Yuu grabbed his fork and took a huge chunk into his mouth. His pupils dilated as the euphoric taste of the cheesecake engulfed him. “I cannot believe how incredibly amazing this cheesecake is.” Yuu said almost seriously, he looked completely baffled. “Happy Birthday again Aoi,” Kouyou said lowly, “you really deserved this dinner. You’re an amazing friend, thank you for everything.” Yuu could feel a tear escaping his tear duct, he was so grateful for Kouyou, and for everything he did, despite him having his doubts he knew that Kouyou was indeed a wonderful person who deserved to have the world handed down to him on a silver platter. “No Kouyou, Thank YOU for everything. You’re the best.” Yuu replied whole-heartedly, “you made today so special for me, thank you.”
It was around ten or eleven at night when both men left the restaurant, it was freezing outside as expected, and to top it all off, small white pellets were beginning to fall from the sky yet again. “I cannot believe it’s snowing again.” Kouyou observed as he walked cuddled next to Yuu, “I’m so glad my birthday’s in the summer.” Yuu chuckled, “What is with you and loathing winter so much? It hasn’t done anything to you, jeez.” Kouyou playfully nudged Yuu on the side, “You know why Yuu! I hate the cold.” But it does give me a reason to be physically closer to you, Kouyou added in his mind. “I just don’t like having so many layers on.” Kouyou replied, “You for one should know how much I hate clothes.” Yuu choked a little, a laugh and a gasp both getting caught in his throat. “I guess…” he retorted nonchalantly, “I like wearing layers though. I like feeling warm.” The blonde gingerly rung his arm around Yuu’s, their bodies pressed tightly together as they walked back to their apartment, “I guess I keep you warm, huh?” Kouyou whispered, all Yuu could do in return was nod. He couldn’t really say what was running through his mind at that precise moment.
“Home sweet home, thank the Lord.” Kouyou announced happily as he stepped inside their toasty apartment, “I am going to get myself a cup of coffee, do you want anything?” Yuu hung his coat in the coat hanger then walked into the kitchen, “Are you serious Kou? It’s almost midnight! Aren’t you tired?” Kouyou blinked cutely at Yuu and shook his head, “I’m wide awake, and I don’t even know why.” Yuu laughed, “It’s obviously because you slept on the train. But I’ll stay up with you, okay?” Kouyou bounced up and down playfully on his tip toes, “Yay you’re staying up! Yay! So coffee?” Yuu sighed as he succumbed to Kouyou’s adorableness, “Coffee would be fine…”
Yuu dragged his tired feet into his room, his body willing to give out any second, he wanted to sleep badly, but he didn’t want to leave a hyper Kouyou alone so late at night, knowing him, he’d either re-decorate the apartment, or cook something and burn the house down. He wasn’t willing to risk that, at all. Yuu changed quickly into his comfy pajamas and then slipped on his new fuzzy slippers that Kouyou bought him. He smiled as he looked down and saw the purple fuzzy slippers resting comfortably on his feet. He didn’t know what Kouyou did, but he had an extraordinary way of persuading people, it was insane. It was virtually impossible to deny a creature as adorable as Kouyou. Yuu hardly ever said no to him, Kouyou could do and say anything to him and he’d take it, maybe it was because he was madly in love with him, but Kouyou as a person was entirely too endearing.
“Oh I see you’re wearing the new slippers I got you!” Kouyou exclaimed as he saw Yuu coming down the hallway, “they look so cute!” Yuu flushed slightly, “Thank you, they’re really comfortable.” Kouyou poured the hot coffee into an oversized mug and then handed it to Yuu. “All the creamers, and sugars are on the table.” He added, “I’ll just pour myself some and I’ll go join you.” Yuu grabbed his mug of coffee and went to sit at their small dining table. He looked at the different arrangement of creamers, and picked out his favorite from the bunch. “I didn’t know we drank that much coffee.” The brunette commented, “We have like eight different creamers.” Kouyou sat down in front of Yuu and grabbed the caramel flavored creamer, “I love my coffee, and you know that. I just like to have a variety you know? Maybe tomorrow I want to have Irish cream! What’s wrong with that?” Yuu half smiled at Kouyou’s little fit, “I know you do Kou, I respect your caffeinated obsession, trust me.”
“So you enjoyed today?” Kouyou asked, “Even I enjoyed today! I think we needed that.” Yuu nodded, “I had a wonderful time, and we really did. I love spending time with you.” Kouyou blushed, “Aw, how cute!” he stood up and went to pour himself some more coffee, “Hm, how about after we finish drinking coffee we go cuddle on the couch and watch a movie? If we fall asleep it’s okay, sound good?” Yuu could really go for some cuddling at this point, he wanted nothing more than to feel Kouyou’s body next to his. “That sounds like the perfect idea.” Yuu replied, he finished drinking his coffee and set the mug in the sink. “I’ll go get everything ready!” he exclaimed happily as he sprinted towards the living room. Kouyou stood near the sink drinking the rest of his coffee carelessly, “Okay, I’ll be right there.” He called out.
Yuu went into the living room and started setting up the couch. He got the blankets out and a few pillows. Then he began to rummage through their DVD collection, he was aiming to find something boring and long so they’d get tired quickly and fall asleep faster. “What are you in the mood for watching?” he asked, “I picked out these three that I want to see.” Of course Yuu picked the three most tedious films in the entire collection, hoping that Kouyou would agree to one of them. “I’ll be there in a minute!” Kouyou shouted from the kitchen, “Hold on!” Yuu set the tree movies on the coffee table and sat down on the couch, he turned the TV on and coincidentally they were playing one of his favorite TV shows, now he just wanted to watch that instead. “Alright I’m back!” Kouyou announced as he stepped in the living room, “And I brought a few friends!” Yuu looked up and realized that the blonde was holding a brand new bottle of champagne and two glasses. “Kou, don’t you think we drank enough tonight?” Yuu asked, but Kouyou shot him down immediately. “Nonsense! It’s your birthday, still. And we should celebrate, okay?” Kouyou set down the bottle on the coffee table along with the two glasses; he popped the bottle open and then poured himself and Yuu a generous amount. “I propose a toast!” Kouyou chimed, “To you, to your health and to this new year.” And to us, Yuu let that thought linger on his mind for a bit, then he took the glass and lightly clinked it with Kouyou’s. “Cheers.” The brunette took a large sip of his champagne and felt just how strong the liquid was, this was definitely Kouyou’s favorite, he loved hard alcohol.
“Alright so what do we have here?” Kouyou wondered as he picked up the movies, but Yuu was quick to stop him. “Wait Kou, let’s just enjoy our champagne first, and then we’ll watch the movie. We’re in no rush, right?” Yuu just wanted to keep watching his show instead; he was getting too into it now, and didn’t want to put on a dumb movie that would bore them both to death. “Alright…” Kouyou replied, he took another sip of his beverage and then poured himself some more. “Do you like it?” the blonde asked, “It’s an imported brand. It was a little expensive, but it’s for a special occasion.” Yuu nodded, he wasn’t a huge fan of alcohol, but this precise champagne was exquisite, and was quick to serve himself yet another glass.
As the minutes diminished, so did the liquid inside the bottle. Both men had enjoyed the champagne a little too much, especially Yuu. He wasn’t a drinker, but for some odd reason he was drinking a bit too much. “Okay…” Kouyou said as he stood up, slightly toppling over, “I think we should put in the movie now.” Yuu agreed and then laid his head down, the entire room was now spinning around making him feel a little too dizzy. Either way, he didn’t regret enjoying the evening with his best friend, even if it meant getting a little drunk, he wouldn’t mind paying for it later in the morning. “I don’t even know where this thing goes!” Kouyou complained as he pushed a bunch of different buttons on the DVD player, “Yuu-sama! Help me!” Yuu groaned, but went to help his friend nonetheless. “It goes in here Kou…” he instructed him, “Oh okay! I’ll get the movie.” Kouyou sprinted towards the coffee table and picked up a random movie without even looking, and as he bent down to pick it up, his shirt rode up exposing his entire lower back, and what Yuu saw made him shake with worry. “Kouyou what happened to you?” Yuu asked, “Your back, it’s completely purple! You have a horrible bruise!” Kouyou pulled his shirt down quickly, and shook his head. “What? No, nothing happened. I bumped into something, it’s nothing!” But Yuu wasn’t buying it, “No I don’t believe you! W-Who did this to you?” Kouyou groaned loudly, “I told you Yuu-chan, I bumped into something, and no one did this to me!” “Kouyou,” Yuu said calmly as he held the other’s hands tenderly, “look at me in the eyes and swear to me no one did this to you.” The blonde looked down, the deplorable look on his face too obvious to ignore. “One of those sick bastards did this to you, didn’t they?” Yuu asked vehemently, “God Kou look at you! When are you going to have some self respect?” Kouyou’s pupils suddenly widened as tears began to unwillingly spill from his eyes. “How dare you say that to me Yuu?! I do have self respect, it may not be a lot but it’s the only thing keeping me sane right now!” Yuu got angry without warning as soon as he heard those words slip through Kouyou’s lips, “If you had any form of self respect you wouldn’t do what you do Kou. You’d have a REAL job, and you wouldn’t be prostituting yourself like this, and letting these sons of bitches lay their hands on you!!!” Yuu caught his breath, “Do you know how much it fucking hurts me to see you do this to yourself? I don’t say shit because I know that whatever I say isn’t going to change your mind.” Kouyou was absolutely speechless, he had nothing to add because he knew that Yuu was right, it was all true, he had no self respect, he had absolutely nothing to say for himself.
“Maybe you’re right,” Kouyou whispered, “I have nothing. I’m worthless; I don’t know why you put up with me, or why you even care. I’m a lost cause Yuu, and I know this. I’ve never been good at anything; this is the only thing I know how to do.” Yuu sighed, noticing the defeat in Kouyou’s tone, “Kouyou, please don’t think like that. Listen, I didn’t mean to yell at you. And what you’re saying; it’s not true. Do you know how intelligent you are? Or how beautiful you are? You could be out there doing better things with your life because I know you’re capable. And the best part about you doing something else would be you doing them with dignity.” Kouyou sat back down on the couch, his tears falling like an interminable cascade down on his face. “I don’t think I’m any of that Yuu.” He replied feebly, “Do you know for how long I’ve been jealous of you? Of how determined you are, and what a good person you are? I try, hell, I try harder than anything to be half as good as you, but I’ll never be like you.” Yuu sat down next to Kouyou and wiped his tears away, “You don’t have to be like me to be a good person. You just have to be yourself, and I think you’re an amazing person, and not just that, but you’re perhaps one of the most beautiful humans I’ve ever met, not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. I just don’t think you give yourself enough credit.” Kouyou looked up at Yuu, his sparkly brown eyes glistening with the remnants of his tears, “I-I love you.” His voice had diminished to a low whisper, but Yuu had heard him loud and clear. His heartbeat sped up, he palms growing sweaty, but he didn’t feel as shocked as he’d expect, he could always see it in Kouyou’s eyes that he did indeed love him, it just meant more if he got to hear it from his lips. “I love you too Kouyou,” he finally replied, “I love you so much, and I’ve never told you.” Kouyou rested his head on Yuu’s shoulder, his frail arms clinging to Yuu’s strong torso. “I never told you either, and I feel stupid for keeping it from you for so long.” Yuu kissed the top of Kouyou’s golden head and took a deep breath; suddenly he could breathe easier, the huge weight he had been carrying for years now had finally gone away.
Yuu and Kouyou sat in silence for a few minutes, they couldn’t continue on with their conversation especially after they finally confessed to each other. Yuu felt an immeasurable amount of happiness in his heart, whereas Kouyou felt happy too, but he felt relieved more than anything. It was kind of silly how things suddenly happened like that; it all just had to come down to this. Yuu couldn’t take it anymore, and seeing the bright purple bruise on Kouyou’s back was the last straw. He couldn’t bear to see his Kouyou hurt, and he agreed that his anger got the best of him, even if the alcohol did most of the talking, but at the same time he got to see a brand new side of Kouyou that he’d never witnessed before. Usually Kouyou would defend his job to no end, even if he was making shit up, he’d defend it and lie just to cover up someone else’s mess. But this time he didn’t fight it, he succumbed to reality. And Yuu believed that Kouyou was too getting sick of it, he couldn’t bear to lie anymore. He didn’t see a point to it, and Yuu was glad that Kouyou finally took off the veil, that he finally saw that all he needs has been in front of him ever since his childhood. He realized he doesn’t need people’s fake admiration to feel important and loved, all he needed was to open his eyes and see what has always been right before him.