A Game of Love - The Law of Attraction
Title: The Law of Attraction (12/?)
Pairing: NishiKato (w/TegoMasu & OC’s in some parts)
Summary: Shige dismissed his meeting Ryo as a fleeting one. But when fate played its hand and their paths collided again, sparks started flying and the law of attraction took its toll.
Previous: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11
Chapter 12
“Get out,” Shige bit out coldly, trembling with the deep anger burning within.
“But ---------------“
“I said get out Ryo,” his voice shook with anger, fists clenched tightly at his sides.
He had just experienced the most embarrassing ten minutes of his life. He had watched helplessly as Jin had floundered at being told of his bogus engagement to Ryo. Jin looked to confused to even be able to mutter a coherent phrase at what Ryo had just told him. Shige remembered Jin throwing him a puzzled frown, wondering what was happening then an accusing look as for not being the one to tell him. Finally, Jin gave them a congratulatory remark, and bid them both goodnight - and as Shige walked him to his car, he threw Shige a confused look but still he managed to wave to them before driving away.
He groaned inwardly as he tried to see how Jin must have been humiliated by the arrogant and uncaring Ryo.
“He wasn’t your type, anyway,” Ryo said, with that same arrogance, as they sat facing each other across the width of the sitting room, as if adversaries in some kind of a match - to Shige’s mind at least. With his feelings right now, he no longer cared what Ryo thought of him or Jin. And to think that he had the nerve to accuse his father of being manipulative, of trying to run Shige’s life for him, and his own mother for that matter. As far as he is concerned, their parents are amateurs compared to Ryo.
“This is not just about Jin. As far as I am concerned, you did not just cross over a line - you trampled all over it, and now I want you to leave my house.” Or I won’t be able to stop myself from hitting you. No matter how much he loves the man, he still didn’t have the right to choose his friends for him. How would he feel if Shige starts vetoing his friends?
“But -------------“ Ryo started softly, eyes unreadable at the moment.
“No buts, Ryo.” Shige said firmly. “You humiliated Jin and you embarrassed me. And you did both with a lie - a lie that we both know was just intended to get your mother off your back, to stop her from trying to run your life. And while I can understand the reason for your need to do that, it is still a lie - a lie that should not have been repeated in front of any third parties who don’t even know you and your family.”
“How am I supposed to manage on my own?” Ryo chided ruefully. “After all, I did sustain this injury while ---------------“
“Working at the shop, I know.” Shige finished for him and threw him a cold look. “I think we both know that won’t work anymore Ryo. That excuse has already worn itself thin.” Ryo started to say something but Shige continued. “You managed perfectly well on your own remember? Getting out of the car and talking to Jin,” he reminded him. “In fact, you were quicker than me, which leaves me to think that you did set out to sabotage my dinner plans tonight, despite your excuse for being delayed at the studio. If you had just stayed in the car, I would have been at least able to explain the situation to Jin, and I’m sure he would have understood.” He shook his head. “No Ryo. That excuse will definitely not work anymore. I just want you to go.”
“You ------“
“To be quite honest, Ryo, I found your behavior tonight as domineering as you claimed my father was.” he told him bluntly.
A nerve pulsed in Ryo’s cheek, but Shige couldn’t be sure what might have caused it - anger perhaps - or direct hit with his remark. But Shige’s passed from caring now. And with Ryo appearing serious now, all the laughter leaving his eyes, maybe he had gotten through to him.
“I said those things for a reason, Shige -------------“
“I know, you didn’t like my father and you didn’t believe I ever loved Yuri.” Shige said sarcastically.
“You really like him, don’t you?” Ryo asked harshly.
Really liked who? Oh, they’re back to Jin. “Of course I liked Jin. Do you think I would waste my time and make dinner plans with him if I didn’t?”
“I could call him if you want.” Ryo offered, frowning.
“Please don’t bother.” Shige countered coldly. “I’m quite capable of explaining things to him myself, thank you.” The engagement might be fictional but his love for Ryo certainly wasn’t and is likely to remain so, it would take a lot of explaining to do. “I’ll call him later.”
Ryo sighed. “You won’t even try to understand, would you?”
“What is there to understand, Ryo?” he challenged.
“The reason I behaved as I did with Jin tonight, for one thing.” Ryo said pointedly.
“Oh, I already know the reason you did that.” Shige dismissed.
“I doubt it.” Ryo shook his head. “You don’t have much of an opinion of me, do you Shige?”
“Have you ever given me any reason to think otherwise?” Shige asked back, but inside he was screaming. Of course he has an opinion of him. He loves the man! He loves that wicked sense of humor that often caused mischief - directed at him, of course, he loves the kindness that had allowed Yuya to be with his beloved Massu and have a trouble-free wedding, he loves the way he looks, a drop-dead-gorgeous hunk of a man, the very same looks that no doubt sent millions of men and women to drool over on the television when they watch his travel program.
Of course he had an opinion of Ryo, opinions that Shige intended keeping locked in his heart - always - for to do otherwise would just open himself to so much pain and humiliation as Ryo would just throw his feelings back into his face. And besides, he’s still very furious at him at the moment.
“Never mind - if it’s taking too long for you to think of an answer - I’m sure it wouldn’t be good.” Ryo straightened. “The problem with you Shige ----------“
“I don’t think I’m the one with the problem here, Ryo.” Shige cut in.
“--------- is that from the very first moment, you wouldn’t allow yourself to give me a chance.” Ryo finished.
A chance to do what? “You ----------“
“Did you know that a part of you looked at me and liked what he saw? Oh yes, you did Shige,” Ryo insisted firmly as he saw Shige gasp, mistaking it for a protest. “Do you think I don’t know when someone is attracted to me? C’mon Shige, at least credit me with some sensitivity.” He continued dryly “That part of you liked me enough at the Country Inn.”
“Liked being the operative word.” Shige said for lack of anything to say. He couldn’t believe he was foolish enough to let Ryo see through him and now he’s bragging about it.
“That’s your prudish side that’s talking so I’ll let it slide.” Ryo said dismissively.
“I really don’t see what that has got to do with tonight.” Shige countered lamely, if he’s not careful, Ryo will see more than a part of him being attracted to him that night at the Country Inn. He will see every part of him loving the man, faults and all.
“No you wouldn’t, would you? But when we were together at the Country Inn ---------.”
“We had dinner together,” Shige cut in heatedly. “Don’t make it sound more than it was.” He couldn’t help it. Pretty soon he will be the lady doth protest too much but he couldn’t help himself. The more he hides everything in, the more they try to rush out - answering Ryo’s call.
“Whatever,” Ryo said impatiently. “That evening was far from perfect but you allowed that part of you to talk to me.”
“There is no other part of me!” Shige burst out. His insides are in panic. Stop this now Ryo, please.
Ryo shook his head, throwing Shige a smile full of sadness. “Oh yes, there is. Deny it all you want, but I’ll never believe otherwise.” I have to believe that, at least, or I’ll go insane. He took a deep breath and with one last look at Shige, he said, “I’ll go. But if you ever see that part of you again, will you tell him that I would love to see him again?”
Shige’s shaking inside now. “Ryo ------“
“I hope you’ll be happy Shige.” Ryo grasped Shige’s arms and looked into his paling face. “Whatever, or whoever, is your choice in the future, I hope you’ll be happy.”
“I ------ but where will you go?” Shige asked. Now that Ryo is actually leaving, the pain of loving him is topped with another sort of pain. Because he knew he would never see Ryo again, his heart cried out but there’s nothing he could do. He wanted to reach out but his arms wouldn’t move. All he could do was look helplessly at Ryo.
“I’ll manage,” he smiled, again tinged with sadness, he gazed at Shige for some time, feeling the loss, he squeezed his arm lightly and said. “I’m really sorry I messed things up between you and your doctor. Maybe the two of you are suited after all,” he added sadly and turned around and started out the door, missing the look of desperation on Shige’s face.
There was no mockery at all in Ryo’s tone, Shige thought. He saw the sadness in his eyes. Shige felt like crying, he had felt like crying for the last few minutes, from the moment that Ryo accepted that he had to go. But he was wrong. He and Jin are not suited, anymore than he and Yuri had been.
He looked at Ryo’s retreating back with grief, tears blurring his vision. He loved the man - in fact, he had fallen in love with him that night. So why is he letting him go? Why wouldn’t his feet move so he can run after him? Because he’ll never love you - said the sensible and cautious part of his mind.
Ryo chose that moment to turn around, and mistaking the reason for his tears, he said, “Give your doctor a call, Shige. I’m sure he’ll listen to whatever you have to say. I’ll just send someone tomorrow to get my car.”
Shige couldn’t move as Ryo walked out of the sitting room. And when he heard the door outside closing, putting finality on the fact that Ryo is getting out of his life, his tears finally rolled down his cheeks. Ryo’s gone. He had told him to leave and now he’s gone for good - out of his life, forever. He had lost the man he never really had and it felt like he’s dying inside.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In his apartment that night, Ryo was crying. His tears raining down on the paper he was holding. It’s the reply he got from Shige’s father when he wrote to him after he met Shige. The letter says:
Sir,
As much as I appreciate your declaration of your feelings for my son, it would not be wise for me to give him your letter. As I have mentioned to you when you called, he is already engaged and it would not do any good to disrupt his relationship. Let me assure you that he is very happy with the man he has chosen and they are in fact, already preparing for their upcoming wedding.
However, I would like to thank you for your feelings. My son is certainly, a very lucky man.
Yours truly,
K. J.
If only you didn’t lie to me. If only I didn’t believe you. He tossed the paper aside and lay down on his bed. Sleep had been his only sanctuary for the last nine months, because Shige was in his every waking moment. It didn’t matter where he was. And he would smile each time, anticipating the next time he would see Shige again. But he had lost him, for good this time. And he can’t come back to him. How can he ever come back to someone he has never had in the first place? This time, sleep eluded him.
Admittedly he made a mistake - for it was true enough that he didn’t want Shige to meet with Jin. He had felt that if ever there was one to take Shige out, it’s him and only him. There was no need for him to stay for the meeting. One of the staff could have easily called him about the changes, but he felt guilty enough at his selfishness, so he needed something to validate his excuse.
He should not have stayed away from him for so long. It gave his father a chance to get in between. He had hoped when he came back about a couple of months ago that he might have had his chance. But he decided not to rush Shige - he was still raw because of his father’s death. And as much as he hated the old man, he’s still Shige’s father. How was he to know that in the six months he was gone, his father would find another suitable man for his son?
Damn you Shige. Why couldn’t you have chosen me? I’ve loved you for so long. You should have given me a chance. You should have waited for me.
Earlier that night, he half wished that Shige would stop him. But when he saw him crying, he knew that whatever chance he may have had in the past - they’re gone now. And he would have to live a life without Shige. How the hell can he manage that -- when everything around him speaks of the only person he has ever loved?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shige locked the door of the shop behind him. It’s five thirty in the afternoon. It’s time to go home - which was something he had delayed for the past three weeks, for as long as he possibly could. While he’s at shop he could always find something to focus his mind on, to keep himself busy, whereas at home, only Ryo occupy his thoughts and sends him to despair.
Since that fateful night he told Ryo to leave, he never saw him again. Ryo believed Shige would never want to see him again, and he had kept to that. And as he said, he had sent someone from the studio to pick up his car from the shop the next day. Yes, Ryo had truly gone out of his life - for good.
And how he missed him - even that part of him that Ryo had said was prudish, the part that had always put caution before anything else. All part of him missed Ryo
‘Shige!”
He turned around as he heard a soft voice calling him. A genuine smile of pleasure lightening his features as he saw a smiling Yuya approaching him - a smiling Yuya who had just returned from his honeymoon and looking radiantly happy.
“I’m so glad I caught you. I tried to call your house because I thought you would be there as it’s a weekend, but there was no answer. And there was no answer on your mobile either. So I came by here on the off chance that you might, in fact, be here.”
The two best friends hugged each other tightly. They have missed each other a lot, more on Shige’s part because Yuya may have missed him but there’s always Massu by his side. And Shige had no one.
Yuya was looking at his face, laughter in the eyes, the same laughter that Shige had seen in Ryo’s eyes. “My goodness Shige, I know I said to look after Ryo, but I didn’t think you two would go off and get engaged,” he smiled beamingly, eyes teasing his friend.
Shige’s smile faded and asked warily. “Who told you that?”
“Silly, Mama of course,” Yuya grimaced and continued, “and Ryo too, when I confronted him about the good news.”
Shige swallowed and countered. “I don’t believe your mother took it as quite good news.” Exactly what had Ryo told Yuya about their supposed engagement?
Yuya chuckled. “I won’t repeat what she said about it, but anyway, I didn’t come here to talk about Mama. Massu and I are leaving for New York and we wanted to have a small dinner party at his apartment and we want you and Ryo to be there of course.”
Shige’s happy to see his best friend again, and they’ve so much to catch up on, but he couldn’t go to dinner at Massu’s apartment with Ryo being there as well, “I’m not sure ----------“
“Neither was Ryo,” Yuya pouted, “Which is why he told me to ask you. He’ll be away tonight but he’ll be back in time for dinner tomorrow. He said that if it’s okay with you, then it‘s okay with him. Shige, you know me well enough to know that I will not take no for an answer, unless it will mean very badly for you. So I’m asking nicely, as your friend, spend tomorrow night with us. I don’t know when I’ll be seeing you again, and I miss you already,” Yuya’s eyes looked at him pleadingly clasping his hands. “Massu and I will be leaving day after tomorrow and it will be months again, before we could see each other.”
Ryo had left the decision to him? Why couldn’t he have just told Yuya the truth, that the engagement was purely a ploy to stop their mother’s machinations? Why leave the decision to him? He looked undecidedly at his friend. His eyes begging, he sighed and said, “Okay Yuya, I would love to join you for dinner.” He said firmly before he could take it back. He may regret his decision later and he’ll chide himself for that.
“Lovely, I love you Shige. I really do,” once more he hugged his friend and said, “Massu will be here to pick you up.”
“Yuya, there’s no need. I can drive myself to his apartment.” Shige shook his head.
“Silly, of course there’s a need. Ryo will be late so he won’t be able to pick you up and I would advise against driving as tomorrow will be filled with drinks. The champagne will definitely flow freely.”
Shige frowned. “Are you sure Massu won’t mind?”
“Of course he won’t, silly. He may be my man but he’s your friend too. He suggested it.” Yuya smiled. “Seven o’clock okay?”
“Fine,” Shige said evenly. His weekend is not exactly brimming with things that would need his attention anyway.
“Lovely. I’ll let you get off now. I’m sure you got a lot of things to do.” Yuya looked very pleased.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
aww, the infamous letters - so I guess by now you understand why Ryo hated Shige’s father. . . . . .next chap. Shige finds Ryo’s letters . . . .that part was originally intended to be this chap’s ending but this got too large. I tried to post the whole thing incldg that part but LJ wouldn’t so I had to cut that off……sowee
Anyhow, what do you think will happen now? (apart from Shige finding the letters of course, it’s a dead giveaway)
well, your guess is as good as mine *grins*
and before you ask what Shige's father's signature means (K.J.) . . . . . it's his initials . . . . . K for Kato and J for (IDK hehehe). . . . . though there's a 2nd meaning to that - it means killjoy (an attempt to humor XDD) . . . . . seriously though, i didn't know what name to put so i thought of just putting in initials. . .anyhow, it's fiction, so what the heck!
Pairing: NishiKato (w/TegoMasu & OC’s in some parts)
Summary: Shige dismissed his meeting Ryo as a fleeting one. But when fate played its hand and their paths collided again, sparks started flying and the law of attraction took its toll.
Previous: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11
Chapter 12
“Get out,” Shige bit out coldly, trembling with the deep anger burning within.
“But ---------------“
“I said get out Ryo,” his voice shook with anger, fists clenched tightly at his sides.
He had just experienced the most embarrassing ten minutes of his life. He had watched helplessly as Jin had floundered at being told of his bogus engagement to Ryo. Jin looked to confused to even be able to mutter a coherent phrase at what Ryo had just told him. Shige remembered Jin throwing him a puzzled frown, wondering what was happening then an accusing look as for not being the one to tell him. Finally, Jin gave them a congratulatory remark, and bid them both goodnight - and as Shige walked him to his car, he threw Shige a confused look but still he managed to wave to them before driving away.
He groaned inwardly as he tried to see how Jin must have been humiliated by the arrogant and uncaring Ryo.
“He wasn’t your type, anyway,” Ryo said, with that same arrogance, as they sat facing each other across the width of the sitting room, as if adversaries in some kind of a match - to Shige’s mind at least. With his feelings right now, he no longer cared what Ryo thought of him or Jin. And to think that he had the nerve to accuse his father of being manipulative, of trying to run Shige’s life for him, and his own mother for that matter. As far as he is concerned, their parents are amateurs compared to Ryo.
“This is not just about Jin. As far as I am concerned, you did not just cross over a line - you trampled all over it, and now I want you to leave my house.” Or I won’t be able to stop myself from hitting you. No matter how much he loves the man, he still didn’t have the right to choose his friends for him. How would he feel if Shige starts vetoing his friends?
“But -------------“ Ryo started softly, eyes unreadable at the moment.
“No buts, Ryo.” Shige said firmly. “You humiliated Jin and you embarrassed me. And you did both with a lie - a lie that we both know was just intended to get your mother off your back, to stop her from trying to run your life. And while I can understand the reason for your need to do that, it is still a lie - a lie that should not have been repeated in front of any third parties who don’t even know you and your family.”
“How am I supposed to manage on my own?” Ryo chided ruefully. “After all, I did sustain this injury while ---------------“
“Working at the shop, I know.” Shige finished for him and threw him a cold look. “I think we both know that won’t work anymore Ryo. That excuse has already worn itself thin.” Ryo started to say something but Shige continued. “You managed perfectly well on your own remember? Getting out of the car and talking to Jin,” he reminded him. “In fact, you were quicker than me, which leaves me to think that you did set out to sabotage my dinner plans tonight, despite your excuse for being delayed at the studio. If you had just stayed in the car, I would have been at least able to explain the situation to Jin, and I’m sure he would have understood.” He shook his head. “No Ryo. That excuse will definitely not work anymore. I just want you to go.”
“You ------“
“To be quite honest, Ryo, I found your behavior tonight as domineering as you claimed my father was.” he told him bluntly.
A nerve pulsed in Ryo’s cheek, but Shige couldn’t be sure what might have caused it - anger perhaps - or direct hit with his remark. But Shige’s passed from caring now. And with Ryo appearing serious now, all the laughter leaving his eyes, maybe he had gotten through to him.
“I said those things for a reason, Shige -------------“
“I know, you didn’t like my father and you didn’t believe I ever loved Yuri.” Shige said sarcastically.
“You really like him, don’t you?” Ryo asked harshly.
Really liked who? Oh, they’re back to Jin. “Of course I liked Jin. Do you think I would waste my time and make dinner plans with him if I didn’t?”
“I could call him if you want.” Ryo offered, frowning.
“Please don’t bother.” Shige countered coldly. “I’m quite capable of explaining things to him myself, thank you.” The engagement might be fictional but his love for Ryo certainly wasn’t and is likely to remain so, it would take a lot of explaining to do. “I’ll call him later.”
Ryo sighed. “You won’t even try to understand, would you?”
“What is there to understand, Ryo?” he challenged.
“The reason I behaved as I did with Jin tonight, for one thing.” Ryo said pointedly.
“Oh, I already know the reason you did that.” Shige dismissed.
“I doubt it.” Ryo shook his head. “You don’t have much of an opinion of me, do you Shige?”
“Have you ever given me any reason to think otherwise?” Shige asked back, but inside he was screaming. Of course he has an opinion of him. He loves the man! He loves that wicked sense of humor that often caused mischief - directed at him, of course, he loves the kindness that had allowed Yuya to be with his beloved Massu and have a trouble-free wedding, he loves the way he looks, a drop-dead-gorgeous hunk of a man, the very same looks that no doubt sent millions of men and women to drool over on the television when they watch his travel program.
Of course he had an opinion of Ryo, opinions that Shige intended keeping locked in his heart - always - for to do otherwise would just open himself to so much pain and humiliation as Ryo would just throw his feelings back into his face. And besides, he’s still very furious at him at the moment.
“Never mind - if it’s taking too long for you to think of an answer - I’m sure it wouldn’t be good.” Ryo straightened. “The problem with you Shige ----------“
“I don’t think I’m the one with the problem here, Ryo.” Shige cut in.
“--------- is that from the very first moment, you wouldn’t allow yourself to give me a chance.” Ryo finished.
A chance to do what? “You ----------“
“Did you know that a part of you looked at me and liked what he saw? Oh yes, you did Shige,” Ryo insisted firmly as he saw Shige gasp, mistaking it for a protest. “Do you think I don’t know when someone is attracted to me? C’mon Shige, at least credit me with some sensitivity.” He continued dryly “That part of you liked me enough at the Country Inn.”
“Liked being the operative word.” Shige said for lack of anything to say. He couldn’t believe he was foolish enough to let Ryo see through him and now he’s bragging about it.
“That’s your prudish side that’s talking so I’ll let it slide.” Ryo said dismissively.
“I really don’t see what that has got to do with tonight.” Shige countered lamely, if he’s not careful, Ryo will see more than a part of him being attracted to him that night at the Country Inn. He will see every part of him loving the man, faults and all.
“No you wouldn’t, would you? But when we were together at the Country Inn ---------.”
“We had dinner together,” Shige cut in heatedly. “Don’t make it sound more than it was.” He couldn’t help it. Pretty soon he will be the lady doth protest too much but he couldn’t help himself. The more he hides everything in, the more they try to rush out - answering Ryo’s call.
“Whatever,” Ryo said impatiently. “That evening was far from perfect but you allowed that part of you to talk to me.”
“There is no other part of me!” Shige burst out. His insides are in panic. Stop this now Ryo, please.
Ryo shook his head, throwing Shige a smile full of sadness. “Oh yes, there is. Deny it all you want, but I’ll never believe otherwise.” I have to believe that, at least, or I’ll go insane. He took a deep breath and with one last look at Shige, he said, “I’ll go. But if you ever see that part of you again, will you tell him that I would love to see him again?”
Shige’s shaking inside now. “Ryo ------“
“I hope you’ll be happy Shige.” Ryo grasped Shige’s arms and looked into his paling face. “Whatever, or whoever, is your choice in the future, I hope you’ll be happy.”
“I ------ but where will you go?” Shige asked. Now that Ryo is actually leaving, the pain of loving him is topped with another sort of pain. Because he knew he would never see Ryo again, his heart cried out but there’s nothing he could do. He wanted to reach out but his arms wouldn’t move. All he could do was look helplessly at Ryo.
“I’ll manage,” he smiled, again tinged with sadness, he gazed at Shige for some time, feeling the loss, he squeezed his arm lightly and said. “I’m really sorry I messed things up between you and your doctor. Maybe the two of you are suited after all,” he added sadly and turned around and started out the door, missing the look of desperation on Shige’s face.
There was no mockery at all in Ryo’s tone, Shige thought. He saw the sadness in his eyes. Shige felt like crying, he had felt like crying for the last few minutes, from the moment that Ryo accepted that he had to go. But he was wrong. He and Jin are not suited, anymore than he and Yuri had been.
He looked at Ryo’s retreating back with grief, tears blurring his vision. He loved the man - in fact, he had fallen in love with him that night. So why is he letting him go? Why wouldn’t his feet move so he can run after him? Because he’ll never love you - said the sensible and cautious part of his mind.
Ryo chose that moment to turn around, and mistaking the reason for his tears, he said, “Give your doctor a call, Shige. I’m sure he’ll listen to whatever you have to say. I’ll just send someone tomorrow to get my car.”
Shige couldn’t move as Ryo walked out of the sitting room. And when he heard the door outside closing, putting finality on the fact that Ryo is getting out of his life, his tears finally rolled down his cheeks. Ryo’s gone. He had told him to leave and now he’s gone for good - out of his life, forever. He had lost the man he never really had and it felt like he’s dying inside.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In his apartment that night, Ryo was crying. His tears raining down on the paper he was holding. It’s the reply he got from Shige’s father when he wrote to him after he met Shige. The letter says:
Sir,
As much as I appreciate your declaration of your feelings for my son, it would not be wise for me to give him your letter. As I have mentioned to you when you called, he is already engaged and it would not do any good to disrupt his relationship. Let me assure you that he is very happy with the man he has chosen and they are in fact, already preparing for their upcoming wedding.
However, I would like to thank you for your feelings. My son is certainly, a very lucky man.
Yours truly,
K. J.
If only you didn’t lie to me. If only I didn’t believe you. He tossed the paper aside and lay down on his bed. Sleep had been his only sanctuary for the last nine months, because Shige was in his every waking moment. It didn’t matter where he was. And he would smile each time, anticipating the next time he would see Shige again. But he had lost him, for good this time. And he can’t come back to him. How can he ever come back to someone he has never had in the first place? This time, sleep eluded him.
Admittedly he made a mistake - for it was true enough that he didn’t want Shige to meet with Jin. He had felt that if ever there was one to take Shige out, it’s him and only him. There was no need for him to stay for the meeting. One of the staff could have easily called him about the changes, but he felt guilty enough at his selfishness, so he needed something to validate his excuse.
He should not have stayed away from him for so long. It gave his father a chance to get in between. He had hoped when he came back about a couple of months ago that he might have had his chance. But he decided not to rush Shige - he was still raw because of his father’s death. And as much as he hated the old man, he’s still Shige’s father. How was he to know that in the six months he was gone, his father would find another suitable man for his son?
Damn you Shige. Why couldn’t you have chosen me? I’ve loved you for so long. You should have given me a chance. You should have waited for me.
Earlier that night, he half wished that Shige would stop him. But when he saw him crying, he knew that whatever chance he may have had in the past - they’re gone now. And he would have to live a life without Shige. How the hell can he manage that -- when everything around him speaks of the only person he has ever loved?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shige locked the door of the shop behind him. It’s five thirty in the afternoon. It’s time to go home - which was something he had delayed for the past three weeks, for as long as he possibly could. While he’s at shop he could always find something to focus his mind on, to keep himself busy, whereas at home, only Ryo occupy his thoughts and sends him to despair.
Since that fateful night he told Ryo to leave, he never saw him again. Ryo believed Shige would never want to see him again, and he had kept to that. And as he said, he had sent someone from the studio to pick up his car from the shop the next day. Yes, Ryo had truly gone out of his life - for good.
And how he missed him - even that part of him that Ryo had said was prudish, the part that had always put caution before anything else. All part of him missed Ryo
‘Shige!”
He turned around as he heard a soft voice calling him. A genuine smile of pleasure lightening his features as he saw a smiling Yuya approaching him - a smiling Yuya who had just returned from his honeymoon and looking radiantly happy.
“I’m so glad I caught you. I tried to call your house because I thought you would be there as it’s a weekend, but there was no answer. And there was no answer on your mobile either. So I came by here on the off chance that you might, in fact, be here.”
The two best friends hugged each other tightly. They have missed each other a lot, more on Shige’s part because Yuya may have missed him but there’s always Massu by his side. And Shige had no one.
Yuya was looking at his face, laughter in the eyes, the same laughter that Shige had seen in Ryo’s eyes. “My goodness Shige, I know I said to look after Ryo, but I didn’t think you two would go off and get engaged,” he smiled beamingly, eyes teasing his friend.
Shige’s smile faded and asked warily. “Who told you that?”
“Silly, Mama of course,” Yuya grimaced and continued, “and Ryo too, when I confronted him about the good news.”
Shige swallowed and countered. “I don’t believe your mother took it as quite good news.” Exactly what had Ryo told Yuya about their supposed engagement?
Yuya chuckled. “I won’t repeat what she said about it, but anyway, I didn’t come here to talk about Mama. Massu and I are leaving for New York and we wanted to have a small dinner party at his apartment and we want you and Ryo to be there of course.”
Shige’s happy to see his best friend again, and they’ve so much to catch up on, but he couldn’t go to dinner at Massu’s apartment with Ryo being there as well, “I’m not sure ----------“
“Neither was Ryo,” Yuya pouted, “Which is why he told me to ask you. He’ll be away tonight but he’ll be back in time for dinner tomorrow. He said that if it’s okay with you, then it‘s okay with him. Shige, you know me well enough to know that I will not take no for an answer, unless it will mean very badly for you. So I’m asking nicely, as your friend, spend tomorrow night with us. I don’t know when I’ll be seeing you again, and I miss you already,” Yuya’s eyes looked at him pleadingly clasping his hands. “Massu and I will be leaving day after tomorrow and it will be months again, before we could see each other.”
Ryo had left the decision to him? Why couldn’t he have just told Yuya the truth, that the engagement was purely a ploy to stop their mother’s machinations? Why leave the decision to him? He looked undecidedly at his friend. His eyes begging, he sighed and said, “Okay Yuya, I would love to join you for dinner.” He said firmly before he could take it back. He may regret his decision later and he’ll chide himself for that.
“Lovely, I love you Shige. I really do,” once more he hugged his friend and said, “Massu will be here to pick you up.”
“Yuya, there’s no need. I can drive myself to his apartment.” Shige shook his head.
“Silly, of course there’s a need. Ryo will be late so he won’t be able to pick you up and I would advise against driving as tomorrow will be filled with drinks. The champagne will definitely flow freely.”
Shige frowned. “Are you sure Massu won’t mind?”
“Of course he won’t, silly. He may be my man but he’s your friend too. He suggested it.” Yuya smiled. “Seven o’clock okay?”
“Fine,” Shige said evenly. His weekend is not exactly brimming with things that would need his attention anyway.
“Lovely. I’ll let you get off now. I’m sure you got a lot of things to do.” Yuya looked very pleased.
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aww, the infamous letters - so I guess by now you understand why Ryo hated Shige’s father. . . . . .next chap. Shige finds Ryo’s letters . . . .that part was originally intended to be this chap’s ending but this got too large. I tried to post the whole thing incldg that part but LJ wouldn’t so I had to cut that off……sowee
Anyhow, what do you think will happen now? (apart from Shige finding the letters of course, it’s a dead giveaway)
well, your guess is as good as mine *grins*
and before you ask what Shige's father's signature means (K.J.) . . . . . it's his initials . . . . . K for Kato and J for (IDK hehehe). . . . . though there's a 2nd meaning to that - it means killjoy (an attempt to humor XDD) . . . . . seriously though, i didn't know what name to put so i thought of just putting in initials. . .anyhow, it's fiction, so what the heck!