Not Close Enough [Yokoo/Fujigaya]
Title: Not Close Enough
Pairings/Characters: Yokoo/Fujigaya
Rating: PG
A/N: Yokoo asks Taisuke to live together and Taisuke says "yes" a bit too soon.
The moment Taisuke entered the apartment with his bags he automatically said “Ojamashimasu” and that made Wataru turn and look at him sternly. “It’s tadaima, Taisuke.”. Fujigaya smiled embarrassed.
Taisuke wasn’t sure this was the right thing to do. It’s true that he was actually spending more time at Wataru’s apartment than at his place lately, but moving together... there was still something troubling Taisuke’s mind, even after he actually decided to move in.
Wataru asked him so nicely that he couldn’t refuse. The day he asked him, Wataru entered the changing room while Fujigaya was straightening his hair. “Can I borrow your flatiron?” “Sure, I’m almost done.” Taisuke answered thinking how weird it was that Wataru forgot to bring something. “Would you like to move in with me?” “Eh?!” it was all he could say. He kept on staring at Wataru’s serious face in silence. “Ah!” squealed Taisuke looking at his spoiled strand of hair which had obviously been in between the plates of the iron for too much time.
After that Wataru made the pleading face. The one that, Fujigaya figured out, Wataru was probably practising since when he was five and his parents wouldn’t buy him a toy. The one that Taisuke couldn’t look at without already agreeing to submit to whichever request Wataru was about to make. Thinking about it, he shouldn’t have said yes so easily, just because his boyfriend was cute when he asked.
Wataru got the bag in which Taisuke was keeping Tinker Bell from off his shoulder. “She might want some water! Come Tinker Bell, I’ll give you a cookie!” Wataru held the small dog up close to his face, while Bell was wiggling her tail happily. “Don’t give her any cookie! She’ll get fat!” Wataru pouted and went to the kitchen mumbling “Your owner is so bossy when he himself is really fond of cookies ne, Bell?”. Taisuke sighed. Now his dog was going to get spoiled like a kid with parents disagreeing about his education.
But he wasn’t going to feel down just because of that. It was just the beginning, their life together was going to be perfect soon. He just needed to adapt. It was easy.
“Watta, where is my toothbrush?” “In the shelf over the sink.” “And what about my lotions?” “I moved everything in that small cupboard.” “But I need them! You can’t store everything away like that.”
“Well, they’re there, you can just get them and put them away when you’re done.” “You don’t understand. I need to keep them within reach. I use those at least two times a day. I need to keep them near the sink, where I can easily spot the one I want to use!” “You wouldn’t have this problem if you only had one.” “If I keep more than one there must be a reason right? I have the hydrating cream, the anti-wrinkle serum...” “See? You don’t need it! You don’t have wrinkles!” “That’s because I use an anti-wrinkle!” yelled Taisuke shutting the bathroom door. Wataru, who was lying on the bed, went back to his reading.
Three days. It had been only three days and Wataru was messing up Taisuke’s routine already much more than he messed up with his own words.
The first morning together, Wataru cooked a delicious breakfast for him. Taisuke appreciated the gesture but pointed out he was on a diet. That’s why Wataru made a bento full of calories for him to eat for lunch during his drama shooting. And that’s why he bought cake for dessert to eat after dinner the next day. Obviously Wataru couldn’t figure out the simple equation food equals calories which equal fat. He had never been troubled by it in the first instance.
Then one evening he sneaked in the bathroom while Taisuke was having a bath. Taisuke had just got into the bathtub and closed his eyes inhaling the aromatic scent of the candles when Wataru stepped in. Naked. Taisuke jumped up covering his chest with his hands clearly outraged. “What do you think you are doing?!” “I like having baths with you!” smiled Wataru in reply. “Yes... but. Don’t take it personally Watta. This is not just a bath. This is my time. Like the time I have for myself to rethink about today’s events and relax. I’d just like... to be alone, you know?” Wataru seemed disappointed. “Ok, I’ll wait my turn then.” He went out and left Taisuke feeling guilty in the tub. What was wrong with him?!
He seriously tried to put up with it, but Taisuke was beginning to think that maybe living together wasn’t such a great idea. He was ok with Wataru telling him to keep the house tidy. He knew that leaving rubbish around would have resulted in a very angry Wataru sooner than later, but he was already used to it, so he was trying his best to avoid making mess. It wasn’t that the reason why he was thinking it was difficult living with him.
It was having someone always beside him, paying attention to what he was doing, telling him the right way to treat his dog and asking him when he was going to be home after work. In other words, for Taisuke it was too much of a responsibility. He loved Wataru, he liked spending time with him, but he was scared that living together would have actually put distance between them instead of drawing them closer. Also Wataru would have had something to complain about soon. He knew he didn’t like how Taisuke took hours to get ready, or the fact he wasn’t able to sort out the recycling in the right way. Taisuke has noticed the look of dislike on Wataru’s face whenever he opened his drawers and the guy could capture a glimpse of the mess inside. Or when he left a cup or a plate unwashed in the sink instead of cleaning it promptly like Wataru used to do. Even if Taisuke claimed time for himself, he was not the best at keeping their personal spaces separate either, especially when they were sleeping on the same bed. Not that he ever heard Wataru complaining about it, but...
Wataru knocked on the door. "Taisuke? Why it's taking you so long?"
"Go away, I'm fine!"
"Taisuke, if there is something wrong I prefer you telling me instead of locking yourself in there forever."
"I'm just... having a bath, what’s wrong with it?"
"A bath of air? I didn't hear the water running."
Busted.
"Please leave me alone"
"Ok. You'll come out when you'll be hungry anyway!"
"I'm not a dog!" shouted Taisuke.
Wataru was about to leave the room when Taisuke opened the door quietly.
"I don't think we should live together." said Taisuke looking gloomy. After a moment of silence, Wataru became suddenly serious.
"This hurts, Taisuke, for real."
"Can't we just be the same as before? We can be together even without living in the same place!"
"I thought you were sure about this."
"I was! I just..."
"... didn't think carefully about all the effort this thing was going to be and took a decision lightly?"
"You're mean"
"You know I'm right. But Taisuke, I don't want force you living with me. Have you got any idea of how serious I was when I asked you? Just so you know I thought about this for a long time. How to deal with your mess, with your lateness, with everything. And I thought I could do it if it was you. Because I..."
"Don't say that you love me."
"I was about to say that I'm a very patient person!"
"You wish."
"Ok, I was about to say that I love you. I can put up with everything because I love you."
"It's not fair saying this!"
"How is it not fair?!"
"You know how to win an argument. Despite you mess up with your words on every sentence you are the best at defending yourself."
Wataru ignored Taisuke’s teasing tone and walked closer to him.
"... Taisuke. What I want to ask is... what are you scared of?"
"I'm not scared of anything, I just..."
"What? You don't like when I put back the lid on your hairspray? Or when I ask you to separate the laundry in the baskets by colours?"
"It's not that... it’s not for such silly reasons."
"Then you are actually scared of putting some effort in this relationship."
Taisuke pouted. Wataru was right. Suddenly he realized he had focused only on the negative aspects of their life together. He didn't think not even once at how having him there was a disruption for Wataru's routine as well. He was sure the guy put a lot of effort on his side not to crack every time Taisuke did something wrong.
“I’m scared you’ll be sick of having to tell me things every time. I’m scared you’ll throw me and Tinker Bell out one day.”
“I wouldn’t throw Tinker Bell out!” exclaimed Wataru teasingly.
“Watta!!!” shouted Taisuke frowning and hit the other guy’s arm with his hand. Wataru moved closer and hugged him. Taisuke’s arms just stayed where they were, at the side of his body. He looked surprised.
“I won’t do something like that, Taisuke. And I will give you your space if that’s what you need. But please, don’t be afraid of talking to me when there is a problem. I promise I’ll do my best not to get mad.”
“Watta...”
Wataru squeezed him more. “So please, don’t say you don’t want to stay here.”
---
Several minutes later the bathtub was filled with water and the air was full of the lemony scent of the lighted candles.
“Your bath is ready, Taisuke!” called Yokoo while preparing a towel to warm up on the radiator.
“I said I didn’t need you to do this...” said Taisuke appearing from the bedroom.
“I just wanted to. You like taking your time and relax in the bath, right? Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you.” smiled Wataru before he closed the door behind him.
Taisuke took off his shirt slowly, looking at the water and the fumes that came out of it. Suddenly he felt stupid. Even more than he was already feeling before. He dashed out the door without his shirt and with his jeans unbuttoned and grabbed Wataru from the back while the guy was looking for something in the wardrobe.
“Why don’t you take a bath with me?” he whispered. Wataru grabbed Taisuke’s hands on his chest and squeezed gently. He sighed and then smiled. “Don’t expect me to prepare your bath everyday, ok?”
---
Three months passed and Taisuke was eating his breakfast waiting to begin his long awaited day off. Wataru was getting ready as he didn’t have the day off.
“I wish we can have a day off together soon!” sighed Taisuke.
“Listen to you! Just yesterday you were bragging about having the apartment all for yourself finally!”
“Well I changed my mind. It’s no fun at all staying here by myself.”
“Just admit that you’ll miss me!” said Wataru with a smirk.
“What time are you coming back tonight, Watta?”
“I’m not sure. I’m on location with Senga and Nikaido today. You see, it could take long.” said Wataru grabbing a toast from Taisuke’s plate and giving it a bite.
“I...”
“Don’t say you’ll wait for me. Go to bed.”
“I was going to say that I’ll leave you something to eat...”
“As if you will cook something.”
“Ok, I was actually going to say that I’ll wait for you!” admitted Taisuke pouting.
Wataru leaned closer to him, putting a hand on his head.
“Do as you wish.” Wataru smiled, pleased.
“Mail me when you are coming back. If it’s still early I’ll wait for the bath.”
Wataru kissed Taisuke’s lips lightly then walked away towards the door grinning. They always had a bath together from that day three months ago.
Pairings/Characters: Yokoo/Fujigaya
Rating: PG
A/N: Yokoo asks Taisuke to live together and Taisuke says "yes" a bit too soon.
The moment Taisuke entered the apartment with his bags he automatically said “Ojamashimasu” and that made Wataru turn and look at him sternly. “It’s tadaima, Taisuke.”. Fujigaya smiled embarrassed.
Taisuke wasn’t sure this was the right thing to do. It’s true that he was actually spending more time at Wataru’s apartment than at his place lately, but moving together... there was still something troubling Taisuke’s mind, even after he actually decided to move in.
Wataru asked him so nicely that he couldn’t refuse. The day he asked him, Wataru entered the changing room while Fujigaya was straightening his hair. “Can I borrow your flatiron?” “Sure, I’m almost done.” Taisuke answered thinking how weird it was that Wataru forgot to bring something. “Would you like to move in with me?” “Eh?!” it was all he could say. He kept on staring at Wataru’s serious face in silence. “Ah!” squealed Taisuke looking at his spoiled strand of hair which had obviously been in between the plates of the iron for too much time.
After that Wataru made the pleading face. The one that, Fujigaya figured out, Wataru was probably practising since when he was five and his parents wouldn’t buy him a toy. The one that Taisuke couldn’t look at without already agreeing to submit to whichever request Wataru was about to make. Thinking about it, he shouldn’t have said yes so easily, just because his boyfriend was cute when he asked.
Wataru got the bag in which Taisuke was keeping Tinker Bell from off his shoulder. “She might want some water! Come Tinker Bell, I’ll give you a cookie!” Wataru held the small dog up close to his face, while Bell was wiggling her tail happily. “Don’t give her any cookie! She’ll get fat!” Wataru pouted and went to the kitchen mumbling “Your owner is so bossy when he himself is really fond of cookies ne, Bell?”. Taisuke sighed. Now his dog was going to get spoiled like a kid with parents disagreeing about his education.
But he wasn’t going to feel down just because of that. It was just the beginning, their life together was going to be perfect soon. He just needed to adapt. It was easy.
“Watta, where is my toothbrush?” “In the shelf over the sink.” “And what about my lotions?” “I moved everything in that small cupboard.” “But I need them! You can’t store everything away like that.”
“Well, they’re there, you can just get them and put them away when you’re done.” “You don’t understand. I need to keep them within reach. I use those at least two times a day. I need to keep them near the sink, where I can easily spot the one I want to use!” “You wouldn’t have this problem if you only had one.” “If I keep more than one there must be a reason right? I have the hydrating cream, the anti-wrinkle serum...” “See? You don’t need it! You don’t have wrinkles!” “That’s because I use an anti-wrinkle!” yelled Taisuke shutting the bathroom door. Wataru, who was lying on the bed, went back to his reading.
Three days. It had been only three days and Wataru was messing up Taisuke’s routine already much more than he messed up with his own words.
The first morning together, Wataru cooked a delicious breakfast for him. Taisuke appreciated the gesture but pointed out he was on a diet. That’s why Wataru made a bento full of calories for him to eat for lunch during his drama shooting. And that’s why he bought cake for dessert to eat after dinner the next day. Obviously Wataru couldn’t figure out the simple equation food equals calories which equal fat. He had never been troubled by it in the first instance.
Then one evening he sneaked in the bathroom while Taisuke was having a bath. Taisuke had just got into the bathtub and closed his eyes inhaling the aromatic scent of the candles when Wataru stepped in. Naked. Taisuke jumped up covering his chest with his hands clearly outraged. “What do you think you are doing?!” “I like having baths with you!” smiled Wataru in reply. “Yes... but. Don’t take it personally Watta. This is not just a bath. This is my time. Like the time I have for myself to rethink about today’s events and relax. I’d just like... to be alone, you know?” Wataru seemed disappointed. “Ok, I’ll wait my turn then.” He went out and left Taisuke feeling guilty in the tub. What was wrong with him?!
He seriously tried to put up with it, but Taisuke was beginning to think that maybe living together wasn’t such a great idea. He was ok with Wataru telling him to keep the house tidy. He knew that leaving rubbish around would have resulted in a very angry Wataru sooner than later, but he was already used to it, so he was trying his best to avoid making mess. It wasn’t that the reason why he was thinking it was difficult living with him.
It was having someone always beside him, paying attention to what he was doing, telling him the right way to treat his dog and asking him when he was going to be home after work. In other words, for Taisuke it was too much of a responsibility. He loved Wataru, he liked spending time with him, but he was scared that living together would have actually put distance between them instead of drawing them closer. Also Wataru would have had something to complain about soon. He knew he didn’t like how Taisuke took hours to get ready, or the fact he wasn’t able to sort out the recycling in the right way. Taisuke has noticed the look of dislike on Wataru’s face whenever he opened his drawers and the guy could capture a glimpse of the mess inside. Or when he left a cup or a plate unwashed in the sink instead of cleaning it promptly like Wataru used to do. Even if Taisuke claimed time for himself, he was not the best at keeping their personal spaces separate either, especially when they were sleeping on the same bed. Not that he ever heard Wataru complaining about it, but...
Wataru knocked on the door. "Taisuke? Why it's taking you so long?"
"Go away, I'm fine!"
"Taisuke, if there is something wrong I prefer you telling me instead of locking yourself in there forever."
"I'm just... having a bath, what’s wrong with it?"
"A bath of air? I didn't hear the water running."
Busted.
"Please leave me alone"
"Ok. You'll come out when you'll be hungry anyway!"
"I'm not a dog!" shouted Taisuke.
Wataru was about to leave the room when Taisuke opened the door quietly.
"I don't think we should live together." said Taisuke looking gloomy. After a moment of silence, Wataru became suddenly serious.
"This hurts, Taisuke, for real."
"Can't we just be the same as before? We can be together even without living in the same place!"
"I thought you were sure about this."
"I was! I just..."
"... didn't think carefully about all the effort this thing was going to be and took a decision lightly?"
"You're mean"
"You know I'm right. But Taisuke, I don't want force you living with me. Have you got any idea of how serious I was when I asked you? Just so you know I thought about this for a long time. How to deal with your mess, with your lateness, with everything. And I thought I could do it if it was you. Because I..."
"Don't say that you love me."
"I was about to say that I'm a very patient person!"
"You wish."
"Ok, I was about to say that I love you. I can put up with everything because I love you."
"It's not fair saying this!"
"How is it not fair?!"
"You know how to win an argument. Despite you mess up with your words on every sentence you are the best at defending yourself."
Wataru ignored Taisuke’s teasing tone and walked closer to him.
"... Taisuke. What I want to ask is... what are you scared of?"
"I'm not scared of anything, I just..."
"What? You don't like when I put back the lid on your hairspray? Or when I ask you to separate the laundry in the baskets by colours?"
"It's not that... it’s not for such silly reasons."
"Then you are actually scared of putting some effort in this relationship."
Taisuke pouted. Wataru was right. Suddenly he realized he had focused only on the negative aspects of their life together. He didn't think not even once at how having him there was a disruption for Wataru's routine as well. He was sure the guy put a lot of effort on his side not to crack every time Taisuke did something wrong.
“I’m scared you’ll be sick of having to tell me things every time. I’m scared you’ll throw me and Tinker Bell out one day.”
“I wouldn’t throw Tinker Bell out!” exclaimed Wataru teasingly.
“Watta!!!” shouted Taisuke frowning and hit the other guy’s arm with his hand. Wataru moved closer and hugged him. Taisuke’s arms just stayed where they were, at the side of his body. He looked surprised.
“I won’t do something like that, Taisuke. And I will give you your space if that’s what you need. But please, don’t be afraid of talking to me when there is a problem. I promise I’ll do my best not to get mad.”
“Watta...”
Wataru squeezed him more. “So please, don’t say you don’t want to stay here.”
---
Several minutes later the bathtub was filled with water and the air was full of the lemony scent of the lighted candles.
“Your bath is ready, Taisuke!” called Yokoo while preparing a towel to warm up on the radiator.
“I said I didn’t need you to do this...” said Taisuke appearing from the bedroom.
“I just wanted to. You like taking your time and relax in the bath, right? Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you.” smiled Wataru before he closed the door behind him.
Taisuke took off his shirt slowly, looking at the water and the fumes that came out of it. Suddenly he felt stupid. Even more than he was already feeling before. He dashed out the door without his shirt and with his jeans unbuttoned and grabbed Wataru from the back while the guy was looking for something in the wardrobe.
“Why don’t you take a bath with me?” he whispered. Wataru grabbed Taisuke’s hands on his chest and squeezed gently. He sighed and then smiled. “Don’t expect me to prepare your bath everyday, ok?”
---
Three months passed and Taisuke was eating his breakfast waiting to begin his long awaited day off. Wataru was getting ready as he didn’t have the day off.
“I wish we can have a day off together soon!” sighed Taisuke.
“Listen to you! Just yesterday you were bragging about having the apartment all for yourself finally!”
“Well I changed my mind. It’s no fun at all staying here by myself.”
“Just admit that you’ll miss me!” said Wataru with a smirk.
“What time are you coming back tonight, Watta?”
“I’m not sure. I’m on location with Senga and Nikaido today. You see, it could take long.” said Wataru grabbing a toast from Taisuke’s plate and giving it a bite.
“I...”
“Don’t say you’ll wait for me. Go to bed.”
“I was going to say that I’ll leave you something to eat...”
“As if you will cook something.”
“Ok, I was actually going to say that I’ll wait for you!” admitted Taisuke pouting.
Wataru leaned closer to him, putting a hand on his head.
“Do as you wish.” Wataru smiled, pleased.
“Mail me when you are coming back. If it’s still early I’ll wait for the bath.”
Wataru kissed Taisuke’s lips lightly then walked away towards the door grinning. They always had a bath together from that day three months ago.