RP Log - Niou, Yagyuu
When: Aug. 13
What: A couple of old pals get together after having not seen each other for a while. Booze ensues.
The feeling was something akin to anxiousness- not anxious, he wasn't ever anxious. But it was close enough and it grew heavier as Niou drew closer to the meetup spot that had been agreed on years ago for such things - getting separated after a party or if they'd just wanted to hang out and even that one time he'd convinced Hiroshi that it'd be a good idea to run away from home.
Hiroshi, heh. He'd barely seen the guy all year at school and hadn't seen him all since classes had let out - the only real contact had been a single phone call to invite him to come stay with himself and the kids next semester.
A small diner ten blocks from his house, the booth in the back corner where he'd carved his name in the worn wooden frame some years ago. That was their spot, that was where one would be if they needed the other.
But Hiroshi wasn't there yet.
Guh, what the fuck was he thinking? It was Hiroshi for fuck's sake, why should he be 'nervous' about seeing one of his closest friends, even if only a few months had passed by since they'd last? Right. Masaharu made bad decisions, and he knew Hiroshi was disappointed in him. Maybe he just didn't feel he was ready to face up to that where he couldn't hide behind the mask of text smileys and sarcasm.
No one ever said that walking out of one's comfort zone was easy. For obvious reasons, it was not and it was likely to never be. It was, however, something that people constantly had to do because sooner or later, one always runs out of places to go to, to flee to and in the end, only a sense of exhaustion was left behind from the efforts exerted.
Yagyuu disliked running. It was an evasive tactic, a cowardly one that only served to bring unnecessary pain and discomfort to all those involved. It was irresponsible and he was anything but such. He was also human. He had his problems, just as his friends had theirs, and when they got too much for him to handle, he reacted in the way that was instinctive to most humans. He ran.
Stepping out of the confines of the cab, the brunette ran a contemplative gaze across the signboard before turning and retrieving his luggage from the boot. He dared not think as he pushed open the doors and headed towards the back booth. Instead, he allowed his mind to be taken over by a single-minded want to see an old friend.
A faint smile touched his lips as a mop of expertly styled hair came into focus and had Yagyuu been anyone but himself, he could have wept with relief. But as it was he simply dropped a hand to rest on the shoulder of his friend, whose weariness was so tangible it made him frown slightly in concern.
The light touch was nearly enough to make Niou jump, yet somehow he managed to keep himself in check. The formerly ever-present wolfish grin returned to his face as his head tilted to peer up at the other man. Yep, still Hiroshi. Little taller, maybe. But still Hiroshi nonetheless.
"Yo!" he piped easily, scooting himself over closer to the wall to give his friend a seat. "Guess I ain't the only one late this time, heh." Probably for the very first time in the history of their meeting here. "Already ordered - the usual, right? And you get to pay." Also for the first time, Niou'd never managed to get there first and always got stuck with his own rule of whoever got there last had to foot their bill. Win for him? Maybe.
"Fair enough," Yagyuu acquiesced, amusement evident in his tone. Slipping into the proffered seat, he dropped the suitcase by his side and leaned forward, overtly studying the too-slender man that sat before him. His worries were slightly alleviated by the man's usual behaviour, but he was not completely fooled. Seeing no need to pry just yet, the bespectacled man quirked both brow and lip and made the first inane comment that came to mind. "Nice hair."
And so it was. It had been some time since he had last seen his friend as a brunette and he did not need to ask to know who had managed to perform such an atrocity to Masaharu. There were few who could and only one who would actually do it.
"Yech, thank my mom." Niou didn't really want another reminder that the wild mane he'd once had was gone now - cut and dyed and would be for the next few months. The things he did to keep his mother happy, really. At least if he listened sometimes she wouldn't give him shit about being 'just like your father'.
He flopped himself over the table, elbow propped and chin dropped into his palm. After a long moment of staring - studying his friend, he finally spoke again. "Ya got new glasses." Not that most people would really notice that sort of thing - the frames were the same, save for the lack of a few dings and the scratches on the lenses were gone (it'd been an accident, Niou swore).
"I didn't like seeing the world through a crack," Yagyuu responded, tone dry as he flicked a bang of mahogany from Niou's eyes, an action that was so instinctive that he barely noticed it. "And you're paying for the next one you maul."
"I still maintain that wasn't my fault. It was simply a wrong place, wrong time situation." It was about then that a waitress arrived, two mugs of coffee and two steaming plates of the diner's specialty omlette, as well as a few condiments were slid onto the table. Niou smiled at the waitress as she left, turning his attention back to his plate. "Ah, they got it wrong again!" Every. Damn. Time. "This one's yours." he explained as plates were quickly swapped.
"Thanks. I'd have thought you'd be used to it by now," Yagyuu commented with a smile, sipping his coffee and relishing the way the hot liquid slid down his gullet. Picking up his knife and fork, he dug in, eating with the gusto of a man long deprived of the taste of home without appearing to be lacking in manners. And it truly did feel like homecoming with the presence of Niou seated by his side again, a source of constant comfort and silent understanding.
"I bought contacts," he remarked suddenly, after he had swallowed. "Blue ones."
"Tryin' to copy me again?" Niou grinned around a mouthful of food - where Hiroshi was manners and impeccable taste, he was rude and at times downright tacky; where Hiroshi was unsure about something, he was already in your face. A perfectly complementing pair, if he did say so himself. After a moment's thought Niou dropped his fork and dug around through his pocket, yanking out a permanent pen and popping the top off; dropping it on the table as he leaned forward and dotted the other man's chin - just below his lip on the right - and no, nothing about that seemed at all wrong to him. With a self-satisfied grin the pen was put away again and he resumed eating - nothing wrong at all.
"Are you complaining?" Yagyuu asked, not really expecting an answer as he arched a brow at his companion. Ignoring the urge to reach up and touch the spot where he knew the mark was, he resumed his meal. The food was good, as usual, and it was with a satisfied (and very discreet) burp that he finished minutes later.
Niou's grin simply curled into something more of a smirk. "Of course not." Soon enough his own plate was cleaned and the remainder of his coffee downed. "So where we goin'? The bar, my house, somewhere else? Or we could go give the wannabe lawyer a heart attack."
"The bar." Niou's house was no doubt overrun by distractions and he simply did not have the inane need to bother Akaya into distraction. "Although, I don't really feel like lugging my suitcase around very much. My hotel room won't be ready for another hour or three."
Having previously been in Wales playing golf with several other competitors, he had been planning on heading straight to Dublin for the new semester. But with him moving in with Niou and Bane and not having the key, he figured that he would save them the hassle and head down to Germany and meet up with him there.
"Not stayin' with your parents?" Really, what university student wouldn't take up the chance for free room and board instead of paying for a hotel or rented apartment? Sure, the Yagyuu family was a bit straight-laced but overall Niou liked them.
Without another word he slid out of his seat, snatching up the other man's suitcase and making his way towards the door while his friend paid their tab. Once they were both back outside he spoke again. "Guess we can dump this 'n the car off at my house, then take a cab. I sure as hell ain't driving after booze." While a younger Masaharu would've jumped at the chance (and had on several occasions - but he wasn't going to tell his mother that), he did have the welfare of two children to think about and getting thrown in jail for driving under the influence wasn't something he wanted them to have to go through. "Good?"
"I am of the opinion that my parents could do without having to worry about me. I hadn't planned on coming home, after all." Stepping out into the night air, Yagyuu slipped his hands into the pocket of his jacket and appraised his friend silently. Growing up with someone the way he had with Niou tended to impede objective thoughts and observations regarding him and in some ways, Masaharu would always be the brat with the rattail who was always more than worth the trouble.
"Good," he responded, without missing a beat. In other ways, however, he had to admit that the devilish bloke he knew and loved had finally taken steps towards growing up. It was inevitable and expected but it did not stop Yagyuu from being surprised. Swept up in a bittersweet moment of realization, he allowed the last vestiges of genuine disappointment in his friend slip past into dark oblivion. "Wouldn't have it another way."
"Your chariot awaits, m'lord~" Niou announced as keys were produced from his pocket and both passenger door and trunk were unlocked before making his way around to the driver's side. It was his mom's car, really - no use in having one when he was out of the country for most of the year and thus his own was currently rotting in long-term parking in the Dublin airport. Which with any luck some dumb punk kid hadn't gone and siphoned his gas, slashed his tires or broken his windshield. ...He really didn't have much faith in the airport security personnel.
After everything had been situated they were on their way through still-busy streets. At some point Niou had produced his phone, tossing it to the other man with firm instructions. "Cancel your reservations, you're staying with me." Kids or no, he wasn't going to make the person that could possibly be named his best friend go pay for a room in their own hometown.
"…" Hesitating but not protesting, Yagyuu made the phone call, uncaring of the irate receptionist who waspishly informed him that they did not make refunds for booking fees. He did not bother arguing or going through the motions of attempting to make polite refusal; they knew each other better than that. Making an uncharacteristically rude comment under his breath in English about women and their time of the months, he returned Niou's phone and settled back to watch the road.
Small talk was not necessary between the two, and Yagyuu enjoyed the shared silence as much as he would have conversation of any kind. Tapping his food lightly to the beat of the music being broadcast on the radio, he tilted his head and bent to take a better look of Niou's house as they pulled into the driveway.
"We going in to pay respects to the lady?"
"We can, might as well take your stuff in. Gotta call the cab anyway." Worse came to worse Hiroshi could have his bed and he'd go sleep with Masahiro. "Kids are probably sleeping so keep it down, alright?" And with that his few possessions were gathered and the trunk was popped before his door slammed and he made his way towards the front door and leaving Yagyuu to his own devices.
And Niou'd been right, at least he was fairly certain of it with the relative silence he was greeted with when he stepped inside. A television was on somewhere - judging by the lights flickering to his left, the den. "Mom," he started as he shuffled through the room. "Hiroshi's gonna stay a few days." Not that she'd really care, Hiroshi Yagyuu was one of the few people she knew of that could keep her eldest son in check - a good influence, if you will. And what a cute picture the image of his mother with her grandson sleeping in her lap made.
"He wanted to wait up for you." The mother of the house gave her simple explanation - obviously she'd known the boy wouldn't last very long.
"Stubbornness is hereditary then." Having followed Niou in, Yagyuu now leaned forward to murmur in his friend's ear, amusement threading through his voice in obvious tones. His arm brushed against the brunette's side as he moved forward to press his lips against the older woman's cheek in a familiar and sincere greeting. "Tante Masana, it's good to see you again."
Glancing down at the boy in her lap, he allowed a faint smile to stretch his lips. "He's adorable."
Niou simply grinned - definitely amused. "What can I say, my seed is strong." And yes, he did ignore the look of 'don't be so foul' his mother shot at him. "Gonna go toss this critter in bed. Toss yer stuff in my room or whatever." he said as he leaned down and scooped up a slightly more awake yet still mostly sleeping son. "Alright, Squirt. Bedtime." Johann simply murmured to himself and snuggled against his father's chest as they disappeared down the hallway.
Finally free of what held her down Masana stood and stepped around the couch to curl her arms around the other young man's neck for a firm hug, a kiss planted on his cheek. "It's good to see you as well, Hiroshi. You look well. And what's -- Masaharu, what am I going to do with him?" With a slightly disapproving look she stepped back and licked her thumb before reaching out to wipe away the mark on his chin. "Are you two still playing that game?"
Only mothers could be affectionate in their admonishment and only Masana could draw forth the sheepish grin that now graced Yagyuu's lips. Absently reaching up to draw his fingertips across the patch of skin, he fought to keep the blush and the expression of a child in trouble off his face.
"Merely reminiscing, Tante," he assured her with a quiet, knowing smile. "Masaharu's not the child he once was, is he? You must be awfully proud."
"If anything he gets along with them because he's the same mental age." The woman grinned - it was amusing watching her eldest son play with his children for hours on end and actually seeming to enjoy himself. "Now why don't you go say hi to the others, time for this old woman to drag herself to bed."
"You're not that old, mom. Jeez, way to make it sound like you're some feeble old coot." Phone in hand Niou made his way back towards the happy little reunion; leaning down to give his mother a big, wet, sloppy kiss on the cheek.
"That's disgusting, Masaharu." Though even the older woman couldn't help but chuckle as slobber was wiped from her face.
"You'd expect anything less? Oh, we're goin' out, won't be out too late."
"Only 'coz you can't hold your liquor anymore, 'haru." And out came the youngest Niou child, one hand raised in greeting. "Yo!" Long time since he'd last seen that face - a welcome one at that, despite the dastardly torture his elder brother and his friend put him through when they were growing up.
"Stuff it, 'hiro. Got responsibilities unlike your freeloading ass." The words may have seemed harsh but his tone was anything but - obviously, Masahiro was his brother and it was Masaharu's job to give him shit at any available opportunity.
Chuckling, Yagyuu returned the greeting with a cheerful wave and picked up his suitcase. Bidding the Niou matriarch pleasant dreams, he hooked his arm around Masahiro's neck and made his way towards Niou's room.
When he returned with the younger brunette a moment later, he merely shot Masaharu a smile as he listened to his brother talk about school and future plans. Somehow this particular group of people had always been more of an extended family rather than just simply 'a friend's family'. His own family could not have welcomed him home with more warmth.
Niou took the time to make his call - cab would be there to get them in 10 minutes. The phone was turned off as the duo returned and shoved into his pocket; a slightly pouty look on his face. "I think I'm jealous," He whined, putting himself into full-complaint mode. "MooOOoooom he's stealing my friends again!"
"Then maybe you need to behave yourself so the good child doesn't get all of the attention." Masana replied to her son's obvious act. "Goodnight boys, try not to throw up on my carpet when you get back."
"We won't, we won't~" Niou dropped the act, waving his hand in a 'yeah, yeah' sort of manner. "You stay here, Shortstack, boys night out only includes the big boys. Cab'll be here in ten minutes or somethin'." He stuck his tongue out at his brother, who simply rolled his eyes.
"Only because I love you sooo much, 'haru."
"Hate to break up the lovefest," Yagyuu interrupted, tone bland despite rampant sparks of amusement in mocha orbs. It was always heartening to see that some things simply did not change. "But I'll do it anyway. Good night, Masahiro."
Physically steering the older Niou brother towards the doors, he glanced back only to offer the younger man a wave before stepping out into the night air.
"Yeah, night Hiroshi."
"Alright, let's gooooo!" Niou clomped his way down the steps and up the drive, pausing at the curb and leaning over slightly to peer both ways down the street. And that particular set of headlights was possibly their ride. "Which one are we doin'? The one down the street, the one with the hot bartender chicks or the one they took me to on my sixteenth birthday and I puked all over the floor?" Despite the disgusting sound of that particular experience, it'd been fun.
"Heh." Fun indeed, Yagyuu thought wryly as he flagged down the cab, absently holding the door open for his friend and sliding in after him. Crossing his legs, he relaxed against the cool leather, half-slouching as he removed his glasses to polish them. "Wherever you want to go, mien dummkopf. Just no repeat performances of that particular one, mmm?"
"Don't listen to 'hiro, my alcohol-imbibing mojo is still top-notch." The younger man grinned. Alright, if it was up to him... hot bartender chicks, definitely. Niou gave the directions and the driver nodded, turning the car down one of the main thoroughfares.
The trip was fairly short and in no time two young men were standing in front of their bar of choice. "First round's on me." Feeling particularly generous, it seemed; but hey, he could treat his friends once in a while. He'd just have to make sure Hiroshi helped keep the booze stocked once they got back to school.
"I'm not complaining," was Yagyuu's only response as he initiated their entry, bypassing the bouncer who barely spared them a look. The place was warm, cozy even, and the music not loud enough to grate on his nerves. Scantily clad women moved about the place with an inviting swing to their hips as they served customers - something Niou appreciated more than he did - and the bartender was known to mix a mean cocktail.
Picking a table away from the bar so that Niou was free to flirt with the serving chicks, the brunette rested his chin on his palm and nodded at his friend, a slight smile to his lips. "Whatever you're having."
Before he even had a chance to look around a waitress had already sidled up to their table. After a minute or so of harmless (and quite shameless) flirting Niou gave their order, sending the young woman off to bring them a couple of iced glasses and a pitcher of his choice beer.
"Ain't been here in a while, they got some new girls." Which obviously were the ones he seemed to be paying the most attention to when they walked past. The little blonde in particular was cute.
Snorting lightly, Yagyuu shot the other man a Look and shook his head in mock exasperation. He had lapsed into a silence, half-listening to Niou's usual flirting as he caught sight of the live band performing on a makeshift stage. Years spent in Ireland had left their mark on him and he now found that the lead singer's English made him want to cringe despite the excellent music.
"Lady over on your left seems interested," he remarked offhandedly with a slight tilt of his head that indicated teasing, nodding in her general direction. "Although I gather they're all interested." Some just hid it better than the others. It was general knowledge among friends that once the blue-eyed pretty boy turn his attention to them, they all pretty much melted.
"It's because I'm sexeh~" There was a wicked glint in Niou's eye as he winked at the women in question, only to send her back off behind the counter with a slight blush. Their booze arrived soon enough and he poured a mug for each; one slid across the small table to his friend and the other raised. "To friends, family, that chick over there and another year in hell." Okay so school may have not exactly been hell but it sure seemed like it sometimes.
"Cheers." A grin quirking his lips in an upward curl, Yagyuu raised his glass towards his friend's before bringing it to his lips and taking a long, thirst-quenching drink. Relishing the way the bitter liquid slid down his throat, he let out a satisfied sigh after swallowing. German brew was home brew and home brew was the best. Liquid brown eyes idly studied the mug as he replaced it in a ring of condensed liquid on the table.
"How are you, really?" The undergrad knew that his absence was his fault and that he had not been around as he should have been. The need to know was great on his part, if only to appease his concern and worries. The nagging voice that insisted he stop being the killjoy went ignored and his facial expression remained suitably nonchalant as he raised his head to meet Niou's gaze, brow arched in questioning.
"I'm doin' alright." Niou replied after his own glass was set back on the table. "Other than that crazy bitch constantly on my ass." He could've spat, but no, that would be over-the-top rude to the lovely women milling around serving the bar's other patrons. The mother of his youngest child was still not exactly his favourite person, obviously. 'Do this', 'Do that'. Screw that noise. The woman acted like she could rule his life simply for bearing his child.
Snorting, Yagyuu shook his head and took another drink from his glass. "T'least you don't have a second one on your arse."
"Only because I actually get along with Marie, she's a good girl. New husband's pretty cool too." Which all in all was a good thing, if the guy was an asshole Niou probably wouldn't let his son anywhere near him.
"That's good." Lapsing into a silence, the pre-med student fingered the handle of his beer mug. He had not quite expected much else from a woman who had raised a child to the age of four without the presence of a father. If anything else, he respected the lady whom (though he had never met) he respected. One could not deny the fact that Masaharu hardly came across as an ideal father.
"Yep. Depending on what happens, might have him permanently. I mean if they have another kid, which I can't see any reason why they wouldn't, she'll probably let me keep him. With visitation and all that, of course. Can't have the kid not knowing his baby brother or sister, yanno?" His finger swirled around the rim of his glass, eyes intent on the small layer of foam covering his drink. "I know I ain't exactly the best guy for the job but that isn't gonna keep me from doing the best I can." And anyone who said he was doing a shitty job knew just where they could bite him. Masaharu Niou did not give up on things and/or people he actually cared about, even if just about everyone else had already given up on him.
"You're doing great, Haru." Somehow the reassurance seemed inadequate but Yagyuu was grinning, or smiling at the very least, and he could not help it. A feeling of pride had begun to wind its way around the brunette's mind and it made him feel like very much like a father seeing his son graduate from college. Liquid brown orbs were lit with a strange light as he raised his glass in another toast.
"To fatherhood."
"To my hoping to GOD that while you'd probably make a hell of a better one than I do, you never become one. Don't think I could handle seeing a bunch of mini-you's running around. One of ya's enough." The twinkle in Niou's eye and the grin on his face only proved he was teasing. He raised his own glass and the second he heard the sharp clink it was pulled back and its contents swallowed quickly. "Now let's get smashed and party~~" He looked around for a moment before spotting one of the girls. "Hey beautiful, mind bringin' us poor bachelors another round?"
A couple of hours (Yagyuu had lost count), several dozen jugs of beer (again) and a thick wad of cash later, Hiroshi Yagyuu was drunk but Masaharu Niou was fucking smashed if he did say so himself. With their arms about each other's shoulders, the two of them stumbled out the doors and into the night air, singing Niou's favourite German song at the top of their voices in fake falsettos.
Grappling with the last few shreds of sense and sobriety left, Yagyuu flagged a passing cab and threw the door open, poking his friend in before collapsing on the leather seat and giving the driver the address. With his head on Niou's shoulder, he thought (rather inanely) that it was probably one of the few times he had made it out of a pub with his glasses till wholly intact.
"Y'stole my glassessess, ya shithead." Niou grumbled, head lolling back against the seat of the car and one hand blindly pawing at his friend's face. It took a few tries but he finally managed to grab the other man's glasses and shoving them on his own face (surprisingly without poking himself in the eye). The ride home seemed to take way longer than usual but in his intoxicated state Niou didn't particularly seem to care. Besides, Hiroshi was comfortable and who was he to deny himself the extra few minutes of closeness to his best friend?
Scrunching up his nose, Yagyuu elbowed Niou in the side and shut his eyes, opening them only when the cab had slowed to a halt in front of his friend's house. Pulling out the necessary cash (and some more), he handed it off toward the general direction of the driver.
"C'mon, sweetcheeks. Out."
"I don't waaaanna." That particular statement sounded suspiciously like a whine but Niou did as he was told, stumbling out of the cab and grabbing hold of Yagyuu's arm to keep himself from falling flat on his ass. "Did I bring k-ka-ke... fuck it." Worse came to worse he'd bang on his brother's window until he let them in. "C'mon c'mon c'mon!"
"Idiot." Reaching up, he mussed Niou's hair further and stumbled up the driveway with him. A hand slipped into the other brunette's back pocket and rooted around in it. Flesh came into contact with metal warmed by Niou's ass-heat, and a set of keys were pulled out with a triumphant smirk and slurred words. "They're called keys."
"Yeah, whateverererrerrr." Niou made a face, hand raised to run back through his hair. He stumbled up the walkway, nearly tripping over the step and finally just leaned against the door. "Gimme." He made a grabby motion at the other man, trying to snatch his keys back so he could let them in.
He missed, though, and Yagyuu laughed as mockingly as he could in his inebriated state. Fumbling with the keys, he stared at them for a moment to figure out which key went where. It took him more than a few minutes, but he got there eventually, tugging on Niou's shirt collar and half-dragging him into the house. He only got so far before he conveniently fell over his own feet and landed shoulder-first on the carpeted floor with a muffled curse.
It didn't take long for Niou to start giggling like a little girl, shoes kicked off with some difficulty and a toe set to work poking at the other man. "C'mon get up get up mom'll throw a fit." He slurred, leaning down a bit to grab hold of the back of Yagyuu's shirt in some futile attempt at getting his friend back into his feet. Bed sounded quite nice with the way his head was swimming and he knew from experience that it was a hell of a lot more comfortable than his living room floor.
"Won't be the first time," Yagyuu grumbled, swatting at the invading toe as pulled himself to his feet, nearly taking Niou's pants with him as he did so. Snickering, he slung an arm around Niou, conveniently placing half his weight on the other man. "Westward, ho!"
Too much Shakespeare, that was for sure.
Niou didn't bother tugging his pants back up -- they were coming off in about two minutes anyway. ...Just as soon as he could stand straight and the room stopped spinning and Hiroshi didn't feel like a goddamned whale against him. "Get off me, fucker, yer heavy." he grumped as they made their way down the hallway and towards his bedroom with the grace of a herd of stampeding elephants.
Though after a lot of stumbling and a few curses they made it, Niou letting go of his friend and more or less shoving him onto the bed. Hiroshi could do what Hiroshi would, now. Pants were kicked off with great difficulty and his shirt soon joined them on the floor, leaving the trickster in his underwear -- perfect sleeping clothes, obviously. Which was exactly what he planned to do once he collapsed into bed.
The first few buttons of his shirt had already been taken care of as it were and Yagyuu could only find enough will to toe of his shoes and remove his glasses, dropping both to the ground and curling up in a fetal position on the bed. He mumbled incoherently under his breath, voicing his complaints a series of noncommittal grunts as his half-naked German friend settled in beside him.
"Lout."
"The hell you call me." definitely not in the mood to fling insults back and forth, particularly with the way his head swam. Oh well, it didn't matter. With plenty of nudging, poking and jabbing Niou managed to get his friend into some form of normal position and of course, promptly snuggled right up to the other man's side. Hey, warm was warm and warm generally meant comfortable. "G'nite." Sleep. Blessed, blessed sleep and with any luck he wouldn't be suffering the hangover from hell come morning. And that was the exact thought mumbled drunkenly as he settled himself in for the night.
"Not a fucking chance you won't."
Yagyuu was always right.
What: A couple of old pals get together after having not seen each other for a while. Booze ensues.
The feeling was something akin to anxiousness- not anxious, he wasn't ever anxious. But it was close enough and it grew heavier as Niou drew closer to the meetup spot that had been agreed on years ago for such things - getting separated after a party or if they'd just wanted to hang out and even that one time he'd convinced Hiroshi that it'd be a good idea to run away from home.
Hiroshi, heh. He'd barely seen the guy all year at school and hadn't seen him all since classes had let out - the only real contact had been a single phone call to invite him to come stay with himself and the kids next semester.
A small diner ten blocks from his house, the booth in the back corner where he'd carved his name in the worn wooden frame some years ago. That was their spot, that was where one would be if they needed the other.
But Hiroshi wasn't there yet.
Guh, what the fuck was he thinking? It was Hiroshi for fuck's sake, why should he be 'nervous' about seeing one of his closest friends, even if only a few months had passed by since they'd last? Right. Masaharu made bad decisions, and he knew Hiroshi was disappointed in him. Maybe he just didn't feel he was ready to face up to that where he couldn't hide behind the mask of text smileys and sarcasm.
No one ever said that walking out of one's comfort zone was easy. For obvious reasons, it was not and it was likely to never be. It was, however, something that people constantly had to do because sooner or later, one always runs out of places to go to, to flee to and in the end, only a sense of exhaustion was left behind from the efforts exerted.
Yagyuu disliked running. It was an evasive tactic, a cowardly one that only served to bring unnecessary pain and discomfort to all those involved. It was irresponsible and he was anything but such. He was also human. He had his problems, just as his friends had theirs, and when they got too much for him to handle, he reacted in the way that was instinctive to most humans. He ran.
Stepping out of the confines of the cab, the brunette ran a contemplative gaze across the signboard before turning and retrieving his luggage from the boot. He dared not think as he pushed open the doors and headed towards the back booth. Instead, he allowed his mind to be taken over by a single-minded want to see an old friend.
A faint smile touched his lips as a mop of expertly styled hair came into focus and had Yagyuu been anyone but himself, he could have wept with relief. But as it was he simply dropped a hand to rest on the shoulder of his friend, whose weariness was so tangible it made him frown slightly in concern.
The light touch was nearly enough to make Niou jump, yet somehow he managed to keep himself in check. The formerly ever-present wolfish grin returned to his face as his head tilted to peer up at the other man. Yep, still Hiroshi. Little taller, maybe. But still Hiroshi nonetheless.
"Yo!" he piped easily, scooting himself over closer to the wall to give his friend a seat. "Guess I ain't the only one late this time, heh." Probably for the very first time in the history of their meeting here. "Already ordered - the usual, right? And you get to pay." Also for the first time, Niou'd never managed to get there first and always got stuck with his own rule of whoever got there last had to foot their bill. Win for him? Maybe.
"Fair enough," Yagyuu acquiesced, amusement evident in his tone. Slipping into the proffered seat, he dropped the suitcase by his side and leaned forward, overtly studying the too-slender man that sat before him. His worries were slightly alleviated by the man's usual behaviour, but he was not completely fooled. Seeing no need to pry just yet, the bespectacled man quirked both brow and lip and made the first inane comment that came to mind. "Nice hair."
And so it was. It had been some time since he had last seen his friend as a brunette and he did not need to ask to know who had managed to perform such an atrocity to Masaharu. There were few who could and only one who would actually do it.
"Yech, thank my mom." Niou didn't really want another reminder that the wild mane he'd once had was gone now - cut and dyed and would be for the next few months. The things he did to keep his mother happy, really. At least if he listened sometimes she wouldn't give him shit about being 'just like your father'.
He flopped himself over the table, elbow propped and chin dropped into his palm. After a long moment of staring - studying his friend, he finally spoke again. "Ya got new glasses." Not that most people would really notice that sort of thing - the frames were the same, save for the lack of a few dings and the scratches on the lenses were gone (it'd been an accident, Niou swore).
"I didn't like seeing the world through a crack," Yagyuu responded, tone dry as he flicked a bang of mahogany from Niou's eyes, an action that was so instinctive that he barely noticed it. "And you're paying for the next one you maul."
"I still maintain that wasn't my fault. It was simply a wrong place, wrong time situation." It was about then that a waitress arrived, two mugs of coffee and two steaming plates of the diner's specialty omlette, as well as a few condiments were slid onto the table. Niou smiled at the waitress as she left, turning his attention back to his plate. "Ah, they got it wrong again!" Every. Damn. Time. "This one's yours." he explained as plates were quickly swapped.
"Thanks. I'd have thought you'd be used to it by now," Yagyuu commented with a smile, sipping his coffee and relishing the way the hot liquid slid down his gullet. Picking up his knife and fork, he dug in, eating with the gusto of a man long deprived of the taste of home without appearing to be lacking in manners. And it truly did feel like homecoming with the presence of Niou seated by his side again, a source of constant comfort and silent understanding.
"I bought contacts," he remarked suddenly, after he had swallowed. "Blue ones."
"Tryin' to copy me again?" Niou grinned around a mouthful of food - where Hiroshi was manners and impeccable taste, he was rude and at times downright tacky; where Hiroshi was unsure about something, he was already in your face. A perfectly complementing pair, if he did say so himself. After a moment's thought Niou dropped his fork and dug around through his pocket, yanking out a permanent pen and popping the top off; dropping it on the table as he leaned forward and dotted the other man's chin - just below his lip on the right - and no, nothing about that seemed at all wrong to him. With a self-satisfied grin the pen was put away again and he resumed eating - nothing wrong at all.
"Are you complaining?" Yagyuu asked, not really expecting an answer as he arched a brow at his companion. Ignoring the urge to reach up and touch the spot where he knew the mark was, he resumed his meal. The food was good, as usual, and it was with a satisfied (and very discreet) burp that he finished minutes later.
Niou's grin simply curled into something more of a smirk. "Of course not." Soon enough his own plate was cleaned and the remainder of his coffee downed. "So where we goin'? The bar, my house, somewhere else? Or we could go give the wannabe lawyer a heart attack."
"The bar." Niou's house was no doubt overrun by distractions and he simply did not have the inane need to bother Akaya into distraction. "Although, I don't really feel like lugging my suitcase around very much. My hotel room won't be ready for another hour or three."
Having previously been in Wales playing golf with several other competitors, he had been planning on heading straight to Dublin for the new semester. But with him moving in with Niou and Bane and not having the key, he figured that he would save them the hassle and head down to Germany and meet up with him there.
"Not stayin' with your parents?" Really, what university student wouldn't take up the chance for free room and board instead of paying for a hotel or rented apartment? Sure, the Yagyuu family was a bit straight-laced but overall Niou liked them.
Without another word he slid out of his seat, snatching up the other man's suitcase and making his way towards the door while his friend paid their tab. Once they were both back outside he spoke again. "Guess we can dump this 'n the car off at my house, then take a cab. I sure as hell ain't driving after booze." While a younger Masaharu would've jumped at the chance (and had on several occasions - but he wasn't going to tell his mother that), he did have the welfare of two children to think about and getting thrown in jail for driving under the influence wasn't something he wanted them to have to go through. "Good?"
"I am of the opinion that my parents could do without having to worry about me. I hadn't planned on coming home, after all." Stepping out into the night air, Yagyuu slipped his hands into the pocket of his jacket and appraised his friend silently. Growing up with someone the way he had with Niou tended to impede objective thoughts and observations regarding him and in some ways, Masaharu would always be the brat with the rattail who was always more than worth the trouble.
"Good," he responded, without missing a beat. In other ways, however, he had to admit that the devilish bloke he knew and loved had finally taken steps towards growing up. It was inevitable and expected but it did not stop Yagyuu from being surprised. Swept up in a bittersweet moment of realization, he allowed the last vestiges of genuine disappointment in his friend slip past into dark oblivion. "Wouldn't have it another way."
"Your chariot awaits, m'lord~" Niou announced as keys were produced from his pocket and both passenger door and trunk were unlocked before making his way around to the driver's side. It was his mom's car, really - no use in having one when he was out of the country for most of the year and thus his own was currently rotting in long-term parking in the Dublin airport. Which with any luck some dumb punk kid hadn't gone and siphoned his gas, slashed his tires or broken his windshield. ...He really didn't have much faith in the airport security personnel.
After everything had been situated they were on their way through still-busy streets. At some point Niou had produced his phone, tossing it to the other man with firm instructions. "Cancel your reservations, you're staying with me." Kids or no, he wasn't going to make the person that could possibly be named his best friend go pay for a room in their own hometown.
"…" Hesitating but not protesting, Yagyuu made the phone call, uncaring of the irate receptionist who waspishly informed him that they did not make refunds for booking fees. He did not bother arguing or going through the motions of attempting to make polite refusal; they knew each other better than that. Making an uncharacteristically rude comment under his breath in English about women and their time of the months, he returned Niou's phone and settled back to watch the road.
Small talk was not necessary between the two, and Yagyuu enjoyed the shared silence as much as he would have conversation of any kind. Tapping his food lightly to the beat of the music being broadcast on the radio, he tilted his head and bent to take a better look of Niou's house as they pulled into the driveway.
"We going in to pay respects to the lady?"
"We can, might as well take your stuff in. Gotta call the cab anyway." Worse came to worse Hiroshi could have his bed and he'd go sleep with Masahiro. "Kids are probably sleeping so keep it down, alright?" And with that his few possessions were gathered and the trunk was popped before his door slammed and he made his way towards the front door and leaving Yagyuu to his own devices.
And Niou'd been right, at least he was fairly certain of it with the relative silence he was greeted with when he stepped inside. A television was on somewhere - judging by the lights flickering to his left, the den. "Mom," he started as he shuffled through the room. "Hiroshi's gonna stay a few days." Not that she'd really care, Hiroshi Yagyuu was one of the few people she knew of that could keep her eldest son in check - a good influence, if you will. And what a cute picture the image of his mother with her grandson sleeping in her lap made.
"He wanted to wait up for you." The mother of the house gave her simple explanation - obviously she'd known the boy wouldn't last very long.
"Stubbornness is hereditary then." Having followed Niou in, Yagyuu now leaned forward to murmur in his friend's ear, amusement threading through his voice in obvious tones. His arm brushed against the brunette's side as he moved forward to press his lips against the older woman's cheek in a familiar and sincere greeting. "Tante Masana, it's good to see you again."
Glancing down at the boy in her lap, he allowed a faint smile to stretch his lips. "He's adorable."
Niou simply grinned - definitely amused. "What can I say, my seed is strong." And yes, he did ignore the look of 'don't be so foul' his mother shot at him. "Gonna go toss this critter in bed. Toss yer stuff in my room or whatever." he said as he leaned down and scooped up a slightly more awake yet still mostly sleeping son. "Alright, Squirt. Bedtime." Johann simply murmured to himself and snuggled against his father's chest as they disappeared down the hallway.
Finally free of what held her down Masana stood and stepped around the couch to curl her arms around the other young man's neck for a firm hug, a kiss planted on his cheek. "It's good to see you as well, Hiroshi. You look well. And what's -- Masaharu, what am I going to do with him?" With a slightly disapproving look she stepped back and licked her thumb before reaching out to wipe away the mark on his chin. "Are you two still playing that game?"
Only mothers could be affectionate in their admonishment and only Masana could draw forth the sheepish grin that now graced Yagyuu's lips. Absently reaching up to draw his fingertips across the patch of skin, he fought to keep the blush and the expression of a child in trouble off his face.
"Merely reminiscing, Tante," he assured her with a quiet, knowing smile. "Masaharu's not the child he once was, is he? You must be awfully proud."
"If anything he gets along with them because he's the same mental age." The woman grinned - it was amusing watching her eldest son play with his children for hours on end and actually seeming to enjoy himself. "Now why don't you go say hi to the others, time for this old woman to drag herself to bed."
"You're not that old, mom. Jeez, way to make it sound like you're some feeble old coot." Phone in hand Niou made his way back towards the happy little reunion; leaning down to give his mother a big, wet, sloppy kiss on the cheek.
"That's disgusting, Masaharu." Though even the older woman couldn't help but chuckle as slobber was wiped from her face.
"You'd expect anything less? Oh, we're goin' out, won't be out too late."
"Only 'coz you can't hold your liquor anymore, 'haru." And out came the youngest Niou child, one hand raised in greeting. "Yo!" Long time since he'd last seen that face - a welcome one at that, despite the dastardly torture his elder brother and his friend put him through when they were growing up.
"Stuff it, 'hiro. Got responsibilities unlike your freeloading ass." The words may have seemed harsh but his tone was anything but - obviously, Masahiro was his brother and it was Masaharu's job to give him shit at any available opportunity.
Chuckling, Yagyuu returned the greeting with a cheerful wave and picked up his suitcase. Bidding the Niou matriarch pleasant dreams, he hooked his arm around Masahiro's neck and made his way towards Niou's room.
When he returned with the younger brunette a moment later, he merely shot Masaharu a smile as he listened to his brother talk about school and future plans. Somehow this particular group of people had always been more of an extended family rather than just simply 'a friend's family'. His own family could not have welcomed him home with more warmth.
Niou took the time to make his call - cab would be there to get them in 10 minutes. The phone was turned off as the duo returned and shoved into his pocket; a slightly pouty look on his face. "I think I'm jealous," He whined, putting himself into full-complaint mode. "MooOOoooom he's stealing my friends again!"
"Then maybe you need to behave yourself so the good child doesn't get all of the attention." Masana replied to her son's obvious act. "Goodnight boys, try not to throw up on my carpet when you get back."
"We won't, we won't~" Niou dropped the act, waving his hand in a 'yeah, yeah' sort of manner. "You stay here, Shortstack, boys night out only includes the big boys. Cab'll be here in ten minutes or somethin'." He stuck his tongue out at his brother, who simply rolled his eyes.
"Only because I love you sooo much, 'haru."
"Hate to break up the lovefest," Yagyuu interrupted, tone bland despite rampant sparks of amusement in mocha orbs. It was always heartening to see that some things simply did not change. "But I'll do it anyway. Good night, Masahiro."
Physically steering the older Niou brother towards the doors, he glanced back only to offer the younger man a wave before stepping out into the night air.
"Yeah, night Hiroshi."
"Alright, let's gooooo!" Niou clomped his way down the steps and up the drive, pausing at the curb and leaning over slightly to peer both ways down the street. And that particular set of headlights was possibly their ride. "Which one are we doin'? The one down the street, the one with the hot bartender chicks or the one they took me to on my sixteenth birthday and I puked all over the floor?" Despite the disgusting sound of that particular experience, it'd been fun.
"Heh." Fun indeed, Yagyuu thought wryly as he flagged down the cab, absently holding the door open for his friend and sliding in after him. Crossing his legs, he relaxed against the cool leather, half-slouching as he removed his glasses to polish them. "Wherever you want to go, mien dummkopf. Just no repeat performances of that particular one, mmm?"
"Don't listen to 'hiro, my alcohol-imbibing mojo is still top-notch." The younger man grinned. Alright, if it was up to him... hot bartender chicks, definitely. Niou gave the directions and the driver nodded, turning the car down one of the main thoroughfares.
The trip was fairly short and in no time two young men were standing in front of their bar of choice. "First round's on me." Feeling particularly generous, it seemed; but hey, he could treat his friends once in a while. He'd just have to make sure Hiroshi helped keep the booze stocked once they got back to school.
"I'm not complaining," was Yagyuu's only response as he initiated their entry, bypassing the bouncer who barely spared them a look. The place was warm, cozy even, and the music not loud enough to grate on his nerves. Scantily clad women moved about the place with an inviting swing to their hips as they served customers - something Niou appreciated more than he did - and the bartender was known to mix a mean cocktail.
Picking a table away from the bar so that Niou was free to flirt with the serving chicks, the brunette rested his chin on his palm and nodded at his friend, a slight smile to his lips. "Whatever you're having."
Before he even had a chance to look around a waitress had already sidled up to their table. After a minute or so of harmless (and quite shameless) flirting Niou gave their order, sending the young woman off to bring them a couple of iced glasses and a pitcher of his choice beer.
"Ain't been here in a while, they got some new girls." Which obviously were the ones he seemed to be paying the most attention to when they walked past. The little blonde in particular was cute.
Snorting lightly, Yagyuu shot the other man a Look and shook his head in mock exasperation. He had lapsed into a silence, half-listening to Niou's usual flirting as he caught sight of the live band performing on a makeshift stage. Years spent in Ireland had left their mark on him and he now found that the lead singer's English made him want to cringe despite the excellent music.
"Lady over on your left seems interested," he remarked offhandedly with a slight tilt of his head that indicated teasing, nodding in her general direction. "Although I gather they're all interested." Some just hid it better than the others. It was general knowledge among friends that once the blue-eyed pretty boy turn his attention to them, they all pretty much melted.
"It's because I'm sexeh~" There was a wicked glint in Niou's eye as he winked at the women in question, only to send her back off behind the counter with a slight blush. Their booze arrived soon enough and he poured a mug for each; one slid across the small table to his friend and the other raised. "To friends, family, that chick over there and another year in hell." Okay so school may have not exactly been hell but it sure seemed like it sometimes.
"Cheers." A grin quirking his lips in an upward curl, Yagyuu raised his glass towards his friend's before bringing it to his lips and taking a long, thirst-quenching drink. Relishing the way the bitter liquid slid down his throat, he let out a satisfied sigh after swallowing. German brew was home brew and home brew was the best. Liquid brown eyes idly studied the mug as he replaced it in a ring of condensed liquid on the table.
"How are you, really?" The undergrad knew that his absence was his fault and that he had not been around as he should have been. The need to know was great on his part, if only to appease his concern and worries. The nagging voice that insisted he stop being the killjoy went ignored and his facial expression remained suitably nonchalant as he raised his head to meet Niou's gaze, brow arched in questioning.
"I'm doin' alright." Niou replied after his own glass was set back on the table. "Other than that crazy bitch constantly on my ass." He could've spat, but no, that would be over-the-top rude to the lovely women milling around serving the bar's other patrons. The mother of his youngest child was still not exactly his favourite person, obviously. 'Do this', 'Do that'. Screw that noise. The woman acted like she could rule his life simply for bearing his child.
Snorting, Yagyuu shook his head and took another drink from his glass. "T'least you don't have a second one on your arse."
"Only because I actually get along with Marie, she's a good girl. New husband's pretty cool too." Which all in all was a good thing, if the guy was an asshole Niou probably wouldn't let his son anywhere near him.
"That's good." Lapsing into a silence, the pre-med student fingered the handle of his beer mug. He had not quite expected much else from a woman who had raised a child to the age of four without the presence of a father. If anything else, he respected the lady whom (though he had never met) he respected. One could not deny the fact that Masaharu hardly came across as an ideal father.
"Yep. Depending on what happens, might have him permanently. I mean if they have another kid, which I can't see any reason why they wouldn't, she'll probably let me keep him. With visitation and all that, of course. Can't have the kid not knowing his baby brother or sister, yanno?" His finger swirled around the rim of his glass, eyes intent on the small layer of foam covering his drink. "I know I ain't exactly the best guy for the job but that isn't gonna keep me from doing the best I can." And anyone who said he was doing a shitty job knew just where they could bite him. Masaharu Niou did not give up on things and/or people he actually cared about, even if just about everyone else had already given up on him.
"You're doing great, Haru." Somehow the reassurance seemed inadequate but Yagyuu was grinning, or smiling at the very least, and he could not help it. A feeling of pride had begun to wind its way around the brunette's mind and it made him feel like very much like a father seeing his son graduate from college. Liquid brown orbs were lit with a strange light as he raised his glass in another toast.
"To fatherhood."
"To my hoping to GOD that while you'd probably make a hell of a better one than I do, you never become one. Don't think I could handle seeing a bunch of mini-you's running around. One of ya's enough." The twinkle in Niou's eye and the grin on his face only proved he was teasing. He raised his own glass and the second he heard the sharp clink it was pulled back and its contents swallowed quickly. "Now let's get smashed and party~~" He looked around for a moment before spotting one of the girls. "Hey beautiful, mind bringin' us poor bachelors another round?"
A couple of hours (Yagyuu had lost count), several dozen jugs of beer (again) and a thick wad of cash later, Hiroshi Yagyuu was drunk but Masaharu Niou was fucking smashed if he did say so himself. With their arms about each other's shoulders, the two of them stumbled out the doors and into the night air, singing Niou's favourite German song at the top of their voices in fake falsettos.
Grappling with the last few shreds of sense and sobriety left, Yagyuu flagged a passing cab and threw the door open, poking his friend in before collapsing on the leather seat and giving the driver the address. With his head on Niou's shoulder, he thought (rather inanely) that it was probably one of the few times he had made it out of a pub with his glasses till wholly intact.
"Y'stole my glassessess, ya shithead." Niou grumbled, head lolling back against the seat of the car and one hand blindly pawing at his friend's face. It took a few tries but he finally managed to grab the other man's glasses and shoving them on his own face (surprisingly without poking himself in the eye). The ride home seemed to take way longer than usual but in his intoxicated state Niou didn't particularly seem to care. Besides, Hiroshi was comfortable and who was he to deny himself the extra few minutes of closeness to his best friend?
Scrunching up his nose, Yagyuu elbowed Niou in the side and shut his eyes, opening them only when the cab had slowed to a halt in front of his friend's house. Pulling out the necessary cash (and some more), he handed it off toward the general direction of the driver.
"C'mon, sweetcheeks. Out."
"I don't waaaanna." That particular statement sounded suspiciously like a whine but Niou did as he was told, stumbling out of the cab and grabbing hold of Yagyuu's arm to keep himself from falling flat on his ass. "Did I bring k-ka-ke... fuck it." Worse came to worse he'd bang on his brother's window until he let them in. "C'mon c'mon c'mon!"
"Idiot." Reaching up, he mussed Niou's hair further and stumbled up the driveway with him. A hand slipped into the other brunette's back pocket and rooted around in it. Flesh came into contact with metal warmed by Niou's ass-heat, and a set of keys were pulled out with a triumphant smirk and slurred words. "They're called keys."
"Yeah, whateverererrerrr." Niou made a face, hand raised to run back through his hair. He stumbled up the walkway, nearly tripping over the step and finally just leaned against the door. "Gimme." He made a grabby motion at the other man, trying to snatch his keys back so he could let them in.
He missed, though, and Yagyuu laughed as mockingly as he could in his inebriated state. Fumbling with the keys, he stared at them for a moment to figure out which key went where. It took him more than a few minutes, but he got there eventually, tugging on Niou's shirt collar and half-dragging him into the house. He only got so far before he conveniently fell over his own feet and landed shoulder-first on the carpeted floor with a muffled curse.
It didn't take long for Niou to start giggling like a little girl, shoes kicked off with some difficulty and a toe set to work poking at the other man. "C'mon get up get up mom'll throw a fit." He slurred, leaning down a bit to grab hold of the back of Yagyuu's shirt in some futile attempt at getting his friend back into his feet. Bed sounded quite nice with the way his head was swimming and he knew from experience that it was a hell of a lot more comfortable than his living room floor.
"Won't be the first time," Yagyuu grumbled, swatting at the invading toe as pulled himself to his feet, nearly taking Niou's pants with him as he did so. Snickering, he slung an arm around Niou, conveniently placing half his weight on the other man. "Westward, ho!"
Too much Shakespeare, that was for sure.
Niou didn't bother tugging his pants back up -- they were coming off in about two minutes anyway. ...Just as soon as he could stand straight and the room stopped spinning and Hiroshi didn't feel like a goddamned whale against him. "Get off me, fucker, yer heavy." he grumped as they made their way down the hallway and towards his bedroom with the grace of a herd of stampeding elephants.
Though after a lot of stumbling and a few curses they made it, Niou letting go of his friend and more or less shoving him onto the bed. Hiroshi could do what Hiroshi would, now. Pants were kicked off with great difficulty and his shirt soon joined them on the floor, leaving the trickster in his underwear -- perfect sleeping clothes, obviously. Which was exactly what he planned to do once he collapsed into bed.
The first few buttons of his shirt had already been taken care of as it were and Yagyuu could only find enough will to toe of his shoes and remove his glasses, dropping both to the ground and curling up in a fetal position on the bed. He mumbled incoherently under his breath, voicing his complaints a series of noncommittal grunts as his half-naked German friend settled in beside him.
"Lout."
"The hell you call me." definitely not in the mood to fling insults back and forth, particularly with the way his head swam. Oh well, it didn't matter. With plenty of nudging, poking and jabbing Niou managed to get his friend into some form of normal position and of course, promptly snuggled right up to the other man's side. Hey, warm was warm and warm generally meant comfortable. "G'nite." Sleep. Blessed, blessed sleep and with any luck he wouldn't be suffering the hangover from hell come morning. And that was the exact thought mumbled drunkenly as he settled himself in for the night.
"Not a fucking chance you won't."
Yagyuu was always right.