Studio Matsumoto
Studio Matsumoto
Kind: Oneshot
Author: You-puzzle-me
Pairing: Matsumoto Jun x Nishikido Ryo
characters: Matsumoto Jun, Nishikido Ryo, Akanishi Jin, mentionings of Ohno.
Rating: PG 13
Genre: AU, Romantic
Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own them
Author’s Notes: Written for: Lilly0
Summary: Nishikido Ryo starts to work at Matsumoto's studio. Matsumoto is a brilliant photographer but not so easy to work with. How will Ryo keep his job?
Warning: It's yao. Don't lik? Don't read!
Ryo looked at his watch and grinned. He had made it on time. It was really scaring the hell out of him when the metro had suddenly stopped riding in the middle of nowhere. It was some kind of malfunctioning. Sure that he was going to miss the job interview, he had ran all three blocks from the metro station to here.
He looked at the high building and inhaled deeply. He was pretty nervous about today’s interview. He was desperate for a job and was glad he was accepted to come for an interview after his letter. He was told to be there at ten. The shoot would start at 10.30 so they had enough time to talk and start immediately if he was allowed to.
He looked at the sign.
“Matsumoto studio.” He softly whispered. He inhaled deeply once more and walked into the building.
Ryo looked at the large hallway. A lot of pictures were hanging on the walls of many models but also famous actors or actresses. They were gorgeous, very well lighted and in each of the picture there was something there that characterized that person. Kindness, excitement, self-confidence - though in a good way, humility. Ryo smiled. It was amazing how beautiful the pictures were.
He walked further. The clicking sound of a camera and the rush of many voices met him. He looked around the corner and saw the photographer working. He was mesmerized by his serious face, taking pictures like his life depended on it. Moving his body in an almost sensual way. He took a few steps forward and watched closer. His hands holding the camera looked really feminine. His fingers were long, pretty.
“Hey Shrimp, even though you are so short you are blocking my light. Move!” The photographer said, without even looking at him. Though he sure had to have seen him to make even such a remark. How else would he have known that Ryo wasn’t that tall. Ryo blushed a soft crimson, embarrassed that he was caught staring, and moved away quickly.
Another man grinned and walked to him. “Ah you must be Nishikido Ryo-kun.” He said and shook his hand. “I’m glad you could make it to the studio today. I’m Akanishi Jin.”
“Uhn Akanishi-san, I’m not late right?” Ryo said, looking at his watch. It was still even 5 minutes to ten and he had to be there at ten.
“Well we had told you ten yes..” Jin grinned. “A tip from me.. Always check your phone constantly.”
Ryo grabbed his phone quickly and gasped when he saw all the missed calls.
“Oh and one more thing. Never call me Akanishi-san. It makes me feel old. Just call me Jin.” Jin said and started to walk away, mentioning Ryo to follow him. Ryo made a mental note and followed the taller man.
“Okay so things you must know. There are of course the three most important rules. Number 1: never piss him off.” He said as he pointed towards the photographer. He walked further and grabbed a few dresses of a pile and gave them to the models.
“Number two: never piss him off.” He said and pointed again towards the photographer.
Ryo stood still and watched the man, raising an eyebrow, before hurrying off again following Jin.
Jin was quite a lot taller than Ryo and walked fast, so it was quite a difficult task to keep up with him.
Jin took some documents and gave them to a few people. He told them something but Ryo didn’t quite understand since it was English.
“So what’s the third rule?” Ryo asked as he looked at Jin.
“Rule number three?” Jin grinned. “Never! Piss! Him! Off!” He said as he pointed towards the photographer once more.
“You just pointed three times at the photographer.” Ryo blurted out.
“Exactly.” Jin said and grinned at the young man. “I knew you would be a smart shrimp.”
“I’m not..” Ryo started but swallowed the words. He should try to be nice. It was his first day after all.
“You know who he is right?” Jin continued, not listening to Ryo at all.
“Of course.” Ryo said, grumpily. “He’s Matsumoto-san.”
“Ding-dong.” The other man said. He turned around to shout at one of the models to fucking hurry up. “You are correct. He IS Matsumoto Jun. The most amazing, brilliant, gorgeous photographer of Japan at the moment. Very popular amongst many men and women and a total pain in the ass.”
Ryo just snorted at that. “He can’t be that bad right?”
“Oh yeah. He is that bad.” Jin said, chuckling. “You will find out sooner or later. I hope later.”
The short man just shrugged.
“Okay here’s the deal. I’m the assistant of this fucking pain in the ass and you are mine. That means that everything he tells me to do, you have to do when you see I’m busy. What I mean with that is: you’ll get coffee, bring models to the right places, pick up clothing for the shoot, etc. so I can do the more important stuff, like making sure that everything is not going to hell.”
Jin stopped walking suddenly and turned around to look at Ryo. Ryo could barely stop in time before he smashed into the man.
“So are you in? Or are you out?”
“Ehh? You don’t need to interview me?” Ryo asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
Jin looked at him from top to toe and grinned. “Naah you’re a shrimp but you can do it. I know. I have great people skills.”
Ryo chuckled a bit at that.
The short man looked around the hectic studio. A lot of people running around to make sure everything was where it should be at the right time. He looked at the photographer who, with only a few words, told what the models had to do and who was taking pictures like crazy. Ryo looked back at Jin and nodded, though a bit unsure. He really needed this job.
***
“Doodoodoo pick up your phone.”
Ryo grunted when he heard his ringtone going off. “Fucking shit.” He tried to grab his phone out of his bag, while he was trying to keep holding the dresses for next shoot and the box with a bottle of perfume, the new scent of this year, they were advertising for. The dresses fell to the ground and Ryo thanked God that a plastic cover was protecting them from any harm. He cursed but picked up the phone quickly and placed it between his ear and shoulder. This better be good.
“Yeah?” He started picking up the dresses again.
“Ryo, we need coffee.”
“What? But I’m almost at the studio.”
“Coffee now.. One cinnamon dolce latté, one skinny peppermint mocha, one caramel macchiato decaf.” Jin said and cut the phone.
Somewhere Ryo had heard Matsumoto yell against one of the employers. Ryo sighed. It was another day like that.
Somehow he managed to get his phone inside his pocket without letting the dresses fall this time. He turned around and searched for the nearest Starbucks.
“Next please?” The girl looked at Ryo rather strangely. He couldn’t blame them. He looked ridiculous wearing all that stuff. Ryo looked at all the types of coffee on the menu.
“Holy crap. What did he want again?”
“Your order please, sir?” The girl looked at him annoyed and so did all the other customers who were waiting behind him in line.
“Oh right.. One cinnamon dolce latté, one skinny peppermint mocha, one caramel macchiato please.” He smirked, kind of proud that he was able to remember them all. He didn’t understand these people. Why order anything with these strange flavors in your coffee. Seriously? What’s wrong with regular coffee. He waited till his cups of coffee were done and headed back to the studio.
“What took you so long.” Jin grunted at him as he quickly took the dresses from Ryo and brought them to the stylist. “Matsumoto-san isn’t in a good mood. He needed his coffee yesterday.”
Ryo grunted and looked at Jin. “The line was starting outside at Starbucks.” He told him, annoyance was clearly heard in his voice. “I think I just walked 6 kilometers. Let him drink the employee coffee for goodness sake.”
Jin shushed him. “Are you crazy? I know he is a pain in the ass but without him we’re out of jobs as well. Look I told you he’s a bit difficult. If you can’t handle it. There is the door.”
Ryo looked at the door, seriously thinking of leaving right then but in the end deciding against.
He glared at Jin once more, who just knowingly smiled back at him, and walked towards the manager and model to give them their drinks. He then turned around and looked at Matsumoto. The annoyed feeling was rising immediately when he saw him but he inhaled deeply to calm him down. From the admiration he had felt at the beginning was nothing left. Matsumoto was now just a fucking cock. He walked to the photographer with steady steps and stood behind him.
“Matsumoto-san I brought you your coffee.”
There was no reaction. The photographer just took more photos of the models in front of him.
“Matsumoto-san?”
Suddenly the man stopped put his camera down and looked at Ryo with one raised eyebrow.
“I heard you the first time.”
“I’m sorry Matsumoto-san.” Ryo said, he met Matsumoto’s eye but immediately looked down and blushed slightly. His eyes were so deep that one could drown in them. He took a few steps back and wanted to walk away.
“Nishikido Ryo-san was it?”
Ryo gasped for air. How did Matsumoto-san knew his name? He was known for his lack of remembering names. Not because he couldn’t but because he wouldn’t.
“Yes sir?” Ryo said and looked at him from the side of his eyes.
“My coffee.”
Ryo blushed. How stupid. How could he forget about that. He placed the coffee on a table near Matsumoto, not daring to give it to him directly and walked away quickly. Unknown to him, the photographer was following him with his eyes.
“What just happened?” Jin asked curiously. “Did he talk to you.”
“N.. No it was just.. I forgot to give him the coffee.” Ryo explained.
“But you were standing next to him?”
“Exactly.”
Jin grinned. “That’s something only you could do. I think he is in a better mood than I thought if he didn’t fire you immediately.”
“Thanks.. that’s making me feel a lot better.” Ryo said rolling their eyes.
Suddenly the two men heard the photographer curse. Ryo and Jin both looked at the older man who walked towards them, coffee cup in his hand.
“What the hell is this?” He yelled at Ryo, while throwing the can of coffee near Ryo’s feet. The short man winced when the hot beverage hit his leg. Kneeling down to rub the sore spot. He looked up at the taller man who glared at him angrily.
“Is your brain as small as you are? Are you an absolutely fucking nitwit. Is there nothing you can do right? Fuck I don’t know who gave you this job but you must’ve been a good fuck.” He stated in a low, cold voice. “You think this is coffee. I ordered decaf, can’t you even remember that? Fuck off. Jin! Fire him!” The man turned around quickly and walked away. Everyone in the studio was silent and looked at Ryo, who had been the victim of today’s Matsumoto bad days but none of them dare to say something as they were scared of the next tantrum of the famous photographer.
Ryo swallowed the tears away. He refused to be sad and cry about any of the ridiculous things the older man had said. He suddenly felt a warm hand on his shoulder and looked up. It was Jin.
“A.. Are you going to fire me?”
Jin smiled. No grin but a real meaningful smile. “Of course not. Sometimes he’s like this okay? He doesn’t mean it like that. He’s just having a bad day.”
“He’s having a bad day?” Ryo said and grunted. “How ironic. I thought it is me who is allowed to say, ´I´m having a bad day´. ”
“I’ll talk to him okay? It’ll be fine. Just don’t let him see you for today.. Okay?”
Ryo nodded. “Thanks.”
“No pro, bro. For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a great job.”
It was just a while later when Ryo saw Jin again. He showed him a thumbs up before leaving again, following Matsumoto to an outside location for a shoot.
***
It had been already a few months since Ryo had started working at the Matsumoto studio. He was the Jack of all trades. He had to run all over the place and had to make sure everything was there on time. And more often than not Matsumoto was not particularly impressed by all the hard work he was doing. No, he was often subjected to one of Matsumoto´s tantrums.
“doodoodoo pick up your phone.”
Ryo moaned. He took his pillow and placed it on top of his ears, trying to make the sounds disappear. Who the hell was calling him in the middle of the night. After a few seconds he threw the pillow to the side and tried to pick up the phone without looking.
“Yeah?” He said, his voice husky from sleep.
“Did you pick up the dress before you went home?” Jin’s voice was heard from the other side of the telephone.
“Jin what the.. Yeah I did.. ”
“I need it.” Jin said, clearly a bit frustrated as well.
“What? Why? The shoot is tomorrow.”
“He just called.. He’s got inspiration.”
Ryo almost smiled. He could almost see Jin in front of his as he was saying that, rolling his eyes and shaking his head.
“So you really need it?”
“Ryopyon, you know I’m gonna get fired if he finds out I don’t have it.” Jin’s voice was more pleading now.
Ryo grunted and stayed silent for a while.
“Alright.. I’ll bring it. But I’m not gonna stay.”
Ryo rubbed his eyes when he entered the studio. It was definitely too light here. He was still feeling sleepy. He looked around to see Jin but he wasn’t there. Suddenly he met the eyes of someone he hadn’t expected and his breathing hitched for a second.
Matsumoto eyed him with a surprised look on his face. Clearly he hadn’t expected to see him here as well. He looked at the garment bag that concealed the dress, Ryo had brought.
“Is that the Vera Wang?” Matsumoto asked.
Ryo looked at the bag as well and nodded slowly.
“Why?” Matsumoto started.
“Jin asked me to pick it up for him yesterday before I went home.” Ryo stated quickly before Matsumoto could finish, looking at the ground. “I was planning to bring it tomorrow morning before the shoot.”
The photographer nodded. “So why do you bring it now?”
“Jin called. He told you me you had inspiration for the shoot.” Ryo looked up and blushed when their eyes met again. Matsumoto had such piercing eyes. As if he could look right through you. It was making him feel slightly uncomfortable. But still, they were also so beautiful.
“So you brought it here?” Matsumoto asked. Ryo could still feel those eyes on him.
“Yes, for Jin..” Silence. “Where is he?”
More silence, but then Matsumoto stood up suddenly and walked towards the shorter man. He took the garment bag out of Ryo’s hands and raised an eyebrow at him. “Picking up the model.”
“Oh..” Ryo mumbled. It was strange to be here alone with just Matsumoto. Normally there were a lot of people around them. There was no time at all to talk to him.. “Well then I should go.”
He was about to turn around when he felt a hand touching his shoulder. A jolt of electricity went through his body and a weird spinning sensation was swirling around in his lower stomach.
“Now that you are here, stay. I could use your help.” The taller man said.
“But..” Ryo mumbled. He was still tired as hell and tomorrow they would have a very busy day.
“It wasn’t really a question…” Matsumoto said.
Ryo yawned widely before shaking his head, trying to shake the sleep off him. He grumbled. He should´ve been sleeping right now, in his war comfy bed, instead of having to hold up the light towards the model. His arms and shoulders were getting quite sore as well since he had to hold up the lights above his head. Once again he cursed his shortness. He twirled his head slowly around, relaxing the sore muscles in his neck. Then he looked to his side. Matsumoto was taking a lot of pictures of the young model. Ryo smiled, Matsumoto-san was always looking so focused when he was taking pictures. He hadn’t seen anyone that focused before.
Suddenly the deep brown orbs of the man he just had been watching were looking at him.
“Could you pay more attention?” He said.
Ryo blushed. “Wh… What.”
The man nodded towards the model. Ryo looked at her as well and saw that the lights that he was directing weren’t actually shining on the model anymore but more or less lighting the ceiling.
“Aah..” Ryo grunted and pulled on the lights so that the lights were on the girl again. “I’m sorry.”
Matsumoto snorted and started taking pictures again.
“Dude I’m beat.” Jin said and hit his own cheeks. “That was one long night.”
Ryo nodded. “too long, if you ask me.” He said, as he sat down on the couch.
“Okay so let me give this to Matsumoto-san. Than we can get out of here and sleep.” Jin said, grinning.
Ryo nodded and watched Jin leaving the room.
Jin searched a while before he found Matsumoto. If the photographer hadn’t watched his photo’s he hadn’t even seen him. He was sitting in a dark room with only the lights of the LCD screen of his camera.
“Matsumoto-san.” Jin said, as he walked towards him. “Here are the papers you asked for.” He gave the papers to the older man and grinned. “Do I need to do anything more for you?”
Matsumoto shook his head. “No that was all. Thanks Jin.”
“No problem, so can I go?”
“Yeah have a good rest.”
“Great..” Jin smiled. “You too. Don’t work too long.” He said and waved before walking out of the door, completely forgetting Ryo, waiting for him.
Matsumoto stood up and walked back to the studio. He wanted to shop a few of these pictures before going home since he still felt the inspiration inside him. He turned on the lights and turned around, getting startled by the small figure on the couch.
“Fuck..” He mumbled.
The small man on the couch shifted a bit but continued to sleep. Matsumoto crouched down in front of him and looked at his employee’s face. The photographer smiled. The man had a gorgeous face. He raised his hand a moved a finger over his cheekbone. It was really handsome. If he hadn’t been so short he could have been a good model.
Ryo shifted again in his sleep and suddenly the photographer’s fingers weren’t touching his cheekbones but his lips.
Matsumoto’s heart skipped a beat and he pulled his hand away. He stood up abruptly and turned around, hiding the blush on his face for no-one, since no-one was there. Well someone was there but he didn’t count since he was sleeping.
Matsumoto walked to the closet and came back with a blanket. He placed the blanket softly on Ryo’s body, making sure that it was well covered, before he started working on the photographs.
Why was the sun always shining this early. Ryo moaned. He definitely didn’t want to wake up yet. He turned around and pulled his blanket tightly around him, hoping that sleep would once again come and take him but it didn’t.
Definitely awake now he pulled his blanket off his face. His eyes protesting against the light in the room. He looked at his ceiling only to find out that this was not the ceiling of his room. His ceiling wasn’t crème. His ceiling was white. He moved around on his bed and concluded that this wasn’t his bed either. He opened one eye, than the other.
“Holy fuck.” He got startled by the man sitting in the room as well.
“Are you awake?” He heard the man saying.
“Did I sleep here?” Ryo asked as he looked around the studio.
“Would I ask if you are awake if you hadn’t?” The snarky reply came.
“Would I be talking if I was still asleep?” Ryo grinned, he could be snarky too.
“Actually yes.” The man said as he turned around. His brown eyes met Ryo’s and Ryo couldn’t help but look away again, feeling quite embarrassed.
“You talk in your sleep, which was quite distracting me..”
Ryo grunted and sat up quickly. He pulled the blanket tightly around him, realizing suddenly that this blanket wasn’t there yet last night.
“Did you.. ?” He asked and pulled at the blanket to show what he meant.
Matsumoto just raised one eyebrow and turned around again to continue his work.
Ryo coughed. He wasn’t good at small talk and he knew Matsumoto wasn’t good at it as well. He might even get fired if he started something. He stood up quickly and watched the computer screen over Matsumoto’s shoulder. He gasped deeply.
“Wow.. Did you do all that last night.” He asked in awe.
The other man just nodded, which was even more reaction than Ryo thought he would give.
“It’s beautiful…” Ryo said. The colors of the picture were really soft, matching the softness of the model’s smile brilliantly.
“Of course it is.” Matsumoto said, arrogantly, making Ryo grunt.
“Did you sleep at all, this night?” Ryo dared to ask but the man didn’t answer. Guessing that was a confirmation that he hadn´t slept, Ryo sighed.
“Let me get some breakfast for you. After that you should get some rest.” He took his coat and headed towards a nearest shop where he could get some food.
Arriving back at the studio the photographer had already fallen asleep. Ryo chuckled and watched the face of the older man.
“Totally looking like an angel now..” Ryo whispered and pushed a strand of hair back. Ryo blushed. The older man was gorgeous.
“You should be like this more often.”
He placed the breakfast box on the table near the couch. He took the blanket that Matsumoto gotten for him and wrapped it around the other man. Then he wrote a little paper with the words: ‘get some more sleep after eating’, before walking back home.
***
“Good morning Ryo.” One of his colleagues greeted him and Ryo greeted back. It was another day of work at the studio. He really started to enjoy his work here. Not that the things he had to do were great but the people who worked here, were all really kind and he had made some good friends.
“Hey Shortlegs.” Someone said behind him, ruffling his hair.
“Fuck yourself, Jin.”
“How did you know?” Jin said, chuckling.
“Only you can be such an idiot, calling me that. Have you never heard of Chibiwrath?” Ryo pulled Jin’s head in a headlock and ruffled his hair like an idiot.
“Oi!! Let me go.” Jin called out. “Not the hair!!”
After a few seconds Ryo finally let him go.
“Geez.. You are really strong for such a shorty.” Jin said while combing his hair with his fingers.
“Remember that.” Ryo said, but his attention was caught by a man entering the studio. The look on his face didn’t look all too promising.
“Shit he’s having a bad day.” Ryo said and hurried towards the man to take his coat.
“Let’s work.” Matsumoto said after he threw his coat towards Ryo.
Everyone was silent on the work floor. They were all scared to unleash the photographer’s anger. And of course it had to be Ryo’s unlucky day. He grabbed the bottles of perfume that Matsumoto needed to make pictures of and walked towards the table where it needed to be. He didn’t see his colleague pulling the light cable though, which he was just passing. His foot gotten stuck behind the cable and he fell face down to the ground.
After the loud bang and the breaking of the glass it was totally quiet, Except for the small moan from Ryo. He pulled himself up on his knees and winced. Fuck that had hurt.
“Ryo..” Jin was suddenly next to him and whispered his name. “Are you okay?” Ryo was still rubbing his knees when he looked up. It was still very silent and everyone was looking at him and the photographer, whose face was saying enough.
The older man walked towards him and picked up a piece of glass, looking at it with his fierce eyes. He then looked at Ryo. Ryo winced, this time not because of the pain but because of Matsumoto’s look in his eyes.
“You are a fucking nitwit.” Matsumoto said in a low and cold voice. “You don’t deserve to be in this world and especially not in my studio. Fuck off.”
Well that was it. Ryo’s shoulders hung low. He was going to lose his job. He had been saved a few times before but he had never seen Matsumoto this angry. Suddenly something started boil inside his stomach. Why was he always the only one to get yelled at? That wasn’t really fair. Even though he made a few mistakes, he was doing a good job, didn’t he? So what he let this bottle fall? That could happen to anyone right? It wasn’t a good reason to verbally abuse him like that! Matsumoto should be reasoning for once like a sane person! Ryo grinned. Matsumoto was suddenly looking like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
He made fists of his hands and breathed in deeply. Well, if he was going to lose his job, he should at least tell the asshole what he thought of him.
“Fuck you! Not deserving to be in this world? The only one who doesn’t deserve to be here is you. The way you treat everyone like they don’t exists. You are always saying we’re screwing up even though we’re actually doing a great job. I always get that stupid coffee for you even though you could fucking drink the coffee here as well, like we all do around here.” Ryo pointed at all of his coworkers. “So what I dropped this one bottle? You ordered at least 20 of them, which, by the way, I picked up at the shop. You should’ve asked if I was okay instead of fucking me over. I fucking remember a time that you dropped a bottle of that exclusive wine of yours over your camera. Which was the reason that we had to do everything again and work in the middle of the fucking night. So Fuck you! Go to hell!” Ryo stopped his speech. It was dead silent around him. Everyone was waiting for another blow of Matsumoto.
“Get out..” Was the only thing the older man said.
“Is that the only thing you can say.” Ryo chuckled. “Alright then. I’m going. I don’t even want to be here. So long, farewell.” Ryo walked to the couch and grabbed his jacket.
“Not you.” The photographer said through his teeth. “All of you..” He said and looked at the other workers.
The people in the studio looked at each other, not really sure what to do.
“Get the fuck out of here.” Matsumoto yelled.
“Okay let’s get out..” Jin said nervously and was the first one to walk towards the door.
Ryo looked at his friend pleadingly. “Don’t fucking leave me here. He’s gonna kill me.”
“Sorry! I still want to live. Use your chibiwrath.” Jin said and fled out of the room, the others following him.
It was completely silent when his coworkers had left. He looked cockily at Matsumoto, acting like he wasn’t scared at all, even though he was actually fearing the worst.
“So?” He said , not diverting his glance, but the photographer didn’t say anything.
“Are you gonna say something? Or did the cat got your tongue?” He continued his speech. “You know you are really pissi…” Suddenly his was interrupted in the middle of the sentence by two large but sexy hands wrapping around his body and two hot lips kissing his, passionately and fiercely. Ryo didn’t know what was happening at first. The kiss was one damn hot kiss and he felt totally lost into the kiss until he came to his senses and remembered this was fucking Matsumoto Jun kissing him.
He pulled the other guy away with all his power and hit the other’s cheek immediately.
“Fuck you.” He yelled.
Matsumoto just looked at him with those brown beautiful orbs and it was almost too much for Ryo. He didn’t know if he had enough perseverance to stop him once more.
The photographer took a step forward and came dangerously close. Ryo took a step back but wasn’t quick enough. The two hands were holding his shoulders again and pulled him closer into a kiss. This kiss was less hot than the other. A bit more… sweet? Even though sweet didn’t seem to fit Matsumoto at all. Once more Ryo found himself lost in the kiss but came to his senses once more and pushed the other man away.
He glared at the other man, picked up his jacket again and stormed out of the building.
He didn’t stop running when he heard Jin calling his name, but just continued. He didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. He might give away what just happened. It was only outside that he could be true to his real feelings. He pressed a finger to his swollen lips and let himself fall down against the wall. His hands were shaking and his heartbeat was so fast that he thought he might pass out anytime soon. He didn’t want to admit it. But that was the most fucking brilliant kiss he had ever had.
***
Ryo looked up at the sign above the studio and bit his lips. Once more the courage to return to the studio to beg for his job had fled away as soon as he saw a glimpse of the studio. It wasn’t only fear though, it was his pride to. Somehow his pride didn’t let him even try to go inside. He had yelled at his boss , yes, but he wasn’t the one at fault and he shouldn’t be apologizing. But hell, the pay had been good and it was way too difficult to find a new job. He sighed deeply and turned around.
***
Matsumoto stepped inside his car. It was already dark outside. He rubbed his shoulders, it had been a long day. He looked at his driver and told him to go home. He sighed deeply. Today he hadn’t come as well.
“Are you alright, sir?” His driver asked as he looked at him through the mirror.
“Yes, Ohno-san.” He just answered.
They had to stop in front of a red light. Matsumoto slid a hand through his hair and looked outside of his window. A short man passed his window, walking over the pedestrian street. He suddenly sat upright when he noticed it was the guy he had wanted to see all day. His hand moved to the door handle but his pride got in the way.
Nishikido had made it quite clear that he didn’t want to see him anymore. Otherwise he would’ve come right?
The car started driving again, the light had turned to green. He was somehow glad that his driver had made the choice instead of. Even though he didn’t know the two options at all.
That’s right. He should just go home. Forget the little minion.
***
For a second he thought he saw Matsumoto’s car passing him but he shook that thought off. Matsumoto was probably still working. He had a very busy schedule these days. He had seen it before he quit.
Ryo went left into a dark alleyway, a shortcut to his house. Normally he would only take this route back home if it was light but he really knew the way so what could happen. In the middle of the road he was blocked by one guy though. He could hardly see his face since it was so dark.
“What do we have here.” The man said.
Ryo didn’t say anything but bit his lips and moved forward. He just had to ignore the man and go on.
A hand on his arm stopped him from moving though.
“Now, now, you’re not leaving that fast are you?” The unknown man laughed. “You just came.”
Ryo pulled his arm loose and started to walk again, this time a little faster.
But again he was pulled.
“I said stay.” The man said and pushed him against the wall. “Short and fiery. I like that.” He placed his hand on Ryo’s cheek and chuckled.
Ryo’s heartbeat fastened. This wasn’t good. He had to get out of here. He pushed the guy with all his might and started to run immediately when he felt he was free.
“Fucker.” He heard and someone was following him.
“Just run, Ryo.” He yelled inwardly.
But the other guy was taller and thus faster. He shoved Ryo and the shorter man fell to the ground. The taller man lay over him, immediately pulling on Ryo’s belt so it would open.
“Let me go! Get off of me!” Ryo yelled loudly.
“Shut up, bitch.” The unknown man said and hit him in the face with his fist.
Ryo moaned at the pain, tears started to form in his eyes. This was not good at all. At this rate he was going to get raped. He started to turn and tried to wiggle him free. Hitting the man, scratching the man but he was a lot stronger than he was and soon Ryo could not move at all.
“Let me go!” He yelled was more. “Let me go..”
He could feel his jeans pulled off, a hand touching his leg, moving up to his private member.
His yelling started to fade until you could only hear them as pleading whispers.
The hand moved over his member towards the hem of his boxers. The rapist started pulling his boxers of slowly.
Before he could pull them off Ryo could hear the sound of something hitting something. A loud moan of pain and then nothing. The weight of the man was gone too but when he opened his eyes he could see still a dark figure hovering over him. He gasped for air when once more a hand touched his cheek but this time it was different, softer, kinder.
“Ryo…?” Someone whispered his name.
“M.. Matsumoto-san?” He whispered.
The other man let out his breath. “Oh thank God.” He whispered and pulled the man up in his arms. “I’m so sorry... Are you okay?”
Without thinking Ryo wrapped his arms around the older man. Happy that he could hear the, he’d never thought he would use that word for him, kind voice of Matsumoto. “Thank you so much..” He mumbled. He was too scared to think what would’ve happened of Matsumoto hadn’t been there.
“Let’s go away first. Before the man wakes up.” Matsumoto said and stood up quickly. “can you stand?” He took Ryo’s hand and pulled him up.
Ryo’s legs were still feeling rather shaky because of the fear he had felt. He tried to take a step but almost fell down again.
Two firm hands held him tightly and pulled him up quickly.
“M.. Matsumoto-san!” Ryo yelped when he was lifted that easily.
“It’s okay.” Matsumoto only said.
It didn’t take them long before the gotten to the car.
“Are you okay Matsumoto-san?” The driver asked worriedly when he saw his boss.
“I am but he’s not. Let’s go home quickly.”
Ryo felt really safe when he sat in the car. The warmth was tiring him and the arms around him were so soothing. It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep.
***
It was only the next morning that he woke up. Ryo thought of all the things that had happened as he looked up at the ceiling. He felt so grateful that Matsumoto was there to rescue him. He didn’t want to imagine what would’ve happened if he wasn’t there. He sat up and looked around the room. This must be Matsumoto’s room, Ryo guessed. The room was pretty big and stylish. His bed was large and stood in the middle of his room against the soft green wall. There weren’t a lot of furniture in the room except for the wooden closet and a dark green chair. On the other side was a large portrait of a woman. She was a bit older. Late 30’s or 40’s she must have been. The portrait was really beautiful and he just knew it had to be of Matsumoto’s hand. He walked further to be able to see it better. The woman in the portrait was really beautiful but there was something familiar about her.
“It’s my mother.” A voice behind him said.
Ryo turned around quickly and saw Matsumoto in the doorway, leaning against the doorpost. He wasn’t looking at him but at the portrait. A look full of love but also sadness and anger.
“She’s beautiful.” Ryo whispered.
Matsumoto snorted.
“Do you see her a lot?”
“No..” A short answer, stiff like he always was.
“Why?”
“She’s dead.”
“I’m.. I’m sorry..” Ryo said after a long silence. “I didn’t know.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Matsumoto said as he was still looking at the photograph. “In the end, everyone always leaves.”
He walked forwardly and placed his head near the picture his hand touching the glass of the frame.
Ryo looked at the other man intently. He wondered why he hadn’t seen it before. He wondered why he could only see it now. Even though he hadn’t said much, he could finally understand now, that he was intensely and tremendously lonely.
Without thinking Ryo walked towards the older man and hugged him, placing his head against his back.
Matsumoto turned around and held him tightly.
They stood like that for a few seconds until Matsumoto talked.
“How are you?”
Ryo nodded. “I am fine. I’m okay.”
“Really?” Matsumoto pulled back and looked at him. “Are you really okay?”
Ryo nodded. “Yes…. I really wanted to tha…” Ryo’s stomach interrupted him.
Matsumoto smiled and Ryo froze at his smile for a few second. He was really gorgeous when he smiled.
“You must be hungry. I’ve got breakfast ready in the kitchen.” Matsumoto said and held his hand to pull him with him to the kitchen.
Ryo gasped when he saw all the kinds of food on the table.
“I can’t believe you made all of this.” Ryo said and sat down quickly as he looked hungrily at all the western food.
“I must admit, I had a bit of help.” Matsumoto said and but some butter on a croissant before he gave it to his guest.
Ryo bit in the croissant happily and ate it. “It’s really good..”
Matsumoto smiled and poured some orange juice in Ryo’s glass. “Well then eat up..”
Ryo looked at his lifesaver. “Aren’t you eating?”
“I already ate.” Matsumoto smiled.
Ryo happily ate from all the delicious things on the table till he was completely stuffed.
“I’m so full. I think I’m going to explode.”
Matsumoto chuckled. “Ohno-san.” He suddenly said.
A man walked inside. “Yes sir?”
“First, I think you get our guest’s compliments…”
Ryo chuckled. “Did you make the food? It’s really delicious.”
The man smiled happily. “Thank you sir, I’m glad you like it.” Then he looked at his boss again. “Anything else, sir?”
“Yes. I want you to get the car ready and bring Nishikido-san back home. I don’t have any clothes for him here that would fit him.”
“Yes sir. I will get the car ready immediately.” A small bow and the man left the room.
The shorter man looked at the older man a bit dazed. “But I…” He wanted to say that he didn’t want to go yet but didn’t dare to. Matsumoto was a busy man and he had already taken to much from his generosity.
The older man stood up and walked towards the younger. He placed a hand on his shoulder.
“If you ask Ohno-san to wait for you while you change your clothes, he will bring you wherever you want to go.”
Ryo smiled and looked at the photographer. “Where are my shoes.”
“In the bedroom, under the bed.” Matsumoto said and smiled as well.
Ryo walked towards the bedroom and touched his chest during the walk. His heartbeat was really going fast. That had definitely been a hint right? That Matsumoto wants him to come back as well. He kneeled down and looked under the bed. He saw his shoes and pulled them towards him.
There was also a black box standing under the bed. A wave of curiosity hit him. What would be in it? He pulled the black box towards him. Ryo chuckled. Could it be his secret stack of porn?
He lifted the lid of the box and opened it. He gasped when he looked inside. There were a lot of pictures lying inside the box and they were all of them. He picked out one of the photos. It was as if he was looking at someone else instead of at himself. He was looking so beautiful on all of the pictures. The picture he was holding was made from his side. He was leaning against a wall. His head tilted to the back and his eyes closed. Another picture where he was sitting with his back towards the camera, he looked over his shoulder directly in the camera. He hadn’t even known Matsumoto had made a picture back then. A picture of him smiling brightly. A picture of him together with Jin. One of him sleeping on the couch. There were a lot of them in each of them he looked beautiful even though he hated to say that about himself.
“Do you have your shoes on? The car is ready.” Matsumoto said as he entered the room and looked at the man with a lot of photos scattered around him. Matsumoto looked shocked.
“I.. I.. How did you…”
“I found them when I looked for my shoes.” Ryo said as he looked up at the taller man. “There are so many.. when did you make all of these?”
“I don’t know…” Matsumoto said. “Somehow at the end of the day, there always would be few pictures of you at my camera.”
Ryo looked at the taller man. “I don’t know whether I should be flattered or scared.” He stood up quickly. “Well at least there are well kept in a box and not hanging all over the walls of a secret room of an coldhearted killer, like in those scary movies where the girl on the pictures gets killed.” Ryo said dryly.
“so you’re not mad?” Matsumoto asked.
“No why should I be?” The short man raised his shoulders.
“If someone would have made pictures of me, I would be creeped out.” The photographer said.
Ryo smiled. “But these aren’t just pictures.” He explained. “These are very ,very, very beautiful pictures. Made by a very, very, very..” He walked towards the older man. “handsome photographer. And if I judge those pictures..” He looked up at the other man hopefully. “He just got to have the same feelings as the model. Which is making it quite alright.”
Matsumoto’s eyebrow raised as he said that. His heart skipped a beat and a smile formed on his lips. He pushed a strand of hair back behind Ryo’s ear and cupped his cheek carefully. He bowed down and captivated his lips in a soft kiss. Totally different from their first kiss. This time it was shy and hesitant. Ryo pushed back into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Matsumoto’s body as to assure him that this was quite alright. The kiss turned a bit more heated and intense when the photographer asked for permission to enter as he licked the other’s lips. Ryo moaned softly into the kiss. They parted when both of them needed air. They looked at each other and smiled.
“Guess I’m not leaving here after all.”
***
I have a request post! Check it out here: Request Post
Kind: Oneshot
Author: You-puzzle-me
Pairing: Matsumoto Jun x Nishikido Ryo
characters: Matsumoto Jun, Nishikido Ryo, Akanishi Jin, mentionings of Ohno.
Rating: PG 13
Genre: AU, Romantic
Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own them
Author’s Notes: Written for: Lilly0
Summary: Nishikido Ryo starts to work at Matsumoto's studio. Matsumoto is a brilliant photographer but not so easy to work with. How will Ryo keep his job?
Warning: It's yao. Don't lik? Don't read!
Ryo looked at his watch and grinned. He had made it on time. It was really scaring the hell out of him when the metro had suddenly stopped riding in the middle of nowhere. It was some kind of malfunctioning. Sure that he was going to miss the job interview, he had ran all three blocks from the metro station to here.
He looked at the high building and inhaled deeply. He was pretty nervous about today’s interview. He was desperate for a job and was glad he was accepted to come for an interview after his letter. He was told to be there at ten. The shoot would start at 10.30 so they had enough time to talk and start immediately if he was allowed to.
He looked at the sign.
“Matsumoto studio.” He softly whispered. He inhaled deeply once more and walked into the building.
Ryo looked at the large hallway. A lot of pictures were hanging on the walls of many models but also famous actors or actresses. They were gorgeous, very well lighted and in each of the picture there was something there that characterized that person. Kindness, excitement, self-confidence - though in a good way, humility. Ryo smiled. It was amazing how beautiful the pictures were.
He walked further. The clicking sound of a camera and the rush of many voices met him. He looked around the corner and saw the photographer working. He was mesmerized by his serious face, taking pictures like his life depended on it. Moving his body in an almost sensual way. He took a few steps forward and watched closer. His hands holding the camera looked really feminine. His fingers were long, pretty.
“Hey Shrimp, even though you are so short you are blocking my light. Move!” The photographer said, without even looking at him. Though he sure had to have seen him to make even such a remark. How else would he have known that Ryo wasn’t that tall. Ryo blushed a soft crimson, embarrassed that he was caught staring, and moved away quickly.
Another man grinned and walked to him. “Ah you must be Nishikido Ryo-kun.” He said and shook his hand. “I’m glad you could make it to the studio today. I’m Akanishi Jin.”
“Uhn Akanishi-san, I’m not late right?” Ryo said, looking at his watch. It was still even 5 minutes to ten and he had to be there at ten.
“Well we had told you ten yes..” Jin grinned. “A tip from me.. Always check your phone constantly.”
Ryo grabbed his phone quickly and gasped when he saw all the missed calls.
“Oh and one more thing. Never call me Akanishi-san. It makes me feel old. Just call me Jin.” Jin said and started to walk away, mentioning Ryo to follow him. Ryo made a mental note and followed the taller man.
“Okay so things you must know. There are of course the three most important rules. Number 1: never piss him off.” He said as he pointed towards the photographer. He walked further and grabbed a few dresses of a pile and gave them to the models.
“Number two: never piss him off.” He said and pointed again towards the photographer.
Ryo stood still and watched the man, raising an eyebrow, before hurrying off again following Jin.
Jin was quite a lot taller than Ryo and walked fast, so it was quite a difficult task to keep up with him.
Jin took some documents and gave them to a few people. He told them something but Ryo didn’t quite understand since it was English.
“So what’s the third rule?” Ryo asked as he looked at Jin.
“Rule number three?” Jin grinned. “Never! Piss! Him! Off!” He said as he pointed towards the photographer once more.
“You just pointed three times at the photographer.” Ryo blurted out.
“Exactly.” Jin said and grinned at the young man. “I knew you would be a smart shrimp.”
“I’m not..” Ryo started but swallowed the words. He should try to be nice. It was his first day after all.
“You know who he is right?” Jin continued, not listening to Ryo at all.
“Of course.” Ryo said, grumpily. “He’s Matsumoto-san.”
“Ding-dong.” The other man said. He turned around to shout at one of the models to fucking hurry up. “You are correct. He IS Matsumoto Jun. The most amazing, brilliant, gorgeous photographer of Japan at the moment. Very popular amongst many men and women and a total pain in the ass.”
Ryo just snorted at that. “He can’t be that bad right?”
“Oh yeah. He is that bad.” Jin said, chuckling. “You will find out sooner or later. I hope later.”
The short man just shrugged.
“Okay here’s the deal. I’m the assistant of this fucking pain in the ass and you are mine. That means that everything he tells me to do, you have to do when you see I’m busy. What I mean with that is: you’ll get coffee, bring models to the right places, pick up clothing for the shoot, etc. so I can do the more important stuff, like making sure that everything is not going to hell.”
Jin stopped walking suddenly and turned around to look at Ryo. Ryo could barely stop in time before he smashed into the man.
“So are you in? Or are you out?”
“Ehh? You don’t need to interview me?” Ryo asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
Jin looked at him from top to toe and grinned. “Naah you’re a shrimp but you can do it. I know. I have great people skills.”
Ryo chuckled a bit at that.
The short man looked around the hectic studio. A lot of people running around to make sure everything was where it should be at the right time. He looked at the photographer who, with only a few words, told what the models had to do and who was taking pictures like crazy. Ryo looked back at Jin and nodded, though a bit unsure. He really needed this job.
***
“Doodoodoo pick up your phone.”
Ryo grunted when he heard his ringtone going off. “Fucking shit.” He tried to grab his phone out of his bag, while he was trying to keep holding the dresses for next shoot and the box with a bottle of perfume, the new scent of this year, they were advertising for. The dresses fell to the ground and Ryo thanked God that a plastic cover was protecting them from any harm. He cursed but picked up the phone quickly and placed it between his ear and shoulder. This better be good.
“Yeah?” He started picking up the dresses again.
“Ryo, we need coffee.”
“What? But I’m almost at the studio.”
“Coffee now.. One cinnamon dolce latté, one skinny peppermint mocha, one caramel macchiato decaf.” Jin said and cut the phone.
Somewhere Ryo had heard Matsumoto yell against one of the employers. Ryo sighed. It was another day like that.
Somehow he managed to get his phone inside his pocket without letting the dresses fall this time. He turned around and searched for the nearest Starbucks.
“Next please?” The girl looked at Ryo rather strangely. He couldn’t blame them. He looked ridiculous wearing all that stuff. Ryo looked at all the types of coffee on the menu.
“Holy crap. What did he want again?”
“Your order please, sir?” The girl looked at him annoyed and so did all the other customers who were waiting behind him in line.
“Oh right.. One cinnamon dolce latté, one skinny peppermint mocha, one caramel macchiato please.” He smirked, kind of proud that he was able to remember them all. He didn’t understand these people. Why order anything with these strange flavors in your coffee. Seriously? What’s wrong with regular coffee. He waited till his cups of coffee were done and headed back to the studio.
“What took you so long.” Jin grunted at him as he quickly took the dresses from Ryo and brought them to the stylist. “Matsumoto-san isn’t in a good mood. He needed his coffee yesterday.”
Ryo grunted and looked at Jin. “The line was starting outside at Starbucks.” He told him, annoyance was clearly heard in his voice. “I think I just walked 6 kilometers. Let him drink the employee coffee for goodness sake.”
Jin shushed him. “Are you crazy? I know he is a pain in the ass but without him we’re out of jobs as well. Look I told you he’s a bit difficult. If you can’t handle it. There is the door.”
Ryo looked at the door, seriously thinking of leaving right then but in the end deciding against.
He glared at Jin once more, who just knowingly smiled back at him, and walked towards the manager and model to give them their drinks. He then turned around and looked at Matsumoto. The annoyed feeling was rising immediately when he saw him but he inhaled deeply to calm him down. From the admiration he had felt at the beginning was nothing left. Matsumoto was now just a fucking cock. He walked to the photographer with steady steps and stood behind him.
“Matsumoto-san I brought you your coffee.”
There was no reaction. The photographer just took more photos of the models in front of him.
“Matsumoto-san?”
Suddenly the man stopped put his camera down and looked at Ryo with one raised eyebrow.
“I heard you the first time.”
“I’m sorry Matsumoto-san.” Ryo said, he met Matsumoto’s eye but immediately looked down and blushed slightly. His eyes were so deep that one could drown in them. He took a few steps back and wanted to walk away.
“Nishikido Ryo-san was it?”
Ryo gasped for air. How did Matsumoto-san knew his name? He was known for his lack of remembering names. Not because he couldn’t but because he wouldn’t.
“Yes sir?” Ryo said and looked at him from the side of his eyes.
“My coffee.”
Ryo blushed. How stupid. How could he forget about that. He placed the coffee on a table near Matsumoto, not daring to give it to him directly and walked away quickly. Unknown to him, the photographer was following him with his eyes.
“What just happened?” Jin asked curiously. “Did he talk to you.”
“N.. No it was just.. I forgot to give him the coffee.” Ryo explained.
“But you were standing next to him?”
“Exactly.”
Jin grinned. “That’s something only you could do. I think he is in a better mood than I thought if he didn’t fire you immediately.”
“Thanks.. that’s making me feel a lot better.” Ryo said rolling their eyes.
Suddenly the two men heard the photographer curse. Ryo and Jin both looked at the older man who walked towards them, coffee cup in his hand.
“What the hell is this?” He yelled at Ryo, while throwing the can of coffee near Ryo’s feet. The short man winced when the hot beverage hit his leg. Kneeling down to rub the sore spot. He looked up at the taller man who glared at him angrily.
“Is your brain as small as you are? Are you an absolutely fucking nitwit. Is there nothing you can do right? Fuck I don’t know who gave you this job but you must’ve been a good fuck.” He stated in a low, cold voice. “You think this is coffee. I ordered decaf, can’t you even remember that? Fuck off. Jin! Fire him!” The man turned around quickly and walked away. Everyone in the studio was silent and looked at Ryo, who had been the victim of today’s Matsumoto bad days but none of them dare to say something as they were scared of the next tantrum of the famous photographer.
Ryo swallowed the tears away. He refused to be sad and cry about any of the ridiculous things the older man had said. He suddenly felt a warm hand on his shoulder and looked up. It was Jin.
“A.. Are you going to fire me?”
Jin smiled. No grin but a real meaningful smile. “Of course not. Sometimes he’s like this okay? He doesn’t mean it like that. He’s just having a bad day.”
“He’s having a bad day?” Ryo said and grunted. “How ironic. I thought it is me who is allowed to say, ´I´m having a bad day´. ”
“I’ll talk to him okay? It’ll be fine. Just don’t let him see you for today.. Okay?”
Ryo nodded. “Thanks.”
“No pro, bro. For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a great job.”
It was just a while later when Ryo saw Jin again. He showed him a thumbs up before leaving again, following Matsumoto to an outside location for a shoot.
***
It had been already a few months since Ryo had started working at the Matsumoto studio. He was the Jack of all trades. He had to run all over the place and had to make sure everything was there on time. And more often than not Matsumoto was not particularly impressed by all the hard work he was doing. No, he was often subjected to one of Matsumoto´s tantrums.
“doodoodoo pick up your phone.”
Ryo moaned. He took his pillow and placed it on top of his ears, trying to make the sounds disappear. Who the hell was calling him in the middle of the night. After a few seconds he threw the pillow to the side and tried to pick up the phone without looking.
“Yeah?” He said, his voice husky from sleep.
“Did you pick up the dress before you went home?” Jin’s voice was heard from the other side of the telephone.
“Jin what the.. Yeah I did.. ”
“I need it.” Jin said, clearly a bit frustrated as well.
“What? Why? The shoot is tomorrow.”
“He just called.. He’s got inspiration.”
Ryo almost smiled. He could almost see Jin in front of his as he was saying that, rolling his eyes and shaking his head.
“So you really need it?”
“Ryopyon, you know I’m gonna get fired if he finds out I don’t have it.” Jin’s voice was more pleading now.
Ryo grunted and stayed silent for a while.
“Alright.. I’ll bring it. But I’m not gonna stay.”
Ryo rubbed his eyes when he entered the studio. It was definitely too light here. He was still feeling sleepy. He looked around to see Jin but he wasn’t there. Suddenly he met the eyes of someone he hadn’t expected and his breathing hitched for a second.
Matsumoto eyed him with a surprised look on his face. Clearly he hadn’t expected to see him here as well. He looked at the garment bag that concealed the dress, Ryo had brought.
“Is that the Vera Wang?” Matsumoto asked.
Ryo looked at the bag as well and nodded slowly.
“Why?” Matsumoto started.
“Jin asked me to pick it up for him yesterday before I went home.” Ryo stated quickly before Matsumoto could finish, looking at the ground. “I was planning to bring it tomorrow morning before the shoot.”
The photographer nodded. “So why do you bring it now?”
“Jin called. He told you me you had inspiration for the shoot.” Ryo looked up and blushed when their eyes met again. Matsumoto had such piercing eyes. As if he could look right through you. It was making him feel slightly uncomfortable. But still, they were also so beautiful.
“So you brought it here?” Matsumoto asked. Ryo could still feel those eyes on him.
“Yes, for Jin..” Silence. “Where is he?”
More silence, but then Matsumoto stood up suddenly and walked towards the shorter man. He took the garment bag out of Ryo’s hands and raised an eyebrow at him. “Picking up the model.”
“Oh..” Ryo mumbled. It was strange to be here alone with just Matsumoto. Normally there were a lot of people around them. There was no time at all to talk to him.. “Well then I should go.”
He was about to turn around when he felt a hand touching his shoulder. A jolt of electricity went through his body and a weird spinning sensation was swirling around in his lower stomach.
“Now that you are here, stay. I could use your help.” The taller man said.
“But..” Ryo mumbled. He was still tired as hell and tomorrow they would have a very busy day.
“It wasn’t really a question…” Matsumoto said.
Ryo yawned widely before shaking his head, trying to shake the sleep off him. He grumbled. He should´ve been sleeping right now, in his war comfy bed, instead of having to hold up the light towards the model. His arms and shoulders were getting quite sore as well since he had to hold up the lights above his head. Once again he cursed his shortness. He twirled his head slowly around, relaxing the sore muscles in his neck. Then he looked to his side. Matsumoto was taking a lot of pictures of the young model. Ryo smiled, Matsumoto-san was always looking so focused when he was taking pictures. He hadn’t seen anyone that focused before.
Suddenly the deep brown orbs of the man he just had been watching were looking at him.
“Could you pay more attention?” He said.
Ryo blushed. “Wh… What.”
The man nodded towards the model. Ryo looked at her as well and saw that the lights that he was directing weren’t actually shining on the model anymore but more or less lighting the ceiling.
“Aah..” Ryo grunted and pulled on the lights so that the lights were on the girl again. “I’m sorry.”
Matsumoto snorted and started taking pictures again.
“Dude I’m beat.” Jin said and hit his own cheeks. “That was one long night.”
Ryo nodded. “too long, if you ask me.” He said, as he sat down on the couch.
“Okay so let me give this to Matsumoto-san. Than we can get out of here and sleep.” Jin said, grinning.
Ryo nodded and watched Jin leaving the room.
Jin searched a while before he found Matsumoto. If the photographer hadn’t watched his photo’s he hadn’t even seen him. He was sitting in a dark room with only the lights of the LCD screen of his camera.
“Matsumoto-san.” Jin said, as he walked towards him. “Here are the papers you asked for.” He gave the papers to the older man and grinned. “Do I need to do anything more for you?”
Matsumoto shook his head. “No that was all. Thanks Jin.”
“No problem, so can I go?”
“Yeah have a good rest.”
“Great..” Jin smiled. “You too. Don’t work too long.” He said and waved before walking out of the door, completely forgetting Ryo, waiting for him.
Matsumoto stood up and walked back to the studio. He wanted to shop a few of these pictures before going home since he still felt the inspiration inside him. He turned on the lights and turned around, getting startled by the small figure on the couch.
“Fuck..” He mumbled.
The small man on the couch shifted a bit but continued to sleep. Matsumoto crouched down in front of him and looked at his employee’s face. The photographer smiled. The man had a gorgeous face. He raised his hand a moved a finger over his cheekbone. It was really handsome. If he hadn’t been so short he could have been a good model.
Ryo shifted again in his sleep and suddenly the photographer’s fingers weren’t touching his cheekbones but his lips.
Matsumoto’s heart skipped a beat and he pulled his hand away. He stood up abruptly and turned around, hiding the blush on his face for no-one, since no-one was there. Well someone was there but he didn’t count since he was sleeping.
Matsumoto walked to the closet and came back with a blanket. He placed the blanket softly on Ryo’s body, making sure that it was well covered, before he started working on the photographs.
Why was the sun always shining this early. Ryo moaned. He definitely didn’t want to wake up yet. He turned around and pulled his blanket tightly around him, hoping that sleep would once again come and take him but it didn’t.
Definitely awake now he pulled his blanket off his face. His eyes protesting against the light in the room. He looked at his ceiling only to find out that this was not the ceiling of his room. His ceiling wasn’t crème. His ceiling was white. He moved around on his bed and concluded that this wasn’t his bed either. He opened one eye, than the other.
“Holy fuck.” He got startled by the man sitting in the room as well.
“Are you awake?” He heard the man saying.
“Did I sleep here?” Ryo asked as he looked around the studio.
“Would I ask if you are awake if you hadn’t?” The snarky reply came.
“Would I be talking if I was still asleep?” Ryo grinned, he could be snarky too.
“Actually yes.” The man said as he turned around. His brown eyes met Ryo’s and Ryo couldn’t help but look away again, feeling quite embarrassed.
“You talk in your sleep, which was quite distracting me..”
Ryo grunted and sat up quickly. He pulled the blanket tightly around him, realizing suddenly that this blanket wasn’t there yet last night.
“Did you.. ?” He asked and pulled at the blanket to show what he meant.
Matsumoto just raised one eyebrow and turned around again to continue his work.
Ryo coughed. He wasn’t good at small talk and he knew Matsumoto wasn’t good at it as well. He might even get fired if he started something. He stood up quickly and watched the computer screen over Matsumoto’s shoulder. He gasped deeply.
“Wow.. Did you do all that last night.” He asked in awe.
The other man just nodded, which was even more reaction than Ryo thought he would give.
“It’s beautiful…” Ryo said. The colors of the picture were really soft, matching the softness of the model’s smile brilliantly.
“Of course it is.” Matsumoto said, arrogantly, making Ryo grunt.
“Did you sleep at all, this night?” Ryo dared to ask but the man didn’t answer. Guessing that was a confirmation that he hadn´t slept, Ryo sighed.
“Let me get some breakfast for you. After that you should get some rest.” He took his coat and headed towards a nearest shop where he could get some food.
Arriving back at the studio the photographer had already fallen asleep. Ryo chuckled and watched the face of the older man.
“Totally looking like an angel now..” Ryo whispered and pushed a strand of hair back. Ryo blushed. The older man was gorgeous.
“You should be like this more often.”
He placed the breakfast box on the table near the couch. He took the blanket that Matsumoto gotten for him and wrapped it around the other man. Then he wrote a little paper with the words: ‘get some more sleep after eating’, before walking back home.
***
“Good morning Ryo.” One of his colleagues greeted him and Ryo greeted back. It was another day of work at the studio. He really started to enjoy his work here. Not that the things he had to do were great but the people who worked here, were all really kind and he had made some good friends.
“Hey Shortlegs.” Someone said behind him, ruffling his hair.
“Fuck yourself, Jin.”
“How did you know?” Jin said, chuckling.
“Only you can be such an idiot, calling me that. Have you never heard of Chibiwrath?” Ryo pulled Jin’s head in a headlock and ruffled his hair like an idiot.
“Oi!! Let me go.” Jin called out. “Not the hair!!”
After a few seconds Ryo finally let him go.
“Geez.. You are really strong for such a shorty.” Jin said while combing his hair with his fingers.
“Remember that.” Ryo said, but his attention was caught by a man entering the studio. The look on his face didn’t look all too promising.
“Shit he’s having a bad day.” Ryo said and hurried towards the man to take his coat.
“Let’s work.” Matsumoto said after he threw his coat towards Ryo.
Everyone was silent on the work floor. They were all scared to unleash the photographer’s anger. And of course it had to be Ryo’s unlucky day. He grabbed the bottles of perfume that Matsumoto needed to make pictures of and walked towards the table where it needed to be. He didn’t see his colleague pulling the light cable though, which he was just passing. His foot gotten stuck behind the cable and he fell face down to the ground.
After the loud bang and the breaking of the glass it was totally quiet, Except for the small moan from Ryo. He pulled himself up on his knees and winced. Fuck that had hurt.
“Ryo..” Jin was suddenly next to him and whispered his name. “Are you okay?” Ryo was still rubbing his knees when he looked up. It was still very silent and everyone was looking at him and the photographer, whose face was saying enough.
The older man walked towards him and picked up a piece of glass, looking at it with his fierce eyes. He then looked at Ryo. Ryo winced, this time not because of the pain but because of Matsumoto’s look in his eyes.
“You are a fucking nitwit.” Matsumoto said in a low and cold voice. “You don’t deserve to be in this world and especially not in my studio. Fuck off.”
Well that was it. Ryo’s shoulders hung low. He was going to lose his job. He had been saved a few times before but he had never seen Matsumoto this angry. Suddenly something started boil inside his stomach. Why was he always the only one to get yelled at? That wasn’t really fair. Even though he made a few mistakes, he was doing a good job, didn’t he? So what he let this bottle fall? That could happen to anyone right? It wasn’t a good reason to verbally abuse him like that! Matsumoto should be reasoning for once like a sane person! Ryo grinned. Matsumoto was suddenly looking like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
He made fists of his hands and breathed in deeply. Well, if he was going to lose his job, he should at least tell the asshole what he thought of him.
“Fuck you! Not deserving to be in this world? The only one who doesn’t deserve to be here is you. The way you treat everyone like they don’t exists. You are always saying we’re screwing up even though we’re actually doing a great job. I always get that stupid coffee for you even though you could fucking drink the coffee here as well, like we all do around here.” Ryo pointed at all of his coworkers. “So what I dropped this one bottle? You ordered at least 20 of them, which, by the way, I picked up at the shop. You should’ve asked if I was okay instead of fucking me over. I fucking remember a time that you dropped a bottle of that exclusive wine of yours over your camera. Which was the reason that we had to do everything again and work in the middle of the fucking night. So Fuck you! Go to hell!” Ryo stopped his speech. It was dead silent around him. Everyone was waiting for another blow of Matsumoto.
“Get out..” Was the only thing the older man said.
“Is that the only thing you can say.” Ryo chuckled. “Alright then. I’m going. I don’t even want to be here. So long, farewell.” Ryo walked to the couch and grabbed his jacket.
“Not you.” The photographer said through his teeth. “All of you..” He said and looked at the other workers.
The people in the studio looked at each other, not really sure what to do.
“Get the fuck out of here.” Matsumoto yelled.
“Okay let’s get out..” Jin said nervously and was the first one to walk towards the door.
Ryo looked at his friend pleadingly. “Don’t fucking leave me here. He’s gonna kill me.”
“Sorry! I still want to live. Use your chibiwrath.” Jin said and fled out of the room, the others following him.
It was completely silent when his coworkers had left. He looked cockily at Matsumoto, acting like he wasn’t scared at all, even though he was actually fearing the worst.
“So?” He said , not diverting his glance, but the photographer didn’t say anything.
“Are you gonna say something? Or did the cat got your tongue?” He continued his speech. “You know you are really pissi…” Suddenly his was interrupted in the middle of the sentence by two large but sexy hands wrapping around his body and two hot lips kissing his, passionately and fiercely. Ryo didn’t know what was happening at first. The kiss was one damn hot kiss and he felt totally lost into the kiss until he came to his senses and remembered this was fucking Matsumoto Jun kissing him.
He pulled the other guy away with all his power and hit the other’s cheek immediately.
“Fuck you.” He yelled.
Matsumoto just looked at him with those brown beautiful orbs and it was almost too much for Ryo. He didn’t know if he had enough perseverance to stop him once more.
The photographer took a step forward and came dangerously close. Ryo took a step back but wasn’t quick enough. The two hands were holding his shoulders again and pulled him closer into a kiss. This kiss was less hot than the other. A bit more… sweet? Even though sweet didn’t seem to fit Matsumoto at all. Once more Ryo found himself lost in the kiss but came to his senses once more and pushed the other man away.
He glared at the other man, picked up his jacket again and stormed out of the building.
He didn’t stop running when he heard Jin calling his name, but just continued. He didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. He might give away what just happened. It was only outside that he could be true to his real feelings. He pressed a finger to his swollen lips and let himself fall down against the wall. His hands were shaking and his heartbeat was so fast that he thought he might pass out anytime soon. He didn’t want to admit it. But that was the most fucking brilliant kiss he had ever had.
***
Ryo looked up at the sign above the studio and bit his lips. Once more the courage to return to the studio to beg for his job had fled away as soon as he saw a glimpse of the studio. It wasn’t only fear though, it was his pride to. Somehow his pride didn’t let him even try to go inside. He had yelled at his boss , yes, but he wasn’t the one at fault and he shouldn’t be apologizing. But hell, the pay had been good and it was way too difficult to find a new job. He sighed deeply and turned around.
***
Matsumoto stepped inside his car. It was already dark outside. He rubbed his shoulders, it had been a long day. He looked at his driver and told him to go home. He sighed deeply. Today he hadn’t come as well.
“Are you alright, sir?” His driver asked as he looked at him through the mirror.
“Yes, Ohno-san.” He just answered.
They had to stop in front of a red light. Matsumoto slid a hand through his hair and looked outside of his window. A short man passed his window, walking over the pedestrian street. He suddenly sat upright when he noticed it was the guy he had wanted to see all day. His hand moved to the door handle but his pride got in the way.
Nishikido had made it quite clear that he didn’t want to see him anymore. Otherwise he would’ve come right?
The car started driving again, the light had turned to green. He was somehow glad that his driver had made the choice instead of. Even though he didn’t know the two options at all.
That’s right. He should just go home. Forget the little minion.
***
For a second he thought he saw Matsumoto’s car passing him but he shook that thought off. Matsumoto was probably still working. He had a very busy schedule these days. He had seen it before he quit.
Ryo went left into a dark alleyway, a shortcut to his house. Normally he would only take this route back home if it was light but he really knew the way so what could happen. In the middle of the road he was blocked by one guy though. He could hardly see his face since it was so dark.
“What do we have here.” The man said.
Ryo didn’t say anything but bit his lips and moved forward. He just had to ignore the man and go on.
A hand on his arm stopped him from moving though.
“Now, now, you’re not leaving that fast are you?” The unknown man laughed. “You just came.”
Ryo pulled his arm loose and started to walk again, this time a little faster.
But again he was pulled.
“I said stay.” The man said and pushed him against the wall. “Short and fiery. I like that.” He placed his hand on Ryo’s cheek and chuckled.
Ryo’s heartbeat fastened. This wasn’t good. He had to get out of here. He pushed the guy with all his might and started to run immediately when he felt he was free.
“Fucker.” He heard and someone was following him.
“Just run, Ryo.” He yelled inwardly.
But the other guy was taller and thus faster. He shoved Ryo and the shorter man fell to the ground. The taller man lay over him, immediately pulling on Ryo’s belt so it would open.
“Let me go! Get off of me!” Ryo yelled loudly.
“Shut up, bitch.” The unknown man said and hit him in the face with his fist.
Ryo moaned at the pain, tears started to form in his eyes. This was not good at all. At this rate he was going to get raped. He started to turn and tried to wiggle him free. Hitting the man, scratching the man but he was a lot stronger than he was and soon Ryo could not move at all.
“Let me go!” He yelled was more. “Let me go..”
He could feel his jeans pulled off, a hand touching his leg, moving up to his private member.
His yelling started to fade until you could only hear them as pleading whispers.
The hand moved over his member towards the hem of his boxers. The rapist started pulling his boxers of slowly.
Before he could pull them off Ryo could hear the sound of something hitting something. A loud moan of pain and then nothing. The weight of the man was gone too but when he opened his eyes he could see still a dark figure hovering over him. He gasped for air when once more a hand touched his cheek but this time it was different, softer, kinder.
“Ryo…?” Someone whispered his name.
“M.. Matsumoto-san?” He whispered.
The other man let out his breath. “Oh thank God.” He whispered and pulled the man up in his arms. “I’m so sorry... Are you okay?”
Without thinking Ryo wrapped his arms around the older man. Happy that he could hear the, he’d never thought he would use that word for him, kind voice of Matsumoto. “Thank you so much..” He mumbled. He was too scared to think what would’ve happened of Matsumoto hadn’t been there.
“Let’s go away first. Before the man wakes up.” Matsumoto said and stood up quickly. “can you stand?” He took Ryo’s hand and pulled him up.
Ryo’s legs were still feeling rather shaky because of the fear he had felt. He tried to take a step but almost fell down again.
Two firm hands held him tightly and pulled him up quickly.
“M.. Matsumoto-san!” Ryo yelped when he was lifted that easily.
“It’s okay.” Matsumoto only said.
It didn’t take them long before the gotten to the car.
“Are you okay Matsumoto-san?” The driver asked worriedly when he saw his boss.
“I am but he’s not. Let’s go home quickly.”
Ryo felt really safe when he sat in the car. The warmth was tiring him and the arms around him were so soothing. It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep.
***
It was only the next morning that he woke up. Ryo thought of all the things that had happened as he looked up at the ceiling. He felt so grateful that Matsumoto was there to rescue him. He didn’t want to imagine what would’ve happened if he wasn’t there. He sat up and looked around the room. This must be Matsumoto’s room, Ryo guessed. The room was pretty big and stylish. His bed was large and stood in the middle of his room against the soft green wall. There weren’t a lot of furniture in the room except for the wooden closet and a dark green chair. On the other side was a large portrait of a woman. She was a bit older. Late 30’s or 40’s she must have been. The portrait was really beautiful and he just knew it had to be of Matsumoto’s hand. He walked further to be able to see it better. The woman in the portrait was really beautiful but there was something familiar about her.
“It’s my mother.” A voice behind him said.
Ryo turned around quickly and saw Matsumoto in the doorway, leaning against the doorpost. He wasn’t looking at him but at the portrait. A look full of love but also sadness and anger.
“She’s beautiful.” Ryo whispered.
Matsumoto snorted.
“Do you see her a lot?”
“No..” A short answer, stiff like he always was.
“Why?”
“She’s dead.”
“I’m.. I’m sorry..” Ryo said after a long silence. “I didn’t know.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Matsumoto said as he was still looking at the photograph. “In the end, everyone always leaves.”
He walked forwardly and placed his head near the picture his hand touching the glass of the frame.
Ryo looked at the other man intently. He wondered why he hadn’t seen it before. He wondered why he could only see it now. Even though he hadn’t said much, he could finally understand now, that he was intensely and tremendously lonely.
Without thinking Ryo walked towards the older man and hugged him, placing his head against his back.
Matsumoto turned around and held him tightly.
They stood like that for a few seconds until Matsumoto talked.
“How are you?”
Ryo nodded. “I am fine. I’m okay.”
“Really?” Matsumoto pulled back and looked at him. “Are you really okay?”
Ryo nodded. “Yes…. I really wanted to tha…” Ryo’s stomach interrupted him.
Matsumoto smiled and Ryo froze at his smile for a few second. He was really gorgeous when he smiled.
“You must be hungry. I’ve got breakfast ready in the kitchen.” Matsumoto said and held his hand to pull him with him to the kitchen.
Ryo gasped when he saw all the kinds of food on the table.
“I can’t believe you made all of this.” Ryo said and sat down quickly as he looked hungrily at all the western food.
“I must admit, I had a bit of help.” Matsumoto said and but some butter on a croissant before he gave it to his guest.
Ryo bit in the croissant happily and ate it. “It’s really good..”
Matsumoto smiled and poured some orange juice in Ryo’s glass. “Well then eat up..”
Ryo looked at his lifesaver. “Aren’t you eating?”
“I already ate.” Matsumoto smiled.
Ryo happily ate from all the delicious things on the table till he was completely stuffed.
“I’m so full. I think I’m going to explode.”
Matsumoto chuckled. “Ohno-san.” He suddenly said.
A man walked inside. “Yes sir?”
“First, I think you get our guest’s compliments…”
Ryo chuckled. “Did you make the food? It’s really delicious.”
The man smiled happily. “Thank you sir, I’m glad you like it.” Then he looked at his boss again. “Anything else, sir?”
“Yes. I want you to get the car ready and bring Nishikido-san back home. I don’t have any clothes for him here that would fit him.”
“Yes sir. I will get the car ready immediately.” A small bow and the man left the room.
The shorter man looked at the older man a bit dazed. “But I…” He wanted to say that he didn’t want to go yet but didn’t dare to. Matsumoto was a busy man and he had already taken to much from his generosity.
The older man stood up and walked towards the younger. He placed a hand on his shoulder.
“If you ask Ohno-san to wait for you while you change your clothes, he will bring you wherever you want to go.”
Ryo smiled and looked at the photographer. “Where are my shoes.”
“In the bedroom, under the bed.” Matsumoto said and smiled as well.
Ryo walked towards the bedroom and touched his chest during the walk. His heartbeat was really going fast. That had definitely been a hint right? That Matsumoto wants him to come back as well. He kneeled down and looked under the bed. He saw his shoes and pulled them towards him.
There was also a black box standing under the bed. A wave of curiosity hit him. What would be in it? He pulled the black box towards him. Ryo chuckled. Could it be his secret stack of porn?
He lifted the lid of the box and opened it. He gasped when he looked inside. There were a lot of pictures lying inside the box and they were all of them. He picked out one of the photos. It was as if he was looking at someone else instead of at himself. He was looking so beautiful on all of the pictures. The picture he was holding was made from his side. He was leaning against a wall. His head tilted to the back and his eyes closed. Another picture where he was sitting with his back towards the camera, he looked over his shoulder directly in the camera. He hadn’t even known Matsumoto had made a picture back then. A picture of him smiling brightly. A picture of him together with Jin. One of him sleeping on the couch. There were a lot of them in each of them he looked beautiful even though he hated to say that about himself.
“Do you have your shoes on? The car is ready.” Matsumoto said as he entered the room and looked at the man with a lot of photos scattered around him. Matsumoto looked shocked.
“I.. I.. How did you…”
“I found them when I looked for my shoes.” Ryo said as he looked up at the taller man. “There are so many.. when did you make all of these?”
“I don’t know…” Matsumoto said. “Somehow at the end of the day, there always would be few pictures of you at my camera.”
Ryo looked at the taller man. “I don’t know whether I should be flattered or scared.” He stood up quickly. “Well at least there are well kept in a box and not hanging all over the walls of a secret room of an coldhearted killer, like in those scary movies where the girl on the pictures gets killed.” Ryo said dryly.
“so you’re not mad?” Matsumoto asked.
“No why should I be?” The short man raised his shoulders.
“If someone would have made pictures of me, I would be creeped out.” The photographer said.
Ryo smiled. “But these aren’t just pictures.” He explained. “These are very ,very, very beautiful pictures. Made by a very, very, very..” He walked towards the older man. “handsome photographer. And if I judge those pictures..” He looked up at the other man hopefully. “He just got to have the same feelings as the model. Which is making it quite alright.”
Matsumoto’s eyebrow raised as he said that. His heart skipped a beat and a smile formed on his lips. He pushed a strand of hair back behind Ryo’s ear and cupped his cheek carefully. He bowed down and captivated his lips in a soft kiss. Totally different from their first kiss. This time it was shy and hesitant. Ryo pushed back into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Matsumoto’s body as to assure him that this was quite alright. The kiss turned a bit more heated and intense when the photographer asked for permission to enter as he licked the other’s lips. Ryo moaned softly into the kiss. They parted when both of them needed air. They looked at each other and smiled.
“Guess I’m not leaving here after all.”
***
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