Chasing Butterflies, Chapter 18/?, RukixNi~ya, AoixRuki
Title: Chasing butterflies
Author: yukigafuru
Rating: PG-17
Chapter: 18/?
Pairings: Aoi/Reita, RukixNi~ya
Bands: Gazette
Warnings: non-graphic underage consensual sex
Genre: angst, romance
Summary: Life is short. You try to catch it and it slips through your fingers. Life is also beautiful. It astounds you at every step. And it only takes one minute, one encounter to change it forever.
Chapter 18
The decision to skip school for one more week had been spur of the moment. Aside from debauching the bed continuously, Aoi and Reita also took advantage and took a stroll around Tokyo and Kamakura, enjoyed the crisp feel of a winter without its frostiness. They also visited their parents, spent times with their friends. There were days when they just sat in bed, barely bothering to get up to perform basic functions, while others they would invite Uruha and Ruki and their sisters -lately, those two had been joined at a hip and dubiously attached to Ruki too- to play playstation and watch movies all day long. Every day was perfect in its own way and their friends and family noticed their happiness and contentment.
One day, their mothers had regaled them with dinner while their fathers lounged around and delighted them with conversation. Conversation that would invariably turn embarrassing the moment their moms decided to leave the kitchen and join them in front of the TV.
After dinner, when everyone's belly was more than filled and they had heard enough childhood stories to last them a life time (being guys, they weren't particularly awed by the baby stories anyway, but they could stand anything for the chefs of the group) they started talking randomly about other things too. After cleaning everything and just before leaving, Reita's mother remarked:
“I almost didn't recognize you, Rei.” She said and in an uncharacteristic gesture of affection kissed both Reita's and Aoi's cheeks. “You look healthier than even before all this. And much happier. Actually, I don't think I've ever seen you look this happy.”
“My boy too.” Aoi's mother stepped in. “Maybe except when he was a baby...” Reita and Aoi both groaned.
“No, but I mean that.” Reita's mother wanted to emphasize. She turned to Aoi, took his hands in hers and looked straight into his eyes while saying: “Thank you for being a stubborn mule in love with my boy, for not backing out, especially when we first came down on you. Me and Reita's dad, our parents arranged our marriage and even though we love each other now, I can still be a bit envious of what you two have.”
“Thank you, mom.” Aoi honestly answered. “Truth is, there was no choice for me.”
“Me neither.” Reita supported his husband and embraced him from the side, his arm winding around Aoi's waist. “I'm just glad you didn't make us elope.” He joked and like that, the serious atmosphere was gently put away and everyone went (or stayed) to their homes (beds) happy.
Some days, they talked more than ever. Silences and lengthy conversations, both came natural and whichever the case, they could always count on the other to understand. Staying by someone's side through an ordeal naturally forged the strongest of ties.
On one such occasion, they were lying blissfully boneless in bed, wrapped up in each other under the covers, exchanging loving kisses while talking passionately about their future.
“I'm not sure whether I want to go back to school.” Reita all of a sudden announced. They had talked about going back, trying to lead as normal a life as possible. No one could appreciate how good normal could be but for those who had tasted something else.
“Why? Is there something you're not telling me? Are you tired, do you feel bad?” Aoi panicked slightly. He couldn't think of any other reason for Reita`s sudden declaration.
“No, of course not. Can't you feel my heart beat? It's perfectly tranquil. I haven't felt sick since the day you asked me to marry you.” Reita joined his reassuring words with a petal-soft kiss which instantly calmed Aoi.
Aoi tightened his arms around his husband. His husband- he'd never get tired of thinking of Reita like that. “Then?”
“I've just missed so much already. Shouldn't I repeat the year anyway? What would I do, just go to class and sleep during it? Don't get me wrong, if it means being with you, I'd be happy with that, but... Actually, haven't you lost a lot too? You were by my side for so much time... I can't believe I haven't asked before.”
“You had more than plenty of your mind. Besides, I didn't miss anything that a few nights of overtime won't fix. You know I only need to focus on biology and chemistry and well, I have a photographic memory, so it's easy for me to remember those, for they have a lot of figures and diagrams. So yeah, no need to worry about me... But returning to the topic; what will you do? Somehow, I don't think you staying at home alone is a good idea.” Aoi said and Reita shot him a murderous gaze. He would have gotten mad if not for being too relaxed to bother; and he loved the bastard - he internally monologued.
“Just for the record, I resent that implication. Actually, I was thinking I'd take a night course in marketing and management. Maybe even learn some English.”
“Are you sure you're up to that?” Reita gently slapped him, not to hurt but just to make a point.
“You really underestimate me.”
“It's just that you overdid yourself in London.”
“I know. I won't make that same mistake again, I promise.” He took Aoi's palm in his and started to gently rub small circles, trying to distract his husband from an unpleasant memory. “Plus, it really is just two-three classes a week. I'd promise to be extra careful. I don't think attendance is even an issue actually... But I must admit I haven't done any research on the subject yet. I also haven't discussed it with my doctor. I wouldn't be foolish to start anything as serious without asking for his opinion.”
“I`m glad to hear that but, at the risk of insisting... Once you do and you decide this is what you want to pursue, then I won't hold you back. But I just want you to promise me to be careful.”Aoi pecked his lips lovingly. He was more scared than he let show, but he couldn't bring that worry down on both their shoulders. And he knew how much Reita loved his independence. He would only harm his love if he insisted in getting his way.
“I do.” Reita kissed him back and for a few moments, their breaths and the sounds of kissing were the only things heard in the room.
“I think they're going to ask you for medical files though...”
“Yeah. I don't think cancer counts as a problem. Since it's not contagious...”
“Mhm...” Aoi's fingers were running circles on Reita's thigh, and since they were both teenagers, things were becoming much less serious - as in life-influencing decision-making serious- by the second.
…............
Ruki spent that week either at school, doing school-work or in the company of his friends. Going to Aoi and Reita's place was fun, but it was also quite lonely. He discovered he missed Ni~ya and the brief intimacy they'd shared, his comforting presence. It had been hard even before, when he had imagined that he would never find that special someone, but after finding him in Ni~ya -and hadn't that been a doosy for he had not once imagined his first love to be a man- it was even worse. Therefore, he grit his teeth and tried very hard not to be envious of what his friends had.
Sachiko and Chieko turned out to be central in making him forget about Ni~ya from time to time. Sachiko was herself seriously considering going back to school in Tokyo and Chieko was just in the process of husband-hunting, which meant ample opportunities for goukons. Ruki would be assigned with tagging along and rescuing them from all the toads. Not surprisingly, princes were few. And since they were adults with full drinking privileges, the girls'd bent the rules and laws and invite him to a select few places they knew where even Ruki was allowed a beer or two. Ruki never surpassed his limit and they always had fun.
They also explored their love for design, passion they had discovered they all shared at Reita and Aoi's wedding.
“How about actually going abroad to study design?” Sachiko said. They didn't know anything about Ni~ya but to Ruki, the question sounded a bit too close to home.
“I've been thinking about that actually. London, more specifically. It's just that, well... I haven't exactly applied myself in my studies up till now and I doubt that my parents would pay for it.”
“Not too big on design as a career option, huh?” Chieko noted.
“To say the least.”
“But you know, most design schools in London admit students based on a portfolio. If you're really talented and you have a good portfolio, you could get that scholarship. Even without a great grade average.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah, I have a few friends there. I could ask them more in depth if you'd like. If they agree, you could also write them yourself.” Sachiko seemed intended to send him to London.
“Aren't you going back?” Ruki asked in turn.
“I'm not so sure. I can always go back but Reita...” Sachiko's tone was sad.
“He'll definitely be here.” Chieko sounded positive. “And besides, he has Aoi. He'd want you to go, you know?”
“Yeah, I thought about that. I don't know when my little brother that I used to bully into covering for me with our parents has become a man more than worthy of my admiration and respect. I guess that after all, me staying here is some form of having my little brother back. Does that sounds as bad as I think it sounds?” She had had a few and was already red in the cheeks, with glossy eyes and a very loose tongue.
“Don't worry. Nothing leaves this room...”Ruki said then looked around and corrected. “Well, table... In a bar.” Even though the statement wasn't particularly funny, such was their state they all started laughing. At that point, two guys approached the table, asking the girls whether they had a drink. They seemed undecided and they had already had a few too many so Ruki stepped in and put his foot down. “They're with me. Mind your own business.”
Considering the part of town they were in wasn't exactly the best, the two yankees, didn't retreat. Instead, they found a new bone to fight over in Ruki.
“As if a scruffy thing like you could get two girls like them.” One of them off-handily mocked Ruki. That was a bad decision on his part because Ruki may not have been a big guy but he was reasonably feisty. And, he had faced a Chinese mobster with a knife at his throat. Few things tended to scare him anymore.
He slowly got up, action which he did it as elegantly and smoothly as usual. His one beer had not resulted in robbing him one bit of his control. His gaze, unflinching, stared them down, and in that moment, the air in between got tense. The two men looking for a fight must have sensed something, or read something in that cold, hard gaze, for with another scathing remark they made their retreat, tails between their legs.
“Wow, Ruki!” Chieko exclaimed then applauded and Sachiko joined her. “That was awesome. I've known you for a years but I never thought you had it in you. When we invited you to act as a shield for us, we didn't mean it literally, you know?”
“So you doubt my prowess?”
“Not as such...” Chieko giggled. “Although you must admit you're not the manliest specimen out there.”
“I'll show you manly.” He said, rolled his sleeves up and proceeded in flexing his arms. His meager muscles only made the girls laugh, as the antics were intended.
“It must have been your breath.” The jokes continued and Ruki gracefully joined in the laughter at his expense.
A quarter hour later, they finally decided to call it a night.
Apart from the girls, Ruki also chose to distract himself with schoolwork. Having helped out Reita and Aoi more than once, he had a few classes to review and since he was seriously considering study abroad, he thought he might just as well start putting together a portfolio. All while waiting for a sign from Ni~ya, a sign that would come a few weeks later quite unexpectedly...
A/N: I've been traveling, which has me coming back to the hotel beat every day and not in any condition to post or write. Still, due to all the bunny cookies and treats, I somehow managed to get this out. Hopefully, the merengues will keep on coming and get me to write the next part too. My bunnies are quiet imploring at the moment. Thank you to all the lovely r&r-ers. You know who you are. You are always an inspiration.
Author: yukigafuru
Rating: PG-17
Chapter: 18/?
Pairings: Aoi/Reita, RukixNi~ya
Bands: Gazette
Warnings: non-graphic underage consensual sex
Genre: angst, romance
Summary: Life is short. You try to catch it and it slips through your fingers. Life is also beautiful. It astounds you at every step. And it only takes one minute, one encounter to change it forever.
Chapter 18
The decision to skip school for one more week had been spur of the moment. Aside from debauching the bed continuously, Aoi and Reita also took advantage and took a stroll around Tokyo and Kamakura, enjoyed the crisp feel of a winter without its frostiness. They also visited their parents, spent times with their friends. There were days when they just sat in bed, barely bothering to get up to perform basic functions, while others they would invite Uruha and Ruki and their sisters -lately, those two had been joined at a hip and dubiously attached to Ruki too- to play playstation and watch movies all day long. Every day was perfect in its own way and their friends and family noticed their happiness and contentment.
One day, their mothers had regaled them with dinner while their fathers lounged around and delighted them with conversation. Conversation that would invariably turn embarrassing the moment their moms decided to leave the kitchen and join them in front of the TV.
After dinner, when everyone's belly was more than filled and they had heard enough childhood stories to last them a life time (being guys, they weren't particularly awed by the baby stories anyway, but they could stand anything for the chefs of the group) they started talking randomly about other things too. After cleaning everything and just before leaving, Reita's mother remarked:
“I almost didn't recognize you, Rei.” She said and in an uncharacteristic gesture of affection kissed both Reita's and Aoi's cheeks. “You look healthier than even before all this. And much happier. Actually, I don't think I've ever seen you look this happy.”
“My boy too.” Aoi's mother stepped in. “Maybe except when he was a baby...” Reita and Aoi both groaned.
“No, but I mean that.” Reita's mother wanted to emphasize. She turned to Aoi, took his hands in hers and looked straight into his eyes while saying: “Thank you for being a stubborn mule in love with my boy, for not backing out, especially when we first came down on you. Me and Reita's dad, our parents arranged our marriage and even though we love each other now, I can still be a bit envious of what you two have.”
“Thank you, mom.” Aoi honestly answered. “Truth is, there was no choice for me.”
“Me neither.” Reita supported his husband and embraced him from the side, his arm winding around Aoi's waist. “I'm just glad you didn't make us elope.” He joked and like that, the serious atmosphere was gently put away and everyone went (or stayed) to their homes (beds) happy.
Some days, they talked more than ever. Silences and lengthy conversations, both came natural and whichever the case, they could always count on the other to understand. Staying by someone's side through an ordeal naturally forged the strongest of ties.
On one such occasion, they were lying blissfully boneless in bed, wrapped up in each other under the covers, exchanging loving kisses while talking passionately about their future.
“I'm not sure whether I want to go back to school.” Reita all of a sudden announced. They had talked about going back, trying to lead as normal a life as possible. No one could appreciate how good normal could be but for those who had tasted something else.
“Why? Is there something you're not telling me? Are you tired, do you feel bad?” Aoi panicked slightly. He couldn't think of any other reason for Reita`s sudden declaration.
“No, of course not. Can't you feel my heart beat? It's perfectly tranquil. I haven't felt sick since the day you asked me to marry you.” Reita joined his reassuring words with a petal-soft kiss which instantly calmed Aoi.
Aoi tightened his arms around his husband. His husband- he'd never get tired of thinking of Reita like that. “Then?”
“I've just missed so much already. Shouldn't I repeat the year anyway? What would I do, just go to class and sleep during it? Don't get me wrong, if it means being with you, I'd be happy with that, but... Actually, haven't you lost a lot too? You were by my side for so much time... I can't believe I haven't asked before.”
“You had more than plenty of your mind. Besides, I didn't miss anything that a few nights of overtime won't fix. You know I only need to focus on biology and chemistry and well, I have a photographic memory, so it's easy for me to remember those, for they have a lot of figures and diagrams. So yeah, no need to worry about me... But returning to the topic; what will you do? Somehow, I don't think you staying at home alone is a good idea.” Aoi said and Reita shot him a murderous gaze. He would have gotten mad if not for being too relaxed to bother; and he loved the bastard - he internally monologued.
“Just for the record, I resent that implication. Actually, I was thinking I'd take a night course in marketing and management. Maybe even learn some English.”
“Are you sure you're up to that?” Reita gently slapped him, not to hurt but just to make a point.
“You really underestimate me.”
“It's just that you overdid yourself in London.”
“I know. I won't make that same mistake again, I promise.” He took Aoi's palm in his and started to gently rub small circles, trying to distract his husband from an unpleasant memory. “Plus, it really is just two-three classes a week. I'd promise to be extra careful. I don't think attendance is even an issue actually... But I must admit I haven't done any research on the subject yet. I also haven't discussed it with my doctor. I wouldn't be foolish to start anything as serious without asking for his opinion.”
“I`m glad to hear that but, at the risk of insisting... Once you do and you decide this is what you want to pursue, then I won't hold you back. But I just want you to promise me to be careful.”Aoi pecked his lips lovingly. He was more scared than he let show, but he couldn't bring that worry down on both their shoulders. And he knew how much Reita loved his independence. He would only harm his love if he insisted in getting his way.
“I do.” Reita kissed him back and for a few moments, their breaths and the sounds of kissing were the only things heard in the room.
“I think they're going to ask you for medical files though...”
“Yeah. I don't think cancer counts as a problem. Since it's not contagious...”
“Mhm...” Aoi's fingers were running circles on Reita's thigh, and since they were both teenagers, things were becoming much less serious - as in life-influencing decision-making serious- by the second.
…............
Ruki spent that week either at school, doing school-work or in the company of his friends. Going to Aoi and Reita's place was fun, but it was also quite lonely. He discovered he missed Ni~ya and the brief intimacy they'd shared, his comforting presence. It had been hard even before, when he had imagined that he would never find that special someone, but after finding him in Ni~ya -and hadn't that been a doosy for he had not once imagined his first love to be a man- it was even worse. Therefore, he grit his teeth and tried very hard not to be envious of what his friends had.
Sachiko and Chieko turned out to be central in making him forget about Ni~ya from time to time. Sachiko was herself seriously considering going back to school in Tokyo and Chieko was just in the process of husband-hunting, which meant ample opportunities for goukons. Ruki would be assigned with tagging along and rescuing them from all the toads. Not surprisingly, princes were few. And since they were adults with full drinking privileges, the girls'd bent the rules and laws and invite him to a select few places they knew where even Ruki was allowed a beer or two. Ruki never surpassed his limit and they always had fun.
They also explored their love for design, passion they had discovered they all shared at Reita and Aoi's wedding.
“How about actually going abroad to study design?” Sachiko said. They didn't know anything about Ni~ya but to Ruki, the question sounded a bit too close to home.
“I've been thinking about that actually. London, more specifically. It's just that, well... I haven't exactly applied myself in my studies up till now and I doubt that my parents would pay for it.”
“Not too big on design as a career option, huh?” Chieko noted.
“To say the least.”
“But you know, most design schools in London admit students based on a portfolio. If you're really talented and you have a good portfolio, you could get that scholarship. Even without a great grade average.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah, I have a few friends there. I could ask them more in depth if you'd like. If they agree, you could also write them yourself.” Sachiko seemed intended to send him to London.
“Aren't you going back?” Ruki asked in turn.
“I'm not so sure. I can always go back but Reita...” Sachiko's tone was sad.
“He'll definitely be here.” Chieko sounded positive. “And besides, he has Aoi. He'd want you to go, you know?”
“Yeah, I thought about that. I don't know when my little brother that I used to bully into covering for me with our parents has become a man more than worthy of my admiration and respect. I guess that after all, me staying here is some form of having my little brother back. Does that sounds as bad as I think it sounds?” She had had a few and was already red in the cheeks, with glossy eyes and a very loose tongue.
“Don't worry. Nothing leaves this room...”Ruki said then looked around and corrected. “Well, table... In a bar.” Even though the statement wasn't particularly funny, such was their state they all started laughing. At that point, two guys approached the table, asking the girls whether they had a drink. They seemed undecided and they had already had a few too many so Ruki stepped in and put his foot down. “They're with me. Mind your own business.”
Considering the part of town they were in wasn't exactly the best, the two yankees, didn't retreat. Instead, they found a new bone to fight over in Ruki.
“As if a scruffy thing like you could get two girls like them.” One of them off-handily mocked Ruki. That was a bad decision on his part because Ruki may not have been a big guy but he was reasonably feisty. And, he had faced a Chinese mobster with a knife at his throat. Few things tended to scare him anymore.
He slowly got up, action which he did it as elegantly and smoothly as usual. His one beer had not resulted in robbing him one bit of his control. His gaze, unflinching, stared them down, and in that moment, the air in between got tense. The two men looking for a fight must have sensed something, or read something in that cold, hard gaze, for with another scathing remark they made their retreat, tails between their legs.
“Wow, Ruki!” Chieko exclaimed then applauded and Sachiko joined her. “That was awesome. I've known you for a years but I never thought you had it in you. When we invited you to act as a shield for us, we didn't mean it literally, you know?”
“So you doubt my prowess?”
“Not as such...” Chieko giggled. “Although you must admit you're not the manliest specimen out there.”
“I'll show you manly.” He said, rolled his sleeves up and proceeded in flexing his arms. His meager muscles only made the girls laugh, as the antics were intended.
“It must have been your breath.” The jokes continued and Ruki gracefully joined in the laughter at his expense.
A quarter hour later, they finally decided to call it a night.
Apart from the girls, Ruki also chose to distract himself with schoolwork. Having helped out Reita and Aoi more than once, he had a few classes to review and since he was seriously considering study abroad, he thought he might just as well start putting together a portfolio. All while waiting for a sign from Ni~ya, a sign that would come a few weeks later quite unexpectedly...
A/N: I've been traveling, which has me coming back to the hotel beat every day and not in any condition to post or write. Still, due to all the bunny cookies and treats, I somehow managed to get this out. Hopefully, the merengues will keep on coming and get me to write the next part too. My bunnies are quiet imploring at the moment. Thank you to all the lovely r&r-ers. You know who you are. You are always an inspiration.