Kagefumi (17/29)
Title: Kagefumi
Author: Fabi & Dani (dani_mathoz )
Translator: br_arashiThank you ♥
Pairing: Ohmiya (main), Aiba x ? (mentioned)
Genre: Romance and Angst
Rating: NC-17
Summary: 'Two lonely and suffered hearts look in the shadows of an agitated city, the light that can free them from the darkness in which they live'
Disclaimer: I don't own them, sadly ;-;
Just a reminder, English is not our first language please be kind ♥
CHAPTER 17
I wanted the sunset I saw with you on that day to go on forever
Although in a memory, I reach out my hand to try to touch it over and over
Because I'll never be able to get back the same scenery and the same feelings again,
I'll stop looking back on the shining dreams of the past
Even in a brand new future, sadness is starting to spill out
A heart that has been put out of focus would make anyone stand still and lose sight of everything
In the middle of the seasons that are passing
What color will tomorrow be painted?
If we can trust each other so strongly
Then what colored future will be waiting?
Even important memories will start to fade someday
Looking away from reality, I ran away to the word called "dreams"
Ashita no Kioku
Satoshi smiled with satisfaction as soon as he finished reading the report he had just filled. The last raid he made with his team, two hours before, in a clandestine lab at the center of Edogawa, was a great advance in the investigation of a big case, involving a methamphetamine-dealing gang.
They had been after them for months and, finally, they found undeniable clues that took them to the lab and, more specifically, to one of the drug dealers who had been in the police’s most wanted list for years.
Unfortunately, he had managed to escape during the raid, but it was just a matter of time before they could find, judge and lock him away in a cell, as he deserved. At least, they had managed to deactivate the refinery and apprehend three drug dealers and a distributor.
He signed the document and inserted it with others in a file.
- Have you finished, Ohno-san?
Satoshi turned to the young cop who stopped in front of his table.
- I was about to take them to you, Ikuta-kun - he answered with a smile, handing him the file.
- Do you wanna join us for lunch? The guys decided to go for a yakiniku, what do you say?
Satoshi smiled with the invitation, considering it a good idea to go out to eat with his colleagues. It had been a while since they had gone out together and that day’s action deserved some kind of celebration.
- Why not? I’ll just fix things up here and I’ll meet you downstairs.
- We’ll be waiting for you, then - Ikuta smiled, before turning to the exit.
He organized a few papers, piling them in a corner and closed the open files in his computer. When he was ready to go, he felt his cellphone vibrating in his pocket.
The sender surprised him, since he had barely talked to Ninomiya since the day they’ve gone out to dance. He was upset, not only about the bold way Miura had approached his boyfriend, but mostly for the passive way he accepted it. Even more because the man was clearly provoking him. He knew this by the way the man kept staring at him while whispering in Nino’s ear. There was also the fact that his boyfriend had introduced him just as a friend, as if he didn’t want his senpai to know about their relationship.
Besides, there was a bad feeling about the man as soon as saw him, as if an alert started vibrating inside him. Miura was a dangerous person, no doubt. However, maybe his aversion had become stronger with his jealousy and he could be exaggerating in his first impression.
He never knew how he had managed to control himself not to make a scene at the disco. His desire was to grab the intruder’s neck and take off his daring hands of his Nino. He hated the way he approached his boyfriend, as if he was entitled to own him.
Fortunately, he left as soon as the dance finished, dragging the said Nakamura behind him.
He sulked as soon as Nino came back, claiming a sudden headache. That night, they didn’t go to the love hotel, as they were planning, neither made love. As soon as they arrived home, Satoshi took a quick bath and went to bed without a word. He also made no effort to hide his annoyance, mostly because Nino hasn’t made any attempt to explain the reason behind so much intimacy with the man. He kept himself distant since then, in spite of his boyfriend's insistence in chatting about random things. He barely answered his questions and they hardly were able to see each other. When Nino arrived from work, in the middle of the night, he pretended to be sleeping. And he always went to work early, while the lad was still sleeping.
“Are you still at work? I’m in front of your department. Would you come and meet me?”
He climbed down two steps at a time, getting to the reception in less than three minutes.
- Can we go, Ohno-san? - one of the officers asked, among his colleagues, certainly waiting for him to go to lunch.
- I’m sorry, guys, you can go ahead. I have an urgent matter to settle - he excused himself.
- Are you sure? - Ikuta insisted.
- Next time - he said, before passing by them and leaving.
Nino was waiting for him outside, sitting at the grid around the flowerbed. He was busy playing with his phone, probably in one of the games he liked so much.
- Nino?
- Hello, Oh-chan - he smiled, immediately putting away his phone.
- Has something happened? Why have you come to look for me at work? - he asked, worried.
- Are you busy? Am I disturbing you?
- No. Actually, I was going to have lunch with the guys - he informed, while bowing to his colleagues, who were leaving the building towards the restaurant.
- So I came right on time. Do you have time for me? Wanna join me for lunch?
Satoshi lowered slightly his head in a silent question, suspecting his boyfriend’s attitude. For a few seconds a chill ran down his spine in a bad feeling. Something was odd.
- Of course - he answered. - Where do you wanna go?
- Ueno Park.
- Eh?
- I thought we could have a picnic - he pointed to a big thermic bag, beside him on the floor. - What do you say?
********************************
Satoshi helped Nino to stretch the blanket over the grass. Then, he started opening the pots that he handed him.
- You prepared everything yourself? - he asked, amazed with the variety of dishes.
The lad nodded.
- Yes, I woke up full of energy today.
- So fancy! - he commented, biting an onigiri. - Umai!
Nino smiled and took a sip of his juice.
- Is there a reason for all this? - the cop asked, suspicious. He still believed there was something strange in his boyfriend’s behavior.
- No - he sighed. - I just wanted to have lunch with you.
Satoshi placed a sushi on his dish, not quite convinced of the answer. He didn’t say another word, nonetheless.
They ate in silence for a few minutes more, while observing their surroundings. There was many people there at that time, doing the same as them. Most of them, moms and kids or groups of friends in school age.
- Are you still mad at me? - Nino asked, breaking the silence.
- I’m not mad at you. I never was. Maybe, a bit upset. I know we have never discussed about us. We just let things happen… But, to me, there is no doubt we are a couple - he finally approached the subject that was bothering him.
- I also have no doubt on that.
- Then, why didn’t you tell your senpai we were together? It felt as if you were ashamed of us…
- That’s not it! - Nino raised his voice. - I never felt as proud of a relationship as I do now. I just thought Miura-senpai didn’t need to know. We two have a difficult relation.
Ohno sighed, having his suspicions confirmed. Nino and that guy had already had a relationship.
- He was my first boyfriend - he confessed. - And, in spite of our ups and downs, I owe him a lot.
- What do you mean?
- I ran away from home when I was fifteen.
- Because of your stepfather?
- I never considered that guy as a stepfather. In my life, he was just my mother’s husband.
- Was he always that abusive?
- Not in the beginning, no. I think it took him like four years… He started getting home in an odd mood. Yelling for any reason and breaking whatever he found in his way. In the beginning, it was only that. Then, he lost his job and things got worse. He started beating my mom and, then, me.
- Did he do anything else? - Satoshi asked, his eyes sparkling with fury.
- No. He never abused me sexually if that’s what you wanna know. I couldn’t handle that situation anymore, though. One day, I begged my mother for us to leave him, but she refused it. So, I took Niji and left that house.
- Was it when you met Miura?
- No. I’ve known him since childhood. His grandmother was my neighbor and he had always been around, visiting her. He’s three years older than me, but, maybe for lacking other options, he became my friend. I used to follow him everywhere…. Until his grandmother died and he had no more reasons to go to my neighborhood. I bumped into him later, when I got to high school. He was already in his last year. He was the one who offered me shelter, when I had no one else to go.
- You lived with him and his parents?
- Not exactly… The house was his parents’, but Miura-senpai lived practically alone. His mother had moved after the divorce and his father barely stayed home. We started dating when I was ending my first year.
- Did it last long?
- Four years. I left him six years ago, but he never accepted it.
- You believe he still has feelings for you? - Satoshi asked him, blaming himself for the questioning. However, it was the first time Nino opened himself and he didn’t want to lose the chance to know more about him.
- Maybe.
- And what about you?
- No - he didn’t hesitate. - A part of me will always be grateful for his support, when everybody had turned the back on me. Another, though… - he stopped talking, as if reliving a difficult time. Satoshi wondered what a bad thing could Miura had done to him. - I’ve lived heaven and hell with him, Oh-chan. But it’s over now. After I’ve met you, I never thought about him again.
Satoshi smiled, flattered. He knew, by his boyfriend’s eyes, that he was being sincere.
- Thanks for telling me - he squeezed his hand, refraining his desire to hug him. They were in public, after all, and he didn’t want to make a scene. It wasn’t necessary. - It’s the first time you tell me something about you.
- I’m so sorry, Oh-chan. I should have told him about us that night. I never wanted to hurt you. I was trying to preserve ourselves. Please, believe me… I never felt as proud of a relationship as I do now - he repeated. - You gave my dreams back. I will never have enough words to thank you.
- It was you who made me feel alive again, Nino. I should be the one thanking you.
- Well, you can start by eating all that food I’ve made for you. I worked hard to prepare it, you know? - the younger joked, placing a sushi roll in his boyfriend’s mouth.
Eating everything would be impossible. Nino had made enough for a crowd, but Satoshi ate all he could, realizing how much he was starving.
- Your root is quite grown - he mentioned a while later, when he took of a leave from Nino’s hair.
- I know, it’s time to touch up…
- Don’t you consider returning to its natural color?
- Why? Don’t you like it?
- I do - he answered, honestly. - But I confess I’m curious to know how you would look with dark hair.
- Really? Well… I can think about it.
Satoshi smiled. Then, he stretched, lazily.
- Ah, it’s so pleasurable here! I have no will to return to work…
- Then why don’t we stay here for the rest of the afternoon?
- Eh?
- Can’t you make up an excuse and spend the rest of the day with me?
- Well… it wouldn’t be a problem - he considered the idea, not really sure if Nino was being serious. - But what about you? Soon you will have to be in the restaurant, won’t you?
- The restaurant can survive a day without me. Please, Oh-chan… I haven’t been in the zoo for a long time. Besides, we have never had a date in daylight…
- Are you sure? - he asked, just to be sure. He had already accepted Nino’s suggestion as soon as he proposed it.
- Absolutely!
- Ok, let’s enjoy the rest of the day, then. Before going to the zoo, though, can we visit the National Museum of Western Art? I was longing to come for so long…
******************************
- There you go... - Aiba Masaki said as soon as he finished smoothing the cast around his little patient's arm. - You were very brave, Ryo-chan. I’m very proud of you.
The little boy threw a shy glance at him before looking at his arm in a cast.
- He need to keep his arm as still as possible within the next hour, Watanabe-san, so the cast will dry without a problem - the orthopedist turned to the boy’s mother. - I will schedule his return for three weeks ahead. You can come to us, if there’s any trouble before that, though.
- Can my son go to school with his arm immobilized, Aiba-sensei?
- Keep him home in the next three days, so he will get used to the cast and learn to deal with it. After that, I believe he will have no problems in going back to school. Just instruct the teachers to keep him out of any physical activities. It’s very important for his damaged arm not to receive any kind of impact.
- I will see to that. Thanks a lot, sensei - the woman bowed.
- There’s no need to thank me, Watanabe-san - the doctor handed her a prescription and an envelope with the X-ray. - Are you ready to go home, Ryo-chan? - he asked, while the 5-year-old boy stepped down of the stretcher.
As soon as he got to the floor, he cuddled against his mother.
- I will see you again in three weeks, ok? - Aiba caressed the soft hair of the boy before giving him a lollipop.
The little patient smiled to the doctor with a grateful expression.
- You are very good with children, Aiba-sensei - a female voice approached him after mother and son disappeared out of his office.
- I like dealing with them - he smiled to his team companion.
- Have you never considered a specialization in pediatrics?
- I was quite doubtful at first - he confessed, while organizing the scraps of materials he had used. - I ended up choosing orthopedics, nonetheless. What about you, Ogawa-sensei? Have you always been sure of your specialization?
- I didn’t have many options - she commented, in resignation.
Masaki nodded, understanding what she meant. Her family was made of generations of orthopedist. It was natural for her to follow the flow.
He was about to say something about it, but stopped when he felt a vibration inside his apron’s pocket. He smiled after reading the message.
“I’m at the hospital’s canteen. Can you spare a few minutes to have a coffee with me?”
- Ogawa-sensei, would it be okay if I took a break for twenty minutes?
- That’s fine with me. Things are slow here, today.
- I promise not to take long. Do you want something from the canteen?
- If it’s not a nuisance, can you bring me a hot cocoa?
- Sure - he promised, already by the door. - If you need me, just call me.
Excited, he walked towards the elevator. It was rare for him to see his friend in the afternoons. They were normally so busy with their respective jobs they could only get together at night. The last time they saw each other had been two weeks before. He was missing him.
As soon as he arrived at the canteen, he searched for Sho. He wasn’t alone, as he had imagined. He was talking with another man and they both seemed quite lost in the subject they were discussing. For a moment, he observed the scene, not sure if he should interrupt them.
If it wasn’t for the receptive wave of his best friend as soon as he noticed him, he would have probably turned on his heels and returned to his office, in order to leave the pair alone.
He approached them, cautiously.
- I thought you wouldn’t come, Masaki - Sho smiled.
- I arranged for a break - he joined them at the counter. - How have you been, Maeda-sensei? - he turned to the other psychologist.
- I’m fine. I haven’t seen you in a while.
- Yes, since Jun-chan was discharged of the clinic.
The psychologist in charge for Jun’s treatment nodded.
- In his last consultation, he told me you’ve contacted him.
- It’s true. Do you think it’s fine? I mean… do you think my closeness can interfere with his treatment?
- Not at all! - Maeda-sensei stated. - Jun-chan is very steady in his recovery. It is very important for him to get closer to the people he had lost because of his addiction, especially you, Aiba-sensei. You know, although he has been clean for more than a year, he’s not totally free of relapsing. The treatment is constant and your support will be fundamental at this phase of the treatment.
- Really? I was wondering if I was rushing things. Your words are a relief, sensei.
- You are very important to him. I count on you to support him.
- I will do everything in my reach.
- I’m glad to hear that - the psychologist smiled. - Now, if you excuse me, I need to go back to work. I came to a meeting with a friend of mine, a neurologist. It was nice seeing you again, Aiba-sensei - he greeted him. Then, he turned to the other man. - I hope you will consider my proposition, Sho-kun. I would be very happy if you accepted it.
- I will think about it, sensei.
Masaki saw his friend blushing in face of the intense look over him.
- Call me when you have an answer - he bowed before leaving the other two alone.
- Two American coffees, please - the orthopedist asked the attendant, as soon as the psychologist was out of sight. - Do you want something to eat, senpai?
- No, just the coffee is fine.
- Whatever proposition he made, Maeda seems to be eager for you to accept - Masaki commented in a playful tone, while they were heading to a table close to one of the windows that faced the hospital garden.
- It’s not what you think - Sho rushed in telling him. - He just invited me to go with him to a Symposium of Psychology in Korea, in two weeks. He will be one of the speakers and he wanted me to be his assistant.
- You will take it, right? It sounds like a great opportunity to your curriculum.
- Yes, it is; but I’m not sure if I can stay away of the country for five days…
- What holds you here? Your schedule or are you just avoiding being alone with him?
Sho stared at him, his expression showing he was right in his assumption.
- I’m sorry for the honesty, senpai, but you seemed to have noticed that Maeda-sensei’s interest on you goes beyond your professional side.
- What are you talking about? - he asked before taking the cup to his lips and taking a sip of his coffee.
- The way he looks at you is special.
- Do you think so?
Masaki nodded.
- Have you never considered it? Maeda-sensei is a very interesting man… How old is he? 41... 42?
- 44 - Sho said, with emphasis. - We celebrated his birthday last month… - he clarified, under the joyful look on his friend’s eyes.
- He is very handsome; don’t you think so?
The therapist took another sip of his drink.
- How could I disagree? I have a good sight, you know? - he sighed. - I must confess that, in college, I had a crush on him - he smiled, nostalgic. - Well… me and everyone at the Psychology department.
- And now? - the youngest insisted.
- Now, besides being my former teacher, he is my superior at the rehab clinic. I admire and respect him and I have no intention to change our relationship - his tone was firm.
- Because you fear that, if this doesn’t work out, things might become weird between you two? - Masaki stared at him.
- Yes. And also because… - he stopped talking suddenly, as if realizing he had already said more than he should. For a few moments, he directed his look to the garden. But, then, he turned back to him, willing to face the curious eyes. - I’m in love with someone else. - he confessed, at last.
- I knew it! - Masaki exclaimed, as if confirming an ancient suspicion. Then, he changed his tone, as if realizing his indiscretion. - Your eyes seemed lost, from time to time - he explained. - I never asked because you never seemed willing to talk about it.
Aiba couldn’t identify his friend’s expression when he looked at him, a mix of embarrassment and sadness.
- There was never anything to say, Masaki. He is someone who can never love me in return. His heart already belongs to someone else - he answered, in resignation.
The enthusiasm in the doctor’s eyes turned into pity.
- I’m so sorry, Sho-chan…
- It’s all right - the other man cut him, forcing himself to smile. - I’m not the first neither the last person in the world to fall for someone committed.
- But…
- Really, Masaki - he comforted him, placing a hand in one of the orthopedist’s shoulders. - I’m fine, don’t worry about me.
- You are amazing - the doctor smiled. - Considering yourself satisfied by your beloved’s happiness, even if it’s not beside you…
- That’s the only way of loving that I know.
- One more reason for you to give yourself another chance, senpai - he insisted. - There’s a saying that states that there’s nothing better to heal an old love than a new one.
Sho almost smiled in face of his friend’s simplicity. As if things were that easy!
- So what are you suggesting me to do? To throw myself in the arms of the first man who shows any interest in me?
- No, of course not! - Masaki objected. - I’m just saying you deserve to be happy. Don’t throw away the opportunities you have to try and heal the wound in your heart! - he covered the psychologist’s hand with his own. - Be it with Maeda-sensei or anyone else. Just… give yourself the chance to find someone who deserves you. Ok?
The psychologist licked his lips, affected by those words. A part of him was happy to know how much Masaki worried about him; another one was hurt for those words to come exactly from him.
- Masaki… - he started, but was unable to proceed, interrupted by the vibration of his friend’s cellphone, reverberating over the table. - Pick up - he said, noticing the conflict in his eyes between picking up the call or paying attention to him. Besides, by the tenderness in his eyes when he identified the name on the screen, it wasn’t hard to know who should be calling.
The orthopedist smiled in silent gratitude and took his warm hands from over his to pick up the device.
- Hello? Jun-chan?
Sho looked at the garden once again.
- Plans? No, nothing in particular. I was thinking of going to bed earlier today, I have a surgery tomorrow, at eight. Why?
From the second floor, where they were, Sho could see the people walking around the garden. Most of them were patients who had left their rooms to take a walk, in search of the sun’s heat, or just to enjoy a moment away of their rooms.
- Dinner? I don’t know… I wasn’t planning getting out today. We could stay in my apartment, though. We can order something and watch the game, what about that?
The psychologist’s eyes was filled with tears at the sight of a little girl - probably the same age as Aya-chan - smelling the scent of the wild flowers that adorned the area with a delightful expression.
- I must arrive around eight.
Suddenly, Sho felt his stomach contracting. Certainly, his coffee had't done him any good.
- I miss you too… I’ll see you tonight, then…
The psychologist closed his eyes for a minute, taking a deep breath in order to send away his nuisance. When he opened them again, a pair of brown eyes were staring at him, questioning.
- Did something happen? Are you all right, senpai?
- I am - he assured him, with a sudden steadiness. - I’ve been thinking, Masaki. Maybe you are right; I shall give me a chance. I think I’m going to accept Maeda-sensei’s invitation.
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Notes: Hello Minna!!! So one more chapter... Did you like Nino being adorable doing a picnic for Ohno? And well even not telling his whole story but talking more about his life? Who knows now he can tell the truth huh? And about our beloved Sho poor guy but now seems he did found an escape but will be enough??? Please stay wirh us to check what will happen in this srory everything can change in any moment xD
Thank you so much for your lovely comments, this week was really busy but I will answer your comments ASAP…
We (Fabi and I) talked about the possibility to give a gift for you all… a bonus chapter in this weekend, soooo do you want it???
Comments are ♥