Let it go (7/?)
Let it go: Part Seven
A series of events from Ohno and Nino's perspective.
Thanks to satsumatsu as per usual for looking this over.
“Hurry up, Oh-chan. We are running late and it is your gallery show!” Nino did not look over his shoulder as he spoke, gingerly carrying a large package through the lobby of his apartment complex. He was worried that he would not be able to fit the package in the elevator. It was larger than he had anticipated.
Ohno looked around the lobby with narrowed eyed, shuffling after the other man with unhurried steps. Sure, it was his gallery show that they were running late to. But figuring out why there were movers lugging boxes around outside labeled ‘Matsumoto’ was really his priority at the moment. He did know that Jun was moving, but it was not supposed to be that soon. Jun had not said anything to him. Though, he did admit, that it could just be that another Matsumoto lived in the building - moving out, or in. After all, Jun would have told Ohno if he was moving so soon. He always told Ohno when he moved or when he had rented Ohno a better, safer art studio in town to prep for his art shows, or when he felt that his brother - step brother, but this detail mattered to being of them - needed a change of pace and inspiration.
“Hai, Hai.” Ohno called out, squeezing himself into the elevator with Nino, making sure not to crush the package that the other man carried. He would not let Ohno help with it in any way. Given how hard he had worked for it, arranging it, bringing it to life, Ohno did not blame him.
“We will just have to drop this off. I will talk to Jun-pon about it later. He has been anxious to talk, and I feel bad for not having been around for the past few weeks. As it is, all I will have time to do is grab my suit. Your clothing are at the show, right?” Nino could not look to Ohno over the package he held, but he could hear a rustling of clothing and knew that the other man was nodding his agreement.
Yes, in fact, Ohno’s one and only suit was at the gallery where he was giving the art show. Tonight was the opening night and he was going to be late. But he was not too worried. It was something that he was known for.
The door to the elevator opened with a chime, and Ohno could hear the chime of the other elevator going down, but he did not pay that elevator any mind. Instead he moved ahead of Nino, opening the door to Jun’s and Nino’s apartment, holding the door open.
Nino placed the package against the mantle of the fireplace, in front of the white couch that Jun had bought ages ago. It was his first purchase when he left his home; one that he was oddly proud of. Ohno knew from experience that it was a quite comfortable one as well. He slept on it all the time when he was in town.
As Nino darted around the house, grabbing and packing everything he would need for the show, Ohno looked around, noticing that the pictures of him and Jun were no longer on the shelves. Most of the movies were gone, too. When Ohno made a move towards Jun’s bedroom, he was prevented from doing so when Nino rushed out of his own room, garment bag in hand, grabbing Ohno’s wrist with his free hand. Ohno allowed himself to be pulled along, scanning the entryway for Jun’s shoes, for any sign of his brother... They were out the door before Ohno could register what had happened. Nino had plucked Ohno’s keys from his hand, locking the door with a fond smile. What Ohno did realize, though, was that there was not a trace of Jun in the entrance to the apartment. No coat on the rack, no shoes. Nothing.
“This is not the time to space out, old man. This is your first solo art show. We can’t be any later than we are. But thank you for bringing me here first. I know that Jun will love it.” Nino motioned with his head into the apartment. Ohno nodded absently.
So it had been Jun moving out then? Something was very much wrong. Had Jun lied to him on the phone a few days ago when they had been talking? He needed to talk to Jun - and Sho - as soon as possible, but he did not want to do that when Nino was around, in case he was wrong.
Ohno was afraid, though, that if he opened the door to Jun’s bedroom it would be empty. The thought scared him. Ohno did not like not knowing what Jun was thinking, or were Jun was. His brother was someone he relied on. He should have known that something was wrong when he spoke with him on the phone a few days ago.
Nino had been telling him that Jun had been wanting to talk, and that he had declined it, to busy with the project. Ohno had tired to suggest Nino talk to Jun, but Nino had just shaken his head.
“Not now, if we talk I don’t have time to finish it. I want to talk to him when it is done. I need to show that I am serious about this.” Nino had insisted and Ohno had not pushed it. But perhaps he should have.
Ohno pulled his phone out of his pocket when it began vibrating. He was milling around his show, avoiding to talk to too many people. Instead he was looking for Jun, and Sho. Those were the only two people he wanted to see at the show, the only two people that he could not find. Aiba had come and gone, seeming a bit distant. Ohno had tried to talk to him. Aiba had made light conversation, but when the topic ‘Jun’ came up, Aiba quiet down, commenting on his art, on the fact that it had been a while since he had seen Oh-chan and Nino at the restaurant. The small talk was unusually strained and by the end of it, Ohno was quite certain that there was something wrong. Which was why - when his phone vibrated and he saw that it was Jun - he was out the door and on the phone in an instant.
“You can hang up, Satoshi-nii-chan. I am here, but I cannot stay.” Ohno could hear Jun’s voice, in his ear and around him. Ohno snapped his phone shut, moving to pull Jun into a tight hug.
“Why are you moving?” was what he asked into his shoulder. He could feel Jun stiffen in his grip. “And why didn’t you tell me?”
“I-I was busy with work, and you were busy with Nino and-“ Jun sagged in his embrace. “I didn’t want to bother the two of you.”
“Have you told him yet?” Ohno asked and Jun shook his head. “No, I left a note in the apartment. I have been trying to tell him since I got back from Okinawa but he has been too busy, so I thought it wouldn’t matter. Your studio had been paid through the end of the lease, same goes for the apartment. He will need to find some place to stay when the lease is up, but I left him all of the information. When I need to, or when he asks, I will come get the rest of my things, but I didn’t want him, and you when you visit, to not have anything there.” Jun stepped back slightly, his hands on Ohno’s shoulders. “I won’t be able to go to your show today, I am sorry.”
Ohno gaped at Jun, trying to process what had been said, to get his mind around what Jun was thinking.
“Jun, what-“
“Take good care of him, alright? And please, be happy. I will be in touch, but I have to go catch my flight.” Jun pressed a quick kiss to Ohno’s forehead, pressing something into his pocket and was gone before Ohno could spin around and try and grab his brothers arm, to keep him from going.
What the hell had just happened?
Stepping inside, Ohno could see Sho chatting lightly with Nino. Sho caught Ohno’s gaze, nodding in his direction. After a moment, he joined Ohno outside. Ohno waited until the door had closed before he spoke.
“Why is Jun moving to Okinawa and not you, and why is he moving now. It was not supposed to happen for a few more months and I thought he was going to stay here-“
“Why would he stay here when he is convinced that you and Nino are dating?” Sho’s voice was scathing and Ohno looked at him, blinking.
“But Nino likes Jun and Jun likes Nino.”
“Does he? Jun had been trying to talk to Nino for a while about what, if anything, is going on between them. Should he move or should he stay. Things happened and we had to accelerate the move, but after getting blown off for several weeks, what else was he supposed to think?”
“But, why didn’t he say something to me?”
“What should he have said, Satoshi? ‘Yet again someone else I like seems to like you, but you seem happier than I have seen you in years and he seems to understand you, but I don’t care, give him back to me’?” Sho growled. Then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We can talk about this later. Congratulations on the exhibit. It looks quite nice.”
“I-he-I did what?” Ohno stammered and Sho sighed.
“We can talk about it later, Ohno, you need to go back inside. I don’t want to yell at you.”
“Have I really?” Ohno asked, his voice soft. Sho just looked at him, for a long moment, not saying anything. “Why did Jun never say anything to me?”
“Because he loves you and wants you to be happy. He will do anything for your happiness.” Sho’s voice was quiet. “He will kill me if he finds out that I told you, but please, go back inside. Nino doesn’t know yet and this would not be the best way for him to find out.”
“No, no it won’t. I-he was planning to stay at my place tonight, and - do I tell him Sho? I-“
“Do what you need to do, Ohno. Just please, take care of him. If this is a huge mistake-“
“It is a misunderstanding.” Ohno assured Sho. Sho sighed.
“Then Jun will be kicking himself, and Nino….” Sho trailed off. “Shun is taking over Jun’s office starting tomorrow, so even if you and Nino don’t crash at the apartment, he will most probably find out then.
“That depends. He is so busy with that code that Jun said was due by the end of the week that he has not been eating lunch or taking any breaks.” Ohno’s voice was low. “And he was working so hard on the present that he was not doing anything else.”
“Present?” Sho asked and Ohno nodded.
“He wanted to do something special for Jun. Nino knows that he flirts with lots of people, but he is serious about Jun. He wanted to do something that would let him know this. So I taught him how to paint and he painted him a picture. It was finished last night. We took it back to the apartment right before this.” Ohno looked at Nino, who was inside the gallery, looking at all the paintings with a bright smile on his face. He was so pleased with himself and the work that he had finished. He was quite sure that it would be enough to show Jun that while he might snuggle with Ohno on the couch - and they might share a brain - it was Jun, his snark, his more than not girly hips that attracted Nino. And that yes, please, continue with the kisses and the snuggles and things.
Nino wanted something with Jun, something defined; and this was the only way he could think of to show it.
“What did he paint?” Sho also turned to watch Nino. Ohno sighed, his voice soft.
“A scene at the bench, where they first talked. We even took a trip out to the onsen to get some reference images for it. Nino wanted it to be special….” Ohno trailed of sadly. He could not help but feel guilty. He should have known that something was wrong, should have pushed Jun to tell him what was wrong; should have made Nino spend some time at home. But it did seem like a good idea, something Jun would like.
“There was nothing you could do, Ohno. Nino told Jun, several times, more than I care to recall, that he was just too busy helping you with a project to be able to talk to Jun. Jun tried calling and all he would get was ‘sorry, can’t, I’m with Oh-chan’. There is nothing that you could have done for this to turn out differently, I think. They are just going to have to figure out what they want to do, now.” Sho laid a hand on Ohno’s shoulder. “But go, this is your day in the spotlight. Your debut show. Jun was very sorry to miss it, but it could not be avoided. So please, go and shine, for Jun. We will deal with this tomorrow.”
Ohno nodded, watching Sho walk away. Before he went inside Ohno pulled his phone from his pocket, sending Jun a message.
“I am sorry, and I love you. You are the best brother that anyone could have. I don’t deserve you.”
Jun did not reply for a long while, but Ohno did not expect him to. He had said that he was catching a flight, and knowing Jun, the other would want some space for a while to collect himself and his thoughts, to attempt to deal with what he thought was a rejection. Ohno himself was still reeling, but Sho was right. This was his day, he needed to shine and they could deal with this misunderstanding later.
As he walked back inside, Nino slid over to him, pressing close so he could be heard over the crowd.
“Is everything alright, you and Sho seemed very serious out there. I was getting worried that something was wrong.”
All Ohno could do was nod. “Things are fine with Sho. He just wanted to tell me that Jun won’t be able to come tonight. Work obligations that he could not get out of,” Ohno could see the surprise on Nino’s face. He cocked his head to the side with a frown.
“Jun-pon never misses a show though. Something has to be wrong.” His voice was soft. Ohno shook his head.
“Sho did not tell me the details, just that things in Okinawa are not going as expected. Jun had to go down there.” It was half truth, but it was all that he was comfortable telling Nino at the moment. He was not sure if it would be better to let the programmer find out himself that Jun had moved out or if he should tell him.
Knowing Jun, whatever he had pressed into his pocket had all the details about where he would be moving, about the new building, Ohno’s studio, the apartment that Jun and Nino had shared... It was not like Jun to leave lose ends. Ohno did not have time right now to look at it. Additionally with several reporters pressing close to interview him about the show, there was nothing that could be done now anyways. It would have to wait.
“This is lame, Nagase-nii.” Nino commented lightly, looking to Nagase with a smirk, watching how Nagase’s eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
“We are here, Nino, not because this might be fun, or cool, but because-“
“I am here because you bribed me with a vidoe game, and because you did not want to be lumped in with the other departments.” Nino shook his head. “I told you I would come, but I am not doing one of the events on the schedule. You never got a promise of participation out of me.”
“Ninomiya-“
“I don’t do group bonding exercises. I will be outside, playing games. If you really need me, come find me there.” Nino patted his pocket, making sure that his DS was safely sorted there before he slipped out of the onsen. This work retreat thing was not his idea of a fun time and not something that he wanted to be doing. He had come because he had been bribed with the newest video game that he wanted, and, to be honest, he didn’t really want to be on bad terms with Nagase. The man was pure terror when he was angry. But that did not mean that Nino was going to participate in these hair brained activities that were planned for the weekend. Trust exercises? What kind of lame company planned these kind of cross your arms, close your eyes, let yourself fall and hope that your colleagues you don’t really like will catch you. Hell no. There was no way that Nino would ever trust anyone at this company with his personal safety. It was much easier, much nicer and much more like him to just go out and play video games in the night, until it was late enough that he could sneak back in for food and drinks and one social hour. There were also very few people who would even notice that he was gone, so what would it matter?
It did not take long for Nino to find a place to play his games, tucked away in an alcove of sorts. Before long he was quite happily ignoring the training inside, enjoying the boss battle on his game.
He did not look up as a voice spoke in the darkness. He hoped that it was dark enough outside for the person to not see him jump.
“Shouldn’t you be inside with everyone else?”
Nino did not have to look up to recognize that voice. It was one that he heard every day at work, constantly in conversation with Nagase about deadlines for their software development. Matsumoto Jun, director of public relations as well as marketing. He was also one of the people in charge of the retreat, so it was odd to find him outside.
“Maybe. Then again, I told Naga-nii-san that I would come to this thing, since it would make him happy but I never promised him that I would participate.” Nino glanced up with a small smile, before turning back to his game. As attractive as Matsumoto was - and it was a commonly accepted fact at the office - he was not so pretty to keep Nino from a boss battle. One must have priorities, after all. Maybe the first time that he had seen him he had stared, a little, (and sure, the way he was standing there in the darkness, the light framing him, highlighting his profile; the slight curve of his hips, the slight side sway of them that was distinctly Matsumoto Jun), but he did not need to stare now. After all, Nino could not help but glance again, hoping that he would not notice. He really was an attractive man.
“Naga-nii-san?“ Jun repeated. Nino hid a smirk at the way the other choked on his words. “Nagase lets you call him Naga-nii-san?”
Nino just shrugged, turning back to the game.
“Then why come to this retreat at all?” Matsumoto asked, moving closer. Nino could feel the way that the other studied him, trying to take in what he was playing. He could not help but wonder if anyone had ever told Matsumoto what an intense stare that he had, how unsettling it was to be directed in such a fashion.
“I think he was hoping that it would help me to be more social and make friends.” Nino paused. “That, and I think that in order to prevent being teamed up with some of the other teams in these-“ he hand waved towards the building, “games, that he needed his entire team to be present at the retreat.” Nino neglected to mention that Nagase had some very strong opinions about some of the interns that worked for Matsumoto. None of them were very positive.
Nino could hear Jun nod, through the rusting of the fabric, less than actually seeing it, since he was concentrating on the battle. But he was still able to converse, and he did.
“But there is free food and that makes most things bearable. Besides, I am avoiding someone and it is easier to do it out here than in there.”
Nino hear Matsumoto hmm, and could hear the sound of his feet on the gravel as he moved to walk behind him, to, Nino could only assume, try and figure out what he was playing.
“Ah, Dragon Quest. I wondered what you were playing.”
Nino paused the game, looking towards Matsumoto with new found respect. “So you have played?” He asked, knowing how excitement tinged his voice.
“It has been a while, but yes, I have played. I have been doing more Zelda these days and Final Fantasy but I don’t really have time.” Jun shrugged, looking down at Nino. Nino found he could not look away, and he smirked at Jun’s next words.
“Who are you avoiding, oh nameless one.”
Was Matsumoto trying to flirt with him? That was impossible, but still, it was an opening, and one that he would take.
“Ninomiya Kazunari.” He paused, before speaking again. “I am not sure I should tell you who I am avoiding. You have a lot of power in the company, Mr. Vice President of all the departments that I am not connected with.” Nino was pleased that he could see Matsumoto smile at the snark in the tone. He responded to the smirk on his lips with a nod.
“I can see why you might hesitate, but I won’t do anything about it. I cannot make you go back inside. And even if I wanted you to, this isn’t the kind of retreat. And how can I demand something of you that I am currently unwilling to do myself.” Jun leaned onto the back of the bench, his head turned to look at Nino who nodded and sighed.
“I gave Karina-san a compliment the other day on some of the programming that she had done. It was quite helpful to my project. Since then I have been the object of her attention in the office. These trust building exercises, in her mind, are the perfect way to show that we are compatible.” Nino scoffed, shaking his head. “She is very much not my type.”
And he meant this, emphatically. While he did sometimes like women, she was not the kind that he would pursue, especially when there was a much more interesting specimen of man beside him, who had played one of his favorite games ever.
Jun nodded with a soft laugh. “I think that everyone in the office has been a target of Karina-san. But she is good at her job and has yet to cross the line to something that would merit dismissing her.”
Nino nodded. “Which is why I am out here. She takes hints very well and I think this will be the end of it.” Nino looked to Jun and when he spoke, he hesitated for a moment. This was where things could go badly. Jun had a lot of power in the company. If he crossed a line himself, then it could be his job.
“Have a seat, Matsumoto-san. It seems that you will be out here a while and the least I can do is to be gracious enough to share this bench.”
“If you are certain that it won’t bother you, then I will be happy to take a seat.” Jun walked around the bench and settled down “Thank you, Ninomiya-san.”
“Nino is fine.” He waved a hand with a smile, looking at Jun. There was a certain mischief on his face. “If you would like, I can give you all the gossip you and Sakurai-san miss out when you are holed up in your offices, working on those presentations. There is a wealth of drama.” Nino made sure that his expression was as open as possible. He hoped that Matsumoto would not be able to read the sparkle in his eyes, the mischief, but as he did not know him, then how could he?
Nino would see the hesitation on Jun’s face, so he continued.
“There is even a betting pool going on.” Nino’s voice was light and Jun looked at him curiously.
“Betting? At work?”
Nino nodded, laughing to himself. He had his interest now, hook, line, and sinker.
“It seems the popular opinion is that the women in the office all want you, or Sakurai, for reasons that I am sure are obvious.” Nino started and Jun interrupted.
“Obvious?”
“You are both successful and have high positions in the company. Sakurai-san even owns it. And women would love to be involved with either of you. Who would not want an attractive and rich man.” Nino paused. He needed to make Matsumoto blush more, it was quite attractive on the other man.
“Sho-kun perhaps.” Jun agreed after a moment and Nino’s gaze focused on him, eyes narrowing, his voice dropping. This would not work if Jun did not cooperate - and insisting that Sakurai was attractive was not cooperating. At all.
“Both of you are. Trust me on this one. All women in the office and some men are angling for you. The question is who will make the first move and would anyone succeed?” Nino leaned back, closing his game. He had beaten the boss a while ago. This was a new and different challenge.
“There is a good portion of the betting pool that thinks that you and Sakurai-san will-“ Nino stopped as Jun gaped at him, sputtering, coughing and staring at him in disbelief.
Oh yes, startling the other man was high on his priority list.
“What?” He gasped when he finally could and Nino nodded with a slightly apologetic smile. “Sorry?” He was not, in fact, sorry in the least, but it was polite.
“Sho and I?” Nino saw Jun shake his head, something crossing over his features. Had the liked the other man once? That would be, awkward at best, at work then. But there had never been any indication of it, and Nino had looked.
“You and him, yes.” Nino grinned, a smile full of impishness and mischief. “It seems that part of the office are one of the If I Cannot Have Him Then No One Can school. They hope that you are gay. That way you can be happy with whoever you chose and they will not have lost their chance.” Nino shook his head with a wry smile and laughed at the way Jun stared at him, mouth open.
“Don’t look so surprised, Matsumoto-san. I am sure that you had to deal with this kind of matter before.” Nino’s voice was light, teasing. Jun just shook his head.
Had the man really never dated?
Nino looked up at the sound footsteps moving towards them. Before Jun could make out who it was, Nino was up, off the bench and in front of Jun, leaning forward, his hands on either side of Jun on the bench. Nino did not dare to lean any closer, but the way the other man looked up at him, eyes wide, eyebrows thick and imposing, lips parted slightly as if he wished to speak, it took all of Nino’s self control not to just say fuck the job and kiss him. Though as it was, he wondered if he had crossed a line.
“I was joking, Matsumoto-san. There is no betting pool. I was serious, though, when I said that Karina-san was not my type. But, at the risk of getting fired, I will say that sloping shoulders-san, who is approaching, could be my type. But I really prefer someone with slightly wider hips and who enjoys wearing snugly fitting pants to the office.” Nino moved back, with a wink and a wave and was gone before Jun could really process what he was saying.
Nino was forced to stop and talk to Sakurai when the other man approached, but he could not really recall what he had said to the man. Just that as soon as he was in the building, the panic started to set in full force. His hand was in his pocket, pulling out his phone before the door to his room was even closed.
“Masaki, I think I might have just gotten myself fired….”
A series of events from Ohno and Nino's perspective.
Thanks to satsumatsu as per usual for looking this over.
“Hurry up, Oh-chan. We are running late and it is your gallery show!” Nino did not look over his shoulder as he spoke, gingerly carrying a large package through the lobby of his apartment complex. He was worried that he would not be able to fit the package in the elevator. It was larger than he had anticipated.
Ohno looked around the lobby with narrowed eyed, shuffling after the other man with unhurried steps. Sure, it was his gallery show that they were running late to. But figuring out why there were movers lugging boxes around outside labeled ‘Matsumoto’ was really his priority at the moment. He did know that Jun was moving, but it was not supposed to be that soon. Jun had not said anything to him. Though, he did admit, that it could just be that another Matsumoto lived in the building - moving out, or in. After all, Jun would have told Ohno if he was moving so soon. He always told Ohno when he moved or when he had rented Ohno a better, safer art studio in town to prep for his art shows, or when he felt that his brother - step brother, but this detail mattered to being of them - needed a change of pace and inspiration.
“Hai, Hai.” Ohno called out, squeezing himself into the elevator with Nino, making sure not to crush the package that the other man carried. He would not let Ohno help with it in any way. Given how hard he had worked for it, arranging it, bringing it to life, Ohno did not blame him.
“We will just have to drop this off. I will talk to Jun-pon about it later. He has been anxious to talk, and I feel bad for not having been around for the past few weeks. As it is, all I will have time to do is grab my suit. Your clothing are at the show, right?” Nino could not look to Ohno over the package he held, but he could hear a rustling of clothing and knew that the other man was nodding his agreement.
Yes, in fact, Ohno’s one and only suit was at the gallery where he was giving the art show. Tonight was the opening night and he was going to be late. But he was not too worried. It was something that he was known for.
The door to the elevator opened with a chime, and Ohno could hear the chime of the other elevator going down, but he did not pay that elevator any mind. Instead he moved ahead of Nino, opening the door to Jun’s and Nino’s apartment, holding the door open.
Nino placed the package against the mantle of the fireplace, in front of the white couch that Jun had bought ages ago. It was his first purchase when he left his home; one that he was oddly proud of. Ohno knew from experience that it was a quite comfortable one as well. He slept on it all the time when he was in town.
As Nino darted around the house, grabbing and packing everything he would need for the show, Ohno looked around, noticing that the pictures of him and Jun were no longer on the shelves. Most of the movies were gone, too. When Ohno made a move towards Jun’s bedroom, he was prevented from doing so when Nino rushed out of his own room, garment bag in hand, grabbing Ohno’s wrist with his free hand. Ohno allowed himself to be pulled along, scanning the entryway for Jun’s shoes, for any sign of his brother... They were out the door before Ohno could register what had happened. Nino had plucked Ohno’s keys from his hand, locking the door with a fond smile. What Ohno did realize, though, was that there was not a trace of Jun in the entrance to the apartment. No coat on the rack, no shoes. Nothing.
“This is not the time to space out, old man. This is your first solo art show. We can’t be any later than we are. But thank you for bringing me here first. I know that Jun will love it.” Nino motioned with his head into the apartment. Ohno nodded absently.
So it had been Jun moving out then? Something was very much wrong. Had Jun lied to him on the phone a few days ago when they had been talking? He needed to talk to Jun - and Sho - as soon as possible, but he did not want to do that when Nino was around, in case he was wrong.
Ohno was afraid, though, that if he opened the door to Jun’s bedroom it would be empty. The thought scared him. Ohno did not like not knowing what Jun was thinking, or were Jun was. His brother was someone he relied on. He should have known that something was wrong when he spoke with him on the phone a few days ago.
Nino had been telling him that Jun had been wanting to talk, and that he had declined it, to busy with the project. Ohno had tired to suggest Nino talk to Jun, but Nino had just shaken his head.
“Not now, if we talk I don’t have time to finish it. I want to talk to him when it is done. I need to show that I am serious about this.” Nino had insisted and Ohno had not pushed it. But perhaps he should have.
Ohno pulled his phone out of his pocket when it began vibrating. He was milling around his show, avoiding to talk to too many people. Instead he was looking for Jun, and Sho. Those were the only two people he wanted to see at the show, the only two people that he could not find. Aiba had come and gone, seeming a bit distant. Ohno had tried to talk to him. Aiba had made light conversation, but when the topic ‘Jun’ came up, Aiba quiet down, commenting on his art, on the fact that it had been a while since he had seen Oh-chan and Nino at the restaurant. The small talk was unusually strained and by the end of it, Ohno was quite certain that there was something wrong. Which was why - when his phone vibrated and he saw that it was Jun - he was out the door and on the phone in an instant.
“You can hang up, Satoshi-nii-chan. I am here, but I cannot stay.” Ohno could hear Jun’s voice, in his ear and around him. Ohno snapped his phone shut, moving to pull Jun into a tight hug.
“Why are you moving?” was what he asked into his shoulder. He could feel Jun stiffen in his grip. “And why didn’t you tell me?”
“I-I was busy with work, and you were busy with Nino and-“ Jun sagged in his embrace. “I didn’t want to bother the two of you.”
“Have you told him yet?” Ohno asked and Jun shook his head. “No, I left a note in the apartment. I have been trying to tell him since I got back from Okinawa but he has been too busy, so I thought it wouldn’t matter. Your studio had been paid through the end of the lease, same goes for the apartment. He will need to find some place to stay when the lease is up, but I left him all of the information. When I need to, or when he asks, I will come get the rest of my things, but I didn’t want him, and you when you visit, to not have anything there.” Jun stepped back slightly, his hands on Ohno’s shoulders. “I won’t be able to go to your show today, I am sorry.”
Ohno gaped at Jun, trying to process what had been said, to get his mind around what Jun was thinking.
“Jun, what-“
“Take good care of him, alright? And please, be happy. I will be in touch, but I have to go catch my flight.” Jun pressed a quick kiss to Ohno’s forehead, pressing something into his pocket and was gone before Ohno could spin around and try and grab his brothers arm, to keep him from going.
What the hell had just happened?
Stepping inside, Ohno could see Sho chatting lightly with Nino. Sho caught Ohno’s gaze, nodding in his direction. After a moment, he joined Ohno outside. Ohno waited until the door had closed before he spoke.
“Why is Jun moving to Okinawa and not you, and why is he moving now. It was not supposed to happen for a few more months and I thought he was going to stay here-“
“Why would he stay here when he is convinced that you and Nino are dating?” Sho’s voice was scathing and Ohno looked at him, blinking.
“But Nino likes Jun and Jun likes Nino.”
“Does he? Jun had been trying to talk to Nino for a while about what, if anything, is going on between them. Should he move or should he stay. Things happened and we had to accelerate the move, but after getting blown off for several weeks, what else was he supposed to think?”
“But, why didn’t he say something to me?”
“What should he have said, Satoshi? ‘Yet again someone else I like seems to like you, but you seem happier than I have seen you in years and he seems to understand you, but I don’t care, give him back to me’?” Sho growled. Then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We can talk about this later. Congratulations on the exhibit. It looks quite nice.”
“I-he-I did what?” Ohno stammered and Sho sighed.
“We can talk about it later, Ohno, you need to go back inside. I don’t want to yell at you.”
“Have I really?” Ohno asked, his voice soft. Sho just looked at him, for a long moment, not saying anything. “Why did Jun never say anything to me?”
“Because he loves you and wants you to be happy. He will do anything for your happiness.” Sho’s voice was quiet. “He will kill me if he finds out that I told you, but please, go back inside. Nino doesn’t know yet and this would not be the best way for him to find out.”
“No, no it won’t. I-he was planning to stay at my place tonight, and - do I tell him Sho? I-“
“Do what you need to do, Ohno. Just please, take care of him. If this is a huge mistake-“
“It is a misunderstanding.” Ohno assured Sho. Sho sighed.
“Then Jun will be kicking himself, and Nino….” Sho trailed off. “Shun is taking over Jun’s office starting tomorrow, so even if you and Nino don’t crash at the apartment, he will most probably find out then.
“That depends. He is so busy with that code that Jun said was due by the end of the week that he has not been eating lunch or taking any breaks.” Ohno’s voice was low. “And he was working so hard on the present that he was not doing anything else.”
“Present?” Sho asked and Ohno nodded.
“He wanted to do something special for Jun. Nino knows that he flirts with lots of people, but he is serious about Jun. He wanted to do something that would let him know this. So I taught him how to paint and he painted him a picture. It was finished last night. We took it back to the apartment right before this.” Ohno looked at Nino, who was inside the gallery, looking at all the paintings with a bright smile on his face. He was so pleased with himself and the work that he had finished. He was quite sure that it would be enough to show Jun that while he might snuggle with Ohno on the couch - and they might share a brain - it was Jun, his snark, his more than not girly hips that attracted Nino. And that yes, please, continue with the kisses and the snuggles and things.
Nino wanted something with Jun, something defined; and this was the only way he could think of to show it.
“What did he paint?” Sho also turned to watch Nino. Ohno sighed, his voice soft.
“A scene at the bench, where they first talked. We even took a trip out to the onsen to get some reference images for it. Nino wanted it to be special….” Ohno trailed of sadly. He could not help but feel guilty. He should have known that something was wrong, should have pushed Jun to tell him what was wrong; should have made Nino spend some time at home. But it did seem like a good idea, something Jun would like.
“There was nothing you could do, Ohno. Nino told Jun, several times, more than I care to recall, that he was just too busy helping you with a project to be able to talk to Jun. Jun tried calling and all he would get was ‘sorry, can’t, I’m with Oh-chan’. There is nothing that you could have done for this to turn out differently, I think. They are just going to have to figure out what they want to do, now.” Sho laid a hand on Ohno’s shoulder. “But go, this is your day in the spotlight. Your debut show. Jun was very sorry to miss it, but it could not be avoided. So please, go and shine, for Jun. We will deal with this tomorrow.”
Ohno nodded, watching Sho walk away. Before he went inside Ohno pulled his phone from his pocket, sending Jun a message.
“I am sorry, and I love you. You are the best brother that anyone could have. I don’t deserve you.”
Jun did not reply for a long while, but Ohno did not expect him to. He had said that he was catching a flight, and knowing Jun, the other would want some space for a while to collect himself and his thoughts, to attempt to deal with what he thought was a rejection. Ohno himself was still reeling, but Sho was right. This was his day, he needed to shine and they could deal with this misunderstanding later.
As he walked back inside, Nino slid over to him, pressing close so he could be heard over the crowd.
“Is everything alright, you and Sho seemed very serious out there. I was getting worried that something was wrong.”
All Ohno could do was nod. “Things are fine with Sho. He just wanted to tell me that Jun won’t be able to come tonight. Work obligations that he could not get out of,” Ohno could see the surprise on Nino’s face. He cocked his head to the side with a frown.
“Jun-pon never misses a show though. Something has to be wrong.” His voice was soft. Ohno shook his head.
“Sho did not tell me the details, just that things in Okinawa are not going as expected. Jun had to go down there.” It was half truth, but it was all that he was comfortable telling Nino at the moment. He was not sure if it would be better to let the programmer find out himself that Jun had moved out or if he should tell him.
Knowing Jun, whatever he had pressed into his pocket had all the details about where he would be moving, about the new building, Ohno’s studio, the apartment that Jun and Nino had shared... It was not like Jun to leave lose ends. Ohno did not have time right now to look at it. Additionally with several reporters pressing close to interview him about the show, there was nothing that could be done now anyways. It would have to wait.
“This is lame, Nagase-nii.” Nino commented lightly, looking to Nagase with a smirk, watching how Nagase’s eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
“We are here, Nino, not because this might be fun, or cool, but because-“
“I am here because you bribed me with a vidoe game, and because you did not want to be lumped in with the other departments.” Nino shook his head. “I told you I would come, but I am not doing one of the events on the schedule. You never got a promise of participation out of me.”
“Ninomiya-“
“I don’t do group bonding exercises. I will be outside, playing games. If you really need me, come find me there.” Nino patted his pocket, making sure that his DS was safely sorted there before he slipped out of the onsen. This work retreat thing was not his idea of a fun time and not something that he wanted to be doing. He had come because he had been bribed with the newest video game that he wanted, and, to be honest, he didn’t really want to be on bad terms with Nagase. The man was pure terror when he was angry. But that did not mean that Nino was going to participate in these hair brained activities that were planned for the weekend. Trust exercises? What kind of lame company planned these kind of cross your arms, close your eyes, let yourself fall and hope that your colleagues you don’t really like will catch you. Hell no. There was no way that Nino would ever trust anyone at this company with his personal safety. It was much easier, much nicer and much more like him to just go out and play video games in the night, until it was late enough that he could sneak back in for food and drinks and one social hour. There were also very few people who would even notice that he was gone, so what would it matter?
It did not take long for Nino to find a place to play his games, tucked away in an alcove of sorts. Before long he was quite happily ignoring the training inside, enjoying the boss battle on his game.
He did not look up as a voice spoke in the darkness. He hoped that it was dark enough outside for the person to not see him jump.
“Shouldn’t you be inside with everyone else?”
Nino did not have to look up to recognize that voice. It was one that he heard every day at work, constantly in conversation with Nagase about deadlines for their software development. Matsumoto Jun, director of public relations as well as marketing. He was also one of the people in charge of the retreat, so it was odd to find him outside.
“Maybe. Then again, I told Naga-nii-san that I would come to this thing, since it would make him happy but I never promised him that I would participate.” Nino glanced up with a small smile, before turning back to his game. As attractive as Matsumoto was - and it was a commonly accepted fact at the office - he was not so pretty to keep Nino from a boss battle. One must have priorities, after all. Maybe the first time that he had seen him he had stared, a little, (and sure, the way he was standing there in the darkness, the light framing him, highlighting his profile; the slight curve of his hips, the slight side sway of them that was distinctly Matsumoto Jun), but he did not need to stare now. After all, Nino could not help but glance again, hoping that he would not notice. He really was an attractive man.
“Naga-nii-san?“ Jun repeated. Nino hid a smirk at the way the other choked on his words. “Nagase lets you call him Naga-nii-san?”
Nino just shrugged, turning back to the game.
“Then why come to this retreat at all?” Matsumoto asked, moving closer. Nino could feel the way that the other studied him, trying to take in what he was playing. He could not help but wonder if anyone had ever told Matsumoto what an intense stare that he had, how unsettling it was to be directed in such a fashion.
“I think he was hoping that it would help me to be more social and make friends.” Nino paused. “That, and I think that in order to prevent being teamed up with some of the other teams in these-“ he hand waved towards the building, “games, that he needed his entire team to be present at the retreat.” Nino neglected to mention that Nagase had some very strong opinions about some of the interns that worked for Matsumoto. None of them were very positive.
Nino could hear Jun nod, through the rusting of the fabric, less than actually seeing it, since he was concentrating on the battle. But he was still able to converse, and he did.
“But there is free food and that makes most things bearable. Besides, I am avoiding someone and it is easier to do it out here than in there.”
Nino hear Matsumoto hmm, and could hear the sound of his feet on the gravel as he moved to walk behind him, to, Nino could only assume, try and figure out what he was playing.
“Ah, Dragon Quest. I wondered what you were playing.”
Nino paused the game, looking towards Matsumoto with new found respect. “So you have played?” He asked, knowing how excitement tinged his voice.
“It has been a while, but yes, I have played. I have been doing more Zelda these days and Final Fantasy but I don’t really have time.” Jun shrugged, looking down at Nino. Nino found he could not look away, and he smirked at Jun’s next words.
“Who are you avoiding, oh nameless one.”
Was Matsumoto trying to flirt with him? That was impossible, but still, it was an opening, and one that he would take.
“Ninomiya Kazunari.” He paused, before speaking again. “I am not sure I should tell you who I am avoiding. You have a lot of power in the company, Mr. Vice President of all the departments that I am not connected with.” Nino was pleased that he could see Matsumoto smile at the snark in the tone. He responded to the smirk on his lips with a nod.
“I can see why you might hesitate, but I won’t do anything about it. I cannot make you go back inside. And even if I wanted you to, this isn’t the kind of retreat. And how can I demand something of you that I am currently unwilling to do myself.” Jun leaned onto the back of the bench, his head turned to look at Nino who nodded and sighed.
“I gave Karina-san a compliment the other day on some of the programming that she had done. It was quite helpful to my project. Since then I have been the object of her attention in the office. These trust building exercises, in her mind, are the perfect way to show that we are compatible.” Nino scoffed, shaking his head. “She is very much not my type.”
And he meant this, emphatically. While he did sometimes like women, she was not the kind that he would pursue, especially when there was a much more interesting specimen of man beside him, who had played one of his favorite games ever.
Jun nodded with a soft laugh. “I think that everyone in the office has been a target of Karina-san. But she is good at her job and has yet to cross the line to something that would merit dismissing her.”
Nino nodded. “Which is why I am out here. She takes hints very well and I think this will be the end of it.” Nino looked to Jun and when he spoke, he hesitated for a moment. This was where things could go badly. Jun had a lot of power in the company. If he crossed a line himself, then it could be his job.
“Have a seat, Matsumoto-san. It seems that you will be out here a while and the least I can do is to be gracious enough to share this bench.”
“If you are certain that it won’t bother you, then I will be happy to take a seat.” Jun walked around the bench and settled down “Thank you, Ninomiya-san.”
“Nino is fine.” He waved a hand with a smile, looking at Jun. There was a certain mischief on his face. “If you would like, I can give you all the gossip you and Sakurai-san miss out when you are holed up in your offices, working on those presentations. There is a wealth of drama.” Nino made sure that his expression was as open as possible. He hoped that Matsumoto would not be able to read the sparkle in his eyes, the mischief, but as he did not know him, then how could he?
Nino would see the hesitation on Jun’s face, so he continued.
“There is even a betting pool going on.” Nino’s voice was light and Jun looked at him curiously.
“Betting? At work?”
Nino nodded, laughing to himself. He had his interest now, hook, line, and sinker.
“It seems the popular opinion is that the women in the office all want you, or Sakurai, for reasons that I am sure are obvious.” Nino started and Jun interrupted.
“Obvious?”
“You are both successful and have high positions in the company. Sakurai-san even owns it. And women would love to be involved with either of you. Who would not want an attractive and rich man.” Nino paused. He needed to make Matsumoto blush more, it was quite attractive on the other man.
“Sho-kun perhaps.” Jun agreed after a moment and Nino’s gaze focused on him, eyes narrowing, his voice dropping. This would not work if Jun did not cooperate - and insisting that Sakurai was attractive was not cooperating. At all.
“Both of you are. Trust me on this one. All women in the office and some men are angling for you. The question is who will make the first move and would anyone succeed?” Nino leaned back, closing his game. He had beaten the boss a while ago. This was a new and different challenge.
“There is a good portion of the betting pool that thinks that you and Sakurai-san will-“ Nino stopped as Jun gaped at him, sputtering, coughing and staring at him in disbelief.
Oh yes, startling the other man was high on his priority list.
“What?” He gasped when he finally could and Nino nodded with a slightly apologetic smile. “Sorry?” He was not, in fact, sorry in the least, but it was polite.
“Sho and I?” Nino saw Jun shake his head, something crossing over his features. Had the liked the other man once? That would be, awkward at best, at work then. But there had never been any indication of it, and Nino had looked.
“You and him, yes.” Nino grinned, a smile full of impishness and mischief. “It seems that part of the office are one of the If I Cannot Have Him Then No One Can school. They hope that you are gay. That way you can be happy with whoever you chose and they will not have lost their chance.” Nino shook his head with a wry smile and laughed at the way Jun stared at him, mouth open.
“Don’t look so surprised, Matsumoto-san. I am sure that you had to deal with this kind of matter before.” Nino’s voice was light, teasing. Jun just shook his head.
Had the man really never dated?
Nino looked up at the sound footsteps moving towards them. Before Jun could make out who it was, Nino was up, off the bench and in front of Jun, leaning forward, his hands on either side of Jun on the bench. Nino did not dare to lean any closer, but the way the other man looked up at him, eyes wide, eyebrows thick and imposing, lips parted slightly as if he wished to speak, it took all of Nino’s self control not to just say fuck the job and kiss him. Though as it was, he wondered if he had crossed a line.
“I was joking, Matsumoto-san. There is no betting pool. I was serious, though, when I said that Karina-san was not my type. But, at the risk of getting fired, I will say that sloping shoulders-san, who is approaching, could be my type. But I really prefer someone with slightly wider hips and who enjoys wearing snugly fitting pants to the office.” Nino moved back, with a wink and a wave and was gone before Jun could really process what he was saying.
Nino was forced to stop and talk to Sakurai when the other man approached, but he could not really recall what he had said to the man. Just that as soon as he was in the building, the panic started to set in full force. His hand was in his pocket, pulling out his phone before the door to his room was even closed.
“Masaki, I think I might have just gotten myself fired….”