[One-shot] Just like a dream
Title: Just like a dream
Author: me XD
Words count: 6 018
Genre: Romance, comedy, slight angst, AU
Pairings: Aimoto (Aiba x Jun), Sakuraiba friendship, Yama Pair friendship
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Immortality doesn’t mean anything if you don’t spend your life by the side of the one you love.
Disclamer: I owns nothing! Johnny own my walet and Arashi owns my heart XD The plot is inspired by one of Handersen's stories.
Note: This fic is a gift for maibachanShe asked me to write something other than Sakuraiba stories and well...IT WAS SO HARD! XD
The Sakuraiba friendship is really strong in it, so I think I kind of failed ^^'' Sorry, sweety! I hope you will like it anyway <3
This story is unbeta-ed, I apologize for the grammar errors and weid sentences m(_ _)m
By the way, please read this story with a Disney feeling XD I know the title has nothing to do with the story, but I also suck at title OTL
Just like a dream
“Are you really sure?”
“Yes!”
“You won’t regret it, right?”
“No!”
“May I ask why?”
“Because I love him”
*****
Aiba Masaki is a curious person. If something is shinning in the bottom of a creepy and dark hole, Aiba will come closer to find out. Aiba always has a question about anything. Why is the sun yellow and hot? Why is the water blue there and green somewhere else? What are you doing? Why are you doing this? Why did your mother give you that name instead of another? Why does it hurt when you bite your tongue? Why? Why? Why?!
Despite all those questions, Aiba has a lot of friends. And even if his questions can annoy them sometimes, they always give up when they see his genuine smile. But there is something that disturbs Aiba, and none of his friends can help him, not even the smart Sakurai Sho!
“Aiba-chan, what are you doing here?” Asked Sho, coming closer to his depressed friend who was leaning against a big rock.
“I’m thinking…” answered the tall guy, sighing heavily and finally, looking at his small friend.
“That’s unusual! What’s bothering you?”
“I…There’s that…guy, you know? I saw him on the beach this morning and I can’t stop thinking of him.” Aiba explained slowly, a soft smile on his face as he remembered the said guy.
“A guy?” Asked Sho, who didn’t understand what the matter was.
Aiba nodded. “He’s really handsome! The way he walked in the sand, the way his long hair moved with the warm wind, his shining clothes,…”
“Wait a minute, wait a minute!” said Sho, shaking his head. He feared to ask what he wanted. “What…do you mean by ‘the way he walked in the sand?’ Aiba-chan…don’t tell me…”
Aiba lowered his eyes, knowing that in the next few seconds Sho would scold him. “Yeah…he’s human, Sho-chan…” Right after telling that fact, Aiba closed shut his eyes tightly and feared Sho’s reaction.
“A-A HUMAN?! WHAT THE FUCK MASAKI?! DON’T YOU KNOW IT’S DANGEROUS FOR YOU TO GO OUT THERE?! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!! WHAT IF…”
Sho stopped in the middle of his lecture as the sun above their heads became darker. All the others around them ran away, fearing the ‘Monster’, only the curious Aiba and the scared Sho stayed.
“A-Aiba-chan…” Said Sho, hiding behind Aiba.
“Shh! He won’t see us if we’re silent…” But it’s not the fact that the ‘Monster’ would see them or not they should fear, rather it would be his ultimate weapon: a juicy and so appetizing worm!
Even if Sho is the smartest fish in this entire ocean, his stomach would have the better of him. Just in front of him was that delicious, that so big and wriggling worm. Slowly, reason left Sho as he came closer.
“Sho-chan! Don’t!” Warned Aiba, but it was too late; the little red and yellow fish was already near the dangerous hook. That left Aiba just one thing to do!
The tall guy swam as fast as he could and got his head out of the water.
“HEY!!” He yelled at the man on the boat who jumped from surprise.
“It’s dangerous, you know? Your hook almost hurt me!”
“Oh? I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were swimming here…” Said the fisherman, bowing in apology and taking back his fishing-rod from the water. Aiba nodded and smiled genuinely, it was obvious that man wasn’t mean at all; in fact his sleepy and cute face was far from the image Aiba had of a monster.
“Hum…Could you go fishing in another place? The truth is that…hum…I have a lot of friends under the water and it’s dangerous so…” Hesitated Aiba, disturbed by Sho who was tugging his tail.
“Oh you’re not alone? It’s great to spend some time with your friends, right?”
“Well…yeah…”
“But…are they alright? I mean, they don’t come out for air…” Asked the fisherman, bending over the edge of his boat and looking at the water.
“They don’t need to, they can breathe under water.” Answered Aiba bluntly. That fisherman is really strange since when fish needed to come at the surface to breathe?
“I see, oxygen bottles, huh?” But before Aiba could answer, another voice raised in the wind.
“Ohno-kun, could you come back?” Asked a man from the beach, waving his hands gracefully above his head.
“I’m coming, Matsumoto-sama!” Answered the fisherman, waving his hand as well. He looked at Aiba again and smiled apologetically. “I’ve to work, now” he sighed.
Aiba didn’t hear Ohno, all his attention was focused on the handsome man waiting on the beach. He turned his head towards Ohno, and looked at him with shinning eyes.
“Do you know him?” He asked, almost desperately. Ohno looked at the beach, then at Aiba and finally nodded.
“It’s Matsumoto Jun-sama. He’s the young prince of the castle you see on the hill. I’m his personal cook.”
“Matsumoto Jun…” Whispered Aiba, looking at the moving figure.
“Ohno-kun!!” Called Matsumoto, visibly impatient.
“I really have to go now. It was nice to meet you, huh…?”
“Aiba Masaki! But please call me Aiba-chan!” Said Aiba, smiling brightly.
Ohno nodded and smiled too.
The tall man watched the boat coming near the edge of the beach. Once the two men left, Aiba went under the water again. He took Sho in his arms and turned round, laughing.
“A-Aiba-chan…I’m-I’m feeling di-zzy. Please stop!” Begged the poor little fish, who thought he would throw up the worm he ate before.
“Sorry, Sho-chan! Did you see him? He’s handsome, right? Matsumoto Jun, what a beautiful name!” Said Aiba, holding Sho against his chest.
“Hold on! Hold on! Stop daydreaming Aiba-chan!” Said the little fish, pushing himself away from the embrace. His little tail brought him closer Aiba’s face and he gave him the look.
“He’s a human! And you’re a triton! It’s impossible for both of you. You can’t stay out of water for long, and he can’t even breathe under water.”
“I know that, I’m not stupid!” Said Aiba.
“Well…yes you are.” Said Sho, crossing his fins. “I’m sure you’re wondering how you could solve this issue.”
“No, I’m not.” Lied Aiba, swimming back to his house, followed by Sho.
“That’s good then because there’s nothing you could do, except becoming human and that’s impossible.”
“In fact it’s possible.” Said someone behind them. Aiba turned his head to see the new comer.
“Okada-kun!” He said, smiling brightly.
“O-Okada-kun?!” Repeated Sho, turning round. Strangely, the little red and yellow fish seemed anxious.
“Yo Aiba-chan! Yo Bambi!” Said the gray fish, waving his fin in a friendly way, and winking at Sho. The latter was happy that he was already red, or else he would not know where to hide.
“What did you say about becoming human?” Asked Aiba.
“There’s that magician. He lived in the Dragon’s caves. It’s said that he can grant your wish, but you have to give him something in return. That’s strange you didn’t know that, Bambi…” Explained Okada, as he wrapped one of his fins around Sho.
“I knew, but it’s dangerous. And there’s no way, my Masaki would….MASAKI?!” Called Sho as he saw Aiba swimming frenetically, heading for the Dragon’s caves.
“Great! Just great!” Sighed Sho, pushing Okada away.
“Where are you going?” Asked Okada, following Sho who started to swim.
“I have to stop Aiba-chan before he makes a stupid mistake!”
*****
The Dragon’s caves weren’t reassuring. The big and creepy rocks gave you shivers and well…it wasn’t a place you would stay anyway. But if it was true, if that magician could help him, Aiba was ready to do anything.
“He-hello?” Called Aiba, coming into the dark cave, looking from left to right. His voice echoed against the walls and sent shivers down Aiba’s spine.
“What do you want?” Asked somebody behind him.
Aiba turned round and saw a small prawn in front of his face.
“Hum…I…I’m looking for a magician…” Answered Aiba, looking behind the prawn.
“He’s right in front of you!” Said the prawn. “Ninomiya Kazunari, nice to meet you.”
Aiba looked at the prawn in front of him, dumbfounded. That little thing was the great magician? The one who could help him?!
“But…You’re a pr-“
“Shut up! I know what I am, thanks!” Cut short prawn, pissed off.
“I wasn’t like this before. It’s just…something that didn’t go well in the past, and now I’m stuck in this state…” He added as he swam into the cave.
“You can’t get your true body back?” Asked Aiba, following him. “I thought you were a great magician”
“I AM! I’m Nino Le Magnifique!” Nino said, offended. “I’m so good that I can’t do anything against my own spells.”
“Is that so…”
“Anyway! You’re not here to insult me, right? What do you want?” He asked, angrily.
“Could you…could you turn me into a human?”
“Of course I can! It’s a piece of cake! But, you have to give me something in return…” He said, with an evil smile.
“Something? Well… I have those beautiful shells or this necklace or…”
“No, no, no. I want something else.” Said the little prawn, coming closer Aiba’s face.
“Something else?” Aiba repeated, a bit scared by the prawn’s evil look.
“Let me think…You’re a triton, right? Tritons are immortal…then your immortality should be enough!”
“Okay!” Said Aiba, without thinking. The fast reply surprised Nino, but he didn’t say anything. It was the first time that someone accepted his request so easily.
“You will have five days to prove me that he loves you. If within these five days he doesn’t tell you he loves you, you will give me your immortality and…die.” Nino wasn’t a bad guy or a murderer, but wishes have a price, and unfortunately for Aiba his life was that price.
Aiba nodded.
“Are you really sure?”
“Yes!”
“You won’t regret it, right?”
“No!”
“May I ask why?”
“Because I love him. And immortality doesn’t mean anything if you don’t spend your life by the side of the one you love…” Answered Aiba, a soft smile on his lips.
Nino closed his eyes and made a sound of agreement. “Are you ready?”
“Faster or we won’t make it!!” Shouted Sho, swimming as fast as his little fins allowed him.
But it was too late, when they arrived at the Dragon’s caves; Aiba was already in a sort of giant bubble, a bright glow surrounding him. Once the light disappeared, the long and green tail wasn’t there anymore, instead there were those two ugly things that humans called ‘legs’.
“MASAKI!!” Screamed the little red and yellow fish, coming closer his friend.
Aiba smiled at him and opened his mouth to speak.
Big mistake!
The water filled Aiba’s mouth and the poor man was drowning. Now that it was a human, he couldn’t speak or even breathe under water anymore.
“MASAKI!! MASAKI!!” Screamed Sho, pinching the cheek of his friends who had closed his eyes.
“At the surface, you idiot!” Ordered Nino.
Sho took Aiba’s hand in his fin and tried to moved him, but Aiba was so tall and Sho so small!
“Okada-kun! Please help me!”
But the big grey fish ran away when Sho called him.
“OKADA!!! Masaki, please wake up!” Sho was totally hopeless, what would he do without his best friend? He was the only one who stayed with him all the day, who helped him. His Aiba-chan couldn’t leave him, not now!
When he lost all his hopes, Okada came back with Yokoyama the Dolphin. Okada was a genius! Two little fish couldn’t help a human, but a big dolphin could! Without another delay, Yokoyama took Aiba on his back and swam as fast as he could until the surface, both little fish holding his tail.
Once they arrived at the edge of the beach, Yokoyama put Aiba on the sand. The tall man choked several times and made some strange noises as he gasped for air.
“What happened?” Asked the dolphin.
“That idiot is now a human!” Said Sho angrily. “Really, Aiba-chan! What were you thinking? Do you know how much you scared me?!”
“Sh-Sho-chan?” Asked Aiba, looking anxiously at the red and yellow fish. “What are you saying? I don’t understand you.”
Sho was speechless. It was logical, now that Aiba was human, he couldn’t speak with his friends anymore. Aiba was totally…human. Sho rested a fin on Aiba’s leg and looked at his friend sadly.
“I’m so sorry Sho-chan! I…”
“HEY YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Asked a man behind Aiba. The fishes and the dolphin ran away under the water, leaving Aiba alone.
Naked and alone.
Aiba tried to stand up, but he didn’t feel his legs (it was so new for him) and he fell in the sand.
“Hey! Are you alright?!” Asked the man, running at his side.
He grabbed Aiba shoulders and helped him to stand up. Aiba’s heart stopped when he saw the man’s face. It was him! Matsumoto Jun!
“I…I…” Said Aiba, all his body shivering. He was naked, soaked and the wind was damn cold.
“You will catch a cold!” Said Jun, putting his long white vest on Aiba shoulders.
“Th-thanks.” Said Aiba, smiling softly. He was right, that Matsumoto Jun was a nice guy. Maybe the task wouldn’t be so difficult in the end.
“Come inside.” Said Jun. They headed slowly to the castle, Aiba discovering how his legs worked and Jun supporting the naked man.
Okada, Yokoyama and Sho watched the scene without a word.
*****
“Aiba-chan! Are you alright?!” Asked Ohno, running towards the two men.
“Do you know him, Ohno-kun?” Asked Jun, still holding Aiba in his arms.
“I meet him this morning.” Answered Ohno, as he helped Aiba to sit on the soft blue couch.
The cook gave Aiba some towel and went upstairs, looking for warm clothes.
“So, you’re Aiba-san? I’m…” Started Jun, sitting next to Aiba.
“Matsumoto Jun! I know! I love you!” Said Aiba happily.
The prince watched Aiba as if he was a crazy man, maybe it was a bad idea to bring him here. What if that Aiba was a thief? Or a madman? Or worse: one of those proletarians who wanted to marry him?! Though, he didn’t seem dangerous at all. In fact, he was kind of cute and funny.
Ohno came back with a blue blanket and wrapped it around Aiba’s shoulders.
“Thanks, Ohno-kun.” Smiled softly Aiba.
Jun wrapped an arm around Ohno’s shoulders and took him apart. They both stand with their backs to Aiba, and whispered.
“He isn’t dangerous, is he?” Asked Jun.
“I don’t think so. I don’t really know him, but he seems nice. Don’t worry.” Reassured Ohno, looking at Aiba from the corner of his eyes.
“So, Aiba-san?” Called Jun, coming back to Aiba, the latter lifted his head and looked into Jun beautiful eyes.
“First of all…what happened?” asked Jun, clearing his throat and looking away; Aiba’s look was breathtaking. There was something in those eyes that was…magical!
“I…don’t know.” Lied Aiba. He couldn’t tell the truth, both of the other men would laugh at him.
“You don’t know?” Repeated Ohno. “What do you remember, then?”
“Hum…” Aiba made a pause, as if he tried to remember. “I remember talking with you and then….nothing.”
“Oh my god! Maybe I hurt him with my boat? That’s it! His head hit the boat and he lost consciousness!” Said Ohno, rubbing Aiba’s hand in apology.
“That doesn’t explain why he’s naked though…” Stated Jun, looking away again as he remembered Aiba’s nakedness, a soft pink coloring his cheeks.
“Matsumoto-sama, it’s late don’t you think? Maybe a good and restful night would help Aiba-chan to remember?”
Jun looked at Aiba who was touching his legs with a goofy smile on his face. Perhaps Ohno was right. A good night can solve some issues sometimes. The prince nodded and Ohno smiled at him.
“Come Aiba-chan! I will show you your room!”
“Okay!” Said Aiba, standing up. However, he hadn’t even taken a step that he fell heavily on the ground. “Sorry…” He giggled as Ohno and Jun helped him.
*****
Two days had already passed and Aiba had learned a lot of things, thanks to Ohno-kun. On the other hand, Jun seemed distant. The prince didn’t talk to him that much. He seemed like a cold person, a lonely one. The poor prince had no friends, except Ohno-kun. Not that he didn’t want friends, but all the people around him had deceived him in the past, all they wanted was his gold and his throne, not his friendship.
“I don’t know if I will make it, Sho-chan” Sighed Aiba, sitting in the sand and bringing his legs against his chest.
“Well, I told you it was stupid” Said Sho, even if he knew Aiba wouldn’t understand him.
“I could die in three days, but I don’t care. Just being by his side is enough.” Smiled Aiba softly.
“You know, every time I see him in that place they call ‘Room of the Throne’, he seems so lonely. I know he’s not a bad human, I can see it in his eyes. But his heart is so hard to touch. I don’t think I can do it alone Sho-chan.” He sighed, smiling sadly at his friend and stroking the top of the fish’s head with his fingertips.
The little fish remained silent for a short time, before moving his fins everywhere and finally went underwater.
“Sho-chan?” Called Aiba, but the fish was already gone.
Aiba waited for his return for almost one hour. When he decided to come back, bubbles formed at the surface and Yokoyama jumped out from the water. The dolphin pushed a body near the edge of the beach and made some happy sounds.
The naked man coughed several times and took a deep breath.
“What the…?” Asked Aiba, coming near the man.
“Stupid humans who can’t even breathe under water!!” Cursed the man, breathing heavily, his face totally hidden by his wet hair.
“S-sho-chan?!” Asked Aiba, dumbfounded. “Is it you?!”
“Yes it’s me, and before I forgot…” He said, before smacking the top of Aiba’s head. “That’s for making the biggest mistake of your life!” He then, hugged Aiba strongly.
“It hurts!” Giggled Aiba, despite the pain, he was happy to talk with his friend once again.
“How did you do that?” He asked, once they broke the embrace.
“The magician.”
“I know that! I mean, what did you give in exchange?”
“Oh, nothing important.” Said Sho, waving his hand. He looked at it a few seconds before putting it before Aiba’s eyes. “Now I understand why humans are so bad at swimming! Their fins have a lot of holes! Look!”
Aiba pushed the hand in front of him, cupped Sho’s face and gave him his serious look. “Tell me the truth, Sho-chan!”
“My…knowledge.” Sho sighed, not daring to look at Aiba. The latter gasped and shook his head. “And you say it’s ‘nothing important’?!”
“It’s nothing, when my best friend is risking his life, okay?! In the end, I’ll become an idiot, but you…you will die, Masaki! There’s no way I could let you die, without doing anything! And you said earlier that you couldn’t make it alone. So, I’m here to help you! Now show me that Majumoto Tsun and…”
“MaTSUmoto JUN” Corrected Aiba.
“Whatever! Show me that human and with my help, he will fall in love with you!” Said Sho, resolute.
Aiba smiled brightly and hugged Sho again. “Thank you, Sho-chan…” The latter patted Aiba’s back in a friendly way.
“Now, let’s go back!” Said Sho, standing up. Aiba was in awe as he saw his friend walking so easily in the sand.
“You already know how to walk?” Asked Aiba, running behind Sho.
“Of course! I’ve learned it!” The other man answered, proudly. But right after that, he lost his balance and fell into the sand, his head first.
*****
Who is that guy? Who is he and why the hell does he seem so close to Masaki-chan? That’s what Jun was thinking as he watched both of them laughing happily at the other side of the table. His fingers were tapping angrily on the table; all he could do was to watch those two touching and laughing. That was really annoying! Before Sho came, Masaki-chan was talking and laughing with HIM! Not that Sho, but HIM! Friends they said? Where did he come from? And what did he want? Maybe he was Masaki’s former boyfriend? Is it possible? He’s good looking, but…well he was normal! He wasn’t a prince like Jun. And that guy can’t even stand up properly! What does Masaki like in this guy?!
“MatsuJun?” Called Aiba, seeing the prince was silent today. The prince looked at Aiba, and his angry face disappeared right away; Jun gave his best smile instead. ‘MatsuJun’ it was the first time that someone gave him a nickname. And strangely when it came from Aiba it was really cute.
“What is it, Aiba-san?”
“Are you alright? You seem…annoyed?” Asked Aiba softly.
Jun glared at Sho who was eating like an ogre.
“What is it again, Ohno-kun?” Asked Sho, pointing at the meal inside his plate.
“It’s chaa-han”
“This is maximum delicious!!”
Aiba laughed loudly, and patted Sho’s head. “Isn’t he funny?” He asked Jun.
The latter forced a smile and agreed. “Yeah…really funny.” He said between his teeth.
*****
The fourth day, Jun suddenly asked Aiba out. The prince showed his guest the royal gardens, his favorite place inside his entire kingdom. The garden was sumptuous; flowers were everywhere.
On the right were numerous roses in all the possible colors: red, pink, white, yellow, blue, and even black. On the left were several fruit trees; from all over the world. In the center was a little red bridge upon a giant pond.
“This is wonderful!” Whispered Aiba, his eyes wide; looking from left to right.
Jun was glad that his plan went as he thought. Aiba was a curious person who loved nature, and the prince knew Aiba would like the garden.
“If you would excuse me a minute...” Said Jun, a soft smile on his lips before leaving Aiba alone in the garden.
Aiba looked at the flowers in front of him, the scents were so good, and he knew why Jun liked this place; he felt so at ease. That peace, that silence, somewhat it reminded Aiba the ocean. The human world was so noisy and people were mean. During the previous days, Aiba had seen so many detestable people. People lied, hurt just to get what they wanted: the power.
Fortunately, there were some exceptions: Ohno and Jun weren’t like that. They were kind, nice and honest.
“Psst, the triton!” A voice called in the garden.
Aiba looked back and fro, but saw nobody in the garden, maybe it was just his imagination?
“Psst! Come here!!” The voice said again.
Aiba walked towards the pond and looked into the water. There was a picture of the magician.
“Nino?!”
“Yeah! We don’t have a lot of time! Did he say he loved you?” Asked the prawn, anxious.
Aiba shook his head and smiled sadly. “Not yet. And I don’t think he will.”
“What the fuck?! You love him, right?” He asked angrily.
Aiba nodded.
“And I’m sure he loves you too! But the spell will be successful only if he says it! You have to do something, and where is that stupid fish?”
Before Aiba could reply, Jun came back with two glasses. He gave one to Aiba and looked at the water.
“Who were you talking to?” Asked Jun.
“Nobody. I was talking to myself.” Giggled Aiba, drinking a bit of champagne.
Both of them fell into a comfortable silence. Slowly, Jun brought his hand closer Aiba’s until they touched. Aiba didn’t look at Jun, but he couldn’t help himself from smiling. Maybe Nino was right?
“Aiba-san, you…” Started Jun before Aiba bent over the bridge and looked closer into the water.
“Ogura-san?!” He exclaimed, jumping from the bridge and kneeling in front of the pond. Aiba put his hand into the water and grabbed the little blue fish.
“Oh my god! It’s been so long! I thought you were dead!” He shouted happily. “Shimura-san, you too?!” The white and purple fish jumped out from the water and landed on Aiba’s lap. Both of the fish seemed to kiss Aiba’s cheeks with their wet lips.
“Disgusting…” Said Jun, watching the scene and making a disgusted face.
“Disgusting?” Repeated Aiba, shocked. He put the fish in the water and came towards Jun.
“What’s disgusting?” He asked, putting his fists against his hips.
“The fish…they…kissed you.” Answered Jun.
“So? Fish are disgusting?! I’m sorry if you don’t like them! And first of all, what give you the right to kidnap them?! Huh?” Said Aiba angrily.
“Well, nobody particularly…it’s just fish anyway.” Replied Jun, a bit confused by Aiba’s outburst.
“Oh? So, because they are only fish, you think YOU can take them away from their home?”
“A-Aiba-san, what’s wrong with you?”
“That’s my line! What’s wrong with YOU? Because you’re human, you think you can do as you want? You don’t take others’ feelings into consideration?!”
“Fishes haven’t feelings, Aiba-san!”
“Yes they have! For example, if Sho-chan wasn’t…”
“Sho-chan! Sho-chan! Sho-chan! ENOUGH! You have nothing but his name in your mouth! What’s so great about him?!” Yelled Jun, throwing his glass on the ground.
“Well, first of all he likes fish and doesn’t hurt them! He’s also risking his life to save mine!”
“Why don’t you date him, then? If he’s so great!”
“Maybe I will!”
“Fine!”
“Fine!”
“FINE!”
“I HATE YOU!” Cried Aiba as he ran away.
Jun had seen the tears on Aiba’s face and right after the man had left, the prince regretted his words. The prince sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Why was he so stupid?! Jun kicked the corner of the bridge and looked at the fish.
“What are you looking at?!”
*****
“He had cried all the night, and now he doesn’t want to get out from his room” Sighed Sho, peeling potatoes next to Ohno. “I don’t think we could make it anymore now…” He added in a whisper, mostly to himself, but unfortunately Ohno heard him.
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing really…AAAH!” Screamed Sho, taking his head between his hands and falling on the ground.
“Sho-kun, are you alright?” Asked worriedly Ohno, kneeling next to Sho.
“Ma-Masaki…I need to see…Masaki…” Said Sho painfully. His head hurt like hell, as if all his knowledge was coming out from his brain. He knew it would happen, but he hadn’t thought it would be so early and so painful. And if he was losing his knowledge, then Masaki was…
“Masaki!” He shouted as he saw his friend lying on the ground, near the bed.
Aiba was breathing heavily, his lips totally dry and his face so pale. Despite the pain, Sho took Aiba in his arms.
“Sho-chan…”
“Shh…We will be fine, I promise.”
Ohno who didn’t know what was going on, helped Sho to put Aiba back into his bed, and did the same with Sho himself.
“I’ll go call for a doctor!” Said Ohno as he tucked Sho. The latter grabbed the cook’s collar and brought their faces closer.
“Find…the…prince…” He whispered before letting the older man go.
Ohno nodded and ran out from the room. The poor cook looked after the prince in each room of the castle, but he wasn’t anywhere. One of the maids told him that Jun didn’t come back last night, his bed was still undone.
For the first time of his life, Ohno thought as fast as he could. Sho asked him to find the prince, and if he asked that, then it meant Jun was the one who could save them. Maybe the cook could seem stupid sometimes, but he knew there was something strange about Aiba and Sho. Those two weren’t like other people, they hid something, but Ohno knew it wasn’t a wrong thing. For the first time in a while, the prince’s eyes were brightening and a genuine smile was on his face every time he saw Aiba.
He must save them!
Ohno ran into the stable and picked the faster horse they had in the kingdom.
“I’m sorry…Sho-chan…” Breathed Aiba painfully, his hand holding his friend’s lightly.
Sho squeezed the cold hand and smiled softly. The beds were close and both of the men helped each other by holding their hands: friendship lasts until the end, right?
“What…will…happen to…you?”
“Don’t worry about that…” Answered Sho. He knew what would happen: death for both of them. Knowledge didn’t only mean what you have learned at school or in books. Little by little, he would forget how to walk, speak and…breathe. That’s what Nino told him.
“Aiba-chan…are you happy?”
“Yes…it was short but…I know I love him…from the bottom of my heart.” Replied Aiba with a weak smile.
Time flew and Ohno didn’t find Jun anywhere. Where was he? Not the beach, nor the fields. For God sake where was Jun?!
“THE GARDEN IDIOT!” A voice screamed suddenly.
Ohno stopped his horse and looked from left to right. There was nobody around there.
“I SAID THE GARDEN! ARE YOU DEAF?!” He heard again.
Finally, Ohno spotted a young man at the corner of the road, waving his hands and screaming like a madman.
“Who…who are you?” Asked the cook, coming closer.
“It doesn’t matter! Hurry up and find the prince, or the triton and the fish will die!” Said the young man angrily.
“What the…triton? Fish? What are you talking abo-“
“WHO CARES?! Go to the garden!”
“But I’ve already checked the garden, he’s not there!” Explained Ohno, desperate.
“He’s under the bridge! You didn’t check properly! NOW GO!” Said the young man before hitting the back of the horse.
The young man looked at the figure disappearing in the setting sun and bit his bottom lip, hoping the cook would make it in time. He couldn’t help them, according to the rules they had to do it themselves.
“Jun-sama? JUN-SAMA?! WHERE ARE YOU?” Cried Ohno desperately. That young man had told him the prince was under the bridge, but he wasn’t.
“JUN-SAMA!!”
“Why are you screaming like that Ohno-kun?” Asked Jun, at the entrance of the garden, visibly angry.
Ohno ran towards him and grabbed his shirt collar. “Ai-Aiba-chan he…”
“I don’t want to hear anything about him.” Said Jun fiercely.
“My lord! Aiba-chan is…”
“He’s angry with me, I know, thanks!”
“HE’S DYING JUN!” Screamed Ohno with all his might, his hold tight around Jun’s shirt collar.
The prince opened his eyes wide when the words hit his brain. “Where is he?” He whispered.
“Sho-chan…?” Called Aiba painfully. His friend had screamed all the day, the pain was certainly unbearable. But now it was quiet again.
“I’ve…only one…regret…my last words were… ‘I hate…you’” Aiba coughed several times and licked his blue and dry lips. “I wish…he would know…I loved him…Do you think…he knew?”
But the other side of the bedroom remained silent. Aiba noticed that the hand in his was awfully cold, and the weak man turned his gaze towards his friend. Sho wasn’t moving anymore.
‘Thank you’ Aiba muted, a single tear sliding down his cheek. Slowly he closed his eyes and after a few seconds their hands disentangled and touched the soft red carpet on the ground.
Ohno and Jun ran into the corridor, until they reached Aiba’s room. Jun slammed the door open and froze.
“Ai-ba-san?” He called, but as he feared there was no answer.
“No…” He whispered, shaking his head slowly.
It wasn’t real, right? Aiba couldn’t be gone, right? Jun hadn’t apologized yet; he hadn’t told him how he felt towards him. That cheerful and cute man couldn’t be gone!
Jun knelt near the bed and took Aiba’s hand in his, stroking it gently; he was so cold.
“Ohno-kun…why?” he asked, without looking at his cook. Jun couldn’t look away; Masaki was so pale, so cold and yet still beautiful.
“His dream didn’t come true.” Said a man behind Ohno.
Both men looked at the intruder, and Ohno recognized quickly the young man he saw earlier.
“He asked me to turn him into a human because he had fallen in love with you. He had five days to make you confessed. Unfortunately you didn’t and that poor triton lost his life.” Nino turned his gaze towards Sho who was resting into Ohno’s arms. “And this stupid fish had the same fate, just because he wanted to help his friend!” He added bitterly.
“But…this isn’t fair!” Shouted Jun, standing up suddenly and grabbing Nino’s shirt collar.
“How can I confess within five days?! It’s stupid and impossible!” He added angrily as tears fell down his cheeks.
“You loved him, right?” Asked Nino looking right into Jun’s eyes, he wasn’t scared at all.
“It’s not the problem! Your rules are stupid! I can’t confess within five days!!”
“Five days, one month, ten years, who cares?! True love doesn’t need time! You love or you don’t! You, humans are stupid!” Nino shouted back, pushing Jun away.
“Say it…” Asked Ohno, holding back his tears.
“Ohno-kun…”
“Jun, for God sake! Say it! Tell him how you feel!”
“But…it’s too late, Sato-“
“You still love him, right?! And you will love him for the rest of your life?! Even if he’s already gone, tell him how you feel while he’s still in front of you! Saying those words in front of a grave isn’t pleasant!” Shouted Ohno, his hold tightening around Sho’s still body.
Jun swallowed hard and nodded once. He turned round and knelt again near the bed.
“I…I already miss you. I miss your smile, I miss your laugh, and I miss your bright eyes. I know it was sudden, you entered in my life for five days but…I’m so sorry, Masaki! I’m sorry for those horrible things I told you yesterday.” Jun squeezed the cold hand in his and smiled between his tears. “You’re stupid, you’re sometimes clumsy and very noisy but since the first time I saw you on the beach that night…I know you’re… I would give anything if…Masaki….”
“Just say it…” Whispered Nino, watching anxiously at the moon through the windows.
“I love you. I love you and will always…” He whispered against the blue lips before kissing them softly.
*****
It’s been already three months since the events. Little by little the castle and its inhabitants found their habits again. Jun listened to his subjects’ complains all the day in the cold and lonely room of the throne. Ohno spend all his free time on his boat, fishing.
“I got one!” He said happily after a long time.
He looked at the red and yellow fish that struggled and the end of his line.
“Put her down!” Yelled someone behind Ohno’s back.
“You know her?” Asked Ohno, astonished.
“She’s my mom, you idiot!” Said Sho, hitting the top of Ohno’s head with the book he was holding.
“Hi mom!” He said, waving his hand before the fish’s eyes. He looked at her for a few seconds and whispered into Ohno’s ear with a mischievous smile “What’s great being a human is that I don’t have to listen to her lecture anymore.”
“Psst, my lord!” Someone called Jun, behind a pillar.
Jun walked towards the pillar discretely and two arms grabbed him quickly, pushing him against the cold stone.
“Why are you still calling me that way?” Asked Jun with a soft smile as he wrapped his arms around the other man’s waist.
“I think it’s funny!” Giggled Aiba, pecking Jun’s lips.
“You idiot!” Laughed Jun.
“Idiot maybe, but your favorite one!” Added Aiba with a pout.
“My only one” Whispered Jun against the sweet lips.
FIN.
*****
So? How was it? I hope your not too disappointed ^^' I'm still a newbie lol
Sorry for the fail, writing something different is very hard (I'm sooooo biased, I can't help XDD) I chose Junba because I know it's your closet pairing ^^
I wanted to entitle it "Part of that world' in reference of the Little Mermaid but, When You Wish Upon A Star is also the name of a Disney song XDDD (I really love Disney ^^")
God luck for your last week!!! <3
And thanks for all of you who lost their time, reading this ^^'
See ya!
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