Line of Trust - Tora/Saga - 2/xx
Title: Line of Trust
Chapter(s): 2/xx
Author: sentimentalenvy
Genre: AU/Romance/little angst?
Rating: PG-13 - R
Warnings: language
Pairing/Characters: Tora/Saga, Shou/Hiroto, Shou/Saga, Tora/Nao (one sided)
Synopsis: Saga is thrilled when Tora accepts his feelings, and he is even more ecstatic to know that Tora is slowly building up the courage to try. But a man can only love, and wait for someone for so long. Shou's unrequited love for Saga just might take a different course if Tora continues to do nothing to change his old habits. Saga suddenly wonders if Tora is even trying. Unfortunately not everything is supposed to start off perfect, but will it end perfect? Saga was beginning to doubt it.
Comments: This is a multichapter fic which follows up right after Take a Chance. In this fic, the points of views are gonna vary o_o; (just a heads up). And last update for a long ass time @_@! I've updated the most I could this week >_< .
2
"Good afternoon sweetie cakes! My name is Momoko and I will be your server today. Would you like to start off with something to drink?" The cute blonde waitress asked, poising the pen above the notepad. Saga looked up at her with a small smile.
"Yes I'll have a hot tea please." Saga figured it would be better if he did something while he waited for Shou to arrive.
"Okay and what would you like to eat? Our lunch special is-"
"Actually I'm waiting for someone. I'm sorry," Saga interrupted, feeling a little rude, but he really didn't want to deal with any more babbling waitresses or distractions. He wanted time alone for the time being to think.
"Oh I see. Well that's not a problem! I'll be right back with your hot tea then." She nodded in confirmation and left Saga sitting in the table at the corner of the cafe.
Saga specifically chose the table in the back of the cafe on purpose, because that way if he were to start acting foolish in front of Shou, he wouldn't get stares and glances from everyone else. Watching little kids everywhere he went reminded him of what he and Tora used to have. Things were so much easier when you were a little kid. You didn't have to worry about anything with things such as feelings or have Tora throwing random fits for the simpliest things such as taking care of him. Saga buried his face into his hands and inhaled deeply before letting out a heavy breath. Sometimes remembering to breathe was suddenly an issue and he hoped Shou would arrive soon.
"Heeh?!"
An unidentified voice rang out into the cafe and Saga's head popped out of his hands to look right an left. He didn't know if that was being directed to him or if it was just some crazy person trying to start up a scene. There had been pretty stupid psychotic people dining here before after all. Although Saga had to admit it was pretty amusing to see people sneaking rubber cockroaches into their half eaten soups.
"Are you who I think you are?!"
Saga looked to his left and jumped in his seat to see an interesting man staring at him with bright eyes and a cute boyish smile. He had brown eyes with his jet black hair gelled out in all direction with a half side of his bangs dyed blonde. By the looks of him, he looked vaguely of someone familiar...or maybe not...
"E-Excuse me?" Saga could only stutter those words. What would a person have done if a random guy jumped at him out of nowhere claiming that they knew him?
"Ah sorry sorry! I guess I should introduce myself," The man smiled sheepishly as he helped himself into the seat across from Saga. "You must be Sakamoto Takashi otherwise known as Saga, Sagacchi, Daikon-san-" The man said, slapping down a couple of photos of Saga and juding by the angles, this man was obviously in hiding while taking these photos.
"EH?!"
"Date of birth June 24th 1982, blood type AB, 175 centimeters, approximately 55 kilograms seem to vary because apparently Torashi says you eat like a beast, you prefer wine more than anything else, you enjoy taking nice long walks with your beloved Chiko, you call everyone perverted when you're actually reeeally perverted yourself-"
"Whoa hold up hold up! W-Who WHO are you?!" Saga felt his voice crack at the emphasis on who because frankly, it scared the hell out of him to know that a strange random guy flew out of nowhere babbling about personal information that not anyone just knew about. He did hear Tora's name in the list of personal information, so it calmed himself just a little to know that there was some sort of connection between this weirdo and him.
"Murari Naoyuki is the name, but I don't like that. You can just call me Nao," He grinned, and nodded over and over again which reminded Saga of a mental goose.
"Wait...you know Tora?" Saga asked, leaning forward as the waitress had suddenly come in with the long forgotten tea. "And I would like to know how the heck you got my information."
"We didn't even get through one quarter of the list," Nao pouted. "I research on all of my competition," He said, grinning and a mischevious smirk followed after. Saga gulped at the sudden transformation in the former cuteness of Nao's face.
"C-Competition...?"
"Yes. Apparently you harbor some sort of mushy rabu rabu feelings for my cousin yes?" He whispered, pressing the pads of his fingers together. I think the only thing he's missing is a throne and a naked cat curled up on his shoulders. His styled hair does sort of look like devil horns...
"Cousin?" Saga's eyes widen in surprise as he tried to process this unknown information into his brain.
Within the time he had known Tora, which is practically a majority of his life, he had thought he had met all of Tora's family members...apparently he hadn't. But then this Nao person could be a stalker for all he knew. He could possibly be an experienced stalker who is probably also Tora's stalker because Tora has had a great deal of stalkers in his life - so it wasn't too surprising.
"How do I know if you're really Tora's cousin?" Saga ask, deciding to suddenly interrogate him. This stalker needed to get thrown in jail or something. "I'm going to need identification, sir."
Nao simply scoffs and Saga's eyebrows furrow together in annoyance and frustration. He was even more frustrated when Nao made no motion to take out his wallet. Saga sighed and figured if Nao was going to play the patience game then so would he. The game didn't last really long. As a matter of fact it hardly even began because he could see a familiar light haired Shou making his way into the cafe.
"Hey Saga I'm so sorry it took me so long I-" Shou huffed as he made his way over to Saga's table and stood in the center because Nao had taken his seat. "Er..."
"Sorry to cut our convo short but I assume you'll be at Tora's house later right? I'll see you later Saga-kun," He chirped, throwing up a peace sign as he hopped out of the chair and began exiting the cafe.
"Who was that?" Shou questioned immediately, sitting himself down on the chair across from Saga. "He didn't address you very formally and so I'm assuming if he was a stranger he would be a pretty rude person," He frowned, with a disapproving tone.
"I don't know...he knows who I am and I have no idea who he is. He claims he's Tora's cousin," Saga scoffed, and took his now warm cup of tea into the palm of his hands.
"Tora's cousin? Tora never mentioned of having a stalker as a cousin," Shou muttered, rolling his eyes. "So thats where the freak genes come from eh?"
"Ergh, I don't want to ask him but I'm curious," Saga sighed. "But things are awkward with us..."
"What did he do this time?" Shou frowned, his tone had suddenly lowered and Saga had the sudden chills. Despite Shou's proper kind mannerisms, he could be quite scary if he wanted to be.
"Ugh I was upset about that but right now I'm more curious about that Nao person. Right now I just want to ask Tora if he really is Tora's cousin. And he said something about me being competition...so I'm assuming he knows of our friendship?" Saga sighed, and took a careful sip of his tea.
"Well who doesn't know that?" Shou raised an eyebrow and a rather dull expression took over his face. "You should ask him then. Well - if you're still comfortable with him that is."
"Yeah well I think right now I feel more confident despite what just happened between Tora and me today. That would be a good time for me to apologize as well," Saga said, taking another sip of his tea before setting the tea down.
"Apologize? What is there to apologize? If anyone should apologize, it should be him," Shou spat, his voice was so firm and angry Saga had to quickly place his hand over Shou's so he wouldn't start a scene. "How many times have I repeated those exact same words?"
"Alright, okay Shou. Please don't cause a scene. Especially here," Saga pleaded, and right on cue, the waitress came back to ask them what they wanted to order. "Ah yes yes we're ready!" Saga said almost too eagerly before Shou could mutter another curse word.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Do you really think it's a good idea?" Shou asks Saga with a worried expression written all over his face.
Saga and Shou were walking back to Shou's work, and Saga had insisted that Shou go back to work before his boss had him fired. And he figured it would be better if Tora didn't see him with Shou when he decided to go visit him again. He knew Tora should be off work in an hour or so, so he had decided to wait in front of Tora's apartment again. His best friend was probably going to nag at him again for waiting outside again, but Saga couldn't go home without knowing what was up with that whole Nao thing.
"Yes I'm positive. I don't want you getting fired for such a small thing," Saga said, pushing Shou to walk faster in the parking lot towards the game shop.
"You sure you don't need a ride?" Shou sighed. "I can drive you. It's not a problem," He added and came to a stop which caused Saga to collide into Shou a little harder than predicted.
"Yes. Please just go back to work," He said, smacking his palms against Shou's back to push him harder towards the automatic sliding doors.
"Alright if you say so," Shou sighed, his motions were still unwilling, but it was nothing Saga couldn't handle. "If that punk ever says anything stupid, I'll beat him to a pulp."
"That's the last thing I want. Don't." Saga didn't find it amusing at all, so he didn't bother smiling or chuckling. "I'll see you later. I'm in a hurry so if you will please apologize to Hiroto for me. He probably had to cover up for you again today. Tell him I'm sorry," Saga mumbled before dashing off across the bus and down the street to catch the next upcoming bus. Perhaps he should just take a taxi instead.
It didn't take long in the cab as he thought it would take with the bus full of the same smelly people. He hopped up the stairs to Tora's apartment, and before he could even connect his knuckles to the door, it had opened itself. He twitched at the first and only person he saw. What the
"Sagacchichi!"
Saga gulped audibly as Nao grabbed his wrist and almost as quick as lightning, he was pulled inside. He quickly looked around his surroundings to see that Tora wasn't home. Tora's wallet, cell phone and keys weren't on the kitchen counter, so he assumed the man wasn't home yet. So if Nao had keys to Tora's apartment, then maybe...
No. There was no possible way! All stalkers had duplicates of their targets' keys - that was a reasonable explanation. Saga thought about the questions he would ask Tora about Nao. Exactly who was Nao, what is the true reason of why Nao has his keys, if Nao really was Tora's cousin...and what did Nao mean by saying he was competition? Oh no, scratch that. That would be a question he would have to ask Nao. Saga didn't have a chance to ask Nao because the doorknob had jiggled a little, and both of their heads turned expectantly to wait for Tora to come in.
Saga's heart was pounding against his chest as he stared intensely at the door. He didn't even realize that Nao's fingers were still wrapped tightly around his wrist. Tora made his way into his apartment and when he looked up, his face palmed almost imediately. Saga stared back and once again, breathing seemed to be non existant. Nao however, grinned cheekily and practically flew towards Tora like a flying squirrel and latched himself onto Tora's back.
Tora seemed surprised at the impact of Nao's actions, but he couldn't seem to take his surprised expression away from Saga's. Saga fidgeted nervously and pondered about what to say during this awkward moment. Normally Tora would be the one to come over to apologize, but Saga figured this time he should be the one to step up because there were just so many questions he wanted answered.
"Tora! Aren't you happy to see me?!" Nao pouted, wrapping his arms and legs tighter around Tora to get his attention. "Mou, Tora! I came all the way from America to visit yoou and you don't even treat me like a proper guest! Oh...right. I suppose you still don't believe I'm Tora's cousin right, Saga?" Nao ask, eyeing Saga with a haughty look. "Tell him!"
"Uh...yeah....he's my cousin," Tora admitted nervously as he kept his gaze at his feet.
"See?!" Nao pointed at Saga with an accusing look. "Don't you see the resemblance?" He exclaimed, grabbing at Tora's face and lowered his face at the same level so Saga could see. Saga sighed and crossed his arms in annoyance.
"Not really..."
A gasp.
"Well yeah I guess Tora forgot to mention that," Saga shrugged.
"I didn't think he was that important to mention," Tora sighed, tossing his usual belongings on the kitchen counter.
"Well since now I pretty much know all I needed to know, I'll just be going," Saga muttered after shifting awkwardly, he started to make his way towards Tora's door.
"Wait. Saga hold on."
Tora's arm shot out to grab Saga by his forearm, which cause Nao to slant a little from the uneven leverage. Nao huffed and grumbled a bit as he hopped completely off of Tora's back. Saga was startled by Tora's sudden actions, and he looked up at Tora with confusion but he stayed silent to let Tora speak. The tension was kind of awkward with Nao staring back and forth between then, but another part of his mind wanted to clear things out between Tora and him before he left anyway. Going home feeling like things were resolved was better than going at home feeling like shit.
"About earlier today-"
"It's fine - really," Saga said, raising an arm to pat Tora on the shoulder. Tora truly did look worn out from today, and he assumed it was from their little encounter before lunch. "It was no big deal I mean - you're a big boy," Saga smiled and shrugged. "I should've known. Your manly friends wouldn't let you hear the end of it eh?"
"It's not like that Saga," Tora groaned wearily and he didn't seem to be in the mood to joke around. Well at least Saga tried to lighten up the mood despite the weird situation they were in. "I'm just an idiot. I'm a jealous bastard okay? You know how I am when you and Shou are always hanging around each other like fucking sticky gummy bears on an overheated pavement!"
"W-Wha..." Saga hicked out a little giggle at the analogy and image that had popped into his mind. "I love how you overdo the exaggerations..."
"Why is it that whenever I'm trying to be serious, you don't take me seriously?" Tora grumbled, and at the same time his eyes shifted and focused on his pack of cigarettes lying on his counter. His face cringed and it was obvious he was suddenly craving for those cancer sticks for some relief.
"You expect me to take you seriously when you mention gummy bears stuck together on a hot pavement?" Saga asked with a small chuckle. He didn't want to talk about what happened earlier today anymore. "Let's not let this sort of thing come in between us okay?" Saga looked up at Tora with a pleading look in his eyes.
"I know. I'm an idiot. You shouldn't be the one to come here. I was gonna head over to your place to apologize," Tora muttered as he shook his head and he took both of Saga's hands into his. And for a moment, Nao was pretty much non existant.
"Hey don't ignore me!" Nao exclaimed, pulling at Tora's arm with a sharp tug. Tora groaned lowly in annoyance and Saga could sense the weariness aura that Tora wore.
"You seem tired. And judging from the look on your face, I don't think you expected Murai-san to show up unannounced either. You guys obviously have some stuff you need to talk about," Saga watched Nao with careful eyes.
"I have left him plenty of messages," Nao popped up and stared at the two with an accusing look. "He just never returned my calls. This is not how you treat family Torashi."
"Family members don't molest each other's family members either," Tora said, shooting Nao a fierce glare that clearly told the shorter man to back down. And anyone that knew or didn't know Tora enough would know better than to challenge the taller man. Well...if they wanted to get their head brought into a brick wall that is.
"Why are you always so mean Tora-kun? I get the fact that you're so serious to everyone around you but you don't have to treat me like them!"
"What makes you think you have the right to stalk Saga? As long as he gives you permission-"
"I most certainly do not give permission!"
"It's forbidden. This isn't even legal. You've got to stop Nao...or I'll really put a restraining order on you," Tora said sternly, and lightly shrugged Nao off his arm.
"Saga, you're staying for dinner," Tora demanded, and pointed at Nao. "And you, since you came in here unnanounced, you're helping me."
"HEY that's not fair! Saga's a guest too!" Nao frowned, and crossed his arms in dissapointment. "I demand Saga help too!"
"Don't be silly Tora," Saga said, pursing his lips together and looked at Nao with a nod. "Of course I'll help."
"You don't have to. You've never been considered as a guest. But if you insist," Tora grinned at Nao, and gave Saga a cheeky grin and he knew something was going to happen. Like hell Tora would bring up a taunting grin if he was going to do something bad.
Saga never had a chance to brace himself for anything when Tora unexpectedly pulled Saga into his arms and kissed him forcefully by knocking him backwards. Luckily Saga's quick reaction allowed him cling onto Tora's shoulders for support, and Nao had probably misinterpreted that move as an initiative to engage further more into the kiss. It would probably piss him off, and that idea was beginning to sound pretty damn good.
"Exactly what kind of relationship do you two have?! Tora! Y-You-You've never kissed another guy in your friggin' life!" Nao cried and pouted in disappointment. Saga's little whimpers were no help either. "This is absurd!"
"I guess you're not too well informed about everything," Tora laughed against Saga's mouth before quickly pulling away. Saga figured it was cause he was embarrassed about drooling but that shouldn't really be much of a problem, should it? What a baby.
"I'm hungry," Nao frowned in attempt to change the subject. "Go make me food, slave."
"Keep talkin' like that and you're gonna find yourself out on the streets trying to look for the closest Mc Donalds," Tora said, mocking the frown Nao had directed at him. "I'm gonna go get the preperation stuff ready. You two mingle or something," Tora chuckled with a little wave, he turned away to head into the kitchen.
Nao and Saga exchanged awkward glances, and it seemed like both of them were waiting for the other person to start talking or do something. Saga leaned casually against the wall and looked elsewhere while Nao plopped onto the arm of the couch, watching the slender man stand across from him. Saga was relieved when Nao was the one that decided to break the silence, but he wasn't so sure about the starting point of the conversation.
"I may be his cousin, but I know than you think," He mentioned with his voice soft, unlike the attitude he had before, he wasn't whiny and mischevious.
"I think you don't know as much as you think you know," Saga replied, wondering if he sounded complicated. "Eh...did you understand that?"
"It's not...exactly rocket science," He muttered. Saga knew Nao was trying to put two and two together. "Well anyway...I don't think I've ever seen this side of Tora before. Don't get me wrong, I know a lot about him."
"I'm...sure..." Saga blinked and furrowed his brows together in question. "And where are you getting at? I've never really been good at figuring out hidden messages."
"Look, the bottom line is, I know you love him - yes I'm aware of that. It's just that...I've never seen him get so close to a guy like that. Ever. So you could say I'm bloody jealous, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up on him. Cousin or not, that shouldn't stop me from loving him and let me tell you one more thing," Nao mumbled at the end of his sentence, and bit the bottom of his lip as if he was thinking hard of something else to say. After a couple of seconds of hard thinking he looked up at Saga with a hard stare in his brown eyes. "You're not stopping me either."
"I have no intention to," Saga sighed. He was secretly fighting the urge to chuckle at Nao's adorableness. He wanted to smirk at Nao and tell him he had no hell of a chance because Tora was never one to do same sex incest. Sadly that would make him sound like someone he wasn't, and Saga was not going to go down that low road.
He didn't want to make this sound like a game of who had won and lost, because it wasn't like he was the one that won Tora over anyway. Sure he was the only guy Tora had considered right now, he couldn't allow himself to let something simple as kissing lead to anything more. As much as he wanted to be official, he wanted to make sure he had Tora to himself.
Asking Tora to leave everything else behind for him would be ridiculous, but it was something he had secretly wanted for his own benefit. He felt horrible for thinking of these things, and he tried to be considerate for Tora's feelings as much as possible. Saga was always one to try his hardest to give what was best for his friends, and he did not try any shortcuts to benefit the odds into his favor. He wasn't going to settle for sneaky tricks because he wanted Tora to commit himself to him because he wanted to.
Saga wasn't all too proud with what they had right now either. The supposedly little "harmeless" intimate moments were more of a threat to him than anything. It was obvious that trying to fall out of love was too late, but Saga didn't think it was possible to fall deeper than he already had. It was like plunging into an abyss. It was never going to end, and Saga was told by friends to let it all play out and see where this leads them. But he didn't want to. He was too old for waiting games. He wanted nothing more but to settle down with a loved one, but it wasn't like he had a choice. Tora seemed like he was trying...right? Saga wasn't so sure and it broke his heart to know that part of his heart didn't trust Tora whole heartedly.
A/N: This took me a long time because so many complications have come up with my internet, and right when I was almost done with my story, I don't know everything happened so fast I found my window closed and I had to start over from the last part I saved T___T. So I really do hope this chapter was worth it because I busted my butt and old lady back to update this T_T!
1 | 3
Chapter(s): 2/xx
Author: sentimentalenvy
Genre: AU/Romance/little angst?
Rating: PG-13 - R
Warnings: language
Pairing/Characters: Tora/Saga, Shou/Hiroto, Shou/Saga, Tora/Nao (one sided)
Synopsis: Saga is thrilled when Tora accepts his feelings, and he is even more ecstatic to know that Tora is slowly building up the courage to try. But a man can only love, and wait for someone for so long. Shou's unrequited love for Saga just might take a different course if Tora continues to do nothing to change his old habits. Saga suddenly wonders if Tora is even trying. Unfortunately not everything is supposed to start off perfect, but will it end perfect? Saga was beginning to doubt it.
Comments: This is a multichapter fic which follows up right after Take a Chance. In this fic, the points of views are gonna vary o_o; (just a heads up). And last update for a long ass time @_@! I've updated the most I could this week >_< .
2
"Good afternoon sweetie cakes! My name is Momoko and I will be your server today. Would you like to start off with something to drink?" The cute blonde waitress asked, poising the pen above the notepad. Saga looked up at her with a small smile.
"Yes I'll have a hot tea please." Saga figured it would be better if he did something while he waited for Shou to arrive.
"Okay and what would you like to eat? Our lunch special is-"
"Actually I'm waiting for someone. I'm sorry," Saga interrupted, feeling a little rude, but he really didn't want to deal with any more babbling waitresses or distractions. He wanted time alone for the time being to think.
"Oh I see. Well that's not a problem! I'll be right back with your hot tea then." She nodded in confirmation and left Saga sitting in the table at the corner of the cafe.
Saga specifically chose the table in the back of the cafe on purpose, because that way if he were to start acting foolish in front of Shou, he wouldn't get stares and glances from everyone else. Watching little kids everywhere he went reminded him of what he and Tora used to have. Things were so much easier when you were a little kid. You didn't have to worry about anything with things such as feelings or have Tora throwing random fits for the simpliest things such as taking care of him. Saga buried his face into his hands and inhaled deeply before letting out a heavy breath. Sometimes remembering to breathe was suddenly an issue and he hoped Shou would arrive soon.
"Heeh?!"
An unidentified voice rang out into the cafe and Saga's head popped out of his hands to look right an left. He didn't know if that was being directed to him or if it was just some crazy person trying to start up a scene. There had been pretty stupid psychotic people dining here before after all. Although Saga had to admit it was pretty amusing to see people sneaking rubber cockroaches into their half eaten soups.
"Are you who I think you are?!"
Saga looked to his left and jumped in his seat to see an interesting man staring at him with bright eyes and a cute boyish smile. He had brown eyes with his jet black hair gelled out in all direction with a half side of his bangs dyed blonde. By the looks of him, he looked vaguely of someone familiar...or maybe not...
"E-Excuse me?" Saga could only stutter those words. What would a person have done if a random guy jumped at him out of nowhere claiming that they knew him?
"Ah sorry sorry! I guess I should introduce myself," The man smiled sheepishly as he helped himself into the seat across from Saga. "You must be Sakamoto Takashi otherwise known as Saga, Sagacchi, Daikon-san-" The man said, slapping down a couple of photos of Saga and juding by the angles, this man was obviously in hiding while taking these photos.
"EH?!"
"Date of birth June 24th 1982, blood type AB, 175 centimeters, approximately 55 kilograms seem to vary because apparently Torashi says you eat like a beast, you prefer wine more than anything else, you enjoy taking nice long walks with your beloved Chiko, you call everyone perverted when you're actually reeeally perverted yourself-"
"Whoa hold up hold up! W-Who WHO are you?!" Saga felt his voice crack at the emphasis on who because frankly, it scared the hell out of him to know that a strange random guy flew out of nowhere babbling about personal information that not anyone just knew about. He did hear Tora's name in the list of personal information, so it calmed himself just a little to know that there was some sort of connection between this weirdo and him.
"Murari Naoyuki is the name, but I don't like that. You can just call me Nao," He grinned, and nodded over and over again which reminded Saga of a mental goose.
"Wait...you know Tora?" Saga asked, leaning forward as the waitress had suddenly come in with the long forgotten tea. "And I would like to know how the heck you got my information."
"We didn't even get through one quarter of the list," Nao pouted. "I research on all of my competition," He said, grinning and a mischevious smirk followed after. Saga gulped at the sudden transformation in the former cuteness of Nao's face.
"C-Competition...?"
"Yes. Apparently you harbor some sort of mushy rabu rabu feelings for my cousin yes?" He whispered, pressing the pads of his fingers together. I think the only thing he's missing is a throne and a naked cat curled up on his shoulders. His styled hair does sort of look like devil horns...
"Cousin?" Saga's eyes widen in surprise as he tried to process this unknown information into his brain.
Within the time he had known Tora, which is practically a majority of his life, he had thought he had met all of Tora's family members...apparently he hadn't. But then this Nao person could be a stalker for all he knew. He could possibly be an experienced stalker who is probably also Tora's stalker because Tora has had a great deal of stalkers in his life - so it wasn't too surprising.
"How do I know if you're really Tora's cousin?" Saga ask, deciding to suddenly interrogate him. This stalker needed to get thrown in jail or something. "I'm going to need identification, sir."
Nao simply scoffs and Saga's eyebrows furrow together in annoyance and frustration. He was even more frustrated when Nao made no motion to take out his wallet. Saga sighed and figured if Nao was going to play the patience game then so would he. The game didn't last really long. As a matter of fact it hardly even began because he could see a familiar light haired Shou making his way into the cafe.
"Hey Saga I'm so sorry it took me so long I-" Shou huffed as he made his way over to Saga's table and stood in the center because Nao had taken his seat. "Er..."
"Sorry to cut our convo short but I assume you'll be at Tora's house later right? I'll see you later Saga-kun," He chirped, throwing up a peace sign as he hopped out of the chair and began exiting the cafe.
"Who was that?" Shou questioned immediately, sitting himself down on the chair across from Saga. "He didn't address you very formally and so I'm assuming if he was a stranger he would be a pretty rude person," He frowned, with a disapproving tone.
"I don't know...he knows who I am and I have no idea who he is. He claims he's Tora's cousin," Saga scoffed, and took his now warm cup of tea into the palm of his hands.
"Tora's cousin? Tora never mentioned of having a stalker as a cousin," Shou muttered, rolling his eyes. "So thats where the freak genes come from eh?"
"Ergh, I don't want to ask him but I'm curious," Saga sighed. "But things are awkward with us..."
"What did he do this time?" Shou frowned, his tone had suddenly lowered and Saga had the sudden chills. Despite Shou's proper kind mannerisms, he could be quite scary if he wanted to be.
"Ugh I was upset about that but right now I'm more curious about that Nao person. Right now I just want to ask Tora if he really is Tora's cousin. And he said something about me being competition...so I'm assuming he knows of our friendship?" Saga sighed, and took a careful sip of his tea.
"Well who doesn't know that?" Shou raised an eyebrow and a rather dull expression took over his face. "You should ask him then. Well - if you're still comfortable with him that is."
"Yeah well I think right now I feel more confident despite what just happened between Tora and me today. That would be a good time for me to apologize as well," Saga said, taking another sip of his tea before setting the tea down.
"Apologize? What is there to apologize? If anyone should apologize, it should be him," Shou spat, his voice was so firm and angry Saga had to quickly place his hand over Shou's so he wouldn't start a scene. "How many times have I repeated those exact same words?"
"Alright, okay Shou. Please don't cause a scene. Especially here," Saga pleaded, and right on cue, the waitress came back to ask them what they wanted to order. "Ah yes yes we're ready!" Saga said almost too eagerly before Shou could mutter another curse word.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Do you really think it's a good idea?" Shou asks Saga with a worried expression written all over his face.
Saga and Shou were walking back to Shou's work, and Saga had insisted that Shou go back to work before his boss had him fired. And he figured it would be better if Tora didn't see him with Shou when he decided to go visit him again. He knew Tora should be off work in an hour or so, so he had decided to wait in front of Tora's apartment again. His best friend was probably going to nag at him again for waiting outside again, but Saga couldn't go home without knowing what was up with that whole Nao thing.
"Yes I'm positive. I don't want you getting fired for such a small thing," Saga said, pushing Shou to walk faster in the parking lot towards the game shop.
"You sure you don't need a ride?" Shou sighed. "I can drive you. It's not a problem," He added and came to a stop which caused Saga to collide into Shou a little harder than predicted.
"Yes. Please just go back to work," He said, smacking his palms against Shou's back to push him harder towards the automatic sliding doors.
"Alright if you say so," Shou sighed, his motions were still unwilling, but it was nothing Saga couldn't handle. "If that punk ever says anything stupid, I'll beat him to a pulp."
"That's the last thing I want. Don't." Saga didn't find it amusing at all, so he didn't bother smiling or chuckling. "I'll see you later. I'm in a hurry so if you will please apologize to Hiroto for me. He probably had to cover up for you again today. Tell him I'm sorry," Saga mumbled before dashing off across the bus and down the street to catch the next upcoming bus. Perhaps he should just take a taxi instead.
It didn't take long in the cab as he thought it would take with the bus full of the same smelly people. He hopped up the stairs to Tora's apartment, and before he could even connect his knuckles to the door, it had opened itself. He twitched at the first and only person he saw. What the
"Sagacchichi!"
Saga gulped audibly as Nao grabbed his wrist and almost as quick as lightning, he was pulled inside. He quickly looked around his surroundings to see that Tora wasn't home. Tora's wallet, cell phone and keys weren't on the kitchen counter, so he assumed the man wasn't home yet. So if Nao had keys to Tora's apartment, then maybe...
No. There was no possible way! All stalkers had duplicates of their targets' keys - that was a reasonable explanation. Saga thought about the questions he would ask Tora about Nao. Exactly who was Nao, what is the true reason of why Nao has his keys, if Nao really was Tora's cousin...and what did Nao mean by saying he was competition? Oh no, scratch that. That would be a question he would have to ask Nao. Saga didn't have a chance to ask Nao because the doorknob had jiggled a little, and both of their heads turned expectantly to wait for Tora to come in.
Saga's heart was pounding against his chest as he stared intensely at the door. He didn't even realize that Nao's fingers were still wrapped tightly around his wrist. Tora made his way into his apartment and when he looked up, his face palmed almost imediately. Saga stared back and once again, breathing seemed to be non existant. Nao however, grinned cheekily and practically flew towards Tora like a flying squirrel and latched himself onto Tora's back.
Tora seemed surprised at the impact of Nao's actions, but he couldn't seem to take his surprised expression away from Saga's. Saga fidgeted nervously and pondered about what to say during this awkward moment. Normally Tora would be the one to come over to apologize, but Saga figured this time he should be the one to step up because there were just so many questions he wanted answered.
"Tora! Aren't you happy to see me?!" Nao pouted, wrapping his arms and legs tighter around Tora to get his attention. "Mou, Tora! I came all the way from America to visit yoou and you don't even treat me like a proper guest! Oh...right. I suppose you still don't believe I'm Tora's cousin right, Saga?" Nao ask, eyeing Saga with a haughty look. "Tell him!"
"Uh...yeah....he's my cousin," Tora admitted nervously as he kept his gaze at his feet.
"See?!" Nao pointed at Saga with an accusing look. "Don't you see the resemblance?" He exclaimed, grabbing at Tora's face and lowered his face at the same level so Saga could see. Saga sighed and crossed his arms in annoyance.
"Not really..."
A gasp.
"Well yeah I guess Tora forgot to mention that," Saga shrugged.
"I didn't think he was that important to mention," Tora sighed, tossing his usual belongings on the kitchen counter.
"Well since now I pretty much know all I needed to know, I'll just be going," Saga muttered after shifting awkwardly, he started to make his way towards Tora's door.
"Wait. Saga hold on."
Tora's arm shot out to grab Saga by his forearm, which cause Nao to slant a little from the uneven leverage. Nao huffed and grumbled a bit as he hopped completely off of Tora's back. Saga was startled by Tora's sudden actions, and he looked up at Tora with confusion but he stayed silent to let Tora speak. The tension was kind of awkward with Nao staring back and forth between then, but another part of his mind wanted to clear things out between Tora and him before he left anyway. Going home feeling like things were resolved was better than going at home feeling like shit.
"About earlier today-"
"It's fine - really," Saga said, raising an arm to pat Tora on the shoulder. Tora truly did look worn out from today, and he assumed it was from their little encounter before lunch. "It was no big deal I mean - you're a big boy," Saga smiled and shrugged. "I should've known. Your manly friends wouldn't let you hear the end of it eh?"
"It's not like that Saga," Tora groaned wearily and he didn't seem to be in the mood to joke around. Well at least Saga tried to lighten up the mood despite the weird situation they were in. "I'm just an idiot. I'm a jealous bastard okay? You know how I am when you and Shou are always hanging around each other like fucking sticky gummy bears on an overheated pavement!"
"W-Wha..." Saga hicked out a little giggle at the analogy and image that had popped into his mind. "I love how you overdo the exaggerations..."
"Why is it that whenever I'm trying to be serious, you don't take me seriously?" Tora grumbled, and at the same time his eyes shifted and focused on his pack of cigarettes lying on his counter. His face cringed and it was obvious he was suddenly craving for those cancer sticks for some relief.
"You expect me to take you seriously when you mention gummy bears stuck together on a hot pavement?" Saga asked with a small chuckle. He didn't want to talk about what happened earlier today anymore. "Let's not let this sort of thing come in between us okay?" Saga looked up at Tora with a pleading look in his eyes.
"I know. I'm an idiot. You shouldn't be the one to come here. I was gonna head over to your place to apologize," Tora muttered as he shook his head and he took both of Saga's hands into his. And for a moment, Nao was pretty much non existant.
"Hey don't ignore me!" Nao exclaimed, pulling at Tora's arm with a sharp tug. Tora groaned lowly in annoyance and Saga could sense the weariness aura that Tora wore.
"You seem tired. And judging from the look on your face, I don't think you expected Murai-san to show up unannounced either. You guys obviously have some stuff you need to talk about," Saga watched Nao with careful eyes.
"I have left him plenty of messages," Nao popped up and stared at the two with an accusing look. "He just never returned my calls. This is not how you treat family Torashi."
"Family members don't molest each other's family members either," Tora said, shooting Nao a fierce glare that clearly told the shorter man to back down. And anyone that knew or didn't know Tora enough would know better than to challenge the taller man. Well...if they wanted to get their head brought into a brick wall that is.
"Why are you always so mean Tora-kun? I get the fact that you're so serious to everyone around you but you don't have to treat me like them!"
"What makes you think you have the right to stalk Saga? As long as he gives you permission-"
"I most certainly do not give permission!"
"It's forbidden. This isn't even legal. You've got to stop Nao...or I'll really put a restraining order on you," Tora said sternly, and lightly shrugged Nao off his arm.
"Saga, you're staying for dinner," Tora demanded, and pointed at Nao. "And you, since you came in here unnanounced, you're helping me."
"HEY that's not fair! Saga's a guest too!" Nao frowned, and crossed his arms in dissapointment. "I demand Saga help too!"
"Don't be silly Tora," Saga said, pursing his lips together and looked at Nao with a nod. "Of course I'll help."
"You don't have to. You've never been considered as a guest. But if you insist," Tora grinned at Nao, and gave Saga a cheeky grin and he knew something was going to happen. Like hell Tora would bring up a taunting grin if he was going to do something bad.
Saga never had a chance to brace himself for anything when Tora unexpectedly pulled Saga into his arms and kissed him forcefully by knocking him backwards. Luckily Saga's quick reaction allowed him cling onto Tora's shoulders for support, and Nao had probably misinterpreted that move as an initiative to engage further more into the kiss. It would probably piss him off, and that idea was beginning to sound pretty damn good.
"Exactly what kind of relationship do you two have?! Tora! Y-You-You've never kissed another guy in your friggin' life!" Nao cried and pouted in disappointment. Saga's little whimpers were no help either. "This is absurd!"
"I guess you're not too well informed about everything," Tora laughed against Saga's mouth before quickly pulling away. Saga figured it was cause he was embarrassed about drooling but that shouldn't really be much of a problem, should it? What a baby.
"I'm hungry," Nao frowned in attempt to change the subject. "Go make me food, slave."
"Keep talkin' like that and you're gonna find yourself out on the streets trying to look for the closest Mc Donalds," Tora said, mocking the frown Nao had directed at him. "I'm gonna go get the preperation stuff ready. You two mingle or something," Tora chuckled with a little wave, he turned away to head into the kitchen.
Nao and Saga exchanged awkward glances, and it seemed like both of them were waiting for the other person to start talking or do something. Saga leaned casually against the wall and looked elsewhere while Nao plopped onto the arm of the couch, watching the slender man stand across from him. Saga was relieved when Nao was the one that decided to break the silence, but he wasn't so sure about the starting point of the conversation.
"I may be his cousin, but I know than you think," He mentioned with his voice soft, unlike the attitude he had before, he wasn't whiny and mischevious.
"I think you don't know as much as you think you know," Saga replied, wondering if he sounded complicated. "Eh...did you understand that?"
"It's not...exactly rocket science," He muttered. Saga knew Nao was trying to put two and two together. "Well anyway...I don't think I've ever seen this side of Tora before. Don't get me wrong, I know a lot about him."
"I'm...sure..." Saga blinked and furrowed his brows together in question. "And where are you getting at? I've never really been good at figuring out hidden messages."
"Look, the bottom line is, I know you love him - yes I'm aware of that. It's just that...I've never seen him get so close to a guy like that. Ever. So you could say I'm bloody jealous, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up on him. Cousin or not, that shouldn't stop me from loving him and let me tell you one more thing," Nao mumbled at the end of his sentence, and bit the bottom of his lip as if he was thinking hard of something else to say. After a couple of seconds of hard thinking he looked up at Saga with a hard stare in his brown eyes. "You're not stopping me either."
"I have no intention to," Saga sighed. He was secretly fighting the urge to chuckle at Nao's adorableness. He wanted to smirk at Nao and tell him he had no hell of a chance because Tora was never one to do same sex incest. Sadly that would make him sound like someone he wasn't, and Saga was not going to go down that low road.
He didn't want to make this sound like a game of who had won and lost, because it wasn't like he was the one that won Tora over anyway. Sure he was the only guy Tora had considered right now, he couldn't allow himself to let something simple as kissing lead to anything more. As much as he wanted to be official, he wanted to make sure he had Tora to himself.
Asking Tora to leave everything else behind for him would be ridiculous, but it was something he had secretly wanted for his own benefit. He felt horrible for thinking of these things, and he tried to be considerate for Tora's feelings as much as possible. Saga was always one to try his hardest to give what was best for his friends, and he did not try any shortcuts to benefit the odds into his favor. He wasn't going to settle for sneaky tricks because he wanted Tora to commit himself to him because he wanted to.
Saga wasn't all too proud with what they had right now either. The supposedly little "harmeless" intimate moments were more of a threat to him than anything. It was obvious that trying to fall out of love was too late, but Saga didn't think it was possible to fall deeper than he already had. It was like plunging into an abyss. It was never going to end, and Saga was told by friends to let it all play out and see where this leads them. But he didn't want to. He was too old for waiting games. He wanted nothing more but to settle down with a loved one, but it wasn't like he had a choice. Tora seemed like he was trying...right? Saga wasn't so sure and it broke his heart to know that part of his heart didn't trust Tora whole heartedly.
A/N: This took me a long time because so many complications have come up with my internet, and right when I was almost done with my story, I don't know everything happened so fast I found my window closed and I had to start over from the last part I saved T___T. So I really do hope this chapter was worth it because I busted my butt and old lady back to update this T_T!
1 | 3