Chasing Butterflies, Chapter 9/? ReitaxAoi, RukixNi~ya
Title: Chasing butterflies
Author: yukigafuru
Rating: PG-13 for now (will be adult)
Chapter: 9/?
Pairings: Aoi/Reita, RukixNi~ya
Bands: Gazette
Warnings: none for now
Genre: angst, romance
Summary: Life is short. You try to catch it and it slips through your fingers. Life is also beautiful. It astounds you at every step. And it only takes one minute, one encounter to change it forever.
Chapter 9
Aoi watched in awe as his usually cool friend almost stumbled over his own feet in an effort to... what, exactly? Aoi wondered. He must have recognized someone, he figured out just before his hypothesis was confirmed, when Ruki banged open the cafeteria doors and almost jumped into the arms of a dark-haired man conversing with a doctor just outside. Scrutinizing more attentively the stranger behind the glass-pane, he realized in a daze that the man Ruki had been talking about earlier must have been the same man he was looking at just now. It seemed a strange coincidence that just hours after they had met, they would find each other again. Aoi was quite a romantic at heart, so even though he wouldn't admit it to anyone, deep inside he might have used the word “fate” instead of coincidence.
In the light of the sun, even from a few hundred feet distance, he could make out the high cheekbones and sharp, masculine chin. The man's posture exuded strength and confidence and the stylish yet simple cut of his costume indicated means. He was obviously not just any patient or relative, judging by the way the doctor kept bowing and scrunching his mouth, his head nervously nodding when the man spoke.
It also surprised Aoi to see that Ruki, instead of barging in on the conversation, was politely waiting a few steps behind them, waiting for the conversation to end. Ruki was not one to wait and his mad dash had been a perfect example of that. Aoi also had the vague impression that the man knew that someone was waiting for him, even though he had not turned once. Aoi gathered that from the way his shoulders squared and his posture became even more rigid, anticipating.
No, this man wasn't just anyone, Aoi realized and he vowed to not get lost in his own problems and keep an eye on his best friend. Ruki was bound to need his help on this one, by the looks of it.
…....................
Ruki was indeed waiting, although definitely not patiently. But waiting was in itself sort of a reward for his trouble, for he got to analyze the man better in the light of day than the dark night's shadows. He was handsome, Ruki thought first and foremost, as he took in the broad, strong shoulders, the tapered waist, the ebony of his hair. His body's movements were fluid and cost-effective, almost cat-like and exuded self-confidence and strength. The well-tailored trousers revealed muscled thighs that made Ruki gulp and the brief glimpses of the man's profile only served to excite his curiosity more. He wore a black elegant suit, whose fabric, even from afar seemed soft yet resistant top-quality material. If he had to guess, Ruki would bet on it being a brand suit and he was avid to see the front cut to be able to ascertain the exact brand. Soon... he told himself.
Once he was satisfied with the dark-haired man's appearance, he focused on the conversation he and the doctor were having. They were speaking in hushed tones so it was hard to make out entire sentences, but Ruki thought they were talking about a patient in the hospital, a patient whose special needs had not been well attended to. Even from the broken sentences he was able to catch, the commanding tone of the man was unmistakable, especially when paired with the deep, grave voice that at times caressed like silk, while at others, sliced as surely as steel. He spoke economically, and the contrast was therefore even greater between his obvious control and the doctor's effusive expressions. This man was a leader; a fact that was ingrained in every single detail Ruki managed to observe.
Perhaps five minutes later, the man swiftly dismissed the doctor and then made a full turn and stared Ruki down. It looked like he had known all along someone was there, and yet Ruki caught the flicker of surprise that passed like a lightning-bolt through the midnight clear skies of his gaze: he had not expected to see him standing there. Was it weird that even though he had run towards the man when spotting him, Ruki dreaded to advance the last few steps that would put them in direct contact?
It was the man that decided to break the stalemate and in a decided, graceful glide over the flecked tiles lining the ground all along the hospital buildings, closed the gap between himself and Ruki. For just a moment, the world seemed to shrink to containing only the sound of his sure footsteps and Ruki thought of them as a hunter and his prey, but then he convinced himself of the ridiculousness of that thought and threw it away. Still, anticipation, excitement and just a spot of fear were coursing through his veins.
“Thank you for the coat.” Ruki had wanted to be the first to start and was internally congratulating himself for being able to voice those words. How stupid would it have looked like if after being the one to approach him, he had nothing to say? The man just shrugged and his eyes seemed to grow even more piercing. They gleamed like a panther's in the darkness and Ruki had to clear his throat slightly in order to continue. “I'm glad I could meet you again since I would have felt bad if not being able to return it.”
“Do you, though?” His voice seemed to be even deeper than before and Ruki hoped he had managed to mask his shudder.
“What?” He asked, a stupidly question, really, but he couldn't help it.
“Want to return it.” The man added and Ruki could swear he would be grinning, if he wasn't so fixed on keeping his face the least expressive possibly. How did he do that, anyway? He briefly wondered.
“Of course I do.” He gulped, gathered his courage, and also managed to request. “I'd also like to know your name.” And flirted. “You have to tell me anyway if I am to find you again and give you your coat back.” He congratulated himself on a well-disguised pass.
The mere centimeters distance between them was suddenly closed by him, and he was right there, leaning in Ruki's space, and Ruki could smell the musky cologne and the faint trace of sweat, had to look up to look into his eyes and realize that he wanted nothing more than to be completely enveloped by that strong form towering over him. The fact that not even reaching out and standing on his tip-toes would grant his wish was infuriating. Somehow, the man must have read everything on his face, for it was the only way Ruki could explain that obnoxious grin.
“I'm Ni~ya.” The man said.
“That doesn't sound like any Japanese name I've ever heard of...” Ruki mumbled and only after he uttered those dreadful words did he realize he had said it out loud. He would have blushed but it seemed the sheer horror of it had caused his face to turn white.
“I don't think Ruki is one either.” Came the smooth response and Ruki nearly jumped.
“It's not, more of a nickna... Wait a minute, how did you...” He was caught off by the same voice, Ni~ya, saying:
“And anyway, if I had to tell you my real name, I'd have to kill you.” With anyone else saying that, he'd think it was the lamest pick up line possible, but coming from Ni~ya, it sounded, unbelievably so, true.
“Who are you?” He mumbled and really, when did he forget the filter between his mouth and his brain?
“I'll be here tomorrow.” Ruki's surprise must have been obvious on his face, for the man smoothly added. “For the coat, I mean.”
“You mean, right in this spot?” He was answered by a nod.
“Who was the patient you were talking about earlier?” Ruki asked because he wanted to keep talking with him. However, it seemed to be the worst question to ask, for he was suddenly met with a coldness that only seemed to accentuate the extent to which Ni~ya had been flirting earlier.
“No one.” Came the curt reply and Ruki found himself biting his lip. Ni~ya saw his distress and relaxed his stance slightly. “Listen, Ruki, it's best if we don't meet anymore. I don't care about the coat. Keep it or throw it. Goodbye.” He said and walked away. His posture, his attitude made it impossible to follow.
Frustrated, pissed off and more sad than anything else, Ruki returned to the cafeteria where he found Aoi still waiting. Their brief conversation must have been briefer than imagined.
“How long has it been?” Was the first thing Ruki asked and Aoi glanced at the clock and answered.
“A bit less than 15 minutes. Are you okay? You're a bit pale.” Aoi worried, in turn.
“He's... unfathomable and it's strangely daunting and exciting at the same time.”
Aoi was more observant than given credit for and in the instance, had to voice his reserves to his best friend. “Ru, he looks like trouble. And you look like you're heading straight into it. You've always gone for nice, easy, forgettable girls. Even excluding the obvious difference in gender, he's nothing like your type.”
“There's just something about him.” Ruki chuckled bitterly at himself. It really was nothing like himself. And yet... it was like he couldn't help it. “I'll see him tomorrow again. He's visiting someone here, and I can read between the lines. He's here. And he knew my name. Why would he know that if he weren't interested?”
“Ru...”
“Aoi...”
They were looking each other in the eyes and it took no words to communicate their feelings about the matter. Afterwards, they both went to Reita's room. Reita was asleep and everyone else looked to have gone home for the moment. Ruki and Aoi resorted to whispering.
“He doesn't look to be in pain.” Ruki noticed.
“He's not, for now. Once the chemo starts though...” Aoi winced and Ruki's heart went out to both of them.
“When will it start?”
“That's the problem. He needs to get stronger for that. His body needs to be able to take it.”
“And how are you taking it?”
“I'm barely hanging on. It's one thing after the next and sometimes, I just...” Ruki put an arm around his friend's shaking shoulders and offered the small amount of comfort he could give under the circumstances. Aoi slumped against him.
“You still want to be a doctor?” Ruki tried to change the topic slightly.
“God, yes.” Came the reply followed by a chuckle. “Just not an oncologist. It must be the crappiest medical position imaginable.”
“Then?”
“Maybe in pediatrics. Somehow, I like the idea of working with kids.”
“And all the whining and snotty noses?” Ruki did not particularly dislike children, per say, but he would rather not spend a long period of time in their company all the same. His words made Aoi giggle and Ruki was glad to have wrenched those soft sounds from his friend.
“Well, I might reconsider.”
Just then, Reita stirred, rolled over and then slowly fluttered his lashes, coming out of sleep. The first word on his lips was his friend's name and Aoi rushed by his side to cradle his hand. He sat on the bed, careful not to disturb Reita and while his left hand cupped Reita's palm in his, his right pressed soft circles on a nearly exposed collarbone. The hospital robe had become disturbed in Reita's sleep and if the circumstances were different, Aoi could only imagine how sensual Reita's figure would have been.
“Yes, love?”
“Did you eat something?” Reita asked. It made sense that these two would always think about the other. Ruki's heart gave a slight pang. It didn't register as pain, but as longing.
“I had a sandwich and pudding. Tomorrow I'll get you some good stuff. That thing tasted like soap.” Reita laughed at that.
“If you complain about the pudding, then you definitely shouldn't try the miso soup. You'd think they'd put a dead fish in there.” It was great that they could joke about it, for it took their minds off the reality of the situation. Reita would have to tolerate hospital food for months to come.
“Uruha and your family?” Aoi asked.
“I managed to send them home. Everyone is going to get an earful from my sis and I'd rather not be privy to that. Even Uruha is going to suffer the consequences of keeping his promise to me. I swear that after these last few days, I found myself wishing I had told her.”
“Once she meets Aoi's big sis, there'll be no separating those two.” Ruki predicted. The three of them found themselves nodding in assent. The reunion of the families was indeed a frightful possibility. More like future fact actually.
Aoi was very grateful to Ruki for livening the atmosphere, although he was dealing with his own feelings towards the black-haired man he'd spoken to earlier. Ruki was obviously making an effort for he continued making Reita laugh.
“Reita, I hope you like kids, because Aoi has big plans.” The nuances of that phrase obviously put a blush on his boyfriend's face.
“He's talking about me being a pediatrician, Rei. Now don't go imagining weird stuff.”
“You say that now but I can just imagine you two surrounded by your own kids in a few years.” Ruki pressed the point.
“Ru, stop talking nonsense. You seem to be forgetting we're both guys.”
Ruki showed his disdain towards that phrase by giving a “bah” and raising his brows. That was when, surrounded by his lover and his best friend, that was the moment when amidst insecurity and sadness, the three of them were happy and laughing and Aoi just knew that their future... it was going to be bright. Their future was going to be filled with challenges and distressing moments but as long as they could still laugh, it was all going to work out fine in the end, Aoi caught himself thinking and the cloud hanging over his head since the previous night lifted.
A/N: I'm back and the bunnies are free. They're also quite mad at me for being away so long. Hope you've been waiting, for which I do profusely apologize.
Good news! The job hunting is finally over so as long as I get my bunnie treats, I'll update weely. Yay!
Author: yukigafuru
Rating: PG-13 for now (will be adult)
Chapter: 9/?
Pairings: Aoi/Reita, RukixNi~ya
Bands: Gazette
Warnings: none for now
Genre: angst, romance
Summary: Life is short. You try to catch it and it slips through your fingers. Life is also beautiful. It astounds you at every step. And it only takes one minute, one encounter to change it forever.
Chapter 9
Aoi watched in awe as his usually cool friend almost stumbled over his own feet in an effort to... what, exactly? Aoi wondered. He must have recognized someone, he figured out just before his hypothesis was confirmed, when Ruki banged open the cafeteria doors and almost jumped into the arms of a dark-haired man conversing with a doctor just outside. Scrutinizing more attentively the stranger behind the glass-pane, he realized in a daze that the man Ruki had been talking about earlier must have been the same man he was looking at just now. It seemed a strange coincidence that just hours after they had met, they would find each other again. Aoi was quite a romantic at heart, so even though he wouldn't admit it to anyone, deep inside he might have used the word “fate” instead of coincidence.
In the light of the sun, even from a few hundred feet distance, he could make out the high cheekbones and sharp, masculine chin. The man's posture exuded strength and confidence and the stylish yet simple cut of his costume indicated means. He was obviously not just any patient or relative, judging by the way the doctor kept bowing and scrunching his mouth, his head nervously nodding when the man spoke.
It also surprised Aoi to see that Ruki, instead of barging in on the conversation, was politely waiting a few steps behind them, waiting for the conversation to end. Ruki was not one to wait and his mad dash had been a perfect example of that. Aoi also had the vague impression that the man knew that someone was waiting for him, even though he had not turned once. Aoi gathered that from the way his shoulders squared and his posture became even more rigid, anticipating.
No, this man wasn't just anyone, Aoi realized and he vowed to not get lost in his own problems and keep an eye on his best friend. Ruki was bound to need his help on this one, by the looks of it.
…....................
Ruki was indeed waiting, although definitely not patiently. But waiting was in itself sort of a reward for his trouble, for he got to analyze the man better in the light of day than the dark night's shadows. He was handsome, Ruki thought first and foremost, as he took in the broad, strong shoulders, the tapered waist, the ebony of his hair. His body's movements were fluid and cost-effective, almost cat-like and exuded self-confidence and strength. The well-tailored trousers revealed muscled thighs that made Ruki gulp and the brief glimpses of the man's profile only served to excite his curiosity more. He wore a black elegant suit, whose fabric, even from afar seemed soft yet resistant top-quality material. If he had to guess, Ruki would bet on it being a brand suit and he was avid to see the front cut to be able to ascertain the exact brand. Soon... he told himself.
Once he was satisfied with the dark-haired man's appearance, he focused on the conversation he and the doctor were having. They were speaking in hushed tones so it was hard to make out entire sentences, but Ruki thought they were talking about a patient in the hospital, a patient whose special needs had not been well attended to. Even from the broken sentences he was able to catch, the commanding tone of the man was unmistakable, especially when paired with the deep, grave voice that at times caressed like silk, while at others, sliced as surely as steel. He spoke economically, and the contrast was therefore even greater between his obvious control and the doctor's effusive expressions. This man was a leader; a fact that was ingrained in every single detail Ruki managed to observe.
Perhaps five minutes later, the man swiftly dismissed the doctor and then made a full turn and stared Ruki down. It looked like he had known all along someone was there, and yet Ruki caught the flicker of surprise that passed like a lightning-bolt through the midnight clear skies of his gaze: he had not expected to see him standing there. Was it weird that even though he had run towards the man when spotting him, Ruki dreaded to advance the last few steps that would put them in direct contact?
It was the man that decided to break the stalemate and in a decided, graceful glide over the flecked tiles lining the ground all along the hospital buildings, closed the gap between himself and Ruki. For just a moment, the world seemed to shrink to containing only the sound of his sure footsteps and Ruki thought of them as a hunter and his prey, but then he convinced himself of the ridiculousness of that thought and threw it away. Still, anticipation, excitement and just a spot of fear were coursing through his veins.
“Thank you for the coat.” Ruki had wanted to be the first to start and was internally congratulating himself for being able to voice those words. How stupid would it have looked like if after being the one to approach him, he had nothing to say? The man just shrugged and his eyes seemed to grow even more piercing. They gleamed like a panther's in the darkness and Ruki had to clear his throat slightly in order to continue. “I'm glad I could meet you again since I would have felt bad if not being able to return it.”
“Do you, though?” His voice seemed to be even deeper than before and Ruki hoped he had managed to mask his shudder.
“What?” He asked, a stupidly question, really, but he couldn't help it.
“Want to return it.” The man added and Ruki could swear he would be grinning, if he wasn't so fixed on keeping his face the least expressive possibly. How did he do that, anyway? He briefly wondered.
“Of course I do.” He gulped, gathered his courage, and also managed to request. “I'd also like to know your name.” And flirted. “You have to tell me anyway if I am to find you again and give you your coat back.” He congratulated himself on a well-disguised pass.
The mere centimeters distance between them was suddenly closed by him, and he was right there, leaning in Ruki's space, and Ruki could smell the musky cologne and the faint trace of sweat, had to look up to look into his eyes and realize that he wanted nothing more than to be completely enveloped by that strong form towering over him. The fact that not even reaching out and standing on his tip-toes would grant his wish was infuriating. Somehow, the man must have read everything on his face, for it was the only way Ruki could explain that obnoxious grin.
“I'm Ni~ya.” The man said.
“That doesn't sound like any Japanese name I've ever heard of...” Ruki mumbled and only after he uttered those dreadful words did he realize he had said it out loud. He would have blushed but it seemed the sheer horror of it had caused his face to turn white.
“I don't think Ruki is one either.” Came the smooth response and Ruki nearly jumped.
“It's not, more of a nickna... Wait a minute, how did you...” He was caught off by the same voice, Ni~ya, saying:
“And anyway, if I had to tell you my real name, I'd have to kill you.” With anyone else saying that, he'd think it was the lamest pick up line possible, but coming from Ni~ya, it sounded, unbelievably so, true.
“Who are you?” He mumbled and really, when did he forget the filter between his mouth and his brain?
“I'll be here tomorrow.” Ruki's surprise must have been obvious on his face, for the man smoothly added. “For the coat, I mean.”
“You mean, right in this spot?” He was answered by a nod.
“Who was the patient you were talking about earlier?” Ruki asked because he wanted to keep talking with him. However, it seemed to be the worst question to ask, for he was suddenly met with a coldness that only seemed to accentuate the extent to which Ni~ya had been flirting earlier.
“No one.” Came the curt reply and Ruki found himself biting his lip. Ni~ya saw his distress and relaxed his stance slightly. “Listen, Ruki, it's best if we don't meet anymore. I don't care about the coat. Keep it or throw it. Goodbye.” He said and walked away. His posture, his attitude made it impossible to follow.
Frustrated, pissed off and more sad than anything else, Ruki returned to the cafeteria where he found Aoi still waiting. Their brief conversation must have been briefer than imagined.
“How long has it been?” Was the first thing Ruki asked and Aoi glanced at the clock and answered.
“A bit less than 15 minutes. Are you okay? You're a bit pale.” Aoi worried, in turn.
“He's... unfathomable and it's strangely daunting and exciting at the same time.”
Aoi was more observant than given credit for and in the instance, had to voice his reserves to his best friend. “Ru, he looks like trouble. And you look like you're heading straight into it. You've always gone for nice, easy, forgettable girls. Even excluding the obvious difference in gender, he's nothing like your type.”
“There's just something about him.” Ruki chuckled bitterly at himself. It really was nothing like himself. And yet... it was like he couldn't help it. “I'll see him tomorrow again. He's visiting someone here, and I can read between the lines. He's here. And he knew my name. Why would he know that if he weren't interested?”
“Ru...”
“Aoi...”
They were looking each other in the eyes and it took no words to communicate their feelings about the matter. Afterwards, they both went to Reita's room. Reita was asleep and everyone else looked to have gone home for the moment. Ruki and Aoi resorted to whispering.
“He doesn't look to be in pain.” Ruki noticed.
“He's not, for now. Once the chemo starts though...” Aoi winced and Ruki's heart went out to both of them.
“When will it start?”
“That's the problem. He needs to get stronger for that. His body needs to be able to take it.”
“And how are you taking it?”
“I'm barely hanging on. It's one thing after the next and sometimes, I just...” Ruki put an arm around his friend's shaking shoulders and offered the small amount of comfort he could give under the circumstances. Aoi slumped against him.
“You still want to be a doctor?” Ruki tried to change the topic slightly.
“God, yes.” Came the reply followed by a chuckle. “Just not an oncologist. It must be the crappiest medical position imaginable.”
“Then?”
“Maybe in pediatrics. Somehow, I like the idea of working with kids.”
“And all the whining and snotty noses?” Ruki did not particularly dislike children, per say, but he would rather not spend a long period of time in their company all the same. His words made Aoi giggle and Ruki was glad to have wrenched those soft sounds from his friend.
“Well, I might reconsider.”
Just then, Reita stirred, rolled over and then slowly fluttered his lashes, coming out of sleep. The first word on his lips was his friend's name and Aoi rushed by his side to cradle his hand. He sat on the bed, careful not to disturb Reita and while his left hand cupped Reita's palm in his, his right pressed soft circles on a nearly exposed collarbone. The hospital robe had become disturbed in Reita's sleep and if the circumstances were different, Aoi could only imagine how sensual Reita's figure would have been.
“Yes, love?”
“Did you eat something?” Reita asked. It made sense that these two would always think about the other. Ruki's heart gave a slight pang. It didn't register as pain, but as longing.
“I had a sandwich and pudding. Tomorrow I'll get you some good stuff. That thing tasted like soap.” Reita laughed at that.
“If you complain about the pudding, then you definitely shouldn't try the miso soup. You'd think they'd put a dead fish in there.” It was great that they could joke about it, for it took their minds off the reality of the situation. Reita would have to tolerate hospital food for months to come.
“Uruha and your family?” Aoi asked.
“I managed to send them home. Everyone is going to get an earful from my sis and I'd rather not be privy to that. Even Uruha is going to suffer the consequences of keeping his promise to me. I swear that after these last few days, I found myself wishing I had told her.”
“Once she meets Aoi's big sis, there'll be no separating those two.” Ruki predicted. The three of them found themselves nodding in assent. The reunion of the families was indeed a frightful possibility. More like future fact actually.
Aoi was very grateful to Ruki for livening the atmosphere, although he was dealing with his own feelings towards the black-haired man he'd spoken to earlier. Ruki was obviously making an effort for he continued making Reita laugh.
“Reita, I hope you like kids, because Aoi has big plans.” The nuances of that phrase obviously put a blush on his boyfriend's face.
“He's talking about me being a pediatrician, Rei. Now don't go imagining weird stuff.”
“You say that now but I can just imagine you two surrounded by your own kids in a few years.” Ruki pressed the point.
“Ru, stop talking nonsense. You seem to be forgetting we're both guys.”
Ruki showed his disdain towards that phrase by giving a “bah” and raising his brows. That was when, surrounded by his lover and his best friend, that was the moment when amidst insecurity and sadness, the three of them were happy and laughing and Aoi just knew that their future... it was going to be bright. Their future was going to be filled with challenges and distressing moments but as long as they could still laugh, it was all going to work out fine in the end, Aoi caught himself thinking and the cloud hanging over his head since the previous night lifted.
A/N: I'm back and the bunnies are free. They're also quite mad at me for being away so long. Hope you've been waiting, for which I do profusely apologize.
Good news! The job hunting is finally over so as long as I get my bunnie treats, I'll update weely. Yay!