A Twosome Place (1/2)

[wendyjoly]

Title : Twosome Place
Autor : WendyJoly
Pairing : Ninomiya Kazunari/ Sakurai Sho~
Rating : PG15
Lenght : OS in two parts Agepoyo!
Beta : The incrediblechibipinkpetals
Genre : Pet, cuddle and love♥
Disclaimer : I owe nothing but Arashi owns surely my soul

Summary : Renting a pet to figure out what kind of master you’d be and give the animal back to the pet shop if it doesn’t work sounds to be cruel, isn’t it? So why won’t you call our agency and experiment for one month the life of a pet owner with a human pet?

Note : This OS has been written for Nino's birthday HURRAY!







«So, Mister Sakurai. Why do you wish renting one of our pet?»


When he passed the doors of this agency, he expected a lot of things, but facing this kind of old woman; her wrinkled hands were calmly intertwined on top of her knees, her hair pulled up on the nape of her neck, accentuating the silk of the luxurious kimono that covered her shoulders in a very sophisticated way. Such an anachronism – he was not really convince and there have been those thoughts of 'Get out.' 'What the hell are you thinking?' 'Don't be ridiculous.'; they have been for not, however, because at every passing second, he became more curious about what it was that he wanted to do in this situation, this place that was recommended to him.

He took a big sip of the offered tea, quietly placing it down, all taken in by a straight face of the woman before him, he looked back at her placing his hands to rest on his thighs as he leaned a little forward and finally spoke –

“I run a publicity agency and I must admit that it works out pretty well. I’m what people call an elite, a rich family, attended of the best public university. Without any financial help from my parents, I managed to open my own business at a very young age. I live in a penthouse in one of the best areas of Tokyo. My life is blocked by a mountain of goals I aim to reach, one way or another, but the other night, I came back late at home, alone like always, and I idiotically said out loud a ‘Tadaima’. Naturally, no one answered and for the very first time, I realized that there was something off, something wasn't right,” Sho paused and stared intently at the woman, who stared back at him without blinking.

“What would that be, Mister Sakurai?” She finally asked, a raised brow full of curiosity.

“A presence. I realized that I needed someone that would be happy to see me when I got home. Someone that that I can share my life with, and would make me want to come back home from work every day after work....”

“Why don’t you find a wife? That’s probably your next goal, isn’t it?”

“I…yes. But finding the perfect match takes time. I thought that a pet would be a good companion for a single man like me. I talked to a colleague who has a dog and he told me his responsibilities, the time and the care it requires. Seeing my doubts he gave me your address, he’s one of your former clients.”

“So you came to this agency, thinking a rental contract could be a good way to figure out if you’d be a good master for a pet.”

“Exactly.”

“Let me ask you some questions, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, go on.”

“Each contract is approved for one month at least, less would be too short to experiment a real master’s life. Of course, should you think that more time is needed, keep in mind that it is renewable. What would you prefer, a male or a female?”

“A male, I think. A female, it could be awkward…since I’m a man.”

“Very well. What kind of pet would you like?”

“I’m not very sure…a pet who is playful and affectionate, I suppose.”

“I see. Well we do have many different pets, is there one thing that you do not like in a pet?”

“Eh? Like what?”

“Cleanliness, groomed, etc...” she says and eyes him, roving her eyes over his entire body and nodding to herself, “but I already have the perfect match for you and I can bring him to you…”she takes a little agenda and after a quick glance “next Sunday.”

Sho nods, not really sure if he can be picky or if he would choose the right pet. Better leave it to her, he thought, a sudden thud in his chest at the anticipation that this idea made him have.

“That's…it’s in three days.”

“Exactly. But a day in the middle of the week would be a bad idea. You need to spend a moment together to settle him; for him to find his place.”

“I see. Hm, but that's not much time to ...fine, Sunday will be perfect.”

They talked for several minutes more, her reminding him some elementary school rules about his future pet, him accepting to pay a ridiculous amount of money, and in the end, with a contract in hand went back to work. He tried to think of this as a positive thing, now he would have someone that welcomed him, someone that would be happy to see him every day.


=+=

For someone that had been ready to receive a pet, Sho momentarily forgot until there was a knock at his door early in the day.

“Good afternoon, Sakurai-san.”

Sho stood at the entrance, his eyes taking in the older woman, her appearance impeccable as when he met her the day, however his eyes were instantly attracted to the small man behind her. She followed his gaze and a warm smile appeared on her face, her entire demeanour changing very rapidly.

“He’s your new master, you have to be nice and obedient. Sakurai-san, this is Nino.”

“Come on in, please.”

“I can’t, sorry, I’ve got another appointment, but should you have any questions or concerns, you have my number. Again, since you are new at this, I would like to forewarn you that pets tend to be playful, sometimes messy or very affectionate, please keep that in mind.”

Sho nods and stares openly as she slightly tugs at the smaller person in front of him.

“I’ll keep those things in mind. Thank you.”

He bowed at the agency’s Director and stepped aside to let his new companion enter the apartment.
Once the threshold passed, this one ran to the couch and sat anxiously, curved on himself. Sho stared at him, puzzled and took place on the armchair by his side.



“Nino?”

“…”

“Aren’t you happy to be here, finding a new place?”

Sho asked carefully, eyeing the young looking man sitting in front of him without giving him an answer, just focusing on the fluffy carpet on the floor.


“I guess you need some time to get used to the apartment and to me. You don’t have to worry; I’ll do my best to be a good master.”


It wasn’t very surprising after all; every pet needed time to trust his master. Sho tried to not pressure him, instead, he left the pet alone, drank a tea, worked a little bit, stealing a glance every once in a while of his pet, happy to see him finally moving carefully around the room. His curiosity was picked when not even a second later, his pet was nowhere in sight.

He stood up to search for him, worrying about something as trivial as his pet getting hurt on the first day. It wasn't normal to think that he would have something that would hurt the pet, but in the back of his mind, he knew that it was probably because he has never owned a pet and was not sure about how to go about the whole situation. All he knew was the basic things of pets, and that was all thanks to his colleague.

He found him in the bathroom, as he was detailing the shampoos and other products.


“What are you doing?”


The pet hung his head and in a smooth movement hid behind the shower curtain, his hands clenching the curtain as he eyed him cautiously. Sho smiled and slid it sideways, the small smile that tugged at his lips surprised him.


“You don’t have to hide, I’m not angry with you.” He said soothingly, reaching out to touch him. The pet leaned to his hand, lowering his head so that he can have Sho's fingers delve into his brown locks easily.

The pet beamed and pulled away from the curtain only to have Sho reach over and brush the soft hair behind the ear.


“You like caresses?”


The pet nodded and smiled much more, then left the bathroom. Sho followed him and got back to work but his attention was constantly being attracted to his pet's behaviour. With a curious thought, he stood up and moved over towards the coffee table to pick up the remote control, turning on the television set and beginning to surf channels. All that time, he kept his eyes on the pet to see his reactions, noting the raised brows and interest in how his body suddenly seemed to stop fidgeting and set his eyes on the screen.


“I’m hungry.”


It was barely a whisper but hearing his voice, Sho gazed at him suddenly, glad to hear him for the very first time. If he was hungry, it was surely good news, right?


“What do you like?”
“Meat or fish.”
“Where should we order?”


He went to his kitchen and took out several restaurant’s menu, detailing each of them, searching for a meat or fish one.


“What do you eat, I wonder?” Sho murmured to himself, turning away crossing his arms and tilting his head to the side.

He didn't noticed that his pet was now standing right in front of him, staring at him; baffled. Sho stared back at him, surprised at the sudden confidence his pet seemed to have.


“Won’t you cook for me?”

“I…no, no, I never cook.”

“So I won’t eat and I’ll die.”

“No, you won’t die, I’ll order you a delicious food and you’ll love it. I’ll buy you the most expensive.”

“My master has to cook for me.”


Sho smirked.


“What kind of pet are you?”

“A pet cherished by his master?”

“A very clever one…or not. If I don’t cook it’s because I totally suck at it. That’s probably the only matter where I’ve got no hope of improving my skills.”


The pet stared at him straightforwardly and for a second Sho thought he was about to cry, his eyes misted over. Sho sighed, giving up, sure that this was something he should have control over, however, Nino was his pet and he wanted his pet to be happy with him – after all, he still wanted his pet to be happy to see him every day.


“Okay, okay. Let’s see what we have. You’ll help me?”

“I’ll watch you.”


Sho chuckled, understanding what the old lady meant when she told him Nino could be playful. He didn’t want to be a permissive master, too weak to be the obeyed but it was just their first day, he didn’t want to fright him neither.

He found some instant noodles packages and boiled water, leaving Nino choosing the flavour he preferred. He did his best to not let him touch the boiled water, slapping gently his hand away as he was about to open the burning meal.


“You have to be patient, or you’ll get hurt.”


The pet nodded and Sho settled on table into the living room, happy to see him so compliant. After all, it wasn’t so hard, he simply had to be attentive to him. Nino ate quickly, engulfing the noodle eagerly, then he stretched out on the floor.


“Are you tired?”


The pet turned his back and curled up in a ball, snoring lightly immediately.

Sho grabbed a blanket and covered him, then cleaned the table, and tried to work again, it was in vain, so he finally decided to go to bed and read before falling asleep. He left a little light in the living room and read for a few minutes before turning his lamp off. He wasn’t falling asleep, however, he sat up when he saw the door opened and his pet quietly climbing on his bed.


“What are you doing?!”

“I’m sleepy…”

“You sleep in the living room, you can take the couch, I allow you to.”

“I want to sleep with my master, I don’t want to be alone.”

“No way.”


A good master had to establish some rules since the very beginning or his pet would take some bad habits he couldn’t get rid later, Sho remembers reading that once in a magazine.

As he stood up, thanks to the light streaming into the room from the hallway, he was able to take his wrist without feeling around and dragged him to the living room, settling him on the couch, with a warm blanket and a lot of cushions for him to be comfortable. He threw him a satisfied gaze but the pet was glaring at him as if he was the worst man on Earth.


“Nino, it’s for your own good. You have your own space and I have mine. Get it? Now sleep.”


He patted his head and went back to his bedroom. He wasn’t in his bed when he heard a soft whine, and soon a soft sniffling followed.


“Nino, stop it and go to sleep!”

“I want to sleep with my master. I’m afraid, all alone in this unknown house. Please…”



What the…it was almost midnight and he had an important meeting tomorrow, if he couldn’t sleep, it would be catastrophic. But on the other hand, if he gave in tonight, he would be a very bad master. The pet couldn’t do as he wishes, right?

However, a good master would comfort and care for him, he would give him enough love to be confident. What was the best thing to do? If it hadn't been so late he would have called the agency Director. Reluctantly, he let out a deep sigh and went out of the room, his hands firmly on his hips.


“You can sleep in my bedroom for today,” he murmured, sure not try and look angry, “but don’t take this bad habit as granted, you’ll have to sleep in the living room when you get used to the house, okay?”


The pet perked up and stared up at him with such wide eyes that Sho could only stand there helplessly.


“Promise.”


The pet hurriedly made a beeline for Sho's room, the whispered agreement barely heard. Shaking his head out of the trance that his pet had him in, he followed him and was surprised when he came into his room and saw the image before him.


“W…what are you doing?! Not on my bed!”

“But I can’t sleep on the floor!”

“Okay…so on the foot of the bed.”


The pet nodded and once again curled on himself on the foot of the bed, falling asleep instantly with a peaceful smile adorning his lips.


=+=+

The following day, Sho woke up to find Nino curled up around himself, hidden under the sheets and halfway on the bed, his hand reaching out with a grasp on Sho's shirt. He had left for work that morning, quietly moving around without rousing his pet.

However, all day long Sho’s thoughts had been constantly on his pet. Wondering what he was doing at the moment during his meeting. Was he sleeping? Was he eating? Did he even like the meal that Sho had prepared for him before he had headed out for work? Was he lonely or was he happy now that he had the house for himself to 'explore'?


“So was your first day with your pet?” Asked Matsumoto, his colleague who had given him the agency’s address.

“Hmm. He acts a little spoiled, but I wonder if that's how pets are? However, he is a cute thing, so I can't really complain about it. It's all a matter of both of us getting used to one another.” Sho explained, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.


“May I see him?”

“N…Now?”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know, Jun. He just arrived home, I want him to get used to me before introducing him to someone else.”


Jun smiled and patted his shoulder.


“You’re talking like a real master.”


Sho was somehow proud to hear this and he decided to spoil his pet after his first day alone at home. He surfed on the internet to find recipes-not too complicated ones- to please him, bought some groceries, tons of sushi and ingredients to cook a hamburger for him on the following day.

When he inserted the key into the doorknob, he heard the noise of a dash behind the door and smiled joyfully, so happy at the idea to find his pet back. He was surprised, but happy that once he walked into the genkan, he received an armful of Nino, some of the grocery bags falling from his hold as he tried to keep him from tipping over on top of his pet.


“I’m happy to see you too, Nino. Let me take off my shoes. How was your….holly fuck.” Said Sho who never cursed in vain. His arms automatically pull away from Nino and the latter slipped out of his hold, ducking away and shuffling his feet as he waited by the wall. Sho took of his shoes absent-mindedly.

He stepped forward cautiously unable to believe he was walking through his own apartment. Even in his worst nightmare he hadn’t imagine such a desolation scene. All his books on the floor, some of them in bad shape, in the kitchen, the drawers were spilled and their contents widespread on the floor…and in the middle of the living room a puddle of what looked like a mix of flour, eggs, oil and a red thing Sho couldn’t identify. He felt the anger overwhelming him and he turned to face his pet.

His pet continued to shuffle around the same spot, a pout on his face. Sho breathe in and out deeply, trying to find his calm back.


“…Just…why?”

“I was bored. There’s nothing to do here all day long. I missed you.”


Sho hesitated between two opposite feelings. He would have loved to strangle the pet who ransacked his flat so methodically and at the same time, he blamed himself. Indeed, he didn’t think a second that he had to find an occupation for Nino; he who had to spend a long day alone, in this apartment. If a pet did silly things, who was the one to blame?

He stepped back towards the entrance, noticing his pet not moving and picked up the grocery bags instead.


“Are you angry with me?” Asked the pet shyly, walking behind him and standing in the middle of the messy room. Sho stopped once he reached the dinner table and placed the bags there, letting out a small smile as he turned around to face his pet.

“I am, yes. But…I admit that I should have found a way to distract you. So, I guess it's partially my fault as well. Are you hungry?”


His pet's face beamed. “I am!”


“Alright then, come here. I bought you fish. We are going to eat, then clean the house, and then we will go down town to buy you some toys.”

“I’ll choose my toys?”

“Only if you help me to clean the room, I will reward you…even if technically you’re the one who made the mess.”


Nino smiled adorably and looked at his master as he was serving him the sushi, waiting his agreement to eat. After they finished having lunch, they began to clean up the room, though his pet played around more than help him, yet Sho couldn’t help but chuckle each time he tried to attract his attention.


-0-

“What are you doing?” Sho pulled at Nino’s sleeve to keep him by his side on the streets. The pet was looking around, astonished, as if he had never walked through the city. “Stay by my side, I don’t want to lose you.”

“Where are we going Master?”

“It’s a surprise.”


He held on to his hand and the pet purred shamelessly against him. He was very clever, Sho was sure of it, so he had an idea. They went to Akihabara and entered the biggest shop of video games. Several times, Sho thought about buying a console but he never really had the time to have fun so he postponed the project endlessly. Yet, seeing Nino playing with the remote control for hours was a pretty conclusive hint.


“Did you ever play video games, Nino?”


The pet didn’t answer, too focus on the items of the shop.


“You want to buy one for me?” He said, almost surprised tone in his voice.

“I want you to be happy with me.”


The pet stopped toying with the game control and moved next to him. He stared at him momentarily before he leaned forward nestled against his chest gratefully. Sho pushed him, slightly embarrassed by this mark of tenderness. He wasn’t an effusive man and in a shop, in front of strangers, it was beyond his imagination, yet…he couldn’t deny his pleasure. He dragged Nino behind him through the huge shop and they chose video games, then the console they would have to use to play with it. Nothing aggressive or too adult-like, his pet sounded to like the adventure games. They got back home by night time and Nino yawned wide, his eyes fluttering closed here and there.


“I have to install the console for you to play tomorrow when I'm at work.”

“Okay.”


Sho did his best to connect the system and when he called Nino, proudly, the latter was already sleeping, less than a meter behind him. He was so cute. He smiled in his sleep, his head resting on top of Sho’s cardigan. The man sighed and turned off the TV, took a shower, change to his pyjamas and when he was about to lay down, a sudden remorse seized him. He went to the living room and put a blanket on his pet. As he was leaning in to kiss his temple, he felt two arms wrap around his neck and when he tried to stand up, the pet was clinging on to him. He sighed deeply and carried him to the bedroom, gently laying him down on the foot of his bed.




=+=+


Since he had a pet, Sho Sakurai had to admit that he left the office pretty early nowadays. In reality, it was not that he didn't love his job, but before Nino, he was one of those men that dragged his feet to an empty and depressing apartment.

Somehow he had the feeling that work had gotten even better now. He quietly sat at his desk, near the panoramic window of the living room while Nino played at his feet, focused on his game. He had been right about the console and if he didn’t have to force him to stop his play from time to time, he was sure he could spent his entire day and night on it. However, when he sat on his couch that same evening, quickly joined by his pet he couldn’t hide the twist of disgust adorn his lips.

The pet stared at him puzzled, wondering why his master refused the proximity he craved for usually.


“Nino…when was the last time that you bathed?”

“A bath?”

“Or a shower? Washed your…?”


The dumbfounded gaze startled him. They had been living together for a week and not once had he asked him the basic question of the cleanliness.


“So you are telling me that not once, in the entire time you've been here, you have not bathed? Not once?”


The pet nodded negatively, visibly embarrassed.


“Okay…I guess I’m the one to blame since I didn’t ask. I hope you’re not ill, there’s all sort of bacteria everywhere…what do you prefer? Bath or shower?”

“I…hate water.”

“Don't give me that Nino, it’s for your own good.”

“Perhaps could you wash me with wipes?”

“Me?! I’m not going be washing you!”

“So, I can resume my game?”

“Certainly not, you are going to wash yourself.”

“I can’t!”

“Of course you can, come with me.”


Reluctantly the pet followed him to the bathroom and as soon as he turned on the shower he ran away. Okay, he reacted worse than he had thought. He had thought of leaving him alone to shower on his own, but if he left him in the bathroom by himself, God only knows what he could do! After the living room episode he didn’t want to see his luxurious products vanishing into the bathroom’s pipes. On the other hand, he couldn’t be naked in the shower with his pet, it would be inappropriate. Suddenly an idea popped into his mind. He went to his bedroom, found the box where his holiday things were packed and put on the bathing trunk he hadn't worn in ages.

He knew that this was almost childish, but in order to get Nino's attention, he ended up playing a small game of hide-and-seek with his pet (who had a real talent for it) and when he finally found him, he grabbed his waist firmly to carry him to the bathroom. The pet struggled like a wild cat and Sho had a hard time calming him down. When Nino jerked away, Sho cupped his face and look straight into his eyes.


“Shh…I will take my shower with you, see, I'm wearing a bathing trunk.”

“Don’t want to…”


Sho frowned.


“Stop it already, you stink! If you refuse to take this damn shower, I won’t allow you to get close to me, and you will sleep all alone, not in my bed.”


The pet opened his mouth to argue like always, but Sho steeled his resolved and seeming to sense it, he began to undress.


“I’m going to wash your outfit too, give it to me.”


The pet handed him obediently; the pants, the T-shirt, and the underwear he wore and waited for him in the middle of the bathroom, slightly shivering. Sho turned on the water and gently placed Nino’s hand under it to touch the water and sense the temperature.


“Do you like it like that? Now come.”


He dragged him softly into the cubicle and splashed him progressively, happy to see him relaxing after a few minutes to play with him under the jet of water. Sho grabbed a shampoo and made him turn his back to wash his hair, praising him for being so obedient. He let him chose the soap he liked and helped him wash his body, leaving him doing the parts he could do alone.

Then he dried him and when he tried to dress him….figured out his only outfit was in the washing machine. He lent him some sweat pants and a T-shirt and once again they went shopping. Naturally the pet wasn’t interested by the clothes but Sho promised him a video game if he behaved, scolding himself for being so weak and manipulative. Yet he accepted to try different outfits and Sho dressed him exactly the way he wanted to, from head to toe. He has always been cute, the cutest he's ever seen, but now he was really handsome and he smelt very good.

After this animated evening, he felt tired and unable to focus on work of any sort. He simply sat on the couch and took a newspaper, leaving the TV to Nino. But he barely had the time to open the journal, before the pet came onto the big couch on all fours and placed his head on his master’s knees, purring deliciously, his nose against Sho’s belly.

Sho threaded his hand automatically into the soft hair of the pet and after several minutes, figured out he couldn’t read or turn the pages this way. He smiled gently and threw the paper on the table, leaning back on the couch, savouring this wonderful moment of tenderness.

=+=


“Well, Mister Sakurai. This is the end? How was this month with your pet?”

Sho nibbled his lips, like he always did when he was embarrassed and wiped his sweaty hands on his pants discreetly.


“Actually, I wondered if I could…extend the experiment.”

“Extend?”

“During our first meeting you said it was renewable if I wished…”

“Indeed. Sometimes one month is a very short period of time, isn’t it?”


The old woman smirked enigmatically and poured a cup of tea to her guest who bowed gratefully in response.


“So I guess you got along very well?”

“Very well.”

“Nonetheless, something bothers me. Did you ask to Nino if he would accept to stay with you for another month?”

“And why would he refuse?!”

“He never accepted before. That’s why.”

“Before? You mean his former masters?”

“Exactly. Believe it or not, despite his slightly complicated character, Nino is a much cherished pet.”

“Well, he’s not so terrible…he’s-somehow- very adorable. Spoiled perhaps but he deserves to be…”

“I see. Yet, ask him if he’d agree, please.”

“And if he doesn’t, what will happen?”

“I’ll come to your house to claim him like we agreed before. If you’re still undecided, I’ll propose you another pet, of course.”

“Of course.”


He left the place quickly and as the cab drove him back home he felt an unfamiliar agitation. He didn’t want another pet, he wanted the one who was quietly waiting for him at home. This month was over in a blink of an eye and to be honest, when he remembered that this day was the last day he would have with his pet, he freaked out. Nothing in Nino’s behaviour indicated the slightest angst, he kept on like every day to act like a spoiled pet, loveable and far more attentive than it seemed at first sight. Yet this morning when he left the bedroom, this latter refused to take his breakfast with him, turning his back to him grumpily.

Would he accept to stay a little bit longer with him? Was it his way to prepare his departure? Will he be a master amongst another for him? He took the elevator, clenching his fists on the bag of groceries, trying to think about a recipe to please him. Nino ate a lot since he cooked for him and he greatly improved his cooking skills. Improving was easy, whispered a traitorous voice at Sho’s ear, since he had zero skills before.

Sho put the key into the keyhole, taking the time to shake the chain but not a noise, not the usual rush behind the door. He set foot inside the threshold and now really worried, looked for him into the apartment. No one in living room, bathroom or kitchen, he found his little silhouette still laid on the bed in the very same position he left him this morning.


“Nino! Hey Nino! Wake up!”


Sho caressed his head and pulled his hand instantly at the burning touch. He frowned when he noticed the flushed face, the sweaty fringe clinging to his forehead. He frowned when the pet opened his tired eyes; they were glassy and unfocused, staring up at him miserably.


“You’re ill! Did you eat today?”


The pet nodded negatively and closed his eyes.


“I will call the doctor.”


He grabbed the phone, his hands shaking madly, his stomach twisted by the terror. And if he was seriously ill? He didn’t took care about him sufficiently, he didn’t see how bad he was this morning…What a moron. He called the janitor of the building who gave him the number of a neighbour, a doctor who, luckily, was at home.


“He has the flu.”

“Really? But we barely go outside!”

“And yet, he caught it…you should be careful, it’s very contagious.”

“What can I do?”

“He has to eat properly and drink enough fluids, of course. Give him a pill of analgesic, one each six hours. For the rest…he’s under your care.”

“Thanks a lot, Doctor.”

“Don’t be too harsh with yourself, you couldn’t avoid it.”


He thanked the old man and came back to the bedroom after preparing a tray with Nino’s favourite meal, a bottle of water and the medicine. He sat on the edge of the bed, reaching over to caress his burning forehead.


“You have to eat. Sit down, please.”


The pet sat reluctantly and Sho settled him comfortably, the pillows behind his back, then put the tray on his knees. He seemed so sick with dark circles around his eyes, his red cheeks and his dried lips, Sho felt his heart tightened painfully, he would have preferred to be ill in his place. He felt so powerless, so useless.

Without thinking further he took the spoon and approached it to his pet's lips to feed him. Nino opened his mouth and after a few minutes, laid back down to sleep.


“You barely ate…You have to take your medicine. Please. You’re so feverish, please.”



The pet stared at him vaguely, his arm on his forehead, a hand rested on his naked belly. Sho forgot his prejudice and grabbed the glass, the pills and straddled his pet’s thighs. He took a sip of water and took the drug then leaned on the pet, gently opening his mouth to make him drink the medication. Surprisingly, Nino parted his lips compliantly and gulped the medication without arguments. Sho smiled, even if he wasn’t totally relieved and when he moved to let him rest, Nino gripped his hand.


“Don’t leave me, please.”


Sho smiled gently as his pet, removing himself off of him and carefully laying down next to his pet, curling his arms around the feverish body and dragged him to lay against him.


“I won’t leave you, don’t worry. I’ll stay with you, so just rest.” He reassures him and Nino stares at him, not saying anything else, but slowly, his hands loosen on their hold of Sho's shirt and his eyes close, a deep sigh escaping past his lips.



=+=


He opened his eyes slowly, a blinding ray of sun striking his eyes persistently for a while now. He smiled genuinely when he felt a cold nose brushing his ear then his neck to his collarbone and automatically stroked the too long bang tickling his neck.


“You are late,”Whispered gently the pet at his ear.

“What?”

“Your alarm already rang a couple of times.”


The pet gently lied down against him, his cheek on his master’s chest, finding back his favourite position for sleeping. Since his illness he naturally took place by Sho’s side –easily forgetting that his place was once on the foot of the bed- and this latter didn’t have the heart to refuse.

When he woke up in the middle of the night, he had been glad to find that Nino's fever had broken through. Despite that, he still kept on cuddling his pet, unable to push him to the foot of the bed.

He sat suddenly, pushing the pet when he realized what he just said.


“Fuck! Fuck! I’ve got an important meeting this morning! Why didn’t you wake me up?!”


He dressed quickly and the pet observed him, well settled under the blanket, elbow on a pillow.


“I cuddled you to wake you up. That’s what a pet ought to do…”

“Little brat. I won’t cook for you today, I have to hurry. You’ll find noodles in the kitchen closet. Be careful with the hot water. And if you want to order pizza, you have money in the pot of the living room.”


He climbed on the bed to kiss the pet’s forehead and rushing outside, calling a cab while he engulfed a piece of cake hastily.

Not once had he been late. But lately it was really hard to leave his bed, to leave his flat. He didn’t really had days off and he died to spend an entire day to laze around. When he arrived at the office, the clients had just came in –thank God- and his secretary helped him to adjust his neck-tie and diligently handed him a coffee.


“Tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“Why you were late this morning?” Smiled Jun.

“I didn’t hear the ring bell.”

“You were with a girl? Who?”

“I…I wasn’t with a girl! I just overslept.”

“Oh well…” smirked Jun not convinced at all.

”And this pet’s story, did you decide?”

“Decide what?”

“Cat? Dog? Turtle?”

“I’m not totally sure. I renewed my contract with the agency.”

“Rally?! Yet, you’re a man of decision usually…”

“It’s important to choose wisely.”

“You know what? I’ll come with you after work, you’ll offer me a drink. I can’t wait to meet your pet.”

“Don’t know…he’s very shy.”

“Enough. He has to get used to strangers, it’s part of education.”

Sho could only agree, Jun was right and if his pet behaved outside of the apartment, he never introduced him to his friends. Perhaps it was a good test after all..


- * -


“Don’t make your eyebrows thing, though.” Sho found himself saying as they were on their way to the elevator of his place. It had been a busy day at work. His thoughts often going to Nino, a light feeling of trepidation as he remembered Nino's sick days.


They were in the elevator and Jun raised his famous eyebrows, astonished


“My…what?”

“You know, your bad guy look.”

“Sho, frankly, I swear to you, I’ll be gentle and discreet. I won’t frighten him.”

“Okay.”


Once he opened the door, he barely had the time to take off his shoes, he received a human projectile into his arms. His pet was wrapping his legs around his waist, his arms firmly clinging around his shoulders.


“Get down, Nino, we have a guest.” Mumbled Sho awkwardly.


Nino did what he was told and threw a mean gaze to the newcomer.


“This is Matsumoto Jun, my colleague and friend. This is Nino....”


What? My pet? It sounded strange suddenly. Especially with Jun’s strange look aimed at him.
He went to the living room, happy to find it perfectly clean and neat.


“Beer?”

He grabbed two beers in the fridge, some snacks before coming back to his friend. Nino was sitting on the floor, and when Sho took place on the armchair, he joined him, occupying the little room left.


“So…”Said Jun after a few seconds of an awkward silence.

“So?”

“You renewed the contract?”

“hm…rather…Nino accepted to stay with me a little bit longer. For me to figure out, you know~”

“If you are a good master?”

“Yeah.”

“And is he a good master, Nino?”

“The best.” murmured Nino, placing his chin against Sho’s shoulder. Sho pushed him gently and asked him to leave him alone. The pet pouted, but resumed his game, but sighed and stood up from his seating position, not looking back at them as he made his way to Sho's room.


“This one sounds to be a cat, right?”chuckled Jun, taking a sip of beer.

“I’m not really sure, but I think you’re right. He ransacked my apartment the first day because I didn’t give him toys.”


Jun laughed and told him the way his own pet used to eat everything he found.


“When is the end of the contract now?”

“Next week.”

“Did you already call the agency? The President told you how proceed?”

“I…didn’t really think about it. How did you do?”

“Like you I guess. At first, I thought it would be easier to part with a human pet but eventually, I was obviously wrong.”

Sho turned around and made sure his pet left the living room. He sighed deeply.


“Honestly speaking, I can’t really imagine my life without him. Since he’s been here, I have the feeling that my daily routine revolve around him.”

“So it can only mean one thing.”

“What is that?”

“That you’re ready to live with a pet.”

“Really?”

“Really. All this…it’s just a game. Now you’re ready for the real thing.”


When Jun left the place, Sho cleaned the room, took a bath, put on his pyjamas and finally entered the bedroom where Nino was reading a manga.


“I will cut your nails, I know you like it, come…since when didn’t we do it? One week, ne?”


He approached the bed and the pet quietly left the place, giving him a disdainful gaze.


“W…what? Are you sulking?!”


He followed him and found him on the couch as he was settling his bed for the night.


“Could you answer, please? Why are you sleeping here? Come in bed with me.”


Nino turned off the light but Sho turned it on, putting his hands on his hips angrily.


“Are you suddenly unhappy with me?!”

“…”

“Nino!”

“I’m just jealous!” Yelled the pet, his lips taking in an indent of a pout..

“Jea…but why? Jun-kun is a friend, a colleague and~”

“But I have no one else but you! You’re my entire world!”


Sho suddenly like a jerk, a real prick, why hadn't he able to understand his pet instinctively? He left the morning for work, met people, clients, colleagues, friends, and Nino was all alone, his only joy was to find him back by the end of the day.

Yet he cared for him deeply, more than he ever cared for anyone in his life. He bit his lips and crouched next to him, his hand moving to caress him but stopping halfway.


“I’m sorry…I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t really think about it, I wanted him to meet you, I’m proud of you, I thought perhaps…forget it. You became my entire world too. You know, I mocked those old ladies living only for their pets, I understand now. Thanks to you, my life has a meaning.”


He carefully stroked Nino’s head and this latter closed his eyes firmly.


“The contract is almost finished. Once again. Will you accept to stay with me longer? I can’t really imagine my life without you…”


The pet moved suddenly, grabbing a cushion and headed to the bedroom. Sho hid a smile and strode joyfully, jumping on his bed to climb on it, making Nino groan.

He laid down and turned off the light, covering their bodies with the thick blanket.


“Perhaps could we have a trip together? For the week-end, hm…by the sea for example…Nino?”


The pet didn’t answer and Sho opened his arms to attract the little warm body to him. He cuddled him and finally fell asleep.


- * -


He was roused from his slumber by a ghost of a touch on his cheek, it was warm and firm..


“It’s time to wake up?”


But the bedroom was pitch dark and when he tried to lean on the lamp, he sensed Nino’s hand on his wrist -


“Don’t.”

“Can’t you find sleep?”


Two hands cupped his face and he felt a kiss on his right cheek, then on the left one and when he was about to protest, a mouth crushed his non so gently. He reached out and placed his hands on Nino’s heated flank, the weight of his body that was straddling him unsettled him a little. His hands were gripping Nino's waist line now, unable to misunderstand that Nino was naked – he was naked for Christ sake and he was straddling him!- his mind yelled. He felt fingers slide into his pyjama pants, wrapping around his cock to give him the necessary shape to make love to him.

Sho gasped and protested weakly, not sure if he really wanted to stop this or not. The hands around his cock became erratic, frantic in a way that caused him to shiver and tense at the heat of arousal that pooled at the pit of his stomach. He stiffened rapidly, almost pathetically and his tumble from thought to thought, unable to process, his sleep instantly disappearing. He arched his back and let out a deep groan when he found his cock sliding into the tight and wet flesh. What was happening?!

He's never made love to a man, never even thought about it and yet he couldn’t deny his pleasure now. Perhaps because it was him and not another man. He felt tears dropping on his cheeks as he heard the moans of his partner, unable to think about the reason he was suddenly doing this to him. without a word, in this dark room. Nino was tense on top of him, his nails were digging painfully as Nino grasped his torso, moving erratically, as if he was desperate. Something was wrong, something so awfully sad and bitter in this act while he had only wished to love Nino and he –

He felt a warm liquid spurting onto his stomach and he guessed more than he heard Nino’s groan. The last to-and-fro movements on his shaft, the tight muscle twitching and clenching around his still throbbing member, wrenched a violent orgasm from him and for the first time he allowed himself to grip Nino’s hips to keep him in place, burying himself deep within him.


In the high of post orgasm, he barely noticed the smaller move away and makes his way to the bathroom quietly. It wasn't until he let out a deep breath, shock going through his entire body was a real shock and Sho wasn’t able to make up his mind. Did he want to be…his boyfriend?! No way he wasn’t gay! Was he?

Though he admitted earlier he never cared about anyone like he cared for Nino? Was it the reason why he made love to him? But he had to marry a woman, have children, and lead the life he chose before this entire pet story.

Why didn’t he come back in bed? Was he ashamed of what just happened? Impossible, his pet was never ashamed of anything! He couldn’t call him pet any more, it was impossible, right? Yet it was unpredictable, he didn’t see this coming.

He laid there still in shock and his mind was trying to comprehend what had just happened, why it happened? Clearing his thoughts, he realized that his pet had been in the bathroom for a while now and began to worry. In a need to understand, he finally untangled himself from the sheets and hurried to the bathroom, and unable to hear anything, he pushed the door and freaked out when he figured out that Nino wasn’t there anymore. He rushed to the living room, the bedroom, the kitchen, his things were still there, but he wasn't. He dressed quickly and rushed outside to look for him, his heart racing and constricting as he looked around the whole block and found no sign of him. An irrational panic began to overtake him gradually, and when the sun rose, he immediately called the agency – sure he had been with the constant thought about calling the agency last night, but with a calming thought, he knew it was crazy to be calling the owner of the agency in the middle of the night.


“It’s Sakurai. I have a serious problem, I can't find Nino…I lost him.”

“Lost?! Absolutely not, he was here yesterday. He gave me his resign letter. I thought he was ready to adopt you…somehow…”

“I don’t get it. Yesterday we fought for nothing but then… he accepted to stay with me longer. Yet in the middle of the night he ran away leaving behind him everything I bought to him.”

“Did he tell you expressly he accepted?”

“Not really…”

“Sakurai-san sometimes pets are vanish, it happens but life goes on.”

“That’s what you’re saying when a contract ends?”

“That’s what I have to say to the masters that get too serious about the entire experiment. If you liked your master’s role, why don’t you do what you intended to do at first place? Adopt a real pet.”


How could he explain to this woman how she was wrong? How could he explain that when Nino decided to leave him he snatched his heart and took it with him? How could he explain that for the very first time he understood fully what it meant to lose the person who rules your world, the irreparable loss?


“Thank you for using our company as a guide to you future adoption of a pet, we hope that you learned by experiencing the life of a master. Good bye, Sakurai-san.”


He heard the vague answer and hung on the phone.


▐▐




Go to part 2