Squaring the Circle (6/6)
Aug. 19th, 2014 06:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wendyjolyTitle: Squaring the Circle
Author: WendyJoly/![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
chibipinkpetals
Pairing : Sakumiya Yama , Ninomiya Kazunari/Yuriko Yoshitaka
Rating: R
Lenght : Chaptered
Beta : Cookies and muffins tochibipinkpetals
Genre: Love, misunderstandings and friendship
Disclaimer: I owe nothing but Arashi owns surely my soul
Summary : Sakurai Sho, Yuriko Yoshitaka and Ninomiya Kazunari shared a dormitory at the university. Soon after their graduation Nino and Yuri get married but years after, as they’re spending a week-end with their old friend, a secret of their past reappears.
Note : This story takes place in the present and in the past which is in italic. My dearchibipinkpetals wrote OS concerning the Yama pair, you can find them on her LiveJournal!
PART 6
He finds himself in the quiet room, aware that Sho was not in the building at the moment, unsure as to where the latter could be. However, he has finished what he came to do and was now making his way out, sure that he did not, in fact, wanted to meet with the other man.
Ohno frowns at the hesitation he shows, his brows knit together before he grips the shoulder strap of his bag - the bag that contains all his personal belongings that had little by little trickled their way to Sho's place every time that he stayed over, and lets out a deep breath.
He knows that he is somehow acting childish, knowing well that there was not and most likely wouldn't be any commitment from Sho to him because, Sho was and will always be in love with that person that won't love him back.
He locks the door, gripping the key tight in his fist, feeling the weight of his decision. He'll return it, once there's a distance, because he's not sure if he'll be able to face Sho and let go the one thing that Sho had given him , the hope he felt when Sho had gripped his hand and slipped the silver key into his palm.
He staggers in his steps as he begins to walk down the hall, refusing to look back. He shouldn't be feeling betrayed, but he does.
It's all too much for him, even when he knew very well that Sho would not return his feelings…
=+=
He had come home, half expecting Ohno to be there with his welcoming and cute smile, however he hadn't been there, and as Sho sat down, a little confused and maybe more irritated than was necessary - highly noticing that it was thanks to Ohno that he had been able to keep a level head, be calm; after all, Ohno had been the epitome of calm, that it hit him like a ton of bricks when he took the slight noticed that there was something missing, something so little and barely noticeable to others, but it was always visible to Sho because of what pertained and who it belonged to.
His heart started thudding within his chest and he slowly got up, making his way more and more closer to the shelf.
Ohno.
He walked around the living room, feeling it empty, making his way into his kitchen, his bathroom, his bedroom and back at the living room.
Everything that belonged to Ohno was gone.
Confused, he pulls out his cellphone, dialling the familiar number, ready to hear the drawl voice which appeases so well. But this is only the answering machine, again and again. Without thinking further he rushes out of his house, heading to the university. He hadn't been able to contact Satoshi earlier, before he got busy with his errands, wanting to talk. He was not scheduled for a lecture, and he was sure that Satoshi wasn't giving a lecture at that time of day either.
However, he was sure that he would find him there – after all, Satoshi had already told him that being at the theater appeased him.
=+=
Ohno sighs and looks up at the bright lights aimed towards the stage. A small smile adorns his lips as the memory of them working together assaults his thoughts. He shakes his head and looks away, trying to push them away.
He had told himself to forget about it. He was ready to move on. They will still work together, but that didn't mean anything. He will keep it professional. He had done so well for a couple of years and soon, he will get over him and be able to face him properly.
He didn't think that he needed to give him an explanation.
Just as he is about to slide down the stage to go to his office, he feels a shiver run down his spine and turns around. His mind is playing tricks on him, surely, he thinks, clicking his tongue and shaking his head.
“Satoshi,”
His heart skips a beat and he looks back; it wasn't a trick of his mind, he was really there. He looks away again and bites his lip. No. he wasn't ready. Not right now.
He slides off the edge and reaches down to grab his shoulder bag. He needed more time, he didn't want to see him right now.
He hurries down the aisle and ends up bumping his knee against a seat's edge. He hisses and clenches his hand, ignoring the throb.
He hears the steps behind him hurried and he picks up the pace. Why? He asks himself, forcing himself to keep on walking.
“Satoshi,” Sho's voice sounds confused, and Ohno doesn't want to hear it.
“Wait,” Sho catches up to him as he is reaching out to open the auditorium's door. He goes tense and refuses to look at him.
“I got home and you weren't there,” Sho begins and Ohno clenches his hand on his shirt, still refusing to look back.
“Then Nino showed up –”
“Enough!” Ohno snapped, jaw clenched as he turned around and narrowed his eyes at him, “I don't care about Ninomiya, I don't care about you or any women you are with. I'm done.” He hates it how hurt he is.
Sho blinks seemingly surprised, his hand slackening in its hold. Ohno looks at his hand and then pulls his own arm away.
“I am tired of this relationship. Aren't you? It was only a past time. I was bored, you were with an unrequited love and it was convenient. Now, I want to end this. It was getting suffocating, pretending to be an actual couple, it's not for me.” Ohno says, staring at him straight in the eyes.
“I don't feel anything for you,” Ohno whispers.
He looks away, unable to say those words while still looking at him. He hears the shuffle of feet coming closer and he shivers.
“You are such a horrible liar,” Sho says, reaching out and cupping his face. He stubbornly pulls away and Sho lets out a chuckle, “you said that you wanted me to commit to you. Was that also a lie?”
Ohno can't admit to it, and looks away. Sho sighs, trying to catch his eyes.
“You really are such a bad liar, just like me. It's so obvious that you are forcing yourself into saying this; your tears are giving you away,” Sho whispers as he comes closer.
Ohno's breath's hitches and all he wants to do is hide. He reaches out and tries to wipe them away – those tears he let go without even realizing it.
Sho's grasps his hand and twine their fingers together as the other reaches out and swipes them away. Ohno looks away and bites his lip.
“Satoshi,” he lets out a soft whine as he repeats his name and he is so pathetic for being unable to resist; their eyes meet and his vision is still blurry. Sho tilts his head before shaking his head.
“You scared me,” Sho says, gripping his fingers as the other one removed the tears, “I didn't know what to do when I realized that you were gone,” Sho says quietly. Ohno looks up at him, blinking away the drops that continued to blur his vision.
“I didn't know what I needed to tell Nino – except when I thought that I needed to find you – I realized that I have been mistaken, that I had been doing nothing right since the very beginning.” says Sho quietly, explaining himself when Ohno looked away.
“I'm sorry, I never intended in using you,” Ohno tries to pull away, but Sho holds his chin firmly, removing the last stray of tears that clung to Ohno's cheek, “but I did, without realizing that you were hurting,” Sho says softly, smiling a little when Ohno bit his lip.
His hands that were against Sho's chest were limp, just like his resolve.
“It took me a while, but I realized it now, Satoshi. I understand now why I was vexed when you wouldn't be around me, when you spent time away from me, when you were with someone else so close. I can fully understand now, these feelings that seemed confusing, it was all because I wasn't honest with myself about those feelings.” Ohno looks back at him, startled.
He notices Sho's lips twitched some more and his hearts lurches a little at the sight. He'd always been fascinated by Sho's lips.
“I'm sorry for saying this so late, for causing you confusion and hurt. I'm sorry I'm so late in saying that I love you,” Sho murmurs, leaning close to him. Ohno's breath hitch at the words and his mouth parts only to be covered by Sho's plush ones. He can't help the jerk he feels himself give – the electric jolt that goes down his spine makes him shiver – and all he can feel is Sho's full lips softness. The kiss is sweet, never had he felt this feeling, even before when they spent minute upon minute kissing each other.
This one was more honest; more precious. Ohno thinks when Sho tilts his head up and prod his mouth open. He breathes in Sho's taste, Sho's moan that passes his lips. Ohno chastely opens his mouth and allows Sho's tongue to dart into his mouth.
They kiss for a couple more minutes, seemingly like forever, until Sho sucks on his lip, lightly biting it, before pecking the swollen lips softly. When Ohno opens his eyes with a flutter, he takes note of Sho's brown eyes glinting, lustful, and intent; his stare causes him to be breathless.
“You are so cute,” Sho whispers, leaning down to brush his nose against his cheek.
Ohno can't help but notice that his hands were by now gripping Sho's waist.
“Sho...if this is you taking pity on me –”
“You are unbearably cute,” Sho cuts him off. Ohno sighs and tries to turn away, but Sho doesn't let him.
“Don't say things that will only end up hurting me, I don't think I'll be able to take it,” he confesses. He looks at Sho, the latter is shaking his head, and his hand is still holding Ohno's chin in place.
“I wouldn't be able to say those things without meaning. Not to you. Specially you,” Sho says quietly, leaning down again and blending their lips all over again.
=+=
“Yuriko-chan, someone for you. He’s in the hall.”
“Thanks.”
The teacher takes off the big clip she used to put into her hair and tousles it. She doesn’t want to look too messy with the parents of her students.
But she stops short at the school entrance when she recognizes the familiar silhouette, chatting with two colleagues of her. He’s signing autographs and she can’t help but smirk sadly. It’s awkward to see him here but not totally unexpected, she knew that one day or another Sho would talk…she only wished she could be more prepared. Time passed by but she’s not able to see him without feeling this terrible and painful twist inside her stomach. But, she’s not the kind of women to run away, so she steps forward and smiles, putting her palms on her thighs to greet him.
Juri runs to her and grabs her wrist, saying in an undertone:
“You know Ninomiya-san?! Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I’m her husband. Nice to meet you.” Nino bends at his turn, and the two colleagues remain speechless, murmuring a:
“Really?”
“We were married once, it’s true.” Answers the art teacher.
She can’t talk here even if she doesn’t want to talk to him at all, what would be the point?
“Could we walk a bit?” He looks at her like he always did, with this gentleness and this so obvious and unbearable love in the eyes.
She nods and follows him outside, gripping the big bag she still possess, her entire life enclosed in it.
Naturally, they head to the beach and she takes off her sandals, holding them in one of her hand.
“Sho told you?”
“Yeah, he finally gave up.”
“He shouldn’t have.”
Nino stops suddenly and turns back to face her. He takes out an envelope from the wallet he always wears in the back pocket of his pants.
“I sold the house, I wanted to give you your share.”
“I don’t need money, and I renounced to the house when we divorced.”
“I know but….here.” He grabs her wrist and puts the envelope in her hand, keeping the touch up more than necessary. “You can throw it in the ocean, if you wish, or give it to someone, I don’t care.”
“Nino~”
“I missed this…the way you say my name, our name.”
“It’s not mine anymore, perhaps should you go back now?” She moves her hand back and lowers her gaze, feeling the burn of Nino’s on her.
“I miss you. I can’t live without you.”
“And yet, not a week passed without seeing you with a different girl in any magazine.”
She puts her hand in front of her mouth, mortified to let for the very first time her emotions talk. She doesn’t want to looks like an angry woman, she even ignored she was so angry and bitter.
“Excuse me, I don’t have to say this. You’re free.”
He steps forward and clumsily touches her hand with his fingertips, staring at the sand covering her little feet.
“Talk to me, please. We’re divorced, we have nothing to lose anymore, we already lost everything…” he whispers in an undertone and she feels her heart bleeds for the pain she can hear in his voice.
“Come with me.”
He follows her to her house and she takes the time to release the dog, opening the panoramic window while he sits on the old couch in the middle of the living room.
He keeps his gaze on her, so moved to share her space, to smell her perfume, sad to notice that Sho was right, there’s not a sculpture in this place. She always lived for her art so how cold is she living now?
They keep silence and she cooks a meal she puts on the low table in front of him. She's changed, it’s true, and an awful doubt seizes him.
“Yu…did you find someone? A man?”
She shakes her head negatively and even if he’s egoistically happy he can’t help but be sad for her and her loneliness.
“Why?”
“It’s not for me, you know…”
“I can’t replace you.” He says quietly “but you…?”
What is he insinuating, she wonders, unable to admit the evidence and the end of the sentence…but you can replace me since you weren’t in love with me.
“I loved you, Nino, from the bottom of my heart. The best I could.”
“Sho told me but I didn’t want to believe it.”
“I improved my cooking skills, isn’t it?”
She has this strange smile she used to have when she tries to change of subject but Nino reaches out, the back of his hand on the table and she puts her palm against his like an automate.
“So why, Sweetie?”
She takes a deep breath and she unwinds the thread of her story. Her childhood, her mother’s departure, her father, their marriage, that time when she saw him with the woman in the restroom of the stadium, the way she tried her best to pretend to accept his unfaithfulness. When she stops talking, night has fallen and she’s settling between his legs, his arms around her, like a rampart against her worst nightmare, hiding his own suffering behind her back.
“I’m sorry.” He whispers at her ear.
“Don’t be. When you love, you don’t have to say you’re sorry.” She smirks ironically, speaking the famous quote heard in this old movie Nino liked so much.
He caresses her hair, and puts it away to peck her delicate neck, his heart overflowing with love. Despite her past, he was more surprised that she hadn't broken. He was glad that she survived through it all, because he was allowed to meet her. It was as if, those cracks of her life were meant for him to mend – after breaking down everything that held her together, those jagged corners of herself that hid her were torn apart and finally began to go into place.
“Would you date me?”
“What?” She turns her head to look at him.
“Go out with me, please. We could take a new start, just the two if us. I’ll be patient, we’ll take all the time you will need.”
She raises her hands and intertwined their fingers, nestling against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her slim body.
“I love you.” Murmured Yuriko at Nino’s ear and she felt his heart beating faster in her back, just like hers.
=+=
One year later…
“Wake up, sleepy head…”
“Don’t want to.”
The young woman rolls over on her flank, ignoring ostentatiously her companion.
“Yu…baby…”
“I know.”
She lies down on her back, trying to open her heavy eyelids, smiling to her ex-husband, elbowed by her side, admiring his naked body.
“Perhaps could we just stay in bed all day long…” he whispers gently against her cheek, kissing the sweet skin, sliding his hand inconspicuously to her soft belly and she moans with pleasure. “Really?” He chuckles and disappears under the sheets, pushing her baby doll nightie up for a smooth awakening.
She parts her legs naturally and after a last “we’re gonna be late”, she abandons herself to the skilful mouth of her lover.
=+=
“Heavy…” groans Satoshi, his head resting on his hands, still laying on the pillow.
He feels the chuckle against his shoulder blades and the hand slowly running from his flank to his hips then to the inner of his thigh.
“You’re so unsubtle, Sho…”
“I was not aiming for subtlety?” Says the taller man, parting Satoshi’s legs wide to set between them, rubbing his already hard member against the muscular cheeks to excite him. “Do you want me?”
“How could I refuse a so tempting breakfast?”
He arches his back, exposing his entrance to the teasing fingers of his lover, moaning erotically as he feels Sho wetting it. He moves to take the first knuckle inside him and without a word raises his ass to let Sho slip a hand around his virility.
“You can keep on…” He says, encouraging his lover to prepare him faster.
“How impatient!”
“We’re going to be late and frankly…I’m more than ready.”
He wraps his own fingers around Sho’s hand, making to-and-from movements, his puckering hole claiming his due.
Sho takes off his fingers and guides his cock to the sweet flesh, groaning his pleasure, and Satoshi’s voice echoes to his. He puts his two hands on Satoshi’s hips leaving him the task to keep on his ministrations himself.
He keeps his eyes on the so sexy back of his lover, the curve of the small of his back, enjoying the sensual cries of pleasure, the way his pelvis moves to meet his own movements.
Life is simple and beautiful since they live together and those mornings became a real addiction for the so composed Sakurai Sho. Satoshi never refused him and for the first time in his life, Sho allowed himself some whims because he loved a man the way he was loved. And this gave him the strength to be himself, even outside of their home.
“Now Sho.”
Is it really Satoshi’s voice? This so desperate, needy, sensual moan, that was able to tear him out a fiery orgasm. He hugs him tight, peppering kisses over the tanned skin. He is still inside him, enjoying their union and Satoshi moans in return when he lightly bites his shoulder.
When he pulls out, Satoshi lets out a small mewl and squirms as the fluids slide down his inner thighs. However, Satoshi lies down on his back and supports himself on one of his elbow before reaching out and cupping Sho's face to kiss him eagerly, attracting him against his chest.
“Is it weird?” Laughs Satoshi, pulling away from the eager mouth and looking around him at the empty place, the cardboard boxes stacked along the walls, their suitcases behind the door.
“What is weird?”
“To make love in a flat where there’s only a bed.”
“At least, we have a bed.” Smirks Sho, slapping Ohno’s thigh before standing up. ”And we’re late, want to share my shower?”
“You’re really insatiable.” He jumps out of the bed, running to the bathroom.
=+=
Nino and Yuriko enter the airport, holding hands, following the luminous signs until the gate for the London’s flight.
“Promise, you won’t cry.” He kissed the back of her hand to lend her his strength.
“I can’t promise, you know.”
“Then go on, I’ll dry your tears.”
She stops short and cups his face to peck his lips, before dragging him to the couple who’s waiting for them. Nino pats Sho’s sloppy shoulder and this latter turned back as Yuriko hugs Satoshi. When she goes to Sho, he laughs, scolding Nino.
“Are you feeding your wife too much, Nino?”
“She’s not my wife, she refused to marry me, again.” Smiles Nino hugging his woman from behind, caressing her so round belly. “How could you leave when our son is almost here?”
Sho admires his friends, still unable to believe they are so happy after all the hurdles they faced.
“We’ll come back soon, in Europe they have all kinds of holidays. We will be the best uncles ever for him.”
“We’ll miss you.” Says Yu trying to hug her best friend despite her prominent belly, gripping firmly Satoshi’s hand.
“It’s just for one year.”
“Just for one year?!” shouts the future mom.
“Don’t, please, don’t argue, she’s pretty irritable.” Cut Nino, attracting her wife.
“By the way, Nino, the team?” asks Satoshi.
“They are great.”
Almost one year ago, Nino created a team with the children of the institute where Yuriko worked and twice a week, he coached them, discovering how much it was wonderful to convey his passion to those kids.
“He’s so proud of the kids” chuckles Yu “He even bought a glove for the baby with the name of the team.”
“Don’t mock him, he will be a great father.” Smiles Sho, searching for Satoshi’s hand.
The soft voice of the announcer calls the passengers for London and Yu begins to cry, turning his face to Nino.
“Don’t worry guys, she’s hypersensitive since the pregnancy, just go.”
They hug each other once again and after a last wave the teachers walk through the departure gate.
“They are gone.” Says Yuriko, her hand still raised.
“They will teach in England for one year, they’ll be back soon.”
“You’re right.”
“So, will you marry me?”
“No way. We were never so happy that since we’re divorced.”
“I won’t give up.”
“I hope so. Let’s go back home.”
Author: WendyJoly/
chibipinkpetalsPairing : Sakumiya Yama , Ninomiya Kazunari/Yuriko Yoshitaka
Rating: R
Lenght : Chaptered
Beta : Cookies and muffins to
chibipinkpetalsGenre: Love, misunderstandings and friendship
Disclaimer: I owe nothing but Arashi owns surely my soul
Summary : Sakurai Sho, Yuriko Yoshitaka and Ninomiya Kazunari shared a dormitory at the university. Soon after their graduation Nino and Yuri get married but years after, as they’re spending a week-end with their old friend, a secret of their past reappears.
Note : This story takes place in the present and in the past which is in italic. My dear
chibipinkpetals wrote OS concerning the Yama pair, you can find them on her LiveJournal!PART 6
He finds himself in the quiet room, aware that Sho was not in the building at the moment, unsure as to where the latter could be. However, he has finished what he came to do and was now making his way out, sure that he did not, in fact, wanted to meet with the other man.
Ohno frowns at the hesitation he shows, his brows knit together before he grips the shoulder strap of his bag - the bag that contains all his personal belongings that had little by little trickled their way to Sho's place every time that he stayed over, and lets out a deep breath.
He knows that he is somehow acting childish, knowing well that there was not and most likely wouldn't be any commitment from Sho to him because, Sho was and will always be in love with that person that won't love him back.
He locks the door, gripping the key tight in his fist, feeling the weight of his decision. He'll return it, once there's a distance, because he's not sure if he'll be able to face Sho and let go the one thing that Sho had given him , the hope he felt when Sho had gripped his hand and slipped the silver key into his palm.
He staggers in his steps as he begins to walk down the hall, refusing to look back. He shouldn't be feeling betrayed, but he does.
It's all too much for him, even when he knew very well that Sho would not return his feelings…
He had come home, half expecting Ohno to be there with his welcoming and cute smile, however he hadn't been there, and as Sho sat down, a little confused and maybe more irritated than was necessary - highly noticing that it was thanks to Ohno that he had been able to keep a level head, be calm; after all, Ohno had been the epitome of calm, that it hit him like a ton of bricks when he took the slight noticed that there was something missing, something so little and barely noticeable to others, but it was always visible to Sho because of what pertained and who it belonged to.
His heart started thudding within his chest and he slowly got up, making his way more and more closer to the shelf.
Ohno.
He walked around the living room, feeling it empty, making his way into his kitchen, his bathroom, his bedroom and back at the living room.
Everything that belonged to Ohno was gone.
Confused, he pulls out his cellphone, dialling the familiar number, ready to hear the drawl voice which appeases so well. But this is only the answering machine, again and again. Without thinking further he rushes out of his house, heading to the university. He hadn't been able to contact Satoshi earlier, before he got busy with his errands, wanting to talk. He was not scheduled for a lecture, and he was sure that Satoshi wasn't giving a lecture at that time of day either.
However, he was sure that he would find him there – after all, Satoshi had already told him that being at the theater appeased him.
Ohno sighs and looks up at the bright lights aimed towards the stage. A small smile adorns his lips as the memory of them working together assaults his thoughts. He shakes his head and looks away, trying to push them away.
He had told himself to forget about it. He was ready to move on. They will still work together, but that didn't mean anything. He will keep it professional. He had done so well for a couple of years and soon, he will get over him and be able to face him properly.
He didn't think that he needed to give him an explanation.
Just as he is about to slide down the stage to go to his office, he feels a shiver run down his spine and turns around. His mind is playing tricks on him, surely, he thinks, clicking his tongue and shaking his head.
“Satoshi,”
His heart skips a beat and he looks back; it wasn't a trick of his mind, he was really there. He looks away again and bites his lip. No. he wasn't ready. Not right now.
He slides off the edge and reaches down to grab his shoulder bag. He needed more time, he didn't want to see him right now.
He hurries down the aisle and ends up bumping his knee against a seat's edge. He hisses and clenches his hand, ignoring the throb.
He hears the steps behind him hurried and he picks up the pace. Why? He asks himself, forcing himself to keep on walking.
“Satoshi,” Sho's voice sounds confused, and Ohno doesn't want to hear it.
“Wait,” Sho catches up to him as he is reaching out to open the auditorium's door. He goes tense and refuses to look at him.
“I got home and you weren't there,” Sho begins and Ohno clenches his hand on his shirt, still refusing to look back.
“Then Nino showed up –”
“Enough!” Ohno snapped, jaw clenched as he turned around and narrowed his eyes at him, “I don't care about Ninomiya, I don't care about you or any women you are with. I'm done.” He hates it how hurt he is.
Sho blinks seemingly surprised, his hand slackening in its hold. Ohno looks at his hand and then pulls his own arm away.
“I am tired of this relationship. Aren't you? It was only a past time. I was bored, you were with an unrequited love and it was convenient. Now, I want to end this. It was getting suffocating, pretending to be an actual couple, it's not for me.” Ohno says, staring at him straight in the eyes.
“I don't feel anything for you,” Ohno whispers.
He looks away, unable to say those words while still looking at him. He hears the shuffle of feet coming closer and he shivers.
“You are such a horrible liar,” Sho says, reaching out and cupping his face. He stubbornly pulls away and Sho lets out a chuckle, “you said that you wanted me to commit to you. Was that also a lie?”
Ohno can't admit to it, and looks away. Sho sighs, trying to catch his eyes.
“You really are such a bad liar, just like me. It's so obvious that you are forcing yourself into saying this; your tears are giving you away,” Sho whispers as he comes closer.
Ohno's breath's hitches and all he wants to do is hide. He reaches out and tries to wipe them away – those tears he let go without even realizing it.
Sho's grasps his hand and twine their fingers together as the other reaches out and swipes them away. Ohno looks away and bites his lip.
“Satoshi,” he lets out a soft whine as he repeats his name and he is so pathetic for being unable to resist; their eyes meet and his vision is still blurry. Sho tilts his head before shaking his head.
“You scared me,” Sho says, gripping his fingers as the other one removed the tears, “I didn't know what to do when I realized that you were gone,” Sho says quietly. Ohno looks up at him, blinking away the drops that continued to blur his vision.
“I didn't know what I needed to tell Nino – except when I thought that I needed to find you – I realized that I have been mistaken, that I had been doing nothing right since the very beginning.” says Sho quietly, explaining himself when Ohno looked away.
“I'm sorry, I never intended in using you,” Ohno tries to pull away, but Sho holds his chin firmly, removing the last stray of tears that clung to Ohno's cheek, “but I did, without realizing that you were hurting,” Sho says softly, smiling a little when Ohno bit his lip.
His hands that were against Sho's chest were limp, just like his resolve.
“It took me a while, but I realized it now, Satoshi. I understand now why I was vexed when you wouldn't be around me, when you spent time away from me, when you were with someone else so close. I can fully understand now, these feelings that seemed confusing, it was all because I wasn't honest with myself about those feelings.” Ohno looks back at him, startled.
He notices Sho's lips twitched some more and his hearts lurches a little at the sight. He'd always been fascinated by Sho's lips.
“I'm sorry for saying this so late, for causing you confusion and hurt. I'm sorry I'm so late in saying that I love you,” Sho murmurs, leaning close to him. Ohno's breath hitch at the words and his mouth parts only to be covered by Sho's plush ones. He can't help the jerk he feels himself give – the electric jolt that goes down his spine makes him shiver – and all he can feel is Sho's full lips softness. The kiss is sweet, never had he felt this feeling, even before when they spent minute upon minute kissing each other.
This one was more honest; more precious. Ohno thinks when Sho tilts his head up and prod his mouth open. He breathes in Sho's taste, Sho's moan that passes his lips. Ohno chastely opens his mouth and allows Sho's tongue to dart into his mouth.
They kiss for a couple more minutes, seemingly like forever, until Sho sucks on his lip, lightly biting it, before pecking the swollen lips softly. When Ohno opens his eyes with a flutter, he takes note of Sho's brown eyes glinting, lustful, and intent; his stare causes him to be breathless.
“You are so cute,” Sho whispers, leaning down to brush his nose against his cheek.
Ohno can't help but notice that his hands were by now gripping Sho's waist.
“Sho...if this is you taking pity on me –”
“You are unbearably cute,” Sho cuts him off. Ohno sighs and tries to turn away, but Sho doesn't let him.
“Don't say things that will only end up hurting me, I don't think I'll be able to take it,” he confesses. He looks at Sho, the latter is shaking his head, and his hand is still holding Ohno's chin in place.
“I wouldn't be able to say those things without meaning. Not to you. Specially you,” Sho says quietly, leaning down again and blending their lips all over again.
“Yuriko-chan, someone for you. He’s in the hall.”
“Thanks.”
The teacher takes off the big clip she used to put into her hair and tousles it. She doesn’t want to look too messy with the parents of her students.
But she stops short at the school entrance when she recognizes the familiar silhouette, chatting with two colleagues of her. He’s signing autographs and she can’t help but smirk sadly. It’s awkward to see him here but not totally unexpected, she knew that one day or another Sho would talk…she only wished she could be more prepared. Time passed by but she’s not able to see him without feeling this terrible and painful twist inside her stomach. But, she’s not the kind of women to run away, so she steps forward and smiles, putting her palms on her thighs to greet him.
Juri runs to her and grabs her wrist, saying in an undertone:
“You know Ninomiya-san?! Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I’m her husband. Nice to meet you.” Nino bends at his turn, and the two colleagues remain speechless, murmuring a:
“Really?”
“We were married once, it’s true.” Answers the art teacher.
She can’t talk here even if she doesn’t want to talk to him at all, what would be the point?
“Could we walk a bit?” He looks at her like he always did, with this gentleness and this so obvious and unbearable love in the eyes.
She nods and follows him outside, gripping the big bag she still possess, her entire life enclosed in it.
Naturally, they head to the beach and she takes off her sandals, holding them in one of her hand.
“Sho told you?”
“Yeah, he finally gave up.”
“He shouldn’t have.”
Nino stops suddenly and turns back to face her. He takes out an envelope from the wallet he always wears in the back pocket of his pants.
“I sold the house, I wanted to give you your share.”
“I don’t need money, and I renounced to the house when we divorced.”
“I know but….here.” He grabs her wrist and puts the envelope in her hand, keeping the touch up more than necessary. “You can throw it in the ocean, if you wish, or give it to someone, I don’t care.”
“Nino~”
“I missed this…the way you say my name, our name.”
“It’s not mine anymore, perhaps should you go back now?” She moves her hand back and lowers her gaze, feeling the burn of Nino’s on her.
“I miss you. I can’t live without you.”
“And yet, not a week passed without seeing you with a different girl in any magazine.”
She puts her hand in front of her mouth, mortified to let for the very first time her emotions talk. She doesn’t want to looks like an angry woman, she even ignored she was so angry and bitter.
“Excuse me, I don’t have to say this. You’re free.”
He steps forward and clumsily touches her hand with his fingertips, staring at the sand covering her little feet.
“Talk to me, please. We’re divorced, we have nothing to lose anymore, we already lost everything…” he whispers in an undertone and she feels her heart bleeds for the pain she can hear in his voice.
“Come with me.”
He follows her to her house and she takes the time to release the dog, opening the panoramic window while he sits on the old couch in the middle of the living room.
He keeps his gaze on her, so moved to share her space, to smell her perfume, sad to notice that Sho was right, there’s not a sculpture in this place. She always lived for her art so how cold is she living now?
They keep silence and she cooks a meal she puts on the low table in front of him. She's changed, it’s true, and an awful doubt seizes him.
“Yu…did you find someone? A man?”
She shakes her head negatively and even if he’s egoistically happy he can’t help but be sad for her and her loneliness.
“Why?”
“It’s not for me, you know…”
“I can’t replace you.” He says quietly “but you…?”
What is he insinuating, she wonders, unable to admit the evidence and the end of the sentence…but you can replace me since you weren’t in love with me.
“I loved you, Nino, from the bottom of my heart. The best I could.”
“Sho told me but I didn’t want to believe it.”
“I improved my cooking skills, isn’t it?”
She has this strange smile she used to have when she tries to change of subject but Nino reaches out, the back of his hand on the table and she puts her palm against his like an automate.
“So why, Sweetie?”
She takes a deep breath and she unwinds the thread of her story. Her childhood, her mother’s departure, her father, their marriage, that time when she saw him with the woman in the restroom of the stadium, the way she tried her best to pretend to accept his unfaithfulness. When she stops talking, night has fallen and she’s settling between his legs, his arms around her, like a rampart against her worst nightmare, hiding his own suffering behind her back.
“I’m sorry.” He whispers at her ear.
“Don’t be. When you love, you don’t have to say you’re sorry.” She smirks ironically, speaking the famous quote heard in this old movie Nino liked so much.
He caresses her hair, and puts it away to peck her delicate neck, his heart overflowing with love. Despite her past, he was more surprised that she hadn't broken. He was glad that she survived through it all, because he was allowed to meet her. It was as if, those cracks of her life were meant for him to mend – after breaking down everything that held her together, those jagged corners of herself that hid her were torn apart and finally began to go into place.
“Would you date me?”
“What?” She turns her head to look at him.
“Go out with me, please. We could take a new start, just the two if us. I’ll be patient, we’ll take all the time you will need.”
She raises her hands and intertwined their fingers, nestling against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her slim body.
“I love you.” Murmured Yuriko at Nino’s ear and she felt his heart beating faster in her back, just like hers.
“Wake up, sleepy head…”
“Don’t want to.”
The young woman rolls over on her flank, ignoring ostentatiously her companion.
“Yu…baby…”
“I know.”
She lies down on her back, trying to open her heavy eyelids, smiling to her ex-husband, elbowed by her side, admiring his naked body.
“Perhaps could we just stay in bed all day long…” he whispers gently against her cheek, kissing the sweet skin, sliding his hand inconspicuously to her soft belly and she moans with pleasure. “Really?” He chuckles and disappears under the sheets, pushing her baby doll nightie up for a smooth awakening.
She parts her legs naturally and after a last “we’re gonna be late”, she abandons herself to the skilful mouth of her lover.
“Heavy…” groans Satoshi, his head resting on his hands, still laying on the pillow.
He feels the chuckle against his shoulder blades and the hand slowly running from his flank to his hips then to the inner of his thigh.
“You’re so unsubtle, Sho…”
“I was not aiming for subtlety?” Says the taller man, parting Satoshi’s legs wide to set between them, rubbing his already hard member against the muscular cheeks to excite him. “Do you want me?”
“How could I refuse a so tempting breakfast?”
He arches his back, exposing his entrance to the teasing fingers of his lover, moaning erotically as he feels Sho wetting it. He moves to take the first knuckle inside him and without a word raises his ass to let Sho slip a hand around his virility.
“You can keep on…” He says, encouraging his lover to prepare him faster.
“How impatient!”
“We’re going to be late and frankly…I’m more than ready.”
He wraps his own fingers around Sho’s hand, making to-and-from movements, his puckering hole claiming his due.
Sho takes off his fingers and guides his cock to the sweet flesh, groaning his pleasure, and Satoshi’s voice echoes to his. He puts his two hands on Satoshi’s hips leaving him the task to keep on his ministrations himself.
He keeps his eyes on the so sexy back of his lover, the curve of the small of his back, enjoying the sensual cries of pleasure, the way his pelvis moves to meet his own movements.
Life is simple and beautiful since they live together and those mornings became a real addiction for the so composed Sakurai Sho. Satoshi never refused him and for the first time in his life, Sho allowed himself some whims because he loved a man the way he was loved. And this gave him the strength to be himself, even outside of their home.
“Now Sho.”
Is it really Satoshi’s voice? This so desperate, needy, sensual moan, that was able to tear him out a fiery orgasm. He hugs him tight, peppering kisses over the tanned skin. He is still inside him, enjoying their union and Satoshi moans in return when he lightly bites his shoulder.
When he pulls out, Satoshi lets out a small mewl and squirms as the fluids slide down his inner thighs. However, Satoshi lies down on his back and supports himself on one of his elbow before reaching out and cupping Sho's face to kiss him eagerly, attracting him against his chest.
“Is it weird?” Laughs Satoshi, pulling away from the eager mouth and looking around him at the empty place, the cardboard boxes stacked along the walls, their suitcases behind the door.
“What is weird?”
“To make love in a flat where there’s only a bed.”
“At least, we have a bed.” Smirks Sho, slapping Ohno’s thigh before standing up. ”And we’re late, want to share my shower?”
“You’re really insatiable.” He jumps out of the bed, running to the bathroom.
Nino and Yuriko enter the airport, holding hands, following the luminous signs until the gate for the London’s flight.
“Promise, you won’t cry.” He kissed the back of her hand to lend her his strength.
“I can’t promise, you know.”
“Then go on, I’ll dry your tears.”
She stops short and cups his face to peck his lips, before dragging him to the couple who’s waiting for them. Nino pats Sho’s sloppy shoulder and this latter turned back as Yuriko hugs Satoshi. When she goes to Sho, he laughs, scolding Nino.
“Are you feeding your wife too much, Nino?”
“She’s not my wife, she refused to marry me, again.” Smiles Nino hugging his woman from behind, caressing her so round belly. “How could you leave when our son is almost here?”
Sho admires his friends, still unable to believe they are so happy after all the hurdles they faced.
“We’ll come back soon, in Europe they have all kinds of holidays. We will be the best uncles ever for him.”
“We’ll miss you.” Says Yu trying to hug her best friend despite her prominent belly, gripping firmly Satoshi’s hand.
“It’s just for one year.”
“Just for one year?!” shouts the future mom.
“Don’t, please, don’t argue, she’s pretty irritable.” Cut Nino, attracting her wife.
“By the way, Nino, the team?” asks Satoshi.
“They are great.”
Almost one year ago, Nino created a team with the children of the institute where Yuriko worked and twice a week, he coached them, discovering how much it was wonderful to convey his passion to those kids.
“He’s so proud of the kids” chuckles Yu “He even bought a glove for the baby with the name of the team.”
“Don’t mock him, he will be a great father.” Smiles Sho, searching for Satoshi’s hand.
The soft voice of the announcer calls the passengers for London and Yu begins to cry, turning his face to Nino.
“Don’t worry guys, she’s hypersensitive since the pregnancy, just go.”
They hug each other once again and after a last wave the teachers walk through the departure gate.
“They are gone.” Says Yuriko, her hand still raised.
“They will teach in England for one year, they’ll be back soon.”
“You’re right.”
“So, will you marry me?”
“No way. We were never so happy that since we’re divorced.”
“I won’t give up.”
“I hope so. Let’s go back home.”
