FANFIC: Something Old, Something New
Title: Something Old, Something New
Author: all4cyanide
Pairing: Sakumiya
Rating: PG
Genre: AU, Angst
Disclaimer: I own their shoes! Okay... no, I don't.
Summary: Nino has loved Sho for years. If only he hadn't waited until the day before his wedding to confess...
Author's Note: This was entered into the shoneenclub June Contest so if you've read it before, read it again!
Something Old, Something New
Ninomiya Kazunari sat in the park, his face raised to the late morning sun as it shone through the trees. The day was warm, but the weatherman that morning had predicted rain later in the evening. This did not deter Nino (as he was affectionately called by those close to him) from going through with his plans for the day.
Today was an important day for Nino. It would be the day he saw his best friend, Sakurai Sho. Ordinarily, this would be seen as just any other day where two friends spend the day goofing around. Not this day, no. This day was the day before Sho’s wedding and the day before everything would change because Nino had plans.
Today would be the day Nino tells Sho that he loves him.
He did not expect Sho to return his feelings. He wasn’t that delusional. If he had thought even in the slightest bit that Sho would reciprocate his love, Nino would have confessed to Sho years ago in high school. However, Sho had always proven to Nino time and time again of his staunch heterosexuality with the long line of girlfriends he’s kept up until now. Rika had somehow managed to reign in Sho’s playboy ways and keep his heart hers.
Hers forever after tomorrow, Nino sighed and closed his eyes to the warmth on his face. He needed to tell Sho how he felt, for himself. Nino needed to have piece of mind in order to finally let go of Sho. He knew waiting until the day before the man’s wedding wasn’t the best of ideas, but to tell him afterwards would just be wrong. Nino respected Sho’s relationship with Rika and didn’t want to come between them, not that that would happen, but still… he had to do this.
“You look like a cat basking in the sunlight on a window sill,” a timbre voice said from above.
Nino smiled and opened his eyes to find Sho staring down at him. “Pet me and I purr, too,” Nino joked, earning him a low laugh and a smack on the head.
“So, where are we going? Is this all a big distraction before I get a huge bachelor party tonight?” Sho glanced around the park as if expecting their friends to pop up from the bushes, blindfold him, and dash him away to spend the day in some sleazy strip joint downtown.
Nino rose from the bench and stretched his limbs. “Not at all. It’s just you and me today, no strippers.”
Sho shrugged. “Fine with me. What better way to spend your last day of freedom than with your best friend, right?”
Nino smiled mildly at Sho’s small joke while his heart skipped a beat in his chest. “Right, your best friend.” This was going to be a long day.
*-*-*-*-*-*
Nino and Sho soon found themselves at an amusement park. Children and young couples pranced around the odd couple as they stood looking at the map of the park.
“Where to first?” Sho murmured as he perused the map in front of him. “The bird show? It starts in 15 minutes. Then again, we could go and ride a few rides and follow up by going to the water show in an hour.”
Nino grinned at the concentration on Sho’s face. “Whatever you want to do is fine,” Nino conceded casually. He had planned the day like he would a date; his first and last date with Sho. Not that the other man would know that, but at least Nino could keep this as a memory.
“Well, I want to see the bird show and then we can hit some rides when it’s over,” Sho decided, turning away from the map and meeting Nino’s dazed expression. “What’s wrong with you?” He questioned with a smirk on his face.
“Nothing at all,” Nino smiled up at him and grabbed Sho’s hand. “Let’s go!”
Sho smiled and wrapped his fingers around Nino’s palm. This was normal behavior for the pair since their childhood. They had always held hands. Of course, they hadn’t done that in years, but Nino wasn’t going to hold back. Not today.
Nino laughed at the way Sho jumped every time a bird flew too near to them during the show and in turn, Sho hid his giggle behind his hands when a bird decided to poop on Nino’s shirt. Nino punched Sho on the shoulder as he got up and raced to the nearest bathroom.
“Nino-chaaaannnnnn…” Sho called as he caught up with him by the water fountains, wiping at the stain on his shirt with his handkerchief. “I always knew you were full of shit, but this is really too much.”
Nino pouted. This was not going how he wanted it. “Stupid bird,” he muttered to himself.
Sho, noticing the despondent look on Nino’s face, swung an arm around the younger man’s shoulders, causing him to jump slightly in surprise. “Come, Nino. Let me treat you to an ice cream.”
He raised his eyes to meet Sho’s, his cheeks tinged red from the contact, and merely nodded his assent. Sho kept his arm comfortably around Nino’s shoulders all the way to the ice cream stand.
*-*-*-*
Nino was happy. Happy as any idiot in love with his best friend could possibly be. After the bird poop incident, things ran quite smoothly for the duo. They ate their ice cream down by the giant fountain and Sho dropped his scoop into the water causing Nino to snicker, but eventually share his cone with him. He laughed at the way the ice cream got all over Sho’s face and gently wiped it away with a napkin and a small smile.
They went to a few rides. Sho kept tugging Nino to the ones he deemed to be “safe,” which meant the merry-go-round and anything else that did not include going higher than 10 feet from the ground. However, Nino finally dragged Sho to a rollercoaster, where they sat in the front row and Sho clung to Nino’s arm for dear life as the coaster dipped up and down.
“No. More. Rides. Please.” Sho punctuated while he kept his head between his knees on a bench outside the roller coaster.
Nino grinned and rubbed his friend’s back in a soothing manner. “Just one more. Please? For me? The sun is setting so one last ride and we can head to dinner?”
Sho sat up weakly and nodded. “Alright. Which one?”
“Ferris wheel,” Nino revealed, a devilish smile gracing his lips. His friend groaned at the thought, but let Nino take his hand and lead him to the attraction.
Though he didn’t show it, Nino’s heart was beating a mile a minute within his chest. He was nervous. He was aware at how cliché it was to confess on a Ferris wheel at sunset, but what the hell wasn’t clichéd about the entire day? Anyone who heard about their day would assume they were on a date and first dates usually end in confessions, don’t they?
They got into their capsule. “One on each side,” Sho proclaimed. “For stability!” The operator shut their door and they began their ascent towards the sky. Neither man looked out at the scenery as Sho was too scared and just stared at the floor and Nino kept sending nervous glances towards Sho as he mustered up the courage to say something.
The capsule came to a jerky stop at the top and Nino nearly cursed at the perfection of it all. The setting sun was at Sho’s back, creating a glow about the older man that took Nino’s breath away. He watched as Sho took a tentative peek outside of the window and gave a small smile.
This is it, Nino thought and opened his mouth to tell him everything; all the feelings he’s kept inside for all these years, every one summed up in one little phrase.
Nino gripped the edge of his seat. “Sho-chan-“
“I should take a picture of this view for Rika-chan! She’d be so happy I actually got on this thing,” Sho exclaimed as he took out his cellphone to snap a shot of the park from above. The capsule began it’s descent to the ground.
Meanwhile, Nino’s heart sank into his stomach and he felt cold. It was over. He couldn’t do it. Just the mention of Rika’s name was enough to confirm in Nino’s mind that he had no right to say anything. She was who Sho loved the most in this world and Nino had to accept that. He did.
So what was I really hoping for today? He questioned to himself as they left the ride. Nothing. He expected nothing, but to release this pressure in his chest. To be free of this love.
“Oh well,” Nino sighed to himself while they made their way to the park’s exit.
“Hmm?” Sho inquired from beside him.
Nino’s head shot up and smiled as widely as he could even when his heart hurt like hell. “Nothing! Where do you want dinner? My treat!”
Sho frowned. Now he knew the other thought something was wrong if Nino was offering to treat him, but Sho shrugged, most likely deciding against saying anything, and simply followed Nino to the train station.
*-*-*-*
Nino and Sho ended up at a ramen shop nearest the youngest man’s house that the pair had frequented when they were in college. The train ride was silent and the same with dinner. Nino really had nothing much to say and Sho could tell that something was on Nino’s mind.
“So,” Sho started, hoping to break the silence, “I’m not as nervous about tomorrow as I always imagined I would be. My parents are pretty excited and I’m actually sort of looking forward to it.”
Nino merely hummed his acknowledgement of Sho’s statement and continued to eat his food.
Sho continued on, determined to make the other man speak. “I’m really happy you’ll be there for me tomorrow, you know? I seriously have no idea how I could stand up there in front of everyone without you there encouraging me as my best man. Just don’t forget the ring at home,” Sho joked.
Nino smirked and murmured flatly, “I won’t. You can count on me.” He saw Sho’s shoulders slump in defeat from the corner of his eyes, but couldn’t bring himself to be cheerful. Not even for Sho.
The pair paid for their meal, Sho insisting on leaving the tip, and walked up the street. Night had descended and the air was somewhat cooler, but still held summer’s stickiness. They stopped at the corner, Sho needing to head left to the station and Nino’s apartment being only a few blocks ahead. They faced each other, staring into the other’s eyes, until Nino tore his gaze away.
Sho cleared his throat. “I guess I’ll head home. Early day tomorrow. Get some rest yourself.” He started off towards the station.
“Sho!” Nino called causing the other man to turn around. “You’ll be fine tomorrow. Rika will love every moment and you’ll make her happy, I know it.” Nino gave him a sideways grin before waving to his friend and making his way across the street. It had been hard to say those words, but he knew, despite what Sho said earlier, his friend was scared.
As he turned the corner towards his home, he heard the low rumble of thunder in the distance and decided that maybe the weatherman wasn’t really an idiot. Nino could see the clouds rolling in quickly so he decided to quicken his pace as not to get caught up in it. He made it into his small apartment just as the heavens opened and released its tears. Nino followed suit and collapsed in his doorway, pitying himself deeply. The ache that welled up within his chest burst from his eyes and he doubled over in pain. The tears flowed freely, this being the first time Nino allowed himself to cry over his doomed unrequited love. He didn’t know how long he had been crying, minutes? Hours? All Nino knew was that he felt as if it would never end because if this pain did wane, then it would mean he really had lost.
The doorknob turned slowly behind him and the door swung open bathing his hunched form in streetlight. Nino turned his face slowly towards the intruder and his eyes widened in shock.
There stood Sho, soaked through and out of breath. They stared at each other for what seemed like forever before Nino broke the trance. “Sho-chan, what-“
For the second time that day, Sho interrupted Nino. “I know, Nino,” he gulped. “I’ve always known.”
Nino was speechless. All feeling left his body in that moment. Should he be happy? Sad? Angry? He didn’t know what to feel, but the moment Sho reached down and pulled Nino upwards towards him, he could only clutch Sho’s shirt, bury his face into his chest, and cry.
It’s not fair, Nino thought bitterly to himself. As Sho’s arms tightened around him, Nino knew this was not a confession of love, but simply an apology. An apology from Sho about keeping his knowledge a secret. An apology for his sense of duty. An apology for not being able to respond to his love.
They stayed that way for what felt like eternity until Nino felt Sho’s body shiver beneath him. He pulled back from his friend and wiped his eyes. Taking a calming breath, Nino muttered shakily, “Let’s change your clothes. I don’t want you to get sick.”
He stood and made his way towards his bedroom in the dark apartment, Sho following mutely behind him. Nino tossed Sho a towel to dry off while Sho undressed behind him. He rummaged through his drawers to find some clothing that would fit his friend and settled on a t-shirt and shorts. He tossed them on the bed and stayed with his back faced to Sho as he listened to the other guy change.
“Sho,” Nino started quietly and turned to the older man. “Could you,” he took a deep breath, “Stay with me tonight?” He knew it was selfish, but when Sho nodded and gave Nino a small smile, he didn’t feel guilty at all.
They lay on Nino’s narrow bed, sharing the same pillow, and facing each other. Sho pressed his forehead to his friend’s, keeping their eyes connected. “I’m sorry, Kazu.”
Nino bit his lip from crying again at the sound of his childhood nickname and shook his head. He was tired, physically and emotionally. The moment he felt Sho’s arms wrap about him and press the younger man’s head to his chest, Nino fell asleep.
*-*-*-*
Some time, in the wee hours of the morning, Nino heard Sho’s cell phone vibrate and felt the man carefully leave the bed so as not to wake him. He could hear the small murmur of Sho speaking to someone, presumably Rika, in the hallway. The call was short and Sho soon returned to bedroom, picking up his semi-dry clothing and changing into them. Nino continued to pretend to be sleeping with his back to his friend. He didn’t want any awkward conversations to take place for no real reason at all. It would break the spell they cast over themselves the night before, ruining their last memory.
Nino could feel Sho standing over him, looking down at him in silent contemplation. It took all Nino had not to jump when he felt Sho’s breath on his cheek and their lips meet briefly before Sho stood quickly and left the room, the apartment, and Nino’s heart.
*-*-*-*
The church was brightly decorated with white lace and ribbons strewn all over the place, white roses accenting every pew and candelabra. The bride shone brightest with the happiest smile upon her face and love in her eyes as she stared at her groom.
Sho looked brilliant in a nicely fitted tuxedo. His hair was impeccably done, not a single strand was out of place. Just as Rika would have it. Nothing short of perfection.
“You may now exchange the rings,” the priest proclaimed. Sho turned to take the ring from his best man and their eyes met. Nino smiled wide and handed him the ring followed by a reassuring pat on the shoulder. The older man grinned and turned back to his bride, slipping the diamond ring onto her finger and giving her a kiss to the seal their marriage vows.
Sho and Nino’s eyes met one last time before the newlywed couple left the church, sending silent messages of reassurance to one another. Nino winked causing Sho to chuckle before being tugged along from the church by his wife.
With the new couple out of sight and the church quickly emptying to follow them to the reception, Nino loosened his tie and gazed up at the large cross on the church wall. He closed his eyes and sent up a prayer of thanks, his heart feeling the lightest it had in years, before being tackled by his friends and dragged to what was sure to be a pretty eventful party.
-FIN-
Thoughts? Critiques? LOVE?
Author: all4cyanide
Pairing: Sakumiya
Rating: PG
Genre: AU, Angst
Disclaimer: I own their shoes! Okay... no, I don't.
Summary: Nino has loved Sho for years. If only he hadn't waited until the day before his wedding to confess...
Author's Note: This was entered into the shoneenclub June Contest so if you've read it before, read it again!
Something Old, Something New
Ninomiya Kazunari sat in the park, his face raised to the late morning sun as it shone through the trees. The day was warm, but the weatherman that morning had predicted rain later in the evening. This did not deter Nino (as he was affectionately called by those close to him) from going through with his plans for the day.
Today was an important day for Nino. It would be the day he saw his best friend, Sakurai Sho. Ordinarily, this would be seen as just any other day where two friends spend the day goofing around. Not this day, no. This day was the day before Sho’s wedding and the day before everything would change because Nino had plans.
Today would be the day Nino tells Sho that he loves him.
He did not expect Sho to return his feelings. He wasn’t that delusional. If he had thought even in the slightest bit that Sho would reciprocate his love, Nino would have confessed to Sho years ago in high school. However, Sho had always proven to Nino time and time again of his staunch heterosexuality with the long line of girlfriends he’s kept up until now. Rika had somehow managed to reign in Sho’s playboy ways and keep his heart hers.
Hers forever after tomorrow, Nino sighed and closed his eyes to the warmth on his face. He needed to tell Sho how he felt, for himself. Nino needed to have piece of mind in order to finally let go of Sho. He knew waiting until the day before the man’s wedding wasn’t the best of ideas, but to tell him afterwards would just be wrong. Nino respected Sho’s relationship with Rika and didn’t want to come between them, not that that would happen, but still… he had to do this.
“You look like a cat basking in the sunlight on a window sill,” a timbre voice said from above.
Nino smiled and opened his eyes to find Sho staring down at him. “Pet me and I purr, too,” Nino joked, earning him a low laugh and a smack on the head.
“So, where are we going? Is this all a big distraction before I get a huge bachelor party tonight?” Sho glanced around the park as if expecting their friends to pop up from the bushes, blindfold him, and dash him away to spend the day in some sleazy strip joint downtown.
Nino rose from the bench and stretched his limbs. “Not at all. It’s just you and me today, no strippers.”
Sho shrugged. “Fine with me. What better way to spend your last day of freedom than with your best friend, right?”
Nino smiled mildly at Sho’s small joke while his heart skipped a beat in his chest. “Right, your best friend.” This was going to be a long day.
*-*-*-*-*-*
Nino and Sho soon found themselves at an amusement park. Children and young couples pranced around the odd couple as they stood looking at the map of the park.
“Where to first?” Sho murmured as he perused the map in front of him. “The bird show? It starts in 15 minutes. Then again, we could go and ride a few rides and follow up by going to the water show in an hour.”
Nino grinned at the concentration on Sho’s face. “Whatever you want to do is fine,” Nino conceded casually. He had planned the day like he would a date; his first and last date with Sho. Not that the other man would know that, but at least Nino could keep this as a memory.
“Well, I want to see the bird show and then we can hit some rides when it’s over,” Sho decided, turning away from the map and meeting Nino’s dazed expression. “What’s wrong with you?” He questioned with a smirk on his face.
“Nothing at all,” Nino smiled up at him and grabbed Sho’s hand. “Let’s go!”
Sho smiled and wrapped his fingers around Nino’s palm. This was normal behavior for the pair since their childhood. They had always held hands. Of course, they hadn’t done that in years, but Nino wasn’t going to hold back. Not today.
Nino laughed at the way Sho jumped every time a bird flew too near to them during the show and in turn, Sho hid his giggle behind his hands when a bird decided to poop on Nino’s shirt. Nino punched Sho on the shoulder as he got up and raced to the nearest bathroom.
“Nino-chaaaannnnnn…” Sho called as he caught up with him by the water fountains, wiping at the stain on his shirt with his handkerchief. “I always knew you were full of shit, but this is really too much.”
Nino pouted. This was not going how he wanted it. “Stupid bird,” he muttered to himself.
Sho, noticing the despondent look on Nino’s face, swung an arm around the younger man’s shoulders, causing him to jump slightly in surprise. “Come, Nino. Let me treat you to an ice cream.”
He raised his eyes to meet Sho’s, his cheeks tinged red from the contact, and merely nodded his assent. Sho kept his arm comfortably around Nino’s shoulders all the way to the ice cream stand.
*-*-*-*
Nino was happy. Happy as any idiot in love with his best friend could possibly be. After the bird poop incident, things ran quite smoothly for the duo. They ate their ice cream down by the giant fountain and Sho dropped his scoop into the water causing Nino to snicker, but eventually share his cone with him. He laughed at the way the ice cream got all over Sho’s face and gently wiped it away with a napkin and a small smile.
They went to a few rides. Sho kept tugging Nino to the ones he deemed to be “safe,” which meant the merry-go-round and anything else that did not include going higher than 10 feet from the ground. However, Nino finally dragged Sho to a rollercoaster, where they sat in the front row and Sho clung to Nino’s arm for dear life as the coaster dipped up and down.
“No. More. Rides. Please.” Sho punctuated while he kept his head between his knees on a bench outside the roller coaster.
Nino grinned and rubbed his friend’s back in a soothing manner. “Just one more. Please? For me? The sun is setting so one last ride and we can head to dinner?”
Sho sat up weakly and nodded. “Alright. Which one?”
“Ferris wheel,” Nino revealed, a devilish smile gracing his lips. His friend groaned at the thought, but let Nino take his hand and lead him to the attraction.
Though he didn’t show it, Nino’s heart was beating a mile a minute within his chest. He was nervous. He was aware at how cliché it was to confess on a Ferris wheel at sunset, but what the hell wasn’t clichéd about the entire day? Anyone who heard about their day would assume they were on a date and first dates usually end in confessions, don’t they?
They got into their capsule. “One on each side,” Sho proclaimed. “For stability!” The operator shut their door and they began their ascent towards the sky. Neither man looked out at the scenery as Sho was too scared and just stared at the floor and Nino kept sending nervous glances towards Sho as he mustered up the courage to say something.
The capsule came to a jerky stop at the top and Nino nearly cursed at the perfection of it all. The setting sun was at Sho’s back, creating a glow about the older man that took Nino’s breath away. He watched as Sho took a tentative peek outside of the window and gave a small smile.
This is it, Nino thought and opened his mouth to tell him everything; all the feelings he’s kept inside for all these years, every one summed up in one little phrase.
Nino gripped the edge of his seat. “Sho-chan-“
“I should take a picture of this view for Rika-chan! She’d be so happy I actually got on this thing,” Sho exclaimed as he took out his cellphone to snap a shot of the park from above. The capsule began it’s descent to the ground.
Meanwhile, Nino’s heart sank into his stomach and he felt cold. It was over. He couldn’t do it. Just the mention of Rika’s name was enough to confirm in Nino’s mind that he had no right to say anything. She was who Sho loved the most in this world and Nino had to accept that. He did.
So what was I really hoping for today? He questioned to himself as they left the ride. Nothing. He expected nothing, but to release this pressure in his chest. To be free of this love.
“Oh well,” Nino sighed to himself while they made their way to the park’s exit.
“Hmm?” Sho inquired from beside him.
Nino’s head shot up and smiled as widely as he could even when his heart hurt like hell. “Nothing! Where do you want dinner? My treat!”
Sho frowned. Now he knew the other thought something was wrong if Nino was offering to treat him, but Sho shrugged, most likely deciding against saying anything, and simply followed Nino to the train station.
*-*-*-*
Nino and Sho ended up at a ramen shop nearest the youngest man’s house that the pair had frequented when they were in college. The train ride was silent and the same with dinner. Nino really had nothing much to say and Sho could tell that something was on Nino’s mind.
“So,” Sho started, hoping to break the silence, “I’m not as nervous about tomorrow as I always imagined I would be. My parents are pretty excited and I’m actually sort of looking forward to it.”
Nino merely hummed his acknowledgement of Sho’s statement and continued to eat his food.
Sho continued on, determined to make the other man speak. “I’m really happy you’ll be there for me tomorrow, you know? I seriously have no idea how I could stand up there in front of everyone without you there encouraging me as my best man. Just don’t forget the ring at home,” Sho joked.
Nino smirked and murmured flatly, “I won’t. You can count on me.” He saw Sho’s shoulders slump in defeat from the corner of his eyes, but couldn’t bring himself to be cheerful. Not even for Sho.
The pair paid for their meal, Sho insisting on leaving the tip, and walked up the street. Night had descended and the air was somewhat cooler, but still held summer’s stickiness. They stopped at the corner, Sho needing to head left to the station and Nino’s apartment being only a few blocks ahead. They faced each other, staring into the other’s eyes, until Nino tore his gaze away.
Sho cleared his throat. “I guess I’ll head home. Early day tomorrow. Get some rest yourself.” He started off towards the station.
“Sho!” Nino called causing the other man to turn around. “You’ll be fine tomorrow. Rika will love every moment and you’ll make her happy, I know it.” Nino gave him a sideways grin before waving to his friend and making his way across the street. It had been hard to say those words, but he knew, despite what Sho said earlier, his friend was scared.
As he turned the corner towards his home, he heard the low rumble of thunder in the distance and decided that maybe the weatherman wasn’t really an idiot. Nino could see the clouds rolling in quickly so he decided to quicken his pace as not to get caught up in it. He made it into his small apartment just as the heavens opened and released its tears. Nino followed suit and collapsed in his doorway, pitying himself deeply. The ache that welled up within his chest burst from his eyes and he doubled over in pain. The tears flowed freely, this being the first time Nino allowed himself to cry over his doomed unrequited love. He didn’t know how long he had been crying, minutes? Hours? All Nino knew was that he felt as if it would never end because if this pain did wane, then it would mean he really had lost.
The doorknob turned slowly behind him and the door swung open bathing his hunched form in streetlight. Nino turned his face slowly towards the intruder and his eyes widened in shock.
There stood Sho, soaked through and out of breath. They stared at each other for what seemed like forever before Nino broke the trance. “Sho-chan, what-“
For the second time that day, Sho interrupted Nino. “I know, Nino,” he gulped. “I’ve always known.”
Nino was speechless. All feeling left his body in that moment. Should he be happy? Sad? Angry? He didn’t know what to feel, but the moment Sho reached down and pulled Nino upwards towards him, he could only clutch Sho’s shirt, bury his face into his chest, and cry.
It’s not fair, Nino thought bitterly to himself. As Sho’s arms tightened around him, Nino knew this was not a confession of love, but simply an apology. An apology from Sho about keeping his knowledge a secret. An apology for his sense of duty. An apology for not being able to respond to his love.
They stayed that way for what felt like eternity until Nino felt Sho’s body shiver beneath him. He pulled back from his friend and wiped his eyes. Taking a calming breath, Nino muttered shakily, “Let’s change your clothes. I don’t want you to get sick.”
He stood and made his way towards his bedroom in the dark apartment, Sho following mutely behind him. Nino tossed Sho a towel to dry off while Sho undressed behind him. He rummaged through his drawers to find some clothing that would fit his friend and settled on a t-shirt and shorts. He tossed them on the bed and stayed with his back faced to Sho as he listened to the other guy change.
“Sho,” Nino started quietly and turned to the older man. “Could you,” he took a deep breath, “Stay with me tonight?” He knew it was selfish, but when Sho nodded and gave Nino a small smile, he didn’t feel guilty at all.
They lay on Nino’s narrow bed, sharing the same pillow, and facing each other. Sho pressed his forehead to his friend’s, keeping their eyes connected. “I’m sorry, Kazu.”
Nino bit his lip from crying again at the sound of his childhood nickname and shook his head. He was tired, physically and emotionally. The moment he felt Sho’s arms wrap about him and press the younger man’s head to his chest, Nino fell asleep.
*-*-*-*
Some time, in the wee hours of the morning, Nino heard Sho’s cell phone vibrate and felt the man carefully leave the bed so as not to wake him. He could hear the small murmur of Sho speaking to someone, presumably Rika, in the hallway. The call was short and Sho soon returned to bedroom, picking up his semi-dry clothing and changing into them. Nino continued to pretend to be sleeping with his back to his friend. He didn’t want any awkward conversations to take place for no real reason at all. It would break the spell they cast over themselves the night before, ruining their last memory.
Nino could feel Sho standing over him, looking down at him in silent contemplation. It took all Nino had not to jump when he felt Sho’s breath on his cheek and their lips meet briefly before Sho stood quickly and left the room, the apartment, and Nino’s heart.
*-*-*-*
The church was brightly decorated with white lace and ribbons strewn all over the place, white roses accenting every pew and candelabra. The bride shone brightest with the happiest smile upon her face and love in her eyes as she stared at her groom.
Sho looked brilliant in a nicely fitted tuxedo. His hair was impeccably done, not a single strand was out of place. Just as Rika would have it. Nothing short of perfection.
“You may now exchange the rings,” the priest proclaimed. Sho turned to take the ring from his best man and their eyes met. Nino smiled wide and handed him the ring followed by a reassuring pat on the shoulder. The older man grinned and turned back to his bride, slipping the diamond ring onto her finger and giving her a kiss to the seal their marriage vows.
Sho and Nino’s eyes met one last time before the newlywed couple left the church, sending silent messages of reassurance to one another. Nino winked causing Sho to chuckle before being tugged along from the church by his wife.
With the new couple out of sight and the church quickly emptying to follow them to the reception, Nino loosened his tie and gazed up at the large cross on the church wall. He closed his eyes and sent up a prayer of thanks, his heart feeling the lightest it had in years, before being tackled by his friends and dragged to what was sure to be a pretty eventful party.
-FIN-
Thoughts? Critiques? LOVE?