Let it go (5/?)
Let it go: Chapter 5
A series of events from Matsumoto Jun and sometimes Sakurai Sho’s perspective.
Matsumiya, Sakumoto (friendship)
A HUGE thanks to satsumatsu for looking this over and being generally awesome.
Authors notes:
Its Nanowrimo! yay!
that means this story will be done this month.
more yay!
as well as all the requests that i have gotten!
yay again!
Living with Nino was not something that Jun had anticipated ever actually doing but it was surprisingly easy. Other than the stack of video games which was taller than Jun’s classic movies collection the programmer had very little belongings, just his games and his clothing. It was almost as if no one else was living in Jun’s apartment. Only the shoes in the entry, the extra glass beside the kitchen sink and the controllers lined up neatly on the coffee table beside the remote were indications that Mastumoto Jun was not the only one living in these four walls. Most of Jun’s personal items, like his books or clothes were in his bedroom. The living and dining room combination was left to be a sterile and impersonal space. Nino living there did not add much life to the room, as well.
It took a few days but Jun did eventually find out why Nino needed a place to stay. Apparently Nino had been living in a sketchy area. It was common knowledge that he was cheap. Very cheap. Jun had resisted the urge to scold the man that living in such parts of city just to save money was not really acceptable, but he didn’t have the right to scold Nino like that; given that the other man was going to live with him for a while until he found a new place (since the other had been demolished due to health and safety violations - that thought alone made Jun shudder).
Much to Jun’s dissatisfaction, living with Nino didn’t really change much in their relationship, not at first. Though if Jun would actually gather the courage to do something, then perhaps things would develop, but he was a coward. And well, Nino was staying with him. He did not want the other to feel that he had to accept Jun’s feelings because he was living there. So the timing still did not seem right for Jun to confess. He still went to work earlier and got home later than Nino. He still cooked bentos for them and dinner - though at times he came home to a dinner in the fridge.
The doors to each of their rooms were pretty much closed at all times, when one was hiding away, the other never bothered then. Nino was more considerate of Jun and Jun’s space than anyone Jun had ever met.
Since Nino moved in, Satoshi did come to visit more, crashing to sleep on the couch. Though while Nino and Satoshi seemed close, he still paid attention to Jun. Sure, Nino groped Satoshi’s ass and it always startled the artist, but Nino never took it further than that. He snuggled with Satoshi on the couch as often as Satoshi snuggled with Jun (and sometimes, when Satoshi was over, the three of them would snuggle together).
Over time, it developed that even when Satoshi was not there, Nino would lean into Jun when they were sitting on the couch watching a movie or would sit a little too close to him when they were playing video games. Jun, on the other hand, would stand a little too close to him at times as well, brushing his hand accidentally against Nino’s as he reached for something. And once or twice, on a weekend when they were both free, they would awake tangled on the couch, the TV noise softly in the background. Neither would say anything, just looking at each other. Jun was certain that he was blushing before separating and going to shower.
In these moments Jun wished that he had more of a backbone, that he could just lean up and kiss Nino, like he wanted to, consequences be damned, but that had yet to happen and he was not sure if it ever would.
It was hard to convince yourself that someone liked you when that someone treated you almost the same as your stepbrother. At times Jun was certain that the pair shared a brain. They just understood each other in a way that Jun would never be able too and he envied that. He and Satoshi were close and he had never seen his step brother ever get that close to anyone else, yet Nino seemed to slip so easily into his life.
It was not that he was jealous, since it really was nice to see Satoshi open up to someone else. In result he saw his brother more often. Satoshi would often ask how things were progressing with Nino and he would always look puzzled when Jun answered they weren’t really.
“Why not?” He would ask, confused, and Jun would just sigh, shaking his head, commenting about the progress of the construction on the new company branch, down in Okinawa. They had been torn between Sapporo and Okinawa, since they had a lot of clients for both, but in the end Okinawa seemed to be the more financially smart choice for them. Finally they had found a place to renovate that would work well as their new branch office. Ohno would always smile, hugging Jun and commenting that the fishing was really nice there and he would make sure to visit if it was Jun and not Sho who moved to Okinawa.
Jun would ask Satoshi why he thought it would be Sho who would move and Satoshi would just smile and comment that Jun had more reasons to stay here for than Sho-kun.
Jun would press for an explanation but Satoshi would never answer. However the conversation about the new building was always enough to distract Satoshi from asking why Jun and Nino were not dating. Which was as odd question, considering that a little while later, Satoshi would be snuggled up against to the man in question on the couch as Nino played video games and Jun would dart out of the house, on the way to work for one of the many new projects that they had.
It was not as if things remained stagnant. As time passed they did make progress. Things that people other than Jun would see as progress. It was during the winter months when Jun got sick, as always. He would deny it all day long, deny it in front of Shun, in front of Sho, deny it via text message to Satoshi who told him that he knew that it was that time of the year and that Jun needed to take it easy.
Jun denied to all of them that he was sick, despite the glazed feverish eyes, and the extra sweaters that he was layering in the office. It was one morning, however, when Jun woke up and just could not get up. He ached too much. It was far too cold despite the fact that he was huddled under the a pile of blankets, with his fuzzy socks and flannel pajamas on. He managed to send a message to Sho, letting him know that Jun had finally succumbed to his usual winter fever, then he rolled back over. He could hear when Nino got up and made coffee, since Jun had not gotten up to do even that. But since Jun usually left before Nino and often times got back later, Nino would have no way to know that he was ill. He thought about messaging his roommate and let him know, but as he dozed in and out of sleep, lulled oddly to sleep by the noises the other was making in the kitchen, he found that he could not summon the strength to reach for his phone again, which was all the way on the bed side table; not when the blankets were so warm and he was so damned cold. It was hard to breath as it was and each time he left the cocoon of blankets he would cough when the cold hit his chest, his lungs congesting. It was way better to stay curled up in the blankets.
Jun was not sure how long he had slept, moving in and out of wakefulness. At one point he was sure that he heard the door to the house, earlier than perhaps he should, soft footsteps padded across the house only confirmed it and the door to his room was slowly pushed open.
“You finally gave in, huh?” Nino’s voice was soft as he sat on the edge of the bed, setting a glass of water down on the bedside table. He drew in a sharp breath as he lay a hand on Jun’s forehead. “You are burning up, Jun-pon. Here, sit up an take these.” Nino’s voice was soft and soothing.
When Jun didn’t move and just stared at Nino with glazed eyes, the other shifted, moving Jun so he was sitting, pressing the pills into his hand. Jun looked at the pills for a moment, then lifted them to his mouth, slipping them in as Nino handed him the glass of water. Jun could see the way that Nino frowned at the heat that his body was radiating and the way his arm shook as he held the glass.
“If you do not get better soon, Jun, I am dragging you to the hospital. This is dangerous.” Nino muttered, tucking Jun back in after taking the glass of water and placing it beside the bed.
“Illbefine.” Jun muttered, shivering from the fever as Nino’s hands pushed the blankets tights around him. He sighed in relief as a fever cool pack was placed on his forehead.
“You better be.” Jun thought he heard Nino mutter as he stood before padding out of the room, leaving the door open behind him. He noted, though he was not awake much longer to think about the fact, that Nino would likely be checking up on him while he was sleeping. He was no longer able to dwell on the fact that this did not bother him, in fact it was kind of nice, to have someone there who seemed to care that he was sick.
Much later Jun woke up, still feverish, but much better, a little surprised to see that Nino was asleep beside him. Well not beside him, but in a chair, leaning on the bed, his head pillowed on his arms.
As Jun shifted, the cool pack falling off his forehead, making Nino stir, blinking at Jun for a moment before he shifted, a hand moving to feel Jun’s forehead.
“Feverish still, but better.” His voice was hoarse and Jun nodded, shifting to sit up, surging the covers off. Now that he was feeling kind of human again, he wanted to shower and he was a little hungry.
“There is some broth for you in the fridge, Jun-pon, I made some while you were sleeping, as well as some rice. Take it easy, alright?” Nino shifted so he got up, standing in front of Jun as the other stood up, shaking slightly from the disuse of his muscles all the day, but he did not fall over.
“Thank you, Nino.” Jun’s voice was soft and Nino nodded, shifting for a moment to place a quick kiss on Jun’s forehead.
“Mom always said that it would help with the fever.”
Nino didn’t look to Jun, moving towards the door and Jun looked after him, flushing with a blush and the fever.
“Try that again when I am not sick.” Jun called softly after Nino. He did not think that the other heard but Nino turned around then, sticking his head back in the room, winking at Jun.
“Are you sure, Jun-pon. Perhaps it is the fever talking. I was beginning to think that you didn’t want me. After all, I complimented your hips and everything and all I get in return is a bento.” Jun could see the bravado there, the confidence and something else there, behind the teasing tone.
“Anyone who can call Sho sloping shoulders-san into his face is worth keeping around. Besides, I don’t say things I don’t mean.” Jun wrinkled his nose. “I cannot believe that you kissed my forehead. I am disgusting with sickness and sweat.”
Nino nodded. “I was trying to be polite and not comment on it, but you are rather ripe. I will forgive you for that one though.”
“Brat.” Jun commented with a glare as he slowly shuffled to the bathroom, he was still sick and he did ache, but he could not keep the stupid grin off of his face as he passed Nino, loving the way the others mouth was spread in a smile, a real smile, wide and bright, gums and all. “Go to bed, I don’t want to have to nurse you back to help if you catch whatever it is that I have.”
“But I would have such a cute nurse. I am sure that you would look good in a nurse outfit, Jun-pon.” Nino called after him and though Jun twitched, he did not dignify that with a response.
There was no way in hell that would ever happen. Matsumoto Jun did not dress up like a nurse.
In the morning did not go to work, but he did get up, making coffee and breakfast for Nino, as well as a simple lunch, as a thanks for taking care of him the day before. Jun had already emailed Sho that he would be working from home that day and Shun assured him that he had everything under control. Sho confirmed this fact. It was good to know that Shun at least would be a capable replacement.
What was concerning to Jun was the email from Sho that there seemed to be some issues with the renovations on their new building. They had hired someone, Nakai, to oversee things, but it seems that the contractors were not living up to their portion of the bargain and that the renovations were not on schedule. Sho ended the email saying that one of them might have to move down their sooner than anticipated to make certain that things turned out correctly.
Jun had replied that he agreed and that they would talk more about it when he was at work, which would be bright and early the next morning. It was concerning though, as the move was not supposed to take place for another six months at the earliest. But if the contractors were as behind as Nakai seemed to indicate then someone with more pull in the company and the ability to renegotiate the contract with someone else was essential.
And, if the exchange with Nino last night had not been a fever induced hallucination, then perhaps it would be Sho moving, and not Jun. But perhaps it would be Jun. It was something that they needed to discuss but it would not be reasonable to ask Sho to move when he did not know if he actually had something with Nino. A kiss on the forehead and banter about future kisses was not something that really constituted a relationship. It was not something that should effect their company. Though Sho would move, in an instant, if Jun asked him too, if he had something to stay for. Only time would tell, he just wondered if he had enough of it.
When he was back at work things were a mess. It was not that Shun had been bad at his job, in fact that was fine, it was more the mess with the contractors. Either Jun, or Sho, or both were on the phone with Nakai. All the time. Shun had more or less stepped up to fill Jun’s position and was doing a good job of it. He had even brought Jun a list of interns that would not be offered jobs and of people that he thought had potential. It was nice to see Shun taking the initiative in this and it helped a lot with Jun’s stress level. It still didn’t stop him from snapping at Sho and Shun and the interns who made the mistake of getting between him and his morning coffee. There had been hell to pay in the office that day. It had taken Nino bringing Jun coffee from a coffee shop around the corner, leaving it on his desk to calm him down.
In reality it was more the fact that Nino poked his head in the office, closed the door and set the coffee on the desk.
“It seems like you needed this, as much as I love seeing interns leave the building in tears.” Nino said, motioning to the coffee. He was settled on the edge of Jun’s desk and Jun glared at him. His actions were perfectly justified. It was his coffee and one of the first things that he had told Nino when the other moved in was don’t take the last of the coffee. Or else.
“You also need this.” Nino commented lightly, leaning forward to gently grab Jun’s tie. He pulled Jun forward, his lips brushing against Jun’s in a light kiss - their first kiss ever (the forehead kiss when Jun was sick did not count).
“Do I?” Jun asked against Nino’s lips and the other nodded, pulling Jun in for another kiss. It was not a sexy kiss, more sweet and shy than anything, but Jun reveled in it, the feel of the other’s thin lips against his own. He brought a hand up to lace it loosely though Nino’s hair but he did nothing to deepen the kiss.
As everything else when it concerned them, it proceeded slowly.
Nino was the one who broke the kiss, resting his forehead against Jun’s.
“What was that for? I wasn’t sure that-“ Jun started and Nino chuckled, shaking his head.
“I had to pay money for your coffee Jun. Money. You know how much I hate that.”
“So it was payment then.” Jun could hear something in his voice, a slight crack and the unhappiness.
“Not payment, reward. I have been a good boy after all.” Nino’s voice was light and he smiled at him which Jun returned.
“I am not sure if this is good behavior, but you are good.” Jun commented before leaning back in his chair, his tie slipping from Nino’s grip. “As much as I would like to continue, this is neither the time or the place and…” His voice trailed off as a knock sounded on the door. Jun saw Nino nod. He smoothed down his tie and ran his tongue across his lips nervously.
“Work is work, I know, Jun-pon.” Nino chimed. “Our new department report is also with the coffee, just so you know. Naga-nii-chan is pleased with this one, so he expects to hear good things from you.” Nino commented as he opened the door, nodding to Sho. Jun watched Sho enter, confusion flittering across his face as he closed the door.
“Jun, why did Nino just wink at me?” He inquired and Jun choked on his coffee, nearly spitting it on the desk and the papers.
“He did what?” Jun managed to sputter between coughs and Sho moved over to him, patting his back as Jun tired to get all the coffee he had just inhaled out of his lungs.
“Did something happen?” Sho asked. When Jun started coughing anew Sho smiled. He waited until he was seated across from Jun, on the other side of the desk and out of the strike range before he spoke again.
“It is about time that he made a move. He has been flirting with you for months.” Sho’s voice was even and Jun looked at him, glared at him really. But Sho stared back effortlessly, his gaze even.
“What?” Jun’s voice was soft.
“He wants you. You want him. Its obvious if one knows you. I don’t see what is taking either of you so long.” Sho’s voice was light.
“Obvious?” Jun asked, his voice sharp and Sho nodded.
“We all think so.”
“All?” Jun raised an eyebrow.
Sho chatted on, as if he was unaware that he was courting death here, but he knew Jun, and knew Jun would not kill him. The intern had survived the coffee incident and Sho had known Jun for much longer. Jun could be mean, sharp, but Sho could give as good as he got if necessary.
“Aiba, Satoshi, Shun and I.” Sho easily listed off the names, counting them on his fingers as he did so. “No one else has a clue Jun, so relax.” Sho’s voice had an edge to it. Jun looked at him, eyes narrowed.
“You discuss it?” He asked and Sho nodded. “We all think that it is cute both of you dancing around each other like this, but we were beginning to think that neither of you was going to get the backbone to confess. Aiba said for the most part Nino just imagines what dating people would be like and is OK with living with eternally unrequited love. If he made a move, since I am sure that it was him and not you, than something must have prompted it.”
“There is still nothing between us, it was just a kiss. That is not enough to change things.” Jun sighed and Sho nodded.
“I am still working out the time line, but you know as well as I do that it looks like the move will be in two months.” Sho’s voice was soft and Jun nodded. “I know that is not a long time to figure out if you want to stay here and if this goes anywhere but if you want me to move, I will Jun.” Sho’s looked at Jun, watching the emotions on the others face.
“I know that Sho, but the plan was always for me to move. I am not sure that I can gamble all of that on something that may happen. It isn’t fair to you, or to the company.”
“It might not happen, if Nakai can get the contracts straighten out.” Sho offered and Jun just sighed.
“Shun is ready to take over, whenever we need him to, so I am not worried about that.” Jun offered, burying his head in his hands and Sho nodded.
“Give it time, Jun. You wont have to decide for sure for about another month, six weeks at the most if this happens. There is time to figure out if something might happen. And I will go, even if you think there is a chance.” Sho stood, moving around the desk to hug Jun and the other leaned into the hug with a smile.
“You are a good friend, Sho, I hope you know that.” Jun’s voice was soft and Sho just laughed, hugging Jun tighter.
“It will all work out, Jun.” Jun did not answer. He was not sure that it would all work out, but now at least there seemed to be some hope. The question was, how was he going to tell Nino that 1) that he was co-owner of the company and 2) he wanted a relationship and 3) he was supposed to move to Okinawa but 4) Sho could move instead if that would make things easier and if Nino wanted to pursue things but 5) he knew that it was a serious step and if Nino did not want to take that kind of risk he was alright with that and 6) that it was really alright if he said no and it would not effect his job and if he did say no Jun would be moving anyways so it was alright.
Only time would tell, and Jun was running out of time.
A series of events from Matsumoto Jun and sometimes Sakurai Sho’s perspective.
Matsumiya, Sakumoto (friendship)
A HUGE thanks to satsumatsu for looking this over and being generally awesome.
Authors notes:
Its Nanowrimo! yay!
that means this story will be done this month.
more yay!
as well as all the requests that i have gotten!
yay again!
Living with Nino was not something that Jun had anticipated ever actually doing but it was surprisingly easy. Other than the stack of video games which was taller than Jun’s classic movies collection the programmer had very little belongings, just his games and his clothing. It was almost as if no one else was living in Jun’s apartment. Only the shoes in the entry, the extra glass beside the kitchen sink and the controllers lined up neatly on the coffee table beside the remote were indications that Mastumoto Jun was not the only one living in these four walls. Most of Jun’s personal items, like his books or clothes were in his bedroom. The living and dining room combination was left to be a sterile and impersonal space. Nino living there did not add much life to the room, as well.
It took a few days but Jun did eventually find out why Nino needed a place to stay. Apparently Nino had been living in a sketchy area. It was common knowledge that he was cheap. Very cheap. Jun had resisted the urge to scold the man that living in such parts of city just to save money was not really acceptable, but he didn’t have the right to scold Nino like that; given that the other man was going to live with him for a while until he found a new place (since the other had been demolished due to health and safety violations - that thought alone made Jun shudder).
Much to Jun’s dissatisfaction, living with Nino didn’t really change much in their relationship, not at first. Though if Jun would actually gather the courage to do something, then perhaps things would develop, but he was a coward. And well, Nino was staying with him. He did not want the other to feel that he had to accept Jun’s feelings because he was living there. So the timing still did not seem right for Jun to confess. He still went to work earlier and got home later than Nino. He still cooked bentos for them and dinner - though at times he came home to a dinner in the fridge.
The doors to each of their rooms were pretty much closed at all times, when one was hiding away, the other never bothered then. Nino was more considerate of Jun and Jun’s space than anyone Jun had ever met.
Since Nino moved in, Satoshi did come to visit more, crashing to sleep on the couch. Though while Nino and Satoshi seemed close, he still paid attention to Jun. Sure, Nino groped Satoshi’s ass and it always startled the artist, but Nino never took it further than that. He snuggled with Satoshi on the couch as often as Satoshi snuggled with Jun (and sometimes, when Satoshi was over, the three of them would snuggle together).
Over time, it developed that even when Satoshi was not there, Nino would lean into Jun when they were sitting on the couch watching a movie or would sit a little too close to him when they were playing video games. Jun, on the other hand, would stand a little too close to him at times as well, brushing his hand accidentally against Nino’s as he reached for something. And once or twice, on a weekend when they were both free, they would awake tangled on the couch, the TV noise softly in the background. Neither would say anything, just looking at each other. Jun was certain that he was blushing before separating and going to shower.
In these moments Jun wished that he had more of a backbone, that he could just lean up and kiss Nino, like he wanted to, consequences be damned, but that had yet to happen and he was not sure if it ever would.
It was hard to convince yourself that someone liked you when that someone treated you almost the same as your stepbrother. At times Jun was certain that the pair shared a brain. They just understood each other in a way that Jun would never be able too and he envied that. He and Satoshi were close and he had never seen his step brother ever get that close to anyone else, yet Nino seemed to slip so easily into his life.
It was not that he was jealous, since it really was nice to see Satoshi open up to someone else. In result he saw his brother more often. Satoshi would often ask how things were progressing with Nino and he would always look puzzled when Jun answered they weren’t really.
“Why not?” He would ask, confused, and Jun would just sigh, shaking his head, commenting about the progress of the construction on the new company branch, down in Okinawa. They had been torn between Sapporo and Okinawa, since they had a lot of clients for both, but in the end Okinawa seemed to be the more financially smart choice for them. Finally they had found a place to renovate that would work well as their new branch office. Ohno would always smile, hugging Jun and commenting that the fishing was really nice there and he would make sure to visit if it was Jun and not Sho who moved to Okinawa.
Jun would ask Satoshi why he thought it would be Sho who would move and Satoshi would just smile and comment that Jun had more reasons to stay here for than Sho-kun.
Jun would press for an explanation but Satoshi would never answer. However the conversation about the new building was always enough to distract Satoshi from asking why Jun and Nino were not dating. Which was as odd question, considering that a little while later, Satoshi would be snuggled up against to the man in question on the couch as Nino played video games and Jun would dart out of the house, on the way to work for one of the many new projects that they had.
It was not as if things remained stagnant. As time passed they did make progress. Things that people other than Jun would see as progress. It was during the winter months when Jun got sick, as always. He would deny it all day long, deny it in front of Shun, in front of Sho, deny it via text message to Satoshi who told him that he knew that it was that time of the year and that Jun needed to take it easy.
Jun denied to all of them that he was sick, despite the glazed feverish eyes, and the extra sweaters that he was layering in the office. It was one morning, however, when Jun woke up and just could not get up. He ached too much. It was far too cold despite the fact that he was huddled under the a pile of blankets, with his fuzzy socks and flannel pajamas on. He managed to send a message to Sho, letting him know that Jun had finally succumbed to his usual winter fever, then he rolled back over. He could hear when Nino got up and made coffee, since Jun had not gotten up to do even that. But since Jun usually left before Nino and often times got back later, Nino would have no way to know that he was ill. He thought about messaging his roommate and let him know, but as he dozed in and out of sleep, lulled oddly to sleep by the noises the other was making in the kitchen, he found that he could not summon the strength to reach for his phone again, which was all the way on the bed side table; not when the blankets were so warm and he was so damned cold. It was hard to breath as it was and each time he left the cocoon of blankets he would cough when the cold hit his chest, his lungs congesting. It was way better to stay curled up in the blankets.
Jun was not sure how long he had slept, moving in and out of wakefulness. At one point he was sure that he heard the door to the house, earlier than perhaps he should, soft footsteps padded across the house only confirmed it and the door to his room was slowly pushed open.
“You finally gave in, huh?” Nino’s voice was soft as he sat on the edge of the bed, setting a glass of water down on the bedside table. He drew in a sharp breath as he lay a hand on Jun’s forehead. “You are burning up, Jun-pon. Here, sit up an take these.” Nino’s voice was soft and soothing.
When Jun didn’t move and just stared at Nino with glazed eyes, the other shifted, moving Jun so he was sitting, pressing the pills into his hand. Jun looked at the pills for a moment, then lifted them to his mouth, slipping them in as Nino handed him the glass of water. Jun could see the way that Nino frowned at the heat that his body was radiating and the way his arm shook as he held the glass.
“If you do not get better soon, Jun, I am dragging you to the hospital. This is dangerous.” Nino muttered, tucking Jun back in after taking the glass of water and placing it beside the bed.
“Illbefine.” Jun muttered, shivering from the fever as Nino’s hands pushed the blankets tights around him. He sighed in relief as a fever cool pack was placed on his forehead.
“You better be.” Jun thought he heard Nino mutter as he stood before padding out of the room, leaving the door open behind him. He noted, though he was not awake much longer to think about the fact, that Nino would likely be checking up on him while he was sleeping. He was no longer able to dwell on the fact that this did not bother him, in fact it was kind of nice, to have someone there who seemed to care that he was sick.
Much later Jun woke up, still feverish, but much better, a little surprised to see that Nino was asleep beside him. Well not beside him, but in a chair, leaning on the bed, his head pillowed on his arms.
As Jun shifted, the cool pack falling off his forehead, making Nino stir, blinking at Jun for a moment before he shifted, a hand moving to feel Jun’s forehead.
“Feverish still, but better.” His voice was hoarse and Jun nodded, shifting to sit up, surging the covers off. Now that he was feeling kind of human again, he wanted to shower and he was a little hungry.
“There is some broth for you in the fridge, Jun-pon, I made some while you were sleeping, as well as some rice. Take it easy, alright?” Nino shifted so he got up, standing in front of Jun as the other stood up, shaking slightly from the disuse of his muscles all the day, but he did not fall over.
“Thank you, Nino.” Jun’s voice was soft and Nino nodded, shifting for a moment to place a quick kiss on Jun’s forehead.
“Mom always said that it would help with the fever.”
Nino didn’t look to Jun, moving towards the door and Jun looked after him, flushing with a blush and the fever.
“Try that again when I am not sick.” Jun called softly after Nino. He did not think that the other heard but Nino turned around then, sticking his head back in the room, winking at Jun.
“Are you sure, Jun-pon. Perhaps it is the fever talking. I was beginning to think that you didn’t want me. After all, I complimented your hips and everything and all I get in return is a bento.” Jun could see the bravado there, the confidence and something else there, behind the teasing tone.
“Anyone who can call Sho sloping shoulders-san into his face is worth keeping around. Besides, I don’t say things I don’t mean.” Jun wrinkled his nose. “I cannot believe that you kissed my forehead. I am disgusting with sickness and sweat.”
Nino nodded. “I was trying to be polite and not comment on it, but you are rather ripe. I will forgive you for that one though.”
“Brat.” Jun commented with a glare as he slowly shuffled to the bathroom, he was still sick and he did ache, but he could not keep the stupid grin off of his face as he passed Nino, loving the way the others mouth was spread in a smile, a real smile, wide and bright, gums and all. “Go to bed, I don’t want to have to nurse you back to help if you catch whatever it is that I have.”
“But I would have such a cute nurse. I am sure that you would look good in a nurse outfit, Jun-pon.” Nino called after him and though Jun twitched, he did not dignify that with a response.
There was no way in hell that would ever happen. Matsumoto Jun did not dress up like a nurse.
In the morning did not go to work, but he did get up, making coffee and breakfast for Nino, as well as a simple lunch, as a thanks for taking care of him the day before. Jun had already emailed Sho that he would be working from home that day and Shun assured him that he had everything under control. Sho confirmed this fact. It was good to know that Shun at least would be a capable replacement.
What was concerning to Jun was the email from Sho that there seemed to be some issues with the renovations on their new building. They had hired someone, Nakai, to oversee things, but it seems that the contractors were not living up to their portion of the bargain and that the renovations were not on schedule. Sho ended the email saying that one of them might have to move down their sooner than anticipated to make certain that things turned out correctly.
Jun had replied that he agreed and that they would talk more about it when he was at work, which would be bright and early the next morning. It was concerning though, as the move was not supposed to take place for another six months at the earliest. But if the contractors were as behind as Nakai seemed to indicate then someone with more pull in the company and the ability to renegotiate the contract with someone else was essential.
And, if the exchange with Nino last night had not been a fever induced hallucination, then perhaps it would be Sho moving, and not Jun. But perhaps it would be Jun. It was something that they needed to discuss but it would not be reasonable to ask Sho to move when he did not know if he actually had something with Nino. A kiss on the forehead and banter about future kisses was not something that really constituted a relationship. It was not something that should effect their company. Though Sho would move, in an instant, if Jun asked him too, if he had something to stay for. Only time would tell, he just wondered if he had enough of it.
When he was back at work things were a mess. It was not that Shun had been bad at his job, in fact that was fine, it was more the mess with the contractors. Either Jun, or Sho, or both were on the phone with Nakai. All the time. Shun had more or less stepped up to fill Jun’s position and was doing a good job of it. He had even brought Jun a list of interns that would not be offered jobs and of people that he thought had potential. It was nice to see Shun taking the initiative in this and it helped a lot with Jun’s stress level. It still didn’t stop him from snapping at Sho and Shun and the interns who made the mistake of getting between him and his morning coffee. There had been hell to pay in the office that day. It had taken Nino bringing Jun coffee from a coffee shop around the corner, leaving it on his desk to calm him down.
In reality it was more the fact that Nino poked his head in the office, closed the door and set the coffee on the desk.
“It seems like you needed this, as much as I love seeing interns leave the building in tears.” Nino said, motioning to the coffee. He was settled on the edge of Jun’s desk and Jun glared at him. His actions were perfectly justified. It was his coffee and one of the first things that he had told Nino when the other moved in was don’t take the last of the coffee. Or else.
“You also need this.” Nino commented lightly, leaning forward to gently grab Jun’s tie. He pulled Jun forward, his lips brushing against Jun’s in a light kiss - their first kiss ever (the forehead kiss when Jun was sick did not count).
“Do I?” Jun asked against Nino’s lips and the other nodded, pulling Jun in for another kiss. It was not a sexy kiss, more sweet and shy than anything, but Jun reveled in it, the feel of the other’s thin lips against his own. He brought a hand up to lace it loosely though Nino’s hair but he did nothing to deepen the kiss.
As everything else when it concerned them, it proceeded slowly.
Nino was the one who broke the kiss, resting his forehead against Jun’s.
“What was that for? I wasn’t sure that-“ Jun started and Nino chuckled, shaking his head.
“I had to pay money for your coffee Jun. Money. You know how much I hate that.”
“So it was payment then.” Jun could hear something in his voice, a slight crack and the unhappiness.
“Not payment, reward. I have been a good boy after all.” Nino’s voice was light and he smiled at him which Jun returned.
“I am not sure if this is good behavior, but you are good.” Jun commented before leaning back in his chair, his tie slipping from Nino’s grip. “As much as I would like to continue, this is neither the time or the place and…” His voice trailed off as a knock sounded on the door. Jun saw Nino nod. He smoothed down his tie and ran his tongue across his lips nervously.
“Work is work, I know, Jun-pon.” Nino chimed. “Our new department report is also with the coffee, just so you know. Naga-nii-chan is pleased with this one, so he expects to hear good things from you.” Nino commented as he opened the door, nodding to Sho. Jun watched Sho enter, confusion flittering across his face as he closed the door.
“Jun, why did Nino just wink at me?” He inquired and Jun choked on his coffee, nearly spitting it on the desk and the papers.
“He did what?” Jun managed to sputter between coughs and Sho moved over to him, patting his back as Jun tired to get all the coffee he had just inhaled out of his lungs.
“Did something happen?” Sho asked. When Jun started coughing anew Sho smiled. He waited until he was seated across from Jun, on the other side of the desk and out of the strike range before he spoke again.
“It is about time that he made a move. He has been flirting with you for months.” Sho’s voice was even and Jun looked at him, glared at him really. But Sho stared back effortlessly, his gaze even.
“What?” Jun’s voice was soft.
“He wants you. You want him. Its obvious if one knows you. I don’t see what is taking either of you so long.” Sho’s voice was light.
“Obvious?” Jun asked, his voice sharp and Sho nodded.
“We all think so.”
“All?” Jun raised an eyebrow.
Sho chatted on, as if he was unaware that he was courting death here, but he knew Jun, and knew Jun would not kill him. The intern had survived the coffee incident and Sho had known Jun for much longer. Jun could be mean, sharp, but Sho could give as good as he got if necessary.
“Aiba, Satoshi, Shun and I.” Sho easily listed off the names, counting them on his fingers as he did so. “No one else has a clue Jun, so relax.” Sho’s voice had an edge to it. Jun looked at him, eyes narrowed.
“You discuss it?” He asked and Sho nodded. “We all think that it is cute both of you dancing around each other like this, but we were beginning to think that neither of you was going to get the backbone to confess. Aiba said for the most part Nino just imagines what dating people would be like and is OK with living with eternally unrequited love. If he made a move, since I am sure that it was him and not you, than something must have prompted it.”
“There is still nothing between us, it was just a kiss. That is not enough to change things.” Jun sighed and Sho nodded.
“I am still working out the time line, but you know as well as I do that it looks like the move will be in two months.” Sho’s voice was soft and Jun nodded. “I know that is not a long time to figure out if you want to stay here and if this goes anywhere but if you want me to move, I will Jun.” Sho’s looked at Jun, watching the emotions on the others face.
“I know that Sho, but the plan was always for me to move. I am not sure that I can gamble all of that on something that may happen. It isn’t fair to you, or to the company.”
“It might not happen, if Nakai can get the contracts straighten out.” Sho offered and Jun just sighed.
“Shun is ready to take over, whenever we need him to, so I am not worried about that.” Jun offered, burying his head in his hands and Sho nodded.
“Give it time, Jun. You wont have to decide for sure for about another month, six weeks at the most if this happens. There is time to figure out if something might happen. And I will go, even if you think there is a chance.” Sho stood, moving around the desk to hug Jun and the other leaned into the hug with a smile.
“You are a good friend, Sho, I hope you know that.” Jun’s voice was soft and Sho just laughed, hugging Jun tighter.
“It will all work out, Jun.” Jun did not answer. He was not sure that it would all work out, but now at least there seemed to be some hope. The question was, how was he going to tell Nino that 1) that he was co-owner of the company and 2) he wanted a relationship and 3) he was supposed to move to Okinawa but 4) Sho could move instead if that would make things easier and if Nino wanted to pursue things but 5) he knew that it was a serious step and if Nino did not want to take that kind of risk he was alright with that and 6) that it was really alright if he said no and it would not effect his job and if he did say no Jun would be moving anyways so it was alright.
Only time would tell, and Jun was running out of time.