part 3 of 3~
title: December
pairing: ohmiya
rating: pg-ish
genre: romance, drama
words: 2,420
based off the song "Back to December"
www.youtube.com/watch damn you Taylor Swift and your ready-made ohmiya plots XD
A heavy and tense silence fell over the two, both staring into their mugs of coffee and studying the swirls of the steam. Nino was the first to raise his sincere and apologetic eyes to Ohno’s downcast face.
“I’m sorry… for that night…” he choked out, somehow managing to keep the tears inside when Ohno nodded but didn’t look up.
Ohno had agreed to this meeting and Nino couldn’t have been more happy and nervous. It had been a year since the last time the two had spoken and Nino had a lot to say. They talked about their families, their work life and when things got quiet, Nino broke the silence with mention of the weather, to which Ohno would just mumble and fall silent again. The younger man knew why Ohno was on guard… and it broke his heart. The last time the two had seen each other, Nino had crushed Ohno’s whole world without any warning.
***
They’d known each other for years before Ohno took their friendship to the next level when he lightly kissed Nino’s pouted lips under the umbrella one February night. It was snowing, very well past midnight and the pair’s curfew. But it was the early morning of Valentine’s day and Ohno wanted to be the very first one Nino saw that special day.
Small puffs of breath floated between their faces, Nino staring into the older man’s peaceful and calm eyes, trying to keep his heart steady. Ohno smirked lazily, watching the light snow falling around them under the umbrella.
Nothing needed to be said. Nino simply leaned forward and caught Ohno’s lips, feeling the soft hand rest on the small of his back and pulling him flush to Ohno’s chest.
Five months to the day on the 14th, Nino waited outside the Ohno family’s house, taking shelter under a tree to escape the scorching heat of summer. He had arrived at the house unexpected, only Ohno-mama knew of course, and was now waiting for Ohno’s mother to wake up her son. Soon enough, Ohno appeared on the porch in, most likely, yesterday’s clothes and sleep still heavy in his eyes. Smiling widely, Nino slowly approached the drowsy man and lightly wrapped his arms around his neck before quickly pecking his lips.
“We lasted all this time.” Nino mumbled shyly. Ohno’s sleepy eyes closed and he buried his face into Nino’s neck.
“It’s early… and hot.” he grumbled, pressing kisses into Nino’s neck. The younger chuckled and pulled back a little, holding up a set of keys in front of Ohno’s face.
“For you. I rented it for today.” Nino said with the kittenish smile Ohno loved. Slowly, Ohno took the keys with a confused scowl and then it dawned on him.
“A boat?” he asked slowly, looking to Nino for confirmation. Nino laughed and nodded while Ohno’s smile grew larger.
“My anniversary gift to you.” Nino said as he bit his lip shyly, waiting for his gift from the other man. Ohno let out a shocked sound and looked at Nino in devastation. Nino’s mouth dropped open and he pushed Ohno away from him.
“You forgot!?” the younger man hissed.
“I’m sorry! Kazunari, I’m so sorry!” Ohno pleaded, grabbing Nino’s hands tightly. Nino sighed and tried to bite back a smile and laugh. Ohno knew he was forgiven, so he pulled Nino close and brushed his hair from his face before tenderly kissing him.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you.” Ohno whispered sincerely, the promises in his eyes making Nino weak. He rose his hands to cup Ohno’s face and laughed softly.
“You better.” Nino replied gently. With one last kiss, Ohno rushed away into the house to pack his fishing gear while Nino waited outside, his heart fluttering and cheeks flushed.
They both remembered that day, laughing in the car ride on the way to the docks, carefree and simply happy in the summer’s warmth. Needless to say, Ohno kept his promise and made up for his forgetfulness that night… even if he had to spend most of the day massaging Nino’s back as he was plastered to the toilet.
“Haven’t you learnt to take those seasickness pills with you by now?”
“…shut up.”
Nino’s world was in total bliss until one day in September that it all seemed to fall apart. Nino’s father had caught word of his son’s relationship via his mother. While his father and mother had parted several years ago, he came by once in a blue moon to check up on things. The twilight was filled with arguments that reminded Nino of a painful past, and even though the shouts were mainly between the parents, Nino had taken them personally. He had, in his mind, caused the fight. Father, wanting his son to change and mother, fighting for her son’s happiness.
In the midst of it all, Nino slipped out of the house and quickly called Ohno to let him know he was coming over.
When Nino got to the Ohno family’s house, Ohno was waiting on the porch, his face filled with worry. Nino found himself falling into his arms, face buried in his chest and small hands grasping the back of his t-shirt as sobs finally came out. Ohno had an idea what had happened, but he simply let Nino cry, pressing kisses into his soft hair and rocking him softly back and forth.
Once upon a time, Nino had vowed never to let Ohno see him cry, but Ohno had laughed in doubt and promised Nino a shoulder to cry on.
Summer’s warmth and September’s sadness soon gave way to fall’s changing leaves and the day that Nino, in particular, was happy for. It was a large party, held at Ohno’s home, and many people were there that Nino had only seen photos of or heard about. Their three mutual friends from school were there, Ohno’s sister’s family, Nino’s mother and a handful of Ohno-mama and Ohno-papa’s family friends. They sang a loud and off tune “Happy Birthday” and reminded Ohno to make a wish before he blew out his candles.
Ohno had known Nino didn’t buy him a present, there was a new game coming out soon afterall, but the younger boy had hinted towards something much better. Ohno made several guesses that made Nino flush and sputter, but he never broke his silence.
As Nino watched Ohno open his gifts, it took all he had to not throw up from nervousness. He had to tell Ohno something, something that had been building and building ever since that night in September. But he was scared… from what he’s experienced, this never lasted.
The guests were enjoying the after-party, games, drinks and food, and Nino took Ohno’s hand and easily lead him outside into the cool fall air. Once they stopped walking, Ohno hugged Nino and thanked him for coming with a soft kiss. Nino then fell silent and Ohno’s brows furrowed in worry, tugging at Nino’s hands and asking him if he was okay in the calm, yet worried tone that often melted Nino’s heart.
Then, Nino met Ohno’s eyes and said the words that had broken his past relationships.
“I love you.”
Never once had Nino said such true and heartfelt words to Ohno than this. Of course there were words of love, but nothing like this. The anxious amber eyes in front of him grew misty from emotion and Ohno couldn’t help but to give Nino the most passionate kiss ever.
“I love you too.”
And both had to agree, it was the best birthday present to date.
Snow had fallen and Ohno was ten minutes late. Nino sat in the café, watching the rosy-cheeked couples walk hand in hand down the street, laughing and giggling. Something sparked in the back of Nino’s mind, but it was quickly put to rest as Ohno was spotted in the doorway, brushing the snow off his shoulders and hair. Greeting each other with a smile and a kiss, Ohno ordered two teas and settled back to facing Nino.
“So, how was visiting your sister?” Nino asked, feeling warm and finally at peace when he gazed at Ohno’s glowing smile.
“It was really nice, we went to this restaurant with her husband and a few other couples. You’d really like the food.” Ohno said, taking the cups of tea from the waiter and handing one to Nino.
“You think so?” Nino asked, taking small sips. Ohno nodded and swallowed his drink before setting the cup down and darting his eyes downward. Nino noticed the strange change in his expression right away.
“What is it, Satoshi?” Nino asked, the strange feeling bubbling in his stomach again. Ohno’s cheeks visibly grew pink and he cleared his throat softly.
“Well… just being around them for a few days made me miss you and I realized we…” Ohno stopped suddenly and Nino raised his brows at him, waiting for him to continue.
“Let’s try living together.”
The suggestion came so quick and Ohno’s pathetically hopeful eyes blinded Nino to the uncomfortable feeling in his stomach. Not a heartbeat passed before Nino accepted and Ohno gave the most bright and gorgeous smile Nino had ever seen.
Ten month anniversary fell on the most clearest and prettiest December evening Ohno had ever seen. Today was special. It was the longest and best relationship Ohno had ever had and he was more than thankful it was with Nino. On the way to Nino’s place, Ohno had picked up a dozen roses and a preorder receipt for a game Nino had been gushing about for months.
At Nino’s place, however, it was a different story. The younger man was in tears and pacing his room while chewing his fingernails. He was scared. Scared of moving too fast, scared of losing Ohno and scared of falling out of love with the man. He’d seen lovers fall apart, he’d lost many relationships and suffered the pain. Nino felt stuck for reasons he couldn’t understand and he was desperate to get out.
When the doorbell rang, Nino had made up his mind and Ohno had no idea what was coming. After a moment of no answer, Ohno let himself in, quietly took off his shoes and coat and made his way to the kitchen. Assuming Nino was sleeping, Ohno set the roses down along with the receipt and made his way to the bedroom. But, as Ohno crossed the living room, Nino emerged from the bedroom looking a mess. His tear streaked face and bloodshot eyes alarmed Ohno but Nino shook his head to stop Ohno from coming closer.
Nothing needed to be said. Nino’s face crumbled at Ohno’s heartbroken expression and there was a heaviness in the room that choked them both. Ohno nodded with tears in his dark eyes.
“Why?” the question from Ohno’s mouth was broken and Nino felt it pierce through his heart. He couldn’t respond but Ohno knew his tears meant “goodbye”. Nino couldn’t stand it any longer. He gave Ohno one last look that apologized with all his heart, grabbed his coat and shoes and left his own house into the gorgeous, snow dusted night.
Ohno was left in silence, tears rolling down his cheeks before he wiped them away and shuffled over to pull on his coat and shoes. He knew Nino’s past, he knew Nino’s insecurities… he knew he had moved too fast. With a shattered heart, Ohno left Nino’s home and didn’t look back.
Nino stood motionless in the living room, staring at the roses on the table. It was only then did he remember that that day was their anniversary. Furious at himself, Nino grabbed the roses and tossed them on the floor, tears flooding his eyes as the petals floated to the tile. Sinking to his knees, Nino cried himself to sleep that night, knowing he had ruined the best thing to ever happen in his life.
Valentine’s day came, breaking Nino’s heart. Summer breezes only reminded Nino of the happiness he gave up. September came and went, leaving Nino sleepless. November 26th… the best day in Nino’s book. A temptation came over Nino to call… but at the end of the day, his shame and guilt won.
***
“I… truly, truly am sorry, Satoshi.” Nino continued, feeling more and more guilty and hopeless when Ohno remained silent. A soft snowfall had started since they met and Ohno let out a long sigh as he finally met Nino’s eyes.
“Kazu… you didn’t even tell me why.” Ohno said with a soft sharpness.
“I know and I-”
“Don’t you realize how much it hurt?” Ohno’s voice wasn’t even remotely angry and yet it hurt Nino even more than if he had shouted at him. Nino’s eyes started to water and he swallowed hard and nodded.
“I was scared…” Nino mumbled pathetically. Ohno shook his head sadly and rubbed his eyes tiredly.
“It’s been a year hearing nothing from you… Kazu…” here, Ohno’s tone softened to what Nino missed dearly.
“I wasn’t going to leave you.” Ohno said, his eyes shining nothing but truth. Nino felt himself on the edge of tears and a horrible feeling settled in his stomach.
“If I could, I’d take it back… if we ever… were together again, I swear I’d love you better.” Nino’s voice quivered and broke and Ohno chewed his lips.
“I’d understand if…” Nino’s voice totally broke but Ohno understood where he was aiming. He sighed and nodded.
“Let me think, okay?” Ohno said softly, allowing Nino to nod in understanding before setting down his portion of payment for the coffee, bidding Nino good night and walking out into the snow.
A few days passed without a word from Ohno, and Nino couldn’t help but to feel down. But finally, on the 14th of December, a simple text was sent to Nino from Ohno asking him to come over and get his answer.
Nino felt a knot in his throat, remembering an old thing he and Ohno used to do.
If the door is locked… negative. If the door is open…
Nino closed his eyes and took a deep breath before rising from his seat.
He stood outside Ohno’s door that night, snow falling around him and his eyes glued to the door handle. Slowly, Nino reached out his hand and rested it on the handle.
The door clicked open and Nino’s heart stopped as he opened the door and slowly walked inside…
***hope you all enjoyed these!