Gift fic for airairo
Title: The Matchmaker
Pairing/Characters: Yoko/Maru, slight Yasuba
Rating: PG-13
Notes: Hopefully it’s got enough cute and awkward for you! I hope you enjoy the fic!
Summary: Yoko and Maru like each other. Subaru decides to play matchmaker. Based on the story from EightxEighter MC where Subaru says he made a video of Yoko/Maru kissing.
Subaru prided himself on the fact that he was a 'master' when it came to things like relationships and sex. Maruyama Ryuhei had a crush. A rather obvious one that he seemed either incapable of or unwilling to even try to hide. Of course, Subaru thought it was cute. Maru was cute. The fact that Maru's crush was aimed at one of his best friends only made the situation even more amusing and adorable to Subaru.
Although it was obvious to everyone in the group -- hell, even the fans -- that Maru had a crush on Yokoyama You, it was probably less obvious to everyone that Yoko seemed to return the feelings.
"You're crazy..." Yasu had told him when he'd explained his theory.
Subaru knew he wasn't crazy! He could see it in Yoko's eyes. The way they glimmered every time he ran away from Maru. The way his cheeks pinkened encouragingly, wantonly, every time Maru touched him. He could especially see it in the way Yoko would let Maru rest his head on his shoulder or hug him on rare occasions -- as though his body and mind were tired of protesting something he so clearly wanted. Subaru knew Yoko better than pretty much anyone else. Yoko was shy, couldn't express his affection easily. That was why he ran, why he protested, why he blushed at Maru's advances. It had nothing to do with not being interested! Subaru knew that he must be, otherwise he wouldn't let his guard down and allow Maru's affections.
"Subaru, don't interfere!" Yasu had warned him. Begged him. Pleaded. "You're going to make things awkward!"
Yasu was right on some level. Subaru knew if he didn't approach things carefully, Yoko would freak out and make things in the group uncomfortable. He decided to ease into it, start out sneaky. That was Subaru's style. “No dating in the group!” He would spout whenever he had the chance, always watching Yoko out of the corner of his eye for a reaction. He'd repeated it dozens of times, all receiving different reactions - a laugh, an eye roll, silence, disinterest. Until the day he finally saw what he was waiting for; that blush on Yoko's face showed him everything he needed to know.
The blush that said Yoko had, in fact, entertained ideas about dating one of the members. Subaru gave him a knowing smirk that only made his friend blush harder.
That same night, Subaru paced back and forth in front of the sofa at Yasu's house. “So here's the plan... you work on Maru and I'll work on Yoko...”
Yasu shook his head and set aside the guitar on his lap. “No, Subaru! I don't want any part of this!”
“You know Maru better, so I figure you'd be better at easing him into the idea. Besides, I think he'll be the easy one to convince, so you won't mess it up...” Subaru continued on, as though Yasu hadn't protested at all.
“Subaru. I'm not helping you with this,” Yasu said, slightly more stern this time. And then added, “But if I were, I wouldn't mess it up!”
Subaru hid a smirk as he turned to give Yasu a pointed look. “Come on, Yasu... we both know you'd somehow manage to screw it up...”
Yasu narrowed his eyes and Subaru knew he'd pushed too far. “You're trying to goad me into doing this, aren't you?”
Subaru couldn't hide his smile and shrugged. “It was worth a try...”
The other man picked up his guitar again and proceeded to ignore Subaru.
“It's fine if you don't want to help. I can do it on my own,” Subaru said as nonchalantly as possible.
Yasu was listening, but Subaru could tell from the look on his face that he wasn't going to give in so easily. Yasu had been played by Subaru enough times to know when he was being played.
Subaru would have to pull out the big guns; charm the sappy romantic in Yasu. He plopped down on the couch and wrapped his arms around Yasu's shoulders, staring up at him with big eyes. “I just want them to be as happy as us, that's all.” He kissed Yasu's cheek and rested his chin on the other man's shoulder. “Is that such a bad thing?” he asked in the sweetest tone he could manage.
Yasu sighed and put the guitar aside again. “Subaru...”
Yasu was being a tough audience tonight! “What if Yoko thinks Maru is as cute as I think you are? What if Maru thinks Yoko is as sexy as you find me?” That earned him an eye roll. “What if the potential is there for Yoko to love Maru as much as I love you? To make him feel as good as I make you feel...” He slipped his hand down to Yasu's lap.
Yasu's cheeks pinkened and he relaxed against the couch, spreading his legs to welcome Subaru's touch. “O-okay...” he mumbled as Subaru's hand caressed his thigh.
“Okay what?” Subaru asked with a smirk as his hand found the tent growing in Yasu's pants.
“I'll help...” he panted, squirming against the couch.
Subaru grinned and kissed Yasu's cheek. “You're so easy...” he said, deciding to give Yasu a reward for being so cooperative.
--------
And so the next day, the mission to get Yoko and Maru together began. It seemed almost too easy when they walked into the dressing room to find Yoko, sitting next to Maru, watching silently as he acted out some kind of gag for Ohkura. Yoko's face was inscrutable. It was a face Subaru knew well. It was the face Yoko wore every time he was trying to keep his emotions in check.
Ohkura burst out laughing at Maru, yet again. The vein in Yoko's forehead was practically twitching. He wanted Maru's attention, badly. It was driving him crazy that Maru was doing this all for Ohkura. Ohkura and his stupid laugh from his stupid behemoth body. Yoko had to concentrate all his effort on not scowling. On not shouting to Maru, 'Pay attention to me!'
Yoko slumped back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. Maru wasn't even being that funny! Why was Ohkura laughing so much!?
Subaru plopped down in the chair next to Yoko. “Something wrong?”
“No!” Yoko said, though it was obviously a lie. His gaze shifted over to Maru again.
“No? You look kinda grumpy... that's all...”
That made Yoko straighten up. He didn't want anyone to know what he was feeling. How embarrassing would it be if they knew that he was craving Maru's attention!? They'd never let him live it down!
“Just tired.”
Yasu shifted, deciding to throw himself into the conversation. “Maru! Why don't you show Yoko that thing?”
Maru paused and looked up at Yasu, his brows furrowed in confusion. “What thing?”
Yasu's face turned a little red. “You know... that thing you do... that's funny...”
Maru tilted his head in confusion. He had no idea what Yasu was talking about. He looked over at Yoko.
Yoko quickly looked away from Maru, his face turning bright red. He knew that Subaru had figured out his feelings. That didn’t surprise him. He wasn’t stupid... he knew that Subaru had been dropping hints left and right about him and Maru.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Yasu...” Maru said again.
“Just...” Yasu sighed in frustration. Subaru was right. He was screwing up already. “Do a gag for Yokocho!”
The attention of everyone in the room was caught between Yoko, Maru and Yasu now. Ryo had put aside the script he was reading and Hina had momentarily stopped brushing his teeth. Even the manager looked up from his phone call. The room grew silent.
And then Maru pulled his chair so close to Yoko’s that he was practically on top of him and threw his arms around Yoko before leaning in for a kiss.
Yoko’s eyes grew wide and he tried to squirm away from Maru, knocking Subaru and his chair over in the process. Ohkura burst out laughing again at the situation, even harder when Yoko finally managed to push Maru away. “Maru! What the hell?!”
Maru made a goofy face, blabbering something that definitely wasn’t Japanese, and then smiled at Yoko. He pulled his chair away from Yoko again, still smiling brightly.
Yoko’s face was bright red as he stood up. What the hell was that?! Why was Maru always doing stuff like that? Everyone was watching! He felt like an idiot. Yoko pulled out his phone and pretended to be busy with it as he walked to the other side of the room. Luckily, that was enough to draw the attention away from him.
Subaru stood up and stalked over to Yasu. He smacked the shorter man over the head. “You’re not allowed to help anymore!”
--------
By the end of the day, the events from the morning had been long forgotten. No one had remembered how embarrassed Yoko had been, and for that he was grateful. “Do you want to go out for dinner?” Subaru asked as they were getting ready to leave for the night.
Yoko hesitated. He really just wanted to go home and forget about the day. But he knew Subaru was lonely. Yasu was long gone with Ohkura and Yoko knew that if he didn’t go out to eat with Subaru, his best friend would probably just skip dinner altogether. “Fine. If you pay...”
“Sure.” Subaru didn’t mind.
“Are you ready, Subaru?” Maru asked as he joined the pair.
Yoko spluttered. Maru was coming too!? Great... he should have known that Subaru was trying to trick him somehow. Typical.
“I invited Yoko. You don’t mind, do you, Maru?” Subaru asked with a small smile.
“Nope!” Just to prove it, Maru bounced over to Yoko and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
Yoko lowered his head, starting to feel embarrassed again. Why did Maru always make him feel like this? Why did he always have to come on so strong?
Subaru could sense that Yoko was getting a little moody so he stepped on the other side of Maru and pretended like nothing was happening. He knew that Yoko must like Maru’s attention. Just not all of the attention that Maru doing it seemed to bring. So he was going to pay it no mind tonight.
He led them out of the building and down the street, stopping at the first restaurant that looked quiet and out of the way. He was quick to enter and arrange a spot so that Yoko and Maru would have to sit side by side.
Yoko looked nervous, uncomfortable, but luckily Maru was at ease and slid into the booth next to Yoko. He picked up a menu and opened it, scooting a little closer to Yoko so that they could share it.
Subaru grabbed his own menu and opened it, glancing up every so often to watch them interact. Yoko was sitting up straight, his body stiff and Subaru sighed. Nothing good was going to happen if Yoko couldn’t relax. He waved the waitress over. “Can we get some beers? 3 please...”
Subaru made sure to keep the alcohol coming. Luckily it was making Maru goofier and Yoko more relaxed. By the time they’d finished eating and were letting their food settle, Maru was resting his head on Yoko’s shoulder and Yoko’s body was slumped back against the leather booth.
Yoko reached up and patted Maru’s hair. “Fluffy...” he commented, clearly drunk.
Subaru snickered and took another sip of beer while Maru grinned up at Yoko.
“Too cute,” Yoko slurred, unable to handle that smile... those dimples. He blushed again. Not even the alcohol was enough to get him to let go of all his inhibitions.
“Let’s do karaoke...” Subaru suggested, taking note that Yoko still had his walls up.
“Okay!” Maru lifted his head off of Yoko’s shoulder and scooted out of the booth, pulling Yoko along with him.
Subaru paid the bill at the register and led the small group to the nearest karaoke studio. He paid for a room, whispering to the cashier to give them the most private one available and then led his friends to the elevator and up to their room. He sat down and grabbed the menu, immediately ordering more drinks, this time something stronger than beer.
“Subaru,” Yoko whined. “We have work tomorrow...”
Subaru shrugged after putting the menu away. “It’s fine. Don’t worry. Just relax and have fun...”
“Let’s sing together, Yoko...” Maru suggested, grabbing the remote and searching for a good song.
“Nothing English...” Yoko mumbled, looking over Maru’s shoulder at the screen.
“Okay...” Maru said. “Korean then...”
Subaru rolled his eyes. For someone who claimed to be so M, Maru certainly knew how to push all of Yoko’s buttons.
“Maru...” Yoko whined again, taking away the machine and looking up a song on his own. “I’ll pick then...”
Maru smiled and let Yoko take the machine from him, reaching over to grab the microphones. When Yoko had picked out a song, he handed a mic to him and scooted closer, throwing an arm around Yoko.
As they sang, the drinks arrived and Subaru immediately ordered another round. Yoko was loosening up finally and he wanted to encourage more. He set the drinks down in front of his friends and when they finished, Yoko cleared his throat and took a big gulp of his drink, coughing a little at the strength.
“Sing another one...” Subaru encouraged, leaning back to watch the pair.
“Okay!” Maru said, grabbing the machine and looking through the songs.
“You sing with him,” Yoko said to Subaru, taking another longer drink from his glass.
“But I like Yoko best,” Maru pouted with puppy dog eyes. This time he situated himself on Yoko’s lap.
“OI!” Yoko tried pushing Maru off. “You’re heavy!”
Maru wasn’t listening. He leaned forward and gave Yoko a peck on the lips. “Nope!”
Both Yoko and Subaru’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?!” Yoko asked, pulling his face away at lightning speed.
“Giving you a kiss!” Maru said. “You’re so cute!”
Yoko’s face was bright red and neither he nor Maru noticed as Subaru pulled out his phone.
“See? You’re being cute again! Your face is all red!” Maru pointed out.
“Because you’re embarrassing me! Get off my lap!”
Maru laughed. “Why? Don’t you like me?”
“I... that’s...” Yoko’s face turned even more red if possible. “Why are you always doing this? Stop chasing me around and embarrassing me!”
Maru pouted. “You don’t like it?” He frowned. He knew that it embarrassed Yoko, but he’d always figured that Yoko secretly liked the attention, that he liked being chased after.
“That’s besides the point!” Yoko shouted childishly.
“So you do?” Maru smiled.
Yoko didn’t say anything, just crossed his arms over his chest. After a few minutes, he kicked his legs like a five year old. “Get off!”
Maru grinned and leaned forward, kissing Yoko again. This time his lips lingered longer and Maru’s tongue darted out, only slightly, to get a taste of Yoko’s lips. When he pulled away, Yoko’s eyes were wide and he was frozen in place.
“Something just came up,” Subaru said, standing and shoving his phone in his pocket. He knew when to take his leave and give them some privacy. “I’ll see you tomorrow!” He waved and walked quickly from the room.
In the elevator, he pulled out his phone, attaching a file. ‘Shisho strikes again...’ he wrote in the message and with a smile sent it off to Yasu.
Neither Maru nor Yoko seemed to register Subaru’s exit. They were both staring at each other, Yoko in shock and Maru in amusement. “I like you, Yoko...” Maru said, blushing a little this time.
Yoko blinked. “I like you too...” As soon as the words left his mouth, he froze again, a little shocked at admitting it so easily. But then Maru was smiling so brightly that Yoko had to blink against it. It was comforting though, to have put his feelings out there and still see that same old smile. Maru liked him too, so it was okay, right?
Yoko was surprised to find himself smiling in return. This wasn’t so bad. It was almost a relief. Yoko actually felt happy.
“Can I kiss you again?” Maru asked, his eyes darting down to Yoko’s lips.
Yoko nodded, his eyes already fixed on Maru’s lips. He leaned in towards Maru, subconsciously waiting for it and as soon as their lips connected, Yoko’s eyes drifted shut. This time, he brought his hands up to Maru’s shoulders, resting them there. This was his first time really kissing a boy. He’d had a few girlfriends in the past, so it wasn’t like he was new to this feeling.
And he was comfortable with Maru for the most part. There were the moments that Maru made him feel awkward, where he wanted to run away, but he’d always been like that with every person he liked. This was Maru. Someone he’d known closely for ten years.
If he thought about it that way, it was strange and scary. He hadn’t always felt this way about Maru. Only recently, ever since Maru had set his sights on him, gone out of his way to chase him, harass him, molest him even. But maybe that’s why Yoko liked him. Because of all the attention. He felt like Maru liked him, wanted to be around him. It was comforting.
Slowly, his arms wound around Maru’s neck and he almost sighed into the kiss. It felt nice.
Maru shifted on Yoko’s lap, turning to straddle him so that they could face each other fully. He had to break the kiss to do so. When he settled onto Yoko’s lap comfortably, he dove back in, this time kissing Yoko deeply, his tongue slipping in past Yoko’s surprised lips.
Yoko was shocked - not just by the kiss, but by how much he liked and wanted it. He heard a moan and it took a moment to realize it was him. This was strange and new and scary, but Yoko liked it. A lot. Maru was a good kisser. He felt good on top of him. So he decided that maybe for once it was okay not to think about it. To just feel.
Maru wasn’t going to make fun of him. He was a willing and active participant in all of this too.
Maru pulled himself against Yoko and it was enough to make Yoko freeze and pull away. They were both enjoying it and Yoko was trying his hardest not to think about it, but when Maru pulled himself closer, he couldn’t ignore the fact that Maru was hard against him. “Umm...” Yoko trailed off. “I’ve never... with a guy...”
Maru smiled gently, in that soft way only Maru could, and Yoko felt instantly comforted. “It’s okay. We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with...”
Yoko nodded gratefully, beginning to feel a little awkward now that their moment had passed. But there was a question needling at the back of his mind now. “Have you...?”
“Hmm?” Maru hummed, tilting his head as he pulled himself off of Yoko’s lap. He didn’t want to rush things or make Yoko pull away. Not when he finally got him to admit his feelings.
“Been with a guy...” Yoko reiterated, staring at his glass on the table with newfound interest.
“Yeah...” Maru admitted easily.
“Oh...” Yoko said, unsure of what else to say.
“Let’s not talk about it if it makes you uncomfortable...” Maru suggested. The last thing he wanted was to scare Yoko away. He really did like Yoko. Liked him enough to risk making things awkward within the group. “I don’t expect anything from you. If you don’t want it to go any further than tonight, that’s okay. I like you a lot, but I understand if it’s not worth it to you, okay? So nothing to worry about...”
Yoko nodded. Maru was so nice. It was clear that Maru had feelings and that he really wanted more from Yoko. And yet Maru was so willing to put all of that aside for his sake. “Thanks.”
It grew silent. After a few minutes, Maru ventured conversation again. “So can we make it clear? What do you want to do?”
Yoko was finding it hard to look at Maru now. “I don’t know. This is all new to me,” he admitted. “I’ve never been with a guy. And definitely have never even thought about it...”
“I see...” Maru said, trying his hardest not to show disappointment.
“But I do like you, Maru. A lot...”
Maru perked up at that. Yoko had feelings for him, he just wasn’t sure if he could do it. “I can be patient,” he promised. “I won’t pressure you into anything. If it hits a point where you can’t do it and you’re too uncomfortable, than we can stop. But if we both like each other, it’s at least worth a try, right?”
Yoko couldn’t argue with that reasoning. He was also too embarrassed to meet Maru’s eyes so he stared at his hands as he asked, “Can we keep it private? Just between you and me for now?”
Maru nodded. “Of course!”
Yoko smiled. He could try. He liked Maru a lot and it was hard to deny there was something there. No one had ever made him question his sexuality before. He was Yokoyama Yuu. He liked gravure idols and boobs and hetero-porn! Everyone knew this! So it was strange to even think about, but he couldn’t deny what had just happened. He couldn’t deny how much he liked the way Maru’s lips and tongue felt on his. He couldn’t deny the feelings that had been steadily building over the past few months. Now that he’d admitted it out loud, he couldn’t deny that he really, really liked Maruyama Ryuhei.
As long as no one else knew, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Maru was willing to try and be patient with him and that was more than he could ever ask for. Yoko finally lifted his head and offered Maru a smile.
“One more kiss?” Maru asked with a goofy grin.
Yoko nodded, his face red as Maru leaned in towards him.
The phone rang and Yoko was surprised at how frustrating it was when Maru pulled away and picked it up. After a brief conversation he hung up. “Our time’s up...”
Yoko nodded and stood. He didn’t want things to get awkward, but he couldn’t help it as silence spread through the room again.
“Hey...” Maru grabbed Yoko by the wrist and pulled him close, sealing their lips in another kiss. “Don’t think about it so much, okay? I want you to be happy...”
Yoko smiled at that, blushing. He felt a little stupid for it. For the way the kiss and Maru’s words and especially the way Maru was gazing at him made him feel. But it was a pleasant feeling all the same. “Thanks...”
Maru nodded, and grabbed Yoko’s hand, holding it all the way until the elevator doors in the lobby opened. He let go only then, so that Yoko wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. “Are you going to take a cab home?” he asked after they’d paid and walked out onto the street.
“Yeah... you?” Yoko asked.
Maru nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
Yoko nodded in return.
Maru looked around quickly and leaned in to give Yoko another kiss. “See you then...” And then he climbed into a cab and was gone before Yoko even had a chance to feel embarrassed.
--------
The next day when Yoko arrived for work, he was glad that Maru made no sign to show that their relationship had changed. He took a seat, next to Maru, but that wasn’t anything unusual. A few minutes passed before Subaru finally spoke up, “So did you guys get to second base? Third?”
Yoko looked up, his eyes wide. “W-What?!”
Yet again everyonestopped what they were doing and looked up to watch the conversation.
“You know... after you guys kissed...” Subaru continued.
“Subaru!” Yasu scolded, feeling embarrassed for their friends.
Yoko sank down low, his face a shade of red that was new even for Yoko. And Maru’s face was pale. What was Subaru doing?! He was going to ruin everything!
“Relax...” Ryo finally piped up. “We already know you two like each other. Besides, Subaru sent us the video, so you don’t have to hide anything...”
“VIDEO!?” both Maru and Yoko shouted at the same time.
Subaru pulled out his phone and held it up for them to see. “Yeah... look...” he pressed play and a video, clearly showing Maru and Yoko kissing started to play.
“You sent this to all of them?!” Yoko asked incredulously. Subaru was known to do some pretty asshole things, but this was a new low!
“Me too...” one of the managers raised his hand.
“And me...” said the wardrobe lady.
“Subaru! What the hell!” Yoko bellowed.
Subaru just cackled, almost maniacally, at Yoko’s anger.
Maru frowned. Subaru had just single-handedly ruined everything! There was no way Yoko would be willing to try now that everything was out in the open.
“Oh would you relax?” Subaru sighed when no one else found the situation funny. “Raise your hand if you knew that these two liked each other...”
Every hand in the room shot up, even a caterer setting up bentos that everyone was sure they’d never even seen before. “See?” Subaru said. “No one cares...” He sidled up to Yasu and dropped a hand to squeeze his lovers’ butt. “Just like none of you were surprised or even cared about me and this shrimp-man...”
“Hey!” Yasu pouted at the insulted and swatted Subaru’s hand away.
Yoko and Maru exchanged a look and Maru asked, trying to break the tension, “Want me to grab your butt?”
Yoko gave him a look and scooted away. “Ew no... go away...” he said in his usual tone, glad when Maru didn’t take it personally and just smiled. When Yoko looked up again, everyone had gone back to what they were doing, paying no mind to what had just happened.
Maru took that as an opportunity to lean over and give Yoko a quick kiss.
Subaru watched, from the corner of his eye with a smug look on his face. Yasu stood next to him, watching and rolling his eyes at his boyfriend. “Stop being so smug...”
“Who should I work my magic on next? Hina and the makeup lady?” Subaru asked, a familiar gleam entering his eyes as he looked around the room.
Yasu groaned, mumbling under his breath, “Here we go again...”
Pairing/Characters: Yoko/Maru, slight Yasuba
Rating: PG-13
Notes: Hopefully it’s got enough cute and awkward for you! I hope you enjoy the fic!
Summary: Yoko and Maru like each other. Subaru decides to play matchmaker. Based on the story from EightxEighter MC where Subaru says he made a video of Yoko/Maru kissing.
Subaru prided himself on the fact that he was a 'master' when it came to things like relationships and sex. Maruyama Ryuhei had a crush. A rather obvious one that he seemed either incapable of or unwilling to even try to hide. Of course, Subaru thought it was cute. Maru was cute. The fact that Maru's crush was aimed at one of his best friends only made the situation even more amusing and adorable to Subaru.
Although it was obvious to everyone in the group -- hell, even the fans -- that Maru had a crush on Yokoyama You, it was probably less obvious to everyone that Yoko seemed to return the feelings.
"You're crazy..." Yasu had told him when he'd explained his theory.
Subaru knew he wasn't crazy! He could see it in Yoko's eyes. The way they glimmered every time he ran away from Maru. The way his cheeks pinkened encouragingly, wantonly, every time Maru touched him. He could especially see it in the way Yoko would let Maru rest his head on his shoulder or hug him on rare occasions -- as though his body and mind were tired of protesting something he so clearly wanted. Subaru knew Yoko better than pretty much anyone else. Yoko was shy, couldn't express his affection easily. That was why he ran, why he protested, why he blushed at Maru's advances. It had nothing to do with not being interested! Subaru knew that he must be, otherwise he wouldn't let his guard down and allow Maru's affections.
"Subaru, don't interfere!" Yasu had warned him. Begged him. Pleaded. "You're going to make things awkward!"
Yasu was right on some level. Subaru knew if he didn't approach things carefully, Yoko would freak out and make things in the group uncomfortable. He decided to ease into it, start out sneaky. That was Subaru's style. “No dating in the group!” He would spout whenever he had the chance, always watching Yoko out of the corner of his eye for a reaction. He'd repeated it dozens of times, all receiving different reactions - a laugh, an eye roll, silence, disinterest. Until the day he finally saw what he was waiting for; that blush on Yoko's face showed him everything he needed to know.
The blush that said Yoko had, in fact, entertained ideas about dating one of the members. Subaru gave him a knowing smirk that only made his friend blush harder.
That same night, Subaru paced back and forth in front of the sofa at Yasu's house. “So here's the plan... you work on Maru and I'll work on Yoko...”
Yasu shook his head and set aside the guitar on his lap. “No, Subaru! I don't want any part of this!”
“You know Maru better, so I figure you'd be better at easing him into the idea. Besides, I think he'll be the easy one to convince, so you won't mess it up...” Subaru continued on, as though Yasu hadn't protested at all.
“Subaru. I'm not helping you with this,” Yasu said, slightly more stern this time. And then added, “But if I were, I wouldn't mess it up!”
Subaru hid a smirk as he turned to give Yasu a pointed look. “Come on, Yasu... we both know you'd somehow manage to screw it up...”
Yasu narrowed his eyes and Subaru knew he'd pushed too far. “You're trying to goad me into doing this, aren't you?”
Subaru couldn't hide his smile and shrugged. “It was worth a try...”
The other man picked up his guitar again and proceeded to ignore Subaru.
“It's fine if you don't want to help. I can do it on my own,” Subaru said as nonchalantly as possible.
Yasu was listening, but Subaru could tell from the look on his face that he wasn't going to give in so easily. Yasu had been played by Subaru enough times to know when he was being played.
Subaru would have to pull out the big guns; charm the sappy romantic in Yasu. He plopped down on the couch and wrapped his arms around Yasu's shoulders, staring up at him with big eyes. “I just want them to be as happy as us, that's all.” He kissed Yasu's cheek and rested his chin on the other man's shoulder. “Is that such a bad thing?” he asked in the sweetest tone he could manage.
Yasu sighed and put the guitar aside again. “Subaru...”
Yasu was being a tough audience tonight! “What if Yoko thinks Maru is as cute as I think you are? What if Maru thinks Yoko is as sexy as you find me?” That earned him an eye roll. “What if the potential is there for Yoko to love Maru as much as I love you? To make him feel as good as I make you feel...” He slipped his hand down to Yasu's lap.
Yasu's cheeks pinkened and he relaxed against the couch, spreading his legs to welcome Subaru's touch. “O-okay...” he mumbled as Subaru's hand caressed his thigh.
“Okay what?” Subaru asked with a smirk as his hand found the tent growing in Yasu's pants.
“I'll help...” he panted, squirming against the couch.
Subaru grinned and kissed Yasu's cheek. “You're so easy...” he said, deciding to give Yasu a reward for being so cooperative.
--------
And so the next day, the mission to get Yoko and Maru together began. It seemed almost too easy when they walked into the dressing room to find Yoko, sitting next to Maru, watching silently as he acted out some kind of gag for Ohkura. Yoko's face was inscrutable. It was a face Subaru knew well. It was the face Yoko wore every time he was trying to keep his emotions in check.
Ohkura burst out laughing at Maru, yet again. The vein in Yoko's forehead was practically twitching. He wanted Maru's attention, badly. It was driving him crazy that Maru was doing this all for Ohkura. Ohkura and his stupid laugh from his stupid behemoth body. Yoko had to concentrate all his effort on not scowling. On not shouting to Maru, 'Pay attention to me!'
Yoko slumped back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. Maru wasn't even being that funny! Why was Ohkura laughing so much!?
Subaru plopped down in the chair next to Yoko. “Something wrong?”
“No!” Yoko said, though it was obviously a lie. His gaze shifted over to Maru again.
“No? You look kinda grumpy... that's all...”
That made Yoko straighten up. He didn't want anyone to know what he was feeling. How embarrassing would it be if they knew that he was craving Maru's attention!? They'd never let him live it down!
“Just tired.”
Yasu shifted, deciding to throw himself into the conversation. “Maru! Why don't you show Yoko that thing?”
Maru paused and looked up at Yasu, his brows furrowed in confusion. “What thing?”
Yasu's face turned a little red. “You know... that thing you do... that's funny...”
Maru tilted his head in confusion. He had no idea what Yasu was talking about. He looked over at Yoko.
Yoko quickly looked away from Maru, his face turning bright red. He knew that Subaru had figured out his feelings. That didn’t surprise him. He wasn’t stupid... he knew that Subaru had been dropping hints left and right about him and Maru.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Yasu...” Maru said again.
“Just...” Yasu sighed in frustration. Subaru was right. He was screwing up already. “Do a gag for Yokocho!”
The attention of everyone in the room was caught between Yoko, Maru and Yasu now. Ryo had put aside the script he was reading and Hina had momentarily stopped brushing his teeth. Even the manager looked up from his phone call. The room grew silent.
And then Maru pulled his chair so close to Yoko’s that he was practically on top of him and threw his arms around Yoko before leaning in for a kiss.
Yoko’s eyes grew wide and he tried to squirm away from Maru, knocking Subaru and his chair over in the process. Ohkura burst out laughing again at the situation, even harder when Yoko finally managed to push Maru away. “Maru! What the hell?!”
Maru made a goofy face, blabbering something that definitely wasn’t Japanese, and then smiled at Yoko. He pulled his chair away from Yoko again, still smiling brightly.
Yoko’s face was bright red as he stood up. What the hell was that?! Why was Maru always doing stuff like that? Everyone was watching! He felt like an idiot. Yoko pulled out his phone and pretended to be busy with it as he walked to the other side of the room. Luckily, that was enough to draw the attention away from him.
Subaru stood up and stalked over to Yasu. He smacked the shorter man over the head. “You’re not allowed to help anymore!”
--------
By the end of the day, the events from the morning had been long forgotten. No one had remembered how embarrassed Yoko had been, and for that he was grateful. “Do you want to go out for dinner?” Subaru asked as they were getting ready to leave for the night.
Yoko hesitated. He really just wanted to go home and forget about the day. But he knew Subaru was lonely. Yasu was long gone with Ohkura and Yoko knew that if he didn’t go out to eat with Subaru, his best friend would probably just skip dinner altogether. “Fine. If you pay...”
“Sure.” Subaru didn’t mind.
“Are you ready, Subaru?” Maru asked as he joined the pair.
Yoko spluttered. Maru was coming too!? Great... he should have known that Subaru was trying to trick him somehow. Typical.
“I invited Yoko. You don’t mind, do you, Maru?” Subaru asked with a small smile.
“Nope!” Just to prove it, Maru bounced over to Yoko and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
Yoko lowered his head, starting to feel embarrassed again. Why did Maru always make him feel like this? Why did he always have to come on so strong?
Subaru could sense that Yoko was getting a little moody so he stepped on the other side of Maru and pretended like nothing was happening. He knew that Yoko must like Maru’s attention. Just not all of the attention that Maru doing it seemed to bring. So he was going to pay it no mind tonight.
He led them out of the building and down the street, stopping at the first restaurant that looked quiet and out of the way. He was quick to enter and arrange a spot so that Yoko and Maru would have to sit side by side.
Yoko looked nervous, uncomfortable, but luckily Maru was at ease and slid into the booth next to Yoko. He picked up a menu and opened it, scooting a little closer to Yoko so that they could share it.
Subaru grabbed his own menu and opened it, glancing up every so often to watch them interact. Yoko was sitting up straight, his body stiff and Subaru sighed. Nothing good was going to happen if Yoko couldn’t relax. He waved the waitress over. “Can we get some beers? 3 please...”
Subaru made sure to keep the alcohol coming. Luckily it was making Maru goofier and Yoko more relaxed. By the time they’d finished eating and were letting their food settle, Maru was resting his head on Yoko’s shoulder and Yoko’s body was slumped back against the leather booth.
Yoko reached up and patted Maru’s hair. “Fluffy...” he commented, clearly drunk.
Subaru snickered and took another sip of beer while Maru grinned up at Yoko.
“Too cute,” Yoko slurred, unable to handle that smile... those dimples. He blushed again. Not even the alcohol was enough to get him to let go of all his inhibitions.
“Let’s do karaoke...” Subaru suggested, taking note that Yoko still had his walls up.
“Okay!” Maru lifted his head off of Yoko’s shoulder and scooted out of the booth, pulling Yoko along with him.
Subaru paid the bill at the register and led the small group to the nearest karaoke studio. He paid for a room, whispering to the cashier to give them the most private one available and then led his friends to the elevator and up to their room. He sat down and grabbed the menu, immediately ordering more drinks, this time something stronger than beer.
“Subaru,” Yoko whined. “We have work tomorrow...”
Subaru shrugged after putting the menu away. “It’s fine. Don’t worry. Just relax and have fun...”
“Let’s sing together, Yoko...” Maru suggested, grabbing the remote and searching for a good song.
“Nothing English...” Yoko mumbled, looking over Maru’s shoulder at the screen.
“Okay...” Maru said. “Korean then...”
Subaru rolled his eyes. For someone who claimed to be so M, Maru certainly knew how to push all of Yoko’s buttons.
“Maru...” Yoko whined again, taking away the machine and looking up a song on his own. “I’ll pick then...”
Maru smiled and let Yoko take the machine from him, reaching over to grab the microphones. When Yoko had picked out a song, he handed a mic to him and scooted closer, throwing an arm around Yoko.
As they sang, the drinks arrived and Subaru immediately ordered another round. Yoko was loosening up finally and he wanted to encourage more. He set the drinks down in front of his friends and when they finished, Yoko cleared his throat and took a big gulp of his drink, coughing a little at the strength.
“Sing another one...” Subaru encouraged, leaning back to watch the pair.
“Okay!” Maru said, grabbing the machine and looking through the songs.
“You sing with him,” Yoko said to Subaru, taking another longer drink from his glass.
“But I like Yoko best,” Maru pouted with puppy dog eyes. This time he situated himself on Yoko’s lap.
“OI!” Yoko tried pushing Maru off. “You’re heavy!”
Maru wasn’t listening. He leaned forward and gave Yoko a peck on the lips. “Nope!”
Both Yoko and Subaru’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?!” Yoko asked, pulling his face away at lightning speed.
“Giving you a kiss!” Maru said. “You’re so cute!”
Yoko’s face was bright red and neither he nor Maru noticed as Subaru pulled out his phone.
“See? You’re being cute again! Your face is all red!” Maru pointed out.
“Because you’re embarrassing me! Get off my lap!”
Maru laughed. “Why? Don’t you like me?”
“I... that’s...” Yoko’s face turned even more red if possible. “Why are you always doing this? Stop chasing me around and embarrassing me!”
Maru pouted. “You don’t like it?” He frowned. He knew that it embarrassed Yoko, but he’d always figured that Yoko secretly liked the attention, that he liked being chased after.
“That’s besides the point!” Yoko shouted childishly.
“So you do?” Maru smiled.
Yoko didn’t say anything, just crossed his arms over his chest. After a few minutes, he kicked his legs like a five year old. “Get off!”
Maru grinned and leaned forward, kissing Yoko again. This time his lips lingered longer and Maru’s tongue darted out, only slightly, to get a taste of Yoko’s lips. When he pulled away, Yoko’s eyes were wide and he was frozen in place.
“Something just came up,” Subaru said, standing and shoving his phone in his pocket. He knew when to take his leave and give them some privacy. “I’ll see you tomorrow!” He waved and walked quickly from the room.
In the elevator, he pulled out his phone, attaching a file. ‘Shisho strikes again...’ he wrote in the message and with a smile sent it off to Yasu.
Neither Maru nor Yoko seemed to register Subaru’s exit. They were both staring at each other, Yoko in shock and Maru in amusement. “I like you, Yoko...” Maru said, blushing a little this time.
Yoko blinked. “I like you too...” As soon as the words left his mouth, he froze again, a little shocked at admitting it so easily. But then Maru was smiling so brightly that Yoko had to blink against it. It was comforting though, to have put his feelings out there and still see that same old smile. Maru liked him too, so it was okay, right?
Yoko was surprised to find himself smiling in return. This wasn’t so bad. It was almost a relief. Yoko actually felt happy.
“Can I kiss you again?” Maru asked, his eyes darting down to Yoko’s lips.
Yoko nodded, his eyes already fixed on Maru’s lips. He leaned in towards Maru, subconsciously waiting for it and as soon as their lips connected, Yoko’s eyes drifted shut. This time, he brought his hands up to Maru’s shoulders, resting them there. This was his first time really kissing a boy. He’d had a few girlfriends in the past, so it wasn’t like he was new to this feeling.
And he was comfortable with Maru for the most part. There were the moments that Maru made him feel awkward, where he wanted to run away, but he’d always been like that with every person he liked. This was Maru. Someone he’d known closely for ten years.
If he thought about it that way, it was strange and scary. He hadn’t always felt this way about Maru. Only recently, ever since Maru had set his sights on him, gone out of his way to chase him, harass him, molest him even. But maybe that’s why Yoko liked him. Because of all the attention. He felt like Maru liked him, wanted to be around him. It was comforting.
Slowly, his arms wound around Maru’s neck and he almost sighed into the kiss. It felt nice.
Maru shifted on Yoko’s lap, turning to straddle him so that they could face each other fully. He had to break the kiss to do so. When he settled onto Yoko’s lap comfortably, he dove back in, this time kissing Yoko deeply, his tongue slipping in past Yoko’s surprised lips.
Yoko was shocked - not just by the kiss, but by how much he liked and wanted it. He heard a moan and it took a moment to realize it was him. This was strange and new and scary, but Yoko liked it. A lot. Maru was a good kisser. He felt good on top of him. So he decided that maybe for once it was okay not to think about it. To just feel.
Maru wasn’t going to make fun of him. He was a willing and active participant in all of this too.
Maru pulled himself against Yoko and it was enough to make Yoko freeze and pull away. They were both enjoying it and Yoko was trying his hardest not to think about it, but when Maru pulled himself closer, he couldn’t ignore the fact that Maru was hard against him. “Umm...” Yoko trailed off. “I’ve never... with a guy...”
Maru smiled gently, in that soft way only Maru could, and Yoko felt instantly comforted. “It’s okay. We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with...”
Yoko nodded gratefully, beginning to feel a little awkward now that their moment had passed. But there was a question needling at the back of his mind now. “Have you...?”
“Hmm?” Maru hummed, tilting his head as he pulled himself off of Yoko’s lap. He didn’t want to rush things or make Yoko pull away. Not when he finally got him to admit his feelings.
“Been with a guy...” Yoko reiterated, staring at his glass on the table with newfound interest.
“Yeah...” Maru admitted easily.
“Oh...” Yoko said, unsure of what else to say.
“Let’s not talk about it if it makes you uncomfortable...” Maru suggested. The last thing he wanted was to scare Yoko away. He really did like Yoko. Liked him enough to risk making things awkward within the group. “I don’t expect anything from you. If you don’t want it to go any further than tonight, that’s okay. I like you a lot, but I understand if it’s not worth it to you, okay? So nothing to worry about...”
Yoko nodded. Maru was so nice. It was clear that Maru had feelings and that he really wanted more from Yoko. And yet Maru was so willing to put all of that aside for his sake. “Thanks.”
It grew silent. After a few minutes, Maru ventured conversation again. “So can we make it clear? What do you want to do?”
Yoko was finding it hard to look at Maru now. “I don’t know. This is all new to me,” he admitted. “I’ve never been with a guy. And definitely have never even thought about it...”
“I see...” Maru said, trying his hardest not to show disappointment.
“But I do like you, Maru. A lot...”
Maru perked up at that. Yoko had feelings for him, he just wasn’t sure if he could do it. “I can be patient,” he promised. “I won’t pressure you into anything. If it hits a point where you can’t do it and you’re too uncomfortable, than we can stop. But if we both like each other, it’s at least worth a try, right?”
Yoko couldn’t argue with that reasoning. He was also too embarrassed to meet Maru’s eyes so he stared at his hands as he asked, “Can we keep it private? Just between you and me for now?”
Maru nodded. “Of course!”
Yoko smiled. He could try. He liked Maru a lot and it was hard to deny there was something there. No one had ever made him question his sexuality before. He was Yokoyama Yuu. He liked gravure idols and boobs and hetero-porn! Everyone knew this! So it was strange to even think about, but he couldn’t deny what had just happened. He couldn’t deny how much he liked the way Maru’s lips and tongue felt on his. He couldn’t deny the feelings that had been steadily building over the past few months. Now that he’d admitted it out loud, he couldn’t deny that he really, really liked Maruyama Ryuhei.
As long as no one else knew, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Maru was willing to try and be patient with him and that was more than he could ever ask for. Yoko finally lifted his head and offered Maru a smile.
“One more kiss?” Maru asked with a goofy grin.
Yoko nodded, his face red as Maru leaned in towards him.
The phone rang and Yoko was surprised at how frustrating it was when Maru pulled away and picked it up. After a brief conversation he hung up. “Our time’s up...”
Yoko nodded and stood. He didn’t want things to get awkward, but he couldn’t help it as silence spread through the room again.
“Hey...” Maru grabbed Yoko by the wrist and pulled him close, sealing their lips in another kiss. “Don’t think about it so much, okay? I want you to be happy...”
Yoko smiled at that, blushing. He felt a little stupid for it. For the way the kiss and Maru’s words and especially the way Maru was gazing at him made him feel. But it was a pleasant feeling all the same. “Thanks...”
Maru nodded, and grabbed Yoko’s hand, holding it all the way until the elevator doors in the lobby opened. He let go only then, so that Yoko wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. “Are you going to take a cab home?” he asked after they’d paid and walked out onto the street.
“Yeah... you?” Yoko asked.
Maru nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
Yoko nodded in return.
Maru looked around quickly and leaned in to give Yoko another kiss. “See you then...” And then he climbed into a cab and was gone before Yoko even had a chance to feel embarrassed.
--------
The next day when Yoko arrived for work, he was glad that Maru made no sign to show that their relationship had changed. He took a seat, next to Maru, but that wasn’t anything unusual. A few minutes passed before Subaru finally spoke up, “So did you guys get to second base? Third?”
Yoko looked up, his eyes wide. “W-What?!”
Yet again everyonestopped what they were doing and looked up to watch the conversation.
“You know... after you guys kissed...” Subaru continued.
“Subaru!” Yasu scolded, feeling embarrassed for their friends.
Yoko sank down low, his face a shade of red that was new even for Yoko. And Maru’s face was pale. What was Subaru doing?! He was going to ruin everything!
“Relax...” Ryo finally piped up. “We already know you two like each other. Besides, Subaru sent us the video, so you don’t have to hide anything...”
“VIDEO!?” both Maru and Yoko shouted at the same time.
Subaru pulled out his phone and held it up for them to see. “Yeah... look...” he pressed play and a video, clearly showing Maru and Yoko kissing started to play.
“You sent this to all of them?!” Yoko asked incredulously. Subaru was known to do some pretty asshole things, but this was a new low!
“Me too...” one of the managers raised his hand.
“And me...” said the wardrobe lady.
“Subaru! What the hell!” Yoko bellowed.
Subaru just cackled, almost maniacally, at Yoko’s anger.
Maru frowned. Subaru had just single-handedly ruined everything! There was no way Yoko would be willing to try now that everything was out in the open.
“Oh would you relax?” Subaru sighed when no one else found the situation funny. “Raise your hand if you knew that these two liked each other...”
Every hand in the room shot up, even a caterer setting up bentos that everyone was sure they’d never even seen before. “See?” Subaru said. “No one cares...” He sidled up to Yasu and dropped a hand to squeeze his lovers’ butt. “Just like none of you were surprised or even cared about me and this shrimp-man...”
“Hey!” Yasu pouted at the insulted and swatted Subaru’s hand away.
Yoko and Maru exchanged a look and Maru asked, trying to break the tension, “Want me to grab your butt?”
Yoko gave him a look and scooted away. “Ew no... go away...” he said in his usual tone, glad when Maru didn’t take it personally and just smiled. When Yoko looked up again, everyone had gone back to what they were doing, paying no mind to what had just happened.
Maru took that as an opportunity to lean over and give Yoko a quick kiss.
Subaru watched, from the corner of his eye with a smug look on his face. Yasu stood next to him, watching and rolling his eyes at his boyfriend. “Stop being so smug...”
“Who should I work my magic on next? Hina and the makeup lady?” Subaru asked, a familiar gleam entering his eyes as he looked around the room.
Yasu groaned, mumbling under his breath, “Here we go again...”