[Multi-chapter] Change (26/29)
Title: Change
Authors: syunikiss1990
Bet: andreja1989 ArigaPYON~!
Pairing: SakurAiba, Aimiya (friendship), Yama (friendship), Junba (friendship)
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama, School
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: They are not ours, they belong to themselves...
*MASTERPOST*
Sakurai was acting weird lately. Aiba could feel something was bothering him but he didn't ask. He assumed it would have to do something with his therapy and his graduation coming closer. A few weeks had passed since the night it almost went wrong but Sakurai had started to become ridiculously careful. That night had also been the last night he went to Sakurai's apartment because of some mysterious way the older boy didn't want him there anymore. He hadn't said it like that but he wasn't blind. One night Aiba was sick of it as Sakurai was sitting absentminded in his bedroom again and he sat down on his boyfriends lap, facing him with an angry pout on his face.
"Spill it." He said mockingly, getting the older boy out of his daze who looked at him surprised. Automatically the smaller boy's arms went around Aiba's waist but Aiba kept a strong mind and refused to give in to any of the touches.
"Spill it Sho-chan." Aiba repeated, getting a confused look from Sakurai.
"Spill what?"
"What is bothering you? You are too careful, absentminded, ignore me and I'm sick of it." The older boy sighed and wrapped his arms tighter around Aiba's waist, hiding his face in his chest, mumbling something the taller boy didn't get. Patiently he waited until his boyfriend sighed and looked up again.
"If I would have to go to Kobe would you still stay with me? Even though we would be far apart?" Sho asked softly, making Aiba frown but quickly his face softened.
"Of course Sho-chan. But why do you ask? You want to move to Kobe?"
"No but... maybe I’ll have to. I don't know what I have to do. I can't go to University because I don't have money for that and I'll have to start looking for a job. It will be hard here and maybe it would be easier in Kobe. On top of that, I still need to visit that woman and have to take therapy and train tickets aren't cheap. Maybe I'll have no choice. And to make it even worse, I can't stay in my apartment since they found out where I live so it won't be safe to stay there." The older boy sighed deeply.
"I just can't figure out what to do. Graduation is only a month away and after that I'll need to decide. I don't want to lose you and I'm afraid I will when I have to move to that place. Long distance relationships don't work." Aiba smiled sweetly.
"If you have to we will make it work, don't worry about that okay? You need to do what you have to do and no matter what it is, I will support you. And it's not even sure a long distance relationship wouldn't work, it can work for us right?"
"You make it sound so easy. And almost like you want me to go there..." Sho pouted, making Aiba shake his head quickly.
"It's not like that Sho-chan. I want you to stay here but I understand that might be too hard. I just wanted you to know that no matter what, I'll stay with you."
"Thank you Masaki." Aiba smiled when Sho pecked him softly.
"No, thank you Sho-chan, for finally telling me what is bothering you. I was worried you know, I thought it was something I did."
"Of course not." Aiba sighed contently and snuggled closer to the smaller boy. They stayed like that for a while, the younger boy listening to his boyfriend's heartbeat which slowly calmed down.
"Want to stay here tonight?" He suddenly asked, thinking back about what Sho had said a while ago. For a moment the older boy seemed to consider his offer but then he could feel him shaking his head.
"I don't have anything with me and we need to go to school tomorrow."
"You can borrow a shirt of mine and we have a spare toothbrush somewhere so you don't need anything right? It would make me feel better if you would stay." Masaki looked sweetly at his boyfriend, making sure to make his look as irresistible as possible. He knew how weak Sho could be for his puppy eyes. Sho smiled but gently pushed the taller boy off him.
"Okay, but just sleeping. Not what you have in your mind right now." Masaki pouted but agreed, starting to feel tired anyway. After making sure his parents were okay with it Masaki found himself in the older boys arms not too long after, smiling and feeling happy and proud for Sho making more and more progress with opening up but at the same time anxious what would happen if Sho would have to move to Kobe.
***
Graduation came too soon. The school held a big graduation ceremony where every class had do attend to. Masaki watched Sho with a wide smile when it was his turn to get on stage. He could see the older boy’s eyes scan the hall, searching for him and he sat up, seeing the older boys face brighten when he spotted his boyfriend. After receiving his diploma the hall stayed silent, in complete contrast to all the other graduates who had received a big applause. Sho's smile didn't waver as he slowly made his way back but looked up surprised when someone clapped, soon joined by several others. Masaki saw their school doctor, who had started to clap, winked to the older boy, giving him a thumbs up. The rest of the ceremony didn't interest Masaki at all, he only watched his boyfriend who stared at him as well, the smile still on his face. As soon as the ceremony was over everyone scattered around, congratulating the graduating students and slowly making their way to the big gym where a big party would be held. Masaki slipped through the crowd, quickly finding his boyfriend and dragging him to a safe and private spot outside the hall.
"Congratulations." He said softly before kissing Sho and pulling him in a tight hug. He could feel the older boy’s smile against his lips as he was pulled even closer.
"Do you want to go to the party?" Masaki asked as they pulled apart. Sho frowned.
"I... It's better if I wouldn't go. But you can go if you want to, I'll just see you later then."
"I already thought you would say that. I told my mother you are graduating and because of circumstances your mother couldn't be here she insisted I would bring you home for dinner." He softly giggled at Sho's surprised look. Not long after he was pulled in a tight embrace again.
"Thank you Masaki." The older boy mumbled. Masaki wanted to say something but he was cut off by his boyfriend's lips.
"I... I want to give you something. Don't look." A bit surprised Masaki followed the command that followed to close his eyes, wondering what Sho was talking about. He could feel one of his hands being lifted and not long after something was placed in his palm. When his palm was closed again Sho softly said he could open his eyes again. Looking at the older boy Masaki saw a bright red blush on his cheeks as Sho lowered his eyes. Curiously the younger boy opened his hand, seeing a small golden button lying in it. His heart started to beat even louder when he looked at the older boy again, seeing the second button on his uniform missing.
"Who would have thought a monster like you would have such a small heart. That is a really cheeky gesture Sakurai." The two of them turned towards the voice that shamelessly interrupted their moment. Masaki frowned as his former friend stepped away from the wall he was leaning against not too far away from them. It made him wonder how long he had been watching them but at the same time he felt annoyed the small boy had ruined Sho's sweet moment.
"What do you want Nino?" He asked, maybe a bit more harshly that he should but he didn't really care. It was the younger boy who had ended their friendship so there was no reason for him to worry about that. The smallest boy clicked his tongue, slowly coming closer.
"I want to talk to you." Aiba's mouth almost fell open with surprise. Ever since their last fight at Nino's home the smaller boy had always avoided Aiba's attempts to talk but now he was coming to him. Not sure what to do he turned to Sakurai who pulled up his shoulders as he had no clue what was going on as well.
"Could you leave us for a moment?" Nino asked the oldest boy sweetly, frowning when he didn't listen right away. The lovers exchanged a glace before the older one finally nodded.
"I'll be close okay?" Sho said softly, kissing Masaki on his cheek and with a last look on the smallest boy he turned around. The two former friends watched him go before Nino sighed.
"Overprotective bastard."
"Shut up Nino. If you are only going to try to break us apart you can leave. I won't listen to that."
"I'm not here for that. I watched you closely for a while even though I didn't want to. But I have to admit I was still worried so I couldn't help it. Anyway, I noticed something I never expected and even though I still don't forgive him for what he did, I can see he is trying his hardest for you now. Okay, he is overprotective and strange but he cares for you." Masaki looked at his friend, not really sure if he was following what Nino was saying.
"I won't say I was wrong since I still believe it's not normal for you two to get back together after what happened but if you two managed to find a way to work it out then who am I to say you shouldn't be together. So... friends?" The smaller boy held out his hand but instead Masaki leaped forward to hug his friend.
"I know you would come around someday. I missed you Nino-chan." Masaki gave the smaller boy one of his beaming smiles.
"Don't get too excited, I'm still not happy with this relationship. I still believe it's just a matter of time before it goes wrong again."
"It won't Nino. Sho is trying his best to change. He goes to Kobe every week for therapy and even though it's hard for him he is slowly making progress." Nino looked at him and nodded slowly.
"I hope you are right. Anyway, the real reason I'm here is because I need to finish that last game we started and I need you to help me." Masaki's grin widened even more before he started to tickle the boy in front of him.
"Why don't you just admit you missed me too?" The smaller boy squealed and tried to get out of Masaki's reach but failed miserably. When Masaki felt two arms around his waist he suddenly stopped, leaning back against the body behind him.
"Is everything okay?" Sho whispered softly in his ear as they both watched Nino straightening up again. Masaki smiled and turned around.
"Couldn't be better." Sho smiled and even though he looked at the smallest man with a small flash of jealousy in his eyes for a second he nodded.
"Perfect, I'm happy for you."
"What are you two whispering?" Nino asked slightly irritated but with a smile on his face. Masaki turned back to him and grinned, not saying anything. The youngest boy rolled his eyes but didn't ask further, realizing it probably wouldn't work anyway.
"So, shall we go to the party?" Nino asked instead. The pair looked at each other before Masaki smiled apologetic.
"I'm sorry Nino, we have other plans. But you should go, I'll call you tomorrow set a date to finish that game?"
"As long as it's not before noon." Nino smiled and patted his friends shoulder before running off to the party.
"A date?" Sho asked as soon as Nino was out of sight, making Masaki tense up. He didn't think about his choice of words but now that he thought about it, it would have been wrong to call it that in front of Sho. But when he turned around to look at his boyfriend he saw a big grin on his face. The taller boy pouted.
"Not funny Sho-chan."
"I'm sorry" The older boy leaned in to kiss his pout away. "Shall we go?" Masaki nodded and grabbed his boyfriend's hand, slowly making their way out of school. The spring sun warmed their faces on their way to Masaki's house and even though the younger boy was happy he had his childhood friend back, a cold feeling settled in his heart as he knew Sho's decision what he would do and where he would go was very close now. And he couldn't help to feel nervous about it, silently hoping he could stay close even though he knew that might be impossible.