[Fic] Only You, PG-13, Chap 9
Title : Only You
Author : nichiya
Fandom : NEWS
Pairing : RyoTego, RyoShige, TegoPi
Rating : PG-13
Genre : AU Romance
A/N : this is the final chapter of this story, sorry for the rush plot and if i missed details once again T_T
Beta-ed by : snowy_yuki , she made my fic readable, arigachu dear!
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9
Chapter 9
A year has passed, so fast that Ryo didn’t realize it. A year of loneliness. A year of sadness. It’s been a year since the person he cared so much had passed away before his own eyes, in his embraces and his very rare endless cries. He looked at the grave in front of him with sorrow gaze. How many times he read the writings on the tombstone, it was still the same. It had never changed.
Here lies our beloved son,
Kato Shigeaki
Born : Osaka, 11th July 1987
R.I.P : Tokyo, 24th December 2007
His memories will always stay in our hearts
How he wished he could change the writings with someone else’s name, someone he barely knew. But it’s impossible. Shige lost his battle against leukemia on Christmas’ eve. Ironic, wasn't it. The day which is supposed to be the happiest day for couples became the worst day in Ryo’s life.
"You lied, Shige," Ryo whispered into thin air, eyes never left Shige's name, "You said you would spend Christmas with me." A single tear dropped on Shige's tombstone. Ryo rubbed his eyes hastily.
On the younger’s last day, his parents allowed him to talk to Shige for the last time. They knew their son would leave them anytime soon. However they were thankful God had given Shige to them to be raised even for only 20 years. They were ready to let him go because that way their son would be away from his pain. They've watched Ryo holding Shige’s hand tightly as if the latter would stay if the older never let go that hands.
Yamapi was also presented as Shige's parents finally able to contact him. The conversation that he was about to hear would shock him to his limit but he couldn’t blame anyone. It was not Ryo’s fault if he fallen in love with 2 people at the same time. Not even anyone faults at all. Love is just strange sometimes. Always. Yes, love is always strange.
“Ryo … I am sorry.” mumbled Shige under his breath.
“Baka, why saying sorry?”
“I’m sorry for stealing your happiness with Yucchan.”
“Don’t say such things!”
“I know you still love him deeply, Ryo. I’m sorry for being selfish.”
“Tegoshi is my past, Shige. I’m yours now.”
“I’m happy to spend wonderful time with you until today."
"Don't say that. We still have a date later. It's Christmas Eve, you know."
"I know," Shige nodded.
"We would spend tonight together. Don't you dare ditching me tonight, Shige."
"I won't," Shige smiled small, "I love you. I’m happy to love someone like you.”
“Your happiness is also my happiness, I love you too.”
“Thank you, Ryo. I feel blessed that you ever loved me, Ryo."
"I still love you now."
"I know. But promise me one thing?”
“No.”
"Ryo!"
"No. I refuse."
"Ryo, please."
Ryo held his lover's hands tightly and kissed them deeply. Tears flooded his cheeks. He kept shaking his head, refusing saying yes to Shige's question. Shige moved his hands and brushed away the older's tears.
"Ryo, please."
"If I say yes, you would leave me."
"No, I wouldn't leave you. I'd still be with you. Here." Shige pointed Ryo's heart. Ryo cried harder.
"Ryo, please."
Ryo nodded faintly.
“Promise me you will find Yucchan and give him happiness," Shige whispered.
Ryo didn't answer and kept kissing his lover's hands.
"Ryo, promise me." Ryo was still silent.
"Ryo." Shige brushed his older lover's cheek softly.
"Yes, I promise," mumbled Ryo.
Satisfied with the older's answer, he smiled so soft and slowly closed his eyes.
"Shige.. Shige.. don't close your eyes please. We still have a date."
"I'm only going to sleep for a while, Ryo." The younger struggled to open his eyes and whispered softly. "I feel tired now. Let me sleep for a while."
And that was Shige’s last words ever as he never opened his eyes anymore after that. He died peacefully and a smile was on his face. Shige has already found his eternal happiness. He had no regrets. He had a nice family, loving parents, friends and boyfriend around him. Shige couldn’t ask for more. He died in peace at age of 20.
***
Ryo still stood in front of Shige’s grave before he noticed taps of shoes coming in his way. He turned to his left and saw Yamapi walked towards him with someone followed him behind. Someone familiar. Tegoshi? Was he hallucinating? When did they get back together?
Yamapi saw him and smiled. He didn’t change much, his black short neat hairstyle made him looked more mature. His body covered the small figure behind him. It made Ryo more curious.
“Ryo-chan, ohisashiburi!” greeted Yamapi cheerfully.
“Yamashita, you don’t change at all,” snorted Ryo.
“Sou ne." Yamapi chuckled. "Ne, Ryo please meet my fiancé … Horikita Maki.” Yamapi introduced him to a small figure behind him, a girl who resembled Tegoshi a lot, especially with her short tomboy-ish hair like that.
“Hello, I’m Horikita Maki.” Her lips curved into a smile, a smile that remind him with Tegoshi’s infamous smile. Ryo was speechless.
“Ryo, say something! I can’t believe you are that shock to see the beauty of my fiancé.” Yamapi poked Ryo's shoulder, bringing back the latter's senses.
“Oh, what did you say?" Ryo startled, "Ah yes, I’m Nishikido Ryo. Please to meet you.”
“Please to meet you, Nishikido-san,” replied Maki politely. She brought a banquet of white lilies in her hand. She kneeled down and began to arrange the flowers in front of Shige’s grave. Ryo was still stunned to see her. He took some steps back without he realized it. The image of some girl who resembled a lot of Tegoshi someway scared him.
“I know what you are thinking.” Yamapi’s voice was heard.
“Eh?” Ryo brought his eyes back to the taller.
“I know you will say she looks like Tegoshi. And I don’t deny that." Yamapi continued softly.
“But why?”
Yamapi sighed, “Isn’t it obvious? I used to love him.”
“But it’s not fair for her.”
“You know what? The first time I saw Maki, I was also as shocked as you. I even more scared than you. I tried avoiding her but she seemed to be interested with me. Interested in how I always refused to look directly into her eyes.”
“You told her about Tegoshi?”
“Yes, I told her everything about him. The next day, she showed up in front of me with short hair. She said she doesn’t mind to be Tegoshi in my eyes. What would you do if you were me, Ryo?”
“I-I don’t know. But making her as substitute for Tegoshi isn’t right.”
“She’s not Tegoshi, she’s just a girl who looks like him. I slowly learn to love her as Maki not Tegoshi.”
Ryo didn't answer. Silence was lingering around them. They looked at Maki who still arranged the lilies neatly.
“Oh well," Ryo was the one who broke the silence, "I hope you are happy, Yamashita.”
“I am happy!" Yamapi answered immediately, "She is having our baby. I will be a daddy soon.” Yamapi’s eyes sparkled as he mentioned the good news.
“Congratulations!”
“Thanks!”
Ryo was surprised to see how things happened too fast with Yamapi. But he was glad to see him finally found his special happiness. He didn’t know Maki, but he was sure she’s a good girl and would be a great mother for their unborn child.
“Hey, done with the guys talk yet?” asked Maki, she had finished arranging the flowers. Shige’s grave already decorated with beautiful white lilies.
“We are so done, honey!” Yamapi pulled his fiancé to his embrace and gave her a soft peck in her forehead. Ryo watched the romantic scene with a little jealously, it’s like seeing Yamapi kissing Tegoshi.
What the hell am I thinking??
But, Tegoshi, where are you now ?
"Horikita san, thank you for the lilies. Shige loves that flower so much." Ryo said to Maki and bowed.
"Eh honto desu ka?!" Maki's beautiful eyes widened in shock "I didn't know that. But I'm glad I brought the right flowers. I'd always bring lilies then."
Maki smiled warmly which reciprocated by Ryo thankfully. He bowed once again.
“Ne Yamapi," Maki turned to her fiance, "I have been thinking, if our baby is a boy, I want to name him Shigeaki.”
“Really? Wow, I’m so happy!” Yamapi beamed in delight.
“I don’t know him, but from your stories I know he’s someone special. I want our child to be special too.”
Ryo couldn’t hold back his tears upon hearing Maki’s innocent words. He turned around, trying to hide his tears. He was too embarrassed for the sudden outburst. Maki was confused but Yamapi signaled her to keep quiet. He waited until Ryo calmed down.
“Thank you, Horikita-san.” Ryo turned to face Mai and bowed deeply as he was finally able to speak again. Maki nodded, again showing him her sincere smile.
“Ryo, we have to talk more, please join our dinner at Le Ragazze tonight,” invited Yamapi all the sudden.
“Ehh, but it’s Christmas’ eve, you two should be alone.”
“Nah, it’s alright, Maki and I will have quality time together later.” Yamapi winked to his fiancé followed by Maki’s blush. She elbowed him softly. "And we have a lot to catch up, you know. It's really been too long."
“Well, okay then." Ryo gave up. "I have no plan either. What time?” He must go out tonight. Otherwise, he would just curl up on his bed crying.
“At 8 sharp! Don’t be late, kay?”
“Alright, see you two tonight.”
Yamapi and Maki waved him goodbye. They passed Shige’s grave again and prayed for awhile before leaving the cemetery area, hand in hand.
***
Christmas' Eve, Le Regazze
Ryo walked inside the cozy Italian restaurant. He was asked for reservation as the restaurant was always packed especially on special occasion like Christmas’ eve. Le Regazze was one of top Italian restaurants in Japan. Ryo mumbled Yamapi’s name and the waitress instructed him to follow her to a table near the window. It was the best table but of course Ryo didn’t know that if the waitress didn't mentioned it. She said Yamashita-san was a regular costumer and always got the best table and service. He just nodded for her explanation. The waitress left him after pouring water to his glass. He already told her he would wait for Yamashita and Maki before ordering.
"Ah wait," Ryo called the waitress back as he realized something.
"Hai?"
"Why is this table only for 2?" Ryo asked in confusion.
"Hai, Yamashita san had reserved for 2 people only."
"Huh?!" answered Ryo intelligently.
"Call me if you ready to order, Sir."
Ryo just nodded, still trying to process what happened here. Couples minutes had passed but he still couldn't comprehend the situation.
He took a glance at his watch, he was a little early. It’s still 5 minutes before 8. Nishikido Ryo has never been late on his own appointment. He waited as he looked outside the window. Snow started to fall. Snow had fallen too in a day Shige closed his eyes. He felt cold and empty all the sudden. Losing both Tegoshi and Shige was hard for him. After Shige’s death, Ryo haven’t seen Tegoshi again. He didn’t try to search for him either. He already gave up on him. Though deep inside his heart, he still hoped to see him.
He remember that he had promised to Shige to find Tegoshi but he didn't do it. He didn't keep his promise to Shige.
"You didn't keep your promise to date with me at Christmas Eve, Shige. So I won't keep my promise either."
Pretty childish, he knew. But he just couldn't help it.
“Nishikido-kun?”
Ryo’s heart stopped for a second upon hearing the so familiar voice was calling his name.
Could it be Tegoshi? Really?
He turned his head slowly to find the source of the voice and he faced with a familiar figure that he missed for a year long. His heart beat has never beat this fast.
“Tegoshi?” he almost couldn’t believe his own eyes. The figure in front of him also had the same surprise expression drawing in his face.
“Nishikido-kun, long time no see!" Tegoshi walked closer with beaming face.
Ryo stood awkwardly to greet Tegoshi. He didn't know how to greet the younger but he have to greet him properly, right. Should I just shake his hand or should I hug him?! He was pondering what to do before Tegoshi washed away any doubt in his head by hugging him warmly. He was stiffened a little before relaxing and hugged back as warm as the other gave to him.
What are you doing here?" Tegoshi asked and sat in front of Ryo. "I was invited by Yamashita-kun. He said he wanted to introduce me with his fiancé.”
“Well, I was invited by that brat too!" Ryo paused a little. "It’s obviously his dirty plan to set us up here.”
"Eh?! What do you mean?"
"Well, I was invited by him. I came here and he already reserved a table. But it's only for two. If he invited me, it should have 3 chairs deshou. Now that he invited you too, clearly it's supposed to be 4 chairs here. But it's only two." Ryo kept babbling. He was nervous. His heart was pounding hard in his chest that he was afraid Tegoshi would hear it.
"Oh?!" came as a reply from the younger.
"Yea." Ryo sighed.
Suddenly Ryo's handphone went off. He jumped off of his seat. Literally. Before he could dig his phone from his jeans, Tegoshi's phone also went off. Cursing under his breath, he fished out his phone from back pocket and saw a massage.
"Yamapi," breathed Ryo.
As expected, Yamapi said that he and Maki couldn't join the dinner and saying something about spending quailty time earlier and how Ryo and Tegoshi should spend some quality times too.
“That son of bitch! He and his quality time!”
“Nishikido-kun, stop cursing!” laughed Tegoshi. “Uhm, I don’t mind his dirty plan, do you?”
“Why not?"
Tegoshi beamed happily and lowered his face a little, hiding a slight blush that started to creep on his cheeks. Ryo smiled longingly. He hadn’t change much over a year. He was still looking cute with his big bright eyes and friendly smile. Soon after both of them received mail from Yamapi, the waitress then informed them that Yamapi would pay anything they ordered that night.
“Well, we can’t refuse his good intention, can we?” smirked Ryo mischievously.
“Of course not!” grinned back Tegoshi.
They ordered the most expensive foods and drinks from the restaurant, much to Yamapi’s horror to see the bill later. They enjoyed the dinner and celebrated their reunion with casual talks. Both of them couldn’t deny that they still have feelings for each other.
“So where have you been, Tegoshi?”
“Well, I took a year leave from university and studied English in America.”
“Wow, how was it?”
“It was okay, I learnt to be more independent and I think I’m less selfish now.”
“Good for you! By the way, do you know about Shige?”
A slight paused. Tegoshi’s expression turned into bitter. Shige was his best friend after all.
“Yes, but only a week ago. I met Yamashita-kun by accident at the airport when I just arrived. He was really surprised to see me. He asked where did I go and told me about Shige.”
“I still can’t believe he has gone.” Ryo’s eyes began watery.
“Shige will remain in our hearts, Nishikido-kun. Especially in your heart,” comforted Tegoshi, holding Ryo’s hand all of sudden to support him.
“You are right.” Ryo nodded and squeezed the hands in his.
“I’m sure Shige doesn’t want us to grieve for long, we have to be strong and move on with our lives.”
Ryo was amazed to see how Tegoshi has changed to be wise and mature man. Surely a year of being independent had brought good impact to his personality. No more selfish and childish Tegoshi. Ryo wiped his tears and smiled.
“You have changed, Tegonyan.” He couldn’t help but calling the latter with his old nickname again. Tegoshi’s eyes brightened once he heard Ryo called him that way.
“C-Can I call you Ryotan again?”
“Sure! Why not?”
“I miss you, Ryotan.” whispered Tegoshi softly.
“I miss you too, Tegonyan.” Ryo whispered back.
“There are only you in my heart, always and forever.”
Hearing Tegoshi’s confession made Ryo realized how lucky he was. They finally found their happiness together. It was Shige’s last wish after all.
***
FIN
otsukarechan!! finally it's done! i'm sorry for killing Shige in this fic, why i love making story involving death? ^^;; guess nishikato fans shoud just stop reading after chapter 8, i'm so sorry for disappointed u all *bows* hope ryotego and yamaki fans are happy with the ending. i initially didn't plan to include yamapi in this fic, but i couldn't help it, and it turned out his character is my fave character in this fic. i'm sorry for not including double hiro in here, heck, massu and koyama are only cameos too. i always have trouble writing with many main characters, so i didn't include them this time, my apologies.
big thanx for my dearest heppy/
snowy_yuki for beta-ing this fic, althought she already knew the ending wouldn't be nishikato. ilusm! hope u still want to beta my next fics? u made a wonderful job for chapter 9, thank you for adding lots of important details <33 and also big thanx to all of u who already spent ur precious time to read this fic, ur comments are my inspiration, thanx once again! see ya!
Author : nichiya
Fandom : NEWS
Pairing : RyoTego, RyoShige, TegoPi
Rating : PG-13
Genre : AU Romance
A/N : this is the final chapter of this story, sorry for the rush plot and if i missed details once again T_T
Beta-ed by : snowy_yuki , she made my fic readable, arigachu dear!
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9
Chapter 9
A year has passed, so fast that Ryo didn’t realize it. A year of loneliness. A year of sadness. It’s been a year since the person he cared so much had passed away before his own eyes, in his embraces and his very rare endless cries. He looked at the grave in front of him with sorrow gaze. How many times he read the writings on the tombstone, it was still the same. It had never changed.
Here lies our beloved son,
Kato Shigeaki
Born : Osaka, 11th July 1987
R.I.P : Tokyo, 24th December 2007
His memories will always stay in our hearts
How he wished he could change the writings with someone else’s name, someone he barely knew. But it’s impossible. Shige lost his battle against leukemia on Christmas’ eve. Ironic, wasn't it. The day which is supposed to be the happiest day for couples became the worst day in Ryo’s life.
"You lied, Shige," Ryo whispered into thin air, eyes never left Shige's name, "You said you would spend Christmas with me." A single tear dropped on Shige's tombstone. Ryo rubbed his eyes hastily.
On the younger’s last day, his parents allowed him to talk to Shige for the last time. They knew their son would leave them anytime soon. However they were thankful God had given Shige to them to be raised even for only 20 years. They were ready to let him go because that way their son would be away from his pain. They've watched Ryo holding Shige’s hand tightly as if the latter would stay if the older never let go that hands.
Yamapi was also presented as Shige's parents finally able to contact him. The conversation that he was about to hear would shock him to his limit but he couldn’t blame anyone. It was not Ryo’s fault if he fallen in love with 2 people at the same time. Not even anyone faults at all. Love is just strange sometimes. Always. Yes, love is always strange.
“Ryo … I am sorry.” mumbled Shige under his breath.
“Baka, why saying sorry?”
“I’m sorry for stealing your happiness with Yucchan.”
“Don’t say such things!”
“I know you still love him deeply, Ryo. I’m sorry for being selfish.”
“Tegoshi is my past, Shige. I’m yours now.”
“I’m happy to spend wonderful time with you until today."
"Don't say that. We still have a date later. It's Christmas Eve, you know."
"I know," Shige nodded.
"We would spend tonight together. Don't you dare ditching me tonight, Shige."
"I won't," Shige smiled small, "I love you. I’m happy to love someone like you.”
“Your happiness is also my happiness, I love you too.”
“Thank you, Ryo. I feel blessed that you ever loved me, Ryo."
"I still love you now."
"I know. But promise me one thing?”
“No.”
"Ryo!"
"No. I refuse."
"Ryo, please."
Ryo held his lover's hands tightly and kissed them deeply. Tears flooded his cheeks. He kept shaking his head, refusing saying yes to Shige's question. Shige moved his hands and brushed away the older's tears.
"Ryo, please."
"If I say yes, you would leave me."
"No, I wouldn't leave you. I'd still be with you. Here." Shige pointed Ryo's heart. Ryo cried harder.
"Ryo, please."
Ryo nodded faintly.
“Promise me you will find Yucchan and give him happiness," Shige whispered.
Ryo didn't answer and kept kissing his lover's hands.
"Ryo, promise me." Ryo was still silent.
"Ryo." Shige brushed his older lover's cheek softly.
"Yes, I promise," mumbled Ryo.
Satisfied with the older's answer, he smiled so soft and slowly closed his eyes.
"Shige.. Shige.. don't close your eyes please. We still have a date."
"I'm only going to sleep for a while, Ryo." The younger struggled to open his eyes and whispered softly. "I feel tired now. Let me sleep for a while."
And that was Shige’s last words ever as he never opened his eyes anymore after that. He died peacefully and a smile was on his face. Shige has already found his eternal happiness. He had no regrets. He had a nice family, loving parents, friends and boyfriend around him. Shige couldn’t ask for more. He died in peace at age of 20.
***
Ryo still stood in front of Shige’s grave before he noticed taps of shoes coming in his way. He turned to his left and saw Yamapi walked towards him with someone followed him behind. Someone familiar. Tegoshi? Was he hallucinating? When did they get back together?
Yamapi saw him and smiled. He didn’t change much, his black short neat hairstyle made him looked more mature. His body covered the small figure behind him. It made Ryo more curious.
“Ryo-chan, ohisashiburi!” greeted Yamapi cheerfully.
“Yamashita, you don’t change at all,” snorted Ryo.
“Sou ne." Yamapi chuckled. "Ne, Ryo please meet my fiancé … Horikita Maki.” Yamapi introduced him to a small figure behind him, a girl who resembled Tegoshi a lot, especially with her short tomboy-ish hair like that.
“Hello, I’m Horikita Maki.” Her lips curved into a smile, a smile that remind him with Tegoshi’s infamous smile. Ryo was speechless.
“Ryo, say something! I can’t believe you are that shock to see the beauty of my fiancé.” Yamapi poked Ryo's shoulder, bringing back the latter's senses.
“Oh, what did you say?" Ryo startled, "Ah yes, I’m Nishikido Ryo. Please to meet you.”
“Please to meet you, Nishikido-san,” replied Maki politely. She brought a banquet of white lilies in her hand. She kneeled down and began to arrange the flowers in front of Shige’s grave. Ryo was still stunned to see her. He took some steps back without he realized it. The image of some girl who resembled a lot of Tegoshi someway scared him.
“I know what you are thinking.” Yamapi’s voice was heard.
“Eh?” Ryo brought his eyes back to the taller.
“I know you will say she looks like Tegoshi. And I don’t deny that." Yamapi continued softly.
“But why?”
Yamapi sighed, “Isn’t it obvious? I used to love him.”
“But it’s not fair for her.”
“You know what? The first time I saw Maki, I was also as shocked as you. I even more scared than you. I tried avoiding her but she seemed to be interested with me. Interested in how I always refused to look directly into her eyes.”
“You told her about Tegoshi?”
“Yes, I told her everything about him. The next day, she showed up in front of me with short hair. She said she doesn’t mind to be Tegoshi in my eyes. What would you do if you were me, Ryo?”
“I-I don’t know. But making her as substitute for Tegoshi isn’t right.”
“She’s not Tegoshi, she’s just a girl who looks like him. I slowly learn to love her as Maki not Tegoshi.”
Ryo didn't answer. Silence was lingering around them. They looked at Maki who still arranged the lilies neatly.
“Oh well," Ryo was the one who broke the silence, "I hope you are happy, Yamashita.”
“I am happy!" Yamapi answered immediately, "She is having our baby. I will be a daddy soon.” Yamapi’s eyes sparkled as he mentioned the good news.
“Congratulations!”
“Thanks!”
Ryo was surprised to see how things happened too fast with Yamapi. But he was glad to see him finally found his special happiness. He didn’t know Maki, but he was sure she’s a good girl and would be a great mother for their unborn child.
“Hey, done with the guys talk yet?” asked Maki, she had finished arranging the flowers. Shige’s grave already decorated with beautiful white lilies.
“We are so done, honey!” Yamapi pulled his fiancé to his embrace and gave her a soft peck in her forehead. Ryo watched the romantic scene with a little jealously, it’s like seeing Yamapi kissing Tegoshi.
What the hell am I thinking??
But, Tegoshi, where are you now ?
"Horikita san, thank you for the lilies. Shige loves that flower so much." Ryo said to Maki and bowed.
"Eh honto desu ka?!" Maki's beautiful eyes widened in shock "I didn't know that. But I'm glad I brought the right flowers. I'd always bring lilies then."
Maki smiled warmly which reciprocated by Ryo thankfully. He bowed once again.
“Ne Yamapi," Maki turned to her fiance, "I have been thinking, if our baby is a boy, I want to name him Shigeaki.”
“Really? Wow, I’m so happy!” Yamapi beamed in delight.
“I don’t know him, but from your stories I know he’s someone special. I want our child to be special too.”
Ryo couldn’t hold back his tears upon hearing Maki’s innocent words. He turned around, trying to hide his tears. He was too embarrassed for the sudden outburst. Maki was confused but Yamapi signaled her to keep quiet. He waited until Ryo calmed down.
“Thank you, Horikita-san.” Ryo turned to face Mai and bowed deeply as he was finally able to speak again. Maki nodded, again showing him her sincere smile.
“Ryo, we have to talk more, please join our dinner at Le Ragazze tonight,” invited Yamapi all the sudden.
“Ehh, but it’s Christmas’ eve, you two should be alone.”
“Nah, it’s alright, Maki and I will have quality time together later.” Yamapi winked to his fiancé followed by Maki’s blush. She elbowed him softly. "And we have a lot to catch up, you know. It's really been too long."
“Well, okay then." Ryo gave up. "I have no plan either. What time?” He must go out tonight. Otherwise, he would just curl up on his bed crying.
“At 8 sharp! Don’t be late, kay?”
“Alright, see you two tonight.”
Yamapi and Maki waved him goodbye. They passed Shige’s grave again and prayed for awhile before leaving the cemetery area, hand in hand.
***
Christmas' Eve, Le Regazze
Ryo walked inside the cozy Italian restaurant. He was asked for reservation as the restaurant was always packed especially on special occasion like Christmas’ eve. Le Regazze was one of top Italian restaurants in Japan. Ryo mumbled Yamapi’s name and the waitress instructed him to follow her to a table near the window. It was the best table but of course Ryo didn’t know that if the waitress didn't mentioned it. She said Yamashita-san was a regular costumer and always got the best table and service. He just nodded for her explanation. The waitress left him after pouring water to his glass. He already told her he would wait for Yamashita and Maki before ordering.
"Ah wait," Ryo called the waitress back as he realized something.
"Hai?"
"Why is this table only for 2?" Ryo asked in confusion.
"Hai, Yamashita san had reserved for 2 people only."
"Huh?!" answered Ryo intelligently.
"Call me if you ready to order, Sir."
Ryo just nodded, still trying to process what happened here. Couples minutes had passed but he still couldn't comprehend the situation.
He took a glance at his watch, he was a little early. It’s still 5 minutes before 8. Nishikido Ryo has never been late on his own appointment. He waited as he looked outside the window. Snow started to fall. Snow had fallen too in a day Shige closed his eyes. He felt cold and empty all the sudden. Losing both Tegoshi and Shige was hard for him. After Shige’s death, Ryo haven’t seen Tegoshi again. He didn’t try to search for him either. He already gave up on him. Though deep inside his heart, he still hoped to see him.
He remember that he had promised to Shige to find Tegoshi but he didn't do it. He didn't keep his promise to Shige.
"You didn't keep your promise to date with me at Christmas Eve, Shige. So I won't keep my promise either."
Pretty childish, he knew. But he just couldn't help it.
“Nishikido-kun?”
Ryo’s heart stopped for a second upon hearing the so familiar voice was calling his name.
Could it be Tegoshi? Really?
He turned his head slowly to find the source of the voice and he faced with a familiar figure that he missed for a year long. His heart beat has never beat this fast.
“Tegoshi?” he almost couldn’t believe his own eyes. The figure in front of him also had the same surprise expression drawing in his face.
“Nishikido-kun, long time no see!" Tegoshi walked closer with beaming face.
Ryo stood awkwardly to greet Tegoshi. He didn't know how to greet the younger but he have to greet him properly, right. Should I just shake his hand or should I hug him?! He was pondering what to do before Tegoshi washed away any doubt in his head by hugging him warmly. He was stiffened a little before relaxing and hugged back as warm as the other gave to him.
What are you doing here?" Tegoshi asked and sat in front of Ryo. "I was invited by Yamashita-kun. He said he wanted to introduce me with his fiancé.”
“Well, I was invited by that brat too!" Ryo paused a little. "It’s obviously his dirty plan to set us up here.”
"Eh?! What do you mean?"
"Well, I was invited by him. I came here and he already reserved a table. But it's only for two. If he invited me, it should have 3 chairs deshou. Now that he invited you too, clearly it's supposed to be 4 chairs here. But it's only two." Ryo kept babbling. He was nervous. His heart was pounding hard in his chest that he was afraid Tegoshi would hear it.
"Oh?!" came as a reply from the younger.
"Yea." Ryo sighed.
Suddenly Ryo's handphone went off. He jumped off of his seat. Literally. Before he could dig his phone from his jeans, Tegoshi's phone also went off. Cursing under his breath, he fished out his phone from back pocket and saw a massage.
"Yamapi," breathed Ryo.
As expected, Yamapi said that he and Maki couldn't join the dinner and saying something about spending quailty time earlier and how Ryo and Tegoshi should spend some quality times too.
“That son of bitch! He and his quality time!”
“Nishikido-kun, stop cursing!” laughed Tegoshi. “Uhm, I don’t mind his dirty plan, do you?”
“Why not?"
Tegoshi beamed happily and lowered his face a little, hiding a slight blush that started to creep on his cheeks. Ryo smiled longingly. He hadn’t change much over a year. He was still looking cute with his big bright eyes and friendly smile. Soon after both of them received mail from Yamapi, the waitress then informed them that Yamapi would pay anything they ordered that night.
“Well, we can’t refuse his good intention, can we?” smirked Ryo mischievously.
“Of course not!” grinned back Tegoshi.
They ordered the most expensive foods and drinks from the restaurant, much to Yamapi’s horror to see the bill later. They enjoyed the dinner and celebrated their reunion with casual talks. Both of them couldn’t deny that they still have feelings for each other.
“So where have you been, Tegoshi?”
“Well, I took a year leave from university and studied English in America.”
“Wow, how was it?”
“It was okay, I learnt to be more independent and I think I’m less selfish now.”
“Good for you! By the way, do you know about Shige?”
A slight paused. Tegoshi’s expression turned into bitter. Shige was his best friend after all.
“Yes, but only a week ago. I met Yamashita-kun by accident at the airport when I just arrived. He was really surprised to see me. He asked where did I go and told me about Shige.”
“I still can’t believe he has gone.” Ryo’s eyes began watery.
“Shige will remain in our hearts, Nishikido-kun. Especially in your heart,” comforted Tegoshi, holding Ryo’s hand all of sudden to support him.
“You are right.” Ryo nodded and squeezed the hands in his.
“I’m sure Shige doesn’t want us to grieve for long, we have to be strong and move on with our lives.”
Ryo was amazed to see how Tegoshi has changed to be wise and mature man. Surely a year of being independent had brought good impact to his personality. No more selfish and childish Tegoshi. Ryo wiped his tears and smiled.
“You have changed, Tegonyan.” He couldn’t help but calling the latter with his old nickname again. Tegoshi’s eyes brightened once he heard Ryo called him that way.
“C-Can I call you Ryotan again?”
“Sure! Why not?”
“I miss you, Ryotan.” whispered Tegoshi softly.
“I miss you too, Tegonyan.” Ryo whispered back.
“There are only you in my heart, always and forever.”
Hearing Tegoshi’s confession made Ryo realized how lucky he was. They finally found their happiness together. It was Shige’s last wish after all.
***
FIN
otsukarechan!! finally it's done! i'm sorry for killing Shige in this fic, why i love making story involving death? ^^;; guess nishikato fans shoud just stop reading after chapter 8, i'm so sorry for disappointed u all *bows* hope ryotego and yamaki fans are happy with the ending. i initially didn't plan to include yamapi in this fic, but i couldn't help it, and it turned out his character is my fave character in this fic. i'm sorry for not including double hiro in here, heck, massu and koyama are only cameos too. i always have trouble writing with many main characters, so i didn't include them this time, my apologies.
big thanx for my dearest heppy/
snowy_yuki for beta-ing this fic, althought she already knew the ending wouldn't be nishikato. ilusm! hope u still want to beta my next fics? u made a wonderful job for chapter 9, thank you for adding lots of important details <33 and also big thanx to all of u who already spent ur precious time to read this fic, ur comments are my inspiration, thanx once again! see ya!