only human
Title: Only Human
Author: fangirlism_era
Word Count: 5439
Genre: Future Fic
Pairings: RyoShige
Summary: It’s a dark time in Japan, everyone is having a hard time coping for losses. Companies closed down, businesses went bankrupt, corporations laid off thousands of employees so that they can continue. Of course, Johnny’s Entertainment was not exempted from this.
Notes: This is a late, late birthday fic for nikkimeimei . I made her angst before so I'm dedicating this to more people. Also anniversary fics for sheichan18 , nikkimeimei , and thank you gift for akeruworld_69 akeru_world69 . This fic is also in tatoeba 's wish list, which is so freaky because I already started this when I read her wish list. I hope all my bbs like this. :)
It’s a dark time in Japan, everyone is having a hard time coping for losses. Companies closed down, businesses went bankrupt, corporations laid off thousands of employees so that they can continue. Of course, Johnny’s Entertainment was not exempted from this. The entertainment world plunged. Highly-paid actors and actresses started doing measly jobs to support themselves. People didn’t have time to watch them act anymore, no, they didn’t have the luxury of time anymore.
Out of everyone in the Jimusho, only a handful managed to get at least decent-paying jobs, and only a few managed to get high-paying ones.
One of the lucky people to get a high-paying job is Kato Shigeaki. Even before the recession reached its peak, Shige started looking for a job in one of the top law firms in Japan. He was accepted almost immediately so he started climbing the ladder to the top. After a few months of hard work, he was being prepped to be one of the superiors because of his work ethics and unending knowledge. Add the fact that he’s still an idol, his superiors are certainly impressed.
Now, almost Christmas of 2011, a year after Johnny’s and Associates closed down, Shigeaki sits on a chair in his office overlooking Tokyo, looking at people rush to where they are headed as he reviews another case that will definitely challenge not only his abilities but also his knowledge and emotions. It’s a case filed by his former bandmate, Nishikido Ryo. Divorce. He’s divorcing the woman he married a year ago. He feels a headache coming.
Shige reaches for his phone, his old phone. He didn’t give his old number up, he just got a new one for his job but he kept his old one to keep in touch with his friends. Despite all his efforts, keeping in touch with their lives took more of his time than he imagined so he just gave it up. It’s now narrowed to 5-minute phone calls a week and occasional lunches with Koyama.
He scrolls down to a number rarely used and hits the call button. As he waits, he looks around his office. The higher-ups gave him a luxurious office, on the 60th floor of a building at the heart of Tokyo. He has his own secretary, he is well-respected. There’s a flat panel on the opposite wall, he rarely used it since he has so much work on hand that he can’t even watch television. The call connects.
“Hello,” a husky voice answers the phone, sounding more tired than irritated.
“Nishikido-kun, it’s Shige.”
“Shige,” surprise evident in his voice and Shige imagines him straightening his posture.
“I called to ask you to come to my office tomorrow at 8. We’re to talk about your divorce.”
“You’re my lawyer?”
“Yes, any problems?”
“No, I’m just glad that my lawyer is someone I know,” relief evident in his voice.
“Alright, I just called to tell you that. I will be able to focus on your case completely tomorrow so I shall see you then.”
“Okay, see you at 8 Shige,” then hangs up.
----------
Ryo looks at his phone when he hears Shige hang up. Shige sounds more confident with himself. He then looks at the infant in the crib next to his bed, his baby girl giggling at her mobile. He looks down at her and smiles, she smiles back and asks to be carried. Ryo takes her to his arms and walks to the window of his apartment.
Nishikido Ryo, upon the fall of Johnny’s Entertainment wanted to fulfil his childhood dream --- to have a family. He found a girl, no more than 5 years younger than him, dated, and married. He got her pregnant almost immediately. And now, almost a year later, she resents him and their child. Because of her irresponsibility as a mother and as a wife, he filed for divorce.
He thought he was invincible to the recession and upon losing his job didn’t find another job to support his family resulting to him living in a less luxurious way than before. That’s okay though, at least his dream came true, having the kid part, not the mannequin-like wife part. He looks down at his daughter, cooing at the lights outside their home and smiles softly. Putting the infant down in her crib, he goes to the kitchen to prepare her milk so she can sleep.
While preparing Nao’s milk, he thinks back to the days when he was living the life of an idol, not caring too much about what the future will bring, thinking he was invincible. Now, one year after the Jimusho closed down, he thinks feels regret. Regret for not thinking about his future, regret for marrying too early, regret that he will not be able to provide everything he wants to give his daughter.
After making sure that Nao is properly fed, and tucked in, Ryo goes to the living room and sits on the couch. He looks forward, where a television is supposed to be but finds empty space, the wall a different color on where a television used to be mounted. He feels a sense of helplessness on times like these, thinking of putting Nao up for adoption or something because he knows he’ll run out of money soon. He already sold his car and there’s barely anything left. He sits there, idly thinking how to make money when he realizes that he doesn’t know where Shige’s office is.
Ryo looks at the clock - 10:00 PM flashing back at him. He reaches for his phone and dials a familiar but rarely-used number. Shige picks up at the 3rd ring.
“Nishikido-kun, what’s up?” Shige answers, sounding tired.
“I don’t know where your office is.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Iforgot to tell you.” Ryo hears papers being moved around. “It’s in Ikebukuro. You know the Sunshine 60 building? My office is
in the 60th floor, just tell the reception at the ground floor that you have an appointment with me and they will lead you to the elevator that will take you to my floor, okay?”
“Alright, that’s so high up, Shige,” Ryo tells the lawyer, awe in his voice. “You’ve done good in your life.”
“More like my superiors are guilty about giving me too much work that they give me this office. Now tell me, Nishikido-kun. How are you?”
“Don’t you have work?” Ryo asks, voice gaining that familiar irritated tone.
“Nah, it’s 10. I’m bound to go home sooner or later. You have a kid, right? Nao, is it? Bring her tomorrow. I know you won’t want to leave her
alone. We can take her shopping after talking.”
“No, Shige that’s-“ Shige cut him off.
“Just what I need to do. She’s my niece, Nishikido-kun. I want to spoil her. Please?”
“Alright. It’s late, I should sleep.”
“Fine. I’m going home, then. Good Night, Nishikido-kun. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He hangs up.
----------
Shige puts down the phone and sighs. He knows that the case will be tough not because his former band mate is involved but because there is a child involved. He hates handling divorce cases because it usually involved harsh words and broken families. This one is no different, involving a reckless wife, a former idol, and a 3 month old child. They have a huge chance of winning this case since the wife neglected her daughter and just spent all he husband’s savings, leaving them with nothing right now.
While getting ready to go home, one of his superiors enters his office to talk to him.
“Kato, you’ll be handling a very delicate case. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
"I’m sure, sir. I’m going to win this, I have to.” Shige tells him with much conviction that his boss is surprised.
“If you say so, Kato-kun. I wish you all the luck. Have a good night then.”
“Thank you, sir, you too.”
Going back to packing his things, Shige thinks back to his conversation with Ryo. His former band mate sounds kind of tired. It’s not because it’s 10 PM but Shige guesses it’s because he’s stressing over his current situation. Dismissing the thought as his imagination and wishes the man good fortune, Shige takes the hike to the elevator before finally feeling the crisp air of spring hitting his skin as he leaves the building. Strolling to the parking lot and revs up the engine of his black sports car, he speeds away to his home in MotoAzabu.
He arrives home approximately 30 minutes later, parks his car, unlocks his door, and taking in the view. After a year of living in Domus MotoAzabu West, he’s still not used to seeing a luxury home when he comes from work. Hurrying his nightly rituals and completely disregarding dinner since he had a sandwich in work, Shige settles in his expensive and soft duvet thinking that he’s living the life before succumbing to sleep.
----------
Someone’s trying to knock down his door, Ryo registers as he opens his eyes. The next thing he notes is that it’s landlord who’s knocking down his door. With a groan, he gets up to answer the door.
“Nishikido-san. I know it’s early in the morning but it’s time to pay the rent.”
“Yamada-san, I’m sorry. I don’t have money yet.”
“Again? I’m sorry too. I have to ask you to move. This is the 3rd time this year.”
“Please, Yamada-san. Don’t kick us out.”
“I’m sorry. Times are tough. I have to kick you out. Please pack your things and look for another housing. I’ll give you until tomorrow to completely vacate the place.”
As the landlord turns his back, Ryo can only lower his head in defeat. It’s not like he can ask anyone for money because they’re not that well-off anymore. Suddenly, Ryo raises his head, coming up with an idea. He goes back inside, gets his phone, and dials a now-familiar number.
----------
His phone is ringing, Shige notes as he opens his eyes. He checks the clock by his bedside --- 6:30 AM blinks back at him in red. Groaning, he reaches out for his phone to answer it and barely registers that it’s his old phone.
“Do you know what fucking time it is?” He growls at the caller, not bothering to hide is annoyance.
“Shige, I need to ask you a favour,” it’s Ryo, Shige notes. “I’m sorry for calling this early.”
“It’s okay. I have to be awake in half an hour anyway. What is it?”
“I need a place to live in. I just got kicked out.” Ryo admits, voice sounding embarrassed.
“How long have you not paid rent, Ryo?”
“About 3 months now. I don’t have money. I always use it to buy necessities for Nao.”
“Okay. You can stay with me. I have an extra room anyway. Where’s your apartment, I’ll be coming over now.”
Ryo tells him his address and hangs up, relief washing over him that at least they won’t be homeless. Walking over to his daughter’s crib, he sees her awake and proceeds to make her breakfast before starting to pack. Just as he started packing, the doorbell rings. He stands up and opens the door, surprised to see Shige there almost 20 minutes after their phone call.
“That was fast,” he commented as Shige is removing his shoes at the genkan.
“I came as fast as I can. I also called in sick at the office. I’ll help you move,” Shige flashes him a grin. “Now, where’s your daughter? I want
to meet her.”
Shige ventures into the apartment looking around, obviously trying to hide his pity at the barren place. He enters the bedroom and is
immediately greeted by the sight of a double bed with thin sheets and a crib that is almost ready to crack.
“I guess we’re also going shopping. I’ll choose what to pack, okay? You don’t have to bring everything.” Shige faces Ryo and smiles then he turns to face at the baby girl inside the crib.
“Hi, Nao-chan, I’m Uncle Shige. I used to work with your Dad,” Shige tells her gently with a soft smile on his face.
To Ryo’s surprise, Nao smiles back and asks to be carried. Shige’s smile turns into a full-on grin that lights up the room as he hoists Nao into his arms. Shaking his head, Ryo goes back to packing. After a few minutes of playing with Nao, Shige joins Ryo in packing, basically unpacking or removing what Ryo packs which makes Ryo annoyed.
“Fine, just take your clothes and some important stuff. I’m going out to make some calls.” Shige tells him, annoyance in his voice.
The door closes with a thud as Shige leaves the apartment. He moves down to where he thinks the landlord lives and knocks on the door. A 50-something man opens the door and Shige greets him with a crude smile, cigarette hanging off his lips.
“I’m Kato Shigeaki. I’ll be paying Nishikido Ryo’s balance and taking him with me.”
“Are you his sugar daddy?” The man rudely says.
“His lawyer, actually. So you wouldn’t want to be talking to me like that,” Shige tells him snobbishly, hands the man wads of cash and turns on his heel back to his friend’s apartment. The old man can only look on in shock.
Shige returns to the apartment and sees father and daughter ready to go.
“Come on. We’ll go shopping after we get everything settled in my place. My car’s just outside.” Shige tells the older man and proceeds to get the suitcases as Ryo carries Nao.
Ryo stops in his tracks when he sees the car Shige drives.
“You drive a Ferrari?” Ryo asks Shige incredulously.
“Yeah. I guess I have to buy a new car now since we have a baby.” Ryo raises his eyebrows at Shige’s statement. “I-I mean since YOU have a baby and I’m guessing that you’ll be riding with me so…yeah.” Shige laughs nervously as he unlocks the door.
The ride to Shige’s house consisted mostly of comfortable silence. Ryo’s talkative at times but he’s embarrassed at the moment to even talk so he just stays silent. Shige doesn’t seem to mind though, choosing to concentrate on driving than talking.
They arrive at MotoAzabu almost 40 minutes later, Tokyo traffic mainly keeping them from moving fast. Ryo stares at Shige in surprise as the younger man pulls up at the famous Domus MotoAzabu West Apartment mainly because he didn’t think Shige could afford the place but also because he didn’t know that his former band mate is this rich. He’s still standing with Nao in his arms outside the place when he noticed that Shige is looking at him strangely then signals to follow him.
When they enter the apartment, Ryo almost drops Nao but thinks fast as the only thing that drops is his jaw.
“You know, instead of gawking there, why don’t you enter so we could unpack and at least have breakfast and clean up before going shopping,” Shige tells him with a knowing smirk gracing his mouth. Shige disappears into a room to the right of the hallway, Ryo follows.
“This is your room. I was originally planning on turning it into an office but I’m giving to you instead,” Shige tells him teasingly. “You have your own bathroom. Take a bath or something since we were in such a rush this morning. I’m also taking one in my room.” Shige says before he disappears to his room, leaving Ryo to look around in awe at the place. He sets Nao down on the bed and she settles into it comfortably. He
digs for his and Nao’s clothes before picking her up again and going to the bathroom.
----------
Shige sighs as he enters his room before he drops face-first into bed then rolling over before sighing again. It’s one thing to hear your friend tired over the phone, knowing he’s going through a lot. It’s another thing to witness your friend in the brink of bankruptcy.
‘It’s a good thing he called me. He’s the worst off out of everyone in NEWS right now,’ Shige thought to himself.
Getting up with another sigh, he heads to the bathroom to take a bath, scrubbing every nook because he sweated this morning when he
was helping Ryo pack.
Shige emerges from the bathroom 20 minutes later refreshed, he puts on some comfortable clothes before heading to the kitchen to cook breakfast. He looked at the box by the entrance and immediately knows that they’re Nao’s things so he proceeds to open it and what he sees devastates him. It’s a can of powdered formula which is almost empty, empty baby bottles, and a baby mobile that is on the brink of destruction, only taped on the broken parts to keep it attached.
He takes some bottles, fills them with water and pours what’s left of the formula and puts it inside a pot of hot water. He then proceeds to make breakfast for two grown men. Shige takes his special pancake mix that he made himself and proceeds to make pancake. Ryo emerges from the room with Nao in his hands, looking refreshed. Shige takes the bottle from the pot, temperature-tests it on his wrist before handing it to Ryo who in turn gave it to Nao who is making grabby-hands.
The lawyer then serves the pancake --- three pieces each. He opens the refrigerator and brings out a variety of syrups for choices. Ryo looks
at Shige gratefully before digging in. Shige also proceeds to eat his own share, basking in the silence that settles between them. The only sound coming from Nao sucking on her milk.
10 minutes later, Ryo’s burping a contented Nao and Shige loading dishes into the dishwasher. He looks at his watch then looks at Ryo.
“It’s still kind of early. We have one more hour before the mall open. You can rest or watch television. I have some reports to finish so I’ll be in my room.” He tells Ryo and starts to walk back to his room. Right when he’s at the door, he pauses. “Also, the rest of the members will be coming in half an hour.” He winks at Ryo before disappearing into his room.
----------
When Shige left him to his own devices, Ryo was at a loss. He looks around the place and sees a door to the balcony so he opens it and basks in the sunlight and wind. Nao seemed to like it too so he stays. He doesn’t notice how long he has been in the balcony until he hears Shige come out behind him.
“You like this place?” Shige asks him softly.
“Yeah,” he turns to look at Shige. “Thanks for letting us stay. I don’t know what I would have done if we become homeless,” Ryo looks down in shame.
“It’s not your fault, Ryo.” Shige tells him while playing with Nao. He looks up and sees Ryo’s confused look. “I read your file. It’s your wife’s
fault. If she hadn’t spent all of your savings, you wouldn’t be like this now.”
“Don’t make excuses for me, Shige. I chose to marry her. If anything, it’s my fault. If I hadn’t married her -“ Shige cuts him off.
“If you hadn’t married her, you wouldn’t have Nao. Don’t be so depressed and pessimistic. I’ll win this case, I promise you.” Shige tells Ryo with so much conviction.
Ryo opens his mouth to answer when he hears the doorbell ring, signalling the arrival of NEWS. Shige laughs at the startled sound that Nao makes as he takes her from Ryo and open the door.
Ryo welcomes the familiar babble into his ears as he makes his way to the living room. He’s immediately tackled by Tegoshi who’s just as energetic as he remembered. Tegoshi’s pushed aside by Massu who is just as excited to see him. When Massu finally lets go of him, he
sees Yamapi, his best friend, looking at him with an unreadable expression. Ryo beats him by hugging the man tight. When he finally lets go, Yamapi has a small smile on his face, making his boyish features show.
Koyama also hugs him after he cuddles his daughter. They settle down after minutes of hugging. Yamapi breaks the silence first.
“What happened?” He asks Ryo the inevitable question.
“We’re getting divorced.”
“It’s about time you file for a divorce,” Yamapi says with distaste which surprises everyone in the room. “She’s a bitch.” He says, like it answers the question hanging in air. Unfortunately, it does, kind of.
“So why are you living with Shige?” Tegoshi asks the question this time.
“I’ve been kicked out of my apartment and Shige’s the person I thought of at that time.”
“Why’s that?” Massu asks in between bites of cookies that Ryo assumes is from Shige’s kitchen.
“He’s also my lawyer for the divorce.”
“Really?” Koyama exclaims, clearly not knowing that piece of information, before looking at Shige with an accusatory look.
“We haven’t talked properly for a week. Don’t blame me, you’re too busy, Kei-chan,” Shige wrinkles his nose with the statement.
“Shige’s more busy than I am. You’re a high-class lawyer living in a high-class apartment, driving an expensive car. You should make time
for the lower ones.”
“Come on, it’s 11. Let’s go shopping for baby stuff then I’ll treat you guys to lunch,” Shige gets up from the couch with a faked sigh and proceeds to his room to change.
Ryo also gets up and gets Nao to dress up too. The other members offer to help dress Nao up so Ryo agrees.
----------
Shige emerges from his room dressed in black pants, a band shirt, a black jacket, and chucks. He looks around his apartment for signs of his band mates and hears snickers from Ryo’s room. He goes to the room and see them trying and failing to get Nao to participate in dressing her up. Snickering as he enters the room, Shige takes over and miraculously, Nao lets Shige dress her up. She even smiles up at him, earning jealous looks from the other members.
“Shige, she thinks you’re her Mom,” Yamapi snickers at Shige’s derogatory look.
“You’re just jealous she lets me dress her,” Shige maturely stuck out his tongue at Yamapi, which earns him a laugh from Ryo who just
came out from the bathroom.
“Come on, kids. We’re leaving now,” Koyama steps in and ushers the others out of the apartment, Ryo carrying Nao and the other member
poking fun at each other.
After almost 3 months of worrying over everything, he finally feels so much relief wash over because finally, he’s home.
The member all rides different cars since they won’t fit in anyone’s car. Ryo moves to Shige car, earning surprised looks from the other members. Ryo looks back at them.
“What? I live with him, right?” Then proceeds to enter the car, Shige following suit, laughing and pointing as Koyama poutingly enters Yamapi’s car.
They all speed off to Ropponggi Hills, the nearest shopping center to Shige’s apartment. Upon arrival, they immediately proceed to a baby store to buy things for Nao. Shige suddenly hands the infant to Koyama before going off with Ryo to a clothing store.
“Where are you taking me, idiot?” Ryo demands.
“I’m taking you shopping, genius.”
“Why. I have clothes.”
“Not enough. And they’re all out of fashion. Come on, Ryo. Think of me as your stylist,” Shige grins as he pulls Ryo into an expensive-looking store.
He makes the Osakan try many clothes, asking him to choose what he likes. Ryo maturely shakes his head, making Shige sigh. In the end, they bought everything he tried, the younger man looking happy while the older looking embarrassed.
“Don’t worry, I buy the other member clothes too,” he turns to look at Ryo. “So don’t feel embarrassed or something. I earn a lot, I have
enough to splurge on you guys.”
They go back to the baby store and see the others done with their shopping. Shige takes the cart from Yamapi before going to the counter to pay for everything. After getting everything they bought into the cars, they find a restaurant and ends up in a ramen store.
Conversation is full of color as they all update each other on their respective lives. Then Yamapi says something completely unexpected.
“You know, I want to rebuild Johnny’s Entertainment,” earning him incredulous looks from the members.
“It’s just that we lost everything when it closed down. I know for a fact that many children still wants to enter the Jimusho. I met them.”
“Let’s open it, then,” Shige says, earning him a few more looks. “I mean after I win Nishikido-kun’s case. We’ll manage it or something, just like how Johnny-san managed the company.” He throws a grin at Yamapi’s direction. “Then we can get jobs back and start training new juniors. What do you guys say?”
“I guess we can do that,” Tegoshi grins, warming up to the idea.
“Fine, we do it. But now, we need to focus on Ryo-chan’s case,” Koyama smiles at the people around the table.
They go back to Shige’s apartment after a tiring day of shopping and laughing to drop off the things they bought before the other members head home. After seeing them off, Ryo stands in the middle of the living room looking at everything that was bought for them. He looks at Nao happily gurgling in her stroller and hears Shige starting on dinner. He walks to the kitchen and sits on the counter.
“I don’t know how to repay you. I don’t have a job,” Ryo starts.
Shige looks around, as if that will answer Ryo’s underlying question. “I know,” he looks at Ryo. “Why don’t you stay in the house, clean, cook, or something. It will definitely lessen my load and at least you’re doing something. It’s too unfamiliar if I hire a housekeeper anyway. What do you say?”
“I guess I can do that. I know,” he looks at Shige brightly. “I’ll start now,” he then takes the spatula from the younger man’s hand and continues cooking while Shige looks at him weirdly before he sighs.
“Have it your way then,” he smiles before going to the living room, most likely to unpack.
They spend the next half hour in silence as Shige plays and shows Nao what they bought. Ryo enters the living-dining room to see Shige sitting on the floor trying to figure out how to assemble the crib while Nao looks on, interested in what her uncle is doing. It was a sight to behold, Ryo notes, they were looking more and more like a family than anything else.
Brushing away thoughts about Shige and family, he serves the food, gets Shige to stand and also giving Nao her milk. The lawyer looks up after the first bite.
“This is SO good, Nishikido-kun!” He then stuffs more into his mouth.
Ryo laughs as he watches Nao laughing at Shige before eating his own share. They talk about random things before deciding to go to bed early. They bid each other a good night before succumbing to much-needed sleep, it was a long day.
----------
Ryo wakes up to his alarm ringing. Groaning as he reaches out to turn it off, he catches sight of his clock - 6:30 AM. He sighs as he gets out of bed, going through morning rituals as fast as possible and in 20 minutes, he’s making breakfast for him, Shige, and Nao.
Shige emerges from his room dressed in his suit at exactly 7. Ryo stops to look at him and when Shige turns to him, he blushingly turns away, returning to serving their meal and getting Nao in her baby chair. Shige settles on his chair and starts eating, reading the newspaper in between bites.
“We’re going to my office today to go over some stuff for your case. Get ready by 8, okay?” Ryo nods before cleaning up and preparing Nao and himself while Shige prepares for work.
----------
They pull up at the Sunshine 60 building 30 minutes later and ride the elevator up to the 60th floor. Ryo looks around Ikebukuro and realizes that he hasn’t been in the area for almost a year now. Shige laughs at him when he voices that out as they ride the fastest elevator in the world. Nao, sitting comfortably in her stroller is looking at the gray buildings surrounding them as they continue the ride to the 60th floor.
Moments later, the elevator stops and signals that they’re on their floor. Alighting from the elevator, they head down the hall to Shige’s office.
The lawyer opens the door and sits behind his table while gesturing for Ryo to sit down.
“When did she start spending so much?” Shige asks, putting on his glasses.
“Right after she gave birth.”
“Can you please elaborate?”
Ryo stays silent, looking down on his hands.
“Ryo,” he says it in such a gentle tone that Ryo looks up. “Rely on me, don’t shut me out of your life.”
“Okay.” Ryo takes a deep breath and tells Shige everything.
It takes hours before they finish but it leaves Shige more determined and Ryo feeling his chest has been healed and he feels lighter.
“I’ll stay to finish this. The hearing is going to be moved up when I finish this tonight. Do you want to stay or do you want to go around?”
“I’ll stay.”
“There’s food in the fridge if you get hungry. There’s a cafeteria downstairs if that’s not what you want,” he smiles at Ryo. The older man
stops as he feels his heart skip a beat at the smile directed to him. He shakes his head and proceeds to read something he got from
Shige’s bookshelf. Looking over at Nao, he sees she’s asleep in her stroller. He looks at Shige working behind his desk and sees him bent over some books and papers, almost furiously studying.
He gets lost in his thoughts, staring at Shige working reminded him of the time when the younger man was studying for the Bars and constantly looked like death himself. Now, he’s much better, handling his job better than any lawyer he has seen but what does he know, he only knows Shige. He doesn’t notice that the subject of his thoughts has risen from his seat until he sees the face mere inches from his.
“Are you okay?” Shige touches his forehead, looking worried. This makes Ryo blush more and turn away.
“I’m fine. Go back to work.”
Shige laughingly goes back to his seat, resuming to his earlier position. They work like that until Ryo looks up and squeaks. There it is, the
sun setting just in front of him. Shige looks up at him, smiles, and gestures for him to come closer to the window. They watch the sun set together.
“I’m done with this. Hearing will be tomorrow. More likely it will also be wrapped up by then.”
Ryo nods at him gratefully and proceeds to pack his things before they go down and speed home.
----------
They win the case, that in itself is expected. What’s unexpected is that Ryo kisses Shige the moment they enter the apartment. Nao laughs as she demands attention from both men, earning her a kiss in the cheek and a pout from her father.
----------
Five years later…
“One-Two-and-Three-and-Four,” he counts as he watches the young kids try to remember and do the dance routine properly. He sighs for the fifth time in 10 minutes. “That’s not it. Practice your dance. I’m giving you a 20-minute break.”
Ryo moves to go to the private room for instructors and sees his boyfriend and daughter playing again. His boyfriend turns his head as he hears the door open and close.
“Don’t stress too much, babe. We don’t want Papa to be stressed too much, right baby?” He asks their now 5-year old daughter.
“Yeah. Papa, kiss!” Nao demands from her father.
“Don’t you have work today?” Ryo asks Shige, slightly annoyed.
“Don’t you want me here?” Shige asks him, pouting slightly.
Ryo looks at him before accompanying their daughter to the next room for her to play with the other members. He goes back to the room and locks the door behind him before kissing his lawyer on the lips.
--------------------
The End.
* Here's what Domus MotoAzabu West looks like.
Author: fangirlism_era
Word Count: 5439
Genre: Future Fic
Pairings: RyoShige
Summary: It’s a dark time in Japan, everyone is having a hard time coping for losses. Companies closed down, businesses went bankrupt, corporations laid off thousands of employees so that they can continue. Of course, Johnny’s Entertainment was not exempted from this.
Notes: This is a late, late birthday fic for nikkimeimei . I made her angst before so I'm dedicating this to more people. Also anniversary fics for sheichan18 , nikkimeimei , and thank you gift for akeruworld_69 akeru_world69 . This fic is also in tatoeba 's wish list, which is so freaky because I already started this when I read her wish list. I hope all my bbs like this. :)
It’s a dark time in Japan, everyone is having a hard time coping for losses. Companies closed down, businesses went bankrupt, corporations laid off thousands of employees so that they can continue. Of course, Johnny’s Entertainment was not exempted from this. The entertainment world plunged. Highly-paid actors and actresses started doing measly jobs to support themselves. People didn’t have time to watch them act anymore, no, they didn’t have the luxury of time anymore.
Out of everyone in the Jimusho, only a handful managed to get at least decent-paying jobs, and only a few managed to get high-paying ones.
One of the lucky people to get a high-paying job is Kato Shigeaki. Even before the recession reached its peak, Shige started looking for a job in one of the top law firms in Japan. He was accepted almost immediately so he started climbing the ladder to the top. After a few months of hard work, he was being prepped to be one of the superiors because of his work ethics and unending knowledge. Add the fact that he’s still an idol, his superiors are certainly impressed.
Now, almost Christmas of 2011, a year after Johnny’s and Associates closed down, Shigeaki sits on a chair in his office overlooking Tokyo, looking at people rush to where they are headed as he reviews another case that will definitely challenge not only his abilities but also his knowledge and emotions. It’s a case filed by his former bandmate, Nishikido Ryo. Divorce. He’s divorcing the woman he married a year ago. He feels a headache coming.
Shige reaches for his phone, his old phone. He didn’t give his old number up, he just got a new one for his job but he kept his old one to keep in touch with his friends. Despite all his efforts, keeping in touch with their lives took more of his time than he imagined so he just gave it up. It’s now narrowed to 5-minute phone calls a week and occasional lunches with Koyama.
He scrolls down to a number rarely used and hits the call button. As he waits, he looks around his office. The higher-ups gave him a luxurious office, on the 60th floor of a building at the heart of Tokyo. He has his own secretary, he is well-respected. There’s a flat panel on the opposite wall, he rarely used it since he has so much work on hand that he can’t even watch television. The call connects.
“Hello,” a husky voice answers the phone, sounding more tired than irritated.
“Nishikido-kun, it’s Shige.”
“Shige,” surprise evident in his voice and Shige imagines him straightening his posture.
“I called to ask you to come to my office tomorrow at 8. We’re to talk about your divorce.”
“You’re my lawyer?”
“Yes, any problems?”
“No, I’m just glad that my lawyer is someone I know,” relief evident in his voice.
“Alright, I just called to tell you that. I will be able to focus on your case completely tomorrow so I shall see you then.”
“Okay, see you at 8 Shige,” then hangs up.
----------
Ryo looks at his phone when he hears Shige hang up. Shige sounds more confident with himself. He then looks at the infant in the crib next to his bed, his baby girl giggling at her mobile. He looks down at her and smiles, she smiles back and asks to be carried. Ryo takes her to his arms and walks to the window of his apartment.
Nishikido Ryo, upon the fall of Johnny’s Entertainment wanted to fulfil his childhood dream --- to have a family. He found a girl, no more than 5 years younger than him, dated, and married. He got her pregnant almost immediately. And now, almost a year later, she resents him and their child. Because of her irresponsibility as a mother and as a wife, he filed for divorce.
He thought he was invincible to the recession and upon losing his job didn’t find another job to support his family resulting to him living in a less luxurious way than before. That’s okay though, at least his dream came true, having the kid part, not the mannequin-like wife part. He looks down at his daughter, cooing at the lights outside their home and smiles softly. Putting the infant down in her crib, he goes to the kitchen to prepare her milk so she can sleep.
While preparing Nao’s milk, he thinks back to the days when he was living the life of an idol, not caring too much about what the future will bring, thinking he was invincible. Now, one year after the Jimusho closed down, he thinks feels regret. Regret for not thinking about his future, regret for marrying too early, regret that he will not be able to provide everything he wants to give his daughter.
After making sure that Nao is properly fed, and tucked in, Ryo goes to the living room and sits on the couch. He looks forward, where a television is supposed to be but finds empty space, the wall a different color on where a television used to be mounted. He feels a sense of helplessness on times like these, thinking of putting Nao up for adoption or something because he knows he’ll run out of money soon. He already sold his car and there’s barely anything left. He sits there, idly thinking how to make money when he realizes that he doesn’t know where Shige’s office is.
Ryo looks at the clock - 10:00 PM flashing back at him. He reaches for his phone and dials a familiar but rarely-used number. Shige picks up at the 3rd ring.
“Nishikido-kun, what’s up?” Shige answers, sounding tired.
“I don’t know where your office is.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Iforgot to tell you.” Ryo hears papers being moved around. “It’s in Ikebukuro. You know the Sunshine 60 building? My office is
in the 60th floor, just tell the reception at the ground floor that you have an appointment with me and they will lead you to the elevator that will take you to my floor, okay?”
“Alright, that’s so high up, Shige,” Ryo tells the lawyer, awe in his voice. “You’ve done good in your life.”
“More like my superiors are guilty about giving me too much work that they give me this office. Now tell me, Nishikido-kun. How are you?”
“Don’t you have work?” Ryo asks, voice gaining that familiar irritated tone.
“Nah, it’s 10. I’m bound to go home sooner or later. You have a kid, right? Nao, is it? Bring her tomorrow. I know you won’t want to leave her
alone. We can take her shopping after talking.”
“No, Shige that’s-“ Shige cut him off.
“Just what I need to do. She’s my niece, Nishikido-kun. I want to spoil her. Please?”
“Alright. It’s late, I should sleep.”
“Fine. I’m going home, then. Good Night, Nishikido-kun. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He hangs up.
----------
Shige puts down the phone and sighs. He knows that the case will be tough not because his former band mate is involved but because there is a child involved. He hates handling divorce cases because it usually involved harsh words and broken families. This one is no different, involving a reckless wife, a former idol, and a 3 month old child. They have a huge chance of winning this case since the wife neglected her daughter and just spent all he husband’s savings, leaving them with nothing right now.
While getting ready to go home, one of his superiors enters his office to talk to him.
“Kato, you’ll be handling a very delicate case. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
"I’m sure, sir. I’m going to win this, I have to.” Shige tells him with much conviction that his boss is surprised.
“If you say so, Kato-kun. I wish you all the luck. Have a good night then.”
“Thank you, sir, you too.”
Going back to packing his things, Shige thinks back to his conversation with Ryo. His former band mate sounds kind of tired. It’s not because it’s 10 PM but Shige guesses it’s because he’s stressing over his current situation. Dismissing the thought as his imagination and wishes the man good fortune, Shige takes the hike to the elevator before finally feeling the crisp air of spring hitting his skin as he leaves the building. Strolling to the parking lot and revs up the engine of his black sports car, he speeds away to his home in MotoAzabu.
He arrives home approximately 30 minutes later, parks his car, unlocks his door, and taking in the view. After a year of living in Domus MotoAzabu West, he’s still not used to seeing a luxury home when he comes from work. Hurrying his nightly rituals and completely disregarding dinner since he had a sandwich in work, Shige settles in his expensive and soft duvet thinking that he’s living the life before succumbing to sleep.
----------
Someone’s trying to knock down his door, Ryo registers as he opens his eyes. The next thing he notes is that it’s landlord who’s knocking down his door. With a groan, he gets up to answer the door.
“Nishikido-san. I know it’s early in the morning but it’s time to pay the rent.”
“Yamada-san, I’m sorry. I don’t have money yet.”
“Again? I’m sorry too. I have to ask you to move. This is the 3rd time this year.”
“Please, Yamada-san. Don’t kick us out.”
“I’m sorry. Times are tough. I have to kick you out. Please pack your things and look for another housing. I’ll give you until tomorrow to completely vacate the place.”
As the landlord turns his back, Ryo can only lower his head in defeat. It’s not like he can ask anyone for money because they’re not that well-off anymore. Suddenly, Ryo raises his head, coming up with an idea. He goes back inside, gets his phone, and dials a now-familiar number.
----------
His phone is ringing, Shige notes as he opens his eyes. He checks the clock by his bedside --- 6:30 AM blinks back at him in red. Groaning, he reaches out for his phone to answer it and barely registers that it’s his old phone.
“Do you know what fucking time it is?” He growls at the caller, not bothering to hide is annoyance.
“Shige, I need to ask you a favour,” it’s Ryo, Shige notes. “I’m sorry for calling this early.”
“It’s okay. I have to be awake in half an hour anyway. What is it?”
“I need a place to live in. I just got kicked out.” Ryo admits, voice sounding embarrassed.
“How long have you not paid rent, Ryo?”
“About 3 months now. I don’t have money. I always use it to buy necessities for Nao.”
“Okay. You can stay with me. I have an extra room anyway. Where’s your apartment, I’ll be coming over now.”
Ryo tells him his address and hangs up, relief washing over him that at least they won’t be homeless. Walking over to his daughter’s crib, he sees her awake and proceeds to make her breakfast before starting to pack. Just as he started packing, the doorbell rings. He stands up and opens the door, surprised to see Shige there almost 20 minutes after their phone call.
“That was fast,” he commented as Shige is removing his shoes at the genkan.
“I came as fast as I can. I also called in sick at the office. I’ll help you move,” Shige flashes him a grin. “Now, where’s your daughter? I want
to meet her.”
Shige ventures into the apartment looking around, obviously trying to hide his pity at the barren place. He enters the bedroom and is
immediately greeted by the sight of a double bed with thin sheets and a crib that is almost ready to crack.
“I guess we’re also going shopping. I’ll choose what to pack, okay? You don’t have to bring everything.” Shige faces Ryo and smiles then he turns to face at the baby girl inside the crib.
“Hi, Nao-chan, I’m Uncle Shige. I used to work with your Dad,” Shige tells her gently with a soft smile on his face.
To Ryo’s surprise, Nao smiles back and asks to be carried. Shige’s smile turns into a full-on grin that lights up the room as he hoists Nao into his arms. Shaking his head, Ryo goes back to packing. After a few minutes of playing with Nao, Shige joins Ryo in packing, basically unpacking or removing what Ryo packs which makes Ryo annoyed.
“Fine, just take your clothes and some important stuff. I’m going out to make some calls.” Shige tells him, annoyance in his voice.
The door closes with a thud as Shige leaves the apartment. He moves down to where he thinks the landlord lives and knocks on the door. A 50-something man opens the door and Shige greets him with a crude smile, cigarette hanging off his lips.
“I’m Kato Shigeaki. I’ll be paying Nishikido Ryo’s balance and taking him with me.”
“Are you his sugar daddy?” The man rudely says.
“His lawyer, actually. So you wouldn’t want to be talking to me like that,” Shige tells him snobbishly, hands the man wads of cash and turns on his heel back to his friend’s apartment. The old man can only look on in shock.
Shige returns to the apartment and sees father and daughter ready to go.
“Come on. We’ll go shopping after we get everything settled in my place. My car’s just outside.” Shige tells the older man and proceeds to get the suitcases as Ryo carries Nao.
Ryo stops in his tracks when he sees the car Shige drives.
“You drive a Ferrari?” Ryo asks Shige incredulously.
“Yeah. I guess I have to buy a new car now since we have a baby.” Ryo raises his eyebrows at Shige’s statement. “I-I mean since YOU have a baby and I’m guessing that you’ll be riding with me so…yeah.” Shige laughs nervously as he unlocks the door.
The ride to Shige’s house consisted mostly of comfortable silence. Ryo’s talkative at times but he’s embarrassed at the moment to even talk so he just stays silent. Shige doesn’t seem to mind though, choosing to concentrate on driving than talking.
They arrive at MotoAzabu almost 40 minutes later, Tokyo traffic mainly keeping them from moving fast. Ryo stares at Shige in surprise as the younger man pulls up at the famous Domus MotoAzabu West Apartment mainly because he didn’t think Shige could afford the place but also because he didn’t know that his former band mate is this rich. He’s still standing with Nao in his arms outside the place when he noticed that Shige is looking at him strangely then signals to follow him.
When they enter the apartment, Ryo almost drops Nao but thinks fast as the only thing that drops is his jaw.
“You know, instead of gawking there, why don’t you enter so we could unpack and at least have breakfast and clean up before going shopping,” Shige tells him with a knowing smirk gracing his mouth. Shige disappears into a room to the right of the hallway, Ryo follows.
“This is your room. I was originally planning on turning it into an office but I’m giving to you instead,” Shige tells him teasingly. “You have your own bathroom. Take a bath or something since we were in such a rush this morning. I’m also taking one in my room.” Shige says before he disappears to his room, leaving Ryo to look around in awe at the place. He sets Nao down on the bed and she settles into it comfortably. He
digs for his and Nao’s clothes before picking her up again and going to the bathroom.
----------
Shige sighs as he enters his room before he drops face-first into bed then rolling over before sighing again. It’s one thing to hear your friend tired over the phone, knowing he’s going through a lot. It’s another thing to witness your friend in the brink of bankruptcy.
‘It’s a good thing he called me. He’s the worst off out of everyone in NEWS right now,’ Shige thought to himself.
Getting up with another sigh, he heads to the bathroom to take a bath, scrubbing every nook because he sweated this morning when he
was helping Ryo pack.
Shige emerges from the bathroom 20 minutes later refreshed, he puts on some comfortable clothes before heading to the kitchen to cook breakfast. He looked at the box by the entrance and immediately knows that they’re Nao’s things so he proceeds to open it and what he sees devastates him. It’s a can of powdered formula which is almost empty, empty baby bottles, and a baby mobile that is on the brink of destruction, only taped on the broken parts to keep it attached.
He takes some bottles, fills them with water and pours what’s left of the formula and puts it inside a pot of hot water. He then proceeds to make breakfast for two grown men. Shige takes his special pancake mix that he made himself and proceeds to make pancake. Ryo emerges from the room with Nao in his hands, looking refreshed. Shige takes the bottle from the pot, temperature-tests it on his wrist before handing it to Ryo who in turn gave it to Nao who is making grabby-hands.
The lawyer then serves the pancake --- three pieces each. He opens the refrigerator and brings out a variety of syrups for choices. Ryo looks
at Shige gratefully before digging in. Shige also proceeds to eat his own share, basking in the silence that settles between them. The only sound coming from Nao sucking on her milk.
10 minutes later, Ryo’s burping a contented Nao and Shige loading dishes into the dishwasher. He looks at his watch then looks at Ryo.
“It’s still kind of early. We have one more hour before the mall open. You can rest or watch television. I have some reports to finish so I’ll be in my room.” He tells Ryo and starts to walk back to his room. Right when he’s at the door, he pauses. “Also, the rest of the members will be coming in half an hour.” He winks at Ryo before disappearing into his room.
----------
When Shige left him to his own devices, Ryo was at a loss. He looks around the place and sees a door to the balcony so he opens it and basks in the sunlight and wind. Nao seemed to like it too so he stays. He doesn’t notice how long he has been in the balcony until he hears Shige come out behind him.
“You like this place?” Shige asks him softly.
“Yeah,” he turns to look at Shige. “Thanks for letting us stay. I don’t know what I would have done if we become homeless,” Ryo looks down in shame.
“It’s not your fault, Ryo.” Shige tells him while playing with Nao. He looks up and sees Ryo’s confused look. “I read your file. It’s your wife’s
fault. If she hadn’t spent all of your savings, you wouldn’t be like this now.”
“Don’t make excuses for me, Shige. I chose to marry her. If anything, it’s my fault. If I hadn’t married her -“ Shige cuts him off.
“If you hadn’t married her, you wouldn’t have Nao. Don’t be so depressed and pessimistic. I’ll win this case, I promise you.” Shige tells Ryo with so much conviction.
Ryo opens his mouth to answer when he hears the doorbell ring, signalling the arrival of NEWS. Shige laughs at the startled sound that Nao makes as he takes her from Ryo and open the door.
Ryo welcomes the familiar babble into his ears as he makes his way to the living room. He’s immediately tackled by Tegoshi who’s just as energetic as he remembered. Tegoshi’s pushed aside by Massu who is just as excited to see him. When Massu finally lets go of him, he
sees Yamapi, his best friend, looking at him with an unreadable expression. Ryo beats him by hugging the man tight. When he finally lets go, Yamapi has a small smile on his face, making his boyish features show.
Koyama also hugs him after he cuddles his daughter. They settle down after minutes of hugging. Yamapi breaks the silence first.
“What happened?” He asks Ryo the inevitable question.
“We’re getting divorced.”
“It’s about time you file for a divorce,” Yamapi says with distaste which surprises everyone in the room. “She’s a bitch.” He says, like it answers the question hanging in air. Unfortunately, it does, kind of.
“So why are you living with Shige?” Tegoshi asks the question this time.
“I’ve been kicked out of my apartment and Shige’s the person I thought of at that time.”
“Why’s that?” Massu asks in between bites of cookies that Ryo assumes is from Shige’s kitchen.
“He’s also my lawyer for the divorce.”
“Really?” Koyama exclaims, clearly not knowing that piece of information, before looking at Shige with an accusatory look.
“We haven’t talked properly for a week. Don’t blame me, you’re too busy, Kei-chan,” Shige wrinkles his nose with the statement.
“Shige’s more busy than I am. You’re a high-class lawyer living in a high-class apartment, driving an expensive car. You should make time
for the lower ones.”
“Come on, it’s 11. Let’s go shopping for baby stuff then I’ll treat you guys to lunch,” Shige gets up from the couch with a faked sigh and proceeds to his room to change.
Ryo also gets up and gets Nao to dress up too. The other members offer to help dress Nao up so Ryo agrees.
----------
Shige emerges from his room dressed in black pants, a band shirt, a black jacket, and chucks. He looks around his apartment for signs of his band mates and hears snickers from Ryo’s room. He goes to the room and see them trying and failing to get Nao to participate in dressing her up. Snickering as he enters the room, Shige takes over and miraculously, Nao lets Shige dress her up. She even smiles up at him, earning jealous looks from the other members.
“Shige, she thinks you’re her Mom,” Yamapi snickers at Shige’s derogatory look.
“You’re just jealous she lets me dress her,” Shige maturely stuck out his tongue at Yamapi, which earns him a laugh from Ryo who just
came out from the bathroom.
“Come on, kids. We’re leaving now,” Koyama steps in and ushers the others out of the apartment, Ryo carrying Nao and the other member
poking fun at each other.
After almost 3 months of worrying over everything, he finally feels so much relief wash over because finally, he’s home.
The member all rides different cars since they won’t fit in anyone’s car. Ryo moves to Shige car, earning surprised looks from the other members. Ryo looks back at them.
“What? I live with him, right?” Then proceeds to enter the car, Shige following suit, laughing and pointing as Koyama poutingly enters Yamapi’s car.
They all speed off to Ropponggi Hills, the nearest shopping center to Shige’s apartment. Upon arrival, they immediately proceed to a baby store to buy things for Nao. Shige suddenly hands the infant to Koyama before going off with Ryo to a clothing store.
“Where are you taking me, idiot?” Ryo demands.
“I’m taking you shopping, genius.”
“Why. I have clothes.”
“Not enough. And they’re all out of fashion. Come on, Ryo. Think of me as your stylist,” Shige grins as he pulls Ryo into an expensive-looking store.
He makes the Osakan try many clothes, asking him to choose what he likes. Ryo maturely shakes his head, making Shige sigh. In the end, they bought everything he tried, the younger man looking happy while the older looking embarrassed.
“Don’t worry, I buy the other member clothes too,” he turns to look at Ryo. “So don’t feel embarrassed or something. I earn a lot, I have
enough to splurge on you guys.”
They go back to the baby store and see the others done with their shopping. Shige takes the cart from Yamapi before going to the counter to pay for everything. After getting everything they bought into the cars, they find a restaurant and ends up in a ramen store.
Conversation is full of color as they all update each other on their respective lives. Then Yamapi says something completely unexpected.
“You know, I want to rebuild Johnny’s Entertainment,” earning him incredulous looks from the members.
“It’s just that we lost everything when it closed down. I know for a fact that many children still wants to enter the Jimusho. I met them.”
“Let’s open it, then,” Shige says, earning him a few more looks. “I mean after I win Nishikido-kun’s case. We’ll manage it or something, just like how Johnny-san managed the company.” He throws a grin at Yamapi’s direction. “Then we can get jobs back and start training new juniors. What do you guys say?”
“I guess we can do that,” Tegoshi grins, warming up to the idea.
“Fine, we do it. But now, we need to focus on Ryo-chan’s case,” Koyama smiles at the people around the table.
They go back to Shige’s apartment after a tiring day of shopping and laughing to drop off the things they bought before the other members head home. After seeing them off, Ryo stands in the middle of the living room looking at everything that was bought for them. He looks at Nao happily gurgling in her stroller and hears Shige starting on dinner. He walks to the kitchen and sits on the counter.
“I don’t know how to repay you. I don’t have a job,” Ryo starts.
Shige looks around, as if that will answer Ryo’s underlying question. “I know,” he looks at Ryo. “Why don’t you stay in the house, clean, cook, or something. It will definitely lessen my load and at least you’re doing something. It’s too unfamiliar if I hire a housekeeper anyway. What do you say?”
“I guess I can do that. I know,” he looks at Shige brightly. “I’ll start now,” he then takes the spatula from the younger man’s hand and continues cooking while Shige looks at him weirdly before he sighs.
“Have it your way then,” he smiles before going to the living room, most likely to unpack.
They spend the next half hour in silence as Shige plays and shows Nao what they bought. Ryo enters the living-dining room to see Shige sitting on the floor trying to figure out how to assemble the crib while Nao looks on, interested in what her uncle is doing. It was a sight to behold, Ryo notes, they were looking more and more like a family than anything else.
Brushing away thoughts about Shige and family, he serves the food, gets Shige to stand and also giving Nao her milk. The lawyer looks up after the first bite.
“This is SO good, Nishikido-kun!” He then stuffs more into his mouth.
Ryo laughs as he watches Nao laughing at Shige before eating his own share. They talk about random things before deciding to go to bed early. They bid each other a good night before succumbing to much-needed sleep, it was a long day.
----------
Ryo wakes up to his alarm ringing. Groaning as he reaches out to turn it off, he catches sight of his clock - 6:30 AM. He sighs as he gets out of bed, going through morning rituals as fast as possible and in 20 minutes, he’s making breakfast for him, Shige, and Nao.
Shige emerges from his room dressed in his suit at exactly 7. Ryo stops to look at him and when Shige turns to him, he blushingly turns away, returning to serving their meal and getting Nao in her baby chair. Shige settles on his chair and starts eating, reading the newspaper in between bites.
“We’re going to my office today to go over some stuff for your case. Get ready by 8, okay?” Ryo nods before cleaning up and preparing Nao and himself while Shige prepares for work.
----------
They pull up at the Sunshine 60 building 30 minutes later and ride the elevator up to the 60th floor. Ryo looks around Ikebukuro and realizes that he hasn’t been in the area for almost a year now. Shige laughs at him when he voices that out as they ride the fastest elevator in the world. Nao, sitting comfortably in her stroller is looking at the gray buildings surrounding them as they continue the ride to the 60th floor.
Moments later, the elevator stops and signals that they’re on their floor. Alighting from the elevator, they head down the hall to Shige’s office.
The lawyer opens the door and sits behind his table while gesturing for Ryo to sit down.
“When did she start spending so much?” Shige asks, putting on his glasses.
“Right after she gave birth.”
“Can you please elaborate?”
Ryo stays silent, looking down on his hands.
“Ryo,” he says it in such a gentle tone that Ryo looks up. “Rely on me, don’t shut me out of your life.”
“Okay.” Ryo takes a deep breath and tells Shige everything.
It takes hours before they finish but it leaves Shige more determined and Ryo feeling his chest has been healed and he feels lighter.
“I’ll stay to finish this. The hearing is going to be moved up when I finish this tonight. Do you want to stay or do you want to go around?”
“I’ll stay.”
“There’s food in the fridge if you get hungry. There’s a cafeteria downstairs if that’s not what you want,” he smiles at Ryo. The older man
stops as he feels his heart skip a beat at the smile directed to him. He shakes his head and proceeds to read something he got from
Shige’s bookshelf. Looking over at Nao, he sees she’s asleep in her stroller. He looks at Shige working behind his desk and sees him bent over some books and papers, almost furiously studying.
He gets lost in his thoughts, staring at Shige working reminded him of the time when the younger man was studying for the Bars and constantly looked like death himself. Now, he’s much better, handling his job better than any lawyer he has seen but what does he know, he only knows Shige. He doesn’t notice that the subject of his thoughts has risen from his seat until he sees the face mere inches from his.
“Are you okay?” Shige touches his forehead, looking worried. This makes Ryo blush more and turn away.
“I’m fine. Go back to work.”
Shige laughingly goes back to his seat, resuming to his earlier position. They work like that until Ryo looks up and squeaks. There it is, the
sun setting just in front of him. Shige looks up at him, smiles, and gestures for him to come closer to the window. They watch the sun set together.
“I’m done with this. Hearing will be tomorrow. More likely it will also be wrapped up by then.”
Ryo nods at him gratefully and proceeds to pack his things before they go down and speed home.
----------
They win the case, that in itself is expected. What’s unexpected is that Ryo kisses Shige the moment they enter the apartment. Nao laughs as she demands attention from both men, earning her a kiss in the cheek and a pout from her father.
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Five years later…
“One-Two-and-Three-and-Four,” he counts as he watches the young kids try to remember and do the dance routine properly. He sighs for the fifth time in 10 minutes. “That’s not it. Practice your dance. I’m giving you a 20-minute break.”
Ryo moves to go to the private room for instructors and sees his boyfriend and daughter playing again. His boyfriend turns his head as he hears the door open and close.
“Don’t stress too much, babe. We don’t want Papa to be stressed too much, right baby?” He asks their now 5-year old daughter.
“Yeah. Papa, kiss!” Nao demands from her father.
“Don’t you have work today?” Ryo asks Shige, slightly annoyed.
“Don’t you want me here?” Shige asks him, pouting slightly.
Ryo looks at him before accompanying their daughter to the next room for her to play with the other members. He goes back to the room and locks the door behind him before kissing his lawyer on the lips.
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The End.
* Here's what Domus MotoAzabu West looks like.