Title: Heart Shaped Clock.
Author: shou_ni
Pairing: ToraxShou, some NaoxHiroto
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Romance, Angst, Fluff, Smut-ish
Disclaimer: I dont own anyone, just the story.
Summary: When a beautiful guy enters Tora's life, he's smitten. Unfortunately Shou has a secret and he doesn't want to share it
The winter had rolled in thick and fast, bringing the cold air and early sunsets with it. Tora was pleasantly surprised to find that their new apartment was much warmer than their old one. Which was defiantly welcoming after a long hard day at work. Made even more welcoming on nights that Shou arrived home before him, greeting him with a freshly cooked meal.
It was especially cold as the season entered the weeks of December.
Miyavi had recently bought a new heater for behind the shop desk, which Shou was more than thankful for as he snuggled beneath his winter coat. The store was kind of busy at the weekends with people buying gifts ready for Christmas, but during weekdays it was practically empty.
On one of his days off, Hiroto decided to keep Shou company at the store taking his Pomeranian, Mogu, with him.
He sat behind the desk with Shou, Mogu curled up on the brunettes lap infront of the heater. Hiroto had picked one of the guitars from the backroom and was playing a charming melody and Shou sang along softly as he stroked the puppy's fur.
They both enjoyed moments like this, it was just like being back at high school again. The two would sit in an empty classroom, or down by the river behind the school and just jam together, for hours. It was their favorite past time.
The three of them basked in the warmth of the electric heater watching the few people outside battling with the bitter wind while they continued their song.
Tora just happened to be one of those people outside in the freezing wind. He'd been given an extra hour for lunch due to his workplace having a power cut. So he had caught a bus across town to pay his boyfriend a small visit.
Apparently nobody noticed as he entered the store, hearing guitar playing and a melodic voice singing along. He hid behind on of the CD shelves and pulled out his video camera with a grin. He rarely got to hear Shou sing, so he just had to capture it.
It was obvious that the two were too wrapped up in their song, as suddenly he jumped out from behind the shelf.
"Hello" He cheered causing the two to yelp.
"Tora, what are you doing here, could've given us a heart attack" Hiroto hissed.
The elder tried to hold back his laughter but failed, "Sorry I couldn't resist" he giggled walking up to the desk.
He placed a paper bag on the counter. "I brought you some cookies on the way over here, peace offering?"
Shou peered into the bag skeptically then at Tora.
"We shall accept your cookies, but you aren't forgiven" He pouted playfully. Stroking Mogu like an evil villain. "Anyway, what brings you here, aren't you supposed to be at work?"
"There was a power cut so we've all been given a few hours for lunch, So my first thought was to visit my beautiful heart throb of a boyfriend" He cooked.
"You just keep charming yourself to an early night" Shou smiled leaning his elbows on the counter to give him a kiss.
Tora was seated next to Shou behind the desk, warming his fingers infront of the heater. Sharing one of the cookies with the brunette.
"Oh, before I forget"He said, pulling out his phone "My mother called today, she asked if you and I could go and stay with her and my father over christmas. If you're up for it that is?"
"Meet your parents?" Shou asked, wide eyed.
"yeah, She's been excited to meet you for ages, Plus I only ever get to visit my parents at christmas because they live all the way in Osaka"
Shou paused for a moment, seemingly thinking it over.
"Okay, I'm happy to go, it'll be nice to spend christmas with someone"
"Hey!" Hiroto pouted, hitting his best friend over the head with some sheet music. "You've spent a few christmas days with me"
"I know, but your going to New York with Nao, I'd be all alone"
The shop door opened and shut quickly, A flustered Miyavi leaning against it.
"it's fuckin cold out there" He whined "Sorry I couldn't be here this morning Shou" He began, turning around, only to sigh as his eyes landed on the three men and dog behind the desk.
"Oh Shouuu" He groaned, massaging his temples "You're twistin my arm here, I know I said Pon could hang out every now and then but your boyfriend... C'moooon, this isn't a social party"
"Sorry Miyavi" Shou apologized, drooping his head in shame.
"Miyavi, It's my fault" Tora cut in "He didn't even know I was coming"
The tattooed male simply sighed, "All the same, I gotta reprimand you Shou, what kind of boss would I be if I didn't?"
"I understand" Shou said with a sad smile, Miyavi cupped his cheeks and mock frowned.
"Don't look at me like that Kohara, you know I'm a sucker for puppy eyes, now Tora you're gonna have to go now"
Tora nodded and stood up, "I need to head back to the office anyway" He stroked Shou back as he walked past and left the store.
Hiroto also got to his feet and scooped Mogu off of Shou's lap. Miyavi held a hand out which stopped him.
"You aren't going anywhere, you're fine, you have a dog" he laughed reaching out and cradling Mogu. "Oh god, he's precious"
It was 2 days before Christmas, Tora found himself in his car driving to Osaka. Shou in the passenger seat next to him, sounds asleep. He'd been driving since the early hours of the morning, and it was about 4pm. There were quite a few cars on the roads for most of the journey, but as they drove up the thin country lanes there wasn't another car in sight. He glanced at the SAT-NAV to find that they were less than a mile away from his parents house. He saw the bus stop he used to catch his school bus from, smiling as he looked at the view he used to see everyday.
Before long, he could see the small road that lead to his parents house, driving down it made him feel excited, too see his parents but also to introduce them to Shou.
He pulled up infront of the house and switched off the engine.
"Baby" He said softly shaking the younger's arm, his eyes fluttered open.
"We're here now" Tora smiled. Shou looked around sleepily and registered the information. With a rub of his eyes he undid his buckle.
The front door of the house opened, a middle aged woman stepped out and waved, causing Tora to practically jump out of the car.
"Mom" He called cheerfully, jogging over to give her a hug
"Hello darling" She smiled "It's lovely to see you again, I trust you had a good journey?"
"Yeah, it wasn't so bad this time" Tora said.
"So, have you brought someone to see me?" she asked excitedly
"Of course mom, He's just in the car, I'll go get him" The raven haired male grinned before practically running to the car. He found Shou wrapping himself up in his thick winter coat and a scarf, he really despised the cold and the idea of walking in it for more than a second without a coat was something that he found absurd.
"C'mon Shou, Mom's really excited to meet you" Tora said, opening the car door and helping the smaller out.
"Tora, maybe this is a mistake. What if your parents hate me?" Shou chewed on his lip, the elder simply have his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"They're going to adore to baby, don't worry" Before the other could protest, Tora's mother made he way over too them.
"You must be Shou" She greeted with a welcoming smile, taking his hand to shake it "Tora's told me quite a bit about you".
Shou bowed politely, "Pleased to meet you Mrs Amano, and thank you for inviting us here"
"You are most welcome" He said softly "And please, call me Hanami"
"Where's Dad?" Tora asked impatiently. As if by magic, Tora's father appeared in the door way before making his way over. He stopped short of the three and looked over.
"Dad, it's good to see you" Tora grinned as he embraced him.
"It's been a while, Son" He beamed.
Tora stepped back and wrapped an arm around Shou's shoulders. "Dad. This is Shou, my Boyfriend"
Casting his eyes over the young male, Mr Amano's expression hardened, frowning a little.
"I see" Without another word, he turned around and walked back to the house, leaving the three looking a little dumbfounded. Shou let out a small smile and averted his eyes to the ground.
"I'm so sorry" Hanami huffed "I have no idea what's wrong with your father today"
Tora simply shook his head "Don't worry about it Mom"
"Right then, let's get these suit cases inside before you catch a cold" She smiled.
Popping the trunk, they grabbed the two suitcases and trudged up to the house.
"Are you okay staying in your old room Tora?" Hanami asked as she hung her coat up.
"Of course" The raven haired male nodded, taking Shou hand and leading him up the stairs.
Tora's parent's house was much larger than Shou had expected. It almost had a traditional feel to it, but in a charming way. They made their way down the hall, walking past numerous photographs hanging on the wall. He smiled at one that was obviously of a young Tora, in his school uniform holding a small kitten with a big grin on his face. Tora opened the door at the end of the hall and lead the younger inside.
Looking around, it was as if he had stepped back in time, to when his lover was a high school student. There was a double bed with a guitar next to it, a desk covered in books and photographs and posters covering the walls.
"This was your old room?" Shou asked, unzipping his coat.
"Yeah, up until I moved away to go to collage" Tora smiled "Though I used to come back every christmas and for two weeks during the summer every year"
"Cute" The brunette smiled as he hugged his lover. His eyes roamed over the collection of photographs on the wall, it was quite endearing to see small glimpses of Tora's past.
"You were such a goofy looking teenager" He laughed, pointing at Tora's school picture.
"Heeeey" Tora pouted and tickled Shou, causing the younger to splutter and giggle uncontrollably.
"Tora..s..sto..stop it....." He cried between laughs "I cant breathe"
"What's that, you want me to stop?" Tora teased, continuing to tickle him more until he was practically doubled up on the floor.
"Pleeeasee" He laughed. Tora finally stopped, allowing him to catch his breath.
There was a knock at the door, grabbing the two males attention.
"Dinner will be ready soon" Mrs Amano called through the door.
Dinner was much bigger than Shou had expected too, It seemed that that trait ran within many aspects of the Amano family.
He and Tora has shed their coats and changed into something a little bit more presentable before joining the parents at the dining table. Greeted by a smiling Hanami and an impressive amount of steaming delicious food. Sitting themselves down, everybody pilled their plates up high and tucked it.
"How long did it take you to drive here?" Mrs Amano asked.
"about 9 and a half hours, there was alot of traffic around Nagoya and we hit alot of icy roads in Otsu" Tora said resting his hand on his chin "I hope it's not as bad going back"
"I keep telling you to just get a flight here, it's 30 minutes on a plane" Mr Amano cut in.
"You know how I feel about flying" Tora pouted "and besides, Shou doesn't have a passport"
"It's not hard to get a passport"
"Tsuneo" Hanami hissed, sending him a glare. "Anyway Shou" She smiled, changing the subject swiftly "Tora tells me you work in music"
The brunette let out a soft laugh, glancing at his lover. "It's not quite like that, I work at a small music store in town, it's pretty quiet but I really enjoy it"
"Did you study music in university?"
"No, I never graduated from high school" He blushed.
Mr Amano scoffed, "So Tora is a well paid accountant, doing well for himself and you dropped out of school and work in a run down old music shop?" He raised a brow, eyes boaring into the young male "No wonder you leech off of my son"
"Dad!" Tora snapped, Shou turned a deep shade of red, his gaze dropping to his lap.
"He doesn't leech off me at all" The raven haired frowned "Shou works hard for his money, and we both contribute towards living costs, so just lay off okay"
The room went silent, with a tension so thick it'd take more than a knife to slice it.
They continued the meal without another word. Mrs Amano glancing round the table desperately, her hopes of a lovely dinner as a family blown out of the window.
"Excuse me" Tora mumbled, getting up from his chair. "Shou c'mon"
"Thank you for the meal Mrs Amano, Please excuse me" Shou bowed before leaving.
As he got into Tora's room, the elder wrapped his arms around him, placing a kiss on the top of his head.
"I knew coming here was a bad idea" Shou sighed.
"I'm sorry baby, I honestly don't know why he'd being such a dick" They flopped down onto the bed with a huff. "If it gets too much we can just go home"
"it's only for a few days, I'll be fine"
They didn't leave the room for the rest of the night, simply deciding to go to bed. Snuggling up under the blankets. The house was pretty cold due to the winter temperatures.
"Tora, Toraaaa" He stirred, rolling back over to nestle further into the mattress. "Tora you lazy ass, wake up" He suddenly felt a body jump onto him at full force causing him to yelp. Rubbing his eyes he sat up, seeing an excited looking Shou, mere centimeters from his face.
"What's gotten you so hyper" He groaned.
"It's snowing" Shou cheered, jumping up and running to the window "Look!" Tora stumbled from his cozy soft nest over to where the younger was stood, jumping up and down ever so slightly. He was right, there must have been some sort of snow storm over night, as there lay a thick layer of snow on the ground.
"Isn't it amazing?" Shou cried, pulling his coat on "C'mon, let's go outside"
Tora hadn't thought for even a second that only moments after waking up, he be standing out in the freezing cold, watching his boyfriend running around in the snow in his pajamas like a child. It was when a large snowball collided with the side of his face that he broke from his thoughts, hearing Shou doubled up with laughter.
"Why you little" He cursed before scooping a handful of snow up, pressing it into a ball shape and hurling it at the younger. Who let out a slight squeak as it hit his arm.
With that the battle began, snowballs firing all over the place, by the end of it, they were both covered in snow. Only stopping when Mrs Amano called them inside for breakfast.
Luckily Mr Amano wasn't around to ruin the happy atmosphere, as he was out buying some last minute things for Christmas. Which gave the three a chance to talk with out the tension.
Tora's mother had surprised them with a private reservation at a local Onsen. It was supposed to be closed for Christmas eve, but being so close with the owner, they were more than happy to do her the favor.
The snow had eased up a little by the time the two arrived at the onsen, just a gentle sprinkle drifting onto the ground.
The owner welcomed them and guided them to their bath.
Shou was the first into the water, it was hot and warmed him up in the winter air. He rested his head against the stones and relaxed his body. Tora emerged outside with a smile. Stepping in, only to slip and fall face first into the water, creating a large splash.
Obviously Shou couldn't contain his laughter as the now completely soaked Tora spluttered and wiped the drenched bangs from his eyes. Shou giggled so hard that a cough tore from his throat. The elder looked at him in panic, but nothing happened, apart from a small giggle that escaped Shou's lips.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm alright, how about you, you didn't hurt yourself when you fell so gracefully?" He snorted. Tora sighed in relief, glad that he wasn't having another attack.
"Oh shut up you" Tora pouted, pushing the younger's head under the water playfully.
Without warning he felt himself get dragged under as well. Hands rested on his shoulders and lips pressed against his. He'd never experienced an under water kiss before, but it was certainly magical, as if he was being kissed by a mermaid or something. Fingers dancing along skin felt heavenly in the hot water.
When their lungs were screaming out for oxygen, they raised to the surface, breaking the kiss.
Shou looked at Tora, his dark hair stuck to his face, droplets of water sliding down his toned chest as it rose up and down. He found himself drawn to him and closed the gap between them again. Wrapping his arms around Tora's shoulders.
They stayed like that, just warming themselves in the hot spring water, watching the snow fall around them.
"I can't believe I've never been to a hot spring before"Shou chuckled, sticking his tongue out to catch a snowflake.
"I used to come here a few times a year with some friends from school" Tora smiled.
"You did? That must have been cool"
"Yeah, we used to dress in kimonos and yukatas and go to the local festivals too, it was always fun".
Shou rested his head on Tora's shoulder, tracing small patterns on his chest. It was so peaceful with just the two of them, as if time had stood still, or every one in the world had disappeared except for them.
Eventually they left, thanking the onsen owner kindly before heading home.
They drank some green tea and headed to bed, ready for the festivities the next morning. Sleeping peacefully in there blanket fortress.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Notes; This was a nightmare to put up because LJ is horrible today = =.
First introduction to Mogu, I couldn't resist putting him in, and Miyavi being all boss like XD
It feels strange writing about Christmas in the middle of summer lol.
So close to a pinnacle point now, so stay tuned :D