Fanfic: Lost Heart
Title: Lost Heart *Chapter 6*
Author: yume16
Beta: blursakana
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine...
Pairing(s): Ryopi
Genre: AU (!)
Warnings: Language
Rating: -Chapter: PG
- Complete Fanfic: NC-17 (I guess)
Summary: Tomohisa is seriously not interested in love...
Author Notes: I know this took forever. I am truly sorry, but I had some troubles.
Chapter 6
Ryo moved slightly. He had not slept in a good position. That much he could tell from the way his body was aching.
When he opened his eyes, he understood why. He and Tomohisa were sleeping on the couch with one of the other’s elbows digging in his side.
It was uncomfortable to say the least. Though, he couldn’t help but stare at Tomohisa. They were quite close and the other looked extremely peaceful. He really liked him when he was like that.
Tomohisa’s skin was glowing slightly in the light of the new day and he would love to touch the inviting looking skin with his lips. It had to feel really nice.
Suddenly, there was some movement from Tomohisa and the other wrapped an arm around his waist and fisted his shirt in his hand. The other could be so cute.
It made him feel fuzzy and warm; A feeling he had missed dearly.
“Are you my son’s new boyfriend?” A voice cut through the air and his head snapped up. Opposite of them was sitting an older woman on a chair, looking at them with an unmoving face.
He swallowed. She had to be Tomohisa’s mother.
“Uhm…”
“Mom?” He thanked the Gods. Tomohisa had woken up before he had to say anything. Immediately, the warm arm around his waist was gone and he couldn’t help but miss it slightly.
“Tomohisa.” She nodded towards the other. “As I can see you got yourself another man.”
The word man was spat at the other and Ryo couldn’t help but frown slightly.
“It’s none of your business.” Tomohisa pushed him to the side so that he could get up.
“Not getting any grandchildren is my business.” She said without showing any emotions.
“Ask Rina to get you some.” Tomohisa grumbled and suddenly a young woman came out of the kitchen into the living room.
“Leave me out of this.” She pulled a face and then went to hug Tomohisa.
“Long time no see little brother.”
“Just because you are wearing extremely high shoes you are not my big sister…I am your big brother. Don’t break your legs with those shoes.” Tomohisa looked at her critically before tiredly rubbing his eyes.
“Maybe, I should make breakfast.” Ryo said and then fled out of the living room into the kitchen. What a freaky atmosphere.
Maybe some food would indeed help to create a more bearable mood? Well, he could try. It was still early enough since it was only 5:40. They would manage to catch their train.
While he was still busy, Tomohisa appeared next to him quite some minutes later.
“Are they too scary for you?” The other got himself a glass to drink some water.
“Your mother seems not that happy about you being gay.”
There was a longer silence next to him so he turned to look at Tomohisa. The other looked at him wide-eyed.
“What?” He asked puzzled.
“Nothing.” Tomohisa turned his head away and he frowned. What was now? Some hair was sticking up the other’s head and he flattened it out of reflex.
“Oh, he is not as useless as your former boyfriend. I like him.” Rina entered the room as she saw him making breakfast.
“Rina Yamashita, I am Tomo’s little sister.”
“Nishikido Ryo, I am his colleague.”
“Colleague?” Rina lifted an eyebrow. “That looked a little different just now. You two were quite cozy with each other.”
Tomohisa coughed awkwardly and then looked up at his sister.
“Rina, please don’t make any assumptions.”
“But I like him more.”
“You don’t choose my partners.” Tomohisa seemed to have some trouble to say the word boyfriend.
“Why not? I would make better choices than you.”
“Rina…” Tomohisa said in a dangerous voice.
“Eggs?” He blurted out and interrupted the rather tense atmosphere.
“Ehhh…” Rina looked flabbergasted at him and then nodded. “Sure.”
“I’ll go shower.” Tomohisa turned to leave, but Ryo grabbed him by the elbow.
“Breakfast comes first. It is the basis of your day.”
“Accepted. Somewhat, I guess.” A voice said that came from the door.
Tomohisa sighed defeated.
“Accepted?” Ryo asked a little puzzled.
“Yes, you got accepted by my mother just now for being such a worrywart.” Tomohisa explained and felt like face palming. Just great.
It really pissed him off greatly that whoever met Ryo, was ready to accept him and wanted him to be his new lover. Well, his mother probably rather accepted him as his work mate, but that was bad enough. That really sucked and made him desperate. He could already predict people asking him about Nishikido Ryo for awhile.
“Oh, how nice.” Ryo seemed a little unsure on how to react when he saw Tomohisa’s annoyed face, but in the end ushered him to his own table.
Tomohisa had to admit that it was nice to have breakfast with his family. Moreover, he could eat in peace. They were mostly interested in Ryo and when the misunderstanding of them being lovers was cleared by his partner, the day looked much brighter.
“So you are a reporter?” Rina asked interested.
“Yes, though at the moment I am writing travel articles. I used to write more about politics before I took a break.”
”You took a break?”
Ryo looked a little uncomfortable.
“Yes I did, for personal reasons.”
”Why?”
“Rina.” He said without looking up, but by the awkward laughter of his sister, it was clear she realized that she had asked too much.
“Sorry. So, you are going to tour around Japan? Where do you go first?” She hurriedly changed the topic.
“We already started here in Tokyo and today we leave for Hakone.”
“How nice!”
”Rina, we should leave soon and give them time to get ready.” His mother said and he smiled slightly at her.
True to her words, she took Rina and they left after breakfast. He hugged them both since he wasn’t sure when he would meet them again.
“Why does everyone love you?” He turned towards his partner as soon as the door had fallen shut.
“Because I am charming?” Ryo pondered with a thoughtful face. “Sexy, irresistible and plain awesome?
“Charming? My mother should be doing every possible thing to stop us from going together on a trip, but she doesn’t! Do you understand? She even accepted you! It's as though she is telling us to get married, get a dog, children and a happy life. Some hours ago she was still homophobic!”
“Well, the part with the children could be difficult but the rest is fine with me.”
“I didn’t propose to you just now!” He was going crazy here. All this was so unfair. When he came out no one accepted him and now this man came and everything was fine? Where was the hidden camera? Who was joking with him? This couldn’t be real.
“Oh, what a pity.”
“Can’t you be a little bit more serious?”
“Okay look Tomo, the answer is simple.”
“Simple?” He almost shrieked.
“All those people who seem to accept me by your side, they all care about you.”
”So?”
“So do I.”
With lifted eyebrows he stared at the other. Was Ryo telling him that his family and friends accepted him because of that? That was bullshit.
“My previous lover cared about me as well.”
”Strangely, no one thinks so.” Ryo said and looked pointedly at him.
“Who are you to say anything like that? You think you know me because we spent some time with each other and in a few moments of weakness I let you close? You know nothing about me! So don’t make any assumptions about my previous relationships. You have no right to stick your nose into my business.” How dare the other said Akito had not loved him. He could feel tears burn in the corner of his eyes, but this time not because of sadness or helplessness. No, this time it was anger.
He wanted to hit this guy and get it in his thick scull that Akito had loved him and that all the people around him were wrong and had no idea. They never understood.
“Tomohisa…”
“No, leave me alone.” He brushed past the other and went into the bathroom. They had to leave in an hour and they were both not showered. Only thinking about leaving with Ryo together made his stomach churn. Why did everything have to turn out like that?
The shower calmed him down considerably and helped him clear his head. Ryo couldn't have known that Akito had loved him because they never met. So it was alright. He could only believe what other people told him.
Now it was his turn to act like a grown up and ignore whatever Ryo said about the matter. Why should it annoy him anyway? He was way too emotional.
When he left the bathroom he told Ryo politely that it was his turn. The other looked at him befuddled, but he just walked past him and packed his last things. As Ryo was done as well, they called a cab.
“You are acting weird.” Ryo looked at him suspiciously from the side as the cab driver tried to get through the busy streets of Tokyo.
“I am not.”
”Yes, you are. Before you went into the shower you were very mad and now you are nonchalant.”
”It’s not your fault if you believe lies. You don’t know any better. I realized that.”
Ryo looked as if he had gotten hit over the head by him.
“Tomo, maybe…”
”No, please. You don’t know my former lover so you don’t have any right to judge our relationship. Can we leave it at that?”
“I preferred it when you looked ready to throttle me. Your indifference creeps me out.”
”I thought you wanted to get along?” He asked innocently.
“I do, but I want us to be honest with each other. If you want to scream at me, do so. If you want to have a nice chat, do so. But this indifference…”
“Look, I really realized I was in the wrong. You don’t know Akito. No one understands him, but that’s okay. I know that he loved me and that’s all that matters to me now.”
“I…” Ryo sighed. “Okay, let’s leave it at that.”
Satisfied, he nodded. Now they could get into the train without having a fight that stood in between them, because there was something else he had realized. Ryo and he were stuck in this together.
Maybe they really could manage to become something like friends. As long as Ryo didn't start flirting with him again. He had sworn off love.
“Let’s try to do our best.” Tomohisa said to his partner and Ryo looked more than worried.
“Yes, let’s do that.”
They paid the cab with some of the money they had gotten to achieve their trip through Japan as they reached the station. Ryo seemed used to travelling and guided them unerringly to their train. They had two seats next to each other and they comfortably settled down. There were mostly business men around them and it seemed like it was going to be a peaceful trip to Hakone. It would take around two hours and he wondered what he should do during this long period of time. Ryo was already unpacking his laptop so he was surely going to work on his articles and he couldn’t talk with the other. There was not much left to do, so he would just try to catch some more sleep.
Moving around in his seat, he tried to find a comfortable position. When he deemed it acceptable he closed his eyes. He felt the train starting to rattle and how he was gently moved from side to side. It was very soothing.
“Tomo, wake-up.”
“Hm…”
”We have to get off soon.”
Get off? Soon? From what? Oh right, the train. Blearily, he blinked his eyes open and grumbled as he tried to move his neck. It felt really sore.
“Ouch…”
Hands gently pushed his head up and he realized he had half hung on Ryo’s shoulder.
“I was asleep!”
“I know?” The other looked puzzled at him till he saw understanding dawn on his face. “I know that your head just dropped on my shoulder by chance and that maybe you followed because you were cold?”
“Yes.” He grumbled and tried not to blush. By now, he was so used to Ryo that it didn’t feel weird anymore to be close. He cursed in his mind. This was not going in a direction he liked.
They got off the train and then looked around for the exit.
“We are going to put our luggage into the hotel first, won’t we?” Tomohisa asked and Ryo nodded.
“Yeah, we still need to rent a car though. Otherwise we won’t get to mount Fuji from here. Well, at least it would be quite a trip otherwise.”
”I already did that.” Tomohisa couldn’t help but feel slightly proud about it. Finally, he had proven he could do some proper work as well.
“When did you…”
”My phone has Internet. I did it on the train yesterday.”
“Oh…” It was clear Ryo was impressed and yes, Tomohisa was very pleased about that.
They left the station and he gave the other a sign to follow him. He knew where to get their car.
The salesman was a little surprised about their choice, but they wouldn’t need the car for long, only two days.
“It does not even have a radio?” The man asked and Ryo shrugged his shoulders.
“It will be good enough for two days. We won’t need it longer.”
“If you say so.”
They went to sign the contract. The old car would do, since they had to be careful with their expenses. Of course, they didn’t have to pay it themselves, but they only had a certain amount and it was better to save early than too late.
“Let’s bring our luggage into the hotel first and check in so we don’t have to do it tonight.” Ryo said and he was more than happy about that. He would love to wash his face to feel a little bit fresher.
“Who drives?” Ryo asked and Tomohisa took the key from him.
“I will.” He simply said and got into the driver seat.
“You will.” Ryo repeated dumbly, obviously surprised and then got into the car next to him. “You like to drive?”
“Sometimes I do.” To be honest, Tomo felt a little guilty for having been the only one who had rested in the train, while Ryo had worked on his articles, but there was just no way in hell he was ever going to admit that, because that would mean to admit to caring. He was not ready for that at all.
Tomohisa had noticed to his horror that he actually did care for Ryo somewhat, but he really didn’t want to. The pain was still too fresh and while Ryo, character wise, was very different from Akito, his ex-lover, he wanted strictly to be seen as a co-worker. Or maybe something like a friend? Could they build up a relationship like that?
But for that he probably would have to apologize. Only the thought of admitting to his behaviour made his toes curl, especially because he wasn’t sure he could promise to never do it again.
He sighed and tried to concentrate on the road properly. The last they needed was an accident.
Their hotel was an old and traditional Japanese building and Tomohisa couldn’t wait to try out the hot spring after a long day of touring around.
They took their bags after finding a place to park their car and checked in. They each went to their room with the promise to meet in a few minutes.
Tomohisa was tempted to jump on his futon, run around and open the window to look outside, but knowing they didn’t have much time, he went to the bathroom, washed his face and packed into his backpack what he thought he might need and his camera.
When he went outside, Ryo wasn’t there yet and he walked slowly through the soft grass and enjoyed the peacefulness that surrounded the old building. Sometimes, it was really great to leave the busy Tokyo.
Even though it was still hot, there was a gentle breeze which made it pleasant.
“The soft rustling of leaves in the wind. The birds’ singing. The grass under our feet and the unusual quietness that surrounds us. How romantic.”
Tomohisa blinked as the velvety voice stopped and wondered where it had come from all of the sudden. When there was a giggle right behind him, he rolled his eyes.
“Nishikido, you passed the kindergarten entrance exam.”
“Oh? There is one? Though, I am a little sad. This was at least worth the elementary entrance exam. Wasn’t I poetic just now?”
“Poetic? Isn’t that your usual pick up line?” Tomohisa brushed past the other towards their car.
“No,, my typical pick up line would be ‘Wanna have sex?”. So please, this was poetic just now.”
“Considering your low standards, of course, you are right.”
Ryo pouted.
“I am not all that happy about this victory.”
“That’s because it is my victory, idiot.”
Tomohisa said and actually seemed to enjoy himself. He considered forbidding himself to be happy and to not enjoy Ryo’s company, but he really couldn’t get himself to do it.
“So, who drives now?” Ryo asked and opened the trunk of the car to put his backpack inside. Tomohisa did the same and shrugged his shoulders.
“I can.”
“Alright then, we are first head to Lake Ashinoko to take a picture from Mount Fuji further away and then we will go there for real?”
“Sounds good to me.”
They got into the car and Ryo checked with his phone where he had to drive. It wasn’t far, but since it was such a nice day it was difficult to find a place to park their car. Eventually, they did and got out.
“Maybe we should put on some sun lotion, don’t you think so?” Ryo looked up in the sky at the sun that was burning down on them mercilessly. It was close to noon.
“Yeah, you are right. It would be bad if we can’t sleep because of sunburn.”
Ryo got out some sun lotion and they smeared it on their faces and arms.
“You still have some white around your nose…No, not there. On the other side…no, closer to the left…” Ryo rolled his eyes and then took Tomohisa by the chin and gently massaged the cream in. The other’s skin felt as nice as he had imagined. Only a little sticky because of the lotion.
He watched the faint blush on the other’s cheeks, but it could be of course, also because of the heat. It looked nice nevertheless and suited Tomohisa.
“Let’s go.”
They had to walk quite a bit but the scenery was worth it. It was breathtaking. Thanks to the good weather, Fuji-san could be seen clearly behind the smaller hills and the water of the lake was beautiful blue and reflected the light of the sun.
“Today is a good day for postcard-like photos. We are lucky.” Tomohisa seemed excited and speeded up quite some and Ryo had to hurry. He could already see that the other was in his element and searching for a good spot to take good pictures.
Suddenly a hand wrapped around his wrist and tugged.
“Hurry! It will be good if we go there!”
“Okay, okay.” He laughed and let the other drag him along.
“I can even get Fuji-san and the red gate on one picture. That’s great.” Tomohisa got out his camera and then frowned.
“I need to get a little closer. There are too many people walking in my frame.”
The other tried to somehow get through the masses of people without knocking anyone over and Ryo followed closely. If they lost each other here, it would be difficult to find each other again.
Suddenly, he had an idea and sneaked his hand into Tomo’s. The other halted immediately and turned around.
“It would be bad if we lost each other.” Ryo said innocently and watched the other bit his bottom lip nervously.
“Just because of that. No funny business.” Tomohisa agreed eventually. Ryo nodded and suppressed a triumphant smile. He had decided on a new tactic. Without the other being aware of it, he would sneak his way into his life and make sure Tomohisa enjoyed their trip. Even if Tomohisa didn’t fall in love with him, it would already be an achievement to make him forget his previous lover or to at least get over him.
He didn’t want anyone to suffer the same pain he had been through, even though their situations were different.
Tomohisa’s palm was warm against his but his fingers kept twitching and it reminded him a lot of the hesitant holding hands with a first love. The other would probably not appreciate such a comparison.
After some walking, they finally reached a spot where Tomohisa could take his photos. It was a pity when the nice warmth left his hand. As innocent as holding hands was, it was a very nice feeling. To feel there was someone beside you and you weren’t alone. Ryo sighed as he felt the desperate longing well up in his chest again to not be alone. He wanted to reach out for Tomohisa’s warmth, but stepped back and instead looked at the impressive scenery in front of them. He had an article to write after all.
Eventually, Tomohisa took his camera down and smiled slightly.
“I took some good ones.”
“Should we take one together?” Ryo surprised himself with his question. But why not?
“You mean a photo of the two of us?”
“Yeah, we could ask someone. We could take a photo now and after we are done with our trip. Like some kind of souvenir of our hard work?”
“That sounds nice, but I don’t really want to give anyone my camera.” Tomohisa hugged his camera close and he waved the other off.
“I have a camera on my phone. We can use that.”
They asked one of the many people around them and smiled into the camera in front of Fuji-san.
“Surely not as good as your photos, but I think it is nice.” Ryo looked at his phone when they were done and Tomohisa looked over his shoulder to see it as well.
“It isn’t always the technique that makes a picture perfect. Sometimes a smile is all that is needed.”
Ryo smiled slightly at that. Tomohisa had such a soft side when it was about photos.
“I’ll send the photo to you later. Should we grab some lunch here and then drive to Fuji-san?”
“Sure, there are hot dogs.”
They walked the few metres to the hot dog cart and went to stand in the queer.
Tomohisa turned to asked Ryo how far they would climb Fuji-san as he saw a silhouette that was extremely familiar to him. He froze and as he searched for the person again, there was no one.
Was he seeing things?
“Tomo? Something wrong? It’s your turn.”
Still shocked and puzzled, he ordered his hot dog and then searched through the crowed with his eyes anew.
It couldn’t be, could it?
Why should Akito be here?
I'll try to be faster...I have been waiting to write the following chapter ><
Author: yume16
Beta: blursakana
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine...
Pairing(s): Ryopi
Genre: AU (!)
Warnings: Language
Rating: -Chapter: PG
- Complete Fanfic: NC-17 (I guess)
Summary: Tomohisa is seriously not interested in love...
Author Notes: I know this took forever. I am truly sorry, but I had some troubles.
Chapter 6
Ryo moved slightly. He had not slept in a good position. That much he could tell from the way his body was aching.
When he opened his eyes, he understood why. He and Tomohisa were sleeping on the couch with one of the other’s elbows digging in his side.
It was uncomfortable to say the least. Though, he couldn’t help but stare at Tomohisa. They were quite close and the other looked extremely peaceful. He really liked him when he was like that.
Tomohisa’s skin was glowing slightly in the light of the new day and he would love to touch the inviting looking skin with his lips. It had to feel really nice.
Suddenly, there was some movement from Tomohisa and the other wrapped an arm around his waist and fisted his shirt in his hand. The other could be so cute.
It made him feel fuzzy and warm; A feeling he had missed dearly.
“Are you my son’s new boyfriend?” A voice cut through the air and his head snapped up. Opposite of them was sitting an older woman on a chair, looking at them with an unmoving face.
He swallowed. She had to be Tomohisa’s mother.
“Uhm…”
“Mom?” He thanked the Gods. Tomohisa had woken up before he had to say anything. Immediately, the warm arm around his waist was gone and he couldn’t help but miss it slightly.
“Tomohisa.” She nodded towards the other. “As I can see you got yourself another man.”
The word man was spat at the other and Ryo couldn’t help but frown slightly.
“It’s none of your business.” Tomohisa pushed him to the side so that he could get up.
“Not getting any grandchildren is my business.” She said without showing any emotions.
“Ask Rina to get you some.” Tomohisa grumbled and suddenly a young woman came out of the kitchen into the living room.
“Leave me out of this.” She pulled a face and then went to hug Tomohisa.
“Long time no see little brother.”
“Just because you are wearing extremely high shoes you are not my big sister…I am your big brother. Don’t break your legs with those shoes.” Tomohisa looked at her critically before tiredly rubbing his eyes.
“Maybe, I should make breakfast.” Ryo said and then fled out of the living room into the kitchen. What a freaky atmosphere.
Maybe some food would indeed help to create a more bearable mood? Well, he could try. It was still early enough since it was only 5:40. They would manage to catch their train.
While he was still busy, Tomohisa appeared next to him quite some minutes later.
“Are they too scary for you?” The other got himself a glass to drink some water.
“Your mother seems not that happy about you being gay.”
There was a longer silence next to him so he turned to look at Tomohisa. The other looked at him wide-eyed.
“What?” He asked puzzled.
“Nothing.” Tomohisa turned his head away and he frowned. What was now? Some hair was sticking up the other’s head and he flattened it out of reflex.
“Oh, he is not as useless as your former boyfriend. I like him.” Rina entered the room as she saw him making breakfast.
“Rina Yamashita, I am Tomo’s little sister.”
“Nishikido Ryo, I am his colleague.”
“Colleague?” Rina lifted an eyebrow. “That looked a little different just now. You two were quite cozy with each other.”
Tomohisa coughed awkwardly and then looked up at his sister.
“Rina, please don’t make any assumptions.”
“But I like him more.”
“You don’t choose my partners.” Tomohisa seemed to have some trouble to say the word boyfriend.
“Why not? I would make better choices than you.”
“Rina…” Tomohisa said in a dangerous voice.
“Eggs?” He blurted out and interrupted the rather tense atmosphere.
“Ehhh…” Rina looked flabbergasted at him and then nodded. “Sure.”
“I’ll go shower.” Tomohisa turned to leave, but Ryo grabbed him by the elbow.
“Breakfast comes first. It is the basis of your day.”
“Accepted. Somewhat, I guess.” A voice said that came from the door.
Tomohisa sighed defeated.
“Accepted?” Ryo asked a little puzzled.
“Yes, you got accepted by my mother just now for being such a worrywart.” Tomohisa explained and felt like face palming. Just great.
It really pissed him off greatly that whoever met Ryo, was ready to accept him and wanted him to be his new lover. Well, his mother probably rather accepted him as his work mate, but that was bad enough. That really sucked and made him desperate. He could already predict people asking him about Nishikido Ryo for awhile.
“Oh, how nice.” Ryo seemed a little unsure on how to react when he saw Tomohisa’s annoyed face, but in the end ushered him to his own table.
Tomohisa had to admit that it was nice to have breakfast with his family. Moreover, he could eat in peace. They were mostly interested in Ryo and when the misunderstanding of them being lovers was cleared by his partner, the day looked much brighter.
“So you are a reporter?” Rina asked interested.
“Yes, though at the moment I am writing travel articles. I used to write more about politics before I took a break.”
”You took a break?”
Ryo looked a little uncomfortable.
“Yes I did, for personal reasons.”
”Why?”
“Rina.” He said without looking up, but by the awkward laughter of his sister, it was clear she realized that she had asked too much.
“Sorry. So, you are going to tour around Japan? Where do you go first?” She hurriedly changed the topic.
“We already started here in Tokyo and today we leave for Hakone.”
“How nice!”
”Rina, we should leave soon and give them time to get ready.” His mother said and he smiled slightly at her.
True to her words, she took Rina and they left after breakfast. He hugged them both since he wasn’t sure when he would meet them again.
“Why does everyone love you?” He turned towards his partner as soon as the door had fallen shut.
“Because I am charming?” Ryo pondered with a thoughtful face. “Sexy, irresistible and plain awesome?
“Charming? My mother should be doing every possible thing to stop us from going together on a trip, but she doesn’t! Do you understand? She even accepted you! It's as though she is telling us to get married, get a dog, children and a happy life. Some hours ago she was still homophobic!”
“Well, the part with the children could be difficult but the rest is fine with me.”
“I didn’t propose to you just now!” He was going crazy here. All this was so unfair. When he came out no one accepted him and now this man came and everything was fine? Where was the hidden camera? Who was joking with him? This couldn’t be real.
“Oh, what a pity.”
“Can’t you be a little bit more serious?”
“Okay look Tomo, the answer is simple.”
“Simple?” He almost shrieked.
“All those people who seem to accept me by your side, they all care about you.”
”So?”
“So do I.”
With lifted eyebrows he stared at the other. Was Ryo telling him that his family and friends accepted him because of that? That was bullshit.
“My previous lover cared about me as well.”
”Strangely, no one thinks so.” Ryo said and looked pointedly at him.
“Who are you to say anything like that? You think you know me because we spent some time with each other and in a few moments of weakness I let you close? You know nothing about me! So don’t make any assumptions about my previous relationships. You have no right to stick your nose into my business.” How dare the other said Akito had not loved him. He could feel tears burn in the corner of his eyes, but this time not because of sadness or helplessness. No, this time it was anger.
He wanted to hit this guy and get it in his thick scull that Akito had loved him and that all the people around him were wrong and had no idea. They never understood.
“Tomohisa…”
“No, leave me alone.” He brushed past the other and went into the bathroom. They had to leave in an hour and they were both not showered. Only thinking about leaving with Ryo together made his stomach churn. Why did everything have to turn out like that?
The shower calmed him down considerably and helped him clear his head. Ryo couldn't have known that Akito had loved him because they never met. So it was alright. He could only believe what other people told him.
Now it was his turn to act like a grown up and ignore whatever Ryo said about the matter. Why should it annoy him anyway? He was way too emotional.
When he left the bathroom he told Ryo politely that it was his turn. The other looked at him befuddled, but he just walked past him and packed his last things. As Ryo was done as well, they called a cab.
“You are acting weird.” Ryo looked at him suspiciously from the side as the cab driver tried to get through the busy streets of Tokyo.
“I am not.”
”Yes, you are. Before you went into the shower you were very mad and now you are nonchalant.”
”It’s not your fault if you believe lies. You don’t know any better. I realized that.”
Ryo looked as if he had gotten hit over the head by him.
“Tomo, maybe…”
”No, please. You don’t know my former lover so you don’t have any right to judge our relationship. Can we leave it at that?”
“I preferred it when you looked ready to throttle me. Your indifference creeps me out.”
”I thought you wanted to get along?” He asked innocently.
“I do, but I want us to be honest with each other. If you want to scream at me, do so. If you want to have a nice chat, do so. But this indifference…”
“Look, I really realized I was in the wrong. You don’t know Akito. No one understands him, but that’s okay. I know that he loved me and that’s all that matters to me now.”
“I…” Ryo sighed. “Okay, let’s leave it at that.”
Satisfied, he nodded. Now they could get into the train without having a fight that stood in between them, because there was something else he had realized. Ryo and he were stuck in this together.
Maybe they really could manage to become something like friends. As long as Ryo didn't start flirting with him again. He had sworn off love.
“Let’s try to do our best.” Tomohisa said to his partner and Ryo looked more than worried.
“Yes, let’s do that.”
They paid the cab with some of the money they had gotten to achieve their trip through Japan as they reached the station. Ryo seemed used to travelling and guided them unerringly to their train. They had two seats next to each other and they comfortably settled down. There were mostly business men around them and it seemed like it was going to be a peaceful trip to Hakone. It would take around two hours and he wondered what he should do during this long period of time. Ryo was already unpacking his laptop so he was surely going to work on his articles and he couldn’t talk with the other. There was not much left to do, so he would just try to catch some more sleep.
Moving around in his seat, he tried to find a comfortable position. When he deemed it acceptable he closed his eyes. He felt the train starting to rattle and how he was gently moved from side to side. It was very soothing.
“Tomo, wake-up.”
“Hm…”
”We have to get off soon.”
Get off? Soon? From what? Oh right, the train. Blearily, he blinked his eyes open and grumbled as he tried to move his neck. It felt really sore.
“Ouch…”
Hands gently pushed his head up and he realized he had half hung on Ryo’s shoulder.
“I was asleep!”
“I know?” The other looked puzzled at him till he saw understanding dawn on his face. “I know that your head just dropped on my shoulder by chance and that maybe you followed because you were cold?”
“Yes.” He grumbled and tried not to blush. By now, he was so used to Ryo that it didn’t feel weird anymore to be close. He cursed in his mind. This was not going in a direction he liked.
They got off the train and then looked around for the exit.
“We are going to put our luggage into the hotel first, won’t we?” Tomohisa asked and Ryo nodded.
“Yeah, we still need to rent a car though. Otherwise we won’t get to mount Fuji from here. Well, at least it would be quite a trip otherwise.”
”I already did that.” Tomohisa couldn’t help but feel slightly proud about it. Finally, he had proven he could do some proper work as well.
“When did you…”
”My phone has Internet. I did it on the train yesterday.”
“Oh…” It was clear Ryo was impressed and yes, Tomohisa was very pleased about that.
They left the station and he gave the other a sign to follow him. He knew where to get their car.
The salesman was a little surprised about their choice, but they wouldn’t need the car for long, only two days.
“It does not even have a radio?” The man asked and Ryo shrugged his shoulders.
“It will be good enough for two days. We won’t need it longer.”
“If you say so.”
They went to sign the contract. The old car would do, since they had to be careful with their expenses. Of course, they didn’t have to pay it themselves, but they only had a certain amount and it was better to save early than too late.
“Let’s bring our luggage into the hotel first and check in so we don’t have to do it tonight.” Ryo said and he was more than happy about that. He would love to wash his face to feel a little bit fresher.
“Who drives?” Ryo asked and Tomohisa took the key from him.
“I will.” He simply said and got into the driver seat.
“You will.” Ryo repeated dumbly, obviously surprised and then got into the car next to him. “You like to drive?”
“Sometimes I do.” To be honest, Tomo felt a little guilty for having been the only one who had rested in the train, while Ryo had worked on his articles, but there was just no way in hell he was ever going to admit that, because that would mean to admit to caring. He was not ready for that at all.
Tomohisa had noticed to his horror that he actually did care for Ryo somewhat, but he really didn’t want to. The pain was still too fresh and while Ryo, character wise, was very different from Akito, his ex-lover, he wanted strictly to be seen as a co-worker. Or maybe something like a friend? Could they build up a relationship like that?
But for that he probably would have to apologize. Only the thought of admitting to his behaviour made his toes curl, especially because he wasn’t sure he could promise to never do it again.
He sighed and tried to concentrate on the road properly. The last they needed was an accident.
Their hotel was an old and traditional Japanese building and Tomohisa couldn’t wait to try out the hot spring after a long day of touring around.
They took their bags after finding a place to park their car and checked in. They each went to their room with the promise to meet in a few minutes.
Tomohisa was tempted to jump on his futon, run around and open the window to look outside, but knowing they didn’t have much time, he went to the bathroom, washed his face and packed into his backpack what he thought he might need and his camera.
When he went outside, Ryo wasn’t there yet and he walked slowly through the soft grass and enjoyed the peacefulness that surrounded the old building. Sometimes, it was really great to leave the busy Tokyo.
Even though it was still hot, there was a gentle breeze which made it pleasant.
“The soft rustling of leaves in the wind. The birds’ singing. The grass under our feet and the unusual quietness that surrounds us. How romantic.”
Tomohisa blinked as the velvety voice stopped and wondered where it had come from all of the sudden. When there was a giggle right behind him, he rolled his eyes.
“Nishikido, you passed the kindergarten entrance exam.”
“Oh? There is one? Though, I am a little sad. This was at least worth the elementary entrance exam. Wasn’t I poetic just now?”
“Poetic? Isn’t that your usual pick up line?” Tomohisa brushed past the other towards their car.
“No,, my typical pick up line would be ‘Wanna have sex?”. So please, this was poetic just now.”
“Considering your low standards, of course, you are right.”
Ryo pouted.
“I am not all that happy about this victory.”
“That’s because it is my victory, idiot.”
Tomohisa said and actually seemed to enjoy himself. He considered forbidding himself to be happy and to not enjoy Ryo’s company, but he really couldn’t get himself to do it.
“So, who drives now?” Ryo asked and opened the trunk of the car to put his backpack inside. Tomohisa did the same and shrugged his shoulders.
“I can.”
“Alright then, we are first head to Lake Ashinoko to take a picture from Mount Fuji further away and then we will go there for real?”
“Sounds good to me.”
They got into the car and Ryo checked with his phone where he had to drive. It wasn’t far, but since it was such a nice day it was difficult to find a place to park their car. Eventually, they did and got out.
“Maybe we should put on some sun lotion, don’t you think so?” Ryo looked up in the sky at the sun that was burning down on them mercilessly. It was close to noon.
“Yeah, you are right. It would be bad if we can’t sleep because of sunburn.”
Ryo got out some sun lotion and they smeared it on their faces and arms.
“You still have some white around your nose…No, not there. On the other side…no, closer to the left…” Ryo rolled his eyes and then took Tomohisa by the chin and gently massaged the cream in. The other’s skin felt as nice as he had imagined. Only a little sticky because of the lotion.
He watched the faint blush on the other’s cheeks, but it could be of course, also because of the heat. It looked nice nevertheless and suited Tomohisa.
“Let’s go.”
They had to walk quite a bit but the scenery was worth it. It was breathtaking. Thanks to the good weather, Fuji-san could be seen clearly behind the smaller hills and the water of the lake was beautiful blue and reflected the light of the sun.
“Today is a good day for postcard-like photos. We are lucky.” Tomohisa seemed excited and speeded up quite some and Ryo had to hurry. He could already see that the other was in his element and searching for a good spot to take good pictures.
Suddenly a hand wrapped around his wrist and tugged.
“Hurry! It will be good if we go there!”
“Okay, okay.” He laughed and let the other drag him along.
“I can even get Fuji-san and the red gate on one picture. That’s great.” Tomohisa got out his camera and then frowned.
“I need to get a little closer. There are too many people walking in my frame.”
The other tried to somehow get through the masses of people without knocking anyone over and Ryo followed closely. If they lost each other here, it would be difficult to find each other again.
Suddenly, he had an idea and sneaked his hand into Tomo’s. The other halted immediately and turned around.
“It would be bad if we lost each other.” Ryo said innocently and watched the other bit his bottom lip nervously.
“Just because of that. No funny business.” Tomohisa agreed eventually. Ryo nodded and suppressed a triumphant smile. He had decided on a new tactic. Without the other being aware of it, he would sneak his way into his life and make sure Tomohisa enjoyed their trip. Even if Tomohisa didn’t fall in love with him, it would already be an achievement to make him forget his previous lover or to at least get over him.
He didn’t want anyone to suffer the same pain he had been through, even though their situations were different.
Tomohisa’s palm was warm against his but his fingers kept twitching and it reminded him a lot of the hesitant holding hands with a first love. The other would probably not appreciate such a comparison.
After some walking, they finally reached a spot where Tomohisa could take his photos. It was a pity when the nice warmth left his hand. As innocent as holding hands was, it was a very nice feeling. To feel there was someone beside you and you weren’t alone. Ryo sighed as he felt the desperate longing well up in his chest again to not be alone. He wanted to reach out for Tomohisa’s warmth, but stepped back and instead looked at the impressive scenery in front of them. He had an article to write after all.
Eventually, Tomohisa took his camera down and smiled slightly.
“I took some good ones.”
“Should we take one together?” Ryo surprised himself with his question. But why not?
“You mean a photo of the two of us?”
“Yeah, we could ask someone. We could take a photo now and after we are done with our trip. Like some kind of souvenir of our hard work?”
“That sounds nice, but I don’t really want to give anyone my camera.” Tomohisa hugged his camera close and he waved the other off.
“I have a camera on my phone. We can use that.”
They asked one of the many people around them and smiled into the camera in front of Fuji-san.
“Surely not as good as your photos, but I think it is nice.” Ryo looked at his phone when they were done and Tomohisa looked over his shoulder to see it as well.
“It isn’t always the technique that makes a picture perfect. Sometimes a smile is all that is needed.”
Ryo smiled slightly at that. Tomohisa had such a soft side when it was about photos.
“I’ll send the photo to you later. Should we grab some lunch here and then drive to Fuji-san?”
“Sure, there are hot dogs.”
They walked the few metres to the hot dog cart and went to stand in the queer.
Tomohisa turned to asked Ryo how far they would climb Fuji-san as he saw a silhouette that was extremely familiar to him. He froze and as he searched for the person again, there was no one.
Was he seeing things?
“Tomo? Something wrong? It’s your turn.”
Still shocked and puzzled, he ordered his hot dog and then searched through the crowed with his eyes anew.
It couldn’t be, could it?
Why should Akito be here?
I'll try to be faster...I have been waiting to write the following chapter ><