Title: Pretense or Love?

Part 12

 

 

“Be careful, brother!”

 

Nino sighed as he let Jun help him walk into the garden of their mansion. He was still a bit weak but was feeling better. “I am, Jun. Don’t worry!”

 

“You still walk not very steadily…” Jun whispered in a worried tone.

 

“You’re holding me. I trust you to hold me, if I stumble.” Nino said with a smile on his face.

 

Jun was cute… mostly because of his beautiful soul. It was still hard to believe that his brother, even being this young, was there for him without judging him, accepting him and loving him unconditionally. The thought of having his feelings returned was the most precious thing… because Satoshi was the one he loved but Jun was a part of himself… of his routes…Nino let out a small sigh as his mind went to his lover.

 

Satoshi was walking close, following them from behind. It was the first time he was there and Nino didn’t know how he was supposed to feel. He was sure that the other wouldn’t be surprised, he was an Ohno after all, but Nino feared he may feel angry… or even worse, sad… because all this wealth represented the source of the bad decisions that had led his life to all these nightmares… On the other hand, it may remind Satoshi of his case, as well… They were both in a way rejected by their very own families. Nino hadn’t admitted it to him when Satoshi had asked him in the hospital, as he helped him to get ready, but he felt nervous. Yes… he had spoken to him about everything… but from having a conversation to actually having him be there, there was a huge difference.

 

They reached the main entrance of the mansion. It was this time that Satoshi found the chance to slip his arm around Nino’s waist and whisper in his ear. “Don’t feel nervous, Kazu…”

 

Nino gasped, turning his gaze to his lover. How could this man know him this well? He met Satoshi’s eyes looking right into his with adoration being reflected on them. He felt warmth covering his whole body, his heartbeat relaxing a bit.

 

The door opened revealing the butler. Nino didn’t even look towards his direction. What for?! He knew that there would only be his usual disapproving stare.

 

“Welcome back.” Tanaka said in his usual cold way before he bowed to Jun. “Jun-sama! Welcome home!” this time the tone was different. 

 

Nino smirked. He was used to it and he literally didn’t care but he could feel Satoshi stiffening at his side, making his nervousness come to the surface once more. It was such things he wanted to avoid.

 

“Come, brother.”

 

Nino squeezed Satoshi’s hand before entering the house behind Jun. The two brothers were about to climb up the stairs when they heard Satoshi speaking.

 

“Are you new?”

 

Nino turned around, frowning when he realized that Satoshi was talking to no one else but Tanaka. His tone was cold, almost hostile. He’s not worth it, Satoshi… He was about to tell Satoshi to follow them but was stopped by Jun.

 

“Let him… Please…”

 

“But…” Nino couldn’t finish his phrase as Tanaka replied.

 

“In what sense, Sir?”

 

“Both in being a butler and in working in the Matsumoto household.” Satoshi continued in the same tone.

 

The butler straightened up his back. “I have the honor to be in charge in the Matsumoto family for more than 30 years…”

 

Satoshi let his eyes scan the butler from head to toe with a raised eyebrow. “Your name?”

 

“Tanaka, Sir.”

 

“Well… Tanaka-san…” Satoshi made a small noise as if he was hesitating to continue. “I don’t know what words to use so that I don’t sound rude but aren’t you ashamed of admitting you have such a long experience yet you lack of the most basic characteristics a good butler should have?”

 

Tanaka was taken aback. “Excuse me?”

 

“I’m Ohno Satoshi…” Satoshi said, his smirk getting bigger. “… of the well-known family... Yes! So, I happen to have experience with butlers… Well, I must admit that in my thirty-two years of life, I have never met such a case before.”

 

Nino could tell that the butler was about to explode and made an effort not to talk back.

 

“I should remind you the basic rules because from what it seems you have forgotten everything. A butler’s duty is to show respect to all the members of the family in which he works because he works for them. In this case, we have two brothers; Matsumoto Kazunari who is the oldest brother and Matsumoto Jun who is the youngest. So, – I hope you’re able to follow me so far – you were supposed to bow when Matsumoto Kazunari entered the house and welcome him back home by calling him Kazunari-sama, exactly like you did with Jun?! Perhaps, you suffer from selective memory… but I suggest you find a way to overcome it. Also, another small reminder. You are in no position to make your own judgements on the members of the family. Your job is to follow their instructions. You may know many things… secrets… the family’s balances BUT you have no right to act differently with someone just because some of your bosses have done so in the past. You never question… you never gossip. You see but act as if you haven’t, because at the end of the day, you’re getting paid to stay in the house you live. You’re not part of the family. You may be responsible for many things… you may order the rest of the service staff in many occasions but at the end of the day, you’re simply one of them. I can guess that you may feel superior but it’s only a matter of hierarchy between the service staff; something completely irrelevant to the family. Am I understood?”

 

Tanaka’s face had turned red. “Absolutely, Sir.” He replied with difficulty. It was obvious that he was sharing the same rottenness, as Nino’s parents… probably, the reason why he stayed for so many years in the same post.

 

Satoshi knew how such people worked… the only problem is that, now, there were no longer there and that meant that he didn’t have their approval of such discrimination between the two brothers. He wouldn’t allow to this butler treat his lover like this. He remained in the same position, as if he was expecting something, with his arms locked in front of his chest and his eyes narrowed.

 

Nino sighed, looking at this sight. He knew that Satoshi did it because he cared for him and it probably was disturbing in his eyes to see the butler treat him as not a true member of the Matsumoto family but there was no reason to get upset for someone of the level of Tanaka. He didn’t care because it wasn’t worth it. He walked slowly to his lover and got a hold of his elbow to get his attention. “Let’s go, Satoshi.”

 

The CEO, though, kept staring at the butler who finally seemed to get the message. Nino saw him taking a deep breath, obviously annoyed, before he turned to him bowing. “Welcome back, Kazunari-sama.”

 

“One last tip. Butlers have to show no emotion; especially, if it’s of disapproving nature.” With that Satoshi hugged Nino and let him to the stairs where Jun was waiting for them. “I could have never guessed that Matsumoto family would keep such a disrespectful amateur. If he were in ours, he would have been sent away immediately!”

 

“But he will!” Jun announced with a wide smile. “Along with other members of the service staff who, let’s say, seem to have a similar point of view in many things. I’ve always wanted to discuss these matters with my brother but till now, we had more important issues than… this… Now, that everything else has been taken care of, we’ll make sure to make the necessary changes, aren’t we brother?”

 

Nino looked at Jun with tears in his eyes. Of course, you’d know… He couldn’t speak, so limited himself to a small nod. Without any more words, he was led to his room.

 

“I’ll let you get some rest, brother! I’ll go to check what we have for dinner. You’re staying, right, Ohno-san?”

 

Satoshi smiled at Jun. “I’d be more than happy to stay and you can call me Ohno-kun or even Satoshi-kun, if you feel ok with it. Ok?”

 

The teenager nodded smiling and got out of the room leaving Nino alone with Satoshi.

 

“Do you want to lie down?”

 

Nino shook his head negatively. His hands resting on Satoshi’s shoulders. “You shouldn’t have spoken to Tanaka like this… He’s not… worth it…”

 

“I couldn’t stay silent, Kazu…” Satoshi replied in a serious tone. “His hatred was obvious from kilometers away. I wanted to call him names and punch him but that would only make things easier for him and I wouldn’t give him such pleasure for anything in the world!”

 

“He was Jun’s mother’s favorite…”

 

“I could tell. The rotten will go with the rotten. But she’s not here; she’s locked at the clinic… and he has no right to behave like this. He’s a fucking butler!”

 

Nino couldn’t help laughing at the last remark. It was the first time that he had heard his lover using such language and in a way, he found it rather cute. “I’d say he’s more like a fucking asshole but…” his voice turned weaker again. “…he’s really not worth it, Satoshi.”

 

Satoshi brushed his hand through Nino’s hair. “I won’t let anyone disrespect you, Kazu. Anyone; be it a butler; be it God himself!”

 

Nino’s lower lip trembled at the other’s words. He knew Satoshi meant it. “I love you… I love you so much!”

 

Satoshi hugged him, keeping him close to his body. He, then, took Nino’s hand in his and placed it on his chest. “Can you feel the way my heart beats? It’s for you… only you, Kazu…”

 

Nino instinctively tightened his grip on Satoshi, wanting to feel the other’s warmth more. “I don’t know what I’d do, if I hadn’t met you in my life…” the words slipped from his mouth in a whisper. He didn’t wish to turn the situation heavy but couldn’t help it. It was the truth. He was now where he was because of the man who kept him in his arms right at that moment.

 

“The important thing is that you met me and I met you.” Satoshi moved back a bit so that he could look at his lover’s face. “So, please, let us not use if again… What matters is now… the present… and the future from now on!”

 

The CEO led Nino to his bed and helped him sit. He, then, looked around the room. It was the first time he was in Nino’s private space but moving his eyes around, only made his heart clench painfully. It reminded him so much of his room back when he lived in the mansion. It was more like a hotel room rather than a bedroom; not that his bedroom in his apartment was any better but this was so clearly cold. He could imagine teenager Nino running into this room after having been ignored, after having found out the truth… he could imagine adult Nino getting ready for his work at the host club… he turned his gaze at the bed. Jun’s words came to his mind. He could imagine Nino crying in his sleep, lost in his nightmares. Without realizing, his hands around his lover became tighter.

 

“I’m… kind of… happy that you’re here, Satoshi…”

 

Nino’s shy words brought Satoshi back to reality, awakening him from his thoughts. He pressed his mouth feather-like on the other’s forehead.

 

“You’re the first person besides Jun that is here… and that makes me happy… I never felt it really mine but having you here, just-”

 

“I think I understand what you want to say…”

 

“Satoshi… about yesterd-”

 

“No! Stop thinking about-”

 

Nino placed his hand on top of Satoshi’s mouth. “I want to say that and then, I promise I won’t talk about it or… him… ever again.”

 

Satoshi sighed, still not convinced.

 

Nino cupped Satoshi’s right cheek with his hand as he turned a bit so that he could have a better sight of his lover. “I know you heard everything… the police told me so, when I gave my testimony to the two policemen that visited me in the hospital. But there are also things you didn’t hear… It was the first time that I felt strong. In the past, I was locking my mind away… yes… but I felt ashamed… for having betrayed you… I was still afraid that you’d reject me, if you found out… But yesterday, I felt sad only because I knew I had made you sad but for me… Deep inside, and for the first time in my life, Satoshi, I felt strong. He couldn’t really touch me… Because I knew that I had you!” his lips curved into a small smile while he blinked his eyes to not let the tears, that were threatening to fill up his eyes, fall on his cheeks. “You were always with me… maybe not physically but in my heart…? You were there…”

 

“But when I found you like-” Satoshi’s voice trembled.

 

“What matters is that you found me… but I wanted to tell you that I was strong because I had you with me, Satoshi. I had you and your love!”

 

Satoshi only hugged him tightly. “What matters is that now, we have each other… forever… and no one will ever cause us pain…”

 

“Yes…” Nino whispered and snuggled closer to the CEO. “It’s just you and me…!”

 

They remained like this, in a comforting silence, for a long time, no one being willing to let go. It was only when they heard a soft knock on the door that they broke the hug.

 

“Yes!” Nino said.

 

The door opened, revealing Jun. “The dinner is served. Do you want to come to the dining room or perhaps, you prefer to stay here?”

 

“I hope he won’t be present…” It was Satoshi the one to speak.

 

“Of course not!” Jun replied with a smile. “He’s ordered to remain in the kitchen with the others. One of the maids will only serve us and then, she’ll leave us to enjoy our dinner alone.”

 

“What do you prefer, Kazu?”

 

Nino stood up slowly. “Let’s go downstairs, but honestly! I feel like you two are pampering me!”

 

“And what if we are?” Satoshi asked in a rather playful tone.

 

“I’d tell you that I’m a big boy who doesn’t need it.”

 

“But it’s from our free will!” Jun jumped in the conversation.

 

Nino shook his head but couldn’t stop himself from smiling. Having both the most important people in his life care so much for him was something that made his heart burst from happiness. He let Satoshi take his hand into his and intertwine their fingers together, as the older man led him out of his room.

 

“I personally took care of the menu, tonight! Your favorite! Hamburger!” Jun exclaimed enthusiastically as they climbed down the stairs.

 

Nino could only smile wider. “If that’s the case, can’t wait!”

 

For the first time in his life, he felt so happy.

 

***

 

“You could have gone with Ohno-kun…”

 

Nino heard his brother’s shy voice from behind as he closed the door after having said goodbye to his lover. A smile appeared on his face. He turned around and met Jun’s gaze. “I could but I wouldn’t… This night is ours!”

 

“But-”

 

“You and Satoshi have a very important place in my heart, Jun; a different one but of the same importance.” Nino could see how happy his younger brother was and that only made him happier. “Come! I’ll make us some hot chocolate! What do you think?”

 

Jun smiled widely. “I think it’s a perfect idea!”

 

Fifteen minutes later, they were sitting in the living room on the small sofa by the window that had a clear view at the back side of the garden.

 

“It’s surprisingly calm…” Nino remarked as he brought his cup to his mouth.

 

“That’s because Tanaka is away.  His aura is enough… but don’t worry! Very soon, he’ll be away for good!” Jun said in a decisive tone causing Nino a small chuckle.

 

“That’s some determination you have there!”

 

“I’ve always detested him.” Jun mumbled, his gaze focused on his lap. “He always disrespected you!”

 

“You know that I really don’t care, though, do you?” Nino placed a hand on his brother’s knee to emphasize it. He was telling the truth; he couldn’t care less for scumbags like Tanaka. “I only did care for those who mattered; you… Satoshi…” his voice turned weaker as he mumbled the last words. He still found it hard to believe that even with all his secrets known – at least, to some extent – his brother was accepting him.

 

“Brother?” Jun asked with a small frown, as he left his cup of chocolate on the small table in front of him and turned to look at Nino closer.

 

Nino shook his head negatively, trying to show that he was ok, but the tears that had just started running down his cheeks couldn’t justify that to the other… it was obvious by the way he was stared at. “It’s just that I can’t believe you knew… and yet… you accepted me… all this time… I mean… I could tell you were trying to come closer to me but I was trying hard to keep my distance. The truth is that I was always feeling… dirty…” the word came out as a whisper. Jun was about to speak but Nino didn’t allow him.

 

“Allowing all these men to touch me… getting money for it… I knew that I was paying for my mistakes but whatever the reason behind all these secrets was, at the end of the story, I was just too rotten to be able to be close to you. But you insisted… and then, I met Satoshi. I admit, at first, I approached him because I was paid for doing so…” a painful chuckle escaped from his throat but continued, closing his eyes tightly. “Very soon, though, I found myself falling in love. You know… it was the first time I felt human… someone who had the chance to feel what love is; how love is supposed to be…”

 

“You were someone who deserved love, brother. You’ve come back here when you hated this place, so that you could take care of me. I was awake all those times you secretly entered in my room to check on me when you thought I had fallen asleep. Since I was a little kid, I could see the pain in your eyes… I was always with you… I always loved you… because I could see different emotions; something I could never detect in any of my parents.”

 

“But, Jun, I-”

 

“These mistakes, you’re talking about, weren’t they a consequence of their choices and their behavior? You weren’t an adult when everything started… You were on my age… I can’t imagine how I’d behave in return, if I was treated that way, right now.”

 

Nino lowered his head. “Jun…, I’ve done many things I’m not proud of…”

 

“But you said it, brother! You’re not proud of… if you were really…” Jun closed his eyes and took a deep breath before continuing. “…dirty… as you said, you wouldn’t feel like that; on the contrary. You’d feel proud… at the very least, happy. You wouldn’t have any problems… you wouldn’t feel guilty… you wouldn’t be miserable like you’ve always been when you left for that club…”

 

“How… how did you know that I worked in a host club?”

 

Jun looked away. “I had followed you once…”

 

“WHAT?!” Nino couldn’t hold himself back. “You know it’s dangerous… what if someone approached you? What if something happened?!”

 

“I’m sorry…” the teenager lowered his head.

 

Nino sighed. “I’m just… such places are dangerous, Jun. I can’t imagine something bad happening to you…”

 

“I know… I know it, brother, but I just wanted to know where you were going… I could tell something was off and I was worried…”

 

The last phrase made Nino stop from speaking in the loud tone he was about to use once again. “You worried when normally it should be me the one to worry about you…”

 

“That would require to be a part of a normal family in the first place!” Jun said in an ironic way making Nino muffle a laugh. He had to agree on that.

 

“I think… you have a point there…!” Nino mumbled but slowly, his smile faded away. “But still…”

 

“What caused to me the most pain was the fact that you were suffering so much… Those nights that you kept crying in your sleep begging, whoever that bastard was, to stop… I always stayed by your side until you calmed down… but… I wished I could do more than that… It made my heart bleed seeing you being in so much pain.”

 

Nino left his cup of chocolate on the table and with trembling hands hugged Jun. “Satoshi told me…” he mumbled with an uncertain voice. “I was having nightmares but didn’t know I was loud…… I just know that it felt, as if a hand was given to me, allowing me to move away… I guess I could feel you in my dreams… Your presence made me feel safe, even if I didn’t really realize it was you…”

 

“I was just feeling sad because I couldn’t do anything more to help you… to get you away.”

 

“Yet, you did the most important. You brought back the one I fell in love with.”

 

“I wanted you to be happy because you deserved it!”

 

“You sound like an older brother…”

 

“I don’t… I sound like any brother who loves and cares about one of the most important people in his life.” Jun whispered back tightening the hug.

 

“I really love you, Jun. From the very moment, your small innocent eyes met mine for the first time… I always cared…”

 

“I knew you cared… What matters, now, brother is that we can start over… as a family!”

 

Nino broke the hug and looked Jun into his eyes. They were glossy but Nino knew they were like this from happiness… they were reflecting hope. He couldn’t but smile widely. “Yes!”

 

“Ok… Now, let’s drink this chocolate before it gets too cold!”

 

Jun smiled nodding his head. He still had some tears in his eyes but soon, they got dry. Nino decided it was about time they spent time together as brothers should. They talked a lot; they laughed. The atmosphere in that cold house felt for the first time in their lives warm. Nino asked him about many things… school… friends… as if he was really getting to know him... because in a way, he was. At least, it was the first time he openly allowed that to himself.

 

“And how are things with your beloved senpai, J?” he asked Jun teasingly, at some point, muffling a laugh when he caught, from the corner of his eye, the way his brother’s cheeks reddened.

 

“Good…”

 

Nino frowned. He could detect the trace of hesitance in that ‘good’ that Jun had just uttered. Could it be that they had problems? He placed his hand on top of his brother’s one squeezing it reassuringly. “What’s going on?! Did something happen?”

 

Jun lowered his head and cleared his throat awkwardly. “Nothing happened… It’s just that-” he was hesitating and Nino could guess what it was about. The awkwardness was betraying it.

 

“Does he by any chance press you to do anything you don’t want to or don’t feel comfortable with?” Nino’s tone suddenly got higher. He wouldn’t allow his brother to feel at the slightest the way he had in the past.

 

“No! No!” Jun hurried to deny it. “Masaki would never do that! We… we have… well… kissed and stuff… but every time things go further than that… I freeze and push him away quite… abruptly.”

 

Nino took Jun’s hand into his, holding it softly. “And you worry about this? It’s normal to feel this way. It’s something new and you shouldn’t push yourself in doing something you do not want to in the first place.”

 

“It’s not that I don’t want to… but-”

 

“You’re afraid?”

 

Jun nodded. “I’m afraid it hurts too much… I’ve… seen you-” he didn’t have the chance to finish his sentence, biting his lower lip, as if he had just realized what he had just said.

 

Nino felt a sting in his heart. He had managed to traumatize his brother. I’m sorry, Jun… Once again, I’m sorry… He took a deep breath. He should speak openly… He had to be honest so that Jun wouldn’t have any misconceptions. “I was around your age when I first did it. I had just found out that I was the bastard son of Matsumoto Shinichi… I was shocked but in the same time, I could finally understand so many things… It was as if all those unanswered questions had finally found their answers. Till that day, I was trying to be the perfect son in vain. So, I decided to be that bastard son, they always thought I was. I remember going to a club… getting drunk… there was this couple… I think they weren’t even Japanese… probably Americans, little did I care… I just wanted to forget… It all happened while I was in a daze. I hadn’t felt anything, though; neither pleasure, nor pain… I started sleeping around… I was giving my body to anyone seemed interested in me for a night…”

 

Nino took a deep breath. “What I did, though, wasn’t having sex… I was just fucking with people or more correctly… I let others fuck me and use me the way they liked.” It was embarrassing to speak to his brother this clearly but he had to be honest. His hands’ grip on his knees turned stronger, causing his knuckles to turn white. “The others also didn’t care but for themselves… That’s what causes pain… it’d that that causes you limping the way you’ve seen me…”

 

“I have to admit that until some months ago, I thought that was how sex was supposed to be but I came to realize how wrong I was because I had never actually had the chance to know how sex was really meant to be… That until I met Satoshi… I’m not going to lie to you. In the beginning, you experience some small amount of pain… more like a pressure but nothing like you may have been imagining, Jun. If your partner loves you and cares about you, he’ll be attentive with you… he’ll prepare to you gently until he can tell you’re ready. He’ll wait for you to give him the green light… That little pain will very soon disappear and will give its place to something… magical… that’s the only word I can use to describe it.” He was happy to have gained his brother’s attention. “Because you’re going to be one with the one you love… and that makes it even more precious…”

 

Nino could tell that Jun was lost in his thoughts. “Just promise me one thing…”

 

“Wh… what?” Jun asked with a tiny voice, his face covered in blush as he awkwardly sipped more of his chocolate.

 

“Don’t overthink things, Jun. You’re still young… you have many things to discover… go with your pace… enjoy everything you do and share. Let your body tell you when it’s ready… because it will… When the time comes, you won’t think, nor analyze… it will just happen… and when it does, you’ll know that it was meant to be this way… and you will have the biggest and stupidest smile on your face! I speak from experience here!” he added to lighten the atmosphere up as he winked at him. Jun only nodded making Nino muffle a laugh. “I should be the one blushing, not you!”

 

“No… It’s just that…”

 

“Sex is a part of our nature, Jun… I’d find it weird if you didn’t have such concerns… but whatever it is your little mind has imagined, just know that it’s not the case in reality! Ok?”

 

Jun nodded. “Ok!”

 

“Good! Now, enough with sexual education! Go to my bedroom and pick up any movie! I’ll prepare some popcorn!”

 

“Eh?!” Jun asked surprised.

 

“I kind of always wanted to experience a movie night with my brother, popcorn and a fluffy blanket.”

 

“You mean it?!” Jun’s excitement couldn’t be hidden.

 

“I said this was a brothers’ night, didn’t I. Now, up!” Nino clapped his hands.

 

“I think I know the perfect one!” the teenager said excitedly, as he jumped up from his seat.

 

“I’ll be there in ten!” Nino winked at him, smiling fondly as he saw him climbing up the stairs hurriedly.

 

They had talked about many things… about his past, his mistakes, their family, Jun’s concerns… he even had made this whole speech about sex… he chuckled as he brought the two almost empty cups to the kitchen. His little brother was growing up… He had to make sure to let him live with all the doubts and questions he should… It’s been enough all these years that he had been worrying about him… It was about time, Jun really lived his age.

 

He met no one as he climbed up the stairs with a large bowl of freshly made popcorn. Now, he knew that Jun used to come to his bedroom to make sure he was ok… He wanted to replace those memories… with new ones… happy and carefree… the way it was supposed to be.

 

---

 

The sight of his brother sleeping by his side, around one hour after the movie had started, only made him smile. It was obvious that Jun hadn’t slept much the previous night, probably because he was too worried for him. Sighing, he made sure his brother was covered well and lied down, as well. He kept looking at his brother’s face that looked so innocent like this. He was his family… his real family. A wide smile appeared on his face as his hand caressed feather-like Jun’s hair. Without realizing it, his eyelids turned heavy and soon, he was drifted to dreamland.

 

***

 

Nino couldn’t hide his surprise when he saw Sakurai Sho standing behind the door of the mansion this early in the morning without previous notification.

 

“Sakurai-san! You came!”

 

Jun’s voice only made him more surprised. His brother had told him that he wanted them to go somewhere, earlier this morning. He thought it would be something simple, like a walk, but with Sakurai Sho there, he realized it was something else.

 

“Are you ready to go?” Sho asked looking at the two brothers.

 

“Kazunari?” Jun asked and Nino nodded, still frowning.

 

“Where are we going?” he asked once he had entered in Sho’s car right behind his brother.

 

“You’ll see!” his brother told him in an excited tone.

 

Nino soon realized they were in Minato, the scenery becoming more and more familiar. When the car stopped, he sighed realizing his suspicions were right. He had been there before; a few years ago, as a matter of fact.

 

“Why are we here?”

 

“Because I have taken some decisions that include you as my older brother and guardian.”

 

“You will understand everything very soon.” Sho added from the driver’s seat.

 

Nino sighed, as he got out of the car. His heart was thumping fast as he stepped into the tall building. They arrived at the eighth floor where the secretary welcomed them.

 

“Gentlemen, this way, please.”

 

They were led to an office. Nino was sitting nervously on his chair. What was that supposed to mean?! Why were they here? Why hadn’t Jun told him anything?

 

“Matsumoto-san… And Sakurai-san, I suppose?”

 

Nino turned his gaze to the source of the voice. The old lawyer was exactly as he remembered him; Tall, hulking… and repulsive.

 

“Exactly. Thank you for accepting to see us, Kitagawa-san.”

 

“Since it was Matsumoto-san the one who demanded this meeting I couldn’t possibly deny. I’m listening…”

 

“I have come to know the terms of agreement between you and my brother.”

 

Kitagawa looked at Jun with a raised eyebrow.

 

Jun took a deep breath and continued. “I also know that I am the one who will inherit everything that Matsumoto family has... I have some announcements to make. I agree to follow the business orientation for my studies and become the CEO of Matsumoto corporation under two conditions. One. My brother has temporarily this position and after I take his place he remains by my side as the Co-CEO and two. He inherits half of the money as well as the estate that remains under the name of Matsumoto.”

 

Kitagawa cleared his throat, staring at Nino with a disapproving gaze. “I’m afraid I cannot come to agree with anything you have just spoken of, Matsumoto-san. The terms are clear… your mother-”

 

“…is incapable of deciding upon her son’s decisions.” Sho cut the other off. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, Kitagawa-san, but if she were, Nino wouldn’t be the guardian of his younger brother.”

 

“But that’s only because she’s-”

 

“Jun came and consulted me, so, I made a small research. I’m afraid you’ve been misled, Kitagawa-san.” Sho replied in a clearly sarcastic tone. “Matsumoto Aiko isn’t away for maintaining a low profile… She’s away because after her husband’s suicide she experienced a mental collapse. She doesn’t stay at a luxury resort somewhere in Okinawa but in a clinic for mental issues a few kilometers away from here. It was the reason why Matsumoto Kazunari took her place, since he was the closest adult to Matsumoto Jun left in the family. As you may realize, your probable argument that she doesn’t want Jun’s older brother to inherit anything cannot be justified. Firstly, because her judgement over him cannot be objective, since he’s not her son and secondly, because she’s not in a position to have her opinion taken into consideration for health issues. I’m sure you’re well aware that if this matter goes to the court, the decision would be the obvious one. I can guess that you wouldn’t like your office, with such great history and so many important clients, get a negative advertising, if I may use such a term… Also, Jun is old enough to let him decide. He may not be able to sign but he can always have a no blood-related representative as a second consultant and I happen to be this very person, in this case.”

 

Kitagawa was clenching his fists. It was obvious that he was brought to the difficult position to accept everything that Sho had just said. Nino couldn’t believe in his ears.

 

“I will be honest with you Kitagawa-san.” Sho spoke once again in the same firm tone. “Jun, asked me if he could actually change your company from being the consultants and the responsible ones for the Matsumoto fortune. I advised him that this wouldn’t be the best choice, since you have experience and you happen to know the Matsumoto case very well.”

 

Kitagawa cleared his throat. It was obvious that he was brought in a very difficult position. “I thank you, Sakurai-san for pointing it out but I have to insist on the sensitivity of the matter. Matsumoto Kazunari-san has provoked many important problems in the past.”

 

“It was our father that caused them!” Jun said angrily, jumping up from his seat, his hands clenching into fists at each side of his legs.

 

Nino hurried to stand up and make him sit. “Jun…” he whispered in an attempt to calm Jun down.

 

“It’s the truth, brother! Everyone keeps accusing you of something our father caused in the first place. If he killed himself, he did it because he was in deep shit. I can guarantee you, Kitagawa-san, the only one who truly mattered to him wasn’t Kazunari; not even me… It was only himself! And if my brother has made any mistakes these are also-”

 

“Jun-kun, please… let me handle it.” Sho intervened with a reassuring smile.

 

“The company at Singapore was lost to the yakuza. We’re not talking of a simple miscalculated loss… And it’s already been years. I had my legal advisers and my counsels look into the matter. I think, and you can correct me, if I’m wrong, that Matsumoto Kazunari can get involved in the family’s fortune since Matsumoto Jun, who happens to be the main inheritor, desires it, as long as he proves for a period of six months his capability to bring profit.”

 

“And where can he prove that?” Kitagawa asked with a raised eyebrow as he locked his fingers together. “I think it would be difficult to be hired with his past…”

 

“That’s not going to be a problem. I’m willing to hire him in my corporation. One representative of your company will be free to follow his work. I won’t interfere… I’m sure though that if he decides to accept, he’ll do great things. Allow me to tell you that I have a good intuition with people… I’m sure Matsumoto Kazunari will surprise you! All of us!”

 

“If you don’t agree, I won’t accept anything.” Jun said with narrowed eyes. He was sounding determined. Nino couldn’t believe it. Jun wanted him by his side… Sakurai Sho was giving him a chance to start over… “Kazunari is the only one that makes me happy to be a Matsumoto… because he’s my family. If he’s not a part, then, I don’t want to have anything to do with all, as well!”

 

Several seconds passed by in an awkward silence before the lawyer turned to Nino who was sitting on his chair silent. “You, Matsumoto-san, do you agree?”

 

Nino looked at Jun who was staring back at him with pleading eyes. He had always hated everything that had to do with their fortune but now, it would be Jun’s… and if Jun wanted him by his side he had no reason to turn his brother down; he’d never do that.

 

“Since this is what my brother wants, I have no reason to decline it, Kitagawa-san.”

 

“Fine, then. I will have the papers prepared and once they’re ready, you’ll be informed by my secretary to come and sign them.”

 

“Thank you, Kitagawa-san.” Sho said with a modest but clearly of a triumphant aura smile as he shook the lawyer’s hand.

 

Nino and Jun bowed and soon, they were leaving the building.

 

“How many surprises have you there hidden for me, Jun?”

 

Jun looked at his brother slightly worried. “You… you didn’t want to-?”

 

Nino didn’t say a single word. He just pulled his brother in a tight hug. There was no need for any exchange of words.

 

“Would you like to go for lunch?”  Sho asked once the brothers had sat back into the car. “Masaki will be there, too.”

 

Jun’s eyes glowed from happiness as soon as he heard his boyfriend’s name.

 

“I like the idea.” Nino said, seeing his brother this happy.

 

“And you Matsumoto-kun-”

 

“You can call me Kazunari-kun.” Nino cut Sho off. “You’ve helped me too much to still call me by my surname… besides I’m not exactly fond of it…” he mumbled under his breath.

 

“Ok, then, Kazunari-kun. You should call Satoshi, as well. He may be free to come and join us.”

 

“Yes! You should, brother!”

 

Nino smiled as he took out his phone and started typing a quick message. He also wanted to see the other... he was already missing him.

 

---

 

“J!” Masaki was waving his hand the moment they entered the family restaurant.

 

“Someone’s excited to see his boyfriend!” Nino whispered to Jun as they headed to the table the other teenager was sitting at, wanting to tease him a bit. The teenager said nothing in return, making Nino muffle a small laugh. You’re so cute…

 

“It’s nice to see you again, Matsumoto-san!” Masaki told Nino after they all sat on the table.

 

Nino smiled. “How are you, Masaki-kun?”

 

“I’m doing well!”

 

“I heard from Jun that you’re the star of the basketball team…” Masaki and Jun immediately blushed, lowering his head. “No need to get shy… I know my brother and I’m well aware that he means everything he says. Would you like perhaps to continue with it professionally?”

 

“Well… The truth is that I would love to but Sho-kun insists I enroll university.”

 

“I’m afraid I have to agree with your uncle. You can always find a good university that’s known for its basketball team. I think, then, you’ll be in position to see things clearer. Perhaps, a great opportunity comes… but if not, you’ll still have the chance to create the life you want.”

 

“I wouldn’t have placed it better, Kazunari-kun. See, young man? It’s not me the oldie one who says so! Kazunari-kun is five years younger than me! Still in his twenties and yet he shares the same opinion!”

 

Masaki pouted. “Fine…”

 

“I also agree, Ma-kun! You’re too smart not to go to university!” Jun jumped in the conversation, making his boyfriend blush. “I’ll have the pork ramen, if the waiter comes.” Jun said and stood up. “I need to go to the toilet.”

 

Nino didn’t say anything but he was sure Jun’s sudden need to go to the toilet was more relevant to the fact that he had called the other ‘Ma-kun’ in front of him and the latter’s uncle.

 

A few seconds later, Sho’s phone rang. He ticked his tongue annoyed. “Sorry, I need to take this. I’ll be right back.” and with that headed out of the restaurant leaving Nino and Masaki alone.

 

Nino could tell that the other was rather nervous with him. He could tell that Masaki was in love with Jun… but he had to say it… because he cared for his brother too much. “Masaki-kun?”

 

“Yes…?”

 

Nino cleared his throat as he leaned a bit closer, resting his elbows on the table. “Jun… he spoke to me about something… He is… how am I supposed to say it? Hmm… a bit… confused…” he didn’t miss the way the teenager’s eyes bulged at his words.

 

“I… I didn’t-”

 

“I didn’t accuse you of anything, Masaki-kun.” Nino said reassuringly. “I find it natural to want to experience everything that love has to offer to you… I just don’t wish to see my brother getting hurt. I don’t imply that you’d do anything on purpose to hurt him or make him feel uncomfortable but things may happen that could make him feel confused. As the older one, please, let him know clearly that it’s ok to take his time…”

 

“I swear we have only-”

 

“It’s none of my business to now, Masaki-kun. It’s something personal between you two. I mentioned it only because I think you should speak clearly with him. I’m sure you’ll take care of my little brother. If you don’t…” Nino tilted his head “then, that’s another story!”

 

“Can you, please, stop threatening my best friend’s nephew?!” a familiar voice whispered into Nino’s ear, as two hands came to rest on his shoulders from behind.

 

“Satoshi!”

 

Satoshi smiled at him and winked at Masaki. “Don’t get him, wrong, Masaki. He’s just an overprotective brother.”

 

Masaki nodded, still, a bit shaken.

 

Soon, everyone was back and made their orders. The topics of conversation, while enjoying ramen, varied. For the first time, Nino found himself making small remarks that could be described as sarcastic. He was participating actively… he was laughing… without thinking of anything else.   

 

“How did you two meet?” Nino asked Sho, looking at him and Satoshi. “You seem really close.”

 

“We met in the first year at university. The professor had put us in groups and I was appointed with him…” Satoshi said pointing at Sho. “Since then, I don’t know… we just stuck!”

 

Nino couldn’t help smiling as he heard some embarrassing stories of Satoshi back in his university years. He hadn’t any… he had only shameless ones… He had the reputation of the easiest fuck back at the university. He sighed trying to remain focused on Sho’s words. To his surprise, Satoshi’s hand came to find him under the table, intertwining their fingers together… He turned his gaze to him finding the eyes, he loved the most in the world, looking back at him reassuringly, as if the other knew what was going on his mind right at that moment. Once again, it was proved what a wonderful person Satoshi was and how lucky he had got to have met him.

 

Half an hour later, Sho had excused himself since he had a serious meeting.

 

Nino looked at his brother and his boyfriend with a small smirk. “You can go and enjoy a date just the two of you!”

 

“Brother, thank you!” Jun replied with a wide smile while Masaki still seemed to hesitate.

 

“And you… Masaki-kun, as we said!”  Nino told his brother’s boyfriend, amused at the way, the latter hurried to nod fast.

 

“What did you two say? Tell me” Jun kept asking his boyfriend as they headed out of the restaurant, not getting any answer from Masaki.

 

“You managed to scare him!” Satoshi told him once they were alone.

 

Nino smiled. “He may have been a bit panicked but I’m sure he’ll get to speak with Jun. Then, he’ll understand better what and why I told him.” he turned to look at Satoshi. “I just don’t want Jun to feel confused or pressured…”

 

“Masaki may be a bit clumsy but he’s a very considerate person.”

 

“It’s just that he already had the wrong impression and was too afraid to take the next step… and all that because of me.” Nino said sighing deeply. I don’t want him to be even more confused. They should talk openly.”

 

“You love your brother so much! I’m proud and slightly jealous of you for that!”

 

“Jealous?”

 

“Yes… because in my case my brother is a bastard…”

 

“But you have a brother, Satoshi. Perhaps not by blood but I’m sure you love him, as if he truly were.”

 

Satoshi smiled, knowing that Nino was talking of Sho. “You’re always right…” and with that finished his beer, before checking his watch. “I have to go back to the company. Would you like to come along? I have to check two projects that we have started running.”

 

“But wouldn’t I intervene with-” Nino started asking in a serious tone.

 

“No.” Satoshi replied in a similar serious tone. “It would only make me want to work harder so that I can finish earlier. We can also discuss about Sho’s offer to hire you in his company.”

 

Nino smiled widely at him. “Alright, then! I’ll come!”

 

“Let’s go!”

 

---

 

Nino let out a hiss of surprise when he saw no one else but Satoshi’s very younger brother, Hideshi, working at the reception area. He had heard what Satoshi had told the latter but he didn’t expect to have him placed at this post… he was certain that for the other this was at least humiliating. Satoshi was surprising him more and more but he couldn’t lie; he enjoyed the idea.

 

“I need a pass for Matsumoto-san.” Satoshi said in a cold, almost hostile tone. Hideshi, on the other hand, muttered something under his breath, as he starred at Nino for several seconds, his hands not moving at all. “I’m still waiting!” The CEO said louder than before, attracting the attention of the other two employees working next to Hideshi.

 

“Of… course, Ohno-san.”

 

“You surely know how to talk…” Satoshi said in a clearly sarcastic tone, Nino had never heard of before. “Hurry up”

 

Once they had got the pass, Satoshi led him to the elevators. Once the doors were closed, the CEO leaned against the glass behind him and let out a long sigh. “You understand now why I told you I kind of feel jealous of the relationship you and Jun-kun have?! Because I see that bastard every day who never misses to bring me to my limits but I have sworn to make him learn his place… At least, lately, he hasn’t dared to openly use his usual characterizations… I dare to say it’s an advance!” Satoshi let out a small chuckle before he caressed his frowned forehead with his fingers.

 

“What I witnessed a couple of minutes ago, is a CEO that has never been sexier in my eyes!” Nino whispered in his lover’s ear, wanting him to relax.

 

Satoshi smiled but said nothing on the younger one’s comment. “I’ll ignore that because there’s work waiting for me.”

“I promise I’ll behave!” Nino replied, happy to hear Satoshi having found his usual tone back.

 

Satoshi chuckled. He loved this playful version of his boyfriend. He may have done it to take his attention away from Hideshi but it still was as if the person, Nino hided inside out of fear and insecurity, was finally finding little by little his way out.

 

“You better will!” he whispered back in Nino’s ear. “Because I have organized a special night for us in my apartment!” he let his index trace a small path from Nino’s cheek to his jaw line, moving lower to his neck. “But that’s for later!”

 

Nino smiled as he threw his arms around his lover’s shoulders and leaving a small peck on his lips. “Can’t wait!”

 

***

 

Three weeks later…

 

“You’re ready to go, my love?”

 

Nino was still lost behind papers. Sho had been telling the truth at Kitagawa’s office when he was insisting he wouldn’t go easy on him, since, from the very first moment Nino set his foot in the company, he had been bombarded with what could be described as too much work. It had been years since he had last used his skills in statistics and business administration and at the moment, he doubted he even had any.

 

The voice that reached his ears, though, made him smile. It was a small reminder of the reason why he had to try his best, even if it was difficult.

 

“Satoshi!” he exclaimed happily to the other was had walked until his desk. He turned to look at the clock across his office and sighed. “I know we had said we’d leave at seven but I still have to organize these files…” he said pointing at the relatively small pile of documents on his right. “Sho-kun wants them, today!”

 

Satoshi shook his head. “Classic Sho! He’s been a torturer since we were at university! But I guess it’s because of his strict program and orderliness that he managed to create his company from scratch. It’s a reason why I’ve always admired him, to be honest...”

 

“You know, as much as you try to flatter your precious boyfriend’s boss, the latter won’t let him leave before he’s done with the day’s tasks!”

 

Satoshi muffled a laugh as he turned on his side, seeing his friend looking at them with his hands crossed in front of his chest while leaning against the wall by the door.

 

“Believe me, I know! Do you mind, if I help him? I’m pretty sure he’s tired and it’s already passed the previewed working hours!”

 

“No!” This time it was Nino the one who talked, surprising both Satoshi and Sho. “I’ll do it by myself. You may go and have a coffee. I’ll be there in a while! I’m pretty sure, it won’t take me too much time!”

 

“And that’s why I’m one proud boss!” Sho commented. “We’ll leave you to finish your work, Matsumoto-san” he said in his professional tone before he made a small nod to Satoshi to follow him to his office. “You see how dedicated he is?” he asked his friend once he closed the door behind him.

 

“I’d never expect to see him this motivated. I mean… it’s Matsumoto corporation… and yet-”

 

“No. It’s Jun’s will. I think, very soon, Matsumoto corporation itself will have lost any negative association and transform into something personal… his family business. I must admit that, at first, I had my doubts… He hasn’t graduated from one of the top-three universities in his domain and his grade wasn’t the best but he’s trying hard and he’s willing to learn. Yesterday, I got a glimpse of a book of statistic methods. He’s been studying. He’s smart and I dare to say ambitious and competitive, in the good sense.”

 

Satoshi couldn’t feel prouder of his lover. “I told you Kazu is a brilliant man! He was just afraid to let himself shine!”

 

Sho smiled as he sat on his leather chair. “You did and I couldn’t be happier for you, Satoshi! You found a man you deserve and who deserves to be with you! It’s as if you’re made for each other! I could even dare to use the term ‘soulmates’!”

 

Satoshi was taken aback. The other wasn’t someone to be romantic… or maybe he was also hiding it. “How about you? Will you decide to finally get serious? Get married perhaps?” Satoshi asked with a raised eyebrow. His friend always avoided this topic of conversation.

 

Sho laughed. “I still haven’t found the one who will make me devote myself to them. When I do, you’ll be the first to know. Rest assured!”

 

Satoshi shook his head, chuckling. “That’s what all womanizers say!”

 

“Womanizer… no. I’m just an admirer of the beauty!”

 

Satoshi was about to answer when they heard a knock on the door.

 

“Enter.”

 

The door opened revealing his lover in his dark blue suit. It was an image that made him even more attractive in Satoshi’s eyes. Nino was definitely tired but there was an excitement, an eagerness the CEO hadn’t seen before.

 

“Sakurai-san, the papers, you asked for, have been taken care of.”

 

“Thank you, Matsumoto-san. You’re free to go. I wish you a pleasant evening.”

 

Nino walked to Satoshi, throwing his left arm around the latter’s shoulders. “Thank you, Sho-kun!” he replied, leaving behind his professional tone. “Can I have Satoshi for myself, now?”

 

“Please!” Sho said between his muffled laughs. “I wouldn’t want to engage any more of your time. See you tomorrow!”

 

Satoshi and Nino said their goodbyes and quickly left the building.

 

---

 

Once they were in the limousine, Nino snuggled to the older one, seeking for his warmth. It had been like this every single day since he started working and Satoshi had no reason to deny him.

 

It was ten minutes later that Nino realized they were heading neither to Satoshi’s apartment, nor to his and Jun’s house.

 

“Satoshi?” he turned to look at the CEO who pecked softly his forehead.

 

“You’ll see!”

 

Nino could only gasp when he realized that they had arrived at the beach, Satoshi had taken him for their first date.

 

Getting out of the car, Nino had the chance to see around. It seemed so different, now… It felt as if he was seeing the scenery for the first time in his life. The previous time, he was nervous because he knew they weren’t alone as well as that he was lying to the one he had fallen in love with.

 

“Stop thinking…” Satoshi whispered in his ear as he hugged him from behind, resting his chin on his left shoulder. “All that belongs to the past…”

 

“I didn’t want us to go on a date back then… Your brother had asked me to bring you out of the apartment in order to get the photos he wanted and-”

 

“You attacked me to keep me inside…”

 

Nino turned around meeting his lover’s eyes. “We were followed, Satoshi...”

 

“I had seen the car, Kazu.”

 

“Eh?”

 

“But I wanted to go on a date with you. I didn’t know that my brother had you involved in all this but I knew he was up to something. He wanted me dead from the first time he realized he was stronger than me as a kid.”

 

“But still-”

 

Satoshi placed his index on top of Nino’s lips. “Shhh… Don’t think anymore. Now, we’re just you and me…”

 

“And the driver.” Nino added slightly pouting.

 

“No. I asked him to leave and come back two hours later. I wanted us to be on our own… to have a real date…”

 

Nino looked towards the direction of the limousine and was surprised to find it gone. He frowned for not having heard the engine but then again, he was too lost in his thoughts…

 

Satoshi said nothing more. He intertwined their fingers together and pulled Nino closer to the sea. The weather was quite warm allowing them to take their shoes off and wet their feet.

 

Just walking like this side by side, it felt so relaxing… “I think, I’ve changed my mind. I like the sea… I still get seasick but I love its calmness and its sounds…” Nino whispered, his eyes staring at his feet as they were covered by the water.

 

“Should we sit and watch it, then?” Satoshi proposed, smiling when his lover nodded. “Here…” he took off his suit jacket and helped Nino sit down before he did so, too, by his side.

 

Nino let his head tilt on the side and rest on Satoshi’s shoulder. He enjoyed the warmth the other’s body was emitting, as he let his eyes see the deep purple and orange shades of the sunset far in the horizon.

 

“Satoshi…?” he asked almost hesitantly. “There’s something I want you to ask…”

 

“What is it, my love?” Satoshi whispered, his lips ghosting on top of Nino’s head.

 

“Do you remember when we were here the first time…? You had told me that you wanted to…” Nino bit his lower lips not knowing if he could bring it up or not.

 

“To…?” the CEO asked in a slightly playful tone, realizing what his lover was talking about. “To make your portrait?”

 

“Yes…” Nino whispered in a tiny, weak voice.

 

“I have already started it… I dropped it for a while but since two days ago, I started working on it again… But why do you ask me?”

 

“It’s just that I saw the painting in Sho-kun’s office. I found it rather mesmerizing… its colors were so beautiful… so expressive. So, I asked him who the painter was and he revealed to me that it was you. I was blown away… Since then, I kept thinking about it and…” Nino lowered his head shyly.

 

“And…?”

 

“I realized that I want to see you working on it… to help you…”

 

“Help me?! Do you mean you want to be my model?” Satoshi took Nino chin between his index and thumb and made him meet his eyes. “And if I asked you to pose for me nude?”

 

“I’d pose for you however you wanted me to…” Nino replied with flushed cheeks and glowing eyes. It was getting darker but Satoshi could see it… the flame in them… the love.

 

He let his thumb come and brush Nino’s lips. “You’re so beautiful…” he muttered in a huskier voice, letting his eyes follow his hands move. “And now, the more you let yourself free, the more, if that’s even possible, I fall for you… deeper. For me, you are neither the Matsumoto, nor the Ninomiya the others always put on you as labels, rather than names. You are Kazunari… the one who was always hiding because he was afraid and because he was never allowed to express himself. the real you… You’re gradually exploring him and along with you, I discover him, as well. I get to see the different expressions in his beautiful eyes, the snarky yet never disrespectful comments that are always at the tip of his tongue, his devotion to work… so many different aspects I had never had the chance to know till now… and I’m loving this procedure, Kazu, I really do!”

 

“You always have to say such things, don’t you?” Nino asked in a trembling voice, his eyes locked on Satoshi’s half-opened, alluring lips.

 

“I can’t help it…” Satoshi whispered back on Nino’s mouth, leaning closer.

 

Before they could both register what was happening, Satoshi was pushing Nino on his back, their mouths exploring one another in an insatiable way. Soon, the kiss was turning more and more heated, causing the CEO to break it with a groan.

 

“We… can’t here…” he managed to say while panting heavily.

 

“We can…” Nino whispered taking Satoshi’s hand and guiding it in his trousers to his half-awakened member. “…like this…”

 

They didn’t need to say anything more… They let their bodies find bliss the way they knew so perfectly together… It felt deliberating as they kept moving under the now-darkened sky. There was only the sound of the waves as they crushed against the rocks on their sides that could be heard apart from their gasps and moans.

 

“I can’t believe it I got to have public sex with you… You’re saying you’re discovering the real Kazunari but I also need to know who this new fearless and bold Satoshi is!” Nino said once they had found their breaths back.

 

“This is the Satoshi who is madly in love with you!” Satoshi replied seriously and gained a loud laugh from Nino.

 

Satoshi smiled, turning his gaze up to the sky as he tightened his grip around his lover’s slim waist. He loved it when the younger one laughed like this… It sounded so melodic to his ears. And he was happy because lately, it happened more and more frequently. His lover indeed was allowing his real self to get out of his shell.

 

They stayed like this, Nino secured in Satoshi’s arms, talking about the future… making dreams.

 

“Can I confess something to you?” Satoshi’s voice sounded almost like a whisper.

 

“What is it?” Nino asked with a smile as his fingers kept drawing invisible patterns on his lover’s palm.

 

“I wished we could live together.” the CEO said before he hurried to continue. “I know it’s impossible, right now, because of Jun and I would never ask you anything like this but… I don’t know… maybe in two years, when Jun will start his studies, we could find a new apartment together… you know… I’ve been wanting to create that place that would be our nest, away from all the anxiety and the routine of everyday life… our very own hom-”

 

Nino turned around and kissed his lover abruptly, not giving the CEO the chance to finish his line. “When the time comes, I’ll be waiting…”

 

Satoshi smiled fondly, staring deeply into Nino’s eyes. “When the time comes, I’ll make sure, I won’t disappoint you!”

 

They stayed in a comfortable silence without counting how much time had passed by. Neither of them cared to find out anyway…

 

“I’m happy, Satoshi. I really am.” Nino whispered out of the blue.

 

“I am, too, my love.” Satoshi whispered securing him tighter in his arms. “I guess it was our destiny to be together… Our paths, till now, may haven’t been the easiest ones but I wouldn’t change mine for anything in the world because it meant I’d meet you… I love you, Kazu!”

 

The reply came firm. “I love you, too, Satoshi!”

 

Satoshi knew the other meant these three words… He knew the other loved him. He may have questioned him in the past but, now, the more time they passed together, the more it made him realize what a fool he had been. He let out a long sigh. Yes; they had experienced hardships… yes; they both had troubled pasts… but, now, they were free.

 

He smiled and looked up in the sky at the stars that they were shining, as if they were celebrating their happiness and love along with them.

 

At first, it may have been pretense from Nino’s side. But even if it was, it had, now, turned into the strongest, the purest love and from the way the younger one was clinging on him, right at that moment, Satoshi knew positively that it would last forever.

 

 

THE END

 

 

 

A.N. Soooo minna here’s the last part!!! ^^ Once again long (almost 11.000 words)! xP This time, it didn’t take much time for me to post! There’s also a very small epilogue that will come in a few days, so that I can show a glimpse of how all their lives have evolved after a few years! :)
I tried to have Ohmiya, Matsumiya, Sakumiya, Yama and Junba, as well as cute, fluffy and even comedic moments! Nino has a new chance to start over in his life along with those he loves the most!!
I don’t know how many of you are still following this story but I hope it turned out the way you were imagining it!

I really hope you enjoyed it and as always, your comments – even the small ones – are <333!!!

See you very soon,
Andy! ^^