A vague piece of angst, nothing overly sad.
Disclaimer: Nothing.
-No-
He could not remember how it had happened, or why even, but it did and he would never forget it. It was one of those memories that clung to you and passed by so quickly. In the darkest hours and most somber times, it was there as a reminder.
He had said no, of course, that is why when he recalled those joyous times; they felt saddening. His genuine smile back then just was not there anymore, since that time. It was his own decision and he made it, refusing ever to feel regret.
What was done, was done.
If it had not been for that one word, he would not be looking down into the eyes of his newborn son that blinked and cried in the vast world around him. He was glad he had said yes to her, though, she left him an heir, a child…
It was his last day in Edo, or Japan. The country and its people, they had all treated him so wonderfully but alas, he bid his farewells to the land before his plane would depart. The ticket scheduled him for the last departure, two hours away.
The atmosphere was sad, undoubtedly, but Max faced it with his smile that lit up a room. His blue eyes glanced around the room melancholically, as a small sigh was soon smothered by the poignant silence.
All this things were neatly packed at the door, waiting. He had one last stop to make, and one last person to see. There was a warm, and a distraught smile waiting for him, at the end of the hall.
Takao embraced Max with all his heart, his best friend and partner. The news was devastating but he knew the American would someday leave the hushed dojo for the big cities again, for good. The taxi would arrive soon enough. They parted and faced each other with dismayed eyes.
''I am so lucky to be close to you…and yet, I can't seem to get close enough.'' Max spoke quietly.
His whole face looked so innocent shaded with a light pink. He was blushing and embarrassed. Nothing had ever looked so cute, Takao smiled as he ruffled his hand through the blonde locks. He forgot how much he would really miss his companion and the times they shared together.
But, he was not expecting to be kissed.
It was chaste but loving and admiring. Takao stood there for a long while, unsure of what to do. His instincts let him melt, into the feeling of his first kiss for the brief minute before he held Max to his chest, beating wildly.
''I'll stay here, if it means being with you.'' He whispered.
Takao's mind raced with thoughts. Some of a relationship and others were of their friendship. It was just this big blur, swirling and confusing everything. Did he really want Max to stay around, that long...and in his arms every night?
''Mizuhara, Max.'' He breathed out deeply.
This was his future, one that could possibly play out with a young man, like himself. He kept his arms tightly around him, trying to hold onto the last pieces of their friendship. But, he would have to let go.
He had to decide. Now.
''You should go…home.'' His lips burned from their kiss as he spoke those final words.
''Then, Kinomiya, Takao, this is our goodbye.'' Max looked up at him and smiled brightly, as tears brimmed his eyes.
He had said no.
And, that was it.
-EndE-