1 Christmas
By Take (April 8, 1999)
He was late.
Kouji suppressed the shiver of unease that ran through him. Despite the room's warmth, it chilled him to the very marrow of his bones. It was Christmas, and it should have been a happy joyous occasion. To Kouji, it was a time of pain and sorrow.
He gazed out the window, watching the snow fall gently to the ground below. There was a bottle of wine on ice, sitting on the counter. Unconsciously, his right hand moved to touch his glove-covered left; the ring on his finger glittered discreetly in the light.
This year it would be different, he promised himself. This time, he and Izumi would make good on the plan to celebrate, and replace the horrible memories associated with this season.
After a long struggle, Izumi had finally, finally, become sure enough of his love to relax and lower a few of his walls. Kouji treasured the rare moments when Izumi was completely open; treasured the sound of his laughter, free and unrestrained.
Kouji hugged himself, feeling the metal limb even through the soft knit of the sweater, a reminder of the pain and tears they'd shed to get to where they were; happy, for once. Happy and away from his family, finally out of Hirose's grasp.
A small worried frown wrinkled his brow. Izumi was late.
In another room, the phone rang.
~Owari~
By Take (April 8, 1999)
He was late.
Kouji suppressed the shiver of unease that ran through him. Despite the room's warmth, it chilled him to the very marrow of his bones. It was Christmas, and it should have been a happy joyous occasion. To Kouji, it was a time of pain and sorrow.
He gazed out the window, watching the snow fall gently to the ground below. There was a bottle of wine on ice, sitting on the counter. Unconsciously, his right hand moved to touch his glove-covered left; the ring on his finger glittered discreetly in the light.
This year it would be different, he promised himself. This time, he and Izumi would make good on the plan to celebrate, and replace the horrible memories associated with this season.
After a long struggle, Izumi had finally, finally, become sure enough of his love to relax and lower a few of his walls. Kouji treasured the rare moments when Izumi was completely open; treasured the sound of his laughter, free and unrestrained.
Kouji hugged himself, feeling the metal limb even through the soft knit of the sweater, a reminder of the pain and tears they'd shed to get to where they were; happy, for once. Happy and away from his family, finally out of Hirose's grasp.
A small worried frown wrinkled his brow. Izumi was late.
In another room, the phone rang.
~Owari~