Shinsuke had known the bodies of so many men under this roof. He had held them close as a lover, pressed his bare flesh against theirs, tight and sinewed, tasted the salt of their sweat mingle with his own, inhaled the hot musk and spice of virile masculine exertion. But tonight was the last he would be with so many of these old foes and older friends. Shinsuke was saying goodbye to men he had loved, men who had changed him, men who had penetrated his soul.
Shinsuke looked into the warm, welcoming smile of Tanahashi and knew he didn't need to speak. The profound connection they had always shared had not been dulled by time. The faces of both men glowed with a soulful, rose tinted affection for each other. They comprehended that, although many miles would soon seperate them, their devotion to each other would remain steadfast and true.
Okada's eyes shone, overcome by the raw and visceral magnetism he always felt in the presence of Shinsuke. He envied the quiet closeness Tanahashi shared with Shinsuke; their gentle wordless connection, as doves in a silken nest feathered with golden memories of shared adventures. Okada hoisted Shinsuke onto his shoulders, the sharp tang of tears caught at the back of his throat exposing the fervency of his emotions. "I will carry you, Shinsuke; I will carry you home."