My dear, beloved Heather. You have had a tough week and honestly, I felt really helpless as I was unable to do anything for you. I wish I could have held you in my arms for a tight embrace, or just call you. Antying. When we were talking about Kidou and Gouenji being fluffy and cuddly instead, suddenly Robert popped up and I knew how I could brighten your mood a little. I can promise you now that I didn't include any heartbreaking fights, break ups or anything close to that. I want you to feel happy again, and now that Stan is recovering, I hope this will make you smile too (and cry a little, sorry!).
I love you,
Angel
Gouenji rubs with the palms of his hands over his burning eyes, he's exhausted. He has been doing quite some overtime the past couple of weeks. Ever since Bitway Ozrock came down to Earth from space and told him about the Grand Celesta Galaxy tournament Gouenji hasn't had a moment of rest. Bitway said to Gouenji that Earth needed to find a team that could participate in the tournament, otherwise he would seal Earth away; in which he proved he could do, as he sealed the moon with just a soccer ball. Gouenji had no idea why this boy, who must be around the age of fifteen in Earth years, came to him instead of the president, and why Japan? But he decided that he shouldn't question it, the fastest way to deal with this matter was to assign someone to do the job of collecting these players for him. That person was no-one else than Kuroiwa Ryuusei. Kuroiwa then created the Football Frontier International Vision 2 to gather the best players that could be able to defeat the aliens, and that team would carry the name Inazuma Japan.
If he would have known that giving this task to Kuroiwa would give him this much trouble, he would have assigned someone else to do it for him, but sometimes decisions have to be made quickly. He now often finds himself chatting with Shindou Takuto, and the coach for Inazuma Japan. Shindou had to give him a piece of his mind and tell Gouenji that his coach Kuroiwa Ryuusei, was doing a bad job as their coach, for example they only have eleven players, in which he thinks they should have sixteen, 5 as subs in-case someone was to get injured. But Gouenji brushed it off, this spoiled, rich boy should learn that not everything can be arranged according to what he wants. He should just trusts Kuroiwa.
When he thought he handled that well, thee vice-coach came in, in an angry mood. He also could not understand why Kuroiwa has been selected as the coach of Inazuma Japan, and told him that if Kuroiwa carries on, he is going to try and take over the soccer world again. Gouenji told him the same as he had told the teen earlier, he has no intentions in changing the coach because Kuroiwa knows in every detail, "both darkness and light" of soccer. He will be able to lead Inazuma Japan to victory.
But whining team members and displeased coaches are not Gouenji's only trouble, aside from them, there is the media; questioning Gouenji's decisions. A brand new team with unknown and unskilled members, how will those eleven players be able to represent Japan? Who will even want to watch their matches, every other country will make fun of Japan. With half of the population trying to sue him, and the pressure of another alien threatening to destroy their planet, Gouenji doesn't know what he'll do the next time Shindou or anyone else enters his office with another complaint.
"Shuuya?" There's a brief knock on his door before it opens and in the dimmed light coming from the lamp on his desk he can see Robert's silhouette in the doorway. When has it gotten so dark outside? Gouenji glances at the time on his laptop, it passed eight already. He hasn't even had dinner yet, or lunch. "Robert," he smiles, shoving his chair backwards. "what brings you here?"
"I am here to take you home."
"Ah," Gouenji smiles faintly at his boyfriend. "that sounds lovely, but I can't yet. There's still so much I have to do. I can't leave now."
"Yes, the soccer managing thing. Please, do not get me wrong, I understand you, but it's also because I understand that I am here. Tell me Shuuya, when was the last time you had dinner with me, at home?" Gouenji has no answer to that. Robert sighs and heads over to the blonde's desk, gently shutting his laptop with his hand. "You are coming with me, and that's final."
After the divorce, Robert has become an integral part of his life. The offer to start living together followed quickly, perhaps a little too fast for Gouenji, even. His friends gave him their full support, but he hadn't even told his father when Robert suggested it. Thankfully, Robert understood what was troubling his boyfriend. If his father had been still alive, he would have liked his approval first too. Gouenji waited long to find the right moment to tell his father, but then suddenly he got an invitation to have a family dinner together. The family dinner would consist of his father, his little sister, his step brother Toramaru, and his father's new lover, Utsunomiya Tae. While they were following the FFI finale in Raimon's gym his father had been sitting next to the youngest forward of the team's mother. His father, a quiet man, hadn't said a word during the match, but when the sound of the last whistle was audible through the silent room he jumped in full enthusiasm together with the other friends and family members. That's what Yuuka told him. When he saw the tears in the eyes of Toramaru's mother he gave her politely his handkerchief to dry her tears. Very romantic. That's how they got in touch. Nashimoto Nonomi, as cheerful and bold as she is, invited everyone in the room to celebrate the victory of Inazuma Japan. Naturally, his father protested, he isn't very fond of events, but Nonomi charmed her way into convincing him to join them for dinner at least. He was reticent all night, but the food had been sublime and was beyond his expectations so he asked Nonomi to give his compliments to the cook. The girl rushed off and returned a little later with the woman who had been sitting next to him during the match.
"This is her, sir! The start cook of the night!"
Dr. Gouenji gave her his compliments and gradually they started talking about her cooking skills, the restaurant and their sons. "This is very impressive," the doctor smiled. "are you always alone in the kitchen or does your husband help out too on nights like this?"
Toramaru's mother smiled faintly in return. "Toramaru's father passed away many years ago. I've been running the business alone ever since."
"I am sorry to hear that." The tanned man paused, his eyes scanning the room until he finds his daughter. "I lost my wife too when my kids were still young."
From that point the conversation took a more serious turn. They talked about how tough it is as single parent, the disease Toramaru's mother that makes it difficult to run this place alone, and Yuuka's coma. Eventually Yuuka crawled on her father's lap and exclaimed that she was tired. Dr. Gouenji excused himself while lifting his young daughter on his arm. "If you have the time please come by again." Utsunomiya suggested. "You are always welcome."
"We certainly will visit again."
Despite her fatigue Yuuka was very enthusiastic. Once she's all settled on her seat in the car she mumbled that she would not mind to have her as a new mother. She is so sweet to her.
Ever since that night Dr. Gouenji took his family out for dinner more frequently. Katsuya even took over the earlier shifts in the hospital so he could volunteer at the restaurant to help Utsunmomiya out on busy nights or in the weekends. And finally, after long deliberation and procrastination, Gouenji Katsuya asked her on a date. Toramaru's mother protested first, but when her son and Nonomi assured her the restaurant would be fine one night without her she agreed to it.
The two of them saw each other more often after that date, he saw his father flourish and it warmed Gouenji's heart to see his father finally smiling again. Not only Gouenji's father seemed to be full of energy, Utsunmomiya Tae herself was full of life again. One time, during dinner with the whole family, Yuuka accidently called her "mama". They had all been quiet, Toramaru's eyes on his mother, while Gouenji's own trailed towards his father's expression. He simply smiled and stroked over his daughter's hair.
Later that night, when Yuuka went to bed and the two boys were playing games in Gouenji's room, Dr. Gouenji brought something up for discussion he never thought he would again. "Yuuka is already very attached to you, and our sons get along very well. What would you think of living together?"
"Katsuya, I— I don't know. You're overwhelming me a little."
He held Tae's hands in his and gave them a soft squeeze. "Why not? You told me about your dreams of staying at home and having less responsibility. I will support the restaurant, we will hire someone to cook and you can personally train them. Let me do this for you, together with you. So long there has been emptiness in my life since my wife passed away, but I finally feel complete again. We have both endured a tough period of time, we should leave that all behind. Please, Tae, come live with me."
Of course, that was easier said than done. Toramaru and his mother couldn't just come live with them, their apartment was too small for that, thus they moved to a bigger home. Yuuka was very content, she was getting a bigger room. Toramaru, on the other hand, found it rather difficult to leave his old place, and especially the restaurant behind. But once the new cook his mother picked personally reassured him that he's always welcome to help out he felt a little more enthusiastic about living together with the Gouenji-family too. And it's been like this for nine years now.
Gouenji rests the side of his head against the car window and watches Robert while he is driving. It has been eight months since the restaurant got restyled and his father arranged another one of their family dinners. They hadn't seen each other in a very long time, partly because Gouenji was avoiding his father. He had been travelling around the world with Robert a lot the first year of their relationship, and now with his position as chairman he managed to procrastinate it a little further, but he could not cancel the dinner appointments any longer now. He owed it to his family too. His sister and Toramaru were informed the same evening he told Kidou and the rest of his friends about his relationship with Robert. Now only his father was left. After discussing the matter with Robert he couldn't back down anymore. He had been very positive about the idea of admitting their relationship during the dinner. He would love to meet his boyfriend's family finally too. There was no way out anymore.
Gouenji is walking stressfully through his bedroom, he can't find the neck tie he wanted to wear, his hair is a mess and oh the drama. "Robert! We can't go! I can't do this, I need to wear that tie. It fits perfectly with this belt we bought on an Indian market, and I can't change the belt because then I'd have to change the whole suit. We can't go."
Robert enters the room and gently slides his arms around his stressed boyfriend's waist. "Easy there, tiger." He moves his hands towards Gouenji's neck and pops up his collar so he can put the tie around his neck. "I got it right here. I made sure to lay it out yesterday so it would be easier for you to find." He turns the blonde so he can look him in his chocolate brown eyes. "You weren't this nervous when you sucked my cock underneath my desk during a conference call with one of the biggest companies of Japan, so why now?"
"This is something entirely different, I am about to tell my father that his son is a homosexual , and on top of that, he's dating an older man not much younger than himself." He walks past his boyfriend towards the large mirror in their room.
"You aren't ashamed of me now, are you?"
"What?" Gouenji looks up from his own reflection and actually stops trying to fix his hair. "No, of course I am not."
"You supported your father when he got into a new relationship. Not every man would be like that when their father would have someone new after their mother passed away. You've been a good son to him. I am sure he will accept you too." Robert's hands rub over Gouenji's upper arms and he smiles at him through the reflection of the mirror. "Thank you, Robert."
"Your hair looks terrible, though." He says, while ruffling through it with his hand.
"GET OUT!" Is the last thing Robert hears before he quickly shuts the door and one of Gouenji's shoes bangs against the wood.
"Shuuya, I am so glad you could make it." His father greets him with a smile. "You look good, especially without those filthy, green locks in your hair."
"Thank you, father." He has learned to cope with his father's way to compliment him. "I want you to meet someone. Dad, this is Robert. My... business companion."
"I see. It's nice to meet you Robert."
"Likewise, sir. I've heard many great things about you." He holds Gouenji's father's hand, to which his traditional father quirks a brow. "He's from America," Gouenji tries to explain his behaviour. Robert laughs gently and firmly shakes Dr. Gouenji's hand. "Old habits die hard, I suppose."
"Yes, that makes sense." He nods, but he seems to be eager to have his hand back once Robert lets go. "When you said you were bringing someone I expected...someone else." His father looks at the taller man from head to toe. "Either way, the table is ready. Shall we?" Without waiting for a reply from either of them he turns away from Gouenji and Robert. Once he's out of sight the panic takes over Gouenji and he is almost leaving the restaurant, but Robert grabs him by his arm before he could do so. "Where are you going? I believe your father said the table is the other way."
"I can't do this, Robert! I told you, I can't! You saw the disappointed look on his face, he was expecting me to bring a girl, my partner. He is never going to accept me the way I am, it's best to just leave now while I still have some dignity, and two functioning eyes."
"Your father is not going to beat you, Shuuya." Robert murmurs in Gouenji's ear while rubbing comfortingly over his boyfriend's back. "And you did bring your partner with you. Your father just doesn't know it yet. I'm certain he'll take his words back once he realises what I mean to you." His hand reaches up to brush a stray hair lock out of Gouenji's face and gives him a warm smile. "I love you, Shuuji." A deep, dark blush creeps on Gouenji's cheeks, quickly averting his gaze from the taller man who knows to convince him by making use of his weak spots.
"Nii-san!" Gouenji smiles nervously at the approaching boy. The switch between 'Gouenji-san' and 'Shuuya' had been too difficult for him, so it quickly developed into this. Gouenji still hasn't figured out yet how he feels about Toramaru addressing him this way, but he hasn't corrected him either, at this point they have gone too far for Gouenji to suddenly start protesting. Toramaru has grown used to it, but Gouenji doubts he ever will. "Are you going to tell him today?" He smiles enthusiastically at Robert.
"He is, I am hopefully officially getting welcomed into the family today." Robert wraps his arm around Gouenji, who was quietly trying to vanish behind his boyfriend's large body. "Good luck, Nii-san!" Toramaru's broad grin works encouraging on him. He might actually be able to do this after all.
The dinner proceeds surprisingly well, in no time Robert managed to win his father over with his charm and deep conversations about the places he has seen during his travelling. Gouenji discovers that before he was born his mother and father travelled around the world to help those in need with medical help. The pregnancy of his mother had been a miracle to the both of them. Dr. Gouenji candidly told them how the matriarch from the Australian tribe explained to them by using hands and feet that Gouenji's mother was pregnant. She could even tell how long and the gender. Katsuya had never felt prouder in his life than when he heard he was about to become a father of a boy. The pair travelled back to Japan shortly after, even though the kind, local people gave all the support they would need; they wanted their baby to be born at the place they could call home. Dr. Gouenji started working in the Inazuma Hospital and his wife would stay at home with the baby. It was the first time Gouenji heard about all of this, his father had never been this outspoken since their mother passed away. Tae changed his father in a good way over the years.
After the main course his father rises and gently taps this glass to draw the attention. "Before we move on to the dessert, I'd like to say something. It has been a long time since the family has been together like this," Dr. Gouenji's eyes rest on Robert and Gouenji feels a wave of nausea coming up. "I would like to use this special occasion to do an announcement." He rests his hand on the shoulder of the woman who is sitting next to him. "Tae and I have been together for nearly ten years now, and it's thanks to you, Shuuya and Toramaru, that we met. If you would not have given everything you had to get to the finale and win this tournament than I wouldn't have got to know this wonderful woman. We are very grateful for that. But as the years pass by we are not getting younger, and I have gotten a little too old to introduce her as my girlfriend. I want to be able to call her my wife, and soon I will, because we are getting married."
The first one to react is his little sister, who immediately jumps up from her seat and glomps her father and step-mother. She is already cackling about the wedding, the dress, and of course her dress as the maid of honour. Robert squeezes gently on his boyfriend's knee. Gouenji had been thinking about it too, but the nerves left him frozen on his seat, at the same time he realises that he will never get a better opportunity than this. He congratulates the couple before he nervously clears his throat.
"I have to tell you something important too." All the eyes are focussed on him, Yuuka gives him a thumbs up, hidden from the sight of their father. It's now or never, but honestly, he'd rather choose the 'never'. He wishes he would be at home with Robert, or dealing with whatever is waiting for him on his desk when he returns to his work tomorrow morning. He'd rather be anywhere but here, but this is happening right now and he has already taken the first step. There is no way out of this. "There is a reason I brought Robert with me to the family dinner. He is not my business partner." He pauses, he can feel this father's dark, piercing eyes on him and it's like they're telling him that if he'll say something that displeases him he'll banish him from his life. Robert's hand brushes supporting over his leg and it reminds him that he'll have to continue. It wouldn't matter what happens next, he will still have Robert, he still has his friends and little sister. It would just be nice to have his father on his side too. "He is my boyfriend."
There's a long silence. The youngest ones on the table are waiting in suspense, Robert seems to be calm however. All the eyes are focussed on Gouenji's father. "This man?" He says eventually. "He is barely ten years younger than I am. What makes you think—"
"I am very happy for you." Everyone's faces turn to the woman next to his father. "I am glad you finally brought up the courage to tell us. It is very brave of you." Gouenji and Toramaru exchange a look, has he told her? But his step-brother shakes his head. "Oh, nobody needed to tell me that," Utsunmomiya chuckles softly. "I am a mother, they notice such things. I have known you for a very long time now, Shuuya. I could tell. And the way Robert looks at you is exactly how your father looks at me when he thinks I can't see it. He cares a lot for you, more than any normal friend or business companion would usually do." She smiles warmly at the couple across the table.
"Thank you, mother." Gouenji nods gratefully. Would his own mother have seen this too? She probably would have, it's nice to experience it. He has never had this bond with his own mother, she deceased before he realised how much she meant to him. Gouenji turns to his father. "I understand that this must be difficult for you, but this is my decision. I love this man. I am not asking for you to understand, I am asking for your approbation and support. Robert makes me happier than anyone has ever made me feel in my entire life."
Dr. Gouenji seems to be struggling, eventually, he gets up from his chair. Gouenji fears that he is walking away and this would be the end of their father-son relationship. "Come here, Shuuya." While his father's voice is stern and steady, Gouenji himself is trembling in his shoes. Even though Gouenji and his father are almost the same height and he doesn't need to look up anymore to look his father in the eye; Gouenji feels so much smaller and intimidated in his presence.
"You are aware that I am a traditional man, and if you would have told me this years ago; I can't say how my reaction would have been. I don't think I would have been happy with your decision to start seeing men instead of women, as you know I have always wanted you to start a family with your career. But since I have Tae in my life, I am a changed man, so you should be grateful towards her for this too. She lets me see that your happiness is my first priority. If this man makes you feel the same way as I feel when I see my future wife, then I hope you will never leave this man. I will have to get used to my son going out with a man, a man who is half your own age, but you have my full support, Shuuya."
"Father..."
His father embraces him. For the first time in a long time his father is holding Gouenji in his arms. Gouenji can feel the tears burning behind his eyes hand holds tightly onto the man whom he seeks approval from so desperately all his life. When he lets go his father turns towards Robert. "I will leave him in your hands, I hope you will give him the happiness he deserves."
"And more than that, sir. You have my word."
"Shuuya? Shuuya!" Robert is shaking him gently. He must have dozed off during their ride home. "We have arrived, I'll help you out."
After Gouenji told his father the news he felt relieved, while his father and Tae were making wedding arrangements; Gouenji and Robert were looking for houses together. Gouenji felt finally ready to take the next step in their relationship. One night Robert returned home with a stack of papers as surprise. Gouenji wasn't quite sure what to think, usually Robert's surprises meant a variation of toys they could use in the bedroom, but then he saw the content of the file. A beautiful house, located in a quiet neighbourhood, a drivable distance for both of their offices, and everything they could wish for. It has a huge kitchen for Robert to experiment in, and a large bedroom that would allow the two males to experiment together in the dark, a luxurious bathroom and an extra room for Robert's daughter. They didn't have to think long about the decision and moved in as fast as possible. They sold Gouenji's apartment to Toramaru for a family price, and Robert's rented penthouse was no problem. Within two months they were all settled in.
Gouenji lets himself sink into the warm water between his boyfriend's legs. The man behind him caresses lovingly over the blonde's arms until he reaches his hands and guides them to rest on Gouenji's stomach. They are sitting like this for a while silence, the lights dimmed and Robert lightened a few candles to create a romantic atmosphere. "I love you, Shuuji." He mutters against Gouenji's temple. It sends a pleasant quiver all the way down over his spine. He slowly guides Robert's hands further down until he reaches his thighs, but Robert resists and gently places them back on his boyfriend's abdomen. "No pressure tonight." He kisses Gouenji's shoulder. "You have had a tough week, let me hold you." Gouenji's skin colours red until his neck, he's embarrassed, but at the same time he is relieved. Robert is right, he is exhausted. Gouenji rests his head against his boyfriend's chest and lets Robert draw him closer to himself. It's wonderful to have a man who cares this much about you by your side.
When Gouenji has put on his silk, red pyjamas and blow dried his hair, Robert has dinner ready on their coffee table in the living room. "I didn't have enough time to cook, I hope you don't mind. I ordered Thais for us." Gouenji smiles, he couldn't come up with a better plan than sitting on the sofa with his boyfriend while eating takeout food. "It's perfect."
They're sprawled on the sofa together, limbs entangled, stomachs full and Gouenji's head resting on Robert's chest. It has been a while since Gouenji's thoughts wandered from the program they were watching together, occasionally a soft laugh vibrates from Robert's chest through Gouenji's body. The blonde looks up and realises how lucky he is to have this man. "Hm?" Robert notices his boyfriend's gaze. "Nothing. I love you too." Robert chuckles heartily and presses a kiss on the side of Gouenji's head. "It's late, let's head to bed together."
Gouenji is all ready and waiting for Robert on his side of the bed while he watches the other male change. It gives him the time to study him in silence. His tall, muscular body, the curling, grey hairs on his chest Gouenji forbids him to ever shave, the thin, trimmed line of pubic hair that leads to his crotch and everything underneath it. Gouenji hopes that when he reaches Robert's age he'll still look as good as Robert does. When Gouenji reaches the fifty, Robert will be seventy-eight. What would their relationship be like, will they still be together even? What if Robert changes his mind and would rather go out with someone around his own age, someone who grows old with him at the same time. Will Gouenji lose him?
"Is there something?" Robert joins him in bed and pulls the covers over both of their bodies. "It's nothing, just thinking about how handsome you are." Gouenji trails his fingers over Roberts chest before roaming it through the hair on it. Robert slides his arm around his boyfriend's waist and draws him closer so Gouenji can snuggle up against him and bury his face in the crook of his neck. Robert's aroma smells like coconut and manliness. It's a sweet and familiar scent for Gouenji now, something he can't get enough of and it makes him forget all of his worries. He doesn't need to think about the future, he can enjoy this man the fullest right this instant. Robert switches the lights off and searches for Gouenji's lips in the dark to give him a last kiss. "Sleep well, Shuuji."
The following morning Gouenji gets awakened by the sunlight that's peeking through the blinds. He had a good night full of rest, he can't remember the last time he slept this well. He slowly stretches his body, while looking for Robert between the sheets, but the bed is empty. His face turns towards the clock on his nightstand. It's almost ten in the morning. "Shit!" He rolls out of bed and grabs his bathrobe on the way out of their bedroom. "Robert? Robert!"
"Is something the matter?" Robert approaches him from the kitchen.
"I overslept! I have to leave now, they must be missing me!"
Robert hushes him and kisses him gently on the forehead. "I called them already, you're having some time off."
"I can't Robert, I can't afford a free day now. There is still so much I have to!"
"Yes, you can." Robert holds both of Gouenji's shoulders with a firm grip. "You have been working your ass off the past couple of weeks, you deserve, no you need some rest."
"You don't understand, my job doesn't consist of taking time off to fly around the world whenever I want to. I need to be there, I have meetings to preside, important decisions to make. I can't just let them down now." Gouenji tries to free himself but Robert is holding him in an unusual tight grip. "I am doing this because I understand. I was you, Shuuya. I have been there. When I was forty I thought everything was my responsibility and that all the work came down on me. I gave nothing out of hand and worked until deep in the night to get my work finished. Eventually, I had a nervous breakdown and couldn't bring up the strength to work for weeks. I am recognising the symptoms with you, and I am not letting this happen. So here is what you are going to do. You are going back to our bedroom now. You are going to put on some clothes and breakfast will be served when you get back in the kitchen. Capiche?"
"I— I don't..."
"Do you understand?" Robert presses his finger gently on his lover's lips. Gouenji sighs deeply, he has no other choice but to agree with what he said. He doesn't like to admit it, but he might have been overworking himself a little lately. Still a little dazed from Robert's speech he heads back to their bedroom to change his outfit. In the bathroom he meets his own eyes in the reflection. He looks better than he did when he was standing here yesterday morning. A full night of rest has done him well. He smiles, Robert is right. They would be able to manage without him for one day. Before he leaves he picks up the bottle with Robert's aftershave. It has that same coconut fragment he loves so much when he's cuddling with his boyfriend. Look at him, smelling the bottle like a love struck, teenage girl. He quickly puts it down, brushes his hair one more time and leaves the bathroom.
The lovely aroma of Robert's cooking skills are meeting him when he gets closer to the kitchen. "Hmm, that smell is wonderful what are you—" He stops in the middle of his sentence when he enters the kitchen. The table is beautifully decorated and on the white tablecloth is standing a vase with a bunch of red roses, but what's striking Gouenji is that Robert is wearing a very neat suit for an ordinary morning. Does he have a meeting later? "You look overwhelmed, it seems my idea to surprise you worked."
"It certainly did, but what is all of this for? Why are you all dressed up?" His eyes slide over the table once more, he used the tableware he inherited from his grandmother. "To what do I—" When he brings his eyes back to Robert he finds the man crouching in front of him on one knee. "Robert? What are you...No, Robert. Get up. I mean it, this is not funny. No...!"
The older man chuckles. "Is that your final answer or are you going to let me finish first?"
"Y-You can start..."
Robert holds Gouenji's hand in his. "My beloved Shuuji, I told you before how you brighten my world. My life has never been easy, always full of important and life changing decisions to make but I was never truly happy. But now, with you, I am. You are my happiness Shuuya, and I want to have you by my side for as long as it takes. I've been married twice to the same woman, but I never felt true love before. I want to make you as happy as you make me feel every single day. Gouenji Shuuya, will you marry me?"
It is one of those rare times Gouenji has nothing to say, he is overwhelmed with all sorts of feelings he is unable to describe. Robert presses a soft kiss on the back of his boyfriend's hand, looking up at him with those incredibly sexy, blue eyes of his.
"Y-Yes, yes I want to marry you!" With all the strength he has he pulls Robert back on his feet and wraps his arms tightly around the taller man's neck to kiss him full on his mouth. Robert's arms slide around his waist and he can feel that he's getting lifted off the ground. Robert's tongue brushes over his lips, and shortly after he welcomes it with his own. Their kiss is passionately, and even more intense than they have ever kissed before. Eventually Robert has to put him and they have to break the kiss. Robert makes use of this opportunity to put the ring he bought around his fiancé's finger. It's a stylish men's ring that features a unique brushed centre band with high polished bevelled edges for a contrast of texture. The lustrous brushed finish attracts attention without being gaudy, even though Gouenji used to wear earrings more spectacular than this, he loves what his future husband chose for him to wear around his finger. The silver tone of it complements with anything he has in his wardrobe. This beautiful ring is an excellent addition to a collection for a well-dressed man like him.
"It's beautiful, I don't know what to say." Robert brushes with his hand over Gouenji's hair. "You've said yes, that's enough for now. Although, I'd like you to make one more decision. We could eat breakfast here or head downstairs together where a limousine is waiting for us to bring us to the airport. And on the airport is my private jet that will fly not only us, but your family and closest friends to the Bahamas. When we arrive at the luxurious hotel we'll get a fancy welcome drink, and when we finish that and you are still certain about your decision. There is someone who can marry us, right there."
"You mean... we could get married today?"
"Yes," Robert smiles as if he's explaining simple grammar rules to a child. "Since the time difference between Tokyo and Nassau is thirteen hours, we can literally get married today."
Gouenji looks down at his watch. When they arrive at the airport where Robert's private jet is waiting it would be around noon here. The Bahamas must be a flight of about eighteen hours, which means they would arrive around eight am the next day on Tokyo time, but with a difference of thirteen hours they would almost travel back in time and it would be seven pm on the same day when they arrive there. It's possible, Robert has figured it all out. They could get married on the same day if they wanted to. Rather overwhelmed than hesitant he replies: "I don't know Robert, I have to work."
"I know it is sudden, but I have been planning this for weeks. I got it all taken care of. Your suit, the permission for you to leave for our honeymoon, I have your father's blessing. He will be there too. I understand you need some time to think, the thought of getting married and leaving so sudden—"
"Let's do it."
Robert looks at his partner, a little astonished maybe. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I want this Robert! There is nothing to over think. I want you, and I want to get married to you, so why not today? Why not fly off to the Bahamas and get married there? It all still sounds a little like a dream, but my life has been like something from a fairy tale ever since I met you. What are we waiting for Robert? Let's go!" Gouenji doesn't think he's even seen Robert smile this much before, and he has never felt this excited in his entire life. He is getting married to the man of his dreams.
About half an hour later Gouenji is fastening his seatbelt, they're about to ascend. There wasn't much packing to do. Robert couldn't have been one hundred percent sure, but it must have been ninety nine, because he already packed most of the stuff they needed. Gouenji has now eighteen hours write his wedding vows, but that's all he has to do. Robert has arranged the complete wedding, and Gouenji doesn't mind one bit. Before he starts writing those, or even thinking about it, he wants to know every detail about how Robert asked his father for his blessing.
"Come in."
Robert brushes his hand over his ironed suit before he enters the office of his boyfriend's father, Dr. Gouenji Katsuya.
"Robert," he smiles faintly as he puts his pen down and looks up at the tall man from his own sitting position. "A nice office you have, Doctor." Robert walks over to the chair across of Dr. Gouenji's desk. "May I?" But he is already sitting on it before he received the agreeing nod from his father-in-law.
"I thank you for the compliment, but I don't suppose you came to chat about my office. Is there something with Shuuya?"
Robert smiles charmingly while resting his elbows on the doctor's desk. "He is absolutely fine, a little overworked, perhaps, but I promise you that I am taking good care of him."
"I am relieved, so what does bring you here?"
"I am glad you asked" Robert sits back on the chair and puts one leg over the other. His attitude is almost like he owns the room, and it's Dr. Gouenji visiting him instead. "You see, I am very serious about your son. While we were going out he met my ex-wife who I am on good terms with now, and my daughter Sophia, who is also very fond of him. We have travelled to various places together, I have shown him more in the two years that we are together than you can possibly imagine. It's a little like that story you told me about you and your deceased wife. Although we weren't helping other people, it was rather me fleeing from the life I was living. I have always been running, I realised. I moved around a lot and even made the big step to come live here in Japan, together with my family. I thought that I would find my purpose here, with my new job and wife and child, but I didn't. My life only recently started to make sense, and it was all since the moment that I have met your son.
When I saw him in that bar, sitting alone, drinking away his misery, I felt something deep inside of me. I had never been with a male before, I was a traditional man, much like yourself, but your son awakened something within me. A burning fire, lust and love. I approached him, asked him to drink with me and it must have been fate. That is how I feel about us meeting. That night I made the sweetest and the best love I had ever made to someone in years, no, in my whole life.
Now I will save you the naughty details of what I have done to your son since then, but I can describe to you what he does to me. I used to worry about my future. I reached the certain age of 'is this all', when I was in my forties. I didn't know what to do with myself, but even though I am in my early fifties now, I feel more alive than ever. One smile from your son is enough to brighten my day.
I believe in second love, and a new chance," Robert nods at the wedding ring around Dr. Gouenji's finger, who had been listening silently, quite astonished and maybe even a little taken aback by Robert's personality. Is this the same polite and quiet man he met during their first dinner? He had gotten used to his son's changing personality over the years, but Robert is even more flamboyant and shameless than him. "you found yours when you remarried your current wife, and I strongly believe that I found mine."
"And what do you want from me?"
"I want your approval to have his hand in marriage."
Dr. Gouenji shuts his eyes, he is still having trouble taking everything Robert has said in, and unfortunately for him, the thought of his son and this man in front of him together in one bed when Robert mentioned their love making crossed his mind and he's still trying to get that image out. "A marriage between two men? How are you planning to do that?"
"Not just a marriage between two men, a marriage between your son and his boyfriend. Unfortunately, we still can't get married here in Japan, but I have set up a plan. I would love to start with it, but before I start with the preparations I want to have your blessing first. It would mean a lot to Shuuya, and I wouldn't want to get married to him if his father isn't fully supporting it."
"So you are letting your relationship decide on my answer? " Robert sits up right, the doctor is challenging him, and he is willing to take it with both hands. "No, but you have said that you support our relationship."
"Marriage is not the same."
"Let me ask you this, Doctor, have you heard Shuuya complain about your new relationship with Mrs. Tae? A relationship that developed because you happened to like the mother of one of his teammates. Suddenly, your children had to get used to their father, who once loved their only mother, loving someone else. But they saw their father change, you told them stories about their mother they never even heard before when you met Tae-san. They saw their father coming home, smiling, that was something they had not ever seen before. It was difficult to accept that their father had moved on, but they did it. They did it for you. Shuuya has always spoken of you with so much respect, and love. Not once have I heard him say something that would put you in a bad light. He was scared of your judgement, yes, but he has always supported your relationship."
"Please come to the point."
"Do you think his opinion about you and Tae-san would changed when you announced your wedding plans?"
"No," Dr. Gouenji furrows his eyebrows. "not as far as I am concerned."
"It has not indeed, so what would change for you, if I would marry your son?"
The eyes of the aging doctor widen, and Robert knows that he got him cornered. There is no way out once he manages to talk his way in. Dr. Gouenji exhales a deep sigh and lets himself sink in his old chair. "You are a smart man, Robert Quinn. Very smart. You do not back away from a little competition and you even dared to stand up to your father-in-law, the man you are trying to get approval from. You have a good influence on my son, and I think you bring the best out of him. He has achieved more than ever since he has been with you, and you brought us closer. I always felt a certain distance with my son, a bond I could not create and I had no clue why. Now that we finally got that out of our way, talking with him seems so much easier. It is as if I am finally understanding what is going on in his head and why he chose this path in life. You have my gratitude, and you have earned my respect." Dr. Gouenji reaches his hand out to the man across of him. "This is how they do it in America, as I recall?"
Robert leans forward and shakes the doctor's hand firmly. "You have my blessing, and I am willing to participate in whatever plan you are going to make. Knowing my son, it must be something spectacular you have in mind. Please let me know beforehand, so I can ask for a couple of free days to attend to my son's wedding."
"You have my word once again, father." The way the older man's eye twitches but doesn't give voice to his thoughts amuses Robert and he realises that Shuuya and his father have more alike than they both think. But that's something he will probably never mention to either one of them.
Gouenji leans on the railing of the balcony of their hotel room. They have a beautiful sight over the beach, the sea and the clean sky above it, filled with bright stars. Today was the best day of his life.
Apparently the limousine that drove them from the airport to the hotel had taken a different route than the other cars, or they had been driving around in circles without Gouenji noticing because he was too busy with kissing his fiancé and drinking champagne, but when they arrived everyone was already waiting for them in the lobby. He got greeted by his little sister first, who jumped on him and demanded to see the ring. Even now she's almost an adult, she is still a child at heart sometimes. She couldn't wait for her big brother to see her in her dress either. It was even lovelier than the one she had worn to her father's wedding. It was probably more expensive too, since Robert had given the girls his credit card. His father greeted him with a smile and a confirming nod. It had been enough for Gouenji, from what he heard from Robert on their way to Nassau, he couldn't be more happier with this gesture from him. Next up to congratulate him was Kidou. He looked stunning in his navy blue suit and tie, but Gouenji didn't feel more than a warm feeling of friendship for him, and that made him happy. His contact with his best friend had increased too, they were finally able to set aside the feelings that were holding the both of them back after that night and everything felt as it was supposed to do again. Maybe Gouenji gain an even better friend from it too. Fudou was waiting for him with a broad grin. Instead of congratulating him he gave him his condolences and said that the boring married life was about to start. Gouenji assured him that their sex life had not decreased from the moment they met, and simply asked him if he was envious of their relationship. Fudou huffed and made clear he would never follow their example, marriage was not his cup of tea. Gouenji could not hold back a soft chuckle, what Fudou didn't know was that Kidou has been walking around with a ring for a couple of weeks already, still waiting for the right moment to occur. Sometimes Gouenji wonders if it's ever going to happen, with Fudou's attitude, but what he heard from Kidou is that the brunette has a very loving and caring side too, which he never shows to anyone but him. They are romantic in their own ways.
The wedding itself had been lovely, Robert had regulated it out to every detail. There was music, there was a wedding cake with two grooms on top of it, Yuuka and Sophia were their maids of honour and looked absolutely beautiful in their dresses, and even Fudou behaved. But the best part of the wedding was, aside from getting to say yes to the most handsome man he has ever seen and marrying him, that his father gave him away. His traditional, old man, was waiting for him and brought him to the altar where a man in a grey suit with red tie was waiting for him. This day could not have been more perfect.
After they exchanged their vows, and his father did not faint when he saw his son actually kissing Robert right in front of his eyes, a small party started where everyone could dance and enjoy beautiful fireworks until somewhere past midnight.
Gouenji feels two, strong arms wrap around his waist, and a chin resting on his shoulder. "Enjoying the view?" He low, familiar voice murmurs in his ear.
"Enjoying the day, still." Gouenji replies, and turns his face to his kiss husband's cheek. "Can you imagine it? This morning I was still stressed about my job and had no idea I would be getting married today, and now here we are. On this beautiful island, far away from home. It still feels surreal."
Robert chuckles and kisses his partner's neck. "And the day is not over yet." A bright smile curls on Gouenji's lips as he feels Robert's soft lips planting kisses in his neck, slowly up over the side of his cheek until he feels his teeth gently sink into the shell of his ear. "How about we continue this in our bedroom, mister Shuuya Quinn?"
It is not like he has much of a choice, because Robert is already starting to unbuckle his belt, and his fingers are trailing up for the buttons of Gouenji's white shirt next. "With pleasure." He wraps his arms around his husband's neck and shortly after his feet leave the ground. Robert is carrying him like a real bride before he gently places him on the bed, to start a not so gentle event. The rest of the night is filled with sweet love making, the sound of the bed banging against the wall, and Gouenji's endless moans of pleasure as Robert rides over him like a wild animal.
A great marriage isn't something that just happens; it's something that must be created, and the two men are about to experience all of it.