Kyo and Tohru walked through the station hand in hand, entering a nearby ekiben shop to grab their lunch. Having both decided on unagi and green tea, they headed to the platform.
The first half of the trip would be spent on one train, with a line swap in Hokuto, before finally arriving in Sapporo. With winter break officially beginning Christmas day, they chose Christmas Eve to travel.
Now in their reserved seats, Tohru leaned her head lovingly on Kyo's shoulder.
"Hmm."
"What is it?" Kyo whispered, subtly checking to see if her affection was attracting any attention from other passengers.
"I'm just really happy right now." Tohru whispered whimsically in return. "Its Christmas Eve, and I get to spend it with you." She smiled brightly.
"Pft. Yea, on a train. Not like it's romantic or anything." Kyo smirked. Then, meeting her wide eyes, he blushed. She giggled in return, stifling it with her hand.
"It doesn't really matter where we are. I just like being here." She said, nuzzling into his arm.
"Ha, you're such a dork. Here, read this." He pulled a blue folder out of his messenger bag, with "Trip" sprawled across it. She perked up, accepting it graciously. The folder held countless papers, neatly organized by each date of the trip. Reaching into the back pocket, Kyo pulled out a general itinerary, handing it to her.
They would be spending the first two nights at a scenic family-owned Ryukan. Unlike her previous experience with the Sohmas, their suite would include a private hot spring bath, or onsen.
Since breakfast and dinner were provided, the only two items on the schedule for Christmas Day were a visit to the German Christmas Market during lunch, and a walk through Odori Park for the last night of Sapporo White Illumination.
Kyo's knee bounced anxiously throughout the first train ride. He only had one chance to propose, so it needed to be perfect. Still, even after countless attempts to "practice", he had no idea what he was going to say. What if he made a fool of himself? Also, if she said no, it would make the remainder of the trip horrendously awkward. He considered pushing it off until the last day, just in case. But he knew that the lights at the festival would make it even more memorable for Tohru.
Damn.
He should have asked Hatori for something to settle his nerves. Maybe at the layover, he would opt for a beer instead of tea. No. That wouldn't work. He wasn't old enough to buy it. Ugh. He would just have to distract himself.
Arriving at Hokuto Station, they repeated the process of finding a meal, this time for supper on the Hokkaido line. Kyo smiled as he watched Tohru excitedly explore the case of ekiben replicas. She was so easily entertained, he could probably propose in a shoe closet and she would still be in awe.
Feeling a little less stressed, he paid for their food and led her to the new train. Only three and a half hours left to go.
Tohru didn't last long after finishing her food. She patted her belly and then immediately began to doze off.
After about ten minutes of watching her, Kyo reached over and gently placed a hand on her head, leaning her against his arm. She nuzzled him softly, spending the rest of the ride dreaming of Kyo.
"Hey, Tohru. Tohru, wake up. We're here." Kyo gently shook her awake. She looked back at him through tired eyes.
"Mm, already?" She glanced at where her head had been resting, then back at Kyo. "Oh, I'm sorry, Kyo! I hope your arm didn't fall asleep."
He stood and stretched. "Don't worry about it." He muttered with red cheeks.
They had a driver waiting for them as they left the station. It was an elderly man with wispy white hair and kind eyes.
"Hello there, kiddos. My name is Akimitsu Tanaka, but Mr. Tanaka will do. I'm the owner of the Ryokan. Well, one half of the owner. You'll meet my wife, Aimi, when we get there." Tohru bowed as Kyo loaded the luggage.
"Hello! It's so nice to meet you. My name is Tohru Honda. You can call me whatever you would like." She smiled sweetly.
"My my, what a beautiful young woman. What a lucky man you must be to have caught her." He directed at Kyo. Kyo bowed in response.
"My name is Kyo Sohma. Uh, yea. Thank you. I mean, she is." His hand flew to the back of his neck. The old man chuckled at Kyo's obvious embarrassment.
"Come, lets get on the road. Mrs. Tanaka doesn't like to be kept waiting, and she is very eager to meet you two." He hobbled to the drivers seat, as Kyo and Tohru raised their brows at each other, silently communicating that he did not look fit to drive on the snowy roads.
Still, they got into the car, and within ten minutes, arrived safely at their destination. The wooden building looked old, but preserved, with snow piled heavy on the rooftop.
A warm glow greeted them from inside, along with a tiny and round old woman dressed in a flowery yukata.
"Wow, you look even more handsome than I imagined." She said, eyeing Kyo with raised brows. Kyo's eyes widened in surprise at her boldness.
"Thanks..?"
"You aren't the first Sohma to have stayed with us. I've not seen anyone with your bright orange hair, but you've certainly inherited your family's good looks." She explained. Tohru giggled, in complete agreement with her observation. Kyo certainly stood out in some ways, but like his cousins, he was extremely handsome. "Oh, and who is this sweet thing?" The woman asked, peering around Kyo.
"Oh, excuse me. I'm Tohru Honda. I'm Kyo's girlfriend." She bowed again.
"No need for formalities with me, deary. Just think of me as a family friend." She winked at Kyo. "Now, let me show you your room. It must've been a helluva trip, and you two must be tired."
"I actually just had a pretty good nap." Tohru admitted, slightly embarrassed. "Are you tired, Kyo?" She asked, hooking her arm through his as they followed the woman down the hallway.
"Not really, just stiff. I'm not used to sitting still for that long." He replied, rolling his free shoulder.
"You didn't strike me as the kind to work on your feet, boy." The woman chimed.
"Oh, Kyo teaches martial arts! He's used to getting a lot of excersize!" Tohru said proudly. The woman chuckled, as if laughing at an untold joke.
"Well, there's some tea and sake in the room for you two. You look like you need to unwind." She gave Kyo a pointed look before stopping in front of an ornately carved door.
Turning the key, she slid it open to reveal a stunning tatami room, small paper lanterns illuminating it with soft romantic light. The fluffy futons had already been laid out, the table pushed against the far wall. Two ornate Yukata were neatly folded on their pillows, along with slippers. On the other side of the room was another table, set with an electric kettle, tea, cups, and a small jug of sake with a spout on it. Two paper doors were attached, one that led to the bathroom, and the other that led to the closet, where their suitcases had already been stored. The old man must've done it while they were talking. Last but not least, there was a sliding glass door that led to the open air bath. Snow was piled high everywhere except for under the awning that shielded the hot water. The bath was inset into the deck, dark and wet wood surrounding it with a metal bar for assisting in climbing in and out. It was stunning and the perfect size for them.
"You like?" Mrs. Tanaka asked as Tohru bounced between all of the features of the room. Her amusement matched Kyo's, who was standing beside her with his arms crossed.
Tohru nodded emphatically, before sliding open the back door and taking a deep breath of the cold Sapporo air. Mrs. Tanaka nudged Kyo in the ribs, making him jump.
"I mean it. The sake is unlimited here, so don't be shy."
"I don't usually drink." He responded honestly. She smiled knowingly in return.
"Your hands are shakin', boy. You're on vacation. That's the best time to do things you don't usually do." She said with a wink before turning to leave. She waved one hand in the air behind her. "Breakfast is at 9. Sleep in a little." With that, she shuffled down the hall.
Kyo shut the door and locked it, breathing out a sigh of relief. That woman had some energy, and he wasn't sure he appreciated her insight.
Holding his hand up, he noticed that it was indeed shaking. Damn. If Tohru saw it, she would be worried.
"Kyo! Even the bathroom is beautiful!" She called. He shook his head smiling before heading to the drink bar. Yea, some sake might be good. With trembling hands he lifted the spout, filling the small glass.
"Your drinking?" Tohru cocked her head curiously. He never drank.
Before she could see his shaking hands, he quickly downed the glass.
Holy shit!
He coughed, his throat burning with the aftertaste. Tohru knelt down beside him, patting his back, unable to hide her smile.
"Tastes pretty bad, huh?" She laughed. Though she had never asked, it seemed as though Kyo had never had sake before.
"Tastes like shit. Why the hell do people drink this?"
Tohru lifted one finger in the air. "Reason one: to forget about their problems." She held up a second finger. "Reason two: to relax." She smiled warmly, grabbing Kyo's free hand. "At least, that's what Shigure taught me."
"Sounds like something he would say."
"So Kyo, why did you drink it?" Tohru was inquisitive as ever. Kyo turned his head away from her.
"Don't know. Guess I just wanted to try it." He lied. Tohru seemed to believe it, taking the glass and filling it up again. "What are you-"
"Here." She interrupted, handing it back to him. "It tastes much better when you sip it. Too much at once is pretty bitter."
Kyo looked down at the glass. The ripples making his anxiety evident. Trying again, he held the glass to his lips, taking a small sip. The sake bit his tongue, but didn't burn nearly as bad. His eyes widened.
"You're right. It's not bad! Do you want some?" He offered. She shook her head, laughing weakly.
"No thank you. I don't think I could stomach it after last time. Do you want to take a bath? Didn't you say that your shoulders were tight?"
"Only if you join me." He teased. Her heart did flips in her chest.
"O-of course." She stuttered.
There was a tall wooden fence surrounding their area of the backyard, but they could still see the snow covered treetops and crescent moon. They heard owls in the distance as they entered the nipping cold. They each had a towel on, but it wasn't enough to keep them warm. The steaming bath was luring them in.
Kyo was carrying his fourth glass of liquid courage, though Tohru thought it was two. He wasn't trying to get drunk or anything. The glasses just seemed to go down easier after each one, and he could feel the tingly effect of the alcohol relaxing his body.
He set down the glass on a raised ledge, using his hands to undo Tohru's towel first, folding it and setting it in a basket by the door. Then, he followed with his own, before turning to see Tohru lowering herself into the bath with the rail.
He watched in awe as each subtle curve of her body disappeared beneath the water. He swallowed hard, eager to join her. At least once he was in the water, she couldn't see how aroused he was. He quickly moved to submerge himself.
Once in, it seemed as if the effects of the alcohol had increased. Maybe it was the heat making him delirious. Or maybe it was sitting in the bath next to a naked Tohru. He tried his best to focus on her, his eyes wavering slightly.
Her head was leaned back against the edge, her eyes closed in peaceful relaxation. So beautiful.
One of her eyes peaked open. She smiled seeing Kyo finally look at ease. His shoulders were lax, and his face had the same peaceful look he had when he slept. Well, his cheeks seemed a whole lot pinker.
She motioned for him to move closer, to which he happily complied. It was much easier to focus on her when he was this close.
"Tohru, you're so beautiful." Ah. There it was. The slight slur to his voice that gave away his secret. Tohru smiled at him, cupping his cheek softly.
" Thank you. You look really relaxed. And a little tipsy." She teased, booping his nose with her finger. He laughed, quickly dunking his head under the water to wet his hair, shaking his head and covering Tohru in water.
"Hey!" She giggled, pushing him away playfully. He wrapped his arms around her small shoulders, pulling her closer as she fought him off. Her laughter intensified, as Kyo grinned mischievously.
"I'm stronger than you, Tohru. Just give up."
"In some ways. But you can also be pretty weak." She taunted. He feigned offense.
"That's pretty big talk coming from you."
"Really? I can prove it.." She lowered a hand beneath the water, the other still pushing against his chest. She found his thigh, slowly and sensually dragging her finger tips up his leg.
He shivered at her touch, his arms tensing around her. He met her bold eyes with his own. He slowly moved in to kiss her, his eyes barely open and filled with desire, and just as his lips were about to touch hers, she whispered, "I win."
And with a jump, she lunged for the hand rail, giggling triumphantly.
"Oh no you don't!" He called out. Wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and pulling her back down into the water and onto his lap.
She gasped as his erection pressed into her back. One of his hands firmly grasped her breast, as the other held her in place.
"I may be weak, but so are you." He whispered against her neck, before softly and sensually biting it.
"Ah.." An involuntary cry left her mouth.
With that, he let her go, opening his arms in surrender. "Okay, you can go if you still want to." He challenged.
This bold side of Kyo.. was it the sake? She grabbed both of his hands, pressing them against her breasts, and pushed back against his erection. He growled in appreciation.
"That's what I thought." He smirked, grabbing her bun and pulling it back, so he could kiss her lips. Both breathing heavily, he plunged his tongue into her mouth, as she recieved it hungrily. Stifled moans escaped her lips as Kyo rolled and stretched her nipples between his fingers. Her hips began to circle in his lap, desperate for release. His hands quickly dropped to her hips, stilling them.
"Tohru stop, that's going to make me come. And I want to do that inside of you." He groaned.
Tohru flushed at his words, her quick heartbeat loud in her ears. He stood her up, lifting himself out of the water and extending a hand. Taking it, he positioned her over his lap, facing him.
"Hold onto my shoulders. I'll help you." He said in a low and sexy voice, grabbing onto her hips. Kyos legs were now the only thing in the water, but they didn't feel cold at all, the wood from the deck heated and wet beneath them.
He positioned her atop his erection, looking back into her eyes once it was nestled against her entrance.
"We can't be loud." He reminded her.
She nodded, the anticipation driving her wild. She bit her lip, slowly lowering herself onto him.
"God.." He groaned, tilting his head back. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she tried to suppress her moan.
There was something erotic about watching him while they had sex, and she wondered why she hadn't done it much before.
Maintaining her gaze, she rolled her hips, causing his breath to hitch. Yes, she really liked this. She raised herself again, his grip on her hips tightening as he supported her. She knew that whatever rhythm she set, he would help her. Okay. This could be fun.
Suddenly, she began to move, rising and falling quickly and forcefully. As expected, Kyo matched her tempo, even rocking his hips up to meet her in each thrust. He was going so deep inside of her.
She moved one hand to her mouth, biting down to keep her quiet. She really wanted to watch him, so kissing wasn't an option.
His teeth clenched, absorbing the feeling of her hot body squeezing him tightly. He could feel and hear the sound of her wet backside slapping against his thighs with each thrust. He shut his eyes tightly, trying to keep his head from spinning.
"Fuck, Tohru. This feels so good." He growled.
His naughty words didn't embarrass her as she expected them to. No. They were hot. Really hot. She could feel her abdomen start to tighten. She moved her hand from her mouth to his hair, yanking on it as her pace increased.
"Kyo.. ahn.. keep talking.." she begged.
Surprised at her request, he opened his eyes, focusing on her haughty stare. She looked desperate, longing. She liked it when he talked dirty? He could do that.
He growled again, roughly laying her onto her back beside the bath, climbing onto his knees between her legs. She seemed eager for him to enter her again.
"You like it when I fuck you?" He hissed, slamming himself back into her, causing her back to arch off the ground in pleasure. "Answer me." He demanded, through clenched teeth.
"Yes!" She cried, a little too loudly. His hand shot to her mouth, covering it firmly as he started to pound into her.
"God, Tohru, you're so wet and tight."
She whimpered against his hand, still watching as his head tilted back in ecstasy. His throat produced a deep rumble, a noise she had never heard him make before. He was really enjoying this. And so was she.
She bit into the pad of his hand as she groaned. She could feel herself climbing once again. His eyes shot back to her.
"I love watching your perfect breasts bounce while I pound you. I love hearing you moan and whimper. I love it when you bite me and yank my hair. God, Tohru. I love you!" He cried out, feeling her convulse around him in a mind blowing orgasm.
"Yes, come for me!" He exclaimed, releasing his seed deep inside of her.
Utterly spent he collapsed beside her, wrapping her up in his arms and legs.
"Whoa." He breathed.
"Whoa." She agreed, fighting for air. Her whole body felt absolutely numb, and that was by far the most intense orgasm she had ever had. After a moment, she let out a small laugh.
Curious, Kyo looked over at her. "What's so funny?" He asked cutely.
"I was just thinking that you are going to be really embarrassed in the morning." She smirked. "The sake really made you.. bold. I'm sorry in advance."
Kyo nuzzled her neck. "Why would you be sorry?"
She blushed. "For.. asking you to talk like that..." she mumbled. He laughed.
"It turned you on, didn't it?"
"Alot.." she admitted, bashfully.
"Then don't be sorry. Even if I'm embarrassed in the morning, tonight was still the best love making we've ever had."
"Really? Why do you say that?"
"Because it's the first time we've actually told each other what we wanted. We communicated, without being embarrassed about it."
Tohru pondered his words. Yea, he was right. It was rough and naughty, but they liked it. And that was all that mattered. Maybe using the beginners kit would be fun after all.
Suddenly, a shiver crept up Kyo's body. "We should probably head inside. It's cold."
"I agree. But, um, Kyo?"
"Hm?"
"I don't think I can move."
Kyo laughed, untangling himself before lifting her into his arms.
"How are you still so strong after that?" She asked, in awe.
"I'm used to alot of excersize, remember?" He grinned.
Taking her into the shower he washed her thoroughly. Finally regaining some strength, she managed to get dressed and crawl into bed without assistance. Turning out the lights, Kyo joined her.
"Goodnight Kyo. I'm really excited for tomorrow." She yawned.
"Yea, me too." He smiled at the ceiling. "Goodnight."