Heey! I'm back again with another chapter, and this time I can assure you it's the last one about the Kira family and their issues with feelings. Or that's what I hope, I still don't know what I'm doing lol. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, it's a bit long but mostly because there are a lot of dialogues, don't be afraid XD
Warning: Uh, Hiroto is here so curses and aggressive language. He goes baby at some point so the curses are only momentary, and he is dumb, all of them are dumb.
Also, feel free to send me a review if you liked this chapter or what I can do to improve writing! It means a lot really, and also feel free to fav/follow if you enjoy this story, that my uploading schedules are a bit… messy, yeah, let's call it like that hahaha.
Thank you once more for your patience (Special thanks to , this one's for you ;p) and I hope you have a great day and an amazing Christmas!
A couple of months passed and before Seijirou could believe his eyes, Hiroto had left home. And he didn't say goodbye when closing the door, he just left with his luggage in hand and a merry smile adorning his features as soon as he met Tatsuya at the entrance. A smile Seijirou hadn't seen his son wear since that day, because those two had certainly done a good job in hiding themselves; no calls from the media, no theories on the internet and no articles written in the newspapers. Nothing.
And that nothing was what Hiroto had been giving him, his eyes expressing utter nothing and not a single trace of that previous happy bubble he had been living in. Nothing… just pure, boring, painful and disregarding indifference. Just what he had been giving Hiroto since he was born and now he was forced to suffer the same treatment he had given to his own blood.
Most of the time Seijirou found himself thinking about those old times in which he could catch Hiroto smiling dumbly at his phone, or sitting in the counter of the kitchen with his eyes shining so brightly that he couldn't even believe Hiroto could hold so much light. And damn, he even missed the sight of Tatsuya always wandering around his house with his son, both smiling and chuckling at nothing in particular, their bright eyes saying everything that words couldn't.
Seijirou really missed the sight of Hiroto being happy, and the worst part was that he was the one that had prohibited his own son to show, to express that happiness.
So one weekend, after almost 3 months of moving in with Tatsuya, Seijirou asked:
"How are things going with Kiyama?"
Needless to say, Hiroto's indifference suddenly changed into confusion and curiosity, with a slight hint of embarrassment. His son's eyes were wide awake and his whole face was making quite an interesting shape, but he didn't look angry nor mad at all, just confused. It was the first time since that horrendous night that Hiroto wasn't ignoring his presence, and in all honesty, it was the first time Seijirou had felt alive since that day.
"Uh… Good, like always." Hiroto answered dubitatiously, and then tilted his head, his eyes becoming indifferent and dead again.
Seijirou gulped, but forced himself to continue looking at his son. He was not remotely ready to mutter those words, but anything to make his son regain his happiness:
"I- I would like to have dinner with him tonight to… to get to know him."
Just as he said the last word, time froze. But not only time, also space, just as if the world itself had frozen. No movements, no breathings, no blinks… nothing. Hiroto remained in the same stiff position as before, his neck tilted in such an angle Seijirou could tell that it had to be hurting him in case time wasn't really frozen.
What was that called again? Hitomiko had let it slip by sometimes, mostly when none of the family members could get a grasp on what was happening due to the amount of embarrassing emotions they were feeling.
Was it braindead the term? Were his son and him both facing a state of braindead at the same time? How were they going to be able to-
"YOU WHAT!?" Hiroto shouted at some point, Seijirou didn't know if it had been after mere seconds, minutes or hours, but it did seem like an eternity.
And damn, how much had he missed his son's outburst.
"I would like to meet h-"
"Yeah yeah, shut it, I heard you. Fuck. What the fuck? I didn't sign up for this bullshit." Hiroto rambled, eyes looking deeply at the floor as none of them were actually capable of processing what was going on. "I- uh, I'm calling my idiot."
Just as Hiroto pronounced those words he took his phone out of his pockets and dialled Tatsuya's number without giving it a second thought, probably he wasn't even giving it a first one. Not that Seijirou minded, seeing Hiroto so full of emotions was certainly nice, lively and comforting, with his clueless and messy way of expressing himself. He could even dare to call it cute, with how his eyes were full of panic but something hopeful and eerie hiding in their most recondit depths.
"Love? Is something happening?" Tatsuya asked from across the call, and damn, Seijirou hated to admit it but he had also missed Tatsuya's overly soft voice when talking to his son.
"My God can't he leave you alone even on weekends?"
…
Oh, right, Midorikawa hated his son for a reason Seijirou still had to discover, not like he wanted to really know it but… it could be interesting.
"Mido, we talked about this." Tatsuya said, his voice sounding tired and exasperated. Seijirou could only guess that they had shared that conversation way too many times for Tatsuya's liking.
"Yes, we did. You are with us on the weekends, and he is with his family. So why is he calling you?" Midorikawa replied, and Seijirou could feel Tatsuya's gaze hardening even if he wasn't seeing him.
"That's what I'm asking him, and it would help if you could stop behaving like a bitch to him for once." Tatsuya answered ruthlessly, and Seijirou couldn't help but to imagine his green eyes darkening furiously. Just like how they had shined on that night when he had had the audacity to threaten him.
Oh God, so Tatsuya could be mean to anybody, nice to know. After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, in which they presumed Midorikawa had left, Tatsuya spoke again:
"Sorry about that, love, you know how he is… I'll have another talk with him later." Tatsuya muttered tiredly.
"Nah, I like hearing you curse, so I might as well call you more often." Hiroto said jokingly, immediately chuckling as he heard Tatsuya giggle from across the call.
"You know, there are other ways in which you can make me curse, Hiroto~."
There it was again, that sweet, bubbly tone of voice that Tatsuya used whenever he talked to his son. And there it was, his son's merry smile adorning his face just as if he was witnessing the most beautiful song ever made, when truly he was just hearing his boyfriend's giggles. Cute… how a tender blush could be seen on Hiroto's white cheeks and how his eyes were glowing gently under the dim light of the house.
"Yeh, like destroying our apartment while practicing."
"Don't you dare do that again, next time wait for me and we can practice a new hissatsu together, preferably in the garden."
Seijirou was almost tempted to laugh, but Hiroto was first. Not a full laugh, just some smug chuckles as his eyes softener ever more at Tatsuya's bossy attitude. Was it because they were talking about soccer? Or because Tatsuya had so easily suggested making a plan together? Seijirou didn't know it, but what he did know was that he was enjoying seeing his son so free and careless, so full of life.
"So love, why are calling me? Not like I'm complaining, I love every second that I spend with you but you never call me unless something big happens, just like that one time when Hai-"
"The old man wants you tonight." Hiroto said abruptly, and time froze again.
Perhaps…. that wasn't the best way to formulate it, because it could be taken very wrongly. That could explain why Tatsuya was not answering, probably because he was still trying to decipher what Hiroto was trying to say. And in all honesty, Seijirou couldn't blame him because the information Hiroto had given was rather ambiguous.
"In what sense does he want me?" Tatsuya asked, and even though Seijirou wasn't watching him, he guessed that the redhead was probably frowning and resting his forehead on his hands.
Maybe it was time to leave the two of them alone so they could talk privately, hoping Hiroto could manage to tell Tatsuya that Seijirou was finally willing to meet him as a romantic partner.
"The restaurant is called Kaia, I've arranged a table for two at 9 p.m. Tell him to bring his best clothes." Seijirou said, voice as monotone as ever and eyes expressing absolute nothing as Hiroto nodded dubitatiously.
So… the time to erase all his resentment and hate was finally coming, and in all honesty, Seijirou knew he wasn't remotely prepared for that.
The night was somewhat chilly, but not cold enough to have to bring a jacket alongside, just chilly. No windy weather, no freezing water drops, just a completely clear night's sky to be seen that was decorated by small shining stars. The streets, however, were crowded, way too crowded and noisy for Seijirou's liking, but that's what he had to bear for arriving 20 minutes early to the restaurant's front door.
He was anxious, he had to admit it, mostly because he didn't even know if Tatsuya would be willing to meet him after what had happened. On his side at least, everything had looked like a nightmare; with Hiroto's broken eyes shattering his own soul and Tatsuya's furious ones preventing him from restoring the pieces. It had been rough and impossible to forget that night, because deep down Seijirou knew it had been his sole fault that everything had gone south.
After awaiting for 5 more minutes, a silhouette that Seijirou knew way too well made its way through the crowd. Their steps were strong, his green eyes were overflowing confidence and happiness, and that damned soft, determined smile was present on his lips. His clothes were another thing though, they were elegant, yes, but not expensive. However, considering Tatsuya's capital, Seijirou really had to give him a point for looking so smooth and confident even though he was exiting his comfort zone.
"Goodnight, Seijirou. Thank you for inviting me here tonight." Always polite, always mature, always with that soft, determined voice that no one could resist. And Seijirou, of course, was no exception, he found himself smiling along Tatsuya as both entered the fancy building where they were going to have dinner.
Where he was finally meeting, formally meeting, Hiroto's boyfriend.
"It's nothing, thank you for coming here after getting the invitation this morning." Seijirou replied, getting on the lift first as Tatsuya made a way for him. Polite, and extremely formal.
"The pleasure is mine. It's true that it caught me by surprise, at first I couldn't believe what Hiroto was telling me, and it also helps that he was too surprised as well to formulate more than two sentences together." Tatsuya said ever so casually, waiting for the lift to arrive to the last floor and laughing softly as he spoke. "But when we finally managed to understand what was happening, I got really happy. Thank you for giving us this opportunity."
Casual, so casual that Seijirou felt that he was just meeting Tatsuya, not his son's romantical partner, not with whom his son had been living for almost 3 months. Soft and sociable, with that calming aura that somehow made Seijirou's nerves disappear and leave only peace and comfort.
Tatsuya looked completely at ease with him, completely relaxed as they waited patiently to arrive at the floor where the restaurant was located. Seijirou sent a quick gaze towards Tatsuya, trying to find any hint of nervousness or uneasiness, but he found nothing, all he could see was the redhead's calming smile and his hopeful, confident green eyes.
"It's nothing, it was only a matter of time to meet you like… This." Seijirou said, eyes still on Tatsuya, seeking for a reaction, but still, he found nothing, just… Calm.
"I know, but it makes me happy that you've decided to meet me so soon. It has only been about 6 months since you've known I'm dating your son." Tatsuya replied, not with malice, not with resentment, there were no hateful emotions in his voice, only sincerity. And Seijirou had to gulp once more.
"How long have you two been… dating?" Seijirou asked, feeling the words getting stuck on his throat.
Damn, he really was pathetic, not being able to recognize Tatsuya as his son's significant other with words even if he already knew they were something. It just felt strange sharing those kinds of conversations, even stranger considering that Tatsuya, the one being judged, was nowhere nearing his nervous state. He was just… completely calm, watching as he stuttered without any kind of bad thoughts reflected on his eyes… Just calm, his soft smile taking his lips and disappearing as he laughed delicately.
"Close to 3 years now, December 10th is our anniversary, but if you ask Hiroto he is going to tell you that the important day is the 11th. We usually have small arguments concerning the date because as I asked him out when it was close to midnight we are quite unsure of which day we should take. It's true that our first kiss was on the 10th, but we started behaving as a couple on the 11th, it's quite confusing. But it has a lot of pros, like, I usually prepare the anniversary present or plan for the 10th while Hiroto does for the 11th, so our plans don't get mixed up and we can celebrate the special day without worrying about messing up what the other might have prepared."
They started walking towards their table as soon as Tatsuya stopped speaking, making his words repeat on Seijirou's mind over, and over again until they reached their table. It was a casual conversation, he knew that, but still, there was something holding Seijirou back, making him feel all uncomfortable inside and making him go mute.
"This year I'm planning on giving Hiroto a painting of us so he can hang it on our room. He truly loves art and music, I think that if he wasn't so motivated to inherit the business he would have studied something artistic. Also, as I still don't have much money, I'm gonna cook something homemade, probably Hiroto's favorite food with a cake as a dessert." Tatsuya continued saying, his permanent calm smile still on his lips and his eyes shining, completely ignoring Seijirou's uneasiness.
"Ah, eh, that's a good idea." Seijirou said, feeling Tatsuya's bright eyes burning his soul.
Damn, he didn't even know that Hiroto liked art. Jesus christ, he was completely unaware that Hiroto loved music, Seijirou just knew he liked soccer. He felt the uneasiness growing stronger, because he didn't even know what his son's hobbies were apart from playing soccer.
"Really? I was afraid of being a little, you know, weak considering it's Hiroto who we are talking about. I know he appreciates everything I do for him but… It's going to be our 3rd year anniversary, maybe I should try to ask for the portrait to be made as if resembling the stars? You know, instead of lines and normal colours ask for constellation lines and space themed colours." Tatsuya said softly, his eyes still on Seijirou, not even fazed by the menu that was on top of the desk.
"I think that's also a good idea." Seijirou replied, eyes looking at the paper as if there was nothing else in the room, trying to run away from Tatsuya's way too soft, caring and loving words.
"You really don't know what to answer, do you Seijirou?"
Tatsuya caught him, again. He knew it, and Tatsuya knew it too, but he didn't change, his soft smile didn't change in the slightest. Not even his eyes changed, those bright green eyes were still looking at him delicately, politely. Tatsuya stayed the same, even after throwing a bomb, he didn't bother changing, he was just looking.
And Seijirou was forced to gulp, to swallow and to resign himself, because he couldn't do anything more. Just listen, just accept that Tatsuya knew everything that was going through his resented, dark mind.
"I don't." Seijirou replied, because what else could he do when Tatsuya was still eyeing at him with those bright, pure eyes?
"What do you want to talk about then?"
"You, him, your lives… What you two are doing in general, studies, work, all that stuff?" Seijirou asked, still unsure of his words and feeling uncomfortable with all the things he was saying just because he didn't know how to handle his son dating a man. Yet.
"Hiroto is doing well with his studies, there are some subjects that seem to get him on his nerves, but overall he is managing to get them." Tatsuya replied, not even faced by the show Seijirou was making with his uncertainty.
Calm, just calm, smiling the whole time as he talked about how much Hiroto was doing, about what he had learned, about how motivated he was about his new life. And Seijirou listened with attention, getting almost mesmerized by all the things he didn't know about his son, by how Tatsuya talked about his son with that soft, caring tone that was close to putting Seijirou in a parallel space.
"Two weeks ago Hiroto decided that he wanted to learn how to make a lasagna, he has seen me do it a few times and was really motivated to show me how much he had improved as a cook. But, well, it didn't turn out very… good hahaha. He ended up burning it in the oven because he got caught up listening to this new song that has Whitney on it, I think it's called Higher Love or something close to that."
"That really suits Hiroto." Seijirou replied, chuckling a bit.
Maybe it was the wine that was finally kicking in, or that they were talking about things Seijirou could handle better because it didn't involve romance. Seijirou didn't exactly know what it was, but he didn't care, he was finally able to speak with Tatsuya without those feelings of remorse, uncomfortableness and resentment burning his heart.
"It really does." Tatsuya said, his smile never losing his brightness. "After the incident he hasn't tried to make another one, he just sticks to making pasta, rice, onigiris, bentos, omelettes and similar, simple things."
"And how are those? Has he burned the kitchen down trying to make them?" Seijirou asked sarcastically.
"Luckily, no. He is really… meticulous and caring when he wants, and as usually that food is for me to take to college or to the job… he really tries his best not to screw it."
There it was again, that softness that Seijirou had been witnessing Tatsuya express when he used to go to his house and that he had forgotten Tatsuya had, until now. That soft expression, it was probably the most delicate he had ever seen Tatsuya be: cheeks slightly tainted by pink, eyes lost on the food and that small, radiant smile lightening up his whole being. It could even be considered cute, how much Tatsuya seemed to be affected by his son's small details.
Cute, and endearing.
"Hiroto really likes you." Seijirou said matter of factly, without wasting time to think about his words.
Because deep down Seijirou had always known it, he knew his son loved Tatsuya, and that he probably loved that boy even more than himself. He only had to look at the past, at all those hints that had always been present but that he had decided to ignore because he was scared. Scared of losing everything, scared of the public image, scared of letting out his thoughts, of expressing all those feelings that he had never let out.
But then again, there he was again, at a fancy restaurant meeting Hiroto's boyfriend because he believed that was what he had to do. Meet Tatsuya and give him an opportunity, just as what Hiroto had done with him when he had proposed their deal. Meet Hiroto's boyfriend and decide if he was suitable to be with his son, because Hiroto only deserved the best out of the best, and even if his thoughts made it difficult for him to see Tatsuya as a good candidate for his son, he had to try.
"And you seem to like him too." Seijirou continued saying after a few seconds of silence. "You are a good man, Tatsuya, I know you are, but I have to make sure you are a good man for Hiroto. Enough for him, at least. I'm not talking about the family business, we'll talk about that when Hiroto inherits everything, for now I only want to focus on how much you're willing to do for my son."
"Understood, I won't disappoint any of you, not you, nor Hitomiko, nor Hiroto. Especially not Hiroto." Tatsuya said with conviction, the softness fading from his eyes for the first time in the night and replacing it with power.
With that power that Seijirou had seen Tatsuya express countless times, that determination that would appear whenever Tatsuya had his eyes on something and would not accept a no for an answer. That hopefulness that had always captivated Seijirou, and that was now close to making Seijirou give in and just accept him. That strength that was making Seijirou gulp and swallow in advance, because he knew that deep down he was not remotely ready to have that kind of conversation with Tatsuya.
"What do you like the most about my son, Tatsuya?" Seijirou asked, words threatening to get stuck on his throat but somehow making their way through.
First, he had to make sure that Tatsuya was not taking advantage of his wealth. And even if he had always known that Tatsuya didn't care about the money, he wanted to hear his answer, see what had first captivated Tatsuya, know what laid inside Tatsuya's heart.
"His eyes, definitely his eyes. I love how he is able to express so many emotions with just looking at something, at somebody, at anything. How he just lets his eyes speak for him when he can't find the words. How he just looks at the things he likes and that power and mischievousness turns to softness and care within an instant. How he just looks at me and I forget all my problems, worries and insecurities, because he is paying attention and because he shows me that he cares."
There it was again, that power that was threatening to wipe out all of Seijirou's dark thoughts without holding anything back. But this time, the power was mixed with softness, with that particular way that Tatsuya had of expressing his emotions through caring and delicate words. Seijirou wanted to hide under the table, Tatsuya's words were too sincere and heartfelt for him to handle, to think about them, to accept.
Everything about the moment seemed so odd to Seijirou, just as if he was inside one of his internal conversations with himself, preparing answers for the following date with Tatsuya. It didn't feel as if he was present in the restaurant, his limbs seemed to be floating in outer space and his head was too empty to formulate any kind of rational thoughts. Seijirou just knew that what Tatsuya was saying was truthful, so loving and attentive that it hurt.
"And what does he like most about you?" Seijirou asked, only changing the subject of the question because he couldn't think enough to change the whole sentence.
"Seijirou, we talked about this." Tatsuya said, eyes shining wary for an instant and then getting back the determination. "There are things that you should be asking Hiroto and not me, because he will always care about your opinion even if he doesn't show it. So show him that you care, show him that you want him to be happy, express your desires and worries to him. Hiroto will listen, he has always been wanting to listen to you, but you've never talked."
Tatsuya had caught him red handed, again. And he had exposed him without hesitation, without holding anything back, he just let his words sink into Seijirou's brain as if they were raindrops. Seijirou gulped again, everything was getting out of control and out of hand, the air was becoming so tense that it was getting difficult to breathe and he found himself gasping, seeking for some kind of peace.
"Seijirou, Hiroto is very considerate, you shouldn't be afraid of talking to your own son. He might struggle with words, but just pay attention to how he gesticulates, to how his eyes glimpse with every thought that crosses his mind. Observe him, look at your son the same way you've always looked at the kids that are, and have been, at the orphanage."
The restaurant was suddenly filled with silence, for some uncomfortable, and for others peaceful. Nothing more was left to say, nothing more could be said, and nothing more could be added. Seijirou knew it, and Tatsuya knew everything.
"I… I will try, Tatsuya."
Tatsuya softened his gaze even more in return and smiled delicately, just as if knowing what he was going through, just as if he was aware of how difficult showing his emotions was to him. And Seijirou felt himself at the verge of just… giving in to that care Tatsuya always showed. At the verge of just accepting him, because he knew that the only thing Hiroto wished to have was Tatsuya by his side.
"I'm glad to hear that. Do you wish to ask me more questions?" Tatsuya said, voice deeply immersed in all the feelings that were left unsaid but that could be felt.
"Are you… Enjoying the meal?"
Such an stupid question to ask, but the answer couldn't have been better. Tatsuya started laughing softly, his eyes showing something playful and narrowing due to the size of his smile. And Seijirou almost felt that talking was no longer painful, but a relief instead, with how carefree Tatsuya was behaving in his presence. Just as if they were having a normal dinner.
Just as if… they were family.
"It's really good, but I'm afraid I don't understand what I'm eating. The names of the dishes are so strange and on top of that I don't even know what the ingredients are, but they are tasty. It's good."
So that's what it meant to not have chains? To be able to speak your mind with normality, not being afraid of the outcomes. So… peaceful. Seijirou couldn't help but to envy Tatsuya's facility to show what he liked and what he despised, just as if his opinion carried no deeper feelings.
He was just being himself after all, and that was alright. So Seijirou guessed that maybe, just maybe, being himself too wouldn't be bad. Because if Tatsuya was trusting him, he could trust him too, right?
"I apologise, I thought Hiroto would have taken you to places like this before our… deal." Seijirou said, voice sounding steady again and taking another long sip to his wine. The night was still young, and he wanted to talk freely with his son's boyfriend.
"Oh, he has hahaha. Two times only; one was back in Russia when we had our very first date and none of us really understood what we were doing. Second time was when I came out to the guys at the orphanage and presented Hiroto as my boyfriend, and after that we went to a restaurant to celebrate and he had to explain the whole menu to me, some tastes included, because I didn't know what I was ordering."
So carefree, so lively, so passionate. So… full of life and joyfulness, speaking the truth without any restraints because Tatsuya didn't have any. Because what he was saying was right, truthful and loving. Because what they had done was perfectly normal, just what normal couples did, and Seijirou was finally able to understand just how good those matched each other.
Hiroto, with all his insecurities and inferiority complex, had finally found someone with whom he could be himself. Someone who had no chains whatsoever and that provided constant support nonetheless. Someone who was trustworthy and dedicated. Someone who loved him in return.
"Does he usually take you on dates?" Seijirou asked again, relaxing on the chair and eyeing at Tatsuya delicately.
"Since the deal I think we've only had one, and that was on my birthday. But previously we made a lot of plans together, I don't know if those count as dates. We would have dinner at the beach, go sightseeing, or just watch soccer matches together." Tatsuya answered softly, his eyes gleaming lovely at the memories.
"Those look like dates to me." Seijirou said back, a tiny smile taking his lips and a small puncture of pain appearing on his chest when he realized that he had prohibited the couple from doing anything in public.
Guess Tatsuya had won him over so easily, uh?
They continued talking after that, smiles lightening up their faces as their meals slowly but surely started to disappear. Not like they minded, the conversation was nice and the environment was so relaxing that Seijirou felt completely at ease, just as if he had taken a huge burden off himself. Mostly because he had taken that burden off, because he was finally able to let go of his dark thoughts and see that his son's partner was indeed the best option he could have ever chosen.
A male, yes, but his perfect soulmate. And Seijirou couldn't be happier to get that feeling of wholesomeness everytime they talked about his son.
But of course, time kept running and with it the immediate closing of the restaurant. It was close to midnight, on a Sunday, so instead of inviting Tatsuya to drink something at another fancy bar he decided to say his goodbye's to him at the entrance door. Even though he much wanted to keep talking, to keep receiving so much positivity and happiness by his son's dearest one.
"Goodbye, Tatsuya. I hope you continue taking appropriate care of my son." Seijirou said, already turning away to leave and rest because, damn, it had been ages since he had had his conscience so clean.
"I will, Seijirou. Are you going back to the mansion?" Tatsuya asked, suddenly twirling his red hair with his fingers.
Nervous, for the first time in the whole night, Tatsuya was nervous, and Seijirou found himself looking emptily at him. Not because all the fuzzy feelings had left, no, it was because he wasn't understanding why the other was so anxious. After all, they had spent a really pleasing dinner, and he had indirectly told him that he thought he was suitable for being Hiroto's significant other.
Those were good news, right? Then why was he holding his own hands together like when he was left abandoned at the orphanage?
"If you don't mind, I would like you to visit and stay the night with us. Considering that, well… you don't seem to mind us dating, I thought you would like to talk to Hiroto too. You could also look at how we've decorated the apartment and see your son." Tatsuya said, his voice almost sounding like a whisper and a rosy blush taking his pale cheeks. "I think that Hiroto would appreciate it."
Oh, now that was something Seijirou hadn't seen coming, mostly because he hadn't believed that the meeting would have turned out so good in the first place. But then again, that could be the best opportunity he could ever get to talk to his son, to see that happiness back in his eyes and his stupid smile lightening up his whole face. Seijirou really wanted to see Hiroto happy again, he wanted to share that happiness with him and just atone for all the negligence he had done in the past.
Because deep down, Seijirou only wanted to be Hiroto's father, not a stranger anymore.
"I would love that, Tatsuya." Seijirou said, and Tatsuya immediately gasped in relief.
"Good, thank you." Tatsuya answered, and took his phone out so as to send Hiroto a quick message that Seijirou couldn't quite catch, he just saw that his son had sent close to 20 messages to the redhead. "This way, if you don't mind walking it will be only 10 minutes."
Seijirou nodded in return and started walking alongside Tatsuya, letting the noisy crowd envelop them into the depths of the streets. They didn't really talk on the way to the apartment, mostly because there was nothing to talk about, and because the nerves were palpable in the environment. But they weren't uncomfortable, they were just nerves, not anxiety. Nerves because Seijirou was going to see his son, talk to him, and sense his happiness at first sight.
And that… that made the nerves kick in due to the excitement.
At some point during their walk Tatsuya turned left and said something Seijirou couldn't quite get a grasp on, but nodded nevertheless. He was probably telling him they were close already, and that made him get even more nervous.
"This is it." Tatsuya spoke softly just as they arrived at a semi-detached house.
The facade wasn't the best one, or maybe Seijirou wasn't used to those types of houses -he had to be honest, he had always lived in mansions so that could affect his perception- but it was well located. A lot of shops were close by, some bars could be seen at the distance and the university campus was only two streets away. Not bad at all, Seijirou just hoped that the interior could match up to his standards, but considering Hiroto had precisely requested the house then it had to have something interesting.
Tatsuya opened the front door slowly and started getting up the stairs, quickly showing him Seijirou two fingers that meant they were living on the second floor. They even had a lift, but for unknown reasons Tatsuya hadn't wanted to use it, probably because they were only two floors. He didn't know, and didn't want to give it much thought, he was finally going to see his son after all and the nerves were slowly turning unbearable.
When they arrived at the second floor Tatsuya swiftly took out his keys and started opening the door without even knocking on it. Seijirou gulped in advance, feeling his hair standing up in anticipation and his eyes anxiously darting at the door, waiting for his son to show up.
"Love, I'm back. Are you awake or-?" Tatsuya started saying just as he finished opening the door, his voice even softer than before and a powerful smile taking his lips just as he saw a mass of uncontrollable nerves running down the apartment towards him.
"Angel! Why the hell are you back so late!? The fuck did you talk with the old man!?" Hiroto shouted, not even stopping to catch his breath and looking at Tatsuya with so much worry that Seijirou almost felt like melting already due to the intensity of those piercing pink eyes.
So… harsh, but at the same time caring, rushing to Tatsuya as soon as he heard the door opening and looking a bit panicked. Just as if… he had been scared of losing him. His eyes were even gleaming hopefully, observing how his dear boyfriend had arrived home and welcoming him with hard words, but loving eyes.
"Well, you could ask him the same." Tatsuya said, giggling slightly and moving away from the entrance, grabbing Hiroto's hand just as Seijirou came into view.
Oh, oh- oh. Now, that was a stare Seijirou was not expecting, and that was a visitor Hiroto hadn't seen coming. Everything fell silent, and all both could see was each other, Tatsuya somehow managing to escape and letting both of them wander on their own spaces. Or maybe they just went completely braindead at the sight of having to share an actual full conversation with each other.
Hiroto didn't know, and neither did Seijirou, and apparently they couldn't think either. So they stayed silent for who knows how long, just looking at the other even if their minds were far, far away from the reality, distancing from the event that was taking place.
Because fuck, Kira Seijirou, the one that had at first been against his relationship with Tatsuya was now visiting his fucking lovenest. In the night, almost at midnight, after having dinner with his boyfriend. And that was too much information for Hiroto, too much stuff to look through, and too many possible outcomes that he didn't want to think about.
But thankfully, or that's what both of them wanted to think, Tatsuya took pity on them and decided he had to be the one to start the conversation:
"It went good, love. Don't worry, he is not here to make us leave, or to make me leave, he just wants to see how things are going between us and if my feelings for you are truthful."
"And are they?" Hiroto managed to ask after a few seconds, finally taking away his eyes from his father and looking at his boyfriend with something mischievous on them.
"Would I be living with you if they weren't?" Tatsuya said, handing Seijirou yet another glass of wine and Hiroto a beer, who ended up chuckling in return. "Of course they are, and they will always be. You are the only God Striker after all, and the only God of my heart."
Oh, God. Was that how flirting worked? Or how handling Hiroto worked? Seijirou didn't really know what was happening, but now his son was smiling radiantly and his braindead state had completely vanished from his being. Just as if he had never been uncomfortable, just as if having Tatsuya being a complete idiot could solve all of his problems.
"Pffff, that sounds so fucking stupid." Hiroto said, laughing slightly and taking his eyes away from Seijirou so as to look dumbly at his boyfriend.
"I've been drinking." Tatsuya excused himself, slightly puffing his cheeks and getting himself another glass of wine as he sat down on the counter of the kitchen. How much was he planning on drinking?
"Right, you are even more of an idiot when you drink." Hiroto answered, chuckling as he took a long sip of his beer and getting closer to his boyfriend in the kitchen, playfully petting his puffed cheeks.
The apartment itself could be described as cozy, with quite a lot of beautiful paintings hanging on the white walls and delicate decorations: small plants, wooden furniture, some vinilos laying in desks, an apparently comfy red carpet… Nice. There was also a huge portrait of Hiroto and Tatsuya -or was it a picture impressed in such a huge size?- hanging on one of the white walls. They were both wearing suits, Hiroto taking a black one wheres Tatsuya had gone for a white one, and they were presumably at a party because Tatsuya was holding a fancy cup that was half empty of a drink that Seijirou had never seen before and Hiroto was giving him a playful kiss on the forehead while he used one of his hands to grab Tatsuya caringly by the waist.
It really was cute, how at ease those two could pose even in photos, or maybe they weren't even posing? Maybe it was just how they used to be around people they trusted and felt safe with, those merry smiles present on the portrait and pinkish blushes tainting their respective cheeks purely. Just as if… that was everything they had ever wanted.
And the apartment overall wasn't small at all, but couldn't compare itself to the mansion in which Hiroto had grown up. It was… average in Seijirou's opinion, though for the couple it was probably perfect.
"Do you like the apartment so far, Seijirou?" Tatsuya asked out of nowhere after sharing a small talk with Hiroto, getting his attention and making him focus on the spacious kitchen.
Had he caught him looking at that huge, sugary, soft photo? Probably.
"It's… good. The paintings are nice." The old man answered and Hiroto's body tensed for a moment as he looked at Tatsuya for backup.
Tatsuya only giggled in return and grabbed Hiroto's hand again, giving them a soft kiss as his eyes fully focused on Seijirou's silhouette.
"They truly are the most gorgeous ones I've ever seen, Hiroto has drawn all of them an-" Tatsuya started saying, a merry smile lightening all of his features and his cheeks tainted pink.
"Tatsuya what the fu-!" Hiroto cut him, his blush even more intense than Tatsuya's, even close to being the same colour as his hair.
"-AND I love them so much that we decided to hang them." Tatsuya countered, his eyes still gleaming lovingly even if he had raised his voice a bit.
"You decided to hang them." Hiroto muttered in return, hiding behind Tatsuya lightly.
Oh, so he still did that when he was embarrassed, cute. And this time it was his boyfriend his cover, while previously it had used to be Hitomiko. That meant that Hiroto was able to fully trust Tatsuya, to be completely comfortable in his presence and to trust him with his everything if he were to be in danger.
It was… mesmerizing, watching Tatsuya play his curls and smiling softly as he also caressed Hiroto's burning cheeks. And what was even better, Hiroto let Tatsuya do all that, and he even hummed in response sometimes, snuggling closer and wrapping his hand around Tatsuya's waist.
"You said you didn't mind." Tatsuya said delicately, his voice so low that Seijirou almost didn't catch it.
"And I don't, but what I do mind is you telling people that I've drawn 'em." Hiroto answered back, his eyes closed as he let Tatsuya play more with his curls as a soft way of making him feel at ease.
"Only Kazemaru knows, and now your father."
"Tsk, shut it tight ass."
They felt silent after that, with Tatsuya still taking care of Hiroto's hair while the other just remained with his eyes closed in complete comfort. They both looked so relaxed in each other's arms that Seijirou felt as if he was witnessing the most intimate caress he had ever seen, as if he had intruded their personal space and was afraid of shattering it. So he gulped once, twice, and moved his eyes from the couple because he felt like he didn't belong there.
Hiroto and Tatsuya seemed so immersed in each other that Seijirou was afraid of staying there, he even felt like a stalker. But then again, Tatsuya had kindly invited him to visit the apartment, to talk to Hiroto, to get to know just who his son truly was, but he still couldn't bring himself to talk.
Why? He didn't know, and he feared that Tatsuya would.
"We should invite Hitomiko next time." Tatsuya spoke softly again, breaking the silence himself because deep down they all knew that Tatsuya was the only one that had the guts to speak.
"Or you could warn me when you decide to invite somebody." Hiroto said, but not with a malicious tone of voice, no, it was rather… playful. Wary, but playful nevertheless.
"I did, told you I was coming with a surprise."
"How the fuck was I supposed to know that my father was the surprise? And you said nice surprise not… whatever this is." Hiroto said, voice steady as he decided to take another sip from his beer.
"Because I went to have dinner with him so as to see if I could get his approval, and I apparently did because he is here with us. That's a nice surprise."
Silence, and then Hiroto's lips curved into a relaxed, soft-looking smirk.
"Not bad."
And the silence got back, but just for a brief seconds because Tatsuya seemed to remember something:
"Oh God I forgot, would you like to sit down Seijirou? I just let you stay by the door thinking you would take the invitation to enter hahaha. And do you want to change into more comfy clothes? We could lend you some of our pyjamas if you want to."
Just as he said that Tatsuya got down from the counter of the kitchen and approached Seijirou slowly. Caring, all of them were forced to remember, even when Tatsuya was probably half drunk he still managed to care so much about others that it could be considered amusing. They were just small gestures, details and concerns that made the strange environment become a bit more relaxed and peaceful, and that made Hiroto's heart beat faster.
"Angel, our pyjamas won't suit him, better try to find a long shirt and one pair of your overused leggings. I'll get him another glass of wine while you're at it." Hiroto said, his voice so soft that Seijirou thought he had misheard him.
"Good idea." Tatsuya answered fastly as he dedicated another tender smile to Hiroto and then went to a room, probably his bedroom, to find said clothing.
So that left Hiroto and Seijirou all alone again, but this time there was no tense air around them. Only calmness and easiness surrounded their space, just as if they were used to being in the presence of the other when in reality it was the complete opposite.
"Uh, we have chairs. You can sit." Hiroto said after some seconds, his voice steady as he got another can of beer for himself.
Seijirou did as he was told and sat down on one of the chairs that was located near the central island. Though it wasn't easy considering his short height, he managed to sit down and wait for Tatsuya to come back. Not because he wanted the improvised pyjama, but because the redhead was the only that could start up a conversation.
But he didn't seem to be appearing soon, so after trying to dissipate his feelings of anxiety and nervousness, Seijirou talked:
"The photo is also nice. The big one, with Tatsuya and you."
Silence took the kitchen for some seconds, Hiroto's fierce pink eyes shining relieved under the dim light. But there were more emotions in his eyes, there was also something close to softness taking them mixed with some kind of purity. It truly was mesmerizing, watching how Hiroto's previous uncomfortable and worried eyes turned to be loving and delicate within mere instants, just as if they were speaking for themselves, just as if they were the mirrors of Hiroto's very own soul.
So that's what Tatsuya meant when he said he liked Hiroto's eyes the most…
And in all honesty, Seijirou couldn't agree more.
"U-uh yeah. Ulvida took it one day that we went partying with her and the guys at the orphanage to one of those fancy shits you always take me to on my birthdays. It was a good night, green guy even kept his mouth shut most of the time so, yeah, probably one of the best parties." Hiroto spoke, voice soft and eyes lost in the table, probably remembering the events that happened that night.
"That's good. You two look very happy."
"Yeh, we were. Not like we aren't right now but, fuck, you get it." Hiroto answered, rubbing the back of his head at how dumb he had sounded, but making Seijirou smile.
"I do." Seijirou said slowly, taking another sip of the wine Hiroto had given him, preparing for what he was about to say. "Do you… have more photos?"
Hiroto took his time to react, his eyes expressing confusion at first and then getting back to being soft, glowing with hope as he took his phone out to show his dad more photos with his boyfriend. Because fuck it, even if Hiroto was still resented with what had happened in the past, something was telling him he had to trust his father's words and show him just how freaking good they were together.
Maybe it was pride that feeling that was overcoming his reasoning and that was making Hiroto show the cutest, most dumbest photos he had taken with Tatsuya all along the years. Pride because they were perfect for each other, and Seijirou had to admit that Hiroto had had reason all along. Pride because he was proud of who they were, of how much they had accomplished together and because, damn, they were still together even after all that had happened.
Or maybe the pride came with the feeling of finally being recognized by the one that had always ignored his existence, but that now was embarrassing himself trying to compliment the photos with stuttering words and never finishing sentences. Hiroto actually wanted to laugh every time a new image would pop up and Seijirou stayed silent for a couple of seconds, only to end up saying dumb shit like "your smiles are big" or "you look comfortable".
But overall, Hiroto had to admit that his father was really trying to say nice things and not feel bothered by the fact that, well, they were two guys. It was a strange sensation, seeing his father try so hard to be open-minded and compliment every single photo, that Hiroto for a moment took pity on him. Because he knew that his family had that problem with expressing emotions and with saying what they liked, so maybe, just maybe, Seijirou was trying his best and Hiroto could recognize that he had to give him a point from trying so hard.
It wasn't enough to make him forget about all the abandonment, but it was something. And probably Hitomiko had done something to help his father be more open-minded.
"You look very happy in this one." Seijirou said, and Hiroto got back to reality after that rush of emotions that had just crossed his mind.
Oh, of course they looked happy in that one, it was the one they had taken to make Ulvida see how damn good he was treating Tatsuya. It was also the day they had lost their virginities and decided to come out to their respectives families… A really good photo indeed, it should be the next one to hang around the house.
"It's one of my favorites too." Hiroto answered softly, and slid to the right to show his father another photo.
Thank God he had created a folder with only cute photos of them, because there were some photos that were better kept in private. So they continued watching the photos, Seijirou complimenting each and every one of them even if he didn't really know what to say, and Hiroto helping him by speaking too sometimes. The scene could even be considered cute, with both of them completely immersed in the photos as if nothing else was going on, just looking how much Hiroto and Tatsuya had changed during the years.
Well, the only thing that had changed between them was their respective physiques; Tatsuya had grown slightly taller and Hiroto's hair was sometimes completely gray, and other times with those white highlights. But their feelings stayed the same, Seijirou could clearly see the way Hiroto's eyes always shined gently and lovingly in Tatsuya's presence, while Tatsuya's smiles and cheeks spoke for themselves.
"What are you guys doing?" Tatsuya asked softly, leaving the improvised pyjama on one corner of the island and approaching them.
"We're watching photos." Hiroto answered.
"Oh, what kind of-"
But Tatsuya never finished asking, because just as he got close and saw what was before his eyes, he realized there was no point in asking. They were watching their photos, and nothing more could be said about it. Seijirou's face expressed everything that his words couldn't, looking caringly at Hiroto's glow-up and just observing how happy he looked in the photos. And that face told Tatsuya everything he needed to know.
So they all stayed in the quiet kitchen watching them, sometimes commenting and explaining where they had taken the photos, but most of the time they were just in sheer silence, enjoying the moment and letting all the feelings impregnate their beings.
Hiroto was even looking at his father with cordiality, recognizing the effort he was making and letting his very own pain and anxiety go away. No, that was not the time to feel bad, nor to remember, nor to feel hatred. It was a moment to treasure, with his boyfriend grabbing his hand just like he always did and looking at him with so much light and appreciation that all he could feel was love. Because Tatsuya was with him during that special moment of reunion, supporting him and giving him an opportunity to have the family he had always wanted.
A family… that was finally completely fine with him dating the love of his life.
Fuck, Hiroto felt himself getting emotional again, tears appearing on his eyes but refusing to drop down his cheeks.
And, as always, Tatsuya noticed it and gave him a sweet kiss on the cheeks, not even bothered by being in the presence of his future father-in-law. A caring kiss that meant the world to Hiroto, because Tatsuya was able to get affectionate with him with his father close by and not get disgusting looks for it. Just as if… Tatsuya was fully accepted.
Just as if they both were fully accepted.
"We should rest, it's been an intense day." Tatsuya said after who knows how long, with such a loving and affectionate voice that Seijirou suddenly felt as if he was dreaming. "I've prepared a room for you Seijirou, it's the one on the left. The sheets are completely new and I've left some blankets nearby in case you get cold."
Caring, so stupidly caring that Seijirou smiled widely at the charity he was receiving from the young couple. Tatsuya handed him the clothes delicately, giving him another heartwarming smile and immediately grabbing Hiroto's hand again, just as if they couldn't stop holding each other. Seijirou found it endearing, how Hiroto was not saying anything but looking completely immersed in the moment, his eyes and soft expression telling him everything he needed to know, and more.
His son was really considerate… Just how blinded had Seijirou been his whole life?
"Goodnight, Tatsuya, Hiroto." Seijirou said, and without adding anything more went to his assigned bedroom to change and sleep, leaving the young couple all alone in the corridor.
Just as Seijirou disappeared from their view, Hiroto hugged Tatsuya as if it was the last thing he wanted to do in the world. And Tatsuya corresponded just like he always did, hugging him with the same amount of force and feelings as he melted into their embrace, grabbing Hiroto's clothes as if he was scared of losing him.
Tatsuya felt Hiroto sobbing on the crook of his neck, not quite crying because there were no tears leaving his eyes, but he was letting out some muffled noises. Hiroto was under such a state of relief and appreciation that he didn't know what he was feeling anymore, nor what was happening. He just felt that he needed to hold onto Tatsuya for a little longer, hear his voice telling him sweet stuff like "everything's fine, love, we did it" to "I love you, you're the best boyfriend", which all meant that he was emotional too.
Because damn, they had received an approval that none of them had ever thought of having. It was like previously they were living under a state of calm agony, knowing that they could be together but that they weren't accepted, but now… his father had gone to their little apartment, had gone to dinner with Tatsuya and had even asked to see them being in love.
It was like a dream.
Hiroto felt his energy leaving his body, finally relaxing himself and feeling nothing but pure calmness in the air. With Tatsuya's presence next to him everything was going to be fine, everything was fine whenever they were together. So slowly he pulled away from the hug, and kissed him deeply, his hands moving to grab his cheeks and his heart beating like a drum against Tatsuya's chest.
Tatsuya smiled and parted his lips, letting Hiroto do as he pleased with him as he hummed in response. Comfortable, moving his hands up until they reached Hiroto's curls and pulling him even closer, giving his boyfriend that passion and intimacy that he always required. Loving, intertwining their tongues together over and over again, just as if they could never grow tired of dancing with each other and moaning whenever Hiroto decided to twirl them together.
So many emotions… so many feelings, and Hiroto wanted to give Tatsuya even more. More kisses, more cuddles, more words, more hickeys, more marks… Everything, because in Hiroto's eyes, Tatsuya deserved the whole world.
"We should go to bed too, it's quite late love." Tatsuya said delicately with his melodious voice, delineating Hiroto's face tattoo with his cold hands as he gave him one short kiss.
"Five more minutes." Hiroto answered, and got back to intertwining their lips together.
Tatsuya giggled in return and complied, spoiling Hiroto once more as he decided that, well, this time his boyfriend very much deserved it. So he gave Hiroto his everything; his care, calmness and love. Because in Tatsuya's eyes, Hiroto only deserved the best out of the best, and that meant that he had to give him his absolute best.
Skin against skin, lips against lips, and hands lightly roaming all over each other's bodies, not lustfully, just caringly caressing each and every spot they would come across, getting reminded that everything was real and that everything was sincere. Their feelings, their moves, their voices, their radiant smiles, their brief loving gazes that they would dedicate to each other every time they stopped kissing to get a new breath. Everything was happening, time was passing and everything was still as real as an hour ago when Seijirou had arrived at their apartment.
"Enough?" Tatsuya asked loving after who knows which kiss, not like they really minded, every single kiss was still as good and heartfelt as their very first one.
"Have the five minutes already passed?" Hiroto joked, lips already trailing Tatsuya's neck as his hands grabbed his waist. Still so thin, so small… Hiroto loved it.
"Actually, we've been here 20 minutes." Tatsuya said as he giggled, eyes shining so affectionately that Hiroto was sure that if he were to turn the light off he could still manage to see him glowing in the dark. "And trust me when I say that I don't want to stop, but we should sleep, or at least lay down. Tomorrow we both have classes and I have to work, it's going to be quite hard if we don't rest."
"We could skip classes and you could ask for a day off." Hiroto said, getting back to kissing his boyfriend and actually making it impossible for him to say anything.
"Or we could leave the cuddling for tomorrow." Tatsuya said, pulling away breathlessly and smiling. Damn, Hiroto's passionate kisses really made his body go numb.
"But I want to show you how fucking much I adore you right now, and to, you know, give you something special for what you've done today."
"You already are doing that, love."
"Am I, angel?" Hiroto said, smirking playfully for the first time in the night.
That playful smile that only meant problems, and that Tatsuya was so into.
Next thing Tatsuya knew was that he was against his bedroom's door with Hiroto sucking on his neck so intensely that he was going to leave a bright red hickey. Another one to add to the collection, uh, not that Tatsuya was complaining. He loved that feeling of having Hiroto mark him, sense how his dear boyfriend still didn't know how to express his emotions so he used more physical methods that could be considered loving and romantic.
"Yes, Hiroto" Tatsuya said, caressing Hiroto's curls affectionately as his voice became a sweet whisper ", but I would appreciate it if you could physically show me how much it has meant to you tomorrow. I want it to be special, not rough fucking on our door while you father is near."
Oh, something seemed to click on Hiroto's brain at the mention of his father being close by because he had suddenly left his neck and was now looking at Tatsuya worriedly. He was even blushing hard, just as if he had never been horny, just as if he had been embarrassed the whole time. Tatsuya couldn't help but to giggle in return, happy to see that Hiroto was being himself in his presence and that he hadn't lost that cute feature of blushing everytime they talked about sex.
"You think he heard us?" Hiroto asked worriedly, his eyes sometimes darting to his father's bedroom, as if scared of seeing him come out of it.
Tatsuya only giggled more in return and kissed his cheeks delicately. Shy and worried Hiroto was definitely amazing to witness, with those huge eyes of his observing every single detail and those fleshy lips slightly making a pout. Cute and endearing, how Hiroto had been at the verge of losing himself to the passion of the moment but that was now looking embarrassed at his reckless actions.
"Probably not, but just in case we should calm ourselves and sleep." Tatsuya answered logically, taking Hiroto's hand and dragging him to their shared bedroom.
"You really want to sleep, don't 'cha?" Hiroto asked proudly, already throwing himself on the bed and waiting for Tatsuya to join him.
Good thing he hadn't bothered getting dressed and had just waited for his boyfriend to arrive in his own pyjamas, because he now could perfectly see how Tatsuya undressed in front of him with all the calm in the world, lifting his strong arms in the hair to take out his fancy looking shirt and pulling down his blank pants. Hiroto could say that watching Tatsuya was like observing a magic show, because he couldn't keep his eyes off it.
Maybe it was the way his muscles flexed with each and every movement, making Hiroto want to run his fingers through that pale skin while he was moving, or maybe it was the fact that even when Tatsuya was doing something so mundane, it seemed to take his whole attention. His green eyes would always be active, posing themselves on every action that he took and observing his very own body as if he was alien to having one. But on top of that, Tatsuya looked relaxed, comfortable in his own skin, comfortable with who he was even in those irrelevant moments of his life, and that Hiroto wanted to continue watching.
"I want to lay down and relax next to you, feel your arms embracing me as you caringly kiss the back of my neck until we fall asleep." Tatsuya said after finishing, laying down next to Hiroto and giving him a loving smile as his eyes started shining delicately.
God, Hiroto wanted to treasure him in his totality. With his cheesy, sugary cute phrases that were always so unexpected that always managed to catch Hiroto with his guard down and shake his heart in ways he had never thought were possible. And it happened every single time that Tatsuya got on his cute mood, saying dumb loving stuff as his eyes shone with so much intensity that Hiroto thought he was seeing not only his boyfriend, but somebody from above. Somebody so perfect, supportive, confident and loving that Hiroto couldn't believe that it was real.
It was… an angel. His only angel. His one and only Tatsuya.
"Cheesy, that sounds so dumb." Hiroto said, voice soft and eyes showing just how emotional he was getting again, just how much he loved sharing those moments with Tatsuya.
"But will you make it happen?" Tatsuya answered, knowing that Hiroto was getting through another rush of emotions and giving him a short kiss on the lips.
Sweet, how Hiroto always put his everything on his actions, immediately grabbing his waist and keeping him close as they kissed caringly. Tender, with how his lips would move against Tatsuya's, always so elegantly and precisely, just as if he was painting his most blessed masterpiece, making Tatsuya feel special every time they kissed. Because those kisses meant the world to him, with Hiroto showing him everything that his words couldn't and making him taste the reality of being loved, of being corresponded, of having his feelings returned with the same intensity as he gave them.
Just as the kiss ended, Tatsuya took a few moments to observe Hiroto, smiling dumbly at him as soon as their eyes met. Hiroto chuckled in return and pulled him even closer, kissing his forehead with so much care and delicacy that Tatsuya couldn't help but to feel as if he was truly tasting heaven, with Hiroto being his true self with him and exposing his feelings with all the trust in the world.
"I don't have an option, right?" Hiroto asked, his smirk appearing and making Tatsuya smile alongside it.
Oh God, they were both turning stupid, letting all those fuzzy feelings they had been repressing in the presence of Seijirou control themselves in those moments of intimacy. Everything was just right, with their hearts beating like crazy and their eyes speaking for themselves, because there were no words to actually express everything they were feeling: relief, love, affection, calmness, peace… So many emotions, so many good emotions, and Tatsuya couldn't repress an excited gasp from escaping as soon as he realised that he had been accepted in his boyfriend's family, and that Seijirou was really trying to reunite with his son and make up everything he had done wrong in the past.
It was truly a miracle.
"Well, we can sleep like this. I'm comfortable and watching your face only makes everything better." Tatsuya said without even thinking, mostly because he couldn't think anymore.
"Idiot, you'll have to close your eyes to sleep." Hiroto whispered as he chuckled, making Tatsuya giggle at how surreal the situation was becoming.
"Mmhh, that's not good, I hope that to make that up you'll appear in my dreams." Tatsuya joked, but closed his eyes as he snuggled closer to his boyfriend.
"I may be a God but I can't control that shit, that's Morfeos territory." Hiroto answered back, giving his boyfriend one last kiss before closing his eyes too.
"Befriend him." Tatsuya said, and both immediately laughed at how stupid they were souding.
"Tatsu?" Hiroto asked, voice softer than usual, hands caringly caressing Tatsuya's back.
"Mmh?"
"I love you."
Under their apartment's roof, with no sound to be heard and Seijirou sleeping next door, Hiroto had sincerely confessed his feelings, and Tatsuya felt that nothing could ever top that moment. With only themselves sharing the same bed, completely comfortable in each other's arms and no more problems to worry about. With only their pure feelings, their souls and bodies being next to each other.
With only Hiroto's sincere, caring voice telling him that he was in love with him with such softness and wholesomeness, that Tatsuya felt like crying out of pure happiness. He could even dare say it was one of the best moments of his life, one that he was sure he would never forget, because it was his problematic, insecure boyfriend proclaiming his feelings with so much ease and comfort that… that he had no words for it. He could just accept the confession, hug him tighter and keep him close, just as if it was his last will.
"I love you too, Hiroto." Tatsuya said after a few seconds, feeling Hiroto's caresses on his back the whole time.
"I know, and now sleep that tomorrow you have a rough day and you need to find time so we can properly celebrate." Hiroto said, his voice still soft but joking a bit as he felt his emotions growing even stronger at Tatsuya's reaction to his confession.
Tatsuya giggled in return and wiped the tear that had rebelliously escaped his eye.
"Do you already have a plan, love?" Tatsuya asked, starting to calm down and getting back to his comfortable position.
"Oh yeah, but it's a surprise. Now sleep, you were the one wanting to sleep so fuck off and sweet dreams."
Tatsuya laughed one last time, delighted to see that Hiroto was back at his aggressive way of showing his emotions because he too was feeling so many things at once that he didn't know how to take them. Cute, how his hand kept rubbing Tatsuya's back as an attempt to calm both of them down, slowly but surely doing it's function and sending both of them to Morfeo's realm within a matter of minutes. Both of them fell asleep with huge smiles plastered on their faces and with the feeling that their lives were only getting better, completely relaxed as their company and love was everything they needed to keep going on.
…
Completely unaware that Seijirou had just sent them a message, requesting Hiroto to invite Tatsuya over next weekend to have a family meal. If they were to have read that, surely neither of them would be sleeping so peacefully on each other's arms.