As the Sun Falls
By SMYGO4EVA
There was a lot to be said about first impressions; they were deceiving, even when the big picture was still in play.
Tadashi suspected as much, especially in matters where Ainosuke was concerned. He was always seen as the secretary, the errand boy, and Ainosuke's most loyal subject. He was the one behind the scenes and in the shadows, watching from afar, as there was no room for error or consequence.
Just before the sun began to sink, as he walked into the Shindo office, Tadashi's attention was drawn away from his paperwork and towards Ainosuke. He sat at his desk, his legs crossed neatly. It wasn't an unusual occurrence to see him after hours, but today, this felt different.
Tadashi set aside the paperwork on the desk, and he absently wondered what Ainosuke had in mind, for him, or for them both.
"Is something the matter, sir?" he asked instead.
Ainosuke looked up, and his mouth curved into a grin that was enticing, patient, and feral all at once. Tadashi felt his face grow warm, but he couldn't look away.
"Oh, none whatsoever, puppy," Ainosuke responded, unfolding his legs, and getting to his feet. Straightening his suit, he continued, tilting his head. "Does something always have to be the matter for you to come to my beck and call?"
"No, sir, I was just wondering if there was more to attend to," Tadashi replied, feeling Ainosuke looking right at him. "since it's getting late and all."
Ainosuke's grin widened, and, closing the space between them, he threaded his fingers tightly into one of Tadashi's hands.
"Only what's only between us, dog," he said, more softly this time, akin to a whisper.
Tadashi let out a sharp gasp, but he slowly started to relax. He nodded, and he let himself inch closer to Ainosuke, his master, as he was both his better and his other half. "Yes, just between us, sir."
"Such a good boy." Ainosuke then gave Tadashi a quick peck on the cheek, brushed past him, and staunchly left him to his thoughts.
As the sun fell, it was all the clearer to Tadashi. The feel of Ainosuke's lips on his cheeks lingered as he finally realized what he, subconsciously at least, knew all along. He was Ainosuke's servant, his dog, and his alone; it was all he ever wanted.