Anchor

Written by: RinoaDestiny

#31 – Day 4 (Tokyo Trip)

Kyo was already awake by the time Iori roused himself from a deep satisfying sleep. It was unsurprising, for Kyo was the early riser, proven time and time again. Always, as before, Iori found Kyo's fingers in his hair – a habit he'd never dissuade. "Time?"

"Hey, you're up," Kyo said, smiling. "We missed breakfast."

"Outside, then." Iori shifted, molding his body against his lover's. "Anything hurting?"

"A bit sore, but…" Kyo's smile turned lazy, setting Iori's heart racing. "Not bad for your first go at it. Though…" There were bruises and love bites on Kyo's neck and shoulder, which Kyo now touched. "I'll have fun explaining these."

"You need to?"

"My folks will ask."

"Tch." In the heat of the moment, Iori hadn't thought beyond pleasure – the giving or taking of it. "It'll be gone in a few days. Wear a scarf."

"In this weather?"

"Your choice."

"We need to check out today." Kyo's tone was straightforward and the man moved, disturbing the comfortable pocket of heat between them. "Hitting Ginza. Might as well make the most of it."

Their trip was coming to an end; Iori kept his expression placid, despite the sudden onrush of regret that they couldn't prolong it. They had responsibilities back home – he had a temporary relocation to make – and staying here would only push those timetables further back. Following Kyo's example, he left the bed, reaching down to grab his boxers.

"Yagami."

"Huh?"

"Since you paid for yesterday, I'll take care of lunch."

Surprised, Iori slipped on his boxers and stared at Kyo. "You have something planned? In Ginza?"

"Yeah."

Intriguing, yet Iori held back from asking for details. Kyo had considered Ginza beyond his price point, which included certain restaurants. Was this…a courtesy extended to him? If so, where were they going? Might be better to let Kyo spring this one on him – Kyo planning anything in depth was already astonishing.

"Got the place reserved. We have time, but…"

"Checking out." Iori pulled his shirt over his head, observing the minor scratches Kyo left on his arms last night. "Leave it to me."

His lover nodded – Kyo's satisfied smile gratifying – and disappeared into the bathroom. Finding his new pants crumpled on the floor, Iori pulled them on and then set about double-checking their belongings and cleaning up the room. He'd take care of his own morning preparations later.

Yakiniku a Five Toku Ginza8chome. Iori knew this restaurant – had visited it once before – and while the cost wasn't prohibitively expensive, it'd make a dent in Kyo's wallet. It also had all the meat he liked to eat and…. Swinging his gaze from the signage to Kyo, he didn't miss the quiet pride in the other's face. "When did you –"

"While you were asleep."

If they got window seating, they could see the constant shuffle of trains while they ate. "You chose well."

"Good to know and you're welcome."

Kyo was getting better at reading him – at hearing those unspoken thanks – which Iori appreciated but also found a bit unsettling. However, he'd been like glass to Kyo since the beginning – a crushed cigarette, face burning in darkness – and Kyo wasn't opaque to him (most of the time) either, so…. He rolled his shoulders, loose fabric cool against the larger scratch on his back. "We going in?"

"We're a bit early, but why not? I'm hungry."

Iori laughed. "When are you not?"

"Says the guy who'll be devouring the table soon."

Their seating wasn't near the windows, but with a hundred and twenty minutes to enjoy lunch, it was soon forgotten. Iori selected a few side dishes and a drink, while Kyo got soup and a glass of water. Like last time when he was here, the place was full and the scent of barbequed meats set his stomach rumbling.

"That looks really good," Kyo said, directing his gaze towards a table of customers grilling their provided vegetables and meat.

"It is."

Before long, their side dishes and drinks were brought over – Kyo digging into the soup – and their servers presented them with several platters of delectable cuts of Wagyu beef, each neatly labelled. Kyo's eyes widened at the sight; Iori smiled, picked up the tongs and began laying the first cuts on the grill between them. Pushing the sauces aside, he also placed a few slices of onion to caramelize.

"How's your soup?"

"Good." The bowl was almost empty, a testament to the restaurant's chefs and Kyo's appetite. "Is that satay?"

"A version of it." Among the small ceramic dishes of sauces, they had teriyaki, soy sauce and ginger, a Japanese take on satay, and ponzu. "You want some?"

"Just a bit."

Iori reached for the basting brush and applied a light coat of satay to Kyo's piece. While he preferred tasting the initial cuts as is, the additional flavor punch the sauces gave rounded out the meal. Taking up the tongs again, he flipped a few pieces, admiring the fine marbling.

Across from him, Kyo moved a translucent onion slice on the grill, the edges starting to brown. "Think we can finish all this?"

"Eat what you can. May not need dinner on the way back."

With a little over two hours to spare, Iori served himself his portions and picked up his chopsticks. The fine Wagyu beef was tender, requiring little chewing and after a few pieces, Iori applied some ponzu sauce. The tartness offered the perfect complement to the grilled beef. Reaching out, he helped himself to the side dishes, using rice and vegetables as palate cleansers.

"This is…" Kyo talking with his mouth full. "Incredible."

"Worth the price." He took a drink of beer. "Got time."

"I know."

Platter after platter of choice meats were provided, most ending up grilled and devoured. Even Kyo, who preferred fish, slathered most of his with sauces and stuffed his face. The side dishes finished, Iori assayed to clear the remaining plates. He didn't need dessert – didn't know if Kyo wanted any – so he tackled the leftover cuts, giving them extra time over the flames. It was warm, comfortable and his stomach was content. Never, in all his life before this, did he think he'd end up eating barbeque with Kyo Kusanagi.

With their allotted time rapidly winding down, Iori ate until he couldn't anymore and waited for Kyo to finish. Several minutes later, Kyo shoved his plate aside, put his chopsticks down and breathed out. "Whew, I'm full."

"Think you ate more than me."

"I did." Kyo looked at him. "Dessert?"

"Take it to go if we must. I can't."

"Yeah. So…what's next?"

"Ginza Six. There's a few things I'm looking for."

"Like what?"

Iori tilted his neck, stretching the muscle. "Standard things."

"Standard things?"

"You'll find out. Ready?"

"Yeah. Lemme pay and then we'll take off."

Ginza Six was one of this district's largest shopping centers and for good reason. In the past, when Iori visited here, he was always able to find what he needed. Earlier, they'd stopped by a different store specializing in men's leather goods – he needed a few belts – and he'd been greeted by the familiar shop clerks there. Kyo, not significantly affected by the restaurant bill, had reeled upon seeing the price for just one belt. Triple the amount he'd paid elsewhere, Kyo had said, and Iori remarked that the quality of the leather and craftsmanship made all the difference. He'd paid for three, walking out of the store with a small bag in hand.

Kyo appeared thunderstruck at the ease of his spending.

He'd understood there was a difference in their finances, but it was apparent now by how much. His boyfriend seemed intimidated upon walking into Ginza Six – all the immaculate stores with flawless customer service – and when Iori decided to purchase new shoes, Kyo followed with trepidation. The well-trained male clerk approached, courtesy extended to a potential customer.

"Irasshaimase! How may we help you?"

"I need a new pair of black dress shoes."

"Ah. Please kindly take a seat. Your size?"

Iori told the clerk, who smiled and left to find suitable selections for him to try out. Kyo, going through the other items on sale, had a look of growing bewilderment. The dark blue silk tie in his hand was costly, no less than a single belt from the other store. Yet, for Iori, it was nothing.

"You want that?"

"Yagami, how are you…" It was rare for Kyo to be at a loss for words. "How do you afford all this?"

"Careful spending. Managing my money. I have several sources."

"Your band –"

"We're doing rather well. Merchandise sells out and my contract renewal gave better terms."

Kyo had placed the tie back on the display table. "Sponsorships?"

"More than enough." Iori didn't provide any additional details about how many he had or what their terms were. "If I'm careful, it'll last me years."

"Huh."

"You have your motorcycle. Your leather jackets. You can't be lacking."

"It's just…" Standing there on the polished store floor and surrounded by all the lavish clothing and accessories, Kyo seemed out of place. "This isn't my world. I like living well, but…"

"You're more casual, Kyo. Fine with that."

Kyo opened his mouth to respond, but the clerk returned with boxes of shoes, diverting Iori's attention. He gave Kyo a brief apologetic glance and then focused on what was presented to him. Loafers with tassels, monk straps with gleaming buckles, and formal Oxfords. He wanted an ideal pair for the tournament, akin to what he wore on stage and he had a penchant for buckles. Several were too tight, rubbing against his heel; he put those aside. Formality had its places and he could use a new pair of Oxfords, so he put one on his purchase list. Then, he zeroed in on the monk straps, attention paid to the buckles' styles.

From the corner of his eye, Iori glimpsed Kyo on the other side of the store, now busy studying the offered dress shirt selections. It was rare to see Kyo dressed formally – Western or traditional Japanese-style – and dress shirts with their tailored cuffs and collars were more his taste than his boyfriend's. While he was sure Kyo could afford something in Ginza Six, Iori considered giving him a gift. He wasn't sure what, but there had to be an item Kyo was interested in.

The pair of monk straps with oxidized buckles completed his purchases. The smiling clerk took both boxes, ready to ring them up and package them. Kyo, looking disinterested, drifted back.

"You got something?"

Iori nodded towards the register where the clerk was. "Some shoes."

"I see."

Not wanting to keep the clerk waiting, Iori shoved his sneakers on and ambled over to the register. There, he paid and received his wrapped and bagged items. With shoes out of the way, only one item remained. If he could find it in Ginza and particularly here, he'd consider himself lucky. There was no guarantee; yet, he could look, couldn't he?

"You have something else?"

"Eh?" He turned to look at Kyo, puzzled.

"To buy? You're…concentrating."

"Just one more. You're bored?"

"Does Ginza Six have anything I'd like?" Beside him, Kyo gave the row of sophisticated shops a skeptical glance. "Besides food."

"Should have something. We've barely started." With how vast this place was and how numerous the shops were and their varieties of goods offered, Iori couldn't see Kyo leaving empty-handed. "We can take our time. What do you want?"

That question led to much window shopping. The fancier and more elegant the store, the more Kyo passed them. Uncertain if it was the suggestion of higher prices or a subtle intimidation factor, Iori followed while observing their interiors. He wanted a long coat, but not just any coat. Like everything else, he was particular. If Ginza Six didn't have it, he'd look elsewhere.

On the third floor, Kyo stepped into UNDERCOVER, a clothing store with casual styles. The colors were bolder and brighter here with the cuts slightly looser and more comfortable. While the prices were still high, they were significantly less than at the shops he'd visited. In a reversal, he strolled through the small store while the clerk assisted Kyo. There was a bright orange shirt in Kyo's hand, probably fine quality cotton. It pleased Iori that Kyo had found something to his liking here.

Fifteen minutes later, they departed the store. Kyo ducked into the common men's restroom to change and came out a blazing spot of color. Iori chuckled softly.

"What's so funny?"

"Can find you anywhere now. You seem fond of mirroring the sun."

"Coming from the guy who wears the moon everywhere," Kyo joked back at him. "Surprised you're not wearing any now."

"Oh, you'll see it." There was a time and place for everything. "Continue or…"

"Hey, I found a shirt. Maybe I'll find something else."

"One of those outdated wallet chains?"

Kyo made a face at him. "I like them."

Iori shrugged. "There's a denim store on the fifth floor."

"Sure. Why not?"

Kuro, the denim store, was successful on Kyo's wallet as well. Boxed and bagged were a pair of blue jeans and a jacket. Combined, Kyo's total purchases cost less than his – the gap bound to increase once Iori found his coveted long coat. There were several stores they'd yet to come across and maybe one would carry this last item.

"Need a break?" he asked Kyo, who was considerably happier.

"Still full."

"There's a café on the next floor. Books. Coffee."

"Coffee sounds good."

"No books?" Reading was one of his hobbies, not Kyo's and yet, Iori still allowed himself this light poke. "Not even a comic book?"

A light swat on his shoulder. "Doraemon's good."

"Didn't say it wasn't."

They took a small break at the café, Iori browsing through the shelves while Kyo reclined on a chair with a cup of coffee. Novels and magazines and with other readers wandering around or enjoying a good book, Iori felt like he fit here. He found the sequel to the current novel he was reading and bought it. Walked back to where Kyo sat and parked himself down, removing the book from the plastic bag.

Beside him, Kyo took a gulp of coffee and squinted. "What's that?"

"Next book in the series. Almost done with the one at home."

"Ah. Want coffee?"

"Pass."

Half an hour later, they were strolling around again and this time, Iori aimed his sights at several higher-end fashion stores. While his last coat in the previous tournament was good, he wanted to forego the fur collar. Classy and stylish with colors that better suited him. Something more form-fitting. The crimson pants he had on could be matched with something darker. Narrowing down his options, Iori decided on dark gray or black. As for the material, it all depended on whichever coat caught his fancy.

"Hunting for something? You look intense."

"A coat."

"Huh?"

"You'll see, if I find it."

After a few tries – some of the stores offered long coats, but lacked the quality and cut he desired – he finally stopped before a display window and fell in love. Draped over a mannequin was a black leather trench coat, the flow and cut matching his exact tastes. Heading into the store, Kyo following behind him, Iori approached the greeting clerk. "That coat in the display – may I try it on?"

"Of course. We have a fitting room here. It's in the back."

Kyo approached him, throwing a glance over his shoulder at the clerk. "That's the coat?"

"Hope so."

When the clerk handed the coat to him on a hanger, the sensuous smell of leather enticed him. The material was buttery-soft (calfskin?) and the seams were invisible, deftly stitched. "Wait for me," Iori said to Kyo, already heading towards the men's fitting room. "I'll be out later."

"Not going anywhere. Take your time."

If the coat looked striking in the display window, it paled to what the mirror's reflection revealed. The dark leather carried a soft sheen, beautifully accentuated on the broadness of his shoulders. In the fitting room's light, minute dappling continued downward, luxuriance in every minor crease. Iori moved his arms, testing the fit; the leather stretched with a satisfying sound, proving the coat's roominess. The belt and belt loops were well-crafted, stitching sound and the buckle of good make. However, if certain alterations could be made to the lining and lapels and possibly even the back…

He stepped out of the fitting room, catching the perfect moment when Kyo's eyes widened. His lover swallowed and stepped forward. With his marks visible on Kyo's neck, Kyo's reaction was transparent. He only hoped, with the clerk here, that Kyo wasn't about to blurt out something blatant. Not after their argument. Not after all that unpleasantness.

Another few steps and Kyo was alongside him, whispering words hot against his ear. "Looks good, Yagami. You, I mean. And the coat."

Mild heat crept up his cheeks and neck.

Kyo stepped away from him, remaining close. "You're getting that, right?"

He'd already fallen for the coat a while back; Kyo's question cemented the sale. Removing the coat, Iori turned to the waiting clerk. "Can this be altered? Do you offer that service?"

"We offer certain alteration services, yes. What are your preferences?"

"Here," Iori said, pointing at the lapels and the upper collars. "Also here." He swung the coat around to reveal the upper back. "I have an idea for a design, if it's possible." The last alteration would be time-consuming and costly. "If you can switch the lining…"

"That would require a specialized tailor."

"I know someone." He handed the coat over to the clerk. "I'll take this."

The expression on Kyo's face – subtle arousal, satisfaction, and happiness combined – further confirmed to Iori that this sale was worth it. If he could get the alterations in his mind to work, then…

Best money he'd spent during this whole trip so far, besides the day he treated Kyo. The reason still lingered like a faint shadow; yet, Iori deliberately pushed it aside. Wasn't allowing it to mar the hours left.

"Sure you don't want to go till midnight?"

"Have a place to be at tomorrow. Can't." He needed a good night's rest before making that trip towards the outskirts of Osaka prefecture. "Maybe once we get the invite."

"That'll be nice. Bento?"

"No." After that heavy lunch, Iori didn't need dinner or snacks. "Maybe a drink once we're on the train." The station was busy as usual and they were here earlier than their scheduled time. "You're hungry?"

"A bit."

Nothing that the personnel on the train couldn't solve. Iori studied the other passengers, noticing the usual mix of families, businessmen and women, and foreign tourists with their maps and train schedule pamphlets open. He changed his standing stance, multiple shopping bags – blue jeans, coat, shoes, and belts within – looped around his wrist. Beside him, Kyo was a brilliant spot of orange.

"Didn't offend you back there, did I?"

"Eh?"

"In the last store. When I said that."

"You didn't."

"Oh good. Wasn't sure how you took it."

Kyo's reaction was a compliment. "You convinced me my choice was correct." He'd be wearing the coat now if it wasn't for the weather. Kyo would like that. Then again, if he had to be peeled out of the sweat-drenched coat…. Kyo would probably enjoy doing so, if he read Kyo correctly back in the store. Amused, Iori grinned; his amusement increased when Kyo quirked a brow, catching his expression.

"I miss something?"

"It's nothing."

"Whatever you say, Yagami."

They passed the time in relative quietness, each looking at their phone until the train arrived. Once onboard, he and Kyo talked for a bit before falling silent, maintaining the general atmosphere throughout the train. Iori removed his headphones from his traveler's pouch and plugged them into his phone, concentrating on a jazz playlist. Kyo browsed websites online, occasionally showing him something interesting or funny.

When the staff rolled through with food and drinks, Iori bought a can of beer. Kyo, whether due to quick metabolism or a larger appetite, sprung for a bento box. Around them, other people ate, read newspapers or slept. The last appealed to Iori, for he found himself drowsing off, head tilted against the sun-warmed window. The saxophone played in his ear, soothing and bluesy.

Later, a light weight settled against his shoulder.

It was like this for a while – warmth against his cheek and beside him – with the train's announcement regarding the arrival at Shin-Osaka Station awakening him. Kyo, already up and alert, gave him a quick glance and returned to looking at the scrolling digital sign nearby. Yanking his headphones off, Iori stashed them away, grabbed hold of his bags, and waited. Like Kyo, many of the other passengers were focused on the sign or on the doors.

They were almost home.

As much as he loved visiting Tokyo, Osaka was where he belonged.

The train slid into the station, the familiar sight welcome. People began lining up before the doors, waiting for them to open. Joining the closest line, they idled in the back. Even from here, Iori could see the people outside – passengers bound for their respective destinations. Next to him, Kyo shifted weight on his feet and when the doors slid open, they followed the single file out onto the platform.

They were home and it was here where their paths parted.

Kyo didn't say anything and Iori kept silent. Although their methods of getting to their actual homes now differed – he took a subway train; Kyo, a taxi or a bus – they continued strolling until they reached a vacant spot within the station. Here, his back pressed to the cool tile wall, Iori watched as Kyo leaned forward to kiss him. Dry lips brushed against his, the sensation not at all unpleasant.

"Don't tempt me," he growled, his voice dropping lower.

"Don't need to," Kyo said with a huff of laughter, extending an arm out in mimicry of last night. "I should say the same about you."

"If you feel anything tomorrow," Iori said, keeping his position unchanged, "a warm bath will help. Maybe a painkiller."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"We should go. Before –"

"Before someone finds us here. Right." Kyo stepped back, his hand sliding off the wall. "You need anything, Yagami – let me know."

"I won't. I'll be fine."

"If you do, though –"

"Tch." He didn't want to think about it, or the implication behind Kyo's statement. "Kyo –"

"I enjoyed this, Yagami. With you."

The wall was smooth and hard against his shoulder. "No regrets?"

"None. You?"

Kyo had returned his question back to him, awaiting his answer. "Nothing to regret." Not even the argument, for they'd moved past it – had grown closer afterwards.

"Glad to hear that. Good night, Yagami."

Iori stepped away from the wall, marking Kyo's smile. "Good night, Kyo."

Comments/Notes: So, this took a while. I took two weeks reading up on Ginza, trying to absorb the vibe of this high-end district. Part of this included finding out which shops existed and what they offered. Then, I sat back and let it percolate before I started putting words on paper. Between real-life exhaustion from work and other issues and struggling with phrasing in this chapter, it was a tug-of-war to get it right. But finally, it is done. =)

Websites for the mentioned restaurant and Ginza Six can be found on the crossposted AO3 chapter notes.