Title: Fast Forward to the Stars
Author: Kasamatsu-senpai
Fandom: Nurarihyon no Mago
Pairing: Yoru (Night!Rikuo) and Rikuo Nura (Day!Rikuo)
Rating: T (SHONEN-AI and uhhh implied themes, but the rating will never change… I think?)
Disclaimer: I own nothing from Nurarihyon no Mago. I only own the plot! I hope you guys enjoy the ride anyway!
NOTE (PLEASE READ): This fanfic is AU. No incest or anything. They totally live on separate worlds. And yes, this is SHOUNEN-AI. No flames or anything of the sort. I've already warned you.
CHAPTER 15 - BEING ON YOUR EXTRA GUARD
The summer heat was definitely in the air; at least the azure sky was stark clear. Rikuo bought himself a baseball cap to at least hide his face from the scorching heat. He wasn't going to let the hotness get in the way of a perfect getaway. He was together with two of the people he loved most in the world, which included his mother and… his… his special someone. Yes, that was the best term to describe the person he loved the most romantically, that prideful, arrogant, blunt, reckless, spoiled but caring, loving and gentle crimson-eyed yokai; the grandson of the famed sodaisho, Nurarihyon, none other than Yoru. The other loved him first, and it took some time before the brunet fell for him hard.
Going back to the matter in hand, the three of time were wandering around the lively streets of Kyoto. And as Wakana cheerfully took pictures of this and that, Rikuo and Yoru had a world of their own. But it wasn't all cheery and flirty smiles like the usual.
"By the way, why didn't you travel with Nurarihyon-sama and the others?" Rikuo inquired, raising an eyebrow, making sure his voice was low because they were with Wakana, and the brunette's curiosity could easily be piqued with just a name or a word. He was enjoying the sights around him, except for Yoru's frown across his features.
"Because you and Mother weren't joining…" Yoru said as he grumbled from the brightness of the sun. "Besides, I always want to be by your side no matter what." The tone of his voice wasn't mild and gentle though… it was more like he was forced to say it. But that was because of the heat. Rikuo could easily read the yokai nowadays, but that was because they had been spending so much time together he was getting used to the other's company now…
"You're very thoughtful, Yoru," he began as he fanned themselves with this large fan he also bought from the same store where he bought his cap. "But I just can't tell Mom that you're actually a yokai and that we're going to ride a dragon-like creature thing!" His eye twitched just from the thought of it. He didn't know whether his mother would faint and have a hard time accepting it, or easily accept it and have fun while riding the dragon-like creature thing… Rikuo could imagine the latter more and it sent chills down his spine.
"It's a lot faster and convenient, and you can see the sights below better…" Yoru rubbed the back of his neck, averting his gaze from the brunet. He was only being cranky because of the weather. Usually, during times like these, he just wanted to stay indoors and drink sake… It was like he really was meant for the night. The night was much more soothing and relaxing for him and he felt like the world was already in the palm of his hand. He felt much more freedom… he preferred the world shrouded in darkness, but ever since he met Rikuo here, the way he saw everything changed forever. So long story short, he was lazy during the morning and active during the night; a nocturnal person to be frank. "And she and the old man would have met already…"
"They'll meet…" Rikuo muttered as his eye twitched. Who knows what stuff Nurarihyon might slip in between his conversations with Wakana… Yoru did inherit his bluntness from his grandfather, after all. "Where are they now anyway?"
"I guess they're…" Yoru began as he rubbed his chin, recalling possible places his clan would stay at here in Kyoto. "…hanging out in the Yura mansion." He wasn't sure about this so let out a shrug. The Yura mansion was not like any other mansion, residing there was a family of exorcists. Yes, exorcists. And yokai surprisingly decided to stay there for the meantime. Nurarihyon had his connections so he and the rest of the clan were unscathed, as much as the other family members disapproved and disagreed strongly about this. But then again, these were the modern times already and with the help of the sodaisho, humans and yokai were learning to co-exist; up until now both factions were still learning though.
"Where's that?" Rikuo blinked as he tilted his head. But before he heard the answer from the yokai, he looked up and his face brightened, the brightness was too much for Yoru to handle he became more frustrated and cranky. Too much of one thing was bad, and for Yoru, brightness was definitely a bad thing for him. "Wow, that castle is so cool."
"Mmm…" Yoru scratched the back of his head and thought of a short answer because he was too lazy to think but when he stared at the castle the brunet was referring to, his eyes widened in surprise and quickly turned away. He placed his hands on Rikuo's shoulders and pushed the other towards Wakana, to the brunet's surprise. The castle was the very same castle Nurarihyon warned about Yoru a million times. He wasn't going to let Rikuo get near there. Not now, not ever, as much as Rikuo longed to go there. There were some things that just couldn't be.
"Yoru?" Rikuo said the other's name in a curious tone. He was reading the yokai's features again. He was still cranky, that was for sure. But it seemed he was on his guard for some reason too. But the brunet wasn't feeling anything weird, like he usually did whenever he had encounters with antagonistic yokai.
"What?" Yoru raised an eyebrow. There was something different in those crimson eyes of his… He couldn't point it out though. As much as Rikuo insisted he already knew Yoru inside and out, the yokai still had enigmatic sides to him, including now.
Rikuo shook his head and just simply gazed at the other before turning his head to his mother, mustering a smile. "Are you having fun?" he asked her.
Yoru stared in silence. He didn't want this kind of atmosphere with Rikuo, but he needed to draw a line between some things. He would never ever want to bring his lover into any kind of danger again, and now that Wakana was with them, it was double the precaution.
"Yes, everything around here is so wonderful! You boys are so nice of inviting me here!" she chirped as she laced her fingers together, holding a digital camera in between. "I mean, you two could have a summer of your own, but you still invited me. How sweet." And speaking of invitations, she blinked as she leaned closer to whisper something into her son's ear, smiling widely.
"By the way, when am I going to meet Yoru's family?" she asked in a whisper, shooting glances at Yoru.
Rikuo felt blood rush up to his head. He didn't actually tell her his family was here already hanging out in some mansion, right? "Ah, I'll ask Yoru about it, don't worry…" he chuckled nervously as he glanced at the crimson-eyed yokai who seemed… just so out of it. Rikuo felt his heart fell, but he was still going to smile because his mother was here with them, and he would want this to make the best summer for her.
One thing was for sure though, Rikuo was going to need to talk to Yoru later.
It was almost the end of the first day of their summer getaway. They were probably going to stay here for a week, so as early as possible, the brunet wanted to know what Yoru's beef was earlier. Wakana was in the other room, watching her favourite soap opera on television while the two of them were on the balcony in silence, gazing at the same moon together. The two were talking earlier, but Rikuo felt they weren't talking as themselves. He needed to do something about this and fast.
"What is it that you're not telling me about, Yoru?" he asked, leaning by the door that led to the bedroom where they would both be sleeping in.
Yoru had his back turned from the brunet, but then he turned around, his crimson eyes staring deeply into Rikuo's. The brunet felt his heart skip a beat, but this wasn't the time to fall for the yokai all over again. He was worried about something else…
"Promise me one thing, Rikuo…" he uttered as he took a step closer to the brunet, his gaze still as intent as ever.
"What is it?" Rikuo's cheeks were already warm and reddening. He would never get used to these breathtaking moments, but then, these moments were the thrill of the roller coaster ride that was their relationship, right?
Yoru then cupped Rikuo's chin, leaning closer… and closer… to the point their noses were touching and they could feel each other's breaths against their mouths. "Stay with me. Don't ever go anywhere here in Kyoto alone…" Rikuo held Yoru's hand on instinct, making most of the warmth and gentleness. He missed this gentle side of the yokai, even though only hours had passed…
Their hearts beat faster and faster with each fleeting moment passing between them… Yoru might not look like it, but that heart of his would pound like a bass drum whenever he was this close with Rikuo. But of course, he would never admit this thanks to his pride.
Rikuo continued to stare wistfully back into Yoru's eyes as his hands slide down to his wrists. Maybe the other was just being overprotective again? How much did the brunet need to remind him that he could take care of himself? He didn't spend all that time training for nothing. But of course, a bamboo sword was no match for a yokai's skin. He needed something like the Nenekimaru. That way, he didn't need to depend on the crimson-eyed yokai all the time. After all, the other had saved his life more than he could count.
"Just do it… stay with me…" Yoru added.
Rikuo's heart was a big lump in his throat. Yoru was already this close and his heart was pounding like crazy. It was no wonder he was rendered speechless for the nth time whenever he was together with the other like this. He simply nodded, biting his lip. He was getting rather impatient, because why would Yoru bother invade his personal space like this? It looked like he wasn't teasing the brunet tonight, after all. He nodded the second time, just to make sure.
Yoru sighed of relief as his lips parted into a sincere and genuine smile that even surprised Rikuo to a great extent. "Thank you… and… I just… I love you, Rikuo…"
"I…" Rikuo thought his mind was going to explode right at that moment. But no, Yoru needed a reply… Their nights wouldn't be made without the proper reply. "I-I love you too, Yoru… so much…"
And at long last, their lips finally connected. Rikuo felt like it had been ten years since they kissed like this... he was exaggerating, of course, but it just goes to show how much he needed, not wanted, but needed Yoru in his life.
His life wouldn't ever be the same if it wasn't for this yokai here. If it weren't for that tournament… they wouldn't have even met. And who knows what kind of endeavours Yoru would do? Would Yoru eventually fall in love with someone else? That very thought made the brunet's heart constrict with grief and other unnecessary emotions he wouldn't ever want to feel. Those dark emotions… he definitely had no time for those…
Rikuo moaned ever so softly, kissing back to the best of his ability. He wasn't going to last a day without the yokai now, was he? The sound was music to Yoru's ears, and he couldn't help but let his tongue slide between his lips. As much as the brunet was uncomfortable with this at first, he finally derived the pleasure from it as he greeted his tongue with his own. He wasn't used to this… since no one had kissed him except for Yoru here. He trembled quite a bit, but little by little, he was enjoying every single moment, as much as Yoru did too.
Yoru was awfully gentle tonight, their tongues rubbed against each other, the yokai didn't do anything rash or out of impulse that would startle the brunet and ruin the mood for them. Their tongues fought in a battle of domination, and of course, Yoru won. Rikuo got too sucked into the kiss he didn't even notice there was already a trail of saliva coming out from his mouth.
The crimson-eyed yokai thought it was more than enough so he smirked as their lips parted, and Io and behold, Rikuo was in a daze. It took him seconds before he actually snapped out of his trance. His eyes widened as he looked at Yoru, who was simply smiling. When Rikuo felt something wet from his mouth, he almost jumped from the shock and humiliation as he wiped it off with his sleeve.
He sighed as he leaned his back flatly against the wall. "You really have a habit of teasing me, don't you, Yoru?"
"You know me well," Yoru chuckled. It looked like things were back to normal for them again, and Rikuo had never felt so relieved. They were going to have much more fun tomorrow than today because they were in good terms again.
"Let's have more fun tomorrow, okay?" Rikuo asked. And by fun, he meant that he was going to be on his guard, seeing as how Yoru was really cautious and ginger earlier.
Yoru nodded. "Definitely."
"By the way…" Rikuo began, scratching his forehead. He almost forgot to ask the yokai about this since the kiss was just… okay, let's just say it was just because of the kiss.
"Hm?" Yoru tilted his head and blinked. What was going on in the brunet's mind now? Wasn't the kiss satisfying enough? He would love to kiss the other again, since his satisfaction would never be met by just kissing.
"When's Mom and Nurarihyon-sama actually going to meet?" Rikuo asked, raising a speculating eyebrow at the other. If he recalled correctly, Nurarihyon and the rest of the clan joined them because it was a clan thing that everyone should always be together no matter what. That was understandable, but still, it was purely coincidence that Yoru wanted Wakana to join in the summer getaway too. "It would be great if Nurarihyon-sama copied your get-up."
"Hmmm… tomorrow's a good time, I think…" That wasn't very reassuring. "We need to arrange for the formal meeting and stuff… and the Yura mansion is definitely not a good place for a human and the Supreme Commander of the yokais to meet… And we need to make them meet alone too." They were going to accompany their own respective families, of course, but there shouldn't be other disturbances and that was that the yokai meant.
"How about here then?" Rikuo suggested with a light shrug.
"Okay then," Yoru surprisingly agreed without hesitation as he nodded. "I'll ask the old man about it tonight. Leave it to me."
"Then as you do that, I'll tell Mom about it too," Rikuo said, getting a little excited with their plan. Hopefully, Nurarihyon would act… a little more gentlemanly or the whole plan would be ruined oh so fashionably. "Oh, and you should—"His eye twitched when Yoru carelessly jumped off the ledge to be on his way once again. You should just use the door when walking out… There were some things that could never be changed. He then suddenly felt a wave of nostalgia, when the crimson-eyed yokai was still courting him, visiting the brunet every single night, bringing a small branch from a sakura tree, the tree that symbolized their first meeting…
He shook his head and felt his cheeks all warm again. Despite the obstacles they had faced, theirs really was true love, huh? Seeing as how it overcame the challenges and all that. When he thought everything was already alright and all that, he snapped his head up and glanced behind him out of instinct. Thankfully, there was nothing there. But he swore he felt something stare at him from a distance just now… Weird.
As he entered the room and sat beside Wakana, the brunet thought it really was best to stay beside Yoru at all times, because believe it or not, he was already getting the chills for no reason at all. Could it be the same feeling he felt whenever there were yokais after him or Yoru…? He needed to be on guard, but he didn't want Wakana to worry.
"Hey…" Rikuo said as he smiled a bit. "What would you say if you would finally meet Yoru's grandfather tomorrow?" At least the atmosphere here with his mother was nothing more than comforting and warm.
"Oh, they're here also?" Wakana chirped in excitement. "Isn't it convenient? Maybe you two really are destiny. How cute."
Rikuo felt abashed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Y-Yeah… " He didn't know if he was saying 'yeah' to her question or her second-to-the-last statement. It was all confusing to him, really.
And meanwhile, in Yoru's side, let's just say it took him some time to convince his grandfather of meeting Rikuo's mother, constantly reminding the older male about rules, which included to not flirt with her or Rikuo and not spill secrets or even mention about their real identities as yokai. It took him the whole night. He just hoped it would all be worth it the next day. And of course, Nurarihyon reminded Yoru about the dangers of staying here in Kyoto for too long. The whole clan just wasn't here to celebrate simply because they wanted to. Yoru was going to do his best to prevent that any kind of danger to unfold. He didn't want to be their first summer to be their last...
A/N: I'm so sorry I got too lazy writing this chapter but it took all my might and spirit because I love you guys (and since you guys always want a new hot chapter HERE)- I WILL MAKE THE NEXT CHAPTER LONGER HOPEFULLY-
