A/N: Sorry everybody for the late update, but I was literally drowning in work these days. Anyway, here's the second part of 'Be My Valentine Forever' and I hope you enjoy reading it.
As for the smexy scene: Most of the reviewers voted 'yes' and I wrote it. However, after re-reading the whole story I felt that it didn't fit into the story. So I left out a big part of it and decided to keep only the beginning and the end, which gives that part of the story an erotic and romantic touch or at least I hope so.
But I also know that most of us, including me can't get enough of smexy stuff when it comes to Takumi and Gii or Misu and Shingyouji. That's why I added the original version of the smexy part of the story as a bonus chapter and I hope that this solution will make all of my dear readers happy. So if you're in the mood for something more explicit than feel free to read it.
I'd also like to thank all the people who took the time to leave a comment and/or added me to their alert and favorites lists. That means a lot to me!
Please take the time to review on the last part of the story and the bonus chapter as well!
So, enough said! Enjoy the second part of 'Be My Valentine Forever'!
Holding hands the two boys walked through the narrow streets of the mountain village, that lead uphill, occasionally stopping here and there at one of the small traditional shops to take a look. Once the lovers had left the last rows of houses behind them, they continued to follow the main road for a few more minutes before Gii suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned around, motioning to Takumi to follow his example. "Look," he said quietly. The ebony-haired boy did as he was told and gasped at the sight in front of him.
Below his feet the village laid in peaceful serenity, the snow on the steep roofs glistening in the sun, bathing the houses and streets in a silvery glow. "It's so beautiful," he whispered in awe. "Like a place out of a fairytale." Gii nodded and for a few moments they just stood there in silence, taking in the view. "Let's go," the handsome upper-class man finally whispered softly and motioned to a small path that wound away further uphill, away from the main road.
"Where are you taking me, Gii? What are you up to," Takumi asked curiously as they continued their walk. "You'll see," the other boy said, smiling secretively. "We're almost there." After a few more minutes he was led away from the path and they continued their way cross country until they reached the flank of the hill where Gii announced that they'd reached their destination. Takumi was confused. He let his eyes wander but apart from the trees that were spread here and there across the hilltop he couldn't discover anything special. "Come with me," Gii commanded smiling warmly and let his lover over to a group of trees. "Take a look and see if you can find anything interesting."
The black-haired boy did as he was told and sure enough he soon noticed something out of the ordinary. Against one of the tree trunks sat a large plain travel bag. He looked at his boyfriend and back at the bag on the ground. "Can I open it and see what's inside," he asked excitedly. "Of course," Gii chuckled. "Inside you'll find your first Valentine's Day surprise." The two boys crouched down and Takumi unzipped the mysterious bag to reveal a medium sized wooden sled. "Gii," he whispered huskily and turned to face his lover who was smiling affectionately.
"After you told me at the restaurant that you never went sledding as a child, I decided that it's about high time for you to do it," the amber-haired boy explained as he gently ran his hand over Takumi's cheek. "My childhood friend lives only a few minutes from here. So, before we left the restaurant I called his house and asked if he could do me this little favor. I was lucky that he was home." He'd barely finished the sentence when Takumi flung himself into his arms. "Thank you so much," he stammered, his voice breaking. "You're welcome," Gii answered and pressed his lips against Takumi's temple in a loving caress, holding him tight. "Shall we," he asked after a few moments of silence and leaned back to meet his boyfriend's gaze. Takumi nodded eagerly, his eyes glowing with excitement. "Then let's go," Gii exclaimed as he stood up and pulled the other to his feet. "Let's be children once again!"
And for the next hour they were. They laughed and squealed in joy and excitement as they sped down the hill over and over again, Gii holding Takumi with one arm while navigating the sled with his other hand. Finally he maneuvered them towards a snow bank, grinning devilishly. "Gii, no," Takumi protested laughing when he realized what his lover was up to, but it was too late. They hit the snow bank full force and tumbled giggling and squealing into the soft white mass. "Y-you are impossible Gii," Takumi sputtered chuckling as he rolled onto his back and stretched out his arms. "Don't reprimand me, when in truth you enjoyed this as much as I did," the handsome upper-class man laughed and took Takumi's hand in his.
"Do you want to play some more or should we call it a day," he asked once they'd calmed down a little. "I think I've indulged myself enough for today," Takumi answered. "I'm afraid tomorrow I'm going to have a bad muscle ache from laughing too much." "Alright, then let's put the sled back to where we found it and get going. It'll be really nice to soak and relax in the hot springs after this," Gii exclaimed and got up before he extended a hand to help Takumi to do the same. "Is it really ok to just leave the sled here," he asked frowning. "It's no big deal," the amber-haired boy explained. "I agreed with Kazuya to let him know when we're done so he can fetch it. And tomorrow, before heading back, we'll stop by his house to thank him properly."
Once they'd placed the bag securely where they'd found it, Gii led Takumi back to the small path they'd used before. "Where are we going now," the black-haired boy asked curiously. "From here we'll make our way to the ryokan," his lover explained. "It'll take us a little longer than using the main road, but the scenery is much more beautiful. Besides, I promised you to take you to my favorite place, didn't I." With that Gii took Takumi's hand again. The two lovers walked in comfortable silence, basking in the sweet feeling of being so close to each other as they continued their way through a true winter wonderland. From the corner of his eye Gii stole occasional glances of his boyfriend and what he saw made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Takumi's cheeks were slightly flushed from the cold crisp air, his dark brown eyes glowing with delight and from his delicate face radiated nothing but happiness and contentment. He was a vision of innocence and beauty. When they reached a small wooden bridge that led over a frozen creek Gii suddenly changed directions and guided Takumi away from the path again. "Come on," he said softly as they began to follow the course of the narrow river that curled away somewhere between clustered clumps of trees and bushes. Gii entered the woods and Takumi hesitantly followed his lead. They had walked for some time already when the trees unexpectedly gave way to a small clearing, revealing the most amazing sight the black-haired boy had ever laid eyes upon.
The creek met the main river that curled away into a different direction, at its source, a frozen pool of water at the foot of a rough stone wall. From the rocks high above cascaded a majestic waterfall, frozen in its movements, forming long ragged crystals of a white bluish color. The rays of sunlight that broke into the clearing, made them glisten almost magically and Takumi could only stare in awe, rendered speechless by the sheer beauty of the scene in front of him. "Isn't it amazing," Gii breathed softly into his lover's ear as he hugged him from behind, letting his hands rest on the boy's stomach. "Ever since I've discovered this spot I wanted to come here one day with you, the one I love," he whispered and placed a tender feathery kiss on Takumi's neck, just below his ear.
The ebony-haired boy shuddered under Gii's caress. "W-when…was that," he gasped out and turned his head to face his lover. "I found this place shortly after I saw you at the classic music event where Sachi and you performed," the handsome upper-class man explained and began to trail butterfly kisses along the other boy's jawline. "Gii…that means…," Takumi stammered. The amber-haired boy released him for a moment from his embrace, only long enough to turn him around, so that they came face to face. "It means that I've been in love with you Takumi from the first moment I laid eyes on you," he said tenderly, his voice barely more than a whisper.
"Gii," Takumi could only gasp in reply before he felt his lover's mouth brushing sensually against his own. He willingly parted his lips to allow the other boy to deepen the kiss. He obliged and Takumi moaned softly as Gii's tongue swirled teasingly around his. He was in heaven. Once they'd pulled away Takumi buried his face in the curve of Gii's neck, sighing happily. "Arigatou Gii," he whispered. "Arigatou for making this day so special, for making me feel special." Gii leaned back a bit and placed on hand under Takumi's chin, gently forcing him to look up. "You are special," he replied, brushing his thumb over his boyfriend's soft lips in a tender caress before claiming them once more. Takumi lost himself completely in Gii's passionate kiss, wishing that time would freeze for a few moments just like the cascading waters behind him.
"Welcome Saki-san," the woman, dressed in a beautiful kimono greeted and bowed low as the two boys entered the reception area of the ryokan. Takumi looked around, wide-eyed. The room was richly furnished with antique traditional Japanese furniture and to him the whole place seemed more like a palace than a guesthouse. Gii noticed Takumi's reaction and couldn't help but smile satisfactory. "As per your request we've reserved our best room for you and your companion," the woman continued. "Would you please follow me." She motioned towards a pair of stunningly painted paper doors and the two boys nodded silently. "Your luggage has already been put into your room," they were informed as they were led through elegantly decorated halls. "The onsen is open twenty-four hours, so please feel free to enjoy a bath in them whenever you want. Your dinner will be served at seven thirty."
The woman stopped in front of another set of doors and opened them gracefully before stepping aside. "Douzo," she said bowing again. "You're the only guests here today and we'll be happy to serve you. If you have a request or if you need anything please don't hesitate to ask," she explained. Once the two lovers had entered the room the woman bowed one last time and closed the doors from the outside. Takumi let his eyes wander over the room and his jaw dropped in amazement. The room consisted of two units, a living area and an adjoined bedroom. The bedroom was held in the traditional Japanese style, but instead of the futons there was a low king-size bed. Sheer drapes flowed from the ceiling above it to the floor, giving the bed a canopy-style look.
The living area was a comfortably furnished tatami room and let out on one side into a small winter garden. From there a garden could be accessed, complete with a pond, a small gazebo in its center and a wooden bridge that let over to it. "Do you like it," Gii asked smiling. "Like it," Takumi exclaimed. "I love it. I've never been in a place like this before. This isn't a ryokan, it's a palace!" With that he lunged himself into his lover's arms and hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much!" "You're welcome," Gii replied, returning the embrace as he pressed his lips lovingly against Takumi's forehead. "Shall we go and soak in the onsen before it gets dark," he asked softly. "The outdoor bathing area is really beautiful. There even is a small cavern." Takumi nodded in agreement, smiling widely at his boyfriend.
In the bathhouse they quickly discarded their clothes and headed for the shower area. Once they'd finished cleaning themselves the two boys stepped into the large indoor bath and lowered themselves into the hot steaming water. Takumi sighed in contentment as the hot liquid warmed and soothed his skin. "I haven't been in a public bath or onsen for ages," he said quietly. "Really," Gii asked and raised a brow. "But almost every town has at least one and I'm sure there are onsen resorts in Shizuoka. Why didn't you go?"
"My phobia had kept me from doing it," the black-haired boy whispered. Gii didn't say anything. He just nodded silently and ran the back of his hand lovingly over Takumi's cheek in a comforting manner, smiling mildly. "What do you say, shall we explore the outside baths," he asked softly, eager to keep his lover's mind from dwelling on his sad and difficult past. "Go ahead," Takumi replied with a smile. "I'll be with you in a minute." "Take your time, but don't make me wait too long," Gii whispered and placed a chaste kiss on his boyfriend's lips before he went outside.
The crisp air cooled his hot sensitive skin and he headed quickly for his favorite spot, the grotto. A few steps led into a natural stone cavern, illuminated only by the daylight streaming through the entrance. In the back of the dome a small decorative waterfall provided a steady stream of fresh hot water. Underneath the surface of the steaming liquid polished stones were interspaced here and there along the walls of the cavern, serving as seats, allowing people to either lean against them or to take a half body bath if they wished.
Gii took a seat on a stone in the corner near the entrance and closed his eyes and sighed contently. The hot water and the rushing sound of the waterfall had a relaxing and soothing effect on him and he felt immediately at peace. His eyes snapped open again as he heard Takumi entering the cavern and what he saw took his breath away. The ebony-haired boy stood on the bottom step, motionless with only a small towel draped around his narrow waist as he took in his surroundings, for a moment completely oblivious to Gii's presence and his stares.
The light of the setting sun that streamed through the entrance bathed his slender body in a warm amber glow and caused the droplets of water on his skin to sparkle like diamonds. Gii found the sight before him as captivating as he found it erotic. To him Takumi looked almost like an unearthly being and the handsome upper-class man found himself unable to tear his gaze away from his lover. "God, you're beautiful," he whispered softly, almost reverently. "Gii," Takumi breathed endearingly as he slowly walked over to his boyfriend and, to Gii's surprise, straddled his lap with a sensual smile, the towel around his hips slipping up in the process.
"T-Takumi." Their eyes met and the black-haired boy leaned in to place a tender kiss on his lover's lips before resting his head on the other boy's shoulder, hugging him tightly. A soft sigh escaped Gii's mouth as he felt Takumi's naked body pressing intimately against his own. He buried his head in the crook of his boyfriend's neck and let his hands slowly travel up and down the boy's back. Delicious tingles ran down Takumi's spine, causing him to snuggle even deeper into Gii's embrace. It felt so good to be this close to him, to feel his lover's warmth and his heartbeat that matched his own so perfectly. Gii tightened his hold, gingerly nuzzling Takumi's neck before he leaned back to meet his beloved's eyes again.
"I love you," he whispered hoarsely and sealed the other boy's lips with his own. Takumi kissed him back passionately, open-mouthed, allowing Gii's probing tongue complete access. He sighed in pleasure as he felt their tongues brushing sensually against each other. He could drown in the mesmerizing sensation of those kisses. When they finally pulled away after several long moments the two lovers were breathing hard. Takumi gazed at his boyfriend with love and adoration, a beautiful affectionate smile gracing his lips. Gii met Takumi's gaze, losing himself in the dark endless depths of his boyfriend's eyes.
Smiling back warmly he brought up one hand and ran it lovingly over the boy's cheek before he leaned in until their foreheads and noses touched. For several minutes the time seemed to stop as they sat there in silence, completely caught up in each other, their bodies intimately entwined. "I think we should probably return to our room," Gii finally whispered softly into the comfortable quiescence of the cavern. "I'm sure our dinner is already waiting for us. If you want we can come back again later." Takumi nodded, smiling and the handsome upper-class man placed one last sweet kiss on his lover's lips before rising to his feet.
"You know Takumi, you look really adorable in a yukata," Gii complimented in a low voice and let his eyes roam repeatedly over his boyfriend's body, taking in his appearance as they made their way back to their room. "Not to mention very sexy." "S-So do you," the black-haired boy stammered, blushing brightly. The handsome upper-class man chuckled lightly at his lover's reaction and pressed a quick feathery kiss on his cheek. When they arrived at the doors to their room, one of the staff members was already waiting for them. "Saki-san, your dinner will be served in about fifteen minutes," the woman said and bowed. "The table is already laid out in the way you requested."
"Thank you very much," Gii replied politely and couldn't help but smile when he noticed Takumi eying him in a mix of curiosity and confusion. Once the woman had left he slid the door open and gently pushed the black-haired boy inside. Everything lied in complete darkness except for the winter garden and the outside area. The pond with its gazebo and the bridge as well as the small winding paths were illuminated beautifully and the winter garden itself was only dimly lit. In the center sat a low, medium-sized dining table, elegantly set. Burning candles completed the picture and once again Takumi was left speechless. "I thought that, because it's a special day, a candle-light dinner would be a nice idea," Gii explained, smiling warmly as he led his lover over to the table.
As he moved closer Takumi noticed that a single long-stemmed crimson rose was placed onto one of the dinner sets. Gii picked it up carefully and held out toward the other boy. "For you, my beloved Takumi," he breathed endearingly. "Happy Valentine's Day." The ebony-haired boy accepted the rose with slightly shaking fingers. He brought it up to his nose and closed his eyes as he deeply inhaled the rich fragrance of the flower. "Thank you, Gii," he said huskily and met his boyfriend's loving gaze. "You're so sweet." He placed the rose back down on the table and kissed the young man deeply, settling his arms at the nape of the other's neck. A soft sigh escaped him as he felt strong arms pulling him into a tight embrace and Gii's tongue caressing his own.
When they finally broke the kiss after long moments, Takumi ran his hand gently over his lover's cheek. "I have something for you as well," he whispered softly and slipped away from Gii's hold. He disappeared into the darkness of the room only to return a short while later with a medium-sized gift box in his hands. "Happy Valentine's Day," he said smiling gently as he handed it over to the handsome upper-class man. Gii's eyes went wide with delight as he opened the lid and looked at the contents of the box. "These are homemade chocolates," he exclaimed perplexed. "Takumi how did you…when…?" The black-haired boy smiled at Gii's flustered expression. "I asked Akaike-kun for help," he explained. "He got me permission to use the dorm kitchen for one afternoon. Are you happy?"
"Of course I am! I never expected that I would get something so special like homemade chocolates, especially after your 'threat' that I might not get anything at all," Gii stated with a pouty stare, feigning hurt. "That was very mean, you know?" Takumi chuckled and leaned in to peck his lover's lips apologetically. "Apology accepted," the handsome upper-class man sighed, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Now, I'd really like to try one of those delicious sweets, but as you can see my hands are already full." Getting the hint Takumi shook his head and reached into the box to pick up one of the sweet treats. "You're impossible Gii," he laughed as he held the piece of chocolate up to his lover's lips. The amber-haired boy began to suckle on it, savoring the rich taste. "This is really delicious," he sighed contently.
"Mou Gii," Takumi exclaimed, "if you don't hurry the chocolate is going to melt in my hand." "That's what I'm counting on," the handsome upper-class man whispered velvet-like and teasingly licked his boyfriend's finger and lapped at the sensitive skin at its base, causing the boy to gasp out. A sudden knock on the door interrupted his seductive actions and he quickly took the remaining piece into his mouth. "Those are going to be our desert," he breathed softly into Takumi's ear before he went to answer the door.
The two lovers enjoyed their luxurious dinner mostly in comfortable silence, occasionally stealing loving glances from each other or smiling warmly when their eyes met. Sighing in satisfaction Takumi finally placed down his chopsticks and let his eyes travel over the illuminated Japanese garden. "Ne Gii, can we take a short walk and explore the garden a little before we enjoy our desert," he asked with puppy dog eyes. "It looks so beautiful and serene." The handsome upper-class man nodded smiling. "I don't see why we couldn't," he replied. "I'll just get our shoes and the haori for our yukata. It's too cold to go outside without a jacket."
Only a short while later the two boys walked the snow covered paths of the traditional garden, hand in hand. "It's so quiet and peaceful," Takumi said quietly and closing his eyes he took a deep breath of the crisp, clear night air. "This is the perfect way to end an incredibly beautiful day." He squeezed Gii's hand gratefully and beamed at him. The amber-haired boy returned the smile and led his lover towards the frozen pond with the gazebo. Once the two lovers had reached the wooden pavilion they took a moment to take in their surroundings. "It's really nice and romantic, isn't it," Takumi marveled. "it sure is," Gii agreed and hugged his boyfriend tightly from behind.
"I've never been out here at night," he said and rested his chin on Takumi's shoulder. The black-haired boy leaned against Gii's firm chest and placed his hands gently over his lover's, sighing contently. "Are you happy," the handsome upper-class man asked softly and nuzzled his boyfriend's neck lovingly. "Very," Takumi replied, his voice equally soft. "And not just because of all the sweet things you did for me today. Just being with you, knowing that I'm in your heart makes me incandescently happy. Your love changed my life in so many ways." He fell silent for a moment and turned around in Gii's embrace to face him. "Gii, I'm grateful and I feel so fortunate to have you in my life. I love you so much," he whispered and blushing lightly at his words he gingerly trailed the contours of the other boy's face.
"I love you too," the amber-haired boy said hoarsely. "More than I can say. From now on many things are going to change in our lives, but no matter what the future holds in store I want us to always be together," his voice trailed off and he drew in a shaky breath. "Gii," Takumi inquired, frowning a little as he noticed his boyfriend's nervousness. "You captured my heart and you make me complete," the handsome upper-class man continued, his voice slightly trembling. "I can't imagine a life without you anymore and I wish for you to be by my side forever." With that Gii stepped away from his lover and knelt down before him, producing a small velvet box he'd been hiding beneath his haori. With a fleeting tremble around his lips he opened it and gently took Takumi's hand, the boy staring at him wide-eyed.
"I want to be your family. I want to make your happiness the way you make mine. Hayama Takumi, will you marry me," he asked huskily, his voice laced with hope. "Yes," the ebony-haired boy replied shakily after a brief moment of silence, his voice barely more than a whisper and tears welling up in his dark brown eyes. "A thousand times 'yes'!" Smiling happily Gii rose to his feet and took the ring from the box. As he slipped the silver band tenderly on the ring finger of Takumi's left hand, his own eyes began to tear up. "God, I love you," he whispered endearingly and caught his fiancé's lips in a deep, passionate kiss, holding him tight.
Takumi replied with equal passion and felt his knees grow weak as their tongues came together for a heated, sensual dance. He moaned softly into Gii's mouth, tightening the grip around his shoulders. Finally the handsome upper-class man broke the kiss and pulled away, only enough to allow him and his fiancé to catch their breaths. "Let's go back and continue this inside," he breathed seductively against Takumi's lips and began to place butterfly kisses along his jawline, one of his hands sneaking slowly down the boy's chest and finally disappearing into the opening of his yukata. "G-Gii," the ebony-haired boy gasped out as he felt his fiancé's fingers brush softly over his skin and nestled closer.
"I take that as a 'yes'," the handsome upper-class man said velvet-like and licked Takumi's ear playfully. The boy gasped again, his body already reacting to Gii's erotic and seductive actions. "I know your chocolates are still waiting for us," the amber-haired boy whispered in his bedroom voice, referring to their earlier conversation and halting his caresses for a brief moment he leaned back a bit to meet his fiancé's gaze. "But tonight there's only one thing I want for desert…you." Takumi blushed deeply and gave an almost imperceptible nod, his eyes burning with love and passion for the handsome upper-class man. Gii smiled warmly and inched closer to seal his fiancé's lips with a sweet, lingering but innocent kiss before he lifted him up into his arms and carried him all the way back to their room.
THE END
A/N: "Haori", a jacket-like coat that's worn over a kimono or at some onsen over the yukata, especially in winter.
I hope you enjoyed the story! Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!
I also started working on the last story of the 'Popping the Question' set. It's going to be a multi-chaptered story, so look forward to that!