I do not own Only the Ring Finger Knows... [ Horrible, I know... ]
I do own this fan fiction. So please do not use anything from my stories without my consent.
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Chapter 3.
Their stomachs were both churning with the anxious feeling that something bad was really about to happen. Which, it could happen; but neither figured it would go as bad as it was about to. Before they took the three hour drive to Wataru's parents, there was something they needed to do. In the cup holder on Yuichi's side of the car, a small ring ticked against the sides whenever they hit a bump or a small pot hole. For some time now, Wataru had been eyeing it, knowing it was something bad. The ring without it's partner was a bad thing that needed to die. Or, that's what Wataru was thinking anyways. The ring looked worn and beat up. It had scratches and in need of serious repair. But Yuichi insisted that it needed no polishing.
Kazuki would look over at the ring as well whenever they stopped at the light. His finger felt almost lonely without the band around it. It turned green again and he started moving again, pressing down gently to sway the car in it's direction. "That is strike two... If... If he does anything again... I really am going to lose it." He murmured, softly, but he was sure Wataru would hear him.
"Ka-" Wataru tried to maybe reason with him. But he was quick to stop.
"Do you really feel nothing! He has kissed you, took my ring and tried to get you i-"
"K-Kazuki!" He shouted, not wanting that sentence to be finished. "I... I don't feel nothing!" Fuji looked over at Kazuki who kept his eyes on the road. "I care just as much as you do. I just-"
"Can't bring yourself to hate anyone?" Kazuki finished, sounding a bit agitated. "I don't know with you Wataru..."
Things turned slightly quiet in the car as they pulled up the drive way. It was a pretty long one and the house looked old and run down. A group of people were moving assorted wood and there was a few tossing things into a dumpster. A familiar male covered his ear with two fingers, pressing down on the blue tooth connection to his phone. His mouth moved, but neither Wataru or Kazuki knew what he was saying. In truth, they didn't care. Yuichi looked over to Wataru who really did look nervous. You couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor kid. It's not like he gave the ring to Asaka in the first place. He moved his hand over and placed it on top of the boys trembling one. There were no words said, but they both knew what they were going to say anyways. Wataru smiled meekly and undid the buckle holding him in. Yuichi did the same.
The car doors shut behind them and Asaka turned. The look on his face showed that he was not surprised at all. But he did look a little amused. Which worried both of the boys. The girls behind Asaka smiled and waved. Wataru responded with a small wave that showed he was scared. His arm had barely come up above his shoulder and his lips were quivering. Kazuki, on the other hand, looked cool and laid back. No need to look uncool just because you are going to kick someone's ass.
"Wataru! What brings you two here?" Asaka said with a smile. Oh he knew why they were here, he just wanted Wataru to start talking instead of Yuichi.
"Hi... Asa-" Wataru started, not really sure of what to say. But he didn't have to since Yuichi had cut him off.
"You know exactly why we are here." His glare was soft and no one would think much of it. No one except Wataru. He knew Yuichi all too well.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Asaka turned slightly as yet another group of females had stopped their work to smile and wave at Wataru. "Come with me. The last thing I need is this project to take forever because the females are distracted." He said honestly, not a hint of a whine in his voice.
Without another word, Yuichi and Wataru followed Asaka to a small park not to far by. The snow crunched beneath their feet as they moved to the swings. Asaka leaned on the metal frame, Kazuki just stood and Wataru took a seat on the black swing. His knuckles were already white and the rest of him was red. Wataru kept his head down until he could feel the gaze poke at his head to look up; at which, he did so.
"Now give it back." Kazuki looked down right mean now. Since no one else was around, he was safe.
Asaka grinned, happily watching how Kazuki looked so angry and Wataru looked like a beaten dog. "I wouldn't have it. What makes you think that?"
"You pulled it off my finger when you tried to..." Wataru at first shouted, but he became softer until he stopped.
"Tried to what?" Asaka asked, playing obviously dumb. But he wanted to hear it. From Wataru. Kazuki just watched, waiting to see what his lover would do.
"You... When you kissed me!" He shouted again, standing up. Kazuki could feel Wataru's pulling gaze, but he didn't look up.
Asaka grinned again as he got it out. He knew Kazuki wouldn't but in unless he really needed to, so he continued his game. "Did you dislike it?"
Kazuki looked up just as Wataru's red face seemed to go pale. How do you answer that? Wataru was never one to offend people, but if he didn't then he would go against his lover. This can't be happening. His mouth opened, and shut, leaving his face looking purely and utterly scared. Asaka grinned and kept his gaze on Wataru. He only looked at Kazuki through the corner of his eyes. "Dis... like it?" He echoed, trying to stall so he could think about this some more. "It was forced!" He shouted, but he didn't stop there. "I... had no say in it!"
"Isn't that how Kazuki kisses you?" Asaka fought back. "Isn't that how he first kissed you?" Wataru stared, not being able to deny it. "Wasn't our first kiss the same as Kazuki's?"
How could Asaka say this? Right in front of Kazuki! Wataru was angry and ready to cry, but he couldn't. For his own sake, he would not cry. He would just have to answer his way. No matter how things turned out. Wataru stood up and never took his eyes off of Asaka, but he walked forward so that he was in front of Kazuki. Yuichi looked up, seeing the side of his lover while the front stared at Asaka.
"Yes.... Yes... And no." Wataru said firmly. "When he first kissed me... I was a bit shocked at first, exactly when you kissed me. The high school pretty boy kissed a younger, average boy. I thought it was almost a joke! My lips quivered and my heart raced. But then yours... I, wasn't some, lost, high school kid. There is one major difference between your kiss, and his." Wataru finished his sentence and held out his hand palm facing up.
Kazuki crossed his arms and glared to Asaka. "The one major difference between your kiss and his..." He repeated, now with one hand on Wataru's shoulder. "Is that we both loved each other. I took my chances. If it were a no, I would have watched from afar... You took your chances. Now watch from afar..."
Asaka just looked at them. There was no emotion in his eyes, but you could just feel that he had been beat. The legendary Asaka was beaten. But it was just the battle, not the war. Without a word, he took a small ring out of his pocket. A small silver ring with a gold stripe in the center. It was clean and polished. Most of all, it matched the ring he had given to Yuichi. He placed it gently on Wataru's palm. It felt cool from the air outside, but he knew it was warm. Finally he had the ring back. With a grin, Asaka put both his hands in his pocket and turned. Wataru and Yuichi saw him off in the direction of the old house.
There was a long silence between them, but Yuichi kept his hand on Wataru's shoulder.
"Hey! Where is Wataru?" A few woman and a man asked.
"Oh? He will be leaving soon. You will be able to see him off." He half lied.
Asaka walked to the black car driven by Yuichi Kazuki. The doors were thankfully unlocked since the two were hoping this would be quick. He trailed his hand along the window frame and smiled. His eyes laid on the ring inside. It was Wataru's ring that he had given Yuichi. All beat up and meaningful. Heh. Quietly he opened the car door and reached in for the ring. Just as he had always remembered, it was old and beat up. From his pocket, he brought out a look-a-like. It was the same ring, but he had made his own scratchings in it and dented it a bit. The ring belonged to no one therefore it meant nothing. But you really couldn't tell the difference. He put the look-a-like in the cup holder and Wataru's ring in his pocket.
Their lips touched just barely and each just stared at each other. I am in love with this boy. They both thought rapidly in their heads. It was true. They had overcome this! So it seemed they telling parents might not be so hard. Wataru was the one to push in as he wrapped his arms around Kazuki's neck. Kazuki held the other by the waist firmly, but not so hard he would hurt the boy.
"Yuichi..." Wataru said softly, held in his lovers arms.
"I told you to wear boots. Now the bottoms of your pants are all wet from the snow..."
Kazuki let go and turned for Wataru to climb onto his back; which the boy happily did. His whole body was cold, but against Kazuki, he was warming up. It was a fuzzy warmth that he really liked in moments like these. Wataru held on with his arms around Kazuki's neck. His forehead pressed against the back of his carriers head. Even though he couldn't see it, he knew damn well that his lover was smiling.
A few of the people at the construction sight pointed and smiled. Whispers and giggles were even heard. But none of them actually said anything directed to Kazuki or Wataru for some reason. The two didn't overly mind though. Now that they were fixed on letting their relationship out, it wasn't all that bad. Besides, that meant they could do more in public. If one was flustered, the other would be. They were in this together. As they approached the car, Kazuki let Wataru down and they both walked to their side of the car.
That was too easy though... Was something wrong? Kazuki thought to himself. Wataru on the other hand was pretty content as he put the ring on. It seemed he didn't realize how easy that was. All they really did was ask for it and they got it handed it to them. Literally. With a half smile, Kazuki looked to Wataru's hand. This was ownership. But he knew it was not in a bad way! He loved Wataru and he knew Wataru loved him. Yuichi already had the ring on from the cup holder. Neither realized that this was not the real ring. What was Asaka thinking?
"Kazuki!"
"Hmm...?" Kazuki murmured slightly as he turned a bit to look at Wataru from the corner of his eye. His smile was there and stumped up for Fujji from speaking.
"Ano... Ah..." Wataru struggled as he stared awkwardly at Yuichi. His mouth was opened slightly and he was clearly smiling.
"What? Did you get lost in my eyes and forget?" He teased, knowing that he was probably right anyways.
"W-what? No I was just..." Yeah, Kazuki was right. With an eyebrow raise from Kazuki, Wataru blushed furiously. "We should probably stop for something to eat... before we..." He trailed off; not wanting to finish at all. The two were still nervous to go there and tell about their relationship. So far, his mother and father had thought he just moved in with a friend for a while since it was close to his job. When his family was moving, he ended up staying with his 'dorm mate' instead. Great. Now he had to tell his parents he brought home a lover. A male lover.
Realizing the situation, Kazuki wasn't going to argue or make Wataru anymore nervous than he needed to be. All he could do now was give his support and hope it is enough. "Good idea... We can stop and get sandwiches." He stated, knowing that neither was really hungry that much in the first place. But worrying on an empty stomach was not a good thing. "We still have enough time. Since you told them we were coming for dinner. It is only eleven. Why don't we take the sandwiches then go to a near by park?"
Wataru nodded slightly and smiled to himself. The park always felt wonderful when Kazuki was with him. It belonged to them. Kazuki drove up to a small single owned shop and the two got out. The air was chilly and their breath made small puffs in the air before disappearing. Both were quick to walk into the shop where it was much warmer and smelled really good. An elderly man poured coffee at the counter and handed it to a man. The place must have been unknown for the most part since it was barren of many people. It was around lunch time too. The man smiled at the two and the two smiled back. They walked up to the counter and looked up at the menu above them.
"Ahh... A small hot chocolate and a grilled cheese sandwich please." Wataru told the man who responded with a nod.
"Make that two small hot chocolates and two sandwiches please." Kazuki stated, not finding anything better on the menu. Again the elderly man nodded.
Kazuki and Fujji waited at the small bar that was there. Wataru, deep in thought about something, pulled the ring off, twisted it and put it back on. Then he would repeat. Sure it looked like the ring Kazuki had given him, it physically felt like the ring Kazuki had given him, but something seemed odd. Yuichi, on the other hand, didn't seem to really notice, but instead looked around the cafe. There were mostly elderly people here...
"Hey Kazuki...?" Wataru said, looking up at the other. "Notice something about this place...?"
Kazuki couldn't keep from smiling. He didn't answer, but that answered Wataru's question enough. It was like the other cafe they used to go to before it was sold and made into a company owned family restaurant. The two just stared at each other for a moment before Kazuki made the first move. He moved his hand to put over Wataru's but something else stopped him. Quietly, the elderly man put down a tray with the order on it. Wow. For only this man working here, the sandwiches really looked good. Kazuki looked up at him, and so did Wataru. By this time, their hands were on each of their laps. This wasn't like a disturbance though. The old man looked a bit sorry for disrupting what was going on.
"Thank you." Wataru said softly, looking embarrassed.
Kazuki on the other hand, looked calm and cool like he always did. "Thank you." He said as well, handing the man the money for the order.
The elderly man accepted it and bowed to the two of them before departing back behind the counter. Yuichi looked over to Wataru who had already bitten into the cheese sandwich to avoid being able to talk. A small lump of the hot melted cheese in his cheek. Kazuki chuckled and reached over to poke it. A little jittery, Wataru swallowed hard and looked to Kazuki.
"H-hey..." He said, feeling just a little better.
Yuichi raised an eyebrow and picked up his sandwich as well, biting into it. Ah, it tasted really good. The warmth from which would probably do them wonders for how nervous and worried they were. The two ate, with multiple conversations just for the fun of it. With work, studying and life all around, they hadn't had much time to just do this expect late at night. But neither really wanted to talk. Kazuki crumpled up the napkin and put it on the tray. Wataru did the same. Still holding a conversation that had to do with something back in the day, the two got up. Wataru held both the hot cocoa cups and Kazuki threw away the trash and put the tray away.
"To the park?" Kazuki asked.
"After you." Wataru replied, giggly softly.
Kazuki blushed and took his hot cocoa.
The air was cool and bit his nose, making it blush from each bite. But his hands were warm. They cupped around the cocoa and brought it to his lips. It was not as hot anymore so it was good to drink, but it still was hot enough to keep his hands warm even in this winter air. The snow crunched under his feet and the chains of the swing squeaked loudly. Warm kisses trailed down the back of his neck and licked his cold skin.
"Kazu...ki..." Wataru tried to say. "What if... what if there are people around...?"
"You are so cold..." Kazuki murmured as he pulled his arms off from around Wataru's waist. "I don't care... Let them watch." He took a seat not too far away on the bench.
Wataru slowly followed, tossing the empty cocoa cup in the rubbish. He took a seat next to the other. "Kazuki..." He said again as he had an arm wrapped around him.
Yuichi held him gently and pulled him close. Wataru leaned on his lover's shoulder, not at all worried since no one was even around. Snow started falling from the sky as Wataru turned to stare into Yuichi's eyes.
"Yuichi..."
"Wataru..."
The wind through the trees blew gently against their faces, but no longer between them.
Asaka sat inside the old house, isolated from the rest of the workers there which were sitting on the tables outside on lunch break. In his hand, he played with a small silver and gold ring. One which was shiny and well kept, and another which was beat up and worn out. He now had both of the rings in his hands. Which meant both the rings that Wataru and Yuichi wore were copies that Asaka had made. He looked at Wataru's ring especially. Wataru... he thought he loved him. Knew it! He just had to have loved and still love that boy.
"Wataru..." He said softly to himself as he put Yuichi's ring back into his pocket. The old beat up ring really was a diamond in the rough. Carefully, he slipped it on his left hand. On his ring finger. Wataru... was wearing a ring that Asaka had had. And Asaka was wearing Wataru's ring... "Wataru..." He repeated.
Aww... I made Asaka such a mean person. Well, I think I did. He will have good things coming for him. Kazuki feels out of character... and Wataru is a little bit more... uke...
But it won't be like that for long. I promise.
Ok, I am almost done with the next two chapters, so I will have four up probably this weekend. If not tomorrow.
Please give me feed back, reviews, comments, whatever.