The following day, the warm, early spring sun filtered through the cherry blossom trees. Watanuki had been busy in the kitchen since early morning, preparing all of Dōmeki's favorite foods. He knew the archer's preferences by heart after all the time they'd spent together.
The smell of delicious dishes filled the air as Watanuki placed them carefully on the low table, surrounded by plush zabuton cushions. He had also set the table with sake cups, hinting at the possibility of a pleasant drink to accompany their meal.
As Watanuki finished setting everything up, he couldn't help but feel his heart racing in anticipation of Dōmeki's arrival. He was nervous and excited, and the blush that painted his cheeks only grew darker with each passing moment.
It was a little embarrassing, but he wanted everything to be perfect for Dōmeki. He felt like a teenager going on his first date. He'd never been this forward with his feelings, and he wasn't sure how Dōmeki would react and he busied himself with arranging the dishes on the table, trying to regain his composure.
When he heard the familiar footsteps approaching, Watanuki's heart seemed to leap into his throat. He stood up and smoothed down his clothes, his gaze fixed on the sliding door. He felt awkward and unsure, his fingers fidgeting with the fabric of his kimono.
The door slid open, and there stood Dōmeki, his expression as inscrutable as ever. Watanuki's breath caught in his throat, but he managed to greet him with a shy, "Hello."
Dōmeki stepped inside, his eyes immediately noticing the spread of dishes on the table. His gaze flicked briefly to Watanuki, who was blushing furiously, and a small, genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips. This was what he had he had expected after yesterday.
He'd honestly thought Watanuki would pretend it never happened and go back to ignoring their unspoken feeling. Ever observant, took in the sight of Watanuki's blush and shy demeanor. He couldn't help but find it endearing.
Watanuki's heart raced as their eyes finally locked. His breath caught in his throat as he saw something in Dōmeki's eyes that he hadn't expected. It was a softness, an emotion he rarely saw in the stoic archer.
"Dōmeki," Watanuki whispered, his voice barely audible, "I..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Dōmeki leaned in and kissed him. It was a gentle, sweet kiss that conveyed everything they hadn't been able to say for years.
Yesterday had been a delicious sample of his little seer and he was eager for more.
When they broke apart, Watanuki found himself blushing even more, his cheeks a deep shade of red. Dōmeki, still holding Watanuki's face in his hands, looked at him with a tenderness that left no room for doubt, and he simply said; "I've been in love with you for a long time."
Watanuki's blush deepened, and he averted his eyes, his heart pounding. "I... I love you too." He murmured; his voice barely audible.
Dōmeki leaned in for another kiss, their lips meeting in a gentle and affectionate union. It felt like the most natural thing in the world, as if all their unspoken feelings had finally found their voice.
Watanuki couldn't contain his happiness, and a bright smile breaking through his shyness.
"Let's eat." He suggested.
Dōmeki nodded in agreement, and they settled into a contented silence. Watanuki busied himself with preparing a plate of food, but instead of handing it over to Dōmeki, he shyly began to feed him, one bite at a time. Dōmeki let him, relishing the tender and affectionate gesture.
They traded bites and kisses throughout the meal, their love growing stronger with each moment. In that quiet, sunlit room filled with the aroma of delicious food and the presence of each other, they found a happiness that felt like destiny.
※
In the weeks that followed their admission of love and their newfound relationship, Dōmeki felt like he was walking on air. But he quickly realized that their love, while genuine and powerful, couldn't magically erase all the challenges that lay ahead.
Kimihiro's depression over Yūko's absence still lingered like a shadow over him. There were times when he withdrew into himself, lost in thoughts and memories of the witch. Dōmeki knew he couldn't replace her or fill the hole she had left in his life.
He could only be there for Kimihiro, offering his support and understanding.
The real challenge, however, was the growing anxiety that Kimihiro felt about Dōmeki's aging and the life he had away from the shop. While Kimihiro was bound to the store, Dōmeki was free to live his own life, age, and pursue his dreams and aspirations. This fundamental difference in their circumstances was a source of tension.
Watanuki couldn't help but worry about the future. He knew that as he remained the shop's owner, he wouldn't age or experience life beyond its confines. Meanwhile, Shizuka would continue to grow older, his world expanding, and new experiences awaiting him. It was a stark reminder that their paths were diverging, and it left Watanuki feeling trapped.
The first time Watanuki mentioned his fears to Dōmeki, they were sitting in the quiet garden under the cherry blossoms. The atmosphere was no longer as carefree as that sunny March afternoon when they'd kissed for the first time.
Watanuki's voice trembled as he spoke; "I don't know what to do, Shizuka. I'm stuck here, while you... you have your whole life ahead of you. What if you find someone else? What if I'm just holding you back?"
Dōmeki reached for Watanuki's hand and squeezed it gently. "Kimihiro, I love you. That won't change. I chose to be with you, not out of obligation, but because I want to be with you. I'll always come back to you, no matter where life takes me."
But Watanuki's anxiety couldn't be easily placated. He looked down at the ground, tears glistening in his eyes. "I know you say that now, but what about years from now? What about when you're old and I'm still the same? I don't want to see you sacrifice your life for me."
Dōmeki leaned in and kissed Watanuki's forehead, his gesture filled with tenderness. "We'll figure it out, Kimihiro. We'll find a way to make it work. But for now, let's cherish the time we have together. The future is uncertain for all of us, and worrying about it won't change anything."
※
Several years had passed, and their love had endured through the seasons. Watanuki had grown more settled in his role as the shop's owner, even if the specter of Yūko's absence still haunted him from time to time. The weight of his immortality and his inability to leave the shop had been a constant source of anxiety, and it had fueled several heated arguments between him and Dōmeki over the years.
Now, as Dōmeki faced the offer of a tenured position as a folklore professor at a prestigious college several hours away in Kyoto, the truth of their differences and the strain it had put on their relationship was brought into sharp focus.
Watanuki had been trying to hold back the tears as Dōmeki shared the news, but he couldn't. His voice quivered as he said; "Shizuka, you should take it. This is your dream, and I can't hold you back any longer. You've been so patient with me, and I don't want to be the reason you give up your life."
Dōmeki looked at Watanuki with a mixture of love and frustration in his eyes. He had always known that his career aspirations would be a point of contention. It didn't help that his handsome features attracted plenty of attention from his female co-workers who refused believe he was in a committed relationship.
He took Watanuki's hands and spoke calmly; "I'm not taking the position, Kimihiro."
Watanuki's eyes welled up with fresh tears. "Why, Shizuka? This is a wonderful opportunity for your career."
Dōmeki sighed and wrapped his arms around Watanuki, drawing him close. "Because I love you, and I can't imagine my life without you. I studied folklore to help you with the shop. For us. I won't let a job tear us apart."
Watanuki couldn't hold back the sobs any longer. He cried for the relief that washed over him, for the years of worry and anxiety, and for the love that Dōmeki had consistently shown him. Dōmeki held him tightly as he let out all the pent-up emotions, comforting him in the only way he knew how.
Eventually, the tears subsided, and exhaustion took over. Watanuki's cries gave way to soft sniffles as he nestled in Dōmeki's arms, finding solace in the embrace. Dōmeki, ever patient, continued to hold him, gently stroking his hair as Watanuki's breathing slowed and he finally drifted off to sleep.
※
Dōmeki gently laid Watanuki down in their room, covering him with a blanket and ensuring his comfort. His long hair cascaded around him like a dark veil, and Dōmeki couldn't help but brush his fingers through it, savoring the softness and the familiarity. He pressed a tender kiss to Watanuki's forehead, then turned his attention to the full moon casting silvery light into their room.
As he stared up at the night sky, Dōmeki's mind was filled with thoughts and questions about the difficult decision he had made. His gaze remained fixed on the moon as he contemplated his feelings for Watanuki and the life they had built together.
Dōmeki's exhaustion eventually caught up with him, and he fell into a deep slumber beside Watanuki, his hand still resting gently in his lover's hair. The room was bathed in the moon's soft glow as he dreamed.
In his dream, he found himself standing in the dark before a voice echoed around him in shimmering drops of light. The voice that echoed around him was soft and haunting, "Your feelings are strong and beautiful, Dōmeki Shizuka."
Dōmeki furrowed his brow and approached the figure, his voice as blunt as ever; "What do you want?"
"The real question is what do you want?"
Without hesitation, Dōmeki responded; "I want Kimihiro to be happy, and I want to be able to take care of him forever. I never want to leave him."
The voice responded and he could hear the warmth in its tone. "I understand."
With that, Dōmeki woke up with a start. He felt different, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The egg Yūko had given him years ago, which he had always carried with him, was just a broken shell beside him.
Watanuki, who had been startled awake by Dōmeki's shooting up, stared at him with wide, questioning eyes. "What did you do, Shizuka?" he asked, his voice trembling with worry and confusion.
Dōmeki began to explain his dream. The darkness and warm voice, the conversation they had. That he wanted Kimihiro to be happy and to stay with him forever. Then when the voice responded with a simple "I understand," Dōmeki woke up.
Watanuki was silent, staring at Dōmeki for a few minutes, his emotions a tumultuous storm within him. Then, without warning, he threw his arms around Dōmeki, burying his face in his chest, and began to sob uncontrollably.
Dōmeki was taken aback but immediately pulled Watanuki closer, his strong arms offering solace and warmth. He softly stroked his lover's back, whispering words of comfort and reassurance.
After a few moments, Watanuki shuddered as he tried to regain his composure. He lifted his tear-streaked face from Dōmeki's chest, his red eyes locked onto his lover's gaze. "You're immortal now too." He finally managed to say, his voice breaking. "Your soul is tied to mine. The egg granted you what you asked for."
Dōmeki's eyes widened in shock and understanding. He tightened his embrace around Watanuki, comforting him as best he could. Kimihiro was so strong but incredibly fragile at the same time. He laid them down, wrapping his seer in his arms and murmuring that they'll talk about it again in the morning.
He feels Kimihiro struggle a bit in protest before he sighed and snuggled more deeply in his arms and drifting off into sleep.
※
The next morning, Watanuki and Dōmeki awoke in each other's arms, their newfound connection and shared immortality still fresh in their minds. Silently, they went about getting ready for the day, the weight of their extraordinary circumstances heavy in the air.
Watanuki busied himself in the kitchen, preparing a breakfast of all of Dōmeki's favorites. They ate in silence, the unspoken questions and emotions lingering between them like a quiet storm.
Unable to bear the silence any longer, Watanuki finally broke it, his voice trembling. "Shizuka, why did you wish for my happiness instead of something for yourself?"
Dōmeki looked at Watanuki with unwavering love in his eyes. "Kimihiro, there's nothing in this world or any other that's more important to me than you. My happiness is tied to yours. You are my everything and I never want to leave you."
Tears welled up in Watanuki's eyes as he listened to Dōmeki's words. He couldn't contain the emotions that surged within him any longer. With a shy, watery smile, he crawled into Dōmeki's lap, his heart too full for words. "I want to be with you forever, too." He whispered.
They cuddled and shared deep, warm kisses until it was time for Dōmeki to leave for work. As they stood at the gate, ready to part for the day, Watanuki noticed something. The invisible barrier that had always separated the shop from the outside world, keeping him trapped within its boundaries, was gone. The realization hit him like a lightning bolt.
Dōmeki noticed Watanuki standing at the gate, turned around. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
Watanuki hesitated, then, with a heart full of hope and fear, he took a step beyond the gate, onto the sidewalk. And to his amazement, he was standing on the other side, outside the boundaries of the shop, for the first time in two decades.
※
Over the course of several months, Watanuki and Dōmeki explored the extraordinary changes brought about by their newfound immortality and the fulfillment of Dōmeki's wish. Watanuki's ability to leave the shop at will and create 'doorways' to any place he desired opened up a world of possibilities.
Watanuki was ecstatic at being able to leave the shop again. He walked through the bustling streets, hand in hand with Shizuka. They went on dates and he was overjoyed to do his own grocery shopping. It was such a small thing to most people but it almost left Watanuki in tears.
But it wasn't just the freedom to leave the shop that had changed. Watanuki noticed that he looked older, no longer stuck at the age of seventeen. He looked like he was in his early twenties, and Dōmeki looked younger. The fine lines that had started to appear around his eyes and mouth had vanished, and he didn't have to work as hard to stay in shape. The change wasn't extreme, and Watanuki figured it was because of their soul bond.
With these new changes, Dōmeki decided to accept the position he was offered because Kimihiro could come with him and the seer was excited to move the shops permanent location to Kyoto.
Dōmeki was looking forward to introducing Watanuki to his co-workers at the celebration party. He knew that the women in his department would be shocked that his 'partner' was real and he couldn't wait to see their shocked and jealous expressions when they saw how stunningly beautiful his seer was as they'd constantly gossiped among themselves when they thought he wasn't around that if his partner was real he must be embarrassed by them.
※
The celebration party was in full swing as Dōmeki stood near the entrance, waiting for Watanuki to arrive. Colleagues and students alike crowded around him, asking when his partner would show up. Some of the women in his department made snide remarks about Watanuki's apparent tardiness, casting glances at Dōmeki.
"He's probably not coming." One of them said with a smirk. "Maybe he's not as committed as you are, Shizuka."
Dōmeki merely arched an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He knew that Watanuki had a flair for making dramatic entrances. He decided to let them wait, knowing they were in for a surprise.
As the conversations continued, a student professor nearby suddenly choked on his drink and pointed towards the entrance. "Who's that?" He stammered.
The gathering turned to look, and there, in all his elegance and beauty, stood Watanuki, wearing a dark blue kimono embroidered with peonies and his long hair floating around him in an inky cloud. The conversation in the room stuttered for a moment.
Dōmeki couldn't help his smug smirk as he said; "My fiance." Before making his way over to greet Watanuki. He pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek, relishing the softness of his skin.
"You look stunning Kimihiro." Dōmeki murmured.
The party resumed with a newfound energy, and Dōmeki kept his arm securely around Watanuki's waist, staking his claim and making it clear that Watanuki was his and his alone.
As they engaged in conversations with various attendees, Watanuki didn't escape the curiosity and sometimes thinly veiled attempts to undermine their relationship.
"Why haven't we seen you before?" One woman asked, not even looking at Watanuki but instead batting her eyelashes at Dōmeki.
Watanuki smiled politely. "I've been quite busy with an antique shop I own, but I made sure I'd be able to come tonight."
Another woman chimed in, her tone suggestive, "Shizuka never talks much about you. How did you two meet?"
Watanuki's response was light-hearted, "We went to high school together. We didn't start seein each other until after but we've been together for quite a while now."
A bolder one decided to push further. "You must be so proud of him. He's such a catch. He has a lot of admirers here."
Watanuki merely chuckled. "Oh, I'm well aware of that. Shizuka is quite irresistible, but I trust him completely."
Throughout the evening, Watanuki made sure to spoil Dōmeki, feeding him and cuddling up to him at every opportunity. He was unapologetic about lavishing affection to his fiancé, and the undeniable chemistry between them left no room for doubt in anyone's mind that they were completely in love with each other.
※
As the sun began to set in Kyoto, Watanuki found himself happily making sure the shop was fully settled in its new location.
Kyoto was a beautiful place with a rich history, and he couldn't help but marvel at its charm, the city known for its cultural heritage and culinary delights.
Watanuki had been busy throughout the day, exploring the bustling streets, peeking into specialty food shops, and discovering local delicacies. He had made a mental list of all the wonderful treats he wanted to share with Dōmeki.
When Dōmeki finally returned home after his first day at work, he found Watanuki eagerly waiting for him on the porch, with a low table adorned with tea and an array of delectable snacks. Watanuki's eyes lit up as he pulled Dōmeki sat in the spot he'd prepared.
"You won't believe the incredible food shops I found today, Shizuka." He began excitedly. "There's a little place that serves the most exquisite matcha, and another one that makes the fluffiest dorayaki I've ever tasted. Oh and there's a street vendor who makes the most incredible taiyaki filled with sweet red bean paste."
Dōmeki watched Watanuki's animated expressions, a soft smile playing on his lips. He was relieved that Watanuki's mood had shifted so dramatically. No longer was he depressed, waiting for Yūko to return, or anxious about losing Dōmeki. Instead, he was radiant, filled with joy and life.
Watanuki's voice filled the air as he continued to share his discoveries, his enthusiasm infectious. And as he talked about everything he'd found in their new home, Dōmeki couldn't help but think that the only thing that might make Watanuki even happier would be if Yūko were there to share in his joy.
Hello! I stumbled across this AMAZING fic by renrenren3 ( s/6579559/1/Inevitability) and I really wanted to continue it! My mind went to so many places that this fic feels a little weird but I love it and I highly recommend reading hers! This one picks up right where theirs left off but it can be read as a stand-alone! Enjoy!