Junpei waited all week anxiously for the phone call that never came. Every sound from his mother's phone made his stomach knot with worry until he saw her smile at whatever message Toji had sent her. His secret was still safe. For whatever reason, his sensei is choosing not to reveal that he'd cut his classes to see you. More than that, you were practically caught in the act yet again.
The two of you made plans to see each other over the weekend to let things at home cool off. Toji did not appreciate coming home to an intruder in his home in the least. Junpei was patient enough to wait happily. You got to see each other every day at school, hold hands in the hallway and steal kisses between classes. His memory of helping you achieve your first moment of bliss is more than enough to tide him over until Saturday. Even his mother had to comment on the curious absent-minded smile he'd been wearing for the past few days. She guessed it was about you of course, the major new factor that had come around in his life as of late.
"You and Fushiguro-kun have been growing close, haven't you?" she asked one night as the two were seated at the dinner table.
His guilt overtook his joy immediately. All he could manage was something in the spirit of "I'm just happy to have a friend to hang out with."
It didn't do you justice, not in the least, but the words that formed his confession would simultaneously close his throat if he thought of saying them out loud. It wasn't fair to his mother either. She's been in the same blissful delirium for weeks now. How much longer could that last?
Thankfully Saturday comes soon enough. Though Junpei wishes he would have been more covert in the way he brought the subject of going out to his mother. Without thinking he mentioned it casually over breakfast and her eyes lit up with inspiration.
"Why don't you let us drop the two of you off? We can have a nice day at the biopark down the street while you boys enjoy yourselves at the mall?"
A far less than desirable compromise, but he couldn't think of any reason to turn it down without her getting suspicious.
"Sure. Of course. If it's not too last minute for him." He crossed his fingers inside his pockets as she made the call, but her bright and bubbly responses told him that all the wheels were already in motion for his unofficial third double date with his mother.
PAPAPAPAP!
A series of excited knocks pulls him from his personal spiral. That definitely seems like it has your energy behind it. He reminds himself this is still going to be a fun day of quality time with you and gets up to let you in.
"Good morni– O-Oof!"
He really should be more used to your surprise attacks by now. You tackle him everytime you come over and today was no exception. You'd eagerly locked arms around his neck the moment there was enough space to reach him.
"Junpei! Ready to check out that arcade you've been telling me about?"
"Heh. Sure am! Been looking forward to it all week," he laughs while struggling to hold you both up. His grip switches to your ribs, giving you a hard enough poke to make you pull back just the way you'd taught him. You squeak and let him go, still grinning.
Looking past you, Junpei's expression goes serious when his sensei enters the foyer, kicking off his shoes and giving a damn near poisonous glare right back at the boy.
"H-hello, Sensei. It's good to see you."
Without answering, the older man's eyes narrow. Junpei then notices he's holding a white shopping bag in one hand.
"Uh, can I t-take that for you?" he offers.
"Not for you," the older man grumbles, sounding oddly indignant rather than his usual commanding self. Of course his expression brightens the moment Nagi enters the room like the flip of a switch.
"I promise I'm almost ready! So sorry to keep everyone waiting, I'm just looking for my purse. I forgot where I put it last night," she huffs with a friendly little wave.
"It's no trouble," Toji reassures her.
"Actually I was going to take care of something here before we left if that's ok?"
She cocks her head curiously. "Hm? What do you mean?"
He holds up the shopping bag. "I picked something up for you."
"A present? For me? Oh, why thank you!" She beams as she accepts the shopping bag from his hand. Her smile wavers a bit as she peaks inside.
"Um, what exactly is this? It looks like… a showerhead?"
Right away all of the color drains from Junpei's face. You share his horrified expression as well. Why the hell did he get her a showerhead? You had no clue what the heck Toji was bringing along with him when you were leaving your apartment. You figured it was candy or some other stupid crappy gift like that like a normal person.
"I know these older constructed buildings have weaker water pressure and cheap fixtures. I hope you don't mind."
She looks perplexed but the nice gesture is still kindly appreciated.
"Oh! You're right about that. Thank you. That's… very thoughtful. Junpei honey? Show him to my bathroom while I find that damned purse of mine."
"Yeah, sure," he grumbles while keeping his eyes glued to the floor. You awkwardly hang back as they disappear down the hallway, counting your teeth and feeling that pulse in your forehead quicken.
Junpei weakly points toward his mother's bathroom.
"S' over there," he mumbles.
With a grunt Toji nods and steps past. "Come give me a hand."
"I- huh?"
What help could he possibly offer? He doesn't know anything about plumbing, but the glare he receives commands him to follow anyway. Clearly this must be about what happened at your apartment.
Toji was right about the fixtures being basic. Most apartment complexes select the cheapest and most unpretentious designs for things like faucets and utilities. With little effort, he unscrews the old head and hands it back over his shoulder.
"Hold this."
"Oh! Sure," Junpei takes it and steps back out of the way, paying close attention in case he's needed for anything else. The silence is so unsettling with the only sound being the plastic packaging of the new shower head as Toji pops the tabs open along the sides.
"Uh, S-sensei?"
"What?" His teacher turns his head but maintains his cold countenance. There's a cautious edge to his voice.
Junpei's heart is slamming in his chest. He knows his face must be ablaze right now. He's crazy for this. Truly insane.
"I… umm just want to say.. th-thank you."
He doesn't know why he said that or if Toji will understand what he means, but when he dares to look up again, Toji is already focussed again on his work. Sighing, Junpei stares back down at the piece of calcified hardware he's holding.
"You're welcome."
It was low and grunted as if it weren't genuine, but that doesn't stop Junpei from feeling a slight wave of relief wash over him. So he isn't in trouble after all. Good. Nonetheless he still wrinkles his nose as he reads the package of the new shower head as it's tossed to the floor. There's a very excited looking model smiling broadly back at him. The advert beneath her boasts a "mind-blowing" jetstream.
Wait a minute…
Junpei's eyes widen as it finally dawns upon him why Toji is doing this in the first place. The older man takes the remaining piece out of his hands, wearing a confident smirk now as he breezes past.
"Let's go," he instructs.
Casting one last disturbed glance back at the apparatus now hanging on the wall, Junpei cringes and shuts off the light quickly to avoid seeing it any longer.
Touche, Toji.
.
.
.
Thank God the mall isn't too far away. Sitting in the back seat while watching Nagi making flirty eyes at Toji is making both yours and Junpei's stomach flop. Exactly how much longer can this go on? Toji has to have figured out what happened in the bathroom based on the inappropriate gift he brought along. He can't seriously be intending things to get more serious between them, can he?
You watch her hand cover his and have to force yourself to look out the window at the passing buildings instead. He's allowed to be happy too, you remind yourself with a tight grimace. But why does it have to be right in front of you?
The mall comes into view at last and you nearly sigh with relief. Toji pulls the car to the curb at the entrance of the arcade beneath a giant sign that says Round 1. In your eagerness, you nearly jump out before he can park.
"We'll pick you up in an hour and a half, okay? Have fun boys!" Nagi calls from the car window.
You stifle a snicker while waving back, making direct eye contact with Toji.
"You too. Enjoy the botanical gardens. Sounds real educational."
"Oh, it is! We're sure to have a grand time!" Nagi laughs good-naturedly, sensing none of your sarcasm.
Toji on the other hand, knowing you better than that, only sneers back before checking the time again. "90 minutes. Same place. You'd better be toeing the line and waiting for us."
"Aye aye, captain." You roll your eyes as you wait for Junpei to round the back end. He gives you a secret smile once safely out of view as the car pulls away, growing smaller in the distance. You heave a huge sigh of relief.
"Ugh! That car ride was awkward as hell."
"Yeah… but hey, at least we get to be on our own for a while." He smiles and slips his hand into yours. His eyes are shining with excitement and his cheeks feel warm already. Even touching you this innocently has a heavy effect on him.
You kiss his cheek as you walk in through the automated doors. "That's true. So let's make the most of it."
The sound of electronic music and digital fanfare draws you in. There's dance games in the first row with patrons laughing and stomping along to the beat to keep rhythm with their avatars on screen. Beyond that, you can see the tops of dozens of claw machines each stuffed with prizes waiting to be snatched up. The smell of pizza and popcorn reaches you from the snack bar, and you're positive you can hear the familiar clink-clack-clink! of air hockey. It's an impressive setup, you have to admit. And much bigger than you were expecting. There must be over two hundred games here!
"Wow!"
Junpei squeezes your hand again while pointing across the room. "There's a place where we can exchange tickets for prizes over there. We should try to win something from the claw machines too. I'm really good at them."
"Yes! Oh, look! They have House of the Dead too!" you cheer with glee as you tear away toward the empty booth before anyone else can get there first.
Junpei has to jog to keep up. Seeing you this excited has his heart racing by the time he joins you in the enclosed booth. It's not quite fully enclosed, but the added darkness does give the screen a more threatening aura as the theme music plays.
"Wow. This one is different from the version at the movie theater," he comments.
You touch his arm, giving a meaningful squeeze. "Sure is. So much more private."
Sensing your intention right away, he puts his arms around you and pulls you in for a lingering kiss. The chimes and bells of the surrounding games easily block out the sound of the people playing them. The bliss of being alone with you at last settles over him and he sighs for breath when you pull away.
"It's nice to finally have another date with you…Even if my mom and Toji had to come too."
You shake your head and make a feigned gagging sound. "I don't wanna think about what they're doing on their gross date."
You pick up the red rifle and cock it in your hands.
"The only thing that matters right now is you and me… wasting a fuckton of zombies. Are you ready?"
With a grin Junpei picks up the blue rifle for player two.
"You bet I am. Let's go!"
.
.
Zen gardens are structured around seven guiding principles: Severity, Simplicity, Serenity, Asymmetry, Mystery, Oddity and Stillness.
Toji doesn't know shit about gardening.
He knew the essentials of the landscaping components necessary for traditional Japanese gardening, that was about it. Water, rocks, plants, fish, lanterns and bridges. Each had their significance in the elements to help the viewer reflect upon the simplicity and complexity of life as it bloomed around them. It was a difficult artform to achieve absolute perfection in, but notoriety existed nonetheless as in any perfectionist's field.
Maintaining these traditional gardens also takes ridiculous amounts of money.
Nagi excitedly points out charming animals carved in stone along the pathways, pausing to take photos and read the detailed explanations of their importance in ancient lore.
He feels like a jackass for being too distracted to listen to her.
Tell her the truth…
Each breath is his intention to clear his conscience, but seeing that smile on her face is killing him in more ways than one.
She takes his arm to steady herself as they cross a narrow stone bridge, just for a moment before looking away shyly. He says nothing.
You can't put this off forever.
There isn't going to be a convenient moment to bring up the subject. He's more than aware of that. But that still doesn't make it feel right to out her son before he can do so himself. It shouldn't be any of Toji's business to begin with, but you had to go and involve him in your school fights.
At the sound of yet another sigh to her right, Nagi turns with a concerned pout.
"Is something the matter? Sorry, it's so quiet here, I can't help noticing how quiet you're being too."
"No. Everything's fine."
She purses her lips a bit while glancing around the surrounding path again. They pass beneath the decorative pillar leading to the newest garden.
"Sorry if I picked a boring spot for a date. I just thought it would be nicer than last time."
She hasn't forgotten how crowds make him feel. Toji swallows his guilt in a difficult lump before giving her his best smile, though it was still weak. "It's really peaceful here. You're right. Thanks for thinking of… me."
Nagi pauses by one of the many decorative lanterns and reads aloud from a placard near the footpath.
"'The lantern's light represents fire. The air and the spirit are symbolized by the two upper roof sections that are close to the sky. Such lanterns are also a metaphor for the ephemerality of life after death.'"
"Wow that's… kind of a huge downer for a garden decoration," Toji mutters.
"Well true reflection does include acknowledging one's own mortality. We have to think of these things to truly embrace life while we're here," she reminds him.
He gives her a truly impressed smile. "You're quite philosophical."
"Me? Oh, no I'm not. I just have too much time in my own head."
There's a hollowness in Nagi's smile he spots right away. She's being modest again. If anyone has had enough time to reflect on death the way he has, it's definitely her. Though the patients on her table usually recovered enough to walk out the hospital exit.
Unlike his.
On its own, his hand finds its way into hers, letting her guide the way.
She was right about it being beautiful here. There are maples in their Autumnal reds lining the clearing leading to a towering man-made waterfall. In the corner of the garden sits a single red roofed structure. A small shrine sits beneath a shade from surrounding birch trees.
"I thought maybe we could offer prayers together? If that's alright with you of course."
She leads him over by the hand.
Prayers? He swallows nervously. Normally he isn't one for these sorts of practices, but if it's for her, he's willing to make the exception for today. Who knows? Maybe it will actually give him some good karma.
"We can each offer a coin, ring the bell and make a wish," Nagi suggests.
"Sure. Here," He fishes the change from his pocket, giving her a coin to drop into the offering box.
Her hand grips the clanger of the bell and releases it once, filling the air around them with its toll.
Afterwards she claps her hands twice, keeping them together, then closes her eyes and focuses on her wish. Toji watches her as she prays, feeling oddly shameless in doing so. Her lips move subtly and when she looks up again, he forces himself to look away.
"Want to know what I wished for?" she asks with almost childish excitement.
He smirks and cocks his head to the side. "Won't that void it if you say it aloud?"
She only giggles. "Oh, I never believed in that superstition. Why not make every wish out loud? Then the universe can hear it louder."
He can only smile at that notion. Her hopefulness is welcomed.
"Sure. Tell me what you wished."
"I made a wish for our boys. No matter what happens or what paths their lives take, I just want them both to be happy."
"That's… a really nice wish. Thank you."
Of course she would make a wish for someone else. She's so unselfish. Right away Toji knows what his wish should be. He reaches for the bell and rings it once, closing his eyes and clapping his palms together the same way she did. Summoning the energy to pray is difficult. He hasn't done this in years, but he tries his best.
I wish for Nagi Yoshino's happiness. She deserves it more than anyone.
An odd way to formulate a wish perhaps, but he feels satisfied nonetheless.
"Are you going to tell me your wish?" Nagi asks.
Giving a secretive smile, he shakes his head. "Sorry. I really want this one to come true. So I won't jinx it with my lousy luck by saying it out loud."
She giggles softly. "Worrywort…"
Her expression softens and he realizes she's leaning in. The moment sprung up without him noticing it was coming. A strong pull on his arm requests him to come closer. Although he knows he shouldn't let it happen, he's strangely unable to fight it.
Despite the ache it stirs in his heart, he allows Nagi to kiss him.
And kisses her back.
His mind is playing tricks on him, transporting him to a time when he once stood in a garden not unlike this one and took his life back into his own hands.
…Flashback...
The Kazahaya clan was many things, but unpretentious was not one of them. Kept in pristine condition since its original construction, the estate owned by Saiga Kazahaya boasted several traditional style gardens with reflecting ponds, stone sculptures, bridges and footpaths connecting them into one luxurious trail. Though the beauty of the landscaping did little to make up for the unsightly business that maintained such a property.
On the rare occasions Toji met to discuss business with his boss, he was always summoned here. A show of faith that his employer would welcome him to his own home rather than meeting publicly. Today however, it was Toji who requested to meet.
After arriving, Toji is escorted through the side garden entrance beneath a 100 year old pillar, running his hand over the carving meant to attract prosperity. He needs all the help he can get. While awaiting to be joined by his boss, he takes in the view of the largest koi pond of the estate from the adjoining pagoda overlooking the water. There's a strict rule prohibiting smoking unfortunately, so he chews his nails instead.
He's really pushed his luck by waiting this long, but he's had his reasons.
The sound of footsteps coming up the path behind him only makes his heart pound even harder as he masks his emotions automatically. He changes his countenance in a quick switch to assume the hardened professional his employer expects.
"Sorry to keep you waiting! I was held up in a conference. Everyone seeks your opinion when you're a success," Saiga Kazahaya chuckles as he joins his favorite employee on the pagoda. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pipe for himself, ignoring his own rules of no smoking in the gardens.
"Well regardless, you have my full attention now, so what may I do for you, Shi-san?"
Toji inhales deeply. He knows his pause is already betraying the negative nature of this meaning. He can tell Saiga is seemingly preparing himself for bad news as he taps the end of his pipe on his chin expectantly.
Here goes everything….
"My contract is up at the end of the year… I'm sure you haven't forgotten," Toji begins cautiously.
Right away the look on Saiga's face betrays his early disappointment. Weakly he attempts a joke instead. "Heh. I don't suppose this is a preemptive discussion for your renewal, is it?"
But the seriousness in his favorite employee's face is clear to read. As is his silence. Saiga knows what this is.
Toji wants out.
The older man heaves a sigh, looking out at the koi pond his grandfather had stocked himself. Some of the first koi were still living here.
"I always knew this day would eventually come. And I thought I prepared myself for it accordingly… Toji Zen'in, you've served my family with good faith and loyalty. I am happy to give you my good graces to part on your own."
All the air leaves Toji's lungs in a single breath. Was it really that simple? It's over?
His eyes must betray his astonishment because Saiga only laughs in amusement.
"Don't look so shocked, I told you I've been planning on you leaving me one day. I know it's not what others in our line of work would allow…. You know everything you know about our business. But if anyone has earned a favor from me, it must be you."
A favor…
One hell of a favor indeed!
No one is ever granted clearance to bow out at his level, not after the years he put in. He feels the sting of tears and rapidly blinks them back. Don't cry in front of him you idiot! Cry when you tell Minato you're finally getting out of this shitty part of the city.
His boss's question cuts through his internal celebration. "I am curious, why now of all times?"
Forgetting himself in the moment,Toji can no longer hide his growing secretive smile.
"I'm going to be a father. Really soon."
Saiga's eyes widen and he mirrors Tojis grin. "Ha! Are you now? By God…That's wonderful! Hey, all the best to you and your lady. I hope the two of you are happy together. Do you know what you're having yet? A girl or boy?"
He pauses before shaking his head forcefully. "No. We're leaving that up to fate."
"Well I hope you get a son out of it personally. A boy is a gift."
Such an odd thing to hear from the man who helped birth a monster, but Toji only returns his boss's gusto and shakes his extended hand.
"Thank you for understanding. It'll be hard adjusting and switching gears as far as work."
"Ah, don't worry about that. You can list me as a reference for whatever as long as you give me notice. Hell, I'll tell them you were my personal accountant if you need me to. I owe you for the work you've put in for my family. It's the least I could do. Oh, and we can discuss a severance deal to cover your contract nullifying early. It won't be any issue."
Severance? As in a payout? That might be a bad idea. Toji doesn't want to owe any more favors if he can avoid it.
"Sir, that's not necessary."
"You say that now, but just wait until that son of yours is here. Then you'll be worrying about money again in no time. What if he wants to go to college?"
"Heh. Then he'd be the first in my family."
"Well see? That's something worth investing in. Please, we'll call it a wedding present. You are getting married, I assume?"
"Uh, it'll happen eventually."
"Haha! You better make it right, you bastard. For your son's sake."
There's that word again. Toji knows Kazahaya-san means it in a positive light, yet still it sticks a pin through his chest each time he hears it.
The two men make an agreement to meet in a few days to finalize the severance. As his shoes crunch over the gravel footpath leading out of the garden, Toji finds himself feeling light for the first time in his life. His chest loosens inside and a real smile plants itself firmly on his face.
He's too excited to go straight home and change clothes like his usual routine. He's never had such good news before and doesn't want to waste a minute. Instead he drives directly across town to the cheap apartments where Minato stays, taking the steps two at a time until he reaches her floor.
He pauses outside the door to collect himself and slow his breathing, wanting to announce his retirement in one go instead of drawing things out. He's been waiting a long time for this moment.
As he enters the apartment, his smile wavers as he takes in the state of the living room. It's messier than usual. Minato's clothes are scattered over the floor, some of them ripped at the seams. The sound of soft combing reaches his ears. It sounds like it's coming from the bedroom.
"Minato?!" he calls out while rushing to see what the matter was, not bothering to take his shoes off.
He pushes the bedroom door open, finding his partner laying on the bed, curled up and crying exhausted lying in dry heaves. He notices he isn't wearing any clothes other than a pair of boxers stolen from Toji's drawer.
Immediately Toji takes his place beside him, softly squeezing his shoulders as they shake. "Hey, what happened? What's wrong?"
At first Minato only hiccups, keeping very still while being held. Gradually his head lifts and he meets Toji's gaze in the mirror beside the bed.
"N-nothing f-fits me anymore! I'm huge and gross! I can't even go out without people calling me "ma'am" or asking me if I'm having a boy or a girl. I hate it! I hate being pregnant! I don't feel beautiful or like I'm glowing or any shit like that. I just want this kid out of me already so I can have my own body back."
By the time he's done, Minato is crying even harder than before, nearly wailing his distress into the pillow to muffle the sound. Toji doesn't say anything, keeping his hands easy and light as he strokes down his boyfriend's back in soothing motions.
"I want a cigarette!"
He kisses the soft tear-streaked cheek closest to him. "I know you do. But thank you for quitting."
"You did this to me," Minato grumbles with a harsh scoff.
"Sure did," Toji concurs with near smugness.
"And you'll probably do it again, too one day. Won't you?"
Again, Toji can only nod in agreement. "I mean, only if you'll let me… I'm definitely open to it."
Irritatedly Minato flops over in bed, facing Toji. "Why?! Doesn't this disgust you? Don't I make you sick?"
"No. Not even a little bit."
"And I read today that before the baby comes, a huge glob of slimy mucus falls out first."
"That's… certainly interesting."
"It's gross! Why does this all have to happen to me?!"
"Because my body isn't made for it." Toji rests his cheek on top of Minato's head, squeezing him tightly.
"But I would if I could though. I'd carry our baby for you so you wouldn't have to go through this. I know it's hard, but you're still my good boy. Nothing changes that ever."
Minato scoffs again but it sounds easier this time, like he's at last cried himself out. "It's impossible to feel like a boy right now. With maternity clothes, and birthing books my family keeps sending me…I'm reaching a point where I almost don't care anymore. Until this kid is born, I'm just Mister Mom. I have to keep reminding myself this is temporary."
"At least all of my clothes still fit you," Toji points out, playing with the elastic band of the boxers on Minato's hip.
"You can wear them as much as you like. I think you look pretty hot in just these personally."
"Watch it, bud. I'm definitely not in the mood for any funny business from you. That's how I got into this mess."
Toji chuckles aloud. "I'm pretty sure it was actually you screaming for me to put a baby inside you, my love."
"I can't be held responsible for the things I say when I'm horny!"
With a satisfied rumble, Toji pulls his partner upright with him, keeping his arms and legs wrapped protectively around the growing belly between them. Maybe he should reveal his good news after they eat something instead. This moment doesn't need to be about him.
"What do you want for dinner? I think we have leftover katsu–"
"Nope. I ate that."
"Okay. Maybe some curry instead?" he offers.
Minato groans again. "We can't. Because I ate that too. And the last of the somen. And all the other instant noodles in the pantry. After that I sat on the floor eating butter on bread. And then the whole loaf was gone.."
"Wow. That's… really impressive."
Sensing another wave of tears on its way, Toji gently rocks them back and forth together gently, making reassuring sounds. "It's okay… We can go out and get hot pot instead. You can wear my hoodie and the grey sweats you like."
"What? Really?" Minato's tone brightens at the promise of one of his favorite meals.
"Sure we can. I'll correct the waitstaff if they call you ma'am. And if they're idiots, we'll just slip out without paying. Okay?"
At last he hears a happy sigh. "... I love you. So much."
"I love you too, Mina-kun."
…End of Flashback...
.
.
"Okay, a little more to the right now. Careful… careful. Now back an inch?"
Junpei recalculates the drop path of the claw while watching you work the joystick simultaneously. He wasn't lying about being good at crane games. He easily snagged a Keropi keychain which you instantly clipped to your backpack. It only made you more determined to win a prize for him too.
"That should do it! Go, Fushiguro, go!"
He cheers as the metal claw descends over the blue plush spider you've been angling for over the last five minutes. The weight of it keeps flopping the stupid thing out at the last second as it's picked up, but you're certain you nailed it this time.
"Shit!" You curse as the spider tumbles from the grip yet again, landing right next to the prize opening. You were so close too.
Looking around to make sure no one was watching, Junpei decidedly takes a deep breath and puts his hands at the top corners of the cabinet glass and pushes. The machine barely lifts much to his surprise. He was never strong enough to budge one of these things before.
"Junpei! What are you doing?"
Your eyes nervously dart over your shoulder to make sure nobody saw that. You don't want any staff to come yelling at you.
"I got it!" He announces with another push as the plush falls over into the chute.
"Quick! Grab it before someone sees!"
You laugh like a madman as you snatch it up, immediately offering it to Junpei.
"Here! For you!
"Ah! It's so cute! I love it!" he squeaks as he hugs it to his chest.
"I'm shocked you could shake the machine like that. These things are heavy!"
"Heh. Yeah.. I guess all the training we've been doing is starting to show?"
He blushes and tucks the plush away in his own backpack before checking the time. You still have about half an hour left before being picked up. Unfortunately your funds are low after the manic spree the two of you had playing nearly every video game in sight.
"What should we do now?" he asks expectantly. Surely you might have something in mind. Judging by the twinkle in your eyes, he's right.
"How about we go check out the rest of the mall? Do a little window shopping maybe?"
"Um, sure. That sounds fine."
That can't be everything on your mind. Junpei knows that look too well.
Nevertheless, he lets you take him by the hand as you stroll out the mall exit. It's moderate foot traffic for a weekend. Only a few people meander outside each department store, chatting idly or pausing to visit one of the snack vendors nearby. He doesn't question when he's pulled into one of the shops behind you.
He watches wordlessly as you rifle through a few shirts and pants on the display tables before grabbing one of each.
"Follow me to the dressing room," you instruct in a low voice.
His stomach is really beginning to tingle in a peculiar way. He hopes you aren't going to shoplift anything from here. Being mindful but oblivious, he pauses outside the dressing room before you forcefully tug him inside with you, quickly locking the door behind him.
"Fushiguro? What the hell are we doing?" he asks in a panicked whisper.
You hold a finger to your lips and point to the locked door. Leaning in closer, you speak directly into his ear, causing him to break out in goosebumps.
"The doors go all the way down to the floor, and the sales clerks didn't see us come in. No one knows we're here… So you have to be quiet."
Ohh…
His teeth sink softly into his lower lip and his breathing deepens in anticipation as he recognizes you brought him here to fool around. A smile gradually spreads across his face and he nods at you. It will be challenging to keep quiet in here, but he's willing to try his best if it's what you want.
"Okay."
Seeing that sweet rush of blush rising up his neck, you can't resist leaning forward to press your lips to it, feeling how warm he is already. When you rest your hands upon his hips, he swoons lightly on his feet but remains dutifully quiet as instructed, leaning back against the wall of the dressing room.
"Good boy," you mouth silently, tickling his skin with your lips until he inhales sharply.
You undo his belt as you drop down to your knees in front of him. His eyes are enormous when he finally realizes exactly what you want to do. Looking up again, he checks to make sure no one is on the other side of the door through the tiny crack at the hinge. Then he softly places his hands on your shoulders and eagerly nods his consent.
Your hands fumble with the waistband of his boxers, pulling them down just past his hips. In anticipation your tongue wets your lips, holding back an eager sound when he springs forth, fully ready for you. He holds his shirt up with one hand, breathing fully through his mouth as yours descends over him. The warmth of your lips meeting him makes him leap in place, pulling his spine away from the wall thinly to come slamming back down as he stumbles back.
He has to clamp both hands over his mouth. His eyes roll all the way back.
Oh…My…God
Never would he have imagined the warmth and satin feel of your tongue. You watch his struggling expressions and reddening face as he barely holds himself back from making a sound. You try using your hands at the same time, wrapping around where you can't quite reach to caress every inch of him. His leg begins to nervously twitch and bounce in place, unable to break away any wider with his pants down at his knees. The soft inflection of his swears, spoken in breathless encouragement only pushes you to try even harder. It's almost like a sort of game to watch his eyes bug and his face turning red when you take as much of him into your throat as possible,then coming back up so the two of you can breathe again.
You're not sure what you were expecting but he tastes no different here than any other part of him. Taking your time to explore him here, you lose yourself for several minutes. Sharing shy smiles as he groans a little louder than he should have. The way his fingers tremble through your hair and clutch you tighter must mean he's getting close. Your own face blushes in a surge of heat as you realize you both must be thinking the same thing right now… What would you do when he finishes?
He didn't have long to wait. A sudden impending sensation rattles up his entire body and builds with astonishing strength. He can't hold it back or warn you before it slips out of his control, managing only a quick series of squeezes on your shoulders before he hears you inhale sharply and then swallow. He doesn't make a sound, biting his fist to hold back as he huffs for air through his nose. To muffle the sound, he buries his face in his still raised shirt.
Your fingers tickle their way up his exposed stomach until he twitches and blinks down at you. He's still struggling to catch his breath but shakily returns your smile although his is far less smug.
"Is there someone in there?"
Neither of you moves for what feels like several minutes, but it's closer to just a few seconds as someone walking by the dressing room rattles the doorknob questioningly.
Your eyes are enormous. Junpei's expression is a mirror of your own as he starts pulling his pants back up in a panic. His headrush has yet to subside however and he stumbles in place, kicking a shoebox left behind by another patron. Your eyes meet and you share the same fear.
"Hello?" they call again.
"Uh... Just about done in here. Th-thank you!" you call out, trying to sound older than you are.
Inside you are having a full on heart attack. Turning to Junpei, who is freaking out as badly as you are except on the outside.
What do we do?!
He mouths to you without a sound.
Wait here until I open the door… Then we run!
What?!
He shakes his head vehemently. Running means you'll draw attention. Then everyone will know what you were doing!
But the salesclerk outside only knocks more insistently.
"I said I'm coming!" you snap.
You clasp Junpei's hands in yours.
Let's. Go.
He looks on the verge of tears but grips back with what little courage he has left. And nods his head.
Flinging open the dressing room door, you run past the salesclerk who'd been incessantly knocking. Her eyes and mouth are wide with surprise.
"Stop! Get back here right now!"
She follows you as far as the entrance to the department store before staggering to a stop. She can't leave the store unattended afterall.
Pointing at your backs, she shouts frantically to a man in a white and blue uniform.
"Stop them! Stop those kids!"
But he was already after you when he saw you explode out into the walkway. Running teens usually only meant one thing in the mall: shoplifters.
"Whatever you do, Junpei, just don't stop running!"
The two of you tear through the arcade, hands clasped tightly together as you head for the escalator that leads to the exit. You can hear the sound of the security officer shouting and rapid footfalls coming your way too.
You grip your boyfriend's hand tighter and yank him past other people standing in line on the staircase. Several patrons give you nasty looks for pushing.
"Sorry. Excuse me. Sorry. Can we just–"
"Hey! Watch it!"
Finally! There's a clearing to the exit! And thank fucking God Toji's car is already sitting at the curb waiting for you. For once his punctual nature is working in your favor. Without bothering to round the other side, you both pile into the back through one door, slamming it behind you a little too hard.
"Hey guys! How was the park?" you pant with a quivering smile on your face.
Toji cocks an eyebrow. "It was fine. Why are you two so out of breath?"
Smiling in the most nonchalant way you can possibly manage right now, you meet his gaze in the rear view mirror. Your heart is slamming in your ribcage.
Just drive, you idiot! Drive!
"W-we were playing Dance Revolution! Heh.. Didn't realize how the time had slipped by and we barely finished the round. Um, we should go now!"
He doesn't seem to notice the security guard emerging from the building, staring in your direction with a stern look on his face as the car pulls away. You and junpei both exchange a subtle shared look of disbelief. Your hand comes up on its own to calm your heart while making it look like you're adjusting the seat belt strap.
Toji fumbles with something in the cup holder before handing it back over his shoulder. It looks like a horse talisman suspended in a braid of bright red and gold thread.
"Here. I got this for you."
You turn the cold green jade over in your palm. "A horse? That's cool."
"It's for strength. Inside and out," he explains.
"Heh. Really cool then."
You clip it next to the new Keroppi keychain and set your bag in the middle seat. Your hand meets Junpei's underneath it, locking your fingers together secretly as you both share the same smile.
Your heart still hasn't slowed down one bit.
.
.
.
.
To Be Continued…