Fic: Paper Houses, chapters 9 & 10
Apr. 30th, 2016 03:42 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cloversworldPaper Houses 9&10/10
Uta no Prince-sama x La Corda d' Oro crossover
Jinguji Ren/Hijirikawa Masato, Tsuchiura Ryoutarou/Tsukimori Len
written for Small Fandoms Bang 2016 - round 5
written for Trope Bingo round 6, for the prompt/trope square 'marriage'
MASTER POST
chapters 7 & 8
9.
Sakura trees in full bloom stand around the courtyard, every pale pink petal glistening against the sunlight. Masato's gaze wanders over to the rows of chairs meticulously arranged on each side of the aisle while he marches along the cobblestone-covered ground. Everything looks perfect, well-prepared and he makes a mental note to thank Yumiko for it.
Cool air brushes against his face but the warm breath that touches his cheek when Ren leans close and asks, "Hey, what are you thinking?" erases the slight chill clinging on his skin.
A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "Just remembering our wedding rehearsal," he says, slanting a glance at his husband. "And our wedding. Has it been more than two decades already?"
"Time flies doesn't it?" Ren slides behind Masato, circles his arms around his middle and rests his chin on Masato's shoulder. "Look at her," he says, eyes trained on Mariko who is standing near the makeshift altar with Yusuke and Yumiko. "I can't believe our baby girl's getting married. I still think she's too young to tie the knot though. We should've encouraged her to wait."
"I know how you feel." A part of him agrees with Ren. There have been countless times when he has fought the temptation to tell her that he can't let her go just yet, only to realize that would have been unfair to her. Mariko has proven how much of an adult she is, even though she's only 21. And no guy can ever bring out the best in her than Yusuke. "But we were almost the same age when we got married, remember?"
"How can I forget?" Ren presses his lips on Masato's cheek, lingering longer than necessary.
"P. D. A," someone says in between faux coughing that triggers Masato to twist around, dislodging Ren in the process, and grabs Hideaki by the wrist.
"And where have you been, young man? You missed the wedding rehearsal," he says before he catches sight of the tennis bag slung over Hideaki's shoulder. Masato frowns at the revelation and glares at his youngest son. "Did you actually sneak out to go to Osaka for that practice match that I told you not to attend?"
Hideaki visibly cowers and he stammers out an apology, explaining, "But buchou said he'd take back the recommendation I need to go to camp if I didn't join them."
The look of desperation crossing Hideaki's face tramples on Masato's heart. He releases his son and brushes off the blonde fringes falling over Hideaki's forehead with his fingers. "And who told you I'm letting you go to that camp. I don't remember signing the consent form just yet."
"But Mama!" Hideaki whines and looks up at him with pleading eyes – eyes very much like Ren's.
Masato can feel his resolve crumbling but he doesn't want to make it easy for Hideaki so he says, "I'll think about it. Now I'll forgive you for your Osaka getaway if you show up at the rehearsal dinner and you'll be sitting beside your grandfather so get inside and take a bath."
Hideaki's gaze skips over to Ren but he doesn't say anything, just lowers himself in a bow before taking his leave. Somehow, Masato thinks Ren and Hideaki have some secret code or something. Just one shared glance could mean a thousand phrases.
"You should let him go," Ren says once their youngest son disappears inside the house. "Hide-chan's pretty serious about the sport and if this camp will help him grow…."
"I know that Ren. And I am considering it," Masato admits through gritted teeth. He's not about to deny his son this chance to pursue his dream when he himself had his grandfather's support and encouragement at the time he wanted to go to Saotome Academy. But. "I worry about him. This camp is usually for high school kids. What if he gets hurt?"
Ren's hand slips into his, their fingers tangling. "Let's have a little faith in him okay? If we deem that it's too dangerous for him, if he's hurt physically, emotionally and mentally – something he himself can't handle – then we'll go get him out of there."
Just the thought of a battered or emotionally broken Hideaki makes him hold his breath until he feels like he's going to explode so he releases a substantial amount of air in a defeated sigh. "Fine. He can go."
A flirty smile plays on Ren's lips. "Our children are all grown up now, aren't they?" He pulls Masato closer and says, "I kinda miss having a little one around," with a wink.
Masato strikes Ren at the side of his head with an open palm. "If you're suggesting we have another baby, you can forget about it. I'm too old for that."
Of course, Ren reasons, "But a lot of people still have babies in their early forties," which leads him to think that perhaps he should do more than giving his husband a smack on the head. His thoughts might have reflected on his face because Ren backs away, says, "I was just kidding. No need to be violent."
There's a commotion along the pathway connecting the courtyard to one of the side entrances of the main house and it immediately steals their attention. It doesn't take long before Cecil comes into view. It's been close to six years since they last saw the King of Agnapolis and Cecil looks quite dashing in his casual clothes – dark gray coat thrown over a white turtleneck shirt, a pair of charcoal-colored tight pants and a pair of paddock boots – which is undoubtedly a huge improvement when it comes to Cecil's fashion sense. But then again, perhaps they have his wife – the Queen – to thank for that.
Cecil ambles over with his arms wide open, calling out, "Ren! Masato!" then he throws himself at them, making Masato almost lose his balance and choke from the tight hug they're caged in.
"It's been ages, Ceshi." Ren curls an arm over Cecil's shoulders when the Agnapolis King finally releases them. Masato thinks 'ages' is a mild way of putting it.
The courtesy call is cut short when Otoya pulls Cecil away, claiming he will be introducing his half brother to Mariko's fiancé, whom Cecil hasn't met.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Ren mutters, "I feel like we're having a reunion rather than a wedding," barely above whisper.
"Who says we can't have both?" falls through Masato's lips as soon as the thought settles in his brain. "It's only on special or monumental occasions that we can gather like this. Everyone seems to have viable excuses whenever they're asked to spare time for a simple gathering, us included. And speaking of being busy," Masato pauses to survey the area, checking to see if Ryusei is within hearing distance, and when he spots his son with Taiki sneaking out of the courtyard hand in hand, he brings his focus back on Ren and asks, "have you accepted the job offer at the musical Ryu-chan is appearing?"
There's a distinctive agitation framing Ren's profile when he says, "Haven't given them my final word, but I will accept it. I haven't told Ryu-chan though. He might suddenly back out when he finds out I'm going to be the musical director although realistically, I know he can't do that. "
Even though Ren isn't saying it, Masato can tell he's worried about how Ryusei will react. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear that. It's not like you will be working closely together, so he won't have to worry about you stalking him," he utters as a joke but it evokes a defensive stance out of Ren nonetheless.
Ren crosses his arms, the skin between his eyebrows creasing. "Excuse me but I don't have the slightest intention to play detective." His expression suddenly alters to something neutral, like an entirely different subject hops into his mind. Then he clears his throat and says, "Almost forgot. Seeing as we both will be very busy in a month's time, I was wondering if we can getaway for a week or two, just two of us. I can ask Seichiirou to check on Hideaki once in a while. I think his son, Shun, will also be going to that tennis camp."
It's a tempting idea and Masato is already sold. He and Ren haven't been on a trip on their own for years, except if it's business-related and any leisure time they manage to throw in between is often short and hardly relaxing. If it's a vacation, their children often tag along. "Where do you plan to go?"
A zealous glint crosses Ren's eyes. "I've actually made a temporary reservation at Fregate Island Private in Seychelles. Thought it's a nice, romantic place to have our fourth – or is it fifth? – honeymoon."
Temporary reservation, huh? Ren has clearly been finding ways to keep their marriage in tact and Masato has long decided not to fight against the tide anymore. "I guess that will be alright. Hide-chan's going to the tennis camp a week after the wedding and he'll be there for a month. And Ryu-chan will be in training camp for the musical as well, so I guess we can schedule the trip while they're away." The part where Mariko will be in her honeymoon is left unsaid. Besides, she's been virtually living in Yokohama with Yusuke for nearly half of the past year.
Ren's lips stretches over his perfect teeth. "I'll make the call as soon as we're done here," he says, obviously trying to keep himself steady even though his aura is visibly vibrating with excitement.
*
*
"Okay, thank you. I really appreciate it." Ren thumbs on his phone's screen to end the call, relieved that he's able to book a flight, arrange a yacht and finalize the reservation at the place he intends to rent without a hitch.
Ryusei lowers his tablet, asks, "What was that all about?" while watching him with ardent curiosity.
"I'm taking Mama on a romantic getaway," is Ren's candid response.
Hideaki's head snaps up, the handheld game he's been preoccupied with forgotten for a moment. "Where are you going?"
"Seychelles," Ren says, dropping on the settee between his sons. "On a private island."
"Really?" An ardent spark dances on Hideaki's baby blue eyes and he's bouncing on his seat when he asks, "Can we go with?"
It's Ryusei who reacts first, says, "Hide-chan," in a reprimanding tone. "Mama and Papa are going on their honeymoon or something along those lines. Are you sure you want to be there with them? Remember what happened in Greece?"
The look of horror that crosses Hideaki's face incites a string of raucous cachinnation to burst from Ren's chest. Ryusei soon joins in, almost bent in half from laughing. The Greece incident is just one of the many times Hideaki has (accidentally) walked in on him and Masato having sex. Maybe it was Ren's fault back then for seducing his husband while they were out in the open.
"That is so not funny!" Hideaki exclaims, his arms are crossed and eyebrows drawn towards the bridge of his nose. "And as if I'm the only one who had to go through such traumatic experience. Remember Christmas in Italy, Oniichan?"
It's Ryusei's turn to look scandalized that Ren spouts a rather unappealing noise through his nose in his vain attempt to stop the laughter from breaking out of him. "Why did you have to remind me that?" he tells Hideaki, eyes wide open. "It took years before I managed to erase that from my mind, now it's back!"
Rich, crisp giggles flutter out of Hideaki's mouth. "Sorry Oniichan," he says though he doesn't seem repentant at the very least.
A sense of blissful contentment washes over Ren while listening to his sons' friendly banter. This is one of the things he misses whenever he's on a business trip. Every second he spends with his family is golden so he files this moment in memory.
Ren doesn’t realize he has been too absorbed in sentimental rumination until he feels a foot nudging his thigh and hears Hideaki saying, "Earth to Papa," while waving a hand in front of his face. When Ren flicks his eyes at Hideaki, his son says, "I asked when you will be leaving."
"The twentieth. I have to be back by the second week of May for—" Ren catches himself before spilling out the details about the job but his eldest son leers at him.
"I already know you will be working with the production team for the musical, Papa," Ryusei says wryly with an impassive expression that makes him look more like Masato. "No need to keep it a secret."
Guilt stabs at Ren's conscience but he covers it up, saying, "It wasn't my intention to keep it a secret. I just… Well, I wanted it to be a surprise," which isn't entirely a lie.
"Whoa, wait," Hideaki butts in, looking totally appalled as if he has just discovered something apocalyptic will occur. "Ryunii will be in training camp for the musical. Neechan will be on her honeymoon trip in Europe. Papa and Mama are going to Seychelles. Does that mean I'm staying at home and mope around in solitude?"
Ren glances at him through the corner of his eye and holds down the urge to smirk. "Aren't you going to be at that tennis camp? Your mama says you'll be there for a month."
Hideaki springs up from his seat, the handheld game clattering on the floor. "Wait. What?" The grin that spreads on his face is so wide that Ren worries he might pull a muscle. "You mean Mama has agreed to let me go?"
"Only if you promise to—" Ren's words are cut off when Hideaki lands on him, knocking off the air that's left in his lungs and he finds it harder to breathe when Hideaki's arms circle around his neck.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Papa! I'll promise anything," Hideaki chants, squeezing tighter until Ryusei pulls him off.
"You're choking, Papa, you idiot!"
Ren catches a glimpse of the clock on the wall. It's still early but. "Shouldn't you boys be preparing for the rehearsal dinner?"
It's Ryusei who points out, "We have more than an hour. And we're waiting for Ojii-sama. Mama's orders."
Cold, terrifying shivers crawl under his skin at the thought of seeing old Hijirikawa Masaomi but Ren shoves the thought aside. "Well Papa's orders are for you to get your butts back to your rooms and start getting ready. There'll be plenty of people here to welcome your grandfather." He moves toward the door, saying, "I'll see you boys later," then makes his way to his room, eager to tell Masato about the trip.
The first thing he hears when he steps inside the bedroom is the sound of the water running and the next thing he notices is the partially open door to the bathroom. He wonders if it's Masato's way of inviting him in.
Ren glides inside without second thought and locks the door behind him. Lust immediately coils in his groin area when he sees Masato, his eyes following the trail of water running down his husband's naked back. He tugs his shirt off and slides out of his pants and underwear.
Before he can step inside the shower, Masato twists his head halfway to look at him with narrowed eyes and says, "What do you think you're doing, Jinguji Ren?"
"Joining you, if you don't mind." Ren wraps his arm around Masato and plants a kiss on his husband's nape. "I've already booked a flight and confirmed our reservations," he says, dragging his lips over Masato's shoulder.
Masato hums then tilts his head sideways and Ren takes that as a silent invitation so he clamps his mouth over the spot where Masato's neck meets his shoulder, sucking a mark then licking to ease the sting that he's certain Masato is feeling. Just as when he's dragging the teeth over the soft skin on Masato's shoulder, Masato's hips snap back, rubbing his backside against Ren's erection in the process.
"Oh fuck, Masayan.' Ren takes a step back, eyes on the sink. "You don't happen to have kept lube in here, have you?"
"Just use the bath gel," Masato says in a breathy voice. "Hurry."
"I have a better idea." Ren guides Masato to press his hands against the wall then Ren sinks to his knees until his face is right in front of Masato's naked ass. He spreads Masato's cheeks and blows on the tight ring of muscle hidden between those firm round globes.
"Oh Ren. We don't have time for that," Masato hisses through his teeth.
Ren doesn't care though, just presses his tongue on Masato's opening, lapping and licking, enjoying his husband's heady taste. Then he pushes the tip through the rim, slowly, steadily, until he feels no resistance and just fucks Masato with his tongue, urged more by the erotic sounds leaking out of Masato's mouth.
Once he's certain Masato is lose enough, Ren climbs back up on his feet, legs wobbling a little then spits on three fingers and pushes them all at once inside his husband, stretching him more. "I'm not going to use a freaking condom anymore," Ren growls close to Masato's ear. "I'm clean and you're just going to have to trust me."
"Of course, I trust you," Masato says. "Just put it in."
Ren does exactly what Masato wishes, this time spitting on his palm and coating his cock before prodding Masato's entrance, his walls so warm on Ren's hard shaft. With one arm around Masato's waist and the other propped against the wall to keep his balance, Ren starts jerking his hips, falling into a steady cadence, while planting kisses along Masato's spine, the water still running, pelting down their bodies.
So good. So good. Ren rests his head between Masato's shoulder blades, watching his cock disappear inside his husband and reappears all red with veins sticking out. Masato's arm moves and Ren catches a glimpse of his husband's hand coiling on his own erection. Watching Masato pump his cock urges Ren to rock his hips faster, thrusts harder until he feels the familiar knot in his crotch, can feel Masato tightening around him and—
Someone's rapping at the door quite insistently that Ren ceases, cock buried deep inside Masato. Hideaki's voice soon floats inside. "Mama? You in there?"
Ren thinks he hears his husband curses but it's too low and soft for him to decipher.
"Yeah. What is it?" Masato calls back, the hands splayed on the bathroom tiles turning into fists when Ren slowly drags his erection out, leaving the head clamped between Masato's puckered entrance.
"Ojii-sama has arrived and he's looking for you," Hideaki bellows and there's a hint of panic in his tone. "Is Papa in there with you?"
Keeping his mouth shut, Ren is curious on how his partner will deal with their son, surprised when Masato says, "Yeah, he is. We'll just finish taking a bath and will be there in five minutes."
"O…kay," Hideaki says in a sing-song tone then seconds later, Ren hears a door sliding close, which presumably and hopefully means Hideaki has left.
Ren sniggers against Masato's shoulder. "You think you can come in less than five minutes?"
"Shut up and just…." Masato pushes his hips back against Ren's. "Continue, will you?"
Ren happily obliges so he rams his cock deeper inside his husband then retracts slowly and starts swinging his hips, picking up the pace, feeling the skin of his cock rubbing against Masato's warm flesh. Then his balls tighten, the intense sensation pooling in his lower region.
Masato continues to treat his cock with fervent strokes, leaning his head back against Ren's shoulder, his eyes closed and lips parted. It's that salacious picture that drives Ren over the edge and he pounds more urgently in a feral assault until he's caught in a blinding rapture. His body clenches just as he feels Masato's walls squeezing his erection.
Then they were coming at the same time.
With shallow thrusts, Ren empties himself inside Masato. As soon as his cock turns flaccid, he pulls out and watches his release drip out of his husband and down his thighs. Ren craves for a second round but they both have responsibilities so grudgingly, he grabs the body sponge, fills it with bath gel and starts rubbing it on Masato's back. "I can just imagine Hideaki telling your father that we're in the shower together so if he can just wait a while longer, please."
Masato cracks up with pure amusement in his laughter. "I wish Ryusei will be there to take pictures. I'd love to see my father's reaction."
Ren is simply amazed at how Masato has grown over the years. His husband has certainly come a long way, from being fearful of his father once upon a time, to being the resolute man he is now who can stand up against Hijirikawa Masaomi.
* * * * *
10.
White, yellow, pale pink, lavender, gold and white are all Len can see. The courtyard has been turned to look like something out of a fantasy book.
Yellow, pink and lavender flowers are wrapped around the ornate arch standing at the end of the main pathway that leads into the wide, open space. Smaller flowers with the same colors and are arranged in bouquets crown the white columns lining the aisle. Rows of chairs clothed in white satin fabric with gold and silver trimmings curve around the raised circular platform that will serve as the altar. The ground is littered with sakura petals. And white and yellow butterflies – Butterflies! – are hovering above the ceremony area.
The only break among the color motif is the pair of peafowl loitering along the – Wait… peafowl? What the— Len squints, thinking that maybe he's imagining things. But the birds are there indeed – a royal blue peacock with its tail now spread out like a fan and a green-gray peahen.
Low whistling startles him out of his trance and he almost bumps head with Ryoutarou when he whips around.
"When your mother told Ueda-san to go all out, I never expected this," Ryoutarou says, eyes focused on the majestic birds. "So where are the unicorns and fairies and flying horses?"
Len jabs him at the side with his elbow, says, "Hush, someone might hear you," though the same thought did cross his mind, The corners of his mouth curls up, mirroring the smile lingering on Ryoutarou's lips. He catches sight of Masato and Len, both of them staring at the birds with wide eyes. "Looks like the Hijirikawa-Jinguji couple are just as astounded as we are."
"I bet they are." Ryoutarou chuckles and it's contagious somehow that Len feels mirth bubbling up from his chest but before he can actually release any form of sound, Ueda Yumiko appears in front of them, informing them that the ceremony is about to start.
"And in case you're curious," she adds, "those pair of peafowl isn't my idea. Saotome-san insisted on having them," then turns to leave with a flourish.
Yusuke, wearing a black and white tuxedo, glides in with Ryoutarou's mother clinging to his arm.
"Len-chan!" Ryoutarou's mom releases Yusuke in favor of pulling him in for a hug, which Len returns though he stiffens at the strangeness since he hasn't seen the woman in more than 2 years. "Let me take a look at you," she says, holding him at arms length. "You look thin. Are you even eating properly in America? You should come by our place for dinner."
The invitation seems to come out of left field but Len appreciates it nonetheless. "Once I find the time, I sure will, Okasan. I do miss your cooking."
Yumiko clears her throat and Len takes it as a subtle reminder that they need to take their places. Ryoutarou's mother seem to understand because she pats him on the cheek and says, "We'll talk more later," then collects Ryoutarou in her arms briefly before heading all the way to the front row where her husband is waiting.
Len sees his mother already sitting on the baby grand that is set on a separate platform reserved for the musicians – Kaji, Shimizu, Natsuki and Syo are among them.
Ryoutarou leans close, says, "If only Kachan can see what lies beneath those layers of clothes. I hardly call it thin," in a level audible enough to, apparently, reach Yusuke's ears.
"Oyaji, please," Yusuke says with furrowed brows. "I'm within hearing distance."
The trill of Syo's violin spirals from the front, followed by Kaji and Natsuki's viola and soon, the enthralling melody that is to be the wedding march fills the air and Len does exactly what they have rehearsed the day before almost in an absentminded manner. Not because Ryoutarou's offhand flirty remark has left him flummoxed but it's because of what those words have suddenly reminded him of.
It's such an inappropriate thought for the occasion so Len does his best to push it to the far corners of his mind but once they're seated, Ryoutarou takes his hand and the skin-to-skin contact stirs up a clear visual of what they've done the past two nights, Damn it!
The ceremony is short, on point but momentous in every sense though most of it has flown over Len's head because he's too busy trying to find ways to remove his hand from his ex-husband's possessive grip. Before Len knows it, he's posing for pictures and they're walking out of the ceremony area and into the connecting garden for the reception.
While Len is watching the newly wed couple having their first dance, Ryoutarou sidles next to him and utters an impulsive, "Do you think it's a little too early to ask you to marry me again?" throwing Len for a loop and he stares at ex-husband, wondering if he is being serious. It's rather hard to tell since Ryoutarou looks uncharacteristically ambiguous.
"It is, so don't. Can we just focus on our son and our daughter-in-law at the moment since this day is about them, not us?" Len says through gritted teeth.
Ryoutarou opens his mouth, perhaps to protest or be the persistent bastard that he is, but Hihara comes up to them with a string of comments – good ones – about the food and the decorations and the pair of peafowl. Len is starting to love this guy for his perfect sense of timing.
It's in the middle of Hihara's griping about offering to play the trumpet but has been told that it isn't appropriate for the occasion that Len finds that tiny opening to slip away from Ryoutarou and join his parents on their table.
His mother, having an innate ability to sense his mood, asks, "Is something bothering you, Len?"
The usual white lies start playing in his head but Len realizes it won't work with his mother, so. "Ryou has asked me to marry him again, in a very casual way, that is. So I don't know if he said that merely to test my patience."
"Is it safe for me to assume that you two have settled your differences already?" Misa asks, head tilted while peering up at Len's face with inquisitive eyes.
Len isn't really sure if that's exactly what he and Ryoutarou have been doing but. "Something like that, yeah."
His mother holds his gaze that Len finds it difficult to look away, even as she asks, "Do you still love him?"
Suddenly, the sounds rising from the violin, viola, cello and Otoya's guitar become strident noise in his ears. His mother's question hammers incessantly against his skull that he can feel a nasty headache building up.
"Len?" His mother studies him with blatant worry then the corners of her mouth curls up. "You don't have to answer that. I can already see it clearly in your eyes."
It's useless to deny it. And Len is getting tired of holding his shield up. Maybe he should stop dwelling on the possible consequences and just leave it to fate.
His mother leans closer and pats him on the arm, whispers, "Learn to listen to your heart once more, Len. Remember who it is that had made you happy, who taught you to stop seeking perfection and just appreciate every little things in life. You were married to him for twenty-two years."
The strong vibration against his thigh almost makes him jump out of his seat. He fishes his phone out from his pant pocket, blood rushing to his ears the moment he sees the name on the screen.
"I have to take this," he tells his parents then he rushes off behind the hedges at the edge of the garden, far enough from the reception noise. "Tsukimori here," he says without preamble and he holds his breath while listening to the director of the school he works for in New York.
"Mr. Tsukimori, how is your son's wedding?" is the first thing the director says. Small talk. Len hates small talk, so he gives clipped responses until the director gets to the point. "I'm just checking if you'll be back in time for the spring concert. Your students have been asking about it."
Damn! Len curses inwardly. Just as he has decided to leave everything to fate.... If he were to be honest, he has completely forgotten about the school event. Unprepared, he blurts out, "Of course, I'll be on the earliest flight back to New York tomorrow," even though in reality, that may be improbable because he hasn't called the airlines yet. Sure, he has an open return ticket, but.
"That's good to hear," the director says, sounding relieved. "I look forward to seeing you back here. Have a safe trip then."
Once the call ends, the internal battle between half of him who wants to stay and the other half who believes he should answer to the call of duty begins.
*
*
The first thing that registers the moment Ryoutarou's eyes flutter open is the painful throb in his head. He must've drunk too much last night. The last thing he remembers is trying to get Len to talk to him since he'd noticed that his ex-husband had gone aloof for the rest of the reception.
But Len had managed to slip through his fingers when Ren had dragged him to the mini bar where the others were then offered him sake and that was how Ryoutarou's night had ended.
It takes a while before the pulsing in his temple becomes less intense. He pushes himself up and notices that he's still wearing his pants from yesterday but someone must have taken off his jacket and dress shirt, leaving only his undershirt on. His gaze skips over to the bedside table where there's a glass of water and a pill lying on top of a small piece of paper, which turns out to be a note that reads: 'Oyaji. I'm sure you'll have a major headache when you wake up, judging from the amount of sake you've consumed, so take this. Yusuke.'
It's an injury to his pride as a father to admit that this isn't the first time Yusuke has done this. After Len left two years ago and when Ryoutarou received the divorce papers, he had drowned himself in bottles of liquor and beer almost every night that Yusuke had to deal with the aftermath.
Ryoutarou doesn't want to put his son's effort to waste so he swallows the pill and heads straight to the small bathroom for a shower.
The water isn't too cold and isn't too hot either, just enough to release the pressure locked underneath layers of his skin. As much as he wants to stay under the comforting spray of water, he doesn't dawdle, just washes himself off as quickly as he can, too eager to see Len.
Feeling a lot better and refreshed after his bath, Ryoutarou skips out his room and has barely taken a couple of steps along the rouka when he notices that the door to Len's room is wide open. Fuck, he curses inwardly, That bastard. He didn't…. His heart thunders in his chest while he nearly flies down the hallway, only to find Len's room empty. The bed sheets have been removed, cabinets are left open and there is no sign of Len.
"He just left." Ryoutarou swings around to face Yusuke whose eyes are brimming with melancholy. "He says he'll be catching a train to Osaka where he'll hop on a flight back to America."
"Fuck!" Ryoutarou yells, not caring about manners anymore. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" He drives a fist against the wall with enough force to make it rattle.
"He just stepped out, Oyaji. If you hurry—"
Ryoutarou dashes out of the residential wing without waiting to hear the rest of Yusuke's words. He internally cusses, swearing that if he's not able to stop Len from leaving, he will fly to America and drag Len's ass back to Japan if it's the last thing he'll do.
There are people loitering around the main house as he tears through it without sparing anyone a glance. He stumbles into the front lawn then hurries down the stone path from where he can see a taxi driving away. His heart sinks while watching the vehicle disappear from sight, wondering what has gone wrong.
Aren't things going well between them? Or is he too naïve to believe that they can easily pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and put them back together like new? Maybe… Maybe he shouldn't have asked Len to marry him again, should have just kept his lovesick fantasy to himself. Could that be the reason for Len's behavior, why he's been more subdued than usual yesterday?
Len. This isn't happening. He's already planning to book a flight to America as he turns to make his way back inside, only to stop short when he sees Len standing by the sakura tree, his luggage by his feet.
"That was Aijima-kun who left," Len says as if he has read the unspoken question hovering above Ryoutarou's head. "He said he needs to return to Agnapolis for an urgent matter."
Ryoutarou eyes the bags beside Len. It's apparent that his ex-husband is about to leave as well and if Ryoutarou hasn't gone after him, Len would have without saying goodbye. "And where are you going?"
Light wind blows past them carrying a blanket of silence with only the rustling of the leaves, the chirping of the birds and the gurgling of the water in the nearby fountain can be heard. Len is the first to break the tranquil atmosphere, saying, "I need to go back to America. I have a job there. And a life. But for some reason, it's not that easy to leave than it was two years ago."
"Then don't leave." Ryoutarou is ready to beg, to get down on his knees or whatever it is he needs to do just so Len will stay. "Don't leave, Len. Please. But if you really want to go back to your life in America then let me go with you. I'll drop everything here. I just don't want us to be apart anymore."
Tears well up on Len's eyes. "What are we doing, Ryou? What are we doing?"
"Rebuilding our relationship, Len. I thought we've gone over this." Ryoutarou feels like he's walking on eggshells, not sure what Len means exactly. "Please, Len. There's not a single day I didn't regret having signed the divorce papers. I wish… I wish I would've thrown it into the grill and lit it up instead. I wish I would've flown back to America to tell you that I didn't want to dissolve our marriage. But I let you have your way. Not this time, Len. I can't let you go again. I won't let you go."
A teardrop rolls down Len's cheek but he doesn't make a move to wipe it away. His lips quiver as he speaks. "I… I'm sorry, Ryou."
His ears ring with Len's words. He's not sure what Len is apologizing for, but… but dread intumesces in his chest and he braces himself, waiting for the worst to happen. Maybe Len has changed his mind. Maybe… maybe Len will reject him and will return to America and… and leave him broken once more.
When Len is close enough, he reaches out and places his hand on Ryoutarou's chest, right over his heart, his gaze holding Ryoutarou's. "I'm sorry for having walked away. For being too weak to face the challenges we were going through in our marriage," he says, eyes glistening with tears. "It's not something I wish to do now, but like I said, I have a job in New York and people are relying on me. I can't just…"
Ryoutarou gathers Len in his arms and buries his face on Len's hair. "I understand. But can't you stay a while longer? Just long enough for me to try and book a flight so I can go with you."
"Okay." Len embraces him in return and rests his forehead on his shoulder. "But what about your business?"
"I'm sure Kyoya-kun can handle things without me just fine." It's true though. His former student from his short teaching stint at Seiso has proven himself reliable all these years so Ryoutarou can leave everything in his care without worry. "School year ends in June there, right?" Len's head moves in a nod. "Then you have two months to decide whether you'll come back home with me."
Len snaps his head up, his eyes wide when he blurts out, "I have to call the school director. My students are having a spring concert so he expects me to be back soon."
"Then make the call, ask if you can stay another week." Ryoutarou unlocks his hold on Len and takes his hand, giving it a squeeze. "If I'm not able to book a flight in a week's time, I'll follow you there, okay? No pushing me away anymore."
"I won't." Len tilts his head, lips parted and eyes sliding close. Ryoutarou takes it as an unspoken request for a kiss so he closes the gap, his mouth locking with Len's, their tongues swirling around each other, making every inch of Ryoutarou's skin bristle.
Ryoutarou can hear Yusuke nearby, saying, "Well, Mari. It seems we're not the only ones getting a happy ending here."
When they pull apart, Ryoutarou turns to see the newly wed couple standing at the engawa, watching them with matching smiles. "Aren't you two supposed to be preparing for your flight to France?"
"That won't be until tomorrow, Oyaji. Are you trying to get rid of me already?" Yusuke chaffs, teeth showing as a silly grin extends across his face.
"Already have, son." Ryoutarou's eyes skip over to Mariko and, with his finger, he points at Yusuke, saying, "He's all yours now, Mari-chan." Then he turns back to Len, who seems to have wiped off his tears. "Let's go grab your bags and get back inside."
They have a long way to go, Ryoutarou knows, a lot of broken bridges to mend, burnt paper houses to rebuild, two years worth of absence to fill in. But this time he won't surrender so easily. He has made a promise more than twenty years ago that he will cherish this man beside him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer and that is a promise he intends to keep now, until death do them part.
Owari
Uta no Prince-sama x La Corda d' Oro crossover
Jinguji Ren/Hijirikawa Masato, Tsuchiura Ryoutarou/Tsukimori Len
written for Small Fandoms Bang 2016 - round 5
written for Trope Bingo round 6, for the prompt/trope square 'marriage'
MASTER POST
chapters 7 & 8
9.
Sakura trees in full bloom stand around the courtyard, every pale pink petal glistening against the sunlight. Masato's gaze wanders over to the rows of chairs meticulously arranged on each side of the aisle while he marches along the cobblestone-covered ground. Everything looks perfect, well-prepared and he makes a mental note to thank Yumiko for it.
Cool air brushes against his face but the warm breath that touches his cheek when Ren leans close and asks, "Hey, what are you thinking?" erases the slight chill clinging on his skin.
A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "Just remembering our wedding rehearsal," he says, slanting a glance at his husband. "And our wedding. Has it been more than two decades already?"
"Time flies doesn't it?" Ren slides behind Masato, circles his arms around his middle and rests his chin on Masato's shoulder. "Look at her," he says, eyes trained on Mariko who is standing near the makeshift altar with Yusuke and Yumiko. "I can't believe our baby girl's getting married. I still think she's too young to tie the knot though. We should've encouraged her to wait."
"I know how you feel." A part of him agrees with Ren. There have been countless times when he has fought the temptation to tell her that he can't let her go just yet, only to realize that would have been unfair to her. Mariko has proven how much of an adult she is, even though she's only 21. And no guy can ever bring out the best in her than Yusuke. "But we were almost the same age when we got married, remember?"
"How can I forget?" Ren presses his lips on Masato's cheek, lingering longer than necessary.
"P. D. A," someone says in between faux coughing that triggers Masato to twist around, dislodging Ren in the process, and grabs Hideaki by the wrist.
"And where have you been, young man? You missed the wedding rehearsal," he says before he catches sight of the tennis bag slung over Hideaki's shoulder. Masato frowns at the revelation and glares at his youngest son. "Did you actually sneak out to go to Osaka for that practice match that I told you not to attend?"
Hideaki visibly cowers and he stammers out an apology, explaining, "But buchou said he'd take back the recommendation I need to go to camp if I didn't join them."
The look of desperation crossing Hideaki's face tramples on Masato's heart. He releases his son and brushes off the blonde fringes falling over Hideaki's forehead with his fingers. "And who told you I'm letting you go to that camp. I don't remember signing the consent form just yet."
"But Mama!" Hideaki whines and looks up at him with pleading eyes – eyes very much like Ren's.
Masato can feel his resolve crumbling but he doesn't want to make it easy for Hideaki so he says, "I'll think about it. Now I'll forgive you for your Osaka getaway if you show up at the rehearsal dinner and you'll be sitting beside your grandfather so get inside and take a bath."
Hideaki's gaze skips over to Ren but he doesn't say anything, just lowers himself in a bow before taking his leave. Somehow, Masato thinks Ren and Hideaki have some secret code or something. Just one shared glance could mean a thousand phrases.
"You should let him go," Ren says once their youngest son disappears inside the house. "Hide-chan's pretty serious about the sport and if this camp will help him grow…."
"I know that Ren. And I am considering it," Masato admits through gritted teeth. He's not about to deny his son this chance to pursue his dream when he himself had his grandfather's support and encouragement at the time he wanted to go to Saotome Academy. But. "I worry about him. This camp is usually for high school kids. What if he gets hurt?"
Ren's hand slips into his, their fingers tangling. "Let's have a little faith in him okay? If we deem that it's too dangerous for him, if he's hurt physically, emotionally and mentally – something he himself can't handle – then we'll go get him out of there."
Just the thought of a battered or emotionally broken Hideaki makes him hold his breath until he feels like he's going to explode so he releases a substantial amount of air in a defeated sigh. "Fine. He can go."
A flirty smile plays on Ren's lips. "Our children are all grown up now, aren't they?" He pulls Masato closer and says, "I kinda miss having a little one around," with a wink.
Masato strikes Ren at the side of his head with an open palm. "If you're suggesting we have another baby, you can forget about it. I'm too old for that."
Of course, Ren reasons, "But a lot of people still have babies in their early forties," which leads him to think that perhaps he should do more than giving his husband a smack on the head. His thoughts might have reflected on his face because Ren backs away, says, "I was just kidding. No need to be violent."
There's a commotion along the pathway connecting the courtyard to one of the side entrances of the main house and it immediately steals their attention. It doesn't take long before Cecil comes into view. It's been close to six years since they last saw the King of Agnapolis and Cecil looks quite dashing in his casual clothes – dark gray coat thrown over a white turtleneck shirt, a pair of charcoal-colored tight pants and a pair of paddock boots – which is undoubtedly a huge improvement when it comes to Cecil's fashion sense. But then again, perhaps they have his wife – the Queen – to thank for that.
Cecil ambles over with his arms wide open, calling out, "Ren! Masato!" then he throws himself at them, making Masato almost lose his balance and choke from the tight hug they're caged in.
"It's been ages, Ceshi." Ren curls an arm over Cecil's shoulders when the Agnapolis King finally releases them. Masato thinks 'ages' is a mild way of putting it.
The courtesy call is cut short when Otoya pulls Cecil away, claiming he will be introducing his half brother to Mariko's fiancé, whom Cecil hasn't met.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Ren mutters, "I feel like we're having a reunion rather than a wedding," barely above whisper.
"Who says we can't have both?" falls through Masato's lips as soon as the thought settles in his brain. "It's only on special or monumental occasions that we can gather like this. Everyone seems to have viable excuses whenever they're asked to spare time for a simple gathering, us included. And speaking of being busy," Masato pauses to survey the area, checking to see if Ryusei is within hearing distance, and when he spots his son with Taiki sneaking out of the courtyard hand in hand, he brings his focus back on Ren and asks, "have you accepted the job offer at the musical Ryu-chan is appearing?"
There's a distinctive agitation framing Ren's profile when he says, "Haven't given them my final word, but I will accept it. I haven't told Ryu-chan though. He might suddenly back out when he finds out I'm going to be the musical director although realistically, I know he can't do that. "
Even though Ren isn't saying it, Masato can tell he's worried about how Ryusei will react. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear that. It's not like you will be working closely together, so he won't have to worry about you stalking him," he utters as a joke but it evokes a defensive stance out of Ren nonetheless.
Ren crosses his arms, the skin between his eyebrows creasing. "Excuse me but I don't have the slightest intention to play detective." His expression suddenly alters to something neutral, like an entirely different subject hops into his mind. Then he clears his throat and says, "Almost forgot. Seeing as we both will be very busy in a month's time, I was wondering if we can getaway for a week or two, just two of us. I can ask Seichiirou to check on Hideaki once in a while. I think his son, Shun, will also be going to that tennis camp."
It's a tempting idea and Masato is already sold. He and Ren haven't been on a trip on their own for years, except if it's business-related and any leisure time they manage to throw in between is often short and hardly relaxing. If it's a vacation, their children often tag along. "Where do you plan to go?"
A zealous glint crosses Ren's eyes. "I've actually made a temporary reservation at Fregate Island Private in Seychelles. Thought it's a nice, romantic place to have our fourth – or is it fifth? – honeymoon."
Temporary reservation, huh? Ren has clearly been finding ways to keep their marriage in tact and Masato has long decided not to fight against the tide anymore. "I guess that will be alright. Hide-chan's going to the tennis camp a week after the wedding and he'll be there for a month. And Ryu-chan will be in training camp for the musical as well, so I guess we can schedule the trip while they're away." The part where Mariko will be in her honeymoon is left unsaid. Besides, she's been virtually living in Yokohama with Yusuke for nearly half of the past year.
Ren's lips stretches over his perfect teeth. "I'll make the call as soon as we're done here," he says, obviously trying to keep himself steady even though his aura is visibly vibrating with excitement.
*
"Okay, thank you. I really appreciate it." Ren thumbs on his phone's screen to end the call, relieved that he's able to book a flight, arrange a yacht and finalize the reservation at the place he intends to rent without a hitch.
Ryusei lowers his tablet, asks, "What was that all about?" while watching him with ardent curiosity.
"I'm taking Mama on a romantic getaway," is Ren's candid response.
Hideaki's head snaps up, the handheld game he's been preoccupied with forgotten for a moment. "Where are you going?"
"Seychelles," Ren says, dropping on the settee between his sons. "On a private island."
"Really?" An ardent spark dances on Hideaki's baby blue eyes and he's bouncing on his seat when he asks, "Can we go with?"
It's Ryusei who reacts first, says, "Hide-chan," in a reprimanding tone. "Mama and Papa are going on their honeymoon or something along those lines. Are you sure you want to be there with them? Remember what happened in Greece?"
The look of horror that crosses Hideaki's face incites a string of raucous cachinnation to burst from Ren's chest. Ryusei soon joins in, almost bent in half from laughing. The Greece incident is just one of the many times Hideaki has (accidentally) walked in on him and Masato having sex. Maybe it was Ren's fault back then for seducing his husband while they were out in the open.
"That is so not funny!" Hideaki exclaims, his arms are crossed and eyebrows drawn towards the bridge of his nose. "And as if I'm the only one who had to go through such traumatic experience. Remember Christmas in Italy, Oniichan?"
It's Ryusei's turn to look scandalized that Ren spouts a rather unappealing noise through his nose in his vain attempt to stop the laughter from breaking out of him. "Why did you have to remind me that?" he tells Hideaki, eyes wide open. "It took years before I managed to erase that from my mind, now it's back!"
Rich, crisp giggles flutter out of Hideaki's mouth. "Sorry Oniichan," he says though he doesn't seem repentant at the very least.
A sense of blissful contentment washes over Ren while listening to his sons' friendly banter. This is one of the things he misses whenever he's on a business trip. Every second he spends with his family is golden so he files this moment in memory.
Ren doesn’t realize he has been too absorbed in sentimental rumination until he feels a foot nudging his thigh and hears Hideaki saying, "Earth to Papa," while waving a hand in front of his face. When Ren flicks his eyes at Hideaki, his son says, "I asked when you will be leaving."
"The twentieth. I have to be back by the second week of May for—" Ren catches himself before spilling out the details about the job but his eldest son leers at him.
"I already know you will be working with the production team for the musical, Papa," Ryusei says wryly with an impassive expression that makes him look more like Masato. "No need to keep it a secret."
Guilt stabs at Ren's conscience but he covers it up, saying, "It wasn't my intention to keep it a secret. I just… Well, I wanted it to be a surprise," which isn't entirely a lie.
"Whoa, wait," Hideaki butts in, looking totally appalled as if he has just discovered something apocalyptic will occur. "Ryunii will be in training camp for the musical. Neechan will be on her honeymoon trip in Europe. Papa and Mama are going to Seychelles. Does that mean I'm staying at home and mope around in solitude?"
Ren glances at him through the corner of his eye and holds down the urge to smirk. "Aren't you going to be at that tennis camp? Your mama says you'll be there for a month."
Hideaki springs up from his seat, the handheld game clattering on the floor. "Wait. What?" The grin that spreads on his face is so wide that Ren worries he might pull a muscle. "You mean Mama has agreed to let me go?"
"Only if you promise to—" Ren's words are cut off when Hideaki lands on him, knocking off the air that's left in his lungs and he finds it harder to breathe when Hideaki's arms circle around his neck.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Papa! I'll promise anything," Hideaki chants, squeezing tighter until Ryusei pulls him off.
"You're choking, Papa, you idiot!"
Ren catches a glimpse of the clock on the wall. It's still early but. "Shouldn't you boys be preparing for the rehearsal dinner?"
It's Ryusei who points out, "We have more than an hour. And we're waiting for Ojii-sama. Mama's orders."
Cold, terrifying shivers crawl under his skin at the thought of seeing old Hijirikawa Masaomi but Ren shoves the thought aside. "Well Papa's orders are for you to get your butts back to your rooms and start getting ready. There'll be plenty of people here to welcome your grandfather." He moves toward the door, saying, "I'll see you boys later," then makes his way to his room, eager to tell Masato about the trip.
The first thing he hears when he steps inside the bedroom is the sound of the water running and the next thing he notices is the partially open door to the bathroom. He wonders if it's Masato's way of inviting him in.
Ren glides inside without second thought and locks the door behind him. Lust immediately coils in his groin area when he sees Masato, his eyes following the trail of water running down his husband's naked back. He tugs his shirt off and slides out of his pants and underwear.
Before he can step inside the shower, Masato twists his head halfway to look at him with narrowed eyes and says, "What do you think you're doing, Jinguji Ren?"
"Joining you, if you don't mind." Ren wraps his arm around Masato and plants a kiss on his husband's nape. "I've already booked a flight and confirmed our reservations," he says, dragging his lips over Masato's shoulder.
Masato hums then tilts his head sideways and Ren takes that as a silent invitation so he clamps his mouth over the spot where Masato's neck meets his shoulder, sucking a mark then licking to ease the sting that he's certain Masato is feeling. Just as when he's dragging the teeth over the soft skin on Masato's shoulder, Masato's hips snap back, rubbing his backside against Ren's erection in the process.
"Oh fuck, Masayan.' Ren takes a step back, eyes on the sink. "You don't happen to have kept lube in here, have you?"
"Just use the bath gel," Masato says in a breathy voice. "Hurry."
"I have a better idea." Ren guides Masato to press his hands against the wall then Ren sinks to his knees until his face is right in front of Masato's naked ass. He spreads Masato's cheeks and blows on the tight ring of muscle hidden between those firm round globes.
"Oh Ren. We don't have time for that," Masato hisses through his teeth.
Ren doesn't care though, just presses his tongue on Masato's opening, lapping and licking, enjoying his husband's heady taste. Then he pushes the tip through the rim, slowly, steadily, until he feels no resistance and just fucks Masato with his tongue, urged more by the erotic sounds leaking out of Masato's mouth.
Once he's certain Masato is lose enough, Ren climbs back up on his feet, legs wobbling a little then spits on three fingers and pushes them all at once inside his husband, stretching him more. "I'm not going to use a freaking condom anymore," Ren growls close to Masato's ear. "I'm clean and you're just going to have to trust me."
"Of course, I trust you," Masato says. "Just put it in."
Ren does exactly what Masato wishes, this time spitting on his palm and coating his cock before prodding Masato's entrance, his walls so warm on Ren's hard shaft. With one arm around Masato's waist and the other propped against the wall to keep his balance, Ren starts jerking his hips, falling into a steady cadence, while planting kisses along Masato's spine, the water still running, pelting down their bodies.
So good. So good. Ren rests his head between Masato's shoulder blades, watching his cock disappear inside his husband and reappears all red with veins sticking out. Masato's arm moves and Ren catches a glimpse of his husband's hand coiling on his own erection. Watching Masato pump his cock urges Ren to rock his hips faster, thrusts harder until he feels the familiar knot in his crotch, can feel Masato tightening around him and—
Someone's rapping at the door quite insistently that Ren ceases, cock buried deep inside Masato. Hideaki's voice soon floats inside. "Mama? You in there?"
Ren thinks he hears his husband curses but it's too low and soft for him to decipher.
"Yeah. What is it?" Masato calls back, the hands splayed on the bathroom tiles turning into fists when Ren slowly drags his erection out, leaving the head clamped between Masato's puckered entrance.
"Ojii-sama has arrived and he's looking for you," Hideaki bellows and there's a hint of panic in his tone. "Is Papa in there with you?"
Keeping his mouth shut, Ren is curious on how his partner will deal with their son, surprised when Masato says, "Yeah, he is. We'll just finish taking a bath and will be there in five minutes."
"O…kay," Hideaki says in a sing-song tone then seconds later, Ren hears a door sliding close, which presumably and hopefully means Hideaki has left.
Ren sniggers against Masato's shoulder. "You think you can come in less than five minutes?"
"Shut up and just…." Masato pushes his hips back against Ren's. "Continue, will you?"
Ren happily obliges so he rams his cock deeper inside his husband then retracts slowly and starts swinging his hips, picking up the pace, feeling the skin of his cock rubbing against Masato's warm flesh. Then his balls tighten, the intense sensation pooling in his lower region.
Masato continues to treat his cock with fervent strokes, leaning his head back against Ren's shoulder, his eyes closed and lips parted. It's that salacious picture that drives Ren over the edge and he pounds more urgently in a feral assault until he's caught in a blinding rapture. His body clenches just as he feels Masato's walls squeezing his erection.
Then they were coming at the same time.
With shallow thrusts, Ren empties himself inside Masato. As soon as his cock turns flaccid, he pulls out and watches his release drip out of his husband and down his thighs. Ren craves for a second round but they both have responsibilities so grudgingly, he grabs the body sponge, fills it with bath gel and starts rubbing it on Masato's back. "I can just imagine Hideaki telling your father that we're in the shower together so if he can just wait a while longer, please."
Masato cracks up with pure amusement in his laughter. "I wish Ryusei will be there to take pictures. I'd love to see my father's reaction."
Ren is simply amazed at how Masato has grown over the years. His husband has certainly come a long way, from being fearful of his father once upon a time, to being the resolute man he is now who can stand up against Hijirikawa Masaomi.
10.
White, yellow, pale pink, lavender, gold and white are all Len can see. The courtyard has been turned to look like something out of a fantasy book.
Yellow, pink and lavender flowers are wrapped around the ornate arch standing at the end of the main pathway that leads into the wide, open space. Smaller flowers with the same colors and are arranged in bouquets crown the white columns lining the aisle. Rows of chairs clothed in white satin fabric with gold and silver trimmings curve around the raised circular platform that will serve as the altar. The ground is littered with sakura petals. And white and yellow butterflies – Butterflies! – are hovering above the ceremony area.
The only break among the color motif is the pair of peafowl loitering along the – Wait… peafowl? What the— Len squints, thinking that maybe he's imagining things. But the birds are there indeed – a royal blue peacock with its tail now spread out like a fan and a green-gray peahen.
Low whistling startles him out of his trance and he almost bumps head with Ryoutarou when he whips around.
"When your mother told Ueda-san to go all out, I never expected this," Ryoutarou says, eyes focused on the majestic birds. "So where are the unicorns and fairies and flying horses?"
Len jabs him at the side with his elbow, says, "Hush, someone might hear you," though the same thought did cross his mind, The corners of his mouth curls up, mirroring the smile lingering on Ryoutarou's lips. He catches sight of Masato and Len, both of them staring at the birds with wide eyes. "Looks like the Hijirikawa-Jinguji couple are just as astounded as we are."
"I bet they are." Ryoutarou chuckles and it's contagious somehow that Len feels mirth bubbling up from his chest but before he can actually release any form of sound, Ueda Yumiko appears in front of them, informing them that the ceremony is about to start.
"And in case you're curious," she adds, "those pair of peafowl isn't my idea. Saotome-san insisted on having them," then turns to leave with a flourish.
Yusuke, wearing a black and white tuxedo, glides in with Ryoutarou's mother clinging to his arm.
"Len-chan!" Ryoutarou's mom releases Yusuke in favor of pulling him in for a hug, which Len returns though he stiffens at the strangeness since he hasn't seen the woman in more than 2 years. "Let me take a look at you," she says, holding him at arms length. "You look thin. Are you even eating properly in America? You should come by our place for dinner."
The invitation seems to come out of left field but Len appreciates it nonetheless. "Once I find the time, I sure will, Okasan. I do miss your cooking."
Yumiko clears her throat and Len takes it as a subtle reminder that they need to take their places. Ryoutarou's mother seem to understand because she pats him on the cheek and says, "We'll talk more later," then collects Ryoutarou in her arms briefly before heading all the way to the front row where her husband is waiting.
Len sees his mother already sitting on the baby grand that is set on a separate platform reserved for the musicians – Kaji, Shimizu, Natsuki and Syo are among them.
Ryoutarou leans close, says, "If only Kachan can see what lies beneath those layers of clothes. I hardly call it thin," in a level audible enough to, apparently, reach Yusuke's ears.
"Oyaji, please," Yusuke says with furrowed brows. "I'm within hearing distance."
The trill of Syo's violin spirals from the front, followed by Kaji and Natsuki's viola and soon, the enthralling melody that is to be the wedding march fills the air and Len does exactly what they have rehearsed the day before almost in an absentminded manner. Not because Ryoutarou's offhand flirty remark has left him flummoxed but it's because of what those words have suddenly reminded him of.
It's such an inappropriate thought for the occasion so Len does his best to push it to the far corners of his mind but once they're seated, Ryoutarou takes his hand and the skin-to-skin contact stirs up a clear visual of what they've done the past two nights, Damn it!
The ceremony is short, on point but momentous in every sense though most of it has flown over Len's head because he's too busy trying to find ways to remove his hand from his ex-husband's possessive grip. Before Len knows it, he's posing for pictures and they're walking out of the ceremony area and into the connecting garden for the reception.
While Len is watching the newly wed couple having their first dance, Ryoutarou sidles next to him and utters an impulsive, "Do you think it's a little too early to ask you to marry me again?" throwing Len for a loop and he stares at ex-husband, wondering if he is being serious. It's rather hard to tell since Ryoutarou looks uncharacteristically ambiguous.
"It is, so don't. Can we just focus on our son and our daughter-in-law at the moment since this day is about them, not us?" Len says through gritted teeth.
Ryoutarou opens his mouth, perhaps to protest or be the persistent bastard that he is, but Hihara comes up to them with a string of comments – good ones – about the food and the decorations and the pair of peafowl. Len is starting to love this guy for his perfect sense of timing.
It's in the middle of Hihara's griping about offering to play the trumpet but has been told that it isn't appropriate for the occasion that Len finds that tiny opening to slip away from Ryoutarou and join his parents on their table.
His mother, having an innate ability to sense his mood, asks, "Is something bothering you, Len?"
The usual white lies start playing in his head but Len realizes it won't work with his mother, so. "Ryou has asked me to marry him again, in a very casual way, that is. So I don't know if he said that merely to test my patience."
"Is it safe for me to assume that you two have settled your differences already?" Misa asks, head tilted while peering up at Len's face with inquisitive eyes.
Len isn't really sure if that's exactly what he and Ryoutarou have been doing but. "Something like that, yeah."
His mother holds his gaze that Len finds it difficult to look away, even as she asks, "Do you still love him?"
Suddenly, the sounds rising from the violin, viola, cello and Otoya's guitar become strident noise in his ears. His mother's question hammers incessantly against his skull that he can feel a nasty headache building up.
"Len?" His mother studies him with blatant worry then the corners of her mouth curls up. "You don't have to answer that. I can already see it clearly in your eyes."
It's useless to deny it. And Len is getting tired of holding his shield up. Maybe he should stop dwelling on the possible consequences and just leave it to fate.
His mother leans closer and pats him on the arm, whispers, "Learn to listen to your heart once more, Len. Remember who it is that had made you happy, who taught you to stop seeking perfection and just appreciate every little things in life. You were married to him for twenty-two years."
The strong vibration against his thigh almost makes him jump out of his seat. He fishes his phone out from his pant pocket, blood rushing to his ears the moment he sees the name on the screen.
"I have to take this," he tells his parents then he rushes off behind the hedges at the edge of the garden, far enough from the reception noise. "Tsukimori here," he says without preamble and he holds his breath while listening to the director of the school he works for in New York.
"Mr. Tsukimori, how is your son's wedding?" is the first thing the director says. Small talk. Len hates small talk, so he gives clipped responses until the director gets to the point. "I'm just checking if you'll be back in time for the spring concert. Your students have been asking about it."
Damn! Len curses inwardly. Just as he has decided to leave everything to fate.... If he were to be honest, he has completely forgotten about the school event. Unprepared, he blurts out, "Of course, I'll be on the earliest flight back to New York tomorrow," even though in reality, that may be improbable because he hasn't called the airlines yet. Sure, he has an open return ticket, but.
"That's good to hear," the director says, sounding relieved. "I look forward to seeing you back here. Have a safe trip then."
Once the call ends, the internal battle between half of him who wants to stay and the other half who believes he should answer to the call of duty begins.
*
The first thing that registers the moment Ryoutarou's eyes flutter open is the painful throb in his head. He must've drunk too much last night. The last thing he remembers is trying to get Len to talk to him since he'd noticed that his ex-husband had gone aloof for the rest of the reception.
But Len had managed to slip through his fingers when Ren had dragged him to the mini bar where the others were then offered him sake and that was how Ryoutarou's night had ended.
It takes a while before the pulsing in his temple becomes less intense. He pushes himself up and notices that he's still wearing his pants from yesterday but someone must have taken off his jacket and dress shirt, leaving only his undershirt on. His gaze skips over to the bedside table where there's a glass of water and a pill lying on top of a small piece of paper, which turns out to be a note that reads: 'Oyaji. I'm sure you'll have a major headache when you wake up, judging from the amount of sake you've consumed, so take this. Yusuke.'
It's an injury to his pride as a father to admit that this isn't the first time Yusuke has done this. After Len left two years ago and when Ryoutarou received the divorce papers, he had drowned himself in bottles of liquor and beer almost every night that Yusuke had to deal with the aftermath.
Ryoutarou doesn't want to put his son's effort to waste so he swallows the pill and heads straight to the small bathroom for a shower.
The water isn't too cold and isn't too hot either, just enough to release the pressure locked underneath layers of his skin. As much as he wants to stay under the comforting spray of water, he doesn't dawdle, just washes himself off as quickly as he can, too eager to see Len.
Feeling a lot better and refreshed after his bath, Ryoutarou skips out his room and has barely taken a couple of steps along the rouka when he notices that the door to Len's room is wide open. Fuck, he curses inwardly, That bastard. He didn't…. His heart thunders in his chest while he nearly flies down the hallway, only to find Len's room empty. The bed sheets have been removed, cabinets are left open and there is no sign of Len.
"He just left." Ryoutarou swings around to face Yusuke whose eyes are brimming with melancholy. "He says he'll be catching a train to Osaka where he'll hop on a flight back to America."
"Fuck!" Ryoutarou yells, not caring about manners anymore. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" He drives a fist against the wall with enough force to make it rattle.
"He just stepped out, Oyaji. If you hurry—"
Ryoutarou dashes out of the residential wing without waiting to hear the rest of Yusuke's words. He internally cusses, swearing that if he's not able to stop Len from leaving, he will fly to America and drag Len's ass back to Japan if it's the last thing he'll do.
There are people loitering around the main house as he tears through it without sparing anyone a glance. He stumbles into the front lawn then hurries down the stone path from where he can see a taxi driving away. His heart sinks while watching the vehicle disappear from sight, wondering what has gone wrong.
Aren't things going well between them? Or is he too naïve to believe that they can easily pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and put them back together like new? Maybe… Maybe he shouldn't have asked Len to marry him again, should have just kept his lovesick fantasy to himself. Could that be the reason for Len's behavior, why he's been more subdued than usual yesterday?
Len. This isn't happening. He's already planning to book a flight to America as he turns to make his way back inside, only to stop short when he sees Len standing by the sakura tree, his luggage by his feet.
"That was Aijima-kun who left," Len says as if he has read the unspoken question hovering above Ryoutarou's head. "He said he needs to return to Agnapolis for an urgent matter."
Ryoutarou eyes the bags beside Len. It's apparent that his ex-husband is about to leave as well and if Ryoutarou hasn't gone after him, Len would have without saying goodbye. "And where are you going?"
Light wind blows past them carrying a blanket of silence with only the rustling of the leaves, the chirping of the birds and the gurgling of the water in the nearby fountain can be heard. Len is the first to break the tranquil atmosphere, saying, "I need to go back to America. I have a job there. And a life. But for some reason, it's not that easy to leave than it was two years ago."
"Then don't leave." Ryoutarou is ready to beg, to get down on his knees or whatever it is he needs to do just so Len will stay. "Don't leave, Len. Please. But if you really want to go back to your life in America then let me go with you. I'll drop everything here. I just don't want us to be apart anymore."
Tears well up on Len's eyes. "What are we doing, Ryou? What are we doing?"
"Rebuilding our relationship, Len. I thought we've gone over this." Ryoutarou feels like he's walking on eggshells, not sure what Len means exactly. "Please, Len. There's not a single day I didn't regret having signed the divorce papers. I wish… I wish I would've thrown it into the grill and lit it up instead. I wish I would've flown back to America to tell you that I didn't want to dissolve our marriage. But I let you have your way. Not this time, Len. I can't let you go again. I won't let you go."
A teardrop rolls down Len's cheek but he doesn't make a move to wipe it away. His lips quiver as he speaks. "I… I'm sorry, Ryou."
His ears ring with Len's words. He's not sure what Len is apologizing for, but… but dread intumesces in his chest and he braces himself, waiting for the worst to happen. Maybe Len has changed his mind. Maybe… maybe Len will reject him and will return to America and… and leave him broken once more.
When Len is close enough, he reaches out and places his hand on Ryoutarou's chest, right over his heart, his gaze holding Ryoutarou's. "I'm sorry for having walked away. For being too weak to face the challenges we were going through in our marriage," he says, eyes glistening with tears. "It's not something I wish to do now, but like I said, I have a job in New York and people are relying on me. I can't just…"
Ryoutarou gathers Len in his arms and buries his face on Len's hair. "I understand. But can't you stay a while longer? Just long enough for me to try and book a flight so I can go with you."
"Okay." Len embraces him in return and rests his forehead on his shoulder. "But what about your business?"
"I'm sure Kyoya-kun can handle things without me just fine." It's true though. His former student from his short teaching stint at Seiso has proven himself reliable all these years so Ryoutarou can leave everything in his care without worry. "School year ends in June there, right?" Len's head moves in a nod. "Then you have two months to decide whether you'll come back home with me."
Len snaps his head up, his eyes wide when he blurts out, "I have to call the school director. My students are having a spring concert so he expects me to be back soon."
"Then make the call, ask if you can stay another week." Ryoutarou unlocks his hold on Len and takes his hand, giving it a squeeze. "If I'm not able to book a flight in a week's time, I'll follow you there, okay? No pushing me away anymore."
"I won't." Len tilts his head, lips parted and eyes sliding close. Ryoutarou takes it as an unspoken request for a kiss so he closes the gap, his mouth locking with Len's, their tongues swirling around each other, making every inch of Ryoutarou's skin bristle.
Ryoutarou can hear Yusuke nearby, saying, "Well, Mari. It seems we're not the only ones getting a happy ending here."
When they pull apart, Ryoutarou turns to see the newly wed couple standing at the engawa, watching them with matching smiles. "Aren't you two supposed to be preparing for your flight to France?"
"That won't be until tomorrow, Oyaji. Are you trying to get rid of me already?" Yusuke chaffs, teeth showing as a silly grin extends across his face.
"Already have, son." Ryoutarou's eyes skip over to Mariko and, with his finger, he points at Yusuke, saying, "He's all yours now, Mari-chan." Then he turns back to Len, who seems to have wiped off his tears. "Let's go grab your bags and get back inside."
They have a long way to go, Ryoutarou knows, a lot of broken bridges to mend, burnt paper houses to rebuild, two years worth of absence to fill in. But this time he won't surrender so easily. He has made a promise more than twenty years ago that he will cherish this man beside him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer and that is a promise he intends to keep now, until death do them part.