[And Kojirou then spots Kaoru ahead on the road. He is actually on a bike this time because he wanted to get to the warehouse as soon as possible. Also, he wasn't entirely sure what kind of state he will find Kaoru. He said he was fine, an Kojirou believed it, but... well, he is still worried.]
[ At first, he wonders if he imagined the sound of his name. It seems like a dream that Kojiro would appear so quickly after sending the last text, but when he looks up and sees that he's really there, Kaoru feels relief flood through him. He stops walking and stands in place, probably looking a little beat up but generally fine—apart from the two pieces of his broken board he's holding in either hand. ]
[Texting while driving doesn't count when it's a rescue mission... right? Right. Totally. There are more important things at stake!
Kojirou stops the bike as he arrives by Kaoru, hopping off of it to go to him. He is trying to check if Kaoru himself is unharmed and he does look like it... But yes, Kojirou will be calmer once they are back home.]
I came as fast as I could.
[He spots the broken board and his chest tightens. He shouldn't have let Kaoru go alone. Not to Adam, not after...]
[ Where Kaoru would usually try and put up a front about not wanting to be fawned over, he knows that he doesn't have to lie with Kojiro. Instead he melts into him, resting his head on his shoulders and letting his boyfriend check him for injuries. There are none, at least visibly, just aches and pains along with a headache pounding away at the back of his skull. ]
He fights dirty, surprise surprise. [ He huffs, and even though he wants to put his arms around Kojiro, he can't bring himself to drop the pieces of his poor board. ] I fell backwards and must have hit my head since I blacked out.
[When Kojirou can't see injuries or anything else that needs his attention, he puts his arms around Kaoru's shoulders and hugs him. He slides his fingers into his hair, pressing his nose against his cheek. For a second he can smell Adam there too. But only for a second.]
Yeah, he does. But at least... [you can still walk.] Let's go home, come on.
[ Kaoru presses closer, breathing in the familiar scent of Kojiro's shampoo mixed with the garlic that probably runs through his veins at this point. It's comforting rather than offputting, however, and he kisses the crook of his neck in appreciation. He has so much to be thankful for, and all of it is because of Kojiro.
Humming, he pulls away enough to follow Kojiro onto his bike. Despite the ache in his body and the pieces of board in his lap, he feels... good. It feels like the end of a dark chapter with the promise of a lighter one ahead. Selfish as it is to ask Kojiro to leave with him, he wouldn't be able to do it alone. ] Can I borrow some clothes again? I don't want to go back to my house tonight.
[Kojirou tries to smile to hide that he probably needs to spend this night with Kaoru more than the other way around. Just so his heart would calm the hell down already.
In a way it will be good to be out of the country, to be away from Adam. So that he doesn't have to wonder anymore when Kaoru is not by his side if something would happen to him. It may be a possessive thought, but ever since Kaoru had come to him that night Kojirou swore that he won't let him get hurt again. Well, so far for that...]
Have some leftovers, but I can make something if you're hungry?
[ The reply sends a pleasant shiver through him, warmth to replace how cold he'd gotten in that warehouse. It's a change of more than just temperature, however; Kojiro can always make him feel more alive and loved, a sharp counterpoint to the reckless way Ainosuke reminded himself of his mortality by chasing the impossible. That had been thrilling to Kaoru, an imploding sun catching him in its gravity, but he's done an ungodly amount of growing up in the past year. ]
Leftovers are fine. [ Swinging a leg over the bike to sit behind Kojiro, he situates the board between them and then wraps his arms around Kojiro's waist to hold on. He lets himself relax forward, forehead resting against the nape of Kojiro's neck. ] Unless you want to stress cook as usual.
[Kojirou huffs as he takes the handlebars, though he isn't starting the engine just yet. He just takes a moment to calm down, to feel Kaoru at his back, to process that he is alright and well and with him. It's a comfortable warmth at his back for now, and it will be a comfortable warmth in his bed for the night too.]
I... [He starts, wanting to snap back, but... yes he may not be able to resist.] I'll make some side salad then.
[With that he finally starts the engine and heads back to his place.]
[ Kaoru chuckles at that, knowing that Kojiro wants to argue but that he either doesn't see a benefit in it, or doesn't want to prove Kaoru right. Whatever the case, the conversation would have been drowned out by the roar of the engine as they speed back to Kojiro's apartment. It gives Kaoru the time to think about how he's feeling, which would usually be something awful except that he feels surprisingly good. His board is broken, his head is pounding, and his body is aching, but he feels good. The promise of traveling abroad with Kojiro, free of everything that's tied them down in Okinawa, makes him laugh with a giddiness that is probably only partially caused by having hit his head.
When they make it back to Kojiro's apartment, Kaoru keeps the pieces of his board under one arm so he can hold on to Kojiro with a free hand. ] I'm going to shower while you get dinner together if that's alright with you.
[It's a relief to see Kaoru somewhat happy. Kojirou expected him to look just as miserable as he first came to his place. But it's not the same. Something seems to be different. Kojirou isn't exactly sure what, but he is happy that Kaoru is doing well. Maybe too well... so he is still going to worry for a little.]
Yeah, sure, take your time.
[He smiles a little tired as he pulls Kaoru to him and kisses his cheek.]
I'll put some clothes for you on the bed. And you know where to find the painkillers, right?
[ Humming into the kiss, he returns it with one on Kojiro's mouth. He doesn't see any reason to be shy, but he also knows that Kojiro is likely to treat him delicately for the rest of the night, given the state he'd been in the last time he'd had any kind of confrontation with Ainosuke. He'll just have to prove to him that he's alright, really, so he kisses him again before pulling away. ]
Yeah, thanks. [ He looks down at his broken board and feels a pang in his chest. Even though logically he knows how old it is and that it was bound to break sooner or later, it still hurts to see it like this. They've been through a lot together, which is one reason he hadn't been able to abandon the pieces in the warehouse. Hopefully Kojiro understands because Kaoru props each half up against the wall next to the front door before disappearing into the bathroom for a shower. ]
[Kojirou sighs as Kaoru kisses him. His heart flutters because it does every time they kiss. He watches him put his broken board down and leave for the bathroom. Kojirou takes a moment to watch the pieces of the board, feeling sorry for Kaoru. He knows the other likes to cling to things, likes to keep them close, and one of his most precious possessions was that board. Even if skateboards are disposable...
Right, at least it's only that board Adam has broken, god knows he tried to break something else too. So Kojirou turns to go to put some clothes out for Kaoru before he gets angry again. Then he gets to the kitchen and starts preparing the salad for the leftover olive pasta. And make some garlic bread too. It's not stress cooking, it's just... snacks...]
[ Kaoru knows that it's probably suspicious how long he takes in the shower, but he can't help feeling that it might be worthwhile. Despite how the afternoon had gone, he's still got that good feeling keeping him warm, and he thinks that maybe he's ready to sleep with Kojiro. It's been a struggle for him, given how pressured he'd been to have sex with Ainosuke, but that's all the more reason that he's wanted to feel like it was the right time with Kojiro.
By the time he exits the bathroom, the apartment is full of the scent of cooking garlic. It makes his stomach rumble and he realizes he has more of an appetite than he previously thought. He needs to be careful not to let Kojiro fatten him up too much. Stopping in the bedroom to put on clothes, he opts for the borrowed boxers and sweater but skips the pants. When he comes back out into the main living area, he finds Kojiro and comes up behind him to slip his arms around his waist and hold onto him. ] Smells good, almost ready?
[Kojirou is still not stress cooking, he is just warming up the cold pasta and refreshes it with some spices and... oh hell, he did end up stress cooking in the end.]
Salad and garlic bread is ready, on the table. I'm about to serve the pasta too.
[He pats Kaoru's arm around him with his free hand and looks over his shoulder at him. Once again his breath comes short for a moment to see Kaoru in his clothes. There's just something about it. Something possessive. So Kojirou turns back to the almost ready food.]
[ Humming his response, he lingers despite the fact that he should clearly be going to the table. Instead, he wants to bask in Kojiro's warmth a little longer, feeling his muscles working as he moves and breathes. He lets his arms relax their hold only so there's an excuse for his hands slipping a little lower on Kojiro's stomach, then he pulls away long enough to push up on his toes and kiss the back of his neck. ]
You didn't have plans tonight, did you? [ He doubts it, except for the possibility that he had a shift at the restaurant, but it feels like something he should ask anyway. The answer won't stop him from sitting down at the table where the food is waiting, nor will it make him leave Kojiro alone for a second of the night. ]
[Kaoru's closeness and touches are so very welcome. Though Kojirou feels a bit on edge as those arms drop lower on him. It's not that it's not nice, but it's definitely inappropriate to think of such when Kaoru is hurt. Or maybe it's all those times he was trying to prevent himself from venturing into those thoughts...The kiss on the back of his neck doesn't help. It feels electric. And he wonders if it's the first time anyone has kissed him there. It feels very... intimate.]
I switched shifts when I got your text, so I'm free for tonight.
[It was a mess, but there are more important things in life than work on some days. As if he could concentrate on anything other than Kaoru tonight. It's better for all those people in the restaurant too. So Kojirou just turns to smile at Kaoru when the pasta is ready.]
Here you go.
[Then he dumps more than half of the pasta onto Kaoru's plate from the pan.]
You spoil me. [ He says it with a tone that makes it obvious how much he enjoys that, though. With Ainosuke, he had often been the one chasing his attention while being second to various things; with Kojiro, he feels like a priority that is truly valued. On top of that is the fact that Kojiro doesn't expect anything back from him, that they just care for each other without it being a transaction or arrangement.
Kaoru really had been an idiot not to pursue his first crush, but at least they're together now. ]
Hey, that's too much! [ He laughs at it, though, and reaches for Kojiro's plate so that he can shovel some of the pasta over onto it in order to even out the portions. ] Are you trying to hoard the garlic bread for yourself?
[Kojirou wants to say that Kaoru deserves it all. All the spoiling and good things he could get. So he is glad for the tone, that Kaoru doesn't reject it. It makes him happy too. To know that Kaoru will be alright, that they will be alright.
Now that Kojirou has him, he will treat him as he deserves.]
You need to eat! [Kojirou huffs as he's watching Kaoru put some of the food back on his table.] Maybe I will if you reject the pasta, geez!
[He sits down to the table too, pulling his plate toward himself so Kaoru won't put more food on it.]
[ The playful energy between them is reinvigorating, so different from the way he was constantly on edge with Ainosuke. He nearly slaps himself at making yet another comparison—even a good one—because he shouldn't be thinking about that past at all. Instead, he grabs for the bread and puts some on his plate before Kojiro can make good on his threat to eat it all himself.
Digging in to the meal, he stretches his legs out enough to bump ankles with Kojiro. ] So, how do you think your family will react to you traveling abroad?
[Kaoru grabbing some of the bread makes Kojirou smile again. He leaves them on the plate for now, if Kaoru would want more he could have it all. Though he doesn't announce it loudly as he starts on his salad for now.
When he feels the other's legs against his, he nudges him playfully.]
My family, huh?
[He asks softly, feeling that bittersweet feeling in his gut. Right, what would they say? Well, his father would tell him he barely speaks any languages so it will be a struggle, but then his step-mom would surely tell him he can still speak the language of love... Kojirou chuckles to himself as he imagines that conversation.]
They won't like it. I'm gonna miss them too. But if I tell them it's for love I'm sure they'll understand.
[ The way that Kojiro softens at the mention of his family makes Kaoru wonder if he shouldn't have brought it up. They have very different relationships with their families, and just because Kaoru rebels against the strict traditions of his own family doesn't mean he should drag Kojiro into with him. It's the one reason he's nervous about leaving together—it's fine to mess up his own life, but he'd never live down the guilt of ruining Kojiro's future, too.
Humming into his pasta as he takes a bite, Kaoru slumps a little further down in his chair. Then Kojiro has to go and say something sweet about love and make Kaoru blush all over. ] Maybe we shouldn't leave, I don't want to take you from them.
[ He stuffs a piece of bread into his mouth to avoid having to answer. His family won't approve and most likely will actively try to stop him, so he had sort of planned to leave first and tell them about it after. Kojiro probably won't approve of that plan, though. ] They'll hate it, talk about being a disappointment, and try to stop me.
[Kojirou huffs as he is nudging a piece of olive with his fork.]
It's not like we leave forever, Kaoru.
[He is indeed nervous about this all. And that he will miss his family immensely. But there are some things that he is ready to sacrifice for someone he also loves. It's a bit of an overwhelming feeling, not entirely good, but it isn't bad either. Yet Kojirou can't really look at Kaoru.
However, he grows a little worried as Kaoru speaks. As someone who has a fairly good relationship with his family, it breaks his heart Kaoru doesn't seem to have the same. It must be lonely.]
[ Kojiro says that with such conviction like he knows that they'll come back. The only problem with that is whether or not it remains true. Kaoru can imagine falling in love with another country and the freedom he has from everything tying him down in Japan. Would he want to leave that when Kojiro inevitably gets homesick? It makes his chest ache, stomach tightening a bit and making him set down his food. He really shouldn't have brought this up, not when he had been feeling so good moments before. Idiot. ]
It's cruel, but I'll only leave if you come with me. [ He looks up at him, his expression a mixture of guilt and hope. Hinging all of this on Kojiro is unfair to him, but he's the one with more to lose by leaving and so it should be his decision. ]
[The short silence makes Kojirou realize this really isn't a simple matter they got themselves into. It sounded so easy to leave, but now that they talk about it, he admits it may not be as simple as he imagined.
He looks at Kaoru then. If they won't leave, Ainosuke could find them again. He can find Kaoru again. Kojirou still remembers all those times he wished he would have done something. And those times he was sheltering Kaoru after he was hurt, feeling helpless and angry.
Now he did something; he told Kaoru of his feelings and told him he will help him. It's not cruel to ask for help when it was offered. It's the right thing to do. And he hates how Kaoru seems to feel guilty about this all.
So Kojirou puts his fork down and gets up from his seat to walk around the small table again to Kaoru. He cups his cheeks in both of his hands so he could tilt his head up.]
I'll come with you no matter what, Kaoru. We'll handle whatever comes next.
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[And Kojirou then spots Kaoru ahead on the road. He is actually on a bike this time because he wanted to get to the warehouse as soon as possible. Also, he wasn't entirely sure what kind of state he will find Kaoru. He said he was fine, an Kojirou believed it, but... well, he is still worried.]
Kaoru!
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Kojiro! That was fast.
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Kojirou stops the bike as he arrives by Kaoru, hopping off of it to go to him. He is trying to check if Kaoru himself is unharmed and he does look like it... But yes, Kojirou will be calmer once they are back home.]
I came as fast as I could.
[He spots the broken board and his chest tightens. He shouldn't have let Kaoru go alone. Not to Adam, not after...]
What happened?
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He fights dirty, surprise surprise. [ He huffs, and even though he wants to put his arms around Kojiro, he can't bring himself to drop the pieces of his poor board. ] I fell backwards and must have hit my head since I blacked out.
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Yeah, he does. But at least... [you can still walk.] Let's go home, come on.
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Humming, he pulls away enough to follow Kojiro onto his bike. Despite the ache in his body and the pieces of board in his lap, he feels... good. It feels like the end of a dark chapter with the promise of a lighter one ahead. Selfish as it is to ask Kojiro to leave with him, he wouldn't be able to do it alone. ] Can I borrow some clothes again? I don't want to go back to my house tonight.
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[Kojirou tries to smile to hide that he probably needs to spend this night with Kaoru more than the other way around. Just so his heart would calm the hell down already.
In a way it will be good to be out of the country, to be away from Adam. So that he doesn't have to wonder anymore when Kaoru is not by his side if something would happen to him. It may be a possessive thought, but ever since Kaoru had come to him that night Kojirou swore that he won't let him get hurt again. Well, so far for that...]
Have some leftovers, but I can make something if you're hungry?
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Leftovers are fine. [ Swinging a leg over the bike to sit behind Kojiro, he situates the board between them and then wraps his arms around Kojiro's waist to hold on. He lets himself relax forward, forehead resting against the nape of Kojiro's neck. ] Unless you want to stress cook as usual.
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I... [He starts, wanting to snap back, but... yes he may not be able to resist.] I'll make some side salad then.
[With that he finally starts the engine and heads back to his place.]
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When they make it back to Kojiro's apartment, Kaoru keeps the pieces of his board under one arm so he can hold on to Kojiro with a free hand. ] I'm going to shower while you get dinner together if that's alright with you.
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Yeah, sure, take your time.
[He smiles a little tired as he pulls Kaoru to him and kisses his cheek.]
I'll put some clothes for you on the bed. And you know where to find the painkillers, right?
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Yeah, thanks. [ He looks down at his broken board and feels a pang in his chest. Even though logically he knows how old it is and that it was bound to break sooner or later, it still hurts to see it like this. They've been through a lot together, which is one reason he hadn't been able to abandon the pieces in the warehouse. Hopefully Kojiro understands because Kaoru props each half up against the wall next to the front door before disappearing into the bathroom for a shower. ]
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Right, at least it's only that board Adam has broken, god knows he tried to break something else too. So Kojirou turns to go to put some clothes out for Kaoru before he gets angry again. Then he gets to the kitchen and starts preparing the salad for the leftover olive pasta. And make some garlic bread too. It's not stress cooking, it's just... snacks...]
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By the time he exits the bathroom, the apartment is full of the scent of cooking garlic. It makes his stomach rumble and he realizes he has more of an appetite than he previously thought. He needs to be careful not to let Kojiro fatten him up too much. Stopping in the bedroom to put on clothes, he opts for the borrowed boxers and sweater but skips the pants. When he comes back out into the main living area, he finds Kojiro and comes up behind him to slip his arms around his waist and hold onto him. ] Smells good, almost ready?
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Salad and garlic bread is ready, on the table. I'm about to serve the pasta too.
[He pats Kaoru's arm around him with his free hand and looks over his shoulder at him. Once again his breath comes short for a moment to see Kaoru in his clothes. There's just something about it. Something possessive. So Kojirou turns back to the almost ready food.]
Feeling better?
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You didn't have plans tonight, did you? [ He doubts it, except for the possibility that he had a shift at the restaurant, but it feels like something he should ask anyway. The answer won't stop him from sitting down at the table where the food is waiting, nor will it make him leave Kojiro alone for a second of the night. ]
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I switched shifts when I got your text, so I'm free for tonight.
[It was a mess, but there are more important things in life than work on some days. As if he could concentrate on anything other than Kaoru tonight. It's better for all those people in the restaurant too. So Kojirou just turns to smile at Kaoru when the pasta is ready.]
Here you go.
[Then he dumps more than half of the pasta onto Kaoru's plate from the pan.]
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Kaoru really had been an idiot not to pursue his first crush, but at least they're together now. ]
Hey, that's too much! [ He laughs at it, though, and reaches for Kojiro's plate so that he can shovel some of the pasta over onto it in order to even out the portions. ] Are you trying to hoard the garlic bread for yourself?
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Now that Kojirou has him, he will treat him as he deserves.]
You need to eat! [Kojirou huffs as he's watching Kaoru put some of the food back on his table.] Maybe I will if you reject the pasta, geez!
[He sits down to the table too, pulling his plate toward himself so Kaoru won't put more food on it.]
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Digging in to the meal, he stretches his legs out enough to bump ankles with Kojiro. ] So, how do you think your family will react to you traveling abroad?
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When he feels the other's legs against his, he nudges him playfully.]
My family, huh?
[He asks softly, feeling that bittersweet feeling in his gut. Right, what would they say? Well, his father would tell him he barely speaks any languages so it will be a struggle, but then his step-mom would surely tell him he can still speak the language of love... Kojirou chuckles to himself as he imagines that conversation.]
They won't like it. I'm gonna miss them too. But if I tell them it's for love I'm sure they'll understand.
[His question is careful as he asks.]
What about yours?
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Humming into his pasta as he takes a bite, Kaoru slumps a little further down in his chair. Then Kojiro has to go and say something sweet about love and make Kaoru blush all over. ] Maybe we shouldn't leave, I don't want to take you from them.
[ He stuffs a piece of bread into his mouth to avoid having to answer. His family won't approve and most likely will actively try to stop him, so he had sort of planned to leave first and tell them about it after. Kojiro probably won't approve of that plan, though. ] They'll hate it, talk about being a disappointment, and try to stop me.
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It's not like we leave forever, Kaoru.
[He is indeed nervous about this all. And that he will miss his family immensely. But there are some things that he is ready to sacrifice for someone he also loves. It's a bit of an overwhelming feeling, not entirely good, but it isn't bad either. Yet Kojirou can't really look at Kaoru.
However, he grows a little worried as Kaoru speaks. As someone who has a fairly good relationship with his family, it breaks his heart Kaoru doesn't seem to have the same. It must be lonely.]
But you're still gonna leave, right?
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It's cruel, but I'll only leave if you come with me. [ He looks up at him, his expression a mixture of guilt and hope. Hinging all of this on Kojiro is unfair to him, but he's the one with more to lose by leaving and so it should be his decision. ]
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He looks at Kaoru then. If they won't leave, Ainosuke could find them again. He can find Kaoru again. Kojirou still remembers all those times he wished he would have done something. And those times he was sheltering Kaoru after he was hurt, feeling helpless and angry.
Now he did something; he told Kaoru of his feelings and told him he will help him. It's not cruel to ask for help when it was offered. It's the right thing to do. And he hates how Kaoru seems to feel guilty about this all.
So Kojirou puts his fork down and gets up from his seat to walk around the small table again to Kaoru. He cups his cheeks in both of his hands so he could tilt his head up.]
I'll come with you no matter what, Kaoru. We'll handle whatever comes next.
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