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The man known Kazou Yashiki was an enigma.
He was simultaneously unremarkable yet extraordinary.
At first glance he looked like every other regular man out there but after a few moments you could tell that there was something different about him, something otherworldly.
The type who if you took your eyes off him for a moment he would vanish into thin air without a trace.
...Or was that just how he saw him?
That line of thought was floating around Satoru Mashita's head once again on this sunny day. They were on the tail-end of Spring, the day-to-day temperature raising steadily as Summer made its entrance; pretty soon you would be able to hear the cicadas start singing their grating songs long into the sweltering evening.
Walking down one of the many busy streets of H city he squinted against the fresh light beaming down on him from the sun's position high up in the cloudless blue sky without even a cooling breeze to provide some relief. Mashita didn't hate the heat but he didn't exactly like it. The thick material of his coat was slowly cooking him but the city was experiencing random bursts of heavy rain so trading it for a light one was currently a bad idea.
Being around midday the streets were mainly populated by workers that were heading out on their lunch breaks to cafes and diners as well as those few leisurely enjoying their day off, stopping by shop windows and waltzing aimlessly. Mashita wasn't so luckily, having just finished tying up some loose ends on one of his smaller jobs - the boring usual, tailing a cheating spouse - and now heading to his office to wait for one of his other clients he didn't have the free time to waste window shopping. Flicking his wrist he checked his watch and confirmed the time.
Midday, huh?
Considering what time he finally went to sleep at last night Yashiki was probably only waking up now, groggily rolling out of bed and automatically heading down to the kitchen for his caffeine fix. He had retired to his own bedroom around 1am but the soft glow from the desk lamp gently seeping out from the bottom of his door remained for another few hours. Time after time he had told him to fix that abysmal, unhealthy sleeping schedule of his but of course Yashiki continued to force himself to stay awake - and Mashita was sure he had deduced the reason why.
"Harping on about it makes me sound like a nagging husband." He huffed to himself.
The harsh light was shining right in his eyes, making him more irritable. Pausing by a random shop for a short break he ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. Ever since that night where Yashiki was lured out to the middle of nowhere and nearly died for the hundredth time Mashita had been on edge, the added danger of them both being potentially stalked by a murderous cult wasn't helping. He was acting extra vigilant even during the day now, keeping an eye out for any marginally suspicious looking persons skulking around the Kujou mansion and on the occasions he was away he would double check that those damn front doors were actually locked for once then fretting over the mansion's security every other second. It was exhausting but he couldn't help himself; lately Yashiki had developed the bad habit of letting his mind wander to who knows where and dissociating from his surroundings which left him open to danger.
Yeah, he was aware that he sounded ridiculous and paranoid.
But goddamn it one of them had be.
No. That was unfair. These recent events had shook Yashiki up more than him. He could see it on his face, bitten lips forced into a passive smile and dark eyes that were weighed down by restless nights.
This involved them both and it was affecting them both but Mashita couldn't stop his guts from twisting in frustration at how powerless he felt. The only upside to all this was that it had given Mashita the chance to propose that they live together in a less awkward way. They were essentially a couple now yet they hadn't been able to properly enjoy each other's company without apprehension looming over them thanks to the current events hindering their lives.
It was like he wasn't asking for frequent sappy date nights and constant PDA, just for them to be... together.
Minus the constant threat of death.
During his rambling inner monologue Mashita had let his eyes wander over the goods on display in the window of the shop he had stopped in front of. The small, shining trinkets sparkled enticingly in the light trying to catch the eyes of the public.
He had never cared for them honestly, most being somewhat tacky and cumbersome but he had also never thought he would feel the need to buy one in his lifetime.
"Wow! Look at these! Aren't they pretty?"
"Yeah, they really are."
Nearby a pair of young women were also gazing at the shop window.
"Why don't we buy a matching pair?"
"Huh? Why?"
"If we do then when we're wearing them it will feel like we're always connected, even when... you're studying overseas."
"So it has been bothering you... alright then, let's go pick out a pair."
"Really? Yay!"
Overhearing the gleeful conversation of the lovey-dovey couple Mashita found an absurd thought wiggling into his brain. He tried to chase it away but the more he tried the more persistent it became, entrenching itself in the fold and coils of his grey matter.
He wasn't whimsical, romantic or spontaneous.
Neither was his partner.
This was stupid. Asinine. It could easily backfire.
That would be embarrassing.
You're more logical than this, Satoru.
"... ... ... fuck it."
Clicking his tongue Mashita entered the shop against his better judgement.
----
The next morning came with the melodic chirping of birdsong accompanied by gentle rays of sunshine illuminating the room and washing over the soft bed where Mashita slept.
Blinking open his eyes he huffed, pushing his body upright into a sitting position. He couldn't remember what time he fallen asleep but it was earlier than usual despite how restless he had felt. Using his knees as supports he rose to his feet and got dressed in a slightly crinkled white shirt and a pair of dark casual dress trousers as oppose to his usual suit - he wasn't working today, no matter what popped up.
Leaving his room he walked to the doorway only a few metres down which he was used to watching late into the night to make sure the light source inside actually turned off, placed his hand on the doorknob and without bothering to knock first or announce himself pushed it open with ease (of course he didn't lock it, why would he?).
The bed was empty and looked like it hadn't been slept in all night. Various books of varying thickness lay scattered around the room where they had been the day before.
He wasn't here.
He hadn't even been in here.
Then, was he...
Shutting the door again Mashita briskly walked down the large stairs to the mansion's foyer and the crossed the monochrome tiles into the kitchen situated in the back.
"... Unbelievable." He scoffed to himself and ignored the little sigh of relief that followed. "Is a bed not good enough for you?"
There he was, sleeping peacefully at the large oak table with a half-full mug of cold coffee near his head and using an exceptionally thick book as a pillow.
"Oi, wake up." Mashita reached out and ruffled Yashiki's hair, stirring him from his slumber with a perplexed mumble.
"Hnnh? What? Satoru...?" Yashiki pushed his glasses up and rubbed his eyes.
"You seriously fell asleep at the table with your glasses on?" Mashita shook his head, placing the aged kettle on the burner and clicking it on. "You never cease to amaze."
"Ugh, I think I came down for some coffee and then I... hm? Uhh, I can't remember."
Typical. Not surprising.
"You weren't..."
"I wasn't what?"
Sleepwalking again?
"Doesn't matter. Go shower and get dressed. We're going out." Mashita brushed him off.
Yashiki tilted his head in his usual bird-like style, with 'what? This early?' clearly written across his face but Mashita just shooed him out of the kitchen, making sure to keep the book from his reach as he obediently did as he was told and trudged out of the kitchen to freshen up. Good, his grogginess made him more complacent than curious.
Was he feeling nervous? Well that wasn't entirely ridiculous, this had been a last minute plan and there was no guarantee that something (or someone) wouldn't ruin it but starting off thinking so negatively would do him no good.
It was just going to be a normal day - no ghosts, no mysteries, no work and no danger.
A normal day between a normal couple.
...With maybe a special night.
He swallowed hard and grabbed the whistling kettle.
----
"Are you okay? Not feeling too hot?"
"Ah, just a little. It's really hot today but I should be fine."
"Don't be stupid, we can't have you getting heat stroke. C'mon, let's go sit in the shade."
The sun was beating down relentlessly today, roasting them the minute they stepped out into it yet despite this they had still managed to have an enjoyable day. The cafe Mashita had picked out for them had been relatively quiet so they were able to get a table and remain undisturbed for the duration of their visit - which was a nice change from every other time they had tried to dine out together - then it was on to just a casual walk through the city, checking out the array of shops and finding new places they could visit on their next outing. This was nice. They hadn't uttered a word about the Mark or spirits or even the events at Widow's rest, instead they took in the sights of the changing city soaked in bright sunlight and chatted about what came to mind, no matter how random or unprompted.
Yet the bustling outside combined with the buzzing heat had proven to be too much for the delicate Yashiki so for now they sat on a bench guarded by the shade of a large tree.
"I hope you're not just acting up because I wouldn't let you go into that musty old bookshop. You really don't need anymore."
"I'll just come back another day without you, then." Yashiki joked. "Ahh, sorry for the hassle. I didn't think it would be this hot!"
"Well, I told you not to wear your coat."
Yashiki wiped a few spots of sweat off his forehead and laughed softly. "I'm just so used to wearing it, it's habit. Besides, you're wearing yours, too."
"Hah. Fair enough."
Recovering from his woozy spell they decided to start heading back to the mansion now that dark clouds were edging their way over the horizon, threatening to bring a storm.
"We need to stop buy somewhere and pick up some things."
"What things?"
"Ingredients for dinner."
That was right, instead of risking eating out they were going to cook a nice homemade meal together - at least, that was the plan. For the last few days Mashita had been too busy to cook anything substantial for them so he worried that Yashiki wasn't getting the nutrients he needed.
"All these damn storms, they make getting anything done difficult." Mashita grumbled and gazed up at the sky as they walked past the tightly clustered rows of shops and drab buildings. "That reminds, you don't really have a lot of suitable outdoor clothing. I know you don't really leave the house but if it's going to rain so frequently then- Kazuo? Kazuo, where-?"
Realizing that the other man was no longer walking beside him Mashita spun around on the spot, searching for him among the throng of citizens pushing past him.
Where the hell did he wander off to?
It had only been a few seconds!
Telling himself not to panic Mashita barged through the crowd, several scenarios trying to build themselves in the back of his mind but he pushed them down and continued his search. It didn't take long to find him, transfixed by something in a shop window.
"Oh, Satoru! Look at these!" Yashiki perked his head up as Mashita approached him, offering a smile and pointing at the window display, completely unaware of the panic episode his absentmindedness had caused his partner.
"What?" He grunted, any scolding words beaten back by that smile.
He looked towards whatever Yashiki was pointing at. It seems their purposefully attractive gleam had caught his attention.
"They're rings."
"Aren't they pretty?"
"More like gaudy." Mashita automatically snorted.
"Well, I can't deny that some are, but I like those ones." Yashiki motioned towards a set of plain bands in a muted gold and sliver. Against the large glittering diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other stand-out gemstones those rings would have been easy to overlook, huddled at the back of the display.
"You do, huh? Well, they suit you."
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"I mean they suit you. Why are you looking at rings anyway? Thinking about buying one?" He smirked.
Yashiki shook his head. "No, I'm not really one for wearing jewelry or anything flashy. I've never even thought about buying a ring for, well, any reason."
"...That so..?"
The clouds were encroaching. They should go.
"Come on. Let's go home. And don't wander off this time."
Brashly Mashita reached out and grabbed Yashiki's hand, tugging him along the street. Following the social rule the other people around them paid no attention to the pair but he could feel the tips of his ears heating up, and not just from the sun.
----
Appearing to be merciful today the clouds did not flood the city with a torrent of rain, instead continuing to hover ominously overhead and stalking the two men as they hurried up the pathway and back into the Kujou mansion.
"I think we made it back in time, I could feel droplets on my head."
Placing the overflowing plastic carrier bags on the kitchen counter Mashita began to unpack the bounty of fresh and nutritious ingredients: fresh beef, garlic cloves, ginger, potatoes, carrots, pepper, onions, a variety of spices.
"Do we really need all this?"
"Have you ever made a proper curry before?"
"Um, well..."
"That's what I thought. Now get chopping those vegetables."
Rolling up his sleeves Mashita got to work on prepping the meat and equipment while beside him Yashiki deftly chopped up the vegetables, the rapid 'thunk thunk thunk' of the knife filling the air.
He was good with his hands but Mashita still found himself glancing over a few times to make sure he wasn't going to slice off his finger or something, but he caught Yashiki looking over at him too, eyes seemingly fixed on his bare forearms.
"What's wrong?" Mashita teased, letting Yashiki know he was caught. "Are my arms that interesting? You've seen more of me before."
The other man quickly averted his eyes and looked back down at the diced vegetables, pale cheeks lightly flushed.
"No! No, it's just I was thinking how natural you looked there. You're really good at cooking."
Mashita shrugged nonchalantly. "It's not like it's that hard, besides it's an easy hobby to keep when working."
"Still, I think you're amazing. Is there anything you can't do?" Yashiki gave him that warm smile, the one that caused his heart to clench tightly and his breath to hitch in his throat.
"Nope, I'm practically perfect."
Coating the beef in a spiced glaze Mashita began to cook it, throwing in the finely chopped vegetables and letting it all simmer. A delicious aroma wafted upwards and filled the kitchen, dragging an eager growl from Yashiki's stomach.
"I guess I'm hungrier than I thought."
"Good, because you're about to taste the best curry you've ever had. You better eat it all."
_____
"Auuuuuuh... Mmm..."
"That was quite the yawn there." Mashita remarked as Yashiki stretched and rub his eyes.
Leaving the dishes soaking in the warm soapy water overnight to be tomorrow's problem they stood by the kitchen counter, sipping on hot coffee and letting the gracious meal settle in their stomachs. It had been the ideal end to a pleasant day - good food, good conversation and good company.
"We did a lot today and I didn't sleep that well last night."
"Yeah, tables don't normally make for comfortable beds."
Yashiki laughed lightly, slightly embarrassed.
Mashita debated on inquiring about what he was so vehemently researching but he really didn't want to down that branch of conversation.
"I just got so caught up reading. I'm working with Yasuoka to find a way to purge the grudge poisoning Widow's Rest before anyone else loses their lives to it. I managed to appeal to the children that night but there's no way one person could appease them enough to help them move on."
It seems Yashiki made the choice for him. A wistful haze glazed his eyes.
"Tch, there you go again, being soft and getting caught up in other's messes."
And getting me worried.
"It's my mess too. Plus, I did promise those children-"
"Didn't you also promise me that you wouldn't disappear? And then broke that promise on the same night?"
Shit.
That was meant to be sarcastic but there was too much bite to his voice. The worry and panic he had felt in that moment when he discovered Yashiki was missing shot to the surface, regurgitated and laced through his words.
"... You've got a point there." Yashiki half smiled, looking guilty.
Damnit, they were doing it again.
"I didn't mean to snap at you..."
Gently Mashita reached out and ran a hand through Yashiki's hair, brushing some of the ebony strands away from his face and ran it down to cup the side of his face.
Yashiki placed his own hand on top of his, nuzzling into it.
"I know, I know." He murmured.
Standing this close to him the dark shadows under his equally dark eyes stood out against his pale skin. Pushing his glasses up Mashita slowly ran his thumb over them, the pressure lightening them for a brief moment.
"Look at the state you're putting yourself in... No wonder I worry about you."
"You don't look much better, you know."
That was true - he must look just as tired and haggard.
"Heh, we're both terrible."
"Haha, we are."
Mashita leaned in, pressing their foreheads together. They were relaxed, content, in tune with each other.
Was this a good time? It felt right. He could feel the objects occupying his mind in his back trouser pockets.
"Kazuo, I-"
Knock knock knock.
"Is that someone at the front door?"
"Tch, ignore it. We're not expecting anyone."
Knock knock knock knock.
The banging grew in volume and consistently.
"That's some urgent knocking, it must be important." Yashiki pulled Mashita's hand off his face and walked towards the front doors, either not hearing Mashita's grumbling or choosing to ignore it as he followed him closely.
Pulling open one of the heavy doors a blur of energy zoomed through the gap, black bob bouncing and big eyes sparkling as they always did.
"Hiya! Sorry for rushing in, but that wind is really picking up! I nearly got blown away!"
Smoothing her hair Moe Watanabe looked between the two men, smiling brightly.
"Moe! What brings you here so late? Are you wanting to do another interview?"
Great. That's the last thing he needed. Moe hanging around until late and taking up most of their time. He didn't resent her - quite the opposite, actually, she was very endearing - but tonight he had wanted Yashiki all to himself, to sound juvenile.
"No no no! Don't worry, I'm not planning to stay or anything! I was passing by and remembered that I needed to return this." Rummaging in her schoolbag Moe fished out a nondescript book and handed it to Yashiki. "Thanks for lending it to me, it was really interesting!"
"It's one of my favorites, too. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Especially chapter 13, the one that covers rituals and..."
They continued to chat excitedly about supernatural naff like they frequently did while Mashita zoned out, letting his eyes wander to the outside. The tops of the trees were being whipped by the growing gale, a low howl welling up in the air and pushing the darkening clouds closer to them.
"Sorry to interrupt but I think you should be getting home now." Mashita turned to Moe. "It's getting late and there's definitely a storm coming. Do you need a lift?" His tone was casual but left no room for argument or compromise and Moe picked up on this, quickly waving her hands.
"I'm alright! I've a got a ride, lemme just call him!"
Flicking open her phone she punched in a number and began pestering whoever was on the other end to come and pick her up.
"Hey hey! Can you come pick me up?"
"Gawd, Moe! I ain't yer damn taxi!"
The voice was loud enough for them to hear through the phone. It was annoying and familiar.
"Aww, c'mon! It's gonna rain! Are you just gonna leave me to walk home alone in the dark and the rain?"
"Yeah, it's yer own fault, after all."
"Ohhh, I know you don't really mean that. I'm only at Mister Yashiki's house so it's not like I'm that far out!"
"Wait, you are? That's close by... Alright fine, I'll be there soon."
"Thank you!"
Moe ended the call.
"So, you've got Shou running around after you now, huh?" Mashita raised his eyebrows. "Shocking. How'd you tame him?"
"Aww, don't say it like that! It was actually him who offered to start giving me lifts when it gets dark!"
"He sounded so enthusiastic about it, too."
Keeping to his word Shou Nagashima arrived at the mansion in under five minutes, wearing a sturdy leather jacket over his school uniform and holding a spare motorbike helmet under his arm.
"Yo! Been a while, old man! You keeping well?" He waved and ran a hand through his hair, wearing a big grin, which faded as soon as he spotted Mashita standing close by. "Ugh, and you're here too?"
"Yeah. Got a problem with that?"
"It ain't an issue for me." Shou straightened his back and cocked his head. "But you gotta realize when yer imposing on people. I mean, if you were living here then it would be a different matter."
"Imposing? That's a big word for you."
Mashita couldn't stop himself. He wanted the kids to just leave now, but Shou's irritation at his presence was so easy to exploit, plus the fact that he could add fuel to the fire with the news that he did live here now, more or less, was too good pass up.
Looking the young man right in the eyes Mashita fixed one of his trademark smirks.
"Yeah, I do live here now. Have been for about a week now."
Shou's eyes widened in surprise then one twitched in disbelief, the facade of maturity falling.
"W-wait, what? You're shitting me, right?"
Heh, that was the textbook Shou reaction. He could guess what was running through that usually empty head.
"Nope. I'm completely serious. Me and Kazuo live together now."
"Come on, Shou, let's go! Let's go!" Moe grabbed his arm, sensing the rising tension building. "We've taken enough of their time!"
"Mm, we've got a special night of 'mature' activities planned, after all."
He couldn't resist tacking that on in a misleading fashion.
Shou's face flared up.
Bullseye.
"You- you're moving way too fast, ya damn pervert bastard!" Shou scowled, jabbing a finger at him then whipped his head towards the perplexed Yashiki. "Lock your bedroom door, alright?! Don't let him in! And do-"
"Shoooou! Enough! Sorry about him! Have a good night!" Moe quickly cut him off and dragged the indignant still-protesting Shou out of the mansion.
As the heavy doors slammed shut the men looked at each other, then with a shake of his head Mashita wandered back to the kitchen.
"That was... unexpected. And loud." Yashiki scratched his head as he followed suit, a little frazzled from the sudden burst of noise and energy the teenagers had brought. "By the way, what did you mean?"
"Hm?"
"What you said to Shou. What are we doing tonight?"
Admittedly he worded it to sound more suggestive to wind-up Shou but he did have something he wanted to do that night. Outside a loud thunder crack signaled the start of the summer storm, the sky splitting and dumping a rush of rain pelting against the ground. Yashiki flinched slightly as a flash of lightening jumped through the clouds, moving closer to Mashita.
Was he uneasy because of the storm?
Adorable.
But also sad.
Reaching out he pulled Yashiki close into him, wrapping an arm around his waist.
"...The storm reminds you of that night at the canyon, doesn't it? There was a storm then, too."
Yashiki nodded. They both went through a lot that dark, stormy night but obviously it hit Yashiki harder - he had nearly been forced into a delusional suicide pact by someone he was trying to help, not to mention it was him who agreed to Nanamura's request and ultimately put them in danger.
"And you always have your lamp on all through the night because the dark worries you, it reminds you of those horrible nights last year... and you refuse to fall asleep to the point where you end up passing out because you don't want to dream again."
"Heh, wow, am I that easy to read?" Yashiki let out a short laugh, white-knuckled hands balling into fists and resting on Mashita's chest as he pressed his face into the crook of his neck.
His light breaths sent tingles skittering down the detective's spine.
"Mm, sometimes. But only for me." Mashita nuzzled into Yashiki's soft hair. "Although there are times I have no idea what goes through your mind. You're a complete mystery, Kazuo, and as you know I love mysteries but lately I feel like if I leave you alone for even a day you might vanish... so I was thinking..."
"Satoru?"
Slipping his hand into his back pocket Mashita grabbed the soft velvet pouch, pulling it out.
Here it goes.
It was silly, spontaneous. An idea borrowed from a pair of strangers. It was completely out of character for him.
He was nervous, not sure how Yashiki would react.
It was time to find out.
Or he would have, if a swarm of squabbling and squeaking wet footsteps hadn't barged into the kitchen.
"We should've knocked first!"
"Hell no! I ain't waiting in that rain" 'Sides, they might not- wah!"
"Ouch!"
The intruders stood in the doorway, totally soaked through and dripping wet to the point where small puddles were forming at their feet, Shou's mouth agape at the intimate scene and his hands clamped over Moe's eyes.
"You two?"
"Ah!"
The men quickly pulled away from each other.
"What the hell are you doing back here?"
"We're sorry!" Moe apologized, peeling Shou's hands off her eyes and giving him a confused look before continuing "but that heavy rain took us by surprise! It's far too dangerous to drive in so we came back here."
Mashita let slip a sigh.
That was true, driving a motorbike in such conditions was just asking for an accident to happen - doesn't mean he couldn't be pissed about being cockblocked again.
"It's fine, honestly. I'd rather know that you two are safe." Yashiki assured her and glanced down at pooling rainwater on the kitchen tiles. "But we'll need to get you a change of clothes before you catch a chill. Wait here, I'll see what I have."
Casting an apologetic smile at Mashita Yashiki quickly left the kitchen to hunt for some suitable dry clothes for the teens.
Mashita rubbed his temple. Why? Every time he planned something these two seemed to gatecrash it. He began to wonder what crimes he had committed in a past life to deserve this. Picking up on his irritation Moe slapped her hands together and bowed her head in apology.
"I'm so sorry, mister Mashita! I can tell you're angry, and you have every right to be. We didn't mean to interrupt your special night!"
Damn, it was hard to stay mad at her.
"Haaah, don't sweat it." He reached out and ruffled the top of her dripping hair. "Like Kazuo said, it's better knowing that you're safe."
"Well if you don't wanna be interrupted then maybe you shouldn't be doing stuff like that out in the open!" Shou piped up, clearly wanting to say something too but struggling to think of what.
"I didn't mean to offend your pure, virgin eyes after you barged into my home."
"Shut it! Who are you calling a virgin? You can't be trusted, hell it's probably a good thing we came back here tonight!"
"Shou, what are you whining about now?"
"Stay outta this, it's adult stuff! It doesn't concern you!"
"It doesn't concern you, either."
"Geez, why do you two always have to fight? Oh! Mister Mashita, there's something at your feet."
Before he even a chance to look down Moe had scooped up the object.
Shit!
"Hey, give that here-"
"I know this place! They make super pretty jewellery. Hmm? What's in here? It feels like two..."
"Moe!"
He couldn't stop her in time, watching as in a mere second she had pulled open the drawstring pouch and peered inside with Shou craning his neck to look as well.
Fuck.
"Mister Mashita!" Moe gazed up at him, her big eyes sparkling. "Oh my gosh, is this what you were planning to do tonight?"
It was obvious what tracks her train of thought was barreling down and it was headed for the wrong station.
"No, no. You've got it wrong."
"Unbelievable." Shou scoffed. "You haven't even been living together for that long yet you're already planning to... to...!"
Ignoring Shou Moe continued gushing.
"Ohhh! I'm so happy for you! I know he'll say yes! Hm, we need to start planning - since he's quite a traditional guy I think mister Yashiki would look very good in a traditional clothing. Like a Shiromuku and Wataboshi!"
It seems her train of thought had decided to forgo breaks.
"I'm going to stop you there because you're completely wrong." Mashita said, grabbing the pouch and stuffing it back in his pocket. "These are... never mind."
He didn't have to nor want to explain himself to these two.
"Still, marriage? Nah, I don't agree with this! I won't allow it!"
"Shou, do you even realize how you sound sometimes?" Moe rolled her eyes then grinned mischievously. "But you don't need to feel jealous, unless YOU want to marry mister Mashita?"
Had he not felt the exact same Mashita may have been hurt by how violently Shou balked at the idea.
"No way in fucking hell! It's not him I want to marry- wait, no, that's not what I meant- gah! I ain't planning to get married!"
"Hm? Who's getting married?"
All three of them snapped their heads towards the kitchen door. Yashiki stood there with several pieces of dry clothing draped over his arms as well as a pair of fluffy towels.
"No one! Not you, anyway! You're not getting married!" Shou quickly scrambled to say, drawing a giggle from Moe.
"Right... okay. Anyways, here you you go." Seemingly deciding not to pry any deeper into the strange conversation Yashiki passed the clothing to the teens as well as a towel each. "You two go dry off and get changed. I'll make you something hot to drink."
"Thank you. We'll go do that."
No sooner had those words left Moe's lips a frighteningly loud CRACK tore through the sky, plunging the room into complete darkness as a rumbling thunder boom followed, laughing at the surprised group.
"Ah!"
"Eek!"
"What!"
"..."
Was it a power cut? Probably.
Wait, shit, it was dark!
He wasn't a child that was paralyzed by fear of the dark but if it unsettled him then Mashita wanted to be the one to calm him.
Reaching out into the brand new darkness Mashita searched for his hand, feeling it clutch his own. He squeezed it to say 'don't worry, I've got you.'
Now, next on the agenda was to find some sort of light source, his lighter would suffice. Ah, dammit! It was in his coat pocket.
A gentle scraping sound brought the warm light of a small flame which traveled through the dark and settled on the wick of a long candle.
"Is everyone okay? I guess the lightening tripped the breaker or something."
Hold on, if Yashiki was standing in front of him holding a candle, then who's hand was he holding?
He just barely met eyes with Shou in the dark, who quickly ripped his hand away from his.
"Fuck, not you!" he uttered under his breath.
"They didn't notice, don't say a damn word."
"God, that spooked me! Good job you had those candles, mister Yashiki."
"Well, I found them laying about in the storeroom a while ago so I thought I should put some in more useful locations. I guess it paid off."
"Drop the hot drinks, Kazuo, and let's get these kids to bed."
----
Luckily neither of them protested to the idea, obediently changing out of their soaking uniforms and into cozy, dry clothes. During the walk upstairs Moe had inquired to where the fuse box for the mansion was.
"In the basement... somewhere. Honestly I can't really remember and trying to find it in the dark would be a bad idea. I'll look into it in the morning."
"Sorry for imposing on ya, but that storm's still goin' wild outside. Don't worry, me and Moe will be leaving early tomorrow, we've still got school after all. And we've called home so they know that we're not coming back tonight."
Shou Nagashima, model student and responsible young man?
Hah.
He was trying too hard.
Leaning against the wall outside Yashiki's room Mashita waited with candle in hand for him to escort the kids to their separate rooms and bid them a goodnight. He returned, pausing awkwardly in front of Mashita.
"What's wrong?"
"Well, I gave Shou your room for tonight."
"Haah? Then where the hell am I meant to-"
Yashiki's cheeks were brushed a light red.
Oh.
OH
There was another room he could sleep in.
"Haaa, why is it every time either of them shows up some form of trouble follows?"
With that sigh Mashita sat himself down on Yashiki's bed, rolling his shoulders.
Outside the summer storm continued to rage, high winds howling through the treetops and splattering raindrops pounding the windowpanes with the rhythmic accompaniment of striking lightening and roaring thunder to create a ear-scraping and chaotic orchestra.
"You're not wrong, but at least they keep things exciting." Yashiki smiled, placing a pair of flickering candles on the bedside table and sat down beside him.
Exciting was one word for it, sure, but it always felt like Moe and Shou timed their antics for the worst possible times.
"They only remind me that we're never adopting. I know that being with me means that the Kujou bloodline ends with you, unless you've any cousins or siblings you don't know about - but I know that I definitely, definitely do not want kids."
He might as well say it now. It was the truth.
"I know, that doesn't surprise me but honestly I think that might be a good thing - you know that my family has been long plagued with misfortune and early deaths." Yashiki shrugged, an unreadable expression playing about his features. "The only thing that worries me is that there may not be anyone left to watch over Mary when I eventually pass."
"I'm sure Moe would be more than willing." He tried to lighten the mood.
Yashiki shook his head. "I couldn't do that to her. No, all I can do is keep working to find a way to completely seal her away before it's too late. I can't risk having her wake up again."
"You're doing just fine. This isn't easy stuff to figure out, after all."
Yashiki didn't respond with any words, instead smiling warmly, the corners of his eyes creasing. From anyone else such a mushy look would make him nauseous to the pit of his stomach but when it was Yashiki... it was fine.
Pleasant, even.
"So? Are you going to say it?
"Say what?"
"You've had that look in your eye all night, the one that's telling me there's something you want to say, and in the kitchen before Moe and Shou showed up you were starting to say something, what was it?"
Ah, he had noticed.
Well, they were alone now and there was minimum chance that they could be interrupted AGAIN...
Ugh, he was going to feel so embarrassed doing this - if Yashiki so much chuckled at him...
"Give me your hand." He said, grabbing Yashiki slender left wrist and pulling it towards him before the other man even had a chance to speak.
Producing the small pouch he slipped out one of the objects inside, continuing to talk.
"I can't keep an eye on you 24/7, even less so when we deal with this ridiculous cult business and it's not like I can keep you locked away in here. So, this will have to do."
Distracted by his own confusion and Mashita's words it took Yashiki a moment to notice what had been placed on his finger. When he did his eyes widened, entranced by the muted metallic gold sheen.
"So, this will have to do. Now every time you see it you should think of me and stop when you're about to get yourself into another dangerous situation; look, same goes for me."
Holding up his left hand Mashita showed off the matching pair to Yashiki's ring - both a plain, simple gold band, discreet and lacking any striking characteristics but special all the same.
That had sounded decent enough, right? He wasn't one to get embarrassed but right now his heart was pounding hard against his rib cage and the tips of his ears were burning.
Yashiki had been awfully quiet so far.
He was just staring at his ring.
The expression on his face was hard to read in the low lighting. Bewilderment? Awkwardness?
Damn. Had this been a mistake after all?
"Satoru..." Mashita jumped subtly at his name. "Is this... a marriage proposal?"
Huh?
"What? No, why is that everyone's first thought- never mind. Look, it's more like a way of saying... your life isn't just your own anymore. You're not allowed to disappear or fade away or die and leave me behind, okay Kazuo? And vice versa. You're stuck with me now, and these rings symbolize that. Got it?"
Yashiki looked from him to the ring then back to him, his right hand cradling his left like it was a newborn.
"Pfft, haha. Hahaha...!" A gentle laugh escaped his mouth.
"Hah? What's so funny?"
"Oh! No, it's nothing bad! It's just, this is... unlike you, it's surprising. But in a good way. Was this whole day planned as a build-up to this?"
"Eh, not entirely. I just wanted us to spend a normal day together. We were so close, too."
Yashiki kept his eyes on the band and smiled with a tender expression, saying something that Mashita couldn't make out.
"Oi, speak up."
"I said... this makes me really, really... happy."
"Oh yeah? ...Good. But-"
"Whoa! Wait!"
Baiting him with that look and those words, how could he wait?
Pouncing Mashita used his forward momentum to push Yashiki onto his back, caging him between his body and the puffy bed beneath them.
"You laughed at me. That's kind of rude. Just who do you think you are?" He smirked, cocking his head.
Taken by surprise at first Yashiki quickly picked on the play, raising an eyebrow.
"Not used to that, are you? What are you planning to do about it?"
"Hmm, there are several things I could do to you..."
As he purred in his ear Mashita ran his hand down Yashiki's chest, tracing his fingers along the fabric of his shirt and down to his weak spot - his midriff, the sharp intake of breath letting him know it was having an affect. That sweet, labored breathing was getting multiple parts of him worked up. Wanting to see the flustered expression of his partner in the waning candlelight Mashita brought his face back a few inches, catching sight of Yashiki's red cheeks in the splashing glow of his overworked desk lamp.
Hold on. Why was the lamp back on? Had the power returned? But no one had touched the breaker...
"The light..."
"Don't tell me..."
The next thing Mashita caught sight of was the skirting board as he was unceremoniously rolled off the bed and hit the carpeted floor with a dull THUD; at the same time a series of rapid knocks assaulted Yashiki's bedroom door which flung open.
"Excuse us!"
"We're comin' in!"
Their announcement came too late. He couldn't see them but he could picture how they looked right now: Moe with her hands clasped together and smiling happily, Shou standing in some try-hard macho pose with a cocky grin.
"Mister Yashiki! We did it!"
"O-oh! ...Did what?"
"Ain't it obvious? We found the fuse box and got the power back on!"
So it was their doing. Goddamn kids!
"We felt really bad for intruding so we felt like it was only right that we try and help you fix the power! Even though the basement was creepy..."
"Awh, it wasn't that bad! I was there, so there was nothing to worry about!"
He heard Yashiki clear his throat, trying to collect himself.
"It was considerate of you to try and help, but going into a section of someone's house without their permission isn't right, plus it's pitch black in there. What if you two got seriously hurt?"
Heh, spoken like a true parental figure.
"We didn't think of that, did we?"
"Oh no, we didn't think of that..."
"Er, it was Moe's idea!"
"Nuh-uh, it was Shou's idea!"
"It's fine, it's fine. There's no point worrying about it. Now, you two should get to bed, you've got school in the morning."
The bed creaked as Yashiki stood up, ushering the two teens out of his room.
"Oh! We should let mister Mashita know why the lights are back on! What room is he in? I thought he would be in here with yo-"
"No! No no! He's not here, and er, he was very busy today so he's probably fast asleep by now. Best not to disturb him!"
"Yeah, Moe! Of course he wouldn't be in the old man's room! ... right? Right?"
"Please, just go to bed."
While Yashiki was shepherding Moe and Shou back to their respective rooms Mashita hauled himself up off the hard floor and switched off the desk lamp before flopping back onto the bed, letting slip a resigned sigh. Had he been the same man he was about a year ago he would have told Yashiki to cut those troublesome kids out of his life but more so for his own sake than Yashiki's since they were more of a liability, yet now as loathed as he was to admit it... they had grown on him. They were a frequent bright intrusion in his life and even though it sounded sappy... he wouldn't want to see them go.
"Whew. Sorry about pushing you onto the floor." Yashiki had returned, leaning against his room door and pushing it shut with a click. "I figured it would be more troublesome if they saw both of us here together and I panicked."
"No, I get it. Both of them would have kicked up a fuss. Now get over here."
Reaching out Mashita grabbed his hand as soon as Yashiki approached the bed and pulled him down beside him, blowing the melted candles and blanketing the room in a familiar darkness. Yeah, Yashiki might have been expecting him to try something but the mood had been ruined thanks to the kids and now he just wanted to sleep.
They lay there together, Mashita wrapping his arms around Yashiki and unashamedly holding him close, a gesture which Yashiki returned; their chest pressed so tightly together that their heartbeats melted into one. Yashiki's hand was caressing the back of his neck, the delicate chill of the ring resting against his skin.
It was there.
It was real.
HE was real, this bizarre man wrapped in his arms.
They had earned such quaint peace after all the shit they had been through and more, but for now this was fine.
This was bliss.
Just being to hold the person he cherished the most in the world was a fine prize for Satoru Mashita.
-----
"Shh, don't be so loud! It's still early."
"I didn't even say anything!"
"We're here. Knock gently!"
"Then you knock!"
Bickering in hushed voices Moe and Shou tiptoed their way down the hallway, stomachs grumbling for some breakfast. They had both agreed that after their adventure down into the basement last night they would ask first before they began fixing themselves anything to eat.
Quietly they stopped outside Kazuo Yashiki's bedroom door, both of them leaving their curled fists hovering hesitantly in front of the dark wood. Glancing at each other they nodded, rapping lightly on the door.
No response.
"Maybe he's downstairs? I figured he might be the the type to be up early." Shou whispered.
"No, he's more of a night owl." Moe corrected him.
Knocking again yielded the same result. Moe tapped her chin lightly. If he wasn't answering that meant he was either still asleep or downstairs. She tried the doorknob. It turned! So the door was unlocked!
Opening it a crack and peeping into the room Moe looked towards the bed where a rise in the sheets told her that someone was nestled amongst them, still fast asleep. It was a rather large lump, though, almost like there were two people in there...
"Oh!"
Realization dawning on her Moe scrambled to quickly yet quietly close the bedroom door.
"What's up? Is he in there?" Shou asked and reached out towards the door.
Moe grabbed his wrist, spinning him around and planted her hands on his back, shoving him down the hallway.
"Hey! What are you doing?"
"C'mon Shou! We've got to get ready for school! Let's go have a quick breakfast and be on our way! You've got to drop me off, too! Move, move!"
"But I thought we were gettin' permission!"
"It'll be fiiiine, we don't need to bother them- I mean him! C'mon! C'mon!"