Chapter 3
Without their usual Hiroto alarm clock, Tora and Nao were fast asleep. Saga currently had his arms around Nao, fingers clutched in other’s pooh bear underpants. It was the first school bell that woke them all as its shrill sound echoed down the hallways to signal breakfast. All three boys jumped in surprise.
“I hate that thing.” Tora whined as he clutched his ears and rolled off the bed.
“Saga..” Nao spoke softly, trying to loosen Saga’s fingers on his boxers. “Don’t rip the pooh.”
“Oh, sorry.” Saga said, blushing as he let go of Nao. His grip had tightened when the bell rang.
“It’s ok.” Nao assured, moving off the bed to grab the shower before the other two could.
The sound of the bell deeply startled Shou though and he cried out, clinging to Hiroto. He trembled against Hiroto, hiding his face. Hiroto smiled, sliding his fingers through Shou’s hair. “Shh, it’s ok. It’s just the school bell. You get to go to school with me today.” Hiroto kissed the top of Shou’s head, which caused Shou to visibly relax.
“Ok.” He said, taking a step back from Hiroto as Hiroto picked out a uniform for Shou from Saga’s collection.
“This should fit all right.” Hiroto decided with a little nod. He’d taken one of his own from his room the other night. “Ok, next we shower.” He paused, looking Shou over. Oh hell, he’d have to go in there with Shou and see him naked again. He was starting to suspect that a part of him really liked that part of taking care of Shou. Saga was right, he was turning into a pervert.
After getting them both clean and having his face heat up multiple times for accidently groping Shou, Hiroto dressed them both and headed off to the breakfast hall to grab something quick before heading to class. The classes for the day proved to be an adventure. In each class, Hiroto had to explain who Shou was and what he was doing there. Well, at least the story he and his friends had come up with. Luckily, no one really questioned it.
Instead, most of the students took to Shou and adored him. Especially the girls who cooed over how cute he was and how he and Hiroto were adorable together. Hiroto blushed several times, sinking down into his seat. Shou, who was oblivious to all this, slid his arm around Hiroto to keep him from falling off the chair.
Shou also had a surprising amount of knowledge about the ocean and the creatures in it, which had impressed their science teacher, Kai. Not only that, but Shou also showed a very natural talent for gym class sports as well, especially in swimming. Not much of a surprise to Hiroto, because he knew why Shou was able to dart though the water with no difficulty. Even the swimming team captain, Byou, couldn’t beat Shou and that really angered him.
“I love watching this sport.” Saga commented from the stands as he watched the other boys in the skin tight speedos. Another fellow classmate, Kazuki, nodded in agreement.
“I like going into the showers afterwards the best.” Kazuki said, grinning. “So many young, athletic bodies with hot, steamy water sliding down their bare skin...”
“Guys, I’m eating.” Nao pointed out, holding up his bento.
"Oh come on, Nao. We know you've checked out our science teacher before." Saga said, poking his friend's side.
"Have not!" Nao denied, slapping at Saga's hand. "Look! Tora in a speedo!"
Saga's eyes widened and he looked around wildly, this he had to see. "Eh?" By the time Saga turned his eyes back to the spot Nao had been in, his friend was gone. "You tricked me!" Kazuki snickered, pointing to the spot where Nao was now seated next to Hiroto.
"Pon? Are you ok?" Nao asked wearily when he noticed the expression on the younger one's face. Hiroto looked about ready to murder someone. For the first time ever, he looked scary.
"Someone...just touched Shou's bum!" Hiroto pointed an accusatory finger at a boy standing near Shou.
"Oh? Miyavi? He does that to everyone." Nao commented, patting Hiroto on the back reassuringly. Hiroto still looked ready to kill.
“Shower time!” The gym teacher called after several more students had their turn swimming the length of the pool. No one beat Shou’s record, however.
“Finally!” Kazuki exclaimed, running to go follow the swimmers into the showers. Hiroto followed to, because he wanted to ensure Shou’s safety and make sure no one touched him again.
In the showers, Byou glanced over at Shou, looking the stranger over. There was something weird about him, something not quite human. And Byou really didn’t like it. He moved over to Shou, putting a hand on either side of him. Shou tensed as he felt himself being trapped, turning around. “Hello...” He said softly, looking into Byou’s eyes.
“Who do you think you are?” Byou asked, banging a fist into the locker right behind Shou. Shou winced, closing his eyes. He was scared. “You think it’s fun to embarrass me, beating my record?” Shou shook his head, whimpering quietly. Byou smirked, glad that he could intimidate Shou. He roughly grabbed Shou’s chin, digging his nails into the other’s skin. “Don’t fucking do that again.” He warned, before letting go and moving to take his shower. Shou hugged himself, sinking down to the floor. He wanted Hiroto. He hated being away from the other boy, this world was scary.
When Hiroto found Shou in that state, he frowned, running over to him. “Shou! What’s wrong?” He asked, pulling the other boy into his arms and soothingly rubbing his back. Shou clung to Hiroto desperately, tears finally escaping his eyes as he buried his head in Hiroto’s chest. “Shh, Shou. Tell me what’s wrong.” Hiroto urged, pulling back a little bit so he could see Shou’s face. Shou, however, wouldn’t let him. He only held on tighter, begging for Hiroto not to leave him. This was really scaring Hiroto, he hoped that nothing horrible had happened to Shou while he wasn’t around. He’d never forgive himself for that.
After a few more tears, Shou finally calmed down and leaned back against the locker, looking at Hiroto. “I got you wet.” Hiroto laughed and let a little smile form on his lips.
“I don’t care, Shou. Are you ok?” Shou nodded, sniffling as he slowly moved in again and brushed his lips over Hiroto’s cheek.
“I need you, Hiroto...” Shou said softly and Hiroto felt his heart flutter as he heard those words. He was overcome with emotion, unable to do anything but hold Shou tight.
“I need you too, Shou...” Hiroto whispered into the other’s ear.
“You were in there for a while.” Saga commented with a raised eyebrow when Shou and Hiroto finally exited the showers together. He took in how they were both wet and the rumpled state of Hiroto’s clothes. “Do something naughty?” Hiroto rolled his eyes.
“No, I was comforting Shou because someone was being mean to him.” Hiroto replied, hugging Shou closer to his side. Shou smiled, leaning down to nuzzle Hiroto affectionately. The sight was sweet enough to give you a toothache.
“Ok, ok. Is Shou coming back with me tonight?” Saga asked, crossing his arms. Hiroto looked at Shou uncertainly for a moment before nodding. It was better if Shou didn’t grow too attached, right? And they’d see each other in the morning. Shou looked over at Hiroto and held his hand tightly for a moment before he let go and walked over to stand next to Saga.
“See you at dinner.” Hiroto said with a little frown, moving slowly out so he could return to his room and do some homework.
“Where’s Nao?” Hiroto asked when he got back to his dorm room and only Tora was there, reading some manga.
“Hm, I think he went off to get some extra help or something from a certain teacher.” Tora muttered, rolling over onto his stomach. “Where’s your fish boy?”
“Shou’s with Saga.” Hiroto replied, sighing as he sat down next to Tora. “Are you sure you don’t want to trade rooms?” Tora looked over at him with a little glare. That was really the only answer he’d be getting from his dark haired roommate.
“Ah, Professor Kai.” Nao spoke, poking his head around the door to the teacher’s classroom. Kai turned from where he had been feeding the fish in his aquarium, smiling in Nao’s direction. That bright, infectious smile that lit up a room. Nao promptly blushed and shyly stepped forward, his own grin forming. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Kai walked over to his desk and sat down on the edge, nodding. “Go ahead, Nao.”
Nao sat down on one of the desks in front of Kai, looking down at the floor. “Well...is it possible for humans to evolve to have the characteristics of a fish?” He paused, glancing up at Kai nervously. “Like...breathing under water.”
Kai frowned to himself as he thought it over, staring at Nao for a moment. He wondered what had suddenly brought this line of questioning on. Finally, he answered. “Yes, it is possible. Evolution by adaptation, Nao. If encountered with a situation where a human had to survive underwater, it is quite possible for the body to adjust. It may sound like science fiction, but our bodies are amazing things, capable of so much more than they’re being used for.”
Nao stared at Kai as the professor answered, nodding again. For some reason, he knew Kai would never turn Shou in for testing, so he trusted him. He knew Hiroto would be angry if he found out that Nao had been asking Kai about Shou, but Nao didn’t have to let Hiroto know what he was doing. Not at all. “Thank you, professor.” Nao said softly, hopping off the desk and heading towards the door, however, a hand stopped him.
“Nao...” Kai said, holding onto Nao’s arm and gently pulling the student backwards. “Why did you ask me that?”
“Oh...” Nao blushed again, glancing at the hand on his arm. “No reason. Just a silly debate between me and my friends.” He laughed it off and tried to move towards the door again. Kai reluctantly let go, watching Nao leave.
It was an absolutely brilliant idea, or so Saga thought. Shou still had an innocent mind and he no doubt was never taught the finer things in life. But Saga was willing to teach him so that Shou could sweep Hiroto off his feet. They were a cute pair anyway.
“Ok, I’m going to teach you something extra today.” Saga stated, sitting cross-legged on his bed. Shou sat right across from him, wide brown eyes staring back as he nodded. Saga smiled in satisfaction, always happy to have a willing student. “Ok, first lesson....a date.”
“A date?” Shou repeated, confusion clear in his eyes.
“Yes, a date. You go on dates to get to know people better. But not just anyone. You have to go with someone you like a lot.” Saga explained. Shou nodded once more, thinking about that for a second.
“Like Hiroto?” He asked.
A grin. “Yes, Shou. Hiroto is a perfect example.” This would be far too easy...
It had to have been planned, to have Hiroto and Shou sit at a table by themselves. Hiroto glanced at the table a few feet away where Saga was half laying on top of Tora to “get the salt” as he had said. Nao was commenting on them getting a room or something.
Hiroto then turned his eyes to Shou, blushing a little when he saw Shou staring at him. Shou...well, he looked different. Apparently Saga had him dress up extra nice with a pair of really tight fitting pants and a button up shirt done half-way, then a form fitting jacket over top. Hiroto felt a little underdressed in his jeans and sweatshirt. He lifted his glass to his lips and chewed on the straw.
Shou smiled warmly, moving one of his hands over across the table, laying it on top of Hiroto’s. The smaller boy’s cheeks seemed to heat up even more as he glanced down at Shou’s hand on top of his. For some reason it felt different tonight. Like they weren’t just friends sharing a meal. It was like...a date or something. But Hiroto knew they had never been just friends, at least not from his prospective. There was always something there when he was with Shou.
“Shou...” Hiroto whispered, turning his hand to lace his fingers with the other’s. “You look really good tonight.” He complimented, giving the hand a little squeeze. Shou smiled wider and returned the squeeze.
“You always look good, Hiroto.” Shou said, lifting Hiroto’s hand to his lips and brushing them over the knuckles. Hiroto felt like his face would burst into flames at that point. Who had taught him this?
“T-thank you.” Hiroto mumbled, before managing a little grin. “Do you like your food?”
Shou nodded and looked down at his plate. “Would you like to try some?”
Hiroto nodded and parted his lips, waiting for Shou to feed him. Which Shou did, dropping the food into Hiroto’s mouth. Hiroto hummed his content as he leaned back, chewing. “Very good.”
This seemed to please Shou, who picked up another piece to offer to Hiroto. They ended up feeding each other most of their meal until dessert came. Hiroto decided they could share, since they had been doing so anyway. The smaller boy scooted his chair closer to Shou’s to make it easier to eat together. This was of course when one of Saga’s lessons popped up into Shou’s mind and he had to give it a try. Shou scooped up some of the ice cream and smiled. “Close your eyes.” He said to Hiroto, watching as the other closed his eyes. Shou slipped the ice cream past his lips and leaned forward, kissing Hiroto and sliding his chocolate ice cream covered tongue over the younger one’s lips. This was completely unexpected and Hiroto gasped, parting his lips and allowing Shou entrance, to share more of the sweet taste between them. Shou found he liked this new experience, taking Hiroto’s plush bottom and nipping at the flesh lightly, finding his taste far more appealing than the dessert. Hiroto moaned softly, sliding his arms around Shou’s neck as he pressed closer to enjoy the kiss.
A small squeak was heard next to them and a slightly dazed Hiroto pulled away from Shou’s lips long enough to see who had interrupted them. He saw the waitress staring at them with wide eyes as she clutched their check in her hands. Hiroto tossed some of his money on the table before resuming the kiss, which Shou was all too eager to continue.
“Look at them go.” Saga commented, a perverted grin set on his face as he nudged Nao. “You can see their tongues and all.”
“Saga-kun.” Nao said, snorting softly. “You need to get laid, don’t you?”
“Oh, Pooh bear,” Gasped Saga, clutching his chest. “Are you offering?”
“Eh? No!” Nao exclaimed, holding up his hands as he blushed. “You’re just getting too excited.”
Tora, meanwhile, just sat and avoiding looking at the couple making out at the other table. “Let’s just leave.” He muttered, pushing away from the table a little bit.
“What’s wrong?” Nao asked, eyeing Tora as their friend stood up.
“Maybe he’s jealous.” Saga whispered into Nao’s ear. Too bad Tora heard it, scowling at him. Tora headed to the door after that, not waiting for the other two. “Wait, Tora!” Saga called, getting up to chase after him. Nao frowned, suddenly realizing they left him to pay for the check.
After their kiss at the restaurant, Hiroto and Shou found themselves back at the indoor park, once again laying out on the grass. Shou hovered over Hiroto, caressing the younger man’s face as he leaned down to give him short kisses every so often. Hiroto sighed softly, sliding his fingers into Shou’s hair pulling him down for a proper kiss before he pulled away. “I might actually have to thank Saga for setting that up.” Hiroto mumbled softly, grinning. Shou returned the grin, laying his head down on Hiroto’s chest and snuggling close to him.
“Hiroto?” He spoke softly, closing his brown eyes. “Can we do this again?” Hiroto looked down at Shou’s head on his chest, his heart warming at the question.
“Of course, Shou. I’d love to.” He agreed, before turning his gaze up to stare at the water overhead. The water was dark and the fish floated by like little shadows. It felt like such a perfect moment to end the day. He closed his eyes and soon drifted off.