Chapter 8
The next morning, Shou stayed close to Hiroto, dead asleep with no intention of waking. He was pale.
When Hiroto got around to waking up, he snuggled close to Shou and kissed his forehead to get him to wake up too.
Shou's soft eyes opened a little, red and swollen a little from he night before with faded stains on his cheeks from the tears. He looked up at Hiroto, though, and a soft, sweet smile touched his lips. Any day he woke up to the other's face was a good day...
"Still a smile, that's a good sign." Hiroto commented, though he dotted Shou's face with little kisses.
Shou laughed a little, nuzzling the other. He wasn't hungry in the least, but he supposed he should try and eat something since he hadn't hardly eaten anything the day before. "Good morning to you, too."
"You should get out of bed today to at least eat. You slept all yesterday." Hiroto said, rolling out of bed himself and sliding his arms around Shou to help him up too.
Shou held onto his lover, using him for support. His legs felt so weak. "Can we go to that place upstairs tonight?" he asked, trying to walk on his own. Though a little wobbly, he managed, his steps getting somewhat stronger with each step. It was evident, though, that he wouldn't be able to walk around on his own for very long.
Hiroto brought him over to the table and sat him down. "I won't be able to carry you up by myself. I guess I could ask Tora for help."
Shou smiled slightly. "I think I can make it up on my own, Hiroto. Coming back down might be a little hard, though." he said softly.
"Are you sure?" Hiroto asked uncertainly as he sat across from Shou.
Shou nodded, smiling brightly at his lover. "I just want to see the city once more."
Hiroto bit his lip and willed himself not to cry at the way Shou worded that. "Ok..."
Shou slid his hand across the table and he took Hiroto's hand in his, playing with his fingers. "What do you want to do today?" he asked, playing with their hands with sweet and utter affection in his eyes, a smile never leaving his lips.
"I want to take you on a boat out on the lake." Hiroto said suddenly, kissing Shou's fingers.
Shou blinked and laughed a little, nodding some and blushing faintly as th e other kissed his finger tips. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."
"I'll make the arrangements for it now while I go to get breakfast." Hiroto let go of Shou's hand and moved to go downstairs to get everything ready.
Shou nodded, letting the other go and waiting silently for the other to return. A boat sounded so nice.
In the dining room, Tora sat alone, picking at his food some, still in no mood to eat. He completely demolished his entire glass of wine, though, and was starting on another.
Hiroto stopped by the dining room to pick up the food and he spotted Tora and moved over to him, kissing his cheek. "Cheer up, Tora. It's a pretty day. Enjoy it."
Tora had been in his own world, lost completely in thought. He jerked in surprise, coming out of his haze a moment before running his hand over his face in embarrassment muttering, "Oh god..." He had been completely caught off guard.
Hiroto ruffled Tora's hair as he collected more things to bring up to Shou. "Shou and I are going on a boat ride today."
Tora frowned, wrinkling his nose as his hair was messed up. "Oh? Have fun. He likes frogs, so be careful," he pointed out, in a tone of knowing.
Hiroto laughed some before turning serious. "I also told him we kissed."
Tora frowned, looking up at the other. "What? Why?" he asked, what little good mood he'd had, if any, fading instantly.
"I didn't want to hide it from him." Hiroto answered. "But he wishes to remain oblivious to anything we do."
Tora sighed, pushing himself up so he was facing Hiroto. "Who wouldn't, Hiroto, in his position? No one wants to hear that their lover's looking at another man. Especially when he has maybe a week left..." he trailed off softly, looking down.
Hiroto nodded, looking down at the floor. "I screw things up a lot, but I want to fix it."
Tora moved forward, going to lift the other's face up, but he decided against it and gently rest his hand on the others' shoulder, shaking him slightly. "Then fix it. He wants to be with you, so give him what he wants..." he said, letting his hand fall away.
"I am. I want to make him as happy as I can." Hiroto said, moving away from Tora so he could go back upstairs.
"And Hiroto?" Tora called, moving over to the stairs for a moment. "Don't give me any reasons to think there's something between us." he stated, and left it at that, turning and moving to the indoor gardens for some thinking.
Hiroto continued on, not even looking at Tora as he moved upstairs to bring Shou the food.
Shou was resting his head in his arms, eyes closed and breathing softly in a light sleep.
"Do you ever stop sleeping?" Hiroto asked, poking Shou's side after putting the food down.
Shou smiled some and shook his head, sitting up straight. "Not anymore it seems," he teased with a soft giggle. "Mmm.. this smells so good."
Hiroto smiled and sat beside Shou so he could pamper him and feed him.
Shou smiled, leaning over and kissing Hiroto's cheek softly.
"You should eat today." Hiroto said. "It'll give you energy to go out on the boat and climb the stairs later on."
Shou nodded with a sweet laugh and took a bite.
"I'm making you take your medicine today too so you don't have an attack." Hiroto said, moving to get some of that for Shou.
Shou nodded, watching the other move away. "You should come and eat, too."
Hiroto brought the medicine over and set it in front of Shou before he picked up something to eat.
Shou smiled sweetly, taking the medicine and eating a bit more.
Hiroto finished eating and moved around to put his arms around Shou. "Is that better?"
Shou smiled, setting his fork down and sliding his arms back around his lover. "Much," he said with a little laugh.
"Let's get you dressed." Hiroto declared, helping Shou up from his chair again.
Shou smiled sweetly and moved with the other. "I want to wear something you'd like me to wear."
"Let's find you something comfortable." Hiroto said as he dug through Shou's clothes for something not terribly fancy.
Shou watched his lover dig through his clothing with interest.
Hiroto pulled out some simple things and laid them out for Shou to change into.
Shou changed into the clothes the other laid out for him with a sigh, smiling at Hiroto once he was done.
"Cute." Hiroto commented with a proud smile before taking Shou's hand. "Let's go across the hall now and you can pick out something for me to wear."
Shou nodded, lacing his fingers with Hiroto's and walking with him across the hall.
Once inside his room, Hiroto set Shou in front of his dresser while he took off his night clothes.
Shou watched as Hiroto took off his clothes. He couldn't help it, and though it made him blush a bit, he couldn't look away. Hiroto was so amazing.
Hiroto saw Shou watching him and smiled, moving over to Shou and kissing him. "Enjoying the view?" He teased.
Shou blushed brightly, returning the kiss and nodding a little. "V-very much..." he admitted, sheepishly.
Hiroto smiled and nuzzled Shou, not minding staying out of his clothes for a little while. If Shou was enjoying it, he wasn't going to object.
Shou blushed softly, nuzzling the other in return and sliding his hands over his skin.
Hiroto hummed his approval, sliding his fingers into Shou's hair.
Shou smiled softly, placing soft little kisses over the other's skin at random.
Hiroto laughed and squirmed a bit with the kisses. "Shou..."
Shou smiled and rest his head against Hiroto's shoulder with a soft, sweet sigh. "I love you so much..." he breathed softly.
"I love you too..." Hiroto whispered sincerely. He held Shou close, letting him enjoy the moment as much as he wanted.
Shou finally lifted his head with a sigh and got off the bed. "So, clothes for you."
"Yes, if we do plan on going out." Hiroto smiled and sat, waiting for his clothes.
Shou finally pulled out a pair of pants and a shirt that was loose and kind of clung to the other's shoulders a little. "How about this one?"
"Perfect." Hiroto said, moving over to get dressed into the clothes.
Shou giggled and moved to sit on the bed again, waiting.
Hiroto was done in a minute though and ready to head out the door.
Shou hopped up, excited to join his lover and leave the palace walls with him for the lake.
Hiroto brought Shou down to the lake and rented a boat, rowing them out a little bit into the water. The scenery was beautiful.
Shou was breath taken by the beautiful view. He gasped softly, looking around at the scenery and the fish in the water.
Hiroto watched Shou react to seeing all these things, a smile on his lips. It was probably Shou's first time seeing all this.
And it certainly was until Shou gasped. "Did you see that?"
"What?" Hiroto asked, looking around.
"There was a really big... Thing! I think it was a fish! See? It's huge!" he said in excitement, leaning over to look into the water.
Hiroto laughed some and shook his head. "Be careful, Shou. I don't want you to fall in."
Shou sat down with a little laugh. "It's so pretty out here, Hiroto... thank you for taking me out."
"You're welcome. Anything for you." Hiroto replied, letting the boat float around for a bit in the breeze. "I thought it would be relaxing."
Shou smiled some and carefully moved across the boat so he could sit down beside Hiroto. "It is... Thank you."
Hiroto rest his head on Shou's shoulder for a minute, sighing. "This is nice."
Shou smiled softly, resting his head against the other's head gently. "Mmm... Yeah... It's so nice.."
"I could float out here forever." Hiroto commented, closing his eyes.
Shou rest his head against Hiroto's as they floated along, closing his eyes as well. "Mm... me too..."
"Don't fall asleep on me." Hiroto said, playfully nudging Shou.
Shou giggled and slid down, sitting between the other's legs. "I can't help it, you're so comfy."
Hiroto played with Shou's hair some, looking down at his lover. "That's nice to know."
Shou smiled sweetly up at the other. "I just say it because I love you."
"Oh so I'm not?" Hiroto teased. "You're just lying to me about being comfortable?"
Shou pouted cutely, looking at Hiroto upside down. "I never said that..."
Hiroto leaned down and kissed Shou upside down. "Cute..."
Shou blushed softly, returning the kiss with a soft smile. "You're so amazing..." he said softly.
"Why's that?" Hiroto asked curiously.
"Because...." He said softly, gazing up at the other. "You're everything I could have ever imagined and more. You came back after you'd been sent away. And you stay with and around me whenever I need you."
"Shou..." Hiroto whispered, running his fingers through the other's hair before kissing him again. How could Shou be so unbelievably sweet?
Shou returned the other's kiss, drawing it out longer then previously.
Hiroto eventually broke the kiss for a moment to slide down to Shou's level so that it wouldn't hurt his neck to kiss him.
Shou blinked and laughed a little before kissing the other again, now that they were on the same level.
Hiroto smiled against Shou's lips and cuddled him close, enjoying the little kisses they were sharing at the bottom of the boat.
Shou smiled, snuggling up to and with his lover comfortably. "Mm...." he sighed softly.
Hiroto sighed as well and moved so he could lay his head in Shou's lap. "Ahh, this is good."
Shou blushed and giggled, running his fingers through Hiroto's hair.
Hiroto made a soft noise of content as he nuzzled Shou's thigh.
Shou blushed faintly with a soft smile, tracing Hiroto's jaw line with his finger tips.
Hiroto kissed those fingers as he turned his head, smiling a bit at the attention.
Shou blushed, tracing Hiroto's lips with a soft, sweet smile on his lips.
"Your face is all red again." Hiroto pointed out with a small laugh.
Shou blushed even brighter and pulled his hands back to cover his face. "Sorry..." he whimpered out softly.
"Hey, don't cover your face." Hiroto pulled the hands away from Shou's face and held them in his own.
Shou looked at him with a pout his cheeks still bright red.
"Don't pout." Said Hiroto, kissing both Shou's hands. "I'll have to make you smile again."
Shou smiled softly, lightly. "That's not very hard," he confessed.
"No, but one of my favorite jobs in the world." Hiroto commented, nuzzling Shou's stomach. "Besides cuddling."
Shou laughed and smiled at his lover. "I'm glad."
"Tell me when you're ready to head back." Mumbled Hiroto as he got comfortable, most likely planning on taking a nap.
Shou nodded, smiling softly as he combed his fingers though the other's hair. "I will."
Hiroto did take a little nap, the sun shining down on them not disturbing him in the least.
A few hours passed by, and Shou didn't wake the other. In fact, he'd fallen asleep as well, floating around the lake.
The sun had set by the time Hiroto finally woke up and he whined softly as he sat up and looked around, remembering where he was. He shook Shou's shoulder gently.
Shou made a soft, tired sound before his soft eyes fluttered open. He sat up straight though, upon seeing how dark it was. "O-oh!"
"I'm becoming as sleepy as you." Hiroto said with a little laugh, kissing Shou's cheek before grabbing the oars.
Shou blushed, pulling himself up onto one of the seats. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep..."
"Don't apologize." Hiroto said as he began to row them back to the lake's edge.
Shou nodded slightly. Once they got to edge, he wearily tried to get out of the boat.
Knowing that Shou was still weak, Hiroto moved to his side and helped him out before pulling the boat out of the water. "Come on, I bet you're hungry."
Shou blushed. "A little," he said, though he wasn't hardly hungry at all.
And Hiroto assumed he wasn't really, but he thought Shou should have something so he walked Shou back to the palace to have dinner there.
Shou laced his fingers with his lover as they walked, smiling at him sweetly.
Hiroto took Shou into the dining room for his dinner, sitting beside him as the food was served.
Shou smiled over at Hiroto. "Do you want some?"
Hiroto nodded and nuzzled Shou's shoulder. "Sure."
Shou pushed the plate more over to his lover, only picking at a few things on it.
Hiroto mostly ate from the plate though he watched Shou to make sure he got enough. Finally, when they were done, Hiroto took Shou's hand. "Still feel up to going to the roof?"
Shou smiled and nodded. "Yes, I really, really want to go up there."
"Let's go." Hiroto decided, helping Shou from his chair so the two of them could walk up to the roof together.
Shou laced his fingers with Hiroto, smiling and walking towards the stairway with him.
Hiroto brought Shou to the roof, moving a little bit slower for him so as not to tire him out.
Once they reached the top, Shou sighed with a big smile. It was so much more beautiful in the dark of night.
Hiroto took a seat near the edge to watch the scenery from, patting the spot next to him for Shou to join him.
Shou moved over and sat down beside his lover with a smile, gazing out at the beautiful view.
Hiroto scooted closer and rest his head against Shou's shoulder, sighing in content.
Shou rest his head on top of Hiroto's shoulder, breathing in the lovely smell of his hair.
"Have you gotten everything done that you wanted to?" Hiroto asked, as he watched some of the lights flicker out in the homes in the distance.
Shou smiled softly. "Mostly...I still haven't vocally forgiven Tora, though. He deserves to know how much I love him."
"You should do that. I think it would mean a lot to him." Hiroto said softly, giving Shou's hand a little squeeze.
Shou nodded, nuzzling the other and lacing their fingers again. "I need to remind you again and again of how much I love you."
"I won't forget." Hiroto promised, nuzzling in return.
"I'm still going to tell you," he said with a little laugh.
"Then I'll keep telling you too." Hiroto smirked and whispered 'I love you' over and over again in Shou's ear.
Shou blushed, nuzzling Hiroto lightly and replying with soft I love you's in return.
Hiroto moved so he could sit behind Shou with his legs on either side of him, letting Shou lean back against him. "You're precious."
Shou blushed, leaning back against Hiroto with his head resting against his shoulder. "You're priceless," he said softly.
Hiroto cuddled Shou in his arms like he was the most valuable thing in the world.
Shou tilted his head back and kissed his lover's chin.
"All warm and cozy?" Hiroto whispered, rubbing Shou's sides.
Shou giggled and nuzzled the other. "Maybe..."
"Maybe?" Hiroto asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I was thinking more along loving and cuddly."
"Oh, because I thought you were saying you weren't warm enough or that I was uncomfortable." Hiroto said with a little laugh.
Shou giggled and shook his head. "Impossible."
"Good." Hiroto rest his chin on Shou's shoulder and sighed. "How long do you wish to stay out?"
"Forever..." Shou breathed with a soft sigh and a smile.
Hiroto laughed some at that. "Maybe we should've brought up a blanket then."
Shou giggled, turning some so he could slide his arms around the other. "I don't need anything but you..."
Hiroto shook his head some. "Are you sure you don't want to go back to my bed tonight?"
Shou smiled some. "If we have to go anywhere, then yes."
"We don't have to go anywhere. I was just wondering. And you still wanted to forgive Tora." Hiroto mumbled, laying kisses along Shou's smooth neck.
Shou nodded, shivering some. He knew he needed to. Time was running out. He loved every single one of the others' kisses more then he ever could have expressed. "Hiroto?"
"Hmm?" Hiroto replied, pausing his kisses for a moment.
Shou blushed a little brighter, timidly looking up at his lover. "Could you, umm..." his voice faded some as he tried to ask something of the other, something he was so insecure about. "C-could you possibly make lovetometonight?" he asked very quiet and fast. "I-I'll understand if you don't want to... I shouldn't have even asked..."
"Shou..." Hiroto spoke softly, gently kissing the other's neck again. "Of course I will. I just don't want to weaken you beyond what you can take."
Shou shook his head some, nuzzling the other. "I can take it.... I promise..."
"Ok." Hiroto agreed. "Where do you want to do it?"
Shou blushed. "A bed?"
Hiroto smiled at that and nodded against Shou's shoulder. "Then we'd have to go back inside for that."
Shou nodded with a soft smile. He wanted tonight to be special. He knew he was getting weak.
Hiroto got up and held out his hand to Shou to help him up too.
Shou accepted the other's hand to pull himself up.
Hiroto led Shou back downstairs and to his room, where he felt it would be comfortable for both of them.
Shou followed along, watching Hiroto with a soft, loving smile.
Once in the room, Hiroto brought them over to the bed and laid Shou down before climbing on top of him for a kiss.
Shou blushed faintly in the dark and returned the other's kiss.
Hiroto gently moved to take off Shou's clothes as he kissed him, keeping everything light and gentle, not wanting to hurt Shou.
Shou moved with the other's touches, returning his soft kisses and helping to take off Hiroto's clothing as well.
"Turn around." Hiroto said after a minute, climbing off of Shou to get something.
Shou blushed softly and did as he was told, pulling himself up some and resting on all fours, glancing back at his lover over his shoulder.
"No, no. Not yet." Hiroto moved back behind Shou and gently rearranged him so he was laying on his stomach. "That's better."
Shou blinked, blushing some. He was more embarrassed now, having gotten the wrong idea.
Hiroto sat on the back of Shou's thighs and ran his fingers over Shou's back before getting some massage oil on his hands and gently beginning to work at the other's shoulders.
Shou blushed faintly as he let his eyes blink lazily. The oils on his skin felt so amazing.
Hiroto continued to work his way down Shou's back, soothing the muscles as he went.
Shou made soft sounds of pleasure when some knots were worked out. It felt so good.
"Is that good?" Hiroto asked as he scooted down some more as he reached Shou's ass, gently massaging that too. He dipped his fingers between the cheeks to tease the hole with his oil slicked fingers.
Shou's breath caught just slightly as he looked back at Hiroto. "Y-yes..."
Hiroto slid one of his fingers into Shou just slightly, circling it around the entrance. "Open up for me." He said, parting Shou's thighs more so he could sit between them.
Shou blushed a little more, shivering with mild pleasure as he spread his legs for his lover.
Hiroto worked his fingers inside Shou, stretching him open. He poured a little massage oil into Shou's entrance and then thrust his fingers inside Shou deeply, spreading it around.
"Hiroto!" Shou gasped out softly as the other searched deep inside his tight hole.
The smaller man smiled and found Shou's spot, sliding his fingers over it a few times.
"Ahhn!" Shou moaned softly as the other rubbed his spot over and over again.
Hiroto suddenly pulled his fingers out then, finally coating his arousal with the remaining oil. "You can get up on your knees now." He instructed.
And Shou did, pulling himself up with a soft gulp.
Hiroto gently kissed Shou's lower back before positioning himself behind Shou and slowly pushing in.
Shou tried to keep himself relaxed as the other's hard manhood pushed inside him slowly.
Once fully inside, Hiroto stopped and paused for Shou to get adjusted to the feeling.
Shou let out a soft, shaky breath. It hurt, but it felt so good at the same time.
Hiroto bent over Shou's form, kissing his shoulder as he pulled out some and thrust back in.
Shou gasped softly in soft pleasure, arching up into Hiroto's form.
Encouraged by the positive response, Hiroto started moving faster, repeating the action over and over, changing the angle to find Shou's prostate.
When Hiroto did, Shou's lips parted in a louder moan, his lover's name leaving his lips as his body arched up into the other more.
Hiroto slid his hands down Shou's chest as he thrust into him, lightly pinching his nipples and finally, stroking his dripping cock.
"Ahhhn... y-yes... Hiroto...." he breathed and moaned, his hips rolling into the other's hand as he moved with every thrust. It felt so amazing, and he was so very close.
Hiroto moaned as well, not sure how much he could take of Shou's tight heat around him before he let go. He began to move faster inside his lover, his hand following his movements.
"I love you.. ahhn... Hiroto!" Shou cried out softly in pure bliss as he couldn't contain himself any longer. His hot seed spilled everywhere.
With a few more thrusts, Hiroto joined Shou in murmuring his love for the other in the moment of pleasure, releasing within him.
Shou rode out the intense pleasure that cascaded over and through him.
"Mmm..." Hiroto sounded softly as he kissed the back of Shou's neck and pulled out of him gently.
Shou moaned softly and collapsed against the bed, panting very softly.
Hiroto curled up against Shou's side, holding him close. "Good night, Shou."
Shou nuzzled the other weakly with a soft smile. "Goodnight, my love..." he breathed quietly.
Hiroto was asleep within a minute, perfectly content.
Shou was beyond gone, sleeping long and soundly in the most content sleep he'd ever been in.
