Chapter Seven
(Note) :Nioh is portrayed after Kyoh-sama's "Lu:na" dream novel from the Gackt theme. I loved the bad boy Nioh in that dream and I thank her for allowing me to use the personality she created for him. You can access the dream novel "Lu:na" by going to Minus Zero.
Your mind is wondering about Nioh? Is he really this nice?
~*~*~
"Get out," Oshitari Yuushi said firmly as he pointed his finger at the door. Atobe narrowed his eyes at his best friend. He had come straight to Oshitari after his disastrous night with . He only came to pick up . "Thanks to you she has switched off her phone and I don't know where she is now," he said angrily. Oshitari Yuushi was someone who would not anger easily, but this was the last straw.
"I didn’t plan it that way," Atobe sighed as he sat down and ignored his best friend's outrage.
Oshitari studied him and realized that the powerful Atobe Keigo looked defeated. He was weary and he actually looked like he had aged a couple of years more. He rubbed his temple trying to relax. "Atobe, I thought you wanted to tell her that you want to try again?"
Atobe clutched his fist. "I was going to!" he confirmed. "I just lost it when I saw Fuji and the others. What the hell is my ex-wife doing hanging out with those undignified people?!"
Oshitari crossed his arms disapprovingly. "You really are an ass," he told Atobe. "Have you not learned your lesson? She is popular and well liked. She actually tells you to your face what she thinks," he explained. "That was the hardest thing for her to do when she went to any of your stupid social affairs."
Atobe looked up sharply. "What do you mean?"
Oshitari eyed him carefully. "Atobe, you were so absorbed in your own world that you never noticed how much hated your business gatherings or social ones," he added. "Why do you think she was always quiet? It wasn't because she was bored. It was because she didn't want to say or do anything that would make Atobe Keigo look bad."
Atobe let out sigh.
"I'm not saying that doesn't have faults of her own. She wasn't exactly patient with you when you worked 24/7."
Atobe stood up. "Yuushi," he said. "Keep with you tonight, I need to clear my head."
Oshitari was a bit surprised. "Atobe, there was a woman you were serious about before. What happened to her?"
"Che…" he swore softly. "She was a stupid and shallow woman. She hated and kept making sure that he would never be there when she was," he answered. "I keep comparing them, Yuushi! It’s as if that stupid ex-wife of mine put a curse on me!" he admitted. "I keep comparing them."
Oshitari stared in amazement at Atobe as he left. He couldn’t believe that Atobe had actually confessed that he still thinks of . He knew the only reason he had tortured her like that post divorce because it was that had filed for it first. He was there when he saw the grim expression on Atobe's face as he read the divorce papers that were sent by her lawyer.
He slumped on the sofa and shook his hair off his face. Why the hell am I always in between? He thought. I wish 's weekend would come sooner so we can have some peace when we go there, he thought as he closed his eyes.
~~~
I was not afraid. I was terrified. I was sitting in Nioh's living room and wondered for the tenth time what I was doing there. When he said that he wasn't going to let me sleep alone, I almost fled, but then realized he was teasing me.
I let out a yawn as I stretched on the sofa in the living room. The room was dimly lit and Nioh had gone to his room to get me a change of clothes. He had offered me to sleep in his room, but I told him bluntly that I am gluing myself to the sofa. I didn’t want to go anywhere near his bed. I almost fell asleep when I felt something fall on my head. I sat up and realized it was an oversized T-shirt. "Is this even yours?" I asked as I held it up in front of me and thought that two Nioh's could fit into it.
"Yes," he answered, not looking at me. "I'll bet you're hungry. I'll order us some pizza."
I picked up the T-shirt and stood up. "Oh no, you don't need to do…' I said embarrassed, but he stopped me. "I haven’t had dinner either, so I feel like pizza," he explained as he picked up the phone. "What type do you eat?"
"I'm not picky," I replied. "Whatever suits you." I saw him nod and talk on the phone as I went to the bathroom to change. I took off my clothes and let out a sigh. I was a mess. I was not only confused, but I was in a stranger's apartment. I still classified Nioh as a stranger. It hasn’t even been a month since met him.
I washed my face and brushed my hair with my fingers. Finally I put the T-shirt on. I frowned as it hung loosely on me. It really felt like I had nothing on as one side slid down my shoulder. I wanted to kill him for giving me such a thing to wear. I was glad that it fell below my knees though. I was not in the mood to expose my legs. I walked out of the bathroom and found Nioh nowhere in sight. I frowned as I carefully sat on the sofa.
I have to admit that I was very surprised when I first stepped into his apartment. It was lavish and neat. I never really thought of him as this type of person. Nioh finally came out, wearing shorts and a T-shirt. "Want to watch a movie till the food comes?" he asked as he opened a cabinet. I realized it was a DVD library. "What genre do you like?"
I forgot his question the minute my eyes fell on the stack of anime he had. "Oh!" I exclaimed as I looked at his collection. "You're into anime?!"
"Who isn’t?"
My ex-husband I thought. I suddenly shuddered as Atobe's face popped into my head. Anyway, I browsed through his impressive collection and finally settled on one show.
Surprisingly, I was enjoying myself. I had thought that I'd end up feeling uncomfortable all night, but Nioh was on his best behavior. It was too good to be true. We watched and he kept making remarks about the show that made me laugh. The food came and I realized we liked the same type of pizza. I’d asked him to choose because I didn’t like to impose anymore on someone whose place I was staying at. I helped him clear the empty plates and clean up the place, then we resumed watching TV. However, this time I noticed that Nioh placed himself on the same sofa I was sitting on. I didn’t really object because he kept a fair distance between us. As Nioh watched quietly, I was determining things in my head.
It was ironic that I was planning new resolutions as I sat there. I decided that I was going to distance myself from Yuushi. I knew needed me, but I would make sure that I didn’t stay close to him. I decided that I would not go to 's weekend, for I knew Atobe was going to be there. I realized I had very few real friends apart from those connected to Atobe Keigo. I didn’t care that he said he didn’t want me associating with him. Maybe its time I actually accepted that will not be part of my life anymore. As I made those new resolutions, I promised that I would stick to them and with those thoughts I drifted off to sleep.
~~~
Atobe Keigo sat in his car. He had always been too proud to admit something he didn't like, but even he had to admit that tonight was officially a catastrophe. When he saw break down and cry, he felt his conscience scolding him to no end. He knew was strong and she had put up a lot with his crap, but he had never expected of her to actually cry in front of him.
Atobe Keigo also knew that was no longer his. When he had first met , she definitely had been one of those rare ladies that kept his attention. She laughed with him. Joked with him. And teased him to no end.
He had asked her out and she had accepted.
One date had turned into many. Days with her turned into nights. Finally, he had proposed after seeing her for six months. A lot of people told him that he was rushing it, but he knew when his mind and heart were set on something, he would do it.
The first year of marriage had been bliss. She was everything he looked for in a woman. The day she told him that she was pregnant, he was so pleased that he took her to Paris to shop for baby clothes.
However, the year was born was also the year that Atobe Daitaro(1) had passed away and the Atobe Empire was handed to him. He already knew the business and how to run it, but with his father gone it was a 24/7 job and had not been patient with him.
He was always at meetings, on business trips, and rarely at home to see little . When he came back home, he was too tired and only wanted to relax, not giving much time to spend with him.
Also, in his quiet time he had wanted to only think of his own father and how it saddened him that he was gone. Although his father never spent enough time with him, he had promised himself that he would always give his time, but began to see that it was an impossible task. It was him taking over the business that made him realize how much his father tried to settle some time for him, but he never could because of work responsibilities.
He remembered it was that last fight that caused to send the divorce papers. When they had finally gotten some time alone and he wanted to spend it with her, she had talked about babies. By then was almost a year old and she hinted that she didn’t mind another sibling for . He had bluntly told her no, he couldn’t handle another child. He was rarely there for and he wouldn’t even have time for another.
It seemed that after they had that conversation, all they did was argue and fight. Four weeks after that, had finally sent him the divorce papers. He hated the fact that Oshitari was there when he received them. The first thing he did when he got them was left everything at the office and went straight home.
She was there packing and they had done nothing but quarrel until the maids had actually stepped in and broke their heated argument. was so angry that she just left without saying anything. He had been so furious that he immediately called his own lawyer and asked him to review the papers and remove all custody of from her side, for she was not getting him.
And the rest was history…
What have you done Atobe? He thought regretfully as he finally drove home.
~~~
I watched Nioh as he slept soundly. It was 5 AM in the morning when I opened my eyes and I had found myself sleeping on the sofa with him beside me. The sofa wasn't that big either, but he was just laying there closely to me. I felt a rush of weirdness as I continued watching him. Why was I calm? I should be panicking by now?
He was sleeping on his side. One arm lay on his body, while the other acted as a pillow for his head. He looked too innocent as he slept, almost like an angel with his silver hair spread out like that. I sat up shivering from the cold and yawned. The room was dark and it was chilly. I saw a blanket on the other sofa and reached for it. I was about to turn around and resume sleeping where I was when I heard the answering machine go one.
"Masharu!" I heard a voice and immediately recognized it as Kaho's. "You were supposed to meet us earlier today. You didn't come. I hope that everything's alright," she said in a worried tone.
I looked at Nioh. Did he break his plans to come to me? I thought as an unsettling feeling hit me. I saw him open his eyes and look at me. "That wasn't meant for your ears," he muttered, yawning. "Damnit, I have work," he complained as he sat up as well and scratched his hair.
"Work?" I asked surprised. He actually works?
He knocked my head lightly. "Silly woman," he said softly. "I just have to finish a program. I am a freelance after all. I work at nights on my laptop."
"You look tired," I admitted, still surprised that he works.
He smirked. "I'm only tired because it took me a lot of self control to not kiss you." He winked as he moved his feet to the floor.
His remark made me look down. I don't get it. I remember one conversation I had with Yagyuu while Nioh was in the pool at his house the other day that he was rather shy. If this is him being shy then I don't know what to expect of him when he's not.
Nioh picked up the bottle of water from the table and drank it. He leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes.
I felt my heart start beating faster at what I was going to say. "Nioh."
"Hmmm…"
I moved a bit. "You can kiss me," I said quietly. I don't know what possessed me to say it. Was it because he wanted me and was not denying it? Or was it because I wanted to feel free out of my ex-husband’s clutches and this was the only way I would feel liberated. He had kissed me before, but they were unexpected kisses and it was me fighting him most of the time. Now, I was telling him it was alright. "Nioh…"
"I heard you," he remarked. "You come to me."
What? Was he that tired? I thought as I watched him. "Why can't you…" I began, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me onto his lap. He held the back of my head gently and lowered my head since I was sitting on him. Since I allowed the kiss this time, it was different. I moved closer and cupped his face gently as he kissed my lips lightly.
(2)
My senses erupted at the feel of his soft lips ghosting against my own. His fingers found their way through the back of my hair and caressed the strands, while his tongue came out to tease my lips. My lips parted willingly, his tongue slipping in seeking my own out. Our tongues clashed, his taste sending my heart racing. Our mouths worked furiously, desperately. Perhaps, for Nioh, it was a desperate kiss. The one he knew would decide it all. That made this kiss that much more exciting.
Needing air, but not wanting to escape his mouth, I pulled back and latched on to his bottom lip, pulling it with me. I sucked on it gingerly, enjoying the sounds of his excitement in his breathing. I briefly opened my eyes that I hadn’t realized I closed, to look up into steel blue eyes. I couldn’t help but shiver at the stare. His eyes expressed so much that it was making it hard to look away. Releasing the lip, I breathed in the air I needed before enveloping myself back into the heat of Nioh‘s mouth. My eyes closed once our lips meshed together again.
This time, Nioh didn’t hold back, and he attacked my mouth with a lust, a want, perhaps even love? My arms wrapped around his neck of their own accord at some point, and his fell to rest on my lower back, kneading my covered flesh gently.
Our tongues began to dance with each other; they slid beautifully against one another. My body was tingling with desire, starting at my lips all the way to my toes. My body was on fire, and I could feel the heat radiating off of Nioh’s own body.
I captured Nioh’s tongue with my teeth, and sucked on the appendage with much enthusiasm as Nioh gave heated moans. I released his tongue and escaped the lips that tried to recapture my own and instead trailed gentle kisses down Nioh’s face and neck.
I couldn’t help but breathe in his scent. I felt like I was breathing in his entire being. My body felt like it was floating from his scents. Sweat, a certain cologne, and something that was just Nioh. It was sending me over the edge. If we didn’t stop soon, I wouldn’t be able to control my body anymore. But, his smell. It made me want to lick, and taste, and savor. I nipped gently between his neck and shoulder, and he hissed appreciatively. Wanting to see if his ears were just as sensitive as the rest of his flesh, I decided to tackle that spot next.
He didn’t disappoint me. The moment my tongue trailed up the outer edge of his ear, his breath hitched and he let out a shaky breath. I closed my mouth over his lobe and sucked on it sweetly and nibbled on it gently, and once or twice I’d bite down on it with my canine.
Now, wanting to know exactly what he would do with my last bite, I couldn’t wait any longer. My lips trailed back down to his lower neck and licked, kissed, and sunk my teeth into his skin. Nioh, once again, didn’t disappoint me. His breath hitched and wrapped his arms around me.
"Son of a..." he exclaimed in surprise at the sudden pleasure. Nioh’s hands couldn't stay still now. They traveled all across my back. The sensations went through my body like wildfire and I sighed out my pleasure and released my hold on him.
Finally released from my grasp, Nioh placed a hand on the back of my head and joined our lips together. This kiss was much more intense. Tongues slid across each other with no destination, but to ecstasy. My hands caressed his strong arms and down his chest, I wanted to see him. No, I needed to see him. His body. I reached down to the hem of his shirt and pulled on it, breaking from his lips long enough to pull the shirt over his head. He found my lips immediately once the shirt hit the floor. My hands roamed over his chest, feeling goose bumps rise. Nioh’s hands slid under my t-shirt and drew pictures of nothing on my back, making me arch back into his soft touch. He directed much of his attention to the small of my back, the most sensitive area. I couldn’t hold back what I was feeling anymore.
"Nioh…" I whispered softly with urgency in my voice.
He made to move and held onto me in a protective vise as he turned to lay me on the sofa, using one hand to support himself above me. His free hand roamed the contours of my side, his lips descending onto my neck, letting me feel the pleasure he had just experienced.
I wanted to feel everything that Nioh had to offer, but this was all happening way too fast. I wanted him, but not like this. My mind was having trouble keeping up with the pros and cons of what we were so close to doing. My nerves were so sensitive to his ministrations that it was hard to think clearly. His lips were so soft, yet urgent. He started to lap at his intended mark, and latched onto me without warning.
Why is he doing this to me? Why don’t I want him to stop? Why do I want him to stop?
He let go of my neck and started to make his way down, across my collar bone, and he moved the fabric of my shirt away as much as it would give, licking and nibbling on all the exposed areas. His hand started pulling on my shirt when my hand came down to stop him.
He looked down at me; his blue eyes searched my face, trying to see what he may have done wrong.
I sat up and made him sit up with me. I was shaking and tried to stop the shivers by hugging myself. "We're moving too fast." I barely managed to say as I pulled my T-shirt up trying to cover my shoulder. My whole body was on high alert and I could feel it screaming for Nioh.
~~~
Nioh's Side
Nioh moved and leaned back on the sofa. He pushed his hair back and tried to relax his breathing. He had not expected to react that way with her. As he calmed his nerves down, he felt a throbbing pain from his neck and he realized it was from her bites. Who would've thought that who had been nothing but snappy and rude to him from day one would actually be this wild if pushed?
~~~
He didn’t say anything.
I didn't say anything.
I think we were both a bit overwhelmed after what had almost happened. Nioh finally stood up picking up his T-shirt from the floor. "I'm going to take a shower," he told me. "You can use the other bathroom as well if you want. There are extra clothes on my bed."
I watched him walk away. When I tried standing up, my knees almost gave in and I fell back onto the sofa. What is this? Why am I still shaking? Why can't my heart stop beating so fast? I tried soothing my nerves and I finally stood up. I went to the other bathroom and immediately took off my T-shirt after taking the extra clothes and went into the shower. Nioh's scent. I wanted to scrub it off me. I stopped him, but why wasn't I feeling guilty?
I stayed in the shower for a good half-hour before coming out. I dried myself and put on the extra clothes that belonged to Nioh. I dried my hair and walked out. I noticed that it was already bright and the sun had made her way in already.
I made my way into the kitchen and decided to prepare some coffee since it was early in the morning. Even before his arms came around my waist, I felt him there behind me. His scent was now buried within my senses and I was aware of his presence. "Good morning," I murmured leaning back into his arms.
He kissed my cheek lightly and moved me aside. "Do you want to get some breakfast?"
I shook my head. "No," I answered quietly. "I'm going to go home now."
He turned me around and rested his forehead on mine. I realized that he's done that many times and it seemed to calm him down. "Go and get some rest," he ordered. "You won't get it here."
I moved away and nodded. I didn't get it. Yesterday I was fighting with my ex-husband and decided that it was finally over. Today, I was with Nioh and I was comfortable. Am I allowed to be this at ease this fast? I thought to myself. "I won't be sleeping," I admitted. "I need to clean out my apartment and I've decided to start looking for a job."
"I thought you didn't need to work."
"Oh, I don't, I… Wait a minute. How do you know that?" I demanded, surprised that he had that piece of information.
He grinned. "Data."
I ignored that remark. I needed to think. I needed to do it without him around. I turned and decided to forget about the coffee. I picked up my things and put my shoes on. "I'm going to leave," I announced.
"I'll drop you off."
"No," I declined. "It will be…it will be complicated if you drop me off," I admitted. I knew if anyone saw him dropping me off then they would immediately assume that I had spent the night with him. Well, it wasn't technically a lie, but I didn’t want them to think that.
I walked to the door. "Bye."
" ," he said stopping me. I didn’t look at him as he called me. "You can't ignore it," he said as a matter of fact. "I'll let you think for a while and clear your head. I'll see you at the wedding."
I nodded and left.
~~~
I was thankful that I didn’t run into anyone I knew when I walked into my apartment. The minute I entered my own home, I let out a sigh as my comfort surrounded me. I immediately took Nioh's clothes off and went into the shower again. I still felt like I could sense him. It annoyed me a bit because I was trying not to let it affect me.
However, I was no fool.
I knew it meant something. The fact that my heart accelerates every time I think about it, proves it. I finished showering and put on a pair of shorts and a tank top. I sprayed perfume all over me and was satisfied that Nioh's scent was almost gone now. Almost.
I hummed as I cleaned up my apartment. I actually emptied my closet as well and put aside a lot of clothes that I didn't want anymore or were outdated. Also, I checked out listings and openings for jobs. I circled a few and jotted down their application address. I was serious about working. I figured if I worked then my mind wouldn’t be occupied by things that would stress me all the time.
It was also at this time that I decided to finally switch on my cell phone. It had been off since last night.
I found several messages. I browsed them. One was from Yuushi and he was worried. Second one was from Fuji and he was asking about me. The third one was also from Fuji and he wanted to spend the day with me. I looked at my clock and saw that it was 11 AM. I decided to call him from my house phone.
"Hey," I greeted as he picked up. "I just got your message."
"You sound much better than last night," he remarked.
I could hear something in the background. "Am I disturbing you, Fuji?" I asked as I heard lots of shouting, wind, and something else.
"No,' he answered. "I'm at a photo shoot actually."
I smiled. "I forgot that you were famous," I admitted as I lay on my stomach on the floor. "So do you still want to spend the day with me?" I asked, casually playing with the telephone cord.
"Yep, but do you mind if Tachibana and Saeki join us today as well?" he asked. "They're in fact staying with me for a while because their house is being repainted."(3)
"I don't mind," I said, pleased. I actually wanted to meet his friends. I wanted to create a new lifestyle for myself. I wanted to stay away from anything that reminded me of Atobe.
"I'll be a bit late though. I might be done around 3 PM. Where would you want to meet?"
I thought for a second and then got an idea. "Fuji, why don't you guys come over for lunch?" I said. "I'll have enough time to whip up some delicious things if you will be late."
He laughed. "Delicious? It sounds tempting. I will take that offer,'" he said. "It's been a long time since we had a decent home-cooked food," he admitted sheepishly. "Once I'm done, I'll pick the others up and we'll come over."
"Great!" I exclaimed as he said goodbye. I went to my kitchen and checked what we had. I saw that I had enough things to make a proper lasagna and soup. I still needed some things though. I picked up my wallet and keys and decided to go to the convenience store opposite our building.
As I stepped out, I saw Yuushi just wanting to knock on my door. A part of me was so happy to see him and I was going to ask him to accompany me, but I remembered my promise last night. "Hi."
He observed me carefully. "How are you?"
"I'm good," I replied instantly. "I'm sorry, but I need to go and get some stuff. I have friends coming over for lunch," I said as I closed my apartment door and stepped out into the hallway. I sidestepped him, but he caught my arm. "Seriously, are you alright? You weren't here last night."
I moved his hand. "I'm always okay," I said as I walked to the elevator.
I felt him walk behind me as we walked into the elevator. "Are you brushing me off?" he demanded as the elevator doors closed. I looked at him. The question staggered me, but I wasn't going to concede. "I'm just busy," I answered. "I have friends coming over and I've been cleaning my apartment."
His eyes clouded for a second. " was here last night. He was asking about you."
I felt a <thump> but I let it go. "That's nice," I said quietly. "It doesn’t really matter any more. Take care of him for me," I said as I walked out of the elevator and went to do my shopping. I didn’t even give him a chance to say anything else.
I had also realized as I shopped for ingredients that no matter how hard I fight for my son, I would never win. Atobe was not going to let go. I also knew that even if there was a 1% of me winning him back then I would be doing wrong, for I would never be able to give him the lifestyle his father had given him. Don't get me wrong, I live comfortably, but his father lived to show off.
Could I do it? Could I pretend that didn't exist? Was I ready to sacrifice seeing my son and just let go? I shivered at these thoughts and realized that no, I couldn’t do it. I would take every opportunity to see him. But how could I do it without involving Atobe? How?
I let out a sigh and decided to get some stuff for a salad as well. I was in one of my cooking moods. I picked up some drinks as well, fresh bread, and other things that I might need. I also got some nachos and dip, if they were going to stay longer and might watch a movie.
It was 2 PM when I finished cooking and I realized I had probably overdone it. I changed my mind about that lasagna and instead had made rice, sweet and sour chicken, vegetables with garlic sauce, soup, and salad. They were all different cuisines and I hoped they actually liked it.
I stank by now from all the cooking and decided to shower. I realized that this was my third shower of the day. I quickly showered; blow-dried my hair, and changed into a miniskirt and a shirt. Just as I was done, the doorbell rang. I rushed to open it. "Hey," I said with a smile as I opened it. "You guys are…." I began, but stopped.
It wasn't Fuji.
It was someone completely unexpected.
~~~
DeVeliCious & Houseki (Kiss Scene)
Edited by Elenniel & Kashii
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Note(s):
(1) Daitaro means 'great first son'. [Japanese Boys' Names] --> Elenniel's suggestion XD Thanks~
(2) The kiss scene was written by Houseki.
(3) Tachibana and Saeki are 'just friends'. They're both straight and only happen to be roommates.