His colleagues were shocked when Shinobu put in a request for leave. Speculations heated up about the reason because it was common knowledge that Kurosawa Shinobu did not take any days off.
"Guess he's finally becoming human."
"Maybe he's just had enough of this crap."
"Do you think it's a girl?"
His manager nodded and agreed, "It's good to have a short break. A few days to recharge. Will you be travelling?"
"No," Shinobu replied politely. "Just catching up with a friend."
Now, standing at the arrival hall of the airport, he could feel a sense of anticipation and impatience building up. The announcement board flashed that the flight had landed half an hour ago. The short and cheerful message on his phone confirmed as much.
This was what waiting truly felt like. When every minute began to resemble hours. When he was cursing inwardly for each minute that had passed to go even faster.
Then passengers started filing out of the glass doors. Kids greeted their parents. Old couples kissed and hugged. A few travellers on business looking worn out and ready to get into their cabs.
Shinobu searched for the familiar figure and stilled when he saw the mop of honey brown hair.
What the fuck was he thinking back then to let Ren go? Shinobu decided that he must have been suffering from temporary insanity.
Ren caught his gaze, waved quickly and pushed his luggage towards him.
When they stood right in front of each other, they stared openly and struggled with their voices. Each not quite believing that this moment had come.
"Hi," Ren finally whispered.
"Hi," Shinobu managed. "Let me get that for you."
He reached out for the trolley's handle and their hands brushed.
They both jumped. Invisible electricity at the touch.
Shinobu quickly took hold of Ren's hand and held it firmly.
Ren blinked in surprise.
"Let's go home."
Those brown eyes, always so warm and expressive, watered.
Ren nodded.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
They were strangely quiet as they made their way back to Shinobu's apartment on the airport express and then a short cab ride.
Ren didn't trust himself to say a word. He was afraid that he would just break down and cry. He knew that he was coming home but when he saw Shinobu standing at the airport, waiting for him, it finally hit him that it was not a dream.
It was real. He was here. They were together.
He nearly stopped when he first saw Shinobu. The man looked the same, tall with dark hair. Except that the jawline seemed sharper, the dark hair shorter and Shinobu wore a shirt and dark jacket instead of a hoodie and washed out jeans.
Ren might have thought he got the wrong man until he saw those grey eyes levelling a gaze at him. The cool smile which most people mistook for aloofness.
Ren knew then that this was the same man he had fallen in love with. Just grown up and more dangerous and god help him, hotter.
The apartment block was in an up-and-coming area of the city.
"Nice place," Ren remarked when they got out and into the lifts.
"It's close to work," Shinobu explained.
When they got into the apartment, Shinobu set his luggage aside and Ren carefully placed the hand luggage against the wall.
He wasn't surprised when Shinobu grabbed his arm and pulled him in.
The kiss that followed wasn't gentle. They were desperate and all the frustration and pain of the past year flowed out like molten volcano. It was not so much a kiss but rather them devouring each other. Ren could feel Shinobu's hands gripping his hips, sure to leave a mark. He held onto Shinobu's shoulders as if it was a lifeline.
When they finally broke up for air, both were breathing heavily.
"I've been wanting to do that," Shinobu murmured against his cheek.
"Me too," Ren confessed.
"I have Monday and Tuesday off."
Ren was surprised. He quivered, "I've missed you. I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too, baby," Shinobu brushed the hair away from his cheek.
All the emotions which Ren was holding back rushed up his throat like a torrent. He broke down and cried as Shinobu held him.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Crying was hungry and messy business. They got delivery and Ren took a quick shower while Shinobu washed the dishes.
He was just done when Ren announced, "I got something for you!"
Shinobu turned around and found a wrapped package on the kitchen counter. Ren's eyes were still red and puffy but his face was now cheerful and brimming with excitement.
"What is it?" Shinobu asked.
"Open it and see!" Ren urged from the opposite side of the counter.
Shinobu wiped his hands dry on the kitchen towel and unwrapped the package carefully. It revealed a wooden box. When he opened the lid, he stared at the contents.
"Like it?" Ren asked almost shyly.
"Yes." Shinobu could feel his throat drying up. He wanted to say more but just simply couldn't.
"I saw it that day when I called you," Ren said tremulously. "It's a set, you see. It should have two cups. Otherwise it's just not right."
"Ren-" Shinobu began and couldn't finish. Could a heart feel any more alive and full?
"Let's keep it as a set?" Ren asked and then added in a small, hopeful voice. "Promise?"
What a question, phrased so simply and yet it contained their future together.
Shinobu put more care than he ever thought possible in the next single word.
"Promise."
Ren broke out into a beautiful smile and held out his hand. It reminded Shinobu of sunshine, of promises of things to come.
He couldn't wait.
He smiled and covered Ren's hand with his.