Welcome to Gaia! ::

Cooking with Kaoru was fun… and so easy. They flowed around each other easily. Daichi chopped, washed, and prepped whatever was needed as Kaoru grabbed what he needed as he cooked. The taller male cracked eggs with one hand easily enough and leaned against the counter as he scrambled the egg with a fork. It wasn’t long before dinner was ready, and they were sitting together to eat. “It was no problem… rather enjoyable actually.” He said with a pleased smile as he settled into his seat. Daichi contemplated Kaoru’s suggestion and quickly nodded. “That’s a great idea! I would enjoy that a lot, actually.” He said, taking a bite of his rice and omelet. He glanced at Hana and smiled. “I’m sure Hana would love it too.” He said happily.

They ate, enjoying each other’s company, even if they didn’t speak much. Once they were finished, they cleaned up together and Daichi couldn’t help but feel content. He smiled at Kaoru as he washed the dishes. “Do you want to watch an episode of that cooking/baking show we started?” he asked, seeking an excuse to cuddle with Kaoru on the couch for a bit.

Akiko froze when Rui called after him. He turned slowly and looked at Rui curiously. Rui was smiling, though he looked a bit shy. Akiko blushed with Rui at the mention of cuddling. His gaze fell to the ground in his embarrassment, but at Rui’s words, they shot back up, confused and surprised. He studied Rui’s face as he spoke. Akiko searched for lies in Rui’s expressions, but all he found was honesty. Rui actually believed his words… Rui liked it when Akiko cuddled him? Really? He didn’t mind? Akiko nibbled on his lower lip and glanced away, blushing a bit. It was the best night sleep he had had in ages… and if it would benefit both of them… they both seemed a bit touch starved. Akiko wrung his hands in front of him and bit his lower lip a bit harder.

Rui had turned to his door, walking into his room, probably to save Akiko from speaking right away if he wasn’t ready to answer. “Rui?” he called out softly, causing the male to pause. “I-I…” he paused. “Let me ch-change into my pajamas…” he looked down at the ground but managed enough courage to glance up and met Rui’s gaze. He smiled lightly, then turned to his room and rushed in. He quickly stepped into his room, closing the door mostly, but not entirely shut. In his anxious haste, it didn’t take long for him to change his clothes. He flatted his sleep shirt with his hands and took a breath, trying to calm his racing heart. Taking another deep breath, he opened his door again and walked out into the hallway, pausing at Rui’s open door. “Rui?” he glanced into the room, pausing at the doorway… maybe this wasn’t the best idea… maybe he misunderstood Rui’s words… Maybe Rui changed his mind and wanted to sleep alone… Akiko hunched into himself a bit while he waited for Rui’s answer.

((Awesome! Can’t wait!))

Daichi had his eyes trained on the screen, smiling at the hosts now and then. He blinked, surprised and looked down at Kaoru when the male kissed his cheek. “For what?” he asked when Kaoru thanked him. Kaoru’s response made Daichi smile. He pulled Kaoru in closer, squeezing him gently before he placed a kiss to the crown of the smaller male’s head. “I’m glad.” He said softly. He leaned into the male a bit more as his gaze returned to the screen. He had to admit, he was pretty content too. Happy and warm… his smile deepened a bit. Th show played a couple more minutes before Kaoru spoke again. Daichi nodded, his smile dimming a bit. “Yes. I’ve been gone a while now… hopefully the company is still floating.” He joked, hoping to keep the mood light. “I can try to stop by for lunch? And you can always text me throughout the day. It might take me a while to respond but…” he said with a soft smile, then pressed a kiss to Kaoru’s temple.

It was getting pretty late. He probably needed to go to sleep, but he didn’t want to let Kaoru go. The prospect of being separated tomorrow was not a pleasant feeling. Daichi leaned forward and grabbed the remote. He turned the TV off as the show ended. “We should get ready for bed.” He said softly as he turned his head to look at Kaoru. His eyes flickered down to Kaoru’s lips and he leaned in. his free hand lifted up to cup the side of Kaoru’s face as their lips met in a simple kiss.

Akiko flinched slightly at Rui’s words… how did he know what Akiko was thinking? Akiko stared down at their joined hands and cautiously took the few steps it took to get to the bed. His heart was racing, and he felt terrified, but there was no reason to be afraid. Rui had never and would never hurt him. Akiko quickly slipped into the bed, under the covers. He tucked the covers under his chin and couldn’t help but curl in on himself a bit, trying to take up the least amount of space on the bed. But Rui surprised him again by opening his arms and beckoning Akiko in, with a promise of being welcome. Akiko stared at him in disbelief for a moment before his cautiously and carefully scooted over. He stopped about half into Rui’s arms, close enough to be able to see Rui’s eyes in the dark, but with some room between them. Akiko rested his head on Rui’s bicep, glancing at the male to make sure this was allowed. Cautiously, one hand reached out and gently gripped the front of Rui’s sleep shirt, anchoring himself to the other male. He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding when Rui relaxed and settle in next to him, seemingly fine with Akiko’s placement.

Being this close, it was almost guaranteed they’d be all tangled up together in the morning, but Akiko wanted to trust that Rui knew what he was doing… that he wanted that… and if he didn’t, he’d tell Akiko to back off and go sleep in his own room again. He closed his eyes and tried to relax. “G-goodnight Rui.” He whispered into the darkness. Akiko remained awake until he heard the slow, level breathing coming from the male next to him. Sleep found him, and for once, the nightmares did not.

(the semi-slow build up is fine!)

Daichi smirked at Kaoru’s direct request. It was a completely acceptable request, though Daichi doubted Kaoru would have spoken as such before their therapy started. He leaned into his husband and kissed the top of his head, “Yes, dear.” He said, mumbled affectionally into Kaoru’s hair. They finished the show and got ready for bed. Another pleasant smile spread on Daichi’s lips as he wrapped his arm around his husband and pulled him in even closer. Sleep came quickly with Kaoru secure in his embrace.

Daichi’s alarm went off in the morning and was tempted to dismiss it and go back to sleep. But the bed was empty, and he had work to do. He got up and went to the bathroom to get his morning routine started. He brushed his teeth, pulled his hair back into a neat low ponytail. He slipped on his tailor three-piece suit and grabbed his shoes. After a quick look at himself in the mirror, he grabbed his shoes and walked out to the living room. “Good morning Kaoru.” He said once he found Kaoru and Hana in the entryway. He set his shoes down and gave Hana a pet before he leaned in to kiss his husband. “Sleep well?” he asked as he released Kaoru and walked over to grab his phone.

Luckily no one had called or messaged him yet. Maybe today wouldn’t be horrible. They ate breakfast together quickly, since Daichi’s mind was already running through the list of duties he had for the day. He put his empty plate in the sink and forced himself to focus on his husband a moment. “Thank you, Kaoru.” He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Kaoru’s forehead. He took the offered bento with a smile. “Text me later. I might be busy, but I’ll respond eventually. And I’ll be home for dinner, promise.” He said, brushing a strand of Kaoru’s hair out of his face and behind his ear.

The businessman didn’t stay much longer after that. He left Kaoru to man the house and headed down to his car. He bristled a bit as he stepped into the open. It had been a while since he had been out without Kaoru… he ignored the feeling and hopped into his car, carefully setting his bento on the passenger seat. He headed to work and drove right in. He had a deadline now. He had to leave the office and get home to have dinner with his husband.

-

Akiko slept the best he had slept in what felt like years… it probably was years. Wakefulness tempted to pull him from the depths of sleep and he struggled against it. He was warmth, and grounded… this felt wonderful. He didn’t want to wake up… he didn’t want to… just a little longer, please. He mentally begged but it had the opposite effect. He slowly came back to himself. He felt something warmth pressed against him, not restricting but comforting and so perfect. His legs shifted a bit, stopping when they met another pair. His fingers curled into… a shirt? A bright moment of panic yanked him from the edges of sleep. His heart leapt into his throat and tensed, every muscle contracting, though he didn’t move beyond a flinch… a learned behavior. In a few seconds times, he went from relaxed to tense and desperately trying to fake slumber in case his wife was upset he had moved in his sleep as so.

But wait… his wife would have thrown him off long ago… unless she was still asleep. No… the smells were all wrong. The legs tangled with his own were firm but definitely not the feminine physique of his wife. That’s when it all came back him… the event with Kaoru and the main household, his wife’s arrest, his introductions to Rui, the move to the main house. He took a breath and let it out slowly, trying to relax his muscles from the initial panic. It didn’t work completely but… he cautiously blinked his eyes open and stole a glance as the man laying next to him.

Rui was awake… damn… he must have witnessed… he swallowed harshly, blushing a bit. He didn’t want Rui thinking he feared him… but how exactly was he to explain that he had woken up and forgotten where he was? That sounded like recipe for disaster… he was supposed to be getting better, not… not… he shifted slightly, trying to make a bit move space between him and Rui, but Rui’s arm still wrapped around him made it seem like Rui hadn’t lied the night before about his desire to cuddle. “G-good m-morning…” he stuttered, eyes shifting down to stare at Rui’s chest as the blush deepened.

Kaoru was great. Made sure Daichi had a great breakfast, tried to comfort him about the potential to be late home, walked him out… Daichi smiled down at his phone at the text he got from Kaoru at lunch. He took that moment to pull out his lunch as appreciate it as he read some status reports. The day had been a flurry before this moment and would continue to be once he announced his lunch over. But he had specifically booked himself an uninterrupted lunch so that he could enjoy his wife’s love made lunch.

Daichi made sure to text Kaoru a thank you before he got busy with work again. And Daichi remained busy the rest of the day. It was 5 o’clock by the time Daichi surfaced for air. He just started at the clock for a moment, not even registering the words his friend and coworker was trying to relay to him. “I have to go home.” He stated, breaking his friend from his track of thought. Daichi started to gather everything together in a stack and stood. “What?” Kyle said. Daichi didn’t even look up. “I have to go home. It’s 5pm.” He said as he stuffed the papers into his briefcase. It took some explanation, but eventually Kyle understood and smiled warmly as he watched his friend leave work… Daichi hadn’t left in the middle of a meeting like that in… ever?

With home being so close, Daichi was hope fifteen to twenty minutes later. Keys rattled as he opened their front door. “Kaoru? I’m home. Sorry I’m late.” He said as he stepped inside and slipped off his shoes.

Rui was petting him… it felt so nice. Akiko wanted to melt into the embrace. But that wasn’t appropriate. Rui was just helping him sleep, keeping his anxiety down… that’s all. Akiko nodded and hide his embarrassment in Akiko’s shoulder when the male hugged him. He forced himself away then and gave Rui a small smile. “Y-yes. Me t-too. Thank you, Rui.” He felt himself blush a bit. He tried to hide it by slowly sitting up and shifting away. They needed to get up… Akiko couldn’t just lazy about in Rui’s arms all day (even if he wanted to).

He nervously tucked a strand of his growing hair behind his ear and sat on the edge of the bed with his feet over the edge. “I-I can start on breakfast?” he asked, looing for… for what? Acceptance, permission, another option? Akiko wasn’t sure. He was just feeling awkward sitting on Rui’s bed like this. He should get up and return to his room… get dressed and… He swallowed harshly and glanced at the door like he was afraid of it, or like he wanted to blot through it.

Daichi couldn’t help but noticed their excited puppy. “Well, hello baby girl! Did you have a good day?” he crouched down and gave her some good pets and ear scratches, cooing at her a moment before his attention was back on Kaoru. He stood back up to greet his husband/wife (seriously, did Kaoru have a preference?) and smiled into their kiss. Daichi fumbled with his tie as he walked into the living room, his direction towards the bedroom to change. He rolled his eyes fondly at Kaoru. “No, everything was fine… a little more behind scheduled than I would like but nothing burned down, no clients were lost, no big complains were filed.” He informed, sounding mildly annoyed, and overly fond all at once. He told Kaoru a bit more about work, and how confused Kyle was when he left today, just keeping up conversation as he changed into comfortable clothes.

Once changed, he joined Kaoru on the couch. “Yeah, Kyle… I know weird name… He’s American.” He turned and propped his elbow on the back of the couch, then leaned his head into his fist. He relaxed into the soft cushion, full attention on his husband. He shifted his legs outward and made sure their thighs were touching. He tried to remember what Kaoru was talking about and his expression saddened when he remembered how Kyle and Kaoru had met. “Okay. I’m sure he would love that. He’d love to try your cooking. He always tried to steal food from my lunches.” He smiled tightly. He was thankful for the easy leeway into more fond thoughts.

“That’s perfect for me, thank you Kaoru.” He shifted so that more of their bodies were pressed together as they relaxed on the couch. “How was your day? What did you and Hana do?” he asked, smiling gently, and genuinely curious.




Akiko nodded, quietly accepting Rui’s help in the kitchen. Even though every instinct was screaming at him to tell Rui that it wasn’t necessary. He knew how to cook… his ex refused to do ‘wifely’ duties and instead demanded Akiko do them… Be he knew Rui didn’t want him to think like that anymore… Akiko forced himself not to flinch was Rui’s touch and tilted his head to indicate that he was listening to Rui’s thought. “Y-yes?” he prompted, in case a verbal response was required. He blinked at the requested. A walk with Rui sounded nice… really nice. Akiko would love to steal more of Rui’s precious time… even though he knew he wasn’t worth it. He blushed in embarrassment and frustration at his own thoughts. “Ummm, s-sure. That, that sound fun.” He answered, forcing himself to glance up. That’s when he realized Rui was looking in his closet and wanted to change… and here he was sitting on his bed. He jumped up, blushes brighter. “I-I’m going to go-go change.” He rushed to say before he bolted out of the room. He didn’t stop until his own door was shut behind him. He took a steading, slow breath, listening for something, any sign that Rui would follow him and … and what? Rui wouldn’t do anything bad to him…

Nothing happened, and Akiko held back a whimper. He wasn’t sure if he was relived or disappointed. He took another slow breath turned to his bathroom. He showered quickly and changed into clean clothes. Then he cautiously left his room and went to find Rui in the kitchen. He felt better with a shower and more clothes, not thin pajamas and barefoot. “What do you want for breakfast?” he asked softly as he opened the cupboard and started to pull out pots and pans he though they might need, depending on what they wanted to make.

Daichi’s brows furrowed at the question. “I’m not aware of any guards assigned to us…” he paused and thought about his morning. He had felt like something was amiss as he left for his car… but he figured it was just stress and worry about leaving Kaoru for the day. “I’m not sure… Maybe…” he paused. “I will call mother later and ask her. Maybe she has asked some people in the area to just keep an eye on us…” he carded his hand through Kaoru’s hair and leaned in, placing a kiss on his temple. Worry and doubt lingered in his mind as Kaoru steered the conversation elsewhere. He smiled at his husband’s consideration. “I’ll ask him tomorrow if he’s available. I’m sure he’ll say that he is.” He said.

They sat on the couch and talked a while longer until dinner was ready. “Can I help with the plates?” Daichi asked as they both got up from the couch and headed to the kitchen. Daichi helped were he was directed (or sat on the counter, out of Kaoru’s way) and soon they were seated at the bar, plates full of delicious looking food. “Thank you for dinner, Kaoru.” Daichi said with a smile before he dug in.





Akiko nodded at Rui’s suggestion and set the pans on the stove. Rui and Akiko worked around each other in the kitchen, prepping ingredients as needed. Akiko was a bit tense, but he was slowly relaxing in the habit of cooking, and in Rui’s comforting presence. Akiko froze when Rui started to speak, commenting on his mad dash this morning. His hand tightened on the knife he was using, holding himself stiffly as he tried to breath normal, even though now his heart was racing. “You-you shouldn’t h-have to ch-change in the ba-bathroom because of-of me.” He internal cursed his stuttering and bit his lip hard, closing his eyes tightly for a moment as he tried to gather himself. Looks like today was going to be another bad day… damn it!

He took a long deep breath and tried to force his brain to stop over analyzing Rui’s words. Just take them at face value. He didn’t ‘have’ to run out this morning. They both benefited from a good night’s sleep (meaning that sleeping together encouraged better sleep). Those were just statements, nothing more nothing less. Rui continued and his next sentenced made Akiko’s brain stutter. Be with Akiko? In his bed, in this house, at his work. Akiko turned to stare at Rui, a bit confused. Why would Rui offer something like that? Wasn’t he just another patient? Rui would leave one day, move on to the next down on his luck guy or gal who needed help… but that was besides the point. Why would Rui want to spend more time than necessary with him? He couldn’t speak without stuttering most of the time and he couldn’t handle crowds, and he was quiet a lot, he was boring, with a butt load of baggage… surely Rui didn’t mean what he said… But it sounded so nice. It sounded so nice to be welcomed, to have someone who wanted to spend time with him, who would take his good days along with the bad… who wasn’t bothered if he stuttered or if he didn’t feel like talking that day… just to have a… a friend (because he couldn’t possibly ask for more than that).

Akiko blindly took the cutting board from Rui and placed it with the rest of the prepped ingredients. He set it on the counter and stared at it for a long moment as Rui’s words sunk in. He didn’t have to be alone anymore? He felt tears p***k at his eyes, and his breathing stuttered. s**t, he was going to cry. His shoulders hunched inwardly a bit as he tried to force himself not to cry. There was little point, he knew… he was going to cry because of the sincerity in Rui’s tone. And maybe he could let himself have this, for a little bit (because no doubt it wouldn’t take Rui long to come to his senses). He turned slowly, the first tears drifted down his cheeks. “I… I’d like that… very much.” He took a step towards the male, hoping Rui could be a shoulder for him to cry on. And when he only saw acceptance in Rui’s posture and gaze, he allowed himself to fall and hugged Rui, burying his face into Rui’s shoulder.

It was still new, helping Kaoru around the kitchen, having someone to help. But Daichi loved it and he couldn’t believe he was this lucky. He had almost ruined this. Sitting at the bar with Kaoru, Daichi smiled and gathered up a forkful of curry and rice. “I’m excited to tri it then.” He said with a smile and took a bite. He had to nod in agreement. “Yes, very good.” Dinner was a calm and enjoyable experience. Good food, great company. Kaoru chatted about his plans tomorrow and Daichi chucked looking down at Hana from his perch. “Here that, Hana? You’re getting a bath. Do you know what a bath is?” he chuckled when Hana tilted her head cutely. “I bet you are going to get all wet Kaoru.” He said with a chuckle. Daichi wished he could be here to watch the mayhem.

After dinner, Daichi helped clean up the kitchen. He was enjoying Kaoru’s company and he didn’t want the night to end yet, even though he had work in the morning. “Come here.” He reached out to Kaoru, pulling him away from whatever task he was doing. Daichi leaned against the counter and pulled Kaoru into his chest. One hand settled on Kaoru’s hip as the other slipped into Kaoru’s hair and cradled his head. He probably had a dopey, lovesick look on his face. Three little words threatened to breech his lips. He’d only ever said it once (I think)… and that was in response to Kaoru’s words. He tilted his head and brushed his thump along Kaoru’s cheekbone. “I love you, Kaoru.” His voice was soft and full of love.





Akiko melted into Rui’s side. Absently, he marveled at how well he seemed to fit in Rui’s space. He gently cried into Rui’s shoulder, arms wrapped around securely, clasping the back of Rui’s shirt like it was the only thing tethering him to earth. Rui’s gently words washed over Akiko and helped calm the emotional storm that was occurring in his head.

He wasn’t sure how long it took for his tears to dry up and his breathing to even out. But when he came back to himself, he blushed with embarrassment and tensed. He internally fought with himself. He should move, but he didn’t want too… but surely Rui would want his space back, but then again, Rui had made it seem like it was okay if Akiko stayed in his space for the foreseeable future. Okay, no, that was too much to think about. Let’s just take it one day at a time. Slowly, hesitantly, Akiko pulled back. His hands unconsciously settled on Rui’s hips and he looked hesitantly at Rui, still blushing like mad. “S-sorry.” He stuttered, lifting on hand to wipe at his cheeks.

Akiko took a step back, fighting back his embarrassment. Finishing breakfast was a good distraction and gave Akiko a little while to settle with his new knowledge. Rui liked having his around… for now at least. And for now, Akiko was going to relish in Rui’s welcoming presence. He felt a bit guilty indulging in such a selfish wish but… he really, really, REALLY wanted to stay at Rui’s side. So… he’d find ways to be helpful. He’d try harder to be less pathetic. If he could be independent and useful, maybe Rui would keep him longer. In his mental haze, Akiko started to make the omelets, “What wo-would you like in your omelet?” he asked, forcing himself out of his head into reality. He gave Rui a soft, shy smile.

Daichi held Kaoru close, but he was a bit worried by Kaoru’s reaction. The male stiffened and started to cry… he was holding onto Daichi’s shirt for dear life… did Daichi say something wrong? Daichi threaded his hand through Kaoru’s hair and rocked them gently. It took him longer than it should have to realize that Kaoru was both shocked, awed, and maybe over joyed at his statement. Daichi swore to say the words more often, so that it would be easier for Kaoru to believe. “It’s okay, Daichi.” He said pressing a kiss to the crown of his husband’s head before Kaoru pulled back and bent of to pick up Hana. Daichi buried one hand in Hana’s fur as the other cupped Daichi’s cheek and stroked his slightly damp cheek. He couldn’t help the soft smile that broke through his usually hardened features. “Well… I guess I’m just going to have to say it more often.

The moment passed slowly, leaving behind a fragile, but comfortable peace. “Should we wake Hana together before bed? I bet she would like it and I could use the exercise.” He said, wanting to do something with his husband besides sit in from a screen, which he had done all day. It didn’t take long to gather up Hana’s harness and slip the wiggling puppy into it. “We don’t have to walk far. I’m sure you are tired. I just want to enjoy some outside time with my family.” He said, wrapping his arm around Kaoru, pulling him into his side as they locked up their apartment and headed for the main floor.






Akiko turned his attention to breakfast, determined to make Rui the best omelet ever. It was the least he could do for the man who had literally changed his life. Luckily, omelets were not complicated to cook as soon they were both seated around the table, ready to eat. Akiko watched, waiting for Rui to take his first bite. He had been a bit distracted for Rui’s apology caught him off guard. He glanced up, confused before his mind played the last couple of minutes back. He blushed and looked down, poking his omelet with his fork. “No, It’s alright. I… I l-like it… coming from you…” he said, blushing even harder.

Akiko waited for Rui to take the first bite before he stuffed a piece into his mouth and prayed it would keep him from saying any more embarrassing things. They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes before Akiko spoke up again. “You need to go into work today? I… I can come with you? I…” He paused, suddenly nervous. Rui had offered him a job, if he wanted it. And he did… he thought he did… Akiko wanted to the useful again. “I-I can take a look at your books while-while you are handling your other clients?” He suggested, hoping he was getting his point across… he wanted the job.