Chapter Text
The door slides open with a thunk.
He stands there for a moment or two. His hands are sweaty and his heart pounds in his chest as he stares blankly at Mao’s emerald green eyes.
(He doesn’t want to talk about the knot in his throat, or the tears in his eyes that sting worse than needles.)
He swears he sees Mao’s eyes widen a bit before going blank, and oh god—- he just wants to shoot himself with his pistol right then and there, just so he can never see that hateful gaze directed towards him ever again.
“Sakuma-san.”
“Maa-kun…”
They stand still for what feels like an eternity. No words, no nothing.
Just silence.
“I—“
“Ritsu—“
“Uh.. you first?”
“C-can I come in? And sit by the armchair?”
“You may.” Mao speaks formally, with respect, pulling his duvet a bit further up over his lap.
“Alright…thanks. I’ve got you your favorite ramen? I asked for extra thick and juicy char siu just the way you like it. I understand if you don’t want to—“
“Thanks… just—put it here Sakuma-san. Your generosity is appreciated. If that’s all you want to do, you’re free to go. Don’t stick to me, I’m a liability to your field of work.”
“What?!— No! Maa-kun I came to apologize I swear!” Ritsu anxiously sputters, heart pounding at a million beats per minute. How could Mao ever be a liability to him? “I’m really sorry— For lying I mean… That wasn’t my intention, but I thought…”
“But you did. You lied to me.” Emerald eyes burn in a way he’s never seen before. “What else are you hiding? The fact that you’re going to kill me after this?”
“Maa-kun, I would never—“
“Would you?! Did you want to tie me down? So that I didn’t have a choice? So that I couldn’t make a decision for myself? Tell me, Ritsu, why?” He looks so…broken, face scrunched up, tears running freely down his face. And his eyes…His eyes look lost, pained and hollow.
“I, I— “ He springs forward from the armchair, trying to clasp onto Mao’s hands, only for his own pair to be slapped away harshly. “I… I know I’ve screwed up, I’m—-“ He tries to say it, but what was there to say? What could he say? Mao was right, Ritsu did lie. He did lie, hoping someone as beautiful and as pure as Mao would see him as someone decent, at least not as some criminal who has bloodied his hands.
“Maa-kun…”
“Don’t call me that—“
“Maa-kun.”
It was just them, for a couple of seconds. Ritsu’s hardened and determined gaze stares deeply into the depths of Mao’s heartbroken eyes.
“Maa-kun, I’m really really sorry. I’ll do anything— If you wanted me to get down on my knees and apologize to you a million times, I would do it. You were—You are my world, and I didn’t want to hurt you, I didn’t want you to be corrupted like me: sullied with blood and threatened daily. I had grown up in the criminal world, but you? You were the only normal thing I’ve had, the only thing I’ve ever wanted for myself—“
“Ritsu…”
“Please… just… I don’t want you to hurt, or be hurt again like this anymore, okay?” He cups Mao’s face, noticing how cold his cheeks are. “Do you know how distraught I was, when you had been shot? If you had died I would have…”
“No…”
“Yes I would. I would have Mao, you’re everything to me.”
“Ritsu… Show me. Show me that you trust me. Tell them that I am yours, unapologetically yours.”
“But—“
“You said anything right? If you have the guts to do this, I will forgive you.”
Ritsu sighs. “Alright. There’s going to be a gala hosted by the Sakuma group in a week. I’ll take you as my plus one? Is that okay?”
“Who’s going to be there?”
“Our connections, high society members. People I know from school.”
“Sounds good… I’ll be discharged by this weekend anyways.”
“Alright, it’s settled.” Ritsu meekly smiles, turning around to face the door. “I’ll go now. I don’t think…”
Suddenly, he feels a tug on the back of his hoodie. He turns around in surprise to see Mao’s emerald eyes staring up at him with longing.
“…Stay….i—“ His cheeks puff up in the most adorable way, letting out a small huff, mumbling something under his breath.
“Sorry, Maa-kun, what was that?”
“I—I Missed you. Watch some movies with me? It’s l-lonely.” He looks sheepish, his cheeks puffing a little as a deep blush flushes over his face. “B-But! Don’t mistake this! You’re not forgiven yet!”
And Ritsu just melts,his face softening up as his heart soars. This is the best thing to happen to him in weeks.
“Of course, anything for you.”
“But first! Go brush your teeth! You smell horrible like smoke!”
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“Dr. Sena, Coming in.” Izumi says as he slides the door open to a surprising sight.
Ritsu Sakuma, the Ritsu Sakuma, awake for once with his boyfriend snoozing off on his chest.
He brings a finger to his lips, a sweet smile dawning on his face. “Shhhhhhh!” He hushes, stroking Mao’s wine red locks as an action movie continues to play on the T.V
Izumi gives him a pointed look, rolling his eyes fondly before stepping out the room. Oh well, he’ll just check on them later.
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He sits in front of the vanity in Ritsu’s bathroom, staring at the glistening pearl choker? Necklace? He’s not sure what to call it. He does know it’s gorgeous. It probably— no, literally costing a fortune.
“It’s custom made, Maa-kun, just for you.” He had said, leaning down and kissing him on the forehead as he handed him the red leather box.
“I-I can’t accept this! It’s too—“
“Nuh uh, take it as an apology gift, and wear it to the gala. There, everyone will know you’re mine.”
He nervously tugs on the soft, flowy fabric of his shirt, tucked into high waisted pants. He feels the cold air blow in and shivers, his back exposed due to the nature of his shirt. His sleeves are flowy too, almost like water.
He looks… Completely different. His bangs are let down and brushed to the side compared to the usual way he pins them up using a cheap plastic clip he’s treasured since he was nine. His long-ish hair is tied up into a low ponytail.
His cheeks have a light dusting of pearlescent blush. He continues to nitpick himself in the mirror, nervously fidgeting and squirming around, hoping everything will be perfect for the gala.
He hears the bathroom door creak open. Ritsu stands there, one side of his bangs braided and pinned up. He looks dashing and handsome in his tight fitting vest suit. His jacket is draped over his shoulders, imposing and suave.
Mao feels his face heat up. Ritsu looks hot. Like hot, hot. Not just hot.
“Oh? Maa-kun you look…” Ritsu feels breathless, as his lover shyly tucks a strand of hair behind his ears and meekly stares at him. His beautiful Maa-kun, all dolled up is just “Gorgeous.”
“Come on, I don't look that good…”
“Maa-kun, you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. You do look that good.” Ritsu cups Mao’s face, planting a quick kiss onto his forehead. “Beautiful. Just one more thing.”
Ritsu gently picks the pearl necklace up, securing it lovingly around Mao’s neck. He tenderly presses a soft kiss on the back of Mao’s hand as he blushes furiously. He can feel his heart pounding in his chest as Ritsu’s ruby eyes stared up at him with pure intensity and adoration.
“Perfect.” He smiles in a way that makes Mao just melt. “Shall we go?”
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He loops his hands around Ritsu’s arm, clinging nervously next to him. He feels his heartbeat quicken, his steps a little shaky as they make their way up the marble steps of the hotel.
The grand hotel, with its Georgian style and architecture stands imposingly, intimidatingly in front of Mao. He’s never been somewhere this fancy before, especially not when it’s crowded by people wearing the latest haute-couture, and jewelry so shiny and big he swears they resemble stars.
He stumbles a little, not used to the stiff, figure-hugging pants he has on. Thank goodness Ritsu was here! Ritsu makes for great physical support.
“Are you okay Maa-kun?”
“H-huh? Yeah! I’m fine, just a little… nervous? This place is really fancy, never really been anywhere like this. Ever.”
“Mm… Maa-kun I wanna go home… I know! Once we get back, let’s cuddle and watch movies. You need to do your duties and be a cute wife okay? Feed me snacks while you sing me to sleep.” He grins mischievously, sliding his arms around Mao’s waist as Mao blushes furiously. Seriously, this man child!
“I-I’m not your wife!” Mao squeaks, suddenly hyper aware of all the people around them. “Y-you! Y-you aren’t forgiven yet! I’ll cuddle you once you’ve been forgiven!” He hmphs, puffing his cheeks out in a way that makes Ritsu’s heart skip a beat.
“Oh~? Does that mean I’ll definitely be forgiven?”
“H-hey I didn’t say that”
“Oh my, what’s this over here?” A new, sweet lighthearted voice interrupts their banter as Mao widens his eyes. He knows that voice— From several blockbuster hits and award nominated T.V shows.
He is definitely not freaking out.
“Ah, Nacchan~ Glad to see you’ve shown up to this stupid gala!” Ritsu smiles. “Maa-kun~ I’m sure you know her, Arashi Narukami? She’s one of my closest friends from boarding school.”
“W-what?!” Mao’s jaw drops to the floor. And Ritsu never told him?! He really did not know Ritsu well at all—
The actress only giggles, her purple eyes crinkling up as her lips curve into a smile.
“My my Ritsu-chan, you never told your little boyfriend? I’m hurt~ Even after crawling to me during your—”
“Shut up Nacchan! He does not need..”
Mao is too flabbergasted to even listen into the banter. He does not know how to process this— His boyfriend (lack of a better word really, in his vocabulary.)— Is friends with The Arashi Narukami, the one who walks down the most prestigious red carpets in the world, winning academy awards left and right. The Arashi Narukami, who also walks runways for designer brands during Paris fashion week, and is brand ambassador—
Okay, maybe he is freaking out a little.
“Though I must say… He is quite adorable~” Her perfectly manicured hand gently lifts his chin. Mao feels his heart pounding. Arashi Narukami was in front of him, in the flesh.
“I—I uh! Uh T-thank you ma’am!”
“Now, no need for that! Just Arashi.” She sends him a wink, looping her arms into his free elbow as she gently tries to pry him away, much to Ritsu’s displeasure. “Should I tell you some tidbits about your little boyfriend over here Mao-chan? I’ve got lots of adorable stories from our schools days!”
“Nacchan! You do not get to steal Maa-kun away from me!”
She sticks out her toungue, as Ritsu sends her a shocked and offended look.
“Come now honey! I swear, the Sakumas never fail when it comes to catering! What would you like? A glass of champagne? Oh, or this….”
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It’s only been an hour and he’s pretty sure he’s talked to everyone at this huge gala. Who would have known Arashi was such an extrovert with so many friends?
Powerful politicians— Chairmen— Celebrities— you name it— He’s even spoken to conglomerate legend Eichi Tenshouin.
“My my! Aren’t you Ritsu-chan’s new boy toy?” The blond haired man had smiled as he gracefully brought his champagne flute to his lips. “Why, aren’t you a sweet little thing…”
Mao feels small in his presence, his angelic aura overpowering his small stature. The intense,cold gaze directed towards him was cold enough to make him shiver in his shoes.
“Tenshouin-senpai! You mustn’t scare the poor little bunny!” Arashi huffs. “You know Ritsu has a good eye.”
And the man had let out a heavenly chuckle.
“Sorry sorry, you’re right, Ritsu-chan sure has great taste. You’re quite pretty, I’ll give you that. hmm… would you be interested in working for me—“
“Don’t even think about it, Ecchan.” He hears a familiar voice angrily hiss behind him as protective arms wrap around his sides.
Ritsu!
Eichi lets out a chuckle, mirth dancing in his eyes. “You know I was joking, you silly brat.” Smiling smugly.
“Angelic whore.”
“Scheming asshole.”
“You’re so lucky I like you, you know that?” Ritsu chuckles a bit.
Eichi simply smiles, taking another small sip from his champagne glass.
“Yes, and I’m lucky to have met with your lovely boyfriend. Please, Isara Mao, was it? Nice to meet you.” He sticks out his hand. Mao hesitantly and shakily reaches for it, giving him a weak handshake.
He was shaking hands with the Eichi Tenshouin.
“You’re very cute, you should seriously come work for me. My private secretary maybe? Trust me you will be paid so well—“
“Shut up Ecchan, you get fucked by my brother’s best friend, focus on that maybe?”
“Haha, I’m only joking.”
Arashi sends them both a glare before dragging Mao off to see the rest of the venue. He stumbles in his steps as she cheerfully talks his ear off about this person and that person, and he’s all ears for it.
“Ladies and gents!” The MC of the night booms over on the stage, “Please, be seated. The annual Sakuma gala dinner is about to start shortly.”
“Welp! That's my cue!” Arashi smiles at him, letting go of his arm. “I’ll be over there if you need me! Now I think you’re sitting….”
“There!”
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Whispers fill the room as he saunters into his seat at the most center front table of the room. Of course, who wouldn’t? He knows he would, if he saw someone they barely knew sit at the host table of this magnificent gala.
He anxiously glances around, making sure he’s in the right seat. Nope, definitely right. His name is engraved in the gold name plate before him, standing proudly on his table.
Where was Ritsu? His hands fidget with the hem of the pretty tablecloth, trying to distract himself from the weird stares. Ritsu said he was going to be here soon…
“Ah, you must be the Isara-kun my husband talks about!”
Mao’s head dashes to focus on the new voice beside him. A blonde man in a wheelchair smiles at him kindly. He notices his eyes are a pretty mix of hazel and gray, as the man is pushed by a bodyguard (Mao assumes) towards his designated seat on the table.
Kaoru Sakuma-Hakaze
Rei’s husband.
“Y-yes sir! U-uh it’s really nice meeting you Sakuma-Hakaze-san! I’m sorry I-i didn’t recognize you before and—“
“Psh, don’t worry about it!” Kaoru laughs, amusement twinkling in his eyes as he takes a sip of water from his wine glass. “Hakaze-san is fine. I operate under that name anyways.”
Kaoru sends him a smile before turning around, whispering something in his bodyguard’s ear. The large, intimidating man gives him a nod and walks off without hesitation, leaving the two of them sitting at the table.
“Now, I want to apologize for Ritsu’s actions.” The blonde man brings his hand into his own. “I… woke up and heard from Rei what had happened…”
“I’m okay now!” Mao smiles confidently, hoping to ease Kaoru’s guilt a little bit. “All fine and dandy! I can move now, and my wound barely hurts!”
“I see, that’s good.” Kaoru sighs in relief. “Ritsu… please, take good care of him. He’s a good boy at heart, albeit a bit lazy.”
“A bit lazy? Come on! That’s an understatement!” Mao laughs, taking a sip out of his wine glass.
“That’s for sure! I’m surprised he even showed up for more than three seconds today! Every year he’d just leave or fall asleep in his chair!”
Laughter fills their table with undignified snorts that sounded out of place at a gala like this. Kaoru was pretty nice to talk to, his quips about Ritsu and how silly this ball was cracked them both up, and Mao swears he almost snorted out his water.
“What’s it like married to Ritsu’s older brother?”
“Oh you have no idea…..”
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It’s been quite a night— for Mao at least. He feasted on food too fancy for his stomach, and drank the finest champagne the world could ever provide.
He still can’t believe Ritsu was this… he doesn’t know, Celebrity? Rich dude? Aristocrat? Mafia boss? He’s been hounded by celebrities and powerful people all night, desperate to know how he even captured the Ritsu Sakuma’s heart.
He awkwardly sauntered off of course, or was saved by Ritsu, wrapping his arms around him and kissing him silly to the point where they were left alone.
By the end of it, he’s exhausted. He needs some fresh air.
Thank goodness the ballroom has a balcony. He likes how the breeze feels against his skin, and how quiet it is out here. The stars glimmer in the night sky, and he thinks that they’re truly beautiful.
“Hm? Maa-kun! What are you doing out here?”
He turns around as his boyfriend wraps his arms around him, pressing a soft kiss on his lips. Mao feels his face heating up as Ritsu sends him a mischievous smirk.
“I was just…fresh air is nice, you know?”
“Mhmm. Yeah, it’s getting stuffy in there. Say, you were getting along with Kaoru nii-chan very well, weren’t you?”
“Mmm? Was I? He’s very fun to talk to.”
“Yeah… better than that bug atleast.”
“Ritsu, your brother isn't that bad!” He laughs, leaning his head on the crook of Ritsu’s neck. He’s warm, warmer than he’s ever been. He wants Ritsu to hug him tighter, so that they would be intertwined together under the stars on this cool night.
“Eh… But did you enjoy tonight?”
“Mhmm! Narukami-San was very nice, so was everyone else. Still can’t believe you know her though.”
“So…does that mean?” Ritsu looks like a lost puppy, lips pouting a little as he stares at Mao with pleading eyes. Mao giggles, leaning up to press a short kiss on Ritsu’s lips.
“Yes, you’re forgiven.”
The two of them stand there, in each other's arms, for a good while. Ritsu is really, really warm.
He can hear the soft thumping of their hearts beating in unison, like a beautiful rhythm, dancing to the stars.
Ba-thump, Ba-thump
“Hey Maa-kun?”
“Mmm?”
“I’m really glad that man died that day.”
“RITSU!”
“Hey! If he didn’t, I would have never met you!”
They share a laugh, then a tender kiss. Ritsu still tastes like roses and chocolates he thinks, delicious and sweet. Just how Mao likes it.
“I’m glad I met you too… though, not so glad someone died to make it happen.”
Ritsu smiles, a sparkle in his eyes as he pulls Mao closer to him. He can see the crinkle of his eyes, he can feel how Ritsu fidgets with his fingers behind Mao’s back.
Yes… he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Just him and Ritsu, with the moon and stars as their only witness.
And a bouquet of guns and roses.