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It was unnecessary, Sugimoto knew that, but the longing he got while holding the magazine was overwhelming. The issue was from a few months ago, but that didn’t matter to him, he hadn’t been able to keep up anyway. What mattered is that it was here in this store and it was discounted.
He could hold onto it for a while he justified to himself, it wouldn’t add that much weight. Maybe when he was done, he could toss it and get a newer issue in the next town. It’s not like they weren’t constantly traveling and sometimes he had a hard time going to sleep. Maybe he could read it at night when the others had settled down. It could be his little secret.
Having convinced himself of the magazine’s utility, Sugimoto plopped down the few extra coins he had to purchase it. He could always help Asirpa with another hunt if they needed more money. With the transaction made, Sugimoto thanked the store clerk and slipped the copy of Shōjo Sekai into his kimono, keeping it hidden from his comrades. He just didn’t think that they’d appreciate it the same way that he did.
The comics inside were cute and relatable, the stories filled with pathos and romance and the articles—okay, some of them were really not meant for a man in his twenties but they were still interesting. So, it was for the best if Sugimoto kept the magazine hidden.
Which is why, late that night after everyone had bedded down, he risked taking it out. Reading by the dying firelight wasn’t good for his eyes, but it was better than being caught during the day. Or so he thought.
“What are you reading?”
It was Asirpa. Sugimoto tried to stash the magazine away but she was too fast for him. Before he knew it, Shōjo Sekai was in the hands of the enemy. Asirpa glanced through the pages of the magazine, flipping through it. “What is this?” she whispered.
“It’s a magazine,” Sugimoto said, trying to keep her quiet. He couldn’t afford for anyone else to wake up. “It has comics and stories and—”
Asirpa scowled at him. “It’s not dirty is it?”
“No,” Sugimoto reassured her. It was anything but, the magazine was actually supposed to be for girls her age.
“Then read me a story?” Asirpa asked.
He had started on a short story, maybe he would just start over again. It wasn’t very long, probably just enough to get them both to sleep. Sugimoto began, his voice soft and low, the story of a boy and a girl. Whenever the boy would do a favor or a chore for the girl, he would ask for a kiss on the cheek in return and the girl would give it. It was a secret between them, one they never shared.
Part way through the tale, Asirpa wrinkled her nose. “Isn’t that a little creepy?”
Sugimoto chuckled; he guessed it could be seen it that way. “Not in this case,” he said. “They both like each other but can’t say anything, so this is a way they can show affection.”
Asirpa tilted her head back against Sugimoto’s shoulder. “Why can’t they just say it?”
It was a perceptive question. “Maybe it’s impolite or not acceptable.” Sugimoto thought back to his own youth and to Umeko. He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. “And sometimes it’s just hard. Romance is about letting someone know how you feel without words. Not every feeling needs to be said, or can be.”
That last bit Asirpa seemed to understand. They sighed in unison. “When I find I boy I like, I will try to let him know,” she said.
Sugimoto smiled at her. “Well, maybe the world will be a better place by then and you can just tell him.” They finished the story in the quiet of the lodge. Asirpa was snoring softly before the last words were uttered. Sugimoto had just enough presence of mind to hide the magazine before drifting off.
Letting Asirpa in on his little secret didn’t seem too bad. She wouldn’t tease him like any of the men. As long as they didn’t know—
“Sugimoto!”
Sugimoto’s head shot up from his work to spot Shiraishi racing toward him with a brace of squirrels. It was the next morning and Sugimoto was helping with chores around the kotan. The Ainu had been kind enough to let them stay there so it was the least they could do.
Shiraishi proudly held up the fresh game. “I cleaned out Asirpa’s traps for her.”
“That’s great.” Sugimoto stood, wiping his hands on his thighs. Better to have clean palms on the pelts. “I can take them to her.”
Instead of handing the squirrels over, Shiraishi just stood there. Odd. Sugimoto darted out to take them but Shiraishi jerked his arm back, keeping their future meal out of reach. Suigmoto had no idea what the other man was thinking. “What are you--”
“Don’t I get a kiss?” Shiraishi asked.
Sugimoto froze. Oh god, Shiraishi had overheard him last night. “I—”
“Right here, Sugi-chan.” Shiraishi pointed to his cheek with his free hand. He leaned forward, tilting his head expectantly. The look on his face was insufferable.
Sugimoto didn’t like being teased. He knew from experience that if he didn’t do something about it now then it would never stop. In other circumstances, he might punch the offender but Shiraishi was his friend. He would have to try a different tactic, but what?
Shiraishi hummed. “I’m waiting,” he said, his voice a grating sing-song.
Fine, if Shiraishi was going to play stupid games then Sugimoto would indulge him. See how the self-titled Escape King liked that. Sugimoto’s brows furrowed and with a speed neither of them predicted, he dodged forward to peck Shiraishi on the cheek.
It was just a quick press of the lips but it was enough to startle Shiraishi. With the thief distracted, Sugimoto snatched the brace of squirrels. “Ha!” he shouted in triumph.
But when he pulled back, Shiraishi’s reaction surprised him. Instead of disgust or shock or anything expected, Shiraishi looked downright smug. The expression emphasized the other man’s cheekbones and his gentle eyes much to Sugimoto’s consternation. Shiraishi spun on his heels and gave a jaunty wave. “See you, Sugimoto.” He walked away with a spring in his step.
Strange. Very, very strange.
Well, Sugimoto was sure that would be the end of it. Shiraishi would be satisfied with his joke and move on. Sugimoto was wrong.
The next morning, Shiraishi approached Sugimoto with his shirt rolled up like a makeshift basket. “Oi, Sugimoto!” The grin on his face was from ear to ear. “I found some berries.”
Sugimoto took a peek, yes Shiraishi had gone harvesting this morning. However—
“I think these are poisonous.”
“Eh?” Shiraishi looked down at his catch. He picked up a plump berry in between his fingertips and squeezed. “Is it?”
“Ah!” Asirpa clapped her hands in excitement. “I can use these for my arrows. Thank you, Shiraishi!” They quickly unloaded the berries into Asirpa’s pockets. Pleased with the haul, she said: “I’m going to be busy this morning.” That meant she didn’t wish to be interrupted.
Once she was out of sight, off to do whatever, Shiraishi turned his attention back to Sugimoto. “Aren’t you going to thank me?”
Of course, he was; Sugimoto wasn’t completely uncouth. “Uh, thank you.”
“No, no.” Shiraishi wiggled a finger before pointing at his own cheek. What, again? Hadn’t Shiraishi gotten enough of this prank yesterday?
Apparently not from the way he waggled his eyebrows. Sugimoto let out a deep sigh. One more time couldn’t hurt. He gave Shiraishi another kiss.
The thief’s eyes practically twinkled. He grasped Sugimoto’s arm, linking it with his. “Let’s see what Kiroranke’s got planned.”
“Okay.” Sugimoto let himself get dragged away, annoyed at the constant touching.
Ever since the incident with the otter meat, Sugimoto had become more aware of Shiraishi. Particularly how he looked, how he smelled and how he carried himself. It was distracting and with them getting closer and closer to Abashiri it was a distraction Sugimoto couldn’t afford.
He had to be able to focus on getting to Nopperabo. It was imperative that they find out whether or not he was really Asirpa’s father, not just for the gold but for her peace of mind. Asirpa had to come first, no matter what other longings Sugimoto might have.
His happiness could wait forever, or it could never come. That was alright with Sugimoto, he just wished that Shiraishi wouldn’t make it so hard for him. All he could hope was that Shiraishi would grow bored of this game and leave Sugimoto alone.
Not only did Shiraishi not get bored, he kept it up almost every single day. The thief would do some little favor like helping Asirpa or getting some treat from a nearby town and demand payment in the form of a kiss on the cheek. Sugimoto had to make sure no one else was around but he would comply. The sensation of Shiraishi’s skin against his mouth was starting to become very familiar. It was both maddening and strangely pleasant.
Still, Sugimoto knew that he was going to have to put a stop to this soon. Not because he cared about anyone else’s opinion (especially Ogata, that guy could jump off a--) but because he was getting too used to it.
Shiraishi was playing an elaborate prank, one that Sugimoto shouldn’t read too much into. He knew that he was a simple soul and that he sometimes put too much faith in others. Although, he had been right that Shiraishi wouldn’t betray them to Hijikata. Maybe he really—no. Sugimoto found himself burying those thoughts deeper and deeper with every step their little party took. It was a path not worth walking, even though he wanted to.
Then finally, after all their travel, they arrived at the outskirts of Abashiri itself. Shiraishi and Kiroranke went on ahead to do some reconnaissance. They didn’t return until late that night.
“What have you learned?” Hijikata, his face stern, took command of the briefing.
Shiraishi detailed what he had learned from the gossip at the brothel. “There’s something strange happening further up the river,” Shiraishi said, sipping some water, “but the guy passed out and I couldn’t get more out of him.”
Sugimoto listened, trying not to think about Shiraishi surrounded by beautiful women with elegant manners and plenty of drink. How the women would giggle at his jokes and flatter him, touch him, maybe even—
Sugimoto shook his head. He wouldn’t let the tightening sensation in his gut keep him from paying attention.
When the briefing was over, Sugimoto went into the woods to have a moment to himself. Too bad Shiraishi didn’t get the hint. “Hey!” he called out, following Sugimoto. “Where are you going?”
“On a walk,” Sugimoto said.
“In the dark?”
Okay, Shiraishi had a point. Sugimoto stopped, waiting for his friend to catch up. Now that they were face to face, Sugimoto asked: “Why are you out here?”
Shiraishi bent over to get his breath, Sugimoto had been pretty far ahead. “To get my reward.”
“Reward?” What could Shiraishi—
The thief’s teeth were bright white in the moonlight. “My kiss.”
Sugimoto’s heart ached in his chest. Why now? “Didn’t you get enough kisses at the brothel?”
“Nah.” Shiraishi looked straight at him, his gaze promised mischief. “I thought I’d wait for some better ones.”
Shiraishi was an idiot. Sugimoto rolled his eyes. He would indulge Shiraishi one last time. “Fine.” Another peck on the cheek, that’s all it was, but Shiraishi had the gall to look disappointed.
Sugimoto couldn’t quite make it out, but it almost sounded like Shiraishi said, “I should have gotten more than that.”
“What did you say?” Sugimoto asked.
“Nothing.” Shiraishi scratched at the back of his head. “I need to take a leak.”
“Oh, okay.” Sugimoto turned his back, keeping an eye out. After taking care of nature’s call, they went back to camp. Tomorrow was going to be a long day of planning.
“Sugimoto.” A firm hand landed on Sugimoto’s shoulder; it was Kiroranke. “Have you seen Shiraishi?”
“Not since last night,” Sugimoto confessed. They had gone their separate ways to sleep. Now that Kiroranke mentioned it, Sugimoto hadn’t even seen the thief at breakfast.
Ogata approached them with the usual blank look on his face. “He said something about going into town.”
Kiroranke grunted in disappointment. “This close to the breakout we should be avoiding town. What is he thinking?”
Sugimoto certainly had no idea. They were all supposed to be plotting the invasion of the prison, a task that was more difficult without their escape expert. On top of that, Sugimoto had discovered that his magazine had gone missing. He must have dropped it during the last leg of this journey. Yet another disappointment to contend with.
The sun was high in the sky before Shiraishi returned. He appeared right at Sugimoto’s side while the younger man was doing washing. “Shush.” Shiraishi had a conspiratorial look in his eye. “Come with me,” he whispered, before sneaking off into the woods.
What the hell was he thinking? They had more important things to do. But instead of saying anything, Sugimoto did as he was asked. The spot Shiraishi lured him to was just far enough to be out of earshot of the camp. The thief’s face was giddy with excitement. “Hold out your hands,” Shiraishi commanded.
Sugimoto, ever the soldier, did as he was asked. Shiraishi drew out his prize from his hanten and plopped it into Sugimoto’s open palms.
It was a magazine, and not just any magazine but the current issue of Shōjo Sekai. Sugimoto was stunned. “Why?”
Shiraishi ignored that question, ploughing on with his own thoughts. “Sorry I took your other one, I wanted to make sure they weren’t the same.”
Well, that explained that disappearance. Sugimoto stuffed the new issue into his kimono. “That doesn’t explain—”
“It’s a gift.” Shiraishi actually sounded exasperated with him. “Haven’t you gotten those before?”
“Yes, but—” It had been years since anyone had cared that much. Sugimoto couldn’t remember the last time he had received a real present.
“Don’t you like it?” Now the thief sounded desperate, almost embarrassed.
“Of course, I do.” It was a little weird but really thoughtful and—
Oh, Shiraishi was looking at him again. Right, it seemed the game was still on. Sugimoto leaned toward Shiraishi’s cheek but he felt a firm hand press against his chest. He stopped.
“Um,” Shiraishi let out a shaky breath. “Can I have a real one?”
Now Sugimoto had no idea what was going on. “A real what?”
“A real kiss.” Shiraishi seemed to sense Sugimoto’s hesitation because he immediately backpedaled. “I mean, you don’t really have to—”
It might be his only chance. Sugimoto was inexperienced and clumsy, but he managed to get his mouth on Shiraishi’s just long enough to register the sensation. As he drew away, Shiraishi surged forward, pushing Sugimoto against a nearby tree.
This kiss was frantic and hungry. Two lonely people speaking in a silent language of lips and tongue. It was hard to breathe but Sugimoto didn’t want to stop. This moment was perfect, it was golden, it was—
“Please, let me make love to you, Sugimoto.” It was quiet, nearly too quiet but it was unmistakably Shiraishi’s voice. In mute horror, Sugimoto watched as Shiraishi pulled back, a stricken look on his face. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. The thief had meant to keep that close to the vest.
“I’m sorry—” Shiraishi tried to gather up the courage to run but Sugimoto was faster, stronger. He wrapped his strong arms around Shiraishi’s middle.
He would tackle Shiraishi to the ground if he had to. “Don’t run,” Sugimoto ordered in his “I am Sugimoto the Immortal and you will fear me” voice.
When he felt Shiraishi still in his arms, Sugimoto spoke again, “Why. Why did you do this?”
“Because I thought you might like to be courted!” Shiraishi practically yelped.
That…was not was Sugimoto had expected. He pressed his face against Shiraishi’s neck, he wanted the comfort of darkness. “What does that mean?”
“’Romance is about letting someone know how you feel without words,’” Shiraishi quoted back at him. “But I guess that doesn’t matter if your sweetheart’s a dumbass.”
Sugimoto was glad that his face was hidden, because he didn’t need Shiraishi to see his bright red face. “This wasn’t a prank?” he muttered.
“No, it wasn’t a prank.” Shiraishi squirmed in his arms. “And stop tickling me with your breath.”
Sugimoto released his prey to pull his cap firmly over his eyes. If he didn’t have to see Shiraishi, maybe he could say what he needed to. “Um—”
“Um, what?” At least Shiraishi didn’t sound mad.
”After Abashiri,” Sugimoto muttered.
“After what?” Shiraishi couldn’t hear.
“After Abashiri,” Sugimoto said louder. “I’ll let you then.”
“You’ll let—” It took Shiraishi a few seconds to catch up to the conversation. He had to mentally backtrack but when he did, he was happy with the result. “Really?” He was grinning again, a cat stalking a canary. “Do you have any idea what I want to do to you?”
Sugimoto had a couple thoughts on the matter. “Yes,” he said, “I want to get Nopperabo taken care of first.” He knew that if he let Shiraishi have his way beforehand they might not have the necessary stamina for the mission. Especially with the way Shiraishi looked at him like it was his goal in life to get Sugimoto into the nearest bed.
“That’s fair,” Shiraishi said. He wrapped his arms around Sugimoto with an easy grace, taking possession of what was being freely given. “Tell me, how did the story end?”
“The story—” Sugimoto couldn’t really remember, not with the warm press of Shiraishi’s body against his.
“I guess it doesn’t matter,” Shiraishi said. He seemed delirious with joy. “We’ll make our own happy ending.” He kissed Sugimoto again, not letting the former soldier free until they heard Kiroranke calling for them. “We’ll finish this later,” Shiraishi promised.
Unfortunately, the events of the actual Abashiri prison infiltration put a damper on their plans. Luckily, it was only a delay. Once reunited, Shiraishi decided to make good on his promise, but that’s a story for another day.