Work Text:
‘’After Mahiru’s death, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s best if you and Shinya marry. His position is under question, but he is a black demon gear wielder and we need more people like that. If he weren’t I would have gotten rid of him a long time ago. I’ve had him here with no strings attached for as long as I could.‘’ Tenri’s voice echoed over the room.
Everyone from the Hiiragi clan listened, not daring to interrupt, not even Kureto, and he was known as someone who doesn’t listen to others. But there he was, attentively paying attention to his father’s words.
Shinya was avoiding eye contact with everyone, as he stood next to his supposedly future husband, tapping his fingers against his leg to remain calm. It went by everyone else’s eyes but Kureto’s, he has always paid more attention to the younger man. He wanted to reach out to Shinya, but refrained from doing so.
‘’Father, you know two men can’t produce an heir right. It would be logical to have a woman if anything. Kureto finally addressed the issue that everyone was thinking of. Why is Tenri doing this? No one ever knows what goes on the head of the man.
‘’Do you take me for a fool son?’’ Tenri questioned Kureto, staring at him intensely.
‘’I’m just trying to figure out what will you get out from this.’’ Kureto answered, trying to remain calm. This whole situation was odd. Nothing about this made sense.
Kureto has had a stupid crush on Shinya since day one and he should be thrilled that he can marry the other man. But it’s not the same. He knows Shinya dislikes, if not hates him.
He hated Mahiru, because she was handed Shinya, and she threw him aside. Kureto was used to losing everything to his favored sister. The one who is perfect, was perfect, until her soul got corrupted.
But for once, it felt as if someone was looking down on him, handing Shinya over to him. But it doesn’t feel right. Shinya isn’t a thing. He is the most wonderful man Kureto has ever met.
He was a goner for Shinya when he was younger, and met this silver haired boy.Shinya smiled at him, something no one had ever done, not even his own family. From that day on, Kureto knew that the boy would grow up hating him, because if his own family doesn’t love him, neither will he.
Kureto was so lost in his thoughts, reminiscing.
At that moment Tenri Hiiragi had stood up from his chair and was in front of Kureto. Before he got a word out of his mouth, Tenri’s hand was on his neck, choking him.
‘’What makes you think you are so special that you can question my decisions. I’ll treat you as I see fit. Keep this in mind, you are disposable. You will do what I say, no questions asked.’’ He dug his fingers deeper to Kureto’s neck. It was going to leave an ugly bruise on his neck.
Kureto didn’t dare to struggle against his father. He may be the strongest, but he was no match for his father. He was starting to gasp for air, when Tenri finally let go of his neck.
Kureto looked to his left where Shinya stood and noticed the other was clutching his fists.
‘’You are dismissed and the papers will be signed a week from now, I expect you two to start to get along because after it’s official you two will be living in the same quarters.’’ And with that Tenri walked out, leaving behind two very confused men.
‘’Shinya?’’ Kureto whispered his name softly, trying not to startle the other. He seemed to be somewhere else just like he was a few minutes ago.
He tugged his hand, trying to open Shinya’s fist before he seriously hurt himself.
Finally the silver haired man looked up to Kureto’s. He threw him a smile as if trying to convince himself rather than Kureto that he is fine.
‘’Heeeh, can’t wait...’’ Shinya said lightly. Walking away before his heart jumps out of his chest.
That's because his heart always seemed to beat fast when he was anywhere near Kureto. He was so stupidly in love. One of the reasons he hung out with Guren was to get Kureto riled up, to make him see Shinya, pay attention, anything to have a reason to change a few words with Kureto, even if the words weren’t the nicest.
He was afraid to see Kureto’s reaction to the marriage thing, because he was pretty sure Kureto didn't like him. Which is ironic, because his sense of fear was already gone thanks to the trials. But there he was, terrified.
Kureto let Shinya walk away because he didn’t want to pressure Shinya into anything. He treasures the man enough not to do it. Although the rumors always indicate otherwise about him.
________________________________________________________________
The first day of trying to hang out was weird as hell. And they live in an apocalyptic world run by vampires. It shouldn’t be that hard to be in each other’s presence. But yet it was.
They started by getting lunch together everyday. Sitting next to each other, eating in silence, not a single word was said during the meal.
Everytime when Shinya finished his food to go to his training, he whispered see you later to Kureto to which he replied in a hum.
This went on for 5 days. It’s not that easy to find time to relax.
On the 6th day, Shinya was particularly tired on that day and the food didn’t look appetizing at all. Shinya was poking around the dumplings on his plate like they offended him somehow. He kept stabbing them around the plate. He was late to lunch and missed the time for curry, so dumplings it was.
Kureto noticed it and asked him if he was okay. Shinya nodded, but it didn’t look believable.
Everyone knows that the dumplings there suck, and Kureto especially knows that Shinya hates them.
Kureto switched their foods. ‘’Keep some of that fighting energy for the vampires.’’
This got a chuckle out of Shinya and the tension disappeared around them.
‘’My weapon is a rifle, not a sword.’’ Shinya reminded Kureto.
‘’You can always shoot our horrible dumplings at them.’’ Ghost of a smile on Kureto’s lips.
Shinya was trying to hold his laughter back. This conversation was dumb, but fun.
By the end of their meal, and lots of stupid things were spoken like a couple of kids they made their way out of the cafeteria together.
‘’You should smile more Kureto. It’s lovely.’’ Shinya waved to Kureto and left the other man, unable to wipe his smile off his face.
No matter how tomorrow ends, he hopes they can keep the friendship going.
_____________________________________________________________
The dreaded day had arrived.
After having signed the papers with Seishiro and others as the witnesses, the newly married couple headed towards their shared apartment. They walked side by side, but they didn’t talk. Both were busy inside their own minds.
Kureto unlocked the door letting Shinya in before him. ‘’We are going to move your stuff here tomorrow.’’ Kureto said. The first words spoken during the whole day.
‘’I’m going to take a shower…’’ Shinya started walking to the bathroom and locking the door. He finally let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. There was only one bed in the place, meaning he had to share it with Kureto. That thought alone made Shinya anxious.
While Shinya was washing himself, Kureto had a battle with himself, pacing around the room.
He stopped when he heard the bathroom door click.
Shinya walked out from it, his hair dripping with water, wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. The towel hanging around his shoulders.
Shit. Kureto thought to himself. That’s a sight he has never seen, and it’s making him feel hot.
Shinya popped down on the edge of the bed and sighed. It has been a weird day.
Kureto stared at him, analyzing. Shinya looked too beautiful to be real.
When he reached out his hand to touch Shinya’s cheek, to which Shinya flinched. Not because he was afraid of Kureto, he knew better. Rather, he didn’t want to give himself hope.
‘’I had always been jealous of Mahiru, why did they give such a beautiful boy to such a nasty girl. And now here we are almost 15 years later, and I’m the one you ended up marrying.’’ Kureto spoke, dragging out each word, afraid. For the first time in his life, he was afraid. He didn’t want Shinya to run away from him. He had been chasing the other since childhood.
‘’Wha..?’’ Shinya’s mouth fell open. Did Kureto really say that? Did he practically say he has always liked Shinya, the same way Shinya has loved him?
A blush creeped on his cheeks, but he couldn’t tear his blue eyes off Kureto’s crimson ones. They had managed to captivate him.
‘’Do..do you love me?’’ Shinya managed to stutter out, holding his breath. Now or never.
‘’Always have.’’ Kureto answered, taking his hand off Shinya’s cheek and stood up, standing in front of him.
‘’Why? Why do you love me? I’m tainted, I'm nothing.’’ Shinya couldn’t believe he was asking this. But he needed to know.
‘’You stayed kind and strong despite everything. I’ve always admired that about you. And your smile hasn’t changed, it is still beautiful.’’ Kureto listed them like facts Shinya should know about himself.
If Shinya wasn’t red in the face before, he was now.
Kureto started to back away from him, when he felt hands around his waist.
Shinya pulled him close and leaned against his stomach with his head.
Kureto was taken aback by this for a second, only to start ruffling his hair. He had dreamed of brushing his hand through this hair since forever. It was so silky and soft. He never wanted to stop.
‘’Kureto,’’ Shinya mumbled into his shirt, ‘’make me yours.’’
This made Kureto’s hand stop.
Something about the way Shinya called him Kureto right now, was thrilling.
‘’I don’t want to hurt you.’’
‘’I trust you.’’ Shinya said in a heartbeat. Raising his eyes to meet Kureto’s.
He smiled that beautiful genuine smile Kureto remembered from years ago.
Kureto’s heart grew in size, this beautiful man wanted him, and said he trusted him. Not even in his wildest dreams he thought he’d ever hear this.
When Kureto finally came to, he kneeled down on Shinya’s level. He was staring with eyes filled with lust and need.
He reached out both of his hands to hold Shinya’s head. One hand was at the back of his head, the other was tilting his chin.
When their lips touched, it sent sparks down their spines. It started off with just a soft touch, familiarizing.
It was Shinya who deepened it and Kureto followed, by pushing Shinya down on the mattress, hovering above the other.
The kiss was everything and more. It was sweet and reassuring. But most of all, accepting.
That's what both of them ever looked for in this life, acceptance, and they found it with each other.