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Akito retained the memory of his last moments with Mari as if they’d been only days ago. Today marked an entire year since the last member of his family had passed, leaving him alone; the last of the Izuki name.
Well-- not entirely alone, no-- and he had KK to thank for that.
The thought of KK would always bring a smile to his face, even when reflecting on the unfortunate events of the last year. Which brought Akito what he currently found himself occupied with-- sorting through some of the old, forgotten boxes of belongings he’d brought with him when he’d first moved into KK’s apartment.
Most he found were objects of sentimental value, and other assorted things he no longer cared for. It was about time he cleaned up a little, taking the opportunity to rid himself of anything else that was nothing more than clutter. It was a rather mindless activity, but helped Akito from thinking about the guilt and sadness that remained each time he thought of his sister.
In fact, he was currently the only one home. KK had left some time ago to purchase supplies for dinner-- after all, Akito said he planned to make quite the feast tonight, and one of KK’s greatest weaknesses was his cooking. So for the moment, Akito spent the meantime reflecting on the man in question, and how their relationship had developed until now.
That, and the possibilities of their future together.
Akito had never doubted his feelings towards KK, but sometimes, it was hard to gauge what exactly the other man was thinking. KK wasn’t the most forward or emotional type, nor was he easy to read. But Akito could tell through his soft words and actions alone that KK’s love for him in return was just as strong.
Yet stranger still, Akito wanted to take another step.
With that thought on his mind, Akito continued scrounging through the last of the items in the current box he was focussed on. Shuffling some of the objects around, a particular, small piece of jewellery caught his eye. He recognised it instantly, wasting no time to reach for it, and held the item gently in his hand.
A sudden influx of memories flashed through his mind, taking him back to his younger years, together with his parents and sibling. Although his heart ached knowing they were no longer with him, at least he could make them proud by living in the moment, and finding any happiness he could.
It in turn allowed Akito to consider what exactly it was he wanted in his life now, especially for what remained.
Then an idea sprung to mind-- and Akito had a plan.
KK had returned home only an hour later, and Akito would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous. If KK could tell, he never mentioned it; instead, offering a hand with dinner, which Akito promptly appreciated. Albeit a small gesture, these moments together were what Akito craved and cherished the most, and he had a feeling that KK felt much the same.
Finding themselves curled up together on the couch after a meal was now commonplace. Akito craved the warmth KK provided, and how safe he felt in his arms. A question remained on his mind, and as the minutes ticked on, Akito continued to try to muster the strength and confidence he needed to speak it.
“There’s… a lot I’ve been thinking about lately, KK,” Akito said, pulling away from their warm embrace so that they could face each other. “About the future, more than the past. About… what I want in life, and who I see myself with.”
KK stiffened immediately, a flash of panic washing over him. Akito realised his own poor choice of words, offering a smile in the same moment he brought KK’s hands into his own. Then Akito drew one of KK’s hand closer, turning it palm-side up.
“Close your eyes,” Akito requested softly. There was something warm about his smile, the gentleness of his touch. “Just for a moment.”
KK’s eyebrow quirked, but he proceeded to comply with Akito’s request. Letting out a breath, he focussed on Akito’s gentle touch. His fingers were gradually pried open, before a small object was placed upon his palm. Then, Akito pressed KK’s fingers down, curling back into a fist.
“Okay,” Akito said, his hands now sandwiched around KK’s. “Open your eyes.”
KK did just that, glancing at Akito for a moment before staring down at their hands. Akito took the opportunity to pull away, leaving KK with his hand awkwardly floating before him, curious to know what he now held in his hand. Turning to Akito once more, the younger man simply offered him a shy smile, and a silent approval to see what he’d been given.
Eyes locked intently upon his hand, KK finally loosened his grip, allowing his fingers to move out of the way. His breath hitched immediately, noting the small, shiny, round object in his hand-- and the importance of it.
A wedding band, to be precise.
“I hope you don’t mind, but… it was my mother’s.” Akito brought his own hand towards KK’s, mirroring his actions to reveal another ring in his own grasp. “It’s one of a set, this one being my father’s. I…” He licked his lips, emotions beginning to rise in his throat. “These are all I have left of them, but-- I want you to share this with me. I want you to…”
“Akito…” KK cupped his cheek as Akito’s eyes struggled to remain clear, tears falling freely. “Hey, it’s okay, Akito. Come here…” He drew the younger man into a hug, shushing him softly, melting into the warm embrace. “Are you sure about this? We don’t have to, it’s still so soon.”
Reluctantly parting, Akito placed space between them so that their eyes could meet. He sniffled, shaking his head. “I’ve given it enough thought. I know what I want, and I want you.” Akito then laughed through a stifled sob. “So please, Kazuhiko… would you do me the honour of marrying me?”
KK wasn’t usually overcome with emotions, but Akito had a habit of bringing out a side to him that even he didn’t recognise. Hell, he’d been married before but was still left breathless by the question-- and the young, handsome man now bashfully staring at him, waiting impatiently for an answer. KK had never cared or loved another to the extent in which Akito had stolen his heart.
“Now I know you’re serious when you say my name like that,” KK smirked, leaning in a little closer. “Of course, Akito. It would be an honour to be your wife.”
Then KK kissed him before Akito could get another word in. “KK…” He muttered against lips, gradually drawing his attention back to their hands. “Wait, let me…”
Akito took the ring from KK’s hand, instead holding it between two of his fingers whilst attempting to slide it onto KK’s. Considering the ring was made for a more feminine hand, it was clearly too small to wear without resizing. But in the meantime, it fit nicely on KK’s pinkie finger-- and seeing it there awakened newfound impatient desire deep within him.
KK mirrored his action, finding Akito’s ring easier to slide on his finger, although remaining slightly too large a fit. It would do for now, and KK hadn’t realised just now nice a sight it was to see his man wearing a wedding band. “I hope you don’t mind, Akito… but I don’t think I can wait until our honeymoon to hold you.” KK brought Akito’s hand up to his lips, kissing his knuckles. “In fact, I don’t think I have the patience to move to the bedroom…”
Then Akito was drawing KK closer into a deep kiss, hands clawing at him, pulling KK down atop him. Even KK was surprised by Akito’s sudden need for comfort, but remained as eager to please as usual. Hands roamed freely, touches warm and loving; thoughts filled with nothing but each other.
“I love you, KK.” Akito gasped for breath between feverish kisses, wanting his actions to speak even louder than his words. “So much…”
“Me too, kid.” KK smiled, entwining their fingers together, rings bumping against each other. “I love you, Akito,” he added, before meeting his lips again.
As they melted into the warm, comforting embrace of the other, Akito was pleased by how well received his messy proposal was-- and excited to finally call KK his husband.