CHAPTER 3

Teruo

Teruo woke up feeling Shinji’s body pressed firmly against him, hands lazily roaming over his abdomen and the exposed side of his hip. The softness of Shinji’s lips touched the skin at the nape of his neck, and Teruo shivered in pleasure as Shinji continued to kiss his upper back and shoulder.

“Mornin’,” Teruo said, turning his head to meet Shinji’s lips in a gentle, lingering kiss.

Shinji mumbled something that resembled ‘good morning’ in a voice still thick with sleep, then buried his head in the crook of Teruo’s neck and held him tight. “You’re so warm.” He curled up, tangling his legs through Teruo’s, his body molding into Teruo’s back.

He winced a little because Shinji’s feet were cold, but he liked that, even though Shinji complained about everything else being too hot, he always sought Teruo’s body for warmth. Soft strands of Shinji’s tousled hair tickled his cheek and Teruo shifted enough to kiss the top of his head.

“Mind if I turn around?” Teruo asked.

“Please do,” Shinji murmured. He unclasped his arms, waiting until Teruo shifted so that they faced each other before pressing himself against Teruo again. “Even better. Now I can see you.” He rested his forehead against Teruo’s, fingers brushing over the stubble on Teruo’s jaw. “You don’t have a date planned for this morning, do you?”

“I know you hate mornings, so I planned it all for the afternoon.”

Shinji’s heavy-lidded eyes opened wider, and he smiled. “Aw, you’re sweet.”

“I think we could both benefit from sleeping in.”

“Oh, yeah…” Shinji nodded grimly.

Teruo leaned in, nuzzling Shinji’s nose, then kissed the tip, then his lips, then he peppered kisses across Shinji’s jaw and the length of his beautiful neck. He cupped Shinji’s face in his hand, tracing his thumb over his skin, and taking in every part of him; the adorable bed hair, his high cheekbones, the contour of his delicious mouth.

His eyes met Shinji’s, who seemed to be staring, too., and they both broke into mischievous grins.

“Are we thinking the same thing?” Shinji wiggled his brows.

“I was thinking you’re gorgeous.”

“I was thinking you’re hot and I’m horny.”

Teruo laughed. “Works for me.”

Shinji rolled them over, covering Teruo with his body. The solid length of his erection ground against Teruo’s through the fabric, and he liked the way Shinji was so hard for him, but neither wanted to hurry this moment. Shinji cradled Teruo’s face, the brush of his lips feather-light, and a shiver ran through Teruo. He angled his head and their mouths pressed together, fitting like two perfect pieces of a puzzle.

A low rumble escaped Teruo’s throat as Shinji caught his lip gently between his teeth and playfully tugged. Teruo lost himself in the pure pleasure of enjoying Shinji’s lovely mouth, and the way he took his time kissing Teruo, thoroughly devouring him.

Shinji’s hands slithered underneath Teruo’s t-shirt, skimming his palms along the ribs and up to his chest, brushing his thumbs over the hard nubs of his nipples, and making Teruo writhe underneath. A soft chuckle escaped Shinji, and he broke away to pull Teruo’s t-shirt off, quickly followed by his own, before lying down again.

His palms spread across Teruo’s torso, long fingers mapping every part of Teruo’s body while he kissed the stubble on Teruo’s jaw, then moved down his throat, along his collarbone. Teruo rippled with arousal as he looked at Shinji’s beautiful lips, swollen from the kissing, pressing little pecks all over his chest. He gasped when Shinji rolled his tongue over his nipple, then captured it between his teeth and sucked.

“Don’t stop,” Teruo mumbled.

He let out a long moan as Shinji tugged at the sensitive nub with his teeth. Glancing at Teruo, Shinji smiled, then kissed his way down the side of Teruo’s abdomen, occasionally biting and smirking when Teruo gasped again. Hooking his fingers on the waistband, Shinji pulled off Teruo’s pants, and settled between his legs, his palms caressing Teruo’s inner thighs.

“I want to eat you whole,” Shinji breathed.

“Please, do it,” Teruo pleaded, painfully hard just from seeing Shinji looking at him full of hunger.

A low growl escaped Teruo when Shinji wrapped his lips around his sac, and rolled his tongue, teasing. Shinji’s fingers caressed the curve of Teruo’s hips, sending electric shivers down to Teruo’s core as his mouth sucked and squeezed in all the ways that Teruo liked.

Shinji’s warm breath fanned over Teruo’s erection as he kissed up the shaft, then flicked his tongue over the head. Teruo moaned and moved his hands from the sheets to Shinji’s shoulders.

“Shall I continue?” Shinji asked as he teasingly placed another wet kiss on Teruo’s cock.

“Yes…!” Teruo groaned.

Shinji grinned smugly because he knew he was driving Teruo crazy with arousal and was enjoying it. And Teruo loved this little game and the anticipation. His head hit the pillow when Shinji leaned down and swallowed half of his cock in one go. His fingers wrapped around the base and he bobbed his head, sucking and diving Teruo’s cock deeper into his mouth.

Teruo’s hands held onto Shinji’s soft hair, tugging lightly as his hips started thrusting into Shinji’s warm and inviting mouth. The sounds of pleasure filled the room, and Teruo lowered his gaze to see the way Shinji’s lips stretched around his cock. Every suck and swirl of Shinji’s tongue ignited every nerve in Teruo’s body and he struggled not to thrust harder and accidentally choke Shinji. But it seemed Shinji craved more, urging him on with a tap on the thigh, and Teruo quickened the rhythm of his hips, pushing more of his length into Shinji’s mouth. It was all pure ecstasy, the kind that only Shinji could give him.

Shinji sucked and licked at each thrust, Teruo’s slick cock diving in and out of his mouth. Teruo felt the climax building up within him, the tingling sensation spreading throughout his body like fire.

“I’m close…” Teruo moaned, his fingers tightening in Shinji’s hair. His whole body coiled and he burst with pleasure, unloading down Shinji’s throat. He sucked Teruo through his orgasm and made a show of licking his lips.

Teruo let out a breathy chuckle. “You look terribly pleased with yourself.”

“Well, I gave you an earth-shattering orgasm, haven’t I?” Shinji winked.

“Yes, you did…” Teruo said, still catching his breath.

Shinji pushed himself up, straddling Teruo’s waist, and looking at Teruo with a smug grin on his lush lips, wet and rosy from sucking Teruo’s cock. It was incredibly hot.

Teruo let his palms roam over Shinji’s chest and stomach, across the diagonal scar Shinji didn’t speak about, then up over his shoulders, and his biceps. He dropped his hands to Shinji’s pajama pants, still on him, hiding his hard dick.

“Take them off,” Teruo said. “I want to taste you, too.”

Shinji shucked his pants and Teruo couldn’t stop looking at his cock, jutting out like an offering.

“Come up here.” Teruo motioned.

“You mean sit on top of you?”

“Yeah.”

Shinji grinned and crawled until his knees were on either side of Teruo. His cock hung just above Teruo, brushing against his mouth, rock hard and smooth. Shinji didn’t let his weight down, instead propped his feet so he would hover atop Teruo’s chest. Teruo wrapped his fist around the root of Shinji’s dick and cupped the cockhead between his lips, trailing the tip of his tongue slowly over the slit.

It prompted the most delicious moan from Shinji, whose fingers gripped the headboard for support. With his free hand, Teruo grasped Shinji’s ass, pushing him forward as far down his throat as he could in this position. Shinji gasped, his thighs trembling with pleasure, and Teruo loved the view.

A small ray of light filtered through the curtains, accentuating every muscle and curve of his beautiful body. The little white tendrils of energy that emanated from within him made the sweat on his skin glisten. Shinji’s chest rose and fell as Teruo worked him with his mouth and tongue. His eyes locked with Teruo’s, and they were dark and intense, while his lips were slightly parted as he drew in uneven breaths.

Shinji tangled his fingers into Teruo’s hair and held him in place as he thrusted deeper down his throat. Teruo relished the way Shinji’s cock filled his mouth, the way it pulsed and throbbed. The salty taste of Shinji’s skin and pre-cum were addictive. Teruo sucked and teased and licked all of him, savoring the wanton moans Shinji made.

Teruo moved faster, creating a perfect suction around Shinji’s cock until Shinji exploded in his mouth, his hips jerking against Teruo, and his cum slipping down Teruo’s throat. He swallowed everything Shinji gave him, then gently pulled him away.

Shinji moved back and plopped himself on top of Teruo with a groan. “You are so good…” he muttered, pressing a kiss on Teruo’s jaw.

“You are even better.” Teruo hugged him tightly.

“I’d go back to sleep, but my stomach will complain in three… two… one…” As if on cue, Shinji’s stomach let out a long growl that made Teruo burst into laughter.

“Did you train your stomach to do that?”

“The bastard has a mind of its own.” Shinji raised his head a little. “Five more minutes.” Then he dropped it back onto the pillow.

“I think you need to tell that to your stomach rather than me.”

Shinji mumbled something unintelligible, his lips pressed to the skin underneath Teruo’s ear, kissing lightly, and spreading a warm thrill through Teruo. He closed his eyes, letting himself enjoy the weight of Shinji on top of him and the feel of his beautiful, naked body. His fingers trailed through Shinji’s soft hair and down his back, tracing the contour of his muscles. They remained wrapped in each other’s arms for a while longer, just because they could, because these days were about them.

Over an hour later, they relaxed on the sofa, their hunger satiated by a plentiful breakfast. Shinji had put the Santa hat on and he looked stunningly adorable. Teruo stretched an arm over his shoulders, and leaned closer, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“Where are we going today?” Shinji asked, giving him a kiss on the lips.

“Shibuya Sky.”

Shinji gasped, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Awesome. Can’t wait.” He ran his hands over Mochi’s fur as she stretched lazily in his lap. “But are you sure? It’s colder today. You’ll be freezing up there.”

“I’ll be fine. Got my thick winter jacket ready.”

Shinji opened his mouth to speak, but only an “ouch!” came out when Mochi suddenly stood, then jumped off him, kicking him with her legs. She walked behind the sofa and stopped, staring at the wall.

Teruo rose to his feet to see her better. “What do you see, sweetie? A fly?” She usually made a chirping sound whenever a fly made its way into the house before engaging in a full-blown attack that turned the entire house upside down. But this time she stood frozen in place, staring.

“It’s not a fly. It’s a ghost,” Shinji said, casually.

“A ghost?!” Teruo exclaimed, making both Shinji and the cats jolt. Now Dango seemed preoccupied with the new guest and settled next to Mochi, both staring quietly into thin air. A gust of cold air drifted toward Teruo, raising the hairs on his arms.

“Easy,” Shinji said, rubbing his palm across Teruo’s back. “It’s okay. He won’t hurt you.”

Teruo’s heart rammed harder as he looked at Shinji. “Am I haunted?” he whispered.

“You’re not, don’t worry. He probably got lost and wandered in here.” Shinji pulled his phone and seemed to tap a text to someone. “I don’t know whose jurisdiction this is, but I reported the spirit and he’ll be taken care of—”

“Who cares about jurisdiction? We were attacked by ghosts just over a month ago. What if he does the same?”

“Those were being controlled. And I can sense it when a ghost becomes dangerous, and this one is harmless, so don’t worry.”

Teruo trusted Shinji. If he said the ghost was harmless, then he was harmless. Even so, Teruo preferred if the ghost wasn’t in the living room, staring at them. “Can you kick him out? I’ve seen you using your energy to push ghosts away.”

Shinji’s gaze switched between Teruo and the empty spot, and he winced at whatever he was seeing. His voice lowered. “I think you made him sad.”

“Does it matter?” Teruo said, impatiently. “Aren’t ghosts always sad? They’re dead.”

Shinji gasped and gave him a light smack over his shoulder. “That’s not a nice thing to say.”

Teruo huffed, folding his arms. “Well, since I’m a rude asshole anyway, I might as well be one for both the living and the dead.”

“How egalitarian of you.” Shinji shook his head, but he was smiling. “Don’t worry. I’ll help him go outside.”

“Tell him I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be inconsiderate of…uh…you know.”

“He heard you,” Shinji said.

Shinji walked to the ghost and his white energy poured out of his body in shimmering tendrils, curling around his arms like sleeves. One step at a time, he headed toward the opposite wall until he reached it. His energy pulsed, slipping through the wall like mist, guiding the ghost out of the house. Although Teruo couldn’t see, the draft of cold air disappeared.

“Done,” Shinji said, turning on his heel.

Teruo let out a sigh of relief and fell back down on the sofa. He didn’t necessarily mind spirits, but a stranger’s ghost watching them made him uncomfortable. “Thanks.” He ran a hand through his hair, then nodded toward the cats. “How come Mochi and Dango can see the ghost and I can’t?”

“From what I know, most animals see ghosts.” Shinji returned to the sofa by Teruo’s side, the energy gone. “Cats are especially sensitive. Have you seen those funny cat videos from the internet where cats just stare at nothing and people joke that they’re seeing ghosts?”

Teruo tensed. “Don’t tell me…they’re looking at ghosts, aren’t they?”

“Yep. Well, cats are a little weird, so most of the time it’s nothing, but sometimes it’s a ghost.”

A shiver ran through Teruo. “Shit. So, if it was a ghost this time, it could’ve been a ghost other times in the past?”

Shinji shrugged. “Could’ve been, yeah. Cats are curious animals and the ghostly aura isn’t threatening to them. It would’ve been a problem if you had a dog. Dogs hate ghosts and bark at them.”

“I see.” Teruo looked behind him as if he could tell whether a spirit was there or not. He couldn’t, and it freaked him out. “Should I expect creepy screeches or furniture being thrown around tonight?”

Shinji held his palms up, shaking them in dismissal. “No way. I wouldn’t have been so chill if the ghost was that violent. Would’ve shoved it out and far away in a second.”

“Ah! So, you do kick them out. I’m not an asshole.”

Shinji laughed. “Well, yes, if they’re angry.”

“Okay.” Teruo stared out the window. “Ghost don’t feel coldness, do they?”

“No. Why?”

“I insulted him enough by calling him a sad ghost. I don’t want him to be a sad, cold ghost.”

Shinji erupted into laughter and draped his arms around Teruo’s neck, kissing his cheek. “You somehow manage to be rude and sweet at the same time.”

A smug smile made Teruo’s lips curve. “I’m a walking contradiction.”

“You are.” Shinji pulled him closer and peppered a flurry of kisses across his jaw and down his neck. Then he raised his head again and gave Teruo a big smooch on the lips that made his heart flutter.

Shinji’s eyes were full of mischief, and he dragged Teruo down on the sofa. Teruo settled carefully on top of him and met Shinji’s lips in another sweet and unhurried kiss. Shinji’s hands ran slowly across Teruo’s back, stopping at his shoulder blades and remaining wrapped around him. He relaxed against Shinji, his face buried in the crook of Shinji’s neck, the fluffy pom of the Santa hat tickling his cheek.

With the ghost gone, Mochi and Dango hopped back up on the sofa, snuggling up to them, or in Mochi’s case, stretching right on top of Teruo.

“I hope we’re not too heavy,” Teruo said, since Shinji was now squished underneath.

“I’ll survive. You’re both too sweet for me to move.”

Teruo smiled, kissed his lips, and they remained wrapped up in each other’s arms.

~ * ~

With two hours left until sunset, it was time to head toward Shibuya Sky. Teruo zipped up his black padded jacket and glanced over his shoulder at Shinji, who stepped down the stairs. He’d put on a sweater at Teruo’s suggestion, but still went for the thinnest jacket he owned.

“Not that one,” Teruo said. “Get one with a hood. Trust me.”

Shinji scratched his head. “The problem is, I don’t have one with a hood.”

“I’ll give you one of mine. I’ve got plenty.” Teruo passed him a dark gray similarly padded jacket in a with a hood. “It’ll be easier to brave the wind if your head’s covered with something that can’t be blown away.”

Shinji put on his jacket and it fit him perfectly. “How do I look?”

“Incredibly handsome.”

Shinji gave him a smug grin. “Well, it’s impossible for me to be anything but handsome.”

His charming cheekiness was the most adorable thing and Teruo kissed Shinji’s beautiful lips, then wrapped Shinji tightly in his arms because he couldn’t get enough of him. He was glad to spend these days getting his fill of Shinji with nothing else keeping them occupied.

They left the warmth of the house and walked out into the crisp air. It was sunny and cloudless, but the wind bit at Teruo’s skin. Shinji, on the other hand, seemed to be in his element, his tousled hair swept back by the wind.

Minutes later, they arrived in Shibuya and walked toward the entrance of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper. The building’s shimmering glass facade reflected the blue sky and the sun’s rays. All around them, the streets bustled with people, and some crowds were heading in the same direction as them.

They wove through the people and took the elevator that led up to the Sky Gate, then from there they stepped inside the transition pod. Above, on the pod’s ceiling, the screen displayed star-burst patterns and more explosions of lights. Before they knew it, the elevator arrived, and the doors opened into a corridor with sleek black walls adorned with glowing lines of light that sliced through the darkness.

“Oh! This is very cool,” Shinji whispered.

“Builds suspense, doesn’t it?” Teruo said, as they walked to the escalator.

“Yes!”

Shinji’s excited voice made Teruo incredibly happy and glad he’d planned this. As the escalator went up, more natural light appeared at the end of it and they ascended toward the Sky Gallery, which was enclosed with glass windows from the floor to the ceiling. The vast sprawl of the capital was already unfolding before them, stretching endlessly.

“Whoa!” Shinji exclaimed. “Never been to one of these observation decks.”

“I think we can get some drinks if you want to stay inside here.”

“Maybe afterwards? I want to go to the rooftop.”

Teruo smiled. “Let’s go.”

The wind already picked up when they exited the enclosed gallery and went out toward the elevator that led to the Sky Stage, the rooftop of the building. By the time they were fully outside on the roof, the wind blasted right into their faces.

“Shit,” Shinji muttered under his breath. “It’s stronger than I expected.” He put the hood over his head and drew the strings to secure it.

Several other people were just as surprised by the gust of wind and quickly zipped up their jackets. The view was already extraordinary, with planes crossing over the blue sky above them, and below, the busy Shibuya crossing was crawling with people.

“Wow, you can see so much,” Shinji said. “I mean, obviously, it’s to be expected, but…”

“It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?”

“Yeah…” He trailed off, gazing into the distance.

The rooftop had a 360-degrees view, and they started walking, huddled next to each other. Everybody was too preoccupied with the amazing sight to look at them, so Teruo looped their arms together for warmth. But who needed a thick jacket when Shinji’s gorgeous smile was making Teruo’s whole body buzz with warmth.

“There’s the Sky Tree.” Shinji pointed.

The Tōkyō Tower was visible, too, and seeing them from this perspective made the buildings seem closer to each other than they actually were.

“Let’s see if Mount Fuji is visible,” Teruo said as they walked. “There it is.”

Thanks to the very clear sky, the white peak could be seen through the buildings in all its beauty.

“Amazing!” Shinji exclaimed. “We’re lucky the weather’s good.”

“Yep.” Teruo drew him a bit closer. “Do you like it?”

“So much!” His lips curved in a mischievous grin. “I had no idea you’re such an expert on Christmas dates. I’m discovering a new side of you, chief.” He playfully bumped Teruo’s hip.

Teruo chuckled, but shook his head. “Nope. It’s my first time doing all of this, too.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed with the way you planned everything.”

“Well, you see…” Teruo paused, hesitating a bit because he didn’t want to put a damper on their fun. But Shinji seemed to be keenly listening, so he continued, “Last year, I was single, so I was depressed. The year before that, I was also single, so I was depressed. Three years ago, I was freshly ghosted by my ex, so I was even more depressed.”

“Oh…” Shinji rubbed a soothing hand over his back. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry, I’m over it. The reason I went all out this year is because I’m excited about you. About us.” Teruo entwined his fingers with Shinji’s, stroking his knuckles as they kept on walking the deck.

“I’m excited about us, too.” Shinji smiled, squeezing his hand. “I’m happy we’re making great memories together.” He beamed as he spoke, his eyes sparkling, and Teruo struggled to keep himself from claiming Shinji’s lips.

“I’m gonna kiss you crazy when we get home,” Teruo whispered.

“You better.” Shinji winked.

Wide grins spread across their faces, and Teruo could barely contain the joy spilling out of him. They continued on, looking over Yoyogi Park with its trees painted in green, orange, and rusty red, over all the buildings, skyscrapers, small houses lining the streets. The cars rushed on the roads and the busy streets were packed with people.

After taking a few pictures together, they sat down to watch as the sun slowly descended, like an orb of molten gold, coloring the sky in hues of fiery lavender and orange. In the distance, Mount Fuji became a dark gray silhouette, towering above everything else. The conversations around them became softer as people watched or took photos of the view. Shadows stretched long and thin across the deck as light faded and darkness settled.

Shinji rested his head against Teruo, holding Teruo’s hand between his, their bodies nestled together. Teruo’s heart fluttered, and he wished time would stop so they could enjoy this moment for a while longer because it was perfect and he’d never forget it.

As the sun completely disappeared, the city below became alive as the lights turned on one by one, the ones in the distance looking like a shimmering sea of fireflies from their spot. Teruo and Shinji stood up and walked to the glass panels, looking down at the city pulsing with life. Digital billboards and neon signs lit up everything with their vibrant colors and the roads looked like golden rivers cutting through the buildings. In the distance, Yoyogi Park was a huge dark spot in between bright buildings.

The air was heavy with the hum of energy from the people around, taking pictures and occasionally letting out an “oh!” at the view. But Teruo let the voices disperse into the background and looked at Shinji, who stood beside him, his forehead glued to the glass as he looked down below. The sight was fantastic, but seeing Shinji so happy was even better. His eyes sparkled brilliantly, and he was focused on something below them, his lower lip caught between his teeth.

Teruo didn’t want to interrupt, so he just gazed at Shinji, holding his arm wrapped around his shoulders. Shinji noticed him staring and his mouth curved in his usual sly smirk.

“Stunning view, isn’t it?” Shinji said, waving his hand at himself.

“Absolutely!” Teruo grinned.

“The whole ‘burned dumpling’ look really sells it.” He pointed to the creased charcoal hood that was tightly wrapped around his head and half his face.

Teruo broke into laughter. “Well, you’re one handsome burned dumpling.”

Shinji cupped Teruo’s cheeks in his palm, his thumbs tracing across Teruo’s jaw. He sneaked a look behind his shoulder, then quickly pressed a kiss on Teruo’s lips. There was a faint blush on his face and a playful glint in his eyes, like he’d done something naughty but was totally proud of it.

Then Shinji’s face turned more serious. “How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?”

Teruo nearly melted into a puddle. “I think I’m the lucky one.”

Shinji beamed, then leaned into Teruo, tucking himself in Teruo’s arms. “Can we stay a while longer?” Shinji asked.

Teruo held him tight. “Of course.”