Work Text:
Third Point of View
To get away from it all, all his problems, all his pain. Well, as much as he could. It would never fully go away. His losses, his physical pain, and his mental struggles. He remembered going to the doctors a few weeks ago. Coming up, explaining his problems, and getting face slapped with disappointment and anger.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Tomioka, but you seem fine. We know you have depression and anxiety. But as of right now, we don't know what's wrong. You should go to a specialty clinic.”
So with dread, he left with no answers and barely any solutions. He called around, and he couldn't get an appointment any closer than four months away. Everything was so backed up. And Christmas had just passed. He spent it all alone. ‘Great fucking gift’ He thought. He just couldn't wait to finally catch a break.
Then just a few days later Shinobu had called, with an urgent tone in her voice. Giyuu only answered due to the fact he had nothing going on. Work was slow all day and he just got off. So he got into his car and answered the call by the third ring. Sighing, he put her on speaker and buckled up.
“Yes Shinobu?”
“Ah Tomioka what's up with that tone? You'll never make friends like that silly.”
“Just spit it out, you never call unless it's an emergency. I know you prefer texting.”
“Okay, okay. Well… I have this close friend named Sanemi. And he just gave me a ticket to go on a cruise with him. And you know that there is no way I'm going out on that cruise.”
“...How is this my problem?”
“Oh my gosh stfu– anyways… He was originally gonna give it to my sister and try to ask her out on the cruise. But came to me about it and I had to break the news that she was already in a relationship.”
“Dang poor guy.”
“Yeah- and it'd just be weird if I went in place of my older sister. And I know how much you need a break.”
“Yeah I do but with a complete stranger??”
“Well you both are my friends. Trust in my judgement!”
“I'm still working too, how in the hell would I get the time off? And when is the cruise anyways?”
“It's in two weeks!”
“Shinobu.”
“Yesss?”
“It's. Fucking. Winter. Do you see the snow on the ground or have you become blind?”
“You get on a plane then go on the cruise. It's somewhere hot.”
“You never mentioned anything about a plane.”
“I did just now. Come on please??? I already talked to your boss.”
“What is wrong with you Shinobu? How on earth did you contact him?”
“Don't ask questions! Just give me an answer!!”
He sat in silence for a moment. Thinking it all over, rubbing his hand over his forehead and pushing it back to shuffle through his dark hair.
“Fine, fine. I'll take it, I'll go.”
“Great! I'll give you his number and you two can chat out the details! Thanks again Giyuu!”
He mumbled a yeah and then she hung up. He rolled his eyes and drove home, hearing his phone beep from the notification of her message. It was the number Shinobu promised to send. He parked and got out of his car. He unlocked his door and entered his lonely home. A small house left to him by his deceased sister. It only filled him with pain. Shuffling out of his shoes, he sat on the couch and looked at the message. He typed in the number into his phone and sent a message. Something short and simple.
“Hello, This is Giyuu, Shinobu's friend. I have taken her ticket.”
He thought he would be waiting an hour or two but a message flew in like the speed of light.
“I cannot believe she really gave away her ticket. Alright well, Giyuu, make sure to get ready for the cruise. It's in two weeks.”
“I know. Don't worry.”
He then set his phone down and left it alone to go shower. Not even bothering to save the number yet. He took a nice warm, almost hot shower. Melting away the day's stress he calmly and almost went along his way with the rest of his day. And the next, and the next. Days flew by, he felt like a washing machine that never would end. Always on the same spin cycle, nothing changed. That is, until one night, He got another message.
“Ready for the plane ride tomorrow?”
He was confused. Clicking on the message and looking back he scrambled. Shit. He thought. He quickly saved the number as Sanemi. He found himself shocked at how he remembered the guy's name.
“Yes, I'm ready.”
That was a lie. He was running to his room and shoving things in his suitcase. He was so thankful that earlier in the week he did some research based on his ticket that Shinobu sent over digitally. Everything seems to be electronic these days. It honestly makes Giyuu sigh. He barely got any sleep that night. He was too busy triple checking literally everything. Truthfully, depression sucks ass. He really wished he had remembered earlier to be ready. Eventually he got sleep. But then he abruptly woke up early. He was thankful because he realized he didn't know when the plane ride was. So he sent a message right away.
“When is the plane ride?”
One moment, two moments, three…
“What the fuck. Why are you messaging at like 5am?”
“Ah- so sorry.”
“Whatever. It's 3pm.”
Giyuu sighed and took a deep breath. He had time. He would leave his house a little before noon, make sure to arrive on time and wait. He had to be early for the first time in his life. So he made sure he would be.
Well. Things don't always go according to plan. He barely made it in time. Somehow time got away from him and by the time he got on the plane it was a bit after four. He was glad the plane ride got delayed. When he got his luggage in and seated. He then realized he had absolutely no idea what Sanemi looked like. Did Sanemi even know what Giyuu looked like? He sighed heavily. Guess he would just meet him in the room on the cruise…
Giyuu's Point of View
Thank goodness…. I've made it, everything is gonna be okay… I will be okay. Though I wish my knees would stop aching. Ah, has someone sat next to me? I looked over a bit, and the most gorgeous man sat next to me. I have the view to look out at or this absolutely god of a man. He had pretty white wild hair and rough scars over his pale face. And wow did they suit him. I couldn't help but stare.
“Are you gonna stare at me the whole flight?”
Wow, even his voice was amazing. Deep and rough. Is this what people mean by airport crushes? Except this is only an airplane crush.
“N-no, ah I'm sorry.”
I quickly looked out the windows, thankful for having the window seat. And then I heard him laugh and I could swear that for a moment my knee pain didn't seem so bad. I looked back over, I just couldn't help myself. I felt like some goofy middle schooler with a crush. His eyes are a beautiful lilac purple color. And while his features seemed harsh, something about him seemed calm. Shockingly enough that is with his eyes looking kind of wild.
“So, mister-stare-a-lot, where are ya going?”
“Isn't it clear? We are on the same plane.”
He laughed again and I have never felt so listened to. Or funny that is. Shinobu always said I never had a funny bone in my body. I then remember telling her that, that would be impossible.
“Okay, okay. Well what are you looking forward to in Mexico?”
“My cruise I guess.”
“Ah you're also going on a cruise? Probably not the same one as me. Ah well I suppose at least a few people on this plane are going on a cruise.”
The plane then went up finally and we were off. I felt a bit uneasy. Then the god-like perfect man handed me some gum.
“Helps with the ear-popping. Trust me.” He said while chewing some gum.
So I did, I unwrapped it quickly and popped it into my mouth and started chewing. And it did help. As things finally calmed down and the shaking stopped I smiled softly at him. He smiled back and I spit the gum out back into the wrapper and shoved it in my pocket. Grabbing my neck pillow and eye mask I looked at him.
“I'm going to try to sleep this plane ride off. If I lean on you at all, feel free to shove me off. But I don't think I'll end up leaning on you. I've never done it before.”
“Alright then pretty boy.”
I got quiet then and I'm pretty sure I also got red in the face. I quickly closed my eyes and the last thing I heard was him chuckling.
Sanemi's Point of View
I can't believe I sat next to a quiet but cute guy. I'd probably never see him again so why not stare at bit. Not as much as him though. I couldn't believe how much of a staring problem he had. It was as if I was the most attractive person he had ever seen. That definitely helped with my confidence. I'd been feeling a bit worried that I wasn't good looking. Especially with all of my scars. If only that car accident never happened…. And then on top of it all, the first girl I ever wanted to ask out was already taken. I sighed and put on a movie on the small screen in front of me. Deciding to watch some weird crime show, the plane ride flew by.
Finally we started to descend. And then I noticed he was leaning on my shoulder a bit. I smiled and as we finally landed I knew I had to wake him up. I slowly moved him off my shoulder and I did only what I knew.
“Hey wake upppp. Wakey wakey.”
“Mmmmghrmm..?”
“We have arrived its time to go.”
He rubbed his pretty blue eyes and yawned.
“Thank you…”
And… then we got up and left, going our separate ways.
Time passed, I had got a rental car to take me where I needed to go. I had lots of money from my mother and fathers inheritance. So these expenses were no issue. And my younger brother absolutely refused to go with. Being terrified of water and all. So here I was staying the night in a hotel and going on a cruise ship tomorrow for a week with a stranger. Or well, a close friend's, friend. Just great. I sighed and ordered some pizza. Eating in and watching football on some TV in a hotel was fine. But a bit boring. Then I got another message from Giyuu.
“When is the boat ride? Like when should I be there?”
“8 am. How do you know literally nothing?”
“Well this all has been quite confusing, my bad.”
“It's whatever- just make sure your not late.”
“I'll do my best.”
I then put my phone on silent and continued watching TV and ended up crashing out an hour later.
Time passed on and soon I was out the door, and in the rental car, driving to the dock for the cruise. Getting out, and carrying all my bags I get over and wait. Then I see him… the man from the plane. Wow, I cannot believe we really have ended up on the same plane. Perhaps I can get his number. He seems kind of cute. Pretty for sure. So I made sure to walk over.
“Hey there stranger.”
“Oh- the handsome guy from the plane-”
“Oh handsome am I?”
“Fuck… I am so sorry I didn't even mean to say that out loud.”
I chuckled and shrugged it off. So what if this guy finds me attractive? That's not such a bad thing. I smiled big and we soon walked up and onto the cruise ship. They gave us a tour around the whole area. All the areas for suntanning, and even a pool for some reason? The restaurant, sitting area, spa, fitness gym, casino, theater and more. When the fuck did cruises get so fancy? And then finally when the tour was done we all went our separate ways. And the cute guy from the plane followed me.
“Your cabin is this way too?”
“Yeah.”
“Huh.”
I made my way to my cabin and unlocked it. The cute guy just stood there staring at me. His mouth agape.
“What are you staring at? I seriously have never met someone with such a staring problem.”
“I- I never expected this.”
“What the hell are you on about dude?”
“Are you Sanemi?”
My eyes went wide. No fucking way… This cute guy I met on the plane and walked on the tour close with. He was Giyuu, the guy I'd be sharing a cabin with this whole time.
“You're Giyuu!?”
“I am, I didn't know Shinobu was friends with such…”
“Such what?! Come on say whatever your gonna say to my face. Scary? Loud? Come on!”
“Handsome…”
“Er- you keep surprising me. Wow you'll really say anything huh?”
I opened the door and brought my stuff in and he followed after, closing the door behind him.
“Well not really- I'm typically quiet. Shinobu thinks I don't talk enough.”
“Sounds about right. Man shit… I forgot this cabin only had one bed. Can you handle that?”
“Oh- uh- erm-yeah. Yeah I can.”
“Good.”
I then sat down on the bed and looked around the small and kind of cramped cabin. I should've gotten a bigger one but I didn't want to spend all of my inheritance. I then started to unpack my things and put them away and so did he. We did it in silence. Will this be more awkward because we find each other attractive?
“Ah…oh man…”
I turned over and looked at him, he was clutching his shoulder.
“Hey are you okay?”
“Mmm… Yeah. Yeah I'm okay-”
“You sure? You seem in pain.”
“It's nothing…”
“Well…if you say so.”
I sighed softly, letting my eyes linger and then I got back to unpacking. And after a while I left to go check out the pool while he stayed behind. I tried to get my mind all cooled off and collected after such an interesting day. I'll be sharing a cabin with that guy, uh Giyuu… for a week. He is really pretty, that's what I'm worried about. What if I really like, catch feelings? I'm trying to get over my crush on Kanae. It would be wrong to just mess with Giyuu. So I'll just…be normal. Yeah, normal. After a while I went back to the cabin, I had to take a shower. I walked in and saw Giyuu sleeping on the bed and chuckled.
“You're gonna sleep through dinner on the first night huh? Mm well suit yourself Giyuu.”
I then covered him up because somehow he fell asleep with no covers. He looks like a porcelain doll, quiet, still, and pale as hell. I smiled and decided to stay in as well. I showered, laid down beside him and soon enough fell asleep.
Giyuu’s Point of View
I slowly woke up, feeling quite warm and comfortable. Blinking awake, I noticed I must have been next to a wall because I could barely see anything. But then I backed up and noticed my face was basically into the back of Sanemi. I slowly got up and went to brush my teeth. Seeing in our bathroom mirror that my face was quite red. I brushed my teeth and washed my face. Barely having the energy to do so. I then walked out and grabbed some clothes. Noticing that he was still asleep, I went back into the bathroom to change. In case he were to wake up, of course. Then I walked back out to see him awake and shuffling out of a shirt. And holy shit he had…a great body.
“You're gonna continue to stare aren't you? See, I've never ever met someone who stares as much as you.”
“Can you blame me?”
Ah. I should not have said that. I started rambling and then hurried out. Seriously, when have I ever talked this much? This is why I don't! I always say stupid shit. I went on a walk and then decided to look in the gift shop. I'm glad I didn't bring my wallet from the cabin. Everything in here seems so pricey. I thought about getting Shinobu something to tease her but damn these prices… I then walked out and sat on one of the chairs. Getting a bit of sun, but not for long I didn't bring out my sunscreen from my bag. My elbows ache lightly but thankfully with the sun it's not so bad. I pulled out my phone and took a photo of the scene. The sun's out, water sloshing below, and it's a cloudless day. After a bit I continued to walk around and check out the restaurant.
“Hello sir, what can I help you with?”
“I'm just looking right now, but thank you.”
She nodded and I continued to study the menu. Then I made my way back to the room, and Sanemi was gone. I shrugged and grabbed my swim trunks and changed into them. I supposed I should get in the pool which is inside so I don't need my sunscreen. Putting my hair up into a bun, and grabbing a towel, I left the cabin. My elbow started to throb a bit again but I just focused on my steps. Getting closer and closer to that big pool. I set my towel down and slowly got in. The cold water sent an aching spike to my arms and I quietly groaned. Having to quiet myself for the sake of others.
As I adjusted to the water I swam around and floated for a few hours. Getting lost in the joy of doing absolutely nothing. Then I dried off and made my way back to the cabin, carrying the towel in my hand. Entering the cabin, Sanemi was in a nice suit and brushing his hair.
“Ah you're back, tonight they are having a nice dinner. You packed a suit right?”
“I- I did not…”
He sighed and looked over at me. His eyes widened a bit and I could have sworn that he blushed a bit.
“I should have an extra suit that may fit you… may be a bit loose.”
I nodded and excused myself to the bathroom to shower off all the chlorine. Then with a towel wrapped around my waist I walked back out. Seemed he was waiting for me, holding another suit in his hands.
“This is the one, go and try it on, then come back out here. I'll need to see if you look like a weirdo or not.”
I rolled my eyes and went back in the bathroom and changed but I couldn't for the life of me get the tie. I walked back out and handed the tie back to him.
“Here, take it back. I don't need it.”
“You don't know how to tie a tie do you?”
I didn't say anything and he just started to chuckle. It didn't help that I looked dumb with my towel on my hair after I had gotten into the suit. Long thick hair takes quite a while to dry. I was hoping it'd dry faster this way. He walked up to me and put the tie around me and started to do my tie. He was so close I could smell his cologne. He smelled like a mountain-y musk cologne. It was great on him.
“You are staring again.”
“You are much closer and are taking up most of my view, Sanemi.”
“Is that so?”
“It is…”
My eyes flickered to his lips, they looked a bit cracked but soft. And then the next thing I knew, he was patting my chest and walking to the door.
“Let's go pretty boy. And be on your best behavior with that staring problem.”
I cleared my throat and followed. Whispering a quiet ‘I can't promise anything’ and passed him in the hall. I'd never been so cheeky and flirty before. I hope I don't take things too far, that I bother him. Perhaps I should back off more. Leave him alone and let him do his own thing on this cruise. I don't want to overwhelm him or come off as too strong...
Third Point of View
The night continued on, and everyone gathered for the night's dinner. And Giyuu kept glancing at Sanemi. And who could blame him? Sanemi was strong and in a nice-looking suit. He had on a nice cologne, and his voice was deeper and a bit rough. If anything, Sanemi made Giyuu realize a lot about himself. More specifically, his type in a guy. And honestly, it all kind of scared Giyuu. He had never liked anyone like this before, and he knew they were there for Sanemi to get over Shinobu's older sister. He felt like it'd be wrong to just take his shot already. But seriously, how much did Sanemi even like her if he was trying to get her and his brother to go? And that it was just a shot to ask her out. Nothing was super serious.
Giyuu felt all kinds of emotions, and he hated just how fluttery he felt around Sanemi the most. A few days passed, just around the middle of the trip, and Giyuu was feeling quite head over heels. It's hard not to when you’re around a quite attractive man for days. So he tried to ignore Sanemi. If he wasn't around him so much, he could calm down. That's all. Yet by the last night of the cruise, Sanemi had enough of it.
“Hey Giyuu c'mere.”
“Uhh no, thank you, Sanemi. I'm gonna go do-”
“Do what? You've barely stayed in the cabin. You're out 24/7 and as far away from me as possible. Last I knew, you were flirting with me and getting all blushy every time I laughed or even looked at you. Then you got all quiet and started ignoring me. It's the last night of the damn cruise, and you are just gonna keep shutting me down? How fair is that, Giyuu?”
Giyuu looked down. He felt bad, but he was good at running away. But he couldn't exactly do that here anymore, it seems. He sighed and slowly looked at Sanemi. He was anxious. How does one confess? How does one face something they have been running from since forever? Love. Ha, it's such a funny thing.
“Well- I wasn't supposed to be here in the first place. Kanae was.”
“But she's not. You are.”
“I know, I know. I just, I don't want to make things complicated.”
“How? How would you make things complicated? If anything, ignoring someone you're sharing a very small cabin with is complicated and a bit cruel.”
“I'm sorry… I- I just don't know how to face my feelings. And, well liking you while you are trying to get over someone else isn't gonna do either of us any good.”
“You like me? Still? All that flirting wasn't fake?”
“Of course it wasn't Sanemi. Why would I ever fake that?”
Sanemi then walked up to Giyuu and grabbed onto his shirt tightly. But he didn't pull him close. At least not yet.
“Well all the cold shoulder made me confused. I was worried I did something wrong, but I couldn't tell what.”
“You didn't do anything wrong, Sanemi. I just… I don't want to be a thing to get over her. I don't want to mess with your head and heart.”
“Well please leave all my feelings to me. Let me sort out my brain and heart. But I promise you, Giyuu, I haven't thought about her this whole time. You do know I had two weeks before this trip to get over her, don't you? She hasn't crossed my mind once on this boat. She was a crush. A simple crush and a very close friend. You… gosh. You are quite something else.”
“What do you mean?”
“When I liked her, I thought it was serious and that I should do something extravagant for her. I never liked anyone before her, so I was so, so new to all of this. I've always been afraid to let someone close. My ma and pa didn't work out, and I didn't want to end up like then. But I finally liked someone, Kanae. But when I learned she was already in love… Sure I was a bit sad, but I was glad she was happy. And I took time to focus on myself and think about love. Think about how I could be different. I could find true love and learn what it truly means.”
Giyuu slowly nodded, and Sanemi brought him a bit closer with a tug.
“I knew her for a long time, I've only known you for some days now. But I can't stop thinking about you. Your small smiles. You're quiet but not quiet enough, snarky remarks. Your eyerolls and subtle laughs. I've seen you around even when you were actively ignoring me. I saw who you were around others and I saw you. And I've loved every side I've seen of you so far. I'm not saying run away with me or anything. Just… give me a chance. I see the way you look at me. Or, well, stare.”
Sanemi chuckled, and Giyuu nervously laughed a bit. He gently massaged his own shoulder.
“Are you sure?”
“Hahaha- am I sure? Yes, Giyuu, I'm completely sure. Please give me a chance. I promise I will show you how great of a guy I can be.”
“Okay…”
He took a deep breath and nodded at Sanemi. In response, Sanemi smiled so big at Giyuu and pulled him into a hug.
“Ah careful… my shoulder hurts a bit today…”
They both sat down on the bed, and Sanemi nodded.
“Is there any particular reason why? Did you pull something?”
His voice seemed concerned, and Giyuu flushed a bit again.
“Ah no, I just have some pain problems with my joints and some muscles… My doctor doesn't know what's wrong right now. I have to go see a specialist.”
“I see.”
He slowly leaned in and softly kissed Giyuus aching shoulder.
“Is this okay?” He whispered in Giyuu's ear.
“Yes, that's just fine…”
He smiled and continued to kiss Giyuu’s aching shoulder gently. His hand went to Giyuus arm and the other to Giyuus neck, up against the hair by his ear.
“Is there anything else that hurts?”
“My left knee a bit…”
Sanemi nodded and then proceeded to get off the bed, kneeling on the ground and starting to massage Giyuus knee gently.
“Tell me if I'm hurting you or making it worse.”
“Ah, I will-”
He then leaned in and kissed Giyuu’s knee and looked up at him.
“Anything else?”
“Perhaps…” Giyuu said with a teasing tone.
“Oh, and what should I kiss next?”
“Come up here and find out.”
So Sanemi got off his knees and stood up, over a sitting Giyuu. And then Giyuu patted his lap. And Sanemi, who now was as red as a tomato, slowly climbed onto Giyuu's lap, now straddling him. Giyuu’s eyes flickered to Sanemis lips again. Just like they had been over and over during their trip. Sanemi finally leaned in, capturing his lips in a soft, gentle kiss. Who knew kisses were so healing. Giyuu sighed softly into it. His eyes fell closed, and he tilted his head to better deepen the kiss. Soon, they parted, and Sanemi could not get enough of him. One kiss became two, then three, then four.
“Mmmm baby… can I call you baby?”
“I'd prefer sweetheart.” Giyuu said with a smile.
“Okay Sweetheart.” He said as he kissed the side of Giyuus neck.
They kissed and pushed and pulled and stripped themselves of their shirts. Sanemi's hands explored Giyuu's chest and arms. And then his mouth followed. Leaving soft kisses all over. Then they got a bit hurried with intense want. Sanemi wanted to kiss every part he could see. To let Giyuu know just how beautiful he is.
“How much pain are you in, sweetheart? We don't have to go all the way. But can I keep kissing you?”
Giyuu nodded while smiling. Drunk in the feeling of Sanemi's warm hands holding him close. And his hot lips pressing firm kisses onto his collarbones. Giyuu squirmed a little, not quite used to the attention and affection.
“I'm in a decent amount of pain, but I don't mind the kisses. And we can cuddle for sure.”
“If you want, sweetheart, you can lay on top of me. I like the weight of being brought down to earth in a calming way. You are also just so warm and smell amazing.”
Giyuu laughed and nodded to the idea in agreement. So they made out for a while and then laid down with Giyuu lying on top of Sanemi. Turning on the TV and letting themselves calm down for the night while the boat cruised on its way back. They'd get back to land, spend a night, and then take the plane ride back home the next day. Seems like Giyuu got the break he wanted, and more.