No Love Match - Chapter 15
Dec. 14th, 2016 12:01 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
learashiPairing: Sakumoto (main), Aimiya
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Romance, m-preg, au
Disclaimer: I do not own Arashi, only these words.
Summary: Jun is given in an arranged marriage to Lord Sakurai Sho. Against the odds, love blossoms.
A/N: I never meant for this to happen but this has now turned into my first chaptered fic. I have no idea where this is going or where it will end but you are welcome to come along for the ride.
Previously: Chap 1, Chap 2, Chap 3, Chap 4, Chap 5, Chap 6, Chap 7, Chap 8, Chap 9, Chap 10, Chap 11, Chap 12, Chap 13, Chap 14
Jun lay down upon his bed and pulled the covers up tightly about his neck. He felt as if he wished to weep until all of his fears and sadness were leached from his body, but he knew that such an action would solve nothing.
His baby seemed to sense his sadness, moving gently within his belly as if to remind him that he was not alone.
"My sweetling, I am sorry if my unhappiness is causing you to be downcast," Jun whispered as he curled onto his side, gently clasping his belly.
++++
The sun was barely creeping over the horizon when Sho stirred from his restless slumber. He did not know how long he had actually slept. Sleep had proved to be most elusive for the larger part of the night until exhaustion had gained victory over his racing thoughts.
There was a rime of frost upon the windowpane and the bed should have been colder, since his tossing had caused the blankets to slide off the bed halfway to the floor.
It was only then that his sleep deprived mind realized the reason for the unaccountable pool of warmth within his proximity. Hardly daring to breathe he rolled onto his side very slowly and cautiously, his heart commencing a relentless highly paced dance as he looked down at the space beside him.
Instead of empty, cold linens there was a familiar warm body curled into a ball beside him. Jun's long thick eyelashes brushed his cheeks as he breathed slowly in a deep sleep. He looked younger and more fragile even than when Sho first met him, with his thin frame and protruding belly.
In his sleep, Jun appeared to sense Sho's close scrutiny, his eyelids fluttering open as he swam towards a wakening state.
His eyes appeared even larger than was usual as he sleepily rolled over onto his back to gaze up at Sho with a sleep befuddled expression.
"My love, when did you join me and why did you not awaken me when you did so?" Sho asked, restraining his desire to stroke Jun's sleep flushed cheek.
"I could not find peace without your comforting presence beside me. When you were returned to me alive I promised to never stray from your side and I could not break my vow."
"Was it just to not break your word that drove you to come to me?" Sho asked with a sad shadow in his eyes.
"Of course not," Jun protested, sitting up abruptly. "My heart is intimately connected to yours. I could not bear to be on the other side of that door for any longer. Even if you retain anger towards me, I still wish to be at your side."
"I should never have directed my anger at you, my beloved kitten. You are truly innocent in all of this and did not deserve to be treated so cruelly. I should have sensed that all was not well with you and intervened at the commencement of Toma's harassment. I was so consumed by my feelings of self-pity that I selfishly ignored your needs," Sho said as he tenderly cradled Jun's bruised wrist and pressed his lips to the underside in a series of apologetic kisses.
"You have known him far longer than I. He is your equal, whilst I am nothing but a helpless child in comparison, there was no reason for you to possibly suspect his motives," Jun mumbled sadly.
Sho sat up also and pulled Jun to face him, angry at Jun's self-deprecating words and the fact that Toma had managed to harm his shy husband's self-esteem. "Did he tell you this? Did he attempt to poison your mind and make you lose belief in my love for you?
Jun nodded mutely, unable to meet Sho's eyes, fearful of being a disappointment to him and willing himself to not shrink away from his husband’s touch.
Sho's voice was sure and certain as he said, "Jun my love, look at me. It is true that you are young. This is a fact that cannot be altered, but it truly does not matter to me. Your youth does not preclude you from displaying your mental strength and quick-witted and mature nature, and I am convinced that you will take far more easily to parenthood than I. The list of things that I might learn from you in that regard far outweighs anything that I might teach you."
"Is that really so? You are nervous with regard to raising our child?" Jun asked.
"Of course sweetheart, how could I not be? You have the privilege of already being acquainted with each other and have been building an unshakeable bond over the past eight months; whilst I may only meet our sweetling when I hold him in my arms for the first time."
Jun smiled as he rubbed his belly lovingly; it was true that he already felt as if had garnered an intimate knowledge of their unborn child that might perhaps stand him in good stead when the time came and they had his fragile new life within their stewardship.
Sho took Jun's smile as a hopeful sign that he might one day be forgiven. Although in his heart he knew that he would never forgive himself for laying a hand upon his young husband in anger and that he would spend the rest of his days making it up to Jun if given the opportunity.
"My husband, why do you look at me so?" Jun asked, puzzled by the crease between Sho's brows. "Is there something that causes you further pain?"
"Apart from the fact that I sorely hurt you and that knowledge will haunt me for the rest of my days?" Sho spoke without thinking, horrified that he had mistakenly voiced his fears out loud.
"It was surely not you my dear husband who reacted so. It was the fever that had taken possession of your mind," Jun said, speaking of the realization that had come to him in the middle of his restless night and been the catalyst for his return to Sho's side. "It is inconceivable that you would ever willingly harm me and now that my own mind is calm I understand that well."
Sho's body sagged with relief as he finally allowed himself to embrace Jun, holding him close enough to feel the reassuring beat of his heart.
"Please make love to me," Jun said softly, his voice muffled as he pressed his face into Sho's neck, inhaling the fragrance of his warm skin.
"My kitten, are you sure that this is what you desire?
"I have never been more sure of anything," Jun replied, wishing for his husband's loving touch to cleanse him from the lingering sensation of Toma's sickening attentions and his lingering fears.
++++
Jun sighed with pleasure as he felt his husband's thick cock pressing into him from behind, stretching him open with the familiar burn that meant that soon he would be feeling immeasurably satisfied.
He was lying positioned on his side, with his top leg bent upwards and resting comfortably upon a pillow for support.
Sho had taken meticulous care in preparing Jun for entry, gently teasing his opening until the muscles relaxed into his touch. Wrapping his arm around Jun's waist as he slowly slipped into the familiar tight heat of his husband's perfect body.
Jun hissed slightly as Sho's pelvis pressed against his buttocks, his thick cock reaching deeper in this position than he would have believed possible.
The feeling of Sho's body resting snugly against his back whilst embracing him tightly in his encircling arms gave Jun such a feeling of love and protection that he could not help allowing a happy tear to leak from his eye as he relaxed into his embrace.
"My love, if you are too discomforted I can stop," Sho said with gentle care, when he felt Jun's shoulders shake with repressed emotion.
Jun grasped Sho's hands, holding them firmly in place as he blinked away his tears before replying. "My husband, do not fear, my tears are ones of joy. You make me feel as if I am the most beloved and cherished being on earth and I give thanks that we are once again reconciled."
"My heart felt your absence most keenly and I do not ever wish to feel such pain ever again. The world loses its colour when we are not in harmony," Sho replied as he softly kissed the back of Jun's neck as he lightly ran his fingertips over Jun's nipples.
Jun moaned, closing his eyes and rubbing back against his husband as ripples of electricity spread through his body at Sho's sensual touch.
"I love you so much, my kitten," Sho murmured as he nibbled Jun's collarbone before licking a stripe up the side of his neck.
"I love you also, my husband," Jun gasped as he felt Sho withdraw slightly and push slowly back in. "Let us not quarrel again."
"I cannot guarantee that my love," Sho replied as he stroked the smooth skin of Jun's belly. "But let us make a pact to never sleep apart in anger without resolving our differences."
"I agree, but if you do not commence to move immediately we will quarrel sooner than you anticipate," Jun complained, clenching around Sho's hard length.
Sho laughed and immediately began to gently rut against Jun's back, shifting position until he elicited the most delicious moaning from Jun as the head of his cock rubbed firmly against his most pleasurable spot.
Neither of them wished to rush, slowly moving against each other in harmony as ripples of pleasure reverberated through their bodies.
Gradually increasing the scope of his thrusts but not increasing the pace, Sho continued to press against Jun's spot until he was arching back against him, insensible to everything but the feeling of being filled by his husband as all fears and doubts disappeared with their movements.
"S-Sho," Jun whined.
"Shh my love, be calm," Sho whispered, knowing instinctively what his husband was asking for. He reached down and slid his hand under Jun's thigh, lifting his leg higher, propping it up with his arm as he grasped Jun's cock and began to stoke it in time with the movements of his hips.
The angle of Jun's leg allowed him even deeper access; the increased sensation making them both gasp, Sho's movements becoming increasingly uncoordinated as their orgasms neared.
"I love you," Sho groaned as he stilled deep within Jun's body, his seed flowing out in a series of hot spurts.
"Love y-you," Jun cried as with one last twist of his husband's skilled hand he found his release a few moments later, his back arching against Sho's chest as his body convulsed.
Sho carefully lowered Jun's leg as his spent cock slid from his body, but otherwise they did not move, remaining wrapped together in their bubble of love, not caring that their bodies were sticking together, desperate to not lose the close contact and feelings of harmony and reconciliation they had just created.
++++
Masaki, Nino and the King were sitting uncomfortably arrayed around the luncheon table when Sho and Jun entered, hands tightly clasped for mutual support.
Ohno smiled at them indulgently, sensing that all was once again well between them, but Nino was not so easily convinced as he pinned down Sho with a narrow-eyed glare.
Masaki poked Nino in the side whilst muttering, "This is neither the time nor the place."
He had obviously not spoken softly enough as Sho said, "You are absolutely correct. There will be sufficient time for discussion later, but first I must ensure that my kitten eats well. I am afraid that we both slept through breakfast."
As he spoke he gently guided Jun to his seat being careful to not bump his gashed knee against the table leg as he assisted him to sit.
Jun was still too pale and subdued looking for Nino's comfort but he realized that creating a fuss at this moment would achieve little. With a sigh of surrender Nino commenced loading his plate with a heaping portion of cheese and little else.
"You greatly resemble my dear wife in your eating habits." King Ohno remarked as looked on in amusement. "If my assumptions are correct you will also be requiring this?" He added as he proffered the honeypot in Nino's direction.
Nino blushed a deep shade of red from his neck to his ears at Ohno's remarks, but he still gratefully accepted the honey before pouring copious quantities of the substance over his collection of assorted cheeses.
Jun ate very little though, toying with his food and not fully meeting anyone's gaze.
Sho was wondering what to do about Jun's lack of appetite when the King stepped in. He pulled his chair closer to Jun and picked up tiny morsels of food from his own plate with his fork before offering them to him.
Jun refused, shaking his head, but Ohno was not to be discouraged so easily as he jiggled the fork in front of his face whilst chanting, "Mama bird has a tasty treat for baby bird."
Jun could not help but laugh, at which time Ohno pushed the forkful of food into his mouth. As he swallowed, Jun waved his hands in surrender, picking up his own fork and commencing to slowly eat.
The other three sat and watched in stunned silence as Ohno patted Jun's shoulder encouragingly before sliding his chair back to its original position and recommenced eating his own meal. "Little One, it is important that you eat your fill, your own little one needs nourishing."
"Your Majesty?" Sho was still confused as to what had just occurred.
Ohno merely laughed, "You have my apology. After parenting three children, I am an expert on how to encourage a recalcitrant child to eat. My dear wife says that I have the knack."
++++
After the meal had been partaken of Masaki and Nino discretely returned to the cottage to allow Sho and Jun time and space to speak with the King without any distractions.
During lunch Ohno had announced that must depart soon afterwards, but that he wished for a private conversation with them before taking his leave.
Sho led Jun and the King into the sitting room, offering the most comfortable chair to Ohno. The King however declined, wishing for Jun to take the most comfortable seat possible. Sho fetched a footstool and propped Jun's injured leg up on it before taking a seat upon the sofa whilst Ohno took the other armchair.
"Toma has spoken to my men and attempted to offer an explanation for his actions," Ohno said, looking intently at the couple as he tried to gauge their reactions.
Sho's eyes instantly blazed with anger as he clenched his fists on his lap. Jun, on the other hand, seemed to shrink into the chair, encircling his belly protectively with his arms.
"He says that he is deeply sorry for his alcohol fuelled behaviour, but he still insists that he wanted only what is best for Jun," Ohno said. "I believe that he is intensely jealous of both you and your loving relationship. He is trapped in a loveless marriage without even a child as consolation. Perhaps the balance of his mind has been affected by his unhappy life; but no matter his excuse or his circumstances, nothing justifies his heinous acts against Jun."
“If he thinks that by offering such a feeble excuse, I will allow matters to stand as they do presently then he is sorely mistaken,” Sho barked angrily causing Jun to curl into an ever tighter position upon his chair.
Seeing the effect he was having upon his husband, Sho fought to control his anger, biting his lip to stem the flow of angry words.
“I would not wish for you to revenge yourself upon Toma,” Jun said quietly. “He has caused enough unhappiness in this household already. If we retain our anger, then in our minds we will never be free of him.”
“Jun is correct,” Ohno agreed, impressed with Jun’s composure under difficult circumstances. “I have already promised to punish him on your behalf with the full force of the law behind me and I shall not renege upon my word. I plan to send him as far from this place as possible with dire consequences if he were to ever dare to return.”
“Thank you,” Jun softly replied, relaxing slightly.
“Lord Sakurai, do I have your word that you abide by my decision?” Ohno asked.
“Your Majesty, I give you my word. I realize that by retaining my anger I am only hurting the one I love the most,” Sho said as he walked over and knelt before Jun and took his hand. “My kitten, you are a much greater person than I could ever hope to be, to forgive Toma so easily.”
“You are mistaken, my husband, I do not forgive him. How could I when he threatened to separate me from both you and my unborn child? I hope that he suffers for the rest of his days for the evil that he intended to inflict upon my person, upon our marriage, and upon our baby,” Jun replied fiercely. “But your revenge would solve nothing; only bring further misery down upon our heads.”
Ohno rose from his seat, saying “I hope with all of my heart that my own children will match you one day, Little One. Your courage and strength is to be admired. I must take my leave of you now, but rest assured I shall return soon. I am most eager to make the acquaintance of your precious child when it arrives. I feel almost as if I am an expectant grandparent.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Sho replied, scrambling to his feet in haste to show due deference to the departing Monarch. “I shall endeavour to do my best to return to full vigour as soon as may be so that I may return to your service.”
“My dear Sakurai, you have served me well over many years. I would not wish to separate you from your husband again when you have already sacrificed so much. I shall not call upon your services in combat again for a very long time, however if I may seek your council occasionally I hope that you will be willing to oblige me with advice?”
“Certainly Sir, it would be my very great honour,” Sho replied with a respectful bow.
Jun was unable to suppress a small squeak of joy at Ohno’s kind words which elicited a fond laugh from both of the older men.
“If Jun is feeling able, perhaps he would accompany me to my horse and bid me farewell?” Ohno asked, clearly hinting that he wished to steal a moment alone with his young friend before taking his leave.
“It would be my honour, Your Majesty,” Jun said as he attempted to climb out of the soft chair, struggling to gain enough balance on his injured leg to heave himself upright.
“Please allow me to assist,” Ohno said gently, taking Jun’s hands and pulling him to a standing position. "I hope you do not mind me taking such a liberty, but you seem to be sorely on need of some assistance. My dear wife would be most upset if she thought that I was not gentlemanly enough to aid you whilst you are in such a delicate condition."
"Thank you Your Majesty," Jun replied, blushing lightly as the strong tanned hands gripped his own.
++++
"Jun, are you completely at ease with the resolution that I have proposed with regard to Toma? Will you trust me to ensure that he can never hurt you again?" Ohno asked as they slowly made their way towards Ohno's stallion and his waiting men.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Jun replied meekly.
Ohno stopped walking and turned Jun to face him. "I wish for you to be completely honest with me. Your welfare is uppermost in my mind at this moment."
"I honestly wish to put this behind me and look to the future with my beloved husband and our child," Jun replied, running his hand lovingly over his swollen belly. "Toma made me doubt myself and my standing with my husband. I was fearful to speak out regarding his unwanted attentions. This fear could well have destroyed not just my own life but that of my child and my husband also.”
"Your husband loves you truly and deeply. Never doubt him or fear to tell him what lies in your heart. He will always place you first above anyone in this world,” Ohno said firmly, wishing to allay any lingering doubts that Jun might harbour.
“And I wish to ensure that I am worthy of his love. I was a disappointment to my father and I do not wish to repeat my mistakes once again and prove to be a disappointment to my husband,” Jun said softly. “I have therefore resolved within my heart to conquer my fears in the future,” he added with quiet determination.
“Jun, your father could not have been more wrong with his assessment of you. You have proven to be a son that any father would be proud and honoured to claim as his own, despite his lack of support whilst you were growing to adulthood,” Ohno said, gazing into Jun’s eyes searchingly as if seeking confirmation that he was in agreeance with his assessment. “Please understand that he is the one at fault here, not you. You are brave and loyal, and I count your sensitivity and kindness as a virtue, not a stain upon your character. I hope that you are able to take heed of my words and finally free yourself from the feeling that you are in some way flawed.”
“I have received no communication from him since I left his home although I have sent frequent missives enquiring with regard to his health,” Jun replied disappointedly. “He did not even respond when I informed him that I was with child.”
“Then I almost pity him, for he is missing out on the pleasure of sharing your life, and soon, that of his grandchild. But only almost, for his absence affords me the opportunity to treat you as if you were one of my own beloved children; something which fills my heart with boundless pleasure.”
“Your Majesty…I…”
Ohno, upon seeing tears welling in Jun’s eyes, pulled him into a gentle embrace, “Now hurry back indoors to your loving husband and dear friends; I would not wish for my adopted grandchild to catch a chill. Do not fear, I shall return to you as promised and meanwhile do not hesitate to send me a message if you require even the slightest thing.”
Jun nodded, not trusting himself to speak. For the first time in a very long time he felt as if he had the love of a gentle and caring father and he wondered that if his own father had treated him with such respect if then he would have been possessed of more confidence in himself and of his worth to others. At that very moment he realized that he no longer needed his father’s approval; the love and support of those whom he loved and loved him in return was all that he needed to build a happy life for himself.
++++
Masaki was brewing a pot of tea whilst Nino sat at the table impatiently tapping his fingers upon its surface.
"I have still not been able to avail myself of the opportunity to speak with Jun," Nino complained with a sigh. The guilt of not protecting Jun when he was suffering at Toma's hands weighed heavily upon his conscience.
Knowing that his husband had slept little since the incident Masaki tried suggesting that Nino rest for a while after drinking his tea; not in the least surprised that Nino did not even feel the need to reply, merely pinning him in place with a steely glare of refusal.
A minute later the slightly uneasy atmosphere was broken by a hesitant knock at the door. Pressing Nino back into his seat, Masaki went to greet their visitor, surprised to see a slightly shivering Jun standing there.
"Jun, did you walk here alone? Does Sho know of your whereabouts?" Masaki asked as he helped him to limp across the room to the chair opposite Nino.
"I was saying my farewell to His Majesty and since I was already afoot, it seemed the perfect opportunity to speak with Nino," Jun replied, slightly breathless after slithering his way there through the melting slush.
At these words Nino pushed himself up from his chair and pressed his hand to Jun's cheek, frowning at the chilled flesh under his fingers.
"You are coming with me to sit in front of the fire in the sitting room until you thaw out. In the meantime Masaki will make you a cup of tea," Nino said bossily.
"That I shall do, my dear, and then I shall go forth and inform Sho of his husband's whereabouts before he begins to panic at Jun’s protracted absence,” Masaki replied as he added fresh water to the teapot and went through to the sitting room to place another piece of wood upon the fire.
++++
Nino saw Masaki off at the door, fastening his scarf tightly enough around his neck to make his eyes bulge whilst kissing him fiercely. He knew that he was treating his husband unfairly and leaving him in a permanent state of confusion, but his emotions had recently been spiralling out of control at the least provocation. After fetching some healing supplies from Masaki’s workroom Nino went to join Jun in front of the fire.
“The legs of your trousers are soaked,” Nino admonished as he knelt on the floor next to Jun who had his injured leg propped up on a small footstool. He carefully exposed Jun’s gashed knee and set about changing the dressing on the wound. “If this is the trouble that you get yourself into when I am not present I must most seriously consider never allowing you to stray from my sight again.”
“I am just a little damp. I am not so delicate that this will cause me harm,” Jun replied with a wince as Nino dabbed his knee with a strong smelling herbal concoction.
“But you came within a hairs breadth of being permanently harmed, and I did nothing whatsoever to prevent it from occurring,” Nino said, steadfastly gazing at Jun’s knee, in an attempt to disguise the fact that he was perilously close to tears. “I failed you, and I fully understand if you no longer wish to consider me as your friend.”
“Nino, you are in no way responsible for Toma’s actions,” Jun said softly.
“That may be so, but I still failed in my responsibility to protect you,” Nino replied stubbornly.
Jun gripped Nino’s chin and attempted to meet his gaze, but Nino kept his eyes locked firmly upon the floor.
“It was my own failure to act and lack of self-confidence, if anything, which worsened the situation. I should have spoken out about what was happening instead of keeping quiet and hoping that I was mistaken with regard to Toma’s intentions,” Jun said as he finally succeeded in catching Nino’s gaze. “Nino, we are no longer children and sometimes there are will be situations where you can no longer protect me. I will always value you as my dearest and best friend and shall continue to do so for as long as we live, but I must ultimately be responsible for my own safety and wellbeing. From this day hence I must learn to be brave and not rely upon your strength or even that of my beloved husband. I promise that it does not mean that I love either of you any less.”
Nino could not believe that Jun was the one speaking so calmly and with such resolve whilst he was the one weeping helplessly upon the floor. “But if I am not attending to your needs what shall I do instead?”
Jun looked pointedly at Nino’s bulging belly as he replied, “I think that you mayhaps be forgetful of your own circumstances?”
“These two would never allow that to be so,” Nino sighed as he experienced a particularly boisterous movement from one of the twins.
“Obviously they already show signs of taking after you in temperament,” Jun laughed as he slid from the chair to take his place beside Nino upon the floor. “I have nothing but pity in my heart for poor Masaki; soon he will be quite outnumbered.”
“Unfair! You are meant to side with me,” Nino cried, poking Jun in the ribs with a stumpy finger.
“Ooof,” Jun squeaked as he attempted to wriggle away, complaining as he did so. “You are the one who is most unfair. This battle is three against two,” he added as he drew a cushion down from the chair and tried to ward off Nino’s jabbing fingers that were now remorselessly tickling his sides.
Soon the two of them were rolling about on the floor together, wheezing helplessly as laughter bubbled up from their chests as they poked each other in their most ticklish of places. Places learnt from many a battle when they were small and such fights were frequent. For a few happy minutes they forgot their cares and their responsibilities as they fought as they had as children. They did not need words to signify that their friendship would endure, these small touches were both reassuring and a way to cement their promises of a lifelong bond.
++++
Sho strode purposefully up the pathway towards Masaki’s cottage; anxiety lending him extra strength. He had been almost frantic when Jun had not returned immediately after bidding the King farewell. Just as he was pulling on his boots to exit the house and seek out his elusive husband Masaki had arrived and informed him that he was safely arrived at the cottage and in talks with Nino.
Immediately grabbing Masaki by the arm, Sho pulled him back through the door and along the drive, wishing to reassure himself of Jun’s wellbeing as soon as may be.
“Sho, please allow them a modicum of time alone together. There are things that must be discussed between them. Nino has been wracked with guilt regarding his failure to protect Jun from harm,” Masaki said, as he tried to slow his friends pace.
“Nino is far from blame. It is I who was neglectful of my husband. When I think of the way that I insisted that he accompany Toma when at every step he was being made to feel uncomfortable…” Sho’s steps slowed as he spoke, his arms falling uselessly to his sides as he finally stopped, allowing Masaki to catch up to him.
“There was no reason for you to think badly of Toma; he was your friend and companion in battle. You were in a weakened state from your wounds and your mind was clouded,” Masaki replied in an attempt to reason with Sho. “I am equally at fault. You entrusted me with the task of caring for Jun throughout his pregnancy. I should have noticed his change of mood and questioned him with regards to the reason behind it, but I was so distracted by my own concerns towards Nino and his pregnancy that I missed the signs of Jun’s distress.”
“But I am his husband. It is my duty to protect him,” Sho replied stubbornly.
“We were all remiss in our attentions towards Jun, but there is nothing to be done now except to ensure that such a situation never occurs again. But Sho, you cannot go back in time to alter what has already occurred. Jun may still yet suffer emotionally from the consequences of this assault upon his person in the near future and the best we can do is to remain alert to such a situation if and when it arises.”
“I hope that his conversation with Nino has not caused either of them too great an upset,” Sho replied, finally conceding that there was nothing that could be done to turn back time and prevent Toma’s indecent act. “They are both so emotionally unstable at this time due to their condition…” he added worriedly
“We must do our best to calm and console them if there are tears,” Masaki agreed. “There has been more than enough upset over the last few days for those who are so heavily pregnant.”
Sho nodded his agreeance as Masaki opened the door and ushered him in to the sitting room, both fearful for what scene might greet them.
The last thing they expected was the sound of helpless giggling which was issuing from their respective husbands who were rolling about on the floor tickling each other mercilessly.
Masaki and Sho shared a look of utter astonishment and disbelief at the sight.
“I think that for the moment our fears are groundless,” Sho said, shaking his head in dismay at the antics of the pair on the floor.
Whatever response Masaki might had wished to make was effectively silenced as a flying cushion smacked him fairly in the centre of his face.
“I think that a tactical retreat is in order,” Sho said as he ducked another soft missile that issued from Jun’s direction.
“I could not agree more,” Masaki replied as they fled the room, slamming the door shut behind them, filled with utter confusion but also hope that all might soon return to normal.
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Romance, m-preg, au
Disclaimer: I do not own Arashi, only these words.
Summary: Jun is given in an arranged marriage to Lord Sakurai Sho. Against the odds, love blossoms.
A/N: I never meant for this to happen but this has now turned into my first chaptered fic. I have no idea where this is going or where it will end but you are welcome to come along for the ride.
Previously: Chap 1, Chap 2, Chap 3, Chap 4, Chap 5, Chap 6, Chap 7, Chap 8, Chap 9, Chap 10, Chap 11, Chap 12, Chap 13, Chap 14
Jun lay down upon his bed and pulled the covers up tightly about his neck. He felt as if he wished to weep until all of his fears and sadness were leached from his body, but he knew that such an action would solve nothing.
His baby seemed to sense his sadness, moving gently within his belly as if to remind him that he was not alone.
"My sweetling, I am sorry if my unhappiness is causing you to be downcast," Jun whispered as he curled onto his side, gently clasping his belly.
++++
The sun was barely creeping over the horizon when Sho stirred from his restless slumber. He did not know how long he had actually slept. Sleep had proved to be most elusive for the larger part of the night until exhaustion had gained victory over his racing thoughts.
There was a rime of frost upon the windowpane and the bed should have been colder, since his tossing had caused the blankets to slide off the bed halfway to the floor.
It was only then that his sleep deprived mind realized the reason for the unaccountable pool of warmth within his proximity. Hardly daring to breathe he rolled onto his side very slowly and cautiously, his heart commencing a relentless highly paced dance as he looked down at the space beside him.
Instead of empty, cold linens there was a familiar warm body curled into a ball beside him. Jun's long thick eyelashes brushed his cheeks as he breathed slowly in a deep sleep. He looked younger and more fragile even than when Sho first met him, with his thin frame and protruding belly.
In his sleep, Jun appeared to sense Sho's close scrutiny, his eyelids fluttering open as he swam towards a wakening state.
His eyes appeared even larger than was usual as he sleepily rolled over onto his back to gaze up at Sho with a sleep befuddled expression.
"My love, when did you join me and why did you not awaken me when you did so?" Sho asked, restraining his desire to stroke Jun's sleep flushed cheek.
"I could not find peace without your comforting presence beside me. When you were returned to me alive I promised to never stray from your side and I could not break my vow."
"Was it just to not break your word that drove you to come to me?" Sho asked with a sad shadow in his eyes.
"Of course not," Jun protested, sitting up abruptly. "My heart is intimately connected to yours. I could not bear to be on the other side of that door for any longer. Even if you retain anger towards me, I still wish to be at your side."
"I should never have directed my anger at you, my beloved kitten. You are truly innocent in all of this and did not deserve to be treated so cruelly. I should have sensed that all was not well with you and intervened at the commencement of Toma's harassment. I was so consumed by my feelings of self-pity that I selfishly ignored your needs," Sho said as he tenderly cradled Jun's bruised wrist and pressed his lips to the underside in a series of apologetic kisses.
"You have known him far longer than I. He is your equal, whilst I am nothing but a helpless child in comparison, there was no reason for you to possibly suspect his motives," Jun mumbled sadly.
Sho sat up also and pulled Jun to face him, angry at Jun's self-deprecating words and the fact that Toma had managed to harm his shy husband's self-esteem. "Did he tell you this? Did he attempt to poison your mind and make you lose belief in my love for you?
Jun nodded mutely, unable to meet Sho's eyes, fearful of being a disappointment to him and willing himself to not shrink away from his husband’s touch.
Sho's voice was sure and certain as he said, "Jun my love, look at me. It is true that you are young. This is a fact that cannot be altered, but it truly does not matter to me. Your youth does not preclude you from displaying your mental strength and quick-witted and mature nature, and I am convinced that you will take far more easily to parenthood than I. The list of things that I might learn from you in that regard far outweighs anything that I might teach you."
"Is that really so? You are nervous with regard to raising our child?" Jun asked.
"Of course sweetheart, how could I not be? You have the privilege of already being acquainted with each other and have been building an unshakeable bond over the past eight months; whilst I may only meet our sweetling when I hold him in my arms for the first time."
Jun smiled as he rubbed his belly lovingly; it was true that he already felt as if had garnered an intimate knowledge of their unborn child that might perhaps stand him in good stead when the time came and they had his fragile new life within their stewardship.
Sho took Jun's smile as a hopeful sign that he might one day be forgiven. Although in his heart he knew that he would never forgive himself for laying a hand upon his young husband in anger and that he would spend the rest of his days making it up to Jun if given the opportunity.
"My husband, why do you look at me so?" Jun asked, puzzled by the crease between Sho's brows. "Is there something that causes you further pain?"
"Apart from the fact that I sorely hurt you and that knowledge will haunt me for the rest of my days?" Sho spoke without thinking, horrified that he had mistakenly voiced his fears out loud.
"It was surely not you my dear husband who reacted so. It was the fever that had taken possession of your mind," Jun said, speaking of the realization that had come to him in the middle of his restless night and been the catalyst for his return to Sho's side. "It is inconceivable that you would ever willingly harm me and now that my own mind is calm I understand that well."
Sho's body sagged with relief as he finally allowed himself to embrace Jun, holding him close enough to feel the reassuring beat of his heart.
"Please make love to me," Jun said softly, his voice muffled as he pressed his face into Sho's neck, inhaling the fragrance of his warm skin.
"My kitten, are you sure that this is what you desire?
"I have never been more sure of anything," Jun replied, wishing for his husband's loving touch to cleanse him from the lingering sensation of Toma's sickening attentions and his lingering fears.
++++
Jun sighed with pleasure as he felt his husband's thick cock pressing into him from behind, stretching him open with the familiar burn that meant that soon he would be feeling immeasurably satisfied.
He was lying positioned on his side, with his top leg bent upwards and resting comfortably upon a pillow for support.
Sho had taken meticulous care in preparing Jun for entry, gently teasing his opening until the muscles relaxed into his touch. Wrapping his arm around Jun's waist as he slowly slipped into the familiar tight heat of his husband's perfect body.
Jun hissed slightly as Sho's pelvis pressed against his buttocks, his thick cock reaching deeper in this position than he would have believed possible.
The feeling of Sho's body resting snugly against his back whilst embracing him tightly in his encircling arms gave Jun such a feeling of love and protection that he could not help allowing a happy tear to leak from his eye as he relaxed into his embrace.
"My love, if you are too discomforted I can stop," Sho said with gentle care, when he felt Jun's shoulders shake with repressed emotion.
Jun grasped Sho's hands, holding them firmly in place as he blinked away his tears before replying. "My husband, do not fear, my tears are ones of joy. You make me feel as if I am the most beloved and cherished being on earth and I give thanks that we are once again reconciled."
"My heart felt your absence most keenly and I do not ever wish to feel such pain ever again. The world loses its colour when we are not in harmony," Sho replied as he softly kissed the back of Jun's neck as he lightly ran his fingertips over Jun's nipples.
Jun moaned, closing his eyes and rubbing back against his husband as ripples of electricity spread through his body at Sho's sensual touch.
"I love you so much, my kitten," Sho murmured as he nibbled Jun's collarbone before licking a stripe up the side of his neck.
"I love you also, my husband," Jun gasped as he felt Sho withdraw slightly and push slowly back in. "Let us not quarrel again."
"I cannot guarantee that my love," Sho replied as he stroked the smooth skin of Jun's belly. "But let us make a pact to never sleep apart in anger without resolving our differences."
"I agree, but if you do not commence to move immediately we will quarrel sooner than you anticipate," Jun complained, clenching around Sho's hard length.
Sho laughed and immediately began to gently rut against Jun's back, shifting position until he elicited the most delicious moaning from Jun as the head of his cock rubbed firmly against his most pleasurable spot.
Neither of them wished to rush, slowly moving against each other in harmony as ripples of pleasure reverberated through their bodies.
Gradually increasing the scope of his thrusts but not increasing the pace, Sho continued to press against Jun's spot until he was arching back against him, insensible to everything but the feeling of being filled by his husband as all fears and doubts disappeared with their movements.
"S-Sho," Jun whined.
"Shh my love, be calm," Sho whispered, knowing instinctively what his husband was asking for. He reached down and slid his hand under Jun's thigh, lifting his leg higher, propping it up with his arm as he grasped Jun's cock and began to stoke it in time with the movements of his hips.
The angle of Jun's leg allowed him even deeper access; the increased sensation making them both gasp, Sho's movements becoming increasingly uncoordinated as their orgasms neared.
"I love you," Sho groaned as he stilled deep within Jun's body, his seed flowing out in a series of hot spurts.
"Love y-you," Jun cried as with one last twist of his husband's skilled hand he found his release a few moments later, his back arching against Sho's chest as his body convulsed.
Sho carefully lowered Jun's leg as his spent cock slid from his body, but otherwise they did not move, remaining wrapped together in their bubble of love, not caring that their bodies were sticking together, desperate to not lose the close contact and feelings of harmony and reconciliation they had just created.
++++
Masaki, Nino and the King were sitting uncomfortably arrayed around the luncheon table when Sho and Jun entered, hands tightly clasped for mutual support.
Ohno smiled at them indulgently, sensing that all was once again well between them, but Nino was not so easily convinced as he pinned down Sho with a narrow-eyed glare.
Masaki poked Nino in the side whilst muttering, "This is neither the time nor the place."
He had obviously not spoken softly enough as Sho said, "You are absolutely correct. There will be sufficient time for discussion later, but first I must ensure that my kitten eats well. I am afraid that we both slept through breakfast."
As he spoke he gently guided Jun to his seat being careful to not bump his gashed knee against the table leg as he assisted him to sit.
Jun was still too pale and subdued looking for Nino's comfort but he realized that creating a fuss at this moment would achieve little. With a sigh of surrender Nino commenced loading his plate with a heaping portion of cheese and little else.
"You greatly resemble my dear wife in your eating habits." King Ohno remarked as looked on in amusement. "If my assumptions are correct you will also be requiring this?" He added as he proffered the honeypot in Nino's direction.
Nino blushed a deep shade of red from his neck to his ears at Ohno's remarks, but he still gratefully accepted the honey before pouring copious quantities of the substance over his collection of assorted cheeses.
Jun ate very little though, toying with his food and not fully meeting anyone's gaze.
Sho was wondering what to do about Jun's lack of appetite when the King stepped in. He pulled his chair closer to Jun and picked up tiny morsels of food from his own plate with his fork before offering them to him.
Jun refused, shaking his head, but Ohno was not to be discouraged so easily as he jiggled the fork in front of his face whilst chanting, "Mama bird has a tasty treat for baby bird."
Jun could not help but laugh, at which time Ohno pushed the forkful of food into his mouth. As he swallowed, Jun waved his hands in surrender, picking up his own fork and commencing to slowly eat.
The other three sat and watched in stunned silence as Ohno patted Jun's shoulder encouragingly before sliding his chair back to its original position and recommenced eating his own meal. "Little One, it is important that you eat your fill, your own little one needs nourishing."
"Your Majesty?" Sho was still confused as to what had just occurred.
Ohno merely laughed, "You have my apology. After parenting three children, I am an expert on how to encourage a recalcitrant child to eat. My dear wife says that I have the knack."
++++
After the meal had been partaken of Masaki and Nino discretely returned to the cottage to allow Sho and Jun time and space to speak with the King without any distractions.
During lunch Ohno had announced that must depart soon afterwards, but that he wished for a private conversation with them before taking his leave.
Sho led Jun and the King into the sitting room, offering the most comfortable chair to Ohno. The King however declined, wishing for Jun to take the most comfortable seat possible. Sho fetched a footstool and propped Jun's injured leg up on it before taking a seat upon the sofa whilst Ohno took the other armchair.
"Toma has spoken to my men and attempted to offer an explanation for his actions," Ohno said, looking intently at the couple as he tried to gauge their reactions.
Sho's eyes instantly blazed with anger as he clenched his fists on his lap. Jun, on the other hand, seemed to shrink into the chair, encircling his belly protectively with his arms.
"He says that he is deeply sorry for his alcohol fuelled behaviour, but he still insists that he wanted only what is best for Jun," Ohno said. "I believe that he is intensely jealous of both you and your loving relationship. He is trapped in a loveless marriage without even a child as consolation. Perhaps the balance of his mind has been affected by his unhappy life; but no matter his excuse or his circumstances, nothing justifies his heinous acts against Jun."
“If he thinks that by offering such a feeble excuse, I will allow matters to stand as they do presently then he is sorely mistaken,” Sho barked angrily causing Jun to curl into an ever tighter position upon his chair.
Seeing the effect he was having upon his husband, Sho fought to control his anger, biting his lip to stem the flow of angry words.
“I would not wish for you to revenge yourself upon Toma,” Jun said quietly. “He has caused enough unhappiness in this household already. If we retain our anger, then in our minds we will never be free of him.”
“Jun is correct,” Ohno agreed, impressed with Jun’s composure under difficult circumstances. “I have already promised to punish him on your behalf with the full force of the law behind me and I shall not renege upon my word. I plan to send him as far from this place as possible with dire consequences if he were to ever dare to return.”
“Thank you,” Jun softly replied, relaxing slightly.
“Lord Sakurai, do I have your word that you abide by my decision?” Ohno asked.
“Your Majesty, I give you my word. I realize that by retaining my anger I am only hurting the one I love the most,” Sho said as he walked over and knelt before Jun and took his hand. “My kitten, you are a much greater person than I could ever hope to be, to forgive Toma so easily.”
“You are mistaken, my husband, I do not forgive him. How could I when he threatened to separate me from both you and my unborn child? I hope that he suffers for the rest of his days for the evil that he intended to inflict upon my person, upon our marriage, and upon our baby,” Jun replied fiercely. “But your revenge would solve nothing; only bring further misery down upon our heads.”
Ohno rose from his seat, saying “I hope with all of my heart that my own children will match you one day, Little One. Your courage and strength is to be admired. I must take my leave of you now, but rest assured I shall return soon. I am most eager to make the acquaintance of your precious child when it arrives. I feel almost as if I am an expectant grandparent.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Sho replied, scrambling to his feet in haste to show due deference to the departing Monarch. “I shall endeavour to do my best to return to full vigour as soon as may be so that I may return to your service.”
“My dear Sakurai, you have served me well over many years. I would not wish to separate you from your husband again when you have already sacrificed so much. I shall not call upon your services in combat again for a very long time, however if I may seek your council occasionally I hope that you will be willing to oblige me with advice?”
“Certainly Sir, it would be my very great honour,” Sho replied with a respectful bow.
Jun was unable to suppress a small squeak of joy at Ohno’s kind words which elicited a fond laugh from both of the older men.
“If Jun is feeling able, perhaps he would accompany me to my horse and bid me farewell?” Ohno asked, clearly hinting that he wished to steal a moment alone with his young friend before taking his leave.
“It would be my honour, Your Majesty,” Jun said as he attempted to climb out of the soft chair, struggling to gain enough balance on his injured leg to heave himself upright.
“Please allow me to assist,” Ohno said gently, taking Jun’s hands and pulling him to a standing position. "I hope you do not mind me taking such a liberty, but you seem to be sorely on need of some assistance. My dear wife would be most upset if she thought that I was not gentlemanly enough to aid you whilst you are in such a delicate condition."
"Thank you Your Majesty," Jun replied, blushing lightly as the strong tanned hands gripped his own.
++++
"Jun, are you completely at ease with the resolution that I have proposed with regard to Toma? Will you trust me to ensure that he can never hurt you again?" Ohno asked as they slowly made their way towards Ohno's stallion and his waiting men.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Jun replied meekly.
Ohno stopped walking and turned Jun to face him. "I wish for you to be completely honest with me. Your welfare is uppermost in my mind at this moment."
"I honestly wish to put this behind me and look to the future with my beloved husband and our child," Jun replied, running his hand lovingly over his swollen belly. "Toma made me doubt myself and my standing with my husband. I was fearful to speak out regarding his unwanted attentions. This fear could well have destroyed not just my own life but that of my child and my husband also.”
"Your husband loves you truly and deeply. Never doubt him or fear to tell him what lies in your heart. He will always place you first above anyone in this world,” Ohno said firmly, wishing to allay any lingering doubts that Jun might harbour.
“And I wish to ensure that I am worthy of his love. I was a disappointment to my father and I do not wish to repeat my mistakes once again and prove to be a disappointment to my husband,” Jun said softly. “I have therefore resolved within my heart to conquer my fears in the future,” he added with quiet determination.
“Jun, your father could not have been more wrong with his assessment of you. You have proven to be a son that any father would be proud and honoured to claim as his own, despite his lack of support whilst you were growing to adulthood,” Ohno said, gazing into Jun’s eyes searchingly as if seeking confirmation that he was in agreeance with his assessment. “Please understand that he is the one at fault here, not you. You are brave and loyal, and I count your sensitivity and kindness as a virtue, not a stain upon your character. I hope that you are able to take heed of my words and finally free yourself from the feeling that you are in some way flawed.”
“I have received no communication from him since I left his home although I have sent frequent missives enquiring with regard to his health,” Jun replied disappointedly. “He did not even respond when I informed him that I was with child.”
“Then I almost pity him, for he is missing out on the pleasure of sharing your life, and soon, that of his grandchild. But only almost, for his absence affords me the opportunity to treat you as if you were one of my own beloved children; something which fills my heart with boundless pleasure.”
“Your Majesty…I…”
Ohno, upon seeing tears welling in Jun’s eyes, pulled him into a gentle embrace, “Now hurry back indoors to your loving husband and dear friends; I would not wish for my adopted grandchild to catch a chill. Do not fear, I shall return to you as promised and meanwhile do not hesitate to send me a message if you require even the slightest thing.”
Jun nodded, not trusting himself to speak. For the first time in a very long time he felt as if he had the love of a gentle and caring father and he wondered that if his own father had treated him with such respect if then he would have been possessed of more confidence in himself and of his worth to others. At that very moment he realized that he no longer needed his father’s approval; the love and support of those whom he loved and loved him in return was all that he needed to build a happy life for himself.
++++
Masaki was brewing a pot of tea whilst Nino sat at the table impatiently tapping his fingers upon its surface.
"I have still not been able to avail myself of the opportunity to speak with Jun," Nino complained with a sigh. The guilt of not protecting Jun when he was suffering at Toma's hands weighed heavily upon his conscience.
Knowing that his husband had slept little since the incident Masaki tried suggesting that Nino rest for a while after drinking his tea; not in the least surprised that Nino did not even feel the need to reply, merely pinning him in place with a steely glare of refusal.
A minute later the slightly uneasy atmosphere was broken by a hesitant knock at the door. Pressing Nino back into his seat, Masaki went to greet their visitor, surprised to see a slightly shivering Jun standing there.
"Jun, did you walk here alone? Does Sho know of your whereabouts?" Masaki asked as he helped him to limp across the room to the chair opposite Nino.
"I was saying my farewell to His Majesty and since I was already afoot, it seemed the perfect opportunity to speak with Nino," Jun replied, slightly breathless after slithering his way there through the melting slush.
At these words Nino pushed himself up from his chair and pressed his hand to Jun's cheek, frowning at the chilled flesh under his fingers.
"You are coming with me to sit in front of the fire in the sitting room until you thaw out. In the meantime Masaki will make you a cup of tea," Nino said bossily.
"That I shall do, my dear, and then I shall go forth and inform Sho of his husband's whereabouts before he begins to panic at Jun’s protracted absence,” Masaki replied as he added fresh water to the teapot and went through to the sitting room to place another piece of wood upon the fire.
++++
Nino saw Masaki off at the door, fastening his scarf tightly enough around his neck to make his eyes bulge whilst kissing him fiercely. He knew that he was treating his husband unfairly and leaving him in a permanent state of confusion, but his emotions had recently been spiralling out of control at the least provocation. After fetching some healing supplies from Masaki’s workroom Nino went to join Jun in front of the fire.
“The legs of your trousers are soaked,” Nino admonished as he knelt on the floor next to Jun who had his injured leg propped up on a small footstool. He carefully exposed Jun’s gashed knee and set about changing the dressing on the wound. “If this is the trouble that you get yourself into when I am not present I must most seriously consider never allowing you to stray from my sight again.”
“I am just a little damp. I am not so delicate that this will cause me harm,” Jun replied with a wince as Nino dabbed his knee with a strong smelling herbal concoction.
“But you came within a hairs breadth of being permanently harmed, and I did nothing whatsoever to prevent it from occurring,” Nino said, steadfastly gazing at Jun’s knee, in an attempt to disguise the fact that he was perilously close to tears. “I failed you, and I fully understand if you no longer wish to consider me as your friend.”
“Nino, you are in no way responsible for Toma’s actions,” Jun said softly.
“That may be so, but I still failed in my responsibility to protect you,” Nino replied stubbornly.
Jun gripped Nino’s chin and attempted to meet his gaze, but Nino kept his eyes locked firmly upon the floor.
“It was my own failure to act and lack of self-confidence, if anything, which worsened the situation. I should have spoken out about what was happening instead of keeping quiet and hoping that I was mistaken with regard to Toma’s intentions,” Jun said as he finally succeeded in catching Nino’s gaze. “Nino, we are no longer children and sometimes there are will be situations where you can no longer protect me. I will always value you as my dearest and best friend and shall continue to do so for as long as we live, but I must ultimately be responsible for my own safety and wellbeing. From this day hence I must learn to be brave and not rely upon your strength or even that of my beloved husband. I promise that it does not mean that I love either of you any less.”
Nino could not believe that Jun was the one speaking so calmly and with such resolve whilst he was the one weeping helplessly upon the floor. “But if I am not attending to your needs what shall I do instead?”
Jun looked pointedly at Nino’s bulging belly as he replied, “I think that you mayhaps be forgetful of your own circumstances?”
“These two would never allow that to be so,” Nino sighed as he experienced a particularly boisterous movement from one of the twins.
“Obviously they already show signs of taking after you in temperament,” Jun laughed as he slid from the chair to take his place beside Nino upon the floor. “I have nothing but pity in my heart for poor Masaki; soon he will be quite outnumbered.”
“Unfair! You are meant to side with me,” Nino cried, poking Jun in the ribs with a stumpy finger.
“Ooof,” Jun squeaked as he attempted to wriggle away, complaining as he did so. “You are the one who is most unfair. This battle is three against two,” he added as he drew a cushion down from the chair and tried to ward off Nino’s jabbing fingers that were now remorselessly tickling his sides.
Soon the two of them were rolling about on the floor together, wheezing helplessly as laughter bubbled up from their chests as they poked each other in their most ticklish of places. Places learnt from many a battle when they were small and such fights were frequent. For a few happy minutes they forgot their cares and their responsibilities as they fought as they had as children. They did not need words to signify that their friendship would endure, these small touches were both reassuring and a way to cement their promises of a lifelong bond.
++++
Sho strode purposefully up the pathway towards Masaki’s cottage; anxiety lending him extra strength. He had been almost frantic when Jun had not returned immediately after bidding the King farewell. Just as he was pulling on his boots to exit the house and seek out his elusive husband Masaki had arrived and informed him that he was safely arrived at the cottage and in talks with Nino.
Immediately grabbing Masaki by the arm, Sho pulled him back through the door and along the drive, wishing to reassure himself of Jun’s wellbeing as soon as may be.
“Sho, please allow them a modicum of time alone together. There are things that must be discussed between them. Nino has been wracked with guilt regarding his failure to protect Jun from harm,” Masaki said, as he tried to slow his friends pace.
“Nino is far from blame. It is I who was neglectful of my husband. When I think of the way that I insisted that he accompany Toma when at every step he was being made to feel uncomfortable…” Sho’s steps slowed as he spoke, his arms falling uselessly to his sides as he finally stopped, allowing Masaki to catch up to him.
“There was no reason for you to think badly of Toma; he was your friend and companion in battle. You were in a weakened state from your wounds and your mind was clouded,” Masaki replied in an attempt to reason with Sho. “I am equally at fault. You entrusted me with the task of caring for Jun throughout his pregnancy. I should have noticed his change of mood and questioned him with regards to the reason behind it, but I was so distracted by my own concerns towards Nino and his pregnancy that I missed the signs of Jun’s distress.”
“But I am his husband. It is my duty to protect him,” Sho replied stubbornly.
“We were all remiss in our attentions towards Jun, but there is nothing to be done now except to ensure that such a situation never occurs again. But Sho, you cannot go back in time to alter what has already occurred. Jun may still yet suffer emotionally from the consequences of this assault upon his person in the near future and the best we can do is to remain alert to such a situation if and when it arises.”
“I hope that his conversation with Nino has not caused either of them too great an upset,” Sho replied, finally conceding that there was nothing that could be done to turn back time and prevent Toma’s indecent act. “They are both so emotionally unstable at this time due to their condition…” he added worriedly
“We must do our best to calm and console them if there are tears,” Masaki agreed. “There has been more than enough upset over the last few days for those who are so heavily pregnant.”
Sho nodded his agreeance as Masaki opened the door and ushered him in to the sitting room, both fearful for what scene might greet them.
The last thing they expected was the sound of helpless giggling which was issuing from their respective husbands who were rolling about on the floor tickling each other mercilessly.
Masaki and Sho shared a look of utter astonishment and disbelief at the sight.
“I think that for the moment our fears are groundless,” Sho said, shaking his head in dismay at the antics of the pair on the floor.
Whatever response Masaki might had wished to make was effectively silenced as a flying cushion smacked him fairly in the centre of his face.
“I think that a tactical retreat is in order,” Sho said as he ducked another soft missile that issued from Jun’s direction.
“I could not agree more,” Masaki replied as they fled the room, slamming the door shut behind them, filled with utter confusion but also hope that all might soon return to normal.
