(no subject)

[rabenhorst]

Title: Bone of Contention; Chapter 3/4
Author: seinen_no and fonulyn
Rating: NC17 overall
Pairing: DiexKaoru,
Disclaimer: We own no one, only our dirty imaginations.
Summary: Kaoru is a young teacher who works his first job as a substitute teacher in a school that doesn’t have the best of reputation. In his history class there’s a certain redheaded troublemaker and determinedly Kaoru sets out to show him that studying CAN pay off too instead of just being there to trouble everyone. Their relationship takes a drastic turn though…
Comments:
seinen_no: Whoops, again some smut in this chap XD But there are some very sweet moments too and I personally like those a lot too. It's quite a long chap and there's only one left after this; a shorter one. I hope you enjoy reading just like the others and have fun. Well, and it's pointless to apologize again for the long waiting *sighs* I dunno what it is, but I honestly need more drive^^ Enjoy anyways!

fonulyn: I thought this might have more chapters but since seinen_no made them so long there’s only going to be four XD There’s still plenty to read though. I hope you enjoy the chapter, and let us know your thoughts on it ;)

And feel free to add our journal if you like the stories!
Plus, the archive.

Previously happened: Part 1, Part 2



Bone of Contention
Chapter 3


From then on, things began to change for him slowly since Die started to pay more attention at school even during other classes than history. Be it Kaoru's words that night, or simply the fact that they kept on seeing each other more frequently, something had made Die change his attitudes towards school. The next week after his first visit to Kaoru's home, he staid after history class for long enough to tell the older man he'd be coming over in the evening, and almost straight after school he had appeared on the doorstep like promised.

This time, the older man had been prepared, had bought some takeaway food for them and rented a movie to watch. Those things had to wait though, because right from the moment when Die had stepped over his threshold, they were all over each other, exchanging fiery kisses and longing touches. Not a single word was spoken, the only sound being the redhead's desperate pleas for more and Kaoru's low groans, both speaking of the pleasure they were sharing.

Only afterwards they lay on the bed, safely wrapped into the blanket, and exhausted enough to enjoy dinner together while watching the movie. That was something the redhead learned to enjoy equally much as their shared passion; those silent moments when they just staid close to each other, enjoying the shared warmth and the fact that they didn't need to go anywhere. It was all something totally new to him, and maybe that was why he wasn't careful, allowed himself to fall head over heels into it.


Apart from the fact that he began to pay more attention at school, there was a change in him otherwise too, and Koji was the one to first notice that as he had known the redhead for so long. At first, he had only watched the redhead closely, had remained silent and just tried to see the reason for it. One day, he had seen Die disappear into the classroom where Kaoru had taught a lesson before, not their class obviously.

Koji hadn't meant to eavesdrop actually, but the words that had caught his ear had been enough for him to count one and one together. So one day after school, he waited for Die, taking a few running steps to catch up with him. "Where are you going?" he asked as the direction they were heading, didn't lead to Die's home.

Die frowned a bit, because it wasn't usual that the other teen followed him like that and asked things that weren't his business in the first place. "Out, obviously. Or did my mom tell you to make sure I'm coming home straight after school?" He couldn't help the slight mocking undertone in his voice, as he simply tried to cover up that he didn't have a decent explanation to the question.

"Of course not!" Koji sounded hurt and finally grabbed Die's wrist to make him stop. "But I know where you're going," he gave away, trying to form a confident grin. "And I know why you suddenly love history-class too."

There was something flashing in Die's eyes, surprise and maybe even fear? He tried to look as casual as possible though, yanking his hand away from the grip. "What makes you think you know anything?"

"C'mon Die." Koji rolled his eyes. "There's no need to play hide and seek with me. You should know you can trust me." The smile on his face was honest. "I heard you in the classroom, you know," he finally gave away and then burst out. "You've been staying at his place more often? Tell me, are you having a crush on him?"

For a moment, the redhead chewed on his lower lip, examining the other boy with his gaze like trying to decide if he could trust him or not. Finally, he nodded, releasing a small sigh. "I guess you're right." He looked his friend straight in the eye, practically pleading with his gaze. "But Koji, please, don't tell anyone."

"Who should I tell?" The boy shrugged, but was bouncing up and down slightly and quickly changed directions. "Let's have an ice-cream, shall we? Or are you in a hurry? Does he wait for you?" He didn't seem to bother at all that his friend had fallen for a man, nor that it was their teacher.

The bounciness in his friend's steps made Die chuckle, and he followed him instantly. "No, I'm not in that much of a hurry. But just one ice-cream then!" He had told Kaoru he'd be there around six only and it wasn't even five yet, so he decided he could as well spend a moment with the other teen.

Koji kept on babbling merrily, even paying for the redhead's ice-cream. He was curious about everything. "So he really screwed you on the desk in class!?" Only after the question had left him, he noticed that he had been a bit too loud as people turned their heads towards them. Considerably more quiet, he went on. "That's kinda disgusting."

Die shook his head, even blushing slightly as he had noticed the glances the people around had thrown at them. "You wouldn't say that if you'd been there. It's far better than you'd think."

"I didn't mean the thing itself," the boy argued, shaking his head. "I meant that I just had a representation and I was sitting on that desk..." He grinned and then chuckled even. "Though I also can't believe you take it up from behind. Did you ever screw him too?"

Again the answer came with a small headshake. "Nah." It didn't even bother him, and he only happened to think about it now that his friend had asked. "He said I have to know what I'm doing before he'd allow anything like that." He chuckled a bit, remembering their conversation the first time he had visited Kaoru's home.

"But don't you feel a bit used? I mean, what else does he want from you but to just screw you?" Koji asked, licking his ice-cream contemplatively.

"Hey, it's not like I wouldn't get anything from it myself, you know," Die pointed out. The question again made him think though, as truth to be told, he didn't really know what the young teacher wanted from him, nor where this relationship of theirs was heading.

"Well, then just enjoy it while it lasts. I mean," the other boy tilted his head a bit to look at Die. "He's not here for long anymore, ne? When his own studies start again, he'll be leaving."

"Yeah, I know. But he's going to stay until the end of the semester anyways." The redhead shrugged, trying to see the positive sides in things. They didn't talk for long anymore, and when Die was heading towards Kaoru's home he was walking slower than usual, lost deep in his thoughts. He was a bit late, but Kaoru didn't mention a word when he opened the door and allowed him to sneak into his small apartment.

Somehow, the redhead seemed more tense than usual and Kaoru noticed it instantly after the first exchanged kiss. Still, he didn't ask, thinking Die would tell him if something bothered him. Maybe it was that he slowly lost interested in his teacher, that it had lost its kick to have a secret love-affair with him.

Die just tried to push the odd feeling aside and it wasn't until later on when he finally spoke up about it, unable to shrug it off any longer. They were sitting on the couch, destroying the remains of their dinner when Die began suddenly, his eyes still fixed on the box of take out in his hand. "You'll be leaving in less than two months, right?"

"That's right." Kaoru nodded, a cold shudder running down his spine as he had a vague idea where this conversation was heading, but he didn't have an answer to the possible questions Die could ask.

Die had never been good at trying to bring a topic up slowly and again he just ended up blurting it out straight. "What'll happen then?" He raised his gaze to look at his lover. "I mean to us."

That was exactly the question Kaoru had feared and it caused his heartbeat to speed up. He would have wanted to just take Die's hand and tell him that they would stay together even afterwards, but his hopes weren't high exactly. "To be honest, I have no idea," he whispered, feeling helpless for the first time. "What do you think should happen?"

"I..." Die shrugged a bit, chewing on his bottom lip nervously. "I don't know. I don't want you to go, but I guess what I want doesn't matter much, right?" He was toying with the remains of his food, trying to cover his nervousness.

Sighing, Kaoru nodded. "It's not like I would be asked either," he mumbled, not liking how it sounded as if he was the one to blame. "It's still some time till then. Let's just see how things work out, shall we?"

"Yeah," The redhead forced out a smile, swallowing the disappointment that weighed heavy on his tongue. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to bring it up..." He would've wanted some encouraging words, something to hang his hopes on as he wanted so badly to believe that Kaoru didn't want to let go of him either. But he knew it would do no good to think about it beforehand, and simply tried to force the odd feeling away and enjoy the time they still had.

It didn't work though as from the moment on, there was this certain tension lingering in the air, causing an oppressive mood. After some time, Kaoru took Die's hand in his, squeezing it slightly. "I should be sorry, because I can't tell you what'll happen. I would like to believe that we will still see each other, you know, but I live a few hours away from here and you still have to go to school. I have no idea how we should work things out, but I'm willing to try." That was the best he could offer as an encouragement.

It was enough to make Die smile though, and at least it was something that allowed him to hope that things would work out. "Let's just see how things turn out, okay?" He reached out his arms, pulling the other man into a tight hug.

It was the first time that it was the younger man who actually held the older one in a soothing way, offering all the comfort his young life had to offer. For Kaoru, it was a good thing to see that he wasn't expected to have all the answers, that Die accepted that he was just as clueless as he. They both needed the warm embrace, and stayed in it for a long moment before they finally detached from each other. Somehow, the melancholy mood stayed for the rest of the evening though, neither of them able to force it away.

With passing days, the tension faded and things got back to more or less the same than before. They both got their kicks out of secretly making out in the classrooms, the toilets and once even in a concealed corner of the schoolyard. Kaoru knew that he was putting his whole carreer in jeopardy with it, but it just felt too damn good to let go, was too enticing not to give it a shot.

Eventually, Die ended up spending even more time in Kaoru's apartment and just told his mother that he was visiting a friend or something. He never stayed overnight though, reluctantly leaving at night when he absolutely had to and there wasn't a way to push it further anymore. Kaoru always was the driving force to make him leave. It wasn't that the older man wouldn't have wanted him to stay, it was just that he was too afraid it would cause troubles for them. He was only waiting for the curious housekeeper to ask silly questions about his redheaded friend anyways so that one shouldn't push his luck too much.

Die's visits were becoming more frequent though, almost as if they wanted to make the most of the remaining time they had together still. One evening, they had been even more desperate than usually, hardly able to keep their hands off each other a mere second until they both collapsed on the bed dead tired and exhausted. Curled up closely to each other, they fell asleep, neither remembering that the younger man should get going back home at one point.

The next morning, the shrieking alarm woke Kaoru as usual. Every muscle in his body was aching when he turned to shut it off, first not even noticing the redhead who was lying in the way. He was so used to have Die there that it didn't occur to him as something unusual. Only when the annoying sound was gone, Kaoru's brains realized the new situation. It made him smile though, because Die was lying there like dead still, not moving an inch, let alone getting up.

"Hey there, time for school!" Finally, the older man gave him a slight slap on his naked butt, got off the bed and rushed into the bathroom since he was sticky and smelly and never had much time to get ready in the morning.

The slap made Die stir awake, and he blinked, trying to realize where he was since his mother definitely didn't wake him up in that way. Finally, it occurred to him though that he was still at Kaoru's apartment and for some silly reason that made him irrationally happy. Even when he appeared in the bathroom, needing to get cleaned up as well, he was smiling, unable to get rid of his goofy grin. It wasn't like he was usually pure sunshine in the mornings, but this was just something special.

Kaoru pulled aside the shower curtain, beckoning him. "C'mon, you smell like a skunk!" he said and without further ado, pulled Die into the small cabin. They didn't have much time to do anything else except showering though, but for Kaoru it was somehow nice to share simple things like these, gave him the feeling that they were having a real relationship and not this... whatever it was they had.

Die's thoughts were heading the same way, and when they quickly grabbed breakfast in the small kitchen area, he was still grinning brightly. Thankfully he had come there straight from school the previous day, and so he had his back bag with him. Just when they were about to get out, he pulled the older man into a deep kiss, beaming at him when they parted. "I could get used to mornings like this."

The answer was only a bright smile and the slight squeeze of his butt. "You better have a good story up your sleeve for your mom about this awesome and ravishingly beautiful girl you met...," the older man replied smirking. Then, he gave Die a small slap and waited till he was gone before he left the building himself, his steps considerably more bouncy than usual.

Somehow, Die even managed to explain to his mother why he had been away for the night, cooking up a story from small tidbits that happened to pop into his mind. As he had been doing better at school lately, his mother forgave him more easily than usual, thinking that her son was showing at least some degree of maturity by taking his studies more serious finally.

Die had been improving in pretty much all subjects, although in history the improvement was far bigger even than in anything else. It wasn't that Kaoru was generous because they were sharing the bed regularly, but because Die really showed interest in the subject, asked clever questions and even did his homework. The last test had been so good that his mother had hugged him tight, telling him how grateful she was that he finally seemed to have realized the importance of good grades.

She had always been overextended with raising the stubborn teenager and since her husband was away most of the time and she still had to take care of the three younger children, she now hoped that Die would become more helpful at home too. Her hopes proved to be mostly in vain though, as the redhead seemed to be home less and less with the passing time. Whenever he happened to stop by, he was in a good mood though, and even helped his younger siblings with their schoolwork. Those moments were hardly ever long and every time a possibility showed itself, Die found himself at Kaoru's apartment.

Back in school, there was nothing obvious giving away the relationship between the teacher and the student. Kaoru even ignored Die when they accidentally met on the corridor as long as there were other students or teachers present. It was a rainy day, only Koji and Die had been determined enough to go outside to have a smoke.

They were squeezing under a small roof, lighting their cigs. "Are you still together with Niikura?" the smaller boy asked by the way, just to have something to talk about.

Die wasn't even surprised by the question as Koji had the habit to ask about it every now and then to satisfy his own curiosity. He simply shrugged and as there was no one else there, allowed a small smile to caress his lips. "Yeah." He couldn't help it, already the thought of Kaoru made him want to smile. He realized he was acting pretty much like a fool, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

The other boy whistled commendatory. "Wow, that must be your record." He meant the duration of the relationship as he had never seen Die being together with somebody that long.

"By far." Die admitted instantly with a nod, taking a long drag from his cigarette. "But it doesn't feel that long, you know."

"You really are head over heels, ne?" His friend chuckled, nudging him with his elbow. "Tell me what it is. Is it the sex? So much better with a guy?"

"It's just him. It doesn't even matter if we're just watching TV or some shit like that, I still wanna be there with him. He's special." Die shrugged slightly. "Although I can't know that, can I? I didn't have any other guys to compare to." He chuckled.

Koji laughed as well, nodding at the question. "Right. So maybe this is just it, you know. Your first real love." Koji had always been the quiet romantic type and was now beaming at his redheaded friend.

"Yeah." The words made Die smile, a sparkle appearing in his eyes as he turned to look at his friend. "Maybe."

The other boy saw that he couldn't use this to tease his friend and so kept on asking a few questions without seeming too curious. Just when Die tried to turn tables on him and ask about his life in return, the doorbell saved Koji and they had to go back inside for their next lesson.

Somehow, the secret affair Die had with their history teacher managed to bring his and Koji's friendship back to life. They were much closer to each other than before, partly because Koji was the only one Die was able to talk about things concerning his love-life, as no one else was supposed to know about it. It gave him a needed channel to vent at times when things seemed frustrating, and he found it surprisingly easy to keep on hiding.

For Kaoru, on the other hand, it wasn't easy as he had nobody to talk about this relationship but his best friend who was living far away. Besides, he thought that he had to deal with it alone and spent some quiet moments between two classes to think about how he wanted to go on once he had to leave this school and Die again.

The redhead noticed the slight melancholy that seemed to be dwelling in his lover, especially when they weren't together during the long days. It seemed to get easier when they were actually allowed to show their affection to each other behind closed doors, but even during lessons there was this slight misplaced look in Kaoru's eyes sometimes, and Die wanted so badly to make it go away.

He didn't have a ready plan yet when he stayed behind after one history class, not following his classmates to the lunch hour. The furthest he got was to the door, and he simply turned the lock closed, one glance at Kaoru confirming that he hadn't even noticed the action.

The young teacher was brooding over some papers, sorting them and trying to see if he had the test results ready for the next lesson. Only when he had stored them away and stood up, he noticed that Die was still there. It made him smile subconsciously, but he also arched an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be at the cafeteria now?" he asked, leaning his back against the desk.

"Yeah, I suppose I should." The answer came with a grin and Die tilted his head, keeping his gaze locked on the other man. "But I got kinda stuck. I like to watch you when you're so concentrated on something."

"And that's why you locked the door? To be able to watch me undisturbed?" the older man drawled. He assumed that Die had just locked the door as he was still standing there.

"Sure." The answer came with a shrug, but slowly the redhead took the few steps that were separating them, coming closer. "I wouldn't want anyone to walk in suddenly." Once he was standing right in front of the older man he breathed a quick kiss on his lips before pulling back and smirking. "Especially because after watching you work I always get this urge to help you relax..."

The look in his eyes along with the undertone in his voice caused Kaoru to shiver and he leaned back a bit more, his eyes never leaving his lover's. "And how are you intending to help me with that? I'm quite tense lately," he purred, allowing a smile to caress his lips.

"Just let me give it a shot." Die's fingers were toying with the hem of the other man's pants and suddenly he popped the button open, his smile widening slightly.

Naturally, Kaoru held his breath, the muscles in his stomach tensing on their own accord. He could feel his heartbeat speed up and inwardly thanked the lord for the persistent rain outside as it wasn't very likely that somebody passed by the window then which offered a good view on the happenings inside the room. He didn't say anything further though, only waited for what would happen.

Slowly Die sank down on his knees in front of the slightly smaller man, his eyes still locked up on his face to see his every reaction. Slowly but determinedly he pulled down the zipper, pressing down in all the right places to make sure he provided enough friction and make his lover react at least slightly already. He didn't bother to take the pants off completely, only tugged them down as much as was needed before setting out to his task, running his tongue lazily along the other man's length.

"Damn Die!" The words left Kaoru along with his exhaling breath. It was the first time his young lover did that to him and that knowledge alone caused the heat to gather in his haunches rapidly. He had always been the one to especially enjoy being provided pleasure like that, but this had come so unexpected that already after Die's tongue licked along his length the second time, he was groaning lowly.

Die couldn't deny that he was nervous if he was doing it right, because he wanted the other man to enjoy himself as much as possible. He was determined though, and how hard could it be? He knew what to do technically, and he had been at the receiving end several times so he would just have to use what he had learned then. Besides, he could always go with the flow and follow his instincts, as with Kaoru he had learned that it usually worked the best.

Willed on by the older man's reactions, the redhead used his tongue more, dragging it across the sensitive tip of the arousal before using his lips and teeth to nibble on the hard flesh, again running his tongue along it all the way. The action elicited a whole set of low moans from Kaoru and he finally brought his hand up, biting his index-finger to stifle the sounds because he knew that one could hear them through the door.

Still, he couldn't tear his eyes away from Die and finally grabbed the hair in the back of his head. He didn't urge him though, but needed something to hold on to, wanted to at least have the feeling that he could take over control whenever he wanted to. He was rewarded with a smirk as Die felt the grip in his hair, and instantly the younger man even intensified his advances like on command. Tentatively, he took the head of the other's arousal between his lips, sucking slightly before he moved his head down slowly.

It took a lot from Kaoru to remain still and not to just move his hips. He managed though, telling himself that he would choke Die otherwise and he certainly didn't want to cause him a bad experience during his first time. So he took a few shaky breaths and bit his finger harder until he knew it would leave a mark behind.

Die on the other hand was determined to do everything in his powers to bring the other man to the edge and beyond. He took everything into his throat he was able to, sucking and even beginning a low hum as he knew it created vibrations which would go straight through the other man. He had been a bit iffy about this but found out that eventually it wasn't so bad, he actually enjoyed providing Kaoru pleasure this way too.

The older man was wheezing, had stopped biting his finger as the sounds needed a channel out somehow. His lover's lips and tongue were causing wave after wave of pleasure to run through him, but when he began to hum, Kaoru felt himself incapable to hold out much longer, the pressure rising so fast within him that he knew he wouldn't last much longer. Die noticed it, and it made him try even harder somehow as he simply loved to see the bliss written on the other man's features, and even more, he loved the fact that he was the reason for that expression. He simply tried to intensify his ministrations, wanting to see the expression on the older man's face when he climaxed.

It all added up and boosted Kaoru's pleasure so much that his body reached its limits within mere seconds. He tensed almost violently, feeling as if every muscle inside him was about to snap when the orgasm finally washed over him. Die was somehow oddly aware of every single change in his lover, from each small tremble to every sigh that fell from him. As a small outcry escaped the older man's lips Die instinctively pulled back already. He hadn't realized that the outcry had only been a forewarning and as he leaned back he could feel something warm splash across his cheek.

Bereaved of the wet heat around him, Kaoru gazed down at his lover, freezing completely as he saw that he had just come all over his face. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, but then, the older man laughed out loud. Sinking down on his knees, he took Die's face in his palms and gave him a long, deep kiss. "If you don't want to swallow it nor to get hit, you have to dodge, baby." There was only a bit mocking in his tone and he quickly pecked the redhead's lips again.

The petname made Die melt into a smile instantly and he threw his arms around the other man's neck and gave him a deep kiss. When they parted he was grinning. "I didn't even think about that." He chuckled. "I wasn't trying to avoid swallowing."

As if to test the truth of his words, Kaoru poked out his tongue, licking away a bit of the sticky substance on his lover's cheek, before initiating another kiss right away. Willingly the redhead even deepened the kiss, simply using the grip he had of the other to get closer to him.

"Thank you." The older man smiled breathlessly when they finally parted. Slowly, he got up and buttoned his pants again, before reaching his hand out for Die to take. "I'm completely relaxed now."

Die took the hand, got up on his feet and instantly stepped close to his lover. "I hope you're relaxed enough to cook me something good tonight." He winked with a bright smile. "I'm missing my lunch hour for you."

Grinning, Kaoru dug a tissue out of his pocket, wiping the rest of his own release off his lover's face. "You should have thought about that before rejecting something this nutritious," he mocked playfully.

"I know. But it's too late now." The redhead shrugged, tilting his head a bit in an attempt to indicate that he wanted a kiss. Of course he got it. Meanwhile, the older man fumbled for something in his bag and when they finally parted again, dropped an apple in his lover's hand. "Here, so that you won't starve to death till tonight."

"Isn't the student supposed to bring an apple to the teacher?" Die asked teasingly, but accepted the offered fruit nevertheless and even thanked Kaoru with a peck on the lips.

"Yeah right and it's the snake who offers the apple to Eve who then makes Adam eat it and with that causes the banishment of mankind from paradise." The older man shook his head and slapped the redhead's butt to make him leave.

Die was so bouncy that he didn't notice Mako, the straight A nerd of his class, coming down the corridor at the same moment. Mako had been suspicious about Die's sudden interest in history as well, but moreover had he been angry that the other one seemed to pass class this easily after being lazy for the whole year. He made sure that Die didn't see him and then passed by the classroom only to see Kaoru there, smoothing down his clothes and finally grabbing his bag to leave.

Die was full of high-spirits, taking a huge bite of his apple as he walked down the corridor and finally bumped into Koji. Together they headed to their usual place to have a cig break, a bunch of others following them. Die was somewhat bouncy, and he was dying to get to talk to someone but he wasn't able to say a single word as long there were other people around.

Koji noticed it and only exchanged a knowing glance with his friend, giving him a wide grin. Kaoru meanwhile had to attend a teachers' conference and had to gather all his concentration to focus on the topics that were discussed. In reality, his mind was directed to his younger lover and to what had just happened. He decided to cook him a good dinner later that evening, thinking he had earned it.

The rest of the day, Die seemed to be uncharacteristically happy even, and it didn't pass by anyone in his class unnoticed. Almost everyone just shrugged it off without trying to even think about the reason. Not everyone though.

After school the redhead headed straight to Kaoru's home, knowing he would be there before him as he knew both their schedules. His lover had given him a key and he simply let himself in quickly, hoping no one paid much attention to it.

Kaoru didn't know that he wouldn't be the first to arrive home nor that somebody was watching him when he finally stepped out of the bus and entered the building where his apartment was located. Carrying two bags with groceries, he somehow managed to unlock the door, pushing it open with his butt. Once inside, he kicked it shut with his heel heading for the small kitchen area instantly.

Die was sitting on the couch, reading a manga while waiting for his lover to come home. As Kaoru didn't notice him instantly, it made him smile and he didn't say anything, only watched the other man while he unpacked the foods from the bags.

Kaoru was totally lost in thoughts, guided by the will to have a nice dinner set and ready when his lover would come. Chewing on a raw carrot, he put the pan on the stove before he turned around, intending to get into more comfortable clothes than those he was wearing. Suddenly, he noticed a movement on the couch and flinched. "Holy!" He always forgot that he had given Die a key.

"Nice to see you too." Die chuckled, tilted his head and watched the other man from sparkling eyes. "You're adorable when you're concentrated."

Grinning, Kaoru took another bite from his carrot and inched closer to his lover. "I didn't expect you here yet or I would've looked cool instead of adorable," he lied smirking.

"I don't really mind either, you know. You look equally gorgeous both cool and adorable." The redhead winked, pursing his lips to show he wanted a kiss.

After swallowing the remains of the vegetable, Kaoru willingly leaned down and connected their lips in a small kiss. "I hope you're hungry," he whispered afterwards. "Because I bought enough food for the fucking Brady Bunch."

"I only ate the apple you gave me," Die informed and shifted a bit on the couch, putting his finger between the book to mark a place. "And you know I love to eat much." He had noticed already some time ago that he actually enjoyed playing family with the other man like this.

"Would you want to help me chopping the veggies and the meat then?" the older man asked smiling. It were moments like these that made his heart cramp because he knew they would have to give up on them soon and still he didn't want to; could get used to begin and end his days together with the redhead.

"If you then make sure to treat my bleeding fingers afterwards." Die chuckled, getting up from his seat finally. He again reached to peck his lover's lips softly before going past him to the kitchen area. "Into how small pieces you want them chopped?"

"I don't care. As long as one can still grab them with the chopsticks and they aren't too big for one's mouth, I'm fine with everything." Quickly, Kaoru followed his lover.

"Aye sir." Die winked at the other man from over his shoulder, already grabbing the knife and beginning with the carrots. "You want me to wear an apron too?" he asked after a moment, chuckling.

"If you wear nothing but that, sure," Kaoru purred, wrapped his arms around his lover from behind and based his chin on his shoulder. "That would make the water gather in my mouth more than this food here."

"I'd better not." The redhead smiled, leaning a bit against the other man. "Then we would never get any food and starve to death." It was impossible to miss the happiness in his eyes, and he didn't even try to hide it.

"No, no," the older man defended himself without letting go of his lover. "I would allow you to eat." After making a meaningful pause, he added. "Some time."

"Just let's get to the dinner first, alright?" Die grinned, tilting his head enough to press a kiss in the corner of the older man's mouth. Afterwards he turned to the carrots again, concentrating not to slice his fingers as well.

With a huge theatrical sigh, Kaoru took another knife and began to chop the bought meet, not making any further advances yet. Die had been more than clear that he really was hungry and, if he was honest with himself, he was looking forward to dinner too.
That was something that was slowly changing, as they had learned to appreciate slow moments like these instead of jumping each other every given opportunity. Of course the latter happened too, as they still were more than addicted to each other. Right at that moment, Die was simply happy to be with the other man, preparing dinner together like that although, if someone had told him that a couple of months ago, he would've laughed.

It didn't take long and they were done with the preparations, frying everything in the pan while rice was boiling in another pot. Using the free moment, Kaoru turned around and leaned against the small counter next to the stove. He was only looking at the younger man though, didn't say anything. If he had dared to speak up, he would have told Die those three words that meant the world, but they seemed not to be appropriate at that moment.

It took a few seconds before Die noticed that Kaoru was gazing at him, but when he did he turned his head and smiled softly. He already opened his mouth to speak but then decided against it, not wanting to disturb the moment with mere words. He really had fallen hard, and despite the fact that he didn't dare to say it out loud just yet, he knew it deep down inside.

Like in silent stipulation they both simply looked at each other until Kaoru finally took a step forward, placed one palm on his lover's soft cheek and gave him a slow kiss. It was his way to express what he felt and when he broke the contact again, turning to stir the food in the pan, there was a slight blush lingering on his face.

It made Die's heart skip a beat and his smile widened even more. Wordlessly he wrapped his arms around the other man from behind, placing his chin on his shoulder and watched what he was doing to the food.

It was a moment of utmost perfection and peace. Kaoru leaned a bit against his lover, enjoying how his firm body was pressed against his own and how he could hear Die's breath so close to his ear. Neither of them broke the silence in a long time, and they simply concentrated on enjoying it. When the food was nearly ready Die let go of the other man, quietly getting out the plates and everything he needed to set the table. As Kaoru didn't have a real dining table he set everything on the small table beside the couch, thinking it'd do.

It felt as if they had been together for ages already, and still was all so new for both of them. Carefully, Kaoru carried the pan into the living-room and set it on a small wooden tray, then got the rice for them. He had never really cooked for himself before, but together with Die simple actions like these seemed to make more sense.

They still didn't talk when they began to eat and only stole covert glances at each other, exchanging smiles every now and then. At one point Die instinctively leaned closer, resting against the other man. The older man mirrored the action, enjoying the closeness. It was oddly silent in the room, not even music running, but the two of them didn't need anything besides their presence.

When they had eaten and set their plates aside, Die lifted his legs on the couch as well and rested his head on his lover's lap. It wasn't something he had thought about, he simply acted on instinct as the moment was somehow so full of unspoken emotion. Softly, Kaoru ran his fingers through his hair, being lost in deep thoughts. Everything was going through his mind, from their first encounter to the moment at hand. He wished it would be easier for them and they could just stay together like this forever. "I thought about transferring to university here," he finally gave away, still sounding contemplative.

Die turned a bit, to be able to look him in the eye. He was smiling softly, trying not to show how much he actually liked the idea because it would mean they could still see each other like now. "Would that be possible? I mean, wouldn't it cause troubles for your studies or something..."

"Well," the older man smiled. "This university here doesn't have such a good reputation as the one where I study right now, but it doesn't matter. I would have to wait till winter though and then could transfer smoothly." For a moment, he fell silent again, looking down on Die seriously. "Would you want that?"

"Yeah," Die admitted honestly, nodding a bit. "I would like that." He looked thoughtful, chewing on his lower lip. "I thought about changing schools too, you know, but I can't really... I'm still dependant on my parents and they wouldn't let me."

"You do know that, when I move here, people will talk, that we can't keep us a secret very long? I would have to stop teaching you, probably stop teaching at your school at all," Kaoru explained further, still lost in thoughts.

"I know." The redhead had thought about these things, surprisingly much even, so it didn't come as a surprise. "But there are other schools, right?" He turned to look the other man straight in the eye. "I mean, you don't necessarily need to work in this one, do you?"

"No, of course not." Kaoru chuckled a bit, shaking his head. "But what I meant," he became serious again, "is that people might not approve of us, that you will face mocking and assaults from your friends. Remember what they did to that poor Ken Shinjii."

"I remember." Die nodded. The truth was that the remembrance of that frightened him, but he tried not to show it and forced out a smile. "But he is a small guy. I'm like half a meter taller than he, and stronger. They'd never be able to beat me up like that."

The certainty in those words made the older man smile and he ran his knuckles over his lover's cheek softly. "All I want to say is that this is a decision we both have to take consciously and I don't want to force anything upon you which you don't want."
"Don't worry." The redhead had closed his eyes at the touch but now opened them again. "I wouldn't be here anymore if I hadn't made up my mind."

Smiling, Kaoru bowed down and gave him a soft kiss. "Thank you." There was nothing more to say for him. The mere thought that Die was willing to take the mocking and insults caused a warm feeling inside him.

"You don't really need to thank me. Remember? It's a mutual decision." Die winked, smiling up at the other one. Somehow the talk had made him feel good, and he was calmer about the future than in a long time, knowing they shared the same thoughts.

"Yeah, but I know what I'm getting myself into. You don't," Kaoru pointed out and again began to caress the younger man's cheek. The moment was so peaceful, Die still lying on his lap while their voices were quiet, suiting the mood.

"Then you'll just have to look after me a bit, right?" Die allowed his eyes to fall shut again, simply enjoying the soft touches he received.

"I will." The older man sealed his promise with a gentle kiss. "Everything that's in my powers to protect you. But you need to be strong and don't let them put you on edge. They will give you names, probably and I want you to promise me to just smile at them and shrug those off."

"I can do that. Believe me or not, it's not the first time people call me names." The redhead winked. Despite the fact that he knew they would face some troubles, he was feeling positive about this, thinking that it'd work out in the end.

"Yeah, but I bet usually you gave them a nice souvenir, right? Like a pretty black-eye," Kaoru remarked smiling. He was relieved that they finally had talked about this, and glad that Die really wanted him to move there, wanted their relationship to become something stable. He knew that the redhead was young; that they both were young, and still believed that they did have a chance somehow.

"Yeah, as long as it wasn't like a huge bunch of them against me. I'm not exactly self-destructive." Die chuckled, shaking his head a bit.

"But you got some kind of reputation," the older man argued smirking. "I bet you had your fights. Just this time, it's not wise to fight. The clever tree bends with the storm and survives while the other tries to stand against it and gets broken. That must have been the most clever thing my religion teacher ever taught me."

"I'll keep it in mind, I promise." The redhead nodded firmly, drawing a cross over his heart as if to emphasize it. "I'll survive. And it's my last year here, so that much can always be survived."

"Good." Kaoru nodded contently and again kissed him as he simply couldn't help himself. Then, he ruffled Die's hair again, chuckling. "And now get up. I want something to drink."

"Damnit, just when I was getting all comfortable." Die chuckled as well, sighing theatrically as he forced himself to get up into a seated position.

"You'll survive. I get you something too." Kaoru smiled at him, stood up and went to the fridge, fetching a bottle of Coke for them. He didn't bother to get glasses and only quickly returned to his lover. Instantly Die reached out his hand for the bottle as he wanted a sip, being more thirsty than he had even realized.

The mood was relaxed and mellow, even a bit melancholy if not in a completely bad way. It stayed like that as both men had a lot to think about, to get things straight for themselves. No matter how glad Kaoru was about the decision they had both taken, he couldn't help but to be nervous too.

He had never suffered many troubles because of his sexuality as his parents had accepted it without causing a major scene, seeing that they didn't have a very close relationship to their son anyways. Somehow he had always been lucky when it came to this, and now feared for the first time to show it openly, because he wasn't sure how people in this town would react. Still, if Die was determined to stand by him like that, it could only turn out to be okay in the end, right? Maybe he should quit his job at Die's school soonest before anybody found out and things could get out of hand.

That evening, they tried to forget about the worries still though, thinking they would soon take action and do something to change things. The weekend came and went by, time going all too fast, and soon Monday morning was there already.