Sleeping With the Enemy

by TheVillagerandtheSea

Summary:

Nanami fakes his death in order to escape his abusive husband Gojo. He begins a new life in a new town and a possible new love.

Chapter 1

SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY

Gentle waves lapped around his feet as Nanami used the rake to dig up clams for tonight’s dinner. It was in season and the blond wanted to make some brothy clams with soba for himself and his husband. So far it has been a very lucrative harvest as he dug around their beachfront property. He had a bucketful and could probably find more before the sun set.

As he busied himself he sensed someone coming. Looking up from his work, Nanami spotted Satoru’s tall figure slowly sauntering over. Behind him a little bit off was their two story modern beach home - the envy of most of Satoru’s friends, but not so much for Nanami. The place was modern - too modern - and exuded sterility as though it was merely a showpiece for a realtor’s brochures, not a home meant for a family. Nanami had wanted to make alterations, but Gojo naturally refused, and that was the end of that discussion.

Satoru was barefoot as he walked in the sand, but he was still wearing expensive highend casual wear from his outing with Getou.

“A little too dressed up for clam digging, aren’t we?” The blond asked.

Satoru laughed.

“Just came back from Getou’s. He invited us to a party he’s hosting tonight.”

Nanami frowned, but tried to immediately hide it. No success as Gojo’s face took on an undecipherable look.

“I'm sorry,” He crouched down next to his husband. “That would mean your clams will go bad.” He said in a faux sad voice that set Nanami on edge. “I’ll call Getou and tell him we won’t be able to make it.”

The blond didn’t look up. He didn’t need to see Gojo’s intense gaze borrowing into him.

“It’s fine.” Kento sighed. “I can make clams another night.”

The white haired male smiled in appreciation and he leaned forward to kiss his husband.

*******************************

Nanami felt Satoru’s hand press against his lower back as he guided them through the large double doors. Soft music drifted over the crowded garden party. The couple were greeted by Getou and spent a few minutes catching up before he left them to attend to his other guests.

Kento and his husband mingled and chatted. As the night got late the two had migrated to separate groups. Gojo went to talk to some business associates of his while Nanami was talking to some newcomers.

The blond resisted the urge to sigh as he listened to a man with more money that brains talk about his newest investment portfolio. He merely nodded and put on a polite smile.

Nanami didn’t like these kinds of parties. Never did. Not even when he still had his corporate job and his boss forced him to attend parties where the rich hobnobbed.

He’d thought that after meeting Gojo, resigning, and getting married he would never have to mingle with these kinds of vapid people ever again. But he was married to Gojo Satoru; the highest echelon, creme-de la-creme of society. The white haired man came from old money and old connections, and it was Nanami’s duty as his husband to host lavish parties for his business partners and stockholders and entertain them.

Nanami resisted the urge to sigh for the upteenth time as he surreptitiously glanced at his watch.

It was late. Very late. And he was tired.

Waiting for a lull in his companion’s conversation, Nanami excused himself and went to look for his husband. Gojo would be easy to spot thanks to broad shoulders and an intimidating height.

As his sight trailed over the many mingling bodies he spotted white hair and laser blue eyes staring at him from the upper terrace.

He felt his blood run cold and suppressed the spike of fear running up his spine.

Slowly he started to make his way towards his husband.

Gojo met him halfway.

“Have I socialized enough?” He whispered as Gojo bent down to kiss him on the lips.

“That’ll do for today.” Satoru whispered. “Let’s go.”

Back in their beach home Nanami was just leaving the shower and thinking of getting something to eat when strong arms wrapped around his waist and hungry mouth latched onto his neck.

“Satoru…” The blond couldn't finish his sentence before he was turned around and a determined mouth crushed against his own. Gojo all but devoured Nanami. That’s what sex was like with his husband. It felt like the other was determined to eat him alive - to digest him with every kiss.

They fell on the king sized bed in a tangled heap but never broke their kiss.

Clothes discarded, hands traveled across well-known territory before Satoru tangled one large hand in Kento’s gold locks and pulled back his husband’s head. A long expanse of neck lay exposed for his teeth and he lost no time in worrying the delectable flesh. He heard his lover gasp as his ministrations became far more fervent than usual. But he couldn’t help it.

He loved Kento.

He adored Kento.

He was obsessed with him!!!

He felt like he wanted to eat him alive and make them into one inseparable being for all time.

He was burning up alive for his husband!

Without warning, Satoru flipped his husband over and grabbed his hips to lift them higher. He grabbed two shapely globes and pulled them open before he started consuming him from his most intimate area.

Nanami’s mind reeled with pleasure.

It was all too much too fast but he couldn’t escape Gojo’s iron grip. He buried his face into the sheets to stifle the sounds that threatened to escape his throat.

Once Satoru was done he positioned Nanami up on hands and knees and entered him without warning. The male screamed at the rough entry. It had been too quick and with no lube beside Gojo's saliva to ease the way of the large girth slicing him open. But Gojo didn’t care. He never did.

For the taller man sex was about ownership and domination. He wanted to remind the blond of who he belonged to. And to never forget it.

Gojo’s pace was hard and fast, never giving Kento time to get used to the large cock invading his insides. He grabbed the blond’s hair for better control as he pistoned away like a wild animal.

The dark bedroom was filled with the sound of flesh pounding flesh as well as feverish panting and barely suppressed sobs.

 

********************************

The next morning Gojo was drying his hair as he was leaving the shower when his eyes landed on the paintings on the wall decorating the living area. They were a set of three.

Very beautiful. Very modern. Very expensive.

The middle painting was tilted a bit on the nail on the wall.

He took a deep breath. He put the dirty towel away and moved to the terrace where Nanami was sitting on the deckchair staring out at the ocean.

The blond looked up as he entered and gave him a hesitant smile as he was bent down to kiss the top of his head.

“Good morning.”

He felt the blond tense.

Ah, so he knew he messed up.

“Come with me, will you?”

It was a rhetorical question.

Nanami will go wherever Gojo wished him to and they both knew it.

He took the blond’s hand in his own and guided him inside.

“Do you see anything amiss?” He asked, his voice seemingly calm.

His husband stared at him in unease before he looked around.

It took him a few minutes but he finally spotted the crooked frame.

“I'm sorry,” He whispered as he corrected it. “I should have noticed.”

“It’s alright.” Satoru replied. “That’s what I’m here for.” He kissed him in forgiveness before heading upstairs towards his study.

All set right, he could now get to work.

***************************************

Lunch hour came and Nanami was putting away everything and setting the table as he waited for the food on the stove to cook. As he was setting down the utensils he made sure to take a look around the room to make sure nothing was amiss.

He did not need another mishap to set Satoru off today.

Speak of the devil…his husband sauntered into the room. A wide smile on his face.

All thought of the morning’s ‘event’ forgotten apparently.

Nanami sighed in relief.

He felt some tension leave his body.

“What are you making?” Gojo asked enthusiastically. He lifted the lid of the pot and glanced inside.

“Beef stew.” Nanami said. “And I’ve also made those sauteed sprouts you like.”

Gojo gave his husband a delighted smile before leaning over for a kiss.

“That sounds divine, Kento!” He said before his eyes caught something on the beach. “Keep it warm. I’ll be right back.”

He heard him open the patio door and make his way down the walkway towards the small pier adjoining their property.

Gojo saw the unfamiliar sailboat dock on the pier. A man of average height but handsome was busy tying it down. He must have heard Gojo’s steps on the wooden boards because he turned around with a friendly smile.

“Hi!” The stranger greeted as he hopped down and approached Gojo for a handshake. “Takeda Oroji.” He grasped Satoru’s hand firmly. “Guess we must be neighbors.”

“Gojo Satoru.” He nodded towards his home. “We live up there.”

“Oh, must be your husband I saw you looking out the window.”

“Gojo Kento.”

“You’re a very lucky man!” Takeda spoke. “I’ve been admiring your house. It’s one of the best on the beach.”

Takeda and Gojo made some small talk before Gojo expressed his admiration of the sailboat.

“I love to sail; been doing it my whole life.”

“Kento is afraid of the water.” Gojo said. “He almost drowned as a child so he avoids going into boats. Hates sailing. I try to get him on a boat once a season. It's difficult, but I try.”

“Listen, I’m going to be taking the boat up on a run this evening. It’s going to be a full moon. Smooth ride.” He invited the other male.

“Sounds like fun.” Gojo said. “It’s going to be difficult to convince him, but I’ll give it a try. Thanks.”

Nanami was placing the food on the table when he heard the door open.

“Welcome back-” A strong hand was on his throat slamming him into the wall behind him. Nanami’s vision spiraled as pain bloomed behind his eyes from the feeling of a skull impacting on concrete.

He heard Gojo speak, but it took him a bit to understand.

“Am I not good enough for you, Kento?!” Gojo’s cold voice asked.

“W-w-w-what…?” Nanami did not understand.

“How long have you been staring at that man outside?! He said he saw you staring at him all day!” The hand constricted even further. Nanami held onto the wrist and tried to escape, but Gojo’s insane strength pinned him as easily as a lepidopterist pins a butterfly. “So what is it?” He slammed Nanami’s head against the wall again. “Am I not good enough for you?”

Nanami’s eyes rolled from the impact and he slid down the wall as he was released.

“S-s-s-satoru…I…” But he couldn’t say anything.

What could he say?!

Nanami knew it would be pointless. Satoru didn’t want answers, he just wanted to punish Nanami and remind him of his place.

This had nothing to do with the man on the pier.

So he laid down and said nothing.

Gojo’s rage would pass much faster if he just didn’t fight back.

His head pounded with pain and he shuddered to think what the damage was.

Soon Gojo was kneeling next to Nanami.

He reached for his husband and caressed his jaw causing the other to flinch in fear.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered. “Smile.”

And Nanami did.

It would appease the monster.

Gojo kissed the aching man.

“Your sailor friend invited us along for a night sail. It would be just along the coast. A short cruise.” He said as he pulled Nanami into his lap. “You’d have nothing to worry about, sweetheart. I’ll be right there by your side.” He hugged him close and felt the body stiffen. “I know how you feel but we can't conquer our fears by running away.” He caressed him in belie of how he’d just beat him. “Do it…for me?”

Nanami was silent and still…but then he nodded.

Gojo smiled and grabbed the other by his chin to make him face him before kissing him a deep kiss. Then he rose and lifted the blond along with him to settle him in the kitchen chair so they could sit down and eat.

**********************************

The night ocean was lovely for the stars they offered one willing to traverse them.

To Gojo, the stars looked dazzling out here away from the light pollution. He wished Kento would look up and appreciate them as the sailboat sluiced through the dark waters, but his husband did not. Checking on his husband he saw the man sitting stiffly with his lifejacket tucked carefully around him.

Nervousness was clear as daylight on his face even in the dark. The water so far had been calm and Gojo and Takeda were enjoying themselves.

Gojo moved to sit by his husband and wrapped an arm around him.

“See, sweetheart? It’s not so bad.” He whispered into the man’s ear. Kento didn’t say anything but nodded jerkily.

Takeda was at the helm steering the boat when they suddenly felt raindrops pelt them.

All three men looked up as the sky turned sour.

“So much for the weather forecast.” Takeda grumbled and began turning the boat back towards shore. “I’m gonna take us back.”

As the ship turned the winds started beating against the sails and the waters became choppy.

It was looking bad.

“Don’t worry, babe. We’ll be back in no time.” Gojo reassured.

“It won’t be long now.” Takeda tried to reassure Nanami. “Once we get near the buoy it’ll be easier.”

But soon the water got worse. Nanami held on as the boat started rocking sideways with violence. He felt Gojo’s arms wrap tightly around him to steady him.

But suddenly a rope came loose and the sail ripped half-loose.

“Shit!!” Takeda cursed. “Gojo, I need your help!!”

“On it!” Gojo replied. He too had seen the rope break. He made sure Nanamiwas okay first before scrabbling onto the front to try and catch it to tie it down.

But it was difficult.

The boat rocked violently and it took everything for the white haired male to hang on. Suddenly the boat tilted way too acutely and Gojo found himself halfway in the water.

“I GOT YOU!!” Takeda grabbed his shoulder and hauled him on board before both of them grabbed the rope and with their combined strengths pulled the sail in and tied it to rights.

Satoru heaved in a sigh of relief and turned to give his husband a look of reassurance.

The bottom of the boat was empty.

The man’s heart dropped.

“KENTO!!!”

He jumped down and looked into the water.

“KENTO!” He screamed to the raging waters. “KENTOOOOOO!!!!”

His laser blue eyes frantically roamed the waters searching for any sign of blonde hair and blue life jacket. But there was nothing. Just waves and waves in a black cold sea.

“KENTOOO!!!” He pried open the emergency box and pulled out the flashlight. The light turned and turned but nothing of his husband was visible.

Nanami was gone.

***************************

“We need another plane and more search boats!!!!” Gojo commanded as he stood next to the rescue captain at the helm. A blanket was wrapped around his shoulders as he refused to change out of his wet clothes. Every minute wasted meant their odds of finding Nanami dwindled.

The captain saw the frantic half-insane eyes and nodded. He reached for the radio and relayed instructions to get more boats on the scene.

Boats and helicopters swarmed around the dark waters. Powerful searchlights scanned hither and thither for Gojo’s missing husband.

It was hours before one of the rescuers yelled and started gesturing wildly.

A crane was dropped into the water.

Gojo rushed outside and pushed the men out of his way.

Hanging on the end of the crane was a broken and empty lifejacket.

*************************************

Gojo unlocked the front door and slowly entered his house.

He threw the keys somewhere to the side not really caring if they made it to the table or not.

He was still wet from his plunge into the ocean and hours of searching for his husband.

It had all been for naught.

They could not find his husband’s body.

The male walked into the darkness of their - his - home, his eyes not really seeing. He felt dead inside.

Kento, his husband, his life, was gone.

A bottomless chasm had ripped under his feet and taken everything away.

Never again would he feel his husband's warm embrace, soft hair, or hear his deep sensual voice.

Gojo still could not believe it.

As he slowly made his way inside through the dark his hip bumped into one of the tables and the small egyptian statue fell over. Unthinkingly he reached out and grabbed it.

It was a small bust he had bought Kento years ago on their honeymoon in Egypt.

Those had been such happy wonderful days.

Now they were gone.

All gone.

With all his strength Hojo hurled the statue into the glass wall shattering it into a thousand pieces.

********************

The funeral was a large affair. All of their family and friends came from all over the country to pay their respects.

Gojo thought maybe Kento might have liked to have seen how many had attended despite the fact that Kento hated most of Gojo’s friends. The only exceptions being Shoko and Yaga.

The headstone was a simple but expensive parian stone affair that read:

GOJO KENTO
20XX-20XX

Flowers lay all around the gravesite that had no body to receive.

Gojo could numbly understand that people were saying something to him. Probably giving him their condolences, but he barely registered anything.

He was the last to leave.

**************

White sheets lay over most of the furniture asides from some bare rooms Gojo had decided to stay in.

The house will be closed soon.

He couldn't bear to stay here if Kento wasn’t here with him.

What was his life now without the blond in it?

He opened a bottle of scotch and drank straight from it.

***********************************

The bus slowly pulled away from its depot and started making its way south.

Most on board were busy double checking their belongings to pay attention to the brown haired male staring intently out the window, but if they had they would have seen how rigid his body was, and how every pore exuded nervousness.

Few would have recognized Nanami Kento through his disguise.

**FLASHBACK**

The water was cold and turbulent.

Had the buoy not been there for him to hang onto it might have ended in his death. But Nanami had been going to the pool of the sports club and attending swimming classes far too studiously to allow himself to fail then and there.

He did not want to die.

That’s why he jumped into the water.

That’s why he swam as fast as he could away from the boat.

Away from his husband who would one day kill him in a mad rage.

He swam and swam.

The previous fear of water all but forgotten in the face of the fear he faced everyday at the hands of his insanely possessive husband. He swam away from Gojo and to freedom.

He only had a little time, he knew, before they would call for a rescue party and before Gojo came home after finding the discarded life jacket.

That’s why he had made preparations beforehand.

Sliding the glass doors open, Nanami, wet and exhausted, rushed inside towards the bathroom and reached for the hidden gym bag tucked over the vanity. Inside were clothes, money, a fake ID, a wig, glasses, everything he would need to start a new life away from here.

He quickly changed out of the wet clothes he was wearing for some dry ones and put on the glasses and wig. In the mirror a new man stared at him. These would be temporary until he could replace the wig for hair dye.

Staring down at his wedding ring, a pang of pain stabbed him in the chest but he was too resolved to change his mind now.

He slipped off the expensive gold ring and threw it in the toilet bowl before flushing it down.

There was no time for hesitation or sentiment. He grabbed a towel and cleaned the water he had trailed in through the rooms and bathroom before taking one final look to make sure everything was alright. Then he grabbed his belongings and walked out of his house for the final time.

He would never be coming back here ever again.

**END OF FLASHBACK**

Staring out of the window, Nanami could see nothing but darkness and rain, quite fitting considering how his life had been in all the years he had been married.

But that was over.

He would start a new life. One away from the madman Gojo Satoru.

The bus sped through fields, towns, cities and kept going south.

The ride was long and soon they were on their 4th night southbound.

Suddenly a green apple was thrust into his vision.

Turning his head Kento saw a nice old lady munching apples from her bag. She was offering Nanami one.

“Don’t you like green?” She asked. “I don’t have red though, but here. I got plenty.”

It was dark outside. Most of the passengers were asleep beside him and the old lady.

He reached over and took it gingerly before thanking her.

“You visiting someone here, dear?” She asked.

“My mother,” He said, deciding he would need to make up a fake story to better cover his trail. “She had a stroke. I’m going up to take care of her while she recovers.”

The old lady looked sympathetic.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” She replied. “You live back north?”

Nanami hesitated.

“Sorry, it’s none of my business.” The old lady seemed to have noticed she was being too curious and tried to apologize.

But Nanami shook his head.

“I was visiting an old friend who needed me.” He whispered. “They left their husband. He was an awful man who used to beat them. Started right after their honeymoon. At first he was tender, loving, but then things changed. He became terrible. He said if they ever left them he would punish them, do horrible things to them. And he meant it. He said he would never let them leave him. He said he would find them anywhere.”

The lady looked horrified.

“Didn’t they try to file for divorce?”

“The husband is wealthy. Well connected. He said if my friend ever left he would punish their family and friends. Ruin their lives. Make them miserable. And he could do it, he was awful and had many connections. And he would make sure to drag them back and make them pay tenfold.”

Nanami turned his head to look outside into the dark. He suppressed the tears that threatened to fall. The emotional toil of what he was doing was starting to catch up to him.

“Well, how did they leave?”

“My friend escaped.” He said, voice almost caught in his throat. “He risked everything. Started a new life.”

“Brave of them.” She said admiringly.

A moment of quiet. Then.

“How long did you stay with him?”

Nanami turned. Her eyes were sympathetic. Understanding. Apparently he wasn’t fooling anyone.

“Too long.”

He took a deep calming breath before taking a bite of the apple.

“Thank you for the apple.” He said.

The lady nodded, and quiet reigned for the rest of the ride.

To Be Continued.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The neighborhood was small.

Quaint.

Homely.

It bragged of two story homes with well kept gardens and children up and down the street were playing after coming home from school.

It was everything Nanami could ever wish for.

The house he had bought was cheap on account of it being a bit rundown. But he didn’t care. It was his own to remodel and decorate as he wished. His to keep. His sanctuary.

With the ink on the deed still not dry, Nanami was moving in and buying paint, boards, wallpaper, nails, anything he needed to fix the house and reshape it into a proper home.

It was hard work but eventually the labor was done and he was now the owner of a nice, cozy house that actually felt lived in and loved.

Leaving the shower, the male turned to look at his half-naked reflection.

Gone were the black bags under his eyes from years of living in fear and anxiety.

In just a month he was looking less exhausted and less worn down.

Before he’d had to resort to using makeup to hide them as well as the…bruises from Gojo’s ‘tendering loving care’.

There was nothing he could do about the scars on his torso and back though.

…Those were permanent.

Also gone was his blond hair. He had finally had a chance to dye it and he looked different from his previous self.

It was a necessary precaution. He couldn’t risk anyone he knew spotting him and recognizing him immediately and reporting back to Gojo.

Bile collected at the back of his throat as he thought of Gojo finding him.

If he ever found out…his retribution would be hellish.

Nanami was suddenly torn away from morbid thoughts by the sound of someone whistling to an old tune. The tune sounded familiar.

‘Daisy Bell?’ The male thought to himself as he approached the window. ‘What an odd song to
whistle.’

Looking out the window Nanami spotted who he assumed to be his neighbor standing on their own property.

The man was tall, dark haired, tan and slender. His eyes were droopy as though from long hours of pouring over paperwork at night. And he had a long nose that Nanami honestly thought looked adorable on him.

The man was whistling as he watered his garden where he seems to have sunflowers growing on the border of his plot.

He looked happy and at ease in his own skin…something Nanami could not relate to.

Not yet anyway.

The runaway shook his head at his own depressing thoughts as he turned away from the window, not realizing that his neighbor had seen him peeking through.

***********************************

The town was small and most places were within walking distance.

Kento appreciated that as he took a turn around the place.

Here was a strong sense of community spirit and there was an air of the past that still lingered. The modern world has yet to reach here and he hoped it never would.

He toured the library, campuses, shopping district, and made sure to find where everything that he would need was located.

As the hour passed, he felt hunger strike him, he bought a couple of burger sandwiches from a local food joint before contemplating where to sit to eat.

Deciding on the park, he made his way between roaming families, running children, water fountains and elderly people strolling, to sit on a bench tucked under the shade of a large oak tree. As he slowly ate he watched a group of children playing on the green grass, happily galavanting here and there.

It was so strange to see such carefree happiness after all the darkness he had experienced. It was like day and night. An entire world he had not known and was not privy to was before him.

Suddenly a small girl with short brown hair came and sat on the bench next to him. She had a metallic lunchbox in her hands which she opened to pull out a wrapped sandwich, one no doubt her mother had packed for her. The girl started unwrapping the sandwich, pulled out some packets of dressing and smothered it on before pulling out more condiments and slapping those into the sandwich as well.

She must have added too much because the moment she brought the sandwich up to take a bite its entire contents came falling out of the back and onto the ground.

The little girl stared down at where the remains had fallen and looked ready to cry.

Suddenly a wrapped burger was placed in front of her.

The little girl looked up at the quiet adult who was offering her his spare burger with an astonished look before she broke into a large smile.

“Thank you!!!” She said gratefully. She took Nanami’s extra burger and happily dug in. All hints of tears and sadness, gone.

Kento looked at her and gently smiled before going back to his own food.

Once finished, he rose and discarded the bag and wrappers in the garbage before preparing to leave. Turning around he became aware of someone watching him. Glancing over he saw dark hair and droopy eyes watching him from across the walkway.

It was his neighbor. The sunflower guy.

Their eyes met and Nanami saw the other looked…amused.

Anxiety built up in his stomach.

Gojo’s hand was still on Nanami’s throat.

He remembered all the times Gojo had accused him of infidelity, of looking at other guys when he had clearly not, accusations of not being content with Gojo.

And he remembered the ensuing punishments.

Nanami’s stomach turned.

He had to leave.

Immediately.

Without a word or acknowledging the other male, Kento made his way out of the park and home.

****************************

Higuruma had to admit that that was the cutest thing he had ever seen.

Today the weather was nice. It was too nice of a day to stay at home so he had put on some jeans and a clean shirt and decided to go out to the park.

As he had been leaving he had taken a look at his neighbor’s house. The place looked far better after the other’s recent renovations. Higuruma had been wanting to meet the man but had yet to find a good time.

He didn’t want to disturb the other while still in the process of rebuilding and moving in and decided to wait.

But now it would seem that fate had other plans in mind because as he was walking under the shades of the park’s maple trees, he came across the other sitting alone on a bench eating. The other hadn’t seen him approach.

This gave Higuruma to study his neighbor more closely.

The man was handsome. Very handsome. He had a strong jaw, high cheekbones carved by the very gods, amber eyes that had a hint of exhaustion to them as though the other had been having sleepless nights. Long legs and a fit body spoke of an athletic and healthy lifestyle.

The brown hair though…it somehow didn’t fit him.

But overall the male was good looking and had an air of intelligence and competence about him that Higuruma liked.

‘Hmm, would now be a good time to introduce myself?’

He had been wondering whether to approach or not when little Nobara came by and dropped her sandwich on the ground. The poor girl looked so distraught, but it didn’t last long as Higuruma watched his neighbor pull out a second burger from his bag and hand it to her. The girl smiled in delight and thanked him before eating.

The whole thing was so sweet that Higuruma felt as though his chest was going to melt like sugar in syrup.

He was still standing there when the other rose and saw him. There was a moment when their eyes met.

‘He really does have nice eyes.’

But before Higuruma say anything, a look of fear crossed the other’s face. It was primal fear as though he was being hunted. The male quickly turned around and left.

‘Huh!’ Higuruma stood there perplexed. ‘That was odd.’

The occurrence sat at the back of Higuruma’s mind all day.

**************************

That night Nanami was putting away some groceries when he looked out the window towards his neighbor’s yard. The lights were on, so the man must have been at home. He recalled the morning’s encounter.

He shook his head.

‘You’re free.’ He tried to reassure himself. ‘Gojo can’t hurt you or your loved ones anymore.’

As he was trying to make himself feel better he noticed that his neighbor had an apple tree. It was large and laden with green fruit. A large branch, absolutely heavy under the weight of the apples, was hanging over the fence onto Nanami’s side of the fence.

He was struck with a sweet craving.

‘They would make great apple pie.’ He thought. ‘They’re hanging over my plot, so it’s technically not stealing.’

Making sure his neighbor was not near a window, Nanami walked outside into the backyard and approached the hanging branch. The fruit was fragrant and looking mouthwatering and he couldn’t resist picking one.

He carefully wiped one on his handkerchief before taking a bite. Sweet juices and savory taste exploded on his tongue.

“Harvest time?” Kento turned around startled. Dark eyes watched him in amusement. “You know people get arrested for stealing in this town.”

Nanami didn’t say anything.

“That could be considered trespassing.”

Nanami frowned.

“I’m still on my side.” Then with a sigh. “I just was going to take a few to make an apple pie.”

The other smiled.

“Oh, why didn’t you say so?” He asked. “Maybe we could make a deal.” He approached. “I love pies.”

A long forgotten memory of tears and pain wheeled in front of Nanami vision. His eyes hardened.

“I don’t make deals.” He dropped the apple he had had in his hand and turned back home without a second look.

*****************************

A few hours later the former blond was in his kitchen peeling a pear when there came a knocking on his back door.

He turned and froze when he found his neighbor standing behind the screen door. In his arms was a basket full of green apples.

“You forgot these.” The other said, referring to the apples in his arms. “It would be a shame if they went bad; they really are great for baking.” There was a bit of a conciliatory tone to his voice.

Nanami didn’t reply.

“Look, I'm sorry. I really didn’t mean to scare you.” He did appear to have a genuine look on his face.

The runaway still stood frozen, but then seemed to slowly come to a conclusion.

He coughed before coming forward and opening the screen door.

“I’m sorry, come in.”

The other entered and Nanami gestured for him to place the apples on the table. The dark haired male did so, making sure none fell out of the basket and over the edge of the table, before introducing himself.

“So hi, my name’s Higuruma Hiromi.” He began as Nanami hesitatingly returned the handshake. “So it was me the other day.”

He must have meant when he’d been watering the sunflowers.

His host smiled, a bit strained, eyes barely meeting as he found a bowl to put the apples in.

“Didn’t realize anybody had moved in.” Hiromi said as he leaned back against the counter. “If I had I would have practiced a bit.”

Kento gave him a small smile.

“You were pretty good.” He admitted.

Higuruma’s eyes widened in delight.

“You liked it?”

“It brought memories back of when I was young, and my parents used to sing it to me.”

“I like that song. I hum it whenever I’m busy thinking about a case.” He said. “I work as a lawyer at the firm in town and also give lessons at the local college.”

The dark haired male tried to catch wary eyes with his own but the other seemed reluctant. He slowly tried to approach him but the other seemed cautious.

The tick at the back of Higuruma’s mind from earlier that day the park was itching again.

It all seemed familiar.

He had seen this type of wariness before.

“Just tell me something, what’s your name? Where are you from?”

Nanami was having none of that.

“That’s a lot of questions.”

“It’s only 2.”

The former blond walked towards the door and held the screen open.

“I don’t want to seem rude, but it’s getting late for me. Maybe we can do this another time.”

Higuruma acquiesced and approached the door, but he wasn’t giving up completely.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not free till tomorrow night.” He said as he stood at the door. “I’m making pot roast for dinner. It would go great with apple pie.”

His shy neighbor gave an amused smile.

“I’m sure it would.” He said not promising anything.

“I won't say anything. I’ll set two places. 8 o’clock. You don’t show…I’ll be eating pot roast for a week.” He gave Nanami a rueful smile of genuine good mirth. “It’s no big deal.”

He walked out the door but not before turning with a final glance.

“Goodnight.”

Nanami nodded. “Goodnight.”

As Higuruma slowly made his way back to his own home he felt butterflies in his stomach.

That had gone well, even if he hadn’t gotten a name, he harbored a small flame of hope that his handsome, sweet neighbor might come visit.

It wasn’t much.

The other had barely spoken, and he had looked at Higuruma even less, but the dark haired male was hopeful.

There was something about the other man that was special.

But the way he held himself, the wariness in his eyes, and how he stood defensively in his own home.

Higuruma knew now where he had seen such a look before.

He had seen it in the eyes of countless such people in divorce and domestic abuse cases.

He might be wrong though…he really hoped he was!! because he liked the other man; a man who renovated his home with his own hands, and gave little girls his own food at parks without a second thought.

Someone that sweet and generous did not deserve to be treated like a possession.

******************************

The office was a mess of loud noise and a hive of busy people answering calls, buying stocks, gathering tips and watching wall street. But none of the chaos could penetrate into Gojo Satoru’s expansive and sound proof office where the large glass wall windows looked down onto the milling millions of the city.

The man in question was sitting in front of his computer looking at the year’s profit reports when he got a call from his secretary.

“Mr. Gojo, you have a call.”

“I told you to hold my calls.” He replied in a toneless voice as he tapped away at the keyboard.

“Yes, I know, but she says she knows your husband.”

Gojo’s hands immediately stilled. The wrenching pain of loss throbbed again. He moved away from his desk and turned towards the phone.

“Put her through.”

All thoughts of reports and profits gone.

He heard the sound of a buzz as the call was patched through.

“Hello?”

“Hello? Mr. Gojo? My name is Yumi Madara.”

“Yes?”

“I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Came the somber voice. “I just heard about Kento and I wanted to call and tell you how much we’ll miss him.”

“Thank you.” He replied in a morose tone and he suppressed the tears that threatened to fall. “How did you know him?”

“From the Sports Swim Club.”

Gojo was silent for a moment.

“No, you must be speaking of someone else.” He corrected. “My husband never went to the Sports Club.”

“No, no, we took swimming there Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 am.”

He shook his head and stood up from his chair.

“Look, there was some sort of mistake. Kento drowned.” He said in a strained voice, still trying to put this issue to rights. “He couldn't swim.”

“Well, at first he couldn't. But then he became a good swimmer.”

“I’m sure you have the wrong man.”

“This is odd.” The woman sounded confused. “Mr. Gojo, your husband studied gymnastics, didn’t he?”

Gojo felt a sense of relief. He released a sigh. This woman was definitely mistaken and had the name confused. His beloved did not do gymnastics after all. He slowly paced around his desk to shake off the tension in his legs.

“No, my husband never studied gymnastics.”

“That’s strange. He told us that’s how he got all those terrible bruises and scars.”

He froze. Black tar filled his insides and his world swerved on its axis.

“Mr. Gojo, I don’t understand and I’m sorry if I bothered you. This is all just so confusing-” Gojo grabbed a stone fetish off his desk and brought it down hard, destroying the phone.

***************************

The Aston Martin DB5 zoomed down the road at such hasty speed that made it a danger to the occupants and pedestrians alike.

But Gojo didn’t care.

He had to get home!

He had to see!!!!

He ripped open the box tucked away in the top of the closet. It read ‘Personal Effects of Gojo Kento’ on the lid. He pulled out documents, papers, passports, wallets, all types of paraphernalia and started looking through them. As night fell every surface of the room was covered in stacks of papers relating to Kento.

He had opened his closet and ransacked his clothes.

He pulled out drawers containing watches, pins, jewelry, cuff buttons, knick knacks. Etc.

He looked through the vanity that had contained the makeup Kento had used to hide the bruises on his face and dark bags under his eyes.

As he reached under the sink he suddenly pulled his hand back in pain. Blood bloomed on his fingers.

In the white haired male’s demented haste he had accidentally nipped the skin on some broken cologne bottle.

He held his hand as blood gushed out and turned to clean it in the sink. As he rose, his eye caught a glint inside the toilet bowl.

He froze.

It was a ring.

Numbness overtook his body and mind.

He reached into the water and pulled a golden ring and held it next to the one on his own left ring finger.

It was an exact copy.

The one he had given Nanami on their wedding day.

 

To Be Continued.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

It was a cool and pleasant evening as Nanami slowly made his way across the yard to his neighbor’s with a pan of apple pie in his hands.

As he approached the backdoor, the former blond became aware of flickering lights and the smell of smoke emanating from inside. He stood at the porch and looked through the screen door to find his neighbor fumbling to pull the pot roast out of the oven while the pan was on fire. Higuruma hastily placed the conflagration on the stove and desperately started whacking at it with a towel trying to put out the flames.

The whole spectacle was honestly entertaining.

He knocked at the frame of the screen door and Higuruma turned to catch the amused look on the other’s face.

“Sorry to bother you.”

Higuruma gave the other a rueful smile even as his towel caught on fire.

“I hope you like your roast well done.” He joked and approached to open the door for the other man. Luckily the fires had gone out now.

Nanami entered and handed over the pie.

Higuruma stared at it with obvious admiration.

“Is that apple?”

“What else?”

Higuruma took the apple pie and placed it aside for later before getting the salad and other dishes from the counter.

“Can I get you something? Eyedrops? Gas mask?”

“No thanks?” Kento said as he motioned to help Higuruma with the preparation. The lawyer handed him the salad and casserole.

“How about some more music?”

“What do you recommend?” Nanami asked.

“How about something classical?”

“Sure. I like classical. Anything with Berlioz?”

“Oh?”

The former blond placed the side dishes on the kitchen table where he found the utensils, napkins, glasses and wine were already set and ready.

“His symphonie fantastique gives me the chills.”

“Alright. Thanks for the tip.” He said as he pulled out some more food from the fridge. “So I understand you were looking for a job.”

Nanami was a little startled but tried to hide it.

“Where did you hear that?”

It was true; he had been looking for a job, but he wasn’t pressed for it. When he had made his escape he had managed to set aside enough funds for a downpayment on a house as well as have enough left to live by for a couple of years assuming he could find work quickly. It was a testament to how wealthy the Gojo family was that they never noticed such a large sum going missing without them noticing.

But Higuruma was still talking.

“Well, small towns are funny places. Everybody knows everybody. I know a lot of people over at the college. I could drop in a good word for you if you like.”

“Why would you do that?”

Higurumua looked at the other. He could guess at the reason for the other’s suspicions. They were to be expected if his theory about the other were true. But he’d best play along and not reveal his thoughts.

He reached for the oven mitts and picked up the ‘slightly’ charred pot roast.

He still had hope it could be saved.

“God, such paranoia. Where are you from? New York?” he asked in a humorous tone. “Listen, it’s no problem. Just a few letters of recommendations-”

“I don’t have letters of recommendation.”

Higuruma tilted his head.

“A driver’s license?”

Nanami didn’t answer.

The other was really trying to keep his anonymity status a secret.

Hiromi wisely decided to drop the subject as they sat down to eat.

THe food, while charred, still was good, and Higuruma thanked his lucky stars that he hadn’t fumbled dinner too badly. He really wanted to know his neighbor better.

Nanami’s hair shifted a little and Hiromi saw a large ugly bruise on the other’s forehead. It was yellow and green, indicating that it’s been a while since the man had received it.

“My god!” He whispered and unconsciously reached out to soothe the wound.

The other flinched - badly - and leaned away.

“You ok?” He asked.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

There was a slight tenseness in the air.

“Listen…just one more thing I’m going to ask. Just one thing I want to know.” He started. “You have a name?”

Nanami smiled ruefully.

“Shinomori Hajime.”

Hiromi smiled. He knew a fake name when he heard one. And that - along with the bruise - cemented his theory.

“Well, that’s a start.”

*****************************

Oakrest Home was a place of tranquility and harmony. The area was surrounded by trees and was far removed from the hassle of the city or anything that could disturb the rest of the residents.

This had been the perfect place for Nanami Emma to spend her final day before her passing. Gojo stared at the old styled building covered in vines. Elderly folks were being tended to by their nurses as he walked up the leaf strewn walkway.

Ishizu Malik was the director of Oakrest; a competent woman who prided herself on making the place the most comfortable and welcoming final home for everyone.

Gojo sat across from her and began with a few pleasantries before moving onto what he was here for.

“He spoke so highly of you. The quality of care. Kento’s mother was so happy here.” He injected a mellow tone into his voice. In truth, the white haired male was hyper focused and on edge, hungry for any clue to where his husband had run off to.

Because that’s what had happened.

Nanami had run away.

Had faked his death and tried to escape Gojo’s clutches.

But the director was talking.

“Well, it’s always so nice to hear that. We enjoyed having her here with us.”

“Kento’s passing was so sudden. So…shocking.” He breathed. “I tried to speak to as many of his friends and family as I could find. And I thought…maybe there were people close to him that I never knew. Perhaps that visited his mother here…Perhaps you might have records.”

“Well, I’m afraid we don't keep records on visitors.” She responded. “And you flew here just to-”

But Gojo interrupted her, keeping up the visage of a grieving husband.

“Well, no. I thought Kento might want to be laid to rest here…wherever his mother was buried. “

“So, his mother passed on as well?”

Gojo’s face became stony.

“Six months ago his mother died here. In your care…” He said, his grip on the sofa chair tightened.

Ishizu tilted her head in confusion.

“Six months ago your husband removed his mother from this institution. She was handicapped, as you knew, but otherwise in reasonably good health. Mr. Gojo simply showed up, paid the bill and collected his mother.”

The male’s mind went blank.

How long had Nanami been planning his escape? How long had the blond been acting behind Gojo’s back? How long had he been playing him for an idiot?!!!

Visions of retribution swam through his head.

He imagined hunting the male down, beating him, whipping him until he cried then raping him, carving him open with his cock as the tears flowed down his pretty face.

He would tie him to the bed and make sure he never left him again.

But first…he needed answers!

“Did he say where he was taking him?”

“Home, of course. To live with you.”

Gojo was silent.

****************************

He would never get tired of the smell of books. That's what Nanami thought as he left his new work place at the college library.

To him books always meant peace, serenity, and his home with his parents.

It brought back memories of better days.

Of happier days spent in his father’s study, lounging on the floor with a book open to some fairy tale or stories of myths and legends.

The work at the library wasn’t taxing, but even if it had been he would not have traded it for anything in the world.

As the runaway exited the library he was greeted with dark eyes looking eagerly for him.

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you.” Hiromi said as he fell into step with him. “So how’s it going in there? What do they have you doing?”

“Filing, stacking, overdue books.”

“You’re enjoying it?”

“I like it.” He said. Then with a soft look. “Thank you for helping me work this out.”

Hiromi shot him a sweet smile as they crossed over the green grass of the college. Students everywhere were sitting, studying, playing and getting up to all kinds of activities.

“I saw you in town yesterday. You were going into Walgreens. I called out your name but you didn’t even blink.”

Kento tried to keep the tenseness from showing.

“Maybe I didn’t hear you.”

“Your name isn’t Shinomori Hajime, is it?”

“Maybe I didn’t hear you.” He repeated more firmly.

“You heard me.” Hiromi stated. The smile was gone but there was still a caring look in his eyes as he faced Nanami. “Look, I know this is crazy. I hardly know you. But I like you. I do.”

Nanami didn’t have to look into Hiromi’s eyes to see genuine expression there. But it was so unfamiliar to him; actual, true affection with no hooks or stipulations…! It sent his disturbed mind into fight or flight mode.

To someone so bereft of love and so used to abuse, any signs of affection and care meant a ruse to get him to drop his guard in preparation of a blow.

Hiromi was speaking.

“It’s just…I don't know how to feel what I’m feeling when I don’t even know your name.”

“People never really know each other, Hiromi.” Nanami sighed in a depressed sigh.

And wasn’t that the truth?

Hadn’t Nanami thought that Gojo was the best of men? The most tender of husbands?

But he hadn’t been.

The man had just been biding his time until Nanami was truly and deeply entangled in his trap.

“It doesn’t have to be that way.” The lawyer said. “Give it a chance.”

“I…can’t.” Nanami felt exposed. Wounded. “I’m sorry.”

“What are you afraid of?” Hiromi tried. He knew it would not work. Such a history of abuse usually rendered the victims more closed off and secretive than most. But he still wanted to try. Inside this man was a thoughtful, loving soul that has been harmed and made a trifle with for someone undeserving. Hiromi wished nothing more than to be there for the other.

But the man had a faraway look in his eyes as if reliving a memory that still echoed into his present.

He shook his head.

“I’m sorry.” He said.

Hiromi knew not to press too much.

This would not be the time.

Maybe when the man had healed enough…

****************************

“And where was she last seen?”

“In a nursing home here; Oakrest Home.”

The private detective was young, had dark hair and had a no nonsense look about him. He came highly praised. Gojo knew from the set look in the other’s eyes that he had come to the right place.

“Six months ago she was removed. Taken elsewhere, but in her condition not very far.” He surmised. “I’d suggest…two days’ drive at most.”

A picture of Nanami Emma lay on Shiu Kong’s desk. It had been among Kento’s possessions and Gojo had brought it in for the detective.

“I could put three men on it.” The detective said as he wrote down some notes. “But it’ll cost you.”

“Good.” Gojo replied as a man to whom money means nothing. “I want this taken very seriously. A bonus of ten thousand dollars in cash to the man who finds her. And an extra ten thousand dollars to you as well.”

Shiu Kong stared Gojo in the eyes. What he saw was a deceptive calm and cold intelligence. But he wasn’t fooled. He knew a psychopath when he saw one.

Toji was going to love this one.

****************************

Today was a national holiday.

Schools were out and the streets closed off for the parade.

Floats, performers, small novelty cars, and people in all assortments of costumes marched down the town street as confetti and balloons rained down on top of them and the townspeople who had come out to watch.

Higuruma was assisting a little girl onto a float in order to better enjoy the beautifully decorated spectacle when he saw Nanami sitting on some nearby steps, watching the parade go by; a serene look of happiness and enjoyment on his face.

Handing the girl back to her parents, he cut through the street to where Nanami was sitting. When the other saw him he looked genuinely pleased, if a bit wary.

But Higuruma was happy.

This was progress.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” He said as he sat down next to Nanami on the steps. It was obvious that the other chose an optimal spot to watch; from here Higuruma had an unobstructed view as the parade passed by.

Hiromi offered Nanami some cotton candy which Nanami accepted.

“You’re good with kids.” The former blond said.

“As are you.”

Kento blushed as he remembered the park.

“It’s good to see you.”

They watched the parade for a bit before Hiromi turned to the other.

“Listen, I’ve been feeling kind of funny about the other day…”

“Let’s just forget about it, okay?”

Hiromi blinked but nodded in understanding.

“Okay.”

As the day progressed the two left their place and took a walk around the square. Everywhere there were booths and stands set up for the holiday. There were games and all kinds of street food being offered for the people milling about enjoying the holiday.

The two men got to the fountain. Here the kids were playing and grown ups were occasionally dabbing themselves with water to keep cool on such a balmy day.

It really was a nice day.

“Have you always lived here?” Nanami asked.

“I moved out for a while when I went to college, and traveled for a bit, but I came back when I passed the bar.” Hiromi answered.

“It’s a nice town. I see the appeal.” Nanami said, watching the water flow from the decorative statue.

“Is that why you moved here?”

“Actually, it was to be near my mother.” Nanami said and Higuruma felt as if he was finally being allowed a glimpse into the true identity of the man. “She had a partial stroke a few years ago. I couldn’t care for her.”

“How is she now?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen her.” He replied. “I haven’t gone there yet.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not sure it’s safe.”

**************************

ROSALIE REST HOME

Nanami Emma spun the yarn as she knit a scarf. It was too warm for wool clothing but she enjoyed the activity anyway. The woman was advanced in age and blind, but years of knitting had left her hands very skilled and dextrous so that she could make sweaters and scarves expertly even while lacking the power of sight.

As she wove and knit, sunlight and fresh air came through the open window of the glassed terrace where she sat alone enjoying the morning cool.

The rest of the residents of this place had yet to wake up. And she preferred to get a headstart on her work before the nurses wheeled in her fellow patients.

As she worked she suddenly became aware of a stillness, as though there was an obstruction that was somehow blocking the airflow of the room.

She partially turned her head to listen but there was no sound.

“Jane?” She called out, thinking it might be her nurse pulling a prank on her. “Jane? Is that you?”

No answer.

Hmm…

Maybe she was imagining things.

Emma shook her head and returned to the scarf.

Gojo Satoru stood behind her without uttering a word.

 

To Be Continued…