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Kaoru looks good.
Well, it’s not like he’s ever looked bad, but now, seeing him face to face for the first time in four years, Kojiro can see everything he wasn’t able to see from his phone screen over Line and the occasional Twitter post. He’d known that Kaoru had taken his facial piercings out his final year of uni and as much as Kojiro misses seeing the metallic glint when Kaoru’s mouth moves, he can’t help but think the missing hardware makes his face seem softer–even if his cheekbones and jawline have sharpened enough to cut glass.
Kaoru isn’t the heartbroken, punk-ass kid Kojiro left behind in Okinawa anymore. Kojiro is glad he’s not all sad anymore, but he kinda misses the punk-ass. Kaoru had seemed closer to Earth back then, someone within Kojiro’s reach that he could cling to every now and then. He doesn’t want to be too cliche in his own head, but the gap between the boy Kojiro knew and the man sitting in front of him makes Kaoru seem out of this world.
“Earth to Gorilla? Did all the steroids shrink your brain?”
Kojiro scoffs as his wandering mind snaps back to the present, and he takes extreme offense at Kaoru’s accusation. “Excuse you, Princess. I’ll have you know all of this is one hundred percent home-grown beef made from hours of sweat and effort.” He lifts his arms to flex his beautiful biceps. “I have never, and will never, take steroids. Why the hell should I when I already look this good?”
Kojiro had always liked lifting weights in PE, but he hadn’t thought about making it a lifestyle choice until he’d gone to the gym with his cousin in Italy. Not only was Marco totally ripped, he was a ladies' man who always had women calling on him. Three years older than Kojiro and everything he wanted to be, so when Marco offered to show him his routine, Kojiro jumped at the chance to learn everything he could from him.
Kojiro learned well, and now he’s already got the waitress’s number scribbled onto the napkin under his beer glass, and all three of the occupants of the table across from theirs have been batting their pretty eyelashes at him. So why the hell is he still so preoccupied by the way Kaoru’s eyes glint at him from over the rims of his smart little glasses? Why are his ears completely tuned into the sound of Kaoru’s deep voice instead of trying to hear what the girl’s night out table might be saying about him?
Gods, if he didn’t know any better, he’d think he hadn’t gotten over that ridiculous unrequited crush he had on his best friend all throughout high school. That would be stupid, though, because it has been four years and they’ve both grown up a lot. Kojiro is definitely over him.
Definitely
*****
How did this happen?
They’d barely made it through the door and gotten their shoes off before Kojiro was kissing him. Kaoru groans as his back hits the closed door to his apartment, and strong hands grip his thighs to lift him up and press him against the hard surface.
Gods, who the fuck cares?
Who cares when Kojiro is strong enough to hold him up with little effort? Kaoru is not a small or delicate man. Sure, with the long pink hair, he knows he gives off softer, more delicate vibes, but he’s a fucking 182 cm tall athlete with the body to match, so it’s not everyday he finds a man who actually can toss him around like some twink.
Should he feel weird that it’s his oldest friend currently grinding their hard cocks together? Probably. But that can be a problem for Tomorrow Kaoru. Tonight, he’s taking advantage of all of Kojiro’s personal growth–hopefully, he’s as good in the sack as his playboy persona promises. Kaoru has met his fair share of players who talk big but can’t deliver when it counts, but if there’s one thing he’s sure of about Kojiro, it’s that he’s always put one hundred percent effort into everything he does. As a skater, as a chef, as a goddamn weightlifter, and surely as a lover, too.
Kojiro’s hips meet his in a filthy roll and —fuck— judging by the size of the hardness pressing against his cock, there were definiely no steroid involved in Kojiro's muscle development. Kaoru has vague memories of being grudgingly impressed any time he'd gotten a small glimpse of Kojiro's soft dick in the baths, but he'd somehow convinced himself that he was more of a shower than a grower.
He's never been more thrilled to be wrong.
Gods, he needs to see it. Like, now.
Kaoru groans as Kojiro's teeth nibble up his neck and his hands feel like they're made of lead as he pushes them up into Kojiro's hair to pull his head back. “P-put me back down. We're wearing too many clothes.”
Kojiro looks like he's going to protest until Kaoru mentions losing clothes. His pout quickly turns into a smirk as he squeezes Kaoru's thighs and steps back from the door. “You're so right, Pinky.”
“I usually am,” Kaoru says, the reply falling from his tongue automatically as he grips Kojiro's shoulders for balance and lowers his feet back to the floor.
He doesn't waste any time pushing Kojiro's shirt up, up and over his head before attacking his belt.
“You, too, Kaoru,” Kojiro rumbles, batting his hands away and pulling at the hem of his shirt.
Kaoru is suddenly annoyed by his past self for not wearing his usual yukata. It's so much easier to slip out of than pants and a shirt. He lifts his arms obediently when Kojiro gets the shirt up to his waist, impatient to have it gone so he can get back to his task.
“Oh, shit...”
“What?” Kaoru snaps. He better not be backing out now.
Kojiro's hands reach out to him, one coming up to hold his side while his thumb strokes just below his nipple and the other stopping lower to flick at his navel—or more accurately, the piercing that adorns it. “When did you get all of these?”
Kaoru grins wickedly, his frustration momentarily put on hold. “When I had to take my facial piercings out, I decided to get new piercings elsewhere.” Both of his nipples, his navel, and a few even lower that he can't wait for Kojiro to discover. “Keep going and find the rest.”
Kojiro's eyes rip away from his chest to search Kaoru's face. “Seriously?”
Kaoru smirks. “Find out for yourself.”
He'll still get Kojiro naked, but now he kinda wants to show off first.
Kojiro doesn't waste any more time talking. He attacks Kaoru's belt and doesn't bother pulling it out of the loops before unbuttoning his slacks. With absolutely no finesse, he tucks his fingers into the band of Kaoru's boxer briefs and slides them down along with his pants, causing Kaoru's cock to spring up and whap softly against his lower belly.
“Shit, Kaoru!” Kojiro's eyes widen as he takes in the three tiny barbells stacked on the underside of his cock.
Kaoru hums, amused. “The goal is to have a full ladder someday, but I only get a new one every time I go to Tokyo.” Naha is too goddamn small for Kaoru to get away with doing it here.
Kojiro continues to stare and Kaoru quickly loses his patience. “Alright, stop staring and start stripping. Come on.”
He reaches for Kojiro's belt again and this time he doesn't stop him. Thank all the gods. Once the belt is loose, Kaoru follows Kojiro's example and goes straight for the button next. He shoves Kojiro's shorts down but comes to a halt when they hit the floor.
He drags his eyes up to meet Kojiro's. “Really?”
Kojiro flashes a cocky grin. “Are they wrong?”
Kaoru grimaces and looks back down at Kojiro's underwear. Beneath a perfectly acceptable black waistband are briefs in Italian flag red, white, and green with the words “Italian Stallion” emblazoned on the front. Kaoru has to press his lips together in frustration because the impressive bulge beneath the ridiculous briefs proves that Kojiro is, in fact, hung like a fucking horse. Or at the very least, perfectly proportional for a man of his size.
Big.
“Well, if you don't like them, you're always welcome to take them off,” Kojiro teases.
“Does that line usually work?”
“Yeah.”
Kaoru glares up at him and Kojiro just shrugs with his stupid smirks still in place.
What the fuck ever. They need to go.
Kaoru tugs at Kojiro's waistband and pulls the offending garment down until they join his shorts on the floor. Gods, Kojiro's cock is just as glorious as promised. However, Kaoru knows he's not going to get very far with it out here in his living room.
He grabs Kojiro's wrist and starts marching towards his room. “Come one, dumbass. Lube's in the bedroom and we're definitely going to need it to work with that.”
Kojiro follows obediently, but says, “You know we don't have to do that, right? I'm alright if you just want to give me head or whatever.”
“Maybe later,” As much as Kaoru would love to get his mouth on Kojiro's dick, he's more interested in getting it in him. “Got better plans... Unless you don't want to?”
Kaoru pauses in his doorway to look up at him questioningly.
“No, no! I definitely want to! I'm just saying that I understand if you don't feel comfortable taking it on or whatever.” Kojiro rubs the back of his neck, his cheeks staining pink.
“That a problem you have often? People backing out after they see your dick?” Kojiro doesn't say anything, but he won't meet Kaoru's gaze and the little shrug of his shoulders tells him what he needs to know. “Fuck those bitch ass losers. When the hell have I ever backed down from a challenge?”
Kojiro finally looks up at him with a lopsided grin. ”Never.”
“Exactly. And I'm not stopping now. Let's fucking go.”
Kaoru takes on the challenge and after what he considers an excessive amount of prep, the reward is more than worth the effort when Kojiro sinks into him, stretching him wide and filling him so deliciously full. Yeah, he might be sore for the next day or so, but it's definitely fucking worth it.
+++
This wasn't supposed to happen again. They agreed that it had been the beer, wine, and nostalgia that had crossed wires and boundaries last time. They agreed that it was a one time deal and that they can just chalk it up to one of those things that happens sometimes. Just a fun time that happened but never again.
This isn't supposed to be happening again, and yet here Kojiro is, his baggy jacket already on the floor and his hands yanking at the obi of Kaoru's neo-trad skating costume while their mouths are locked together in a kiss that sets Kojiro on fire. As he peels Kaoru out of the rest of his costume and lays him down on his bed, he can't help but wonder if this is going to become a regular thing.
He decides to wonder more about it later when he doesn't have Kaoru's long, gorgeous legs draped over his shoulders as he licks a filthy strip from his balls to the head of his dick, enjoying the ridges from the sexy piercings and the delicious sounds Kaoru makes as he goes. Gods, this man is so much more than his stupid teenage fantasies could conjure up. Every fucking last centimeter of his body is a work of art that Kojiro wants to saver as much as he wants to consume.
All of his reactions go to Kojiro's head and he lowers his mouth to take in the head of Kaoru's cock and sucks his way down, down. He wouldn't say he's an expert a sucking cock, but he hopes his enthusiasm makes up for any lack of technique. Kaoru doesn't seem to be complaining, so he must be doing alright.
“Koji, please.”
Kojiro pulls up and kisses the head of Kaoru's dick before asking, “What do you need, Kaoru?”
“Need you inside.”
Kojiro thinks he's probably asking him to hurry up and grab the lube so he can stretch him on his fingers, but he's having too much fun where he's at. “Sure thing, Princess.”
He barely hears Kaoru's weak “fuck you” in response to the nickname as he uses his hands to push at Kaoru's thighs until his hips are raised off the bed. He lowers his head once more and laves at Kaoru's balls before moving lower to suck and kiss his way down to his pretty, puckered hole.
Kojiro wastes no time before pushing his tongue past the ring of muscle and teasing Kaoru from the inside.
“Kojiro!”
Kojiro grins at the surprise in Kaoru's voice, but he doesn't stop. Keeps fucking into Kaoru with his tongue and eventually adding his fingers one at a time until Kaoru is an incoherent mess beneath him, and when he comes from Kojiro's ministrations, that's when Kojiro finally pull away and reaches for a condom.
“Hope you don't think we're finished so soon, Pinky.”
Kaoru pants, hips still twitching, but when he meets Kojiro's gaze, there's still fire in his eyes. “I'll take whatever you've got, Nanjo.”
Kojiro grins, ready to meet the challenge. Maybe this wasn't supposed to happen again, but fuck, he's glad it did.
+++
At this point, Kaoru has given up trying to convince either of them that 'this is the last time.' Who the fuck is he trying to fool? Doing this with Kojiro is fun and easy and it feels too fucking good to stop just because they're nothing more than friends outside of the nights they come together.
Doing this with Kojiro is safe because they both know by now what the other expects out of this. After the third hook up, they decided it was a good idea to lay down some rules. They're not dating, so they don't need to do any unnecessary shit. No sleeping over. No "dates." No sappy shit. It's just sex when the mood hits them, no big deal.
If they end up dating someone seriously, they'll obviously stop for real. Kaoru is not anyone's side piece and when he's in a relationship, he's not interested in fucking anyone else. He's sure Kojiro is too earnest to feel any differently.
So Kojiro still plays with his girls but follows Kaoru home on most skate nights and Kaoru still goes to his favorite gay bar every other weekend but still invites himself up to Kojiro's apartment as thanks for feeding him at least once a week. The arrangement works well for them and Kaoru thinks that first buzzed hookup after Kojiro returned was probably the best stupid idea they ever had.
With that thought in mind, Kaoru pulls away from Kojiro's mouth and steps back to make quick work of slipping out of his already rumpled yukata. He toes out of his tabi and turns toward Kojiro's bedroom in nothing but his tight briefs.
“Well, come on. I didn't come up here to fuck myself.”
“Yes, sir,” Kojiro smirks at him and follows, tugging at the remainders of his clothes as he goes.
Kojiro groans as he sinks into Kaoru with one long thrust. Gods, it's been a while and he honestly didn't think he was ever going to get a chance to feel this again. Not even after Kaoru finally dumped his douchebag boyfriend after seven months (the last three of which he was completely miserable, by the way).
It's been a couple of weeks since Kaoru showed up in his restaurant at closing time for the first time in months, alone and with a sour expression on his face. Kojiro had poured him a glass of wine and heated up some leftovers that he'd planned to eat himself. Kaoru ate, then drank and ranted until he yawned so hard his jaw cracked.
Kojiro had helped him up the stairs and tucked him into bed, then held him while he cried over that asshat who never deserved him in the first place. The next morning, Kojiro nursed his hangover and they never spoke of it again.
Tonight, Kaoru had made a comment about being stiff from working on Carla's newest upgrade and Kojiro had made a half-serious offer to help him relax–for old time's sake, you know? He hadn't expected Kaoru to take him up on the offer and he was somehow even more surprised when Kaoru kissed him as soon as they closed the door to his apartment behind them.
Now he's got Kaoru pressed belly down into the mattress beneath him, one arm tucked under Kaoru's chest to hold him close and the other stretched out to grip the headboard for leverage. With his thighs spread over Kaoru’s hips, he fucks into him with slow, hard thrusts.
“Always feels so good to have you under me, Kaoru,” Kojiro rumbles against his ear, already getting lost in the sensation.
“Mmm, Koji, more.”
Fuck, it's so goddamn cute how Kaoru defaults to Kojiro's old nickname when he's too fucked out to be mean to him. Kojiro rewards the cuteness by picking up the pace.
He really wasn't exaggerating. Kaoru feels perfect underneath him. “So fucking good. Like you were made to take my cock.”
Kojiro continues to slowly increase the speed while being mindful of keeping his thrusts as hard as Kaoru likes. Kaoru curses and moans underneath him, the sounds going to his head.
He pulls Kaoru closer. “Gods, I missed you, Sweetheart.”
+++
Kaoru freezes at the confession against his ear and Kojiro pauses with a questioning noise as if he didn't say something completely out of pocket.
“What the hell are you saying, dimwit?” Kaoru jerks his elbow back to hit whatever he can reach with it. “Don't make it weird.”
“Huh?” Kojiro asks and then pauses, probably going over all the bullshit he'd been saying. “Ah, sorry. I just, uh, got caught up in the moment.”
Kaoru clicks his teeth. “Well, I'm flattered you think my ass is worth missing or whatever, but cut it out with the gross nicknames.”
He doesn't need Kojiro blurting lines like that. Not after everything he his ex accused him of while he was packing. No matter what that dickhead said, Kaoru does not have feelings for Kojiro and hearing his best friend say sweet things like that while holding him so close does not make him wish Kojiro really meant it.
“Right, yeah, sorry. I did miss you, though, you know? Not just your ass. I'd have been fine if we never did this again.” He punctuates the statement with a slow roll of his hips that make them both groan. “Well, shit, maybe not. Fuck. Anyway, I missed you, stupid.”
“I didn't go anywhere,” Kaoru says while tilting his hips up to silently ask for more.
“Yeah, ‘cause that asshole monopolized you.” Kojiro complies to Kaoru’s demand, rocking into him once more. “Now I get to have my best friend back. S'nice.”
It's too much. It’s not enough. Kaoru doesn't know what he wants but he knows he needs Kojiro to give him the pleasure he knows he's capable of. “Gods, just shut up and fuck me, Kojiro.”
Kojiro chuckles. “Anything for you, Princess.”
And then he finally, finally fucks every last thought out of Kaoru’s head.
The adrenaline pumps through Kojiro’s veins as he rolls down the track. The guy who challenged him to this beef isn’t a face he’s seen around before, but Crazy Rock has gotten ridiculously popular, and it’s easy to lose faces in the crowd. He seemed to know what he was getting into by challenging Joe, though, so Kojiro won’t feel too bad when he ruins the guy’s night.
As they approach the bend where Kojiro likes to do his first power break, he notices the new guy shifting over to block the side where Kojiro needs to be to pull the trick off. Clever, but not enough to stop him, and it’s a clear indicator of how new this guy is to the scene. Kojiro hasn’t let a move like that get in his way since the first time Kaoru used it on him way back after he’d first made the power break effective.
A grin splits his lips, and Kojiro cedes the side and slight lead to New Guy. Not like he’s not going to get it back in 3… 2… 1…
The practiced moves feel perfect as his hard-earned and well-maintained muscles do everything he tells them to do. The execution is flawless, and Kojiro propels forward, landing on this board to–
CRASH
Kojiro’s entire body feels like he’s been thrown off the side of the mine. When he opens his eyes, he realizes he’s lying on the track and he can see his board flipped on its top, the wheels still spinning a couple of meters away from him. He groans and shifts, grimacing at the ache in his hands as he pushes himself up off the ground, only to find that it’s not only the ground under him.
He hears another groan, followed by, “Get the hell off me, man.”
The new voice brings some clarity to his ringing head. Kojiro looks down at New Guy and realizes his lower half is planted on the other’s gut, and his left leg is trapped under New Guy’s right. He realizes they’re like this because he must have slammed into him after his Power Break.
“Fuck, dude,” Kojiro huffs, untangling their legs and pushing himself back to sit on his knees. “Why the hell didn’t you dodge?”
“How was I supposed to know you were still going to do that wall kick thing with me right there? Are you stupid?” New Guy glares up at him.
“No, you are if you thought you could stop me by getting in my way like that. This place is called Crazy Rock for a reason, dumbass. Should’ve done more research before challenging me to a beef. I don’t back down for shit, so you should’ve known to dodge.”
New Guy tries to push himself up but yelps and falls back down.
“Hey, man, you alright?” Kojiro pushes him over to see him cradling his right wrist.
Before the guy can answer, another voice catches their attention.
“Joe!”
“Ohmigod, are you okay??”
“Joe, are you alright?”
Kojiro automatically smiles up at the girls who have already made their way down to check up on him. “Just a little banged up is all. Doing better than this poor guy.” He gestures toward New Guy.
Sure, his girls might be a bit airheaded, but they’re sweet. Even when they see a guy wipe out their precious Joe, they’ll still be concerned for an injured skater while they reprimand him for screwing up a rare race featuring their favorite.
As a couple of the girls fuss over the new guy, Joe stands and thanks the girl who delivers his board to him. “Let’s get off the track so the next race can start.” He moves over to where New Guy’s board landed and kicks it up into his empty hand, then walks back to him and holds it out with his finger pointed in challenge. “When your arm is all healed up, I expect a rematch.”
The guy lifts his chin and accepts his board. “You’re on. This won’t happen again.”
Kojiro just smirks and wraps his free arm around the nearest girl before turning and heading back up the hill, the rest of his girls following him and fussing along the way. By the time they make it back up to the playground, Kojiro is exhausted and sore. He can tell he’s got quite a few scrapes that need attention sooner rather than later, so he makes his excuses to the girls and heads for his bike.
He’s not sure if he should be surprised or not to see Kaoru already sitting on his own bike when he arrives. “Leaving so soon, Cherry?”
“Well, the only race I was interested in watching got cut short, so I have no reason to stay,” Kaoru sniffs haughtily.
“Aw, you wanted to watch me win? That’s so sweet,” Kojiro coos, climbing onto his bike.
Kaoru scoffs. “I was hoping to see you lose, actually, but seeing you wipeout is nearly as entertaining.”
“Shouldn’t have happened,” Kojiro grumbles and shoves his helmet on his head. “Hopefully, that idiot bones up before our rematch.”
He kicks up the stand and starts his bike, ready to drag his weary ass home.
Kojiro is pleasantly surprised when Kaoru follows him there.
+++
Kaoru can’t remember the last time he saw Kojiro wipeout so hard. (Actually, he can recall perfectly two years ago when he’d been practicing a new slide and his wheel came off on the landing, sending Kojiro face first into the rail. Broken nose, two black eyes.) He says he’s only a little banged up, but Kaoru could clearly see how hard he was limping by the time he made it to his bike.
He follows Kojiro to his apartment without a word, fully intending to make sure the idiot doesn’t need actual medical attention. As soon as they’re inside, Kaoru lowers his mask and crosses his arms. “Strip.”
“Oh? Sorry to break it to you, princess, but I’m a bit tired tonight.” Kojiro leers at him. “But maybe with enough motivation, I can be persuaded to work through the fatigue.”
Kaoru rolls his eyes. “Idiot gorilla. I want to see your injuries, not your dick.”
“If you say so~,” Kojiro sings as he pulls his jacket the rest of the way off and unbuckles his ridiculous belt.
Once Kojiro’s dirty, torn-up pants hit the floor, Kaoru commands him to stop before he pulls down his stupid “open here” underwear as well. “Just come here, dumbass.”
Kojiro snickers and pulls his thumbs from his waistband and finally moves toward Kaoru, the pronounced limp making a reappearance as he favors his right leg. Once he’s standing in front of Kaoru, he turns in a slow circle. “See, it’s not that bad, Doctor Kaoru.”
“Shut up, you ape. I’m literally looking at the roadrash on your thigh as we speak. Not to mention that nasty bruise forming on your knee.” Kaoru grabs Kojiro’s right wrist and takes off the fingerless glove, glad to see it’s done its job. He repeats the actions with his left hand. “At least your hands are alright.”
He brushes as much of the dirt as he can from Kojiro’s torso, resolutely steeling himself from getting distracted by the glorious expanse of muscle under his hands. Now is not the time.
All he uncovers are some minor scrapes that didn’t break the skin. Probably the real reason Kojiro thought he was perfectly fine. His favorite assets to show off are relatively unscathed.
Kaoru huffs out a sigh. “Alright, it could definitely be worse. Stay here while I grab the first aid kit.”
“Yes, Pinky,” Kojiro answers sarcastically.
Kaoru rolls his eyes but still turns toward the kitchen where Kojiro keeps his kit under the sink in case of kitchen mishaps. As he goes, he starts tugging at the pieces of his own costume that he no longer wishes to be wearing. His haori ends up draped over one of Kojiro’s dining chairs, and he piles his gloves, armbands, and vambraces on the table.
Once his hands are unencumbered, Kaoru swipes the kit from its cabinet and heads back into the living room. “Alright, gorilla, on the couch.”
Smart skaters keep well-stocked first aid kits on hand for the exact reason they are using this one tonight, and Kaoru is pleased that Kojiro hasn’t neglected his since the last time they’d had to use it.
Once Kojiro is settled on the couch, the first thing Kaoru does is rub a salve over Kojiro’s knee since that seems to be the injury that’s bothering him the most. After that, he disinfects and bandages any minor scrapes that broke the skin.
“Turn over and let me see the road rash again,” Kaoru murmurs.
Kojiro complies without comment, and Kaoru thinks that probably means the wound is starting to bother him. The patch of raw skin below his left hip is pretty small, which is good. Kaoru cleans the area and checks that all of the dirt and grit from the track has been removed before rubbing a thin layer of ointment over it, then digs around in the kit until he finds the box with the hydrocolloid bandages. He manages to resist the urge to literally slap the bandage over the wound, but it’s a close thing. Instead, he gently settles the bandage in place before patting Kojiro’s hip to let him know he’s done.
“Thanks a lot, Kaoru,” Kojiro says after he sits back up. He’s staring at Kaoru with those kind eyes that make him feel like they’re saying things that Kojiro would never actually say to him.
Gods, Kaoru needs a distraction.
Deciding he’s shown too much for one night, Kaoru slides his hands up Kojiro’s thighs with a long once-over traveling down his nearly naked body. “You’re welcome, Kojiro. Now tell me, is there anywhere else that hurts?”
The softness in Kojiro’s eyes is burned away by the heat that responds to Kaoru’s suggestive tone. He smirks down at Kaoru as he widens his thighs and says, “Well, there’s this place that always aches when I see you on your knees in front of me.”
“Hmm,” Kaoru hums, shuffling closer. “That’s a shame. I suppose I’ll have to take care of that as well.”
Kojiro reaches out to brush his thumb along Kaoru’s lower lip. “Well, you don’t have to, but I’m certainly not going to stop you if you want to.”
It’s Kaoru’s turn to smirk up at him before tilting his head so he can suck Kojiro’s thumb into his mouth, laving his tongue around the digit as a sweet preview that has Kojiro already twitching in his stupid briefs.
It's so easy to do this with Kojiro. Too easy, really, but he doesn't really ever want to stop. He gives Kojiro's thumb one last filthy suck before pulling away and leaning forward to grip his waistband and relieve him of his confining underwear.
Kojiro graciously lifts his hips and Kaoru watches eagerly as his delicious cock springs up, hard and ready for him.
Part of him wants to take his time and tease and make Kojiro beg for more, but a larger part remembers the panic he'd felt seeing Kojiro laid out on the track. He's so glad that Kojiro is okay. So fucking glad that he was able to stand back up on his own and make his way back home so Kaoru could take care of him.
And now Kaoru just wants to spoil him.
So, for once, he doesn't lick and tease his way around all of Kojiro's favorite places. This time, he drags his tongue deliberately over the underside and suckles at the fat head. He licks his palm before wrapping his hand around the base and giving his cock a slow, twisting pump while he works on taking as much of him into his mouth as his throat will allow at this angle.
He still takes his time, building Kojiro's pleasure up slowly so he can savor every delicious sound he makes, every whimper of his name as he buries his hands in Kaoru's hair and holds on.
And when he comes, Kaoru swallows every last drop without complaint before pulling away. He's about to lean back so he can take care of himself next, but he probably should have known better than to think Kojiro of all people would leave him hanging.
Kojiro easily grabs him and plucks him off the floor so he can lay him back on the couch and shift around until he's settling between Kaoru's legs like he belongs there. “That was really nice of you, Kaoru. Let me return the favor.”
“You really don't have to.”
“I really, really want to.”
And well, who is Kaoru to deny him? He wants to spoil him tonight, after all.
“Get off of me, you giant lump of muscle.”
Kojiro chuckles and lifts up to disengage from Kaoru’s body, quickly reaching down to grasp the end of the condom so it doesn’t slip off his softening cock as he pulls out. He hisses at the sensitivity, but keeps moving before Kaoru really starts nagging at him.
He keeps moving back until he’s completely out of Kaoru’s space before taking the time to pull the condom off and tying it, then leaning over the bed to toss it in the trash can beside the nightstand. While he’s there, he turns his head to give Kaoru’s hip a quick kiss before finally climbing off the bed to go wash up and get the princess a warm washcloth.
As always, Kojiro offers to do clean up for Kaoru, but, as always, Kaoru insists Kojiro fucks off while he does it himself. “You could at least thank me for bringing you the washcloth,” Kojiro teases as he drags his underwear back on.
“And you could hurry the hell up and get out of here,” Kaoru spits back.
Kojiro rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, four-eyes.”
He doesn’t bother to put any more clothes on before sauntering out the door. He doesn’t need to look back to know that Kaoru is watching his ass as he leaves.
Kojiro heads for the kitchen. Kaoru never stays the night, so he doesn’t have to worry about feeding him in the morning, but the Italian side of him that his Mama raised can’t allow a visitor to leave with an empty stomach. Unfortunately, he knows Kaoru enough to know he won’t eat anything this late at night, so he’s managed to find a loophole in his upbringing and work with not allowing his guest to leave empty-handed instead.
He turns on the kettle and pulls a mug from his cabinet, along with a travelling thermos, a box of chamomile tea, and a box of lemon balm tea. He plucks a bag of tea from each box and plops them into the mug before going to another cabinet and pulling out a small saucepan. Into the saucepan goes a cup of oat milk to bring to a simmer, since the princess’s delicate tummy can’t handle dairy.
When the kettle hisses at him, Kojiro pours the boiling water into the mug to let the tea bags steep while the milk heats. Once the milk is simmering, he stirs in a pinch of nutmeg, a shake of cinnamon, and about half a teaspoon of lavender powder. He takes the milk off the burner so the milk doesn’t scorch or curdle while he pulls the tea bags out of the mug and discards them. With the teabags removed, Kojiro adds a spoonful of honey to the steaming mug and stirs until the spoon comes away clean.
He hears footsteps behind him and looks back to see Kaoru, fully dressed and making a beeline for the genkan. “Oi, oi. Slow your roll, sweet cheeks. I’m not finished here.”
Kaoru clicks his teeth, but still stops rushing to shove his shoes on. “Hurry it up, you oaf, I haven’t got all night.”
Kojiro rolls his eyes and doesn’t bother to comment as he concentrates on pouring the tea and milk into the thermos. Nonna Lucchesi’s bedtime milky tea has always been a surefire way to calm Kaoru’s brain down so he can rest soundly for a few hours, whether he admits it or not, so Kojiro is inclined to believe he’ll wait as long as it takes.
Once he’s finished pouring, Kojiro makes sure the lid is nice and tight on the thermos before giving it a gentle shake to thoroughly mix the tea together before heading toward the front door. He finds Kaoru waiting for him with his shoes and jacket on and arms crossed over his chest.
“Here ya go, four eyes,” Kojiro hands him the thermos. “Next time you swing by the restaurant, bring some of my thermoses back, would ya? There’s only one left.”
“Fine, whatever,” Kaoru murmurs as he pries the lid off the thermos and brings it to his nose to take a whiff of the comforting floral scent.
The corner of Kojiro’s mouth quirks up as he watches the pleased expression settle over Kaoru’s features. Snippy attitude aside, Kaoru really is lovely, and it’s times like this that make it hard for Kojiro to remind himself why dragging him back to his bed for the night is not a great idea.
Instead of dragging Kaoru anywhere, Kojiro moves past him to get the door while he replaces the lid on the thermos. Kaoru follows him and pauses when he reaches the doorway. “Thanks for this,” he says, lifting the thermos.
“Sure thing, Pinky. Sleep well.” And with no other thought beyond how pretty Kaoru looks in that moment, Kojiro leans in and gives him a kiss.
For one short, glorious moment, Kaoru kisses him back before jerking back and hissing, “What the hell are you doing, stupid gorilla?”
Kojiro’s ears heat up as he realizes what he’s just unconsciously done. “Ah, sorry, Kaoru. Wasn’t trying to break any rules, I promise.” He’s gotta distract Kaoru, and fast. “Seriously, it was kind of a habit, I guess? The girls like it when I kiss them goodbye, you know?”
It’s true. Kojiro loves kissing, and his girls love to indulge him. They’ll kiss him to greet him, and they’ll kiss him when he leaves. If Kojiro didn’t know any better, he’d absolutely believe kissing Kaoru as he leaves is nothing more than a reflex.
Kaoru certainly believes it. “Ugh. Don’t compare me to your harem,” he spits and marches out the door. “And don’t push your bad habits on me either.”
Kojiro rolls his eyes at the dramatic response. “Sure thing, four eyes. See ya later.”
He doesn’t bother to listen for a farewell from Kaoru before closing the door and pressing his forehead against the wood. Gods, he’s an idiot.
But well, that’s nothing new.
“Listen here, you overgrown ape,” Kaoru grits, invading Kojiro's personal space. “I don't care what your weird-ass western food class teachers taught you. Pickles do not go on sandwiches.”
Kojiro narrows his eyes and leans forward until their noses are nearly touching. How dare this little shit challenge him, a professional chef, on any matter pertaining to food. “I hate to break it to you, four eyes, but they do. They're literally sliced deliberately to be put on sandwiches. Hamburgers, arguably one of the most famous types of sandwiches, are classically known for having pickles included on them.”
“Once again-”
“Hey, can I ask you guys something?”
Kojiro blinks at Kaoru and turns his head to look at Reki, who's looking between them with an amused expression on his face.
“What?” he and Kaoru ask at the same time.
Reki laughs and holds up his hands in surrender. “Sorry to interrupt your spat, but watching you bicker like an old married couple is cute. How long have you guys been together?”
Kojiro and Kaoru practically spring away from each other at the question and Kaoru goes so far as to make a fake gagging noise. He curls his lip and levels Reki with a disgusted look. “What the hell makes you think I'd ever date this dimwitted, skirt-chasing gorilla?”
The question sends a spike straight through Kojiro's chest, but he doesn't let it show as he leans against the counter behind him and crosses his arms. “We do not bicker like an old married couple, what the hell?”
It's called unfriendly banter, thanks.
“Oh, sorry!” Reki's cheeks burn red as he waves his hands at them. “I really thought-! Well, I thought the fighting was your version of flirting or something. Sorry for just assuming.” He laughs nervously and rubs the back of his neck.
The kid is right, but since they've already denied it, they can't tell him that now. Instead, Kojiro scoffs while Kaoru starts ranting about all the things that are wrong with him.
It's nothing Kaoru hasn't told him directly to his face before, and usually Kojiro can just let it roll off his back because he knows that just because he's not a certified genius like Kaoru, doesn't mean he's actually a brainless idiot. He's got a lot of things going for him, even if he's not raking in the money at the same capacity as Kaoru. Who even cares about that?
This time though, he's starting to wonder if that's really how Kaoru sees him. Is it banter, or has Kaoru genuinely been insulting him while he's been struggling with his hopeless feelings for the asshole?
He really can't keep denying it. Kojiro thinks Kaoru is as brilliant now as he was before he left for Italy, and in the years that he's been back, as their bodies come together over and over, Kojiro can only see himself wanting to bask in that brilliance more and more.
Kojiro might just be addicted to the duality of Kaoru's personality. There's no denying the poised professional calligrapher and computer genius he's grown up to become, but underneath that man is still the same punk ass kid who pierced his lip and skipped class to skate. So Kojiro can't really help enjoying every time a conversation turns into an argument because it reminds him that the Kaoru he's always known is still there under the shiny surface.
It's not like Kojiro could risk saying any of that shit out loud, though, and certainly not to a high school kid going through his own Best Friend Bisexual Crisis. Maybe Reki can be braver than Kojiro ever was and make better choices than he ever did if Kojiro continues to be supportive without highlighting himself as a shining example of What Not To Do.
So, he just grins at the kid and presses his palm to Kaoru's face (mindful to keep his fingers from touching the lenses of his glasses) to shut him up and push him as far away as he can reach. “Are you kidding? It's terrible having him around here all the time. Unfortunately, this is a small island and we've known each other since pre-school, so I'm stuck with him and vice versa.”
Reki grins back. “It's really cool how you've managed to stay friends for that long!”
Kaoru sniffs haughtily. “Yes, well, this idiot would be lost without me.”
Kojiro turns toward him, eyes narrowed. “Oi, Pinky, who are you trying to fool? You're obviously the one who would be lost without me.”
The crowd in the warehouse cheers as Kaoru crosses the finish line two full board lengths ahead of his opponent. The victory is to be expected, of course, but he hadn't thought he'd have to work so hard for it. It was actually kind of nice to have to have a real challenge for a change.
The woman who'd challenged him to the beef —she goes by the moniker Phoenix— wades her way through his gaggle of fangirls, her flame emblazoned costume clashing wildly against their Carla-purple aesthetic. She's grinning as if she'd been the one to win the race. “That really is one hell of a board you've got, Cherry-san. Thank you very much for the race. I haven't had that much fun in ages!”
Kaoru can't help but smile back, even if she can't see it behind his mask. “I'll thank you as well,” he says, returning her polite bow. “It was nice to be presented with a real challenge for a change.”
Phoenix laughs. “I'll just have to try even harder next time! Enjoy the rest of your night, Cherry Blossom!”
And with those parting words, she disappears nearly as quickly as she'd popped up. Kaoru shakes his head in amusement. That woman had been a firecracker from the start with enthusiasm like Reki and a reckless skating style similar to Langa. He'd really enjoyed the race and hopes she does challenge him again someday.
Kaoru takes a few moments to indulge his fangirls and allow them to fawn over the winner of the beef before making his excuses and taking his leave. When he exits the warehouse, he finds Kojiro leaning against the fence with a smirk on his ridiculously gorgeous face.
“You looked like you were having fun out there,” he croons.
“As a matter of fact, I was,” Kaoru says honestly.
Kojiro's smile softens and he stands up straight to face him properly. “I'm glad to hear it.”
Gods, it always sends a heart wrenching jolt of mixed emotions through Kaoru's chest when Kojiro looks at him like that. On the one hand, he knows good and well that Kojiro cares for him as his oldest and closest friend, but on the other hand, Kaoru can't help but feel like that look resembles one that means more than just love for a friend. And well, that's just dangerous thinking. Kaoru has spent the last three years constantly reminding himself that whatever he and Kojiro have going on between them, it's never going to go any deeper.
Kojiro has made it abundantly clear that he's not interested in forming a committed relationship with anyone. While Kaoru has tried to move on a couple of times—dating men he finds interesting and attractive enough to distract him from his one-sided feelings—Kojiro has continued to fool around with anyone who catches his eye and is willing to crawl into his bed.
Including Kaoru.
“So, how'd the date go last night with the museum guy? Uh, Hara-something.”
Kaoru's pulled from his maudlin thoughts by Kojiro's question and rolls his eyes. “Ishihara. And if you must know, it was a pleasant dinner, but we both agreed that it won't happen again.”
Kojiro's eyebrows go up. “Seriously? I thought you really liked this one.”
“Me too,” Kaoru shrugs a little helplessly and starts walking toward the road that will take them back to the playground. “He was kind of perfect.”
He had been. If Kaoru had ever written out a list of attributes he'd prefer for his perfect partner to have, that man would have checked all the boxes. Unfortunately, there were things Kaoru hadn't been aware he needed to be on the list until he found the guy lacking.
And quite frankly, Kaoru thinks perhaps he was as much of a disappointment to Ishihara. He wouldn't go so far as to say he has a split personality or anything, but Kaoru does know he keeps a very large, integral part of him separate from his public self. Last night, he'd tried sharing a bit of his less polite personality with Ishihara, and it hadn't gone well at all.
He sighs, saying his final goodbye to the potential that relationship could have had. “He’s a great guy but we couldn’t really click. He, uh, took my banter too seriously every time.”
Kojiro whistles lowly. “Damn, that’s definitely a deal breaker. If he can’t keep up with your banter, he's definitely not the one for you.”
He's right, of course, but that still doesn't mean Kaoru is ready to hear it said out loud, and certainly not by the one person who's always been able to keep up with his banter. ”Shut up, Gorilla,” he snaps, pushing against Kojiro's shoulder hard enough to make him stumble.
All the asshole does is laugh. “Don't get your panties in a twist, Princess. You're bound to find your perfect man someday.”
Ugh. If there's anything this last attempt at dating has taught him, it's that he neither wants nor needs a “perfect man.” He wants someone who checks maybe a third of his boxes but can easily clap back to his smart mouth. Someone who knows about his skating and his shitty sleeping habits and his favorite foods.
He wants Kojiro. And if the only way he can have him is one night at a time, then he'll take whatever he can get and stop trying to force himself to like literally anyone else. That shit never worked out long term anyway.
With that thought in mind, Kaoru extends the invitation he always does when he's not dating anyone else. “Want to come over tonight after the last race?”
+++
The invitation practically slaps Kojiro in the face. He doesn't know what he was expecting the night to end like, but it certainly wasn't for Kaoru to pick up right where they left off a few weeks ago before he started seeing that Hara guy.
He'd asked how Kaoru's date had gone to remind himself that it's time to let Kaoru go. Not as a friend, just... the benefits aren't really worth it anymore. Sure, the sex is phenomenal, but every time Kaoru leaves, Kojiro wants nothing more than to convince him to stay for good.
Yeah, it's... it's just time to let him go.
He lifts the hand not holding his board and scrubs the back of his neck. “Look, Kaoru, I don't- I don't think I should be going over to your place anymore. Not for that.”
Kaoru halts and Kojiro pauses as well to turn and see his reaction. He's not really sure what he was expecting to see when he looks at Kaoru's face but it certainly wasn't fear. “Kaoru?”
Kaoru's face shutters and he moves again to stomp past Kojiro. “Stop calling me that here.”
Kojiro easily catches up. “Hey, wait! K-Cherry! What? Why'd you-? Hold on a second!” He reaches out and takes hold of Kaoru's forearm to bring him to a stop once more. “Look, I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't even know you'd get upset about it since I'm the one who-”
“Let go of me you degenerate ape!” Kaoru twists his arm out of Kojiro's hold. “I'm not upset. I get it, you don't want to play with me anymore or whatever. Let's just get back so you can pick a favorite or two from your harem.”
“No, that's not what I want to do at all! I'd much rather go with you, but I can't.”
“Yeah, and why the hell not?”
“Because I-” Kojiro squeezes his eyes shut and sighs. “Because I fucked up and broke the cardinal rule of Sex Friends. I'm in love with you and I can't just be someone who warms your bed sometimes anymore. Especially when you keep trying to find someone else to date who isn't me.”
Oh gods, he said it. He said it and now he's probably not going to have Kaoru as a friend anymore either. He's such a fucking idiot.
“Are you fucking with me right now?”
Kojiro opens his eyes again to find Kaoru glaring at him. He glares back. “No? Why the fuck would I do that?”
“Oh, I don't know! Maybe because you're the biggest playboy I know who's never once dated anyone seriously?”
Kojiro pushes into his personal space. “Well maybe that's because the only person I've ever wanted to date seriously would never even stay a whole night with me! Message fucking received.”
Kaoru blinks at him. “I- huh?”
“I don't understand why the hell you're pissed at me right now,” Kojiro continues to rant. “It's not like you've ever been interested in me for anything other than my body. Well, I'm sorry to take your favorite toy away from you, Princess, but sometimes a guy's gotta be selfish and do what's best for himself. Four fucking years of telling myself that what we've been doing is enough for me, but it's not. It never was and now I can't take it anymore. There isn't any part of my heart left for you to break.”
Kojiro starts to turn away, but this time it's Kaoru who grabs him instead. “Did you say four years?”
He huffs out a frustrated sigh. “Yeah, since the very beginning. Sorry.”
“Yeah, I'm sorry, too,” Kaoru says, his voice sour. “I'm sorry we're both huge fucking idiots.”
It's Kojiro's turn to blink at him. “Huh?”
“The only reason I ever dated anyone else was because I thought you were only interested in casual sex. I guess I've always been kind of desperate to find someone to love who would love me back.” Kojiro grimaces at that. Memories of Kaoru's heartbreak after Adam abandoned them and his last “kiss” flashing through his mind. “But, hell, you really have been here all this time, haven't you?”
“I, uh, yeah. Of course, I have. I've loved you for as long as I remember. Maybe not always like this, but you're my best friend first. Everything else is a hefty bonus.” Kojiro fidgets with a wheel on his board. “So, are you saying that you actually love me back right now?”
Kaoru laughs and steps forward, lifting his free arm to wrap around Kojiro's neck and pull his head down. “That's exactly what I'm saying, you stupid gorilla,” he says, before pressing their mouths together.
Kojiro wraps his arms around Kaoru's waist and pulls him close to deepen the kiss. When they pull apart to breathe he can't help the ridiculously happy grin on his face. It turns a little lecherous when he tilts his head forward and asks, “Does that offer to go home with you still stand.”
“Fuck yes, it does,” Kaoru pulls away and drops his board to the ground and hops on it. “Race you to the bikes!”
Kojiro barks out a laugh and follows him, because of course, he does and he always will.