Strings of my Heart (part 1)

[yoru-no-hikaru.livejournal.com]

Prairing: Ryo/Saito
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Don't own them, just love them ^^
Warnings: Swearing, drunk Johnny (no, not really, but there's alcohol), explicit sexual content
One-Shot


Note: As requested by my dear lilly0 in her request meme list. I really hope you like it. :D  Just in case anyone's wondering about Saito (although any bigger fan of Ryo would know him), he's the one who composed "Puzzle", because Ryo asked him to since he's a huge fan of this guy. About the smut: It turned out a bit... well, special. I was trying to think what it would be like if two men so different in presonality and age would get together like this. That scene took forever and is based quite some research. Well, I hope you like it. Please enjoy. ^_^


Intro: Set after Ryo and Saito have finished recording for SCP.

“Hey, Nishikido,” Saito called out, shooting Ryo a smile, “good work today.”

Ryo jumped slightly. He often did when he was addressed, but this was different. He was so nervous about his guy, it was downright ridiculous. Like a girl, who was hoping to get picked for a date, but was nervous about being touched. His face felt slightly hot too and he thought a blush must clearly show on his cheeks and he cursed his stupid body for betraying his stupid feelings.

“Ah, thank you,” Ryo mumbled out awkwardly. “You were awesome. I mean, you’re always awesome. Ah, that’s not saying that I… you know…”

“Hey, come on. Relax,” Saito laughed slightly, patting his shoulder. “I’m really not a special guy, or something. Actually, I’m quite plain.”

“You’re everything but plain,” Ryo opposed. “I know plain people.”

“You do?” Saito asked, sounding amused. “Just out of a mere curiosity, what kind of person do you think me to be, then?”

First Ryo blinked at the question, then he blushed furiously.

“I, uh…” he stuttered. “I just think you’re cool,” he finally shrugged.

The other man grinned. It wasn’t that he meant to tease – the boy was really cute, after all. Especially when he blushed and felt embarrassed… okay, maybe he did mean to tease – just a tiny little bit.

“Cool how?” Saito asked. “Like good at playing the guitar? Or more like I talk in a cool way? Or maybe you think I’m sophisticated? Suave? Hot?”

“Eh?” Ryo stared at the other. “I never said something like that,” he burst out.

Saito laughed at that. “Relax, already. And believe me when I tell you that I’m no different from you. Look, we’re just two guys here, right?”

“I... well… yeah, I guess so,” Ryo mumbled.

“You know, I just don’t want you to feel uncomfortable around me, okay?” Saito told him. “Just act as you do with anyone from your agency.”

“Oh, I can’t do that,” Ryo opposed, shaking his head.

“Why ever not?” Saito whined.

“You’re too… cool.”

“And here we go again,” the older man sighed. “What would I have to do? To make you forget about… well, whatever is bothering you now?”

“Agency people are just different,” Ryo explained. “And even there I’m only casual with people my age.”

“Really?” Saito asked, eyeing Ryo in interest. “I wonder how your seniors feel about your attitude.”

“Mixed, probably,” Ryo mused. “But it’s acceptable like that.”

“Sure,” Saito nodded. “But when you treat me like this, I feel like I have to watch out for you, or something.”

“Oh no,” Ryo burst out. “That’s… that’s totally not what I mean, I…”

“So,” Saito asked again, “what can I do to make you forget your preoccupations?”

Ryo thought about that for a moment. Then he licked his lips nervously.

“Can you…” he asked timidly. “Can you do something embarrassing?”

“Huh?” Saito made, blinking.

“You know, then I’ll feel a bit closer to you as a person,” Ryo explained.

“Something embarrassing?” Saito repeated, quirking a brow.

He thought about it for a while and then, for lack of a more creative idea, he simply burped, well-audibly and thoroughly.

Ryo first stared, then he laughed heartily. “Omg,” he gasped, “what…?!”

“Simple and obviously efficient,” Saito shrugged.

Ryo was still giggling over the little act. “That was…” he started to laugh again, shaking his head. “I didn’t know that something embarrassing could be smart like that.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call it smart,” Saito opposed. “Clever, maybe.”

Ryo grinned at that.

“So, are we friends now?”

“Sure,” the younger man nodded.

Suddenly the stiff atmosphere between them was completely erased.

“And as friends,” Saito continued, “do you think it would be okay to go for a drink together?”

“I’d very happily do that,” Ryo agreed.

About half an hour later they were sitting in a rather secluded corner of a pretty secluded bar in a really secluded side-street. Ryo had never been there before, but obviously Saito visited the place regularly, the bar keeper had greeted him very cheerfully with his name.

“It’s a good place to go,” Saito told Ryo. “Not too many people. And most importantly, the people who come here will leave you alone for the main part. And they have an excellent whiskey in here.”

“Oh, er…” Ryo blushed slightly. “I don’t drink… that kind of thing.”

“Why not?” the other asked directly.

“Well, I… I’m not exactly good with alcohol and strong western drinks make me go dizzy very easily. I once got drunk over two glasses of champagne.”

“Now, that must have been a sight,” Saito laughed.

“Yeah, well, they aired it on TV, so…”

“Oh my god, what did you do?” the older man wanted to know.

“Ah, it was for that stupid TV show,” Ryo waved him off. “We had to do all kinds of stupid stuff and there was that one time I just had to get rid of my overly nervous mind and so I grabbed what was within reach… It wasn’t a very good idea.”

“You didn’t do anything bad, did you?” Saito asked.

“No, I… no, it was okay,” Ryo explained. “But, you know, I’ve been very careful when it’s about liquor ever since.”

“I understand,” the other nodded. “But then… I’ve already embarrassed myself tonight, remember?”

Ryo smiled, nodding at the other.

“So, there’s nothing you can do that would drive me away. And I’ll watch out for you,” Saito offered. “So, have a drink with me.”

Ryo bit his lip, considering. Well, he was out with this guy and they were just having fun, so…

“Okay, fine,” he finally agreed.

“There’s my man,” Saito said happily, clasping Ryo’s shoulder before calling for a waiter to order their drinks.

Not a full two hours and a second drink later Ryo was feeling quite relaxed. We wasn’t drunk, per say. Tipsy, maybe. It was a pleasant fuzzy feeling that made his body feel like it was glowing with warmth.

“One more?” Saito asked, gesturing for the waiter to come again.

“Oh no, I think I’m all set,” Ryo waved him off.

“Just one?”

“No, really,” Ryo kept insisting. “It’s not that I want to be impolite, or something, but I don’t want to get drunk.”

“Clever,” Saito grinned. “In that case, I think I’m gonna get the bill, please.”

Ryo blinked at that. “What – you? No, wait, I…”

“As the senior, I’ll be covering this,” Saito smiled at him.

“But…” Ryo bit his lip, blushing a bit.

Saito grinned. “Oh my god, you’re really too cute. I could eat you up right here. That agency training really shows with you and I can see how it attracts the girls,” he winked.

“Is it so obvious?” Ryo asked. “It’s not like I’m faking…”

“No, I doubt you’d try to act on me,” Saito answered. “I guess these things just get into your system. I suppose it’s easier to be in `idol´ mode most of the time, instead of having to think about when you want to switch it on or off. It’s just something that’s very… striking about you guys. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but it’s a bit unsettling. When looking at myself, I’m thinking I can hardly compare.”

“What are you talking about?” Ryo asked in disbelief. “It’s all just appearance. Take it away and you’ll be surprised what you’ll be facing.”

Saito tilted his head slightly. “A talented young musician?”

Ryo stared at that, his blush getting deeper. “That… no – I mean… Thank you. It’s not true for all of us, though. Just as not everybody adopted the idol style. I guess it’s a matter of personal interpretation.”

“Well, you’re doing a fair job,” the other told him with a wink.

Ryo felt a hand clasping his shoulder shortly before Saito grabbed the bill and made his way back to the counter. The younger man bit his lip. Was he really so identifiable as an idol? And if so, how would the other really perceive it? He sighed a bit as he made his way back to the counter too, waiting for the other to finish the payment business. He felt a bit more at ease again once they were back out on the street. It was like the narrow rooms had made him feel like he was easier to watch.

“Ah, thank you,” Ryo muttered, bowing his head slightly.

“Well, I dragged you here,” Saito grinned. “And I made you drink. I hope I’m not gonna get an angry call from your agency?”

“I don’t think so,” Ryo laughed. “Plus, I’m not drunk. Not really…”

“I see,” the other nodded, still grinning.

“I’d best get home now, even so,” Ryo sighed. “I’ve got an early appointment tomorrow.”

“You can’t drive now, can you?”

“I wouldn’t dare trying,” Ryo chuckled. His head was spinning just a little bit. “For today the metro’s gonna be okay.”

“Really?” the other asked doubtfully.

“It’ll be okay,” Ryo assured him. “Oh,” he made as he felt a few wet drops on his head.

As he looked up into the sky, he saw heavy clouds hanging over the street and they were slowly starting to drip.

“Oh dear,” Saito sighed. “Better hurry,” he decided.

Ryo merely nodded as the two of them set out quickly into the direction of the nearest metro station. It wasn’t even far. Even so, just a short while into it, they started to run, panting heavily, as the rain kept coming down on them harder by the second. It was so sudden, people on the street were soaking wet as they passed by them and by the time they reached the station, they too were completely drained.

“Fantastic,” Roy sighed. “I’m gonna catch something.”

“Where are you going?” Saito asked him, shaking his head to get the most annoying drops out.

“I have to change at Shinjuku and move on with the local line,” Ryo explained.

“Okay, you’re definitely gonna catch something, if you go like this,” Saito stated. “You have to get out of these clothes.”

“What about you?” Ryo asked.

“For me it’s actually not that far,” the other explained to him. Then he looked at Ryo closely, before grabbing his wrist and getting back out of the station again. “Change of plans,” he stated simply.

“What are you doing?” Ryo asked, his voice raised because a storm had set in, making the rain come down almost vertically.

Saito, however, did not answer, but simply dragged Ryo along to the taxi line. He all but threw Ryo into the first car in the line, before getting in himself. Ryo merely blinked. The other gave an address to the driver, who closed the door and drove off into the according direction. After they were out on the street Saito turned fully towards Ryo.

“You’re coming with me,” he explained. “To my place. It’s just a few minutes, really. You can dry your clothes there. Take a hot shower. Get warmed up.”

Ryo nodded thankfully, smiling at the other. “Thank you. Again. I’m sorry for giving you such trouble.”

“Yeah, because you did a weird sort of rain dance that caused this spontaneous thunderstorm, so you can force your impertinent presence on me,” the other man smirked. “Relax already. No harm done.”

“Well, at any rate, the drive is definitely on me,” Ryo decided.

“If it makes you happy,” the older man shrugged.

“At least I won’t feel like a burden anymore,” Ryo told him.

“Well, then, feel free,” Saito offered.

And so Ryo paid the driver once they were at the according address. It had really just been a five minutes ride and the tax was accordingly low. As they got out the rain was still hammering down, but they quickly swished to the main entrance of the huge building they’d been dropped off at and Saito opened the door with a code, so they could get inside.

“Wow, nice,” Ryo stated, as he took a look around.

It was a modern apartment building. The rest must have been out of this world. Not that he could not afford such a residence, but for him rooms weren’t exactly important. He liked spending his money on other things.

“Not too fancy?” Saito grinned as he pushed the button for the elevator.

“No,” Ryo said, shaking his head. “If you like it here, then that’s perfect.”

“Wow, usually people pick on me for being, you know, snotty like this.”

“I don’t see anything snotty about you,” Ryo frowned. “Why would anyone say something like that?”

“Jealousy?” Saito shrugged.

“Yeah, maybe,” Ryo mused.

The elevator arrived with a light binging sound and as they got in Saito pressed the button for the 16^th floor. They stopped three times on the way up. Once on the 3^rd floor, where someone got in to get off again on the 7^th floor and once on the 10^th, but nobody was there, so the elevator moved on without further delay.

“Doesn’t usually take so long,” Saito explained as he opened the door to his apartment.

“It’s okay,” Ryo chuckled.

He quickly pulled off his shoes and placed them on a small matt right at the entrance. Then he unzipped his vest, pulling it off, while he waited for the other to get rid of his shoes as well.

“Come on,” Saito urged once he was done and moved on into the hallway.

“I’m dripping,” Ryo said warily.

“So am I,” Saito shrugged. “Just move along.”

“O-okay.”

They moved on right into the bathroom, where, next to a huge tub and a shower stall, there was also a washing machine and a dryer for laundry.

“Okay, now that is fancy,” Ryo grinned.

“Yeah, whatever,” Saito grumbled. “Just thank me later for drying your stuff.”

“I’m sorry,” Ryo chuckled. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way. It is fancy, but I’ll be very happy if you let me use this.”

“Well, first you’ll have to lose your clothes,” the other pointed out. “You can put them right in, along with socks and all. Get right to it, I’ll check for something dry that you can wear.”

Before Ryo could even start to argue that Saito as the host should be changing first the other was already out the door, giving him some privacy. Deciding that the best thing he could do was to be quick, he stripped completely and put his clothes into the dryer. His gaze went to the shower longingly. In that very moment there was a knock on the door and it was opened just enough to slip in a black track suite and a towel.

“I’ll prepare some tea,” Saito declared. “Take a hot shower and make yourself comfortable. There’s a hair dryer in the drawer under the mirror.”

“What about you?” Ryo tried to argue.

“What – want me to get in there with you?” Saito teased. “Don’t worry, okay? Just take your shower, already.”

“Okay,” Ryo nodded, still feeling a bit off about the situation. “I’ll be quick.”

With that he grabbed the towel and placed it within range of the shower. As he got in he found a nice variety of shampoos and shower gels. He turned on the water and it only took a few seconds before hot water was raining down on him. He sighed, closing his eyes. His muscles had gotten all tensed up with the wet cold the clothes had left on his body, but the hot water was easing them now, making him feel comfortable. A smile came to his lips. For a good five minutes he just stood there, letting warmth seep into his body through the hot water. Then he cleansed himself quickly, but thoroughly. After he finally turned the water back off, he opened the stall of the shower and just for a second the air around him felt a bit cold again, but the sensation quickly faded and he grabbed the towel and dried himself. For a moment he debated with himself whether it was really okay to dry his hair while the other was still running around in wet clothes, but he figured that the other wouldn’t get in before he was done anyway. Fortunately he immediately found the hair dryer and put it to use right away. After about twenty minutes altogether Ryo came out of the bathroom, clothed in the provided track suit.

“Thank you,” he smiled gratefully as he found the other man in the living room, setting a cup of hot tea on the table.

“Ah, you’re done,” Saito smiled back. “Then, if you’ll excuse me for a few minutes, I’ll make myself decent too. Here’s a cup of tea,” he offered. “Make yourself at home, okay?”

“Yeah, okay,” Ryo nodded.

As the other left the room, he took a good look around. While the other man obviously liked fancy places, he didn’t seem to care much about interior. The living room was close to empty. There was a sofa, a TV and a table. That was about it. Not even a carpet in there, no curtains, no pictures – nothing. It made the room feel quite empty, but still not uncomfortable. Ryo decided to seat himself on the sofa to wait for the other. His gaze went to the remote control for the TV. He bit his lip. Was it okay? Somehow it would feel impolite to just use someone else’s property like that, but then Saito had asked for him to make himself at home, so… With a daring hand he grabbed for the small item and switched on the TV. He zapped through several channels, finally stopping at a game show. There wasn’t anybody on he was particularly interested in, but it seemed to be a quiz show and Ryo quite liked that kind of thing and always tried to find out how he would have done in comparison to the guests. Usually he was a complete fail with such things, but he enjoyed it nonetheless. He grabbed for his tea, the cup warming his hands as he took occasional nips while he followed the action on TV: He didn’t even know how much time had passed, when his attention was drawn to the door as Saito stepped in, clad in casual jeans and a sweatshirt, holding a cup of tea for himself as well.

“Something interesting?” he asked and for no particular reason Ryo panicked.

“Sorry,” the younger man blurted out. “I just thought… well, while I was waiting. Ah, we can change to whatever you want to see. Or turn it off, if you prefer that. Do you usually sit here?”

The other man laughed warmly at the outburst. “Really, Nishikido. There’s no need to be so tensed up. It’s all cool, okay?”

“Okay,” Ryo mumbled, feeling embarrassed by his display. “Sorry, I’m not usually like this.”

“No?” Saito asked, raising a brow.

Ryo shook his head. “I’m not,” he repeated. “Somehow you just… make me nervous.”

“Really?” the other asked, as he sat down next to Ryo. “I don’t think you were too nervous when we met in that bar before. You know, where you suggested working together.”

“That was…” Ryo blushed heavily. “That was just an act. My head was spinning and my heart was racing badly.”

Saito looked at him amusedly. “I still don’t get it, but one thing’s for sure, you do know how to act.”

“It was embarrassing,” Ryo muttered silently.

“Want me to do something embarrassing again?” the older man suggested with a grin.

“No, thanks,” Ryo chuckled. “I’ll just… try to grow up about this, okay?”

“Well, that’s a man talking.”

“Ah, how long until my clothes are dry?” Ryo asked.

“Oh, I’m afraid you’ll have to bear with me for a while,” Saito smirked.

“T-that’s not what I…”

“I know,” the other waved him off. “I was just kidding, okay? I just put everything in the washing machine. Takes about an hour. And then another one for drying.”

“Why didn’t you just dry them?” Ryo asked.

“That’s no good,” Saito argued. “They’d be filthy. They’ll be fine in about two hours.”

“Well, I guess that’s okay,” Ryo mused. “I mean, if it’s okay for you.”

“Er, yeah, it’s okay, that’s why I chose that program.”

“Right.”

“Wanna watch a movie?” Saito suggested. “I have quite a collection.”

“I’d love that,” Ryo nodded with a smile.

“You pick one,” Saito invited him as he opened a pretty big cupboard that held about 200 DVDs and BDs.

“Wow,” Ryo gasped. “That’s…”

“Just pick anything you like,” the older man insisted.

“Okay,” Ryo chirped happily.

He skimmed through the huge range of movies, finding the occasional highlight, and choosing carefully. Suddenly his eyes fell upon something peculiar. It didn’t really fit into the row of films, but at the same time it was a pleasant surprise.

“What is this?” he asked, fishing the DVD out of the cupboard.

Saito took a closed look to see what the other had found and laughed as he saw what Ryo had picked.

“This is something I store for my nephew,” Saito explained. “Meitantei Conan. It’s his ultimate favourite. His mother doesn’t allow a lot of TV watching and she doesn’t like this, but the kid is totally into it, so when he comes over and I babysit him, I let him watch. I’ve got a bunch more, actually, but usually I store them somewhere else so we won’t be discovered. You’ve got a good eye, Nishikido. Might have saved me quite some trouble.”

“Ah, maybe… we can skip the formal namings?” Ryo blurted out. “I mean, after using the same shower, I thought…”

“Wow,” Saito grinned. “First you’re all reserved and shy and then you just get blunt like that. You really are quite special.”

“I’m sorry,” Ryo muttered, blushing. “That was uncalled for.”

“No, it absolutely was not,” Saito answered. “I’m glad you’re loosening up. First names, then. Perfectly fine with me.”

“Really?” Ryo asked sceptically. “Aren’t you gonna think it’s weird?”

“Do you always avoid things that seem weird to you, Ryo?” Saito asked.

“Well… no,” Ryo mumbled. “Not always.”

“I think it’s okay,” the other shrugged. “And it was your idea.”

“Okay, fine then,” Ryo nodded. “Ah… Kazu.”

Saito gave slightly pained look. “That… is not really what I meant,” he laughed nervously.

“But your name’s too long. So, it’ll be Kazu.”

“That sounds like we went to pre-school together,” Saito complained.

“It’s either Kazu, or Saito-kun,” Ryo stated sternly. “So, which one is it going to be?”

“You’re not a guy to compromise, ne?” Saito grinned.

“I’m not stubborn,” Ryo complained with a pout.

“No, I was just thinking it’s amazing that you’re actually so… well, strong like that. It’s a bit surprising after seeing you all hushed and silent before. But I like it.”

Ryo smiled, relieved. “Okay, then…”

“Do you want to watch it?” Saito offered, holding up the DVD.

“A kid’s show?” Ryo asked amusedly.

“You seem to like it.”

Ryo smiled. “You know, I remember, back when we were young. We were taken to Tokyo for work time and time again and we didn’t have a lot of things with us and there was only one TV in the big common room. We would often sit there together and watch this show, arguing over who had committed the crime. It was a lot of fun and even later I thought it’s a really nice show.”

“So, let’s watch it,” Saito repeated, peeling the DVD out of its cover in order to play it. “This one’s a movie. I’ve got several series DVDs too, though.”

Ryo chuckled lightly. “Somehow this feels really nostalgic.”

“You can sit down again,” Saito told him. “I’ll just get myself some tea and then I’ll be right with you.”

And so Ryo sat down on the huge white sofa again and only several minutes later they were sitting and watching the movie. Ryo had always had a soft spot for that show. People often laughed at him for liking it at his age, but he found it had everything a good show needed. And Saito did not laugh at him. He sat together with him, watching and he was very attentive too. Always made sure Ryo had a hot drink and he even went back into the kitchen to fix them some popcorn. It wasn’t often that Ryo felt so comfortable with someone he didn’t’ really know. Actually, it wasn’t often he felt so comfortable with anyone at all. After the first movie Saito got up to switch the laundry from the washing machine into the dryer. Then they chose another DVD to continue the session.

“Beer?” Saito offered, but Ryo shook his head.

“I had better watch it there,” the younger man said apologetically. “I don’t want to bother you later.”

“You’re not bothering me at all,” the older man told him.

“I’m quite set, though, thank you,” Ryo smiled. “Feel free to help yourself, though.”

The other smiled thankfully at him. “If it’s okay?”

“Sure.”

“Great. I’ll be right back.”

And so their second movie of the night was rolling and Ryo was feeling more and more relaxed. His body was feeling warm again, the tea had calmed him and slowly he started to get the feeling of having had a satisfying day. They had done and achieved quite a few things, they’d had fun together, experienced a little adventure…

“Ah… Ryo?”

Ryo blinked at the man sitting next to him – and suddenly realized that the other was strangely close. He blinked again and, as he checked, found himself in a rather embarrassing position. He had moved closer to his considerate host, letting his head rest on the other’s shoulder. A flush heated his face immediately as he wanted to withdraw immediately. However, a hand on his shoulder urged him to stay just where he was.

“Tired?” Saito asked, his voice unusually low.

“Oh, er… no,” Ryo mumbled. “No, I… I was just feeling really relaxed. Sorry, I…”

“Don’t say you’re sorry,” Saito said with a smile. “I’m glad you’re feeling comfortable.”

Ryo nodded, a real blush coming to his face as he felt a hand stroking his hair lightly. He let himself rest against the other just a bit, enjoying the feeling of being close. It had been a while since someone had let him into their private space and it just felt too comforting and warm to just dismiss it again. When the other voiced no complaints, Ryo smiled and revelled in this unexpected treat. It was close to perfect. Everything around him. He could have stayed there forever, just like that, and been happy with it. The warmth engulfing him made him sigh contently. It was the kind of feeling you usually had with your lover, wrapped together and enjoying the warmth and closeness. Light touches, like the ones his hair and ear were receiving, stolen kisses… Suddenly Ryo’s heart began to beat faster as he realized not only what kind of thoughts were running through his head, but also what kind of situation he was in. It was all there. The only thing that would be needed was a light bend of head and it could happen. Kissing, touching and he imagined it and much to his surprise didn’t find the idea unappealing.

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Yes, long smut again. Sorry. ^^ They always end up doing a million other things. Well, now they're finalyl getting to it, so read right here in Part 2