My Bride (Reituha/Aoiha)

Corrupt

“What?” Kouyou stopped, eyes wide and face flushed.

 “Will you break up with your boyfriend?” Akira asked again, voice firm.

“Ahh…”

“Kouyou, I finally have a chance to date you properly, the way we hoped for in high school. We won’t have to hide anymore. We can finally be together.” Akira smiled softly at the thought.

“But… I can’t just leave Yuu.”

“Why not?”

Kouyou gazed at the floor. “I… still have feelings for him. It’s been a year, it’s not like I can throw away all the memories… all the love.” He murmured. “I don’t want to hurt him.”

“But what about all our memories? All our love?” Akira spoke indignantly. “I’ve known you far longer than he has and we’ve been together far longer than you two.”

“I’m sorry Akira…” he spoke quietly, trying not to cry. “I haven’t forgotten about us, but I haven’t forgotten about Yuu either.”

“No… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be pushing you.” His tone softened. “I understand. But…” he clenched his fists. “Just thinking about someone else touching you… about you touching and giving your love to someone else… please, Kouyou, do this for me. For us.”

“Akira... I love you. But, I still love Yuu. It’s going to take time for me before I can do something like that…”

“So… if I give you time, do you think you’ll be able to do it? If I give you time, can I be the only in your heart?”

Kouyou hesitated a moment before nodding. “I think so… yes, I think so.”

Akira smiled at that. “I’ll be waiting for you. Just like I always have been.”

~*~*~

For a short while, Kouyou felt like it was going to be okay. He felt… happy. Happy at the prospect that Akira and him might finally be able to live out their childhood dream. That maybe, everything would work out for once.

That happiness did not last very long. It didn’t even get the chance to last a day, because once the afternoon was near its end, Yuu came home.

Kouyou had been nervous to see his boyfriend. The guilt had resumed, only this time it intensified, because he had done the unthinkable. He had slept with another man, and even discussed leaving Yuu for him. When he saw him come into their apartment, his happiness was replaced with the disgust he felt towards himself. What had Yuu ever done to deserve this treatment? Absolutely nothing, the man was near perfection.

Perhaps, since they were fighting, it would be a little easier, Kouyou thought. After all, they were still sleeping in separate rooms and most conversations they had were tense and limited. Maybe this would be a good time to… talk. Maybe, since Yuu was already upset with him, it would be a little easier.

Just like they rarely ever did, things did not go as planned.

Yuu had come home bearing gifts, or rather, takeout from Kouyou’s favourite restaurant as well as one of those tiny cakes from the bakery down the street that Kouyou adored.

“What’s all this?” Kouyou gazed up from his homework, surprised.

“A peace offering.” Yuu answered, smiling softly, before it became a pout. “I don’t want to fight anymore Kouyou, I miss you!”

“But I’m right here.” He spoke quietly.

“I know! You’re right here but you feel so far away.” He surprised the blond with a hug. “I’m really sorry I pushed you. If you’re not ready for something like that, I understand. I’m sorry I insisted so stubbornly.”