Summer in the city

The problem with having Shinobu as a lover, Ren decided, was that it was not good for his sanity or his heart.

Bad enough that the man was hot as hell. But fixing things at the inn meant that Shinobu was often shirtless and sweaty.

He couldn't fault Shinobu, given the sweltering heat and who didn't seem to really give a damn even with all the onlookers stealing glances at him.

But really, he should consider Ren's health. Like right now. Did he really have to fix the roof at the patio when Ren was on reception duty?

"Do you have any days off?" a sweet, female voice interrupted his thoughts.

Putting on his best smile, Ren returned his attention to the customer. A university student, he judged.

"It's quite busy so it depends really," he replied smoothly. She was attractive, with long wavy hair and almond shaped eyes. She also knew she had a good body since she flaunted it with a bright yellow bikini top.

"What a shame! We were thinking of exploring the town. You could come with us?" her friend chimed in. Again, very cute.

He couldn't offend customers so Ren tried to sound regretful. "Ah…I'd really like to but it's my friend's parents' place so…"

"So dutiful!" the first girl exclaimed and giggled. "We're in room 107 so if you've some time, look for us!"

He was used to receiving offers so he was not too shocked. But all Ren could think of was that no, he didn't want to visit their room. He wanted to go back to his own and let Shinobu fuck his mind out.

Oh dear god, stop thinking! Ren flushed, somewhat mortified as his own train of thoughts.

The girls took it as embarrassment and laughed. "You're so cute! Don't forget to look for us?"

With one last coy smile, they both sauntered away.

Ren let out a sigh and jumped when Arai hung his arm around his shoulder. "A-Arai!"

"Ah…must be nice. Older girls too. I'm so envious, Fujiwara," Arai teased mournfully.

"I'm not going to do anything," Ren rolled his eyes.

"Really? If it was me, I'd take up the offer," Arai grinned. "Might get lucky, you know."

"It's your parents' inn!" Ren hissed, glancing around to make sure that said parents were not within hearing distance.

"They're not ignorant, you know," Arai assured him. "As long as we do our jobs and we don't get any anyone pregnant, they won't mind. What do you think happens during summer vacations anyway?"

"Whatever. I am not going to hook up with random girls," Ren declared earnestly. After all, the only hooking up he was going to do was with a man, who thankfully had finished whatever he was doing and disappeared.

"So he says!" Arai laughed.

"You have no idea," Ren muttered.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I can't believe summer's almost over!" Ren exclaimed and stretched his arms over his head. He grinned. "It was great, wasn't it?"

"Yeah," Shinobu agreed and watched fondly as Ren wore a smug look on his face.

They watched the waves of the sea in silence for a couple of minutes. The sea deck was deserted at the odd hour after midnight. Ren leaned against the rail and commented wistfully.

"It's going to be a tough year at school."

"You'll be fine," Shinobu assured him.

"What about you?" Ren asked him almost tentatively. "You're not going to get into trouble, right? With the people you hang out with?"

"You weren't worried before," Shinobu raised an eyebrow.

"Of course I was," Ren retorted. "I just didn't say anything. But now that I am your boyfriend, I think I have the right to do so."

A part of Shinobu was irritated. Before he snapped that Ren should let him be, a certain look in Ren's eyes caused him to stop.

Concern or fear, he didn't know which. Ren bit his lip nervously and there was a tremor in his voice as he went on.

"Just be careful?"

It hadn't occurred to Shinobu that being together with someone could make him feel so painful. Painfully aware of the choices he had made. The stark realisation that his actions could hurt Ren.

"I won't do anything stupid," he promised quietly.

"Good," Ren's expression was one of relief. He admitted sheepishly. "I have it all planned out in my mind. We're going to graduate together. And then I'm going to move out from home and we can live together. Assuming you want to."

Shinobu was stunned. He pulled Ren into a fierce hug.

Ren gasped in surprised before smiling into his shoulders and hugging him back. His voice muffled. "I guess this means you want to?"

"Don't be foolish."

Ren's smile widened and they stayed like for a while. In that moment, it dawned upon Shinobu how much he didn't want to disappoint Ren, who certainly deserved better. Screw it, he might as well try his best, whatever that might be.

"So, maybe I'll think about college too," he said carefully.

Ren drew back and stared at him in shock. "You will? But..why now?"

"Can't let some fancy college guy steal you."

"Don't worry about that!" Ren laughed. "You're the one being foolish."

"I've lots of ground to make up though," Shinobu noted grimly.

Ren whispered. "You can do it if that's what you want. I know you can. I'll help you."

Shinobu tightened his hug.