Chapter 22

Late that afternoon, a drizzle started to fall in Tokyo. Ryo hoped that it would stop before he meeting with Shiromiya. After all, he hated going out in the car when it rained, always in danger of getting stuck in those muddy suburban streets. Even so, when the rain intensified, he did not complain and continued with his plan to go to Ai. At eight sharp, Tadao parked in front of the gates of House of Love. Within seconds, Shiro emerged, quickly entering the car, before getting wet.

Ryo watched him closely. He was wearing dark linen pants and a shirt. Both too big for your little guy. He recognized the clothes quickly, they were from Aiko. Biting her lip, he realized that Shiromiya didn't even have clothes to wear at special events. It pissed him off and pity him at the same time. That boy who aroused strange sensations was also the most miserable person he knew.

" Good night, Ryo-san " and greeted him as soon as he sat down beside him.

When Shiromiya smiled, Ryo's entire intimate set on fire. He fought back the urge to throw him on the seat and merge him with his pleasure.

" Did you know that Sugata Sanshiro, the movie, is inspired by a book? " changed the subject, trying to take the thoughts away from the desire that was awakening the boy's awkward vision.

" A book?"

His interest was clear. It was a pity that Shiromiya couldn't read. He would certainly be a well-educated person and a lover of literature if he knew the lyrics.

" Yes, written by a man named Tsuneo Tomita."

Shiro's black eyes flashed.

" I can't wait to see the cinema, Ryo-san."

Ryo smiled. After that, they didn't talk anymore. Shiro turned his face to the window and watched the city with clear interest. He only looked at Ryo again when the car stopped in front of where they would see the film. Ryo went down and then held out his hand for Shiro to accompany him.

The place looked like a temple in the eyes of the teenager. Sighing, he looked up, where a large sign indicated the film. He immediately put his hand in his pocket, taking out some bills.

" Where do I buy my ticket?" He asked his friend.

" Tadao already bought them in the afternoon."

Shiro looked at Ryo and then at the money.

"I want to pay my share," he explained. " How much it cost?"

" I have no idea, forget it."

Ryo then started walking towards the entrance door. Quiet, Shiro followed him.

" I insist on knowing the price, Ryo-san."

Ryo muttered something and Shiro stood in front of him, resolute.

"Please," he persevered.

" I do not know. Do you think I care about alms?"

He realized immediately that the words hurt Kazue, who kept the precious notes in his pocket, while his gaze sank to the floor. Blamed himself.

" Shall we make an exchange? " suggested. " I paid for the tickets and you will pay for the sweets."

The small bags with candies sold at the door were much cheaper than a ticket to a popular movie. Even so, Shiromiya didn't need to know that. He noticed that the other seemed more relaxed after his suggestion.

"Okay," he smiled again.

A few minutes later, armed with tea and candies, the two sat on two wooden chairs upholstered with blue velvet. The huge room was full, and everyone seemed to be engaged in a conversation about the talent of Akira Kurosawa, the film's director.

" Aiko didn't complain about me bringing you to the cinema? " Ryo questioned when the silence between them became uncomfortable.

" Mamoru-san looked strange that afternoon, airy. I don't think he even heard me, even though I spoke twice and reinforced the idea before leaving."

" Did you say you would come with me?"

" I said, right after he came back from a walk with Saito-san. "

Suddenly the lights went out. Nervous, Shiro took a jump towards Ryo, holding on to the merchant.

" Ryo-san, what happened?"

That ingenuity and purity made Ryo laugh. The boy's simple, frightened touch tingled him.

"It's normal, Shiro," he explained. " The movie will be begin."

Even so, he remained to hold his arm until the screen lit up. Only when the room was visible again did he release Ryo. Looking to the sides, Shiromiya noticed everyone focused ahead, suddenly silent. Gradually, he sat up correctly in the chair, and also looked ahead.

The story revolved around a strong and stubborn young man and his search for teachings about ju-jutsu. The plot, now centered on the pursuit of excellence in sport, now on the protagonist's indiscipline, enchanted Shiromiya who barely seemed to blink while watching the unfolding on the screen.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ryo watched him closely. He even tried to focus on the film a few times, but the view beside him was too precious to be taken in by anything else. Seconds later, he felt his cock swell. Nervously, he placed the popcorn bucket and covered that pile that grew more and more.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

" Ryo-san, do you think Sayo and Sanchiro are in love? " the question was asked softly, against his ears.

He contained a groan as he looked at Shiromiya. He waited for the malicious look he always received from his lovers when they realized he was looking forward, but all he saw was legitimate curiosity.

" In love?"

The question was somewhat inconvenient. Who, in their right mind, fell in love in times like that? His world was much simpler. Women were to serve the home, which would be provided by their husbands. And passion should be cured by simple pleasure professionals. No commitments or loyalty. Just enjoyment and end.

" Don't you see her look? Doesn't it seem to be more than admiration?"

He smiled at the fact that Shiromiya, despite the life he had led, still had romantic and cliché dreams.

"Who knows," he murmured.

He closed his eyes again and changed the direction of his thoughts. He thought of landscapes and then of business. Finally, focused and determined to calm his body, he felt his penis soften.

He sighed.

Somehow, it was all a relief. Despite the problem of getting aroused by a man, confirming that he was not sick or impotent slowed his crazy mind.

He opened his eyes and looked at the screen. Shiro didn't speak anymore after that and he was able to concentrate on the film. At the end, when the scene focused on Sanchiro and Sayo on a train, leaving, Ryo was relieved. He was going crazy because even Shiromiya's breathing beside him seemed to ignite him.

When the lights came on, he finally faced the other. He saw him touched, his eyes holding tears.

" It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, Ryo-san, " Shiro said, explaining himself. " I always want to come to the cinema."

It was not an invitation, it was just a wish. Ryo understood.

"Come," he said, pulling him by the hand. " Let's go?"

If Shiro were a woman, he would take him to a hotel. But since he was a boy, Ryo knew it was right to take him straight home. Perhaps, in the future, more aware of what the body wanted, he would break that rule - he knew he would break it one day - but, at that moment, he just wanted the boy to get home safely.

However, his plans were interrupted when he saw the mess that was in front of the cinema. An accident between two cars interrupted the only access road, and many vehicles were stopped, waiting to cross. Looking up, he saw that none of them were his own.

" Where's Tadao-san at? " Shiro asked.

" Probably trying to get to us."

" And will it belong?" The other looked concerned.

Ryo was surprised.

"I told Aiko-san that I would be home before midnight," he explained. " So, to get there in time, I'll walk."

He did not expect a reply. Turning his back on Ryo, he started down the stairs to the cinema. However, he did not walk much.

" Are you crazy? I will not let you come back alone at night through the deserted streets ..."

" They say it's safe, Kempeitai is always watching."

As if Kempeitai were of respectable ethics, thought Ryo.

" Come on, I'll join you."

Never in his life did he walk at night. Always served by employees who made it a point to treat him like a king, even when he did not have his vehicle at hand, others appeared to provide transportation. But, how would he allow Shiromiya, with that dazzling appearance, to walk unprotected through the dark streets?

Aware that it was the greatest danger to the boy, he set out, determined. However, he regretted it as soon as the black leather boot sank into the clay. Complaining, he kicked the mud that stuck to the fabric, trying to clean his shoes. He heard Shiro laughing out loud, then, without explanation, he laughed too.

"I'm out of documents," he suddenly remembered that he had left them in the car.

" If we see we come to Kempeitai, we can run away " Shiro suggested.

The rain that had given a respite fell again. Despite being cold, they both laughed, and as they ran across the street looking for protection. Under a building, they got a space without rain. They stayed there in the dark for a few minutes.

Never before had they shared such a fraternal moment. Even when reading to Shiro, Ryo never felt so much a part of something, a magical atmosphere between them.

" Have you ever fallen in love with someone, Ryo-san? " Shiromiya's voice took him out of lethargy, causing Ryo to face him.

It was so dark that he couldn't see his face, but he recognized the interest.

" And you? Already?"

"I asked first," he joked.

"Then answer first," he returned.

A flash in the sky preceded the answer. In that flash of light, he noticed Shiro's downcast look.

"Yes," the murmur was emotional. " But I was not loved."

Ryo felt all the skin-crawling. Even without saying the name of the owner of his heart, Shiro seemed to speak as if he were in front of him.

" Shiro ..."

Without resisting, Ryo pressed him against the wall of the building, his whole body bursting with lust. But they were interrupted by a beep.

"It's the police," Shiro warned.

He didn't seem concerned, on the contrary, he laughed again, while pulling Ryo by the hand. They ran towards the most intense darkness, surrendered to the combustion that seemed to exist in their young hearts.

***

Ryo hit his back on a concrete wall. He laughed like a teenager in mischief, feeling alive and happy as never before. His face was washed by rain, and he could barely see anything ahead because of the downpour. Also, they were in a dark alley, camouflaged by the blackness of the night. However, even so, he noticed the happy look of his companion, who was smiling at him.

"I never thought to see you run so much," Shiro murmured. "You looked crazy. I thought you would leave me behind."

Drop you off? Suddenly Ryo advanced on Shiromiya, holding his face tightly. Shiromiya's back hit the wall of the opposite building, while her front was crushed by the other's muscles.

" Ryo-san? "

There was doubt, strangeness, and affection in his tone. Ryo could only feel the last characteristic.

He stared at the other's lips for a few seconds, in a mixture of desire and despair. His mind told his to stop it, but the rest of his body ordered to go on.

No longer able to contain himself, he bowed to Shiromiya, slowly licking his lip, before sinking into the other's mouth.

Shiro did not back down, even if that was the first kiss he exchanged with someone. Shiro had been kissed before, but it had been horrible and disgusting. At that moment, however, he felt that he was completely aware that he wanted the same thing, without fear or modesty, passionately delivered.

Tongues met, gently, in an erotic dance. Shiro put his hands on Ryo's as if to reinforce the security that that touch gave him.

" Oh, shit ... " He heard Ryo moan before walking away.

He didn't have to question the sentence, he instantly understood the reason for the grunt smashed against his belly before he released him.

Ryo stood with his back to him, looking down. Even without knowing what to do.

" Ryo-san?"

" Stay there, okay?" He said, irritated. " I'll solve the problem ..."

However, it seemed that his words were untrue. The cold rain did not calm him, and Ryo realized that there was only one solution. It was fortunate that they were in a dark, lonely alley, surrounded by a high wall of a building, and a wall in a vacant lot. Without thinking twice, he reached inside his pants.

He blasphemed when he felt that he could not do anything alone. His fingers simply gave him no pleasure, and everything seemed mechanical.

" Ryo-san " Shiromiya called again.

Ryo turned his face and looked at him. In the dim light coming from a pole in the distance, he noticed him watching him. His disheveled hair fell over his wet forehead, and his mouth, still red from previous activity, looked even more appetizing than ever.

The body reacted again and Ryo, once again, realized that his being, for some crazy reason, was completely addicted to Shiromiya. Shiro was, with his dark past, his miserable life, his borrowed clothes, and his sad look, that aroused a carnal and savage passion that he had never felt before.

" I can help you."

It was not an invitation, not even a free offer. Shiro wasn't asking for permission or anything. He was stating something that Ryo already knew.

Defeated in many ways, and victorious in others, Ryo let his back go back to the concrete wall. His face lifted and he looked at the sky. He expected Shiromiya to bow down to him, as many women had done in the past.

But, to his surprise, Shiro stood in front of him, standing. His hands pulled Ryo's face, forcing him to face him. Ryo moaned at that, unable to hide from himself how much he wanted it.

Shiro then rubbed his nose on his, then lowered it to his lips, parting them. They kissed at the same time that Shiro's fingers held his mast up. Ryo contained an excited cry, feeling maddened by it.

" Have you done this before?"

Why did the damn mouth ask that? Ryo wanted to scream, cursing himself. He realized that for a few moments Shiro was static, but soon the other started to pump him, lightly.

"My role in the men's bed is just to spread my legs and try not to cry, Ryo-san," he said, his voice breaking. " But you must imagine that I am not ignorant in my profession."

He realized, even with the rain, the tears that flooded Shiromiya's eyes. He felt terrible about using it as many had already done.

A wave of pleasure hit him before he apologized. He held on to Shiromiya, seeking his lips again, preventing himself from screaming. What he could not speak, he tried to demonstrate while taking it in a voluptuous and hot way.

When the climax finally reached him, he felt his whole body convulse against the other, reaching an unparalleled summit, something he had never felt before. Hugging Shiro, he tried to recover from the whirlwind of emotions that took over him.

Satisfaction and shame hit him in such a way that it almost fell. However, at the same time, Shiromiya released him, turning on his back and looking for a puddle on the floor to clean his fingers.

" Shiro " called him, realizing how much he was bothered.

"Don't worry, Ryo-san," he said, quietly. " Nobody will know about it."

" But, Shiro ..."

" I'm not thinking nonsense, Ryo-san, " he said, holding up an uncontrolled cry that seemed to want to escape. "I know my place," he said. " Now, let's go, because Aiko-san must be worried."

***

Ryo and Shiro arrived shortly afterwards in front of the house of love. They did not say goodbye, Shiro went straight and closed the gate. In the distance, only the noise of the Ai house movement, with its usual music and laughter. A world alien to hell.

He walked to the bedroom and closed the door. He removed his dirty mud boots, facing the futon and the small table. A bottle of water rested on the nightstand, and the old wooden wardrobe still had the door awkwardly open.

Nothing there was yours.

There was nothing there, or in the world.

And he had been foolish enough to give himself to someone who had everything.

He sat on the floor, his back against the door. And there, in the dark, lonely, at last, he allowed himself to cry as he hadn't done in a long time.

***

Saito Jiro watched the movement. The women laughed with their mouths hidden behind fans, while the men drank and talked about banalities. Everything was the same, as always.

Well, he thought, not everything is the same. Aiko was standing near the stage, looking down and distant, as if only her soulless body was still there, managing the brothel.

In the afternoon Saito had taken him for a walk. They didn't say much Mamoru didn't even try to answer his ramblings about time or war. Simply acquiesced or countered with monosyllables. He knew that his apathetic state was the fruit of the morning Aiko had with Shin. But Saito Jiro had no idea what had happened inside that room.

He looked at the sake cup, determined to leave as soon as he finished his drink. He should be next to Sakamoto. Only Kami-sama knew what Shin was going to do that night.

" Jiro? " the sound made his lookup.

" Aiko?"

He looked at his friend. Saito hadn't noticed that he had approached.

" I want to ask a favor."

"Of course," he agreed, immediately. " Whatever you want."

" I want you to make love to me."