YnM Fanfiction

Sakura
Written by Calis

Disclaimer: YnM belongs to Yoko Matsushita-sensei

Chapter Thirteen: A Gift without Price

The snow fell softly, tiny flakes that drifted down from the heavens like a benediction to cover the dull brown earth with a pristine white mantle. They bestowed a virginal purity to everything they touched, draping the stark branches of the trees with layers of the finest lace. Watching from the window, Oriya now understood why the first snow of winter was called virgin snow. At peace and cozy with the fire that burned merrily in the hearth and the thick woolen muffler wrapped around his neck, he was perfectly content to let time just slip by. The gathering dusk dusted the snow, slowly turning the wintry panorama twilight blue. Getting to his feet, Oriya took his coat from the coat rack beside the cabin door and put on his gloves before letting himself out.

The air was a little chilly but it carried a clean alpine scent that was pleasant to Oriya's nose as he strolled leisurely among the trees. Overhead the stars appeared, clear and bright in the northern sky. Like glittering diamonds, they looked so close that Oriya almost thought he could just reach out and pluck them from the sky. This was a secret paradise where only his sempai and him existed. The mundane world was locked away and there was nothing and no one to intrude upon them. Oriya smiled to himself, it had been the right thing to do when he had agreed to accompany Muraki on this trip to Hokkaido during the winter holidays. The wispy flakes fell onto his face and quickly melted, leaving a damp mark. The seasons had passed so quickly. It seemed so along ago when his life had changed with Muraki's appearance. His sempai had taught him so many new things and so many new experiences.

Sitting on a fallen log, Oriya removed the glove from his right hand and grasped a handful of snow from the thin layer on the ground. The significance of the fragile white purity was not lost on him as he remembered the strange occurrence that happened in the aftermath of the September storm. Even now he was still not sure if it had been a dream or something more but Oriya did not dwell on it. Whatever it might have been, it had opened the door into Muraki's world and having taken the step over the threshold, the younger youth had no intention of ever leaving. It was a dark disturbing world that he had stumbled into and Oriya shuddered at the thought of anyone having to live such a life. While Muraki no longer lapsed into those dark silent moods, he was still reluctant to share whatever troubled him with Oriya but he knew better than to press Muraki now. Only patience could one day earn him that deeper level of trust from Muraki. He let out a small sigh and shook off the handful of snow that he had gathered. His hand was becoming numb from the cold.

" What are you doing out here, Oriya? "

" I came out to admire the snow, sempai. I have never seen snow this white even in Kyoto." Oriya smiled up at the tall white figure that stood before him.

" Your hand is all frozen. " The deep voice was mildly reproaching as Muraki took his hand between his own-gloved ones.

" Come, let's return to the cabin. The temperature will plunge during the night but I have prepared enough firewood to last us through our stay. "

Pulling Oriya to his feet, Muraki kept his hold on Oriya's hand as they headed back towards the wooden cabin. Oriya walked beside him companionably but did not say anything. He was pleasantly surprised when Muraki raised his icy right hand to his face and breathed over it. It was a small gesture but it made Oriya strangely happy. He thought it might be a little silly but he could not help smiling beneath the muffler that covered half his face. He was also excited for another good reason because tonight was a special one.

Today was the fourth of December.

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" That was an excellent meal, Oriya. Your culinary skills have improved again. " Muraki complimented.

He raised his glass of Merlot as a tribute and was delighted when a faint blush accented the graceful cheekbones of the dark-haired boy sitting opposite him at the table. The atmosphere was intimate, the fire from the hearth and the slender white candles on the silver candlestick serving as their only source of illumination. The dinner began with the appetizer of smoked salmon rolls made from soft cream cheese lightly seasoned with a touch of garlic and chives spread generously between strips of smoked salmon. Tender and succulent veal had been chosen for the main course. The meat marinated with sherry, red wine vinegar and honey with the fragrant herbs like dried rosemary and thyme added to increase the flavor. Sautéed strips of fresh mushrooms in cream sauce complimented the succulent beef perfectly while a light salad dressed with apple vinegar completed the dish. Oriya had rounded off the meal with a dessert of chocolate mousse. The faint bitterness of dark chocolate blended with the sweetness of dark fragrant rum together with a dash of whipped cream, fresh raspberries and chopped walnuts made the simple yet elegant dessert irresistible.

Muraki was aware that Oriya had been watching him covertly as they ate. He would quickly look away every time their eyes met. The boy appeared to be a little nervous though he hid it well but little escaped those observant silver eyes. As delicious as the food was, the youth barely touched his portion yet he downed his wine like water. Muraki was not worried that Oriya would get drunk since he knew the boy could hold his liquor well. They had fun one night during summer with an impromptu contest, trying to see who could out-drink the other and it had ended in a draw. And he was looking too well to be feeling ill. Something was on his mind and Muraki looked forward to coaxing it out of him. Oriya was so preoccupied that he almost smashed a dish had it not been for Muraki's fast reflexes. Chuckling, the older youth took Oriya by the shoulders and turned him around, giving him a gentle push towards the living area while he took over the task of clearing up and cleaning the used dishes.

Oriya was sitting in front of the fireplace with the remainder of the wine and he had topped off their glasses. His face was dreamy as he glanced at the fireplace as if bewitched by the dancing flames and red-gold embers. Observing him quietly from the shadows, Muraki realized something he never thought could be possible. The boy in a reverie before the fire was special to him. For Oriya, Muraki had crossed his own boundaries. He had allowed himself to care. It was a weakness that he could have avoided but he did not. The pull was so elemental as was the attraction between them. He might have begun everything as a game yet the rules have changed. The boy had ventured too deep for him to let go. The strange incident that day had fundamentally changed the nature of their relationship. If Oriya had been wiser, he would have taken a look into Muraki's aberrant world and fled for the sake of his sanity yet that silly boy had plunged right in with nary a thought. Pure foolishness perhaps however the courage that burned in that stubborn heart made everything all the more precious.

Slipping from the shadowy alcove, Muraki settled his long lean body down beside Oriya. The dark-haired boy picked up the clear crystal goblets and offered one silently to him. He was tense but to his credit, the rich ruby liquid gave no ripple that betrayed his disquietude. Taking the proffered glass by its slender stem, Muraki meet Oriya's toast. The delicate crystal producing a musical clink as the two glasses meet lightly. He was a little exasperated when his young friend drank without pausing to taste. He must really teach the boy the fine art of wine appreciation one of these days. Muraki swirled the ruby liquid, taking in the subtle aroma of plum and red fruit as he held the glass close to his nose. The Merlot had been a fine choice with its spicy and fruity bouquet fitting the red meat course nicely.

" Sempai... " The voice was a little hesitant.

" Hmmm? " Muraki took small sip of wine.

Oriya reached into his pocket and withdrew a small black velvet box. One of Muraki's fair brows lifted in curiosity at the sight of the box. It looked like a typical box used for holding jewelry. The younger boy was staring at the box lying in the middle of his palm and Muraki saw an uncertain expression in those cinnamon eyes. He seems caught in a dilemma and was unsure how to resolve it. Muraki did not step in, he said he would not coddle the young man and he meant it. Suddenly, Oriya closed his hand over the box and shoved it back into his pocket. He was about to take another violent gulp of his wine when Muraki stopped him. The long pale fingers plucked the glass from resisting hands and set it aside. Oriya refused to meet his eyes even when he held that stubborn chin imprisoned gently with those same slender fingers.

" What's wrong, Oriya? You are not yourself tonight. " The wine gave his voice a huskier and smoky timbre.

" Nothing. " Oriya's response was short and curt.

" Don't lie to me. " Muraki scolded.

In a smooth single move, the moonlight youth pulled Oriya into his arms even as one hand snaked in and claimed the hidden prize. A started protest broke from the young man's lips but Muraki silenced him effectively with a kiss. Rolling over, he pinned Oriya beneath the long length of his body and flicked the box open. His silver eyes widened with faint surprise when he saw what was inside. The pair of smoothly polished garnets sparkled in the firelight like drops of fresh blood. Oriya threw his arm over his face in defeat and groaned softly. Putting his weight on his elbows, Muraki turned the box in his hand and studied the way the pair of ear studs trapped the light of the flames within their crimson stones. Turning his attention back to the warm delectable body trapped beneath him, Muraki's expression was tender as he lifted away the hand that Oriya used to hide his face.

" Are these for me? They are very beautiful, Oriya. "

Oriya nodded mutely.

" Thank you. " He whispered and rose in fluid motion.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 It was a wrong choice...

It had seen so perfect when he had spotted them in that display window. For some reason he could not explain, he identified the small pair of garnet ear studs with his sempai. They were to be his birthday present to Muraki but when he held them in his hand in front of the fire, Oriya suddenly realized how stupid the whole idea was. Here he was trying to give a pair of earrings to a man who did not even have pierced ears. Of all things, he had to buy a gift more suitable for a woman. Muraki was gone leaving him alone by himself in front of the blazing fire. All the happiness that he felt prior to the evening had evaporated like dew in the wake of the morning sun. Oriya buried his face in his hands and despaired. He was always blundering and making silly mistakes. Without his sempai, Oriya felt the sharp frost of ice within that no fire could warm.

" Oriya? " The familiar voice sounded concerned but perhaps that was only a figment of his imagination.

Cool hands closed over his own, pulling them away from his face. Oriya did not fight his sempai but he shut his eyes tightly knowing that he could not bear it if repulsion was waiting there for him in those cold hard eyes. He felt the firm grip on his wrists, lifting them up until his fingers encountered the shape of the prominent cheekbones that he knew so well. Oriya's hands were guided along until they touched the whorls that were his sempai's ears but instead of the soft smooth flesh, his fingers met something cool, hard and unfamiliar. Unable to help himself, he chanced a look and was stunned when he saw his gift adorning the lobes of Muraki's ears. His hand came away wet and Oriya gave a cry of alarm when he saw the crimson stain.

" Sempai! You are bleeding! " Oriya was trying to scramble frantically to his feet but Muraki stopped him.

" I'm fine. The bleeding will stop in a while. I liked your gift so much that I had to wear them immediately. "

" You liked them? I thought... "

" What did you think? That I would dislike them? They are certainly not what I expected but you have exceptional taste, Oriya. "

He was so close that Oriya felt the light caress of his words before Muraki's lips graze teasingly on his in the barest of kisses. A small sigh escaped as he released the breath that he had been holding. He traced the outline of the older youth's entire lips, moving slowly from the top to the lower. Oriya remembered belatedly about the blood that was on his finger but it had already stained Muraki's lips a darker shade of red. Leaning in, he licked the full lower lip slowly, the coppery taste of his lover's blood on his tongue. Oriya was rewarded with a soft moan as Muraki parted his lips willingly. Threading his hands through the moonlight hair, Oriya slid his tongue between those loosely closed lips. Advancing in and retreating in a sensual dance, his tongue slipped into that warm wet mouth languidly and withdrew. The movement a seductive innuendo of what was to come later.

Muraki let Oriya lead him in their dance of passion, their lips and tongues meeting and parting in a gentle duel. The soft murmurs and sighs filled the air as they touched and explored. He pulled the thick cashmere afghan from the couch, spreading it over the floor by the fire. Oriya's teasing kisses had inflamed his senses and desire burned, he needed to touch and feel the lines of that familiar body beneath his hands. The soft dark gray sweater was removed in one quick move, baring that smooth naked chest to his hungry eyes. Oriya surrendered willingly as his sempai lay him down, the exquisite friction of soft wool rubbing sensuously against his skin making him groan. Muraki took control, his skillful lips skimming lightly along Oriya's jaw in butterfly kisses until he reached the boy's ear. He nibbled at the lobe, pressing just hard enough to let Oriya feel his teeth against the tender flesh before he flicked his tongue provocatively over the tiny hole, his breath falling like a scorching blaze against highly sensitized skin.

" You are getting better, Oriya. " His voice was a sexy purr of satisfaction. " But there is still more... much more... "

" Show me, sempai... " The request was a broken whisper.

Muraki kissed the slender column of the boy's neck, taking small delicate bites as he slowly made his way down. He could felt the strong, young heart pounding as his tongue caressed the pulse line and reaching the juncture where neck and shoulder joined he sucked hard enough to leave the bruise of a love bite. He loved the taste of Oriya's skin, savoring again and again. The young man's arms clutched him hard when his mouth closed over one nipple, drawing in the sensitive bud into his mouth to suck firmly. Oriya whimpered as his body writhed at the concentrated pleasure. The delicious torment continued when Muraki raked the hardened areola with long wet strokes of his tongue. Oriya's back arched uncontrollably when Muraki gave the same treatment to its twin while the hard nubbin was taken between thumb and forefinger and rubbed erotically. The sweet cry of pleasure was music to his ears when he began to nibble and bite Oriya's aroused nipples lightly.

His hands moved lower, trailing their way down the flat stomach until they encountered the bulge that was his lover's erection. Muraki slid one hand over the hard straining length through the thick fabric of Oriya's pants and heard another whimper of need. The smile on his face was wicked as he made quick work of the encumbering garments, stripping them off until Oriya's lithe body sprawled naked across the afghan. The boy's eyes were dark with desire and freed from the constraints of his clothing, his erection stood proudly. Muraki removed his own clothes and joined his young lover, laying his naked body down. He claimed one aching nipple with his mouth even as his hand closed around the straining shaft, stroking from base to tip with one smooth stroke. Oriya's hip jerked in pure reflex as he cried out. Pushing himself up, Muraki moved between the boy's legs, parting them to kneel between. His touch was teasing as he fondled Oriya, fingertips touching the boy's scrotum before moving upwards to the swollen length. The hot wet caress of his tongue followed the same path, licking the underside of the youth's penis, making the boy buck like a wild horse when his teeth scraped lightly against the sensitive ridge of skin.

Oriya was in pain, such exquisite pain but still he wanted more, needed more. He could not articulate the words but Muraki saw the mute appeal in his dark eyes. Like wet cool silk, the pale young man's tongue traced the shape of his lover's organ, stroking the tip before he smoothly sheathe the throbbing length with his mouth. Throwing his head back, Oriya gave a soft primitive growl the sound enumerating from his throat. His hips rotated, thrusting upwards against the heat that caressed him. The pressure grew unbearable when his sempai begin to suck in earnest, his moist lips rasping against the coronal ridge just beneath the tip of his penis. When Muraki tasted first drop of the whitish fluid from the throbbing head, he drove Oriya over the edge with one quick swipe of his tongue over the small slit at the rounded tip. The heat burst through him as his body wracked with pleasure. Oriya shook as his climax crested, lost in the ecstasy as he came. His silver-haired lover suckled him with relish, his teeth nipping the vulnerable tip as he swallowed intensifying the pleasure.

Satiated, he did not protest when Muraki turned him over to his stomach. Laying the long midnight tresses aside, he sweep one hand down Oriya's back down to the graceful curve of his hips and bottom to his legs before moving again to caress his shoulders. Muraki sighed as he lowered his head to brush his lips across the back of his lover's neck. The boy's beauty never failed to delight him. Those dark eyes were half-lidded with passion when he rained feather-light kisses down the graceful curve of Oriya's spine. His hands kneaded the yielding flesh, relaxing taunt muscles until the boy lay pliant under him. Oriya gave a soft yelp when Muraki nipped him playfully on the buttocks. He jumped however when he felt a finger brush over his tightness. Pushing his hands beneath him, Oriya raised himself and looked at his sempai questioningly. They had never gone beyond that line. While Muraki had taught him the ways of pleasure, he had never taken the final step. Lying back down, the young boy spread his thighs in silent invitation.

" Are you sure, Oriya? I will hurt you. "

" Please, sempai. I want us... to be one tonight..."

The words were spoken so resolutely that Muraki felt a strange emotion deep in his heart. He was touched by the second gift that Oriya now offered. He was gentle when he traced the dark wings of Oriya's brows with one finger. The silver eyes were tender as he claimed the younger boy's lips in a deep kiss. Moving between Oriya's legs, he lifted the boy's slim ankles and wrapped them around his waist. He tensed at the pain when one finger probed his virgin opening. Mindful of his discomfort, Muraki distracted him by taking one nipple into his mouth. As his body relaxed, Muraki inserted another finger, slowly stretching him. The pain was keener this time but Oriya endured it as Muraki began a gentle thrusting motion. When he got used to the foreign sensation, a third finger penetrated him. Oriya closed his eyes bracing himself when he felt Muraki pressing against him. Muttering a soft apology, Muraki claimed him with one sharp thrust. The boy's passage was tight, so very tight and he heard the cry of pain as his erection invaded deeper. Oriya felt as if he was being split apart but the agony soon faded and with it came the most intimate sensation as his body sheathed his sempai tightly.

Muraki moved slowly, pulling away to plunge deep into the soft welcoming heat. Learning the rhythm, Oriya moved his hips to meet each thrust. His breath was short as the acute friction continued to mount. They moved together, limbs entwining in this ancient dance of desire. Pleasure was as sharp as pain so unbearable yet neither one of them wanted it to end. The night shattered as they reach the zenith together. Muraki cried his lover's name as his release came, his body wracked by his climax. Totally spent, he collapsed on top of his lover. They lay in a tangle of limbs and it was a while before their madly pounding hearts regained their normal pace. Muraki rolled over, pulling Oriya with him until the younger boy sprawled on top of him. Never would he forget this night and the selfless boy he held in his arms. Heart, body and soul, Oriya had given him everything.

" Happy birthday, sempai. "

Oriya murmured sleepily before he dozed off, safe in the shelter of his sempai's arms.