by Yuki Edo
Hiro reached up but didn’t touch the medallion, which Masaki could now see was around his neck and tucked under his shirt. Hiro managed a smile that looked genuine, and the wave of relief Masaki felt from Hiro further assured him of its sincerity. “Okay.”
They continued eating, Masaki asking questions about everyday things he already knew the answers to. He doubted it would ever be a good idea to let Hiro know he’d spied on him. When they were both done eating, he asked, “Would you like to go out in the garden? Take a walk?”
Hiro nodded and jumped up. “I’ll get my sketchpad.”
Masaki let him go and wandered out into the hall at a leisurely pace. When Hiro returned, Masaki led him outside to the darkened garden. Only the moon provided light, but Masaki waved his hand, lighting small torches and red and gold round paper lanterns all over the garden. The part closest to the house had elements of both Japanese rock gardens and tea gardens. A path wound its way through patches of white sand dotted with carefully placed stones and areas of moss-covered rocks and sculptures.
“I’ve never seen a garden quite like this,” Hiro said, turning to a clean page.
Masaki smiled, noting the spark that came to Hiro’s eyes as he prepared to sketch. “Feel free to roam as you wish. Nothing’s off-limits.”
Hiro cast him a brief smile, blushing slightly and turning away. Masaki had made a point of not asking if Hiro had a girlfriend. He’d already given Hiro a hint about his interest and didn’t wish to push it. Yet. He sat in a curved bamboo lounge chair and watched Hiro move around. The young man finally went down on his knees and began to draw.
Masaki couldn’t help staring, several minutes passing, and it took him a moment to realize Hiro stared back. The young man rose and came to sit on a stool beside Masaki’s chair. Masaki didn’t want to break the silence. Hiro showed him the sketch he’d done.
“The swirls in the moss almost look like foxfire. I’ve never seen patterns in moss before,” Hiro said quietly.
Masaki studied the sketch of the cluster of mossy rocks, seeing the subtle pattern Hiro had rendered. “The entire garden is full of magic. The influence comes out in many ways.”
“Were you lonely? Is that why you wanted me?” Hiro asked in an even lower voice.
Masaki weighed his answer before meeting Hiro’s eyes. “I did think you would make a good companion. As I said, your work spoke to me.”
Hiro didn’t seem quite satisfied with that answer. “You seem lonely. By yourself in this giant house.”
“It’s risky to bring others into my world.”
“Is there someone, you know, special?” Hiro asked, averting his eyes as soon as the question passed his lips. “Or must you stay devoted to Inari?”
“My devotion to Inari doesn’t disallow other relationships. At the moment, I don’t have a lover.” Masaki sat forward in his chair. “Is there someone special I’m keeping you from? He could always visit you here.” Masaki didn’t mean to trick Hiro, but he saw a good opportunity to discuss a subject that would need to be breached eventually.
“He? What?” Hiro asked, flustered, his face now bright red. His heart pounded as he stared, wide-eyed. “I’m not, I mean, I’m not like that.”
Masaki folded his hands in his lap, angling to face Hiro more. “I’m not human, Hiro. I can sense many things, and it’s clear you don’t desire women.”
Hiro’s racing heart stuttered a bit, and he leapt to his feet. He wouldn’t look at Masaki. He tore the sketch from the pad and handed it over, letting it flutter to the ground when Masaki didn’t take it. “I’m normal. I don’t like guys, okay? It’s fine if you do, but…”
“But?” Masaki had felt desire from him off and on all day. He could not read the young man’s mind, but he knew what Hiro truly longed for.
Hiro shrugged.
Masaki rose and bowed. “I’m sorry if I said too much, invaded your privacy. I can’t turn my powers off.”
The young man finally looked up. “Your powers told you such a thing?” His tone carried hints of awe and doubt.
Masaki nodded. “They tell me many things. I can sense your intelligence and creativity. I would’ve known you were an artist without seeing any of your work. And yes, I can sense your desires. Your arousal.”
“Well, you’re wrong.” Hiro moved toward the house.
“No, I’m not.”
Hiro stopped and spun around. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Masaki took a chance and bridged the gap, cupping Hiro’s chin and bringing their lips together. Hiro melted against him, giving in easily, but as soon as their bodies touched, Hiro jerked away.
“I’m not a toy. I don’t care what you are!” Hiro said.
“I know you’re not a toy.” Masaki touched his face again. “You’re a young man hiding, ashamed. Denying yourself pleasure. And love.”
Hiro pushed his hand away, the gesture gentle but decisive. “I’m here for you to fuck, aren’t I? My brother won’t allow this.”
“Your brother knows of my interest, which stems from more than lust.” Masaki folded his arms across his chest. “He also knows I won’t force you. But just now, you kissed me back. This afternoon, you seemed disappointed when I didn’t kiss you.” Even now, Masaki could see the faint outline of Hiro’s erection, but he kept silent as Hiro’s mind raced. Again, great surges of mixed emotions washed over Masaki as he reached out to connect with Hiro.
“Leave me alone. I’m leaving here at the end of the month.” He looked Masaki in the eye. “Until then, leave me alone.”
Masaki gave a slight bow. “As you wish.” Straightening, he added, “As long as you’re my guest, you are master here.”
That statement seemed to confuse Hiro, who turned and hurried into the house after blinking a few times and then shaking his head. Masaki sighed and sat back down, cradling his face in his hands.
“Idiot. Don’t you know how to do anything right?” a voice said in the distance.
Masaki looked up and saw his brother Daisuke emerging from the shadows. “How long have you been there?”
“A while. That young man must have you pretty twisted up. You didn’t even sense me.”
Masaki scowled at his brother. “Don’t you know it’s rude to eavesdrop?”
“Yes.”
Masaki stood and headed for the house. “Then don’t do it again.”
“Hey,” Daisuke said, hurrying over and grabbing his arm. “What’s going on? Who is he?”
“Hiro Ibuki.”
“Okay. Why’s he here?”
Masaki knew Daisuke would ask Inari if he refused to answer. “I like him. I asked for him as tribute, and Akira agreed, once I’d made it clear my intentions were honorable.”
“Honorable? Bring him all the way out here, alone, and try to seduce him?” Daisuke smirked. “Sure. I see.”
“I kissed him. I didn’t chain him to my bed and crawl on top of him.”
“Maybe that’s what he needs. Seems a bit repressed. I can feel it too. His yearning.” The smirk changed to a grin. “He’s cute, you know.”
Masaki frowned and fixed his brother with a glare. Daisuke had the good sense to back up and raise his hands in surrender.
“Point taken. You like him. Not just a fling.”
“And don’t forget it.” Softening a bit, Masaki asked, “Did you need something?”
“Yes. Bit of coincidence. I met someone.” He pushed his long hair off his forehead and tucked it behind his ears, still grinning at Masaki.
“Someone special, I take it?”
Daisuke nodded. “Yes. Though, technically, we haven’t been formally introduced. He works in this flower shop, and I keep buying flowers to talk to him. I told him I was doing it for my brother, and I thought maybe it would help if he never finds out I lied.”
“And you want me to, what?”
“Just, if it works out, say it was you. That’s it.”
“Fair enough. If it works out, I sent you to buy flowers a few times.”
“Well, every day for almost a month. To decorate your office.”
“I don’t have an office. I have a library.”
“But you could have an office. In the city, I mean. The offices of the Ibuki group are right down the road from his shop. It’s not like he’d ever want to see your office. Just remember that, okay?”
Masaki nodded, waving his hand dismissively. “Yes, fine. Whatever.”
“Thanks. I’ll leave you to your seduction.”
“Not happening tonight. He said to leave him alone.”
Daisuke raised one eyebrow. “And you believe him?”
“No, but I’m still going to honor it. I promised he could go home in a month. I’ll lose my chance if I make him hate me.”
Daisuke rubbed the back of his neck. “Feels pretty tense here. I’d bet he’s up there…” He eyed his brother, obviously sensing Masaki didn’t like where he was going. Clearing his throat, he finished, “Um, well, you know. Probably. You should pop up and, uh, help.”
Masaki concentrated. Yes, the tension was there. Whether Hiro was masturbating or not, he wanted to. Badly. “If I only wanted sex, I’d agree. But I need more from this one. I’ve never felt this way before.”
“Does Inari know?”
“Yes. And I have an official blessing.” He watched Daisuke a moment. “How about you?”
“I haven’t said anything, but he probably knows. I’ll see him later tonight.”
Masaki nodded his understanding. Daisuke and Inari had always spent lots of quality time together. “Prepare for meddling, of course, once the secret’s really out.”
Daisuke chuckled. “I’m counting on it. I want Inari’s help. I plan a swift seduction.”
This time, Masaki arched an eyebrow. “Just be careful, if this one’s special.”
Daisuke considered this. “I … don’t know yet. But … maybe. I always feel happy when I’m in the shop.” He smiled and turned. “Good luck getting any sleep tonight.”
Masaki sighed and went inside, shutting the door on his laughing sibling. The tension was even more palpable within the house, but Masaki still went to his room. Perhaps given time to think, Hiro would see that Masaki not only wanted him but also accepted him. That seemed to be the key to getting Hiro to open up completely.
Chapter Three
Hiro lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He’d given up the idea that Masaki would come and try to talk to him tonight. Though he’d been startled by Masaki’s words, Hiro didn’t understand why he’d become so angry. Fear, perhaps? He sighed as he considered that. He’d been hiding and defensive for so long, but Masaki hadn’t been judging him, which made him regret his harsh reaction.
Licking his lips, Hiro rolled to his side. And that kiss had felt amazing. My first kiss from a man, and I jerked away. He’d lain there a long time waiting for Masaki to come to his room, but the kitsune hadn’t come to him. The house had fallen silent. He rolled over again. I told him to stay away, and he is. Anger surged forward again, but this time Hiro aimed it at himself. He’d spent most of the day thinking about Masaki. Wondering what his kiss would be like, how his touch would feel. The clock by the bed said it was after midnight, but Hiro knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep. He played with his collar, thoughts of summoning Masaki chasing each other in his head, but instead he grabbed his sketchpad and began to draw. Instead of drawing the man he’d run away from, he drew the fox he’d seen upon arrival the day before.
Once he had a rough rendering, he leaned on his elbows and studied it. The memory didn’t frighten him much now. He worked on details, the markings of the face and curve of the tail. The kitsune had probably lived hundreds of years, and no, he wasn’t human, despite being able to take human form. Was it fair for Hiro to expect him to behave exactly like a human? While Hiro felt bad for his reaction, he didn’t really think he owed Masaki an apology. Not exactly. The fox spirit had lied to him, in a way, keeping back the fact he could sense things about Hiro.
So I really am gay. Hiro rolled to his back now, his body still aching for a fulfillment he’d never truly had. Jerking off wasn’t the same and never would be. And he couldn’t stop thinking about what Masaki had said. Did Akira really know about Masaki’s “interest”? What had Masaki said to him? Akira had said nothing about that. There had been moments over the years when Hiro had felt like Akira suspected, but of course, talking about such things was out of the question. Their father would have disowned him if the subject had even come up.
Shame filled him again. But then desire pushed it away. Hiro lay awake a long time, the two emotions warring within him until his mind shut off from the sheer exhaustion of the debate within his head.
* * * *
Hiro woke when his phone vibrated on the bedside table a few minutes after eight. He grabbed it and saw a text from Akira. Instead of reading the whole message, Hiro sat up and dialed his brother’s number.
“Hiro?” Akira asked, sounding surprised. “You okay?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Hiro’s fingers dug into the bedspread, anger surging once more at the sound of his brother’s voice.
“You’re going to have to be more specific. You said you’d call me back yesterday, but you didn’t. I wondered if you were okay and sent a text to check.”
“I was busy. Now, why didn’t you tell me Masaki liked me?”
Akira didn’t reply right away. “Honestly?”
“Yes, please.” Hiro wished he could see his brother’s face. Akira could hide his emotions well, but Hiro could still tell when he was being sincere. He wanted to know that his brother hadn’t simply dropped him off not caring what would happen to him.
“You’d never have gone if I’d told you. I know our family ignores the subject, but you can tell me. Okay?” He paused, and then softly asked, “Was I wrong?”
“Wrong? About what? That I’d flip out about being given to some guy who wants to get in my pants?” He knew exactly what his brother was really asking about, but he wasn’t going to make it easy for him, after what Akira had shoved him into. He toyed with the edge of the bedspread, nervous even though they weren’t having this conversation face to face. He’d never admitted his feelings to anyone—had even run away from Masaki for pointing them out—and his stomach churned as he waited.
Akira made a frustrated sound, half grunt and half moan. “Are you gay or not? I think you are, and Masaki’s a good man. I saw no harm in seeing if something could develop.”
“He’s not a man.”
“He lives as one. Acts like one. Looks like one. What else matters?”
Hiro didn’t answer.
“So, are you? I’m not our father, Hiro. My love isn’t conditional.”
“You can’t tell anyone, okay?”
Akira sighed. “Is that a ‘yes’?”
“Maybe.”
“I’ll accept that as a confession and not force you to say it.” Another pause. “I take it something happened.”
“We’re not talking about that. We’re talking about you sending me here knowing the kitsune wanted me in that way.”
“He’s honorable. No matter how much he wants anything, he won’t simply take it.”
“What did he say?” Hiro realized suddenly that he really wanted to know exactly what Masaki had said to Akira. “How did he put it?”
“He’s always praised your work. But you know that. When he made his proposal, he also made it clear he was interested in more than your work. He expressed strong feelings for you, as well as attraction. He promised to back off if you rejected him.”
And Masaki had done exactly that, but Hiro wasn’t about to dish out their encounter. “What else are you two hiding? And how can he have feelings for me? He doesn’t know me.”
“You know it all now, I swear. And you should read up on kitsune.”
“What? Just tell me!”
Akira muttered something and then replied, “Nine-tailed foxes can see and hear everything that goes on in the
world, remember?”
“Vaguely, but he isn’t that old. He only has one tail.”
“Well, that power doesn’t just come from nowhere. Masaki made it clear when we met that he and his brothers can all check up on our family at any time. Each kitsune has its own way of doing this. Mirrors, bodies of water, magic objects. They can watch us.”
“Spy on us, you mean.” Hiro felt sick at the thought. How long had Masaki been watching? What had he seen? Was he watching right now? “Can I leave? I don’t want to stay here.”
“As long as you didn’t agree to any specific timeframe, yes, you can. I delivered you, but nothing was agreed upon. That’s why I didn’t promise you anything when you said you’d do it a month. Presenting you to him is the only action I was bound to take.”
Hiro groaned.
“What?”
His hand clenched again, longing to either punch or strangle Akira. “You’re a moron! And a liar. You didn’t say anything, so I told him I’d only stay a month. He agreed.”
“And? Did he say you could leave?”
“Yes. If I wanted to.”
After a long paused, Akira said, “Well, can’t you make it a month?”
“No.” Whether he literally could or not, he didn’t want to. His gaze searched the room now, as he wondered if he was being observed.
“But you’re gonna have to. I’m sorry, but I can’t help you if you agreed to that.”
“I’ve been deceived at every turn. Unless you come up with a way to get me out of here, don’t bother calling back!” Hiro ended the call and threw his phone. It bounced on the carpet and seemed unharmed, but Hiro left it on the floor.
Under different circumstances, he’d have been thrilled to hear his brother express his acceptance, but the rest of his feelings about the situation made it impossible to focus on that. Even if Akira truly was more enlightened than their father and could accept Hiro being gay, what did it matter after such a betrayal?
“No wonder no one believes in the gods anymore. All they do is trick us and use us,” Hiro muttered as he got out of bed.