Welcome Home Soldier (Pigeon)

[RavenLunar]

Name: Shouin Richards

Age: 10

Bio: For as long as he could remember Shouin had been bullied for his girly looks and voice. He never spoke much for that very reason but when a kid stood up for him in preschool he no longer hid his voice and was by his side from then on out.

 

 

Age: 20

Bio: As time gone by not one day passed when Shouin didn't think about the person who made a very special promise to him. Going through life without him proved to be difficult and undesirable but now he was coming back home! Shouin could only pray that he'd keep his promise regardless of the changes they were both about the face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Running faster Shouin checked the light blue watch on his small wrist hoping that he wasn't too late. He was the slowest in their class but today he felt like he was running at the speed of light as his sneakers pressed on going up a large hill. He could see the beautiful Sakura tree in the distance, their special secret place.

 

"I-I'm here! I'm finally here!!" The blond cried out finally making it to the top and gasped for air lading on his shaking knees in the grass. "G-Gomen...I h-had to wait for a train t-t-to pass." The boy gasped out looking up slowly with his bright blue eyes.

[Kotorichan]

Name: Ryou Taki

11 Years old

Bio: Was always a pretty tough kid but usually kept to himself. He was always pretty quiet but whenever he saw someone being bullied he'd immediately stand up for them. He was a cheerful and kind kind with a strong sense of justice.

21 Years Old

Bio: His time in the army made him a lot more quite and serious. He always missed Shouin and wished he could see him again, but has always been scared that things would have changed too much for them to go back to the way they were before he left.

 

~~~~~~

Ryou was leaning against the tree, waiting for Shouin. He felt both impatient and excited, hoping that the boy would come soon. A wide smile crossed his face at the sound of the other's voice. "You're here!" He said, hurrying to the boy's side. "It's okay, I wasn't waiting too long" He crouched down next to him. "you look really tired... just take a minute to catch your breath"

 

The black haired boy looked up at the tree. "It's so pretty isn't it? Remember in the winter when it was just a bunch of branches..." He sat down on the grass happily. "I'm glad you made it today... I was worried that you weren't going to come"

[RavenLunar]

Panting Shouin watched his best friend rushing over to him. Sighing in an attempt to catch his breath he simply nodded taking a few moments as his eyes gazed up at the tree. "H-Hai, I remember...it looked really scary at first but now it's just so beautiful." Slowly moving over to Ryou the blond placed his head on the other's shoulder.

 

"Of course I'd come! I'd never miss our time for anything in the world! I almost ran a race with that train to get here ya know? It may have been faster but I didn't stop running for a single second." The blond spoke proudly as he yawned a little and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Oi speaking of...what was so important to call this sudden meeting? It couldn't wait till after school Friday like we usually do for our weekend sleep over?"

[Kotorichan]

"I can't sleep over on Friday... My grandma got really sick so I have to go visit her in the hospital this weekend" Ryou's smile faded at the thought of his grandma. "I wanted to tell you so you didn't worry about me... I'll be back by next week, but I thought maybe we could do something fun today to make up for the weekend?" He looked at the younger boy hopefully. "I'm gonna really miss seeing you this weekend, we'll have to save our fun sleepover for next weekend. Maybe we can go get some ice cream or something today"

[RavenLunar]

Hearing that Shouin's face instantly fell looking as if he'd cry right there. He loved their sleepovers it was the best part of the week! He worked hard to get good daily marks to be able to welcome Ryou over for two days of games and fun but he liked Ryou's grandmother as well, when he'd see her she always gave them something sweet to eat that was always fantastic.

 

"O-Oh I'm sorry Ryou-kun, I hope she'll get better soon. She makes the best matcha ice cream puffs!" Understanding the male sighed and lightly took his friend's hand rubbing the back of it with his thumb in comfort. "Don't worry so much Ryou-kun she's the toughest lady I know, she'll be back on her feet before we know it! Urm how about we go to the cafe then for that ice cream you promised? This time I wanna try the Neko Neko Kitty parfait with brownie bits!!!" The blond excitedly bounced in place really loving his sweets especially chocolate, Ryou always seemed to know how to make things much better. "Next weekend we'll have to go swimming though, since I really wanted to go to the grand opening of that new indoor pool with you this week, they even have a water slide!"

[Kotorichan]

"It'll be better to go next week anyway, it'll be really busy if we go the first day it opens" Ryou stood up and held out his hand. "Come on Shouin-kun, let's go get that ice cream... I'm sure you're right about my grandma, the doctor's usually get all worked up about little things like colds. I'll tell her that you're worried about her though." He smiled gently. "She'll be back to make us all kinds of tasty treats..." The boy was honestly more worried about his grandma than he wanted to admit, his mom had said it was worse than usual. But Ryou wanted to keep optimistic, especially with Shouin around. He just wanted to spend the day having fun with his best friend.

[RavenLunar]

Taking the offered hand he stood up with the other holding it tight and began to walk with the other. Shouin could feel Ryou was trying to keep his head up but he just know it was really bothering him. "It'll be alright..." He gently whispered following closer to the other nuzzling his cheek against his arm.

 

It didn't take long to get to the cafe as the traffic around town had died down. "What kind of treat will you be getting this time Ryou-kun?" The small boy asked tugging his friend excitedly into the building as the sweet smell of waffle cones and cinnamon hit his nostrils. "Mmmm I love the smell of cafés!"

[Kotorichan]

"Um... I think I'll get the chocolate with peanut butter cups" Ryou said softly. It was the same kind of ice cream he always got and was his absolute favorite. "I'll just get a cone..." He walked over to the counter and ordered his cone before turning to his companion. "I'll pay for you, since I won't be able to sleep over with you..." He pulled out his wallet which had all of his allowance for the past few weeks. He never spent any money except when the two of them went out to spend time together.

[RavenLunar]

Softly giggling the blond shook his head lightly at his friend. "You always get that one." He teased him following close behind looking at the many colored ice creams on display. After ordering his own parfait the smaller male realized something, "Oi Ryou-kun? Does it ever bother you that you always pay when we go out? I get an allowance too and wouldn't mind spoiling you sometimes." Shouin loved going out with Ryou but he did feel guilty when his best friend would spend so much money on him and he not doing the same in return, he didn't want the other to think he was using him or worse was just a total leech.

 

"That's it! Next week I'll pay for our pool visit and snacks! No ifs, ands, or buts about it. It's official." With a confident nod Shouin lead the boy to a window booth slipping in first and waited for Ryou to sit.

[Kotorichan]

"I don't mind... I never spend my money on anything except going out with you... Don't you like to buy other stuff?" Ryou sat down and licked his ice cream. "I don't mind paying... That way you can buy stuff you like" He smiled at the other boy. Ryou really didn't mind spending money on his friend, it just made him happy to see Shouin smile. For a moment he wondered if that was what a crush was like, but the boy quickly brushed the thought away his cheeks turning bright red at the very idea. He had never had a crush on anyone but a boy in his class had told him about his crush.

[RavenLunar]

"Mmm well yeah sometimes but it's not as fun spending money on myself compared to spending it on dates with you..." Shouin pointed out taking in a spoonful of ice cream suddenly realizing what he had just said. The blond's face turned a rivaling shade of red as he looked down at his ice cream shaking it. "I-I mean! Urm I mean like going out with you...I meant!? Oh I mean like hanging out and urm s-stuff..."

 

This was embarrassing.

 

Shouin really did like Ryou a lot but he wasn't sure what the other felt about him. They after all had been the best of friends since the start, always together at the hip. Of course they still held hands and hugged a lot which Shouin thought was pretty normal to do especially if you really liked someone. The blond knew he really liked his best friend but he did his best to keep quiet about it at least till he knew how Ryou felt himself.

 

"G-Gomen Ryou-kun, I'm such a idiot sometimes and forget to think about what I'm going to say...but I really would rather spend my money with you than alone."

[Kotorichan]

Ryou's face turned an even darker shade of red. "A-a date?" he looked down at his ice cream, trying not to think too much about going on a date with his best friend. He licked his ice cream again while Shouin apologized.

 

"Well... It is kinda like a date ne? We hang out just with each other and go to cafes and stuff..." He couldn't bring himself to look at the other boy, too embarrassed by what he was saying. "I think if there was anyone I'd want to date it would be you Shouin-kun..." He said quietly. Ryou had no idea how the other would respond to his words, but he just really wanted to say it.

[RavenLunar]

Wishing he could crawl under a rock and disappear Shouin was about to rush to the bathroom till he heard his best friend speaking. His glassy blue eyes looked up at the boy as he was shocked to hear Ryou saying such a wonderful thing. 'Does this mean he actually likes me in that way?' He couldn't help the shy smile gracing his lips. The way Ryou blushed was always so cute and funny but right now it made the other look kind of charming.

 

"R-Really Ryou-kun? You really like me that much? I really do love going on d-dates with you all the time. It's the best moments ever just it being th-the two of us together..." He softly confessed eating another spoonful of ice cream carefully watching his best friend's reaction. It felt like there was no turning back now as his feelings were now in the open.

[Kotorichan]

Ryou felt like he couldn't possibly be more embarrassed than he was right now. "I-I do like spending time with you t-that much..." He mumbled. "I really like going on... d-dates with you..." He tried to focus on just eating his ice cream, hoping he could just calm down. "Um... I dunno if you think of these as actual d-dates... Or just hanging out..." He stopping eating his ice cream and looked up shyly, worried about what his friend's reaction. "I'd... I'd like it if these were... D-dates"

 

He quickly looked away again, his cheeks bright red. "T-they don't have to be though...." he went back to eating his ice cream, feeling a little bit panicky.

[RavenLunar]

Seeing Ryou all nervous and fidgety was new to the little blond, he was used to seeing his best friend being so confident and headstrong. Now he was as much of a blushing mess as he was, poking at a brownie piece he thought about what the other said carefully. Did he really want to call it an actual date?

 

Smiling more he reached over tugging a piece of hair out of the boy's face. "Hai...I would be honored to call it a date Ryou-kun. After all you are the most handsomest boy at school and always so sweet and kind. You're just amazing..." Biting his bottom lip he licked them slightly waiting for the other's reaction.

[Kotorichan]

Ryou looked up with wide eyes, he had never thought his friend saw him like that. "H-handsomest?" He stammered. "I'm not that amazing..." He looked away again, flattered by the other's words. "Y-you're far more amazing Shouin-kun... You're way more sweet and kind... And even though you're a boy you're really c-cute..."

 

The boy squirmed in his seat, embarrassed by his own words. "D-did that sound weird? I just... I'd really like to call these dates... I really like you Shouin-kun" Ryou felt so strange saying it out loud. He had never put his feelings for the other boy into words, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off chest now that he said it.

[RavenLunar]

Giggling Shouin knew that Ryou can be just so modest sometimes then it was his turn to have a face like a cherry tomato. "M-me? C-c-cute?" He asked pointing to himself shyly and nervously laughed rubbing the back of his neck in thought. All of their feelings were like having multiple weights being tugged off him. Shouin always was afraid of what Ryou thought of him, he wasn't the toughest boy or the fastest but he tried his best to be a reliable friend to Ryou. Now what? Was this the next step to being...boyfriends? "It doesn't sound weird at all."

 

Blushing harder Shouin quickly gripped onto Ryou's hand tight from across the table trying to hide his embarrassment the only way he knew how with holding hands. Glancing up at the boy he nodded his head quickly holding the slightly bigger hand tighter, "R-Ryou-kun...wanna...go out with me? I really like you too."

[Kotorichan]

Ryou stared down at their hands, he felt his chest swelling with happiness at the boy's question. "H-hai, I really like you Shouin-kun..." He squeezed his friend's hand. "I'd really like to g-go out... and be b-boyfriends" he stared into Shouin's eyes. He felt so warm and happy inside, it was like some kind of dream come true. "Even though I don't know how it would be any different than just hanging out... But it would be nice to call them d-dates" He laughed nervously, looking down so his hair fell in his face. He had a habit of hiding his face whenever he was extremely happy, and now was one of those moments.

[RavenLunar]

Continuing to hold the other's hand Shouin nearly screamed for joy when Ryou said yes and even called them boyfriends! Still clutching his hand he got up to move on the other side of the booth to sit with his best friend now turned boyfriend gently kissing his cheek. Giggling at him hiding his face he didn't mind it as he leaned his head into his shoulder.

 

"Well it might be slightly different but I don't mind. It just means I'm allowed to do this now..." Quickly Shouin stole a few licks from Ryou's ice cream and had an adorable devious smirk on his face. "Tehehe or something like that." Wrapping his arm around Ryou's he leaned in just enjoying the warmth and basking in their happiness of finally being together.

[Kotorichan]

Ryou leaned close to the younger boy, his cheeks still pink. He felt so happy to just be with his new boyfriend. It felt like they were made for each other.

 

~~10 years later~~

 

The night that Ryou returned home his parents threw a dinner party. All of Ryou's old friends and family was invited, including Shouin. Ryou stood in the center of the room, a drink in his hand and people surrounding him. Everyone wanted to know how he was, how the army had been, if anything scary had happened. He answered all their questions with a smile, but the entire time he was scanning the crowd for Shouin's face. It had been four long years since he had seen the other boy, and there hadn't been a signal day he hadn't thought of him.

 

He wondered if the other had missed him. So much time had passed and Shouin must have had so many other opportunities to meet other guys... Ryou tried not to show his worry on his face, he didn't want to upset anyone.

[RavenLunar]

Shouin knew that this must have been fate. He had a feeling deep in his heart that no matter what they'd be drawn back together no matter what happened.

 

~10 Years Later~

 

"I can't believe this! Out of all the days the bakery had to get my order wrong! At least they fixed it but I'm late for the party, I hope Ryou hasn't passed out yet..." The blond sighed walking faster down the road holding a pink box in his hands. It had been so long since he's seen his boyfriend, or if they were still considered that even after being apart for so long.

 

Shaking the thoughts of Ryou coming home with a girl or even worse another guy in his arms Shouin tried to put on a brave face. Just seeing Ryou all grown up would make him happy, he himself hadn't so much as looked at another guy even after the other left. It just wasn't the same feeling at all or the same goofy loving look Ryou always seemed to have specially for him. Feeling his heart flutter he made it to the house being let in without trouble as he greeted a few people but then it seemed everything stopped.

 

Looking across the room he saw a man as he blinked and tilted his head a little. Feeling a pull his feet easily guided him over to look deep into those eyes with his bright blue ones forgetting about the cake box in his hands. Opening and closing his mouth realization hit, "R-Ryou-kun!"

[Kotorichan]

Ryou's eyes widened at the sight of the familiar face. "Shouin-kun!" He set his drink down and hurried to the other. He almost pulled the man into a tight hug but noticed the box at the last moment. "It's so good to see you again..." He smiled gently, a longing expression in his eyes. He just wanted to be able to kiss and hug his old boyfriend again, but he didn't even know if they were still together.

 

"Um, do you want to set your things down?" Ryou glanced around for the nearest table with space. "You can just set it down anywhere I guess..." He just wanted to leave the party and talk to Shouin about all the time they had been apart, but there were still so many other people he had to greet...

[RavenLunar]

Hearing his name the butterflies in his stomach strengthened along with his smile. He felt like the luckiest person in the world and awaited his hug but remembered the evil cake box in the hands that was coming between them. Smiling more he noticed Ryou was much taller than him, more so than back when they were kids. "I'm so happy yours back, hopefully for good this time..." Seeing the longing in those eyes only made his cheeks flush as he turned quickly finding a place to set the cake down not opening the box to show it was mostly meant for one specific person.

 

Taking a deep breath Shouin took in the man before him as Ryou had indeed changed but he could still easily spot the similarities from their childhood. "Wow you're all grown-up now. A total manly man." The blond softly chuckled brushing some hair behind his ear being a nervous reflex of his.

 

"I missed you a lot ya know?" Gazing deep into those eyes he too had such an urge to be held by his, hopefully still, boyfriend. It seemed Ryou didn't have some other guy or girl here otherwise it would have been strange for them to not show up to the welcome home party but still it was possible. "I thought about you all the time, no one else ever crossed my mind the whole time you've been gone. Just you."

[Kotorichan]

The other's words made Ryou feel unbelievably happy. He hadn't even realized how worried he was that Shouin had found someone else while he was gone. "I... I thought of you the whole time too..." He said softly, stepping forward to pull the man into a gentle embrace. "I've missed you so much..." He wanted to hold Shouin forever, but after just a few seconds he heard someone else calling his name.

 

Ryou pulled away with a sad frown, glancing over his shoulder for a moment before turning back to Shouin. "I'm sorry, I have to go say hello to everyone... I'll find you as soon as I can and we can sit down and do some catching up, alright?" He smiled at him lovingly. "You can stay the night if you want, so we'll have more time to talk..."

[RavenLunar]

Seeing that smile made the male giggle allowing Ryou to pull him into such an amazing embrace. It felt like centuries since they've hugged as he wrapped his arms as best he could around the muscular body loving his scent. "I'm so glad, if you hadn't I would have been a bit angry with you." Teasingly the blond laughed but instantly he pouted seeing that someone else wanted his attention.

 

Was he jealous? Maybe a little...

 

At the mention of sleeping over Shouin instantly perked up, "Really? S-Sure! Of course luckily I put a overnight bag here a few days ago when I heard the news. I'll see you in a bit, go enjoy yourself." Waving to his friend Shouin did his own mingling but he was mostly focused on the night ahead of him. Once everyone left he'd have Ryou all to himself and most likely all next day!

 

The night dragged on far too long for his liking but once everyone left he was alone with the other. Having taken the little pink box and getting comfortable on the couch he awaited for Ryou to join him. "Come on Ryou-kun! You haven't seen my present yet!" It was a small cake that was the other's most favorite flavor with the words 'Welcome Home Soldier' in beautiful light blue letters across the icing on the cake with a little army man action figure next to it.