“I’d rather stay in bed with you, but I don’t mind a movie.”
Teruo chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, I think prefer the bed too.”
Shinji wiped his hands on a kitchen towel then hooked his fingers through Teruo’s and placed his lips on Teruo’s knuckles for a soft kiss. Teruo stared at their entangled hands, his jaw a bit tight, looking like he wanted to say something. In the end, he didn’t, and they walked up the stairs to Teruo’s bedroom.
Everyone had coping mechanisms and, right now, losing themselves in each other’s arms was theirs. And Shinji liked that, for a reason he wasn’t sure he wanted to think about. Before coming to Tokyo he was used to scratching the itch, then leaving quickly not caring about anything or anyone. But he felt connected to Teruo in a way he hadn’t with anyone else. Perhaps because they worked the same job, saw the same horrifying things and even if Teruo couldn’t see spirits, he understood the pain of dealing with death.
Their languid thrusts quickened and they ground against each other in a dance of moans and gasps until they groaned with release and collapsed on the bed, sweaty and spent. Shinji opened his arms in an invite and Teruo settled his head in the crook of Shinji’s neck, his breath warm against Shinji’s skin and their limbs twined under the duvet.
It felt good. He was slowly getting attached and he wasn’t sure what to make of it, but one thing was certain. He didn’t want to run off anymore and regretted telling Teruo this was just casual. He wanted more and wondered if he could have it.
Shinji sighed, skimming his fingers lightly over Teruo’s back. It was better not to push things. Too many secrets loomed over Shinji and he had a feeling Teruo would never jump into a serious relationship with someone he couldn’t trust.
Teruo had seen hisreiryoku. How? He didn’t know yet, but intended to find out. Teruo had prodded Shinji for answers carefully, probably afraid of sounding crazy—and Shinji knew exactly how that felt like. He thought about telling Teruo, just letting it slip. What could happen? The Onmyoryo had eyes and ears everywhere, but not in Teruo’s house. But then if Teruo told someone else or made it obvious in front of another supernatural that he knew, they’d both get in trouble. First, he had to make sure Teruo was trustworthy, then he could risk it.
The phone vibrated and Shinji plucked it from under his pillow. The superintendent left a message.
Shinji exhaled in relief. He typed back.
Finally. Once he had his full powers back, he’d get his answers.
CHAPTER 16
Shinji
Shinji woke up with a pair of yellow eyes staring deep into his soul and a purr rumbling into his chest.
The black fluff ball stretched out on his torso and Shinji chuckled. He’d learned how to tell them apart. Mochi had bigger and rounder eyes and a very small patch of white fur under her chin, and she seemed quite fond of him. Dango had bored eyes, looking done with everybody and not giving a shit about anything besides food and Teruo. She was sleeping belly-up on Shinji’s right where Teruo was supposed to be.
“Hey kitty.” Shinji booped Mochi’s nose. “Your human dad left me here alone.”
Mochi gave a short meow.
“Yeah, rude, isn’t he?” Shinji agreed. “I was looking forward to a morning quickie and he ghosts me. Ah well, I guess this is nice too.” He ran his hand over Mochi’s soft fur and she purred, laying her head on him and going to sleep. “Uhm, I intended to get up. I guess I’m stuck here now.”
Wondering where Teruo went, Shinji grabbed his phone from the nightstand to text him. While he waited for Teruo to reply or return to the bedroom, Shinji let his gaze travel over Teruo’s pristine room. His entire house was neat and well-organized, but lacked any decorations. Teruo either disliked them or gave up on them due to the two large-sized cats that probably knocked everything over. They seemed quite docile but Teruo had told him they loved running all over the house at light speed.
But the most interesting thing was that, for all of Teruo’s rule-breaking at work and smoking in the office, the house had no trace of any cigarette smoke or ashtrays. Teruo had gone on the balcony one time last night to smoke and explained he liked to keep his house fresh so his cats would inhale clean air and not tobacco smoke.
Typical cat dad.
The bedroom door opened and Teruo walked inside. “Mornin’.”
“You left me.” Shinji scolded him. “Did you work out?”
Teruo wore shorts and a sweat-drenched T-shirt, glued to his body and showing his well-defined muscles. His hair was messy and wet, and Shinji liked this look on him. Gently placing Mochi on the bed—and getting a glare from her—Shinji stood and walked over to Teruo.
Nothing covered Shinji’s body and Teruo glanced at the half hard dick before averting his eyes and taking a step back from Shinji. That made Shinji stop in his tracks and he frowned.
“Something wrong?”
“I reek,” Teruo said. “I’ll take a shower and then we can—”
“I don’t care.” Shinji draped his arms over his shoulders and kissed him.
Teruo hesitated for a second, but wrapped his arms around Shinji’s waist and returned the kiss. The press of Teruo’s body against his made Shinji harder and he moaned softly into the kiss. Pulling away, Shinji traced a thumb over Teruo’s lips.