![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
amnosxmatsujunTitle: Fate vs. Probability
Pairing: Matsumoto Jun x Ninomiya Kazunari
Rating: R for the series, PG for Ch. 2
Warnings: If you're not okay with the boys in relationships with imaginary female characters, this fanfic is not for you. There's also cigarette smoking.
Word count: 1385
Author's note: This is a multi-chapter series but I'm still uncertain as to how many chapters this will have (I suck at planning). ^^;; If you stick around until the last chapter, I would be forever grateful.
Summary: A heart-broken Nino struggles through the coping phases as a new person in his life compels him to test fate.
Chapter One can be found HERE.
-------
Chapter Two: The Encounter
By the third time he pressed his snooze button, he knew that he didn’t have time for that morning shower he had initially planned. He had never been an early bird and today was no exception. Mumbling some incoherent syllables, he propped himself up and stared blankly at the patterns of sunlight peeking in from the windows. In this dreamy stupor, he could almost make out a familiar voice he wished to forget. He shook his head vigorously in disapproval. The birds chirping outside seemed to echo his now silent alarm. With a sigh, he got up to change. It was another summer day; he knew his commute was going to be unpleasant.
He hardly ever ate breakfast as his appetite refused to function at such early hours. It saves me time. He had an excuse for everything. If the bathroom light were to burn out, he’ll justify his laziness: “I’m conserving energy.” If he realizes that he had done nothing all day but play video games, he’ll pompously disagree: “I wasn’t wasting my time; it’s just that nothing else deserves my time.” Going to work was just another excuse to keep busy. He wasn’t happy, but at least he wasn’t pathetic.
--
“Good morning,” he said, out of habit. His co-workers replied as they straightened out the formal wear on the mannequins. He went over to the front desk and skimmed down today’s reservations. Looks like another long day ahead. The train ride over was just as he had feared. He never understood why, in such a sea of people, none of them seemed excited about the start of a new day. It was as if hurrying feet were ushering indifferent minds to places they didn’t even want to be. Of all people, he knew best why he went to work against his will. That didn’t help him understand why others looked just as unhappy. Are they just as bruised as I am? He hoped that wasn’t the case. In all his cynicism, he never wished anyone ill, especially knowing how the pain feels.
Bzzzz. He reached into his pocket and took out his cell phone.
“You know I start work in a few minutes, right?”
“I know, I just wanted to send you a quick invitation.” He knew this tone of voice. He also knew his answer would be ‘no’.
“If it’s another party, you already know my answer, Hiro.” Ninomiya paced the store, impatient.
“Aw, don’t be like that, man. Today’s my birthday! Don’t tell me you forgot.” He had.
“Sorry, I’ve been out of it lately.”
“You can make it up to me by celebrating with me tonight. Give me a call when you get off work.”
Another obligation. He placed his belongings in the staff room. It’s not that he didn’t care about Hiro; he just didn’t care to go. They’ve been childhood friends, though, from outward appearances to personality traits, the two were polar opposites. In Hiro’s presence, Ninomiya seemed even more petite and fragile, like a makeshift man who hadn’t completely undergone puberty. Their lifestyles clashed completely; while Hiro would wilt if not under a constant spotlight, Ninomiya was content standing to the side to let his friend shine. It bewildered him that he had forgotten Hiro’s birthday. I owe the guy, he sighed. Using the body mirror hanging in the room, he brushed off some lint from his suit pants and hastily brushed his hair back with his hands. I have to at least pretend like I know what I’m selling. He gave a little chuckle at his half-heartedness.
--
It pleased him that the work day was progressing smoothly. Many of the customers had come for follow-ups on their order, and, unless the adjustments were completely off, there wasn’t much about which to worry. 3:55pm. He looked at the reservations calendar. In his handwriting, he saw a man’s name that he had written days prior. Matsumoto-san should be arriving soon. He stifled a yawn.
“Hey, I’m going to take a 10-minute break. If a Matsumoto-san arrives, could you kindly ask him to fill out the questionnaire so we can fit him properly?” He searched for his lighter as he addressed one of his co-workers.
“Of course. Will you be handling his order?”
“If he makes an order, yes,” he responded sarcastically.
He took leave out the back door which led to a small alleyway. The humidity made his hair curl up in exhaustion, but he was relieved. Escaping the artificial lighting gave him the illusion that he was real. I’m almost out again. Shaking the box, now housing a lone cigarette, he recalled how he had picked up such a habit.
“I… don’t know what to do.”
That’s my line.
“Why won’t you say anything?”
What is there left to say?
He exhaled sharply. Stop making it impossible to forget you. His cigarette had burned off half way before he even took his first puff. He drew in the nicotine slowly, allowing it to fill his lungs completely before he let the smoke trickle out from his nostrils. Knowing how his merciless mind worked against him, he took another lungful in hopes that the smoke would cloud the events he could still recall clearly.
--
He didn’t realize how much he had been sweating until he returned indoors. Wiping the nervousness with the back of his hand, he closed his eyes to regain composure.
“Has Matsumoto-san arrived?”
“Yes, he’s the gentleman sitting over by the door.”
A slender figure entered his vision. The man’s black hair fell playfully in front of his eyes, inviting on-lookers to inch closer for a better look. Defined eyebrows framed his face, adding edginess to otherwise soft features. His broad shoulders sat perfectly square to his lean frame and the hand that moved swiftly was an extension of a masterpiece to be captured. His legs were crossed, accentuating the length of his body. He bit his lips, put down the pen, and looked up. It was then that Ninomiya finally realized that he had been staring. Their eyes met, one pair begging pardon, another stuttering about. The man’s eyes were a breathtaking almond hue.
“I’ve finished filling out the questionnaire,” the man said, as he placed the papers on the table.
“Wonderful, thank you. Ninomiya-san will take over from here.”
“Oh, so you’re Ninomiya-san! It’s reassuring to know I’m in good hands.” He smiled and held out his hand. “I’m Matsumoto Jun.”
“Pleasure meeting you, Matsumoto-san. I’m Ninomiya.” Fumbling inside his inner pockets, he found his business cards and handed one to the customer before shaking his hand. It felt like satin and Ninomiya felt it disrespectful that his was rough and clammy.
“It’s hot out there,” Matsumoto commented, noticing the dampness of Ninomiya’s hand.
“Quite,” he replied, unable to admit that his palms were always sweaty. “This way, sir.” He led his customer to a corner seat to discuss the questionnaire. “Let’s start with styles.”
--
7:45pm. The last fifteen minutes before closing seemed to pass at a snail’s pace. He was anxious to leave for Hiro’s birthday party. He needed a second opinion, or at least something else to distract him. The man he had met this afternoon had left behind an aroma that still danced in his nostrils. He tried rubbing it out but it remained. It was not a matter of why, but how. Explaining why was simple: he had gone crazy. The blood that rushed to his head upon first glance (more like a stare, he corrected himself), those eyes harboring a gentleness so inviting, and his hands porcelain smooth… No, he reassured himself. How could it be?
Usually the last to leave, he locked up all the doors after changing into more comfortable clothing, and then called Hiro immediately.
“I’m off.”
“Great! You’re still coming, right? We’re just starting.”
“Yeah…” He heard Hiro give him the details. “Hey, Hiro! Wait.” He hesitated, choking on his words.
“What? I can barely hear you.”
“I’d like your opinion on something.”
“Sure, get you ass over here so we can talk about it!”
“Right.” He stared blankly at his phone, hoping for an answer. He’s just another customer, he repeated, as he crossed the street, wiping his clammy hands on his jeans. He had an excuse for everything.
[end chapter two]
Tags:
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 03:09 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 03:14 (UTC)i love how you describe each scene. perfect for imagination. its like im watching them in real life.. ^^
no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 03:30 (UTC)Somehow I love that line. And I can't help but think that maybe that's true in real life. XD
Now I'm excited to read the next chapters! :)
no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 04:23 (UTC)i love how you depicted jun to be a gentleman here instead of the usual arrogant character!
i'm loving this! can't wait for the next! =3
no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 06:30 (UTC)I like the way you portrayed Jun's outer appearance - such a gentleman that can make your hear melt. Now I'm looking forward to your depiction of his personality.
BTW, Hiro in this fic is Mizushima Hiro, or is it just a co-incident? :P
no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 08:01 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 08:50 (UTC)i like your nino! (you got his character down so well! <3)
and jun! awww~
more please!
no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 12:14 (UTC)You're exploring the characters properly, without relying on the standard for fanfiction: The misconception that becuase you're writing about people who are 'known', character devlopment isn't needed. Whereas I've always enjoyed reading stories that focus on character exploration, and you deliver that in spades.
Thank you for writng and sharing this. I cannot wait for the next instalment.
no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 20:58 (UTC)now he doesn't have that ex's scent on his nose! YATTA!
i cant wait for the next fanfic x3
no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 23:13 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 5th, 2009 23:14 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 6th, 2009 05:20 (UTC)That's what he'll do when you try to wake him up in the morning KYAAAAA ♥ Then he'll pull you close and squish you IYANNNNN ♥
awww I wished there were more scenes between the two of them~!! stop teasing us, woman.
no subject
Date: September 8th, 2009 02:30 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:15 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:16 (UTC)Chapter three is posted if you are interested! ^^
no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:18 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:20 (UTC)Jun's a really laid-back character in this, at least as of yet. Hehe~
no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:22 (UTC)Aww, thank you! Jun's a mellow character (at least as of yet) and I'll get into his personality in later chapters. ;)
And yes, I did get the name from Mizushima Hiro! It's not him, though; the name is the only shared point.
no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:23 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:24 (UTC)Aww, I'm glad you enjoy the Nino I've portrayed in this fanfic. I love writing about him because he's so full of mysteries. <3
no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:27 (UTC)The point you make is interesting to me because it made me realize that all my fanfics have character development. Maybe I'll challenge myself to write one where I don't... but it's so much fun digging into their minds. XD
no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:28 (UTC)Hehe, yep, another scent has taken its place~
no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:29 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:31 (UTC)XD Oops. I think I tease you again in chapter three. Sorry! Oh, and this is a tardy reply. D: I need to catch up again.
no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:32 (UTC)Chapter three is up if you're interested~
no subject
Date: September 11th, 2009 23:56 (UTC)*runs off to read*
no subject
Date: September 25th, 2009 19:40 (UTC)no subject
Date: September 29th, 2009 00:41 (UTC)Oh, gawd, I totally have a thing for Matsupi! <33