Hotel Rooms

In their defense, they did try to leave for some sightseeing in the morning.

Keigo was fresh after a shower and stood in front of the closet to pick out an outfit. He had fully intended to take Kaoru to brunch and the usual tourist spots.

Until he saw Kaoru emerged from underneath the covers.

"I'll be quick!" Kaoru had announced cheerfully.

The marks on Kaoru's body stirred his. The sight of the mess on the bed sheets brought forth memories of what they were up to the night before. The knowledge that his lover was going to wash away all evidence of their passion was surprisingly erotic.

Then Kaoru's dark eyes flickered to meet his and trailed downwards across his chest. Embarrassment and appreciation filled his gaze.

Kaoru actually dashed to the bathroom.

Keigo followed suit.

The day was bright and early, after all.

Eventually, they made it out of the hotel mid-afternoon. Keigo considered it an achievement.

Given the timing and good weather, they chose to just meander through the sky-scraping towers, narrow streets and crammed shops which were the hallmarks of this city.

"Have you been here before?" Kaoru asked as they checked out a restored colonial building, which now housed an arts center, restaurants and various independent stores.

"No, I don't usually explore beyond the meeting rooms and entertainment spots," Keigo replied. "But I thought that you might like this."

"Thank you for taking me here." Kaoru gave him a lovely smile before exclaiming, "This is our first vacation, Keigo! Let's take a picture."

In Keigo's books, this was not good enough to serve as a proper vacation for Kaoru but he didn't want to dampen the excitement.

He just stood beside Kaoru and smiled as they took a selfie.

Kaoru checked his phone and murmured almost wistfully, "Ah…it's nice."

Keigo peered over his shoulders. It was indeed a good shot. He was rarely concerned about the quality of photos simply because he knew that he was photogenic.

But this was different. It wasn't just about looking good.

Their faces were close. They looked like a couple. They were happy.

"It is," he agreed fondly.

Kaoru smiled to himself, as if secretly pleased, and kept his phone in his pocket.

"Is there anywhere else you'd like to see?" he asked Keigo.

"I should be asking you." Keigo was amused.

"Oh, I thought that since you don't usually get to explore…" Kaoru explained.

"Kaoru, if it were up to me, the only view that you'd see of this city is from the window of our hotel room," Keigo told him meaningfully.

Kaoru struggled to keep the color out of his cheeks, which was adorable.

"It's a good view," Kaoru said unconvincingly. "I think."

Keigo contemplated cancelling dinner reservations and hailing a cab. Then he held himself in check.

"We'll take a proper look tonight after dinner," he suggested with a smirk. "I've made reservations. The place is not far from here."

Kaoru shook his head, torn between mirth and exasperation. "You.."

Keigo looked at him innocently. After a second, they laughed.

xxxxxxx

"I didn't buy souvenirs!" Kaoru remembered as they entered the room.

"We can get them at the airport tomorrow," Keigo replied. "For your friends?"

"Yes. My colleagues too," Kaoru said. "I'll just get some snacks."

"Having so much fun that you forgot?" Keigo teased.

Kaoru poked his rib but he admitted, "You know that I am."

"Good." Keigo ruffled his hair affectionately.

"Do you want to shower first?" Kaoru asked.

"How about a bath?" Keigo pulled him closer.

"You mean…together?" Kaoru squeaked.

"What else?" Keigo mused.

"B-but..showers..this morning," Kaoru protested.

"Yes, but that was not a bath," Keigo countered mischievously. "Entirely different."

Kaoru couldn't help but laughed. "Keigo!"

"It will be even more fun," Keigo promised. "I assure you."

He didn't doubt Keigo's words. They were going to lean in for a kiss (and more) before the window caught their eyes.

The curtains were drawn, probably by housekeeping who had tidied up the room immaculately.

"Shall we?"

Kaoru nodded and Keigo took his hand to lead them to the window.

The large panels provided a stunning view of skyscrapers, the harbor and a cacophony of lights.

Keigo hugged Kaoru from behind as they took in the scenery.

A sense of déjà vu struck them as they stood there. The countless hotels they had been to. The hours spent in each one. Their first time as strangers.

Without words, they suddenly realized that this was also the first time they were in a hotel room together since then. After everything which had passed between them.

"It is amazing," Kaoru whispered, tracing his fingertips on the glass.

The skyline seemed to blur into the background and they saw in focus something which was infinitely more important - the reflection of the two of them staring back.

"I promised you that we would go to the springs," Keigo murmured. "Let's plan one when we get home."

Kaoru nodded and smiled at the memory. He had been so sure that he would never see Keigo again. He tried so hard back then to memorize every moment of what he believed would be the last time. He remembered Keigo kissing him while he was still half asleep as he was leaving to catch a flight.

"I never thought that we would..." he began with a faltering breath. Then he simply confessed, "I'm so happy."

Keigo kissed his temple. "Me too."