pinky promises {@geminiperfection}
There were a lot of things that Otoya had lost in this city; his parents, his home, his friends and a flurry of adults who had fostered him and then sent him back when they thought that things were getting too dangerous for a child. It was idiotic but a lot of the time the adults believed that the orphanage was safer for children than the private family homes — Technically true, but shattered dreams and broken families weren’t a safe thing for children either. Otoya had vowed the day he had reached an age where he was too old to be adopted to never leave the children alone, to be their sense of family so they wouldn’t pine and miss what they might not ever get; a home was what you make it, even if the family and furniture was mismatched, second hand and worn down. Today he’d taken some money out of the budget with Hayato and taken the elder kids to the carnival, leaving the toddlers and babies back at the orphanage with the other helpers so that the kids could see what a safe, fun atmosphere was like.
They had a little money each to spend on rides and games, Otoya had the money for their sugary, junk food dinners in his pocket. The one thing he had begged of his boyfriend when they’d discussed Otoya taken the children out on one of Tokiya’s secret visits to Otoya and Hayato’s apartment was that Tokiya come too — he’d even employed the puppy dog eyes and woeful voice that he knew the dark haired man couldn’t resist.
After that he’d made him pinky swear that he would come.
Which was why Otoya was stood beside him, his hand firmly held in Tokiya’s hidden against the folds of their jackets so prying eyes wouldn’t see while they watched the children have a go at the ring toss booth. “…Thanks for coming along, Tokiya..” His voice was gentle, full of affectionate feelings as red eyes glanced over to the elder male, his fingers squeezing his hand a little to reaffirm his words. “I’m really happy.” How could he not be?
He didn’t have a house or a mortgage, he didn’t have a mother or a father but what he did have was a best friend, a bunch of children to love and be his brothers, sisters and children. And a perfectly amazing lover.
There was not a thing that could have convinced him to renegue on a promise that he made to the kind hearted red head that was clinging so hard to his hand. His own fingers returned the hold tightly as he shifted closer, pressing his shoulder against his lovers. They had known each other a long while. Since they had been in school together. One thing had led to another over the years and here they were. Together. He loved him. Otoya was one of those people that made the world a better place. That... could restore the belief in the broken that there were actually good things about the world. His smile was warmer than the sun. Absently he leant down to press his lips to the redheads temple. Yes. It was careless. No he probably shouldn't have... but they did not get to spend enough time together as it was. He did not wish to forgo a chance to be a little affectionate with the love of his life. Besides... the carnival was safe. There had been a great deal of violence recently and honestly both sides were still licking their wounds. If there was ever a time for it to be worth taking a risk, this was it. And he loved him. He wanted to make sure Otoya knew that. "You do not need to thank me." He stated quietly. "You asked me to be here. I told you I would be. So here I am. It is really just as simple as that." His fingers squeezed more tightly around the slim hand he was holding. "I am... really glad you are happy though." He wished he could always be happy. That there was nothing in the world that could make him sad. But sadly such wishes were less than pipe dreams. He did what he could, but with their city the way it was, and little hope for change of any kind on the horizon, it was best not to think too longingly on what you could not have. It only lowered the mood and depressed the spirits after all.
"Where do you want to go after this?" He asked quietly. "Should we get them some food..? Or do you think they would like to see the goldfish? However... perhaps not. I am not sure how many pet fish you really need to be taking care of." A very soft smile touched his lips as he looked down at his lover. Just seeing him warmed his hart. He was perfect. Absolutely perfect. And Tokiya found himself swearing for what had to be close to the thousandth time that he would protect him no matter what it took.
