An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Gureshin Week -- Day 5 -- Red (nsfw)
red is for red-light district
Guren's entranced by what lurks in the night
omegaverse prostitution au
He knocks, and it opens after a moment, creaking inwards to reveal a demure set of eyes and a wave of pheromones that has Guren sharply inhaling and stepping forward.
“Good evening,” he hears, in a soft tone that’s whisked away with a swish of a robe (scarlet, and hanging off the thin shoulders in front of him) as Shinya turns away from the door and out of reach.
This is late aaa!! Sorry, I was busy yesterday (jk I was just too tired) but here’s day three! I had a lot of fun writing this, so I hope you enjoy!
The jewellery store was large and airy, with a scent of expensive perfume draped through the air that Shinya breathed; just walking through it was like living in a rose garden. Diamonds and silver glittered beneath the stunning spotlights, and Shinya’s hair glowed alike to them. Guren, however, was like a man of darkness in a room full of stars, and his deeply furrowed eyebrows only furthered the likeness of such a metaphor. It had been Shinya’s idea to come here anyway, so he couldn’t expect his boyfriend to be in a totally stellar mood. With the sentiment, though, Shinya had hoped that he’d at least show some interest.
They had come to the store for bracelets, in basic terms; matching ones. Shinya had thought it was a nice idea at the time, and Guren had seemed enthusiastic — for him — so he was rather looking forward to their small expedition. But he couldn’t blame Guren for seeming sour; he’d had a taxing day at work, with his boss Kureto demanding the unreasonable and nothing less. It was a shame that that had affected their time together, but it couldn’t be helped.
“This one’s nice,” Shinya commented politely as he passed a band-like bracelet with a basic design, earning a nod and a tight smile from the shop assistant closest to him. He walked on, pressing his finger just close enough to the glass that the assistant’s knuckles turned white around her clasped hands, in the wishes that it would amuse Guren. Despite his attempts, Guren still seemed preoccupied, glancing around like he was waiting to leave. It was rare for him to pay so little attention, but it still hurt when Shinya was unable to so much as make eye contact. Shinya reached back for Guren’s hand, pulling him along behind him as he uttered a ‘wow’ or ‘pretty’ every one or two minutes. Sometimes, Guren would come out of his haze to nod in appreciation, but he mostly just gave a blank stare.
“Oh,” Guren said, so quietly that Shinya wouldn’t have heard it if it weren’t for their close proximity. Since it had been one of the few times Guren had said anything, Shinya turned immediately and looked at where his boyfriend was pointing. “I like these.” There were two bracelets, intertwined with each other like they were moulded just to fit together.
“Ah, yes,” the shop assistant swooped in, her porcelain complexion complementing her dark eyes. “That is the bracelet we released for Valentine’s Day, although we continued it due to its popularity, particularly among couples—” she glanced between the two of them “—and close friends.”
“I see that,” Guren spoke up. “It definitely poses as something unifying, so I can see why couples would like it.” He glanced at Shinya, and smiled smugly. “It would be perfect for us.” Guren shifted their joined hands to make them noticeable above the display case. The woman looked almost startled for a split second, but she recovered quickly.
“My apologies, I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable by saying the wrong thing.” It was strange to see a person so reserved become even slightly flustered, but Shinya laughed lightly nonetheless.
“No worries,” he waved her off, and Guren seemed to accept the apology as well.
“Anyway, it’s certainly a popular one for those who want a sentimental gift to share with their partner,” the assistant continued swiftly, gesturing to the bracelets. “Would you like to try them on before making any decisions?”
Shinya gave her a bright smile. “That would be lovely, thank you,” he accepted, and moved so that she could access the lock on the display case. She took out a key and unlocked it with skill, taking out the bracelets and untangling them from each other before setting them out on her palm. “They shine even more out of the case,” Shinya breathed, leaning in to inspect the jewellery closer. Behind him, Guren’s spirits appeared to be lifting more by the minute, and Shinya was grateful.
After showcasing another of her reserved smiles, the assistant unclipped the bracelets and redid them around the couple’s wrists. Shinya held up his hand to admire the way the bracelet shone in the bright lights, and he knew he had made his decision. One look over to Guren assured him that they were at the same conclusion.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Summary: Its soft and as warm as him, the faint scent morhps his thoughts into something. Maybe like seabreeze in mild warm weather and desire for a never ending summer.
Rate: T+
Warning: Implied/referenced abuse
Last time he checked time was 9 pm. That day, Guren stood up all night playing games and even had dark circles under eyes. Here they would meet, but Mahiru was not coming as cold is seeping from his rapidly. He moves closer to the side of bus stop.
Bus is not coming (naturally but he is still unaware) by the time it is 10:25 pm. Anxiety sparks slightest bit inside his stomach and empties anything else, cold feeling not helping in this weather and it is only worsening. He leans to the stop and rests his eyes.
He doesn't know when someone shakes him, at least attempts and it is too warm to his freezing body. Cold must have numbed his senses alongside mind. Stranger pulls their hand away and wraps something extraordinarily warm around him. Guren lets out a muffled sentence and neither of them can make it out. Coming back to his senses and pulled away from whatever place his sleep deprived mentality dragged him into, raven opened his eyes to meet azure ones. Stranger had white long hair, for a guy maybe but Guren's could be considered so as well, and looked fluffy. Perhaps even soft if he could run his fingers in those strands but teenager immediately shooes the thought away. What the fuck, really. He has a girlfriend and more than one hundred percent certain he is straight, hell he is as straight as a ruler. As even the scarf is enough to encourage his heart to pump blood faster than earlier in the speed it actually should have past moments thoughts and rationality fully registers back to his brain. He tugs the scarf in an attempt to remove it but other guy stops him.
"Put it on."
"Who the sincerely fuck are you? Excuse me?"
Normally no way Guren would greet someone in such fashion but they had the same uniform, he was sure and certainly two were peers. Freeing his hands from the pale ones he snorts, grumpily but other boy smiles and Guren swears there is something with that smile. Is this cheesy or what but that moment clouds no longer hide away the fullmoon and suddenly it is illuminated. The dim light street lamps provided seemed like not enough alone. Silver light formed a bright halo above latter's head and added contrast to said blue eyes. His porcelain skin almost flawless that very moment and Guren stops the train of thoughts because no, he is about to get cringey and shame himself back and forth. Well, second part he will do anyway for his stupidity. White haired guy skimmed him up from head to toe and his smile turned into a goofy grin "Same school uniform, don't be so wary of a stranger who has the same uniform. You are Guren-kun from class 1, first year right?" that moment Guren's mouth opened to say something but just like as if he was a kid words were shoved back in his mouth "Don't ask me where do I know it, everyone knows you. Dating Mahiru Hiragi is not a small happening afterall."
"..."
"But why are you here at this hour with...Um there? If you were waiting a bus its too late." He continues and rolling his eyes Guren says "Yeah yeah whatever, don't just ask me that."
Other giggles softly and pulls Guren up, immediately elbowing his side playfull "Also call me Shinya, just Shinya."
Shinya insists on walking Guren home and after they part ways Guren forgets his scarf with him. Though Shinya won't complain, he is going to take the usual route when going back home but the thing was their homes were like two opposite directions. With a small smile after Guren turns on his room's light (Shinya guesses) he moves from the wall he was watching other's home and walks his own way. It was almost 01:00 am, barely 15 minutes left. Basically it is a rush home. Shinya tries his best to be careful when the opens the door and takes shoes off, then tiptoeing to his own room. On his way he glances at Mahiru's bag and by her door he stops. Those gifts he saw in Guren's hands were for Mahiru were not they? The foul feeling of jealousy almost consumes him, no he should not. But when he snaps back to his senses he already had the zipper in his grasp, immediately pulling away as if nothing just happened. He thinks, instead of doing something bad checking her stuff should not be that bad. So kneeling down besides the bag he opens the zipper and looks for her personal stuff. He finds a few cute photos of her and Guren, accompanied by Shinoa rarely. When he is back up at feet again, Shinya is careless there and hit the coffee table behind, dropping the fragile vase down. In midst of the silence there was no way at least someone did not hear the sound. Panic enveloped him as he tried to close the bag but then door creaks, her seven year old baby sister is there and staring at him in confusion. Shinoa's lips part "What are you doing, Shin-nii?"
Bringing his forefinger to own lips, Shinya signals her to shush and smiles "I was going to borrow Mahiru's homework Shinoa-chan, you should go back to bed it is getting late."
Amber eyes move on to look at the broken vase, scattered across the floor. Water had wet the fine wood, puddle forming and flowers he bought Mahiru upon her return from holiday are laying there. she shrugs it off. She does not question Shinya much, because if he said he was going to borrow Mahiru's homework then he would do so. Thus with a nod she goes back to her room and tucks herself under blankets. White haired teen exhales a breath he did not know he had been keeping in and relieves. Now he really has to take Mahiru's homework... He takes the mathematics one, he has an essay to write about math due in two weeks and he can pretend to be starting that night. With one last glance to the flowers, Shinya takes one of them up, a yellow rose.
The holiday Mahiru came back from was a fine spent one with Guren. Girl went on and on about how amazing it was and never got quiet. No, Shinya did not despite her or hate her. He was simply green with envy towards her. Because for as long as he remembered she was in love with him, a puppy love evolving into one out of Shakespeare's plays. This person he knew everything about had sparked some curiosity sometime in the past and when he first laid his eyes on the Ichinose, Shinya was breathless. His muscular build, messy and wavy hair and those eyes. He had no idea purple eyes existed. After a bit of a search and privileges of being a Hiragi he had enough of an info about Guren.
He had given a yellow rose because Shinya always had a thing for deep meanings, that way he could deliver the emotions he could not speak or had the luxury to show freely with them.
He takes Mahiru's notebook to his own room before cleaning the vase, he will have to make an explanation for that and probably be asked about why he was past his curfew.
Oh shit.
He was past his curfew. Faint panic that sparked just earlier transformed into a great one as he gulped and kept his hands quick, wincing almost loudly when the sharp piece cut his finger. With a quick suck he disposes of the now useless vase and runs to his room. There are footsteps getting closer to his room when Shinya messily managed to get under blankets and pretend sleep.
It is in the morning when they are having breakfast and there is silence. Tenri's eyes looking over at Shinya from time to time and his older brother has a questioning, no a gaze that clearly demanded answers. As if their intense gaze was not enough and disappearance of a meaningful vase for Tenri (Yes he had such object, gifted by his lover and not the woman he was forced to marry) now one of two was certain Shinya had passed the curfew.
After breakfast without uttering a word he gives Mahiru her notes back and heads to the door when Kureto grabs his wrist thight enough for him to hiss. He has to make an explanation first it seemed. Actually, Kureto often fixed Shinya's mistakes and faults considering the rule of Hiragi household, as a charity reward he had to be extra careful afterall.
At school when walking to his class Shinya hears faint noises of an argument and peers in to where it is coming from. Just as he does that, someone collides with him hard enough that both are sent flying on their bossoms. Squeaking Shinya raises his head to look at Class 1 and person he collided with, Guren. Still on the floor, raven curses and swears at him. When their looks meet, there is a moment of silence. White haired teen leans forward with an apology and begins gathering his stuff. So does Guren, rather the now broken snow-globe. Their hands brush each other's.
"You could have informed me Mahiru!" Guren's voice is almost loud, tone sharp and would force answers out of anyone with that glare. But not Mahiru who was sitting on her desk with all her calm looks, full of dignity. Skin almost transparent under sun rays her eyes look up to meet his, dull "I could have yes, Guren."
"Then?"
"I don't know, I feel like there is no chemistry between us anymore."
"You could have told me that too?"
"Rather I want to focuse on my classes"
A lovers' quarrel or argument, whatever it is was bound to be based upon slightest of problems even. And this time, Guren who almost froze to death because he was abandoned was upset towards his girlfriend. She parts those rosy plush lips and utters these words I want to request a break until exam week is over. Thus Guren grabbed the gift he had bought, saying it would distract her studies. Childish as an act, maybe. He stormed towards the door and suddenly floor swapped with ceiling, world's orbit turning opposite and globe flies off, smell of the liquid inside visibly thickening his surroundings, he was soaked with it "Fucking hell which moron stands in the door way-?!" He hears an apology as other leans forward and Guren recognizes him, Shinya. He is gathering up his stuff and so does Guren by picking up the broken globe sharts. When their hands brush against each other, sleeves of Shinya's sweater fail to hide his wrists.
Something comes to him and he grabs his wrists upon....worry? Curiosity? He decides on latter and his anger must have led his grip to be thight and strong than is should be, Shinya squirms with a whine just as he pulls sleeves up, revealing bruises on porcelain skin. Boy immediately pulls away, there is band aid on his fingers too. He ignores them and focuses on bruises formed clearly by brute force. Without a second thought words come out "What happened?"
"What what happened?"
"Your wrist..?"
"Ahahah our second time meeting and Gu-kun already worried about me." He let out a soft laugh and showed his finger tips "See, there are cuts. After last night I slipped since floor was wet and bruised myself."
Guren lets it go this time and stands up, lending a hand for Shinya to too. He was about to thank but Mahiru rushed outside the class and grabbed Guren's shoulder, about to pull him back inside if only she had not seen Shinya there. "Ah..." she gasped and smiled "Shinya, what are you doing?"
Gears of time surely stopped right then. But not showing any odd feelings he was feeling, Shinya smiles back "Nothing sister, I happened to collide with your boyfriend."
Guren seemed confused, naturally, and looked between two clearly awaiting for answers. Shinya had not told him his surname sure, but many times he visited Hiragi residence there was no single time he saw the white haired boy or anything involving his existence.
He moves away from Mahiru and nods, voice calm but eyes still showing off his fury "Yeah, he walked me home last night after I almost froze to death." He continued "Shinya, I forgot to give your scarf back. If you don't mind can you come over my home to get it."
Mahiru clenched her fist and her lovely smile remained.
"I will inform niisan, then."
After school golden butterflies flutter inside Shinya's stomach. For how long has he been waiting for this? Was he encouraging someone to cheat on their significant other? No, at least there was a chance of them being friends, maybe best ones at that. His phone buzzes and Goshi alongside Mito cheers for him. With a carefree smile and faintest of blushes he puts his phone back in his bag and proceeds to wait for Guren.
It is not long before Guren arrives, looking grumpy as always but never failing to make Shinya forget how to breathe.
"Ready?"
He nods.
Slipping out of their coats and shoes Guren mentions he is home alone most of the time. Shinya knows, he has no mother and his father is a busy man. So Guren spends most of his time with his neighbor's son Yuu. Shinya had observed well in the end. Would Guren think of him as a creep, he pondered. For a moment Guren disappeared from his sight and came back with two cans of coke.
"Here, this is best I can offer. I will go get your scarf then you can get your scarf ba-"
"Nah." Shinya immediately rejects "Keep it as my way of thanking. Besides, can you help me, there is an essay I have to write that is due in two weeks." Not judging or anything other gave a shrug.
When they start raven complains a lot about asking help from math. While Guren explains the logic behind formulas. But all Shinya can focus is his expressions, faint smell of perfume and heat radiating from the boy. Perhaps he had stared too long when Guren snaps his fingers and calls for his attention. Shinya gives an apologetic smile. After that, they play some video games and Guren asks why he never saw him.
"I always saw you, but I prefer spending my freetime outside."
That must have been it, Guren concludes. It is like that for a few weeks, perhaps next two months. Shinya feels like they are bonding over time and he becomes lovestruck, filled with childish hope. He knows Guren's eating habit is not of the best so time to time he brought bento boxes for him, lots of cat and tiger figures.
There is one time they decide to take longer route, Shinya turns towards the raven "Hey, what does Guren mean?"
"Red...Crimson something I think."
Shinya takes a pause for a moment Crimson lotus, then?"
A nod.
"That is a flower." He smiles bright "Did you know red lotus is related to the heart, and is associated with that of love and compassion"
Guren learns that day, Shinya is interested in flower symbolism and likes flowers in general. Neither of them realize the time when they part ways.
It is past Shinya's curfew.
Shinya is absent the following way but Guren does not realize until he texts Guren.
From: xxxxxxxxx
Sorry Gu-kun! im feelin' unwell! ;;ω;;
If it had not been the way unknown number addressed him he could even forget Shinya's existence for the day. Thought twists his stomach sickly but disappears the moment Goshi calls him over.
Cradled under blankets, white hair peeks out while he is preoccupied with his phone. Maybe the device can help distract him from the pain all over his body. His ribs and torso in general hurt the most. He is beginning to think, but then concludes abuse does not really need a reason. Shinya was convinced Tenri was not mentally best (He wants to see him a psychopath) and Seishiro is jealous that he seeks excuses to beat him up. He is learnt to live with it but no matter how often ir was the sensations never lessen. Mind wise, he would remain strong. He won't break, he is not....Will he?
A buzzling sound from his phone causes thoughts to disappear. Guren says he wants to visit.
To: Guren
No no, dun bothrr ill be at schokl tomorow and mrtt up w/ u
He types so fast, suddenly nervous abiut Guren coming over and seeing him. His family would not let him live this time. Rather he will meet up himself instead, at school. He ignores the typos and waits a response, then checks his phone. Probably he is at class, he thinks. Straightening Shinya decides on its time he applies ointment on bruises. There is a cut on his lip and bruise on cheekbone. Mahiru will let him borrow her foundation and concealers. So he will look healthy enough. One small part of him wants to show Guren his state and have help provided but nor does he want to look like a pathetic fool. Just a few years until he is an adult. His muscles twitch and shiver when he tries to move, unbearable ache wrecks his whole frame while he is trying to lean for the ointment.
His mind is calling for Guren, feelings are unbearable and he does not like the clench they are giving to his heart. Intensity and hopeless love devours him and first tear of frustration rolls down with a choked sob. Immediately wiping his eyes he banishes rest of threatening tears away and opens the cap, balm cold against his skin and manages to make him wince without a single hint of fail. The fury and rage only makes him want to cry it all out, his wrists are painful to move.
Next day after an agonizing battle of space and time Shinya manages to change to his school uniform and walks outside earlier than usual, it is a pain. Making it to the closest flowershop on school's route, he wants to prepare a bouquet for Guren, tomorrow. It is mainly acacia and chrysanthemum. A beautiful combination of yellow petals and a ribbon to keep them together.
Guren isn't there yet when he peeks in his class and moves to place the bouquet on his desk when there aren't anyone around. His slight limping form goes back to class and waits the outcome. It is after school Guren can finally see him, walking to school. For some reason, it is because Shinya didn't want to show himself to the raven. Perhaps he was not looking ahead that he hits rough material of Guren's jacket. He rubs his nose and looks up, at the raven. Both their expressions were one of a taken aback person's. Now, life was disgusting in most cases, rarely showing its beauty and Shinya had never experienced such luxury yet, honestly. "Flowers..." Guren says "And their meanings, so you really had a crush on me?"
As far as Shinya was concerned Guren was not into flower symbolism and meanings. That must have been that he knew Shinya was and looked up. Alarm signals appeared in his mind and Shinya steps aside. With his trademark cheesy grin Shinya looks up at Guren "Nah nah, what do you mean Gu-kun? Especially by really?"
"You know it was obvious at times but I shrugged it off."
"..."
"I won't judge you for your preferences but I-"
"You are with Mahiru, I know." Shinya's smile morphs into a sad one, mischief losing its glint in his azures and he looks away "But it is alright. I can only express my feelings like this then no one will judge." Just as he made an attempt to walk away there is a pull to his arm and Shinya's bruise hurts, with a wince he pulls away and rubs the area Guren grabbed. "Nobody will judge you for expressing yourself Shinya, but you are not going away since when you feel this way."
"Long enough. I pretty much knew everything about you, where you lived with who, where you spend your times. Your favorite food is curry. You do not seem like but you like cats and don't do well with papaya flavored drinks. You love to play games and have a healthy good relationship with your family. With all honesty before this interest turned into a teensy highschool love or crush whatever, I was jealous of you and the life you led." His voice is wavering at the end, all coming out and he can't stop "But when I saw you in person I was mesmerized and when we met in person the night I gave you my scarf it had begun blooming."
"I am sorry I don't want to hurt your feelings, but..."
"I am used to it, do not bother."
"I broke up with Mahiru."
Words are heavy and feel like an anvil, suddenly, unexpected. Flow of time feels weird now because Shinya is a mess inside. He wants to be happy but can't because he is sad, afraid maybe if Guren ever accepts him treatment he receives at home will worsen. He locks his gaze with Guren and bites his lower lip "I don't want to hurt your feelings but I have slightest of interest in you. So if you want, I want to give it a chance." Shinya throws his arms around Guren that instant and pulls him to a kiss. It is inexperienced, awkward and shy. It is lasting a few seconds and Shinya pulls away with tint of pink on his cheeks. Guren places his hand on his cheek and pulls him to a kiss for a second time. This time Guren is leading it and Shinya can't deny the sweet pleasant thrill it gives. He sighs into raven's mouth just before they part.
Guren takes Shinya to beachside after school after their relationship is stable. It is windy and cold as winter was nearing. They are sitting on a bench and white haired boy is leaning on his shoulder and enjoying the company. Guren rests his hand on Shinya's waist. He raises his head and looks at him, he looks back. Sometimes Guren wonders, is going out with Mahiru's brother after their break up a wise idea. He shrugs it off and focuses on Shinya who opens his mouth and inhales air before speaking "When we can, take me away." Shinya mutters and reaches to plant a kiss to Guren's jaw and keeps up voicing his quiet wishes "To somewhere they can't get to us, harm us."
Guren takes his hand presses a kiss of promise to his white haired lover's knuckles as he continues "Just us, left to our own desires and love." Shinya buries his face to Guren's shoulder and he pulls away, Shinya looks at him puzzled. Unwrapping the fluffy scarf from his own neck, he wrapped it around Shinya. Its soft and as warm as him, the faint scent morphs his thoughts into something. Maybe like seabreeze in mild warm weather and desire for a never ending summer.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Gureshin Week -- Day 4 -- Flowers
A chance encounter at an anonymous flowershop
It’s barely late-afternoon, in the middle of a fortnight-long holiday, and he’s parked outside a tiny flowershop next to a stranger who may have just choked to death in his sleep, judging by the sounds coming from beside him.
