ink_blot

Title: Gentleman's Love (1/?)
Author: akoikawtayo
Length: Chaptered
Genre: AU, Romance
Beta-ed: [ ]Yes [x]No
Paring: Matsumiya
Disclaimer: Product of my imagination.
Summary: He loves him most ardently.
Notes: Mr. Matsumoto's POV of His Arrogance and His Animosity, but can be read separately from the series.

Chapter 1: Encounters

It has been days since they have travelled. And to Jun's opinion, the road to Storm Town was one bumpy ride - if it weren't for the breath taking scenery, he would have start thinking twice the next instance that his closest friend Sakurai invites him. He was counting the hours before he finally alight from his personal carriage - still apprehensive in sharing one carriage with the Sakurais, his patience to Ms. Sakurai's advances was not to its perfect condition. And for him losing his temper to a lady, with no contestation, would only sever his honor.

The chauffeur announced that they'd be arriving soon - he was thankful, because he could no longer feel his legs for sitting the entire time. But seeing the road ahead, he'd had to endure more - soon they'd be entering the most uneven path that Jun had ever been to.

Not to lose his remaining patience, he tried enjoying the nature, as much as possible, from the window of his carriage. And he got more than he bargained for.

Jun didn't immediately recognize him; not because of lack of presence, but he blend so naturally with the surrounding that he didn't look amiss at all. Admittedly, he was not the handsomest man he had ever laid eyes on, but there something in him that stirred Jun inside. At first he dismissed such fascination, yet as the carriage turned at the corner and the sun illuminated the young man sitting on the ground with a book on his hand - highlighting the soft feature of his face, Jun felt trouble of being attracted. Too attracted.

---

Jun was about to removed his coat when someone knocked on his door. He sighed deeply, disappointed that he thought he'd be able to rest even just awhile upon arriving. Apparently, his presence was needed at the guest room - a local business man from the village wanted to pay respect to the new occupants of the manor. News sure travel fast, in small places like Storm.

With so much resentment, he walked down the wooden stairs.

He softly knocked on the door before entering. Sakurai, one of his closest friends and the reason why he was he's stuck in the small town, was already having a good-natured conversation with a man. Both gentlemen stopped their friendly conversation to welcome his arrival; Sakurai introduced him to the gentleman by the name of Mr. Ninomiya, maybe in his late fifties, who shook his hand. With the feel of the gentleman's hand, he seemed to be adept with farming or any business that involved in tilling the land. And to Jun, that was very admirable, only if Mr. Ninomiya would have waited at least two hours like any civil person would do after they arrived before he paid his respect, he’d admire him more.

As the conversation among the three gentlemen, in-between teas and cups of coffee, ran from serious talk about business, to local stories of the village, to business and back. Both Sho and he had so much experienced with these kind of social talk, that none of them felt like obliging the guest to leave early. But as the conversation took off more about family, Jun had already understood the real reason for the gentleman's visit - having five children; four ladies and one son – all unmarried, was definitely a burden. And he wouldn't blame the Old Ninomiya for being so aggressive in getting Sakurai's good graces.

When Old Ninomiya left, Jun went straight to him room and instructed his personal butler not to disturbed him at all cost and that he will be skipping meals until late afternoon. He changed clothes and went straight to bed, keeping in mind that there’ll be more visitors to entertain later.

---

Sho was chatting, yet again, this time with a short and stout bearded man, who wears an overly sized suit to hide his protruding belly. Later, the stout-man was introduced to be the town’s mayor.

This town is definitely full of different sorts, Jun thought.

The civil visit from the mayor ended with an invitation to attend a welcome ball for the new owner of the Valour Mansion the coming fourth of the month – three days from now, which in turn required Jun to attend the said gathering without an option to decline.

I hate this town already, clenching his fist on the side to try to hide his discontent.

Both him and Sakurai bid their farewell to the Mayor after a four course meal, which Miss Sakurai used to hint the Mayor of her discontent of sharing a meal with an acquaintance upon arrival, but the other didn’t seem to take the hint – and Jun entertain himself in their expense.

---

Two days before the said welcome ball, the Sakurais and Jun rode the carriage to the town proper to check for formal wear. Though Jun really wanted to pass in doing so, he too is much in need of another pair of morning and evening clothes – most especially an evening suit.

The ride to the town proper took at least two hours in carriage, and much less in horseback. Jun would have preferred the later but because they were with a lady that is out of the option.

Upon arrival, Miss Sakurai started critizing how outdated the fashion in Storm.

“Have you seen the lace they were using on their new dress? It was like five seasons ago”. She spoke intending to be heard by the shop owner, who kept her smile despite the lingering embarrassment.

“I think it looks lovely, and I’m sure whoever wore it would definitely look wonderful”. Jun countered, which gained a smile from the owner.

They left the store with Miss Sakurai purchasing the dress awhile ago; though without mentioning that she’s only buying them because of lack of option and nothing more. But Jun knew better, it was the best dress and despite the ladies criticism she knew it as well.

After hours of shopping, Miss Sakurai finally done with her shopping, to Jun’s relief, and requested that they head home.

The carriage started pulling when Jun saw the same man he had seen the day they arrived. He is as beautiful the first he had laid his eyes on him, even more with how fragile looking he was despite being a man. And as the carriage moved, there was a lingering hope that he’ll have a chance to meet him personally.

The welcome ball suddenly became interesting.