The Odd Couple

Epilogue

Umeda leaned against the wall outside his clinic door waiting for a certain blond haired student to wander past on the way to class. He knew Nakatsu would, because he took the same route to his second period class every day. He knew a lot of the students schedules just by watching them walk by through the window in his door. He supposed that went to show how invariably bored he got during this job when there was no student in his clinic. Today, though, he had something important he needed to discuss with Nakatsu. It was about Nakatsu and his boyfriend getting caught. They needed somewhere safer to go. He had finally come up with an idea. It was a pretty good one he thought. Finally after about five minutes of waiting, Nakatsu came around the corner.

"Hey, Nakatasu-kun," Umeda greeted the boy.

The soccer player looked up in surprise. "Hey, Umeda-sensei."

"Come in here a minute," Umeda pointed at his clinic door.

Nakatsu hesitated for a moment.

"You're not in trouble. I just have something I want to discuss with you," the doctor told him. He opened the door and walked in, waiting for the blond to follow. He shut the door when Nakatsu walked past him to take a seat in front of his desk. "You and Kagurazaka have been a little reckless about this relationship you both have."

"If you're talking about us using the locker room-."

"That's exactly what I was referring too. I didn't realize how much of a problem it was until I came across Sano having to guard the area for you."

"I didn't even realize he was doing that!"

"Another point proving that you two weren't paying enough attention to caution."

Nakatsu sighed irritably. "What are we supposed to do? We can't afford to keep going to love hotels. We are only students after all. He also lives at home. His parents run a shrine. I don't think they'd appreciate us coming over just for that reason."

"Exactly. So I've come up with a solution."

"What's that?" Nakatsu asked suspiciously.

Umeda grinned. "Relax. You make it seem like I'm gonna ask you for your kidneys or something."

"It wouldn't surprise me."

The doctor chuckled. "Well, anyways, I could use some extra help in my clinic as far as keeping this place organized and clean. It's the annual inventory for the entire school. So I have to go through all of my supplies, paperwork, and such to give them an accurate count of everything I have as well as everything I use during the course of the year. While starting this I also realized this place needs to be completely re-organized. This is all a little overwhelming when I'm also trying to take care of patients."

"Where are you going with this?"

"You have a free period after lunch, correct?"

"Yeah."

"If you help me inventory and organize my clinic I will make a deal with you," Umeda said simply. He opened a desk drawer and pulled out a key. He slid it across the desk. "This key opens the door to the school and the clinic. You're welcome to use this place for your rendezvous as long as you clean up afterwards."

Nakatsu stared at him in shock. "But what if I get caught coming in or out?"

"I'll let the rest of the staff know you're helping me and that I trust you entirely not to steal anything. You'll have an excuse to be here even if I'm not," Umeda replied calmly.

"You'd do that for me?" the blond was flabbergasted.

"I like to look after my own." Umeda answered quite seriously. "You're going to have to be very careful though. If you get caught with Kagurazaka, I will not stick up for you. This is a private agreement between you and me, but I will not let it ruin my job. Understood?"

Nakatsu was silent for a moment after he considered all of this. He was really amazed the doctor was willing to go through this much trouble just to look after him. He was flattered and happy to know that Umeda seemed to trust him this much. He was putting himself at risk for Nakatsu's sake. The blond couldn't say no. Helping Umeda out in the clinic didn't seem so bad in exchange for getting a bed to fuck on instead of rubber mats. He glanced around. Plus, he could lock the door; there was a curtain to hide the bed from the door window, and even a private bathroom in here. He'd be stupid to turn down a deal this good.

"Understood." He said, putting out his hand to shake on it.

"Good. It'll be fun working with you," Umeda grinned toothily.

Nakatsu rolled his eyes before standing up. He walked towards the door and paused with his hand on the door knob. "Hey…thanks, Umeda-sensei."

"You're welcome. Just be careful like I said and guard that key," Umeda replied sincerely. "Now get to class before you're late."

/

Two months went by fast for Nakatsu. There was a lot of time spent helping Umeda. He actually didn't mind helping the doctor catalog and organize everything in his entire clinic. In fact, he and Umeda came to be good friends. There was a lot of time spent at Umeda's clinic with Zak after hours too. It turned out it was harder to sneak into the school to fuck then it was to pass the entrance exam for K University. Nakatsu, Sano, and Zak had all passed with flying colors. Of course, their athletic records did most of the speaking for them. All of them got in with some kind of scholarship. The time just seemed to slip by towards graduation after the pressure of the exams was out of the way. The hardest part after that was trying to convince Sano to agree to share an apartment with Nakatsu and Zak. That had been a matter Nakatsu had been forced to approach delicately—which he sucked at.

Sano had known something was up soon as he opened his dorm room door to see Nakatsu sitting at his desk waiting. He'd watched the blond like he was a snake in the grass about to strike. He set down his bag slowly before moving to sit on the edge of his bed. Nakatsu shifted uncomfortably when Sano continued to stare at him.

"Spit it out, Nakatsu."

Nakatsu rubbed the back of his head and gave a sheepish laugh. "Well, I heard you got into K University-."

"You were there when we both got our acceptance letters," Sano gave him a bland look.

"Right," Nakatsu twiddled his fingers. "Well, I thought it'd be a great idea if you and I maybe rented an apartment together. I already checked around and it'd be cheaper to do that then pay to live in the dorms at school."

"That's a good idea…"

"Right!" Nakatsu jumped in. "We could split the cost for rent and food! Find somewhere close to the college-."

"There's a catch, isn't there?" Sano broke in.

Nakatsu froze up—surprised and caught off guard by the interruption. It had de-railed his train of thought. He'd had a whole plan for what and how he was gonna say things. Now it had all flitted away in an instant.

Sano smirked knowingly.

"Ok, there's a catch," Nakatsu admitted.

Sano crossed his arms over his chest. "What is it?"

"It's about Zak."

"Zak?"

"Kagurazaka."

"You have a nickname for him?"

"Well, yeah since he calls me blondie. It's only fair, right?" Nakatsu asked.

"You two are weird. What about him?" Sano sighed.

Nakatsu quickly explained the situation as well as the whole plan. Sano listened patiently, keeping a blank expression until the very end.

"No way," Sano said immediately.

"But why?" Nakatsu asked with an expression like someone had stolen his candy.

"I am not gonna live in the same apartment with you two, knowing that in the next room over you guys are gonna be going at it. What if I want Mizuki to come over to visit? No way." Sano rejected frankly.

"Please, Sano! It'd look really suspicious if it was just us."

"You do realize he and I are rivals?"

"Yes, but you don't hate him, right?" Nakatsu pointed out.

Sano scowled. "No, but he's an arrogant prick to me."

"But not always!"

"Nakatsu, forget it."

"No! C'mon, think about it! This could work."

"And you really think we could afford a big enough place for the three of us?" Sano asked skeptically as he quirked an eyebrow up in disbelief.

"Sure if we had part time jobs and such."

Sano sighed and rubbed a hand down his face. "I don't want to hear you guys doing it."

"You won't! I thought of that!" Nakatsu pulled out a printed online Ad for an apartment only two blocks from the college. The two bedrooms were on opposite sides of the apartment with the living room between them. He'd figured the only way Sano would hear them was if they were really loud and they'd be careful.

Sano took the paper and read all the details. He looked up at Nakatsu in surprise. "You've put a lot of thought into this."

"Yeah well it might be the only way we can pass off living together." Nakatsu chewed his bottom lip for a second. "I really want this. It might the only time with him like this that I get. Please, Sano."

Sano looked at his friend's earnest expression and sighed heavily. "Dammit." He was a sucker for romance now that he had Mizuki. If could help make his friend happy then he should at least try. "Fine, but on a trial basis only for the first semester. If it doesn't work I'm outta there."

"Thank you!" Nakatsu crowed in triumph. He could have hugged the high jumper, but Sano probably would hurt him. "I'll call the landlord tomorrow and tell him we'll take the place!"

"Wait you already talked to the landlord?"

"Yeah. I wanted to make sure he'd rent to three guys."

"You conniving asshole! I changed my mind!" Sano jumped to his feet with a growl.

"To late! It's already been decided! No take backs! Those are the rules!" The blond shouted as he raced for the door.

Sano grabbed at him, but he was already out of reach. He didn't bother to chase after him. He had agreed after all. Shit, what had he gotten himself into?

/

Four years seemed to go by even faster than the last two months of high school. That graduation had come and gone in the blink of an eye. It seemed like only yesterday, they had all arrived at K University. The first few months of sharing an apartment together had been an interesting experience. There had been the awkward moments when Sano had caught them kissing and one were they had been half undressed on the sofa. They had come to agree that the living room was a safe zone. No sexual stuff- save kissing- was allowed in that area. The bedrooms were where that stuff took place—nowhere else. After that ground rule was established they all learned to get along fairly well, even Sano and Zak. Their rivalry became more of a friendly banter. It only spiked during competitions. The two were constantly in 1st and 2nd places of every meet. Neither one really surpassed the other in rank. They were almost perfectly even in skill now.

The first year of college had been rough. The classes had been challenging. The teachers were faster paced and strict. They'd made it through though. They made a lot of new friends. They learned the fun as well as value in study and drinking parties. All of them had found part time jobs to help pay for the apartment, food, and utilities. It was tough trying to fit in time for work and school. It was difficult for Zak and Nakatsu to find time to just be together, but they always found a way. Mizuki had come to visit twice in that year. She was in a technical school back in the States to learn how to be a dog trainer. The first year ended with a strong sense of accomplishment.

The second year began, and this time they were more confident they could handle it all. They all continued to live together. By the end of the second year of K University, Mizuki had graduated from her school. She had moved back to Japan and into the apartment with them. It was now an apartment of couples. They co-existed easily now. It wasn't awkward for Nakatsu to live in the same apartment as Mizuki. He still loved her, but as a friend. She knew that he was in love with Zak so there was no lingering tension between them.

Sano's brother, Shin, came to K University the start of their third year. He lived in the dorms on campus. He came to visit the apartment a lot though. As the third year began scouts for Japan's Olympic team came to the University. They had followed Zak and both Sanos' careers for quite some time. Nakatsu had also caught their attention in the way he'd played throughout his years in college. The University's soccer team had yet to be beaten since Nakatsu had joined it. Within a few months, the four athletes had been offered positions on the Olympic team. Of course, they all had accepted. The rest of the year flew by with intense training, traveling around (for Nakatsu) to meet his other team mates and practice with them), and still trying to pass all their classes.

Their senior year came before they had barely realized it. It was much the same as the year before—filled with practice, competitions, jobs, and school. It became like a creative art to Zak and Nakatsu to find time to be together. They didn't think about anything, but the now and the Olympics. Their minds stayed firmly away from the problems that would arise at the end of college. They'd put no thought into fixing the issue of Zak's engagement. They didn't want to think about it. College was their time. The last year was spent trying to enjoy life and their time together to the fullest. Every day seemed to slip by faster and faster. It was almost surreal. As the Olympics drew nearer, they seemed to become celebrities in the college almost overnight. They saw their faces in magazines, on TV, and newspaper. Reporters were hounding them for interviews. It seemed like the whole country knew who they were. It was hard to find any form of privacy, except in their apartment. The apartment became their sanctuary.

Graduation was upon them in no time at all it seemed. Nakatsu was amazed he'd managed to stay on top of his studies enough to graduate. He was actually graduating with a higher grade point average than he had in high school. That was even more shocking. He and Zak had earned Bachelor degrees in Athletic training so they could be coaches later in life. Sano had earned the same degree and well as an associate's Sports Management. Their graduation had been only days before. Now it was the night before they were going to leave for the Olympics. Zak and Nakatsu sat in the bleachers surrounding the athletic field for K University. It felt right to be there. It wasn't Osaka High, but it felt close enough to pass it off. Everything felt like it had begun on an athletic field.

"I can't believe tomorrow we get on a plane and fly to Athens* for the Olympics. It seems like a crazy dream. Did we really get this far already?" Nakatsu said, staring across the athletic field.

Zak smiled. "It does seem a little crazy."

"We're gonna win our medals and come home heroes." Nakatsu grinned broadly.

"You make it sound like we're warriors, not athletes."

"Well, aren't we? We are doing battle with the rest of the world."

"Ok, fine," Zak chuckled.

They were quiet for a long moment.

"When we come back we'll be seniors." Zak said, sorrow slipping into his voice.

"It seems incredible. Where did the time go? We've had so much fun it seems to have slipped away."

"Yeah, there's been a lot of competitions."

"Lots of study parties," Nakatsu smiled.

"Lots of drinking parties," Zak grinned.

"Lots of time spent with friends."

"And lots of time spent together."

"With tons of sex!"

"Yes, great sex," Zak commented.

They both laughed, bumping shoulders affectionately. They were quiet again for a long time until the sun sank behind the college. They saw Sano striding across the field, his messenger bag over his shoulder from his last class.

"I figured you guys would be here. We should go home. We need all the sleep we can get." Sano remarked soon as he was within hearing range.

The couple looked at each other and smiled.

"Yeah, we have medals to win in a few days." Zak said confidently.

"Yours will be silver," Sano shot back.

"That's what you think asshole." Zak sneered.

Nakatsu rolled his eyes. "I don't care what I come back with. I just want one around my neck when we come back to Japan. I ain't leaving without one!"

"Just don't steal it," Sano grinned.

"I don't steal! I'll win it honestly!" Nakatsu cried indignantly.

"Yeah yeah, Blondie. Quit running your mouth. Let's go home. I'm starving!" Zak grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the stands.

Nakatsu looped his arm over Sano's shoulders as they walked by him. "Good luck in the next few days, Sano."

"Same to you, Nakatsu. I hope you trip, Kagurazaka."

"Back at yah, Sano."

/

It was the deciding game between Japan and Argentina. It was the difference between Gold or Silver. Both teams were playing their hearts out, but it was Japan that was prevailing. It was thanks to their star player on the field, Nakatsu Shuichi. Every time he scored a goal, he turned to the stands to raise his fist in triumph to Kagurazaka Makato, Sano Izumi, and Ashiya Mizuki. All three were cheering him on louder than anyone else in the stands. There was no way he could lose with their support.

"We are back live from Athens, Greece." The male Japanese sports announcer for J sports station was saying on TV. "This has been one very long, intense battle between these two teams. It has been a struggle to get goals past the defense of both teams. Yet, Japan is still leading the game 3 to 2! Shuichi Nakatsu is just shining in this game. If there was ever any doubt about the kind of talent this young man has it is long gone!"

"He has certainly been playing extremely well today. He seems like he's putting his all into this game. The entire nation of Japan is rooting for him right now. Even the high jumpers Sano Izumi and Kagurazaka Makato are sitting in the stands to cheer on their friend. Just yesterday, these two athletes were battling each other for Gold and Silver in the high jump competition. There's not a hint of rivalry between them now as they support Nakatsu in his efforts to win." The female announcer replied enthusiastically.

"It's refreshing to see such close friends supporting each other. These three have been friends since high school. They all went to the same college—K University in Nagoya. They all share an apartment together there. Whenever there is an event for one of these young men you'll see the other two there to cheer on their friend. Sano, Nakatsu, and Kagurazaka are Japan's symbols of great sportsmanship and friendship." The man informed the TV audience who were watching with rapt attention.

"That's right. Japan has embraced this trio of athletes like family. We've all watched over the years as the Sano brothers and Kagurazaka have competed against each other in all high jumping events throughout Japan. They've been working hard to make it to this moment here at the summer Olympics. Nakatsu has been equally as aggressive in pursuing his goals to become the best soccer player in Japan. He is certainly well on his way to making that goal. All of Japan is excited to see him here on the soccer team to play in the Olympics." The woman agreed.

"It's sure to been an exciting show with these four young men taking part in these summer games. Sano Izumi won Gold yesterday in the high jumps, Kagurazaka Makato took Silver, and Shin Sano took Bronze. It was a clean sweep for the Japanese Olympic high jump team. The competition was fierce. These young men are showing the world what Japanese athletes are made of!"

The Japanese team went on to win a crushing victory over Argentina. The final score was 6-3. The last goal that won the game was kicked in by Nakatsu. In seconds, he was swamped by his team mates. They pounded him on the back, shouting in joy, as they celebrated their unbelievable victory. Nakatsu broke away from the back to run for the stands. Zak was already racing down the steps. He dodged the security guards who were keeping people off the field. He jumped the rail, landing easily onto the field below, and was rushing across the field in a matter of moments. The two collided with yells of excitement, nearly falling over in their overwhelming need to hug each other.

"We won!" Nakatsu shouted ecstatically as he threw his arms around his lover's neck and spun the taller man around.

Kagurazaka laughed and hugged the blond back. "Congratulations! I've never seen you play like that! You were amazing!"

"We did it! Zak, you and me! We did it!" Nakatsu gasped joyfully as tears began to form in the corners of his eyes. "We kept our promise even from back then. We made it to the Olympics together and won our medals!"

"Yeah, we did, Blondie," the high jumper grinned. He slapped the soccer player's back affectionately. "We'll celebrate our victories tonight!"

And they certainly did.

They went out drinking with the Sanos, but as soon as they parted company with them it was like a race to get back to the hotel room. They stumbled drunkenly down the hotel's hallways, kissing madly and laughing like lunatics until they reached Nakatsu's room. They didn't give a damn if anyone saw them, but no one did. Everyone else was out celebrating too. Kagurazaka barely waited until the door was shut before shoving Nakatsu against a wall and taking him right there. They were wild with triumph, love, excitement, and beer singing through their systems. Orgasms were like an explosion, fast and so incredibly intense it left them shaking for several minutes afterwards. They made it over to the bed and the spent the rest of the night destroying the sheets. It was all perfect. It felt surreal and to crazy to believe that it had all happened to them. In their efforts to make their victories truly real in their minds, they poured their overwhelmed feelings into each other.

The next morning, standing in front of what seemed like a thousand cameras with the Sanos, it all still seemed like a dream. Nakatsu hoped it would never end. He stood next to Kagurazaka, their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders (the most they could touch each other in front of the world and not be suspicious, because they just couldn't stop touching.), trying to answer questions as best they could while cameras flashed in their faces. He couldn't help but think this had to be their happy ending. This was all they'd ever wanted. They had worked so hard to get here to become winners. Here they stood with medals around their necks, smiling like loons at the cameras after years of training and being together. This had to be it. It was their sign that they could have everything they wanted. That had to include a life together and a happily ever after for them. Nakatsu believed that with all his heart, because to believe anything else was to give up. He'd never given up on anything. He'd never give up on Zak. He'd love him always. He looked over at the high jumper to see the same look in the other man's eyes. They were eyes filled with hope, love, and endless possibilities. They had no idea what the future held in a few months. Whatever it was they would make it through it. Nakatsu believed in happily ever after.

The End…

For Now.

/

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*Note: I actually researched the original date of the manga's release which was 1996. Athens was the closest Olympics I could figure them getting to by adding 3 years to 1996 for high school and then another 4 years for college. That was a helluva headache to try to work out.