Drabble-and-a-half Challenge: 016 Sink

016. Sink
Pair: Ohno/Sho
Prompt: 017 Sink


Fifteen years. Anyone would’ve thought the truth had sunk in by now.

“It’s just a nickname,” Satoshi says.

Fifteen years, still the same tireless punch line.

“I lead by not leading at all.”

Fifteen years and still the same old excuse.

People have always wondered why, though Sho himself has moved past that phase.

Why isn’t Sho Sakurai the leader? Why do they insist on keeping Satoshi Ohno at his post?

“Seriously, I wish you could relax a little, Matsujun!”

It’s those little things their old man does that people do not normally see—

“You’re not making any impression at all, Aiba-chan. You have got to work harder!”

It’s the way he cares with brunt honesty that stings and pats their backs in the same second—

“Nice save, Nino. Your timing is impeccable!”

It’s the way he just knows what the members need to hear, want to hear at any given moment—

“I love you, Sho-chan.”

And it’s how he never fails to send Sho’s heart fluttering with renewed affections at the end of each day...

“Thanks for taking care of things for me.”

“Anytime,” Sho says, giving in as his old man pulls him closer between the sheets.

Fifteen years...

People have not really stopped asking why, but Sho Sakurai could hardly be bothered.

As long as Satoshi Ohno is Leader of this merry crew, Arashi will stay afloat.

Fifteen more years and beyond.