#aokira

I wonder if Aoi’s still awake… Akira quietly walked towards Aoi’s office, the lights dim yet still on. He frowned a bit, knowing that Aoi had important things to do, yet he still needed his sleep. I better scold him. The student opened the door slowly, sliding in, yet he didn’t see Aoi immediately. ”Huh..?” He walked closer to the desk and noticed the usually well-kept hair messy on the table as he rested his head on his arms, seemingly passed out in front of an open document. ”Aoi...” Akira softly called, coming around his desk and gently shaking his shoulder. ”Let’s get you to bed.”

Aoi didn’t budge, not even a soft groan. He must have really passed out. Akira bit his lower lip and furrowed his brows, wondering what the best course of action would be. You worked yourself too hard, Aoi... better make a mental note to scold your ass later. Akira cracked a small smile at the thought, and left the office, heading towards the office filled with bedsheets and pillows. He had spent so many nights here that Aoi’s place has become a second home. ”Aha, here we go.” He pulled out a blanket and pillow, closing the closet with his foot, trying to be as quiet as possible. ”Alrighty....” Akira set it on the couch that Aoi kept in his office, taking Aoi and gently pulled his head up so he could pull the chair close to the couch. 

“Shinohara!” The booming voice of the teacher snapped Aoi out of his trance, causing him to look back at the enraged expression on the teacher. By this time, Aoi was used to the fake identity that everyone at Shujin knew him by. “What does the term ‘Checkmate’ originate from?” They stared at him intently, perhaps not expecting Aoi to actually be able to answer. Figures— Aoi rarely did anything in class but always managed to get the highest possible marks on exams and questions of any kind.

Aoi bit back a smirk, knowing the answer from his own… intricate fascination with chess. It was his symbol after all, the way that he toppled the opposition’s kings through exposure; not extremely dissimilar to the Phantom Thieves, truthfully. “It comes from the Persian word Shah Mat, which roughly translates to ‘the King is dead’. Interesting, hm?” He gave the teacher a closed eyed smile, amused by their shock as they embarrassedly admitted he was correct and continued on with the lesson. Soft words of praise from his fellow classmates entered his ears. They always seemed to, whenever he answered a question right.

But his focus wasn’t on those students and the praise. Rather, it was on the way that Akira didn’t even turn around to look at him, something he usually does especially when Akira was surprised that Aoi got a question right. He barely even lifted his head up at all. Aoi pressed his lips into a thin line and pulled out his phone stealthily, typing into their chatroom. Something needed to be done, and Aoi was done waiting for Akira to see if he’ll confide in him. 

I want to talk to you after class. Don’t refuse, or I’ll drag you there myself. Meet me on the rooftop.

He watched his phone for any sign of Akira typing back, and held his breath when he saw the boy begin typing. He was worried that Akira would’ve come up with another excuse, but it seemed like his threat had worked, since Akira replied only with a simple “Okay”. Aoi slipped his phone back into his pocket with a small sigh and glued his eyes to the clock, waiting for the bell to ring with complete impatience for the day to be over. I’m going to find out what the hell is wrong with him… one way or another, and probably give him a good hit to the head while I’m at it for worrying everyone.

Once the bell rang, Aoi had to rush out of the classroom, dodging fangirls and club members; everyone who wanted a piece of ‘Aoba’ and his time. He gave them all smiles and apologies, but truthfully wanted to shove everyone out of his way and hurry along. God… being popular is annoying when you have something important to do. He glanced behind him and saw Akira dragging his feet, seeming to follow him. Aoi kept moving, unable to see Akira’s eyes from behind his hair and glasses, and wondered what his current expression was. But at least it didn’t seem like Aoi needed to take any drastic measures to get Akira to be with him for a few minutes.

The rooftop was restricted, but Aoi, who always kept a few bobby pins on him, had no trouble picking the lock to the rooftop, opening it and watching for teachers or other administration, but only found Akira, slowly trudging up the stairs, refusing to look at him even now. Aoi tightened his grip on the door, resisting the urge to grab Akira by the chin and force him to look up at Aoi. “....” They didn’t speak a word as Akira walked onto the rooftop, followed closely by Aoi, who shut the door tightly and leaned against it, hands in his pockets, staring relentlessly at the leader of the Phantom Thieves.

“So what’s been happening with you, lately?” Aoi asked, his expression not bothering to hide his irritation and concern for Akira. He figured that standing around saying nothing would get them nowhere, since Akira wasn’t going to speak first. “You’ve been acting off recently, and everyone knows. What happened to your whole trusting your friends spiel?” He continued, forcing out another of Akira’s potential excuses. “I’m not going to let you leave until you spill everything. And truthfully.” Aoi added, shoving his hands deep in his pockets.

Aoi watched Akira shift his weight and set down his bag, shrugging and looking away. “Don’t bother. It’s fine. I don’t need your pity” He muttered, still not even turned towards Aoi. Akira didn’t want to even speak, it seemed like, but Aoi refused to take no for an answer. Not after weeks of being in the dark, worrying, wondering, wishing about Akira and what the hell was ailing him.

Aoi’s lips curled into a sneer and he pushed himself off the door. “Like hell it is,” He argued, fury flaring in his eyes. “I know damn well that’s a lie, so stop acting like a brat and just tell me what’s going on!” He let the frustration boil onto his skin and grabbed Akira by the wrist, only for him to be shaken off.

“Don’t—! Don’t touch me!” Akira pulled his hand away quickly, as if Aoi’s touch had burned him somehow. “I told you to leave it alone!”

Aoi grit his teeth and glared at Akira. “I’m not going to leave it alone, and I already told you that. Get it through your thick skull.” Akira usually is never this snappy… you’d see Joker, maybe, but Akira? What the hell…

Akira breathed heavily and Aoi could finally get a glimpse of Akira’s eyes— a hazy and frustrated glare, though an immense sadness within it. It took Aoi by surprise. “What would you know of this?” Akira’s tone was bitter and spiteful, though the way he looked away made Aoi’s eyes widen slightly. “What these— terrible emotions can do to someone weak like me?” Akira took a step back and shook. Aoi wasn’t sure if it was in anger or to stop himself from breaking down.

“Akira—“

“Shut up! Just leave me alone!” He yelled back. “You’ll never know what this is like! So just… leave me be.” Akira looked almost like an angry cat, who hissed and growled at anyone who passed only because he was scared.

Aoi took a step closer to Akira, furrowing his brows. “Then tell me exactly what I don’t know.” Aoi had to hold his tone, despite wanting to mock Akira’s sense of loneliness, he knew that would only make things immensely worse.

Akira gripped one of his arms, digging his nails into the uniform and looking away. “I don’t want your pity. All this is, is weakness.”

“For the love of god, Akira, you’re probably going through the same thing everyone else does at some point or another—“

“Not everyone is a nuisance and gets punished somehow no matter what they do!” Akira snapped, hurt tears pricking the corners of his eyes from behind his glasses. “I don’t think you actually understand everything that comes from never being able to catch up, never being good enough, never being—“ He stopped himself and grit his teeth. “It doesn’t matter if you tell me otherwise; for years that’s what my life has been. Even now. I was playing the fantasy of a hero again when I shouldn’t have! It just… hurts so much to be left behind, no matter what you do.”

“.......” Aoi listened to Akira without pause, feeling his chest tighten with every word he said. He held his tongue, only slowly closing the distance between them.

Akira closed his eyes and turned his head, a choked inhale indicating to Aoi that Akira was trying desperately to save face. “You… don’t understand… how much it hurts to feel this way—“ He looked up at Aoi and Aoi nearly fell to the ground when Akira finished his sentence. “—about someone that you care so deeply for that you’d even give up the world for.”

What is he saying? Aoi froze in place and felt his mouth dry up, finding it painful to watch Akira’s sorrowful expression and hear his broken words. “Are you… jealous of me?”

Akira flinched and shook his head, “No. I’m not jealous of you. I hate the fact that I’m permanently inferior to you.”

“What—?” Aoi couldn’t contain the surprise in his voice and he stared at Akira as if he were crazy. *What does he mean, permanently inferior? I’ve been watching him do nothing but grow.*

“Stop looking at me like that,” Akira shamefully looked away from Aoi and pressed a hand on his forehead. “Why are we talking about this, it’s not solving anything.” He muttered, attempting to move past Aoi but he grabbed Akira’s wrist and pulled him back.

Aoi looked at Akira seriously and shook his head. “Finish.”

“I… I can never catch up. Anything I do, you can do a hundred times better, Aoi.” Akira’s shoulders slumped and he swallowed hard. Aoi watched in silence, never letting go of Akira’s wrist as his partner finally began to unravel the tangled web of problems that he refused to show anyone else. He heard Akira stifle another sob with a choked breath and shook his head as if trying to get the thoughts that piled up out. “I know it’s my own fault— don’t you dare try and take any of it when it’s my problem and mine alone—“ Aoi could only catch a glimpse of Akira’s cheek, noting it was streaked wet with a tear, before Akira turned his head completely away. “I’ve… already accepted the fact that I will never… be able to stand next to you as your equal… much less surpass you.” His voice was barely above a whisper now, and Aoi could see Akira’s shoulders shake.

“I…” Aoi couldn’t exactly find the words to comfort him. He would’ve never expected this level of self-resentment from Akira, who was always so self assured and confident— *which was all another part of his mask, I suppose…*

“Truthfully… I’d rather you take over as my position as leader amongst the Phantom Thieves. I’d rather you be forced to learn to play cooperatively but they have a strong leader compared to an incompetent one like me—“ Aoi tugged on Akira’s wrist gently. “—Who might end up risking their lives unintentionally—“ He spun Akira around, looking at his crying face and feeling his heart ache. “—and I… would never be able to forgive myself for that.” Aoi finally pulled Akira into a hug, who was too tired to resist.

“Aoi…” He breathed out softly, wrapping his arms around the other and burying his face on his shoulders while clinging to his uniform. “Why do you even stay with me? I don’t have anything useful for you. I don’t deserve your kindness…” Akira just held onto Aoi tighter. “All I am is an inferior copy of you.. and I hate it.”

“No, you aren’t—” Aoi began, but was cut off when Akira pulled his head from his shoulder and stared at him with an expression that made him choke on his own words.

Akira shook his head and reached into his turtleneck, pulling out the blue butterfly. “I don’t even.. think this butterfly should be here, on my heart like this.. Am I really deserving of something so important? But even so… I can’t bring myself… to give this back… or distance myself from you all… I don’t deserve to stay, but I can’t bring myself to leave.”

There was no need to knock; Akira had been given his own spare key ages ago, with a small, distinct crown embedded into the head of it, turning the key to let himself in. “Aoi?” Akira called out as he stepped inside the warm house, grateful for the crispy heat, compared to the cold attic in Leblanc and the freezing temperatures of the streets. He took off his shoes, coat, and his scarf, feeling the tips of his fingers finally thaw from the bitter cold. “Where did he go?” Akira muttered to himself, hanging up the last of his belongings before he felt a heavy pressure on his back and the soft tingling of hair on his neck, followed by a familiar kiss on his shoulder. Akira’s lips curled up in a wide smile, instantly knowing who was hugging him so tightly. “You act like a puppy sometimes, you know that?”

Aoi merely grunted in response and wrapped his arms a little tighter around Akira, mumbling a soft “shut up,” as he rested his chin on Akira’s shoulder, closing his eyes and exhaling, seeking the warmth from affection that Akira provided.

He must have really missed me… The corners of Akira’s lips twitched up into a smile and he used his free hand to gently play with Aoi’s hair, finding the position a little uncomfortable but wanting Aoi to feel better. “Hey, come on, let’s eat before it gets too cold.” Akira whispered knocking his head gently against Aoi’s and managing to twist himself around, only to be caught in a gentle and sweet kiss. Akira couldn’t contain his soft laughter, seeing Aoi so desperate for affection after weeks of being practically isolated because of a special job an important client of his requested him to do. Akira laid a hand on Aoi’s cheek and quickly kissed him once more after they had parted, before pressing a hand on his chest to move him back just a little for Akira to be free. He always talks about how I’m cute but he forgets that sometimes he’s absolutely adorable.

Aoi sighed and reluctantly let go of Akira, his stomach growling lowly. His ears were flushed pink in embarrassment, looking away to avoid the baffled expression on Akira’s face, who pieced together that Aoi hadn’t eaten much if at all today, likely because he was so concentrated on finishing up the job that he had even forgotten to stop for a break. “Hah… guess it caught up to me, huh?” He moved towards the coffee table in the living room and set the bag down onto the table, glancing at Akira who had just put on his personal pair of slippers and began following him. “Thank you… for coming all this way so late and unexpectedly.” Aoi seemed sheepish⁠— a look he rarely took.

Akira still wasn’t totally used to seeing a softer side to his lover like this, but it wasn’t a bad thing at all… it warmed his heart to be able to see Aoi’s genuine love firsthand. Maybe because he’s been so busy and exhausted and we haven’t been able to see each other for a few weeks… I think he wanted to call me over more for me than the food, but I’m sure the meal is a welcome bonus. He smiled softly and sat down next to Aoi, his legs folded into each other and his palms propping his head up on the table. Akira watched Aoi with an expression of complete admiration and adoration as Aoi placed the boxed dinners in front of Akira and himself, getting lost in his boyfriend’s familiar and ever-lovely features. “I love you.” Akira smiled as he said it, perhaps not even recognizing that he had, but felt his chest swell and heart flutter all the same. I really am… completely and utterly in love. How funny… I wonder what past me would have said if he could have seen this.

Aoi froze, clearly taken off guard as he was sitting down to join Akira in their dining. “W-Where did that come from, all of a sudden?” He muttered with a flushed face, much too exhausted to act coy and snarky. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Akira, feeling those sharp grey eyes staring right at him in amusement, and instead chose to take his dinner and a freshly clean pair of chopsticks. “...I love you too.” Aoi mumbled under his breath, perhaps too quiet for Akira to hear, but he didn’t repeat himself and instead took a large portion of food into his mouth, the flavorful and warm meal soothing every part of Aoi from both his hunger and exhaustion, as if it were refilling his SP in the Metaverse.

Akira had figured what Aoi had mumbled was a simple reciprocation of his affections, and he found it cute to see Aoi still get flustered sometimes when saying it, even after all this time. He took his own dinner in his lap, not exactly hungry at the moment, but still decided to indulge Aoi by eating with him. Akira chewed slowly, wondering silently what he could do to improve the next time he stepped into the kitchen.  

“You seriously are an amazing cook… I’m a little jealous of my dear housewife.” Aoi cracked a teasing grin, finally looking back at Akira in hopes his words affected the boy in some way.

It worked⁠⁠— he was completely caught off guard. Akira’s cheeks burned a bright red and he choked on his food, turning away and coughing, only looking back when the coughing subsided, and his embarrassment only grew with Aoi’s muffled, then hearty laughter. “You can’t just⁠... say something like that, Aoi!” He complained, elbowing the shaking male beside him.

“But you are⁠—” Aoi retorted, trying to quiet down his laughter, lest he choked on his own meal, though the tears that pricked the corner of his eyes said otherwise. “Ahh, I haven’t laughed like that in ages..” He sighed, rubbing his eyes with his hands, the grin seeming permanent on his face.

Akira groaned loudly and set his food back on the coffee table, though he wasn’t exactly fond of being made such a flustered mess, seeing Aoi’s joyous expressions and how he was genuinely happy made it all worth it⁠— though he was still going to complain about it; naturally. “You only say that stuff because without me, you would’ve gone broke or starved.” He huffed softly, resting his elbow on his knee and chin on the palm of his hand, pouting a bit.

“Mmm.” Aoi hummed amusedly and leaned in closer to Akira, stealing a chaste kiss. “Then I’ll have to keep you by my side all the time, huh?” He teased, going back to eating his food happily while Akira’s face burned even brighter in embarrassment. “To come home from work to a wonderfully smelling house and a gorgeous spouse, waiting just for me… that sounds like a nice dream.” Aoi spoke softly, a dreamy expression cast on his face. “But! I’ll take what I can get here.”

“Hey.”

“Just kidding~” Aoi snorted, ruffling Akira’s hair affectionately.

Akira rolled his eyes and playfully glared at him. “Just eat, you smug bastard.” He grumbled, checking his phone for any messages⁠— though as he expected, there were none. Akira glanced back over, wondering why his heart continued to flutter like a schoolgirl in love even after all this time. It was embarrassing.

“As you wish, my dear wife~” Aoi teased, earning him a half-assed glare from the boy seated beside him. He ate the rest of his curry without much teasing, though every so often will praise the food highly, critiquing it fairly and gushing about how proud he was of Akira’s growth as an up-and-coming chef of sorts, only becoming satisfied when he saw Akira get visibly flustered at the praise.

Akira twisted his bangs and lowered his head a little, clearly red, and only able to mumble “I’m glad you like it” in response. To be able to impress Aoi in such a way was thrilling, and he was too caught up in his own thoughts and joy to realize that Aoi had set the plate down and had turned to face him until it was too late.

Aoi pulled Akira’s hand from his face and replaced it with his own resting against either side of Akira’s face, gently rubbing his cheek with his thumb. “You’re too cute for your own good.”

“I’m not—” Akira began to protest, but was cut off by a tender kiss. His eyes widened in surprise, though he relaxed almost immediately afterwards, and snuck his hand to cradle the back of Aoi’s head, sighing into the kiss as they adopted a natural and gentle rhythm. Akira’s face scrunched up a bit, beginning to taste the curry Aoi had just ate on his lips— it wasn’t… a bad taste, but not nearly as nice as it could be. He pulled away first and opened his eyes, putting a hand to Aoi’s mouth before the older teen could kiss him again. “Go brush your teeth, you taste like curry.” Akira ordered, staring him down so Aoi knew that he was being serious.

Aoi huffed softly and peeled Akira’s hand off his mouth, rolling his eyes. “Fine,” he stood up and tossed a pillow at Akira, who not-so-graciously caught it. “Then how about you make us some coffee while I’m getting ready for bed?”

“At this time of night? In your dreams.”

“It was worth a shot.” He shrugged and gave Akira a small wave, reminding him to make himself at home before disappearing in his room.

Akira exhaled loudly, shoulders slumping and falling back onto the couch, raising his hands to his face and pressing them against his warm skin, embarrassed that he was still so worked up whenever he was around Aoi like this. “I’m such a mess… I should be suave and cool and charming but he just… smiles at me and I melt…” He mumbled into his hands, letting them drop to his lap with a deep exhale. Akira couldn’t help but smile longingly towards the direction of Aoi’s bedroom, and when he caught himself, he grabbed the nearest pillow and buried his face on it, clutching it tightly. I’m seriously going crazy because of him… He sighed out again, the overwhelming emotions needing some kind of relief, and squeezed the pillow a little tighter, not looking up and simply trying to calm his racing heart and squeezing chest, figuring Aoi was going to take a little while to get ready⁠— as usual.

With nothing better to do while Akira waits, he began spacing out, daydreaming about all of the memories he’s had with his partner that made him beam and go weak in the knees, feeling the warmth on his cheeks return quickly. He was totally vulnerable, since he didn’t see any reason as to why he should keep an eye or an ear out when it came to staying with Aoi⁠— he trusted him with his life. Maybe more than that.

Though that’s not always the best choice when it comes to dealing with an unpredictable and cheeky boyfriend like Aoi Ueno.

Sneaking up in front of Akira, Aoi’s chilled hands from spending several minutes under ice-cold water tingled with numbness, the winter season not helping the way the cold felt at all⁠— however, the wide grin on Aoi’s face would have told anyone differently, with how giddy, and almost childish he got. Aoi paused for a moment, holding his breath, before he lunged towards Akira, aiming for the spots on his waist that were exposed.

“Aah⁠—?!” The reaction was immediate, and Aoi felt the effects of it immensely. Akira, in an attempt to push Aoi away from him, shoved the pillow in his boyfriend’s face, exposing his own wide-eyed and red expression. “It’s c-cold⁠—! Get off!!” He gasped, squirming under his boyfriend’s firm grip.

“You’re so cute~” Aoi laughed heartily, removing one hand temporarily to grab the pillow that muffled his voice and obscured his vision and tossing it behind him before grabbing onto Akira’s familiar waist again, pushing himself closer as Akira attempted to compose himself, but ended up much worse than before. The cheeky teen leaned down close to his lover’s ear, making sure not to get hit with the way he was still squirming. “Revenge,” he muttered, his smug grin widening as Akira gasped for breath underneath him, ticklish and cold, “is very sweet.”

“Aoi you⁠— you asshole⁠—”

Akira’s words were cut off with a firm kiss, after Aoi had seemed to decide that he was content with having ‘punished’ Akira for sending him away to get ready for bed before, as well as the fact that his hands began to thaw. He felt Akira’s grip on his shoulders relax, always weak for the way Aoi’s lips melded with his. Aoi pressed a knee between Akira’s legs, desperately wishing to make up for the few minutes he was away. Nothing was enough⁠— he wanted more. After being away from Akira and not having been able to feel his warmth for weeks, he didn’t even want sleep to part them.

Akira’s hand traced the path from Aoi’s shoulder to his cheek, cupping it while his other hand toyed with his hair, gripping it a little to steady himself and match Aoi’s slow, intense kisses. “Mmh…” Akira’s heart seemed to resonate with Aoi’s, beating hard against his chest as he attempted to imprint the feeling of his kisses into his mind, though he knew a memory could never compare to reality.

He shifted a little, scooting towards the armrest of the couch, and pulled Aoi closer to him, feeling Aoi stiffen in surprise and try to catch himself from falling, though still crashing a bit onto Akira, forcing their lips apart. Akira’s hand immediately flew to his mouth and he began laughing loudly, his other hand returning to Aoi’s shoulder as he looks up at him, unable to contain his unfiltered joy while Aoi grumbled and tried to adjust himself properly.

“What was it you said? Revenge is sweet?” Akira teased, taking the opportunity to push his hips to Aoi’s and flip them over. It was a bit of a tight maneuver, but Akira managed to comfortably sit on Aoi’s lap, a smug smile reminiscent of Joker’s spreading across his face as he leaned down, closing the distance between them, leaving them just a few centimeters apart. “God, I missed you.” He pushed some of Aoi’s increasingly messy hair from his eyes, finding himself captivated by them once more.

“Do me a favor, then.” Aoi whispered, his eye contact with Akira never wavering.

“What’s up?”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

Akira snorted and rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but oblige, connecting their lips once more, relaxing into the familiar feeling of each other’s touch and warmth. He smiled as he kissed Aoi, feeling his lover’s hands creep up his thighs all the way up to the back of his head, gripping his messy locks.

Aoi exhaled deeply as he let Akira take more control of this kiss, sinking back into the comfortable couch, the gratitude and love he felt towards Akira growing stronger than ever. His head, normally swarming with stress and anxiety, was nearly silent as they held each other in their arms. It wasn’t always easy to cope with the things he’s done, yet somehow he always found himself at peace with Akira. Perhaps that was one of the most wonderful gifts he’s ever been given⁠— intentionally or not.

It was difficult to stop the waves of passion from crashing between the two young lovers, barely able to part for a breath, and in that moment, a brief “I love you,” replaced the kiss before they were drawn together again like magnets. Akira smiled widely against Aoi’s lips, who suppressed a chuckle himself. One last heartfelt kiss⁠— Akira pulled Aoi closer by his cheeks, feeling a little smug as he felt Aoi gasp at the sudden, slightly rougher embrace.

Only when they began to feel their lungs burn from the lack of oxygen did they finally part, foreheads resting against each other and finally cracking their eyes open to gaze back into each other’s eyes, breathing heavily but each reflecting a wide smile as they experienced the complete bliss of being in love once again, after being apart for so long.

Aoi was the first to move, taking Akira’s head and pulling him down towards his chest with a laugh, feeling the other immediately make himself cozy on his boyfriend. “I missed you too…” He spoke softly, relaxing and running his fingers through Akira’s hair, feeling the soft locks move with his gentle touches. He felt Akira clutch his clothes a little more firmly and looked down at him, smiling warmly. “Always so sweet...”

Akira shifted a little on Aoi, his head resting on his chest, listening to the soothing sound of Aoi’s heartbeat that somehow seemed to sync with his own. It was undeniably late at this point⁠— and Akira couldn’t help but close his eyes, his breaths evening out and barely conscious, the feeling on his head, the sound of his heart, and the warmth Aoi provided lulled Akira to sleep.

Aoi stayed there silently for a few minutes until he realized Akira had fallen asleep on him. He chuckled softly, always amused at how easily Akira seemed to sleep compared to him. He was tired, yes, but he couldn’t bring himself to sleep yet. Not for fear of nightmares⁠— he knew having Akira in his arms would take care of that⁠— but more so that he wanted to take every opportunity he could get with Akira at the moment, especially with his heart bursting at the seams with love right now.

He took a deep breath in, letting his head fall back on the armrest and staring up at the ceiling, one hand fiddling with Akira’s hair, and the other cushioning his own head. “You… I can barely begin to describe everything you mean to me… everything you’ve done, everything you are… everything you and I will be.” Aoi began, feeling comfortable enough to spill his heart out to Akira when he isn’t being listened to. “To fight for someone like me… to care enough to give me hope. To… bring yourself to love me, and make me love you the same… you’ve got a serious talent, and such a warm heart. I’m sure the others would agree with me on that.” Aoi exhaled deeply, recalling the fond moments they’ve had together, from the beginning to now. He couldn’t help but smile at those memories. Just thinking about how far they’ve come sent his heart racing, and he could feel the heat rise to his cheeks again. “I never thought… I would be able to love again and yet… here you are. It’s so strange… when we first met, I didn’t think much of you at all and now… well… saying that I would do anything for you really isn’t an exaggeration.” Aoi let a laugh escape his parted lips, the overwhelming feeling of relief and love truthfully guiding his every move and word. “I love you, Akira.”

“I love you too, Aoi. More than I know how to express.” The muffled yet unmistakable voice, full of a certain kind of sweetness filled Aoi’s ears, as Akira lifted his head, cheeks clearly reddened and eyes soft. “You’re really adorable when you get gushy, you know that?”

Aoi’s eyes widened in realization that his raw emotions had been heard loud and clear by Akira due to his own carelessness, and found all the words that had been in his throat were now stuck there, rendering him completely speechless. “I⁠— I…”

Akira laughed loudly, shifting himself so he could better face Aoi, and squished his boyfriend’s cheeks in both his hands, pulling him close and giving him a long kiss, though Akira’s weariness was quite clear in his slow movements. “You’re so sweet, I want to hear the true feelings from your heart again…” Akira spoke in a hushed tone, peppering lazy kisses all over Aoi’s face, chuckling as he did so, unable to stop the smile from spreading on his lips.

“Akira.” Aoi’s voice came out more of a whine than something stern, unable to stop his lovebug of a partner from kissing him over and over again. He eventually groaned and shoved his hands over Akira’s mouth, stopping the barrage of affection, and giving him a moment to breathe. He furrowed his brows, trying to muster up a stern expression to combat the wide-eyed, cute one Akira gave him. “If you already heard everything I said until now, then let me finish before you get all cute.” Aoi slowly said, pulling his hands away, and instead pushing Akira off of him, grunting as he slid off the couch and stood up, holding a hand out for Akira to take.

Akira stared at him curiously, wondering what Aoi was planning on doing, but took his hand anyways, standing up and continued to hold his hand, squeezing it softly and rubbing the back of it with his thumb. “Ah… okay.” He didn’t put up much of a fight at all, far too tired and too invested in drowning in the sweet, intoxicating love they shared.

Aoi smiled, leaning in and kissing the corner of Akira’s mouth. “Atta boy.” He cooed, gently tugging Akira’s hand as he started to move towards the balcony, dipping from the path for a moment to grab a hefty blanket for the two of them to share. He didn’t hear any complaints from Akira and smiled, opening the door and quickly pulling the two of them out into the cold, quickly shutting the door so the house remained a comfortable temperature.

Akira felt the weight of the blanket on his shoulders almost immediately, and the familiar feeling of a hand around his waist as he was tugged closer to Aoi, who leaned against the railing and looked up into the night sky. “It’s cold…” He commented, but let his gaze follow upwards, quickly becoming mesmerized by the visibility of the stars, even in the city. “The stars almost look like snow…”

“Hey, Akira?”

“Hm?”

Aoi’s fingers gently tilted Akira’s face towards him, breaking the spell the stars cast on the teen. “It might sound a little unbelievable, but I… feel so at home with you. Like this was meant to be… I don’t want this dream to end. So naturally, that means you’re stuck with me.”

“You act like I didn’t know that already. Besides, I thought you brought me out here to sweet talk me.”

So it’s worse than I thought... Akira’s mouth opened slightly before he walked closer to Aoi, setting down the special coffee he knew helped lift Aoi’s mood onto his table, before pulling up a chair, sitting backwards on it and looking at Aoi with a serious gaze. ”....Didn’t go well, huh?” He spoke softly.

Aoi sighed and nodded, rubbing the bridge of his nose. ”I underestimated the extent of their demands.” He looked over at the papers with distaste and clicked his tongue. ”They refuse to negotiate, yet we need the resources they provide, especially since they had threatened to shift their contract to Crimson Rose...”

”I see... and because we have no leverage over them, we’re at their mercy.” Akira muttered, his eyebrows furrowed. ”Perhaps... hmm...” Akira seemed lost in thought. If we somehow get some leverage over them.. which would be possible if Futaba and I infiltrated the kingdom and dug something up—

His thought process was broken when Aoi, who likely figured out what Akira was thinking, raised his hand and shook his head. ”You will not make any moves unless I order you to, do you understand me?” Aoi knew he had to be stern, considering Akira and Futaba’s habit of being a little too antsy with their actions.

”Yes, your highness.” Akira rubbed the back of his neck, dejected, unable to argue against the king’s will. ”...You should take a break, for a little while.” He said, nodding his head towards the cup of coffee in Aoi’s hands. ”A king needs a clear mind when trying to make an important choice, right?” He leaned forward and brushed some of Aoi’s hair away from his face, pausing for a moment and wondering if it was appropriate to do something like that when they weren’t even a couple. He pressed his lips together and pulled his hand back, not noticing the slight change of expression in Aoi’s features, and instead looked over to the fancy couch that rested against the wall. ”Perhaps you should take a nap, Aoi.” Akira offered, the corners of his mouth tugged up. ”I’ll stay with you, like when we were children.”

Aoi pressed his lips together in a tight line, debating on whether or not to take the offer. They sat in silence for a few minutes, Aoi finishing the cup of coffee, and standing up, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes, the bags underneath them a lot more prominent after taking his eyewear off. ”Alright... but only if you stay by my side.” He submitted to Akira’s offer, shoulders dropped as he dragged his feet closer to the couch, sitting himself down and yawning. Not even the coffee seemed to be helping him. ”Wake me up in thirty minutes.” Aoi muttered, laying himself down on the couch and watching Akira move towards him too, taking his seat and pulling it close to Aoi, nodding. ”Good...”

Akira stood up and walked around the chair, leaning against its back and tilting his head a bit. ”What do you need?” Akira asked, a playful smirk on his lips. With the way he was looking at me during the dance, I’d say his answer is—

”You.” Aoi’s voice dropped low and he took a few steps towards Akira, closing the distance between the two. ”That performance of yours... you really should be more careful of how erotic you dance, and who sees it.” His fingers traced along Akira’s jawline and down the center of his bare chest, amused that he didn’t bother to wear a shirt after the routine. 

Akira snorted and went along with Aoi’s teasing, enjoying riling Aoi up with his body, figuring how crazy it probably drove him. ”Is that so?” He whispered, resting an arm over his shoulder and gently playing with his hair, his other hand gently cupping Aoi’s cheek. ”And whatever could you need me for?”

Aoi was more than aware of the game Akira was getting at, and frankly couldn’t care less. He was too struck with the desire to touch Akira that whatever Akira did in retaliation, he knew he would enjoy regardless. However, he did pull away momentarily — as much as it pained him to remove Akira from his body — sitting himself on the couch, an arm on the back, while his legs rested slightly apart from one another. ”You must be exhausted after your performance, so have a seat.”

Without a second thought, Akira followed suit and braced himself on Aoi’s shoulder and on his own knee resting beside Aoi’s thigh, and slung the other over, before sitting comfortably on Aoi’s lap. I think he noticed I put more emphasis on my hips this time around... he’s so easy to rile up. He stared at Aoi with a mischievous grin, his fingers running from Aoi’s shoulder down his chest, experimentally rolling his hips against Aoi’s, feeling the man below him stiffen and suddenly grab onto them. 

”G—Gh...” Aoi choked on the sudden wave of pleasure that shot up his body, his hands gripping Akira’s waist tightly and traveling down to his hips. ”Who said... you were allowed to pull something like that, kitten?” He let out a deep exhale, glaring up at Akira with challenging eyes, though undeniably aroused by the situation, he refused to let Akira play him like this. 

Akira pushed himself up a bit and ran his fingers through his own hair, feigning disappointment. ”Oh? You didn’t like that? Hmm...” Akira pressed himself a little harder against Aoi, grinding his hips into his lovers in slow movements, following them with an erotic expression and sounds he knew drove the man under him wild. ”How about this, then, ‘master’?” He did his best to hide the laugh that threatened to bubble out of his lips as Aoi’s nails dug into his skin, clearly trying to keep some semblance of control over himself and Akira.