#fitz fic

Youichi turned his ear towards the wall above their heads, the one that was shared with the apartment next to theirs.

"They're done having sex," he said.

"They just started," Tetsu said.

They both listened for a few seconds, waiting to see if the sounds leaking through from the other apartment would resume. It was technically possible that their neighbors might've stopped to grab a condom or change positions but the longer the silence went on, the more likely it was that they were done all together.

Youichi shook his head, turning back to rest his chin on Tetsu's shoulder.

"Poor Minazumi-chan," he said. "She's really nice and pretty. She deserves to have sex for longer than one Mario Kart race."

"You're assuming," Tetsu said.

"Oh, I know," Youichi argued. He laughed when Tetsu looked at him. "This happens every time. We've never heard them have sex for longer than ten minutes. He probably doesn't even go down on her."

Tetau frowned. "Youichi."

"You know I'm right."

Tetsu thought about it for a moment, his gaze flitting to the shared wall and back. His expression softened as he settled back against Youichi's chest.

"Poor Minazumi-chan," he said in agreement.

Youichi laughed, kissing Tetsu's cheek.

"We should think of someone to set her up with," he said, grinning when he felt Tetsu nod. He held up his joycon and pointed at the screen. "Ready?"

"Yes."

Youichi checked that Tetsu had both hands on his controller and then he unpaused the game.

Everything resumed all at once, the comfortable quiet of their bedroom and the awkward silence from next door suddenly filling with music and sound effects and characters cheering or bemoaning their fates. Youichi crossed the finish line easily with a big lead over the CPU players. He watched Tetsu play for another minute, using a star he'd been holding for most of the race to propel him into eighth place, which was pretty good for Tetsu.

He turned the switch off as their characters celebrated, pushing the screen and the controllers aside to throw his leg over Tetsu. Youichi pushed a hand under Tetsu's shirt, letting his fingers play over warm, taut muscle.

"You want to see if we can go longer than they did?" he asked with a grin.

"It's not a competition."

Tetsu did a great job of sounding reasonable but his hands still found their way to Youichi, sliding up his legs and helping Youichi off with his shirt. Tetsu's shirt went next, giving Youichi free reign to nip and touch as he leaned forward to kiss Tetsu, his grin meeting Tetsu's subtle amusement. Tetsu pulled him closer as Youichi trailed down to his neck, the unofficial timer starting when Tetsu moaned.

"I’ll ask my parents."

Gwaine grinned from ear to ear, making Leon laugh, something he always strived for.

"I can’t wait."

—

Gwaine waited at the train station, grinning.

He felt like he hadn’t stopped grinning since he got Leon’s letter.

He checked the time again on the large clock above the ticket windows. He was glad his mom had agreed to wait at home; there was too much downtime in waiting that she would’ve filled with questions Gwaine wasn’t prepared to answer.

In some cases because he didn’t know the answers.

He perked up when the people around him began to stir. The train pulled up to the platform, slowly coming to a stop before the conductor got off and then the flow of passengers.

Gwaine strained to see in the taller crowd.

He spotted Leon relatively quickly, anticipation heightening his senses. Leon took a few steps onto the platform, holding a small (probably enchanted) bag over his shoulder. He blended right in wearing denims and soft jumper; his Muggle stepmum was probably to thank for that.

Gwaine felt a warm-tight-as-of-yet-unnamed feeling bloom in his chest when Leon saw him and waved.

"How was your trip?" he asked, hoping it didn’t sound rehearsed.

Leon smiled and Gwaine couldn’t believe he was here. "It was nice," he answered, following Gwaine out of the crowd. "I’ve only ever ridden a train to Hogwarts."

"Did you miss the trolley?"

"A little bit."

"What do you want to do first?" Gwaine asked.

"I think I have to defer to your expertise," Leon said with a shrug. "But my stepmum suggested the cinema? I’ve seen films before but I’ve never been to the cinema. She even gave me some Muggle money for popcorn and…" Leon paused, trying to remember, "Jelly Babies."

Gwaine beamed, no longer just grinning.

He felt like he’d be beaming for weeks.

"The cinema is a perfect place to start. You’ll love it."

—

Gwaine was in love.

It was sickening.

He’d never liked that phrase. It was soppy and people in love were soppy and they couldn’t seem to focus on anything else.

But he didn’t know what else to call it.

Leon’s visit was going perfectly, almost too perfectly for Gwaine’s comfort. He wasn’t used to things being easy or going anywhere near as he imagined but everything was going along just fine. His mum was being nice without being too embarrassing and there’d been neither hide nor hair of his sister, who was leagues away at a camp or a retreat. Gwaine really didn’t care which it was; all he cared about was whether or not Leon was having a good time.

And it really seemed like he was.

The planetarium had been a great hit. Traveling to and from the city took more time than Gwaine liked but it was more than worth it to take Leon, who was awestruck from the moment the show started until they were back at Gwaine’s getting ready for bed. The cinema had also gone over great. Leon enjoyed it so much that they saw three films in as many days. He also liked the bowling alley and the local pub. He wasn’t very good at video games but that didn’t stop him from playing with Gwaine for hours.

It was going perfectly.

Gwaine loved every second of Leon’s visit so far but he was painfully aware of how quickly it was coming to an end.

The warm glow of dusk settled over the farmland as they walked through the fair, the cool breeze blowing through the tents and stands a reminder that summer was starting to wind down. Leon would be gone in two days and in less than a month it would be time to head back to Hogwarts for their final year of school. Gwaine could feel the relentless march of time at his back and it made him feel powerless with just a touch of hopelessness.

He was running out of time.

He looked to Leon beside him, looking painfully perfect in the late summer glow. He was wearing a light jacket because Gwaine’s mum told them to take one and Leon was the type of person who listened to mums. That was just who he was: responsible, considerate, purposeful.

It hurt Gwaine’s stomach to think about it.

There was no ambiguity with Leon. It was a trait Gwaine loved in his friend but hated in the person of his affections. Leon was always honest – gentle, if his honesty was negative – and he was not someone who played games. He said what he meant and he meant what he said.

If there was any chance he felt a fraction of what Gwaine felt, Gwaine would know by now.

There had been chances, opportunities they were never granted at Hogwarts, an unprecedented amount of time spent alone and… nothing. Gwaine didn’t know what he was waiting for but he knew that it hadn’t come and it likely wasn’t coming.

They were just friends.

The sense of disappointment sinking in his stomach was something he was far more used to.

He heard Leon ask a question and he tried to focus on his friend, rather than his feelings. He forced a smile.

"Sorry, mate. What did you say?"

"I was wondering if we could get something to eat?" Leon asked. He looked unnecessarily and unfairly sheepish as he admitted, "I’m kind of getting hungry."

"Me too," Gwaine said, wanting to set Leon at ease. "I could definitely eat." He stopped to scan the options available to them, everything from fresh fruit to decadent sweets. "How about a caramel apple?"

"Maybe after some real food?" Leon suggested. "Your mum said we shouldn’t just eat sweets."

Gwaine shook his head, his smile growing fonder. "You know you don’t have to listen to my mum, right? She’s not your mum."

Leon looked genuinely puzzled. "I’m a guest in her house."

"Yeah but you’re making me look bad."

Leon laughed, a sound as warm as the setting sun’s glow, and Gwaine tried to be grateful for what he had.

They walked past all of the options twice before deciding on fish and chips, caramel apples, and a bag of candy floss. ("She isn’t here, Leon! She won’t know.") It was almost too much. Gwaine was forced to hold the bag of candy floss between his teeth as he balanced a basket of fish in either hand. Leon followed his lead as they walked through the open fields looking for a place to eat their spoils, passing families on picnic blankets and local townspeople enjoying the fading warmth of summer. Gwaine stopped near the roots of a large tree growing near the fence, sitting himself down in an opening of grass. Leon waited until Gwaine was settled before handing him their chips and taking a seat next to him.

"These smell so good."

Leon nodded, having a bite of his fish. "Tastes good too," he said when his mouth was empty.

Gwaine took a large bite of fish then chips. "Good but not the best," he said around his food.

"The Three Broomsticks makes the best fish and chips."

Gwaine stopped eating and gaped at Leon.

"What?"

"You can’t be serious."

"It’s good!"

"But it’s not the best!" Gwaine argued. "The best fish and chips should be light and flaky and crispy! Wizard fish and chips are never all three. The batter is always too thick."

Leon seemed to be smiling. "Not always-"

"It is. You’re going to say I’m biased but it’s <em>because</em> they use magic. They don’t batter the fish by hand so they don’t know it’s too thick. I still don’t understand why they insist on using magic for everything-"

Gwaine stopped talking and gaped at Leon.

Leon, who had kissed him.

It was so brief and quick and featherlight that Gwaine worried he’d imagined it. He stared at Leon, desperate for confirmation. Leon held his gaze for a moment before looking away, his face taking on a flush as his expression fell.

"I…" Leon stopped and shook his head. "I’m sorry. I didn’t… I should’ve asked-"

The end of Leon’s sentence got lost in a rough breath as Gwaine lunged at him, the two of them falling into the grass amidst their food. Gwaine didn’t think, couldn’t think, as he carefully and cautiously kissed Leon in return. It lasted a few seconds longer and only stopped so Gwaine could look at Leon with all the affection he’d been holding back.

"I would’ve said yes."

Leon smiled and Gwaine moved in, eager to learn what else he could do to make Leon smile like that. He settled with his arms around Leon’s head, his fingers playing in Leon’s curls as he kissed him slowly, deliberately, enthusiastically. He felt Leon’s hands on his back and cradling his face, holding him in an infinite moment as time melted away. Their kissing was clumsy, their teeth knocked together a few too many times, but neither of them found any reason to stop.

Leon tasted like chips and vinegar and sunshine.

Gwaine was in love.

It was perfect.

—

"I have a question."

Gwaine looked up from his work to see that Arthur had sat down across the table from him. He was empty-handed, no books, no parchment and quill, suggesting that he wasn’t there to ask about ancient runes.

Which was great; Gwaine hated ancient runes.

"Not the best time, Princess," he said looking back down at his scrawl of notes. It pained him to think that he'd written those notes and he still didn't understand them.

"But neither of you have told me exactly how this started."

Gwaine looked to Arthur again, feeling the last of his patience being tested.

"How what started?"

Arthur nodded in Leon’s direction.

Gwaine turned to look at him, smiling despite his annoyance at Arthur and ancient runes. Leon had the same book open in front of him, the same work set out before him, but he lacked any of the pain Gwaine felt for the subject. He actually seemed to enjoy the work. He progressed diligently, making notes in a Muggle notebook Gwaine had given him, isolated from the rest of the library not by a charm but by Muggle headphones, another gift from Gwaine.

He humored Arthur, his mood slightly lifted.

"What are you asking me, Princess?"

"How did…" Arthur trailed off, looking down at the table as he traced a long knot in the wood. "You and Leon, you’ve been friends a long time before... you know. How did you know?"

It was like Arthur was trying to be more annoying than ancient runes.

"How did I know what?"

"That Leon liked you."

Gwaine laughed, forgetting his place for a moment. His sudden burst of noise earned him some glares from nearby tables but Leon, surprisingly, didn’t notice. Gwaine shook his head as Arthur waited on an answer, his brow creasing in a way that meant he thought Gwaine was making fun of him.

"I didn’t know that Leon liked me," Gwaine explained. "I had no idea how he felt. Up until he kissed me, I was sure he didn’t like me at all that way and I had no chance."

Arthur’s brow creased even further but his expression had changed to confusion.

"If you didn’t know, then why did you invite him to visit during the summer?"

Gwaine shrugged. "Wishful thinking? I don’t know. I just wanted to see him, outside of Hogwarts, away from everyone else."

"Why does that matter?"

"You know it matters."

Arthur nodded reluctantly, his gaze falling to the table again before rising slowly but steadily to a point over Gwaine's shoulder.

Gwaine turned to glance at the stacks behind him. He wasn't surprised to see Merlin re-shelving books, a pile of returned books floating along beside him. Arthur's feelings for Merlin were well known by practically everyone except Merlin. How Merlin still didn't know was beyond Gwaine; Arthur's undisclosed affections practically radiated off of him any time he looked in Merlin's direction.

Gwaine hoped he'd been a little more discreet.

"Look, Arthur," he said, drawing Arthur's focus back to him. "I don't really know what to tell you. I don't know what I'm doing. I don't have a lot of experience with this stuff. All I know is that I'm bloody thrilled Leon was brave enough to do something because I honestly don't know if I would've and we wouldn't be here if he hadn't. So," Gwaine shrugged, "be brave."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Be brave? That's your advice?"

"I'll remind you that you came over here to ask me a question."

"Fair point." Arthur gave a final nod and pushed up from the table, away from the conversation. "Thanks, Gwaine."

"Anytime, mate."

He watched Arthur take a strange route out of the library, one that kept him away from the stacks where Merlin was working. He shook his head as he stuffed his notes and work into his book. He leaned over to slide one side of Leon's headphones off his ear.

"I'm done," he said with a smile. "You want to go walk down to the lake?"

Leon took a moment to process what he said. "You're not done," he said, reaching for Gwaine's book.

"I'm done for today." Gwaine pushed Leon's hand away from the book, leaning in more until he could steal a quick kiss. "Come down to the lake with me?"

Leon pretended to resist before a smile warmed his face.

"Okay."

They were outside of the castle before Leon thought to ask.

Nori froze. He looked up from the splotchy red stain on Kenjirou's shirt.

"What?" he asked. "Napolitan?"

Kenjirou nodded. "I went to the bathroom at the bar. On my way back to the table, one of the other customers was making a commotion and he fell into a server... who fell into me."

"Oh," Nori said, breathing out a sigh. He sounded both relieved and confused. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Kenjirou assured him. "It was a big mess but it was a good excuse to exit the evening early."

"I'm glad you're okay," Nori said.

He looked down at the stain again. He stretched the fabric between his fingers, tugging some of the shirt out of Kenjirou's pants, trying to see the full extent of the stain. He rubbed his fingers lightly in the middle and frowned slightly.

"I wonder if this will wash out," he said. "This is one of your best shirts."

"It's just a shirt."

To Kenjirou's amusement, Nori began untucking the rest of the shirt from his pants. He took Kenjirou's jacket and bag from him and put them on a nearby chair.

"Take your shirt off," he said, starting on the buttons even though Kenjirou's hands were now free. "Maybe if we soak it and wash it right away, the stain will come out."

Kenjirou loosened his tie and pulled it off over his head. He followed directions, shrugging out of his shirt when Nori had finished with the buttons. Nori took the shirt from him and inspected it again. He looked at it closely, then brought it to his face for a quick sniff.

"It smells like Napolitan," he said with a laugh.

Kenjirou smiled. He began to untie the simple knot in his tie, almost dropping it when Nori moved to kneel in front of him.

Nori held Kenjirou's shirt in one hand as he eyed Kenjirou's midsection. He grabbed Kenjirou's waist and leaned in, the warmth of his breath ghosting over Kenjirou's left side. Nori's nose brushed against Kenjirou's skin. He took a breath and laughed again.

"What is it?" Kenjirou asked.

"You smell like Napolitan," Nori said.

He smiled and brushed his nose against Kenjirou again, more purposeful, less incidental. He kissed Kenjirou above his belt, a soft touch over what Kenjirou knew had to be tense muscles. Nori left light, warm kisses along Kenjirou's waist line until he reached his stomach and the scattering of hair below his belly button.

Kenjirou had had the required number of social drinks at the bar. He wasn't drunk but he also wasn't sober. It was hard to remember how Nori had come to be on the ground at his feet and even harder to think of anything other than running his hand through Nori's hair to encourage him to stay there.

The decision was taken away from Kenjirou when Nori stood up, the stained shirt still in hand.

"The bath just finished before you got home," Nori said. "I was going to go, but you can go first if you want."

Kenjirou watched Nori's mouth as he talked.

"Okay."

"And I'll start soaking your shirt."

Kenjirou hummed in agreement.

He reached out, pulling Nori to him. He kissed Nori, soft and light, much like how Nori had kissed him.

Nori scrunched up his nose. "You taste like beer," he laughed.

Kenjirou smiled, kissing Nori again, chasing his mouth as Nori tried to turn away. He closed his arms around Nori, keeping him close, drawing him back with kisses along his jaw and cheek until Nori wrapped his arms around Kenjirou's neck and welcomed him home.

A breathless minute later, Nori pulled back to look at him.

"We need to wash your shirt," he said.

Kenjirou leaned in to kiss him again. Nori pushed the stained shirt between them.

"Kenji."

He tightened his grip on Nori and swept him up over his shoulder in one fluid motion. Nori flailed in surprise, his free hand grabbing onto Kenjirou's belt.

"Kenji!" he laughed. "We have to wash it, or it'll stain!"

Kenjirou secured Nori and carried both - Nori and his shirt - to the bathroom.

Where their washing machine was.

Jun took a moment to process what she was seeing.

Tetsu was wearing Jun's shirt. The shirt Tetsu had been wearing when she arrived at the dorms was nowhere to be seen.

The shirt in question was light blue, a simple fitted t-shirt with permanently cuffed sleeves and the logo of a local sweet shop in Jun's hometown printed across the front in white. It had been stolen twice over; Jun took it from her oldest sister Tsukiko's closet when she left for college.

The shirt had never looked as good on Jun as it did on Tsukiko – or as it currently did on Tetsu.

It was a perfect fit.

Tetsu was taller than Jun which was probably the most important factor. The shoulder seams sat on her shoulders like they were supposed to, and the sleeves stopped at mid-arm instead of above the elbows as they did on Jun. The bottom hem of the shirt, which hit oddly between Jun's waist and hips, sat exactly at Tetsu's waist, just above the top of her shorts.

Any accusation of theft died on Jun's tongue when Tetsu reached for her phone on the top bunk.

"Chris says they're leaving for the mall in five minutes," Tetsu said, looking up from her messages.

Jun nodded absently to information she already knew. "I know. I ran into her on my way back here."

Tetsu nodded as if a decision had been made. What that decision was, Jun could only pretend to know.

She slipped her phone into a small bag and then clipped the bag around her waist, the band sitting just below the hem of Jun's stolen shirt. She met Jun where she stood, still frozen in the entryway.

Tetsu reached out and took Jun's hand in hers, lacing their fingers together, easy and casual.

As natural as if she'd been doing it all her life.

It had only been a month since Jun confessed and in that month Tetsu had settled into a place in Jun's life that felt both permanent and new. Rather than a seed taking root, Tetsu approached their relationship like a perennial slowly blooming in the spring, coming out into the sun after being hidden but always there.

Maybe it had always been there.

"We should go," Tetsu said, giving Jun's hand a gentle squeeze.

Jun's fingertips caught the edge of 'Tetsu's' shirt. "Do we have to?" she asked.

Tetsu laughed and Jun knew in an instant that they would be going to the mall with the others. She would go anywhere with Tetsu. Jun would cross the city, cross the world, cross the universe at Tetsu's suggestion, if only Tetsu would let her come along too.

"It'll be fun," Tetsu said with a smile. She kissed Jun too quickly on the cheek before putting on her shoes. "I'll buy you ice cream."

Jun put up no resistance as Tetsu led her out of the dorm room and down to the school gate where their friends were gathered. They walked hand in hand and she tried not to stare at the way her stolen shirt hugged Tetsu just so, tried and failed judging by the curious rise of Tetsu's brow when she caught Jun's eye.

"What is it?" Tetsu asked before they reached the others.

Jun couldn't pretend she hadn't been staring and she wasn't quick enough with an excuse.

"You look good in my shirt," she muttered.

Tetsu glanced down and then looked back at Jun. She smiled.

"So do you."

Jun stopped and looked down at herself.

She was wearing Tetsu's shirt.

Jun took a moment to process what she was seeing.

She was wearing Tetsu's shirt, a white t-shirt with a small pocket on the front and Tsubakuro, the Tokyo Swallows' mascot, peeking out from inside the pocket. It was the shirt Tetsu had been wearing when she arrived at the dorms earlier. Jun felt a warm flush race up the back of her neck when she realized what had happened. She'd unintentionally started a chain of theft: Tetsu had taken Jun's shirt because Jun had taken hers.

Which she had been wearing when she ran into Chris outside of the dining hall.

Jun's eyes jerked towards their friends. They all knew. She could tell from Ryousuke's smirk, Miyauchi's gaze, and the way Tanba wouldn't meet her eyes.

Tetsu let go of Jun's hand and slid her arm around Jun's waist, pulling her close as Chris waved at them. Another too quick kiss to her cheek accompanied a quiet compliment that did nothing at all to calm Jun's blush.

Kei stood, taking in said destination.

The hotel billed itself as a luxury ryokan, the emphasis on 'luxury' apparent from the size and style of the entrance to the fact that Kei could hear the ocean. He couldn't see the shoreline from where he stood but he assumed it would be prominently on display when they checked in. Proximity to the ocean was the type of thing hotels loved to feature and upcharge for.

He glanced over his shoulder when he heard the others getting out of the van, first Tadashi, then Ennoshita, and lastly Ushijima. The driver made it to the passenger side just in time to meet him and offer official greetings as Ushijima unfolded his large body from the small space.

Another hotel employee approached in a suit from the entrance, walking up to Tadashi when Kei waved them off.

"Tsukishima-san?"

"Oh, yes! That's me," Tadashi said, bowing when the employee bowed deeply to him.

"We're so excited to have you and your guests staying here with us," the employee said, smiling and nodding at each of them individually. "If you'll follow me inside, we can get you checked in so you can relax from your travels. Please leave your luggage, our staff will take care of it for you."

"Thank you," Ennoshita said to two porters who seemed to appear out of nowhere.

Tadashi also watched the sudden flurry of activity until the suited employee prompted him again.

"Right this way, Tsukishima-san."

"Yes, of course!" Tadashi said, following the employee towards the entrance with Ennoshita at his side.

Kei lingered for a moment to watch the porters unload their suitcases from the van. He didn't doubt their ability to complete the job, especially employees of such a high-end establishment, but Tadashi had packed more than Kei thought was necessary and it would be troublesome to track something down later if it was misplaced. He counted the luggage as it went onto the cart, satisfied that everything was accounted for as the porters pushed the luggage up a ramp to a side entrance of the hotel.

He was ready to follow Tadashi and the hotel employee when a different movement caught his eye.

Kei turned to see Ushijima still standing at the curb where the van had been parked, the latter now gone, likely driven away once the luggage was unloaded. Ushijima was bent low in the knees, practically a squat, the movement that Kei had spotted in the corner of his eye. He repeated the bend two more times before shifting into a lunge position.

They were both about the same height. Kei and Ushijima were more similar in height than either of them were to Tadashi or Ennoshita. It made sense that out of the four of them, it would be Ushijima who was similarly affected by the long car ride.

Ushijima wasn't one for conspiratorial glances but Kei felt right in assuming a sense of camaraderie from the quiet grunts Ushijima gave off as he stretched.

Kei righted the strap of his bag on his shoulder and proceeded to the hotel entrance.

He didn't have to go far before he caught up to Tadashi.

The grand hotel entrance opened up to a lush garden, one that Kei had seen in many pictures during the trip planning process. It was a signature feature of the hotel and the suited hotel employee seemed to know to give Tadashi and Ennoshita space to take it in. They remained on the stone path as Ennoshita walked towards the large pond.

"Tadashi," Ennoshita said, looking back with his hands on the bridge railing, "it's just like the pictures."

Tadashi approached the edge of the pond to peer over the railing, following the point of Ennoshita's hand to something that made him smile.

"They look happy."

Kei turned to see Ushijima standing next to him. He shouldn't have been surprised, it made sense that Ushijima would also come this way, but he was still caught off guard by the sudden conversation.

He nodded. It was a simple statement, factual to agree with.

"They do."

Ushijima wasn't an overly expressive person. Kei liked that about him; no mindless chatter at unnecessary volumes. It made the things he did say or do stand out that much more. Kei could see emotion furrow his already hardened brow.

"Chikara has been under a lot of stress working at the new clinic," Ushijima said, his eyes cast towards the pond.

Kei followed the line of sight, watching Ennoshita hold Tadashi steady as he stretched his arms out to take a photo.

"Tadashi's been stressed out too," he said, sliding his hands into his pockets. "His last project faced one problem after another."

Movement stirred in the pond, perhaps awakened by the presence of an audience. A fish jumped up which startled a duck which almost caused Tadashi to drop his phone into the water. Thankfully, four hands were better than two and Tadashi managed to grab it, with Ennoshita making the assist. They burst into laughter when the phone was safely back in Tadashi's pocket.

Ushijima turned to Kei, an action Kei mirrored on instinct.

"It's nice to see them happy," Ushijima said.

Kei nodded, sharing the sentiment. "It is."

Ushijima nodded in turn before his attention was pulled away.

"Toshi," Ennoshita called from the pond.

Ushijima made his way over at once, his face taking on a rare smile when he reached Ennoshita.

"Tsukki!"

Tadashi rushed over to Kei, aglow with his recent laughter. It was only then that Kei realized how little he'd seen this expression from Tadashi in the last few months. He seemed lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"Tsukki," Tadashi said again, reaching for Kei's hand. He pulled Kei in the direction of the pond. "You have to come see this!"

Kei put up no resistance as they walked across the grass.

"Slow down, Tadashi," he said. The path was worn down but not paved. He didn't want Tadashi to trip. "The koi aren't going anywhere."

Tadashi stopped when they reached the bridge railing. He rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, his face a beam of joy as his smile grew to reach his freckles.

"Sorry, Tsukki."

Kei interlaced their fingers and looked out at whatever it was he just had to see.

He was humoring them a bit.

It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the luxury of the hotel, or the natural wonder of the ocean, or the garden.

Kei looked, taking in said wonder.

He hadn't thought about the weather when he rolled out of bed a few minutes earlier, staggering into the elevator in his pajamas, a Meiji University t-shirt and a pair of borrowed sweatpants. He didn't consider that, despite it being September, winter was beginning to creep in, closing in around warm fall days as cold mornings and chilly nights. He forgot how cold it could be before the sun came up, a fact he would never forget again if his sockless feet had anything to say about it.

He wasn't thinking.

It was early.

Jun had only been asleep for a few hours before the phone call woke him.

It was early.

And he was too excited.

Tetsu was coming.

Jun shifted as he glanced down the street. He dropped his hands from his arms, the thought of Tetsu's imminent arrival alone warming him against the early morning cold.

There were times when people questioned the inner workings of their relationship.

His sisters, his college teammates, even their friends from high school. They would see them together and they would ask Jun, what was it like to date someone like Tetsu? There was never malice or ill intent, more of a curiosity that Jun guessed came from a lack of imagination. People saw Tetsu and they saw his seriousness and tone and demeanor. No one ever asked if Tetsu was loyal or dedicated, traits that were easy to assume from any impression Tetsu made.

But occasionally, there were questions.

They would ask.

Was Tetsu fun?

Was he affectionate?

Was he romantic?

Jun hated those questions.

There wasn't anything wrong with the questions themselves. Jun understood why they asked those things. He'd asked himself similar questions in the first few weeks of knowing Tetsu.

But he knew the truth and the truth always made him feel flustered and embarrassed.

A noise grabbed Jun's attention, anticipation winning out over the last of his sleepiness as he heard the car before he saw it. Jun watched a simple sedan turn onto the street. Even from a distance, he knew it was Tetsu. It was too early, the neighborhood too quiet and still for it to be anyone else. He also recognized Tetsu's meticulous driving, from his use of the turn signal on an obviously empty street to his adherence to the speed limit even if it delayed their reunion by a few minutes.

His assumption was confirmed as the car approached and Tetsu came into view through the windshield. He unconsciously took a few steps forward as Tetsu pulled up to the curb and parked in front of a nearby building.

Tetsu waved once the car was securely parked and Jun broke out into a grin. He started moving again as Tetsu got out and crossed the street, carrying only a backpack and a square paper bag in one hand.

Jun hated those questions that made him feel flustered and embarrassed. He never knew how to answer them.

He would never be able to explain how Tetsu made him feel in moments like this.

Jun didn't ask Tetsu to come.

There was distance between them, a necessary physical distance as Tetsu had been contacted by a recruiter with an offer to play collegiate baseball in America. He had to go, Jun insisted. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Even an ocean away, Tetsu was being Tetsu. It was his second year in the US and he was a starter, batting sixth in the lineup, having earned his place on the field after playing mainly as designated hitter in his first season. He was nominated for a few preseason award watch lists, and there was even talk of him being considered for the MLB draft next summer.

There was distance between them but with sacrifice came rewards.

Jun picked up his pace, forgetting about the cold and the early morning hour. Tetsu lengthened his stride, his smile pushing Jun to move even faster.

Jun didn't ask Tetsu to come.

He didn't mention it. He didn't hint at it. He barely even let himself think about how this was the first of his birthdays that they would spend apart since they met.

There was distance between them.

And that meant sacrifices.

Video calls instead of dates. Daily conversations conducted through messages and emails.

Missed birthdays in exchange for career opportunities.

Except Tetsu came.

He called a week ago and told Jun he was coming.

He presented the situation as fact, not an idea or suggestion. He found the time. He arranged the trip. He flew hours across the Pacific Ocean, he rented a car and drove through the night, all so he could be with Jun on his birthday, upholding an unspoken tradition that Jun had been willing to let go.

Jun was moving at a light jog when he reached Tetsu. Momentum and excitement propelled him and he jumped into Tetsu's arms without warning. Tetsu lived up to his preseason national fielder of the year nomination, catching him easily as Jun wrapped himself around Tetsu.

"Hey," Jun said, grinning from ear to ear.

Tetsu smiled back. "Happy birthday, Jun."

Jun laughed, affection spilling out of him as he met Tetsu in a kiss. He felt Tetsu sigh into the touch of their lips, relief and contentment singing out from the press of his mouth and the grasp of his hands. Jun melted into the embrace, his hands pressing back into Tetsu's hair, held steady and strong and close in Tetsu's presence.

Was Tetsu fun?

Was he affectionate?

Was he romantic?

Jun hated those questions.

He never knew how to answer them.

It felt so obvious from the inside, looking out.

Tetsu loved him.

Wholly.

Completely.

Unequivocally.

In a fierce and quiet way that only Tetsu could love.

If that wasn't romance, then every single one of Jun's manga were wrong.

He couldn't imagine anything more romantic.

Tetsu tucked his face into Jun's neck for a moment before letting him down. Jun smiled up at him, trailing his hand down Tetsu's arm.

"What's this?" he asked, lifting Tetsu's hand and the bag it held.

"Your birthday cake," Tetsu answered.

The writing on the bag was in English, suggesting the cake had accompanied Tetsu on his international trip. Jun grabbed Tetsu by one of his backpack straps and pulled Tetsu down to kiss him again.

Because he could.

Because Tetsu came.

They lingered in the touch, Tetsu resting his forehead against Jun's.

"I brought candles too," Tetsu said.

Jun laughed. "Let's go inside," he said, unable to stop grinning. "It's cold."

Tetsu nodded in agreement.

He moved the cake bag from one hand to the other, meeting Jun, their hands finding each other when Tetsu's was free. Jun led the way to his building, tangling their fingers together as they walked.

They talked in soft voices about nothing in particular, the weather, Jun's sisters, Tetsu's flight. The topic wasn't important, only the pleasure of being able to have a conversation without screens.

It was warmer in the lobby of the building.

Jun pressed the button to call for the elevator. He watched the display blink through descending numbers, thinking about how he and Tetsu should spend their limited time together. He hadn't considered it before. He wasn't thinking.

He was too excited.

Jun turned to ask Tetsu if he wanted to go out for breakfast, his question replaced by a smile as Tetsu raised their joined hands to kiss Jun's fingers as they waited.

It was an action that made Jun feel flustered and embarrassed.

And loved.

A simple gesture.

Unspoken and unequivocal.

They (mainly girls, some guys) seek Jun out, braving Jun's temperament, to ask him a multitude of questions: is Tetsu single, does he like anyone, does he have a type, should they confess, how would Tetsu react if they confessed?

Jun's answer is the same every time.

"I don't know!! Why don't you tell him yourself and

find out?!" He growls a little louder every time. He's talking to himself in addition to the questioner.

He doubts they'd seek him out if they knew how much they had in common.

Jun doesn't get in anyone's way. He doesn't lie, he doesn't discourage them from confessing (he doesn't exactly encourage it either). He and Tetsu aren't dating. Tetsu's love life is his decision. Jun doesn't have any right to affect it.

It keeps his conscience clear.

Jun knows about every confession in advance. He knows why people are asking to speak with Tetsu at lunch or waiting for him as they walk to the baseball field.

He's just as nervous as the confessors.

Waiting to hear Tetsu's response.

Tetsu confides in Jun after each confession. He's kind, he's honest but he still feels bad for rejecting people's heartfelt feelings.

Jun tries not to be too pleased. He's in the same position as the confessor. He can only imagine how much Tetsu's rejection would hurt him too.

Those seeking Jun's advice are braver than he

They confess. They tell Tetsu their feelings.

Jun has yet to be able to do that.

It frustrates him. It annoys him.

It scares him.

After the summer tournament, he tells himself.

At Koshien

He'll tell Tetsu then.

The agony of being Isashiki Jun, known best friend of Yuuki Tetsuya and vice captain of Seido, watching his dream of going to Koshien wither and crumble in front of him while also watching Tetsu suffer the same grief and loss.

The confessions slow to a stop after the summer tournament. All of Seido is aware of the result and they grant the baseball club, particularly the third years, the kindness of space.

No one seeks out Jun's advice for months.

Jun isn't upset the first time someone seeks him out again.

It's a good reminder that life goes on.

It must.

This confession is different.

Nakashima Karin is someone Jun and Tetsu both know well. She asks about Jun, about the other retired third years, before she brings up her feelings for Tetsu. Karin is the captain of the girls' softball team. She understands their grief.

Jun doesn't realize until after their conversation, until he's waiting for Tetsu at a nearby park, that he's more nervous about Karin's confession than he's been about any of the previous ones.

Tetsu arrives later than Jun expects. Confessions usually don't take very long. Jun imagines there isn't much to talk about after Tetsu states his rejection.

He tries not to read too much into it.

They walk through the park. Tetsu confides in Jun that Karin confessed to him.

Tetsu is never easy to read but he's unusually hard to read at this moment.

"What did you say?" Jun asks, his heart racing.

"I said I appreciated that she told me but I couldn't say I returned her feelings since I like someone else."

Jun drops the drink Tetsu gave him.

It's fall.

The weather is cooling. Jun wears his uniform blazer consistently on most days. They're in the weeks between his and Tetsu's birthdays.

The overwhelming hurt of not going to Koshien is finally starting to heal.

Tetsu's admission shatters Jun's heart again.

"Jun?"

"You... like someone else?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"Jun."

"Just tell me, Tetsu."

"I did."

Jun is numb.

His heart is no longer racing. Every beat is slow and loud with disbelief.

The world seems to freeze and fade as if Jun is viewing his own life from the outside, this moment a two-page manga spread drawn at an angle to visually convey how off-balance he feels.

"What?"

He can barely speak.

Tetsu turns to him, shoulders square, posture perfect, hands down at his sides. He takes a slow breath that Jun recognizes from his at bat routine. It's a calming action, meant to steady and focus.

Tetsu is also quiet.

"I like you, Jun."

"You... what?"

"I like you," Tetsu says again. "I told Karin when I couldn't say I returned her feelings. It was the first time I told anyone how I feel. She said I should tell you."

Tetsu steps forward until he's close enough for Jun to see the blush coloring his ears.

"I like you."

Tetsu says it a third time. It seems to get easier each time. Other than the flush of his ears he stands tall and steady, waiting for Jun's response.

Practice makes permanent.

Jun hasn't practiced at all.

He's never said the words out loud, even to himself. He's only experienced holding the feelings inside.

Jun stares at Tetsu, agape, unable to stir his voice.

Tetsu is tossing him the easiest, softest ball and he's too afraid to swing.

Jun watches uncertainty grow on Tetsu's face.

Tetsu has never been the confessor before. He's waiting on Jun and the longer Jun is silent, the more he seems to think he's going to be rejected.

By Jun.

It's ridiculous and heartbreaking and Jun is the only one who can stop it.

Tetsu steps back.

"I understand if you don't feel the same way," he says, an unacceptable fragility in his tone. "I value our friendship and I hope-"

"No!" Jun finally shouts.

Jun grabs Tetsu without thinking, his grip tight on Tetsu's arm as he pulls him back to him.

He's yearned to be close to Tetsu for so long that he's unwilling to give up any distance.

Tetsu's eyes go wide.

He looks confused, maybe hopeful.

So is Jun.

"Tetsu."

Tetsu waits.

Jun's fingers twist into the sleeve of Tetsu's sweater.

He doesn't take a breath. He's never been one to wait for a steady footing.

"I like you," he says, pushing the words out, not letting them retreat. "I like you too."

Tetsu's expression softens, confusion fading to leave only hope.

"You do?" he asks.

"Yeah." Jun feels himself smiling, free from the weight of secrecy. "A lot," he admits.

Tetsu's hope grows into the brightest smile. He takes Jun's hand from his arm.

"I like you a lot too."

Tetsu takes Jun's hand, gently unwinding Jun's fingers from his sweater and entangling them with his own.

It's only then that Jun's mind catches up to his heart.

Heat rushes into his face, fast and furious. He ducks his head, unable to look at Tetsu, hiding under his hair.

His neck burns when he hears Tetsu speak.

"You're cute."

"DON'T SAY THAT!!"

Jun's outburst startles the birds out of the nearby trees. He glares up at Tetsu, knowing he's red with both annoyance and embarrassment.

Tetsu shows no remorse.

"I'm sorry, Jun."

"No, you're not," Jun mutters.

Tetsu shakes his head. "I am," he says, a smile still on his lips. "I don't mean to upset you but it's true."

Jun frowns even as Tetsu smiles at him, undeterred as he picks up Jun's forgotten drink with his free hand.

"I don't care if... you think it's true," Jun growls, feeling the blush searing his cheeks. "Don't say that."

Tetsu nods, agreeable but more amused than Jun prefers.

"Okay, Jun."

"I mean it."

"I know."

"You can't say anything you want just because you're my boyfriend now."

Tetsu's brow rises in surprise.

Jun stands his ground, his stance, his scowl, his grip on Tetsu's hand all firm.

He sees the color return to Tetsu's ears.

"I can't?" Tetsu asks.

"No," he says firmly.

Tetsu thinks it over. He takes less than a second.

"Okay," he agrees. "I won't say you're cute even though you're my boyfriend."

Jun's body betrays him. His annoyed embarrassment bubbles over as laughter.

"Hey!" he says, shoving Tetsu roughly. "That still counts!"

Tetsu doesn't have free hands to defend himself. He stumbles back, pulling Jun with him, closer and closer until personal space is something shared rather than distinct.

He drops Jun's hand in favor of stabilizing them, his arms slipping around Jun's waist.

Jun's hands catch on Tetsu's sweater.

"I'm sorry, Jun," Tetsu says.

"No, you're not," Jun laughs.

Tetsu offers him a smile in exchange for his indifference.

"I'm not a very good boyfriend."

Jun can't contain his laughter, his relief, his excitement.

"You need practice."

Tetsu's gaze drifts, lingering for a moment on Jun's lips. He holds Jun closer, speaks softer.

"Can I start now?"

Jun nods, pressing up on his toes, his hands reaching up to Tetsu's shoulders.

His answer is also soft.

"Yes."

The joy of being Isashiki Jun, known best friend and official boyfriend of Yuuki Tetsuya, being kissed for the first time on a cool fall afternoon, the blush of first love as vibrant as the changing leaves on the trees above.

—

Original thread on Twitter