Chapter Text
To say that Haruka was frustrated was beyond an understatement.
For the most part, his life had been nothing but misfortune since the day he had been born. There were only two instances when that wasn’t true. Currently now, living in this town and going to Furin was all of his friends. He was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about him and a town that welcomed him with open arms, even if he was a bit fickle at times.
The second time was when a stubborn brat saved him back when he was little and decided all by himself they were going to be friends. Those times were what kept him going on until this point, and another reason he strived to get as strong as possible. The image of a confident boy who showed up with hands stained black more often than not and constantly bossing him around brings him even just a little comfort in his darkest times.
So it probably comes to no surprise to anyone that Haruka felt his heart ache when the one boy he thought he would never see again ran from him the first time they see each other. At the time he didnt get it. They had been so close back then, what had changed? Why would he take off like that without saying a word?
He had almost been afraid Sakae had realized how much of a freak he was and wanted nothing to do with him.
Those thoughts had been squashed as quickly as they surfaced. Sakae wasn’t that kind of person and he wouldn’t let his insecurities cloud his judgement on that.
It pissed him off though that every attempt to speak to him had been either cut short or the guy just disappeared. Especially after Sugishita explained what Sakae had been through in the years they had been separated. Haruka accepted that bad things happened to himself, it was unpreventable and he would take it in stride no matter what. But for things like this to happen to Sakae? It had made him feel sick.
Sakae was one of the most selfless people he had ever met. Even at a young age he was constantly doing things for others. His kindness knew no bounds and Haruka had admired him greatly for that. He was strong even back then too. Unlike Haruka, who was bound by the threat of being casted aside if he didnt stay on his best behavior, Sakae had no limitations and he used that for good. He can still remember standing by that trash can, water dripping down his face as he watched him take on the three bullies who wanted to make his life a living hell.
Never had anyone ever stood up for him. If they weren’t joining in on his torment they were just some bystander, not wanting to choose either side. It was the first time in his little life he felt amazement watching someone.
He clung to that memory as he kept perusing Sakae. He knew he was hurting, that he was alone. Just like he did for him back then, Haruka would keep chasing him until he let him in.
It all came to ahead today, when he chased him onto the bridge after his grandmothers funeral. A part of him ached that he never got to say goodbye to her himself, or any of the other members of his family. They were the closest thing he got to experience of a happy family. His mother’s warm smiles and gentle embraces. His father’s rough hand that would ruffle his hair as he passed him. His grandfather who would laugh and joke around with Sakae as he worked. Then there was his grandmother who always had warm treats ready for them and had many stories she liked to tell.
He had pushed that all down though to make sure his friend was okay.
Some heartfelt words and fighting later and here Haruka was, stumbling next to Sakae and freezing his ass off. Why that idiot wanted him to prove he was stronger right next to the river was still beyond him, but it was even more baffling they had ended up in the cold water. The squish of his soaked shoes only ground on his nerves more.” I-It’s so cold out here!”
Sakae let out a groan as he held his grandmothers ashes closer, her container safe thanks to the jacket Haruka provided.” Quit yelling, you’re making my bruises hurt more.”
Haruka threw him a nasty glare as he rubbed at his arms. He tried to ignore the way that that Sakae’s shirt was clinging to him at the moment. Sure the thought had come through his mind that his friend had gotten quite attractive since they last saw each other, but he was mad at him currently.” Dont give me an attitude, this is all your fault!”
Sakae finally looked at him, having had his head turned for most of the walk so far. He noticed his eyes flicker down to his chest for a minute before he looked forward, his voice raising a bit.” Huh?! How is this my fault? And quit yelling! You’re going to disturb the whole damn neighborhood.”
“You’re yelling too, dumbass. It’s your fault for running away from me. Don’t give me that shit either about trying to protect me. You’re not badass enough to bring literal death on people.”
That was probably what had him the most pissed off about this whole situation. Sakae having any kind of dark thought about himself was just unacceptable.
Sakae scuffed as he went to turn to head up to his building.” Yeah okay ‘Mr. Im nothing but bad luck’, I dont want to hear it from you.”
Haruka followed behind him, opening his mouth to tell him off but snapped it shut as heavy shiver coursed through his body. He wouldn’t be surprised if his neighbors could hear his teeth chattering.
Sakae glanced back at him as he moved his grandmothers ashes into one arm and pulled his keys out with his free hand.” You never did do good with the cold.. Looks like that hasn’t changed, huh?”
“N-No. So hurry up and get the door open so I can have my jacket back, Im freezing here.”
The minute the door swung open Sakae looked down at him before nodding inside.” What are you on about? Get inside. Im not letting you walk home like that.”
There was a minute where the two of them just stared at each other. Haruka out of slight confusion and Sakae with his usual stubborn bossiness. Guess he was right about some things not changing. Haruka rubbed his arms once more before he went to walk past Sakae so he could head inside.” Not shoving me away anymore?”
“For now, we will see where your attitude lands you later.” The taller boy walked in and shut the door behind him. He moved to stand next to Haruka so he could kick off his shoes, his face scrunching up at the wet splat they made when they fell to the ground.
Haruka couldn’t help letting out a soft chuckle as he tried to toe off his wet shoes, his hands permanently clinging to his arms.” Wouldn’t be the first time its landed me in hot water.”
Sakae fixed him with a look as he went to turn to head down the hall.” The bath is right over here, hurry up and hop in. I’ll bring you a change of clothes, then once we are bathed I’ll get dinner started.”
Somewhere in the back of his mind he felt the echo of their promise bouncing around. Was it Sakaes turn to hold up his end and cook him some yummy food? Haruka went to head for the direction of the bathroom, taking a glance around. Even though this wasn’t the same place as before, it still had a similiar vibe. The biggest difference was that it was so quiet. The bustling of family roaming around and chatting missing. How lonely had Sakae been here?
Once he was safely in the bathroom and away from Sakae he let out a shaky sigh as he achingly pulled off his wet clothes. He got a strange sense of Déjà vu. Maybe because the last time he had been at Sakae’s it was also when he had been soaking wet and cold. Back then though his mother had showed him how the shower worked and held his face while she told him he did nothing wrong. He really did miss her.
Haruka had no idea what it was like to have an actual mother, but Sakae’s was definitely a good one. So gentle and sweet. His grandma was just the same. He hoped they were doing well, wherever they were now.
Getting into the shower he took a moment to look at the shampoos and soaps. He grabbed the body wash and went to pop the cap to have a sniff. He couldnt help but chuckle a little when he got a good whiff of the maple scent. Sakae always did like this smell even when they were kids.
“What are you chuckling about in there?”
Haruka felt his face grow warm as he quickly put the body wash back before he went to fumble with the knobs so he could get the water going.” N-Nothing! Mind your business!”
“You’re so odd sometimes. I got the clothes here, I’ll put them on the washer. Im going to grab yours and get them hung.”
“Oh, thanks. I’ll be out soo-“ he cut himself off with a shout when the water came out, hitting his scraps and bruises.” Ow! Ow! Ow! This hurts!”
He could hear a barely there chuckle before the door to the bathroom open and closed once more. He felt a small smile tug at his lips as he got to work getting cleaned up. Sakae still needed to get clean as well, so he didnt want to take up too much hot water. It did feel nice on his aching muscles and warmed him right up.
The minute he started to lather his hair, he couldnt help but think back to the bridge. It seemed as soon as he was thrown to the next family both of their lives went to shit. Haruka unfortunately met his father and was thrown into an orphanage, while Sakae slowly lost the people he cared about most. If only he fought harder back then, or ran away when he realized what they planned to do to him.
Haruka wanted to stay with Sakae, to be by his side. He was his best friend after all and, thanks to everyone being so god damn obsessed with romance, he realized his first crush as well. At least to him, neither one of those things had changed, which makes those feelings hurt even more.
Even if he had stayed it not like he could have changed any of the fates Sakae’s family members faced, but he could have been there for him. Like he had been there for him through everything Haruka went through. Maybe it wasn’t too late for him to still return the favor.
Once he was finished and got himself dried off, he grabbed the clothes left for him and looked them over. Damn, why was Sakae bigger than him? Haruka had grown since they seen each other. He was average height and his build leaned into the athletic side, but Sakae just had more bulk than him.
Haruka glanced back at the door to make sure Sakae wasn’t going to suddenly burst into the room. Once he was sure the coast was clear he held the shirt up to his face and had a sniff. The tension in his body almost immediately melted as he went to tug it on, that was hundred percent Sakae. The pants were the real problem since his waist was a bit smaller than Sakae’s so he had to tie them tighter than he usually would.
As he made his way out of the bathroom and toward the main room, he felt a smile tug on his face when he saw Sakae working on his clothes. The smile faded when he noticed the distant look in his eyes. He looked sad, far away from here.
Both times when Haruka had felt completely alone since coming to Furin, he found himself enveloped in tight embraces from those around him. It had worked from pulling him back from the edge, so maybe it would help out here.
Haruka tried to make his way over as silently as he could as to not get Sakae’s attention. He was sure that the minute he noticed him, he wouldn’t let him get close. As soon as he was within reach he moved forward to wrap his arms around Sakae’s waist, pressing his cheek against the back of Sakae’s shoulder. Pushing down his own embarrassment and fear so he could be the comfort his friend needed.
He could feel the sharp intake of breath Sakae took, his back going stiff against him.” H-Haruka?..”
Haruka took a moment to just enjoy the warmth he felt radiating off of Sakae. He closed his eyes, ignoring how his clothes were still slightly damp.” I missed you, Sakae…”
Sakae turned the hair dryer off, the room drifting into a tense silence. Haruka almost debated on letting him go, afraid that maybe he over stepped with this. Instead he let out a yelp when Sakae was turning in his grasp so he could pull him into a bone crushing hug.
Shit, it was almost hard to breathe from how hard he was being held but he wasn’t going to move. His friend needed this and he honestly enjoyed the contact. He felt his eyes go wide when he heard Sakae mutter into his ear.” I missed you so much, Haruka.. I never stopped thinking about you.. Im so happy to have you back..”
There was an odd stinging in his eyes before he squeezed his eyes shut as he buried his face into him, clutching onto the back of his shirt tightly.” Im sorry I wasn’t here.. Im never leaving again though, not ever.”
And he meant that. He was out of the grasp of those people and was living on his own. He could be there for Sakae whenever he wanted. They didn’t have to be alone anymore.
The moment he felt Sakae press his face into his neck and felt the warm wetness against his skin, he couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.” Since when were you such a big cry baby?”
“Screw you, Im only crying from how ridiculous you look right now.”
“Huh?! The hell is that supposed to mean?”
He felt more so than heard the laugh bubbling up inside Sakae as he went to pull away, his arms moving back so just his hands were resting on Haruka’s waist. He couldn’t help but notice the shine on his face from the few tears he shed.” You are practically swimming in those clothes. They were the smallest ones I have as well.”
Haruka felt his face go red, feeling it all the way up to his ears and down his neck. It wasn’t just from the small comment, but also from how nicely Sakae’s hands fit on his waist. He let out a slight growl as he jabbed a finger against his chest.” Who the hell are you calling small?! You tryin’ to fight again?”
Instead of getting an answer, he was met with a sound he hadn’t realized he missed so much. Sakae threw his head back as he let out a full blown laugh, his hands tightening a bit on his waist. Haruka could only stare in a daze as he listened. It was much deeper than when they were kids, but it still held the same warmth he grew to love.
Sakae slowly calmed down to a chuckle before he gave Haruka his first genuine smile since seeing each other.” You still get so red. Never grew out of that, huh?”
“S-Shuddup! Go shower already! Im starving over here.”
That seemed to get the taller boy moving. He released Haruka, much to his disappointment, before he went to move around him so he could head for the bathroom.” Alright, finish drying your clothes while I shower then. I’ll get the food heated up afterwards.”
“Damn bossy bastard…” Haruka grumbled under his breath before his eyes went to look around to take in the rest of the apartment. His eyes lingered on all the little notes posted everywhere, explaining where things belonged. It pulled at his heart a bit when he realized how much care Sakae put into his grandmothers health and well being. He finally landed on the small make shift family shrine off to the side and went to make his way over to it. Closing his eyes as he brought his hands up into a prayer gesture, he muttered softly under his breath.” Don’t worry.. I’ll take care of him. You all rest easy now.”
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Haruka let out a happy sigh as he leaned back in his chair, resting a hand on his stomach. Sakae hadn’t been lying when he said he was going to make him delicious food in the future, that meal had been heavenly.
He heard a soft chuckle from across the table as Sakae stood up to grab the dishes.” It really couldn’t have been that good. You’re so dramatic.”
“It was that good and you can shut your trap about it.” Haruka went to get up so he could check on his clothes. He felt his face scrunch up when he felt how damp the fabric still was.” Damn, still wet.”
“Well maybe if you spent less time complaining about my hair dryer and actually drying your clothes they would be dry by now.” Sakae looked back at him from where he was at the sink before he threw him a smug smirk.” Guess you have to go home in my clothes.”
Oh that bastard really thought he was winning something here. Two could play at that game. Haruka turned to face him before crossing his arms over his chest, his own smirk taking over his face.” Actually, Im using one of our promises from before.”
Sakae turned off the water so he could full face him now, an eyebrow raised like he didn’t know what he was talking about.” Oh yeah? What promise is that exactly?”
“You said when we were kids I could stay over whenever I want and I get to use your bed too, so Im doing that tonight.”
Now he felt smug as he watched Sakae’s eyes go wide, his face going a bit pink. Who was the one blushing now?
It took a full minute for Sakae to recover before he went to glance to the side, bringing a hand up to rub at the back of his neck.” Alright then. I should have a spare futon. You can have the bed and I’ll sleep on that.”
Haruka scrunched his face up in confusion before he shook his head.” What the hell? Don’t do that. Just share the bed with me.”
He felt an odd satisfaction in watching Sakae grow redder by the second. He liked knowing he could get the cool ‘Lone wolf’ a blushing mess.” H-Haruka.. I don’t know if that is a good idea.”
“Why not? We did it when we were younger. What’s the big deal?” He felt a little of his insecurities surface as he went to glance down at the ground.” Unless you really don’t want to.. then don’t worry about it.”
The only warning he got was loud footsteps making there way over to him before he felt fingers on his chin and found himself looking into warm amber eyes. He could see the way his eyes crinkled a little from the way he chuckled at him.” Are you really going to pout if I don’t share the bed with you?”
Haruka tried to drown out the rapid beating of his heart so he could respond but his throat felt so dry suddenly. Why was his body reacting like this?
That damn smirk worked its way onto Sakae’s face again before he felt his chin let go.” Fine, I’ll share with you. I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“W-Why would I be uncomfortable? Im the one asking for it.”
Sakae looked down somewhere lower on his face for a moment before he glanced to the side.” Because it might mean two different things for us..”
Wait huh? He was a bit out of his field here but he had an inkling of a feeling that he knew what Sakae was hinting at. How many times was he going to go red tonight? Letting out a huff, he went to turn so he could head towards Sakae’s room.” D-Dont act like you know what this means to me.. Hurry up so we can go to bed.”
It took a moment but eventually he did hear foot steps following after him. He felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest but he was not going to run away from this. He never ran away before and he wasn’t going to start now.
The minute he got into the room he felt like he was back to when they were kids, staring at the bed like it was going to eat him whole. This time it was for an entirely different reason.
Haruka nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt Sakae’s hand lightly graze his lower back, a low chuckle breezing past his ear.” Still spooked by beds, Haruka?”
He would totally deny the way that dragged a shiver out of him before he went to let out a huff, stomping his way over to the bed.” I was never spooked by beds! I just never had the chance to sleep in one before your house.”
The minute he yanked the covers back and got himself comfortable he found himself enclosed in darkness when the lights were turned off and the door was shut. The only light came from the moon shining in through the crack in the curtains. He pressed himself back against the wall, realizing now that it might be a tight fit for the two of them in this bed. It wasn’t small by any means but it definitely wasn’t meant for two grown teen boys.
He felt the bed dip as Sakae laid on his side before he heard a quiet snicker. Even with both of them trying to avoid touching each other, it left only a little space between them.” You still sure about this, Haruka?”
“Y-Yes Im sure about this! Quit trying to get out of this!”
“Huh? Im not trying to get out of anything! You’re the one stuttering over there!”
“Shuddup already!”
Haruka really couldn’t tell you who started it. One minute their bickering, the next someone is jabbing the others. Before he knows whats happening the two of them are grappling with each other, quiet laughter exchange between the two of them as they tried not to fall out of the bed.
Even when they were younger this would happen occasionally. He could never tell what would start it but eventually they would find themselves wrestling on the ground. It was one of the few times that Haruka really felt like he was getting to be his age. By the end of their wrestling match, Haruka finds himself hovering over Sakae, a triumphant smile on his face.” Ha! I win!”
The both of them slowly calmed down to soft chuckles before they found themselves staring at each other. It was a little hard to really see, but Haruka could make out Sakae’s face below him and the fond smile he was shooting up at him. It made him grip the pillow underneath his hands tight. Sakae really was handsome, he couldnt find a single thing he didn’t like about his face. He had never been one to think before he acted, he mostly ran off of pure instinct and now was no different. He knew what he wanted at the moment and it would either work out, or he would look like a complete idiot.
He released the pillow from his grasp so he could cup either side of Sakae’s face. He took a moment to admire the confusion on his face before he went to lean down in an attempt to kiss him. He says attempt because he more so landed on the edge of his mouth than where he was actually aiming.
He could still feel a warm tingle from where his lips met Sakae’s skin, but knew it wasn’t enough. He did drink up the gasp his friend let out as he leaned back a bit. Pulling back just a bit, his eyes took in the color on his cheeks he could make out from the moonlight coming in.
Haruka nearly let out a frustrated growl at the fact he messed up but instead let out a small shout when a hand found its way to the back of his head. He closed his eyes as his face was pulled down, lips landing on target this time, just a bit rougher than he originally imaged.
Would he really have it any other way? A little rough around the edges definitely described them perfectly.
Following Sakae’s lead, he slowly glides his lips against his. When he felt Sakae nudge his head a bit to turn he did just that, finding it a bit easier now. Even though there was no urgency in their exchange of kisses, Haruka couldn’t help feel an excited tingle run through his body. Sakae’s lips fit so well against his, just like his hands had fit perfectly against his waist.
The love he felt for Sakae felt like it was flowing through his whole being, moving his hands to lightly trace down to his neck and chest. He wondered if Sakae could feel it pouring from his pores, he hoped he could convey it to him properly.
He wanted more from this kiss but he would be content for now. Now that Haruka had Sakae back, he had no plans on missing any time with him. They would have plenty of time to explore whatever this is more in the future.
When he felt hands move to rest against his legs Haruka finally pulled back from the kiss, staring into amber eyes that almost gave off the impression that they turned to molten liquid. He felt the breathless chuckle wash over him as Sakae squeezed his legs.” Who knew you had this in you, Haruka.”
He felt his face scrunch up in confusion before it dawned on him just exactly what their position was. Not only was Sakae laid out underneath him, but he was straddling the others hips and was sat there pretty comfortably. He knew the other couldn’t see it, but he wouldn’t be shocked if he felt the heat radiant off him from how quickly he grew red.
“I-It isn’t.. I-I huh!” He tried to throw himself back but Sakae was quick to sit up with him, wrapping his arms around him to keep himself from falling off the bed. Haruka could barely make out the serious expression on the other’s face as he tightened his arms around him.” Don’t leave.. please.”
Haruka took a stuttering breath before he put his hands on Sakae’s shoulders, giving them a firm squeeze.” I-Im not going anywhere.. not ever.”
He let out a small shout as he was pulled against Sakae for another bone crushing hug, slapping his shoulder this time. He let it slide the first time but his bruises were killing him this time around.” I can’t keep my word if you break my spine, damn it!”
Sakae laughed softly before he leaned back a little so he could press his forehead against Haruka’s.” Sorry.. it’s just been so long since I have felt this happy.”
Giving him the barest hint of a smile, Haruka moved one of his hands so he could run it against the back of his undercut.” Well good.. you trying to push me away was really pissing me off. Dont do that again.”
Sakae scuffed softly as he went to move them so they could lay on their sides, causing Haruka to blush once more. It took a bit of rearranging before they finally found a comfortable position. Arms wrapped around one another, legs tangled together and Harukas head resting against Sakae’s chest.” And you call me the bossy one.”
“I learned from the best.” Haruka closed his eyes, listening to Sakae’s breathing as he tried to calm his nerves. Thanks to everyone in this town he was getting better at accepting and showing care, but it was still hard at times. He didn’t know if it would easily come to him, but he would push himself further and harder for those he loved.
He loved Sakae. He knew that fact before the day he found him in the rain. He knew the first time he took him to that shop and he watched him tinker away on whatever board had been given to him. Never had he found himself so enthralled with just watching someone as he had been with him. It was the pure joy and contentment that Sakae showed that dragged him in, made him want to know more about him. The day in the rain just solidified it for him that he loved every part of him.
Even when he was taken away, mistreated and casted aside. When his dad called him a murder and said that he belonged no where, he clutched onto those warm memories. He held them so tight he was afraid they would shatter. A warm home with laughter and bright smiles, gentle hands that combed through his hair like it was something beautiful and not a horrible mistake.
He would let himself sink into the memories of amber eyes that looked at him like he was something precious and pushed forward. Sure he was angry and he let that anger consume him at times, but when he was truly alone he would open those memories up. He was on that tight rope alone but he had a goal, something real and tangible to hold at the end.
Now here he was, cuddled close to that goal. He would never let it slide out from between his fingers. Sakae, this town, his friends, he would hold onto them forever. He would do whatever was needed to keep them safe. It’s what he promised after all.
Resisting the urge to fall asleep just yet, Haruka mumbled softy.” Hey Sakae?…”
“Yeah, Haruka?”
“I think I love you…”
It might be skipping a whole lot of steps, but Haruka didn’t care. He went years without Sakae, so if he wanted to lay it all out for him that was his own damn business.
There was a stretch of silence, one that grated on Haruka’s already fragile nerves. What if Sakae didn’t feel the same? Should he take it back?
A kiss placed on the top of his head brought him to a stop, the arms wrapped around him pulling him flush against Sakae.” I love you too, Haruka.. I have for years.”
Haruka let out a sigh of relief as he clutched onto Sakae’s shirt once more, a tension he didnt know he was holding released from his shoulders.” We should talk more about this in the morning.. after you make me breakfast.”
“You really are going to hold me to that cooking thing, huh?”
“Shouldn’t have promised it if you didn’t want to do it.”
Haruka felt himself start to grow drowsy as fingers lightly traced along his back, a yawn escaping before he could stop it. Sakae snickered a little as Haruka rubbed his face against him to get more comfortable.” I want too, I’ll just have to make sure to get more ingredients is all.”
“..Maybe pick some up for some Omurice?”
“I already told you no on that.”
Haruka let out a huff as he went to grumble sleepily against him, his warmth making it hard to stay awake.” Jerk..”
“Love you too, Haru. Now go to sleep.”
“Yeah yeah, goodnight Sakae.”
He felt a cheek rest on the top of his head as sleep started to drag him under, the last quiet muttering from Sakae being the last thing he heard.” Goodnight Haruka..”