Chapter Text
With a good moment of silence Gilbert had been on autopilot during the walk home with Kiku. He didn’t live too far from the location of the reception. He hoped that Francis and Arthur would get a good beating from Elizabeta, although Francis would have probably enjoyed that. He’d usually be happier for his French friend but damn, he wasn’t even getting some! Kiku was still wondering if he should have even accepted the invitation to his new friend’s house. He was already imposing on him as it was even if the albino offered.
He still wasn’t sure how he felt about the whole situation but after that minor freak out of finding their two friends about to eat each other alive, well, they didn’t want to stay any longer so looking for Alfred was out of the question. He’d give him a good ear full later.
“So… ”
Kiku looked over to Gilbert who had started speaking.
“That was—I mean—Arthur—Francis—I mean I figured they had sex whenever they were alone but—”
“Gilbert-san, are you alright? Do we need to stop for a while?”
The albino finally looked Kiku’s way and just laughed.
“Nein! We don’t. I’m fine. I just didn’t think I’d find myself turned on and traumatized at the same time from seeing Arthur so submissive towards Francis you know?”
The Japanese male kept his focus up ahead feeling his cheeks flushing.
“At least we are finally out of there.” Kiku said in attempt to steer away from that topic.
Gilbert nodded.
They had finally arrived at the albino’s apartment complex. Before stepping inside Kiku hesitated and stayed outside.
Already inside and kicking off his boots the albino looked towards the entrance to see the Japanese standing there. “What? Getting cold feet already? We’re not getting married so relax.” Gilbert teased.
The Japanese puffed up his cheeks and Gilbert noticed the tint of pink.
Adorable
“Pardon the intrusion.” Kiku stepped inside. “I still feel a little odd staying over at a new friend’s home—”
“Ja, ja. You wouldn’t let me drive and I wasn’t going to argue with a feisty person.” Gilbert waved it off.
“Excuse me?” Kiku followed Gilbert to the living room.
“Hm?” The albino stopped and turned around to face the Japanese male.
The shorter male stopped in his tracks and said sternly, “It would not have been wise! Gilbert-san please tell me you do not do such reckless things…”
For a moment the look of honest concern in Kiku’s eyes made Gilbert blink a few times. Was someone actually giving a crap about him? How odd. He was used to receiving these lectures from Elizabeta, but no one else really. That was the first time all night where the Japanese’s onyx eyes had a small spark in them. Something natural, there wasn’t a façade for that brief moment. The silence made Kiku nervous but he kept his stern stare on Gilbert letting him know he was serious.
The albino leaned in closer to the Japanese’s ear. Kiku could only stay frozen in shock. Gilbert whispered, “I didn’t think someone I just met hours ago would be so concerned over someone like me”.
Kiku’s blush came on at full force right then and there because part of it was true, he tried not to really concern himself with strangers but Kiku knew he would genuinely be worried over a friend. Whether or not Gilbert noticed, the Japanese male did pay attention to his mannerisms and his way of thinking during their conversations and time spent at the reception. While it was true that they had only spoken that day he at least had a decent idea of how Gilbert was and knew he was a good person. Kiku shut his eyes closed. Was Gilbert flirting though? Why now of all times? Was it because they were alone? He must have still been buzzed or something of the sort (which was the only logical excuse Kiku told himself).
It wasn’t until he felt a strong ruffling of his hair and chuckling. Kiku opened his eyes to see a smiling albino. He had a very nice smile if the shorter male said so himself.
“Come on Kiku, you need to lighten up! No need to be serious right now. You’re my guest here. Make yourself at home.”
The ruffling of his hair, though it was bothersome and the Japanese didn’t exactly appreciate it, it also somehow made him feel a bit more welcomed. It lightened the mood. Was he starting to open up? But he never really reacted this badly to Alfred’s gestures. This was very confusing because it really made no sense to him.
Kiku’s flush stayed on his face and he knew it was not the alcohol anymore because he was able to sober up during their walk. Gilbert’s eyes were on him again, those crimson red eyes that honestly looked like they could see directly through him with no effort at all. Kiku nervously slapped Gilbert's hand away and turned around walking towards the doorway again.
“Oi, oi! Kiku! Where are you going?”
“I wish to be alone for a while Gilbert-san. Please respect my request.”
And with that the Japanese closed the door and disappeared.
Gilbert felt a bit hurt yet confused as to why Kiku reacted that way. Then the thought struck him. He realized that as much as he wanted to get to know Kiku, the Japanese didn’t seem too fond of physical contact. The albino sighed as he took a seat on his living room couch. He figured he’d have a talk with Kiku when he got back. Day one of a new friendship and he already screwed up?
A good thirty minutes passed and Kiku managed to come back feeling much more relaxed. He was thankful the door had been kept unlocked. He would be certain to apologize to the albino. Wow, day one and he had already apologized multiple times? It was like they were meant to be a beautiful disaster. As Kiku made his way inside he took off his shoes and noticed a pair of slippers. Had Gilbert laid them out for him? The albino was oddly thoughtful. Kiku smiled while slipping them on and walking over to the living room.
The first thing he noticed was a snoring Gilbert on the couch with no blankets.
“How careless, Gilbert-san. You will catch a cold.” Kiku muttered.
He saw some blankets on a nearby chair and grabbed one to put it over his snoozing friend. As soon as the blanket touched Gilbert an arm wrapped around Kiku and pulled him in. The Japanese’s head was now buried into the albino’s chest. He squirmed and struggled to wake Gilbert up. Who in the world had such an odd reflex?! Why did he only meet odd people?! Kiku did the only thing he found logical and started poking the sleeping figure’s sides.
Gilbert found himself waking up with laughter. As soon as he felt something that was clung onto his torso he realized it was Kiku. The Japanese immediately let go and stared unamused at the albino.
“Uhhh…” Gilbert found himself flushing and apologizing. “Sorry Kiku! Mein gott how embarrassing…” He put his hands over his head.
Well, Kiku thought it was nice to have the roles reversed for a change.
“I-It’s alright Gilbert-san but that’s quite an odd reflex.”
“Ah, ja… Sometimes when I drink my good ol’ beer, it relaxes me too much.”
Kiku raised an eyebrow. “Then it makes you want to hold something in your sleep?”
“J-Ja…” Gilbert blushed in embarrassment, but Kiku couldn’t find himself to be bothered at all.
It was actually very adorable to see this side of his new friend instead of his usual confident aura.
“I believe we have much more in common than I originally thought Gilbert-san.” Kiku said with a small smile.
The albino blinked a few times in confusion.
The morning came fairly quickly and Kiku ended up sleeping on the floor with some blankets Gilbert had offered him. He originally was offered Gilbert’s bed but Kiku declined and requested the living room floor. The albino frowned and suggested the couch, but in reality the Japanese male was used to the traditional futons from Japan. They both eventually came to an understanding and Kiku got his way. While it was still quite early Gilbert had finished showering and was frantically looking for his high knee boots. He wondered where he’d left them and remembered they were in the living room from when he dozed off last night.
Kiku was surprisingly still sound asleep. He was known to be a morning person due to his daily cleaning, but sleep struck him much harder that night. Gilbert had finally found the boots he was looking for but stopped and directed his attention to a sleeping Kiku. He looked so innocent, so vulnerable, and so soft while he slept on his side in a bundle of blankets. His dark strands of hair were tempting to touch as well. The image itself was so endearing. The only times he ever really stopped whatever he was doing to look at something cute (which was totally Feliciano) was usually when the cheerful Italian was around. Ludwig was one lucky man!
Gilbert wondered if he really was interested in Kiku. He wasn’t sure if he wanted the whole package. But he surely did want to keep seeing him. He knew that once the Japanese would leave he’d feel a bit lonely. Okay, not a bit, he’d be really lonely. Reality just hit and part of him wanted to make an excuse to keep Kiku around for just one more day. The albino bit his lip as he mused. He wondered… he put his boots aside and hovered over the sleeping figure. He wondered what sort of person Kiku was. What he did in his spare time. Did he work? Go to school? Why was he so curious? Was he really that lonesome? Did Kiku already have a significant other? No-No-No, why would he stay over if that was the case? Gilbert’s brain was turning to mush.
Kiku on the other hand was sleeping very comfortably until he felt a very fresh drop of water fall on his cheek. The smell of fresh cherry shampoo filled his senses and he felt his eyes inevitably open. Gilbert had suddenly noticed the Japanese was no longer sound asleep and internally cursed himself. Why was he hovering over Kiku like a creeper? And with nothing but a towel around his waist? To the albino’s surprise Kiku stared right at him with a neutral expression, no wide eyes, no flustered expression. He wasn’t sure if he should have been relieved or have been worried. Maybe he was still half asleep?
Gilbert’s eyes widened on reflex and he immediately backed away. Kiku’s heart rate had reached maximum acceleration thank you very much. He had just mastered the art of neutrality, though he had to admit that it didn’t work all the time, especially with someone like Gilbert who caught him off guard too many times. He supposed the albino had the advantage since they hadn’t yet gotten to know each other’s comfort zones.
“Gilbert-san?” Kiku lifted himself up off the floor and sat in seiza position as he rubbed his eyes.
While the sight of an embarrassed and nervous Gilbert was entertaining to Kiku, him being shirtless was a little too distracting.
“H-Hey Kiku! Sorry if I woke you.”
“It’s quite alright I was just wondering why you were watching me sleep. I must admit you Westerners have very odd interests.”
Gilbert scratched his head. “Ah… yeah. Uhm, how did you sleep?”
“I slept well, thank you very much for your hospitality. If I may ask did you just shower?”
“Ja, I did.”
Kiku continued staring at the well-toned albino. He couldn’t help it; Gilbert really was attractive but he eventually caught himself and felt completely inappropriate. Sudden shame washed over him. Was he losing his manners?! The albino noticed the Japanese simply eyeing him and part of himself felt proud. It was nice to be admired for certain assets. Gilbert smirked in response and Kiku looked away embarrassed. Ah, there was that pesky openness on his emotions. The Japanese honestly hated it. He was losing his touch!
“Like what you see?” Gilbert snickered.
“I don’t know what it is that you are referring to.” When Kiku finally turned to look again Gilbert was suddenly by his side, at eye level and the Japanese felt himself jump almost falling back on his bottom.
“Hey, be careful.” The albino lightly held one of his arms.
“Gilbert-san. Please put some clothes on.” Kiku said softly looking down at the floor.
Gilbert raised an eyebrow. “You’re really bothered by me like this?”
He leaned much closer towards Kiku, invading his personal space yet again.
“Why won’t you at least look at me—” Gilbert suddenly stopped talking along with any other action.
It caught Kiku off guard as well, especially when the other let go of his arm.
"S-Sorry" Gilbert whispered.
Kiku blinked as he still didn’t look up at the other.
"I can tell you're pretty uncomfortable. I’m honestly bad at this."
Kiku was a bit surprised at that. He hadn't expected the albino to comment like that.
"You need to tell me these things if I'm going to be getting to know you more. Tell me when I’m making you uncomfortable or when I'm sucking at being an actual friend. Don’t be afraid to speak up. I notice that I get ahead of myself with you because you're so—" He chuckled, his hot breath hit Kiku's nose. The Japanese wondered what the albino was going to say but Gilbert just skipped over it. "I-I just, I'm sorry okay? I'll be more considerate."
Kiku finally looked up to meet Gilbert's face. The look of hurt and regret, the Japanese felt sorry. He had never been confronted in that manner though... It was very different and wondered if friends even had those types of experiences with one another. Westerners were truly something else.
"I should be apologizing as well Gilbert-san."
A look of brief confusion was on the albino's face.
"Why?"
"Because I did not tell you how I felt."
"True. But I can usually catch on to people's body language."
And I chose to ignore it’, thought Gilbert but he chose not to say so.
A smile crept up on the Japanese.
"I suppose something must have stolen your attention then if you claim to be such an expert at reading others."
Gilbert smirked and wanted to say, "yeah your smart mouth" but held his tongue.
"No one is perfect. Not even the awesome me."
Kiku let out a good laugh.
One thing Gilbert figured he was good at was making Kiku laugh. He wasn’t sure if the other usually laughed or not but it still made him feel confident.
There was a sudden knock at the door interrupting their moment. Gilbert told Kiku to go get it while he went to put on a shirt and a pair of pants. The Japanese simply nodded and did as he was told. When he opened it, it was none other than Elizabeta and Roderich. He graciously greeted them and led them inside while closing the door. He imagined the couple to have been out of the country by now on a far away honeymoon. They took seats on one of the couches while Kiku rushed over and folded up the blankets that were on the floor.
“I was surprised to see you answer the door Kiku!” The green eyed brunette said cheerfully.
“Ah, sorry. Gilbert-san is getting dressed.”
Roderich coughed in response and Elizabeta’s eyes had a sudden spark to them. It quite scared Kiku if he were to be honest.
“D-Dressed? My my Kiku, you moved fairly quickly~” Elizabeta teased.
Kiku’s eyes widened and he wanted to protest.
“Um… I believe you have the wrong idea.”
“Hmm~ Do I now?”
“Yes! You are mistaken Elizabeta-san! I was asleep in the living room and Gilbert-san slept in his room last night. He was showering before you two got here.”
The green eyed brunette pouted with an obvious look of disappointment. “Aw, I see…”
Roderich cleared his throat and spoke. “Did he at least treat you with hospitality?”
Kiku nodded. “He has been a kind host.”
“He better be!” Elizabeta replied.
“I do not wish to come off as rude with this, but I assumed both of you would be off on a honeymoon of some sort?”
The brunette giggled. “It’s no problem Kiku. You worry too much. We leave later on in the evening and Gilbert told us to come by in the morning to pick up Roderich’s gift.”
“I still don’t understand why the dolt couldn’t have brought it to the reception.”
Elizabeta sighed at her husband’s response. “I think he wanted to see us before we left.”
“This is why he needs to talk to more people.”
“He has friends Roderich. They just all live a bit too far.”
Kiku listened into the conversation between the pair and as time went on he realized Gilbert and him really did have a lot in common—two lonely people becoming friends. How humorous.
“I too know what that is like. The only real friend I spend time with is Alfred-san.” Kiku surprised himself with his own response. He hadn’t expected himself to intervene into the conversation.
Elizabeta and Roderich turned to Kiku giving him a look of sympathy. The Japanese felt the need to explain himself.
“Ah, I’m quite alright with it. I am used to being alone.”
“But you and Gilbert are friends now. You don’t have to be alone.” Elizabeta said in an understanding tone. “Besides Kiku, I can tell he has taken a liking to you.” She giggled.
“Elzabeta, I don’t think Kiku wants that sort of attention.”
“Oh Roderich, you’re so naïve when it comes to body language.”
The Austrian raised an eyebrow at his wife. He knew he’d never understand her sixth sense for those odd things and he honestly didn’t ever want to comprehend. Kiku simply ignored the comment about body language. He was starting to see how close of a friendship Gilbert and Elizabeta had.
“Gilbert-san is an interesting person. I would quite enjoy getting to know more about him.”
“Pssst Kiku. If you need more info I got you!” Elizabeta winked and Kiku suddenly felt his face flush.
Why?!
“Hey losers, what kind of info are you trying to bribe Kiku with?” Gilbert said as he walked in with a tray of cups filled with tea and cookies.
Elizabeta pouted. “Oh it’s none of your concern! You sure took your sweet time.”
“It was Elizabeta's idea. I’d rather not get involved.”
Gilbert chuckled as he set down the tea and cookies.
“Oh? Looks like you know proper etiquette Gilbert.” The Austrian said sounding quite surprised.
Gilbert’s eye twitched at the comment. “Ja. Of course the awesome me can do this much.”
He took a seat next to Kiku on the couch while Roderich and Elizabeta were sitting on the couch across from them. Elizabeta continued making strange signals at Kiku and the Japanese looked away from her. He had no clue on what to even ask about! Wait, wait, no. He wouldn’t ask someone else. If he was really curious about his new friend he’d ask Gilbert himself.
“So what exactly did you have for me that you couldn’t even bring to the reception?”
Gilbert threw the neatly wrapped present at Roderich. It ended up hitting the Austrian on his face or better yet his glasses as the gift fell to the floor. Elizabeta muffled a laugh and asked her husband if he was alright. Kiku held back his laughter because it would have been rude to openly laugh at another.
Gilbert whistled. “Wow Roddy you suck! Kesesese!”
“Please shut your mouth.” The Austrian rubbed his face and furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance eying the gift. “I suddenly don’t want to open this.”
Gilbert shrugged. “Suit yourself. I just figured you’d like it and you could share it with Elizabeta too. You don’t have to open it here. Just let me know if you at least liked it when you do.”
Roderich and Elizabeta blinked in unison and looked at each other. Kiku smiled at Gilbert’s kind gesture to the pair. He could tell that even if he didn’t exactly have such a strong connection with Roderich, he cared enough to maintain a friendship with the Austrian. Gilbert's eyes looked over making eye contact with Kiku. They stared at one another for a good few seconds until Elizabeta spoke breaking the silence.
“Oh, did you ever contact Alfred, Kiku?”
Kiku looked over at the green-eyed brunette. “No. I should actually do so right now. I never got the chance. I apologize, I must step out.”
“Ah you can just walk into my room. Just go straight ahead and it’ll be on the right of the hall.” Gilbert pointed.
The Japanese bowed and took his leave.
“Hmm, you and Kiku sure have gotten comfortable.” Elizabeta smiled.
“Mhm. He’s a nice guy.”
“Think you’ll be seeing him more often?” The green eyed female asked wanting a little more feedback.
“You haven’t messed anything up yet have you?” Roderich intercepted.
Gilbert sighed. “You guys sure are curious aren’t you? Planning out my future huh?”
“Oh come on Gilbert! This is good stuff! I totally see the compatibility there.” The female said excitedly.
“Elizabeta. We just met yesterday at your wedding reception no less.” Gilbert said unamused.
“So? You act like you have to know someone for years to have a great relationship. Gilbert, the fact he even spent the night with you is amazing! Kiku’s not as easy to open up. Plus you seem to liiiiike him.”
The albino raised an eyebrow and scoffed.
“You should know Elizabeta has a variety of sources Gilbert.” The Austrian said while taking a whiff of his tea and sipping it shortly afterward. “Hm, I much prefer coffee but this will do.”
Gilbert scrunched up his face. “Don’t drink it then you arsch—”
Elizabeta shushed Gilbert before he could finish his sentence.
“I never said I wouldn’t. If it wasn’t good I wouldn’t have even touched it.”
“Shush you two!”
“How do you know Kiku all of a sudden Elizabeta?” Gilbert asked curiously.
“A little birdie by the name of Alfred F. Jones likes to really talk when drunk.”
“Ha! Now that you mention it, how did the cleaning up at the reception go?”
“Terrible.” Roderich replied.
“Interesting!” Elizabeta said right after.
“Uhhh” Gilbert was at loss for words.
“Arthur and Francis had the best time ever.” Elizabeta winked and it all came back to him.
“Mein gott… those two.”
“Haha! I got some nice aftermath photos.”
“Elizabeta, forget I asked.” Gilbert said with a horrified expression.
“Oh come on Gilbert, don’t be such a light weight. Besides, I think Ivan took a little liking to Alfred. Seems some lonely people are starting to find partners.”
“Stop trying to be a cupid please.” The albino muttered.
“Ha! I never said it in terms of a romantic relationship. You know Ivan just wants more friends.”
“I hadn’t even run into him, thank goodness.” Gilbert said counting his blessings.
“While I’m sure talking about last night is entertaining, I believe our friend Kiku is panicking.” The Austrian interrupted.
Gilbert and Elizabeta both stopped talking and heard the Japanese raising his voice. They also heard Alfred on the other line.
“Is he using speakerphone?” The albino asked.
“Hell yes! We don’t even have to try to eavesdrop!”
Roderich and Gilbert sighed in unison.
“Alfred-san! Can you hear me now? Is your phone malfunctioning?”
“I can hear you better now I think. So whaddya say?”
“I said I slept over at Gilbert-san’s. I did not want him to drive.”
A loud chuckle was heard.
"Oh ya slept over his place? Damn you guys hit it off REALLY well Keeks! I'm glad for you! Finally getting out of your shell huh? It took me months to get you to come over and spend the night at my place! Lucky Gil!"
Elizabeta smirked over at her friend. Gilbert would be lying if he said he hadn’t felt special at hearing that.
"A-A-Alfred-san, no! You misunderstood!"
“Eh? I misunderstood?”
“Yes, we don’t know each other that well after all.”
“But Keeks, ya stayed over at the guy’s place. It means you must have trusted him to some extent. You over think too much. Or do you have to be buzzed more often?”
“No…”
"Right! Alright well, I have to let you go! I'm going over to Francis's place to meet up with Arthur and Mattie! Have fun with Gil! Peace!"
“A-Alfred-san?”
Kiku sighed and walked out of the room. When he entered the living room he noticed Gilbert’s neutral expression and Elizabeta was doing the gleaming eyes thing again. Roderich was simply munching on his cookie.
“How did it go Kiku?” Elizabeta asked, deciding to take one for the team.
“Ah, Alfred-san seemed busy. He simply told me to enjoy myself.”
“Oh, don’t worry. Gilbert here will definitely keep you company! We actually have to go now.”
“Oh, so soon?” Kiku said with a hint of surprise.
Elizabeta and Roderich got up off the couch.
“Yes dear, you were on the phone for a while. I’m sure Alfred didn’t tell you the reason he never went back to you last night though. So I’ll just tell you that a certain Russian had him occupied.”
Kiku felt a chill down his spine.
“Ivan-san…?”
“Yup! Well, it was great getting to see you again Kiku! We definitely will be seeing each other more often.”
Kiku tilted his head a little.
“Well you and Gilbert are friends now. I assume I’d be able to catch you more often.”
The Japanese male smiled. “Yes, certainly.”
Gilbert looked over at Kiku a bit taken back. He’d be seeing Kiku more often?
“That is if Gilbert-san would have me over again.”
Elizabeta and Roderich smiled.
“I’m sure he would, right Gilbert?” Elizabeta gave a look to her friend.
The albino snapped out of his reverie. “Ah, ja! Of course, Kiku.”
Kiku wondered if the other was alright or was simply responding that way to please Elizabeta. He hadn’t seemed so certain.
The green eyed brunette and the Austrian said their goodbyes while Gilbert and Kiku wished them a happy honeymoon. Roderich also said he’d be sure to let him know of the gift once he’d open it. Gilbert just thought he was being mean on purpose because of the incident in the living room.
“Not my fault he’s a sore loser.” Gilbert huffed as he closed the door.
Kiku let a small smile show on his face.
“Soo… I was wondering if you’d like to hang out a bit more you know, before I take you home? We could grab a bite to eat or something.”
The Japanese mused for a bit which frankly made Gilbert nervous.
“Why not take me home now?”
That wasn’t exactly what Gilbert had expected to hear. It honestly sort of stung. Was he that unbearable to hang out with? Then again, he did make Kiku uncomfortable those few times yesterday.
“S-Sure… I wouldn’t want to hang out with me either.” Gilbert laughed sarcastically.
Kiku raised an eyebrow. “I think you have the wrong idea Gilbert-san.”
“Not really. I made you uncomfortable didn't I?”
“Yes but—”
“See? I’m sorry Kiku. I’ll just go get my keys and we can be on our way.”
“Gilbert-san.”
“What?”
“Please let me finish my sentence.” The Japanese said looking upset. “While you make me uncomfortable it’s only because I am not accustomed to the same things you are. You have not disrespected me. You are a kind person and I appreciate your hospitality.” The Japanese grabbed Gilbert’s hand. This surprised the albino a bit but didn’t resist the gentle gesture. “The only reason I would like to go home would be to freshen up and do my daily chores. I am still wearing the same outfit as yesterday. Then once I am done I would most certainly not mind spending time with you.” Kiku said with a smile.
And that was enough to kill off whatever other doubt Gilbert had. The albino felt his face flush and he looked away. Kiku still held up his hand.
“Gilbert-san?”
“You know, if you ever thought I was bold, what you just did was pretty damn good.”
Kiku immediately let go of the albino’s hand. “Ahh gomen gomen! I did not mean to be so rude!”
Gilbert laughed at the sudden flustered nature. “Kiku, it’s alright. I’m glad you said that. I thought you probably didn’t want to see me anymore let alone be my friend.”
“Why would I not?” The Japanese male asked a bit puzzled by that response.
It was now or never. If he doubted whatever it was that he wanted from Kiku, well after their short adventure he realized he definitely wanted to date him if the other ever gave him a chance. Gilbert suddenly closed the space them and cupped Kiku’s face. The Japanese male’s puzzled expression soon turned even more puzzled than it was before, almost with a hint of panic.
“Because, I like you and I want to know more about you.”
Kiku’s face reddened and he was speechless.
“Sorry, was that too straight forward?” Gilbert said trying not to blush but his cheeks couldn’t stop the red shade from appearing.
Kiku noticed this and realized Gilbert was just as embarrassed.
“I-I like you too Gilbert-san. I would also like to know more about you.” The Japanese said this in an extremely soft tone with a slight stutter that the albino had to lean in closer.
“R-Really?”
Kiku nodded.
“Yes! I am AWESOME.”
The Japanese laughed again and Gilbert wrapped an arm around him pulling him in closer.
“Sorry Kiku, I know you’re not used to this but, I just want to stay like this for a bit before I take you home.”
Kiku stayed completely still, trying to calm his heart rate down. He could still smell the cherry scent from Gilbert’s hair even if it was only shampoo, and he could feel Gilbert’s strong arms embracing him. It actually was very comforting... Maybe he could get used to it. He then felt the albino rest his head on Kiku. The Japanese furrowed his eyebrows. Never mind about getting used to it.
“Gilbert-san are you trying to make me feel shorter?”
“Huh? No.”
Kiku huffed.
How adorable
When they finally broke apart it was due to a text message from Elizabeta.
‘I know you’re probably enjoying your time with sweet Kiku, but I just thought I’d do you a favor in boosting your ego! Just letting you know, Kiku doesn’t really laugh at anything or anyone. It’s actually quite a challenge so a golden star to you for making him laugh! – E.E.’
When Gilbert finished reading the text his lips curved into a smile.
“Is everything alright, Gibert-san?” Kiku asked with a hint of curiosity.
“Ja. Everything’s great. Elizabeta just wanted to see if we were doing well.”
“Oh.”
“So let’s get you home? You’ll have to give me the directions. You don’t live too far right?”
“It’s only about an hour drive. I apologize if that’s too much?”
“Only an hour? Wow that’s nothing. We’ll get there quick. We’re just going to have to walk back to my car since someone didn’t let me drive.” He teased.
Kiku scoffed. “I saved your life Gilbert-san. That would have been irresponsible.”
Gilbert laughed in return. “Nonsense. I would not have died. I wasn’t drunk.”
“Alcohol lowers ones inhibitions and makes people get into more trouble. If you are trying to impress me do it by not risking your life, thank you.”
“Ohhh? So I’m allowed to impress you?”
Kiku quickly regretted saying that.
“Ah Gilbert-san, I meant—”
“Alright then. I’ll definitely show you how awesome I TRULY AM!”
The shorter male sighed in defeat.
That day they did end up seeing one another, but Gilbert instead spent the day at Kiku’s helping him clean. It was interesting and rare seeing a traditional Japanese styled home. Kiku learned a lot more about Gilbert, like how he also had a love for manga and Japanese pastries along with cleanliness. Gilbert learned that he and Kiku had similar interests as well. As for the dating part, they’d get there sooner or later. After all, Elizabeta was never wrong with her predictions!