Chapter Text
“Dude, why aren’t you more psyched?” Reki was practically hanging off Langa while he was trying to pack his suitcase. Langa kept folding his clothes while the consummate ball of energy that was Reki Kyan wrapped his legs around Langa’s waist and shook him.
A few months ago, Langa would have had a very different reaction to this, but times change and things happen.
“I am excited,” he bit back the words as he tried to pack more of his winter clothes into his nearly full suitcase, stuffing his shoes full with boxers to save space. Just like his Dad always taught him.
Langa stood straighter and tensed, turning his head to find Reki’s face only inches from his. “Do you mind?”
Reki’s eyes went wider. “Oh, sorry man,” He unknotted himself from Langa’s waist and flopped down on the other boy’s bed, grinning from ear to ear. “But it must be exciting to go back, right?”
Langa looked down at Reki, leaning back on his bed covers and propping himself up by the elbows. He was still wearing his Dope Sketch uniform, even though he finished up his last shift there a year ago. Reki just radiated enthusiasm, wherever he went, whatever the topic, it was hard not to get pulled in.
Langa shook off the memory and took a breath, half smiling at his best friend, “I am excited, but also nervous? It’s been two years since I’ve been back and even longer since I’ve seen my cousins.”
“Well, that’s why you’ve got me there to have your back!” Reki grinned, jumping up and wrapping his arm around Langa’s shoulder. Reki raised his arm up to paint a picture with words “Imagine it, me and you, strolling around Vancouver, seeing the sites, hearing the sounds, celebrating in style…”
“Reki, don’t pretend you’re not trying to drag me to the bar. I already told you no.” Langa shrugged Reki’s arm off his shoulder softly, and sighed while he tried feebly to get the zipper to close. Reki helped him push down the lid and then looked Langa dead in the eye, but his gaze was soft.
“C’mon man, it’s almost your birthday. We have to celebrate. Especially after how much of a disaster my birthday was…”
And there it was.
Langa closed his eyes, praying the memories didn’t come back for him, he had finally let go, and sighed again. “Reki, I’m not really into drinking, and I’m surprised you’re so up for it.”
“Oh, C’mon man, that was one time.”
“You ended up in the hospital!”
“I know but…”
“And you don’t remember anything!” Langa couldn’t help but hear the bite in his words. Unfortunately, Reki didn’t miss it either.
“I already said I’m sorry, I know it must have scared you. I wish I could remember what happened, but I promise, I will never…”
“It doesn’t matter.” Langa was resigned to letting this go, it was just hard. It was worse when he thought Reki remembered, but now that he knew he had no clue, he really couldn’t be mad, could he?
Together, they finally got the suitcase closed and Langa smiled at Reki. Reki’s eyes lit up in response.
He makes this so hard, but just by being so easy to be with…stop Langa, stop.
He shook his head and said “Have you even packed yet?”
“My mom is doing it”
“Reki…” Langa laughed.
“What?!” Reki threw his hands up and flopped back on Langa’s bed once more. “She said I’d just mess it up. I already told her the list of stuff I need to bring, so it should be okay, and I’ve been making some money from my custom boards, so I think we’re good for cash. I just really want you to have the best birthday ever Langa.”
And Langa knew he meant that.
“You better get home,” Langa smiled, offering his hand to his friend on his bed and dragging him to his feet. Reki bounced up and they were unbearable close, but Langa just coughed and calmed himself. “We have an early trip tomorrow.”
Reki didn’t move and looked at Langa curiously but said “Right…”
As he turned to go, Langa grabbed him by the arm. “Reki?”
The other boy turned slightly “Yeah?”
“Thank you…for coming with me,” Langa couldn’t meet his eyes. “I don’t think I could do it without you.”
Reki’s smile was like a sunset warming everything with its glow.
“Of course, Langa. I’ll always be there for you. You’re my best friend.”
Langa dropped his arm suddenly and looked at him in panic. Does he remember?
But no, he decided.
Reki didn’t remember what happened on his birthday. He was just a really good friend.
After an early morning race to get to the airport so they wouldn’t miss their connecting flight to Tokyo (Reki has slept in and Langa almost kicked the crap out of him when he finally got to his house, panting after skating there furiously), they were on their flight from Haneda to Vancouver. Langa’s Uncle Glenn had chipped in for air fare, as a treat for Langa’s birthday, so the two boys were reasonably comfortable at the start of their 18 hour flight. The majority of the flight was spent with Reki incessantly planning out every detail of their night in Vancouver before they went on to Whistler, then moved on to watching skating videos he had found.
It was comfortable, just sitting there listening to Reki ramble, like old times. He was so passionate about so many things and genuinely cared so much about Langa, and skating and their friendship…
Friends. Just friends. Remember that.
Langa shuddered, but let Reki keep talking, occasionally saying “Uh yeah” or “Um hmm” to let him know he was still listening, sort of.
About 7 hours in, Reki started to doze off, and leaned closer to Langa.
“Hey,” his voice was soft, his red hair tickling Langa’s cheek as he laid on top of his shoulder. “About my birthday…”
Langa froze.
“Uh yeah,” Langa darted his eyes down and saw Reki’s eyelids started to droop while his smile grew lazy.
“I’m sorry I scared you. I don’t remember what happened that night, but I do remember when I woke up. Everything was hazy and my head was killing me, but when I looked down, you were sitting beside me, asleep on my lap, holding my hand while I was in the hospital bed…”
Langa stiffened beside Reki, while the other boy snuggled closer.
“I must have really scared you,” Reki yawned, “I’m really sorry about that. I can’t believe I fell off that ramp. I know I had a few drinks in me, but I don’t even know how that could have happened.”
“You have no idea how that could have happened?” Langa swallowed, heat beginning to build from his neck to his ears.
“No man, I wish I could apologise to you properly. But…thank you. For taking care of me.”
Langa choked, and Reki startled half awake at the noise, but just nuzzled in closer again. “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”
“Don’t make those kinds of promises…” Langa muttered, but Reki was out cold, snoring softly beside him.
This is going to be a long flight.