Archive of Our Own

Kiato gasps as his alarm blasts his ears, wrenching sleep from him. A groan escapes him as he rubs his eyes, gritting his teeth as the offensive blaring continues, oblivious to him. He kicks the sheets from his body and stands up to his desk, pressing the button on the clock to halt the alarm.

He sighs, wiping some sweat from his forehead. That damn nightmare again... Kiato shakes his head, placing his familiar pair of reading glasses in his shirt pocket and exiting his room.

After using the washroom to wash up and brush his teeth, he walks out to the kitchen of the tiny apartment, where an enticing smell was already starting. "Morning," he speaks, glancing over.

"Good morning," speaks Yukihana Lamy, sparing him a quick glance. "Did you sleep well?"

Kiato feels a slight twitch rush through his body at her words. "Yeah," he lies, coming up beside her. Miso soup...? "Looks good."

Lamy looks him over; for a moment her gaze settles on his eyes before moving back to the food in front of her. "Thanks. It's almost done, so if you just help set the table, we can eat," she speaks.

Kiato nods, getting out the bowls and utensils for the two of them. "I hope you didn't wake up too early to do this," he speaks. "I know you've been doing this for me for years now, and I appreciate it, but..."

"It's the least I can do," speaks Lamy, placing the food on the nearby table. "If I didn't, I just know you'd skip breakfast, and that's not good for you. Especially when your sleep is as broken as it is." She peers at him, golden eyes set, likely at the bags under his eyes. "Did you have that dream again?"

Kiato sighs, leaning back in a chair that squeaks as he sits in it. "...Yeah," he speaks, feeling himself stop as the clear whistling sound of a car screams, rushing headfirst into his view- He closes his eyes, swallowing. "It's already been years, but... yeah."

Lamy's eyes soften and she reaches out to graze her fingers along his hand. The snow-elf had always been cool to the touch, for as long as he could remember; he feels his lips twitch as memory of her dislike of the cold comes to mind. "Mm."

"It's nothing to worry about," he speaks. "I haven't had it in a few months now." He feels his face grow warmer with the lie. "It's fine."

"Mm," speaks Lamy, nodding. "Okay."

For a moment they stay like that, sitting across from each other, touching. Kiato shakes his head slightly. "Anyway, let's eat, or your amazing cooking's gonna get cold," he speaks. Lamy's face reddens slightly, though she nods and separates from him. "Thanks for the meal," comes from both of them and they dig in. "Mm... it's really good," he tells her.

"I'm glad to hear it," she replies, a gentle smile rising to her face. "Thanks."

After finishing and wrapping some of the leftovers in bento boxes for lunch, they exit the apartment for Holo University (though only after she fusses about his messy collar), which was thankfully only about twenty minutes away by walking. The heat growing in intensity and apparent weight was a reminder that spring was starting to give way to summer.

"There you are." Waiting for the two a short ways from their apartment stands Shishiro Botan, a smile on her face as she looks at the two of them. "Morning." Her smile widens as she reaches out to embrace Lamy, who rushes into her.

"Morning," speaks Kiato, nodding to the lioness. "Y'know... if you want, you can come inside and eat with us. I'm pretty sure Lamy wouldn't mind making one more portion." He glances at the snow-elf, who nods.

"It's fine," speaks Botan, as the three of them move toward the university. "I always go eat with Aloe." Botan's face shifts into a smile as a giggle leaves her. "She'd get sad if I stopped going to eat breakfast with her."

"Speaking of Aloe... she's not with you today?" speaks Lamy, a slight frown creasing her brow.

Botan shakes her head, her smile fading. "She was feeling under the weather today, so she turned me away with tears in her eyes. Wanted me to stay away from the cold she had. She was disappointed that she couldn't cook for me," she speaks.

"Well, let's go see her after class," speaks Kiato. "We can bring her today's homework, and make her something, too. I share literature with her, and Lamy shares math, so... that should work? Mostly?"

Lamy nods. "Okay, that sounds good." She frowns slightly. "Aloe... she's been sick a lot lately. Her horn's not growing so much, too... I'm worried."

"Mm," speaks Botan, nodding. "I hope it isn't anything too serious..."

"You guys worry too much," speaks Kiato, feeling his face settle into a deadpan expression. "With some rest I'm sure she'll be better in no time."

"Mm... right!" Lamy flashes him a bright smile, and turns to converse with Botan, whose face also shifts into a smile.

Kiato breathes out as he watches them. He feels his lips curve upwards as he slowly moves to one side. They're happy. Great.

He swallows, looking forward as a car comes by near the sidewalk, its headlights off.

The sun and sky vanish to be replaced by a faint moon, hidden by clouds, darkness flooding his vision. The headlights shine in his eyes as he peers from behind his father in the front seat and a sickening crunch sounds in front of him, reverberating through his body-

"Kiato?" A gasp comes from him as something shakes him from the daydream, and he looks into Lamy's eyes, rounded with concern as she holds onto him. "Are you okay?" she speaks, moving his hands over him.

Kiato breathes out, feeling his heart throb wildly in his chest. I'm not there. I'm not there. Right now I'm walking to university with Lamy and Botan. I'm not in that car and no one's driving and it's not night and nothing hurts and everything is okay. "I'm fine," he speaks, voice cracking. Clearing his throat he glances over to see Botan's gaze on him, worry clear in her eyes. "I'm fine," he repeats.

Lamy bites the inside of her cheek and leans closer. "You're sure?" she murmurs.

Kiato forces a smile to his face and places a hand on Lamy's head, headpatting her. "Yeah. Now c'mon, we gotta get going or we'll be late for class," he speaks, brushing by her. He nods to Botan, whose eyes narrow before she too nods back.

Lamy says nothing, just moving to his side enough so their shoulders touch, the cold a reassuring comfort against the rising humidity. Kiato leans slightly into it, releasing a breath as he does so.

His heart doesn't slow until long after they reach the campus.

"Hm..." Kiato pulls out his phone after the class ends, releasing a sigh. I don't have any more classes, and neither does Lamy... guess we should probably wait for Botan before we see Aloe though... "Alright," he speaks aloud, walking down the hallway. Guess I'll just wait in the library.

"Hi Kiato!" He blinks, hearing Tsunomaki Watame's voice before she pops up at his side. "How are you?" she speaks, a light smile on her face.

"Watame," he speaks, nodding towards her. "Not too bad. Still kinda surprised Kiryu-san's here and not at Asacoco University though," speaks Kiato. "She's... uh... a very dynamic teacher."

Watame nods, laughing. "Coco-chi's a graduate from here," she speaks. "I think Yagoo asked her to come back and teach while he looks for a replacement to the staff. It's good to be able to see her again," she speaks.

"That explains it," speaks Kiato. "Anyway, how're you doing?" He looks her over briefly, blinking at the mismatched socks she was wearing, and some of her hair being oddly disheveled. Also, near her collar, what looked like very faint traces of... blood... "...Please don't tell me Botan ate you today."

Watame looks away, her gentle smile not leaving her face.

He sighs. "Really..." He yawns, shaking himself with a jolt.

"Well, I respawn in 8 seconds anyway, so it's fine!" she speaks. "Besides, she seemed really hungry today, so..."

"Even if she's careful, though, it must hurt," speaks Kiato. "And being eaten... uh... must be an unpleasant experience. And dying and all."

Watame shrugs as the two approach the library. "Botan seemed content after, and she got me lunch after too, so... all's good in my book!" She pulls out a small bag of potato chips, a happy hum leaving her as she digs into them. "Anyway, are you going to study?"

"Yeah. Botan, Lamy and me were going to see Aloe after Botan's done class," speaks Kiato. "Don't really have much to do, so might as well get started on some of my homework in the meantime."

"Hm... okay, mind if I join you then?" speaks Watame. He nods in response and enters the library, where the noise from outside diminishes to an almost absolute quiet. "I'd like to see Aloe as well."

"Sure, that should be fine. More the merrier," speaks Kiato. "Hm..." Taking a seat at any empty desk he pulls out a notebook, opening it with a sigh. "Wonder if we could bring something for her to eat... rice porridge is good..." he murmurs. "Green onion, ginger... maybe some chicken..." Some other herbs would probably be good too... He feels himself twitch as he feels his eyes threaten to close. Shoot... sleepy...

"Maybe we should do some shopping before going to see Aloe?" Lamy appears from behind a nearby bookshelf and takes a seat at the table. "Hello, Watame," she speaks, the two exchanging greetings as Kiato loses himself in some of his notes.

"That sounds good," speaks Watame, nodding, crunching on some more of her chips.

For a time silence falls between all three of them. Kiato scribbles notes down in his notes, glancing over his textbook to make sure he wrote down the material properly, biting his tongue to try and stop the feeling of closing his eyes. "Hm..." He almost flinches when he feels a sudden coldness touch him, realizing with a glance that Lamy is brushing against him, a soft sound rising from her as she does so.

A smile comes from her as she sees Kiato look at her. "You look tired," she speaks. "If you don't want to fall asleep on Aloe later, you should probably take a nap now."

Kiato sighs, putting down the pen in his hand. "And have a sore back from leaning on this table?" He shakes his head. "Nah. I'll just power through with some coffee." As he moves to stand Lamy pulls on his arm to stop him.

"You're not drinking coffee," she speaks. "It's too late to drink it. Here." She pats her lap, leaning back in her seat.

As the realization of what Lamy wants comes to him Kiato facepalms in some effort to hide his blush. Not helping was a soft giggle rising from the sheep sitting with them. "I'll be fine," he speaks, swaying.

Lamy narrows her eyes, setting her arms out in an invitation.

Kiato resists the urge to roll his eyes as he lies down, placing his head on the snow-elf's thighs. "Thanks," he speaks, quiet.

"Of course," speaks Lamy, running some fingers through his hair, the cool touch of her hands briefly drifting him away from sleep. "Now rest." As he glances up she smiles down at him. "I'll be here when you wake up."

"Okay..." With the soft words Lamy utters, he allows his eyes to close, not fighting the heaviness and letting it claim him. He sinks down into the softness of her thighs, becoming vaguely aware of a smile on his face before he ceases to know.

"Kiato." A familiar voice comes across and he becomes aware of something vaguely shaking him. "It's time to wake up. Shishiron's here."

"Wha...?" Kiato groans as he opens his eyes, blinking. "Ngh..." He starts to rise from his somewhat awkward lying position, rubbing his eyes. He grunts, blinking again and seeing Botan sitting at the table. "Oh... hi, Botan."

"Hi, Kiato," she speaks. "Have a nice sleep?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah... Lamy gives really good lap pillows... if she's fine with it I could probably stay like that all day," he speaks, putting some of his notebooks away in his bag. He yawns, stretching with a groan. "Anyway, how was class?" Looking at the three girls in front of him; the snow-elf's face was painted with a blush, the lioness was almost smirking at her, while the sheep was looking at the scene with a smile. "Hm?"

"Yeah, it was good," speaks Botan, glancing at him, smirk still on her face. "Anyway, is it time to do some shopping now for Aloe?"

"Ah, yes," speaks Lamy. "I heard Kiato talking about rice porridge earlier, and that should be good. Simple and inexpensive, too." She too rises and places her own notebooks into a bag.

Watame hums lightly. "Okay, then. Let's go." She leads the way out of the library, Botan following, though the lioness leaves with one last smirk at Lamy.

Kiato moves to follow them, stopping as Lamy's hand takes his to hold him back. "Lamy?" he speaks.

"Um..." She glances away, flush still colouring her cheeks, before looking at him. "What you said earlier... staying like that all day... um... was it really that nice?" speaks Lamy.

"...? 'Course," he replies. "I haven't slept so well in a long time-oops." He scratches his head, seeing Lamy's eyes widen before her face hardens. "Uh..." He sighs. "I... didn't want to tell you that."

"Why's that?" Her voice was soft and quiet; outwardly it had not changed from before, but he knew a sharp edge accompanied it now. "Why would you lie to me like that, Kiato?" If her smile was still present it would surely feel like a knife to his throat.

"You'd just worry over me," he replies. "You already take care of me enough and everything. It's not fair to make you worry more."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better?" speaks Lamy, the edge only growing sharper. "That you-" With her other hand she grabs onto him, grip more shaky than anything else. A breath leaves her. "When you hide things like this, I just worry more. Besides, I take care of you because I want to. So please-"

"Hey, you two coming?" Botan peek her head back in the library, looking at the two of them.

Lamy slowly lets her grasp relax on him, leaning her head on his chest for a moment. "Let's talk about this later," she speaks, before leaning back. "Coming, Shishiron!" She plasters a smile on her face as she leaves, moving past him.

Kiato feels a hand clench into a fist before turning and following. Botan gives him a quizzical look as he walks by her, though he shakes his head in response.

Lamy... He feels his hand shake slightly. I'm blessed that you take care of me. Every day I'm grateful. But honestly... I wish you cared less about me. Smiled at me less, were just a little colder... around me a little less.

Maybe then I would be able to push you away and just... disappear.

Watame hums lightly as she knocks on the door. After a moment footsteps come from inside the apartment. "Aloe?" she speaks, raising her voice slightly. "It's me, Watame. Lamy, Botan and Kiato are with me too."

"Oh!" The succubus' voice is deep, and a brief cough comes from her. "Hi! What are you here for?"

"We came to see you," speaks Botan. "Do you mind if we come in?"

Aloe sniffles from behind the door. "Uhm... I just don't want to spread this cold to the rest of you," she speaks, voice cracking. "So..."

"We'll be careful," speaks Lamy, groceries in a bag on her arm. "We're worried about you."

Another sniffle before the telltale sound of the lock coming undone. Aloe opens the door to reveal a deep flush on her face, at least from what could be seen from the mask she was wearing. "Sorry," she mumbles.

"Don't be," speaks Kiato, following everyone else into the apartment. "What're friends for, right?" He feels himself seize up slightly at his own words. Oh... was this what Lamy was talking about?

"Mm..." Aloe blinks at the bags he and Lamy carry. "Did you buy something?"

"Yeah. Just some simple stuff to make rice porridge and other things," speaks Kiato. "You'll get better in no time, don't worry. Just relax, 'kay?"

Tears well up in the succubus' eyes, and she seems just short of trying to smother them in a massive hug. "Okay." She coughs into her mask as she follows after the others. Kiato feels a smile come to his face as he walks after her, moving into the kitchen.

Lamy hums, taking out the general contents of the bags she holds. "I'm still jealous," she speaks, a chuckle leaving her. "This kitchen's bigger than the one Kiato and I have."

"It is really nice," speaks Kiato, setting the bags on the counter and washing his hands. "Wonder if Aloe wouldn't mind us using it once in a while."

"You're-" A cough cuts off her weak voice as it drifts from the living room. "You're welcome anytime!"

"Thanks," speaks Kiato, peering from the doorway into the living room, where Botan and Watame all but drag Aloe to her couch. He feels his smile widen at the sight before moving to the stove and pulling out a pot. "It'd be nice to have some get-togethers for dinner sometimes, yeah?"

"Mm," speaks Lamy, not looking at him as she pulls out a cutting board and a knife. "Yeah."

Kiato sighs. "...You spend too much time on me," he speaks. "Cooking, cleaning up, looking after me and all... even if you do it because you want to, it must be exhausting." He pauses for a moment, though nothing comes from her. "I really didn't want you to know about my broken sleep and nightmares too."

Lamy looks at him for a long moment. "I think it'd be more exhausting if I didn't do it," she speaks, deftly cutting the green onion within her grasp.

He raises an eyebrow as he sets the pot on the stove, turning it on to boil. "How's that work?"

"It's... a routine, I guess," she speaks. "Make breakfast big enough for leftovers for lunch. Clean up, make sure you're ready, come back after school and make supper... we've been doing it for years now, so... it'd feel like something's wrong if I didn't do it every day," speaks Lamy. "Sometimes I don't even think about it when I'm doing it. It's calming."

Please don't tell me this. Kiato swallows. If you do, I don't know if I can push you away. "Oh."

"Besides, you help take care of me too, you know," she speaks. "So it's a bit of give and take."

"Barely," he replies. "You're giving a lot more to me than I am to you. Part of why I didn't want to tell you 'bout my sleep and all."

"Well, if you're really thinking about it that way..." Lamy almost sighs, eyes closing for a second. "Then you'd just have to give me something big then, right?"

"What, like a ring?" As soon as Kiato speaks he feels himself freeze up; thankfully he wasn't holding anything. Judging from the way Lamy's hands had also stopped, and the steam he could practically see rising from her ears, she was frozen like he was. "Uh... or something like alcohol?" He swallows past bitterness as it rushes up his throat. "That'd be good, wouldn't it?"

"Y-yeah." Lamy's voice is so quiet he almost misses it. "Alcohol would be good..."

Kiato bites his tongue. I'm an idiot. Why did I say a ring? He shakes his head in some attempt to force the blush to fade. Glancing over, he blinks at the intense blush present on the snow-elf's face. "You okay?" he speaks.

"I'm fine," squeaks Lamy, turning her face away from him. "Just... erm... please don't hide these things from me in the future, okay?" Despite the redness colouring her pale face, her tone retains some sense of seriousness. "I just... I hate it knowing you keep these kinds of things to yourself."

"Alright, alright," he speaks, pulling out another cutting board and placing some chicken onto it. "I promise."

"And, y'know... if you're have trouble sleeping, come find me. I can..." Lamy mumbles something under her breath before turning to look at him. "I can help you sleep... like earlier today."

"...Sure, if you don't mind." Kiato nods, taking the knife she offers him. "Thanks."

She brushes her arm against his, the coolness drifting over to him, a smile coming to her face.

"Thanks for coming, everyone," speaks Aloe, placing her now empty bowl on the table. "I was feeling kinda down before this, so seeing you all cheered me up." She closes her eyes, her mouth shifting into a smile.

Botan smiles at her, setting her own bowl down as well. "You seem to be feeling a lot better now than this morning," she speaks.

"Yeah. Lamy and Kiato's cooking was really good," speaks Aloe, grinning at them. "Thank you!"

"Don't mention it." Kiato gathers up the bowls, spoons, chopsticks and plates. "If you're feeling better then it's all good."

Watame hums, pulling out a small harp from her bag. "Then why don't we spend a little time having fun?" she speaks, smile ever present on her face.

"Ooh! If that's it, then-!" Lamy dashes into the kitchen, retreating from it after a moment with cups and a bottle of some alcoholic beverage. "We should drink!"

"I'll pass," speaks Kiato, balancing the utensils and bowls in his arms. "Spending some time having fun sounds good though."

"I'll pass too," speaks Botan, following him into the kitchen. "Sorry, Lamy."

"It's fine! More for me!" beams the snow-elf, cracking the bottle open.

Kiato shakes his head, though doesn't drop his smile, as he reaches the sink and begins to clean the dishes. "That girl... I think she likes drinking a little too much," he speaks. Glancing over, he sees Botan place some other bowls he couldn't hold. "Ah, thanks."

"I think it's a way for Lamy to let loose," speaks Botan, refilling a cup of tea. "She's always helpful and well-meaning... in a lot of ways she's almost like a mom, you know?"

"Yeah, I can see that." Kiato nods in response. "Curious though... why don't you drink?" he asks.

Botan shrugs, leaning against the counter and looking into the living room. By the sounds of it the three remaining occupants were starting to consume the alcohol, with Aloe's being a cautiously lower amount. "Just doesn't go well with my body," she speaks. "Always made me sick after." Botan looks at him. "What about you?"

Kiato sighs. "Car accident as a kid. Killed both my parents. The other guy was drunk." Saying it aloud makes him briefly see the bright beams of the other car as it races toward him before he closes his eyes and it's gone. "Swore never to drink after that."

Botan's face settles into one of seriousness; though it suited her, it was one she rarely wore. "Sorry."

"Don't be," he speaks. "It was a long time ago."

She nods. "Anyway..." A smirk comes to her face as she looks at him. "So earlier, with Lamy giving you a lap pillow. What was that about?"

"Hm? Oh, that. It was nice," speaks Kiato. "Kinda wonder how it was so comfortable with my legs in a kinda awkward position though... ah well. Anyway, she saw that I was tired and offered, so I went for it," he speaks.

He sees Botan release a sound low in her throat. "Okay... do you know that Lamy likes you?" she speaks.

Kiato narrows his eyes. Seeing Botan's smirk remain on her face he resists the urge to roll his eyes. "Yeah," he replies. "With all she does, only an oblivious idiot both dense and blind couldn't see that."

"I mean romantically." Despite her face not changing, seriousness returns to it. "I think she really likes you. Honestly."

"Really." Kiato sets the plates to one side to dry, turning off the tap. "And what makes you think that?"

She looks at him. "I don't think she's ever offered anybody else to sleep on her lap like that."

Kiato tilts his head. "Oh yeah... huh. Guess that's true," he speaks. She was always close with a lot of people, but not physically most of the time. She'd always hug me when we were kids though...

"Besides... when I came in to the library today and saw you there... she looked peaceful," speaks Botan. "This might be overstepping my boundaries, especially when it's between Lamy and you... but I think you two could make each other happy."

Kiato shrugs, feeling his cheeks burn as the word 'ring' comes to mind. "You think so?" He fills his cup with water, drinking it down and filling it again. "I dunno if I should go for it though."

"Why's that?" speaks Botan, sipping her tea.

"Well, things'd be awkward between us if it doesn't work out," he speaks. "Who knows if we would even be able to stand living with each other like we are right now. When we have our whole lives to think about, potentially ruining our friendship now... I'm not sure if I can stand it."

Botan's gaze narrows, though she nods. "Okay. I get what you mean," she speaks. "This is just what I think, anyway. Don't mean to try and force anything."

"Mm," he speaks, nodding. "And anyway... what we have now is nice. There's not much I'd trade it for."

"What about marrying Lamy?" speaks Botan.

Kiato glances at her to see a smile back on her face. "Sure, if both of us wanted to get married," he speaks. "Anyway, let's get back to the others. I hope Lamy hasn't gotten Watame and Aloe drunk." Especially Aloe... drinking can't be good for her stomach.

Botan hums. "Alright." Both of them set their empty cups in the sink and head into the living room where-

"Kiato!" He gasps as Lamy lunges for him; thankfully she was fairly small so he manages to cushion the sneak attack with ease. "Were you talking with Shishiron...?" she speaks, cheeks dyed crimson.

Kiato blinks down at the snow-elf, headpatting her as she wraps her arms around him. "How much did you drink?" he speaks, holding back a sigh.

"Nothing~" she sing-songs, snuggling close to him. Glancing over at the nearby table, he blinks, seeing three empty bottles, and a fourth open one. Watame was leaning back on the sofa, some kind of mumbling coming from her, while Aloe was beside her. Aloe waves at him as he looks at her, smile bright albeit tired.

"No more drinking tonight," speaks Kiato, ignoring her whine of protest and lifting Lamy up into his arms. He walks over to the couch and sets her down between Watame and Aloe. "Stay here. I'll get some water for you three, 'kay?"

"No... I want you to stay with me." Lamy reaches out for his hand, face settling into a pout. "Don't go, Kiato."

He scratches his head, looking into Lamy's golden eyes, earnest in her drunken stupor. He sighs, turning to look at Botan, whose lips were curved upwards watching them. "Sorry, Botan. Can you help me get some water for everyone?"

"No worries," she responds, taking the bottle that had been opened with her as she heads back to the kitchen. "Have fun with Lamy~"

Kiato shakes his head, taking a seat in front of Lamy on the floor. "How'd you even drink that much? I don't think Botan and I were talking for that long," he speaks. Honestly, it's kinda impressive...

"Lamy really wanted to keep going," speaks Aloe, voice drowsy. "So she did..."

"Ah, sorry, Aloe. You must be tired now," speaks Kiato, glancing at Watame, who was starting to snore. "...I'm not sure if Watame's in any condition to be going home tonight though..."

"It's fine," speaks Aloe, nodding to him. "If you're all okay with it, you're welcome to spend the night here."

A gasp comes from Lamy. "A slumber party," she speaks. "Yay!" She lurches forward and wraps her arms around Kiato. He grunts, before moving an arm around her in turn. "We can stay up and have fun and keep drinking and-"

"No more drinking," speaks Kiato, feeling his face twitch as a cute, tiny 'grr' rises from the snow-elf in front of him. At least tomorrow's Sunday so we don't have any classes. Guess it works out.

"Here you are." Botan places a glass in Lamy and Aloe's hands, placing a third on the table for Watame to drink later. She pulls out a chair, humming as she looks at them. "Well, if Aloe's fine with it, then staying over tonight would be nice, I think."

Lamy chugs the glass in a moment, breathing heavily afterwards. Kiato takes the glass from her and places it on the table when she pushes him down onto the floor. "Kiato..." She lies atop of him, a light hum rising from her. "Ehe... I love you~"

Kiato rubs a circle on her back, putting a hand behind his head. "Love you too," he murmurs, closing his eyes. He feels his heart race, and he swallows past it.

Drunk Lamy's too cute...

"How're we gonna sleep tonight?" speaks Kiato, scratching his head. Lamy was sitting in his lap, a quiet sound rising from her. By now all five of them were getting drained, considering the late hour.

"Um..." Aloe rises from her spot on the couch, biting the inside of her cheek. "I have an extra futon... otherwise it's just my bed and the couch."

"Hm... okay. Uh... I'll sleep on the floor," speaks Kiato. "If you have any extra sheets I'll be fine."

"You're not sleeping on the floor," speaks Lamy, voice slurring with the words. "You'll be with me!"

"No I won't," he replies, headpatting the snow-elf, whose expression shifts into gentle bliss as he does so. "I guess two of you can take Aloe's bed, one in the futon, then one on the couch. That works, right?"

"Would you be okay, though?" Aloe looks at him, face drifting into a frown. "The floor's not very comfortable... you'll probably wake up with a sore back."

"Eh... I've heard that sleeping on the floor's supposed to be good for your back, so it should it okay," speaks Kiato. "Besides, I'll live. It might be unpleasant, but I'll be fine."

"Well, do you mind if I'm with you then, Aloe?" speaks Watame. "I'm pretty fluffy and it's fairly warm, so then Kiato could use your blanket. Would that work?"

"Yep!" speaks Aloe, smiling. "Then... I guess Botan can use the futon and Lamy can use the couch?"

Botan nods. "That sounds good to me," she speaks. "Though..." Peering at Lamy, she smiles. "I don't think Lamy's happy with this arrangement, Kiato."

"Huh? Why's that?" speaks Kiato, looking down as Lamy looks up at him, lips sucked in slightly in a pout. "Lamy?"

"There's enough room for you and me on the couch," she tells him, golden eyes set with an almost comical steadfastness. Kiato has to bite his tongue to hold a laugh from coming out.

"I guess," he speaks, looking back at said couch. "It'd be pretty cramped though. Don't think it's a good idea."

"Then I'll just be on top of you," declares Lamy, nodding to herself. "That'll work, right?"

Kiato deadpans at Lamy, though in her state of inebriation he might as well nodded for all the good it did. "Sure, but-" He grunts as she reaches out and lightly wrings his cheeks. He rolls his eyes as a low sound rises from her. "Okay, okay. Fine," he speaks, trying the mask the smile on his face from the small "yay!" that arises from her. A few moments pass and Lamy slowly leans to one side, eyes closing. By the sounds of her now heavier breathing she had fallen asleep. "Geez..." he shakes his head with a sigh, holding her just enough so she doesn't fall over.

"Okay, then that should be good!" Aloe nods. "It's late now, so let's start getting ready." She hums lightly, heading to her room, presumably to pull out the futon.

Watame yawns, nodding to herself. "Alright, then..." She smiles, ruffling Lamy's hair, a delighted sound coming from Lamy as she does so. "It's a bit difficult to be harsh to Lamy when she's like this, isn't it?"

"Yeah..." Kiato almost feels himself sweatdrop. "If Lamy got this drunk in public, it'd be big trouble all around." Probably some people who wouldn't hesitate to take... advantage of her. "Probably be hard for whoever's lucky enough to marry her, too."

Watame peers at him, playing some quiet notes on her harp. She nods her head to the beat, smiling.

"...Why are you looking at me like that?" speaks Kiato.

"Eh... well... I was just thinking that you two almost seem married yourselves," speaks Watame.

Kiato glances at Botan, whose face is set in a smile, and just shrugs at him. "Really," he speaks, glancing back at the sheep. "What makes you say that?"

"Well..." Watame closes her eyes, fingers still continuing to play with the harp. "You two live together, both of you can cook, you take care of each other, and most of all... you two genuinely seem to enjoy just being with each other." She gazes at him now. "That almost seems like a happy married couple, doesn't it?"

Kiato lies Lamy down on the couch. "When you say it like that, I mean, sure," he speaks. "That's just surface level, though."

"That's true," speaks Watame, rising from her spot on the couch. "Mm... alright, good night. I'll see you tomorrow morning," she speaks.

"Yeah, good night," speaks Kiato, with Botan echoing a similar sentiment before the fluffy sheep walks away. Kiato breathes out, looking at Botan. "If Watame and you can both see it, I guess it might be more plausible than I thought," he admits aloud.

Botan shrugs. "Well, that's for you and Lamy to decide," she speaks. "Though I'll support you two either way." Her eyes twinkle.

"...Thanks," speaks Kiato, bowing his head. Botan giggles before waving, moving to Aloe's room.

"Hm..." Kiato looks down at the peaceful-looking elf beside him, whose lips are curved upwards. "Married, huh...?" He shakes his head, rising from the couch. Probably better not to think about that... still gotta get a blanket or something from Aloe, anyway.

He glances back and ruffles Lamy's hair, seeing the smile on her face widen as he does so.

He was saying something, all excited, to his mother. She looked back, a smile on her face, responding to whatever he said in a positive manner.

He peered around the seat to look at his father, who did not look back, but also responded, a tone of playfulness within it. Whatever his father said had caused him to erupt in laughter.

Something bright in the distance, almost blinding as it swayed back and forth, coming ever nearer to his eyes. All of a sudden it came closer, and closer, and he felt the smile fall off his face as he saw a vague green colour behind the lights beyond just darkness. The car he and his parents were in swerved slightly to one side to avoid contact with something way too close and-

A loud sound of a crunch that sent him flying, and his head and his whole body slammed into the window beside him; somehow it did not break.

Looking over he could see his mother had been sent through the front window, glass and blood surrounding her. She was still, yet the car was still moving-

"Kiato?" He sputters, gasping as cold hands touch him, jolting him from the memory. "Kiato, are you okay?"

He groans, blinking rapidly. Soon, his vision clears enough to allow him to see the darkness of the living room, some shades of moonlight falling across it. "Wha..." Looking above him he sees Lamy's familiar golden eyes. "Wait... where... are we right now?" he speaks, trying to sit up-though a weight prevents him from doing so, and he realizes Lamy is atop of him.

"Aloe's house," speaks Lamy. "You and I slept on the couch, remember?"

"Oh..." He takes in long gulps of air, feeling Lamy keep her hands on his chest, an almost shocking difference to the sheer heat he feels radiate off his body. "Yeah... right..." Kiato gradually feels his body relax, particularly as a low, calming murmur comes from the girl on top of him. "Sorry... did I wake you up?"

"Well... yeah," speaks Lamy, moving to sit on one side of the sofa. "You seemed like you were having a really bad nightmare this time."

No use hiding it. "Yeah," he speaks, rubbing his eyes. "Sorry, Lamy. I'll sleep on the floor, so let's get some more-"

"No." Her quiet voice stops him. "If you're fine with it... do you wanna talk about it?"

"I..." Kiato sits up. "There's not really much to talk about. Just the same old nightmare that won't leave me alone," he speaks. "It's nothing."

"..." Lamy looks at him for a long moment before she stands. "Okay. Follow me for a second?" she speaks.

"Hm...? Sure," he speaks, rising. Following the snow-elf, he sees after a moment that she is heading for the small balcony. He reaches back for the blanket and moves onto it after her.

The night breeze rushes by, a feeling of coldness that causes both of them to shiver. Kiato wraps the blanket around both of them and Lamy moves close to him.

"What'd we come out here for?" wonders Kiato, leaning against the railing.

A moment passes before Lamy replies. "Some fresh air is good after something like that," she speaks.

Kiato takes in a deep breath, exhaling. "Yeah... this is nice," he murmurs.

Lamy sighs, snuggling closer. "I heard what all you said earlier, when I was drunk," she speaks.

"Earlier?" Kiato blinks. What'd we talk about... wait. "You mean after you fell asleep?"

"I did?" Lamy frowns. "Doesn't feel like it... I heard Watame talk about..." She looks at the street down below, where lamps were lit, and the occasional car would sometimes come by. "How you and I are almost like a couple."

Kiato stops. "Ah."

Lamy nods. "I thought I was being kind of obvious, but I guess I should've just come out and said it outright." She takes a deep breath and focuses her golden gaze on him, a flush developing on her face. "I li... I love you, Kiato."

He looks back at her, feeling his own cheeks grow warm, before looking out over the view. "I'm... thanks, Lamy," he speaks. "But you'd probably be better off with somebody else." He glances back at her, seeing Lamy staring at him with slightly widened eyes.

"Why do you say that?" she speaks.

Kiato almost grits his teeth. "All I am is a broken kid who can't escape something that wasn't technically my fault," he speaks. "I'm just a dead weight that'll drag you down if you get in a relationship with me." He leans slightly away. "You deserve someone better than me, someone who can make you happy."

"Better than you..." Lamy inhales deeply. "I'm not sure I'll ever find someone like that, let alone fall in love with them. Besides..." She moves closer to him again. "I don't think a lot of people would want to be with me, either."

"What makes you say that?"

"I can be hard to handle. Like earlier, when I was drunk." She grimaces. "I know... I'm pretty selfish and pushy when I'm drunk. But you don't really mind," speaks Lamy. "You just indulge and take care of me. Without complaining, even."

"You think too highly of me," he speaks.

She shakes her head. "You think too little of yourself." Lamy pauses. "Do you like me, Kiato?"

"...Yes," he speaks, not looking at her.

"Well..." Lamy leans her forehead, cool even compared to the breeze, against his chest. "That's enough for me. I'm not sure if I can ever convince you you're more than a weight for me, and I probably won't ever be able to help you with your past and your nightmares and everything." Her voice grows quieter. "All I'd be able to do is show you that I'm there whenever you need me."

"I just..." He sighs. "If it doesn't work out, would we even still be friends?" Kiato glances up at the moon above, looking almost fractured in its quarter crescent. "I'm afraid more than anything else that if we do try a relationship and it doesn't work out... we'd ruin our friendship, too."

"...I don't know," speaks Lamy. "And this isn't really an answer, or anything I can promise, but..." She moves back and looks up at him. "If both of us really do love each other and want to make it work and everything... we'll find a way, right?

"I know we'll probably run into a lot of problems, and even still encounter things about each other that irritate us. But if we really dedicate ourselves to try and communicate and understand... I think we can work through it," speaks Lamy. "And even if it does come to an end, and we're left with regrets... deep down, I think I'd still feel glad that I got to express my love for you in that way." She smiles.

Kiato glances away, his cheeks and ears burning. He forces himself to look back at the snow-elf. "...Okay," he speaks. "If you really are content with me, the least I can do is respond in kind." He leans in and kisses her. He hears a sound of surprise come from her before a hum rises, melting into the kiss.

Lamy separates with a breath, a giggle leaving her. At the sound he finds a smile grow on his face. "If it does work out between us though," she speaks. "And we get married and all... you're stuck with me for the rest of our lives, 'kay?"

Kiato presses his forehead against hers, letting his eyes close as he feels her breath-warm-come across his face. "Of course."