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Kazuichi glared across the table he sat at, leg anxiously bouncing. He watched in annoyance as Gundham not so discreetly fed the hamsters he kept tucked away in his scarf. That on its own wasn’t enough to annoy Kazuichi; it was the girl who sat next to the animal lover, her radiating grin shining down at the feasting rodents.
Sonia. The prettiest, most kind and fun girl Kazuichi had ever met, no doubt, sat next to the most annoyingly, bland guy he definitely had no doubt he’d ever met. And he was making her smile. Not that Sonia smiling was a bad thing, in fact Kazuichi really liked when she smiled. But he should be the one making her smile, not some goth freak who convinced himself he was a demon from hell.
“Dude, glare any harder and you’re gonna burn a hole right through Gundham’s head,” Fuyuhiko spoke up from his seat next to Souda, startling him out of his thoughts.
“Good. He deserves it.”
“Why, cause he’s got more game than you with the ladies?”
Right on que, a soft giggle drew Kazuichi’s attention back towards the objects of his affection and nerve, the sound belonging to the former. One of Gundham’s hamsters had escaped his scarf, finding its way up on Sonia’s shoulders trying to eat her hair.
“Cham-P! Cease your feasting upon the Royal's hair at once! It is not meant to be consumed,” he reached his hand out and gracefully scooped the orange puff back into his scarf.
“Aw! I don’t mind,” Sonia beamed, “your little guys are so cute, they can eat all my hair if they want!”
“That is very kind of you, but hair is neither nutritious nor a worthy meal for my Devas,” Gundham’s deep voice boomed in comparison to Sonia’s own softspoken one, but softened as he added, “No matter how precious the owner of the hair in question may be.”
“Oh my goodddd, barf!” Kazuichi rolled his eyes, landing them in a glare towards a laughing Fuyuhiko.
“Dude. He is gonna steal your girl. Or, not-your-girl, since he clearly has more game than you.”
“She’s too good for him! I am totally the better catch between us,” Kazuichi leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest, “I’m way smarter, wayy more good looking and I don’t always smell like a zoo, so I win.”
“I don’t know man, chicks are into stuff like that, right? They love a guy with a soft side for little animals and poetry and stuff.”
Glancing back towards the others, Kazuichi could only grumble in annoyance as he watched Gundham gently shake something from a small bag, the hamster’s food he assumed, into Sonia’s hands. She held her now full hands out towards his scarf and her excited giggles filled the air as they crawled into them one by one.
“That’s it. I’m squashing those rats and then I’m squashing him,” Souda slammed his fist into the table, luckily right as every began dismissing for their next classes so it didn’t draw much attention.
“Sureee,” Fuyuhiko snorted as he shoved his things carelessly into his bag, “but I’m pretty sure Gundham would be the one doing the crushing if you ever laid a hand on his little demons. Also, he’s way bigger than you. Like absolutely shredded. Good luck fighting back.”
Kazuichi followed suit, throwing things into his bag without much care, and scoffed.
“I am just as shredded, okay? I could go three rounds easy with him, before I got bored and finished him off.”
Fuyuhiko stared at the mechanic trying his hardest not to laugh, then looked over to Peko, who just joined up with the others in the hall, smiling sweetly as she approached.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to intrude,” Peko cleared her throat “Who are you planning to, um, go three rounds with?”
“Gundham,” Fuyuhiko answered cheerily, taking Peko’s hand in his own, “Kazuichi here wants to completely demolish Gundham. Like, absolutely plow him into the ground. Obliterate him, even. Right, Kaz?”
Soda nodded along, unaware of the other’s teasing.
“Oh, well there he goes now,” Peko pointed down the hall where Gundham stood at his locker, replacing his current books for the ones he needed for his next classes. “Why not go show him what you’re made of?”
Peko did her best to keep a stern, encouraging tone, but Fuyuhiko practically shaking with all the laughter he was holding back was making it hard.
“Yeah, go show him who the bigger man really is,” he gave Kazuichi a few rough pats on the shoulder as he stepped past him to leave, “let us know how it goes!”
Soda watched as his friends took off down the hall, laughing quite obnoxiously. They were probably thinking of how much cooler he was compared to Gundham.
Speaking of, Kazuichi turned back to where Gundham’s locker was, annoyed to see the other still standing there. It looked like he was talking to himself, but Soda knew better that he was probably talking to his hamsters.
Before he realized he was even moving, Kazuichi found himself face to face with the goth.
“Is there something you require from me?” Gundham asked, annoyed at having his space invaded.
“You need to back off of Ms. Sonia.”
Gundham looked to either side of himself, then back to Kazuichi.
“I am nowhere near the one of royal blood,” Gundham deadpanned. He looked toward his Devas who sat in his locker, seeing if they knew what this pink haired buffoon was talking about.
“I don’t mean literally right now! I mean in general. Stop talking to her and making her laugh so much!”
Gundham was still lost, but the Devas couldn’t seem to offer him any clarity. They looked back at him with their beady eyes and tiny noses twitching, and he found he couldn’t be upset with their unhelpfulness.
“I will not take orders on how to behave with my companions from anyone, let alone a mannerless loafer such as yourself.”
“You’re the one without manners," Soda grumbled, "you hog all of her attention and never give anyone else a chance to charm her."
Gundham stared in surprise for a moment before bursting into a deep, rumbling laughter.
“Ah, so this is what all of this useless chatter is for. You intend to court the dark princess and are worried that she will turn you away when you are so obviously dull in comparison to her other options.”
Kazuichi held his had in fists at his side, fighting the very strong urge to knock the smug grin off the other’s face.
“Please, like you could do better than me!”
“There is no doubt in my mind that I am a more desirable partner than you,” Gundham finished collecting what was needed from their locker and held his arm out for the Devas to crawl up before shutting it.
“Well, there is a doubt in mine that you are. I’m way more fun than you! You’d probably take her to the cemetery or something and try sacrificing her innocent soul to the demons you pretend to know.”
Gundham scoffed, taking an offended step backwards.
“That is most absurd! I would never disrespect the souls lain to rest to entertain my company. You, however, would do something so foolishly heartless.”
“Okay, if you think you’re sooo much better than me, prove it!”
“I have nothing to prove, fore, as I have already said, it is more than obvious I am superior.”
The small hamsters, sensing Gundham’s growing anger ran down, tucking themselves away in his scarf; with the exception of Maga-Z who stood upright on Gundham’s shoulder, glowering at the offender of his master.
“Pff, you’re really not. But if you actually think so then just prove it,” Kazuichi shrugged, “show me the date you’d take Ms. Sonia on, and I’ll show you what I would do. Whoever has more fun loses.”
“Courting a heart’s desired is a serious matter, it is not to be treated like a children’s game.”
“Oh my god you are so literaaaal,” Kazuichi grabbed at his head, fingers curling tightly around the fabric of his beanie, “I meant that whoever has a more fun date planned gets to take Ms. Sonia out!”
“That is the most absurd suggestion I have ever heard,” Gundham scoffed, “the fair maiden is not some prize to be won, nor is she meant to be used as a pawn in this foolish crusade of yours.”
“What? No, I didn’t mean it like that. I just mean that the other guy has to back off. Which is gonna be you, cause I’m way more fun than you.”
Gundham was still thoroughly confused, but brought a finger to his chin, humming in consideration.
“Fine. I shall humor this idiotic plan of yours if only to satiate your deranged desire to be humiliated.”
“Wait, really,” Kazuichi was ready to fight more, or was just hoping Gundham would get annoyed and leave Sonia to him. “You’re really gonna go on a date with me just to prove you’re more romantic?”
“Is that not exactly what you suggested for us to do?”
Gundham’s expression showed no signs that he was joking, not that Kazuichi would even be able to tell what that looked like. Gundham looking down at him with such a serious expression on his face after agreeing to go on a ‘date’ with him sent a flutter through Kazuichis’ stomach, but it was just weird that Gundham agreed with him. That had to be it.
“Right. Well, okay then! I am gonna date the socks off of you!! Just you wait, by the end of this, you’ll be jealous of Ms. Sonia, too.”
“Do not flatter yourself,” Gundham rolled his eyes, pulling his scarf up to his chin, “what we think of one another will have no impact on Sonia’s choice of partner.”
“Okayyyy, well I’ll let you plan the first date. Gotta save the best for last after all. Can’t wait to see what boring things you have planned!” Soda clapped his hands together, rubbing them excitedly before skipping off.
Gundham watched as the mechanic skipped away down the halls, wondering just what the hell he had gotten himself into.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“I would ask for you to wear something formal, but you seem to own nothing but those filthy rags you pass off as clothing.”
Kazuichi held the phone away from his ears, not in the mood to listen to the other man’s insults. Gundham called Kazuichi, informing him that he would be on Their way to his house soon. How Gundham even had his number was a mystery to Soda, but he was more annoyed at the complete lack of warning the other gave him for their 'date'. Once the mumbling stopped, he pulled it back with an exasperated breath.
“Dude. First of all, those ‘rags’ are my work clothes. Don’t exactly wanna wear something nice when I’m working on cars, do I? Second off, imagine saying something like that to Ms. Sonia. Like just imagine if you didn’t like her outfit, would you straight up tell her that?”
“There would be no need to disparage the garments she adorns herself with, for they are always glamorous.”
“Whatever. You’re the one with the weird clothes by the way.”
There was no response for a few seconds and Kazuichi checked to see if Gundham had hung up when a soft voice finally came through.
“Do you truly think my wardrobe is odd?” Gundham’s voice was surprisingly small, Kazuichi had to check his screen once again to make sure it was still his number dialed.
“Ummm, yeah? You wear so many layers all the time, it just seems uncomfortable. And super suspicious in the summer time.”
“I see. Well, I will see you soon. Be ready when I arrive.” Then, he hung up without even saying goodbye.
That was weird. Gundham sounding unsure of himself was… wrong. There was no other way to describe it. Kazuichi kinda felt bad, but only kind of. Gundham did insult him first, after all, so it was only fair that he returned the favor.
Less than 20 minutes later, there was a sudden pounding at Kazuichi’s door.
“Dude, what did my door ever do to you,” Kazuichi pulled it open quickly to stop the aggressive knocks. He intended on giving Gundham his fiercest glare but was too surprised to form the expression, “Um, wow.”
Gundham stood in the hallway with his arms crossed, looking a bit lost. He was wearing a dark purple t-shirt that clung tightly to his broad chest, the short sleeves working over-time to keep from tearing around his arms. He decided to forego the bandage he wore around his arm for the day, tiny scratch marks new and old trailing up to just below his elbow. He had on simple black jeans, and…. white gym shoes? They looked brand new. He wasn’t wearing his coat but still wore his scarf loosely around his neck. His hair was gelled up, not as pristine and perfect as usual, a few small strands falling along his forehead, as though it was a rushed affair.
“Cease your starring and let us go. We have plans to attend to.” Gundham spoke quickly but made no move to leave himself.
Kazuichi had to literally shake himself out of his trance
“Sorry, sorry. You just look so… different? It’s weird.”
“You informed me you were not keen on my wardrobe, so I made the appropriate adjustments to satisfy you,” Gundham held his arms out awkwardly at his sides, as if showing off his clothes. “Apparently, this does not meet your standards either.”
“Oh my god, dude. Did you go buy new clothes before coming to pick me up?”
Looking more closely, he noticed Gundham stood incredibly stiff, nothing like his usual commanding and looming stance. His discomfort seemed to stem from the ill fitted clothes he wore more than any insecurity Kazuichi feared he may have caused.
“You didn’t have to change what makes you comfortable just cause I said it was weird. Sorry if I made you feel bad.”
“Nonsense. You could never have such an effect on my choices. I simply chose to wear something to your liking as my goal for today is to impress you. Now, let us go.” Gundham finally stomped off down the hall, not bothering to wait for Kazuichi.
Kazuichi wasn’t sure what to expect as far as Gundham’s ideas of romance went, but when they turned up the block and were approaching their destination, he couldn’t help from groaning.
“Of course, you’d take a date somewhere pretentious like a museum. We’re supposed to be having fun, remember?”
Gundham didn’t seemed phased by his remark, however, and bounded up the steps to the building’s entrance eagerly.
“Going to a museum is a more than adequate way to enjoy oneself,” he opened the door, stepping aside to let Kazuichi in first. “This place is full of history, full of the most fascinating stories you mortals have lived.”
Soda couldn’t help but think Gundham had to be glad to ditch the coat today, it felt pretty warm suddenly, so he was probably happier without it.
“Wait, so you do see worth in us mere weak mortals after-all?”
Gundham scoffed, “Do not make such humorous assumptions. For the most part, this realm is full of disappointment and such wasted potential. However, for all your kind manages to get wrong time and time again, they manage something quite miraculous every so often.”
“For example,” Gundham led them both towards a small crowd gathered in front of a painting or something, Kazuichi assumed. It wasn’t until the crowd moved along, allowing for the two of them to step up and see the expanse of the work. The canvas was ginormous, taking up almost the entirety of the wall from ceiling to floor. Kazuichi gave an impressed whistle as he admired the splattering of colors in front of them.
“It’s marvelous, is it not,” Gundham spoke, drawing the other’s attention away from the art. “the thought and planning alone that must go into creating something like this, I cannot begin to even fathom it.”
Soda watched in amusement as Gundham waved his arms around in an exaggerated motion, voice booming with more excitement the more he spoke.
“I didn’t know you cared about these things so much. It’s pretty cool to see you so ramped up about something other than your little rats.”
“They are not rats, nor are they hamsters or gerbils or any other form of rodent you seem so keen on referring to them as. They are Devas, fierce beings of destruction and anguish. I will not be so kind in correcting you again.”
Kazuichi snorted but held his hands up in surrender.
“Okay, okay I’m sorry. Your evil little demon mice. I just think it’s very… normal of you to care so much about something like art. It makes you less cryptic and weird.”
Gundham sighed, their shoulders sagging forward slightly as he casted his eyes back towards the painting, struggling to focus on what he was looking at.
“If who I am is not to your liking, then perhaps we should cut this outing short. It is clear you are not enjoying yourself, so there is no point in prolonging our time here.”
Kazuichi meant what he said as a compliment to Gundham but was now realizing he could have worded it better.
“No! I don’t wanna leave yet,” He shouted, then lowered his voice at the glares he received from fellow patrons around them, “I am having a good time, I promise.”
He put a hand on Gundham’s shoulder, waiting until the other looked back towards him again before continuing.
“I’m serious. I’m sorry, that was a shitty thing to say, I just meant that it’s nice to see you have interests,” he gave the other’s shoulder a light squeeze before letting go, “it makes you more ‘human’ to me cause honestly you present yourself as this fierce scary demonic guy that hates anything and everything around him, and I guess I don’t know much about you really besides what I choose to see,” Kazuichi cleared his throat, lowering his voice, “but I’m glad to start learning.”
Gundam’s stared, lip twitching to fight the slightest upturn of his lips. He turned back towards the art, pulling his scarf up to cover them.
“Yes, well. We should move on then. There are other masterpieces you simply must see.”
He waved Kazuichi along to follow him as he began walking towards the next exhibits. Each work they stopped at, Kazuichi listened intently as Gundham explained in somewhat excruciating detail the origins of the art. Sometimes, his harsh criticism would startle a laugh out of Kazuichi, causing Gundham to stumble over his next few words.
After circling most of the interesting exhibits Gundham deemed worthy, they decided to sit for a while at the small café in the museum. Gundham, who had been limping the last 15 minutes or so as his shoes grew more uncomfortable to walk in, sat with a relieved sigh.
“Dude, you know so much,” Kazuichi gulped down a large sip of his drink, “like, an insane amount. Everything you told me today, never even heard about. So how is it you don’t know that new shoes take a while to break in?”
Gundham brought one of his legs up to rest across his other, rubbing his sore ankle.
“I did not have time to consider the torment these hideous creations would cause, as I was more concerned with making it to your home on time.”
“I still think it’s funny you stopped to buy new clothes before you came to get me. That's very gentlemanly of you.”
“Do you truly believe so? I felt so foolish making these selections.”
“Well, I think it’s funny you went and bought stuff you’d never actually wear, but it’s kinda sweet, too,” Kazuichi hummed thoughtfully as he took another sip of his drink, “you sure know how to make a guy feel special.”
Soda’s brain caught up to his mouth and the words spilling from it, causing him to choke on his drink.
“I mean, uh, you’d make your date. Ms. Sonia, you would make her swoon over how sweet you are. So, points to you, I guess.” he turned his attention towards his cup, suddenly deeming it the most interesting thing in the world.
Gundam sat back in his seat, swapping his legs out to rest the other one. “Right, Sonia. Well, I am pleased to see you agree she would approve.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After their museum date, Kazuichi made plans for just a few days later. He was just anxious to prove how much more fun he could be.
He sat on a bench, searching through the mass of people trying to spot Gundham. After a few moments he caught sight of the familiar tuft of hair emerging above the heads of people he walked with. Kazuichi hopped off the bench and hopped towards Gundham to meet him in the middle. He stopped in his tracks a few steps away.
“Dude. What the hell are you wearing? I said to dress chill.”
Kazuichi instantly cringed, recalling their previous ‘date’ and what resulted in insulted Gundham’s clothing. Luckily, the other didn’t seem bothered.
“I am wearing garments worthy of a feast among the gods, as any one intent on spending time with desired company should,” Gundham gripped the lapels of his coat, pulling down to straighten them out.
He couldn't argue the clothes seemed to be fancy enough to dine with gods or whatever the earthly equivalent to them was; the goth's coat was a deep royal blue flowing behind him. The shirt he wore underneath, just a few shades darker than his coat, ruffles flowing down along the collar towards the middle of his chest. He wore dark silky pants, the material giving them a small shimmer in the street lights. He also had on his boots that Kazuichi would never be able to understand how Gundham managed to walk so effortlessly in. It made Soda laugh, thinking back to how Gundham struggled to walk in comfortable gym shoes just a few days ago when he spent everyday walking in these without breaking a sweat.
“Aww, you desire my company?” Soda clasped his hands against his cheek, gushing teasingly.
“Do not flatter yourself, tamer of automobiles. I am merely presenting myself in the manner which I deem most comforting and appropriate for being with a heart’s desire. I hope you cannot say the same for yourself.”
Soda looked down at his own clothes with a raised brow. He ditched his usual jumpsuit for a loose t-shirt similar in color and a pair of yellow plaid trousers. He decided on his bright pink shoes and beanie matching in color.
“Dude. We’re going to the fucking carnival, not the opera. I’m dressed perfectly fine.”
“Carnival,” Gundham gulped, “you believe a crowded, incredibly loud outdoor event is an appropriate way to spend time with the object of your affection?”
“Um, yah. Everyone loves funnel cake and cotton candy and games. Well, normal people do…”
“Save thy breath, for your intent to offend me will not work. Your standards of normal do not align with my own.”
“Okay Shakespeare, whatever you say. Let’s go play some games!!” Kazuichi grabbed Gundham’s unbandaged wrist and ran towards the brightly lit entrance, laughing as the other stumbled behind him.
It took 8 different games and far more money than Soda felt okay with spending, but when he finally won the big prize, he couldn’t be bothered to care in the moment. The woman running the booth pointed to an array of giant plush animals, asking Kazuichi to choose his prize.
“Hmm, let’s see,” he scanned the large selection carefully, finger tapping his chin in thought.
He looked over to Gundham who was watching him with a curious expression and inspiration hit him.
“That one, please!” he bounced in his seat excitedly, pointing to a large orange hamster.
“Here, for you!” Kazuichi spun in his seat, holding out the soft, round plush.
“What am I meant to do with this?” Gundam stared at the toy, not yet taking it.
“You’re my ‘date’, so I won you a prize. It’s kind of a rule of taking someone to a fair or whatever,” he shrugged, “It’s like such a sweet and gentlemanly thing to do.” He shoved the plush towards Gundham, who finally grabbed onto it reflexively.
“It’s like one of your little evil guys! Except this one is totally safe and won’t kill us all for simply existing.”
Gundham stared down at the soft prize and studied its craft. He held it up, looking into the beady eyes, squinting curiously.
Soda watched as he studied the toy, trying his hardest to hold back a laugh.
“Well, do you like it??”
“It is… quite pleasant to look at. And the texture is comforting to touch.” he ran his unclothed hand across the head, almost like he was petting it. Then he turned his gaze towards Kazuichi, “Thank you.”
Kazuichi had to clear his throat, suddenly finding it a bit warm despite the cool night air around them.
“Oh, well good. I’m glad you like it.”
Gundham nodded, his expression far too serious for a freaking toy, Kazuichi thought, but what wasn’t Gundham serious about.
“Allow me to extend my gratitude by paying you back in an equivalent gesture.”
“Wait, what?”
“You bestowed this grand gift upon me, so it is only fair that I do the same for you, though I do not think any of the other prizes here can compare to this one.”
Gundham held the plush up for the other to admire, as if he didn’t choose it specifically for him.
“No! You don’t have to win me anything. That’s not how a date works. Er, like how a date WOULD work if this was a real one.”
“So, you do not desire a small plush companion of your own?”
Gundham then brought it close to his chest, as if he thought Soda would realize just how great it was and take it back for himself. It made him laugh.
“Nah I’m good. But if you really feel like you gotta get me something, then I guesss I wouldn’t say no to some cotton candy,” he added his best puppy dog eyes for extra affect. Too bad there was no such things as giving hamster eyes. He’d get Gundham to do all sorts of things for him if he could pull that off.
“Cotton candy? I’ve never heard of such a thing. What sort of trick are you attempting to pull on me?”
“If we were actually dating right now, I’d have to break up with you. How have you never had, let alone never heard of cotton candy?! Were you dropped on your head as a baby or something?”
Gundham’s brows furrowed, and he took in a deep breath, his telltale sign before breaking out in one of his famously draining rants about how confusing mortals were.
“Wait, don’t answer that. It was rhetoric. Let’s go!” he hopped off his stool and held his hand out towards Gundham, who took it in his own instantly.
Kazuichi led them through the crowd with ease, peeking back every so often to make sure Gundham was still attached to the hand he was holding.
It was no secret Gundham wasn’t a fan of crowds, but he found he didn’t mind it in the moment. The soft fur and weight from the packed stuffing of his plush served as a good distraction to everything going on around him. The only other thing Gundham found he could focus on was the warmth of Kazuichi’s hands around his own. He stared down at their clasped fingers, only now realizing the other had yet to fall victim to his poison. How was he managing to hold Gundham’s hand and still stand?
He hadn’t noticed Kazuichi had stopped walking, arriving at the stand he was looking for at last. He stumbled forward, bumping into the other, causing him to stumble as well.
“My apologies, I was preoccupied with thoughts and hadn’t realized we stopped.”
“Dude, no worries. There’s never any worries when cotton candy is involved.” Soda held his hand out, pointing to the large stand.
Gundham approached the cart, eyeing the spinning wheel suspiciously. “I would like to purchase one of your cotton candies, please.”
“Coming right up!” The cheery vendor grabbed a cone, then began spinning the turning sugar into a generously sized fluff.
Gundam’s eyes grew wide, and he clutched his plush close to him once more.
“This is meant to be consumed?!” he turned his concerned eyes towards Kazuichi, who was too distracted by the giant fluff of sugar being handed to him. “It was crafted out of nowhere! It must be sorcery, I’m sure of it.”
Soda thanked the vendor before stepping off to the side with Gundham, laughing at his distrust of a harmless snack.
“You’re right, it’s creepy how delicious and perfect it is, but I promise you it’s safe to eat. Watch,” he went to tear a piece off, only to realize he was still holding Gundham’s hand.
“Oh, uh. Sorry,” he pulled his hand back quickly, dropping it awkwardly to his side.
“There is nothing to apologize for” Gundham supplied a beat later, but there was an uncertain expression on his face Soda couldn’t quite read.
“So, anyways. Cotton candy. Proof that this realm of silly little mortals isn’t so bad after all.”
Then, Kazuichi tore a long piece off of the massive fluff, leaning his head back and using his tongue to pull it into his mouth. He licked his lips, getting every last stray bit of sugar.
“See? All safe,” he grinned, breath caught in his throat at the way Gundham was staring at him, his eyes wide and mouth slightly agape, “um.”
Gundham came back to his senses a moment later and turned away, flustered, bringing his scarf up over his chin.
“Are you okay?” Soda tilted his head down towards Gundham, who snapped back forward, giving a curt nod.
“You seemed to be enjoying your treat quite thoroughly. I did not mean to impose.”
“O-m-g, dude, here! Just try some!!” Kazuichi held the cotton candy out towards Gundham, urging him to take a bite.
“I will not touch that with my bare hands! It is scandalous to eat without utensils of any kind.”
“Okayyy then you don’t have to filthy your precious hands, here!” he tore a similar length piece off to his own and held it out towards Gundham, “say ahhhhh!”
“I will say no such thing.”
“Suit yourself,” Kazuichi shrugged, waving the piece of candy in front of Gundham’s face.
Gundham gave one last contemplating look to the foreign treat, then leaned forward, taking a large bite. His lips grazed the tips of Kazuichi’s fingers as he pulled away, not expecting the way the candy dissolved so quickly.
“That was… quite delectable,” Gundham’s eyes grew wide, his uncertainty about the snack quickly turning to fascination.
Kazuichi squeaked out a small “Told you,” then cleared his throat.
Gundham seemed unphased, possibly unaware of what had happened. He was too busy discovering a new food to realize he basically had Kazuichi’s fingers in his mouth.
“May I have another piece?”
Gundham looked towards him with hopeful eyes, and who was Kazuichi to deny the other's request?
“Uh, sure,” with shaky hands, he tore another piece off of the fluff, holding it out to Gundham once more.
Gundham leaned forward again, but before taking the bite, he grabbed Kazuichi’s wrist gently, steadying his shaking hand.
“Is everything alright,” the taller man (ugh) asked, lightly running his thumb over Soda’s pulse point.
“Totally. I’m great. I’m awesome, totally poggers, dude!” He was aware of how high his voice was getting, not even bothering to hope Gundham wouldn’t notice.
Of course, as he suspected, Gundham looked unconvinced. He shifted his hamster under the arm that he was holding Kazuichi’s wrist with and brought the now free hand up to Kazuichi’s forehead.
“Hm, you feel quite warm. Are you sure you feel no illness?"
“I’m good, really,” Soda took a step back, freeing himself from all points of contact with Gundham, “I just. Um, too much sugar maybe?” He offered weakly, holding up the cotton candy as an explanation.
“Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed by the mass of people here as well?”
“Wait, you’re overwhelmed right now?”
“I am managing, but as I’m sure you are aware, I do not fare well with other people, especially ones unknown to me,” Gundham spoke softly, “however, I am not the subject of concern in this moment.”
“Come on, let’s find somewhere quiet to sit.” Soda looked around them, nodding towards an empty table away from the crowds. Kazuichi sat with a heavy sigh, closing his eyes.
“Here,” Gundham sat next to Kazuichi, placing their hamster plush on his lap, waiting for the other to take it, “I am not giving him to you permanently, mind you, but he has been a great comfort to me throughout this night… As have you.”
Kazuichi smiled at the plush, taking it from Gundham’s hands. “Wait, he?”
“He resembles my fierce Black Dragon, does he not?”
Holding the stuffed animal up to eye level, Kazuichi noticed it really could be modeled after Cham-P. It was very big, round and orange.
“You’re kinda funny sometimes. Why haven’t we hung out more before this?”
“I was under the impression you despised the very breath that brings life to my mortal vessel.”
“Umm, okay fair point. I think,” the mechanic snorted, “but that’s a two-way street. I kinda forgot why we were even hanging out now in the first place. It just feels so natural, doesn’t it?”
He looked towards Gundham, a small, unsure smile on his face.
“Indeed. This time spent with one another was meant to be a competition. The sole purpose of these outings was not to enjoy ourselves, proving once and for all the other was a more suitable partner, yet I enjoyed both days we spent together, despite the opposition in activities. There was one variable which remained the same: you.”
Kazuichi cheeks burned, and he had to swallow hard around a lump in his throat. He took a minute before replying, throwing his arms across the back of the bench, giving his best charming smile.
“Sooo, what you’re saying is I’m way more fun than you? Like we knew from the start?”
“Yes,” Gundham replied instantly, no trace of teasing in his own voice, causing the grin to fall from Kazuichi’s face, “you are an enjoyable companion to pass the time with. You are also incredibly charming and kind-hearted, and,” Gundham brought his scarf up to his lips, “and you are the one most suitable for Sonia’s heart.”
Gundham reached out and took the plush back from Soda’s lap. He stared down at it intensely, picking at the soft material covering it.
“I know we agreed upon the rules of this quest you set out, but I find myself hoping you will decide not go through with your plans of success.”
Kazuichi watched Gundham's hands as they fidgeted with the plush. He seemed nervous, and it made Kazuichi's heart ache. All he wanted to do was reach out and hold the other's trembling hands.
So he did. Gundham smiled warmly down at the hands around his own, tightening his own grip on them.
"So, you don't want me to ask Ms. Sonia out... because... why exactly?"
"While I do believe her worthy of your affection, and you worthy of hers in turn, I find myself selfishly longing for it for myself," Gundham gave a self-depreciating breath of laughter, "I apologize for so needlessly complicating the matter."
Kazuichi sighed. Before he even suggested this idea, seeing Gundham so defeated and willing to back off would have had him jumping with joy. Now, it just made Soda feel sad. Getting to go out with Sonia wouldn't be worth it knowing Gundham was moping around for the rest of his days.
"It's okay. You don't have to be so sad, Gundham," Kazuichi assured, "You can ask her out if you want. I'm not gonna force you to actually stay away from her."
There was a long silence, Soda was unsure if Gundham planned on replying at all. Then, barely above a whisper, he heard the other speak.
"It is not the princess of darkness who my heart desires."
"Wait, so you don't want me asking Sonia out, but you don't wanna ask her out either... meaning..."
Gundham looked up, anxiously waiting for the other to put the pieces together. He struggled to keep eye contact, but didn't waver despite the strong desire to run far, far away. The moment everything clicked for Kazuichi, he gasped, slapping a hand over his mouth.
"Ha! I told you you'd totally be jealous of her by the end of this, didn't I?"
Gundham closed his eyes, huffing out an annoyed breath.
"Please, cease your mocking. I feel foolish enough falling victim to your charms."
"I'm not making fun of you, I swear! I'm just surprised. I didn't expect you to actually think I was some sort of Casanova or whatever."
"You are far from a Casanova, I assure you," Gundham opened his eyes, any evidence of distress he felt moments ago washed away by the fondness that filled them now, "your heart is strong and true. There lies a loyalty within you unmatched to any other mortal I have crossed paths with, compassion so breathtakingly delicate, I am unaware how I was unable to sense it until now."
"You are one of a kind, Kazuichi Soda, and I fear it would break me to lose you to another."
"Holy shit, you can't just say something like that to a guy!" Kazuichi pulled his hands from Gundham's grasp, immediately moving to pull his beanie down over his eyes.
"I apologize. I did not intend to cause you any discomfort."
"But you can't just take it back, either!" Soda dragged his hat further down his face, leaving only his mouth exposed.
"I- I am unsure what is is you want from me, then." Gundham's voice grew smaller with uncertainty.
"What I want is for you to be certain of your feelings and for you to be aware of mine because," slowly, Kazuichi lifted his hat off of his face, peeking out with shy eyes at Gundham, "what I want is to take you out on more dates."
Gundham's eyes widened and his face flushed a deep pink. His immediate instinct was to hide behind his scarf, but he paused his actions, deciding to bare his emotions raw to the other. He moved his hands towards Soda's own instead and gently removed them from his hat.
"That is what I desire as well. I look forward to every moment we shall spend together."
Kazuichi leaned over, resting his head on Gundham's shoulder with a content sigh.
"Me too."
(Also, Sonia would have politely turned both boys down anyways bc she is happily dating Akane <3)
The End!!!