Work Text:
Normally the young director would work late into the night tinkering on his new inventions. This night was no different, Rui’s body hunched up on the floor in front of a messy arrangement of parts. The parts varied from metal slabs to screws and bolts, to plastic shells and worn wires. Only he could see his vision in this mess of a pile, a feeling that gave him a rush of excitement that encouraged him to only go on. He typically went undisrupted through the night, his family long accepting of his persistent statement of “the night being easier to work”. They gave up arguing by highschool, allowing Rui to move from his bedroom to the garage. Perhaps it was to shield them of the loud noises his inventions made, but Rui was grateful nonetheless.
He’d hardly heard his phone buzz, as his current invention hissed and creaked in his grasp. The metal rubbed together to make a high pitch screech, as pleasant to the ear as nails on a chalkboard. He quickly cut the wires, his brows furrowing as he fiddled with the metal shell. It wasn’t till he heard another buzz, that he decided to take a rest.
He was surprised to find messages from his troupe’s leader, a very rule driven guy with far too big of an ego. He’d always criticize Rui for his eyebags, and make the same rehearsed speech about getting enough hours of sleep every night. Tsukasa had a very strict sleeping schedule, and it was rare to hear from him at this hour.
WordStar sent a link.
WorldStar: What do you think of this for the next theme? >:)
Rui chuckled, Tsukasa’s motivations never failing to crack a smile on his face. The link led to a website about a nearby castle, the kind kids would often go to for medieval school trips. The website was filled with images of the building, as well as an assortment of costumes made to recreate those from the time period. They gave off a fantasy, fairy tale air. Rui hummed, thinking for a reply.
Rui: That’s an interesting idea. Do you have any particular ideas in mind? There are many ways we could work with this. I’d like to hear your opinions
Tsukasa’s reply was fast, obvious typos showing he was very, very excited about this. It was entertaining how Tsukasa got like this every time, how much care and thought he put into every show.
WorldStar: I think we coupd go for a fairy tale sort od story, forbidden love combined with fantasy-like features. Just ad Beauty amd the Beast / Cinderella.
Rui: Do you want to recreate an existing one or create a new one? I do find a spin off or modern take on a classic fairytale interesting. I wouldn’t be opposed to a completely original story, either.
WorldStar: I thibk we can discuss tge props we can work with and go from there. You often have new inventions that give me ideas for the shpw
Rui: Hmm… alright. I am working on some new things right now, but it may take a bit. I’ll try to finish this one to bring tomorrow
WorldStar: Brilliant! Ah, I can always coumt on you!!! Thank ypu!!!! >:D
Rui couldn’t help smiling at that, the whirring machine in the background long forgotten.
WorldStar: Actually.. would it be too mucj trouble droppimg by now? Just for the inspiration, of course! Mu creative juices are flowing!!!
Rui: Well, I’m not exactly opposed to the idea.. but doesn’t a star need his rest? I'm surprised you’re even awake at this hour
WorldStar: Perfevt!! On mu way!!
…and of course, Tsukasa ignored everything but what he wanted to hear. He was always like this, not doing so much as batting an eye to warnings of danger for stunts, or some props being inaccessible. He always found a way to accomplish his vision, and that truly inspired Rui. With a newfound giddy excitement, Rui continued tinkering away with a small smile tugging at his lips. Maybe he didn’t mind disturbances that much, afterall.
Tsukasa truly kept to his word, snapping Rui out of his ‘zone’ for the second time that night. Each knock on the door to Rui’s garage was seemingly louder than the next, and didn’t seem to stop till Rui finally abandoned wiring the robot and heaved open the door with a sigh.
There stood Tsukasa Tenma, far more energetic than Rui was currently. He wore a loose yellow-orange shirt, the collar stretched out to expose his collarbones and black tank top underneath. His hair was done fashionably with an assortment of colored hair clips, most likely from Saki’s wardrobe. Unlike Rui, Tsukasa had changed his entire wardrobe after school. Rui obviously had not bothered with changing, and it appeared he had gone straight to work in his garage the moment he arrived home. Tsukasa wore a wide grin, slipping his way past Rui without even a smidge of awareness for the frustrated expression on the other. He immediately drifted further into the room as if this were his own home, glancing around like an excited child at the scattered parts along the floor and work bench.
“Wow! You made all of these??” Tsukasa asked, gesturing towards the arrangement of tiny colored drones along his desk. Rui chuckled, following behind the other with his hands tucked lazily in his pant pockets. “No, I found them at the store for 50% off.” Tsukasa’s face of amazement and wonder fell slightly at Rui’s obvious sarcasm, folding his arms and huffing. “I was going to compliment you… but I take it back now.” A smile tugged at his lips, as much as he tried to swallow it down. “You’ll have to give me more than a compliment after you practically forced yourself into my home. If you really do want to start working on the next gig, I need to make use of my time to complete the necessary materials” He rested a finger under his chin, tilting it to the side as he smirked at the other. The blonde’s mouth twitched, opening to refute but only closing it moments later. “Ah.. right, you have a point.” Tsukasa opened his mouth again, a more serious expression resting on his face. He brought his hands to his hips in his usual stance. “Sorry, I do know my visit was a bit inconvenient. It made sense at the time, but.. ah. I was acting on impulse. I guess I was far too excited about my idea, I hadn’t considered how that would disrupt you.” His eyebrows were furrowed, his face determined. He truly meant what he had said, and that once again tugged at Rui’s heart. Tsukasa was fascinating, truly a person fit among the stars.
“I was only teasing, I actually quite appreciate your company. I promise you, you’re anything but a disruption.” The moment was oddly soft compared to their normal bickering, both boys wearing heart filled smiles. Tsukasa’s only widened, quickly returning to his chaotic nature. His voice boomed louder than any failed inventions Rui had created, the only difference being Tsukasa was no failure. “Ahaha, of course! It must be so lonely working in the dark of the night all alone! I knew this of course, and knew you would need a star as bright as myself! Perhaps I can even be an inspiration for you!!” He struck a pose as if to make a point, quickly falling to a lunge on the ground, one arm up in the air, the other still firmly pressed to his hip. Rui chuckled, Tsukasa’s form hardly faltering as he did. “You never disappoint! Perhaps I’ll take you up on that” He spun on the balls of his feet, sinking back to the ground to survey his previous work. Tsukasa didn’t take long to join, watching Rui work excitedly.
At first, Rui had been joking about it, but now he was genuinely considering the possibility. Perhaps it was the fatigue of the night, or perhaps the close proximity of the two boys, but it seemed an interesting idea. He scribbled nonsenses only he could understand, the messy array of papers looking to become an actual fire hazard. Tsukasa stayed quiet the whole time Rui worked, hardly wasting a second blinking as if he would miss witnessing the birth of Christ.
Rui’s hands fumbled slightly as he thought, both due to the lack of experience of working with an audience, and from the increasingly noticeable breaths on his skin. He could feel every exhale Tsukasa made, making the skin on his neck prickle. It was becoming very difficult to ignore, and he struggled to keep his composure under the blonde’s watchful eyes.
“Ah, Rui..” Tsukasa’s voice was soft, spoken quietly so as to not set Rui off from his thought process. Rui hardly hummed a reply before Tsukasa’s hand was in front of his face, tenderly brushing his bangs behind his ears. Rui’s head snapped towards the other as he did, completely set off guard. “You’ll ruin your vision if it’s constantly blocked by your hair. You need to see properly to do your absolute best!” His smile and determination set his chest aflame, his mind crumbling at the small gesture. As if Tsukasa was plotting against him, he suddenly shifted his face, muttering “that won’t do…”
Before Rui could protest, Tsukasa was taking out the clips in his hair to pin Rui’s bangs completely out of his vision. He pulled Rui’s face closer to his own, eyebrows furrowed as he carefully tucked the purple strands away. If feeling Tsukasa’s breath on his neck was enough to disrupt his concentration, this was sure to have triple the effect. Really, Rui doubted he could even continue.
In the dim light of the garage, Rui found Tsukasa’s eyes even more fascinating. He had always wondered what color they really were, but the way they seemed to constantly change in the light made it difficult to pinpoint. Right now, they were a deep honey, with shades of coral deeper around the iris. Tsukasa was intoxicating, everything about him consuming all of Rui’s attention. Tsukasa’s hovering hands didn’t go unnoticed, the expression on both boys unreadable. It was moments like this that Rui would wish could last forever.
Though, unfortunately for Rui, time continued to pass. Tsukasa’s hands slowly drifted back down to his sides, breaking back into his usual wide grin. “There! Now you can work better!” He pulled his legs up to his chest, resting his chin on his knees as he hugged them closer to his body. He seemed proud of his work, admiring the pins in Rui’s hair like a parent would their child. “How thoughtful of you, Tsukasa-kun. It’s unfortunate there is still a very large distraction…” he gestured teasingly back at the other, a smirk meeting his lips. Tsukasa gasped, wearing a face of complete betrayal. “Augh-! But you said I was helpful! Am I not a blessing to work with?!” Rui laughed into his hand, idly spinning a screw in one hand. “If you want to be of help, why don’t you help me with this” He pushed his messy brainstorming notes in front of Tsukasa, tapping a pen at one of the first pages. This one had the most scribbles, whether they were abandoned plans or a failed equation, Tsukasa couldn’t tell. Tsukasa stared quizzically at the page for a moment, before turning back up towards Rui. “What.. is this for?” Perhaps Rui was imagining, but he swore he saw a tinge of red on his cheeks despite his confident facade. “Ideas for the show. The first is a description of my plans for my current project..” he scooted next to Tsukasa to better explain the list, circling the first set of bullet points. “I wanted to make something to create an explosion effect without, well… risks of a real one.” They both shuddered at Rui’s previous attempts that were not at all along the amusement park’s safety regulations. “I considered confetti, to Emu’s suggestion, but it lacked… delivery” he signalled to another bullet point. “So I played with the effects I’ve tried, as well as those I haven’t. Mixing the lights from the drones lights with some kind of fog…” He made a gesture with his hands, along with a small “kaboom”
Tsukasa nodded enthusiastically as Rui explained each of his different ideas, Tsukasa occasionally giving a comment and taking them to the next level. Their back and forth bickering slowed as they made it to the last section on the page, titled only with “A glorious shining star.”
“What’s this one?” Tsukasa asked, their knees touching by this point. Rui held his chin in his hand, sighing slightly as he responded. “I thought basing something off of you would be an interesting idea. Especially if we went with the fantasy idea, I think it would add to the heroic scenes to have something to accompany your entrance.” His eyebrows furrowed now, hand dropping to tap the paper. “But I just can’t come up with anything fitting this vague idea. Just as the rose in beauty and the beast… I wanted something recognizable with significant meaning.” He looked back to Tsukasa, who was surprisingly quiet compared to how he had been for the rest of his ideas. His body mirrored Rui, in the way his head leaned over the rest of his body, face scrunched up in a deep concentration. “That does sound like a wonderful idea..!” He finally spoke, tapping his chin with his forefinger. “It doesn’t hurt to not have any solid ideas, though! Maybe we should finalize the general plotline first before we design something so crucial for the story.” He turned finally to smile at Rui, his cheeks creating creases under his eyes. “Thank you though, I really love your ideas! I appreciate you sharing these with me. It’s always fascinating watching your creative process.” Once again Rui’s chest filled with butterflies, his face mirroring the blonde into a warm smile. Tsukasa’s cheerfulness was contagious, it was so difficult to keep his usual calm and collected appearance.
“Ah.. if you keep flattering me like this, I’ll grow an ego as big as yours” he teased, leaning back against his arms. Tsukasa huffed, shaking his head. “My ego isn’t that big!! You just can’t appreciate my amazing stardom at all!!”
“Well.. the more I tease you, the more meaning my compliments will hold. It’s enjoyable teasing you, but much more so seeing your genuine excitement.” It was Tsukasa’s turn to lose his thoughts, completely entranced by the boy in front of him.
“So you really are my fan!” Tsukasa concluded, earning a chuckle from the other. “I guess I am.” He looked to the blonde fondly, head dropping to his shoulder. “I’d say I’m surprised, but who wouldn’t be a fan of me!!” Rui chuckled lightly again, his heart skipping a few beats as Tsukasa shuffled a bit closer. “I’m a fan of you too, Rui!! I really am grateful that you joined the troupe. I feel like anything is possible!!!” He put his fists in the air as if to emphasize that, Rui’s chest squeezing. “I’m glad to hear you feel that way, Tsukasa-kun. I feel the same with you, you’re a wonderful partner to work with. I truly admire how you work to make anything you think of come to life, despite the difficulties.” Rui was right before, his compliments truly did make a reaction out of Tsukasa. He looked like an excited puppy after you accidentally fed them double the amount of dry kibble. Perhaps Rui should do this more, just to see Tsukasa this happy more often.
“You look silly..” was all Tsukasa could muster, fidgeting with one of the clips holding back Rui’s bangs. “And who’s fault is that, star?” The taller only smirked at the other’s difficulty to respond. “Well… I didn’t say it like it was a bad thing. We should totally make it the next event theme” Tsukasa chuckled at his own words, Rui unable to resist following. “Do you like my hair better like this?”
Tsukasa thought a moment, genuinely considering. “I don’t think it makes a difference, you always look pretty silly”
“I didn’t ask if you thought I looked silly”
Tsukasa’s face was visibly red at this point, feeding Rui’s amusement to poke further. “Do I have something on my face? You are staring quite a lot” Tsukasa immediately shifted his gaze from Rui to the suddenly much more interesting floor. “No.. sorry I’m just a bit dazed. I’m a bit tired.. I didn’t plan to stay up this late” that was definitely no lie, Tsukasa looked at the verge of falling asleep. Even Rui, who typically stayed up till morning, was beginning to feel tired. “I worry about you walking alone in the dark at this hour.. do you want to sleep here?- ah, but if you aren’t comfortable, I can walk you home.” Tsukasa shook his head, still not meeting the other’s gaze. “I don’t want to inconvenience you. I really don’t mind walking back alone. Afterall, I’m the one who came here uninvited” Just as he spoke, he wobbly stood, brushing his pants off hesitantly as he fought sleep. “Actually-“ Rui lightly pulled at Tsukasa’s wrist, not yet ready for him to go. “I think i’d be too worried to sleep at all if you walked alone.. I’d much prefer you stay here at least” Tsukasa seemed relieved at this, obviously not ready to leave either.
“…okay.” Tsukasa sighed, bringing a hand to rub at his face. “Only if you have space for me” he laughed a bit, pointing a finger at the small crowded couch at one end of the room. Tsukasa had a point, Rui really didn’t have anywhere for guests to stay. The couch was the best option he could think of, and he wasn’t so sure if Tsukasa would be willing for that idea.
“I usually fall asleep on my desk from work-“ Rui began, rubbing at the nape of his neck. “Would you be alright with the couch? I’d take you inside but my room kind of became my mom’s after I moved out.” Either Tsukasa was expecting that answer anyway, or he was too tired to really show any refusal, but Tsukasa only replied with a cheerful grin and the slight nod of his head. “Sure… though I do worry about your back. Are you sure? I really don’t mind walking home-“ Rui’s grip on his wrist tightened slightly at that. “No really, It’s okay”
His voice was almost desperate. He didn’t quite understand why, but he wasn’t ready for this night to end. He didn’t want to part with Tsukasa just yet, not when he had just begun feeling this bright, warm feeling of a friend’s company.
Suddenly bashful, Rui took his hand back to go and clear up the couch. He excused his feelings and ruled them out as simply one friend caring for another, the obvious concern to come from Tsukasa walking out at this hour in such a drowsy state.
It didn’t take long for Tsukasa to plop himself on the small couch, hands propped up against the arm of the sofa to gaze up at Rui as he worked under the lamplight of his desk. Both boys were content, sharing the peaceful quiet for a great amount of time. The only sound interruption was the clinking of metal and the steady rhythm of pencil on paper, but it only melted among the sounds of night from outside.
As Rui fell to a slow stop, staring up at the ceiling in idle thought, Tsukasa finally spoke, voice soft. “About earlier… I wonder, what would your response be?” Rui turned to face him, a face of confusion as he tried to recall their conversation earlier. His current work had completely rid that from his memory, replaced only with his calculations and brainstorming. “Response for what?” He turned to rest his cheek on the palm of his hand, the smaller shifting in his place as well. “Well.. about me. What do you think of my appearance?” The question caught Rui off guard, a silence falling on the two. Tsukasa didn’t seem to think much of the question, his face smothered in his arms, only his ombre bangs and the top half of his eyes visible. “Well…” Rui straightened in his chair, sliding the wheels closer to the foot of the sofa. “I think… you have nice eyes”
Tsukasa’s eyelashes fluttered at that, his tired eyes opening a bit wider. “My eyes?” a smirk, then a giggle. “What about them?”
Rui thought for a moment, examining Tsukasa once again. “They’re really pretty. They always look such a wonderful shade of hazel, but in the sun they look a bright gold. In this lighting though, I swear there’s hues of pink too.” Tsukasa’s proud smile could be seen through the creases under his eyes. “Why, of course! My eyes are absolutely flawless, just as the rest of me!!” If he weren’t draped over the sofa armchair, Rui could imagine him puffing out his chest with his arms on his hips. The image made him smile too. “Though.. what else?” The softness and curiosity in Tsukasa’s voice sent butterflies straight to Rui’s stomach. His chest felt aflame as he thought, attempting to keep his voice from wavering as he replied. “Your.. freckles. I think they’re nice”
Perhaps Rui was a bit tired too, because next thing he knew, his fingers were tracing along Tsukasa’s cheek and nose bridge mindlessly. Tsukasa didn’t shift under his touch, nor push him away. He brought his hand up to his bangs, pushing a strand of hair behind his ear. “..and your hair.”
Their bodies were closer now, Rui’s chair pressed against the couch. He could feel his heart beat in his chest, and the way his fingers burned as they fell back down to Tsukasa’s cheek. Neither of them moved, eyes drowning into each other’s in a sort of trance.
“I like your hair, too..” Tsukasa mirrored Rui, reaching a hand to the pins he had put in his hair earlier. It made him giggle, Rui’s heart nearly thumping out of his chest. Without wasting another moment, Rui’s lips were on Tsukasa’s, their lips pulled together like magnets. Tsukasa tangled both of his hands at the back of Rui’s hair, while Rui’s rested on Tsukasa’s cheeks. The kiss was sweet, his chest loosening and giving him a new feeling of relief. It made him wonder why he hadn’t kissed Tsukasa sooner, and how he had been living so long without such a feeling. The feeling was disrupted when both boys gasped for air, but Tsukasa quickly pulled Rui’s face back toward his.
The kiss seemed to last forever, both boys endlessly showering the other in their feelings. As they parted once more to catch their breath, Rui left small pecks in the corners of the other’s mouth, then each cheek, eyelid, forehead and chin. Tsukasa giggled with every kiss, arms fully wrapped around Rui’s neck. Tsukasa looked at Rui with the most adoring, love struck eyes ever, Rui melting under his touch as he left one last peck on his nose.
Tsukasa pressed his forehead to Rui’s, both boys relishing in the sweet, affectionate moment. Rui could feel each of the blonde’s breaths on his skin, pulling Tsukasa closer by the waist as they tangled their limbs together. Rui had never felt so at peace with another person before, all worries cast aside for the future or being left alone. In this moment, Tsukasa was in his arms, his skin warm against his fingers. He had no need to think over the future or past, this moment was all too precious to him. He let all his senses override with the boy in front of him: Tsukasa Tenma.
As they melted into one another, Tsukasa eventually pulled him from Rui’s desk chair to beside him on the couch. They hardly separated in that time, if anything they had somehow become more tangled in the other’s embrace. Rui rested his arms around Tsukasa, the blonde’s head resting on the latter’s shoulder. Rui thoughtlessly brushed his hand through Tsukasa’s hair, slowly lulling them both to sleep.
Tsukasa was so warm. His arms were so inviting, so home like. For the first time, his unfinished projects weren’t pulling at his mind. If anything, they were already long forgotten.
Just as Rui was beginning to accept the sleep pulling at his eyes, he took one last glance down at the boy in his arms. Tsukasa was sleeping peacefully, mouth slightly agape. His hair was in tangles, long blonde eyelashes curled up, freckles bouncing down his puffy cheeks. Rui could get used to this. As he drifted off to sleep, he wondered if Tsukasa would disrupt him again another night.